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Posted by Mitzi on May 14th, 2011
If you are looking forward to feeling like an empress on your honeymoon, there’s one place for you. It’s where real empresses had once lived. Why not travel to the other side of the earth and land at the heart of Asia — China.
At the northwest of China, lies a treasured city that is less known to the world. Tianjin is merely 45 minutes away from Beijing by bullet train. This city has the finest “Bao Zi” in China, and perhaps, in the whole world. Bao zi is a steamed, filled bun that has been a staple in northern China for hundreds of years. Believe it or not, Empress Dowager went out of her way a number of times to Tienjin just to take a bite of it.
The most popular bao zi place is known as “Gou Bu Li” or “Dog that doesn’t pay attention” in English. Gou Bu Li is 150 years old and it stands five stories high in Chengde Dao street, 20 minutes walk from the Lotus Hotel. The place has an overwhelmingly high ceiling. It exudes a luxurious ambience, similar to a palace or a hotel at least.
You may be wondering how the place got its name. Once upon a time, there was a boy in Tianjin whose nickname was “little dog.” He was called such by his mother so that people would not bully him. It was for safety purposes. Little Dog worked as a baker’s assistant, and soon when he was skilled enough, he opened his own food place. He was selling just one type of food, the bao zi. Soon people started flocking in for the bao zi and business was doing so well that he spent all his days bent down wrapping the meat. When people would call him “Little Dog” he was too busy to look up. That’s where he got his new nickname “Dog that doesn’t pay attention.”
After 150 years, the bao zi is still the main reason why people go to Gou Bu Li. So when we went there, each of us had eight pieces of the ever so infamous bao zi and an individual bowl of plain congee. A set of eight bao zi is priced at RMB 38. The white bao zi was shaped like a chrysanthemum, with at least 21 equally spaced folds on its outer covering. At the middle was a pointed top like the mountains at the northern part of China. I was all too excited to take my first bite. When I finally did, I couldn’t help but close my eyes to savor every bit of meat, every dot of vegetable and every inch of the bread covering.
Come to Tianjin, taste the bao zi for yourself, and feel like Empress Dowager for a day! Here’s the address. If you can’t read Chinese, just print this out and show it to your taxi driver (most won’t be able to understand English). I assure you, a short visit to Tianjin is definitely one royal experience.
Then hold your bao zi up high and say ‘Kampei’! (Cheers!)
Posted by Mitzi on May 9th, 2011
As global warming continues to persist and harm the planet, more people have become conscious with their acts towards the environment and many of them have converted to the eco-lifestyle. Brides-to-be like you and me must also take the eco-lifestyle with us as we plunge into a new beginning after we exchange our “I Do’s” with our prince charming. Let us show the world that we care for the environment, and let us encourage our guests to do the same when the big day finally arrives. Let me share with you a number of interesting table centerpiece ideas that are not only eco-friendly, but are also spectacular eye-catchers.
As mentioned in my previous entry, one way to conserve the environment is to tone down the use of light and ventilation. Go outdoors! And if the afternoon sun is not sufficient, feel free to use candles. Candles come in different colors, shapes and sizes. They are very versatile. You may easily mix and match them up with other elements, such as rocks, flowers, fruits, glasses, plates and bowls; but they also light up a serene and romantic feel to cozy up your guests.
There are numerous ways of incorporating candles as your table centerpiece. One way is to portray a zen-ish look by using only three elements: one tray approximately 7”x12”, two to three handful of rocks, and eight white candlesticks of different widths and lengths. Simply fill the tray with rocks and spread the candlesticks randomly across the tray.
A variation is to use glasses instead of trays. You may use three glasses of varying height. Fill the bottom one-third with rocks and fill the cups with water. Instead of using candlesticks, use floating white candles. Second variation is to use fishbowls. Fill a bowl with rocks and maybe even a couple of flowers. Let three to four candlesticks stand on the rocks.
A second versatile element that you may use is fruits. Fruits are perfect to showcase the color of spring. You may use country style weaved baskets and fill them with apples or oranges. You may also mix fruits with candles.
One way is to carve a shallow hole at the sides of fruits, such as apples, oranges, and pineapples, place small round candles of 1.5 to 2” in diameter. Place these fruits on weaved cloth or a tray and light up the candles. Another way is to portion fill a jar with sliced citrus fruits and plug in a bouquet of daisies. You may also use a large bowl, fill it with four apples and four oranges. At the center, plunk in a small bowl of berries or grapes and let one tall candle stand on it.
A third versatile element that shouts spring and may also go well with candles is flowers. Flowers in their delicate state add a soft, sweet and gentle touch to any ensemble. A long stemmed flower may be placed in a tall jar. You may use stargazers or daisies. Fill the jar with water and place a floating candle on top. This may also be done in variations (i.e. in bowls or glasses).
Go and enjoy experimenting! 
Sometimes the most charming treasures that may be used as your wedding centerpiece are those you are not mindful of, those that you are merely thinking of throwing away. Save them, and turn them into a shabby chic masterpiece. Let me share with you trash that is in fact treasure.
1. Rocks. They are easy to find. They are natural and relatively inexpensive. Sprinkling some pebbles may create a feel of the earth when you go for Zen. Some companies like Stone Decorative offer décor materials used for stones. You may use their markers to embellish these beauties with inspiring words. You may also use their stone kit to engrave the stones. Why not share a little ‘love’ on your rocks?
2. Cans. Cream of mushroom cans. Tuna cans. Diced tomato cans. You name it. After consuming a 250ml soup, do not throw the can away. Dip it in a hot bowl for one minute to quicken the process of peeling of the label and melting the glue. Place some rocks or pour water in the can and place beautiful long stemmed flowers on it. You may tie a ribbon around the can or glue a label of you and your fiancé’s name on the can.
3. Wine bottles. These elegantly shaped containers may be turned into flower vases on your big day. For this process you would need a roll of tissue, glue, water, paint and a paint brush. Mix one part glue and two parts water together. Cut the tissue into 1”x1” sqaures. Dip the tissue in the glue mixture and paste it on the bottle. Cover the whole bottle with tissue. Do the same process until you finish three layers of tissue. Let it dry. Paint the bottle with the color of your choice. Pluck in the long stemmed flower of your choice.
4. Jars. You may use pasta jars, cookie jars or any jar of relatively the same size. You may use these as vases to place in rocks, fruits flowers and/or candles. Baby food jars may also be used to carry one candle or to hold a single bud. Tie a ribbon around the jar to add color.
5. Sticks. Like rocks, they are easy, natural and cheap. You may use these together with the long stemmed flowers. One way is to fill two thirds of a clear jar with rocks, pluck in five sticks and five flowers. Smaller sticks may also be used. They may be weaved as a square shaped bowl to carry fruits or candles.
6. Books. Instead of keeping them solely on your shelf, share them on your big day. You may opt to give some away or keep them again. Books allow your guests to see a portion of you and your fiancé yet unseen. As they say, “you are what you read.” Books may be part of a creative centerpiece. How? Stack them up. Place a floating candle in two tall glasses on one side and a small candle on a baby food jar on top of the books. Sprinkle some flowers at the base of the centerpiece. Instead of two tall glasses of candles you may also replace it with a bouquet of your favorite flowers.
Posted by Mitzi on May 4th, 2011
If you would like to enjoy the blue skies and sunshine of spring, plan your wedding in a more natural setting. Exchanging your “I Do’s” can be eco-friendly, romantic and beautiful all at the same time. Curious how? Just read on! Here are some environmentally healthy and memorable ideas:
1. A walk down the garden. Take advantage of the flowers that gleam and bloom in the garden. Why don’t you walk down the public garden with the natural foliage as your decoration? This saves you some budget from not hiring a floral designer. Moreover, you will also be able to save buds from being plucked out of their natural habitat.
2. Sweet serendipity in the backyard. He may be a sweetheart with whom you spend your weekends with countless of times in the backyard – from playing tag and hide and seek, to flying kites and picnicking, to just talking and gazing the stars together. Setting your big day in the backyard may be both romantic and sentimental.
3. The greens and the breeze. Another eco-friendly suggestion is your very own neighborhood park. Usually parks are gifted with a romantic and picturesque scene that makes a dream wedding come true. Imagine having a pond or some cherry blossoms as the background of your “I Do’s.” Some parks such as Central Park in New York, for example, has partnered with wedding planners. They can do the paperwork, like handling the permit, coordinating with photographers and designers for you, which can make your planning easier.
4. Farm: very country, very charming. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a farm wedding. You may opt to get married in the farmhouse and have your reception on the farm. Or vice versa. Farms are full of rustic and romantic details that can make your big day, the wedding of a lifetime. Just add some wedding elements, some elegant china plates, silverware, flowers and candles, and you can turn the venue to an elegant scene. There are plenty of ways to play with the wedding elements to show the personality of the venue in different ways.
5. Apples & oranges, and gorgeous orchards. Another sweet country style venue, which can be both eco-friendly and breath-taking, is a private orchard. This elegant and relaxed place can provide you a full al fresco affair, perfect for a lovely spring day. Dress your tables with yards of linen and top them with baskets of apples and oranges. This casually elegant wedding is perfected as you surround yourself with the smell of fresh crisp apples under the blue skies and sunshine.
6. Sea, Sands and Seashells. For the beach bums who’d love to ditch their stilettos and walk barefoot down the aisle, this next option can be the most natural and beautiful alternative for brides like you! Let your feet touch the soothing sands as you listen to the most important ceremony of your life. Then take a plunge into the sea and wash all the stress of wedding planning away as soon as you say your “I Do!”
May your dream green wedding come true!
Posted by Mitzi on May 1st, 2011
The second most important decision in a wedding is choosing the right venue. If you’re curious as to what the first is, it is of course nothing but choosing the right partner! Someone once told me that you must be careful in choosing your mate because it determines 90% of your life. He will be the major cause of your happiness, of your sadness, of your failures and of your successes. If he is worth everything, then that’s the only time you say “I do!”
Venue is the second most important element in a wedding because it determines the feel of the rest of your wedding! Each and every wedding element, such as the centerpieces, the table designs, the floral arrangements, the colors and motifs of the wedding may be influenced by the venue.
A venue must be able to provide a view of you and your beloved’s personality. If you were a traditional couple, a massive baroque styled or serene white chapel may be suitable. If you were a beach bum who had met a loved one in a memorable summer vacation while surfing in Hawaii, then a beach wedding is the perfect place. Whatever your style, where you get married will reveal a lot about you and your fiancé.
Now, if you are an earth-friendly girl whose motto in life is to ‘reuse, reduce and recycle’ because of your care for the environment – and your fiancé expresses the same sentiments – then why not have a green wedding? A green wedding doesn’t necessary mean that your wedding will look like a recycled wedding. Actually, you can concoct a beautiful wedding while being a true blue friend of the environment. Here are some eco-tips.
First, and foremost, pick a venue that is not isolated, preferably it must be near public transport. This would prevent guests from traveling far and consuming more oil. You may also encourage guests to do carpooling. You may also use some green transportation when getting yourself to the church or to the reception. Why not ride in a horse drawn carriage and be carried away to your happily ever after like a princess? If not, you may hop in a hybrid car, which is becoming popular nowadays.
Next, pick a venue that is outdoor. This is to avoid using electricity for lighting and ventilation. If your reception is done in the evening, use candles as table lights to set a romantic mood.
If you are a little worried that the weather may not be too suitable for an outdoor wedding, you may still have an indoor wedding. Choose a venue that has a lot of high windows. These will serve as good lighting to minimize usage of electricity and even openings to welcome in some fresh breeze. Equip yourself with questions if you are contacting different venues. You may ask if they have solar panels that allow them to save energy, if they are doing anything to reduce their carbon footprint, or if they are supporting any environmental causes.
Follow this blog for more tips. Let’s plan for your dream green wedding together!
Posted by Mitzi on April 15th, 2011
In an ordinary busy day where you have to juggle going to work, doing chores and spending time with your loved ones, sometimes you have little to no time for yourself. Rather than always looking stressed, make yourself beautiful! Here are some amazing beauty time-saver tips!
1. Blow-dry in half time!
This is an ultimate time saver. After you shower, wring out your hair well with towel. Work in a lightweight mousse to provide traction for your brush, but apply half the mousse you would normally use. The less hair product you have, the less time you’ll need for drying. Pin up the top section and blast the lower half with the dryer set on high heat. No need to make the underside look perfect, no one sees it anyway. Then dry and set the top section of your hair.
2. Hide your roots instantly.
In case your roots are growing at a lighter shade than your original hair color, hide them instantly! Use a magic trick to do so, grab your mascara from your make-up kit that matches your hair color. Dip a make-up brush in water and paint roots with an eye shadow. Set shadow by misting on a stronghold hairspray.
3. Shrink a zit to zero!
First and foremost, do NOT pop it. Soak one end of a cotton bud in hot water and rest it against the spot for a few seconds. The heat helps pull out the cellular debris to the surface so that your topical cream will work better. Then spot treat it with a drying cream to flatten the bump while you snooze. In the morning, dot on a concealer with salicylic acid to camouflage the blemish and heal it. You may try Neutrogena Skin Cleansing Oil-free concealer. Then use powder to tone down any shine.
4. Depuff your eyes in an instant!
Debuff your eyes in the morning, right after you wake up. Place two teaspoons in the freezer for at least five minutes. While waiting, go and exercise. Do some jumping jacks or jog in place. This will bring down the swelling of your eyes and give your cheeks a nice flush. After the five minutes is over, gently roll the teaspoons back and forth on your eyelids. Try it and see the results.
5. Get a speedy shampoo!
Did you oversleep? You need not go through the usual process of wetting, lathering and rinsing your locks. Try this easy tip! Use L’anza BeLong Spray Cleanser. It’s a really fast way of keeping your locks clean. It’s a leave-on spray that rehydrates and refreshes your hair.
6. Shorten your nighttime skin care routine
Tired from a late night out with your friends or a date with your beau? Don’t sleep with your make-up on! Instead of doing the whole process of rubbing your skin with make-up remover and washing it all off, do these two in one single step. Try Neutragena One Step Gentle Cleanser or Nivea Visage Balance Cleansing Milk. Apply lip balm to moisturize your lips through the night.
Posted by Mitzi on March 29th, 2011
Recently, I visited my hairstylist just for a little trimming. I went through the usual routine of having a haircut. When I arrived, she asked someone to wash and shampoo my hair, pat it dry and take me to my styling chair. She asked me what style I wanted. I said layered. I wanted it long still with more body. She started combing my hair, dividing it into sections and then she started cutting my hair.
After a few minutes of snipping and snapping, with my eyes glued onto the magazine, she finally asked me to look at the mirror. “Viola!” she said with her mouth spreading into a big smile. I liked it. A lot. My hair still ended a few inches below my shoulder with slightly shorter bangs. She brushed my hair with her fingers. The body of my hair swayed to the direction of her hands. Suddenly, she noticed something new, something odd. She told me how dry the ends of my locks were. I gasped a little, “really?” I have always known my locks to be more oily than normal.
What’s wrong? I thought. Then I realized there could be a lot of the heat and styling in my lifestyle that dulled my locks. One of the main culprits according to her is shampooing everyday. My hairstylist told me that I should look for ingredients like B5 and panthenol, which smoothen the hair shaft. They act as a moisturizer that binds the hair shaft. They lubricate the hair making strands smooth and shiny. If you also experience the same thing, try Pantene Pro-V Total Care Shampoo.
Another unhealthy habit I had was blow drying my hair regularly. In case you are also doing that, better mist your brush with a nourishing heat protectant spray to make your hair shinier and fend off dryness and frizz. You may try Citre Shine Colour Presm Thermo Defense Shine Glaze.
Sometimes I also flat iron my hair. Sometimes I feel like I’m cooking my hair when I’m doing this beautification regimen. If you were like me, flat ironing daily, do rub regular olive oil onto the plates of your straightening iron once a week to keep your hair from getting too fried. You may also replace the olive oil with an olive oil substitute like Skin Food Extra Virgin Olive Essence.
Another cause of dryness is coloring the locks monthly. Although I’m not a victim of this fourth culprit, my hairstylist was discouraging me from having my hair dyed. She said if ever that I do, I should use a dye formula that removes sun induced brassiness and adds moisture as I color. One product she suggested was the Revlon Color Silk Beautiful Permanent Color.
I am now using the Pantene Prov-V Total Care Shampoo. It has indeed kept my hair smooth and shiny. I’ve lessened my use of blow dry and flattening iron. But if you, dear reader, are still keeping those habits, hope these tips from my neighborhood hairstylist are of help!
Posted by Mitzi on March 27th, 2011
Raffles Hotel is one of the most, or probably the most, luxurious place in the land of Singapore. Raffles Hotel, was established in 1887 by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore. Over the years, this landmark has evolved into one of the most beloved hotels that welcomed some of the greatest legends on earth. It has hosted celebrities, writers and loyalty to the like of Author Joseph Conrad, one of the greatest novelists in English, young Rudyard Kipling, a renowned poet that received the Nobel Prize for literature in 1907, Charlie Chaplin (who doesn’t know him?) and Michael Jackson, the King of Pop himself!
I was fortunate enough to step into this hotel for the wedding reception of my one and only brother. I was like stepping into an elegant castle with gold ornaments sprinkled around the lobby, the classic mahogany grand staircase and the red carpet rolled out before my feet. The high ceiling with the huge drop down chandelier reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. What was interesting was that there was even a museum of pottery and jewelry. Plus a Writer’s Bar, a quaint and shabby restaurant bar commemorating all the writers that have stayed in the hotel.
A couple of hours before the reception, I walked around the hotel. There were boutique shops right outside the lobby, but still within the hotel premises. Many of the elegant brands that I know of were present, Louis Vuitton, Hermes Paris, Rolex, you name it! Then after I got tired of walking on my heels, I went straight to the reception hall. The hall was divided into two rooms, the dining hall for the wedding was still closed, and so I stayed with the other guests in the cocktail room where there were long standing tables with mixed nuts on it. The waiters in tuxedo served hors d’oeuvres and punch.
By 6pm we were asked to enter the main hall. Tables were covered with silky table cloth, on it were plates with gold stenciled “Raffles Hotel.” Two boxes were placed on each person’s plate. Pretty giveaways delighted the guests as they sat. We found a very sophisticated boxes on our plates, inside the blue box with silver ribbon was a silver bag tag with “The Raffles Hotel” etched on it, and the other had dark chocolates to keep the guests company as they waited for the grand entrance of the bride.
The bride entered in a very elegant red dress. (She changed from her white wedding dress). The guests welcomed the happy newlyweds by showering them with pink and red rose petals until they reached the stage. They cut the cake, poured wine on the tower of wine glasses, thanked the guests for coming, and then dinner was finally served.
The dinner was just as luxurious as the place itself. There were giant steamed prawns, abalone served with broccoli, sharks fin, etc. The event went as well as could be expected. Newlyweds were beaming. Guests were very satisfied. Everyone was treated like royalty in Raffles Hotel.
Posted by Mitzi on March 6th, 2011
As I’ve said in my previous blog entry, being a discerning bride may make the wedding of your dreams come true with little mishap. But there is something more important than the once-in-a-lifetime wedding day that many excited brides get giddy over. It is actually the lifetime that comes along with it. I came across a very witty quote of Raymon Hull, he said, “All marriages are happy. It’s the living together afterward that causes all the trouble.” True, I think I’ve heard some mothers tell their daughters something similar to this as well. Simply put, it is quite easy to plan for a marriage, but it is keeping the forever, the happily ever after intact, that is the challenge.
So, what do you need to know before your wedding date? What truths must be uncovered before you say your “I Do”? What can you ask yourself to prevent you from making the biggest mistake of your life? Here are some questions to help you get through:
1. Are you comfortable with each other? Do you share your deepest darkest secrets? Do you talk about anything and everything under the sun – even if they may seem childish or illogical or emotional? Do you edit your thoughts when you talk to him? Or do you tell him things that you don’t dare share with anybody else?
2. Are you complete? I don’t mean to ask you if he (your groom/fiance/boyfriend) completes you. But are you complete by yourself? Or you hoping to be with a man that would complete you and save you from life’s miseries? I stumbled upon a line from a book titled Boy Meets Girl, “You are ready to get married all your life if you are ready to be single all your life.” I guess there’s much wisdom behind it.
3. Have you accepted his weaknesses, including his quirks that irritate you very much? Marriage doesn’t give you the license to change him for the better (or the worse). When you say your “I do’s” in front of the altar, you proclaim your love for each other, a love that accepts one another as a whole – both strengths and weaknesses, for richer or for poorer, through thick and thin.
4. Do you respect him? Men long for respect. And when you do show them respect and build them up, they would most likely live up to it. Women who have lost their respect to their husbands experience unhappy lives.
5. Are you growing together? Or are you growing apart? Does he make you feel like you’re becoming a better version of yourself? Are you also helping him unleash his full potential?
6. Have you discussed how money matters should be handled? People tend to be emotional and defensive when money becomes the subject. Rather than make money an issue, why not make it a project you can strategically manage together?
7. Have you accepted each other’s families? Remember, you are not only entering his world, you will also be entering his family’s world. And vice versa.
Posted by Mitzi on February 23rd, 2011
Being a discerning bride will definitely give you a whole lot of advantage on your wedding day. Don’t worry, it is not something inborn. It is usually acquired through practice and discipline. So, start now – now that you are preparing for the wedding of your dreams! Every girl would want her wedding to be pristine and perfect. Here are some questions that you may ask regarding your wedding venue and reception to move you closer to your dream:
1. Ask about the size, details and layout of the facility. Does it have air conditioning? How far is it from the nearest rest room? Is there a place for the bride and groom to stay in before the grand entrance? Does it have handicap access? Can the venue accommodate the number of guests invited to the wedding? How is the layout of tha hall? Where is the best place the groom has to stay? Does it have a sound system and LCD projection for the program (which is optional)? What is the cost? How much is the difference if you hold it in a slightly bigger room?
2. Ask about the food. Is there a taste testing session days before the main event? What are the food choices applicable to your budget? Will there be a free cocktail for early guests? Does the venue offer souvenirs? Does the venue require outside caterer? Or is it much less expensive to hold it in a hotel that is already inclusive of food? Do your guests have food allergies?
3. Ask about the décor of the facility. If you are doing a site visit, look at the color palette of its interiors. There are some wall papers or table top colors that may be inharmonious with or may drown your wedding theme colors. For example if the table cloth in the venue is red, your favorite, and your flowers are bright red, as well as the dresses of your bride’s maid, the venue may be too monochromatic and boring. Also ask how do they decorate their facility for weddings? Is there anything that they can do to suit your theme?
4. Ask about any extra charges. Do you have to rent extra tables and chairs? Do you have to pay for an on-site service? Do you have to pay for electricity and other additional facilities such as LCD projectors and sound system?
5. Ask about parking. Is their parking free for the guests? If not, where will be the nearest parking space? Will there be a parking attendant or valet?
6. Ask about overnight accommodations. Is there a free room for the couple? Will you be able to block a number of rooms at a discounted rate for you out-of-town guests? Can you get discounts in room reservations for future use?
7. Ask about a wedding coordinator. Many facilities offer a wedding day coordinator on staff with no extra charge.
8. And last but not the least, ask about your date! If the venue is unavailable on your wedding date, then all the other questions would be deemed useless.
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