Ah, Rome.
Jasmine and I got cheated the moment we got off the train.

We took a cab from the train station to this bus stop for our hotel transport (it is very expensive to take a cab direct to the hotel). It was less than 10euro for approx 5-10min journey. But that night, the taxi cost us >20euro, and the journey time was the same. The cheater (driver) charged us for the luggages we had with us (each piece at 2euro or so) ON TOP of the meter fare. The first driver did not, neither have we heard of such a thing but we were really too tired to argue because we KNEW he was out to cheat tourists. I mean, come on, I was a euro or two short of what he was charging and neither he or I had change for 50euro, he said "Okay, just give me whatever you have", it was obvious he was out to cheat. I have no idea what he did to the meter, we didn't notice how fast it jumped or how much did the meter start at. It was just a very bad experience overall. Just our luck.

Rome was really different, every turn was a surprise. It was a mix of old and new, lots of sand, lots of dust, lots of tourists.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum needs no introduction.
It is probably one of the most recognised attraction in Italy.

Vatican City

Haha erm, Jasmine and I took a bus to Vatican City after the Colosseum and we missed our stop (I was sleeping). Rome was reallyyyyy hot with the sun blasting at us the entire afternoon when we were all wrapped up. It was torturous to say the least, and that's why I didn't take much pictures at the Vatican City. I wasn't in the mood and I think you've to be there to see for yourself just how grand the church, St Peter's Basilica is! I've been to so much churches around the world, I've to say this is one of the grandest I've seen, as is the Sagrada Familia church is Barcelona.

 My postcard to H

 Cute outfit ;)

Along the way...
The only bridge with statues - Ponte Sant'Angelo

Piazza Navona

One of the most famous squares in Rome, full of restaurants and artists.
We actually walked all the way from Vatican City.
In fact, we walked everywhere in Rome with our map, it was crazy.

Haha the usuals for me!

Trevi Fountain

It was so grand, so beautiful!

We were just standing there, admiring, people-watching and we realised a lot of people were tossing coins into the water with their back facing the fountain. Apparently it was to wish for a return trip back to Rome. So Jasmine and I did the same!

Apparently, we're supposed to toss the coin over our LEFT shoulder according to this website.
I guess we won't get to go back to Rome any time soon after all. hahahahha!

Spanish Steps

The widest staircase in Europe.
And this was our last stop of the day...which means we covered ALL the attractions in Rome in ONE DAY.
By WALKING.

 View from the steps

Resting our feet and watching the sunset 

Maccheroni
Piazza delle Coppelle, 44  00186 Rome, Italy
06 6830 7895


For authentic Italian food, go to Maccheroni!

We decided to try having First course and Second course like the Italians... and we were soooo stuffed! One course is definitely enough. I wonder how the Italians do it, plus desserts!

First course: Vegetable soup

Not that good.. I thought it would be clear soup with vegetables in it

 First course: Pasta with truffle

Looks like worms haha but pretty nice!

 Second course: Pork ribs in tomato soup

Yummmmm I liked it!

 Second course: Beef capriccio

Roscioli

Via dei Giubbonari, 21  00186 Rome, Italy066 875287 This restaurant's menu has a lot of fish in it so I guess that's what they're famous for!

Pasta with eggplant and swordfish (I think)

 Pasta with tuna

Looking at the picture, I reallyyyyyy want to have this right now.

 And I'll end this post with some random pictures that doesn't fit anywhere...

Pebbled ground

 My current wallpaper :)

 One of the galleries in the Vatican Museum

The famous spiral staircase in the Vatican Museum

Wow, this post took me a really long time!

I'm off to get some lunch, return my purchase from F21 and get some rest before my flight back to Hong Kong later.

Till the next! ;)

What I Wore

Last day of my leave...

I wish it didn't have to end.

First time I actually didn't go on a holiday, just stayed in Singapore.

Surprisingly, I like it.

Here's hoping for a capable husband so I can actually do what I like 

instead of having to make ends meet in 5 years' time! ;)

Anyway, if you've noticed, 

I've added a SHOPTIPPYTAPP logo at the right sidebar.

I'll be adding items up for sale from time to time, 

and I'll notify you when I've updated the page :)

I have listed a couple of dresses/bottoms/tops yesterday,

click on the logo to shop now! --->

And here, I've some outfits to share :)

 I was in KL for the weekend and I got all these shoes from Vincci, plus one more!

I never knew Vincci actually had nice shoes?? 

The numerous times I visited JB years ago, I came out empty-handed every single time.

So this trip was a pleasant surprise to find stuff I like AND they were having storewide sale!

Pretty comfy too if you ask me ;)

 Finally bought the clutch after a 6-month crush :)

Back to work tomorrow,

let's hope I still fit into my uniform. :(

xxx

Makeup

I know I took veryyyyy long to get this post up but I've been busy!

Here goes...

I don't use a lot of makeup on a daily basis.

In fact, I'm usually done within 5 minutes.

Just foundation, eyeliner, blusher and lip balm, and I'm out of the house!

Only on special occasions do I apply mascara and eyeshadow 'cause I hate removing makeup, especially eye makeup.

Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme SPF 20/PA+++ (40 Beige Sable)
I've been using this powder foundation for a couple of years now and I've no intention of changing. It's really the best I've used! I don't even need concealer to achieve natural and flawless-looking complexion (serious dark eye circles like mine can't be hidden, of course. But I don't like using concealer on my under eye so I leave them as they are and embrace my dark circles)!

I apply a layer of powder on my face on casual days and 2 layers only when I go to work and I only need to touch up once at work (for flights > 10 hours)!

MAC Fluidline (gel eyeliner)
Bobbi Brown, Kate, Maybelline and MAC gel eyeliners, I've tried them all and MAC's gets a return customer. Its formula is smoother and it's a dream to apply compared to Kate and Maybelline's. Bobbi Brown's, on the other hand, is comparable to MAC's but the only downside is - BB's pot of eyeliner hardens too quickly, it became too dry and took me longer to draw a perfect line.

I use it with an eyeliner brush I got in Shanghai's Sasa - Seventh Sense.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (Original Mint)
Can't live without it. I've been using it for 6-7 years now, says a lot doesn't it? ;)

Maybelline's The Magnum Volum Express Mascara (Waterproof)
Recommended by a colleague and I like it! Previous mascaras I used, the fibre falls off easily so I get black "dirt" on my face. But it doesn't happen with this and I get long, thick, curled lashes!


Blushers

I've got them all covered - orange and pink hues, as well as blusher with glitters!

Left to right:
1. Ettusais (PK2)
2. The Body Shop (02)
3. NARS (Orgasm)


Lipsticks

I love Benefit's lipsticks as they're not drying on the lips, and MAC has an amazing selection of colours.
To keep your lips moisturised, remember to coat some lip balm before applying lipstick!

Eyeshadows

I've tried many colours of eyeshadows and currently, I'm only using these below.
Brown complements most, if not all, skin tones and I like nude/natural colours.

Left to right:
1. Faceshop highlighter in WH003 (Glitter)
2. Tony Moly in no. 12
3. Kate palette BR-3

Now I'm thinking if I should get the NAKED palette 2... It costs USD50 but I don't apply eyeshadows often. Hmmm how now brown cow!

That's all for this makeup post, if you're keen, you can view my skincare post over here:
http://tippytapp.blogspot.com/2012/02/skincare.html

Till the next! ;)