Taiwan

Have finally gotten to the long overdue Taiwan blogpost. It's the perfect time to write in the midst of deadlines, just looking through the photos bring me wonderful memories from a month ago.

Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf

I could stare at this landscape forever.

There's no better way to start the Taiwan journey with the sea. The magnificent piers, busy waters against the afternoon sun painted a perfect scenery.

Wooden tabs written with love notes

The perfect landscape at Yehliu Geo Park

I can't name a single rock formation :( The place was beautiful nevertheless, the pictures speak for themselves!

Everyone tells me "you haven't gone to Taiwan if you don't check out Shilin market." It's true! There's endless streets to eat and shop. One of the most interesting things I tried was the 'bitter gourd honey drink', which I loved.

Smelly/fermented tofu

Looks like a less cruel alternative as compared to fishing?

An insane candy shop. 50cent will be delighted.

Taipei 101

Blouse (similar to Zara) - Riot Loco | Python Pants - m)Phosis | Pascal boots - Dr Martens | Bag - Perllini

I was lucky to visit the Taiwan Exchange as part of my trip agenda with the school. Though I'm not a finance student, the short session taught me a lot about the Taiwan stock market and operations.

Taipei!

At the National Taipei University, where You're the Apple of My Eye was partially shot!

The best red bean popsicles in the entire world.

VS representz

During one of the nights, the typhoon hit where our hotel was. Thankfully, nothing was serious, and we even got to enjoy the purple sky. Totally not edited!

Happy Sasa haul to all of us! It's a good idea to stock up on masks when you're in Taiwan!

Wild kitty in the woods

Random snapshots in compounds of Fo Guang Shan Monastery, Taiwan's biggest Buddhist temple. I really enjoy visiting places of worship.

Last stop, Taiwan Leofu Village Theme Park! Pretty impressive I'd say! Equipped with both wet and ride rides as well as special effect theaters. It's always more fun to try out crazy rides when you're with crazy friends.

Eight days in Taiwan passed in a flash. I truly enjoyed Taiwan for its rich culture which even sparked off interest in me for Chinese culture in general. Though there were long boring bus rides and early mornings, the experience was so worth it. I guess traveling gives people a wider perspective in seeing the world. It makes me feel that I know so little about of the world, it also makes me appreciate Singapore. But some people are so caught up with their homeland, thinking everything is more superior at home. "Frog in the well" - the perfect description. Sometimes, buying an experience could be far more gratifying then material things that only grant happiness temporarily.

Garden Adventures

The number of shopping malls in Singapore sprouts up like the speed of light. If you are like me who has gotten bored of all that, perhaps you might want to do something different this weekend.

My boyfriend and I have been on a 'nature hunt' recently and really enjoying ourselves so far! Singapore brands itself as 'The Garden City', no doubt the beautiful city lives up to its name. I'll share with you places we visited recently:

Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Evolution Garden brings you through the geographical transformations since the beginning of time. This particular scenery represents the dinosaur times.

Skull tank - DIY (see post here) | Denim shorts - Forever21 | Sneakers - Vans | Bag - Charles&Keith

Thrifted hippie bag from The Salvation Army

SBG is such a romantic place for strolls, picnics and listening to bands by the Symphony Lake. Nigel and I would enter the garden from Botanic Gardens MRT then slowly make our way towards Orchard Road. Perfect when you decide it's time to get a chilled frappe after the long walk. ;)

Singapore Gardens Festival @ Suntec City

Set-up themed 'Alice In Wonderland' 

It was our first time at the annual SGF and wow, we were mesmerized! I especially loved the mystical forests. Many landscape designers placed heavy emphasis towards the use of textures, lighting and even music. Overall, if I could describe the exhibition in one word, it would be: Enchanting.

Guess what, it's a Flower Kaleidoscope!

(Taken via Instagram @ulimali)

Gardens by The Bay

The urban jungle

Gardens by The Bay...probably left me speechless for 10 seconds. Can I say it was the most beautiful thing I've seen this year? Yes it is. If you haven't experienced the garden, it is time you do. I felt like I was in Jurassic Park!

Take a scented walk along the waters!

Crop paisley top - Gifted | Palazzo pants - Dressabelle (read on how to rock Palazzos!)  | Sandals - Charles&Keith

Architectural perfection

I hope this post gave you guys some date ideas with your loved ones. It's really awesome to let your hair down and enjoy some fresh air during the weekends. These (man-made) gardens are the closest you can get with nature in Singapore anyway.

For more nature getaways, visit NEA's website:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=2

Where is the edge?

In contrast to the previous look I did for Dressabelle, this is probably the polar opposite. If was as if the little flowers had minds of their own and rebelled against the norm. I am a firm believer that fashion can be interpreted differently and accessorized to suit one's style.

Mod Floral Dress - Dressabelle | Leather jacket - streets of Taiwan | Jeffrey Campbell Clinic inspired wedges - Taobao

The best part about this outfit is...the BUDGET FACTOR. I'll show you a breakdown:

Dress - $26
Leather jacket - $12 (not kidding.)
Wedges - $30
Subtotal = $68

I have to admit, a leather jacket for $12 is unbelievable but if you keep your eyes open I'm sure luck's with you. With all the online boutiques, flea markets and thrifts stores in Singapore, budget fashion is possible. Even if you don't own a jacket, you could still edge up a floral dress with statement shoes, blazers and hats. The overall look should scream "you"!

Smokey eyes with washed out nude lips. Lipstick is Peachstock by MAC.

A makeup tutorial for this look will be up on my blog some time in the next two weeks. Be very excited! I am more than happy to take requests so go ahead and tell me what you want :)

Photos by JJ

On a side note:
Visted Dialogue In The Dark (DID) today and I had such an amazing experience there. For those who don't know, DID is a permanent exhibition that aims to increase awareness and educate people about blindness. At first I was scared to walk into the pitch dark simulation rooms, but soon I learnt how to make my way around using a cane, just like how a blind would. The guide himself is visually impaired. I learnt to cross a bridge, read and stir my coffee and more without sight. Despite the temporary loss of sight, the rest of my senses were heightened. My imagination ran wild. It was such an insightful and meaningful experience, as I now appreciate my eyes so much more than before. At the same time, it made me realize how my other senses are just as important to a human being for survival. I recommend all of you to visit the exhibition!

For more info, you could check out their website.