The Weekender: Beerfest

Hey all. We are back in the groove after another great weekend. It was equal parts fun and relaxing - we did something old and something new. A recap below: 

The main event of the weekend was attending Beerfest Asia 2015. The festival housed tons of great and unique beers from all around the world (hello tequila beer) and stellar musical talent (I'm looking at you Lez Zeppelin). And in true Singapore fashion, it was all very organized and efficient. The place was packed but there was never a queue to get tokens, beer or use the restroom (little known fact: the cleanest port-a-potties are found in Singapore). 

Our group was noting that this was a very hip and happening event for Singapore. A definite return-to festival next summer. 

Only at a beerfest in Asia is it okay to indulge in an exotic, rare Miller Light. 

There was a rotation of really talented cover bands, playing a wide variety of music, on two different stages. 

My friend Jenna texted me this photo the next day. Clearly Michael was star-struck by the lead guitarist for the Singapore-based Beatles tribute band, The Day Trippers. LOLZ  

Lez Zepplin FTW on the main stage. 

Good times. Cold beer. Fun friends. 

I closed out the weekend with a Sunday ladies brunch at Basilico while Michael rocked on the guitar for most of the afternoon. 

Michael is currently working in Shanghai this week while I am holding down the fort back in Singapore. Cheers to a swift week! Only a few days until the 4th of July :)

XO,

CD

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The Weekender: 1 Year Wedded

Hey All! Popping in with a quick weekend recap. This past weekend, Michael and I had a marvelous, romantic time celebrating our 1-year wedding anniversary! I'm sure many couples can relate when I say that at times it feels like it's been 10 minutes and at other times about 10 years since our wedding day last June 21st. This past year has been quite an adventure. I feel so blessed to be on this journey of life with someone who makes me so incredibly happy.  

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff. We kicked off the weekend Friday evening at Michael's most favorite restaurant in all of Singapore, L'Entrecote. The cuisine is impeccably consistent steak frites paired with a top house vino. 

With the traditional first wedding anniversary gift being paper, Michael was sweet enough to make a reservation for us to spend the weekend at the Capella Resort. The historical colonial building was erected in the 1880's and is located on Sentosa Island - the southernmost island of Singapore - and a quick drive from our home. 

The service, grounds, food and rooms were top notch. It's the perfect place to get away without really getting away.

Most of the day Saturday was spent cruising around Sentosa via bike and relaxing down by the marina. 

Sentosa Cove is full of cute restaurants, unique oceanfront mansions and a scattering of yachts and sail boats making it feel like a mini-escape from ordinary Singapore.   

Back at Capella we spent more time relaxing by the pool, reading and enjoying the spa. 

There was even a gorgeous wedding that evening. Michael joked it was like we were renewing our vows :) You can't see, but the bridesmaids were wearing very on trend high-wasted, pink, tea length tutu's with a white crop top. Way cute. If I were getting married in the middle of the jungle in Singapore my bm's would likely have been wearing bikinis! Tis hot out there. 

It was the perfect weekend relaxing, recharging and taking the time to stop and reflect on our love and appreciation for one another. I can't believe it has been a full year. The days are long, but the years are short. Time goes by too fast and it's so easy to get caught up in the routine of everyday life. It feels great to stop and look around and realize how truly lucky we are. I love you Michael, cheers to many more happy, healthy and adventurous years to come! 

And for good measure, I leave you with just a few of my favorite photos from our wedding (by the lovely Christine McGuigan).

XO times 365 days,

CD

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Koh Samui, Thailand

Howdy all! We are still reeling from yet another wonderful weekend spent traveling with family and making memories. With another public holiday back in Singapore, Michael and I were able to join the Duvall gals on their final stop in Asia - the tranquil, sleepy Thai island of Koh Samui. As I type this the gals are safely back in Kansas City and recovering from their adventures. We were sad to send them home, but spent a wonderful three weekends together {recap here} and Thailand was the icing on the cake. A recap below - 

With it's grainy sand, emerald green bathwater beaches and lemongrass curries, I can't believe we haven't visited Thailand in almost a year. I forgot how much I love it - and it's so close. Koh Samui is just a quick 1 hr 10 min flight from Singapore. {We traveled on the boutique airline, Bangkok Air} Easy-peasy. 

Our first day on the island was spent doing nothing but lounging, swimming and being serenaded by Michel on the guitar. A picture-perfect Saturday.  

The four of us stayed at the ultra-quaint Belmond Napasai. It is conveniently located on the northwest corner of the island and comes complete with small villas lining the beach, kind staff and an awesome breakfast spread.  

Paddle boarding was pretty short-lived, but {not pictured} we spent quite a bit of time navigating the open waters with the cutest little Hobie Cat sailboat. (Being from Nebraska, I had no idea how it worked and kept inadvertantly referring to it as a 'tabby cat').  

Chill zone. 

Taking a break from our leisure time, we ventured out to rent a couple of scooters. Renting scooters when we travel is Michael's most favorite activity which I never let him partake in. You may be risking your life, but hey, it's only $6 / per day, what's the worst that can happen- and we totally have international insurance, right? 

How about I watch you take it out for a test drive before I get on... 

After conquering my fear of the road, I soon thereafter declared that I would be a great paparazzi street photographer. Also, can we stop and give major props to Elaine for her bravery in driving a scooter, on the left hand side of the road, through the mean streets of Thailand? I drove Michael and I a mere 100m down the entrance of the resort and it was pretty terrifying for all involved.   

Pro tip: when in Thailand, one must seek out a local beach restaurant. The tastiest, freshest Thai food you will ever have and the cheapest beers you will ever find. YUM. 

As long are you are okay with eating outside in 260 degree heat (I've witnessed more than one heat -induced meltdown that concluded in stripping down and running into the ocean for a reprieve), it's the perfect and, really, only way to spend an afternoon in Thailand. 

The location we lunched at was was called 'Rerax'. {Not a joke} 

Then back at it at le pool. 

That's a post-grad, pre-workforce smile if I've ever seen one :-P

After a final joyride, we sadly returned the hogs and spent our last evening in paradise whipping up our own dinner to the tune of a magical sunset. 

Good night, Thailand. Thank you for being the prefect host. You are the best. 

Much love to the Duvall gals - come back soon please.

XO,

CD

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