Half Year Mark 2017

Dear Diary,

June has barely scraped through the door, but I can already feel the vibes of July- pensive, high-energied, waiting to infuse the air. What has transpired?

Getting the insurance business is one of which I am excited about, and against all odds, I have decided that I am going to do up a website and Facebook page for it. Sorry if the other venture has not been as active - I have been busy working on something else. Something extremely meaningful, and now that a major hurdle has been removed, I can totally focus on what I want to do. Something that involves and utilises all my expertise and training and interest-  events planning, business development, legal background and is a meaningful essentiality.

Letting go of certain petty issues to look at the broader picture, has also helped to make us happier. I guess there is no point being calculative with closest family members, because ultimately we are all bound by blood / marriages and are a family whether we like it or not. Learning to give, and harmony, has been a gift.

Wish I had learned that when the Dad was still around. Father's Day came and went without any celebration.

Then there have been some activities squeezed in - less, compared to previous months, but still fulfilling. Lunches and dinners with close friends, alumni events, media events (ironically now that I am slowing down on blogging a lot more, the invites and collaborations are coming in steady streams), and planning of more vacations in order.


The Beau and I also managed to bring the niece and nephew out since it is the school holidays (aka Singapore's "Summer Break") - visited the SEA Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Museum at Resorts World Sentosa. Then I also did some investigative work into a case of "The Imaginary Business Partner"- shall share more in details in time to come.

Finally, the list of events and invites (I post once a week only nowadays):

• Food tasting at Oh My Tian Café
• Food tasting at IlLido at the Cliff Restaurant
• Beauty review on Mary Kay's soothing eye gel
• Festino Brunch at Monti Singapore
• Kosme Aesthetics opening ceremony@ Orchard Central
• Review on leather care products by Shoetree Project
• Lazada Great Singapore Sale collaboration
  

Thank you for taking the time to read my monthly update again sweethearts. See you in July and stay missed xoxoxo

MAY was here

Dear Diary,

Well, well what have we now - mid year already? Yes, May was here, did a dance and then dissipated into the air. May had wings, like an eagle, swooping low only when its prey is in sight.

Anyway, just returned from a family trip to Hanoi, Vietnam, mainly in celebration of the Mom's birthday and belated Mother's Day. It was a lovely trip of bonding and relaxation, especially when we went onboard the cruise at scenic Halong Bay. Lots of feasting and I managed to do a little shopping as well.

Business-wise, I need another month or so to start doing the prospecting as am fine-tuning some stuff now. But it seems that cases are rolling in just yet - thank Deities. Work-wise, smooth sailing as well as cases continue to pour in too. For a while I was beginning to wonder if I wanted to switch tacks because I was just so tired.

Ironically, I seem to get more sponsorships now that I have decided to concentrate very little on the other Blog. I post merely once a week, alongside some OOTD shots but that's about it. Be a pity to give up completely, so I guess I will keep it around for reference, as a diary of past events. Sometimes it sickens me to see some bloggers acting like they are celebrities or "someone important" or even "reached the stage" just because they own a blog, or are invited to certain events. Please, get a real life.

Aced the French test (97% score) so I guess I will continue with my French course.  At least complete intermediate level. Need someone to practice with - otherwise I cannot recall how to speak 50% of it right now (fingers crossed).

Really, really, really need to shed those pounds so am changing the diet and cutting down on a lot of food I used to enjoy. Changing the entire lifestyle as well - no more late nights, but earlier mornings. Even if I have no appointments on weekend mornings, I should get out there, explore some areas and maybe grab a nice brunch with a book.

Already started on some Christmas shopping, if you can believe it.  Catching up with some friends and attended some events, as usual. Maybe will go back to writing short stories or a novel too, if time permits.

That is it for May 2017; thanks for reading. Take care and see you dearies again in a month's time *smooches*

April's Full Month Celebration

Dear Diary, 

April was an eventful month,  no less. There were milestones and some hits and misses. But overall, a happy month for me.

So I turned another year wiser in early April  - so what happened was a month long celebration as usual. Feasting with the family, drinking with friends, and a lovely little cruise trip for this year. I am truly appreciative for those who dined and wined, gifted and treated, spending their time and also those who texted / messaged me.

Oh, it also marks our first wedding anniversary, just a day after my birthday. Thank you for the congratulations too.

Easter weekend came and went. Alumni gathering and networking sessions were attended. Giselle Ballet was splendid. And a short across-the-border trip with foodie friends. There were plenty of wine nights, wine tastings and wine fairs. Caught up with a couple of longtime friends  - including a girl who shares the exact same birthday as me.

Sadly, it was also Ching Ming (aka "Qing Ming" aka memorial of the dead ancestors' day) in April, which reminded us of those whom we've lost. Family gatherings ensued, while prayers took place over 2 weekends. Then there was a conference (here) that I attended to learn more about investments and entrepreneurial traits.

The new business was started, another in the pipeline. Friends gained and lost (oh my god, you never knew someone is a psycho till you know!) Have slowed down on the blogging by a lot to focus on more exciting stuff, as mentioned. Some shopping and cooking underway, as well as planning for more upcoming trips. Another round of blood donation for the quarter - this means that my weight has not dropped.

That should be it for now - seems a month always passes too fast.  Thank you for reading my site, dearies. Have a good May month and  I shall see you soon. Kisses xoxoxoxo

March Moments 2017

Dear Diary,

The year 2017 has lost a quarter already, and we are slowly foraging into the Aries' favorite month of all. The celebratory events have already begun, and the bad news is that I have started on a diet and sports plan (back to yoga, jogging and swimming).

March marked 3 changes, no, maybe 5. It was a busy and momentous month, earmarking endings and beginnings, novelty and the past. Lots of shopping too, unfortunately, as well as settling 3 trips for the year, all at one go.

So, the first - roles. I shall not delve too much into this for fear of jinxing things. But roles are roles, and we play it to the best of our ability. It is just like being in a play, no? With the role, came lots of events as well. Funnily, I used to love events and invites excited me - but these days, I look forward to rejecting or escaping from half of the events (at least).

Secondly, I have moved into the Beau's house finally, after a year of being married. We are looking for upgrades now, but slowly. I shall let you know closer to confirmation, maybe start a series on my other blog on "The House Hunting Series", since The Honeymoon Series has come to its grand finale.

Well, this also means more responsibility around the house, more cooking and chores (if you can believe it, I have never really done chores before, at least not actively), as well as more juggling of time between  visiting the mom and coming back home and social nights.

Thirdly, I finally started on my French class, something that I have been wanting to do for years, but never found time or motivation to do so. Oh my, my, who would've thought that all objects come with a gender too, in French! It makes it challenging, and at the same time, incredibly romantic. I look forward to lesson on a weekly basis.

Fourth, the start of our very own finance-related business. This really has to be vague for various reasons for now, but I am glad that the partnership seems to be going smoothly.

Finally, I shall not be writing much over at My Other Blog anymore, since the campaigns have been completed, and I would like to focus on more things. Such as devoting to the businesses, researching on more finances-related materials and exploration of things I have been dying to do.

So yes, it has been a very busy month. Apologies if I had mentioned meeting any of you up, but have not managed to fork out the time to do so, really. Trust that I will remedy that, and see you really soon.  In the meantime, thanks again for coming to visit this page - stay loved my dears xoxoxo

Fiesty February 2017

Dear Diary,

Another month has been taken off the calendar, thrusting us into the arms of March 2017. Seems surreal, how time flies, yet 24 hours alone does not seem to be enough anymore. Say goodbye to February, say goodbye to the month I wish I could wish someone Happy Birthday and Longevity, but he now lives in Eternity.

What was brewing, besides a couple of foiled vacation plans? Oh well, Lunar New Year celebration and visitations were still very much in order, for the first half of the month. Lots of feasting to celebrate the brand new year, for celebrating of other happy events, and friends' birthdays. With that came a fair bit of drinking as well, but what's new?

It was a fairly happy month where rewards for the day job were reaped and objectives fulfilled. It is time to focus back on the somewhat-neglected company on the side, but it seems ideas are sprouting up, making it pretty exciting for me.

No, make that a very happy month. I will be enrolling in French class finally, after so many years of not being able to doing it  (no thanks to endless barrage of excuses). Remember, I have always loved everything French - culture, language, food, music, fashion etc. I am so excited about being a student again, albeit on a part-time basis.

Then, a breakthrough for a beauty campaign came about, but details shall not be revealed for now.

Which brings me to the topic again - whenever people ask me if I am doing full-time blogging now, or if I am a full-time blogger, I really don't know how to react. Happy, because they think I write well enough, or have enough "influence"? Annoyed, because they think I am "not doing much", or at least not doing anything "more constructive"?  Well, I blog because I love writing, because friends have been asking me for recommendations since young, because there are periodical campaigns, and because I have met some pretty awesome friends through the blogging circle. I do have a full-time career and a little business on the side, thank you.

Then there was the Big Move, into The Beau's house finally. It is never easy trying to adapt and get used to each other's habits, especially when I am somewhat of a hygiene freak / rupophobic. It feels surreal whenever I return to his place, that we are now living together, just the two of us. Yet when I return to the Mom's place, I also feel like I no longer belong....

I do have a kind of walk-in wardrobe and a mini library at the new residence though.

It was International Polar Bears on the 27th! The closest I could get to the bears for now is through financial support of their initiatives, and through my cute polar plushies - meet Bosie and Cosie right there.

Then there were Chicago the Musical and St. Valentine's Day - the latter which we celebrated with a picnic.

I need to get back into shape physically, artistically and religiously.  Once the madness of changes and unpacking have settled down, I will have to work on these aspects without preamble.

In the meantime, thank you for gracing my site, my loves. Have a marvellous March ahead *kisses*

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!