Nasty November No More...

Dear Diary,

For a few years, November has always been my curse, a month I fear the most - because it was, for a few consecutive years, the month that brought about bad news or losses. It made me dread the month of November each year before its approach... I did not want to learn what other misfortune has befallen... I thank the Deities that this spell has been broken, and this November has been a rather enjoyable one. I am praying that it has moved on completely, and not to be shifted to other months.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/11/thanksgiving-dinner-at-house-of-robert.html

We had Thanksgiving Dinner, so that I could be thankful for all that I have been blessed with, what I could have been blessed with, and what blessings in disguise were tossed my way. I am thankful too, for the hard knocks that woke me up and made me stronger.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/11/the-nuptial-series-viii-2nd-photoshoot.html

We did the 2nd set of photoshoot back in Singapore, completing the other step of our wedding planning. I am glad we also took care of the other details such as bridal gowns rental and setting the date for banquet food tasting. I would say we paced ourselves rather well.

Photosource:  http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/11/def-leppards-concert-at-suntec-city.html

I waited for more than a decade, for Def Leppard to finally return to Singapore. There are so many songs from them that I love, such as "Love Bites", "Too Late for Love", "When Love & Hate Collide" etc. I was glad that I attended their concert; it was rather amazing.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/11/chilling-out-at-smoke-mirrors-lounge.html

I made new friends, as I always do; and fell in love with a new place in Singapore. Its alluring name spoke volumes - "Smoke & Mirrors" - a theme I loved using in my poetry. The interior was all glittery and mirrors; and if one sits outdoors, they would be treated to the beautiful night views of the CBD / Marina Bay area.  This is the sexiest bar, yet.

The Bestie and I have started corresponded by letters outside of BBMs. This is an old practice that we both miss - waiting by the letterbox for the sacred letter, learning to read each others' moods through the handwriting, etc. Nothing cold and remote like emails, no thanks! Alas - she has brought me good news and bad news all at once...

I am excited that Christmas month is here. Everything becomes prettier and more magical; people seem more bearable, and the excitement of the festive season is just ....overwhelming.  I have started planning for 2 new novels, both in very different themes.   But firstly, the tragic attack that took France / Paris by surprise, stunned me as well - France has always been my favourite country and I love everything about it. I cannot believe that they would do that to this sophisticated and exquisite city! If there is just deserts, please serve the terrorists theirs!  RIP to those who have departed, and may Paris stay strong.

Here is a list of media invites / events for the month. Due to work events / networking events, and slowly letting go off the food blogging, I have also turned down a number of media invites for food tasting....so you will see the numbers slowly dwindling....

(I)  Asus annual Zen-sation Event @ St. Regis
(ii)  Media Event at Wihardja Furniture @ Kaki Bukit
(iii) Dinner at CATO Singapore
(iv) Dinner at Ristorante Italiano The Waterfall @ Shangri-la
(v)  Dinner at MaguroDonya Miuramisakikou @ Suntec City


Till I see you again next month, sweethearts. Merry Christmas in advance!  *smooches*

Oktober-fast 2015

Dear Diary,

In the blink of an eye, October has flown by, edging us closer towards the end of the year. What has transpired in this month? Plenty, I would guess.

Anyway, things have a creative turn, and I am glad for it. Homegrounds is closer yet, and there had been quite some blessings in disguise that I am thankful for.  In the meantime, rest, relaxation and recuperation took place.

Some rekindling of the literary and poetic nature were forged too, reminding me of one of the greatest passions of my life. Yes, I have rediscovered my love for books and angelic music, as well as writing. Two ideas for new novels came up, and research is in progress.

Celebrations and belated celebrations took place as well, for 2 close friends and SIL.  Catching up with the dearest, treasured friends is something I always treasure, no matter how tight one's schedule may be - I always make time. It is all about time management - in between the day job, the sidelines, the events and other obligations. It always amazes me when people claim they have "no time", especially those who have fewer.... roles to play.

Renewed the love for wine and settled more stuff for the wedding that's around 6 months away. I believe myself to have been rather well-paced, but it just keeps feeling like there's a step or two that's missing.

Trying to trade more social events for networking events and education seminars instead (forex trading, e-commerce, entrepreneurial-type forums etc).  And finished up some tasks I have been meaning to wrap up a while back, and got a fair bit of shopping done.  Sports were aplenty but I wonder why results are not apparent.

Finally, had a little fun for Halloween / Samhain - drinks, live band, no disguise for me. I wish it had been a celebration in the more spiritual sense though - honouring the dead and celebrating live. Need to work on the spiritual aspects more too.

Here's adding on to my extensive dresses (fashion) collection and then the list of media events.  I am so psyched that Christmas is coming - decorations and festive goods are already available in town! Best of all, my ex-Psychology lecturer would be coming to Singapore in December - seems that every December, I have some overseas guests to touch base with.

Shall go and take a Melatonin tonight so that I can sleep easier.



Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/10/fashion-accessories-journey-of-black.html

Photosouce: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/10/fashion-accessories-journey-of-black.html

Photosouce: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/10/fashion-accessories-journey-of-black.html

Deep blue and yellow knitted dress

1. Event - G2000 Work Chic Event cum 25th Anniversary Celebration @ Ion Orchard (click here)
2. Tasting - Al Hamra Lebanese Restaurant @ Holland Village (click here)
3. Review of Asus Zenfone Selfie phone (click here)
4. Tasting - Lian Peng Bak Kut Teh @ IMM (click here)
5. Tasting - Indonesian Food Festival @ Novotel (click here)
6. Tasting - Chutney Mary Indian Fast Food Restaurant @ East Coast (click here)
7. Event - The Wine Family Gathering @ The Flyer (click here)
8. Event - Asus ZenFestival 2015 @ Chijmes Hall (click here)
9. Tasting - Manbok Korean BBQ Restaurant (click here)

Have a great November 2015 ahead, sweethearts! See you in a month's time.