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Travelogue: New York City, Day 6.

melissa celestine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:20:32 +0000

“When we hide from the world in this way, we feel secure. We may think we have quieted our fear, but we are actually making ourselves numb with fear. We surround ourselves with our own familiar thoughts, so that nothing sharp or painful can touch us. When we are constantly recreating our basic patterns of behavior and thought, we never have to leap into fresh air or onto fresh grass. Instead, we wrap ourselves in our own dark environment, where our only companion is the smell of our own sweat. In the cocoon, there is no dance, no walking or breathing. It is comfortable and sleepy, an intense and very familiar home. In the cocoon, there is no idea of light at all, until we experience some longing for openness, some longing for something other than the smell of our own sweat. When we examine that comfortable darkness – look at it, smell it, feel it – we find it is claustrophobic. So the first impulse that draws us away from the darkness of the cocoon towards the light is a longing for ventilation. As soon as we begin to sense of the possibility of fresh air, we realize that our arms and legs are being restricted. We want to stretch out and walk, dance, even jump. We realize that there is an alternative to our cocoon: we discover that we could be free from that trap. With that longing for fresh air, for a breeze of delight, we open our eyes. To our surprise, we begin to see the light, even though it may be hazy at first. The tearing of the cocoon takes place at that point. Then, we realize that the degraded cocoon we have been hiding in is revolting, and we want to turn up the lights as far as we can. In fact, we are not turning up the lights, but we are simply opening our eyes wider. We catch a certain kind of fever. But again and again, we should reflect back to the darkness of the cocoon. In order to inspire ourselves forward, we must look back to see the contrast with the place we came from. You see, we cannot reject the world of the cocoon – which out which we may create a new cocoon. When we see the suffering that occured in the old cocoon, that inspires us to go forward in our journey of warriorship. It is a journey that is unfolding within us.”

we stopped by some random cafe for brunch, but thankfully it was good

I was starving so I ordered a whole mountain of food to satisfy my typical american breakfast cravings. I wanted to do iHop but we didn’t get a chance.

Headed to broadway after brunch for some last minute shopping (and food)!

my favourite picture of all. It was a great coincidence that the shopping bag I was holding said, “CHILL”. It was NOT photoshopped in ok!?

broome street. home.

and for the last time, EILEEN’S CHEESECAKE! I almost wanted to cry while eating it. Thinking that it would be really long before I come back here again!

look at the sadness in my eyes.

and pinkberry too!!!!!!! love of my life!!!!!

Ice Skating at Rockafella Centre

our hotel lobby

NOT PMS.

melissa celestine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:52:57 +0000

Im going to give bad publicity to PENANG CAFE at Upp Thomson on my blog as I’m still raging with so much fury and anger. Only reason why I headed to Upp Thomson was to check if Salted Caramel was open, but whatever, I didn’t even bother to check after such a horrendous experience at Penang Cafe. I headed right back to my car.
They were slightly busy when wondermama and I entered. We sat ourselves down at a table where someone just left. Of course, we were not at some regular restaurant/cafe with a “PLEASE WAIT TO BE SEATED” signage outside. I mean, I think it’s nice to be seated at a nice and cleared up table. I wouldn’t wanna be directly exposed to other people’s chicken bones, used tissue paper and all that yucky shit.
But since no one was attending to us, we thought it was the “make yourself feel at home” style. So we got ourselves a seat, and started looking at the menu. The food was reasonably priced. You’ve got the usual Penang Char Kuay Teow, Assam Laksa, Mee Sua with Chicken, Ba Pok etc.
The guy who was running around busily told us to give him a minute before he would come back to clean up our table. We took our time with deciding what to order but it was quite a long while later before he returned. At one instance, he stopped by and said, “Sorry we’re damn busy. If you’re bored waiting or am feeling impatient, I can’t do anything”. SERIOUSLY. this is NOT something you tell your customers. You just apologize and suck it up. I understand you’re busy but please, your stall is like any other hawker. If you can’t handle crowds, just shut it down.
OK that rude comment aside, the food was actually served really fast. We ordered drinks sometime mid way but the drinks only arrived after we were done with the food. Only ordered 1 drink but they served another too because they probably heard wrongly. Just took the second one anyway since they served it.
But anyway, the PUSH BUTTON was the bill. I got so angry, I threw a bitch fit on the spot. The lady charged me a lump sum figure of 24.80 when the total bill (added up according to the prices on the menu) is supposed to be around 15. I asked her why the price difference and she said there was a surcharge because it was the second day of CNY. So I asked for the breakdown but she could not give provide me with one. I deserve the right to know the breakdown of my food right?
I was so effing mad. I went right up to the cash register to demand for the receipt! They printed me the lump sum with just one figure 24.80. AND NONE OF THEM COULD TELL ME HOW THEY ARRIVED AT THAT MAGIC FIGURE.

Honestly, piece of shit. I’m never ever going back there. There are other places in my mind that serve decent penang char kuay teow that’s just as good or if not better. Do NOT support places with bad services, DO NOT.

High-tea @ Arteastiq

melissa celestine — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:08:35 +0000

So on the last day before I had to prepare my life being consumed by work, I met Lizhen & my special friend, Shine! It was such a fulfilling day, and I was overjoyed that I got to spend it that way.
My day started at 6am in the morning because I could hardly sleep much. Made a trip to the market to buy breakfast, sent out my mails at the post office, blogged (my previous entry), replied to a chunk of emails, got dressed and met Liz at Bugis!

I was craving for some local food so we headed to the food court instead! Was almost about to order everything there.

We decided to head over to Far East thereafter for a manicure. Stopped by basement for frozen yogurt I hate these kinda self serve machines so much! Piled mine up like crazy, it cost a bomb. Dont ask how much. Lizhen commented that I was serving myself an american size portion.

Decided to tie a low side bun that day cos it was BAD HAIR DAY. A little ah ma la but nvm

I’ve been carrying this hobo bag everyday since I got it. I’m usually a person that switches my bag from day to day depending on the outfit I’m wearing, but this bag has been so easy to match, and in such a perfect size for me to keep all my barang barang. And to me, the most important thing about BIG bags (bags that you want to keep files/notebooks/pouches/mini bags), is that the strap has to be comfortable because it is likely that it will be heavy and you wouldn’t want ugly red marks on your shoulders. This boho bag has a really thick strap that makes carrying it around extremely comfortable:)

Look at the other colours, aren’t they just gorgeous?

Thank you Yvenutually for sponsoring me that bag! I love it!
Btw this is also a preview of their upcoming launch (which should be pretty soon I guess!) so go check out their website for updates on the new launch! I must say that boho bag is really a steal.

I decided to post up some pictures I found in my phone to share what I’ve been up to lately.

painted my nails blood red with gold glitter on the side just to kick in some festive cheer! If you look closely, it is a tad bit messy because I did it myself. And I’m not really that pro with my motor skills when it comes to nail painting.

Met TTR for a tuan yuan (reunion) lunch on Saturday afternoon! We had a really nice steamboat together at the same restaurant we ate at a year ago. Oh how time flies. Not cliche not cliche not cliche.

There’s just a thing about chinese new year and steamboats. and lou hei. and mandarin oranges. and really yummy goodies. and red packets. I LIKEEEEE.

And to end it off, there was a really really pretty rainbow across the Singapore skies yesterday before sunset. It was a double rainbow after a huge and heavy downpour. How pretty is that!

A nice and warm start to the lunar new year!!!!
Updates soon.

Happy Lunar New Year all!!!!!!!!

Love,
Mel

Birthdays!

melissa celestine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:36:34 +0000

Here’s another short digression to my series of travelogues. Celebrated Cel’s birthday followed by wondermama’s birthday consecutively! Bought her some pieces from TTR’s latest collection!!!!!!!!! I love you, CEL!

Cel and Fel came over to my place on the 16th night. Tinkerbell had all the attention.

So anyway, here’s bringing you WEAR & LOVE
a nice shatde of pink perfect for Valentine’s Day!

It’s very hard not to fall in love with a toga.

Another apparel they sponsored was a black offshoulder dress with many ways of wearing! Couldnt decide whether to wear the toga or the of shoulder for dinner! Decided on the black dress in the end:)
I found my most comfortable way of wearing it for the occasion (look below!) but I’m going to explore other options in the next few times I wear this dress.

This is quite candid. I was actually ordering food.

grandchildren galore.

The food was great! We had it at a Thai Restaurant along Pervis Street!

my favourite tom yum soup!

mixed vegetables

returned home to cut the cake so my baby tinkerbell could be a part of the celebration!

I bought the cake from awfully chocolate and it reads, “happy birthday wondermama, I <3 you"

Don’t you think the off-shoulder is gorgeous? Especially for you girls with nice collar bones that you wanna flaunt. I might have mentioned this before, I have a thing for sexy collar bones. I kinda like mine. I remember someone asked me what my favourite feature on my body was during one of the older pageants and I said, ‘my collarbone’. Okay I’m not that weird but I think they’re sexy. Like how girls with super bony backs are sexy too. Fat flabby backs are just a turn off.

Off shoulders help give you a false impression that your waist is actually smaller.

\

Love & Wear has only launched 2 collections so far, and they’re one of the very few blogshops that provide such a wide range of sizes– from S to XL! Both the pieces I wore are from collection 2. You may arrange for a meet up if you want your items in time for CNY!

Catch their CNY promo!!!! Shop at WEAR & LOVE today! You’re still in time for CNY!

In desperate need for some good sleep. Just started work today and I’m starting to feel drained already.
Hope to keep my eyes shut for at least 6 hours. BYE FOR NOW!

Travelogue: New York City, Day 5

melissa celestine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:17:19 +0000

We started the day late again. Felt horrible about it because it was our last day in New York City and there was just so much that I listed in my itinerary not done. My favourite boy was saying that I’m such a type A person, always stressed out and in need to be productive and on-the-go whereas he on the contrary was the direect opposite. Laid back as everrrrrr. He loves taking things slow. But then later on in Mexico, he switched to being Type A, and me Type B. But I must say, I was a really cooperative Type B! Woke up at around 10am on most days, and I was really happy too! Will blog about my Mexico trip when I’m done with this. But whether Type A/Type B, I love my favourite boy the same.

We wanted to catch some texas BBQ that night we spent with Bryant but because it was closed we settled for Korean food in Ktown. I looked up online this place that my ex-colleague, Victor, showed me during my internship last year. This restaurant does bring back a whole load of great memories. DBS Vickers office in New York City is small, not in terms of physical space. And we were a really close knitted bunch. Lunch on some occasions was in the meeting room, and we would call in texas BBQ and grills to share among ourselves. I really enjoyed my internship tremendously. It was a real fantastic experience.

So anyway, back to the food! Look at the pulled meat. It’s almost like carnivore except not overpriced and 349028423 times yummier. Meat lovers, this will be your haven. You could choose between moist and dry. Moist is the BEST choice. Dry is for the weight-watchers. Ribs, chicken drumsticks, everything we had on our plate.

our sides were mashed sweet potatoes and beans.

Headed to rockafella centre thereafter and it was indeed very breathtaking.

It was a pity that it was raining. Had to buy an umbrella because we didn’t want to soak in the cold.

St Patricks Cathedral was awe-inspiring as usual. I have a thing for Cathedrals. The architecture always impresses me. Wonder if there’ll ever be any more new ones built.

Headed towards the 6 train a 51st street. again, it brought back many fond memories for me. the station nearest to my office. Not impressive, but I do remember the exact route I’d take to my office from there. And all the best places for lunch around that area.

And this would be the exact place I’d meet Huixiang every day after work. He’ll either be waiting for me there or vice versa. But usually he’s the one waiting cos I always end after him. OMG GOOD TIMES. And we’d always be looking forward to dinner plans. Some days, I’d cook dinner for everyone at home, on days I’ve ballet, we’d eat out or they’d wait for me to finish ballet before dinner near our place. On some special occasions, we’d organize dinner at a restaurant we’re all dying to try. But no matter what, it always ends at PINKBERRY!

Headed back downtown to La Esquina for dinner. We couldn’t get enough. I was delighted to be back in SoHo so it gave me a chance to grab another round of Pinkberry. I know, pinkberry pinkberry pinkberry. I love it whole-heartedly!

Anyway, if you’re wondering where I got that colourful rainbow top from in my photos above (beneath the white sweater), here you go– CLOSETMATTERZ! This is not my first advertorial for them, and I must say that the bring in quality pieces always!

Wore a few layers under that top to keep warm in New York but alone as it is in Singapore! Wore that out on a casual day for a shoot It was so easy to match because of it’s multi-colour. And this is a real pretty piece, it’s cut is not too baggy so you don’t have to worry about looking overweight in it. Pardon the glasses and all, I just got out of my car :/

Another one I kept is this dress. It was a little big on me, but with the belt it was perfect! And in fact, all the extra cloth at the bottom gave it a really nice flare.

Pretty prissybaby in it, check it out:

Last but not least, I wanna share with you the cheongsam that they’ve launched previously because it’s so gorgeous!

I think they’re all sold out already! Sorry if I didn’t share it earlier You just gotta keep checking Closetmatterz constantly for updates and new launches so you don’t miss anything good!

I’m willing to let mine go (the one you see above), so anyone desperate for Chinese New Year clothes, email me: melsakoh@hotmail.com
It’s probably the last one left for sale because they were selling like hotcakes.
Place your orders for the other items quickly to avoid disappointment:

Upcoming items!!! Launching tomorrow:

There is also an ongoing giveaway! Details are up on their FB Page
Remember to “LIKE” it to enjoy free normal postage

Happy shopping at Closet Matterz!

Pretty Little Things

melissa celestine — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:50:18 +0000

Hello! Slight mini distraction from my travelogues but I’m about to publish travelogue: NYC, Day 5 real soon. Maybe later this afternoon/tonight!
Have a mountain of things to do before I start work (which is tomorrow!). I’m kinda stressedddd
It was Cel’s birthday yesterday, and I invited Fel and her over to my place! They both played with my new found love- Tinkerbell.

Will blog more about Tinkerbell later on. My day’s almost 20 hours long because I sleep so little but yet it seems as though I just cant get enough done. Went for facial at beauti instinct yesterday, followed by threading at Browhaus. Was so lucky to get a last minute appointment because they’re packed all the way until after CNY!
Met my special friend, Shine for lunch before that

Do we look alike?
Have a twin, Mag. And now I’ve got a new twin, Shine. I think the 3 of us can be triplets now.

Mag

Shine

Mel
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Okay doesn’t matter whether we look alike or different but I love them three Maybe I’m just trying to be haolian by saying I look like my pretty friends but I don’t. Hahahahahaha.
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Anyway, I know that TTR has launched her preview when I see 50938543 questions on my formspring. Hahaha, so cute. Then when I get all my TTR related questions, on whatssapp/whatever, I will check facebook for updates! I’m always excited just like everyone else out there.
But hey girls, do feel free to ask me questions related to TTR, like what I kept and stuff.. But please don’t ask me for measurements or photoshoot location and that sort. I’m not in a position to answer them. For logistics, just go directly to joyce/jolene/jessie ok? They answer to formspring questions more efficiently than I do
I will do my best to answer questions relating to the launch but if I don’t do so before the time it’s being launch, pleaseeee do not get mad. I try okay. My formspring!
For the other 390428093 questions that people ask unrelated to TTR, I will answer them at my discretion. Questions like how much I’m paid for photoshoots/my salary for instance are questions that I might leave out. I know formspring is a platform for one to ask anonymous questions, and also in a way, a good communication platform between my readers and I (because I really suck at replying blog comments religiously). So I always kill away thoughts about closing down formspring.

So anyway, these are my favourite pieces! I’m keeping the pretty woman pleated dress in blue, the Must Be Love Scoop Back Dress in Black (Fushia and Electric Blue is very tempting too!!!!) And maybe the perfect medle blouse. Black was love at first sight only because the other colours were not in view then.

Behind the scene pictures that I stole from Joyce’s blog! She’s seriously a superwoman. Her behind the scenes post is so much more substantial than mine so just refer there if you wanna read

L

I’m rushing out to meet Liz for lunch at Bugis right now! For the rest of the preview, check TTR’S FACEBOOK!

Happy Tuesday! I’ll be back later.
Love,
Mel

UPDATED SELLING POST!

melissa celestine — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:00:08 +0000

Here’s a little preview of some of the items I added to my selling post. I also removed a chunk of items that have already been sold so that browsing is a more pleasant experience.
SHOP AWAY AT ILOVEMYCLOTHES! CLICK HERE

Email me: melsakoh@hotmail.com

Travelogue: New York City, Day 4

melissa celestine — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:23:06 +0000

Day 4 was the ONLY single day we woke up before 10am. In fact, just slightly before 10. So we managed to get out early for a good breakfast

my fav boy is totally not a morning person. his pace is slowed down by about 5 times his usual speed in the morning and he hates it when I rush him. but he was a darling that morning! ♥♥♥♥♥

decided to stop by some random deli for breakfast because we wanted to be adventurous. WRONG IDEA!!! because there were other places on my to-go-list that we missed out eventually. shouldn’t have wasted the opportunity because the bagel i ordered was just no good.

Accidentally passed by Papaya Dog so we decided to stop by and try it because we heard some good raves about it from family and friends. Glad we tried it because it was good, indeed. Was really filled because we had that right after our breakfast.

broadway! what an artsy fartsy photo right credits to yours truly.

found a kick ass jewelry shop along broadway! i went nuts (kinda).

evidence.

i deliberately planned shopping on the 26th to take advantage of boxing day sales. it wasn’t anything spectacular but some good deals here and there.

Stopped by at La Esquina for a quite bite before meeting Bryant for dinner. I know, it’s many many meals a day because I’m such a foodie. Jon and I decided to share a plate but it certainly filled us up. Could not get enough MEXICAN food. I’m so in love.

After La Esquina, it was CHEESECAKE! I know i’m bragging about Eileen’s Cheesecake NOT for the first time. I always have to stop by if I’m in the area. Or better still, plan my day around that area just so I can stop by. I can’t describe enough how much I love the cheesecakes there. They’re not too heavy but really light and fluffy. The crusts go so perfectly well with whichever combination you pick. I.e. banana/oreo chocolate/blueberries/strawberries. I can go on and on about them forever.
My favourite boy didn’t have any because he was so filled. I was too, but I just had to eat it because I was there.

Dinner was pretty amazing. We had deep serious conversations about the need for foreign workers in Singapore. All agreed that they were vital. In such circumstances, I wish my little brother could sit in. He’d be so interested to listen and learn. He’s such a learner (can’t call him a nerd anymore cos its a sensitive word). Learnt that he got nominated to be a prefect in his school. Well, good for him.

Oysters, fresh catch of the day. YUMS.

The dinner ended with a complimentary chocolate mousse which was pretty good. Things they do to gain your favour, I love it. I am very pleased with services in almost every single restaurant we’ve been to. I really believe the whole tipping thing really improves efficiency and quality of service. I’m not criticizing the level of service in Singapore here. Some places have really top-notch service standards but some are really really bad. There’s just no consistency. Don’t you agree?

the last pink berry for bryant. I got my cup of Pinkberry for free because I didn’t have small change Just like how they gave me starbucks for free too. I honestly only had a 100 dollar bill and my fav boy doesn’t carry cash with him. He’s the big man with credit cards. He buys big things not small nitty gritty pink berry shit. haha.
By this time, I was bursting. My tummy was literally pushing out of my pants but thank god for the thick sweaters to hide it all.

It was bryant’s LAST day in New York City and I completely understand all the emotions he’s going through. It was the exact same thing I went through on my last day here. Had to just sit at times square and breathe in the sights and sounds of NYC. Amazingggggly sad to leave your favourite city in the world. I can comprehend that.

We did eventually head to Time Square but before we did, Bryant brought us to this rooftop bar in a hotel with an amazing view of the city. I’m soooooo glad we went there because the view was just breathtaking.

Our conversations over drinks revolved strongly around our dreams. It’s wonderful how you’re allowed to dream big there. No matter how ridiculous and far-reaching they may sound, it’s beautiful to have big dreams and to share it with someone. If I told someone that I wanted to be a FULL TIME BUSINESS LADY ELITE walking down wall street and at the same time a night part-time broadway show dancer or a part of nutcracker or a broadway dance, I’d most likely be laughed at. I know, I always fill my plate. Bite off more than what I can chew. I wanna do a million billion things all at once. I love the stress and vigor of such a lifestyle. It gives you energy and keeps you going, ironically. Bryant wants to open a restaurant on his own. That’s amazing.
I later moved to the thought of opening up a YA KUN KAYA TOAST (or something similar) in Times Square simply because of the lack of some good ol’ local KOPI O/TEH and TOASTS there. Okay, don’t judge.

So we walked down to Times Square finally. It was already past midnight. We got to the top of the red stairs where I met Bryant on the previous day. I hope these stairs will always be there because they hold great meaning for me.

somehow wish I had done a shoulder stand there. miss cheer a lot:(

I was freezing in my toes. Changed out of my boots because my feet were so sore, and it was more convenient to try on shoes without boots. We stopped by American Eagle and F21. I know right, past midnight and they were not closed. They close at 2am in the morning. How awesome.

We decided to head to Ktown for supper after that! Was craving for some nice warm oxen soup. I’m reallllly sorry fav boy, that the place I had chosen didn’t have ginseng chicken soup. :’(

He ended up ordering Bibimbap. I know what it is like to be excited about food then disappointed. Anyway, that was our gazillion(th) meal that day but it was still good. I remember the last time I sat in that exact same restaurant drinking soup was with HX, Mich, Mike, Kelv, Grace and all after karaoke across the street. It is very good comfort food after an overdose of alcohol.

It was such a great evening, i was sad for Bryant that he was leaving.

Anyway, I don’t want to end this post on such a sad note. Have been wanting to share with everyone about my 2012 diary since the longest time ever, and I guess I finally found a good opportunity to do so.
So happy when I received the mail from http://shesprees.livejournal.com/
I almost wanted to get this but I guess it has less meaning for me. So I stuck with the NEW YORK CITY one eventually:)

It’s super duper pretty don’t you agree?
I was absolutely spoilt for choice!
These plain sweet looking ones also caught my attention:

GORGEOUS!
Really wish I had found the study versions earlier when I was still in school because I would have totally gotten this for myself. I’m a super diary person. I love notebooks, memo pads, scrap books, and basically anything that allows me to write in. I love penning down my thoughts. I love planning my schedule. I love to write it down even with the convenience of an iphone/ipad.

So anyway, let me share with you my doings in the first week (plus or so) of January.

So happy that I got some stickers to play around with as well. Makes it so fun

Plenty of other designs. Check it out for yourself by clicking HERE!
This is such a great investment, I can’t stress enough how important planning and scheduling is. I’m using my diary to keep track of my day-to-day feelings. E.g. I had a happy day. Everything went well. OR E.g. Today, I feel horrible. Disgusting. Fat. I overate. I am not keeping to my resolutions.
HAHAHA just as an example. But of course, I write on a much more personal level.

Okay, love me for sharing something so amazing!

BYE

Travelogue: New York City, Day 3

melissa celestine — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:08:50 +0000

Day 3 passed too quickly but it was good fun. We started the day at a good time. Headed down to Spring Street, Wall Street and Times Square, ended the day at East Villge. Christmas in New York City is like a dream come true. With my favourite boy, in my most favourite city on earth. How much more can I ask for right?

Play this song through. It will bring you some christmas cheer. I know Christmas is over and I’m quite laggy with my updates but looking at these pictures again, and listening to the carols just make me wish that Christmas would come all over again once more.

I love Christmas so much. Keeping close with those dear at heart in the winter cold! Jon said that our red couple mittens that we share remind him most of our trip.

400 broome street. my apartment last last summer. it was so nostalgic. almost wanted to run inside as if i was still staying there.

the familiarity is just killing me.

stopped by for lunch at the nonya place. jon had to fill his cravings for some good local delights. the chinese food in seattle is not thattt local. it’s mainly sweet and sour pork/chicken/fish. Think it may be hard to find some good wanton noodles/chicken rice/char kuay teow/roti prata here. thankfully we could get that in new york city.

as we were really close by to Little Italy, we stopped by for some canoli. its supposedly very famous.

jon was too full from lunch so i enjoyed this alone. I always have space for deserts.

walked through canal street and took the subway down to wall street.

the famous bull in wall street

the statue of liberty from a distance

met bryant later at times square. he said, ‘lets meet at the top of the red stairs!” and i knew just exactly where that would be. I was squealing in excitement the moment I stepped out of the subway station. The bright lights, the crowd, the buskers, it was just so times square. Walking through the crowd brought back extremely fond memories. And oh, about the red stairs.. that was excatly where huixiang, kelvin, mich, mike and the bunch of us sat through the night just before leaving New York City. We were overwhelmed with extreme sadness then, realizing that it was our last day there.

and yay finally spotted bryant. I was actually screaming at the top of my head, “BRYANTTTTTTTT!” and suddenly this crazy fella ran towards me with a big hug. OMG I SCREAMED.
He actually spotted Jon beforehand but told my fav boy to keep silent.

as it was close to dinner, we decided to stop by Junior’s for cheesecake.

it was extremely sinful but oh soooo soooo good. American size serving for sure.

Headed to East Village after that for some good Japanese food with Jon’s friends.

That was my Christmas. Simple and memorable.
Opened presents in the hotel room, and my fav boy got me a bag from Kate Spade! We actually recorded a video of us opening presents for our own keep sake. Watched it over and over again but I think I shouldn’t upload it here. It’s nice to just re-watch these videos we’ve taken in our free time

I’m halfway through my travelogue for my New York City trip!
Still ways to go because Mexico and Seattle follow.

My last day in Seattle tomorrow. Back in Singapore the day after. Boo.

With Love,
Mel

Travelogue: New York City, Day 2

melissa celestine — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:36:41 +0000

The second day of my trip was easy. Woke up close to 1pm. Had a late lunch, headed to Grand Central Station and then back to prepare for dinner. It was coincidentally our 15th month together and Christmas Eve.

It was particularly cold that day. I could not do without my mittens.

Madison Square Park.

too cold to enjoy this

shake shack would have tasted a lot better in summer but it was still good despite the weather, i ordered a milkshake. I know right. milkshake under such harsh weather conditions. I must be mad. 0 degrees celsius. We bumped into some Singaporeans at Madison Sq Park. Jon chatted with them for a bit because of how familiar our local accent is. Gotta love it!

credit suisse nearby! i remember passing by last year when I was on my internship. and the thought of working there came across me. Who knows 1.5 years later right?

headed to grand central station thereafter!

the most gorgeous station in the whole wide world, in my opinion. I love grand central!!!

love snowman’s too! so cute.

indoor market places like such reminds me of the one I went to in Boston. I love them Love food. Ok really seems like I love everything. But it’s really hard not to.

So we headed back to the hotel early to get dressed and ready for dinner.
Jon planned a very nice dinner at Buddhakan for Christmas Eve. It was apparently featured in Sex and the City! I know I mentioned this in my previous post but I just cannot get over that fact. I’m a sex and the city fan!!!!!!!
Anyway, dinner was amazing. I tried to act hero by wearing a long maxi dress (from ttr!) but of course with tights and a tube top inside. thought i could layer up that way because it was almost slightly below 0 degree celsius. Thankfully, I didnt have to stay in the cold for too long. A taxi picked us up right at the door step of our hotel and sent us right to the door step of that amazing restaurant and vice versa going back.

This was some sze chuan dumpling thing. SUPER YUMMY.

I had a gift that night too. Jon bought me a necklace from his trip to Mexico!

chilli crabs, singapore style. it was quite good. I was surprised.

Surprise!!!! my fav boy always does this, it’s so sweet of him. Thank you

went for christmas eve mass at a church near our hotel. the all boys choir was quite cool

we headed to ktown after church for some good korean bbq! It was really nice to sip on tea and have some barbecued pork and ribs in the freezing cold.

That was my Christmas eve. Amazing.

Read on for SIX&TWELVE‘S advertorial:

Definitely in love of the material of this piece. Makes the dress really flowly and comfortable.

pretty toga dresses!!!!!! heard they’ve very few pieces left.

Look at my special friend, sooooo pretty:) decided to keep it in this colour!

This is their upcoming collection:

The new collection will be launched on Thursday, 7PM!

Quote “Melissa” to get free normal postage!!!!!!!!!!! SHOP AWAY AT SIX&TWELVE NOW!

Next update real soon

With love and sunkisses,
Mel