Pursuit of life's beauty

Precious Saturdays

2011-08-29T00:32:00.003+08:00

This is not a new story..and I've personally read it several times in the past. But reading it again...just reminds me of how often we take for granted the Saturdays we have. A day we can have for whoever u really wish to spend with..away from work and stress. This Saturday, I am thankful I spent time with my dearest Daddykin. Never assume the next few Saturdays will exist for you...instead, treat every Saturday as the last few u might have. What will you do then? Well...I'll leave it to you to decide after you finish reading the story:

I turned the volume up on my radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning talk show. I heard an older sounding chap with a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business himself.

He was talking about "a thousand marbles" to someone named "Tom." I was intrigued and sat down to listen to what he had to say.

"Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to work sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. Too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital."

He continued, "Let me tell you something Tom, something that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities."

And that's when he began to explain his theory of "a thousand marbles."

"You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years."

"Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3,900 which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now stick with me Tom, I'm getting to the important part."

"It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail," he went on, "and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy."

"So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in my workshop next to the radio. Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and have thrown it away."

"I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life. There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight."

"Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure if I make it until next Saturday then God has blessed me with a little extra time to be with my loved ones …"

"It was nice to talk to you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your loved ones, and I hope to meet you again someday. Have a good morning!"

You could have heard a pin drop when he finished. Even the show's moderator didn't have anything to say for a few moments. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to do some work that morning, then go to the gym. Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss.

"C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast."

"What brought this on?" she asked with a smile.

"Oh, nothing special," I said. "It has just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. Hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles."

Good night now...and have a great week ahead all!

haPpy Friday steamboat with ex-RBS peeps!

2011-08-28T19:31:00.004+08:00

(All of us!!)

Last Friday, I finally met up again with my ex-RBS girls for dinner together! I've been keeping myself really busy at work recently, and fingers crossed, everything's going as planned and I'm really happy with myself so far *beams*

Meeting with the girls always helps me to relax and enjoy myself. The steamboat has been most yummy and it totally satisfied my craving! And not to mention, we all laughed like mad throughout the whole session..LOL! After steamboat, we then had desserts @ Cafe Cartel!

Apart from my work, my life hasn't been the most smooth-sailing throughout the past few weeks. But I'm trying my very best to stay strong and move my life on the rough sea. I thank my family, my friends, my colleagues and my Boss for staying through with me. Most of all...I thank God for staying with me too! :D

Gathering with my fav JC mates!!

2011-06-20T15:36:00.002+08:00

This post is also suppose to be up quite some time ago...here's a meetup with my ex-JC besties! *loves*

Location for dinner was at one of my fav eating place now - Mad for Garlic! I ordered my usual favourites of the restaurant - Mushroom Risotto and Garlic Snowing Pizza! *YUMS*

(Bok, Cheok and me! Zhongwei joined only later cos of work~Super miss them all!)

(Above my 2 fav dishes @ Mad for Garlic!)

(Steak on hot plate surrounded by loads of different types of garlic...Not too bad too!)

After dinner, we crossed the road over to the Irish Pub - Durty Nelly's for a drink! Just some usual chit-chatting and updating of each other's life...but totally heart the session! <3!

(love love love them!!!heex)

(Here's a group pic before bok left for movie~)

Gotta find time to meet up with the group again soon...totally miss them! (>.<)

Taiwan Trip Day 5 - Taipei

2011-06-19T17:10:00.000+08:00

Indeed this last post of my Taiwan trip has been superly overdue! I know!! Hmm...let's see what I can remember from the pecktures! Pardon me for this post...less words..more pics! =p

(This bun store...one of my fav! there's a long q to it too! can't remb where it was exactly thou..but the buns r super soft and nice!)

(Some of yummy stuff I had!)

(and of cos...final night in Taiwan..how can I miss out Ah Zhing Mian Xian right!??!)

(We also visit Lup Zhi Xiang aka Xiaozhu's shop!!)

(Best of all? I saw him in person and he walked passed me! a peckture with his car! Shuai dai le!!=p)

(Supper - the super big and delicious yakult with aloe bits + yan shu ji!*drools*)

(Tadaaa~ been aiming this for quite some time...and I finally bought it! a cover for my passport! teehee~ *loves*)

K lah..that's about it for my Taiwan trip! I'm so missing Taiwan and really look forward to go back there again! hoping to be back there again during the cold season as well..cos I really love the cold weather there - eat piping hot street food in the cold weather is just SUPERB!! I Love Taiwan!! <3

Taiwan Trip Day 4 - Taipei

2011-05-08T17:45:00.022+08:00

4th Day and it's off to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall! Nothing really fantastic there...but I gathered that it's always nice to at least visit there once..:) Enjoy the loads of pectures!

(Upon entrance into the area~)

(The interior..there was also a short performance on the changing of Guards ceremony~)

(Taiwan 101 visible from there~)

(Loads of flowers right outside the memorial hall...with the cold breeze..it feels really nice!)

Right after our visit at the Sun Yat Sen memorial hall, we went over to one of the central train stations which I forgot which stop it was. :p Din Tai Feng for lunch...didn't find anything exceptionally nice for the Din Tai Feng there though...I find it similar to the standard in Singapore..hmm..

(All of us patiently waiting for our food to be served!)

(Yum yum lunch!)

After a filling lunch, one of the girls wanted to visit one of the pastry stall just right outside the shopping mall..they sell really nice biscuits!!

(A Must-try!)

By then, stepping out into any open area was just too cold to bear! The wind was really strong and I gathered it's probably less then 10 degrees! Brr...we quickly hide back into the shopping mall after buying the biscuits. And then it was some shopping of skincare and cosmetics! Shu Uemura stuff is so much cheaper at Taiwan I get to buy myself some so I won't feel sorry! HAHA!

After returning back to hotel to put all our loots, we proceeded to Shi Da Night market for our night out!

(This little shop serves really nice Lu rou fan!)

(Eating all of this in the super cold weather is unforgettably comfortable!)

(Just a peckture of the night market~)

The night markets in Taiwan just leave me wanting more and more! Even after several nights of different night markets, I still can't have enough! The food was tasty and some of the shopping was also good buys (though not all)!

Day 5 of Taiwan coming soon! *Stay tuned* (>.<)

Taiwan Trip Day 3 - Taipei

2011-05-05T23:48:00.040+08:00

Day 3..first morning in Taipei..we went out finding brekkie! The day before we spotted a 永和豆浆 which reminded us of the nice breakfast shop in Geylang Singapore..so we thought it was worth trying to! Unexpectedly, that became my favourite breakfast shop for the rest of the Taipei trip!!

(This above pork chop rice roll rocks TOTALLY!!!I had it for quite a few mornings for breakfast! =p)

After breakfast, we next proceeded to take a bus to the our next destination on our agenda for the day - YangMingShan National Park! It was a freaking 1 hour bus ride (=.=) But that's not the worse part..the worse part? - The weather!!!

(us in the shelter...ponchos for those of us without our brollies~)

(Our first stop...rain has stopped..but the mist stays / got stronger!FML!)

(Checking out where we can go next?)

(me!)

(Arriving at the next destination which I don't remb what it's called..the mist got worse!!)

(*shivers*!!)

And cos of the mist and the uber coldness, we couldn't possibly proceed on to anywhere else on the mountain. As such, we decided to just go down the mountain once the next shutter bus comes by..and we did! Ha..i know..what a wasted trip! :( I hope I can visit there again some time soon! Hmm perhaps the only reward of the trip..is this..

(Nicely bloomed!)

(Sulphur area taken from the bus~)

As our agenda was for the day had shortened due to the misty Yangmingshan, we decided to just proceed straight to Jiu Fen! And I love it! hee hee...guess why? Food of cos! HAHA!

(Train!)

Upon reaching Jiu Fen, we proceeded straight for our lunch! Some recommendations we found in our research state that Ah Gei (阿给) is a MUST try!

(Most of the food are nice and cheap!)

(Long xu tang!! what a nice traditional treat! totally miss it alot!)

(Takopachi?Yums!)

(And this - My Fav of all from Jiufen! Cheese potato with tons of corns, ham and veg bits!*drooling*)

After all the eating, our initial plan was to proceed to the Fisherman's Wharf to visit the Lover's Bridge. Unfortunately, the mist was still looming across the lake from opposite..so we decided to change our plans instead of making another wasted trip!

(Check out the mist behind the streets of Jiu fen..fisherman's wharf suppose to be somewhere opposite~)

(Spotted this awesome painter painting only from a photo! Super real can?!?! Gosh!)

So next up..back to hotel to put our stuff before we decided to head to Ximending for a steamboat dinner!!! Yes! Cold cold cold weather eat spicy hot steamboat...what else can be better then this right? =p

(Quite a big steamboat place..super crowded too!)

(My chilli and some nice desserts~ =p)

(All these desserts and fruits are included in the buffet too..oh and v0ery big variety of drinks as well!!)

Tummy all filled after the steamboat session, we walked for a while before we proceeded back to hotel. Slept with a super full tummy, and then rise and shine to Day 4 in Taipei!! More coming up!! *stay tuned*

Taiwan trip Day 2 - Taipei

2011-05-04T22:52:00.002+08:00

On our 2nd day, it was rise and shine to brekkie at the hotel eatery again before we set off to the HSR train station to move on to Taipei!

(A light brekkie to prepare my tummy for more food once I reach Taipei! HAHA)

(@ HSR station! quite enjoy taking it! =p)

In approx 1 hour (if i remb correctly..hurhur), we reached Taipei!!! Weather on the day we reached Taipei was surprisingly quite warm. We were told by the hotel staff that weather will be warm on the day we arrive as well as the day after (but..not v accurate..u know why on my 3rd day post)!

(Temp rose back to ard SG temp less the humidity though~)

(Just a simple hotel..pretty accessible since it's near to XMD thou~)

Hmm no good reviews for the Wonstar hotel...staff isn't really very helpful I would say. But oh well...whatever..will choose a better one next time! In general, the 2nd day was just mere beauty shopping at the big departmental store beside our hotel since it was already afternoon when we reached Taipei...here're more pics~

(Here's where we had our lunch! they sell pretty tasty risotto~)

(Yums~this is probably the only "not-so-taiwan" style food we had!)

(All the buys from the departmental store~bleh =x)

Night time was spent solely @ Ximending! The weather turned cooler at night and it feels really good to shop around at such a temperature~ *hearts* And here's to more food I had! *yippies*

(This is the FAVOURITE!! fried mushrooms! ALL of us love it TTM!!)

(Pushcart stall that sells quite tasty grilled food!)

(Food Food Food!!!)

(Ahhh...i see this on TV all the time =p)

(One of my fav - ru ya chi pang aka stewed duck wings!!)

(This place sells awesome desserts..esp the yam and black sugar dessert!)

Just 1 day in Taipei...all I can say..the food is really treating me well! CHEAP and GOOD!! hurhur! Love it love it love it! More stuff on day 3 where we travelled further away from XMD..*stay tuned*

Taiwan trip Day 1 - Tai Chung!

2011-05-02T21:48:00.006+08:00

I know I haven't been updating this space for a freaking long time! And thanks to my beloved Jieying, I'm back~! =p *BIG WAVES to JIEYING!!!*

My last post was posted just before I went to Taiwan..so probably a good post now would be on my Taiwan trip! It's the first time I went overseas with my colleagues as well as my first Taiwan trip! I have to say..I'll definitely head back to Taiwan!

Fortunately, the weather this time round was really cooling..or should I say..COLD! coldest day went below 10 degrees!

(Us less susu before we board the plane~)

(Beenie and me on the plane! excited!)

(Beenie and my Luo Zhi Xiang concert tix!!)

Our first destination was TaiChung. Taking a afternoon flight, there wasn't much for us to shop around when we reached TC at around 11pm. So it was just supper then sleep into the next day - Rise and Shine!!

(@ a roadside stall for hot supper!)

(Our supper! I super love their mini steamboat that comes in a bowl...but full of ingredients!!)

(Then rise and shine to our breakfast provided by the eatery beside our hotel~)

After breakkie, it was off to Sun Moon Lake!! Have heard all about the beautiful scenary there...so am really looking forward to it! We met a couple of nice cab drivers who gave us a pretty good deal to stick through with us for the whole day and even bringing back our buys back to the hotel!

(Us before we set off! Unfortunately, as you see..it was really misty!)

(All of us in the boat!)

And at the first stop of Sun Moon Lake, here're the pecktures! And most imptly, I simply heart the tea leaf egg!!! OMG!!!

(Us all again!)

(the frigging nice ah ma tea leaf egg!)

(More pecktures @ the first stop!~)

Frankly speaking, apart from the delicious tea leaf egg, there's only the temple for people to visit and to take pecktures with. So we zoomed off to the next station where we were told there's tons more stuff to do...erm to be more exact..MORE FOOD! haha...And upon stepping foot on the 2nd station...it's really like a food heaven! All the food test yummy!!!

(Us zooming off to the 2nd stop!)

(Super misty :( )

(Erm..this would be Dar's favourite stall if he was there!)

(My favourites? - The cabbage bun and the black sesame rice wine! Yes..the rice wine weighs a ton but was super worth me carrying it back to SG!)

(Left: The nice cabbage bun!)
(Right: The honeyed tapiocca which the cab driver brought us to buy along the road~)

The nice cab drivers also brought us to the famous shops to buy the Tai Yang Bing before dropping us at Yi Zhong st and then taking our loots back to hotel! Yi Zhong st is another nice street worth going!

(Nice shops around that area..and...)

(Nice food!!! Yummilicious!! *drools*)

What went on after all the eating? Hmm..me and another colleague of mine went to Luo Zhi Xiang's concert while the rest proceeded back to the night market near our hotel to shop!

(Me and Beenie all excited at the concert!~)

(Loads of pple there!)

(heart~)

(Guest : Xiao S~~she's so gorgeous!)

(Nice back drops!)

Tons more of pecktures but seriously way too many to upload! =x We were really satisfied with the concert...and heading back to hotel, we went to find more food before we ended the night!!

(Hmm not very nice corn compensated by the super yummy hot melted cheese ji pa!!!)

(And we spotted this on our way back to the hotel...aww so cute!!!)

This kinda ended the 1st day at TaiChung. Next day..we proceeded to Taipei since we're more or less done with TaiChung! *stay tuned!*

Off to Taiwan!!!

2011-03-18T12:35:00.002+08:00

(Taiwan here I come!!!)

Bella will be away to Taiwan for about a week! Am really excited...will be going to Taiwan with my current colleagues! Hope all will be awesome!!!

Then my next post...take care everyone!<3

haPpy Birthday to me!!

2011-02-28T22:03:00.000+08:00

HaPpy biRthday to me!!! *loves*

In continuation to the Valentine's Day celebration we had in Philea Resort, my B'day celebration started as soon as the clock struck 12! =D

Dar had plans for a birthday cake to be sent to our room at the struck of 12am by the resort staff!~ And as usual, cakes outside of Singapore somehow dusson taste as fantastic (I so missed awfully chocolate cake), but I was still touched by the plans and loved the moment! *Thank you Dar Dar!*

(An error there..should have been HAPPY BIRTHDAY Bao bei er!)

(*Sweets*)

Then it was sleep and tadaa to sunshine morning on my birthday! *whee* time for breakfast now! *Yums Yums* =p

(Buffet brekkie with Dar~)

(Stares~)

After a filling breakfast, the resort was kind enough to entend our check-out time to 2pm since our bus will only be here at 330pm. So that means we had time to go for a swim and sauna as well! After our checkout, we had some spare time left to spend before the bus arrives, so we decided to just sit around the lobby area for some reading and drinks! The breeze was really comfortable~

(Us~)

(Bleah~!)

(And here's us in the freezing cold bus-ride back to Singapore~)

Bus ride back home felt awfully long...even after sleeping through the ride...it still felt long! =.= We only managed to reach Singapore at around 8pm..and I was rushing back home cos I had to zoom back to have dinner with my family! Dinner was yummilicious as usual..cos my beloved Daddy cooked the dinner! And there's the lovely awfully chocolate cake my Mummy bought for me! Check out the sumo big strawberries my Mummy bought and top on ourselves! hurhur~special customised strawberry chocolate cake! teehee~

(Happy Birthday Wendy!)

Another wonderful birthday spent with Dar and my family! Years are passing me by so fast...no wonder people always say after the 20th birthday, time will really FLY! I'm totally feeling it and understanding it...hmm~Shall not be upset about...all I wish is to spend everyday with a smiling face and cherish all I have! Have a great blast this year Wendy! <3

haPpy Valentine's Day 2011! - Malacca part 1

2011-02-26T20:01:00.002+08:00

Happy Valentine's day to us! Yes 14th and 15th (check our part 2 for 15th, my B'day!) respectively are the lovely dates of February apart from the 5th! =D Just like our 5th year anniversary, I was kinda clueless as to where we were going >.<

(Us with our Mac brekkie!!)

And after brekkie, we set off to Orchard area to take the bus to the secret destination!! *wheeeee* and other then knowing it's somewhere in M'sia, I still haven any idea where the place is at that point in time...

(Us on the bus!)

(What's with the person behind us...>.<)

(And it was clear blue sky that day!Whee~)

We arrived at the destination approx 3-4 hours later...and Tadaaa...here it is! - the new Philea Resort located in Malacca~ *happy*

(At the lobby while waiting for the rooms to be ready since we arrived there earlier~)

(In a buggy cos the resort is quite big and the room is quite a distance from e lobby...though walkable =D)

(Our room! The bathroom has got both a shower area and a bath tub on each side..teehee)

As our stomachs were growling by then, we headed to town by cab for the supposedly famous chicken rice balls! *yippy* only that cab journey took 20 mins and the stall we intended to go was not open that day! *roar* so we settled for another stall which we heard is quite good too~

(Us in the cab~)

(at the chicken rice stall waiting for our food!!)

(Our initial orders which eventually grew in size cos it just wasn't enough for us! =p)

(Us strolling along the streets after our filling lunch!)

After walking for quite time, we decided to head back to the resort Weather that day was scorching hot by the way...=.= but it felt nice having a stroll with Dar down the rows of shops, leisurely~ Anyways, we cabbed back to the resort and guessed what we did when we went back? - SWIM of cos...best to dip in the pool in that hot weather!

(Us all ready to head for a swim!)

(And I lurrrve the man-made waterfall there~somehow it helps in relaxing!)

(More pics on the resort~Lovely isn't it?)

(Read magazine by the pool..then dip in..i like! teehee~)

And then nightfall came...and it was time for our V'day dinner together! Headed back for a shower before we walked over to the restaurant there...they had V'day dinner plans for all in the resort =D It was rather pricey though...

(Some CNY lightings~)

(Us in the restaurant..a rose for me? =D)

(hApPy Valentine's Day to us! <3)

(Our V'day dinner!~)

(Us...glowing in love~)

(And totally love the night view at the pool~)

This sums up our Valentine's Day! Totally enjoyed ourselves that day...and that's not all there is for our stay at Philea Resort..cos there's my birthday as well!! =D Stay tuned!!! But here's thanking Dar for everything on Valentine's Day! May we spend many many more Valentine's Day together! <3<3<3

haPpy 5th Year AnniverSary to us!!! =D

2011-02-16T22:05:00.000+08:00

(haPpy 5th yeaR anniVersary to us!!*smooch*)

We had our 5th year anniversary on the 5th February 2011. It happened to coincide with the 3rd day of CNY and thankfully, falls on a Saturday! Dar was the main organiser of the day and had kept the itinerary a secret even to the very day! I_was_clueless~~~~~

Clueless can be a good thing when it was all superbly planned out by Dar! I have to give compliments to Mr Yeo cos his planning skills has really improved compared to 5 years ago =x!

I wasn't feeling at my best the day before, so on the 5th, Dar let me sleep till around noon time before I woke up and got ready! The only clues provided to me up till that afternoon was - bring swim suit, a set of casual wear, the place has water and aircon! Hmm..where would you guess? Oh well...the answer is the brand new Grand Park Orchard Hotel! I would never have guess it right even if you give me a 100 chances :p and I totally love the hotel! Beautiful/Gorgeous is an understatement!!! =D

(The pool and the lobby~)

(I love the mural loads!)

(Other pecktures of the room~)

(Love the see-through bathroom style...separated by a blind! Pop into the bathtub for a bubble bath and watch the TV!)

(Comfy comfy sofa~)

(Tadaaa~short me tall him! =p)

(Dar loves Bella and Bella loves Dar!)

Dar had bought movie tickets beforehand, we first went over to Cineleisure for some laugh in a comedy show , then I went ALT & Paragon for shopping before we finally went for dinner @ Singapore Art Museum's Trattoria Lafiandra. A really cosy and lovely ambience with really delicious tomato-based pasta! *yums*

(Love my dress!)

(Ready to go out!)

(Trattoria Lafiandra)

(Us with our yummy dinner~)

After dinner, we went back to hotel to have a bath before we watched the Newcastle vs Arsenal match! It was a truly awesome match! Really enjoyed it alot!! Though it was a draw match, but both Dar and me agreed that it was a great game played by Dar's beloved Newcastle! =D We strolled over to No.5 Emerald Hill the game...and I really love the breeze along the quiet Orchard rd at pass midnight! Staying in the middle of Orchard rd feels really awesome with all the shopping malls and chill-out sessions just few steps away!

(Us @ No.5!)

(Yummy wings, beer and nicey peanuts!! <3)

*bUrPs* With the yummy wings, beer and nicey peanuts, that more or less summed up our anniversary! I really feel this 5 year mark is like a level-ling-up pit-stop. We've gone through much - happy and sad moments, many breaking points but salvaged moments as well!~ For us now, I feel we have grown recently. I'm thankful for everything, for having Dar with me! I cherish him and I know he cherish me as well. And I believe it is this mutual feeling we have that will continue to bind us together! I love you Mr. Collin Yeo! *smooch* <3<3<3

Preview of where we'll be for V'day and my B'dae! :)

2011-02-13T20:57:00.002+08:00

(Guess where?)

Alright to be honest, I have no idea where this is as well! :p Just like what you have from me...this is also my only hint received from Dar! Hahax...*Excited!*

Will update again soon when I'm back! Till then, haPpy Valentine's Day to all tomorrow and advanced hApPy BiRthday to me!!! *loves* <3<3<3

Pleasant Surprise!

2011-02-09T22:20:00.002+08:00

(Extended 5th year anniversary surprise!<3)

Just on this past Monday (7th Feb 2010), I went back to office after the CNY holidays and my sweet 5th year Anniversary weekend...going all out to do a mad rush for the January month-end tasks that was delayed for 2 days due to the CNY.

And it was in the afternoon, when I was in the midst of my mad-rush, a colleague led a uncle into the office and told me to accept a bouquet of lovely flowers - called "Pure Bliss". This is really totally unexpected. I don't remember when was the last time I received flowers from Dar for he was always termed "the practical" one...and flowers to him, isn't really that practical...so when I received the flowers and saw the card that came along with it, I was really touched...to be exact, I was more touched by the words written in the card! *Love you Dar and thank you so much for the surprise!*

(The lovely bouquet of lilies~)

(Me with the flowers *beams*)

The flowers are still sitting in my office, giving me calming scents through my month-end. This extended 5th year Anniversary surprise really cheered me up alot! I shall blog about our 5th year anniversary celebration over the weekend soon! Meanwhile...hope everyone had a wonderful 人日today! (^.^)

HapPy 2011! hApPy Chinese New Year to all!

2011-02-04T01:24:00.009+08:00

(HaPpy Rabbit 2011!!)

Wishing all both haPpy 2011 and haPpy Chinese New year! 恭喜发财, 财源滚滚来!!

It's the Chinese New year season now and I'm really lovin' it! Apart from all the angbaos, there's of cos, all the yummy food and most importantly, the getting together with my family and friends~

The month of February is also a really eventful month for me - Chinese New Year, Dar and my 5th year anniversary with Dar, Valentine's Day and my Birthday! *Yippie!*

And now that the first big event of February is here, I'm enjoying it all very very much! It's now officially the 2nd day of CNY at 128am...and both the chinese new year eve and the 1st day of CNY has been awesome! My family had reunion dinner with my SIL's family with loads of yummilicious chinese traditional food on CNY eve.

(Here's Dar and me on 1st day of CNY!!)

On 1st day of CNY, it was the usual brunch with my family, before Dar came to pick me up to go over to his grandma's plc to bai nian! Came back home at around 4pm plus with my auntie coming over to my house for visiting. Night time Dar had dinner with my family and then rested before Dar, me, my brother & SIL, together with my SIL's brother & gf-to-be all went for a late night movie - "Homecoming" at Nex.

Just got back home from movies and I'm already excited about tomorrow! Will be going to my bestie April's house for visiting before going out with Dar's family to MBS cos Dar's mummy has yet to go there. (^^)

This Saturday (Chu san i.e. 3rd day of CNY) will be Dar and my 5th year anniversary!! Dar has yet to tell me the plans for the day but I'm already so looking forward to spending more time with Dar! *beams*

How has your CNY been so far? I hope all is well and that you're taking this time to really spend time with your family! Till my next update, here's wishing you prosperity and happiness in this 2011! *HUAT AHHHH!!!*

Golf trip (my 1st step into e Greens) to Batam with the coach! =D

2011-01-02T22:47:00.002+08:00

Had my first golf session at the Greens @ Batam in December 2010 with the golf mates. We all took a day off on a Monday just for this day trip..and gosh waking up at 545am is no joke since we have to reach Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at 730am.

Upon reaching the Golf Resort, we started the morning with some practising! Weather was also really good that morning...not sunny and all breezy! <3

(coachy Garry teaching!)

(Here's our lunch before we all set off to play~)

Sadly, the hot scorching sun came out and said hello to us when we started the game officially. I got so superly tanned after the game! *Roar* But I have to say the plus-points - I'm really thankful for the pro-Caddy I had! He really helped a lot!! And not forgetting how much I enjoyed the scenery as we move from hole to hole! I kinda think I know why people enjoy golf...apart from the "kick" you get when you hit a great shot...the peaceful greens really help one to relax and get away from the tensed-up city! Here're some shots as we travel down the 13-holes...

(My golf khakis~)

(Me and me driving the buggy~)

(Totally this hole! Awesome sea view~)

After a full day at the course, we ended off with a good shower and then off we went to a secluded seafood place for really cheap and yummilicious seafood + Bintang beer!!! *slurpish BurRpz*

(serene view~)

(Yay we love the golf day out together!!)

(Here's with the coach~~missing Dot though~)

After the awesome seafood dinner, we took the ferry and headed back to Singapore. Totally exhausted, we all slept through out the ferry ride home. But I'm so looking forward to the next gold trip out with the girls again soon! That...of cos...will have to wait till my busy period is over! (-.-)

Post Christmas Dinner @ Garry's!

2011-01-02T19:29:00.011+08:00

Call it the post Christmas dinner @ my Golf Coach, Garry's place or call it the mini-Graduation night! Haha...Finally completed the 10 lessons with Garry and after the greens @ Batam (to be blogged soon), finally got hold of our PC!! Yay!

(Garry handing us our PC! Yay~)

(Just the ladies~)

(Us with Garry~)

Pizzas, chicken wings, chips, beers and wines plus fun company really makes the evening an awesome one! We even re-composed the "12 days of Christmas" into a golf related song that night...totally amusing! HAHA~And the night went on till rather late though we all had to work the following day!

And I'm still contemplating whether I should take on the intermediate golf lessons. Part of me am lazy, but part of me really wish I can master golf well...what a DILEMMA!! *Roar* I really need to spend some time thinking...cos sometimes I really just wish to laze around during weekends rather then be at the golf range~ boohoo! =p

3-couple Xmas lunch date @ Marriott~

2010-12-30T19:36:00.000+08:00

(All of us!)

A bit belated...but oh well...here's how my Christmas day 2010 went! :)

We went for a 3-couple date @ Marriott Cafe...I've always quite like their Christmas buffet. Though it's not the first time I spent Christmas with the girls, but it's the first time we spent it with our boyfriends altogether!

(Love the decor)

(Oh I particularly love the Alaskan crab legs! so sweet!)

(Turkeyyyy)

(Dessert!!!)

Only the girls did the gift exchange after all our stomachs were filled...while the guys just sat by and looked! hahax...I love the gifts from the girls! =D Thank you my dear girls!

(Smooch the girls!)

And though the lunch buffet cost us ard SGD112 per pax...I personally still find it quite worth it...or rather should I say...I enjoyed the Christmas lunch with them all! After lunch, Dar and I went to shop around while the rest went for movies.

(Some photo-taking before we parted~)

Apart from thanking the girls, I wanna thank Dar too for both spending Christmas with me as well as the Christmas gift from him! *smooch*

Christmas Eve Dinner with the BF!~ =D

2010-12-28T01:43:00.001+08:00

Christmas Eve dinner was spent with Dar and it was a surprise dinner cos I wasn't told where we're suppose to have dinner at! I wasn't feeling at my best state cos my tummy was giving me problems with all the bloatedness again and my mood was not totally favourable but thanks to Dar for being so patient with me ;)

(Welcome aboard Riverboat!)

(Us!)

Upon arriving at Marina Bay South Pier, Dar brought me to the RiverBoat where we had our xmas eve dinner. It was a semi buffet style with a main course and buffet sides. Stepping onto the boat, the motion of the waves made me thought for a moment I was feeling giddy...=p

(The semi-buffet)

(Our mains...)

Unfortunately, the food didn't taste nice and so we ended up not eating much...*boo to bad xmas eve dinner* and *yay to time spent with Dar on xmas eve still* =) We spent some time together walking around the boat, enjoying the breeze and just hugging in each other's warmth!

(Loving you Collin Yeo (smooch*))

Seriously, such a moment means more to me then standing in a crowded zone amongst sweaty peeps~ =D

First Christmas Gift exchange of the year 2010!

2010-12-26T01:39:00.000+08:00

First of all...a belated Merry Christmas to all out there! Hope u guys had an awesome Xmas this year! =D

I had quite an enjoyable this year, with the 1st gift exchange of the year falling on the 23rd Decemeber 2010...with my golf mates!!! And guess where? @ my favourite Emerald Hill No.5!!!! *screams to Chicken wings and Magners!*

(Here's the 4 of our beautiful smiling faces..HAHA...=D)

We dig in to quite a lot of food...but nothing satisfies me more then the chicken wings!!! Awesomeness!! *Am going again tonight!* HAHA! We had a few rounds of picking names to see who shall receive our pressies cos a couple of them kept picking their own names! LOLx...but it was great fun hanging with the babes! We're planning of driving into JB for some golf sometime soon...hope it takes place fast! *hiaks hiaks hiaks*...else it could be batam again soon! *woot*

This gift exchange session was planned kinda last minute...but I'm happy all of us made the effort to make it happen! *beams*

My lovely colleague - Cindy's BIG day!

2010-12-20T23:38:00.000+08:00

(Attendees of Cindy's wedding!)

Attended one of my colleagues' (Cindy) wedding at Hotel Rendezvous on the 19th December 2010 (Sunday)...and she looked so beautiful!! It was indeed a joyous occasion and my colleagues and I all felt truly happy for her! Congratulations to her!! =D

Visit to Universal Studios Singapore!!

2010-12-19T00:31:00.000+08:00

(Universal Studios Singapore!!!!!*woot*)

16th December 2010 (Thursday) is the day Dar finally brought me to Universal Studios Singapore~! Uber happy can?!?!?!??! teehee~~~~~

(We've finally stepped off on USS!)

Weather was quite good for the earlier part of the day so this a good point! But bad point? --> Dar wasn't feeling very well that day...=( Hmm...but nevetheless, we enjoyed our day!! Here're some pecktures we took..not a lot though =p

(Dar studying the map while I waited beside him~heex...)

(I know it's just a tree..but I love how it's so fat! haha)

(Us with Kungfu Panda..so cute!)

(@ the Waterworld performance...performed with real explosives!Phew~)

@ one of our favourite part of USS :

(The exciting indoor roller coaster is inside!!!)

(So tall!)

Awesome parts of USS that I love are the Shrek 4-D adventure, Revenge of the Mummy (indoor steel roller coaster) and Steven Spielberg Hosted Lights!!! They are all a MUST-TRY!!!

(More shots of beaming me! lalala~)

(A tall Xmas tree welcomes the Xmas!)

And I must really thank Dar for accompanying me through out the day despite the fact that he was not feeling well that day. Xie xie ni Mr Yeo!!! *kiss*

As for those of you who have yet to visit USS...u should really start setting aside a day for it! Kudos to USS for all the fantastic structures...and I'm looking forward to visit again when the big ride is ready once again! Huhoo~ (^^)

Spa trip to Angsana Spa Resort @ Bintan!

2010-12-18T00:56:00.000+08:00

Finally went on my long awaited spa trip with Dar @ Bintan!!! This time round, we gave Agro Beach Resort a pass and went to the more atas side of Bintan - Angsana Spa Resort!

The room is nice...and beach is nice (gosh I really love the sea there...cos the sand is so white and soft and the waves are so gently smooth!)...food wise...I guess I can only comment that it is MAD expensive!!!

(Upon reaching ferry terminal~)

It was a 3D2N trip there...but for our first day there...Dar was running a fever and so after we settled down and had our lunch at the cafe in the resort, we went back to the room so that Dar can have some medication and have some sleep while I laze around in the room by myself! hahax...but was really good...cos I finally had some quiet time to myself (away from the computer, away from work and everything in back in SG) to read my book and sip on some tea at the balcony overlooking the greens and beach...=D

(The room we stayed in~)

(the Cafe~)

(Our lunch...the Phad Thai cost USD13!)

(Nice pool there!)

(Here's us have a walk after lunch~)

After Dar woke up, we went out to Pasar Oleh Oleh (a centralized tourist area) to have a walk. I had a 1-hour body massage there before we had dinner at a restaurant we went once last time.

(Here's dinner @ one of the restaurants at Pasar Oleh Oleh...nothing fantastic though...)

(Oh and nothing beats some cheesecake with tea back in the room! Hiaks~talk about diet with me? HAHA!)

The next morning was rise and shine to breakfast buffet at the cafe! We had quite a filling breakfast before we went back to the room to change into our beach wear to conquer the sunny weather and white beach! The sun was scorching hot by the time we reached the beach...so we stayed in the shelter lying down to enjoy the breeze before heading down to the waters much later~

(Our breakfast~)

And I got thirsty after a while, so Dar ordered a glass of orange juice for me...And you might be stunned to know a glass of orange juice there cost USD10!!! See what I mean when I say the food there is expensive? Felt like a carrot being chopped there! -.-'' And not to mention...I got more tanned! Zzz...

(The nice beach~)

(erm...the USD10 orange juice!)

(Us by the beach!)

After the beach session, we headed back to have a shower and order room service for our lunch...once again a mee goreng that cost us USD13~Zzz...

(Really...I dunno how it's worth USD13! haha...okie..i shall get over it! =p)

After lunch, I went for my awesome spa treat while Dar stayed in the room with his book and rested! teehee...and oh mi gosh...i have to give credit to the Angsana Spa because despite the fact that it's doubly more expensive then the ones I pay for when I'm at Agro beach...Superly awesome can?!?! I did the Ayu-Reverie (150-minute session) which comprise of 60-min Ayurvedic massage, 30-min Shirodhara and 30-min Indian head massage...at USD120++ though I initially felt it was a little too expensive for a 2hour spa at bintan...it was all worth it when the session ended! Totally enjoyed the session! It's a MUST-TRY if you're going there! =D

(The awesome spa place where I spent 2 hours in! Love every minute of it!!)

(Here's me with the ginger tea and yummy carrot cake - all rejuvenated!)

Feeling all rejuvenated after the awesome spa session, I went back to the room to meet up with Dar before heading over to the seaside BBQ grill restaurant for our dinner! Unfortunately, cos the place was fully booked when we went..we had to go back about an hour later..which resulted in most of the seafood being sold out! =(((( But we still enjoyed the time spent together by the beach...the breeze was really cooling! Another thing I have to give credit to the staff at Angsana is the attitude towards their customers! I only merely asked if they have Avocado juice cos I've had a craving since I reached Bintan...and though they don't have it...they actually went over to Banyan Tree resort just to get it for me instead of just saying No! I was impressed with their service! *Thumbs up*

(Us by the beach for grilled dinner~)

(The hard to sought Avocado...hurhur~)

(Some pizzas and grilled prawns~)

After dinner, Dar and I walked along the beach, chit chatting and *digesting* our food! hahax...I love simple moments like this TTM!

(I know this looks more like a vague painting...but it's the view taken while we're walking down the beach with barely any lights~)

And nothing much after Day 2...Day 3 was just sleeping in late and then breakfast before we checked out...Had wanted to go for another massage but it was all fully booked! *Sads* So we went to the beach to lie around and relax, had lunch @ the BBQ Grill place before our bus came to pick us up to the ferry terminal and it was Good Bye to Angsana Spa Resort!

Thanks to Dar for the trip and for accompanying me though he wasn't feeling well! <3<3<3!!!

CINDEREL-LAH!

2010-12-15T01:11:00.002+08:00

(CINDEREL-LAH!)

Gosh I have like a zillion posts pending to be posted!! Wait for meeee...teehee~

And yes as mentioned...here's my review I have on the musical I went with my colleagues not long ago - CINDEREL-LAH!

Synopsis from CINDEREL-LAH! website:
"Poor Cindy lives in a crowded HDB flat with her Evil Casino-Obsessed Step-Mother and two Ugly Step-Sisters, Precious and Treasure. All she dreams about is going to The Grand Fish Ball where Prince Char Mee will choose a bride. Fairy God Makcik appears, and Cindy is transformed from “no taste” to “fashion ace” and off to The Ball she goes! But will the Prince recognise her? Will the shoe fit? And will true love find a way?"

A pity I was slightly late for the show and had to watch the show via the mini-tv for around 5-10 mins before I was allowed to step into the auditorium. But nonetheless, I was still happy with the musical. Gurmit Singh was awesomely hilarious in the performance and the whole audience was laughing out loud through out. The cast was also really interactive with the audience. We were given blinking lights to participate in the performance. The way the scripts added local humor and essence into the classical Cinderella story was also nicely done!

The musical was also filled with lotsa lovely singing voices and the female lead actress (i.e. Cindy played by Emma Yong)'s voice was really beautiful! Totally enjoyed the evening watching the musical and this, I believe, will be the start of more musicals I'll start watching going forward! In fact, my colleagues and I are already considering some more musicals in the coming year, that is after our year-end closing of course!

I hope you have had a chance to catch CINDEREL-LAH! as well as have enjoyed it as much as I do too! =D

Altered States by re:mix

2010-12-11T00:53:00.011+08:00

On the past Tuesday (7th Dec 2010), Dar and me went for a classical music concert @ Esplanade Recital Studio. It's the Altered States performance by re:mix!

I really miss the days when I got involved in music and all the band concerts back in my teens and early twenties. Sitting in the studio this time round brought back the "itch" for music in me! hurhur~

(Altered States by re:mix)

For those who've never heard of re:mix before, it is an ensemble of classically trained musicians who understand that classical music is in need of a critical transformation in order for it to have contemporary relevance. Having sit through the performance, I am indeed kinda impressed by how they are able to bring freshness into a traditional piece of classical music. Totally love their Samba No.5!

(Oh here's us before entering the Recital Studio~)

This was Dar's first time going for a classical concert and I'm glad he enjoyed it too...not to mention his curiosity kept my mouth thirsty with all the answering of questions he asked!LOLx...

After the concert, we went to Ichiban Boshi for dinner! *yums*

(Us happy after the concert...and waiting for our food!)

(Our dinner~)

It was quite a "Esplanade" week this past week...cos just a few days after Altered States, I visited Esplanade again for another performance - CINDEREL-LAH! Will blog about it soon! =D

BBQ at Dar's buddie's place~

2010-12-08T22:31:00.002+08:00

(Attendees of the night~)

Not long ago, Dar and I went for his buddy's place for BBQ! Been quite some time I went with Dar for his friends' gathering. Always kinda enjoyed going to Dar's gatherings...1) cos his friends are always full of humour and they're always full of laughters..2) being able to go to Dar's gathering makes me feel more involved in his life journal..=D

It's also been quite some time since I last went for a BBQ session! I've always had a subtle love for BBQ sessions...no doubt fattening but the grilled food just makes me drool! teehee~

Had an enjoyable Saturday night with Dar and his friends that night. Many topics surround the air...queuing for flats, for DBSS, for ECs...I guess these are all signs of the age! LOLx...seems like everyone my age are getting all geared up to start their race for building their future together with their loves!

It is a really sweet sight to me...whenever I see couples sitting together planning for their future, and getting involved in each other's future with that care and sincerity in their eyes! Bonding between a couple is indeed very important, don't you agree? =)

hApPy 58th month anniversary!

2010-12-05T00:33:00.009+08:00

(Us!)

It's already the 58th month of togetherness for me and Dar.

We actually just passed a rather big hurdle in our relationship. Yes Quarrels are irritating...and this time round we almost lost it all...it was a very torturing period for both of us. Just glad things are back on track now...so wish that such quarrels will leave us alone in future~

Anyways...for our 58th month-sary weekend, it first started on Friday night! You might be surprised to know that in this 4 years plus together, we haven really went out for drinks chillout alone without our friends as yet! But we broke the trend on that very Friday when I brought Dar to Emerald Hill No.5! It felt so awesome with all the chicken wings, Magners and peanuts! Hee~

(Lobster faced Dar~)

On Saturday, Dar made reservations at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao @ Holland V for us. I haven't been there for quite some time now...and am kinda missing the free flow xiao long baos there! The steamboat still taste as yummy *loves* and we were on this for hours chatting away! I really love it when we have communication and sharing sessions!

(Medium spicyness..no chicken stock needed! We go all spicy!!!)

After steamboat, we initially thought of going for some drinks but our tummies were too filled with food! We went for a little walk before Dar sent me back home! Totally enjoyed the night!

As for now...we're both looking forward to our Bintan trip on the 11th Dec-13th Dec! This time round we're giving Agro Beach Resort a pass...instead we've decided to give Angsana Spa Resort a try! =D Hopefully all will be enjoyable and relaxing!! *beams*

Monday drinks with colleagues @ No. 5 Emerald Hill

2010-11-30T16:40:00.018+08:00

(No. 5 Emerald Hill)

Nothing beats drinks on a Monday to chase the Monday Blues away~

Yesterday, 2 of my colleagues and me went over to No.5 Emerald Hill for drinks + yummy finger food! It's actually my first time there and I have to comment...the fact that they have Magners in their Menu and the fact that they serve really awesome chicken wings and free supply of nice peanuts has now bring this place to the top of my fav pubs list! Will definitely be back for more~

(Cosy setting)

(With my fav beer and super nice peanuts~)

(Seafood Pizza, potato wedge, chicken wings - None of it is NOT delicious!)

(Me with my 2 lovely colleagues~)

Though the weather was not really great, with slight drizzles, I'm still glad we made the trip down to the pub. Fortunately for us, despite the fact that the place was booked for a private event, we were allowed in. Hours of chit-chatting session and time spent together really felt great!

But one thing - all these booze is really making my beer belly too tough to hide! I gotta work out more!!! Hurhur~

Successful Drinking session with DT peeps @ Molly Malone's!

2010-11-29T23:37:00.000+08:00

(Us @ Molly Malone's~)

Just last Friday, we had a successful DT drinking session @ Molly Malone's! Been so long since we had such a crowd...awesome turn-out! =D

Not to mention the yummy finger food and my most beloved Magners in my hands, the company really made the weekend start out just right! Just a pity Nicole left us quite early~

(yummy food +Magners~)

(A peckture with Nicole before she left)

Not forgetting of cos, my first time trying Guinness + raw egg...OMGGgggoshhh! I know..but don't worry, I didn't down the whole glass...just maybe like 1/8 of it...really tasted nothing very different but it's just the thought of it that's really disgusting! hahax...and not to mention the worry of seeing hair grow out of me...like who knows if it might awaken some male hormones in me right!? LOLx...but bcos of that, I was a guy for the night! hahax..

(All "guys" photo~)

(More pecktures~)

Ever since we all left DT and went on different paths, we seldom get to meet up cos of individual's busy schedule. But when we met up after so long, the crap still went on so well! If there's anything that went right in my audit life, that's knowing this bunch of awesome peeps!

So looking forward to more drinking sessions with them! *SlurPz*

Some blog reviving~

2010-11-07T14:51:00.006+08:00

Been totally neglecting my blog these days...Reason no 1: Camera went faulty and was sent for repair, Reason no 2: Been so busy with the past quarter close that even if I went out, my tired eyes are not suitable for photo-taking, Reason no 3: The author has been growing too fat for screen uploads!

I'm not dead though, especially now with the quarter close finally giving me some peace, the most recent month-end felt like a breeze...and this is also when I finally get to have more time to myself, for gym sessions, for some personal time, and of course for some boyfriend + besties time! Some pecktures from some BF / friends / colleagues session:

(Me at Dar's cousin's wedding~)

(Zhongwei and I went to support Liangwei's charity lunch event~)

(@ a colleague's place for BBQ!)

I'm still on the ball with my golf lessons, and the fat me is seriously trying to lose some weight here! But, if u know, the BF just constantly comes up with new yummilicious dishes, I just can't help it but to keep eating! I recently went for the first MTV-moves dance class and I have to admit I felt rusty after not dancing for so long, but it sure felt good! I'm definitely gg for more!! *woot* For now, some previews of the culprits contributing to my fat-stewing~

(Spicy crab and button mushroom tossed with white wine pasta)

(Sauteed mushroom and prawn olio in capers)

(Dong fen in bah kut teh soup, my fav mixed veg in oyster sauce + Gong bao ji ting chicken and prawns!!)

My sister-in-law has also influenced me a little into cake-baking! She does such wonderful cakes that after eating them, I feel like baking some myself to share it with my colleagues too! Did my 2nd attempt of 5-hours baking yesterday and glad it turned out much better then it did the 1st time rd! *beams*

But of all these, I'm still really looking forward to some REAL breaks! Some get-aways!! So it's gonna Angsana and Spa resort @ Bintan in December with Dar cos my body is longing for it's well-deserved spa session to end the year, and Taiwan/Taipei trip in the coming March with my dearest colleagues! I needa save more moolah seriously~(0.o)

One of my bestie will be coming back from overseas for a short visit in December as well and my gfs and I are so looking forward to spending Christmas with her! But it is also with the Christmas slowly (or rather I should say, quickly) approaching us that I've come to realise how fast the year 2010 is gonna zoom by us really soon!

Some goals to set before the year really fly me by:
- LOST WEIGHT Ms Fatty me!!!
- Tune my lazy bones back into active mode! Sleep less on weekends and spend more time with the BF, my family and my friends~

And how time flies~ in 2 more days, I would have joined my current firm for 1 year! Love the colleagues being such lovely peeps...and while I wouldn't say my life is like awesomely wonderful cos I have my hiccups as well, at this moment I know I am blessed!

I will try to jump back with my pecktures despite the fact that they'll be the ones covered with fatty acids~Till then, enjoy the remaining 2 months of your life's year 2010! *grins*

End of Dar's Internship Dinner @ Marutama Ramen! =D

2010-09-17T00:35:00.001+08:00

(Dar and me~*smooch*)

Dar finished his internship on last Thursday and so we had a end-of-internship dinner together! =D Dar brought me to Marutama Ramen @ the Central for dinner...and goshy gosh...what can I say..I totally love the ramen there! *huhoo~~*

Not to mention the long long queue that awaited us whiles we arrive @ Marutama...scary long queue...but it was all worth the wait!

(Dar and me while queuing up!Check out the queue behind us~)

(Moi outfit for the day...*just bored!*)

(Cutey Marutamen poster!)

For those of you who have not heard or tried the ramen there...this ramen store is truly authentic, with the staff there almost 100% Japanese I think. And the fact that they can attract such a long queue with only 3 types of ramen in their menu says it all! And a MUST-HAVE is their egg..SUPER NICE CAN!!! *drools*

(Mild spicy ramen with meat-balls)

(Spicy ramen with Cha-shu..pardon the blurry pic!)

(The super nice egg! *YUMMY*)

(Dumplings as side dish~)

Best thing of all? The price is truly affordable with their ramen ranging between 12-15bucks! They serve their dishes really fast too! I'm so definitely going back there! *beams*

Friday-after-work-dinner @ Tampopo

2010-09-15T22:32:00.000+08:00

Kinda late post on one of Dar and my Friday-after-work-dinner post! Dar and me met up on 3rd Sept (Fri) for some shopping for my Golf wear as well as dinner after work.

We've actually passed by Tampopo quite a few times but haven't had a chance to try it. Besides the queue was always long! But since we had the time that Friday, we decided to give it a try...to spend our precious time to queue up for the much raved ramen~~~

(Dar and me patiently waiting for our ramen to be served!)

(Seriously...nothing fantastic abt their Ramen...-.-'')

(The only dish that passed our review...dumplings~)

(Dar purposely took this pic..trying to accuse me on Facebook that I ate 2 bowls of ramen! ><)

Conclusion for the day: Love the company by Dar but we're both deeply sadden by the lousy dinner we allowed ourselves to have that night! Ajisen is definitely a better choice anytime!

Up next post...our quest to reward ourselves for good ramen awaits!!! *teehee***

Yacht Half year celebration!

2010-09-01T21:49:00.015+08:00

On the 30th August 2010, my department had a post half year celebration together in a yacht! One of my colleague and I organized this yacht trip and I'm so happy all of us enjoyed it very much! =D

Weather wasn't exactly perfect but the dark clouds did leave us alone subsequently. We had a potluck style for the food and the food brought by all my colleagues are surprisingly delicious! So happy we choose to have potluck rather then catered food! *yummyss*

(Us arriving @ Marina Keppelbay~)

And the yacht looks as good as on the pecktures sent to us! Lovin' it~Here're some shots of the yacht I took while the rest are still on their way~

(Name of the Yacht - Whatever!)

(Living room area~)

(Kitchen~)

(Down to the base deck~)

(Cosy get-together area at the base deck`)

(Bedroom 1)

(Bedroom 2)

(Me and Lydia~ *scandalous! HAHA)

(Washroom~)

After all the roaming around, it was time to get lay out the table for all the food!! I totally love the way everyone got together and miggle while digging into the great variety of food we had!

(But first..a peckture of the organisers!)

(Just some random shots of the food we had!)

(Chit-chatting~)

(@ The lower deck chatting!)

After all the food and some WII games together, we proceeded up to the upper deck, preparing for the yacht to set-sail!!! *Yippie~*

(Me @ the deck~)

(All happy and excited for the sail!)

And I have to say, the sail is really fun! The breeze and all just blow all our Monday Blues away totally!!! No Blues at all!~ The sipping of wine / beer and just plain chatting is enough to totally let our hair down!

(Big challenge to the guys trying to open the barrel of beer on the wobbling yacht~)

(*Beams*)

(Me with my beautiful new boss!)

(And there I am~ =D)

(My colleagues enjoying the breeze~)

Sunset came upon us shortly after we set sail and boy was the sunset lovely~ A pinkish-toned sunset~

(The 2 elephants spotted by the 2 bosses~ LOLx)

(Lovely isn't it?)

The night came after the sunset and all of us grew quieter as the yacht started sailing back to Keppelbay...A beautiful time spent together we all agree! I shall end this post with the group pic...the awesome people I work with...=D

(The group pic!)

I wish...of more days like this! *grins*

Ladies night stay @ The Club by Harry's Hospitality Hotel

2010-08-31T23:27:00.007+08:00

Time to do some updates for my blog!

If you remember, I mentioned on several occasions in my past posts that I'm gonna stay a night @ the Club by Harry's Hospitality with my beloved girls. And it was a wonderful weekend spent with the ladies! *Totally hearts*

The day started with Fang and me meeting first and checking into the room since Ms Neo is busy and can only join us in the evening. The room's quite cosy and nice but I have to say the staff @ the Club are not exactly friendly and professional. Checking into the hotel there is seriously nothing comparable to when I go overseas. The smiles and friendliness overseas...gosh I hope the service level in Singapore can improve more.

Here's some pics of the room~

(Jumpy Fang~)

(Random pics of the black and white themed-room~)

(Hotel Lobby~)

(Moi!)

(Fang and me gg out to town!)

Anyways, after we checked in, Fang and I made our way down to town for some shopping around! I have to say I bought quite a bit of stuff but all items I totally love!!! =D I haven't had such satisfied shopping mood in Singapore in quite a long time! *grins*

Nearing evening, Ms Neo came over to find us and we made our way to Coca for steamboat dinner!! I have been craving for it since Thursday when my colleagues went to Coca but since I was on half day, I gave it a pass though the crave was totally killin' me! =p So thanks to my babes who agreed to grant my wish by having dinner @ Coca! *dances*

(Love love love!!! Love the chilli and meatballs TTM!!!)

(Fang and me~)

(Xiaowan and me!)

Dinner lasted pretty long and after stuffing our tummies full with food, we had a little walk over to Cineleisure and shopped a little and slurped a bit of Billy Bombers yummilicious chocolate milk shake before we finally headed back to the Club with a pack of chips and drinks!

Back in the room, it was ladies' talk all the way with masks and more chit chats! Seriously, though the 3 of us always meet up, we never seem to have enough time together! And they never fail to recharge my need for girls' time! And we didn't allow each other to sleep till around 4-5am (erm or correction..._Fang didn't allow us to sleep!!!esp me!!! *complains*haha)...so it was a night of lack of sleepSSsss!

Next day came...checked out but with a little more time spent together (including Xiaowan's beloved Ben) down @ ION for brunch @ Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe and then down to Cineleisure before we headed back home!

(Just before checking out~)

I can still vividly remember how the Sunday afternoon sun felt so comfortable on my skin for the first time...for a moment...I'm hoping I step out of my house more on Sundays! I forgot..for quite some time...Sunday is a weekend too and I should make more use of it rather then just resting at home! =D

It was really a happy weekend spent with more fun the next day...when I went onto a yacht! *more updates coming up soon!* Stay tuned~~~

P.S to my beloved babes: Thanks for always being who you are...and I totally cherish having you girls in my life! I'm so totally looking forward to more years of sweet friendships together! *hugs*

An old peckture I found...

2010-08-27T01:19:00.004+08:00

(When we're both younger and skinnier~ -.-'')

How we have aged and put on weight...it all started with this plate of pasta a couple of years ago~~~

RBS Finance Post half year celebration @ Loof

2010-08-20T17:04:00.001+08:00

Quite a few weeks ago, I had a half year celebration with the entire level colleagues @ Loof! It's my first time there then, and I find the place a really nice place to chill~

(Some pics to start the evening rollin')

Oh well, put it this way, working where I'm working now, we're always told to mingle around and "PR" abit, and I have to admit it's really a good thing! It sure dusson make life better just sitting behind your desk and not talking to any one else except for those in the team...and the mingle that night was quite a good mix I felt! *Not to mention, this includes tons of booze and shots down-ing our throats...which isn't really gd of cos!*

(And here's when, as u can see, the sky is still not completely dark and we're all sober! =p)

And then comes the moment when more booze came as we mingle and had small bites in the cage...I guess I shall just have less words and more pics this time round! Let the pecktures speak for themselves~

(Gals in my team who turned up~)

(plus the 2 guys...the boss and the new comer! Totally love this pic!)

(Taken when most of the girls in my team were still around and getting a little high~)

And all fun came in later, most of the peeps left, leaving a few "madder" party-goers who stayed to have fun! =D

(the final 3 in the team who stuck together til the end of all! heez~)

(Random madness...)

I got pretty drunk that night, and I'm fortunate to have the gals take care of me! The few left actually partied hard @ New Asia Bar till 3am after we left Loof and were still able to reach office the next day on time! Madness!!! I had a pretty bad hangover the next morning...but it was a great evening spent with the peeps! *Woot*

Post 54th Month-sary Dating weekend!

2010-08-10T22:06:00.002+08:00

(Post haPpy 54th Month-Anniversary!!!)

Just on the past weekend, it was like the first time I really felt like a dating weekend in a long long time. I was excited for the weekend to come...and I was happy to be able to celebrate yet another month-sary with Dar!

It was a-day-late post happy 54th month anniversary! Dar haven't had a chance to go to T.G.I.Friday for a meal so there we went on Friday evening after work! And despite the fact that it was still the busy period of the month, I'm glad I manage to spend the Friday night with Dar. Nothing much...just a simple dinner and some chatting! Simple and nice!

(Dar tried the pasta there while I stick to my Jack Daniel's Chicken! =D)

It was indeed a short night out...we could have went out for a walk but we didn't. We cab back home early for a rest instead! Looking forward to Saturday together!

Saturday morning was rise and shine really early @ 1130am (hey this is super early for me on a Saturday alrights!) cos Dar has prepared a Saturday American-style breakfast for the 2 princesses (his sis and me!=p)...I lurrvee the bacon! heex!

(Dar's American-style breakfast!)

And right after breakfast...I went back straight to bed! Not sure if it's cos I'm not used to having so little sleep on Saturdays, or if it's cos I took the wrong itch medicine the night before that is causing me to feel lethargic and drowsy..*thought I took the morning pill that should be non-drowsy!*...I wonder~~~

Anyways, something went wrong with my air-con again...this time round..the pipe got stuck. Which therefore led to the continuous dripping from my new air-con...*humphf* But thanks to Dar's friend who came to the rescue. Dar accompanied back home in the afternoon after my sleep to get my air-con fixed. After which, we went for movies @ Marina Sq~! The movie of the night - Salt! Nothing compared to Inception...but Salt had its own exciting moments in the show too...=)

(Salt)

Dar had intended to bring me to the Helix Bridge for a walk after movie, since we both have yet to visit the bridge since its open months ago. Unfortunately, roads seem to be blocked everywhere as a result of YOG preview...so I suggested we go there some other time. Surprisingly (or not), my sweet tooth came into action as we crossed the road and Millenia Walk stood right in front of us! Yesss...some TCC desserts would be nice!

(Been wanting to give the new mooncake delight set a try so as to decide if I should buy some home! So I tried the mango one with royal sencha tea served!)

(And some marble cheesecake!heeesss...)

(Me and Dar!)

After trying the mooncake @ TCC...it's a no no to buy anymore of it! I'm glad I ordered the Champagne Truffles from Raffles Hotel! Yums...2 boxes...Love Love Love!! I'm still hunting more mooncakes to buy...let me know if you have any other recommendations of MUST-TRY mooncakes ya? =D

Had initially wanted to have some dinner @ TCC as well...but oh well..nothing beats Dar's pesto pasta! So we zooommed back home after satisfying my sweet tooth! Even if there isn't much ingredients...I still love every strand of pasta Dar cooks! Love you Dar *hugs*!!!

hApPy 45th BiRthdaY to Singapore!!!

2010-08-09T23:22:00.010+08:00

(Love my homeland Singapore!)

It's haPpY 45th biRthday to homeland Singapore!!!

Despite the fact that I had to go back to work today, I still enjoyed this semi-holiday very much! I knocked off at around 4pm today, took a cabbie and went to pick Dar up before going back home together! We had a national day celebration + advanced birthday celebration for my sister-in-law since her actual birthday is tomorrow! And our selected place for dinner? - One of my family's frequent - Buckaroo! Love the buffalo wings and pasta there....the dory fish is nice..and the ribs are roasted delicious too! I find the pork loin chop simple and nice too! =D

(Buckaroo!)

(I'm in red, Dar's in White!~)

(Just some pics of the food!)

After dinner, we went back home and watched Ip Man on TV together. I've watched this show for more then 3 times now...but I'm still lovin' every moment of the show!! *grins* But of course of all...it's cos on top of my family, Dar accompanied us too!

And thanks to Dar for helping me shift my bed so I can face the aircon tonight and sleep better as well as get my room ready for some beanbags! Yeps...I gathered maybe beanbags will feel more cosy then a bulky sofa! 2 should be enough...=D

That's all for now! Hope all of you enjoyed your holiday too! (^^)

Shu Uemura Make Up course~

2010-08-01T01:26:00.002+08:00

(Shu Uemura make up class!)

Not long ago, I went for a Shu Uemura make up class with a few of my female colleagues after work and I manage to learn more about make-up and stuff as well as more about Shu Uemura's products!

And since then, I've added a couple of items from Shu Uemura into my make-up box! =D Am totally lovin' the mousse make up base as well as their lipstick which really keeps my dry lips moist!

(the mousse UV under base I like!)

And after trying out the sample sized cleansing oil, I think it'll work fine for me. I've had bad experiences with using cleansing oil as my skin is really sensitive and acne-prone =( So I had second thoughts about using it even though I've heard quite a lot of good reviews on Shu Uemura's cleansing oil. Gonna grab hold of one soon! *grins*

I personally find their make-up class quite entertaining and useful, especially with the little make-up tips they provide in the class. So if you haven't tried it, maybe you can consider attending one! =D

Mid-week dinner with Fang~

2010-07-30T23:32:00.002+08:00

(Bella having her happy Mid-week!*beams with my new mustard vest!*)

Always happy on the day I meet up one of my girlfriends..and I got my fair treat of gf day last Wednesday with Fang. A pity Xiaowan couldn't join us since she's away to Genting with her family.

The initial option of Ding Tai Feng was opted out due to the mad long queue, and the eventual choice of TCC didn't require much consideration given that it's one of our usuals and there's no queue! =p

(Some mozze sticks and our choice of pastas - tried the spicy chicken pasta and find it not a bad alternative to the usual seafood one! =D)

After dinner, we had a little walk to digest our filled-tummies and to shop around while Ms Soryan comes to find us! She's uber late as usual despite the fact that she was on MC that day!!

(Had some sweet treats @ Gusttimo!)

One of my favs @ ION - GUSTTIMO!! The 3 of us hung around there with some scoops of ice creams and chit chatted for a while before we decided to head home...oh well...only to find us standing @ the taxi stop entrance for 30 mins trying to call for a cab! I seriously wonder where are all the cabs when we need them! Arghh..

On a side note...it was nice hanging around with the gals as always! =D

The 24th-25th July weekend - Buffet and Ikea~

2010-07-28T23:02:00.000+08:00

It was all about food last weekend!!!

On Saturday, it was rise and shine at around noon time for some dim sum action @ TungLok @ East Coast with Dar's mummy and sister! Second time there for dim sum buffet and still quite loving it~

(As usual nothing beats my apple jelly dessert! *grinz*)

After the heavy brunch, Dar accompanied me home to get my cranky aircon fixed! My aircon has been going nuts recently and as a result, I even have to abandon my bed for a week and go to Dar's house to sleep cos' I simply couldn't afford another sleepless night given the amount of work I need to handle in the day..I need focus! =p

And oh well...to cut the story short, it was gone with the cranky aircon of mine and a new Daikin aircon for me!!! *Woot* The whole aircon checking and replacement thing was done by Dar's primary school mate and was pretty fuss-free! He got the new air-con installed that very afternoon and it's *beams* to cool air once again! And after the air-con installation, it was time to head down to Vivocity for "Inception"!!! Best movie of the year alrights~~~~~

(You have to watch this if you haven't do so! - MUST WATCH!!! 5 stars is just an under-rate for this movie!)

We had a mad quarrel on Saturday night though...=(((((! But we're now back on track trying to build our relationship again! =D So on Sunday after we woke up, we went back to my house to get the car and headed down to Ikea Tampines! As usual, being physically there, how can any one resist the food @ Ikea Restuarant!!!

(Yummilicious!)

And while the initial intention was to head down to Ikea to get a sofa for my tiny room to make it more cosy, the ones we saw online seem to be unavailable! *glooms* I still manage to grab hold of some items for storage purposes before my room turns out-of-control with all the loots I have..hurhur~ Am still in search for my ideal sofa...anyone who comes across a stylish and affordable one...pls let me know!!! hees...and as for now...it's gonna be sitting on the bed while reading my magazine! (>.<)

Simple Saturday movie night~

2010-07-26T01:05:00.001+08:00

Went out with Dar on one of the past Saturdays for 3D version of "Despicable Me" and I have to say..I'm entertained!

(Us before we went out~)

We had a little walk around Bugis first and Dar brought me to try out the yummy duck rice that I've always past by when on my way to steamboat but have never got to stop by to give it a shot...and yes! Finally...I manage to have a taste of it and I have to say..I like it!

(You really don't know to pay a lot to enjoy good food!)

(And the cute Despicable Me movie after dinner~)

And I also did a short review on Renzze's blog before we went out for the evening...a review on Skin79's BB cream. It's now one of my favourite BB cream!! At least it dusson make my face oily through out the day! Huhoo~

(Likes~Give it a try if you haven't had a chance to lay hands on one of this!)

I've quite a few blog posts pending...been busy...slightly more free but will get really busy soon again since the next month-end is coming! But I'll definitely get all the posts up! *happyS*

hApPy Belated 53rd Month Anniversary

2010-07-18T01:00:00.004+08:00

Super belated post but yep...we had a belated 53rd month anniversary dinner together on the 10th July 2010 (Sat)...and yes..on a Saturday when I was back office working cos' of the half year close! So pardon my tired face~

Dar came to One Raffles Quay to find me at around 730pm and then we took a cabbie down to Marina Sq for dinner! Dinner was @ Billy bombers...and goshy gosh the awesomey yummy chocolate milkshake was exactly what I needed to make my day better! =D

(hAPpy Belated 53rd month-anniversary to us!)

(Tired but contented me with the choc milk shake! *loves*)

(Dar's seafood marinara)

(My honey chicken! sinful!)

(And my usual order - an extra bowl of cheese for my fries!)

After movies, Dar surprised me with a movie "Predator", and while it was not the best movie to choose for some relaxation, I was still happy cos Missy me TOTALLY LOVE SWEET SURPRISES! So thankies to Dar~ (^^)

Bella's Love #7 - Laneige Water Bank!

2010-07-16T23:49:00.001+08:00

If there's one thing I learnt right to care for my skin, it would be to keep my face hydrated at all times!!! It's been slightly more then a month now since I changed my entire skincare set, and I have to say it's really working quite well for me. At least the acnes are giving me some peaceful time (*touch-wood* thou =p).

And part 1 of Bella's Love #7 would be the Laneige Water Bank essence! But for me, I'm only using this for my T-zone area (where it's more oily) while the cheeks will stay with my Stemcello Revitalizing EMortal Acnic Serum of cos!!! =D

(Laneige Water Bank Essence~)

And for Part 2 of Bella's Love #7...it would be the sleeping masks from Laneige! I believe I'm definitely not the only one singing praises for the sleeping masks...in fact almost all of my friends who are using it can vouch for its loveliness!

(Laneige Water Bank sleeping masks!)

So I'm now officially adding Laneige water bank essence and sleeping masks into my Bella's Lpve! Both are equally lovely!!!

But coming up in Bella's Love #8 will be the next must-have in my current skincare set! The best moisturising milk ever!!! I'm so sticking with all of this wonderful products! *hiaks hiaks* (whispers: I'm so happy I manage to get my friend to bring me the stuff back from Hong Kong!*beams*)

my Charity: Water - Join my "For the Christmas to come" campaign now!

2010-07-12T00:19:00.013+08:00

(myCharity:Water)

I sat at my study desk, in my room, on a Sunday night, drinking a glass of water. And I came across myCharity:Water. I watched a video, that made a reality (which we all probably knew for sooo long) set in me with much guilt. Guilt that came to me because I suddenly realised how little I have done.

I shopped every week, getting new clothes and skincares for my own use, to doll myself up. I went for dinners with my girl-friends every week and I go for facials, massages etc. All being said, but while I did all that, millions and even billions of people out there had to dig for muddy water that made them sick, just so they could quench their thirst. They walk miles and miles just to carry some dirty water so they could live.

(Can u imagine making some milk for your baby in soiled dirty water??)

So I wish I can help...what I have may be limited...but if you (who's reading this), are willing to hold hands with me to support this campaign I'm gonna start, then maybe we can provide someone out there clean water to drink!

My Charity: Water Campaign (I name it) -- For the Christmas to come

We all get so excited wanting to plan ourselves the best Christmas party we want, but shall we make it a little more meaningful this time? Join me, because if we can hit the small goal I set of USD 5000, it just might be enough for a well to be built, a well that can serve a whole village with clean water. It might sound quite a sum, but if all of us can give a little, maybe...maybe we can do it!

(Watch the Video now!)

You might know me as a friend, you might know me as just a blogger, you might be a complete stranger, but if you are willing, may I ask that we join hands together to make our Christmas a little more special this year...to be able to know that this Christmas, while we're partying with our loved ones, some families out there will be celebrating their Christmas more then ever before because they will have clean water to drink!

It's going to be a 3 months campaign with just 92 days left!!!

So will you join me in this campaign...for the Christmas to come! A Real meaningful Christmas awaits! If your answer is "YES I wanna help someone drink some clean water!", click on the link now! http://mycharitywater.org/BellaVida-pursuit

Together, a well shall be built and more people can have clean water to drink!! (^.^)

A pleasant surprise!

2010-07-09T00:39:00.008+08:00

(Pretty roses + Cutie bear!)

I had a pleasant surprise on the past Monday!

This past week has been a mad week for me, starting from Monday, I have been having overtime every night! But someone made my Monday a lot less blue and showered with flowery love. All thanks to Nicole babe~

I received a call on Monday afternoon asking me to go out to the lift lobby to collect some flowers..and I was shocked...because who on earth would do that? Not to mention that Monday was Dar and my 53rd month anniversary, but it was still not quite possible...so I was filled with curiosity when I walked out to collect the flowers...little to expect that it was from Nicole babe!

(Lovely mixture of roses with a "Me to you" bear hugging a comfy blanket!)

(And the card from Nicole..and I erased some words =p)

And yes..Nicole babe is just so sweet to have sent me such a big box of flowers just to thank me for accompanying her to have dinner with Carlo. How sweet! *Thankie Nicole babe!*

(And yes..so the flowers have been comfortably sitting on my desk..showering me with lovely scent to brighten my mad week!)

And I have to admit flowers really do cheer a girl up...or well at least it did for me! =D Thankies to Nicole for making my week go mad in a much better mode! And while it does feel a little sad when I step into office everyday and realise the flowers are wilting away..but I will still have the cute blanket-hugging bear to keep me company! *grinz*

Almost weekly Girl's day!

2010-07-08T23:50:00.000+08:00

Our "almost weekly" meetup once again happened on last Friday! And this time round we went for steamboat @ Bugis Xian De Lai. But we're all quite disappointed cos' despite the reservations made by Fang on Friday afternoon, when we turned up that night, we were given a shitty seat @ the 3rd floor, cramped and stuffy! =((( But oh well...we had Ms Rennie Ong with us this time, pity we didn't take any pecktures together though!

Anyways, after the approx 2 hours steamboat session, Ms Ong left us for her friends while the 3 of us had our usual chill-out session back @ TCC @ Centrepoint since we're like craving for the dessert there...Yummilicious!!!!

(Me and Fang~)

(Fang and Xiaowan~)

(The dark devotion, is our ALLLL-time favourite!!!*drools*)

Oh and we're so looking forward to our girl's night falling on end of August cos we've booked ourselves a room @ The Club by Harry's Hospitality! *happy*

(A little sneak preview to our room-to-be!!*pic from the web*)

But before that, we shall meet more...not to mention that will mean after my these 2 weeks of crazy madness busy-ness!!! I've been OT-ing like mad...totally miss the girls and the boyfriend~ *snooZEee*

Lovely evening out with April~

2010-07-03T00:15:00.001+08:00

(Dear April and me~)

Just this past Thursday, I finally got a chance to meet up with April again! It's a pity Xiaoxuan and Lynette couldn't make it though. We haven't really met out proper for a meal for quite some time...I'm still glad I got to meet April! *grinz*

After walking around trying to find a place to settle our dinner, we finally decided to try out The Nautilus Project @ ION. The ambience is really lovely and I personally find the service there quite good given that the waiters and waitresses are actually quite attentive to our needs. And as the air-conditioning is quite cold there, they also do provide shawls for us should we feel cold. =D

(Both of us in shawls to prevent us from shivering..hees!)

(And not to mention I think the price is quite affordable~)

(Loving the decor~)

(And it's the brightly lit-up streets of Orchard outside the windows~)

After making our orders, we had our wines to keep us company for a while before the food got served up.

(Red for me and white for April~)

Food got served shortly after some chit-chatting. I have to say though, that while the ambience and wines have delighted us so far, the food was nothing fantastic, or in fact, I find it a little disappointing.

(And this is their Fish and Chips...you can choose to have it as the usual deep fried or steamed..I chose to have it steamed~a light dish~)

(April's clam chowder...not really nice per April's reviews as well)

But we still got to sit around after our main courses to sip on our wines for a while and have a little more girl's talk, which I find totally relaxing and lovely. =)

So as a conclusion to The Nautilus Project, a nice place to have some drinks and maybe desserts (we didn't get to try any though cos' we were too full), but for a meal...I believe there's more yummilicious food out there~

And we went on a shopping binge together @ ZARA after dinner cos ZARA was having it's first day sale! And you wouldn't believe how much damage we made in 30 mins! I should really stop myself from going shopping with April...we do duo damage when we shop together! hahax! But I'm still looking forward to meeting April again soon after my upcoming busy period (half-year close).

P.S to April: Wait for me to end my busy period and we can meet up again! =))))

SKII buying spree~

2010-06-30T22:16:00.006+08:00

(SKII Binge)

Had a recent SKII binge and I gotta to add into my skincare list some of the items I wanted to try for quite some time! *grinz*

(Ta-daaaa~)

(The whitening set...not sure how it's gonna work on my skin..hope will be good! =p)

(And as usual...treatment essence!)

(And something for the eyesss! Signs eye masks...my eyes are just getting so tortured by all the hard work these days..the puffiness and dark eye rings are freaking me out!!)

But of all my buys...my favourite buy of all has still got to be this ===> the compact foundation!! I say it's a MUST TRY!!! =D

(This is sticking in my list for quite a while I guess...unless I can find something even better which I think will be tough! hee hee~)

Then again...all these binge does not necessarily mean all SKII products works well or suit me to the T. Some of the products like the lotion and cleanser does not really serve me as well as other brands...so it's fingers crossed when I try the new whitening set and hope I'll love it as much as the new compact I got! *fingers crossed*

1-week post-op review~

2010-06-29T22:37:00.002+08:00

(drip drip drips~~)

I went for my 1-week post op review yesterday @ Shinagawa and unfortunately, my eyes are still under the torment of dryness. Boo!

And the result, is more rest @ home and constant dripping of eye drops! The redness of my eye is disappearing though...this shall be the happier part of my recovery. Apart from that, the dryness seem to not be going away as yet and so I bought myself another 2 big boxes of naturale tears to arm myself well both at home and in office!~

But yeah to no more eye shield required when sleeping and no more bitter Vigamox for me! *Dumps them into the bin*

Meanwhile, pray for me for a speedy recovery and better adjustment of my eye sight too plssss! *Grinz*

Mini Afternoon Escape~

2010-06-27T23:05:00.009+08:00

After staying home for 5 full days, I was really craving for some outside-home air! For the past few days, I have been so grounded by my eyes which needed much rest after my lasik on Monday.

Thank God for much protection, my eyes seem to be recovering quite alright, though my right eye is still slightly red and both eyes are suffering from dryness. And I'm actually suppose to be still on MC tomorrow since it's my 1-week post-op review but I gathered maybe it might do me some good to be back in office for some catch-up on my work before the half-year close arrive! Besides, a log-in to my office email on Friday left me almost 200 mails to clear...*urmps*

And this weekend was as per any other weekend spent with Dar...simple yet happy! =)

Yesterday Dar finally brought me out for a walk! Weather was sunny but to a crazy extreme...it was crazily hot! I was sweating like mad and not to mention, I had to wear my sunglasses almost every minute when we're out in the sun cos' it was just too much for my recovering eyes!

(Beautiful clouds though~looks almost like a painted scenery!)

(Me and Dar~Pardon my pale face without make-up cos I'm not suppose to be on makeup for a week~)

We went to have lunch at Serangoon North area since Dar had to collect his clothes from the tailor. Afterwhich we headed down to Sim Lim to get Dar's daddy a laptop. And though we initially planned to make a trip down to Orchard for some shopping, the idea was called off upon realising how mean the weather was and how heavy the laptop was as well. I still got to do abit of shopping at Bugis Junction though! heh heh...Great buys @ watsons this weekend if u missed it. Here're some of my buys~

(Avène Thermal Spring Water!! 2 Big bottles for just SGD29.90! Big save of SGD23.90! Great for calming my skin in this hot weather!)

(Maybelline Pulse Perfection Vibrating Mascara - Reviews voice it that the vibrations does wonders to full lashes and supposedly a limited edition...I just had to try it..that is after my 1-week of no make-up is over!=p)

And of course, some other daily necessities that were at a discounted price! It's always nice to do stock-ups and u'll definitely know what I mean if you've stepped foot into one of the watsons store this weekend! =p

Back home, Dar and I unloaded the barang barang buys and did some shopping @ the supermarkets for our steamboat ingredients! Haven't had steamboat for quite some time and since I was craving for it the night before, my wish was granted! Hoho~

(Just some snapshots~Boy I love steamboats!)

I did quite a fair bit of online shopping this weekend too! Makes me happy to be able to pamper myself before i officially start work tomorrow! Manage to quite a bit of time-off for my post-op review tomorrow. Hope all will be well for my eyes~ *winks*

A very nice get-together with Junne and Ying~

2010-06-23T16:28:00.000+08:00

Totally exciting to be able to meet up with Junney and Jie Ying! It's been like eons since we kinda last met together, with all 3 present, in Deloitte days! So we did...last Friday!

And I suggested we have our dinner @ T.G.I.Fridays again since I'm still craving for the Jack Daniel's Chicken there! hurhur~And anyways, apart from all the food, what's most important is still the company! It's nice updating each other with our lives and having small talks over dinner~

(One of my favs place now~)

(Us @ T.G.I.Fridays)

(My Jack Daniel's Chicken!still lovin' it)

After dinner, Ying brought us to KPO. It's both Junney and my first time there and to be frank, I think we're all loving the place! Great for chill out...and of course it'd be greater if not for the crowd. I'm so seeing us going there again!!

(Great ambience @ KPO)

(Us!)

I want more fridays like this plssss!!! But till my eyes are healthy and fully recovered, I'm kinda grounded for now~ *Snooze*

A surprise dinner~

2010-06-22T20:04:00.001+08:00

There was this day, a surprise dinner popped up when dear Nicole bbm-ed me to ask me to accompany her to one of her dinner dates. And since this wasn't the first time, I agreed, but only to find out subsequently it's Carlo! Oops~

We had our dinner at Long Bar Steakhouse @ Raffles Hotel. And it happened to be my first time having dinner there. Food quite alright, and I luurrveee the desserts there but I seriously think the price is a little too over. But apart from the yummy desserts, the red wine that Carlo order was really tasty too!

(@ Long Bar Steakhouse)

(Check our the pricey menu~)

(Me and Nicole babe~)

(My entrée, Black Cod, my Lemon baked cheese cake and red wine~Nice!)

(And in case you're wondering what wine it is, here it is!!)

And after some great chat alongside with the sipping of red wine, we decided to move over to the Long Bar for some soccer on the flat screen TV and some more drinks~ And it was a nice chat, and I didn't know that Carlo could be so friendly and easy-going too! Some nice foreign sharing there too...and how I wish I can be there in the France Pavilion...*dreams*

(A final pic before we left~)

We ended the nice dinner and drinks rather early that night since both Nicole babe and me had work the next day. I'm really glad to have spent time with Nicole particularly since we haven't met for quite some time. *Hope to meet her again soon* (^0^)

The last of be-spectacled me! =)

2010-06-21T20:33:00.000+08:00

(The last of be-spectacled me with Dar!)

As of some of friends may have known by now, I went for my lasik at Shinagawa at Wheelock Place today. The whole process was quite alright for me, though not to mention, I was really scared in there alone. =p

The last Saturday, Dar accompanied me downt o Shinagawa for my consultation which lasted for around 2 hours. I've been on my specs since Wednesday as I have to be on specs 3 days before consultation. And yeah, all my friends who saw me in specs couldn't really recognise me =p

(Left: Dar accompanied by a cuppa green tea throughout the 2 lonesome hours...)
(Right: Me in my little spectacles..excited for the consultation!)

(Inside Shinagawa~)

They did a lot of tests for my eyes during consultation and frankly, I'm surprised by how thorough this eye testing can get! Not to mention the fact that my myopia has actually got worse...with my left eye being 500 and my right eye 625! I'm glad I decide to have my lasik done before it gets even worse!

So after the check, I scheduled the appointment today (Monday) @ 10am and gosh was I terrified! I went in alone after some waiting and the whole thing started slow and easy. My right eye initially felt more pain then my left eye, even after I got home. I slept in, though waking up every 1 hour to put on the 3 different eye drops that were provided to me. With each hour of sleep, my right eye got better and the vision also became clearer.

Though my vision is not exactly sharp now, I'm hoping to see the world with a clearer vision when I wake up tomorrow for my first post-op review~

That aside, Dar came over to find me after work to have dinner with me *Thankies Dar Dar* So happy!! I can finally watch a soccer match without the use of contact lenses or spectacles! Huhoo~~~Meanwhile it's more eye drops for me and more rest for my eyes!!!

Thank God for all the protection over my lasik! *I Love You!*

Xiaoxuan's baby full month celebration~

2010-06-20T20:26:00.009+08:00

(Dar and me on our way to Xiaoxuan's~)

Last Sunday, Dar and I went over to one of our common friend, Xiaoxuan's, baby full month celebration @ their house.

It's a nice feeling attending their wedding and now, attending their baby's full month celebration! We felt really happy for her having such a lovely family~

(Lynette, the couple and me~)

(Foodie~Some pics stolen from XX's~)

(And here's the star - the lovely baby!)

It was a rather short visit but it sure felt nice being able to be in the midst of all that happiness that this blessed couple is having! I really feel happy for Xiaoxuan! And it's haPpy full month to her baby, Tiger! =)

Goodbye to Uncle Sunny~

2010-06-19T19:43:00.007+08:00

(The mourning of a wonderful man)

18th June 2010 marks the last day of my beloved Uncle Sunny life journey. I woke up in the morning for work as usual, only to receive the news from my mum that one of her dear brothers had passed away due to a sudden heart attack while we were all asleep.

My whole family was left stunned, speechless and having great difficulty in believing that it happened. I was, to be frank, kinda affected. This is especially so since I see Uncle Sunny as my closest uncle among the many relatives I have. I remember my feets being grounded to the patch of floor just outside my bedroom for about 5-10 mins as I listen to my mum tell me how Uncle Sunny left his family and us so suddenly. No history of heart attack known to us previously made it even harder a fact to accept.

He was the one who carried and hugged me when I was a small little girl. He was the one who came to my birthday party with a present I'm still wearing every single day. He was the one who never fail to come over to our house during Chinese New Year every year. And he is the one who treated everyone so friendly and nice.

I was having a dilemma yesterday. To take a day off to grieve about the lost, or to carry on with my plans for the day so I will not keep thinking about it. I tried choosing the latter, by staying at work throughout the day and by going out with my gfs for dinner and a drink at night. And I thought I suppressed it all well and good, but only to realise how i burst into tears as I saw Dar when I went over to Dar's house after the night out.

It must be really hard on his family, to lose a loving husband and a caring father. Frankly speaking, I still dun understand why a kind man like my uncle have to leave so early in his life. He was only in his 40s, at the peak of his career with a nice family. It's a pain to all of us to see this wonderful man leave...

*To Uncle Sunny: You will be greatly missed!

But with this goodbye to someone so dear, I start to also see how life is so fragile and vulnerable. People always get all calculative about a whole load of things in life. But if one day our today becomes a sudden last page of our lives, would you have done all you could have done? Would you regret not saying more "Thank you"s and "I love you"s to all the friends and family who mattered to your life? Would you have lived your life knowing you enjoyed the moments and is satisfied with it?

I think I need some time alone to really think through. But for a start:

To my Daddy, Mummy and Brother: I love you and Thank you!
To Dar: I love you and Thank you!
To my bestie girl friends (you know who you are): I love you and Thank you!

Bella's Love #6 - Stemcello

2010-06-15T21:00:00.001+08:00

A new Bella's Love would be Stemcello Revitalizing EMortal Acnic Serum made in Korea! This serum is suppose to be great for soothing and calming for troubled oily skin.

I've just started adding this to my skincare regime and I'm totally loving how it calms my skin! I also find that it does have some lightening effect on my gigantic pores and scars that were left behind from all the active acne-days~

So if you're having scarring and big visible pores problem, you might wanna give this a try! I bought this when I was in Hong Kong though..not sure if there's any where in Singapore where we can get this! Let me know if u happen to come across this product in SG okies??

Meanwhile...I shall find out who's going to Hong Kong and get them to help me bring it back! *woot*

A girlie Saturday!

2010-06-13T21:19:00.009+08:00

(Quality time with Fang~)

It's an awesome Saturday evening spent with my beloved gf, Fang~

It's been a long long time since we last spent a Saturday together. Our initial plan was to watch Sex and The City 2 together, but unfortunately, tickets were surprisingly all sold out despite this movie being out for quite some time! I foresee a great time watching it this coming week~

So well, we still hung out for shopping, food and drinks! And I have to admit, I totally love all my buys that day! A couple of dresses and some cosmetics was all it takes to make my spirits lift up up up!!! And though it's supposedly the GSS period, I see that there isn't much discounts going on...but oh well...still loving it cos I'm getting a little deprived from shopping since I stepped back from my Hong Kong trip. =p

We had our dinner at T.G.I.Fridays just outside Heeren and gosh, this is so gonna be one of my favourite place! Food is yummy and ambience is comfy!!

(Here it is...T.G.I.Fridays)

(us @ T.G.I.Fridays!)

(Fried Mozerella and Buffalo wings! Nice!~)

(The Jack Daniel Chicken and Shrimp..I totally love how the chicken taste! Delicious!)

It was nice just sitting down for a slow pace dinner with my best girl...and what more some drinks after dinner! We popped by Centrepoint to find Irene before we went for our drinks cos' Ms Rennie's just simply way too busy to meet us! It's nice seeing her though it was just a few minutes talk together! *Shoutout to Ms Rennie: When are you gonna date us out???*

Anyways, so after the little chat, we tried going to some pub along Cuppage Terrace but gosh seems like any pubs with big screens showing the World Cup matches will be crazily packed! So we headed to Rouge Outdoors instead...it's a surprise SURPRISE that it's not packed for the first time...and this is probably cos' there isn't a flat screen there!

(Love chill-out talks!)

I have to say, a glass of red wine really let my hair loose totally! And I seemed to have lost count of how many times we mentioned a zillion times of "if only every day's a Saturday!" cos Saturday's really awesome with worries of work the next day! God I love Saturdays! Hope you guys enjoy your Saturdays as much as I did too!