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

All rounded August

Dear Diary,

A hectic month has passed us by, and despite my ongoing laments it seems that time stops or slows down for no one. We are headed for the final quarter of 2014, and I wonder what else it entails.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/tea-break-at-le-chocolat-cafe-club-hotel.html

Let's see... what can I update on this boring blog besides the usual spa, facial, shopping, eating and manicures? Hmmm... ok, there was a coffee workshop that I attended to learn more about coffee (not the one conducted by my company)

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-noodle-place-restaurant.html

Ok, there was food - yes, international cuisines as usual, from European to Asian cuisines. I make the same disclaimer - just because I always seem to be eating, doesn't mean I am very free. You need your 3 meals a day, so do I. Just that I choose to review about mine :)

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-line-restaurant-shangri-la.html

August is also the month where at least 5 of my close friends have their birthdays in! Don't ask me why I got stuck with all the Leos (ok, a couple of them are Virgos), but I did. So there were dinners, drinks and presents all round, to celebrate their special days.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/coffee-workshop-tasting-at-tiong-hoe.html

Sometimes people ask.... how is it that I am celebrating despite the fact that the Dad has just left the world two years ago? Well, in traditional Chinese custom, a family is supposed to mourn for at least three years before participating in any celebratory events. Well, I don't contest that yes, by right, I should abide by that.

Fish tail black deep V-neck black dress with sequined details from Bysi

But to me, as long as the friends we are celebrating for aren't superstitious, I do not see why not. It is not that I am not upset that the Dad is no longer with us in flesh, nor am I disrespecting the custom. I still talk to him everyday, I still go to his alter and give offerings on a daily basis, wishing I had more opportunity to be with him, be a good daughter to him and make him happier.

Sheathed black dress with sequined sides from Wanko

However, he is still with us and I can feel it - and some of the things he has done for us through dreams and reality. I know he wouldn't want us to feel sad for him as well, because he loves us. And I believe that practicality is very important - there is no use crying over spilled milk. If we had been filial to him while he was alive, it would have been enough; if we hadn't been filial to him while he was alive, no matter what we do now to compensate it still wouldn't bridge the shortfall. Hence, life could only go on and teach us to treasure those around us better, and we could give thanks for those who had given us wonderful memories.

Black dress with sword sleeves and sequined belt from Wanko

Anyway, there were many thoughts that has crossed my mind lately, some of them relegating status quo, of course. A couple of friends have been privy to the decisions I am seeking out, but they're all still underway for now. With the driving license and maybe a car in place, there would  be more choices.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/08/dinner-at-cafebiz-traders-hotel-49th.html

I have agreed to be a columnist for a Hong Kong food site, on a pro bono basis as a favour. There is nothing much to do anyway, except submitting articles (which I could pluck from my Blog). National Day has just passed by too, which sadly I did nothing much for except to eat and chill out. I don't hate my country nor am I ungrateful for some of the privileges that being a Singaporean brought about, but some changes that took place recently have been rather ludicrous. A country is never at fault - it is just a piece of land with infrastructure; it is always the fault of the people who run it, that bears the fault.

I was also part of a voluntary group and we brought some less-privileged families out for a day of bonding and fun. They enjoyed themselves, and so did my friends and I. It was a meaningful way to garner joy sometimes - by bringing joy to others.

So, we conclude August now and continue to glide through the sands of time into September.... See you soon darlings, and thanks for reading this once again. *smooches*

Reality of July

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/07/holiday-hong-kong-again.html

Dear Diary,

We have pretty much conquered half of 2014, and am slowly edging towards the
end, gradually. I don't know - with natural catastrophe going on, alongside budget conscious (yet conscience-less ) brats who substitute poison for food products, and diseases, wars etc going on - I am wondering if we are on the path of human annihilation?

Wow, what a solemn and sad starting line.

Ok let's start all over again.

Photo source: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/07/brunch-at-working-title-cafe-bar.html

We have pretty much conquered more than half of 2014, and am going forward to more wonderful and fabulous upcoming events, are we not? Let's see.

The business plans are drafted and re-drafted but I expect to get a headstart on it very soon.  The driving lessons are re-booked so I can get started soon too.

These two alone, alongside my sports plans, shall soon replace my café-hopping, high-tea, brunch and eating expeditions. The same one that has been busy filling up The Other Blog.

I enjoy lovely meals with friends, at nice places over catching up and talking about everything (or nothing). However, the food blog has somewhat started a sort of competitive edge, a craze to constantly be on the lookout for new, interesting or raved about places. It is unhealthy physically and mentally, truth be told.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/07/brunch-at-drury-lane-cafe-tanjong-pagar.html

A café hangout or two a week is fine, alongside with one or two good meals a week - solo or accompanied. But the purpose should be to catch up or try the food, not so one could simply be the first to write about a certain eatery, or the likes. I think I have gone a little obsessed beyond the call of "give me a review" duty, and it feels somewhat empty now - all the drinks, food and teas.

As a kid, I always thought it was glamorous to dress up nicely as an adult female, dining at some chic or romantically-ambienced restaurant with great views to see and be seen. I think I have my fair share of that, and it is time to revert back to something more interesting and meaningful - soon.

I managed to go back to Hong Kong, my favourite shopping, food and sight-seeing paradise and visitation. While some may form the impression that I am all about shopping and drinking, I am about to burst their bubble. I am more of an adventure seeker and I prefer to explore new places for cultural infusion rather than just do nothing but hit the malls or clubs on holiday trips. This defeats the purpose entirely.

Photosource: http://www.thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2014/07/chilling-out-at-fabrika-klapsons.html

I get very annoyed with two things actually.

Firstly, I really feel annoyed that some people takes forever to, or don't bother replying your text or Whatsapp messages (or Line or other IMs, basically). It is rude, yes - the same things they complain about when other people don't reply them. I bother to text only because I care.... really. It is easy to just slip off and easily forget about some friends, during busy times, and it is easy to make new friends. I do so because I care, or because I made promises to catch up or hang out before, so I don't want to break the promises. Hence when I text, I expect answers, even if it's just a "sorry, let me check my schedule and revert".  I don't think that's too much to ask for, right?

Once a friend, I would forever be a friend - even if attached, married or I've my own kids. If the people I bother to keep in touch with cannot reciprocate despite a less hectic lifestyle, then really, maybe I've been blind all this while. The day I stop texting, is the day I decide to sever all ties - and when I do there is no turning back (I feel no sense of loss when I choose to let something go).

Secondly, I am annoyed that just because I have been posting about some food expeditions, some people starting speculating that I am too free, and even not working (no, they're not colleagues- but friends and a couple of cousins). Oh please, no matter how busy one is - one needs to eat two meals a day at least, right? What makes them wonder I am not working through my café / restaurant meals, or working till 9pm every night after I complete an hour's worth of nice meal?

Everything is about time management. If one cannot manage their own time well enough to take some time to enjoy the finer things in life... then really, what are you working so hard for? The next generation?

Well I didn't mean to rant - apologies. Just thought of setting some issues right, thank you.

Black dress with front flap - the kind I'd been looking for, and a bonus gold collar-plate

Black dress with pleated skirt and stuffed neckline - and the straight sheathed design I have been looking for

Work-wise it has been one mad rush since I was left with one week lesser to attain my targets - something I must attain. I never thought it impossible to do so - 3 or 4 weeks, but a little whining got in some extra favors. On top of the made dash for targets, I was being made to attend a lot of meetings  - some redundant (I made that rather clear in person) that did not involve me, so that made my schedule even more hectic.

Last but not least, July also encompasses preparation for the birthdays of a few (note - a few!) good friends' upcoming birthdays in August. It seems I get along rather well with Aquarians and Leos, on a whole.

Been dreading going to bed lately because more often than not, I would wake up with stiff or sprained neck. At first I thought it was the pillow, but I realise that the same problem persists even though I wake up in different places. It's an excuse for me to go for my masso-therapy though :)

All right, it's high time to say goodbye for this month and hope to have you eyeing this page again a month later *muachx*

June 2014, for recollection

Dear Diary,

It is time for my monthly update on my personal blog. Truth be knownst, to keep updating just the other blog is a little daunting at times - impersonal, commercialised and a little routinized. Perhaps it is also due to the fact that it has turned into more of a food blog / beauty blog rather than the articles blog I had meant for it to be (the food reviews were just to generate viewership as a start).

Nonetheless, I am glad for some food tasting invites, advertorials, events and sponsorships I have received throughout the course of this blogging thingy, and also made some new, like-minded friends through this experience. I also do not believe in exposing friends' names or faces on my blogs for fear that their privacy may be breached - some of them may not want others to know where they've been at a certain time, hence the cover-up of faces and pseudonyms used.

Work had been stressful and I have yet to think of what other side businesses I am going to venture into, and my driving lessons have been delayed too. A couple of trips perked me up though. One was a day trip with the mom to an island nearby again - where we shopped and simply relaxed. The other one was also to a nearby island, but as a voluntary trip to build homes for the indigent - a laborious but very meaningful trip that I enjoyed immensely. No makeup, no work, no fuss, no muss - simply working and helping out.

 

Then there have been the usual food and drinks - Italian cuisine, Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine, brunches (note that I have moved from 3-4 course fine-dining craze to High tea craze, then buffet craze, and lately, brunches craze) - more of catching with friends over these meals , interesting new haunts / digs and also the re-acquaintance with some "atas" friends .

Besides the Beau, it has been a while since I have been able to find people with whom I can have intellectual conversation with - business plans, intellectual jokes, talks about politics, Literature, travels etc. Friends have asked me (out of concern) why is it I am drinking or going out so much - compensation for something? Lone? Melancholic? Let me assure you that it is really nothing like that. I simply like going out, meeting people and networking - and I have never felt so euphoric for quite sometime.  Though, it is scary whenever I feel so happy , because it doesn't last :(



Short, sleeveless polka dotted dress

My first batik dress - induced to buy :p

Another love at first side dress with pleated hem

 

Lastly, in conjunction with the Great Singapore Sale, I have been continuously contributing to the economy of Singapore's retail outlets. I need to stop shopping for the time being - since I will be going overseas in July pretty soon - my favourite land for shopping and everything else.

In the meantime, stay tuned, and stay with my in my thoughts ...smooches.
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May Days...

Dear Diary,

I apologize for the overdue entry - was supposed to have done it over the weekend but it kind of slipped my mind, amongst other things I had going on.

May was a rather busy month, with work starting to peak, and pick up.  There were good news (lots of cases closed - not just me :x) etc, and bad news (a kind of family member is hospitalized - get well soon!).

There was a dilemma with work that left me wondering if I should have chosen yes or not, to take on a certain role. However, now as circumstances go, it seems inevitable that I would be the one for the role after all. Wish me luck alright. it is going to be a challenge.

The main writing project has been put on hold and I am kind of focusing on the other BLOG now - it is just a leisure blog meant for some reviews and impersonal stuff, but I am glad the advertising dollars are ker-ching-ing in and the events invites are starting to come. I also became the featured reviewer on a couple of prominent sites.

I am so blessed with supportive friends who usually let me decide on venues to dine at, or choosing places I have not been to, so that I could write about them! What wonderful people they are! Thank you darlings, muachx muachx!

So, there had been a mini trip to a regional area for some food, shopping and just relaxation, none other than revisiting Batam Island.

There was celebrating of the Beau's and my 8th year anniversary.

There was celebrating of the Mom's birthday and Mother's day at a restaurant she brought her mother thirty years back! I kept making reservations for 6 persons even though the sad truth is that we only have 5 now. But oh well, I believe he was there with us in spirit :)

There was a cousin's wedding at Marriott Hotel where we watched the gorgeous couple entering nuptial bliss and mingled with the rest of the paternal cousins, some of whom we only get to see once a year.

Since the demise of my loose face powder from The Body Shop (Shade #001), I have been going around trying out different brands hoping to find something that will make me feel the same. I took most recommendations that came my way - BB cushion by Laneige, loose powder by Clinique, by Laura Mercier, by Muji. So far nothing fits as well, yet.

Then there were other events, and the Dumpling / Dragon Boat festival, Labour Day holiday and thus ended a lovely but busy May 2014.

Again, it is daunting to note that time has taken flight once again, eating up nearly half of 2014 that fast! The quick sands of time?

There are many movies that I want to catch this month too - Grand Piano, Occulus, Mindscape, Grace of Monaco, to name a few.  I hope I am able to find time for them. I have not been attending plays or musicals for so long too.

Rest in peace, Maya Angelou - I just love her poem  "Still I Rise".

Finally, I believe it is vital to let go of bad things that we don't need in our lives, so as to make room for things that are better. Words to live by - I shall leave you now in the cold hands of the deep night and may you stay tuned to this page! Kisses!!