Dazzling December 2014

Dear Diary,

This has been a perfect month, the perfect December with the perfect Christmas and the perfect closure to the 2014 year. Thank the Deities and all that has been a part of this year, or blessing this year. We all get rid of the bad things to make room for the good things, at any point in time hence it is not necessary to wait till Spring to do the "cleaning".

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/visit-to-madam-tussauds-museum-sentosa.html

So, there was the continual break in which movies, high-teas, cafes, etc were visited, along with myriad of shopping accomplished.  There were also things that I had to settle for the new company - applying for registered addresses, getting the name cards, business templates etc. Pretty exhilarating stuff, but exciting - a new learning curve.

Then there was the happy occasion in the family in which we welcomed a new member into the house and I gained a sister-in-law. My felicitations to the newly-wed couple!

So, since the relatives came out to Singapore, I had to do a bit of hosting throughout the course of their stay and played tour guide. I am not complaining - I do enjoy hosting overseas guests.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/maneuvering-malaysia-malacca-trip.html

Next came a short vacation into Malacca in which I got to visit the Peranakan museum, eat chicken rice balls and cheese prawn beehoon - just simply relaxing and basking in the lovely Christmas lights of the Portuguese homes there.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/dinner-at-equinox-swisshotel-stamford.html

Following that, it was The Beau's birthday, in which we celebrated at the really scenic Equinox, enjoying delicious dinner with a stunning view looming in front of us.

Oh, yeah, the marital status changed as well, and now I am engaged :)
We had the authentic, conventional method of doing the surprise proposal before discussing about house, wedding packages, banquet venues etc.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/christmas-get-together-2014-at-prive.html

And as it was closer to Christmas , there were the annual gatherings over meals with the different groups of good friends for catching up and gifts exchange. Somehow, over the years, the notion of exchanging physical gifts itself seems more and more like a tradition to abide by, but the true gifts seem to be the precious friendship instead.

In between it all, there was the Dong Zhi aka Winter Solstice, in which one commences surviving of winter itself. Hence, we had the usual tradition at home, including eating of Tang Yuan (glutinous rice balls)

Followed by another very lovely visit by the Bestie and her Hubby, both hailing from Canada.... we had so much fun catching up, hanging out and having drinks at swanky joints.

Finally, it was the long-awaited Christmas Eve. Before that, the usual December tradition would be the rounds of must-have food items such as fruitcake, eggnog, logcake, turkey, gingerbread men, etc. There would be visiting malls and all to take photos of beautiful Christmas lights, listening to of carols, reading of Christmas issues of magazines and books etc.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/buffet-breakfast-at-cafe-brios-grand.html

Then a delicious Christmas Day brunch at Café Brio's after an early morning swim - the place we spent our Christmas Eve this year.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/12/boxing-day-tea-break-hatter-street.html

Time flies, and I cannot believe that Christmas is over so fast- that is my most loved festival of the entire year. Anyway, Boxing Day was spent with some girlfriends catching up at Hatter Street Café.

There have been a lot of food tastings this month itself - check out some of the reviews here:-
(i) The Square @ Novotel Clarke Quay
(ii) Ramen Isshi @ One Raffles Place
(iii) Shi Fu Korean BBQ @ Peace Centre
(iv) Outback Steakhouse @ Millenia Walk 

Preparing for the brand New Year, and welcoming it, along with a new set of resolutions and new beginnings. I am excited at what 2015 would entail.

To end the entry off, I would like to share 13 of my favourite Photos of the Year - one for each month of 2014:

Equinox
 

She-Bangs

Let them eat cake

No makeup

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/04/personal-portraiture-experience.html

HAPPY 2015 NEW YEAR TO ALL - MAY IT BE A BLESSED YEAR!

November Rain 2014

Dear Diary,

This is the month I feared, the month I hated, the month that brought about bad news and losses. However, I have decided that for November 2014, there would only be good news, winnings and a very happy Thanksgiving month.

So far, I believe it has gone the way I want beautifully.

What changed? Something did, lol, which I believe to be a blessing in disguise. Everything happens for a reason, and I love the methodical way I often think - that instead of letting emotions cause me downcast or confusion, my mind automatically tunes into the "other angles to consider" mode.

So I took the time also to do  much of what I want to do but usually haven't the time to - including lots of overdue errands, visiting museums (like the recent Da Vinci one), attending more events, looking at more charity work and catching up with people. I shall also take time to watch the French films at Francais Alliance that I have always wanted to watch, and doing some painting at Arteastiq Gallery soon.

Christmas is around the corner and it is my most favourite time of the year - I get Christmas spirit as early as October itself. What is better than the gorgeous goods on display during Christmas shopping, the array of gifts given and received, the tantalising food and catching up with friends?  There is so much mystery and myths surrounding Christmas across the globe that has always fascinated me since young, and they still do. I know, I can be a total kid when we get talking about Christmas aka Yuletide aka Winter Solstice.

Went for my Healthscreening in late October 2014. I was afraid of the results - firstly because I have been eating lots of unhealthy stuff this year, hence I wondered if my sugar and fats level might be way up. Then the stress level - I wondered if it would affect my cholesterol or blood pressure level. Mercifully, all the results were good. In fact, my BMI is surprisingly low - the nurse even said I cannot lose anymore weight (huh?!)

Exercising helps, so my Yoga and jogging have not come to a waste of time, energy and efforts.

The Driving Theory test was a breeze - I studied for just one full day and did the test in 15 mins. Then voila- I passed.

I also started the company finally - Espererelle Services! It shall incorporate a suite of services that shall serve as solutions to my clients, but it is so new now. There's so much to learn - such as setting up the corporate bank account, the necessary documents to lodge with Bizfile / Acra, the namecard printing, logo design, company letterhead, and other processes.

Then there is the issue of pricing and researching more on competitors, documentations , etc.

I am thankful for all those who have shared tips with me, or have come onboard as my "arms" for other niche services. Hence now is still the soft launch stage - I cannot wait to get started.

A girlfriend, L, has also started her own setup around the same time - we were psyched to discover that about each other. So now we have each other to encourage, support and celebrate with. I feel as if I have a partner in crime, and am thankful for her.

Last but not least, the thanksgiving speech. Well, the usual thanks to family and kin - for whom without you all, I wouldn't be who I am today - for the love, care, concern, advice, pampering and support.

The friends who have stuck by all the while - from the primary school and secondary besties all the way to some ex-colleagues who have been gems all these while. Thanks for the advice, support, guidance, friendship, laughter and concern as well.

I am blessed in that I have many of these angels who have been through events in  life with me, and are worthy friends to have, like diamonds polished over time + efforts.

Being the quiet wallflower that I used to be, because I had low self confidence and did not like talking to people - that has not deterred some of you from still sticking by to find the real me within the cold façade. Love you.

Then I became this gregarious social moth who makes friends easily - including false friends or acquaintances - but hey, it's a world of network. There are those I don't mind filtering out if they don't bother to cultivate the friendship - but for all those who are in the circle - merci beaucoup! We all don't need those who purport to be friends, but are so "surface" or they want something from us.

Be thankful for all that we are given or blessed with, and cherish everyone. Most of all, treasure yourself and live life to the fullest!

Finally, updates for songs this month would be:

(I) Lara Fabian's "Russian Fairytales"
(ii) Celine Dion's "Just Walk Away"
(iii) Lara Fabian's "Ecoutez Je t'aime Encore Son Nouveau Titre"
(iv) ERA's  "Without Horizon"

Oh, do add me on Instagram at :  WineVenom
and like my new business page at https://www.facebook.com/Espererelle.Services


Stay tuned and Happy Thanksgiving all u sweethearts!

Updates in October 2014

Dear Diary,

It is going to be the month of Samhain (otherwise known as "Halloween") again...  I shall stop all those "time flies", "time stays for no one" etc comments, because it does move on, sweeping us all along in the giant tide of its passing.

What has transpired since the start of the month and what else will come through by the end of the month?  A lot - I am not sure if I can sum up enough in this one entry alone, but let me attempt to summarize.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/10/dinner-at-otto-ristorante.html

Work-wise
After much deliberation and thoughts, I have decided to leave Idiots-ville before idiocracy rubs off on me. Forget about enduring empty vessels making the most noise, listening to (his) imbecile solutions, watching (him) steering the ship counter-clockwise and simply being full of shyt, I decided to take alternative paths.  Actually, the moment (he) came onboard, and I noticed how this person speaks with a fake, deep voice (the kind you deliberately force from the diaphragm in lieu of the natural voice), with the eyes wide and darting, and mouth nearly gaping when they speak - you cannot fool an ex-Psychologist student. I have met enough people like that - and they are either liars or boasters by profile - and after talking big they usually produce zilch.

Biz-wise
I got a call and a fine for the company currently registered under my name.  That was rather crappy as I don't even know what's the status of this company now! I better pull out if I can't shut it, before I get more weird calls. Haha.  I will do what I need to do, and soon.

In the meantime, I had been thinking of what to start.... been stupidly and steadfastly searching high and low for solutions and platforms for a new business venture. I was also looking fervently and researching in all the wrong place - all the tangible and physical products! When all along, the solutions have been right in front of my eyes! Like an epiphany, I knew I could, and should leverage on the current existing resources, and start a company to incorporate all the suite of services into one! I will have to put them into action very soon - no more procrastination.

Learning -wise
The absorbence of knowledge and skills never stops - it has to be done on a daily basis, from anyone, anything and any incident. But oh well, I also signed up for a weekend seminar (HLP) for more learning, personal development , networking and ideas generation. Through it all, I had clearer ideas of what I should do, met some really awesome people and oh well, it was fun.  Special thanks to *GY, one of the founders and my longtime buddy, who invited me for the course and has always patiently listened to my whacky business ideas throughout the years (even though they did not materialize eventually).

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/10/media-invite-dinner-at-2the-pot.html

Blog-wise
Moving on, the writing. The one-year anniversary is almost approaching, and I have a mind to stop. The never-ending hunt for new eateries is still ongoing, the sponsorships and media tasting invites are still coming (thank you!) but I am exhausted. Furthermore, if I am going to devote my energies and time to my new business venture, I won't be able to hunt, eat and write as often.

Family-wise
The Bro's wedding is upcoming, hence the usual coordination between relatives, giving out invites, and a little shopping here and there with the family are impertinent as well. The Mom is extra nervous and excited, of course - till date we have gotten at least four outfits for her for just the occasion alone! For me, I am glad for the opportunity to catch up with more relatives on both sides.

 

Spiritual -wise
Not much improvement so I need to work on it. I was just talking with a kind-of friend the other day about how I used to be able to see "things" about people that they never exhibit. Simple things like the moment they introduce themselves (if they are parents), I could easily tell them whether their kids were boys or girls, etc. Yes, the meditation, stilling of mind and training of the gifts have to be put back in place.



Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/10/lunch-at-jimmy-monkey-cafe-one-north.html

General
Halloween is coming and ironically I will be celebrating it with the company. No, scratch it - I have half-volunteered myself into the organising committee.  I don't think I have ever been active in so many company-related events before till here - but then again I get to interact with more inter-department people.

I also got the long hair chopped off to shoulder length - chop away all the dry ones with split ends and let the hair regrow. Plus, I wanted to look younger, more vibrant and wanted to try Salon Vim's services.  You can read more about it here. I would probably want to change director stylists the next time I am here.

Friends are still awesome, and increasing by the fold.

I have also finally signed up for driving again. Had wanted to go with another school, but the service of the guys at Ubi ComfortDelgro wowed me over. Eh, I think I mentioned this in previous month's entry is it? Never mind - I begin the studying this month.

Shopping is still ongoing - wallet this time. Was debating between a Chanel quilted patent wallet in black (SGD$1,190) and this Dior black quilted patent in black and I took this. Some people say I am crazy, for just $200 more I could've gotten the Chanel... errrrrr, yes, but they don't know I am a very brand-loyal person (to the point of folly, at times).

Such as, I would always prefer my Coffee Bean over Starbucks; always choose M1 over the other local telcos, choose Blackberry mobiles first despite it is slowly getting from bad to worse, choose Ya Kun over Toast Box, and Watsons over Guardian Pharmacy etc.

All right sweetie, I am heading out now for my Lancôme makeover and dinner at Il Cielo's later on,. More updates on the way. Stay loved *muachx*
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Sapped-Tember's Own

Dear Diary,

As I am writing this entry now I am indeed sapped of energy (hence the spelling), running around coordinating events / campaigns for work. I am not complaining - today is a gorgeous Saturday, and in between work visits to our business partners, I managed to grab brunch at a new mall with a close buddy.

I don't dislike my job but there has been some nagging doubts about some issues pending. I am not going to rant in cyberspace, but oh well, just one step at a time.  Where could one find a HOD who actually sits you down and apologizes for a couple of cutting remarks made in hastes / callousness? It's the little thing that one appreciates...

There has been a couple of very precious take-aways though. The first being, I've learned that mastering the art of Tai-chi is no longer a necessity nor the acme of skillsets - but rather, to be the perpetrator that cries "victim"!  Brilliant strategy.

The next one is the appreciation of Cs (intertwined or otherwise) - that being Challenged often makes one think out of the box and gets more Creative.  Similarly, being in Comfort zone leads to Complacency.

Sometimes I am tired of guessing what others are thinking too, or second guessing. Maybe I have become more callous myself - from being the quiet and sensitive person I used to be, I have forced myself to become friendly ever since I stepped into the sales industry years ago ... I guess I might have overlooked certain things that I should have taken more  note of. 

Oh well, I am still friendly, and approachable anytime - if anyone thinks my easy camaraderie is merely a means of attaining favors or worse, hitting on them- then all I care to say is kiss my ass and don't read too much into everything.  Twenty-four hours a day is already not enough to accomplish everything we need to, much less ponder too much about what others' opinions of us are - except only if they matter. My wings are clipped and I no longer have the luxury of looking.

Other than that, the many friends are still awesome. There had been some shopping and catching up, and friends' baby showers etc. I have also enrolled myself into driving finally. The clumsy fear of being a klutz at having to pull the gears, switching them, checking various mirrors out, stepping on pedals etc (Chinese saying goes "chicken hands, duck legs") are over... and I need this to open more doors for myself. *hush*

I have also began writing again, I am glad - poetry and short stories to start with. The inspirations have come from .... JT and EW - thank you.  I am still very much drawn to Lara Fabian's songs - both the French and English ones, especially:

(I) Tomorrow is a Lie
(ii) You're Not From Here
(iii) Je Suis Mon Coeur
(iv) Parce Que Tu Pars
(v) Intoxicated

There has been the conjunctivitis this month - not sure why, maybe the haze? Thank you all who'd texted your concerns over - it's really just itchy and red eyes and doesn't spread (not airborne, at least).

This is nothing compared with the Great Fall three weeks back?! I literally landed on my back and over the next couple of weeks movements had to be really tender - opening the legs wide to get into cars hurt, climbing steps hurt, getting up from chairs hurt and even sneezing hurt the backbone. I had X-rays done but I also rubbed medical ointment religiously - so now I am good as new.

Finally, I am going to do a short introduction on my commercial Blog herein, for better understanding. I am still contemplating if I should post this into the "About Me" page or as an article into the other Blog.

HOW WAS THE BLOG STARTED? WHY?
I have always enjoyed exploring new places to chill out at - be it with friends, or just a hideaway to read / write / know other like-minded individuals.  On non-working days if I am not chilling out at home, I would travel all the way to the East or West for new haunts. So I was thinking, since I do visit some rather interesting places, why not write about them?

It also serves as a kind of diary, in which I could easily extract what I have eaten for remembrance or recommendation's sake in future.

THE TAKEAWAYS?
Well, generating traffic to the site through food blogging - because I also write about services, fashion and skincare products etc. Most importantly I write about Human Interest Stories and poetry as well, and these were actually the main focal of the entire Blog setup.

The takeaways are also some extra $$$ on the side, invited tasting sessions by the media or restaurant / café owners, getting to know more people who also like to explore new dining haunts. It is a rather interesting experience.  I also learn a lot from those who have been doing it for a while.

Other than food, there has been some sponsorships of products or samplers as well as workshops.

THE FLIP SIDE?
Getting fat? I have to rely a lot on running and Yoga to maintain; but I need to slow down on the unhealthy food and get back into the fruits / muesli routine.

Also, inspirations - to ensure a steady flow of traffic, I try to update once a day, be it food, fashion, skincare, reviews or poetry articles. Sometimes it can get a little tiring, especially if the schedule is hectic or brain juices run dry.

CLOSING WORDS?
Well, I do enjoy writing so I guess it is fun. I am also very touched and appreciative of the Beau, friends and also some colleagues who read my blog, give me feedback. Most importantly, they would suggest / bring me to interesting or new places just so I could blog about them - hence, thank you so much. Either that, or they let me suggest the place and they go along without preamble.

Rest assured that everyone's privacy would be retained and guaranteed which is why I choose to use pseudonyms and I rarely if never post photos of people.

Thank you for reading. Stay with me in my thoughts, mind, dreams, soul and life.... smooches my dears. Take care despite the haze and stay wonderful... muachx