Fantastic Fab-ruary 2016

Dear Diary,

A very exciting and busy month has passed by.... another surreal situation. The brand new year has already crossed its 2nd month mark, and today is leap year Monday. Let's see what has transpired during this month...

First of all, Lunar New Year - being a joyous occasion for feasting, family gatherings, fun and relaxation. I also took the chance to drop by the River Ang Pao bazaar for extra atmosphere. It is ironic how we spent weeks just to prepare for a couple of days' festivities.

Then there was Valentine's Day, where we enjoyed a simple poolside dinner, marking the last V-day we'll both be single. There are so many sentiments to this day - lovers find it sweet, singles hate it or are non-chalant, and friends celebrate love of friendship.

What else took place is the intensity of wedding preparation - been meeting groups of friends to give out the wedding invites and mailing out the others.  Gown fitting and purchase of some items have been settled as well.  I think we have paced each other pretty well.

Other than that, new collaborations have been formed for the side business, and new friends have been made.  I am excited at the new possibilities that lie ahead. 

Cafes and restaurants have been cut down on, but lounging over a drink or two still continue. The writings have been more consistent. I also discovered some good skincare products.  Oh, and it was International Polar Bears Day over the weekend and it was time to adopt my very own polar bear.

To end off a good month, here's the tastings for the month (reducing significantly over the months as I switch directions):
(i) Tasting at New Fut Kai Vegetarian Restaurant
(ii) CNY Buffet at The Square @ Novotel Clarke Quay
(iii)  Valentine's Dinner at The Carvery @ Park Hotel Alexandra
(iv) Tasting at Jim Thompson Thai Restaurant @ Dempsey

The Month of Janus, 2016

Dear Diary,

After one round, we have returned to where we started on the axis, and back at January.  It feels like such a short month, probably because of all the busy-ness setting in.  Work - the pros, the cons, the usual - I could do with a little less merry-making to trade for emotionally-stable heads. Just saying.

The side business - new collaborations and opportunities have popped up so I shall set aside time to focus. Interest - food reviews are significantly reduced as I clear out the drafts and attend lesser invites or non-invited meals. I need to get started on the new book ideas before time races ahead of me.  I need to remember that the only reason I'd started the food blog was because I was trying to garner readers for my writings - but I guess the reason was subsequently forgotten as I made more foodie friends over the enjoyment of good food.

The drinking, feasting, shopping and gifting have not ceased since November 2014 (when Thanksgiving flowed into Christmas).   Lunar New Year is around the corner, especially early for this year, so there has been visits to Chinatown for ambience and buying stuff, as well as shopping for Chinese New Year's clothes and snacks.

Chinese New Year lunches have been commencing at work with company, clients, suppliers etc, as well as first round of Reunion dinner over the weekend. The latter was a gathering of immediate family members, with the Mom, bro and wife, mon beau and I, with dad in spirit. I love these authentic, conventional Cantonese fare for CNY, lovingly prepared by the mom - especially the dish made up of shitake mushrooms, abalone, dried oysters, black moss (fa cai), sea cucumber etc.  Each item is a symbolic of a good blessing, i.e. fortune.

Supposed to get started on the Spring Cleaning, but this year it weighs heavier on me. It is not just about tossing out some old stuff for the upcoming New Year, wiping the dust away and monitoring the part-time domestic helpers. It is about throwing away bits and pieces of my memory, because I will be moving to mon beau's in April..... it is about removing a lot of beloved possessions from my childhood, even if these are things I seldom bother to look at or use.   Ahhhh, I am being sentimental here... I am just not looking forward to the spring cleaning this year.

Just like how I just kissed my beloved Blackberry phones goodbye, after 8 years of being loyal to them. It was a tough choice deciding between continuing with Blackberry, or switching. And then when I made the choice to switch, which brand? Ultimately I discover that all phones are similar anyway.

This month is ..... a month of celebration? I am not kidding when I look back and realise that every week, there is a celebratory event. First weekend - good friend's baby's 1st year birthday. Second weekend - longtime friend's church wedding. Third weekend - one of the beastie's baby's 1st year birthday. Fourth weekend - a dear friend's baby shower.  And just this weekend alone, our family's Reunion dinner.

Am I "pantang" (superstitious) about attending other happy events because my wedding is in April? No. To me, energies and thoughts are very important-  I believe that as long as the guests we invite all come with happy, well-wishing mindsets and thoughts, it is enough to generate good vibes and happenings.

Media Invites:

Alati Greek Divine Cuisine @ Amoy Street
Dinner at Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central


Logging off now to get busy. Thank you for gracing this blog again, and have a good start to February 2016, mon chere!  *kisses*

The Departure of 2015

Dear Diary,

It is with heavy heart that I write this entry, bidding goodbye to an eventful year - 2015, and today is the final day.  Before I move on to the 2015 recollections and 2016's resolutions, let's recap what happened in December...

DECEMBER'S ENTRY

It is always my busiest period of the year - celebrations of Yuletide festivities aka Christmas / Candlemas and Winter Solstice. There has been endless shopping, dining and wining, for which I am thankful for,  because I get to mingle loads with new friends and catch up with old friends.  Read here for why I love December / Christmas infinitely.

Here's a small list of Christmas feasting and drinks with friends (and that's besides the parties at friends' homes or clients' places):-
(i) ME @ OUE Bayfront
(ii)  Buyan Russian Restaurant & Caviar Bar
(iii) Cedele at Star Vista
(iv)  SuperTree by IndoChine @ Gardens by the Bay
(v)  Lantern Bar @ Fullerton Bay Hotel
(vi)  Riccioti Italian Restaurant @ The Riverwalk
(vii)  Cucina Italian Restaurant @ Aperia
(viii)  OverEasy @ Orchard
(ix)  Muchos Mexican Restaurant
(x)  20F Coffee Specialty
(xi)  Muthu's Curry
(xii)  Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay

Other than that, work and the side businesses went on at the usual paces; but my new novels have been at a standstill. Wedding planning is ongoing and about to get busier. Spiritually, I have been a failure, but I will never forget the lucid vision I had, just the other night.

My heart is both heavy with the passing of 2015 and excited at the welcoming of 2016 - it makes me feel like the past, when one king has fallen and people anticipate what the new king would bring about.  Leaving you with a quote by Paulo Coelho "If you are brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello."

The media invites and events have been significantly reduced because I had my personal gatherings with friends almost every night. But here goes:
(i)   Burger King's launch of Gourmeiji Burger
(ii)  Dinner at Szechuan Court @ Fairmont Hotel
(iii)  Dinner and drinks at KPO Bar
(iv)  Movie and snacks at Muvee Space
(v)  Dinner at Strangers' Reunion
(vi)  Makeover and makeup lesson by The Makeup Store

10 THINGS I LOVED ABOUT 2015:
(i) The wonderful blessings from my Deities - I know YOU are here because of the visions and signs I have been receiving, even though I have clearly not been in touch much;
(ii)  The many fabulous new friends I have made, and the friends who I still call my own, after so many years;
(iii)  The vacations, including my very memorable Vancouver trip - where I fell in love all over again (with the lands!);
(iv)  The creative touch amongst other landings (sorry I had to be cryptic on this one);
(v)  The political touch and being part of the General Election;
(vi)  The ideas / inspirations for my new novels;
(vii) The new things / skills I've learned in the course of the year, whether professionally or otherwise, including the new exciting experiences;
(viii) Material and immaterial blessings;
(ix)  Obtained the CEI cert at first try (nope I am not in HR); and
(x) Settled lots of the wedding stuff and Def Leppard came to town!

 

5 THINGS I HATED ABOUT 2015:-
(i)  The spun (sorry I had to be cryptic on this one);
(ii)  The opportunity costs;
(iii)  Moments of silence;
(iv) The weight gain;   and
(v)  The friends I chose to let go.

10 RESOLUTIONS FOR 2016:-

(i)  Not to bring overdue resolutions forward to the brand new year;
(ii)  To do more for the biz and less for passion;
(iii) To please pass the bloody driving test (it is really not that tough);
(iv) To complete at least one of the two novels;
(v) To get published again;
(vi)  A more sophisticated demeanor (but must still be friendly);
(vii)  To be a good Mrs. Someone;
(viii)  To devote more time and energy spiritually;
(ix)  To eat less, to eat more organic / vegetarian and more exercise;   and
(x)  More material and immaterial achievements.

That is all for now. Here's thanking you for gracing my blog and wishing you a Blessed 2016 New Year filled with gifts of happiness, health and every success!!  Stayed loved, my dear.... *smooches*

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.

Summing September up

Dear Diary,

Time for another round of lament and cryptic updates.  September has been the most exciting by far, in the entire 2015. December might be able to compete because of Christmas, but we shall see by then. Right now, it's a mad rush between work, the trip, planning for the impending wedding, business, seminars, the election, the festive rituals etc.

Firstly, there was the General Election. The walkabouts, writings, rallies attendance and helping out (paid and voluntary basis) were all very exciting and enriching. While the pre-Election had strongly positive vibes in the air, paving way for hopes of changes, the actual results were, to say the least, disappointing.  Actions always speak louder than words, and seeing was believing.

Then I went for the long-awaited Vancouver trip finally - vacation, visiting the Bestie & her hubby, and pre-wedding photoshoots.  Needless to say, the trip was packed with power catching-up, sight-seeing, introduction to some beautiful spots in the city, making new friends and lots of palatable food.  Coming back was hard, leaving behind the azure blue skies and beautiful place - never thought I'd feel so much for a place I hardly researched about. 

Being a nature lover, there were so many places to see, to explore, to immerse and lose oneself in. It was easy to imagine jogging by the sea, hiking up the magnificent mountains, camping in the wilds, frolicking in the lakes, etc. Even taking long walks in the woods or dining by the rivers were enticing events to look forward to - such tranquillity was bliss, especially in the loving arms of nature. This break has not only generated some interesting  business venture ideas between the Bestie and I, but also re-ignited my creative juices for writings, livening up my fried brains like a much-needed form of healing.

The clear skies and fresh air were being missed even more, because the moment we landed back in Singapore, blasts of smoky air greeted us.  Yes, the air was bad, and the haze was back, with incredibly high PSI readings. When I was younger I used to think misty scenes were romantic and beautiful - and they still are - but what we have here is warm, sooty and worrying, like breathing in volcanic ash.  Why relevant parties never do anything to curb this, over the years, is both puzzling an frustration.

 

 

Rushed back to Singapore on time for maternal cousin's wedding. It was great catching up with family members from across the border, over scrumptious food and lots of reds. The only way I'd attend weddings is if I really want to celebrate for the couple and wish them bliss; or there're networking opportunities in the guest lists.

 

 

Finally, Mid-autumn Festival (aka "mooncake festival"), where I get to eat my favourite mooncakes.  A little indulgence before another round of strict dietary monitoring and regulations, ahem!

 

GrandPrix Formula One car race was on as well, but I had no part in it at all this year.

 

And an entire list of events and media invites herein:

(i)       Review of gel pedicure session at  ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon

(ii)      Review of lavender slimming treatment at London Weight Management

(iii)     Dinner at Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant

(iv)     Review of spa massage at Le Spa @ Bukit Timah

(v)      Dinner at 1 Tyrwhitt Bistro & Bar

(vi)     Dinner at 7th Mile Seafood Restaurant

(vii)    Event at The Fireplace @ Tanglin Club

(viii)   Maki-San Japanese Restaurant's 3rd Birthday Bash

(ix)     Singapore Night Festival

(x)      Dinner at Korean Fusion BBQ Restaurant
(xi)     Sunday Garden Picnic @ Barnacles by the Sea
 

Watched a lot of movies on the flight to and back from Vancouver, because I could not sleep on the plane - The November Man, The Equalizer, The Spy, Kill the Messenger etc, but "The Conjuring" which was deliciously spooky really haunted me.  

 

The current song that haunts me would be Enigma's "Beyond the Invisible".

 

Having said that, time for me to go catch a few winks of sleep. Have a good month ma cheries, I shall see you in October 2016!

 

 

                                                               

Au-gustation: the flavours and sentiments of

Dear Diary,

Another month has quietly slipped by; a busy one no doubt. I thank you for the readers who continue to grace this site without fail, even though it has relinquished into a more private, monthly publication over the years to make way for this blog.

The work and sidelines monopolized most of my time, and I am setting aside some of the activities (in order of priorities) to make way for the new interest I am currently pursuing. I shall share that in due course - something much more interesting, fascinating, exciting and lucrative.

There had also been the gown fitting - for the bespoke gown I have customised for myself.  I am rather pleased with the result so far; on my end I just need to shed more kilos. This is one of the outfits for the upcoming photo-shoot and probably tea ceremony next April - since I won't be renting a red "kua" aka cheongsam-styled wedding costume.

There were housewarmings and the usual catching up with longtime friends. As time goes by, I realised I have more and more friends born in August. Is it true that certain horoscope does attract people from certain zodiac signs as well? Hmmm...

National Day aka Golden Jubilee long weekend took place as well. I had the nails painted in honour of this special event. Over the 5 days it was work, relaxation and family time.  The country has just celebrated its 50th anniversary - will there be another 50 to come?  #foodforthought

Photosource: http://thearcticstar.blogspot.sg/2015/09/singapore-night-festival-2015.html

There was also the Singapore Night Festival spanning over a few museums, design schools and churches along the Bugis to City Hall stretch. I managed to catch some pretty fascinating performance and breath the beauty of art once again - in the midst of busy-ness it has been easy to forget about my love for arts at times.

I also attended some media invites for events, and other events - one of which was at the prestigious Tanglin Club. It would also be my first time getting anything at an auction - a bottle of reds for a good cause.   I look forward to more!

Finally, the General Election is taking place really soon, so it is a flurry of excitement and activities. It is exciting from the back-end and the front-end, and it seems that people are starting to wake up and look around them - at the changes, at the deterioration. 

And just in case you are wondering, yes, I author the personal political site Sing-oppo-rean, a site written in laymen's terms for the average neutral reader.

Finally, I cannot wait for September 11 to come - polling, and then off I go for my Vancouver retreat!

Here are some of the media invites / events for August:
(i)  Soteria Nails Sponsorship / Bloggers Bash
(ii) Soteria E-style Rejuvenation Facial Treatment
(iii) Food Tasting at Greendot Vegetarian Restaurant
(iv)  Food Tasting at Nassim Hill Bakery
(v)  Korean 3-step Hair Treatment at The Comb Hair Studio
(vi) Food Tasting at Seattle Pike Chowder
(vii)  Food Tasting at Giovanni L
(viii) Survey / sponsored treat at Haagen Dazs
(ix) Nuffnang vs. Google AdSense
(x) Food Tasting at Perfetto Café


Thank you my dears, stay loved and see you next month!  *kisses*