Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate....

Happy Friday everyone! I am going to end the week with one of my favorite food, if we consider chocolate food. To say I have a slight sweet tooth is quite an understatement. I love sweets, especially chocolates. I am going to share some of my favorites so far. Of course I love my usually nuts and chews from See's Candy and I will take anything from Godiva, they offer the best hot chocolate and ice cream as well.


Retail $76
Boyfriend gave me a special box of chocolates from Neuhaus. I tried it and fell in love. It's a 150 year old Belgium chocolatier from Brussels. To celebrate its 150th anniversary, a special edition is created. It's Neuhaus Rain of Stars, a joint project by 9 premiere chefs around the world: Raymond Blanc, Pierre Wynants, Marc Veyrat, Peter Goossens, Pedro Subijana, Tateru Yoshino, Jean-Claude Bourgueil, Daniel Boulud and Guy Savoy.

I "almost" couldn't eat these works of art. I said almost, and they were heavenly! Talking about melting in your mouth and not in your hand. I will savor each individual piece with much appreciation and delight!



Savvy sister sent me a box of chocolate truffle from La Maison du Chocolat a little while ago. I have since then became an addict. Imagine my surprise and delight when these deluxe chocolates became available at Neiman Marcus.

These truffles are hand cut from the best dark chocolate and rolled in cocoa powder. Taking a little bite, I taste the bitterness of the cocoa powder, the bitter flavor of the dark chocolate and lastly the sweetness. These 3 elements just blend together harmoniously in the mouth as the truffle bit melts slowly in the mouth.

Gift boxes retails $48 for a half pound box. They are pricey but trust me, they will last a while. I am only able to consume one truffle with my cup of coffee or tea because these little morsels are very rich. If any chocolate addict is in NYC, remember to visit the boutique!



Chocolate Fountain! Dream come true!!

I had pastries and chocolates from Jean Philippe Patisserie in Bellagio. I don't there is anything bad there. I stood in from of the chocolate fountain and drooled, and I was not the only one. This is one of must visit places at Bellagio.



Lastly, Royce Chocolate, which is my latest find from Japan. These are fresh cut soft chocolates. I just adore these little soft chocolate squares in green tea, white, VSOP, Cherry Marnier, and Champagne flavors. I couldn't taste the alcohol at all. They are best served chilled. They are a bargain at $7 for a package of 20 small cut squares, each about the size shown in the picutre above. So what are some of your favorite chocolates? Share with us.

Designers coming to maternity fashion

ABS $168

Juicy Couture Hoodie $106 and pants $98

A darling but very much pregnant friend is fretting over her lack of style and shape at this stage of her life right now. I guess it is somewhat difficult to dress chic and fashionable when one has a protruding stomach. It has to be difficult to appear chic and glamorous with morning, or according to her, all day sickness. Alas, I found out mommies-to-be can be very chic when expecting, music to gal pal’s ears.
Apparently designers such as Juicy Couture, Theory and ABS are not only getting into children’s fashion but maternity fashion as well. It’s kind of beyond my realm right now but I guess I should file it away for future fashion references. My impression of maternity fashion has been big tent for a dress, tops and bottoms with no shapes whatsoever. But not anymore, women are demanding more fashionable maternity fashion, wanting to look stylish for the duration of the pregnancy. I imagine I will want to be fashionable when the time comes for me.

Free Service from Georg Jensen

I purchase a pair of garnet and silver stud earrings from Georg Jensen a while ago but have never worn them because posts are too thick so I just left them in the box. By chance I told a friend about my predicament and she told me I could have both posts replace free of charge by Georg Jensen. I took my earrings to the boutique not really expecting much because I purchased the earrings few years ago. Anyway, the SA who helped me was really helpful and I was able to wear those earrings for the first time a week later. Replacement service is free of charge. Happy ending! The lesson is “ask and maybe a gal shall receive”. With this great experience, I shall be looking to GJ for silverware and fine china.

How to Make Eyes Looking Brighter

I learned this from an makeup artist and found this to be quite useful to brighten up my eyes. Gal pals have all followed after they figured out my little tip. What is your tip on brightening up the eyes?

La Mer Moisturizing Lotion: Great for Skin & Making Custom Tint for a Light Coverage Day

1.7 ounce $185

Happy Monday! I am so fortunate to have a La Mer devotee savvy mother because a gal can get many freebies from both savvy mom and La Mer SA. On top of Crème de La Mer for night time, I started using moisturizing lotion by La Mer during day time. The crème is to rich for me twice daily during hot summer days. I usually use the crème during night time and dry winter months. It's also great for air travel since it's super dry inside the cabin. Rest of the time, the lotion is just right to hydrate my skin, keeping my face soft and supple. I have also been making my own custom tint with the lotion as well, which can't be done with the crème. There are days I just want to have light coverage without using too much foundation but I am also particular so I start to blend a dab of foundation with the lotion, a gal can adjust the amount according to her mood. It's great for summer when I want lighter coverage! I am using product of choice and don't have to buy an additional tube of tinted lotion.

I tried oil absorbing lotion as well and my skin dried up like over-baked bread. I freaked out and went to La Mer counter demanding an answer. Apparently, oil absorbing lotions are appropriate for people with really oily skin, not just oily T-zone. What are your experience?



image source: La Mer

Dooney & Bourke Patent Leather Tote

Normally I am not a fan of Dooney & Bourke. But the other day, I saw this yellow patent leather tote on display at the boutique window and thought the bag did not look half bad. So I went into the store to pay a closer look. I particularly like the drawstring that creates a ruche detail on the side of the bag. The available colors are all quite bright and yummy so I think will be perfect for the summer. I think this is a one season bag. This tote measures 12.5” x 9” x5.5”, with interior zip and a cell phone pocket. This is just the perfect size to tote around town. And, at only $295, a gal cannot go wrong. Colors are also available in fuchsia, white and turquoise.

Flower Arrangement

Having orchids at home just make the whole living space feel so chic and savvy. Orchids are actually really sturdy but looking oh so delicate and elegant. Also, I think my beautiful new Noguchi table did not hurt the overall feel of the room. What next?