*Super Kawaii Mama dined as a guest of The Malaysian Kitchen program. All reviews are conducted on a fully transparent, non-paid, no obligation basis. *

When I first began this Malaysian Kitchen Ambassador program, I remember saying something about being all inspired to cook more. That hasn’t changed, but then again, neither has my punishing schedule which is why there is still no food in the house.  After a huge weekend away in Sydney for the Fifties Fair, I came home and hit the ground running without a moment to stop for breath let alone a loaf of bread. When Monday night rolled around and the girls looked at me with hungry eyes, I knew it was time to hit up a Malaysian Kitchen to save me from their appetites.

The last adventure at Penang Inn was moderately successful in terms of getting them to eat dinner. But I did recall that when we’d taken them to Singapore earlier in the year, they’d eaten so much of a certain style of fried chicken I thought they’d burst. I had no idea what it was called, but the hunt was on to find it again.

Heading out for dinner on a Monday night isn’t always advisable, as it turns out that there are a lot of places closed. My lack of preparation was entirely apparent as we drove around, list in hand awaiting an open sign. While the children nawed on the head rests, we pulled up to Rasa Malaya, a simple strip-shop front with only one other customer in sight.

During the drive around I had called ahead to book us a table, and now upon entering, saw why this was funny. This is not the kind of joint you book for, more of a friendly drop in for locals who like me, never stock the pantry.  We were quickly shown to a table and given polite, perfunctory service – no frills.  But all of about 2 minutes later, the food appeared! Considering we were nearly falling off our chairs with hunger, this was an impressive feat.

Wanting to create one of the simple Singapore dining experiences we’d recently had on our family holiday, we chose Chicken Rice, Chicken satay (honestly – these kids and their ‘chicken on a stick’!) Ayam Kapitan (that amazing kind of KFC like fried chicken), a lamb curry with naan bread, and for desert a coconut based creation called Chendol.  Of course we all laughed about eating a “Ken Doll” for dessert, ’cause that’s what you do when you’re 4.

But honestly, the food was great. Fast, fresh, delicious, inexpensive and a typical no-frills hawker style experience.  It is the kind of place I’d go back to over and over for a fast and satisfying meal that will keep me out of the dog house.

Restaurant – Rasa Malaya 272 Blackburn Road, Doncaster East

Ambience – Dark, rudimentary hawker style type of set up. Authentic and traditional Malaysian dress worn by the serving staff. If you’re bringing children and plan on enjoying a leisurely dinner, make sure you have your phone stocked with kids games. They’ll eat and finish so fast you have to keep them entertained while the adults linger.

Average Price for Mains-  $13.00

Value for Money – Very good. The value was great, as was the taste. The super fast service is the perfect solution to when you think you need fast food, but want something with far more substance and loads more flavour.

My tummy says – Thumbs up! Don’t eat alone though as this is food made to be shared.

Garterbelts & Gasoline isn’t just all cool cars and red hot bands, it was shopping too!  We’d been anticipating a big day of touring around the mountain for some time, and when we realised it would coincide with the Royal Wedding we thought it only best to add tiaras and sashes to our ensembles.

As you well know, a big day of shopping with around 32 other ladies would require some stamina, and certainly the right outfit, and so I planned to wear something cute and comfortable.  The lovely Em from Miskonduct Klothing sent me this stunning little birdy dress to wear. Handmade in the UK to a 1940′s pattern, it is simply to die for. It is one of those heavy cottons that hardly wrinkles, and is nicely lined in the bodice too; but it is the print that has me all gaga.

Birds and blossoms? Just too, too good!

I did feel a little silly posing around in the ‘bush’ in my tiara, but really, how often does one get a chance to break it out?

Anyway, once we’d finished faffing around with our spangles, we headed off to meet the ladies, get them sashed up and hit the shops!  None of those nasty party buses for us though, Miss Chrissy had organised the Mount Tambourine replica trolley to chauffeur us for the day.

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Very regal don’t you think?

Of course, no ladies day would be complete without kicking off with a High Tea, so we stopped at Felicity’s with her rooms of retro treasures and scones. And boy was I going to need those three espresso’s!

When we got to Amanda Darling’s and Helen’s it was sighs of joy all round as the ladies whipped things off the shelves faster than you can imagine. I was waiting to see if any feathers would fly over fedoras or scratches over sequins.  Luckily, the stunning red sequinned number I was eyeing off went to my friend Bonnie, so I can crash tackle her for that another day if need be.

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I found the cutest little posy of velvet violets to pin to my hat, but if you look closely you’ll see the tubs of tiaras that kept asking for my attention too. In fact, I have trouble shopping in groups as I’m not quite sure where to divide my attention… well that’s the excuse I gave when I put my hand up to go back and visit for a little more shopping the next day!

It was then at Kitty’s Vintage & Kitsch that I scored the most divine red, white and blue plasti-cane bag as well as had the time to try on a dress or too.

It was really the most divine day, like hanging with all your best friends on mass in your own slice of heaven.

Le Sigh…

To celebrate the launch of the amazing new Violetville Vintage webstore, the delightful Tina is giving Super Kawaii Mama readers the chance to win a $50USD gift voucher to spend on some of her pretties!

I first came across Violetville and their Ebay store back in 2008, and was immediately impressed by the calibre and quality of the pieces they have on offer. All the things that are rarities, even in the best vintage stores here in Australia. Frothy prom dresses, immaculately tailored 1940′s suits, beautifully embroidered 1930′s evening gowns and highly covetable YSL. I have a small heart attack every time I visit their store from the sheer fabulousness of it all!

I’ve featured my Violetteville crushes here before. Pieces I just fell in love with and had to share.  But today’s outfit is something extra special…a 1930′s Honeymoon gown courtesy of Miss Tina herself at Violeville.

So what is all this about winning a gift voucher to the Violetville store? All you need to do is to add youself to the all new Violetville mailing list and you’ll be entered to win a $50 USD gift voucher to spend in the store! Click here to enter and then just leave me a comment on this post.

Entires close on the 18th Feburary and the winner will be choosen by a random number generator.

You don’t have to do any fancy tricks for this one – just become a part of the stunning world of Violetville!

** This contest is now closed. You are welcome to add yourself to the mailing list, but this no longer consitutes an entry**

Of course I had such a lovely time in this gown I couldn’t resist putting together a little montage for you….

I’ve been asked the question recently about where to buy vintage in Singapore? I haven’t had the opportunity to do a totally exhaustive investigation, but when I get the chance to spend a week or two doing nothing but visit Singapore’s vintage scene, you’ll be the first to know!

In the meantime I thought I’d let you know about two favorites that I actually have had a chance to visit.

First up.. Dust Bunny Vintage.

I came across Dust Bunny when hunting online for some examples of good quality vintage bags.  I was so impressed with their range and variety as well aas the calibre of what they had.  I was thrilled last week to receive an email telling me that they have just revamped not only their online store but their real world store too, and now have over 700 sq feet full of vintage dresses, hats, shoes, bags and jewelry! That is a lot of vintage!  Not only do they have so much stock that you’ll need to spend the day there and take a packed lunch,but they even offer inhouse alterations and customisations.  So no more buying something that just ends up living in your project pile for a year. If you’re looking for great iconic 1970′s, a bit of Philip Lim or Alexander Wang, then this is the place to be.

They can be found at :

• Blk 112 #01-203 Bukit Purmei Road, Singapore 090112

As I wandered through Haji Lane (a must do expereince for tourists in Singapore I’m told), I came across a delightful little store where a ginger cat wandered around my feet and another snoozed on the window sill. It was calm, light and airy; something not often associated with vintage stores, but in the case of Dulcet Fig they have the perfect mix of old and new.  Everything is well displayed and can be clearly seen, so no digging around is necessary.  They carry both their own Dulcet Fig label as well as a selection of vintage. The vintage pieces consist mainly of cute little 1970′s frocks and a good range of accessories.

Dulcet Fig can be found at 41 Haji Lane, Singapore

If you have any favorite vintage stores in Singapore you’d like to recomend, then please leave me a comment. But they must actually carry vintage to make it onto my list, not just second hand or vintage inspired.  If I get a good enough list together then perhaps there may be another investigative trip on the horizon sometime soon!

What are your experiences with vitnage in Singapore? Can you find what you want or if you’re a real vintage lover like me, do you simply look online for everything you need?

There are a number of books out there on vintage clothing; the buying, collecting and books full of eye candy. I have most of them. But the latest book on vintage to grace my shelf is a special one for a number of reasons.

Love Vintage is the first offering from Australia’s authority on vintage clothing, Nicole Jenkins. With over thirty years experience as a collector,vintage seller, costumer and fashion historian; Nicole shares a wealth of knowledge in her book that is unmatched.  Beginning with a look at the revolutionary fashions of the 1920′s and the historical influences utilized in their design, we are guided through a rich and fascinating journey.

Nicole Jenkins in her store Circa Vintage Clothing

The book looks at key designers from each era, their signature pieces and influence on others around them. But this isn’t a purely academic study, rather one of the most useful tools in a vintage fashion collectors arsenal. It does not simply deal with the iconic silhouettes we all know and love, but takes you through the intricate details of the designs of each decade; going so far as to help you identify the differences between shoulder pad designs of each decade.

It is a visual feast of fabrics, patterns and colours; highlighting the common shades and fabrics used in each era as well as some of the keys to identifying pieces for their true age. I particularly love the use of the colour advertising plates from fashion magazines of the 1930′s, but it does leave me a bit wistful that I can’t just pop out to the store and pick up these pieces.

It isn’t a book exclusively of high fashion or high end designers, but takes us from beautiful Balenciaga through to 1950′s cotton atomic print house dresses ( a personal favorite). It is stunning and useful, in matter of  fact stunningly useful!  The book has something  for everyone who is even remotely interested in vintage fashion.  If you are looking to begin a serious collection it has all the names, labels and styles to look out for. It has tips on mending and cleaning, and even better it has illustrations!

Although I’m tempted to show you inside the book, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. If you only buy one book to help you in your vintage fashion collecting, this is the one you should have. It is so good I want to hug it!

I spoke with Nicole about Love Vintage and about our passion for vintage fashion…

Just click the link to listen here or to  download the podcast

Nicole Jenkins on her new book Love Vintage. Podcast interview

Checking out Nicole's new book and waiting for an autograph.

You can get your copy of Love Vintage through Carter’s here, or there is a list of stores found here where you can alternatively order directly through Circa Vintage Clothing for your own autographed copy.

Would you like to WIN a copy? Then head on over to my friend Trish Hunter’s blog where she is giving away a copy of the book this Christmas!