Ready or not, Valentine's Day is this Friday

Like a very sensible girl, I want to tell the world that I don't care about Valentine's Day and all that I care is sleeping in, wearing my hot sweat pants.

But the painful truth is that... if I don't get a date or a gift on Friday, I'll be devastated. Yes, even for the singles (like me), we appreciate the thought be being remembered. After all, it's the thought that counts.

Here are some pretty lovely ideas of what you can do on 14 Feb!

1.  Roses and chocolates.
Save a few bucks (for dinner, perhaps?), wear matching outfits and stand a chance to receive a stalk of rose and chocolate (absolutely free) from the Little Cupids roaming in Queensbay Mall. 

2.  Serenade your girl.
Not everyone is blessed with an angel's voice - celebrate the special day against romantic live music backdrop at Queensbay Mall, GF Central Atrium at 1pm, and at 6pm dedicate a love song to your loved one from the selected song list.

3.  Go on gift-hunting, together. 

• Fashion Fast Forward members, enjoy up to 50% off at Burton Menswear London, Dorothy Perkins, Topman and Topshop.
• Now you can share your love for denim with your loved ones - 2nd pair of Gap denim at RM99 only.
• One for you, and one for her/him because you'll get 20% off with purchase of 2 or more SODA normal-priced items at Voir Gallery
• Pick out your favourite Crabtree & Evelyn's toiletry gift sets, beautifully packed for him and her.
• If you're planning for the big proposal, find the perfect infinity band at Diamond & Platinum.

4.  Fill her heart, fill his tummy. 

• Let your love hog the limelight at Morganfield's, with a chance to be among the 5 lucky diners to win a pair of Citrine gemstone worth RM300.
• Have a romantic 3-course meal put together for you and loved ones at TGI Friday's (since V-day falls on a Friday).
• Share a sensual indulgence with Haagen-Dazs Valentine's Fondue.

5. Wrap up in the cinema.
Snuggle up in the couple seat and watch The Awkward Moment (GSC) in the company of warm popcorn.

How do you imagine your V-Day to be this year?

Hugs xx

Quinn

Store listing in Queensbay Mall, Penang

*In alphabetical order

Burton Menswear London   GF 85 & 86

Crabtree & Evelyn   GF 93

Diamond & Platinum   GF 106-108

Dorothy Perkins   GF 85 & 86

Gap   GF 52-56

Golden Screen Cinemas   3F 50

Haagen-Dazs   GF 103A

Morganfield's   GF 121, 122 & GFNZ CA-1

TGI Friday's   GF 129, 130, 131 & 139

Topman   GF 51

Topshop   GF 92 & 93B

Voir Gallery   GF 03A

Love is in the air

As the world over celebrate this month of love, it'll be a double celebration for Asians this year as the Eastern (Chap Goh Meh) and Western Valentine's Day fall on the same day. Indeed love is in the air this February.

What better way to celebrate your love than giving your "heart" sealed with a sip *wink* Oh well, then you can play the coffee-or-tea-or-me games with your loved ones. After all, the best things in life are meant to be shared *awww*

The limited edition Valentine's Day Starbucks Card is now available in four heart(shaped)warming designs:

1. I (HEART) YOU

2. INSPIRED BY YOU

3. WONDERFUL YOU

4. YOU MAKE ME HAPPY

Limited Edition Valentine's Day Starbucks Card

So now before the card runs out (don't say I didn't warn you), go grab yours with pre-loaded credit of RM100. And to make your V-Day even sweeter, Starbucks is giving FREE upsize for any handcrafted beverage from 1–28 February 2014, and (yup, there's more!) on Valentine's Day (14 February 2014), enjoy Buy One, Free One special on purchase of any handcrafted beverage. How sweet, right?!!

There you've got your V-Day gift sorted out, you may now continue basking in the CNY festive mood in peace.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Hugs xx

Quinn

Store listing in Queensbay Mall, Penang
Starbucks   GF 123A & 140

Starbucks (Borders) 1F 92, 93 & 93A

Red is the new black this Chinese New Year

Every Chinese New Year, we see cities and towns and malls in Malaysia, or Asia in general - being painted red. Yes, red lanterns, red flowers, red vases, red couplets of warm wishes and red ang pows as decorative.

So come, saddle up and usher in the auspicious year of the horse with me... in pretty fashionable reds.

Heels from Charles & Keith

Top from Esprit

Dress from Topshop

Bag from Braun Buffel

Shirt (for him) from Springfield

*On a side note, the pink dress looks pretty cute too. For me, of course! *rolls eyes*

 Sneakers (for him) from Converse

Are you painting the festive red this year? Share your pick with us!

Hugs xx
Quinn


Store listing in Queensbay Mall, Penang
Charles & Keith   GF 22-26

Esprit   GF 70-72
Topshop   GF 92 & 93B
Braun Buffel   GF 47 & 48
Springfield   GF 29 & 30

Converse   2F 97 & 98 [soon to be relocated to 3F 37(a7) & (a8)]

Jingle all the way

Here's what happened.

I was gleefully listening to songs on my iPod as usual and out of a sudden, Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is you came on.

When that happened, it was 12 November. Yes, it was about a month ago. How did it got mixed up with my everyday-playlist? After all the hoo-ha with my iTunes and my questionable skills to sync the playlists, I settled down and it got me thinking: when is the right time to play Christmas songs?

Is it after Thanksgiving (28 November) - which is not widely practised locally? Or is it the first day of December? Or it can be played anytime, all the time?

Anyway, here's a sweet video of children having fun while performing a Christmas medley at Queensbay Mall. You know, if you're already listening to Christmas songs...

Have yourself a merry little Christmas *wink*

Hugs xx
Quinn

Dazzling little treasures for Christmas

As I'm writing this entry, the festive season is well upon us... in all its extravaganza of dancing lights on Christmas trees and glistening spray-frosted window displays.

We've also started decking up the house with socks and wreaths. Now, who's better at decorating Christmas tree - than me?!

I'm pretty good at hanging out sparkly little ornaments, seriously. But I'm absolutely talented in hanging out dazzling arm candies. And look at this gorgeous gem that I unearthed at Poh Kong!

Little Treasures Charm Bracelet

from Poh Kong, Queensbay Mall

Oh well, giving the gift of jewellery sure does say a lot about the giver. One of them is... thoughtfulness. After all, that's what Christmas is all about.

This Little Treasures Charm Bracelet from Poh Kong makes the perfect Christmas gift for that special lady in your life (mum, grandma, aunt, sister, wife or daughter) - adorning the precious hand that has lifted you up when you fall.

Hugs xx
Quinn

Store listing in Queensbay Mall, Penang
Poh Kong GF 119 & 120

Starbucks Planner 2014: Sharing joy to create wonder

When we hear the festive jingle bells, we know the season of giving is once again upon us. And it’s a hint for me to add on to my Starbucks Planner collection.

Yes, I have religiously collected all the Starbucks Planners over the years. I’m not much of an organised person but it has become a tradition since the planner was first launched end of 2009 with the very first Starbucks Planner 2010.

Don’t tell me you didn’t! These are royal collectibles, I must say!

And it’s so easy to claim yours... ‘Tis the season I turn into a Santarina and share 15 Grande-sized handcrafted beverage (3 of which are from the Christmas range) with family and close friends, purchased via my Starbucks card and tadah! got my planner. Or you can simply buy it off in-store at RM159 nett.  Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!

Photo credit: Starbucks Malaysia

What I love about the Starbucks Planner 2014? It is designed for me (yes, an iPad user!) where my device can be conveniently slotted in. The quantities are limited, so be sure to grab yours before the festive season runs out!

Will you share joy with 15 friends to get aStarbucks Planner 2014? Or will you pay the price to jump queue?

Hugs xx
Quinn

Store listing in Queensbay Mall, Penang
Starbucks GF 123A & 140

Starbucks (in Borders Bookstore) 1F 93(B), 92 & 91

Father by Jennifer S. Williams

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

When I scratched my knee,
Or if I bumped my head,
When I was afraid of the dark,
Or that thing under my bed,
When I cried in the night,
Or even in the day,
You were there for me,
To make it all okay.

You tickled my feet,
And laughed at all my jokes.
You taught me to believe,
In having high hopes.
You are my father
You did what you had to do.
But more than a father
You are my friend too.
You made everything good,
That was once bad.
I just want you to know
I love you Dad.

Happy Father's Day!

Hugs xx
Quinn

My dad is a classic

Can't believe the big Sunday is rolling around sooner then I thought.

I know how my daddy has his own distinctive tastes and interests. He is a real classic, who spends his free time on the golf course, takes pleasure in a glass of fine red wine and enjoys the family weekend over coffee.

My dad taught me that clothes are an investment, and when people "scan" you from head to toe, shoes are the last impression you'll ever make. So when I spotted this pair of Valentino Rudy men's loafers, I thought these Italian loafers will make a pretty perfect addition to his wardrobe!

Perfect sole-mate for dad from

Valentino Rudy, GF 57 & 58

Queensbay Mall

What quick staple would you add to complement your dad's style?

Hugs xx

Quinn

A Poem For Mom by Champagne S. Baker

"Mummy & Me" Photo Moment, Queensbay Mall.

You are the sunlight in my day,

You are the moon I see far away.
You are the tree I lean upon,
You are the one that makes troubles be gone.
You are the one who taught me life,
How not to fight, and what is right.
You are the words inside my song,
You are my love, my life, my mom.
You are the one who cares for me,
You are the eyes that help me see.
You are the one who knows me best,
When it's time to have fun and time to rest.
You are the one who has helped me to dream,
You hear my heart and you hear my screams.
Afraid of life but looking for love,
I'm blessed for God sent you from above.
You are my friend, my heart, and my soul
You are the greatest friend I know.
You are the words inside my song,
You are my love, my life, my Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Hugs xx
Quinn