Party Planning :: Snapshots from a 30th birthday party

So I wanted to make my sister's birthday celebration a little extra special this year. She turned 30! How time flies. She loves pink, a little glitter and glam and wanted just us family to be around. So it was a simple affair with d-i-y tassels, cake and a signature cocktail, Sangria Flora.

Party inspiration

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Party execution

//all above images by yours truly

Cake: Strawberry Shortcake by Dempsey House. It came with vanilla bean sauce.
Party design: Yours truly
Tassels: Yours truly
Cocktail Sangria Flora: Inspired by pinterest

Destination Thursday

Let's travel, follow my feet to random experiences

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Traveling is one of my favorite things to do in life. 

The excitement of planning, landing in a new country, figuring out how to get around and seeing breath-taking sceneries or amazing architectures just make you feel so alive doesn't it?  Travel allows me to look at life in a different perspective. During my last trip to Europe with the hubz, we went for Boxing Day mass in Florence, Italy. We didn't even think for a second the day before that we will be in Florence the next day. It was an unplanned trip. We decided to get the train tickets the night before from Milano Centrale railway station (We were based in Milan) and off we went. A random thought creeped up during the mass ... I just thought about how fortunate I am to have the means to experience so many faraway cities, food and culture with my loved one(s).

So! I am aiming to start a new series called //Destination Thursday which will document my favorite travel memories, packing tips, surviving long hauls and cool seasons (for those living in the tropics, like me!), dream destinations, related gift ideas and so on. I hope I will be able to keep this up so ... wish me luck!

Furniture finds in Singapore :: King and King Wong

I dropped by King and King Wong (KKW), a Malaysian furniture retailer located in NEX mall, Serangoon. They are having a massive sale right now. All items are going at 50% off as they are moving out. Hopefully not out of Singapore.

Although I find the cost of furniture a bit on the high side, I do not mind bringing home their accessories and decor items. They have pretty nice stuff. Remember my turquoise chi dogs? I got the pair from KKW. A wide range of home essentials are available for the kitchen, display - apothecary jars and vases, laundry, paintings, bedding and furniture.

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When I checked out KKW yesterday, most 'good' stuff were gone.

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I'm not crazy about fake flowers but these ... just look SO real. They even feel real. I was on the verge of getting a purple hydrangea, some orchids and white roses (those were really gorgeous). But the snob in me emerged and I changed my mind. Sometimes I do not mind going an extra mile to get real flowers for my home.

//image yours truly

//image yours truly

//image yours truly

If you are always on the lookout for decor items for events eg. crystals, candles, candle stands etc they have plenty of those left on the shelves all at 1/2 price. Do pop by quick but give them a call before heading down, just in case.

I ended up with ribbons, tinsels and black taper candles that were going for like SGD 2.60 each. I'm all set for gift-wrapping this year.

//image yours truly. paris snow-globe stylist's own

Blush and bashful

Now that the Chinese New Year holidays are over, we look forward to Valentine's Day! (In view of the day) here are some pink/blush rooms and what I love about them. Get ready to swoon!

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Now LOOK at this kid's room. Who says you have to paint the walls pink?

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Such sweetness. I love the blend of blue and peach.

// image via bloglovin

// image via zsazsabellagio

Yup, pink does not have to be in your face.

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PS. I secretly do have girly fantasies and wish I can bathe my home in pink.

Decor Series :: My entry table with chinoiserie feel

So, this is my attempt at creating an entry-table vignette for Chinese New Year.

I've always had the turquoise chi dogs and I love them to bits. The framed picture behind is actually a wrapping paper with an IKEA frame, and of course when I saw these fuchsia orchids in a supermarket, I had to get them.

This is proof that you don't need to spend tons of money to get creative. Just work with what you already own at home.

I would also like to wish everyone a very happy Lunar New Year and for non-chinese, like me, have an A-MAZING break!

Blood orange cocktail (and mocktail)

I stumbled upon this delicious sounding cocktail recipe at pretty plain janes. Super easy to make with very straightforward ingredients for your hip and happening Chinese New Year house guests.

Recipe:

1 part blood orange juice

1 part white grape juice

1 part vodka (adjust accordingly to your liking or omit for your preggo pals)

sparkling water / club soda / lemon lime soda

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part 3)

Images via here, here, here, here, here and here

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part 2)

Images from here, here, here and here

Decor Series :: Chinese New Year (Part I)

The Chinese New Year is just around the corner and, if you are not crazy about the tacky decorations that are being sold all over or in Chinatown, you might like this series I am planning. Modern decor that does not scream Chinese New Year, just little subtle accents.

Images via here, here, here and here

Shopping suggestions:

Top photo // Shop for cloth in Spotlight or Arab Street. Other options include Joo Chiat/Geylang area. Spruce up the look with metallics, geometric or floral pieces. Flower options may include pussy willows or cherry blossoms

Second photo // Paper lanterns are available online or you may check out this retail space at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 1-6 pieces are being sold for just $3.80/piece. Is that a steal or what?

Third photo // Get fallen branches anywhere. Under big trees, botanical gardens, the beach etc. Spray paints available at Art Friend, Spotlight or any paint shop. Fake birds/butterflies may be available in handicraft or party shops, Spotlight or even Far East Flora at Thomson Road. If you have time to spare, try online.

Last photo // Alternative for gold balls are red fruits, oranges or spray paint plastic fruits!

Your Story is Art Painted Beautifully ...

This is such an amazing story. This wedding suite was inspired by the song “Painting by Chagall.”

Thunder rumbles in the distance, a quiet intensity

I am willful, your insistence is tugging at the best of me

You're the moon, I'm the water

You're Mars, calling up Neptune's daughter

We float like two lovers in a painting by Chagall

All around is sky and blue town

Holding these flowers for a wedding gown

We live so high above the ground, satellites surround us.

There seems to be an endless sea of people like us

Wakeful dreamers, I pass them on the sunlit streets

In our rooms filled with laughter

We make hope from every small disaster

Still everybody says that if they had the chance they'd fly like we do.

Sometimes rain that's needed falls

I am humbled in this city

Everybody says "you can't, you can't, you can't, don't try."

Your Story is Art Painted Beautifully from Kristy Rice on Vimeo.

Check out how beautifully art is created for this wedding suite.

"Weddings mean business & the artistry involved in this world, gives this business a heart."

All images via