Did you miss me? Oh but it was such a luxury to take a little holiday like that! Unlike office workers and many others who clock off on holidays, it is hard for a blogger to ever “switch off”. It’s rather difficult to tear ourselves away from the reading, the writing and our obsessive addiction to Twitter etc. But for the sake of my brain, I find that it is important to take a little break from time to time and refill the cup so to speak. So I’m back, filled with summer sunshine (although I do not sit in it) and shiny new ideas.

Taking a little Christmas journey to Sydney was a welcome change of scenery, and an exercise in patience as we chose to do it as a road trip with the two girls. If I never hear the soundtrack to Barbie Island Princess again it will be too soon! The best thing about long car trips though, is the chance to really let your brain unwind and listen to itself with very little distraction. To consider all the things that for background noise, you may not have heard yourself thinking for the last year or so. It also gave me the opportunity to realise that I’m not terribly skilled in the act of dressing casually – a great new quest for this year.

We stayed at the Sydney Marriott Hotel in Circular Quay. It has amazing views and you can walk to just about everything.  Miss Five was thrilled and wanted to know how she could organise to go and sing at the Opera House because she “is really quite good at singing and dressing up”!

There were several adventures into Chinatown for dumplings and Hello Kitty paraphernalia, as well as the eye opening experience of Boxing Day sales for Miss Five. We didn’t go to shop so much as to people watch and marvel at the insanity of it all. We swam (indoors), we attempted cocktail hour with small children (thank god they love blue cheese), we ate so much we couldn’t sleep and Mama even got one afternoon off for High Tea at the Observatory Hotel.  But it was the early morning beach visit on the trip home that truly captured that very Australian of sentiments, “Ah the serenity…”

My lovely family as seen from the shady spot under my ubiquitous parasol.

So welcome 2010.

What adventures might you hold?

* REMEMBER - you have until January 8th to enter the big Hideo Wakamatsu and Kodak contest! So get your entries in.  They don’t have to be poetry, fancy or even take up the whole 300 words – they just have to catch my imagination!  Anyone can do it, so spread the word, get writing and you could WIN a prize pack valued at $1000!

Santa came a little early for me this year, in the form of a stunning and much coveted new suitcase! I am feeling like a bone fide celebrity traveling with this beautiful lady holding all my treasures.

I came across Hideo Wakamatsu quite by accident and loved them so much I promptly contacted their Australian supplier to find out more about the brand.  Little did I know at the time that Hideo Wakamatsu had such a distinguished design history.

“Born in Tokyo, Japan, Hideo Wakamatsu showed a natural flair and passion for design. Through his formative years, his family’s business was lauded as Japan’s
premier luggage artisans. To this very day, their Randoseru schoolcase is considered a national treasure and is still adopted by Japanese school children and fashion gurus alike.”

Hideo Wakamatsu designs not only very practical luggage, but very very beautiful pieces, which is why I fell in love with them so quickly. It seems I am not alone in this feeling, which is the story behind how they made their way to Australian shores.  I spoke to the Australian distributor to find out just how these Japanese beauties came to be in my town.

” I got involved with the brand when I was traveling in London. I was on a bus when a cow print suitcase in a shop window caught my eye.  I couldn’t get this bright, happy print out of my mind, and so when I returned home, I looked for the suitcase online hoping to purchase one.  I found out that the products were not available in Australia, and so contacted the designer for the rights to bring the products into Australia and New Zealand.” … the rest is history.

I love it when people find something they love so much they just have to share it with others – hence this post!

As you can imagine the Sakura print (or Cherry Blossom) was my immediate favorite and I just had to have one to replace my current case.  I’ve been struggling with a large two wheeled suitcase for some time now, and while it is still relatively new, it just doesn’t handle the rigors of my travel. One of the major problems with the old one being that it weighs 7kg when empty so it meant I could bring less shopping home! The two wheel problem meant that I have had some very undignified moments struggling to get my very full suitcase over curbs, ending up stuck in a Tokyo down pour being soaked to the skin while I cursed my way to a taxi rank. Not very glamorous I can assure you.

So here is why I love my Hideo Wakamatsu Sakura case.  It has four, smooth inline wheels that mean not matter how full my case is, I can roll it with ease even in my towering heels. It is a light weight but tough hard shell case that stops my hats from being crushed and rain from soaking through. It has a secure and tight locking system with no zips to break or snag, just a combination to remember so don’t try and unpack if you’ve had too many airport cocktails!  It has HANGERS inside! Not just a suit section, but actual hangers that I can hang things on in the case and then remove to hang in the wardrobe wherever I go. I particularly love this feature as it makes me think of the old fashioned steamer trunk and instantly evokes promises of a great adventure.

And last but not least – the print. You will never get your luggage mixed up with anyone else’s because not only can you choose one of their amazing prints, but you can make your own on the Easel range of cases!

The Hideo Wakamatsu range runs from modern to traditional; even designing luggage that would not look out of place in the hands of Katherine Hepburn in the African Queen or perhaps on the dressing table in Elvis’ Blue Hawaii. Check out the gorgeous leopard print beauty case!

Oh they are just so good! In fact, I should very much like to extend to a whole collection and add this gorgeous Sakura Beauty Case. Considering I am planning another trip to Japan in 2010, it may be just the ticket!  You can find them online or at Flight 101 and R.G Madden for real world browsing.

What happens when you put Super Cute Princesses together and add a travel adventure?

Yep – It was THAT MUCH FUN!

Sitting through other people’s travel pics can be a pain.. especially when your not here for a travel blog! But nonetheless, I still want to share some of the highlights of our big day out touring around Singapore. It is fun, fab and oh so enticing!

Half the fun of traveling is who you travel with, so hanging out with bloggers the entire time gave the weekend a completely different vibe.  It isn’t just about what you see, but how you see it – and we all ‘get’ each other. We ‘get’ that you have to stop for ten minutes while one of the group gets the perfect light to photograph the paint peeling off the building. We ‘get’ that there will be conversational references to Tweeting at least every five minutes. And we ‘get’ that everything from the curl of a lettuce leaf to hotel slippers is the chance for a photo op!

Above- Posing it up with Violet Le Beaux and Erica from Girl With a Satchel

Going to the Mint Museum of Toys saw me rekindle many an old love. From my first boyfriend (oh Astro – how I love you!) to reminiscences over Strawberry Shortcake, Bonzo the Dog, Snow White and a host of other childhood heros.

The historical architecture really captures the imagination, and I found myself imagining midnight assignations on dark street corners, James Bond style. Dark glasses and shifty looks are about all you’ll get though as Singapore is one of the safest cities I’ve ever been too! I had no hesitation wandering the streets well passed midnight in a city where people were honest, helpful and incredibly orderly. Even queuing for a taxi was an exercise in efficiency!

You know I don’t go in for typical tourist attire, and the key to success in dressing well for any trip is in the planning. The days were hot and humid, neither friendly to the hair nor the skin tone – so measures must be taken. I picked light, breathable dresses; cute and comfortable walking shoes; and of course the all important parasol! Not only to keep cool but also I find that wearing sunscreen when it is really humid makes you hotter and stickier. So I stuck to sunscreen on the face only and relied on the parasol and a beautiful vintage fan to keep the ‘glow’ under control.

It wouldn’t have been a visit to Singapore without a visit to Dr Fish – the Pedicure and Massage all in one!  These guys are amazing. After having the days dust washed from your feet, they are plunged into what amounts to a large aquarium, only to be voraciously descended upon by hundreds of hungry fish mouths! Seriously, these little guys go nuts. The water froths and bubbles as they fight for a space on your skin and start nibbling away! It wasn’t nearly as scary as it sounds and to me it felt like one of those little electric pulse massages… but there was one male blogger (who shall remain nameless) whom I heard tell “squealed like a girl” the whole time! Personally, I’d love to have a tank of these at home for relief after those long days, but the temptation would be to leave my legs in half the night and possibly remove only stumps later on! *joking!*

It was all good clean fun, especially sneaking out after the Blog Awards to Clinic – a hospital themed bar – where the Australian bloggers showed the rest just how a celebration is done! I’m keeping this post PG 13 – So no more pics on that one! But check out the link to see just how awesome this place is!

The food was altogether great. Diverse, fast, inexpensive and an adventure all in one! Even though there is just so much to eat and try, I think if I lived in Singapore I’d still end up loosing weight, as the humidity doesn’t encourage you to eat heavy sweets or desserts. Perhaps that is why so much of the fashion is not built for my.. well let’s call it “bone structure”!  But it has put me in the perfect mood for summer fruit plates, fresh juices and balmy evening walks. Did I have a favorite? Well I made short work of the steamed dumplings, lost count of how many young coconut milks I drank, and anything with red beans and shaved ice was a winner!

Going to dinner with bloggers is an exercise in patience and restraint. If you think you can eat when your food arrives, you have another thing coming. Better not dive right in or you might loose an arm as a food blogger vies for photo perfect position!As Mr.SKM laughed at the time, “you have food bloggers photographing the food, tech bloggers photographing their cameras and fashion bloggers photographing what they are wearing!”

Above left to right – Mr Gadget, Michael Aulia and Chocolate Suze.

Even in amongst the 48 hour schedules, the tours and shopping – Singapore was still a relaxing and romantic getaway.  Who would have thought that you could be ensconced in a hotel with over 90 bloggers from different countries and still have the time and privacy to make eyes at each other? ^-^

Stay tuned for even more fun and frivolity coming your way in the next episode of Super Kawaii Mama takes Singapore!

A huge THANK YOU to Nuffnang and Uniquely Singapore for making this happen!

Last week I promised the follow up installment of Travel Essentials, and here it is! Today’s Flexible Fashion is designed for a trip to warm, summery locations. A trip that might see you doing everything from shopping to karaoke parties, lazing by the pool and walking miles to take in the local colour. It took me years to master the art of packing light, but the more I travel…and shop.. the more  I realise, I would sacrifice having the choice of  10 pairs of shoes with me for the space required to bring more home!

The first thing you’ll notice when taking in this page is the theme.  My single greatest trick to traveling light, is to pick a colour palette and a theme, then ensure that everything fits within it.  This time (as I have so often done in the past), I’ve picked a red white and black pallet with a floral theme.  Choosing the right pieces is then all you need to do and viola! Instant capsule wardrobe. This selection is but one variation on a theme.  There are infinite varieties you could come up with but let’s start here.

Every trip requires one fancy dress. Even if you have no special outings planned, you never know when you might be faced with a James Bond moment.  Need an upgrade? Break out the fancy dress.  Met a dark handsome stranger in the bar? Break out the fancy dress. Department store shopping? Break out the fancy dress. You can be assured that my Fancy Dress gets a good work out on each trip. You’ll also need one pair of heels to mix and match with your various ensembles.  I prefer to pick a great pair of wedges as you never know just how far you may have to walk or the condition of the streets.  I’ve seen many a heel meet its end on a cobble stone road.

An inexpensive feature bracelet comes with me everywhere.  It must be big, have impact, and be replaceable – as with just about everything you take.  This is a good time to point out that I very rarely take any of my vintage collection with me when I travel unless the purpose of my trip is specifically vintage related.  I am yet to ever loose my luggage (touch wood), but no amount of travel insurance will ever be able to replace that New Look 1950’s dress I adore.   I rely on my makeup and hair styling to give my outfits a more vintage look. After all, accessories are the key to any successful outfit. And don’t forget a fine knit pashmina – small enough to fit in the hand bag and a lifesaver in various crisis.

The key to getting day wear right is to ensure that each piece can be worn with the others and all in various ways. A little summer dress can become a tunic top over the pants, and button through blouses can double as light weight cover ups.  If you have the room for it, a fine knit black poncho not only deals with an evening chill, but with the addition of your sparkliest accessories, takes on a slightly more evening look. One pair of feature flats that tone with each of your looks is also essential.  Other than the one pair of wedges included in the previous selection, all the other shoes in this capsule wardrobe are flat and easily packable without adding much to the weight or space component of you bag.

Beach and swimwear should be simple. If yours is a predominately pool holiday, you’ll want more than one suit; but that is of no great space concern. Don’t think you can skimp on the sun hat and that you big dark glasses will do all the work – that’s how you end up with a big old chicken neck!  These days, you can find great wide brimmed hats in crushable straw that can be rolled up and spring back into shape.  Note: These are  not the “crushable” kind which often look just that – crushed!  Bring your sunscreen in wipe form to save on weight and space; as well as to prevent any leakage. Oddly, sunscreen seems to be one type of cream that often leaves stains on fabric that can’t be removed.  And don’t forget the cover up.  Choose something from your palette in a solid colour. It shouldn’t have shoe string straps, but a nice wider arm that not only gives better sun protection, but can do double duty as a dress or tunic for day wear.

Hair can be one of the trickiest things when traveling. You don’t want to spend too much time on it, after all you should be relaxing! And for me, traveling in hot and humid climates is the absolute worst when it comes to looking put together.  I end up a mass of frizz with bits sticking out all over the place.  Finally, after paying attention to the locals in many of the hotter and stickier countries I’ve visited, I noticed one of their secrets to sleek hair. It wasn’t theirs! Now when I travel I take a switch or a fauxny-tail piece in a colour to exactly match my hair.  That way I can do something sleek with the front and rely on the switch to do the rest of the work. As for getting Hollywood glam hair without bringing along the rollers, I use my Perfect Pin Curls trick.  All you need is a little smoothing setting lotion, bobby pins and a scarf. Done!

Make sure to bring along a good selection of hair ornaments and you’ll have a different do every day.

Sleep is simple. If you are not staying somewhere where a robe is provided, make sure to include a lightweight kimono in your suitcase. Other than that, all you need is here. A cute but classy nightgown and some fancy roll up jiffies.  That way, should you be hosting nightcaps in your room, you’ll still be fit to work the room.  Some travel candles are a great touch to help you relax, particularly if you’ve had a trying flight, and if you burn them while away, the weight can be replaced on the trip back home. shhhh..  I also like to take a little reminder of home to watch me sleep – it must be teeny tiny too.  The teeny tiny toy touch is something I learnt in Bangkok, when the Hilton kindly provided me with a tiny elephant for my pillow. I liked him so much he now lives on my bedside table.

Being a maximalist trying to travel in a minimalist way, there is one singular key to success that keeps me sane and my creativity intact. Accessories! Stay on colour, on theme and go wild.They take up very little space and change the whole tone of an outfit. It is all about the mix and match, stretching a little to think up new combos and new ways of wearing things.

Of and don’t forget the perfume.. if all else fails… or perhaps if you succeed… you won’t need to wear anything but this!

P.S: Don’t forget to keep on voting for me in the Nuffnang Asia Pacific Blog Awards!