Shedding blood as ink: February 2015

Dear Diary,

After naming my February entries "Fabulous February" two years in a row, I decided to stop being boring... at least not on the title front. This is a short month, and also the month we have all been waiting for, but alas, it's over.

Today marks the 28th (and final) day of the second month of 2015. It marked a new beginning leading to a newer beginning. I hope to get more accomplished this year itself, including the courses I have been pursuing and the nuptial needs settled.

So, what's been up in February?

Expanded the side business into ghostwriting and copywriting, that was one of the aspects. Thought the other side business could kickstart as well, but again it's fairy dust because of incompatible partner. Maybe I should just find time to do it myself. Confirmed a trip in September this year, and lots of shopping this month.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/02/afternoon-tea-at-courtyard-fullerton.html

Will also be doing more intensive sports to shed some fats - you can also see that my food hunting has been reduced considerably, as I am slowly stopping the food blog. However, we could not resist a High Tea meeting at Courtyard @ The Fullerton the other day. The catching up and food and ambience were all very lovely.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/02/valentines-dinner-at-ristorante-amarone.html

For February, there were 2 major occasions / festivals , the first one being St. Valentine's Day. It may not hold any special significance, but rather just something to look forward to - a nicer dinner, a reminder of another Vday spent, etc. A good day for the retailers and restaurants to jack up the price and earn a fortune as well. The Beau and I went to Ristorante Amarone this year, enjoying the elegant ambience, lovely food as well as first-rate service there.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/02/visit-to-river-ang-bao-2015.html

Then came Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year). This marks another year has passed, and also a time of gathering between families and friends, as well as lots of feasting. There was the spring cleaning, tons of things to buy in preparation, and now we end up with lots and lots of Chinese New Year goodies at home (cookies and tarts, mainly). The mandatory visits to the River Ang Bao funfair, a little poker games and karaoke (KTV) sessions were not spared of course.

As a kid, we looked forward to this festival mainly for the myriad types of snacks, food and money from the red packets from married adults. These days, the money has reduced significantly, and we in turn give red packets to the elderly and the cleaners around the estate / offices. We value the gathering and catching up with relatives and friends more, as well as preserving the tradition.

Gel nails for CNY - they change colors according to temperatures

That said, I better prepare to head out soon. Meant to get this entry out sooner but ended up checking out many other sites and research online concurrently.

March will be a very busy month too, I can foresee - have already booked vaccination shots appointments, hotel wedding banquet workshop, 2 alumni networking sessions, some company's Open House, colleague's wedding, food tasting sessions over the course of next two weeks!

In the meantime, here are some clothes and shoes purchased just for the Lunar New Year (a little excessive, but......)