Changes in Latitudes.Changes in Attitudes

Every year, I say that I want to spend New Year's somewhere warm and sunny and every year, I spend it in cold New York. Except for the year I spent it in even colder Stockholm but that's a story for another day. After seeing Oscar and Annette de la Renta's Punta Cana house in the Dominican Republic, I feel like trying to finally make this dream a reality! While I can't stay at their not so humble abode seen in these photos, I could make do at the also chic Puntacana Resort. Anyone else want to come?

Photos by Francois Halard

My Vintage Expo Outfit

As you all probably remember, I went to the Vintage Expo last month (you can find the posts here and here.) At the expo I got a beautiful rayon dress with a red top and black bottom, I am guessing from the late 40s. I found a hat that goes so nicely with it at the same expo. The hat is woven with red, black, and gold grapes or berries around the brim. I adore it. So I decided to wear it to a charity event the other night. I just added some black stockings and my bright red shoes from Anthro.

At the event I met another woman who was dressed in the most beautiful peacock blue vintage dress. Of course I had to meet her, so I introduced myself and we got to talking. She said she loved vintage, but with having young children, she found it was difficult to wear. I agreed with her, but let her know that once the kids are old enough not to slobber all over you, it is fantastic to wear vintage. She mentioned she had had the dress she wore for years. I was jealous she had kept her figure after having THREE babies! So it was a fun night because I got to meet one of our own kind out in the world, not just in cyberspace!

Vegetarian Soup Recipes, Perfect for Winter

Miso Soup with Sweet Potato Dumplings
- Shawn McClain (photo by Ann Stratton)
This recipe is from the Green Zebra restaurant in Chicago and it is sure to liven up your standard miso soup thanks to the delicious dumplings. This recipe calls for wonton wrappers but if you can't find these in the shops, here is a link to a recipe for vegan wonton wrappers.
View recipe at Epicurious

Curried Carrot Almond Soup
- Andrea Albin (photo by Stephanie Foley)
Who knew almond milk could be used in soups? Well, it can and it is sure to create a creamy, light and delicious taste. Perfect for a winter warming lunch!
View recipe at Gourmet

Hot and Sour Broth with Noodles
- Olive Magazine
Nothing beats a good noodle soup and vegetarians and vegans (or anyone) will adore this simple yet flavourful recipe.
View recipe at BBC Good Food

Mulligatawny with Chickpeas
- Body + Soul
Mulligatawny is an Anglo-Indian soup but this recipe can also be served with rice as it is quite similar to dhal.
View recipe at Whole Living

Mixed Mushroom Soup - Body + Soul
Mushroom mania in a bowl! Porcini, oyster, shiitake and the whole gang can all be found in this highly nutritious soup.
View recipe at Whole Living

Spicy Roasted Vegetable Soup with Toasted Tortillas
- Bon Appetit (photo by Brian Leatart)
You will be instantly transported to Mexico after one spoonful of this wonderful soup thanks to ingredients such as jalapeno and chipotle chilies, garbanzo beans, corn, cilantro and of course, lime!
View recipe at Epicurious

Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup
- Good Food Magazine
Enjoy a luscious and creamy soup the healthy way with coconut milk and other ingredients such as mixed mushrooms, bean sprouts and red curry paste.
View recipe at BBC Good Food

The River Cafe's Winter Minestrone
- Good Food
We all need a great minestrone recipe to turn to, especially during this colder weather. If you can't stop by the revered River Cafe in London to enjoy their minestrone soup, why not whip up a batch yourself at home?
View recipe at BBC Good Food

English Rose

Blue
Cream
Black Blue / Cream / Black

JSB512
English rose maxi dress
SIZE : Free : UK10 to UK20 / M to 4XL
Measurements : Bust - Max 48inches, Waist - Max 45inches, Hips - Max 58inches, Length - 52inches from bust / 55inches from strap
Material : High quality and good workmanship maxi dress, good chiffon material, smocked bust all around, adjustable corset straps, adjustable shoulder straps, full inner lining sewn in
RM45
Colours :
Blue - Sold 3pcs + 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT
Cream - Sold 3pcs + 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT
Black - Sold 3pcs + 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

Restocked 03.12.09!!!

Blue - Sold 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

Cream - Sold 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

Black - Sold 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

New bank account added!!!

Hi babes,
To ease all buyer's payment method, I have decided to add on one more bank account. So at your convenience you may choose to bank in to my CIMB or MAYBANK account as per below;
CIMB
1204-0477-7635-20
OR
MAYBANK
1128-4801-0268
Account name is the same for both banks : JESSICA SNG YIK FONG
Assuring you my best service at all times,
Much love,
Jessica

Holiday Traditions

I started decorating for Christmas this weekend and one of my favorite traditions is making pomanders. Pomanders are clove studded oranges, or in this case clementines since they looked better than the oranges at the store. They fill the house with a wonderful holiday scent and look pretty displayed with greenery and pine cones. I used to make these with my mother growing up and I've continued the tradition since moving away. What are the holiday traditions that you grew up with that you carry on today? Is there anything you've changed? Anything that you would never do again? I'd love to hear your stories!

Photo by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

I Defeated The Monster!

Last Wednesday I woke up to find my computer has been infected by an evil virus.

So, after yelling at my children (who accidentally downloaded said virus) I proceeded to try and remove the spywear.

I began with Malwarebytes- a virus removal system I had downloaded months ago. I thought it would do the trick and I could go on with my day, but I had no luck with it! It kept telling me that nsrbgxod.bak and calc.dll couldn't be deleted, but would be quarantined on reboot.

Ok fine, so I rebooted.

Virus wasn't eliminated.

I tried again (mind you it takes at least 30 minuted to run a scan every time).

It said the same thing.

So I rebooted again.

Same problem.

So this time I thought I would download a different program. I used Spybot this time. It took me a while to be able to download, because the virus would cause my internet to go to weird advertising sites instead of the site I was trying to get to.

Spybot got rid of a ton of stuff on my computer, but not the two spywear viruses that were causing all the random sites on my internet.

By now it was Friday. But I was bound and determined to successfully kill this sucker. I had to use my IPhone to search how to destroy this specific virus. After much searching, I found that downloading Microsoft Security Essentials (a free program from Microsoft) finally solved the problem!




Then it was shabbat and I don't post from Friday night until Saturday night.

So that is why I didn't post last week! I am so sorry for the delay, but I was busy fighting a scourge on my computer system. So I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgivings and I look forward to catching up with all of your blogs this afternoon.

Holiday Cards

I've already started writing out my holiday cards this year so I can get them out earlier than I did last year! I've also had a few readers ask me where I buy my cards so I thought I would share a few suggestions.

For custom holiday cards, you can try Crane's, Dempsey & Carroll, and William Arthur. Personalized cards are obviously more expensive so you have to think about how much you want to spend. Even though they are preprinted, you should still personalize them by writing the recipients name, a quick message and handwriting your name.

I usually pick a few cards each year so I can send the right style to the right person. I am also lucky since there are always great cards available with a New York theme or photo. The cards from R. Nichols are always fun and cheerfully reflect Christmas in New York. I also bought an assortment of holiday cards with black and white photos of a snowy New York that are perfect for friends who don't celebrate Christmas. Kate's Paperie always has a great assortment to choose from each year.

There are also a lot of smaller printers for letterpress cards and even hand made options on Etsy. My original idea this year was to have my cards printed using a photo that I took but I ran out of time so that will have to wait until next year. Family photo cards are obviously good options for families with children or cute pets.

One of the best ideas for holiday cards are those that benefit a worthy cause. UNICEF, Robin Hood Foundation, and the ASPCA are just a few charities with their own cards.

I'm sure your friends and family will be happy to receive which ever holiday card you choose because really, it's the thought that counts! Happy Holidays!

Deck the Halls!

Have you started to deck the halls for Christmas yet? I can't wait to visit the flower district tomorrow to pick up a wreath, garland and a few Amaryllis bulbs! There was a dark cloud hanging over my holidays last year due to my job loss but now that life is good, I want to enjoy every day of this joyous season! Happy Holidays!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yule tide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Star Style Inspiration - Eco Dress Up

Natalie Portman (InStyle.com - image by Richie Buxo/SplashNewsOnline.com)

Tulip Party Dress
Actress and vegetarian, Natalie Portman looked regal in this blue Jason Wu dress at the premiere of her new film. I spied an equally pretty eco dress from Tara Starlet (love the name) which is made in London from end of line fabrics.



To achieve a similar look to Natalie just add vegan accessories such as the vibrant yellow clutch and classy shoes.

Gigi Sunflower Clutch - Mar y Sol, $79
(made in Madagascar and Kenya / raffia)
Contrast a dark coloured dress with a bright clutch such as this yellow one from Mar y Sol. The Gigi clutch is also available in other fun colours and styles that will clash and match perfectly with the various colours of the Tulip Party dress.

Cinnamon Shoes in Black - Charmone, $179
(made in Italy / vegan)
I keep turning to these sweet vegan shoes from Charmone because they not only look divine but they always seem like the perfect shoes for any dress.



You can opt for the strapless Tulip Party dress in blue or visit Tara Starlet to view the dress in more colours (£65). Equa also stock the dress in red or purple (£70).

Upcycled Dresses, Organic Deodorant and Sunscreen

Puf' N Stuff - Surry Hills

Phew, I'm back home in London after a whirlwind trip to Auckland, Sydney, LA and Las Vegas. Accessing the net and finding time to post was difficult but hopefully I can catch you up on the green parts of my trip in some upcoming posts soon.

I was doing quite well on the vegan food front until I reached Vegas and then I became quite hungry. It was tricky finding vegan and healthy food options! I also spent most of the trip window shopping and I kept my reusable shopping totes empty as it was hard finding time to visit the best vintage stores or eco boutiques in each city. I was okay with being 'that girl who rarely shops' and then I serendipitously stopped by It's A Wrap in LA and seriously made up for not properly shopping for over a year! It was definitely a birthday splurge and the nine pieces I snapped up were all disused stock from television and film studio wardrobe departments (I will post more info and pics soon).







My only other eco fashion splurge happened in Surry Hills, Sydney. Surry Hills had numerous vintage stores and Puf' N Stuf in particular caught my eye. They had the cutest and quirkiest upcycled dresses. I couldn't resist picking up the three dresses above (which I believe were made in Thailand). They'll be great for summer but also during winter here in London with stockings, cardigans and blazers.



Sydney sure was hot. After living in London for over four years, my pale, pale skin didn't know what had hit it. I was close to reenacting the scene from the Wizard of Oz where the Wicked Witch shrieks, 'I'm melting, melting' but soon composed myself and reached for the Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen instead. I hadn't tried an organic or natural sunscreen before so I bought a tube of Badger especially for this sun soaked trip.

I love the ingredient list and the fact zinc oxide is used instead of titanium dioxide. The sunscreen had a pleasant and subtle lavender scent and was super thick. It did take awhile to rub into the skin and it did leave a white residue a few times (but once I really massaged the cream into the skin, it didn't happen again). The final piece of proof that this was a fantastic sunscreen option for the eco-conscious was the fact I didn't get burnt in the blazing Sydney sun! For more sun related information about Badger's sun shielding abilities visit their site here.

Purchase Badger Sunscreen at Love Lula for £14.20 or Saffron Rouge for $15.95



Another wonderful product I discovered was Erbaviva's Organic Jasmine and Grapefruit Deodorant. I was thoroughly impressed that this organic deodorant worked so well during the 30+ degree weather. The scent was gorgeous too with a citrus spiked, light earthy, perfumey loveliness! So now I have three favourite aluminium free, natural deodorants to choose from: Weleda's Citrus Spray, Bicarbonate of Soda and Erbaviva's Jasmine and Grapefruit.

Purchase at Love Lula in travel size (£4), 100ml (£12) or Erbaviva $6 or $18
Contains: organic grain alcohol, jasmine, grapefruit, ginger, cedarwood, cypress, orange, sage and lemon essential oils - certified organic by USDA.

Bold & Beautiful

Red

Blue

Purple

Orange

Red / Purple / Blue / Orange

JSB515

Bold & Beautiful Maxi dress
SIZE : Free : UK10 to UK22 / M to 5XL
Measurements : Bust - Max 50inches, Waist - Max 44inches, Hips - Max 66inches, Length - 52inches from bust / 55inches from straps
Material : High quality dual tone cotton of printed & unprinted, top part is fully smocked bust in black colour and bottom part consists of bold and vibrant florals, beautiful dual fabric large wooden beading on the halter strap, can also be worn tube style.

*cutting for this maxi is bigger then normal free size ones.

Highly recommended as the cutting & colour scheme is very slimming!!!

RM40
Colours :
Red - Sold 7pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

Orange - Sold 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT
Blue - Sold 5pcs - ALL SOLD OUT
Purple - Sold 6pcs - ALL SOLD OUT

English plaid maxi

Green matched with JSA604 Front tie cardigan dark brown (RM29)

Green / Red / Wood

Red

Wood

JSB511
English plaid maxi dress
SIZE : Free : UK10 to UK20 / M to 4XL
Measurements : Bust - Max 48inches, Waist - Max 45inches, Hips - Max 60inches, Length - 52inches from bust / 55inches from straps
Material : Very good quality crinkle cotton with full inner lining and good lace hemming
RM40
Colours :
Green - ALL SOLD OUT

Red - sold 3pcs - ALL SOLD OUT
Wood - Sold 3pcs - ALL SOLD OUT