Most of us know the lyric line in the Christmas Song, Santa Baby.  The decorations from Tiffany on the huge tree in the middle of the Ngee Ann/Takashimaya Mall might not be what Eartha Kitt had in mind, but this neck craning tree, decorated in Tiffany blue colors with "Tiffany" Boxes is pretty impressive.

"Christmas" is ramping up now in Singapore, the Malls are putting the finishing touches to their Christmas displays, inside and outside.  The lights over Orchard Road were switched on this past weekend, Christmas music seems to be being played reel to reel almost everywhere but particularly in the large Department Stores.  I always feel so sorry for the poor staff working there - having to listen to constant Christmas tunes from now until the big day would drive me nuts!  Call me a Grinch if you like ha ha!

Trying to decide which scenic picture (from the well over a 1000 that I took), to use as the lead picture of this post, was extremely hard.  Not hard at all, was the fantastic road trip of the beautiful South Island of New Zealand that I did with my wonderful husband.  A total of 3,400km in all (2,112 miles) over 17 days.

We had an amazing time and it is a vacation I will not soon forget.  Most definitely, New Zealand is a place I would love to return to.  If you stick with me, you will understand why.

We all know - or at least those living here in Singapore do -that you can find practically any kind of cuisine here.  Not only different kinds of cuisine but also completely different price scales.  From the local hawker fare at $5 a plate all the way up to high end gourmet restaurants bearing the name of some "celebrity" chef or other.

Today, I had a nice Friday lunchtime treat and went to the upscale French, Au Petit Salut at Harding Road to try their set price weekday lunch.  Recommend booking as they do fill up.