Saturday, December 31, 2011

Animal Lovers League - Pets Villa



Everyone has their calling when it comes to volunteer work. Some can work with children while some can work with the elderly. My calling is working with dogs. Something I found I could do when I was fostering Tinkerbelle, a rescued sheltie from a puppy mill, who came to me in rather bad shape. She has since blossomed into a beautiful furry dog under the TLC of her new home.


This was Tinkerbelle when she first came to me in August. All skin and bones, a skin condition and very bad dental health. She was fearful, lost and unsure of what to do.


This is Tinkerbelle today. Look at the amazing transformation after just 4 months of TLC. The family who adopted Tinkerbelle gave her a second chance in life. From ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.

Since I have become more "mobile" with my new car, I jumped at the chance to visit a dog shelter with Raisa, a fellow dog owner who is an active volunteer for Animal Lovers League (ALL). Pets Villa is the dog shelter founded by ALL that is located at Pasir Ris Farmway. Kinda ironic that this dog shelter is nestled among the puppy farms.

Here are some pictures I took from my first visit yesterday. If you are looking at something worthy to do in 2012, I hope this blog entry will inspire you to help these doggies.


My "Cesar Millan" moment... I opened the gate and entered into a compound full of big dogs. Remember to stay calm when you enter. Remember Cesar's famous words: no talk, no touch, no eye contact. Let the dogs suss you out and only give attention when the dogs are in a calm and submissive state.


I started off my volunteer experience by taking some dogs out for walks. This ain't a walk in the park as most of these dogs have no experience or prior guidance on how to walk on leash. Hence, they tend to pull a lot in the beginning. However, the trick is to be calm and assertive and guide them patiently. The dogs are not being naughty, they are just excited to be going on walks and have no concept of leash walking. (Picture: Heng Heng and Sonia)



The puppies are being kept in their own cages because they are too young to fend for themselves. They can only be let out under supervision.






Other adult dogs also have their own cages for various reasons. Usually when they require medical care or haven't fully been fully integrated with the other dogs on the compound yet.


As I visited during lunch time, I also had the opportunity to participate in the feeding of some dogs. After lunch, most of the doggies are being let out to roam and socialise under supervision.








Pets Villa is a safe haven for abandoned and stray dogs. It is now their home and a place where they belong. A place where they get shelter, water, food and adequate care. Most importantly, safe from abuse and being culled.

How you can help...

* Be a volunteer - if you want to be hands on and you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty.

* Sponsor a dog - can't keep a dog at home? Why not sponsor one and visit it anytime?

* Products or monetary donation - choose to either donate products or money.

I have decided to sponsor a puppy or a young dog. I would like to give a dog a head start in life by training it, making it more adoptable and hopefully find a good family to adopt it.

For more information, please visit www.animalloversleague.com



Friday, December 30, 2011

Inspirations from The Sartorialist



Inspirations from The Sartoralist. Here are some pics that made it to my mood board this week. Pictures that will inspire my dressing for the next week and styles I will keep in mind when I go shopping.


Cut a sleek silhouette in black. I shall wear my black leather Joseph top with my pleated Zara black maxi skirt. Oh yes, and with my Issey Miyake Bilbao bag.


Love a red jacket. Won't wear it with hot pants but I would wear it with jeans and sleek black pants. Need to look for a nice red jacket.


Love the statement necklace and red leggings. However, I will wear my red in the form of the scarf and not leggings though. My Ben-Amun for alldressedup necklace will be a good statement necklace.


Love this colour palette. Yellow, purple, blue...


Ethnic chic in a modern way.


Love the printed skirt. I spotted some nice ones at Zara yesterday. Will check them out again.


Another great colour palette... black, grey and brown.


I am so captivated by this picture. Love it when a man's dressing is inspiring. Love the midnight blue suit and matching bag. Most importantly, I love his socks. Made me wanna buy some coloured socks to wear with my Repetto brogues.


Love how this man got his layering spot on. Perfection!


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Art Deco Is The Way To Go



I first laid eyes on the Art Deco Gucci dresses from the Spring 2012 collection in September and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them. As seasonal as they may be, they will remain timeless in the long run. Just like how I have revived and started using my first Gucci bamboo handle bag that I bought 15 years ago. These Art Deco Gucci dresses will have a good resale value should you decide to sell them to a vintage store. Better still, keep them safe and wear them again when the revival comes.

In the meantime, let's lust after them together...











In The Mood For Zara

A good campaign is supposed to make you want to rush down to the store to buy the clothes. Zara's campaign does exactly so. Fashion musing on a grey afternoon. I think I will pop by to Zara later to see if I can score some fashion loot. Enjoy the pictures. Get inspired for NYE dress up.










Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Year Of The Dragon



I consider myself fortunate and privileged to have the imperial zodiac sign. To celebrate the fact that I was born in the year of the dragon, I got myself a dragon tattoo many years ago, way before the book 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo' got on the best seller list. For those who prefer something less permanent and painless, perhaps you may like to check out Shanghai Tang.

In preparation for the year of the dragon in 2012, I am planning to get some dragon motif items to bring some auspicious power to my life. Here are some of the Shanghai Tang items that caught my eyes...


The limited edition moleskine notebook that I will be using come 2012!


This is the perfect mug for me. I am a dragon and I love tea!


As much as I love 'The First' range of handmade crystal glass from Zwiesel 1872 I bought, I am tempted to get these dragon champagne flutes to add on to my collection.


These dragon tea glasses will be great as water glasses. I must get some!


This table runner is also good as a bed runner.


This candle holder will be perfect to illuminate the room with an imperial glow.


These dragon chopsticks and rests are fit for an Emperor.


Dragon trinket tray for everyday little stuff.


Silk and cashmere dragon shawl. Ultimate luxe!


For more information, please visit www.shanghaitang.com.