December - Done with 2016

Dear Diary,

We have finally walked to the end of 2016. Lots of things have taken place this year - joyous ones, and more painful ones as well. This entry does not just sum up my December 2016 in a nutshell,  but also, the entire year from start to finish. Thank you for being a part of my life - as a friend or reader.

January - wrapped up the remnants of 2015 and preparations for Lunar New Year

February - Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day celebrations

March - attending a good friend's wedding a week before mine, while preparing frantically for my own upcoming nuptials and Easter celebration

April - my birthday month. Also the month I became Mrs L. 

May - short trip to Bangkok, Thailand, for our 10th year anniversary celebration. Also celebrated the Mom's birthday and Mother's Day.

June - new role commenced. On a more solemn note, informed of the passing of 3 persons I know (friends' and relation's dads, mainly). Short Malacca getaway.

July - nothing very new; new role and still-thriving sides. Watched Les Miserables.

August - nothing very exciting; same old. Nation gained sports heroes and lost an ex-President.

September - commencement of the month-long meat-less diet, Mid-autumn Festival, and made melancholic by the death of a family friend (battling cancer).

October - busiest month - charity gala dinner, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Scorpions' concert, Wicked the Musical and Wine Fiesta. Then a tragic turn of events struck and destiny took away one of my closest relations, a beloved Uncle who had a heart so huge - gone too soon.

November - our Winter Honeymoon spanning European cities and Dubai. Commemorating both the Dad's birthday and death anniversary in the same month. There was Thanksgiving too.

December - month long preparation and celebration of Christmas with different groups of friends and families. The Beau's birthday and Winter Solstice as well. Brief Bali getaway.

This year saw many passings - both of familiar persons and of celebrities such as George Michael, Carrie Fisher, Muhammad Ali, David Bowie etc. This year also saw progress and some true colours of certain people.

What New Year resolutions should I be making? Repeating those over the years? Or coming up with new ones I may not even remember? Well, never mind - here's wishing you a Blessed 2017 New Year,  my darlings.

December's Events / Xmas  meals (the latter not completed as yet):
1) Christmas began in Europe (The Honeymoon Series)
2) Festive Christmas Set @ TWG
3) Pompompurin Café Christmas Latte
4) Christmas Buffet @ The Carvery
5) Christmas Set @ Brotzeit
6) Media Invite - Times Square Restaurant @ Katong Square
7) Invited Tasting - Burp Kitchen @ Tanjong Katong
8) Christmas Tea at Gastronomia Da Paolo
9) Christmas Hightea at Ur Resident Chef's

Nomadic November

Dear Diary,

Time has gently swept us off our feet again, landing us at the start of December (the last month of 2016), sounding somewhat scary.

On the other hand, this November has been a rather good month, because we finally went on our Winter Honeymoon in Europe and Dubai. The historical places possessed magnificent architectural forms, and each building was an art in itself. The newer sites meant lots of good food and shopping, needless to say the whirlwind trip was over too soon, and we didn't want to come back to reality (of work and all, of course).  Loved the fact that we got to extreme both snow and scorching deserts in one trip.

Photo source: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/11/the-honeymoon-series-iv-rome-italy.html

That said, the remainder of November was spent catching up on work stuff, writing and drumming up new plans for the side business. The Boss told me of some new, exciting developments to our company but I wonder why I wasn't as excited as I should have been. A couple of other business opportunities have presented themselves but I wasn't ready to meet the respective partners to discuss - too much things on hand right now. Laundry, work, unfinished projects etc.  And a little post-holiday coma meant the moodiness that came with not wanting to touch anything resembling work, as well as spending time thinking of the losses (the Dad, 4 years ago in Nov; and the Uncle, a month back).

On a brighter note, Thanksgiving was this month itself. I also attended a Baby Shower of a close, longtime friend - congratulations, dear. And accepted invites to 2 weddings next January.  Also, there was some Christmas shopping done, making plans for Christmas gatherings with the many cherished groups of friends.  Best of all, the Bestie and hubby and newborn are coming to Singapore in January as well, so am planning where to bring them to eat and have fun together.  Finally, some planning also for the Lunar New Year, which also falls in January.

How to breathe, with all this planning and shopping? I'll somehow manage though, I'll manage. Need to sign off now to go for a clients' meeting - fingers crossed. See you next month my loves  💋



Media Invites / Events:
(i)  Tasting at The Peranakan @ Orchard Hotel (click here)
(ii) Wicked the Musical @ MBS Theatres (click here)
(iii) Hydro Deep Cleanse Refining Facial @ Fresver Beauty (click here)
(iv) Non-invasive Lifting Facial @ Victoria Facelift (click here)

Omitting October

Dear Diary,

I had been looking forward very much to this month, because it should've been filled with loads of high-spirited activities, such as a Charity Ball, Wicked the Musical, Wine Fiesta, Scorpions' concert in Singapore, Oktoberfest, Halloween, and preparing for our Winter Honeymoon (view the Honeymoon Series here).

Well, I did have my share of some of the fun, attending or taking part in some of the above activities, despite some minor concerns over work and personal health scares. You know, the minor discomfort that starts appearing when one is not feeling too good mentally / emotionally? Yeah, those. No biggie.

Charity Ball was fun - meaningful and I was hoping to network more. Wicked the Musical was good save for some kids who talked non-stop (reviews out soon).  Halloween was a costume party at Sentosa Golf Club spent with the extended family. Even managed to go on a movie date and day trip with Mon Beau to Johor Premium Outlets for some major shopping.

There were endless things to prepare for, and buy for the Europe holiday. I was like, shopping every other day - not frivolous ones like choosing the perfect coat or boots - but preparing necessities such as medicine, toiletries, skincare, etc.   Had to settle work stuff as well, because I will have limited access to internet during the long trip.

Career and side business seemed to be picking up well - perhaps because of the Jadeite pendant I'd obtained. I shall update more on that soon. It is nice though, to have your business partners calling you to inform that they want to pass you some cheques.

Then tragedy chose to strike. My closest uncle (who was like a surrogate father to us) - the one with the healthiest lifestyle - chose to depart. During the final week of the month, there had been various hospital visits, and then it was camping at Mt. Vernon with his huge, huge 2 sides of the family while his wake went on. He was the backbone of the big family, the presence that we all relied on always. It still feels so surreal, so heartbreaking. But he has to go, we guess - he was not one of us, he was an angel sent to bring assistance and happiness to every life he'd touched. Now that his mission is completed and all of us have carved our own careers or started our families, he has to go and touch other lives that need him more.  I wish we could selfishly keep him here - but perhaps that was not what he had in mind.  Thank you Uncle, for all the things you have done for us all, for all the teachings, for your huge heart, and for setting an excellent example. We will always respect and remember you with love and fondness - please rest in peace from this life and continue your angelic journey in another life.

That's all for this month's updates. Sorry for the downside of this post. Love you dears for reading xoxoxo.



Events / media invites:
(i) 4th Pink Bowtie Annual Charity Ball @ W Hotel (review here)
(ii) 13th Anniversary Gala at Greenwood Fish Market @ Sentosa Cove (review here)
(iii)  Japan IPL Express'  3rd Anniversary - Brazilian IPL (review here)
(iv)  Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular's Party @ Sentosa Golf Club (review here)

Satisfying September

Dear Diary,

September was a busy month - busy good, busy bad. Time always flies by when the calendars are full, but sometimes we wish we could pull the plug whenever we wish time to stop, and re-plug when it's time to start moving again, no?

What transpired was a month of.... learning to deal. Friends who entered the Circle and friends who disappointed; moments in the marriage that required ironing out, and dealing with the work and business issues. The latter, especially, was rather heart attack inducing, especially when it involved potential loss of substantial cases - thankfully restored.   

  

As of 15th September, I have officially entered into a month-long Meat-less diet sort of penance, or promise, or exchange of favours - however you term it. Wouldn't say it's anything too strictly Vegan or anything - eggs, cheese and non-meat portions of any food is fine (i.e. a Risotto dish in which I'd just eat the rice grains and mushrooms, not the meat contained within). Thankful and grateful for the support from family and friends even though I'd made it clear that I would not allow for them to be inconvenienced in any way at all.

It was a month of art, a month of family, through celebrations and through losses (i.e. death of a family friend). Looking at these losses these days - not uncommon now that we are growing older - it makes me want to cherish people around me more; want to celebrate the mere existences of their warm bodies, warm smiles, of their warm words, while they are still able. I don't wish to imagine life without them one day, or having to feel them hard and cold - you know what I mean?

Anyway, was supposed to be doing more research and shopping for our upcoming Winter Honeymoon, but I can't seem to get started. Was supposed to write some articles for the day job - isn't it marvellous, incorporating one of my passions into the insurance role? But my pen wouldn't move as well - I am fearful of attacking that topic, for some reason. I cannot fathom the hesitation, but will push myself to do so by next weekend.

Mid-autumn Festival (or Mooncake Festival) also meant mooncakes gifting to relations and clients, as well as Formula One (F1) race to reckon with. Some shopping here concludes this entry - thank you my loves, for reading. I shall see you in a month's time.  Isn't October going to be exciting? - charity dinner, Wicked the Musical, Halloween, etc?!

Korean-styled blazer dress - duo skirt lengths, one  side pleated
From SEVEN @ Raffles Place, $168

 

Guess Mathilde Embroidered Dress, size 0
$199, to be kept for Lunar New Year

A jumpsuit finally! Black pinstripe with inner tank top.
$69 from OMAC

My favourite pair of Slip-on Heels with Glitters -
been wearing and replacing same design since 2010.
Finally, going to disappear, sadly. $79, Pazzion

Media Invites / Events:
(i)   Annie the Musical @ MBS Theatres (review here)
(ii) Wine Tasting @ 75CL Wine Lab (review here)
(iii) Borderless Sunday Brunch @ Grand Waterfront Copthorne (review here)
(iv)  Grissini Italian Restaurant @ Grand Waterfront Copthorne (review here)
(v) Dinner at Kenhiru Japanese Restaurant @ Cairnhill (review here)
(vi) ArchiFest 2016 / Books & Beers 2016 (review here)
(vii) IPL Brazilian at IPL Japan Express @ Raffles Place (review here)
(viii) Spuds and Aprons @ Faber Peak (review here)
(ix) Hair & Scalp Treatment at Jonsson Hair @ Dhoby Ghaut (review here)

Awesome August

Dear Diary,

This entry details what's transpired in August of this year.  That's two more months to our Winter Honeymoon, and I absolutely cannot wait. I am feeling so restless today; must've been the accumulation of events. Just battled the haze and had Japanese lunch with a friend - who reminded me of this time last year - where I was covering a political event every weekend, and learned a lot about an area I never thought of getting invovled in.

And this month, with the gain of a national champion, we have lost another - one who has dedicated his lifetime to serving the country. Unfortunately, I hadn't managed to find time to pay my last respects at Istana or other intended sites, but was fotunate enough to catch him on his last journey. Rest in Peace, Mr. N.

Some opportunities have been added to the growing list of services I am taking on, but I guess I need to re-evaluate and filter out the ones that are a waste of time and efforts. Opportunities are everywhere and it is easy to partner up with all sorts of service / products providers, but which are the ones that are really worth my time and interest to work on?  I do like the fact that getting involved in different projects across various verticals open my eyes up to the industry issues, and I am learning so much from speaking with people.

Besides the laser sessions and skincare products I am using, I am very tempted to try out Crystal Tomato and / or Praventac - though it seems to suggest that former is more effective in bringing about beauty from within.  Also feel like ordering SkinnyMint tea for slimming down, since it doesn't seem like my eat-green / eat-clean plans have kickstarted yet.  If anyone has any personal (unpaid) reviews and would like to share their experiences with me on the above products, feel free to drop me a mail.

Why does it feel like the world is regressing? Or have I mentioned this before in my last entry? Why is it that in today's time and context, we are still hearing of modern-day massacres over religious ideas and misconceptions? Aren't we all learned and knowledgeable these days, and should be fighting more sophisticated wars with technology and ideas, not with the literal opening of fire? Good, let's all go back in time then. Let's all thrash our computers and mobile phones and bring out the paper and pens. Let's all break the television sets and lamps so that we can go around the darkness with lit candles. Let us even climb back into caves and don clothings made of leaves instead of creating artistic buildings and fashion statements - since they'll all eventually be buried under gunfire anyway. 

I wish the haters not death - no, that is too cruel and declasse - I wish they rot while their bodies are alive and warm, bringing their hatred with them as they break down and disintegrate into nothingness.

All right, that's it for now. A brief update on what's been happening - basically a lot of work and business related events with a little catching up.  Thank you all who have opened my eye up to the good and the bad; the luxurious and the deprived; the positivity and negativity of it all.  Thank you to those who are reading this blog still - stay loved!

Juxtaposition of July

Dear Diary,

Herein marks another month bringing us closer to the end of the year. This means, bringing me closer to short trip before the Honeymoon, bringing me closer to Christmas, and bringing me closer to *Feith's visit.

So in July, the new role commenced; it was like returning to a familiar trade but different, as well. The products are different, as are the crowds and people I work with. There's loads to learn, which makes it exciting, and I love the new office. Love the flexibility of time and how I can work from every corner of the island literally, meeting interesting people.

In July, I also reaped the returns of a couple of new business ventures as well as ongoing projects. The launch of the new stream is beginning, and I am excited. My mind never stops at thinking of possibilities, because there's too much going on and life is too short. Someone once asked, "Why do you have so many sides?" (not in admiration, but more of scoffing), and I countered easily, "What happens if you lose your current job right now?" Silence ensued. 

Sorry that I have not been able to set aside time for some friends I meant to meet - I will do so soon. I have also turned down a few media invites for various events - sorry but The Other Blog is really not my priority for now.

What's wrong with ventures anyway? Sales is fun, meeting people is fun, and most importantly, learning is fun. Where my dream used to be able to work in a professional capacity (i.e. doctor, lawyer, the likes), or to pursue my passion (writing, fashion design) - I have tweaked my dream so that I can have multiple streams of revenue coming from different directions and industries. Extremely crucial, especially with today's unstable economy. And the unpredictability of life.

I am saddened, as well, to note that whilst the world is progressing at a fast pace these days, with technological advancement reaching new heights and people are becoming more open in thoughts, somehow, there are still groups of people who seem bent on living in the past. The naïve past, where religions and race still form the dichotomy of enmity.  Are we going to regress, and eventually destroy each other in war again? While you and I hate each other; our companies hate each so you and I must stand as a whole; our country hates your country, then our countries'religion hates another religion, so we must stand together as a country. Is that it? Then on a larger scale, our planet hates another planet, and maybe this universe battles another universe.

I don't know. Can't people just lay down their differences and look toward saving this one Earth that we have, that we co-exist on, to make it better and more lasting instead? Why can't people simply learn to celebrate the simple fact that we are (and the people around us) are fortunate enough to be born with healthy minds and limbs and organs, able to function and think, speak, feel, see, hear, etc, that we should not take the simple beauty of life for granted, nor inflict such harm to others so that they are also deprived of this simple beauty life offers?

Serious and philosophical stuffs aside, this month also marks Hari Raya Puasa, a festival celebrated by the Muslims all over the world. I was honoured to be invited to 2 different girlfriends' houses for visits, to partake in delicacies and enjoy what their culture has to offer.

Other than that, The Beau and I finally settled the November Honeymoon trip. We also attended the long-awaited Les Miserables musical at The Esplanade, and it was magnificent! We couldn't stop singing the songs after the musical. We also plan to try to have something to look forward to, on a monthly basis - a fantastic dinner, a musical, a holiday trip etc.

Finally, a pressing issue (not mine, but would affect my lifestyle) has finally been settled, and I am relieved. In the interim, I am looking forward to more good things to come. You know what they always say? If you cannot change the way things are, change the way you think - and you would be happier, seeing things in a much brighter light.

Looking forward to seeing you dears again next month - once again, thank you for gracing this humble personal site of mine. Love you xoxoxoxo


Media Invites / Events:
(I)  Dorra's Lower Body Slimming Treatment (review here)
(II) Les Miserables Musical @ The Esplanade Theater (review here)
(III) Tasting at Beast & Butterflies @ The M Social (review here)
(IV) Tasting at Two Tall Trees Café @ Serangoon Gardens (review here)

The Passings of June 2016

 

 

Dear Diary,

Welcome into the dusty wake of June; we have now crossed more than half the year. For once, I am able to keep track of all that's traversed and how I spent my time.

Considerably less wining and dining, more business ventures and meaningful meetups with close friends.  Also managed to  bring the Niece to KidZania (review here).

 

 

There were the usual flurry of networking events and a couple of business seminars. Then the launch of the wine project, as well as updates on the BN and A projects. Completed the business proposal for OFA, and am now getting started on the new project (yet to be named). Also finished up the G-campaign.

Not to mention that the new role is starting, and though I have already closed the first case (thanks to the Bro), I have yet to get start on the rest of the to-do list for it.

 

 

Busy, but happy. Busy, but lucrative. Busy, but fulfilling. I just need to devote more time to the community work and religion fronts. Oh yeah, we have completed our honeymoon research, and are happy to move on to finalization of booking by next week.

When will I have time to develop my arts? Will I ever?

 

 

 

In this month alone, I was informed of 3 passings, sadly - a primary school classmate's dad (not close, but we'd seen each other since young and reside in same estate), the Bestie's dad, and the SIL's FIL (a distant, distant relation, but family obligatios still apply).

It makes me think again, on the fragility of life. On living it fullest and to cherish more of those who are in our lives - live and let live.

That's it for now. Take care my dears and see you in a month's time again *smooches*

 

 

For list of sponsored events / advertorials:

(i) Clear SK's Accent V Face Treatment (review here)

(ii) Greenwood Fish Shop's World Oyster Festival 2016 (review here)

(iii) Dorra's Lower  Body Slimming Treatment (review here)

How May Fare(d)

Dear Diary,

It has been more than a month since married life - how was it? Not much different, since we have been together for a decade. You need to keep more people in mind, oh, and shopping habits changed somewhat - think toilet rolls, bedsheets and breakfast muesli.

There was a short trip to celebrate Mon Beau and my 10th year anniversary, discovering new and romantic spots in a city we'd recall as nothing but "nightlife, bazaars and temples" during previous visits. The new discoveries were pretty fascinating.

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2016/05/tackling-thailand-bangkok-new-asiatique.html

Getting artistic this month too, as I scoured 2 museums for art exhibitions and enjoyed myself tremendously, finding back the artist in me. Oh, especially dazzled by the Van Cleef & Arpels exhibition which I went just last weekend. Now searching for more plays, exhibitions and musicals to attend.

Anyway, blogging is really getting boring now that the faze is over, and I have turned down like, 5 events (fashion and hair events, a couple of food tastings). Sorry - it was fun while it lasted, and I did make some really awesome friends - and I will still be writing on and off, but new ventures have sapped most of my time away now.

Think healthcare, think beauty, think wine, think ker-ching. These are the 4 creatures keeping me ever so busy for now, oh and that's on top of the new novel I just began. Deals are sealed, indicating that "we're officially in business', or more rightfully so, "we're officially business partners".   You know, I had wanted to try out a few ventures with some closer friends (separate ventures) but they never materialized -  too much research resulting in too little actions, someone got pregnant, someone had constraints otherwise etc, etc. So I've learned that firstly, it's easier to start off on one's own, really - no one to hinder decisions or movements. Secondly, it's easier fostering business relationships with existing business partners - these days everyone seems to go the referral route and very few people start from scratch.

Finally, the month ended with celebrations - Mother's Day with the newly extended family, and Mother's Day cum Mom's Birthday dinner fairly recently. 

What else happened in May is the shedding off unworthy "friends" aka some hypocrites. But more events mean more new friendship fostered - why do people often complain about having no friends, is a notion that leaves me baffled.

Other than that, it's friends, friends and more friends, as well as some networking events.  World is too small for comfort, when you get more and more people telling you they know someone that you do, or spot your photo in another friend's social media upload.

That's it for May, see you sweethearts in a month's time. Stay tuned *kisses*

Why I love April 2016

Dear Diary,

The long-awaited month has is coming to an end, and it still feels somewhat surreal. Here we are, looking back on the first quarter of the year, then looking further back at the entire year's worth of planning - only to end up collecting memories in the wake.

Okay, I love April. I love April because it is the month I became The Mrs L. I got myself a wonderful man who has and will always be there for me, who is handsome, who is doing well in his career and is family-oriented. I cannot say that things will never change in future, but I would like to cherish everyday together - till death do us apart.

Sadly though, I am still residing at my mom's place. It is not that I do not want to move over - oh well, you guys know the reason. I need to have our own abode and left alone (who doesn't?).

Anyway, just as I'd expected, I find myself relishing in the beauty and warmth of that day - the bustle of preparation, the love and help from close friends, and the joy at seeing everyone who took time to turn up to celebrate our union with us. In a way I wish I could relive it once more - in slow mode.

I love April, because it is my month - the month of Aries, the month of Spring, and the month I opened my eyes to the wonders of the world... some years back. Thank you everyone who remembered and cared to!

I love April, because I received the pathway to something that I'd always enjoyed. I am excited and happy and thankful for it (should I go all out and shout "thank Deities for being wonderful" over and over?) but yet I also fear. It is like finally sighting celestial beauty across the lake, but am afraid to step over the water for fear of drowning.

Then I love April, because the accounting venture finally took wings. And the other venture (which I am more excited about) should take flight soon, hopefully.

I also love April, because it made me realize that I am really, truly immune to the words and thoughts of unimportant persons in / out of my life. It probably meant that I have truly grown up and above the cares of petty and imbecile people too concerned about my life when I don't care about them one bit. There were the ones who seized opportunities to get "fame" for articles not even written by themselves (lol), those who pretended to care by offering to "mediate" when they were not even there in person to understand what really went on, those who make it difficult for others to attain their tasks at work, etc.

The bad thing is that they do exist, The good thing is that those who try to hurt me always end up in downfalls eventually (call it Karma?) but nope, I am not interested to be updated, thank you - because I do not want to get involved or know.

Oh also a sidenote, through the wedding, I have also been put through tests to realize who my true friends are. Some disappoint; others live up to my low expectations of them - but I am happy that most of them are just awesome people. Oh, let's forget about those who deliberately chuck useless "wedding gifts" over (don't tell me its "the thoughts that count" because if anyone wants to know the origin of my annoyance, come ask me) or those who feign illness days before the wedding, thinking that it would make a difference over informing on AD  (oh well, if you want to curse yourself ill, I cannot help you there, sorry).

Last but not least, the world is so small, much smaller than I ever thought. It seems everyone I meet these days seem to know someone who knows someone I knew from somewhere. Hmmm...

Finally, some shopping loot and events. Thank you for reading, my dears, I love you and wish you a wonderful month ahead. Till May. xoxoxo

Butler Snow law firm launch party at The Fullerton Bay's LANTERN BAR - delicious food,
Mint Juleps and jazz band performance amidst networking

Click on links to read:
1) The Grand Finale Post of The Nuptial Series
2) Customised Rejuvenation Facial at Fabulous Aesthetics
3) Skin Magic Renewal Facial at Beauty Hope
4) Dinner at Fumee by Habanos
5) Body Whitening Treatment at Beauty Hope
6) Diamond Micro-dermabrasion and IPL at Dr. Calvin Chan

Pink Maxi Kale Dress

Black and peach lace collared blouse

Monochrome collared blouse

Gray checkered rose dress

Peachy-rose blouse

Black short dress with gray-detailed top coat

Black short dress with lacey top coat

Kimono-styled sleeping gown

Blue and white ombre tube dress with slit

Gray blouse-and-pants set

Royal blue blouse with rose neckline