PUMA Social Dream Team Facbook App

Hi Huneybees,

The Sports Lifestyle brand PUMA recently launched the SS 2012 Social collection with a newly created Facebook app game. This app features two tabs; Analyse Me and Create Dream Team.

Analyse Me: This tab will allow the game app to analyse the pictures and activities that you were engaged in the past three months and you will receive a short bio analysis data they will automatically churn out. They will be able to pair you up with a product of PUMA’s social line. 

Create Dream Team: This game app allows you to nominate your friends to be teammates of your created group and at the end of the game, users will be awarded with PUMA discount vouchers. The fun thing about this app is that you will be able to find out what personality of each of your team mate and there will be bio data created that tags along with each of them.

Just a little thing to spice up your weekend, PUMA is giving you the chance to score complimentary tickets to our favourite hotspots!

Simply play the PUMA Social Dream Team App: http://go.puma.com/ST and tell us how awesome your Dream Team is.

The closing date for all entries is 1st June 2012 and PUMA will announce all the lucky Teammates on their Facebook Page. Hurry gather your team!

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Latest brand to wash up our shores - Hong Kong Lifestyle Label Goods of Desire

Hi Huneybees,

Nearly 16 years since the brand’s founding, Hong Kong lifestyle label Goods of Desire is finally ready to take its show on the road and bring a slice of the eclectic city-state to international audiences. With operations set to commence at the end of June, the brand’s first flagship store outside of Hong Kong will be nestled along the iconic Singapore River. Occupying a total retail floor area of more than 6,000 square feet at Central in Clarke Quay, the upcoming project will effectively be Goods of Desire’s fourth-largest store.

The Goods of Desire Mission
To define and create a new Asian identity through the delivery of a globally recognized lifestyle and furniture brand.

The Goods of Desire Ideology
Fusing the traditional and the modern, Goods of Desire combines past and present Asian culture, pioneering the future of lifestyle retailing with cutting edge designs. We aim to show that the techniques and wisdom of past generations in the East still have a place in the future. Drawing inspiration from the condensed urban jungles and serene rural environments which populate Asia while blending in a uniquely cultural sense of humour has made many of our products modern-day design icons.

Behind these products is a highly creative and energetic in-house team of designers; never outsourcing products from trade fairs, they ensure that the essence of the Goods of Desire brand is never diluted. We aim to send out a consistent message as a reassurance of the brand’s values in everything we touch. Our designers capitalize on the fact that genuine craftsmanship can still be accessed locally by commissioning some of the world’s best fabrics such as silk, linen, ceramics, and solid wood.

By giving these craftspeople modern designs while still honouring the tradition of their skills, Goods of Desire creates products that possess a very real, very human quality to them. We have proven ourselves to be a sustainable brand through 16 years of continuous, accelerated business growth. With 8 stores located in some of the most in-demand retail spaces in Hong Kong, we are poised to position ourselves for global expansion, creating a truly successful Asian retail export.

Quintessentially Hong Kong, the brand’s name is originally derived from the Cantonese phrase “住好啲”, which means “to live better”. In Singapore, the brand is officially represented as “Goods of Desire” to reflect its pioneering of the future lifestyle retail scene with cutting-edge designs that embody the ideal of living better, bringing in a broad range of Goods of Desire’s signature Fashion, Gift Ideas, Homeware, and Furniture collections.

Co-founded by architects Douglas Young and Benjamin Lau in 1996 as a retail space in Ap Lei Chau (鴨脷洲), Goods of Desire presently has eight stores located throughout Hong Kong. Fiercely proud of its Hong Kong roots, Goods of Desire draws inspiration for its award-winning designs from the city’s vibrant heritage, preserving its unique cultural legacy through a lens of humor and creativity.

On Goods of Desire’s renown for controversial and tongue-in-cheek designs, and setting up shop in rule-laden Singapore, “Beyond the controversy and comedy of our designs, Goods of Desire is first and foremost about celebrating authentic Asian culture.” --- Douglas Young

Douglas Young

Born in Hong Kong (1965), Douglas Young trained as an architect in the United Kingdom at Sheffield University and the Architectural Association. Since 1991, Young has worked in Hong Kong on a variety of projects ranging from residential to retail interiors and won several prestigious awards.

Citing the deep similarities between Hong Kong and Singapore as the most compelling factor behind selecting the latter as the location for Goods of Desire’s first overseas store,  “Evolving from a colonial past to its present cosmopolitan climate, modern and undeniably Asian all at once, Singapore is truly an ethnic melting pot steeped in both tradition and innovation. It is a shame that we took so long to do this, given how many fans we know we have here. Nevertheless, it has always been my dream to show the rest of the world the Hong Kong I know, and I cannot think of a more perfect place to start with than Singapore.” --- Douglas Young

For updates on Goods of Desire’s activities in Singapore, please visit the brand’s local Facebook and Twitter pages.

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UNIQLO Opens Largest Store to Date in Singapore at Bugis+

Hi Huneybees,

UNIQLO, Japan’s No. 1 Casual Wear Brand, continues to expand its presence in Singapore with the upcoming opening of its’ largest store to date. The UNIQLO store in Bugis+, formerly known as Iluma, will open its doors to the public on June 8, 2012.

Located in connecting units at Level 1 and 2, this latest UNIQLO outlet is a double-storey that spans an area of approximately 20,000 square feet with an in-store escalator that joins the two levels. Following the recent success of the Parkway Parade opening where 450 customers queued up early on before the store opened, UNIQLO Bugis+ will be the brand’s 7th store and its first street-level shop in Singapore.

Currently undergoing asset enhancement work, tenants at Level 1 and 2 consisting of various brands, including UNIQLO, are expected to begin trading in June this year. Iluma is right across Bugis Junction, another go-to shopping locale in the area, and is connected via a link bridge.

UT collections such as UT Grand Prix Coca Cola, Metal Gear 25^th Anniversary tees, Mobile Suit Gundam graphic tee, Barbie and special UT 10^th Anniversary tees will be launched in conjunction with UNIQLO opening in Bugis+. With a larger floor space and an exciting selection of the brand’s casual wear staples, UNIQLO Bugis+ is certainly set to be a go-to destination for the area’s shopping crowd.

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UNIQLOOKS UT Style Contest

Hi Huneybees,

UNIQLO has launched its UT Style Contest on UNIQLOOKS, the brand’s Facebook-integrated and international fashion community portal. The contest marks the 10th anniversary of UNIQLO’s UT line of products and is open to people of any age, gender or nationality. Post photos of your favorite UT style combinations to compete for the $10,000 (USD) grand prize. So slip into your favorite UT T-shirt and step out onto the world stage to win through UNIQLOOKS at http://uniqlooks.uniqlo.com/ut/ 

UNIQLOOKS UT Style Contest Overview

Date:  April 24 to June 9, 2012 (Japan time)

Entry Details: Simply upload a photo of yourself sporting a UT T-shirt on UNIQLOOKS at http://uniqlooks.uniqlo.com/ut/

Contest Requirements

Open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality or gender. UT T-shirts must be clearly visible in photo submissions, but participants do not necessarily need to purchase one of the latest UT designs to be eligible to win. Multiple entries permitted.
Cash Prizes

• $10,000 USD (grand prize), $5,000 USD (first runner-up), $3,000 USD (second runner-up)
• The winning looks will be announced on the UNIQLOOKS contest page on June 25, 2012 (Japan time).

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Vivocity Great Singapore Sale Events

Hi Huneybees,

The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is back and VivoCity is all set to present a delightful mix of activities and best buys for shoppers! From 25 May to 22 July 2012, Singapore’s largest retail and lifestyle destination will host kids, fashion, music and arts related events such as the Disney Princess Academy and Pageant, Creatively Thai 2012, Jazz on the Roof 2012 and the Singapore Street Festival 2012. What’s more, shoppers will also find great privileges and be rewarded with a chance to win diamond jewellery and air tickets!

Get set for great things this sale season. Just spend $30 and stand a chance to win attractive prizes from SK Jewellery and Tiger Airways in our lucky draw. Charge to your OCBC Credit/Debit Card and enjoy double chances of winning.

Terms & Conditions apply.

“Singaporeans’ favourite shopping season is just around the corner and we are eager to have our shoppers here at VivoCity over the next two months to enjoy our special GSS line-up of events. There will be activities for shoppers of all ages covering various interests which reflects our aim of creating stimulating and memorable shopping experiences for all our visitors” --- Mr Chang Yeng Cheong, General Manager of VivoCity.

Disney Princess Academy and Pageant (28 May to 16 June)

To coincide with the mid-year school holidays, VivoCity and Alexandra Retail Centre (ARC) will host the Disney Princess Academy and Pageant. The Disney Princess Academy will take place at VivoCity from 28 May to 3 June, with girls aged 4 to 12 years old having the chance to undergo a Disney Princess makeover and be transformed into the graceful Snow White or the glamorous Cinderella.

The makeover will be followed by a photo-shoot where participants are given a picture of their makeover for keepsake. The girls can also learn the virtue of a modern princess at the Arts & Crafts, Jewellery-making and Cupcake Decoration workshops at ARC between 4 June and 12 June.

To participate, shoppers will simply have to spend a minimum of $30 at VivoCity or $20 at ARC in a single receipt between 25 May and 3 June and pay a $30 registration fee at the Disney Princess Academy Registration Counter at VivoCity’s Central Court on Level 1 from 28 May to  3 June. 

In addition, 40 “princesses” from the Disney Princess Academy at VivoCity will also be shortlisted to take part in the Disney Princess Pageant held at ARC on 16 June. The top three “Princesses” from each of the two age categories (4 to 7 and 8 to 12 years old) will win great prizes!

Places are on a first-come, first-served basis. Cash payment upon registration and no refund for cancellation.

Disney Princess Academy

• Photoshoot (Date & Time : 28 May – 3 June, 11am to 8pm Venue : VivoCity, Central Court A, Level 1)

• Workshops - Arts & Crafts, Jewellery-making and Cupcake Decorations (Date & Time : 4 – 12 June, 11am – 6pm Venue : Alexandra Retail Centre, Atrium, Level 1)
• Disney Princess Pageant (Date & Time :16 June, 1pm Venue : Alexandra Retail Centre, Atrium, Level 1)

Creatively Thai 2012 (13 to 17 June)

Returning for the sixth year in partnership with the Thai Trade Centre, Singapore, the Creatively Thai showcase will feature the latest fashion designs by leading Thai designers. There will also be daily fashion shows at 4.30pm and 7.30pm. The reigning Miss Tourism Queen International 2011, Kantapat Peeradachainarin from Thailand, will be making special appearances during the fashion shows from 13 to 15 June.

Fashion Shows
13 June, 4.30pm
14 – 17 June, 4.30pm and 7.30pm

Venue : Central Court, Level 1

Music and Arts Performances For One and All

Shoppers will also be treated to a host of entertaining performances at the outdoor Amphitheatre on Level 3.  A spectacular jazz concert awaits families and music-lovers as British saxophonist Greg Lyons returns to VivoCity to perform beautiful compositions as part of the Singapore Press Holdings Gift of Music Concert on 23 June at 7pm.

• Jazz on the Roof 2012Shoppers can bring their family down to the Amphitheatre for an evening of spectacular entertainment as Omniform created by British saxophonist, Greg Lyons presents a 10-piece jazz performance. They will be mesmerised by the melodic and highly rhythmic compositions at this Singapore Press Holdings Gift of Music Concert.
  
  Date : 23 June
  Time : 7pm
  Venue : Amphitheatre, Level 3

This year’s Singapore Street Festival (SSF), a social and community project that provides a platform for local youths to showcase their creative talents will be held at VivoCity’s Amphitheatre. On 21 and 22 July, shoppers can catch fast and furious breakdance action in the Battle of the Year Break Dance Competition while the WOW! SSF Band competition will take place on 28 July. There will also be a headline performance by Japanese band Sforzato at the SSF D’J Party on 29 July as D’J Party celebrates its tenth Anniversary. 

• Singapore Street Festival 2012Singapore Street Festival (SSF) is a social and community project that provides a platform for youths to showcase their creative talents. Catch the explosive band performances and support the youths as they engage in exciting breakdance battles in the International and South-east Asia Breakdance Competition. There will be a special performance by Japanese Band, Sforzato at the D’J Party to mark its 10th Anniversary.
  Venue : Amphitheatre, Level 3Battle of the Year Break Dance Competition (21 July, 4pm and 22 Jul, 3pm)WOW! SSF Band Competition – Finals (28 July, 2.30pm)D’J Party (29 July, 12pm)

Shopper Rewards at VivoCity!

Shoppers with a minimum spending of $30 from 25 May to 22 July will stand a chance to win the grand prize of a SK Jewellery 1.15 Carat Diamond Necklace worth $12,000 and Tiger Airways return tickets for four in the VivoCity GSS Lucky Draw. There will also be eight consolation prizes, each comprising a SK Jewellery Diamond Necklace worth $569 and Tiger Airways return tickets for two.

In addition, shoppers will be rewarded for shopping at VivoCity. They can redeem a shopping/dining voucher or a gift with a minimum spending of $150. OCBC Credit/Debit Cardmembers only need to charge $100 to qualify. They can also enjoy exclusive shopping and dining privileges at participating outlets when they charge to their OCBC Credit/Debit Cards. 

Tourists will also benefit during the Great Singapore Sale at VivoCity. From 1 June to 31 July, the first 100 tourists per month with a minimum spend of $200 at any store at VivoCity can redeem a pair of earrings from Toscow worth $59.

 Approach the Information Counter to learn more about the offers.

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Interview with Pixie Lott

Hi Huneybees,

Yesterday, I blogged about Pixie Lott's packed schedule in Singapore last week and I'm very happy I got the chance to do a short interview with Pixie Lott through email, all thanks to Universal Music and the pretty Pixie Lott for taking time and making this happen...

1.    Why name your album Young Foolish Happy?  
I named this album after a song from when I was growing up by the Tams, "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy" - a good message to everyone.

2.    Which is your favourite song in the album?  
"We Just Go On"

3.    How did the collaboration with G.Dragon and T.O.P. come about? What was the most challenging obstacle that you have to overcome while working with them?  
I love K Pop and really wanted to collaborate with K Pop artists.  I liked Big Bang's music and so it was arranged for this to happen, there was no obstacles.

4.    Which artiste would you wish to work with? And why?  
I have collaborated with Stevie Wonder on "Young, Foolish, Happy" where he plays the harmonica on the middle 8 but would love to collaborate with him where he sings. :)

5.    You call your fans Crazy Cats and you wear cat ears, why the feline obsession?  
When I was young my mum called my sister, brother and I crazy cats as we was always running around everywhere.  Crazy cats just stuck and then all my friends started to use it!.

6.    You have an amazing figure! What's your secret - any exercise/diet regime to share - to maintain that body?  
I do try to eat healthy and drink water.

7.    Thank you Pixie Lott for you time, what’s your shout-out to you Crazy Cats out there?  
Hi to all my Singapore Crazy Cats, thank you for all your support and welcoming me into your beautiful country, Love Pixie XOXO

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Celebrate Fathers' Day with Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie - Joyeuse Fêtes Papa

Hi Huneybees,

June is coming and this month, we celebrate the most important man in our lives - Daddy Dearest. HE toiled and worked hard in the corporate battlefield to give the best to his beloved family and now is the time to indulge and spoil Daddy!

This Fathers' Day, Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie pays homage to dads all around the world with a handsome collection of praline cigars, VSOP cognac and espresso cake, and mint chocolate macarons specially crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Christophe Grilo. In the process of developing this masculine collection of sweet delights for the celebration, Chef Grilo wanted his creations to remind dessert lovers of elements of a father figure- some traits that you might find familiar at home and are close to your heart.

Bringing a wealth of professional pastry experience spanning across two decades is Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie’s Executive Pastry Chef, Christophe Grilo. A native to the South of France, this culinary virtuoso has conquered the kitchens of prestigious hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, including Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier, and the acclaimed restaurant Spoon in Hong Kong. Now joining the band of eminent chefs within the Les Amis Group, Chef Christophe is poised to elevate this home-grown pastry brand to greater heights, and inject his distinctive culinary flair in fashioning artisanal masterpieces that will continue to intrigue palates and inspire memories for years to come.

I don't smoke cigars, but I'm now a converted big fan of the Caramel Cigare.

It's slightly bigger than a usual cigar, but the moment you put the Caramel Cigare to your mouth, it's already coasted with the slight bitter chocolate powder. Bite into it and you will be surprised by the crunchy praline in the middle, Super chocolate-y fullness all in one "cigar"!

Paying tribute the hands that provides and feeds the family, the lead product of Canelé’s 2012 Father’s Day collection is an edible masterpiece of a businessman’s weapon of status and prestige- the cigar. A long crunchy praline center rolled up in rich dark chocolate caramel ganache generously coated with chocolate powder, Caramel Cigare ($11.50 per piece) commands respect and attention like the head of our households. Chef Grilo carefully replicates the artistry of the actual cigar manufacturing process in Canelé’s Caramel Cigare like all quality cigars; each Caramel Cigare is handmade to ensure cocoa divinity with every bite.

What a beautiful representation of Daddy, the sturdy chocolate covering on the outside tasted sweet and bitter at times, which is how Daddy sometimes can be. The luxurious sprinkle of gold leaves on the cake makes it all so prestigious and I love the surprise you get when you bite into the cake. The cake is so soft on the inside like mousse, I love the combination of fragrant coffee and the slight bitter chocolate...

To some, a recollection of your father figure can be described as ‘serious and firm on the outside yet gentle and thoughtful inside’ and for these men Canelé presents to you Le Café Cognac. Le Café Cognac ($8 per slice) is a classy VSOP cognac and espresso cake draped in pure dark chocolate. Beyond the stern and authoritarian appearance, the inside of the Le Café Cognac is made up of soft and aromatic coffee cream, velvety brandy coffee caramel layered upon a steady foundation of crispy praline base. With this we fondly remember the time when we see the heart of the father and understand that the times when he was resolute was when he was trying to do what was best to protect you.

With a twist, the usual brown macarons are not just chocolate, but also has a hint of mint. Canelé's macarons are always my favourite as the crust is not too hard and not too flour-y, having a macaron during tea time seems to refresh me and keeps me going till the end of the day. :)

There are others whose dads are vivacious individuals who never fail to keep the house filled with laughter. Chef Grilo celebrates this bubbly personality with the limited edition Après Huit ($3 per piece). This Father’s Day exclusive ‘After Eight’ chocolate macaron with a touch of mint leaves a refreshing cool menthol aftertaste on your palate, resembling the cheerful and nostalgic moments when dads steal the spotlight with jokes which albeit quite embarrassing some times, but undeniably these are also the moments which gives us a little thrust in the popularity department because ‘your dad is so cool’.

The onngoing dine-in promotion menu for Father's Day at the Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie for just SGD$25++!

You can find the Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie branches here.

And don't forget to LIKE their facebook page for more updates... 

To fathers all over the globe, Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie dedicates our Joyeuse Fêtes Papa Father’s Day Series 2012 to you in honour of a steadfast love that may seem silent and sometimes unnoticed but always cherished and remembered. We love you dad, happy Father’s Day!

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Who's the pretty & Young Agent O in MIB 3?

Hi Huneybees,

Alice Eve as the young Agent O.

Men In Black 3 opened on our shores last Thursday and I did a movie review on it. Have you read it? Why not?

As you can see, other than the duo, Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, there were also many celebrities to spot in the movie. One actress, however, who did capture my attention in this movie is Alice Eve. She played as the young Agent O and I kept telling my hubby, who is this gorgeous blonde?! She's simply too Barbie!

Emma Thompson as Agent O.

A video of Alice Eve's past sexy film scenes.

The London babe, Alice Eve first appeared in television dramas as well as two plays by Trevor Nunn and the play Rock 'n' Roll by Tom Stoppard. Then, she got her first film role in Starter for 10 (2006) with James McAvoy and followed that with the film Big Nothing (2006) alongside Simon Pegg. In 2006, she went to India to shoot the British miniseries Losing Gemma (TV). And in 2009, Alice was introduced to American audiences in the film Crossing Over. Her first high-profile role was in Sex and the City 2 (2010), where she played Charlotte York's Irish nanny. In 2011, Eve had a recurring guest role on the 8th season of the HBO series Entourage, playing Sophia, a journalist and love interest to Vincent Chase.

Alice Eve at the premiere of MIB 3 in London.

More hot photos of Alice Eve I found when I Google-d her.

Men In Black 3 opened in Singapore 24 May. 

Be sure to catch it in a cinema near you!

Check out Sony Pictures Singapore for more movie updates.

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Pixie Lott in Singapore !!!

Hi Huneybees,

Last week, Singapore saw the appearance of Pixie Lott for the first time. I attended the showcase that was only opened to 800 Crazy Cats, media and partners. It was an intimate performance that got the crowd dancing and roused up to a great night.

Pixie Lott was only in town for 3 days (16th-18th May 2012) and she had jam packed events to get as close to her Crazy Cats (in Singapore) as possible. 

On the 16th, after a day of interviews, she even drew time for an intimate night (Radio 913 'Get Styled By Pixie) with 2 lucky fans to shop at TOPSHOP and be styled by Pixie Lott herself!

Day 2 kicks off with an interview and acoustic performance of Pixie Lott’s hit singles ‘All About Tonight’ and ‘Kiss The Stars’ at 987FM studio and then, 3 lucky fans got to spend a cozy afternoon with Pixie Lott, during a karaoke session at K Box Scape, promoted by 987FM.

In the evening, Pixie Lott arrived at Bugis Junction to a sea of crazy cats and curious on-lookers, for her first ever Autograph Session in Singapore! She gracefully signed on her latest ‘Young Foolish Happy’ Asian Deluxe album for all who came.

Yipee! On the 18th, I was super happy to be able to see Pixie Lott perform live within a stone's throw away from me. Her sexy husky voice, her perky attitude, made lots of Crazy Cats singing and dancing along to her songs.

The Crazy Cats fans who donned on cat ears and me dressed to fit the British theme (All thanks to Forever 21). Everyone was patiently waiting and sang along tot he Pixie Lott songs that were playing.

Pixie Lott appeared with sultry black cat eyes makeup, a sexy black dress (leather on top and chiffon below), not forgetting her cat ears and this time, she wore a never seen before wired cat ears. She kickstarted the night by singing her top single - All About Tonight.

She is so pretty! I couldn't stop snapping ~

Adding a touch of local flavour, Pixie Lott was joined on stage by Singapore’s own, Kevin Lester (rap artiste/ songwriter/producer). Also known as "The Lion City Boy", Kevin has taken his music International, playing to audiences in Amsterdam, Cannes, London, and most recently, New York. Check him out here: http://www.bedsty.com/thelioncityboy

Supporting her on guitars, Pixie worked together with Bani Hidir. One of Singapore’s well-known musician, he plays drums for B Quartet, Youthwreck and Tabula, is the front man and guitarist of his own original band Page and is the bassist and singer of one of Timbre's resident bands, 53A.

Last song for the night was 'Kiss The Stars' and we could see more of the audience dancing around and singing along to Pixie. Her songs are simply too catchy and so easy to follow along ~

Perfect way to top off the night, Universal Music Singapore presented her with the Gold Award for Combined Physical and Digital album sales for both ‘Turn It Up’ and ‘Young Foolish Happy’ album!

Congratulations Pixie Lott! I love you~

Special thanks to Universal Music for the wonderful night...

For more photos of the pretty Pixie Lott, see here.

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