I received some luvin’ from Havaianas today The courier delivered a classy gold pair in just my size! Great birthday present – thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now, I know many of you are Havaianas fans too. What’s not to like? It’s super-comfy, stylish, long-lasting, waterproof and affordable too.

A history lesson on Havaianas

(from the Havaianas press release)

“Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-yah-nas), were first created in 1962 by Alpargatas, a highly renowned and very traditional Brazilian company active in the shoe and clothing industry. The simplest product is made with a secret rubber recipe, making it buttery-soft, bouncy, flexible and durable. Today, Havaianas have turned into a world-wide phenomenon and the most successful product made in Brazil.

“The invention of Havaianas was inspired by the customary Japanese Zori sandal. Today, you can see the marks of its parentage easily. The Zori, which has a rice straw sole, can still be seen in the iconic rice pattern found in every pair of Havaianas. The name Havaianas (Portuguese for Hawaiian) is a tribute to Hawaii, the glamorous holiday destination.

“In the four and a half decades of its history, over three billion pairs of Havaianas have been sold worldwide. If laid toe to heel, Havaianas would circle the world 50 times!

Havaianas graced the feet of everyone, from royalty such as Queen Silvia of Sweden, sports icons such as David Beckham, designers such as Christian Louboutin and Michael Kors, supermodels such as Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell, to Hollywood stars such as Jennifer Aniston.”

Now, Havaianas’ new collection – Slim Animals – consists of  four exotic designs that depict animals found in the vast jungle and desert lands – has landed in Singapore.

Check it out, comes in four colours. My two favourites are:

Slim Animals Super Pink

Slim Animals White

You can get your pair(s) at h-the all Havaianas store at ION Orchard, #B2-42.

Check out Havaianas’ Facebook page – something exciting’s coming up tomorrow!

But I thought why not share some of the info here.

Here’s something for foie gras lovers – from 18 – 26 June, Mandarin Oriental is running a Foie Gras Festival at their Dolce Vita restaurant! Yum yum! Nine whole days to give yourself a luxurious treat.

Dolce Vita Foie Gras Platter

Here’s a description of their creations from the press release:

“The appetite will be whetted with starters such as “Perigord Foie Gras Parfait” (S$32), parfait of duck foie gras marinated with red port wine served with Thai mango salad, pink pepper foam and balsamico reduction; “Foie Gras Praline with Pan Brioche and Port Wine Jelly” (S$30), “Foie Gras Parfait with Renette Apple, Torcolato Wine Jelly and Caramelised Vanilla Brioche” (S$32); and “Foie Gras Variation” (S$32), a foie gras platter comprising foie gras lasagne, mousse, parfait and pan-fried with homemade fig.

“Foie gras main courses include “Pan-fried Foie Gras with Caramelised Apple Ragout, Black Truffle and Sweet Wine Jus” (S$36); “Grilled Tenderloin of Wagyu Beef with Haricot Beans, Grilled Foie Gras and Pommery Mustard Jus” (S$74); a two-person portion of “Sautéed Perigord Foie Gras with Beef Cheek Stuffed Ravioli with Braised Vegetables and Truffle Foam” (S$78); and more.”

For reservations, please call Dolce Vita on 6885 3551 or e-mail mosin-dolcevita@mohg.com.

Remember to report back here!

Ibu Oka's tasty roast pork

I am still dreaming about the spit-roasted roast pork at Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka I had at Ubud in Bali last month!

Just look at that – dee-lee-cious! How can you resist?!

(Read more at Our Travelations)

It was mostly for work, but I managed to get in some play-time. But also, some chow-time!

Not-too-sweet carrot cake from Bebek Bengil in Ubud

Great gado gado, also from Bebek Bengil

Strawberry fried rice at a warung near Kerobokan Prison

Nasi babi guling from Ibu Oka in Ubud

As you can see, I ate very well, even if a little strangely (read: strawberry fried rice!).

You’ll find more updates on my trip at Our Travelations in a few days.