The UN Climate Change Conference - Copenhagen, December 07-18, 2009

JOIN HOPENHAGEN

Let's turn Copenhagen into Hopenhagen. Sign the UN Climate Petition and make change happen @

http://hopenhagen.org/spreadHope

Why am I supporting this movement? Let's be honest here, human beings have been irresponsible to the extent of causing destruction to this planet because of their greed. We are getting rich by depleting all of our natural resources. What hope do our children have? It's sad to say but the truth is, our generation and our forefathers have robbed our children and their children's children of their inheritance which should have been a healthy planet. Now what we can do is to save what's left.

The climate clock is ticking......I was in denial but I can't be anymore.
This is my last one and only chance to contribute to saving humanity and all living things from total destruction. Can you please spare a minute of your time to read the petition and join me in signing up.
The talk this year is very important. If it fails and there is no agreement, it’s going to really constrain the ability globally to address this greatest of environmental threats.




We hold the key to our children's future. Make this our gift of hope to them.

"Hope is the thing with feathers


That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune–without the words,


And never stops at all."

Emily Dickinson

Thank you for doing what you can to help make a difference for our future generation.

Balmain s/s 2010 - Gold the new black

Christophe Decarnin for Balmain

Balmain's photos (posted on F.B. Fan club)- prêt-à-porter printemps/été 2010

AP/AFP Telegraph.co.uk

Balmania has taken over Paris fashion week and the world by storm!

"It's warrior women and the military with a mix of different times and a touch of Mad Max," Decarnin told the International Herald Tribune. Structured shoulders of glittering chain-mail epaulettes, torn t-shirts, skinny legged silhouette in leather and distressed or aged bleached jeans, sequins in burnished gold and pewter, all of which represents the rock glam of today!
Christophe Decarnin is the hottest designer of the moment. Since he took the helm in 2006, sales have doubled each season.
Everyone wants a piece of Balmain.... I crave everything Balmain!

A moment with Trish McEvoy

~Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures ~

Henry Ward Beecher

Trish McEvoy, Dante Goodrich and myself

Trish McEvoy, acclaimed makeup artist from the U.S., is well known for her professional brushes and her unique makeup planner which she was the first to create. I have been using her signature planner for the past 6 years and I can honestly say that it is one of the best I have ever used.

Last week at a Master makeup class in London I met with Trish, a gracious lady who radiates a wonderful energy. She seems to have a boundless enthusiasm for life and people. I was glad to receive a lot of useful makeup tips and techniques from Trish and her talented makeup artist Dante.

It is very interesting that Trish catagorizes makeup users on the amount of time spent applying cosmetics. For example:

Level 1 – Simple and natural look –A woman who would wear only foundation and lipstick. Duration10 mins

Level 2 – A woman who would require makeup everyday and who wants to look good but doesn't want to look made up. Duration15 to 20 mins. Most women are in this category.

Level 3 – A woman who would concentrate on every detail of makeup. Duration 30 mins or more ....hmmmm that sounds like moi!
More interesting details can be found in Trish McEvoy's book 'The power of makeup'.

Here are some of her products I like and would highly recommend:

Foundation and serum

Skin treatment foundation SPF15 - Light and sheer...feels like second skin.

Beauty Booster serum contains hyaluronic acid, dual action peptides and powerful antioxidants. it is an instant line minimiser and complexion enhancer.

Eye Base

Eye base is a must in order to hold your eye shadow throughout the day. I discovered that its best to apply your eye shadow immediately after application.

Flawless Concealer

I have used many products but I have to say that this is a sure winner!

(Covers dark circles under the eye or pandan eyes - skin discoloration that surrounds the eyes). I use flawless concealer for the under eye and eye base for eye socket.

Mini Makeup Planner

Never travel without one!

Blushers and eye shadows

Left- Duo blusher in peony pink and reflect natural gives a radiant look.

Center - Cream eye liner.

Right- The colors for my eyes are Tawny and Arabian Nights for day.

Midnight Diamond can be added to achieve a glamorous evening look.

A list of Trish's amazing brushes

If you like to know more on Trish's makeup philosophy, check out this great book.

An appeal for urgent humanitarian aid in Philippines

Pictures from Reuters


Picture from internet

On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana (locally known as 'Ondoy') hit Metropolitan Manila, capital of Philippines deluging it with 445 millimeters of rain in 12 hours affecting 24 provinces and placing them in a state of calamity.
The present toll of people killed are 246 and 38 still missing. A massive rescue operation is underway to help the displaced and find the missing.
The country has appealed for foreign aid to help deal with the disaster which has affected more than 1 million people. 375,000 have abandoned their homes and taken refuge in evacuation centers. The situation could become worse if aid supplies run out.
A second storm is threatening the country.

Please help and provide aid to the PHILIPPINES NATIONAL RED CROSS and/or UNICEF at the following websites:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx

http://www.unicef.org.uk/

Sprinkles, Gourmet Cupcakes in Beverly Hills

Started in Beverly Hills by a husband and wife team, Sprinkles is America's most famous cupcake bakery and a favorite amongst celebraties in Hollywood. Oprah has also featured Sprinkles in her magazine, such is its popularity.
The best selling is the red velvet with cream cheese frosting and is made with dark callebaut cocoa. It has an interesting deep rich flavor to it and I love how moist the texture is. To my taste, the frosting could have a little less sugar thought some people regard the sweetness of the icing as complimenting the cupcake.

Cupcakes at Sprinkles are baked fresh throughout the day. Its best to eat it the day you buy it as it has no preservatives.
They sell for US$3.25 per cup cake.
More often than not, be prepared to line up!

http://www.sprinkles.com/
Pictures courtesy of Cher Lim

Lulu Guinness -' Afternoon De-Light'

Macaroon with organic raspberry

Cookie with marzipan in the shape of a lip

Blueberry and Vanilla cup cakes

Cucumber Jelly smoke salmon

Carrot mouse with rocket salad

Roasted beef with watercress foam

Muffin baked in olive oil

Scones served with organic strawberry jam and crème fraiche instead of clotted cream

Lulu Guinness Designer tea pays tribute to London fashion week at the Metropolitan Hotel from the 18th to 26th September 2009.
I love my grubs, especially my afternoon tea, but these days I can't help feeling guilty watching my waistline expanding and my weight fluctuating. When I learnt about Lulu Guinness' no bread sandwiches and gluten free afternoon tea, I took the plunge to indulge in this contemporary twist to a traditional tea.
Served in a tiered cake stand, a colorful spread decorated with Lulu Guinness' edible accessories was presented before me. It was almost too beautiful to eat but upon the first bite there was no stopping me after that!
Flour substitutes, fresh fruit purees instead of refined sugar and olive oil instead of butter were used. Her cake decorations were a reflection of the colors in her bag collection exhibited in a glass case at the lobby. I really liked the one with the British flag designed on it and with 15% off the price tag …..I think I may just drop by Lulu Guinness.

Everyday Harumi

Harumi Kurihara, Japan’s most famous housewife, a cookbook writer, restaurateur and a T.V. chef.
Author of 40 cookbooks, she has sold over 20 million copies of her books and magazines worldwide.
Her first major cookbook that was published in English, 'Harumi’s Japanese cooking' won the best cookbook of the year in 2004 at the 10th Gormand World Cookbook Awards and also won for the best world Asian cuisine book.
She is married to Keiji Hurihara, a former t.v. news anchor and has 2 children.
She has a line of home ware, cookware and clothing all labelled under her name. She also has 60 outlets and cafes in Japan which is over seen by her husband and son.
'Everyday with Harumi' has 60 home style recipes using simple, easy to prepare methods. She shows you basic sauces you can make at home and the essentials you can store in your cupboard. Some recipes can be made using left over food without needing to buy specialized ingredients or at great expense.
Harumi believes that eating healthy is essentially the principle in Japanese cuisine. It may not be vegetarian but it is low in fat and she rarely uses dairy. Overall she creates balanced meals.
For a woman who has become so successful during her 20 year career, which is relatively short, it illustrates that small endeavors can build great empires through perseverance.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Harumi who is such a humble, down to earth lady and she kindly autographed a book for me.

'Everyday Harumi' cook book is released in London on September 7th and U.S.A on September 22nd

Harumi is also currently presenting the show, 'Your Japanese Kitchen' with NHK World T.V.