Avocado and coconut ice cream.

On my recent sojourn to East Timor, I had an exquisite drink called es alpukat - essentially an Indonesian avocado milkshake with just a drizzle of chocolate syrup topped with ice cream. It is absolutely indulgent and yes, there are still remnants of it on my hips (but it was utterly worth it). Since I am not in possession of an ice cream maker, this recipe didn't turn out quite as lusciously creamy as I would have liked - for future reference, I think I will pour them into ice block containers for a refreshingly delectable summer treat!

Ingredients - avocado & coconut ice cream

2 avocados

1/2 cup sugar 

1 1/2 cups of milk

1 cup of coconut cream

A squeeze of lemon

Process all the ingredients in a blender until ridiculously smooth. Pour into a container and leave in the freezer overnight.  Scoop generously into a large bowl ... and thank me later. 

                                                                 Much love, Mandy. xx

Deauville photo diary.

When one of the travel agents in Paris (a laconic man whose English was neatly clipped with typical Parisian overtones) advised me to elope to Deauville for a seaside getaway, I was envisioning a small fishing village with quaintly dilapidated cottages by the sea completely dissociated from civilisation. Thus, you can only imagine my surprise when I arrived in this incredibly beautiful enclave of crisp seaside air, expansive beaches dotted with colourful umbrellas, and grandiose mansions by the shore. The moment my heart skipped a beat? When I stumbled upon Louis Vuitton on a casual morning stroll peeking through the perfectly manicured pathways. 

Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised - I later found out that this is after all the place that F. Scott Fitzgerald mentions as Tom Buchanan and Daisy's honeymoon spot in 'The Great Gatsby' ... 

Where is the prettiest place you've ever visited? I would love to know! 

Much love, Mandy. xx

Collar on collar.

Whilst it is completely undeniable that I have an irrepressible love for travelling the world, living out of a suitcase can be quite sartorially challenging - constantly thinking of the different permutations and combinations of the elements of a heavily edited version of my wardrobe really becomes very taxing! Therefore, I tend to grow fond of the more meticulous details through accessorising, such as this collar necklace that I stumbled upon from ASOS, which was enough to elevate even the most prosaic of outfits. 

And how beautiful are the streets of Amsterdam? These images were taken on a casual weekend getaway there while I was studying in London ... as you do. 

Photos taken by John Li. 

Much love, Mandy. xx

Thames.

(Top - Equipment, skirt - Zara, bag - vintage Christian Dior, shoes - Charles & Keith)

I have finally returned home after three months of the most life-changing itinerary involving Paris, London, Boston, New York, Amsterdam, and most recently East Timor - all relating to my studies as a medical student. I was constantly pinching myself for the incredible experiences these opportunities imparted, though it does make reflecting upon these these images taken in front of the Thames all the more nostalgic and bittersweet. My mind has been in such a state of perpetual wanderlust that I am already planning my next overseas sojourn! 

In other news, I can resume blogging on a regular basis! Thank you to all the sweet souls who have stopped by to leave gorgeous comments and words of support. I love you all. <3 

Much love, Mandy. xx

Frills.

(Top - Miss Unkon; shorts - Little Lace, sandals - RMK, bag - vintage Christian Dior) 

I am currently writing this blog post in the grandiose Boston Public Library, reflecting back on these images from Deauville and feeling like my life is an ephemeral dream at the moment. Though Deauville and Boston are such contrasts aesthetically, they do converge on the common denominator of both being absolutely beautiful places; I feel so grateful for these lovely opportunities that it is slightly taking my breath away! 

I hope you are all having a gorgeous week! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Roses & white picket fences.

While all my loved ones back home were enduring some arctic days back in July, I was frolicking about in the beautiful French coastal town of Deauville amid the most impeccable gardens and white picket fences ... oh yes, my life has been incredibly taxing of late. Speaking of taxing, my absence has been somewhat accounted by the fact that I have spent the last week finding accommodation here in Boston in a frantic rush - a formidable task for a someone who is completely foreign to the area and on a limited budget. Thankfully, I now have a home and am ready to continue my adventures here! 

Have an absolutely sparkling week, everyone!

Love, Mandy. xx

Paris : via Instagram.

1. An impeccably dressed lady casually strolling Paris on her bike in Louboutins (as you do!) // 2. Survived the massive trek that was the Louvre // 3. Laduree Paris - where macaron dreams come true // 4. Frolicking in the Tuileries Garden // 5. Rose petal ice cream that is an artwork even before reaching the palate // 6. Jardin du Luxembourg - only in Paris will you stumble upon a 'garden' and find a palace! // 7. Paris Opera - where the Phantom originated // 8. The most delicious mussels gratin that I now crave for incessantly // 9. Pierre Herme macarons (which are absolutely divine!)

With my limited photography skills, I constantly feel that the images I take of the beautiful places I visit simply do not serve the moment any justice - in some ways, I think Instagram certainly has revolutionised my ability to encapsulate the moment a little more accurately! 

Love, Mandy. xx

Eiffel tower.

(White ruffle top - She Insider, coral scuba skirt - Nasty Gal, heels - Zara, leopard belt - River Island, bag - vintage Dior) 

Of late, I have been so busy chasing my dreams that I have barely had time to breathe, let alone scribble a blog post! In the time since my last post, I have covered three countries across Europe, started a placement in my dream department (Ophthalmology) and as I found out today, have passed all my med school exams and will officially be a doctor as of next year! Thank you to everyone who has shared this incredible journey with me!

Apologies for the brevity of this post but I am now off to celebrate with some high tea at Harrods! ;) Have an absolutely stunning week everyone. <3  

Much love, Mandy. xx

Flash of pink.

(Knit - Sabo Skirt; faux leather shorts - Topshop; top - Shakuhachi; clutch - Sportsgirl; shoes - Charles & Keith) 

I am currently writing this from my hotel room in Paris and after two days of traipsing around its labyrinthine streets and lush jardins, these photos taken in a break during my exam block seems like worlds away from my current existence of impeccably dressed people, gorgeous scenery and macarons that taste as whimsical as they look.

Whilst I absolutely adore this city, internet here seems to be quite erratic and I somehow find myself breaching my personal goal to write more regularly since exams yet again! 

If you want to follow all my Parisian adventures, you can follow me on Instagram (frocks_frivolities). 

Much love, Mandy. xx