Qixi Fest 2023: A Month of Celebrations with Free Qixi Boat Tours, Activities & Finale Carnival

Hi Huneybees,

Qixi Festival (七节夕) is one of my favorite Chinese festivals as it comes with a very beautiful story background, a myth of two star-crossed lovers - the Cowherd (Niu Lang) and Weaver Girl (Zhi Nu) The story is derived from actual constellation movements - Altair and Vega, which both characters represent. There are a few variations to the story but it mainly goes like this... 

The Origin

Niu Lang came across seven celestial fairies bathing in a lake one day. His companion, a cow (who is actually the God of Cattle, sent down to Earth for violating Heaven's laws) suddenly talked and helped him get acquainted with the fairies as a favor return as Niu Lang once saved him. 

It encouraged him to steal their clothes while they are in the water and so, the fairies got the youngest amongst them, Zhi Nu, to go out and retrieve their clothes. They both fell in love and she agreed to his request to marry her. So, she stayed back on earth and have two children with him.

However, when the Empress of Heaven found out that her daughter had married a mortal, she is enraged. She forces Zhi Nu to return to heaven, leaving Niu Lang heartbroken. The cow then told Niu Lang to kill itself and wear its hide. This magical hide would allow him to go to the heavens to find his wife. Niu Lang reluctantly does so and goes to heaven with his two children to find Zhi Nu. 

The Empress of Heaven was enraged and used a hairpin to rip a wide river (the Milky Way) in the heavens to separate Niu Lang and Zhi Nu on opposite sides, never to be able to meet each other.

The lovers and the kids were weeping so bitterly, that some magpies took pity on them. They flew up to heaven and formed a bridge across the Milky Way, allowing the pair to reunite. This moved the Empress of Heaven and so she allowed them to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month of each lunar year.

Opening Address by Kim Mui Hoey Kuan Clan (金门会馆 )representative and Qixi Fest Director Lynn Wong

Reviving Qixi Festival

This story has since evolved as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day and me being the horrible romantic believed so, but actually, it's a day when women will pray to the stars for a good marriage and also for the skills and wisdom to make them good wives. Thus the alternate name for the day - Qi Qiao Festival (乞巧节), meaning begging for skills.

During this day, there will be activities to do, girls will show off their needlework and eat a Qixi pastry called Qiaoguo, made from flour, sesame, and sugar. In Singapore during the mid-1800s, this festival was said to be even grander than the Chinese New Year! They even had parties that go up to 10 days!

The women formed sisterhood organizations called Seven Sisters' Associations, or Milky Way Associations, to celebrate the festival together. Qixi Festival was marked by grand public displays of handicrafts in Chinatown - especially those that involved Majies (妈姐, domestic servants) from the Shuntak region - but these traditions have faded into obscurity since the 1970s as many Majies began to retire and returned to their hometown. 

This year the Qixi Festival will be celebrated on 22 August 2023 but to bring back the hype after being forgotten for more than 50 years, there will be a celebration over the weekends from 7 July to 20 August. Clan associations, and community partners led by cultural researcher Lynn Wong have banded together to revive the festival in Singapore. You can look forward to 7 weekends of talks, workshops, exhibitions, and tours leading up to a mega two-day carnival at Smith Street, Chinatown on August 19 and 20.  

Qixi Fest 2023 Celebrations

In conjunction with the festival, there will be a plethora of activities such as free boat tours and trails, storytelling sessions, crocheting classes, heritage cooking, and demonstration workshops. Most of the Qixi Fest programs are free with a few being ticketed, more details here.

Qixi Fest’s finale event on 19-20 August 2023 is a mega carnival featuring cooking demonstrations of lost heritage foods, special art-in-action showcases with practitioners such as Andy Yeo who will be painting lanterns on the spot, and cultural music performances including guzheng orchestral music and a martial arts display!

Qixi Fest River Cruise
Go back in history as you listen to stories of female migrants as well as the Kinmen people whose boats once plied the Singapore River on this free Qixi Fest River Cruise.

The boat tours are held in collaboration with clan association partner Kim Mui Hoey Kuan (金门会馆) and will take you past key sites and monuments beginning and ending at the Clarke Quay Jetty. Taking place every Sunday from now till 20 August 2023 from 8 pm to 8.30 pm in English, and 8.30 pm to 9 pm in Chinese. There are a total of 12 free boat tours along the Singapore River, accommodating up to 30 pax per timeslot.  Along the way, you can hear stories of yester years and enjoy the scenery along the Singapore River.

*Participants with tickets should arrive 15 minutes earlier for registration. 
Dates of Boat Tours: 9, 16, 23, 30 July & 6, 13 August (Sundays)
English Guided Tour: 8pm to 8.30pm 
Chinese Guided Tour: 8.30pm to 9pm
Book your spots here.

Talks and Family-Friendly Workshops
Themed (Her)Story there will be free talks, panel discussions & exhibitions to celebrate the female migrant pioneers who brought the festival to Singapore in the 19th century; shining light on factory women who toiled in the graveyard shift and also the (mis)representation of Samsui women in media and the arts.

You can also experience hands-on what it is like preparing for the celebration back in the day through heritage food preparation workshops such as Majie Chilli biscuits (辣椒饼), Tung Ann (炸枣), and Meizhou Yam Balls (芋头圆). You can also pick up some new skills like calligraphy, Hanfu craftsmanship, harmonica playing, outdoor sketching and even riddle-solving!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Make-A-Wish Magpie
Magpies play quite a major role in the Qixi mythology, thus the mascot for Qixi Fest 2023  - QiQi (七七or seven seven). You can pen your wishes on paper magpies and help form a “Magpie Bridge” which will be an art installation displayed at the finale carnival, as part of the 1,000 wishes programme.

For a better chance of having your wishes fulfilled, you can also crochet or customize your very own magpie crochet plushie and let your hopes and dreams take flight (even if you have zero experience in crocheting). Psst, you can also keep your wish a secret by “safeguarding” it in the magpie.

The crotcheting workshop takes place on 22 July at 2 pm and 4 pm. 
More details and tickets can be found here.

Gather your friends and families and help revive this lost celebration!

See you there at the workshops and finale carnival!

Look out for these yummy Qixi inspired drink at the carnival ~

For more on Qixi Festival 2023, go to https://www.qixifest.com/.

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“Meet me in Paris” Valentine’s Day Collection by Starbucks Singapore is here

Hi Huneybees,

Say Je t’aime (I love you) to your significant other, friends or loved ones with Starbucks Singapore's  “Meet me in Paris” Valentine’s Day Collection. 

Developed in partnership with Starbucks Japan, the collection features Paris-inspired mugs and tumblers decorated in shades of pink, with embellishments in red and blue. 

Sweet Valentine’s Day puns like “Espresso your love” and “We are the perfect blend” will transport you and your partner to a romantic getaway. 

Even their famous Bearista Bear has been accessorized with an adorable beret to channel its inner Parisian spirit. You can hug it while Netflix watching "Emily In Paris"...

To encourage sustainability and reduce single-use waste, Starbucks has also introduced an iconic reusable white cup decked with the adorable Boy or Girl Bearista Toppers dressed in blue or pink for a perfect couples' gift! They are available at S$9.90 each with any in-store purchase.

You can also send some XOXOs and surprise your loved ones with these Valentine’s Day-inspired Starbucks Heart cards. (A minimal S$!0 is required as the top-up).

Lastly, there's also the new line-up - Core Essential Range. Featuring their signature Siren logo in palettes of greens, the new assortment is bound to capture the eyes (and hearts) of the true Starbucks fans.

The new Valentine’s Day collection and Core Essential Range are now available in Starbucks stores and online at both LazMall and ShopeeMall, while stocks last. For more updates, go to - www.starbucks.com.sg and do join as a Starbucks® Rewards member to be the first to find out the latest buzz and enjoy exclusive benefits! 💖💖💖

All images courtesy of Starbucks.

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Shine Bright Like A STARRR This Valentines' Day

Hi Huneybees,

YES! YES! YES!!! After waiting for so long, seeing so much intros and reviews online, the M.A.C x Patrick Starrr is finally here in Singapore and I've got them in my arms now.  *My Precious*

Started out being a makeup artist in M.A.C Store and now a top beauty Vlogger, you know you won't go wrong with this collection. Bright and sultry eyes to catch every guy's attention, with soft kissable come-hither lips, it's a collection not to be missed. The collection is not too flashy, very universal for almost all skin tones and ages.

🖤First tutorial using MY own @maccosmetics collection! Make sure to use the hashtag #macpatrickstarrr so I can see your posts! Get my collection NOW at https://m.maccosmetics.com/collections-mac-patrick-starrr 🖤Products Used🖤 ✏️Foundation- @maccosmetics Studio Fox Fluid NC45 ✏️Concealer- @maccosmetics Studio Finish Concealer NW25 ✏️Contour- MAC Dark Deep Mineralize Skinfinish ✏️Powder- "PATRICKS POWDER" #macpatrickstarrr ✏️Eyeshadow- #GLAMAF #macpatrickstarrr eyeshadow palette with NEW "OMIGUAD" on the lid ✏️Eyebrow- MAC spiked brow pencil ✏️Liner- MAC Smolder Eye Kohl ✏️Highlighter- MAC Gold Deposit ✏️Blush- MAC "Peaches" ✏️Lip Liner- #macpatrickstarrr "Mahogany" ✏️Lip Stick- @mamastarrr Lipstick from my collection ✏️Lip Gloss- @mamastarrr LipGlass from my collection 🔥Grab the collection now at www.maccosmetics.com🔥 #MACPATRICKSTARRR #PatrickStarrr #wakeupandmakeup #anastasiabeverlyhills #vegas_nay #hudabeauty #laurag_143 #morphebrushes #ghalichiglam #youtube #instagram

A post shared by patrickstarrr (@patrickstarrr) on Dec 28, 2017 at 7:41pm PST

"I literally wanted someone's grandma to be able to walk into a MAC store anywhere in the world and be able to use these products. I made sure it was universal so that anyone who loves makeup, glamour, and sparkle will find something in it."

The hero product of this range has got to be the Patrick's Setting Powder. He's been sharing and teasing us on his social media and you can see that alot of thought as been put into this simple product. He wanted this to be a universal baking powder for you to set your makeup and after using it today, I'm falling in love with it, my skin looks so smooth and almost poreless, with my makeup lasting through the day with no touch-ups.

Next up, are the 2 Eyeshadow Quad palettes - Goalgetter and Glam AF. Both of them are in the earth tones range with Goalgetter on the warm tone and Glam AF on a more cool tone palette. Each consist of 3 mattes eyeshadow and a shimmery shade. 

Goalgetter Eyeshadow Quad

I opted for the Goalgetter palette for the colours are more vibrant and the shimmery shade - Amber Lights was calling out to be the moment I swatched the palettes.

Glam AF Eyeshadow Quad

As for the Glam AF palette, I find the shade Omigaud a little loosely pigmented and hard to get the colour to show, you might need to wet your brush to make the colour pop.

Lastly, we have the matching Lipglasses, Lipsticks and Lip Pencils. I love the names of each product, but the colours were a little too common, something that I might each already have at least 5 of. I was hoping to see a little more glitter or shimmery shades. 

But then again, I'm someone who likes stronger lip colours, something that's out of the norm; for those who are looking for lip colours to wear through the day, from work till night dates, these colours and formulas are amazing. You have literally matching colour sets, you don't have to make your own matches for Lip Pencils or Lipsticks.

Overall, I find the collection a little overhyped, I was hoping to see more colours, more glitz and glamour; it does make a decent collection, but nothing I'll go crazy about, even the packaging was not exciting for me.

Of course, now with Patrick Starrr as M.A.C's Key Artist Collaborator, I'm looking forward to seeing what surprises he have for us. For now, I'll just be waiting for the Jeremy Scott collection to be in my hands...

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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Valentine's Day Offer at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore

Hi Huneybees,

Image Courtesy of The C Restaurant website

While Chinese New Year is just round the corner, so does the Valentine's day!!!
Although some might argued that Valentine's Day is just another commercial gimmick publicized by retailers, that argument might not be shared by your partner...and could potential leave a stain on your relationship if not managed well.
So if you have yet started to plan on where or how to celebrate with your partner this coming Valentine's Day, Huney'Z World might just have a suggestion for you - Staycation at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore.

With the opening of the newly refurbished Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore in January 2016, what the couple will get is a fresh and contemporary 18 storey hotel designed for highly valued Business and leisure travellers who appreciate the ingenious design done well to each of the 565 stylist and comfy rooms, which together are conveniently located just a stone throw away from the renowned Orchard Road shopping district and the serene Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO world heritage site.

View of the Deluxe Room, Image Courtesy of HJTS

Priced from $300 per night on 13 and 14 February 2016 only, couples could enjoy Hotel Jen Tanglin's all-encompassing Valentine’s Staycation Package, which includes:

• Early check-in at 10am and late check-out at 3pm
• 24-hour access to the Club Lounge
• "Jenerous" Weekend Brunches from 6.30am until 12noon
• Mid-afternoon culinary treats and cocktail hour from 5pm until 7.30pm
• Additional free-flow champagne and live oyster bar from 5pm till 7.30pm (so much to eat, you can skip dinner!)
• Customized couple “name card” and artisanal loaf upon arrival
• Complimentary couples’ hands-on cookie decoration workshop by The Party Curators on 14 February 2016, 12noon
• Free parking for hotel guests. Fast free Wi-Fi everywhere, always!

Terms and Conditions

1. Valid for stay on 13 and 14 February 2016 only.
2. Credit card prepayment for the full duration of the stay is required at the time of the booking.
3. No amendment to the stay dates are allowed.
4. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 7% government tax.
5. The offer is not valid in conjunction with other offers or promotions.

Image courtesy of HJTS website

What's more, during Happy Hour at the Club Lounge, between 5pm-7.30pm, the couple will enjoy the following indulgence too:

1. Free flow of  Perrier Jouet Champagne, wines, cocktail and beer
2. Live Oyster Bar Station 
3. Appetizer 
- Cold Green Tea Soba, Snow King Crab Cluster, Ponzu Jelly 
- Apple Wood Smoked Duck Prosciutto, Cantaloupe 
- Artisanal Cheese, cold cuts and olives 
4. Hot Dishes 
- Beef Medallion Wellington 
- Baked Miso Sea Perch 
- Tomatoes Caper Salsa 
5. Desserts 
- French Apple Tart, Mascarpone Crème 
- Chocolate Royaltine Cake 


With so much to look forward to with Valentines' Day offer at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore, what are you waiting for? Remember to make your reservation early to avoid disappointment.

Meantime, do look out for the upcoming Huney'Z World staycation post on Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore and may you and your partner have a lovely Valentine's Day celebration.

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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[Tried & Tested] Sexy Up With O.P.I Fifty Shades Of Grey

Hi Huneybees,

With the release of the Fifty Shades of Grey movie, I bet some of you out there will be trying out new bedroom fun. But before you guys go spanky-wanky, don't forget to dress for the occasion and coat your nails to get right into the mood~

Inspired by the love story, comes 6 new nail polishes from O.P.I. Each bottle is naughtily named that is fit to suit the Fifty Shades Of Grey theme. Since I already have an overflowing collection of nail polishes, I decided to get the mini set. 

These shades were not really what I have in mind for the collection though, they were a little like the usual nail colours that O.P.I have and just repackaged, I was hoping to see more of different shades of grey and probably even grey nail polishes in different textures (sand effect, leather effect, feather effect, etc.) and maybe some nail art add on like studs or feather. 

So here are the shades from left to right - My Silk Tie, Dark Side Of The Mood, Romantically Involved, Embrace The Gray, Shine For Me, Cement The Deal. 

Cement The Deal - I'd sign anything to get my hands on this stony, cool grey.

Comparing the 2 shades of grey, I was more of a fan for Cement The Deal. It is a more blue toned light grey and not too many brands of nail polishes carry this shade.

Shine For Me - This shimmering silver with subtle blue sparkle really turns me on.

I thought this is a glitter topcoat, but with 3 coats, it is so easy to achieve this look. It is super easy to apply and the glitter payoff is just nice for the little sparkle. 

Embrace The Gray - Let this chic, moody gray creme become one with you.

This is a couple shades darker than Cement The Deal. I love how this shade reflects the moody side of Christian Grey. The formula has a nice consistency and is very easy to apply with good opacity, it looks good with glossy or matte topcoat.

Romantically Involved - I'm in a deep relationship with this luscious creme red.

This is a red that you will be able to find everywhere and well, it is here to remind you of the red chambers in Christian Grey's house where all the action takes place. This polish is really opaque, just 2 coats and you can get a nice set of red nails, it will also be good for the upcoming Chinese New Year or even as a french tip against the other colours.

Dark Side Of The Mood - This brooding, stormy charcoal is dangerously gorgeous.

So now you know Mr Grey's secret, are you ready to indulge in his dark side? I was first thinking this is just another black nail polish, but if you look closer, this is a very, very dark shade of gray with blue undertones and a very slight pearl shimmer. The shimmer is very  and it's hardly visible even in direct sunlight. This polish has a sheer tone to it, requiring 3 coats to get to this opaque shade. 

My Silk Tie - This silky, gleaming silver has got me all tied up.

Just the right frosty silver nail polish to remind you of the blindfolding neck tie. I like that the brush strokes are not obvious even after a couple of coats. It is so easy to work with and the opacity is good. 

So there you have it! This my review of the O.P.I Fifty Shades Of Grey nail polish collection.

They are already out in stores in Singapore and fun with those sexy nails!

Don’t forget to stay tuned to my blog / like my blog’s Facebook page / follow me @huney_84 on Twitter & Instagram  for the latest updates!

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