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!!

April is for Aries

Dear Diary,

Another month has passed - a very crucial one for me at best. Important decisions to be made, and a very busy month at that.

The company was filled with a lot of events even though I had anticipated this month to be a more relaxing one, since we just completed a very hectic period. Alas, I was wrong. Targets and revenues and figures take no break - so we as the drivers should not brake.

I learned something new about planning for certain stuff, and got the Will drawn up - read more here.

I got my personal portraiture albums taken finally - read more here

I celebrated the 30th over a long period of feasts, drinks and catching up with friends. There was a very mini soiree with some friends that I hijacked as part of my weekend staycation - read more here.

Yes, so there had been a lot of dinners, lunches / brunches and high teas. Amazingly I did not gain the extra pounds I was supposed to have.

I also tried to hone the Domestic Goddess within me here - and might be inclined to cook or bake more in future.

And I started on this Aloe Vera stabilized drinking gel that is supposed to have multiple benefits for skin, face, hair, weight loss, helps to reduce water retention, cells repair, prevent high blood pressure and cancers etc, etc.  Ironically, we were there for appointment to try to make them our clients, but in turn became their clients. I hope this drink is really as beneficial as claimed.

So, how does turning 30 feel? In this entry herein - I mentioned that as one grows older, the notion of gifts and celebration have changed, and presents are no longer as important as the people celebrating with us.

It didn't feel  much different, truth be knownst, dears. Just a shift in numerical figures when you write your age, that's all - inevitable since the earth has to rotate around its axis and the days just roll by. There are still the same goals to attain, the same life to lead and the same dreams to realize. There were things lost and found / gained; there are things learned and unlearned.

I am looking forward to May  for there would be more interesting and exciting events upcoming.

Till then for now, sugars... smooches...

March's Magic

Dear Diary,

Finally, the first quarter of 2014 has passed by.

I went to many lovely places for food; some of these places were utterly beautiful too. You could see details here at my Food, Travel, Thoughts and Human Interest blog here. There were breathtaking views with interesting fusion food, restaurants with panoramic views serving superb pasta, classy dimsum joints and of course scenic cafes with awesome pastries.

I wish I could travel more, but those are in the pipeline for the next couple of months. I'm itching to get on the plane and breath different air and watch a rounder moon already.  Hong Kong and Canada, here I come, soon!

The new company is awesome as well - big company with many people, most of whom are friendly across departments. Good benefits, wonderful support from the superiors, and best of all I am outperforming my KPIs.  Thank Deities!

At the last company event last week, I got to become a Barister for two days, serving delicious Japanese coffees and Twelve Cupcakes to clients and fellow colleagues from other departments. It was fun, but tiring. It was also rewarding because it was our new launch, and for the past two days, my baby to handle.

The friends are great as usual. I have learned to shed a couple of those who are not important anymore, or do not bother to contact me if I do not make the effort to do so. After all, I already have enough good friends on my hands to entertain and catch up with, so sod those who mean nothing. Yes, and I am still making new friends.

Money kept pouring in, in the forms of cash, cheques, gifts and incentives etc etc from different platforms, projects, sidelines and hitting the work KPIs. I am happy this month. Makes me think of Abba's song, "Money, Money, Money".

This also reminds me to kickstart on the two businesses I have been meaning to start on earlier. Research and negotiations are underway, rest assured.

Did many things I wanted to do this month, as though I am trying to live life the fullest. 

Oh, the family went for the Tomb-Sweeping Ritual at the respective temples / crematorium for the annual Ching Ming festival - visiting the ancestors, namely the grandparents, and the Dad.  Yes, a sad day, but a responsibility we have to fulfill as well. Read my article on Ching Ming here.

I also  did some serious planning for a few things that I never thought I would be doing, at least not so soon. Ever since that thought crossed my mind, I have been oscillating between the light and the darkness. It is a very tough choice, and everyday I am trying to change the direction, but let's see how it all goes...

Saw a burned down building on my way home when we drove past. It was kind of shocking to see the familiar building which I have been passing by nearly everyday for years, looking so darkened and sinister. I hope no one is injured. These days, there are so many cases of fires and unnatural deaths, it makes one wonder if it is simply people becoming more warped / violent or social media forcing the cats out of the bags.

Well, thanks for reading, lovies, and stay tuned for the next up-date in April. Smooches and roses...

Fabulously Februrary 2014

Dear Diary,

February passed by in a whirl and shall continue to swirl by, come next week.

I continue to count my blessings, and thank whomever for them.

Anyway, festivities such as the remaining days of the Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day. There were lovely dinners at Todai, Carlton City Hotel, Fullerton area and Ritz Carlton. More to come next week - need I say? I love my friends.

I apologise if I havent had time to organise anything with some of you yet - but I promise to. Currently I am still catching up on backlogs of belated birthday celebrations with some of them, etc - so do feel free to remind me by dropping me a tinker or text please, darlings.

Some networking and business opportunities meetings / events as well, but nothing interesting or concrete as yet. A couple of personal projects underway as well, so I'm stretched a little thin.

Work has been busy - but I am glad the cases poured in and I exceeded. It was the coaching part that somewhat bothered  me - maybe I just need more patience to guide someone new. After all, this was a new industry for me too.

Shopping has been ongoing - and recently I bought a pink dress that I kind of regret. Was so adamant in getting it at that point in time, but now that Lunar New Year is over, it seems like an impulsive buy and I am unsure when I would wear it ever again.

So much to say, need an outlet to write them down, somewhere...

Ahhh, never mind. Anyway I have to run - you sweethearts have a fantastic Feb ahead, I shall "see" you in March. Leaving you with kisses and thoughts..

Little black dress in another variation - with the flap at front,  something I've been hunting for... Love it!

Dark orange dress with details - suitable for work and maybe outing too? Quite comfortable material.

Finally, the pink dress that is short and a little flamboyant aint it? Ok, if I wear it to work I would have to don a black jacket or coat.

Just January 2014 (belated entry)

Dear Diary,

Welcome 2014 once again.

January has been a busy month - but wait, which month is not busy?

I finally have some solid ideas of what sidelines I want to venture into. I guess sometimes having partners may make part of the work easier and we can share load / pool resources, but sometimes it may be faster to just go ahead and do it by oneself first. Awaiting surveys, coordinations etc actually causes time and potential income (opportunities cost) to be lost. I also should go  back to attending more networking events.

New career began quite well I guess - I won prizes at the company's Dinner and Dance - and closed cases rather fast. Once this settles down, I shall proceed to registering for a couple of stuffs I have always wanted to learn - French and Driving (like, finally).

So happy that I managed to settle two issues too - one has been something that has followed me for close to ten years (wow) and one is a brilliant plan that came to me - I did not even have to rack my brains.

I also chopped my bangs off finally. After different hairdos, I finally decided to give it a try, just to see how I would look - since I have tried short hair, pixie hair, dyed hair, curls and straight hair of different colors before. Hmm.. was always curious to know if bangs would make me look dollish or Cleopatra-ish.

This is my usual typical dark or reddish-fade-to-brown long hair with different partings - my natural hair is rather straight, but I did rebonding almost on an annual basis as well. At times I had it layered, but the length is usually past chest level - my hair grows fast, what can I say?

 

Sometimes I would fasten the hair back into a French Braid or just a half-way knot with my signature black Ferragamo hair-clip.

Sometimes, when I have bad hair day or when I am in formal wear, I would bun up the hair or fasten it up in huge barrettes.

For events or dinners, I would visit the hairstylists to give me curls- well, I have tried perming my hair before but it was kind of tedious to maintain so the temporary curls suit me fine.

Once, I chopped my tresses off to chin length and had it dye red - my bob.

Sometimes, I like my hair cut to shoulder-length, especially before a long trip overseas, or when I tire of long hair. Sometimes, I chop it to this length so the new hair can grow out healthier (the long tresses were permanently abused by chemicals through dye, perm or rebonding).

And voila - the bangs I had been meaning to try out but had never dared to try out for fear I would look odd, or would grow pimples on the forehead. Still getting used to the new look.

Finally, lots of reasons to shop for foodstuffs and clothes this month since the Lunar New Year is here. For more on Spring cleaning - read this entry, my dears or Chinese New Year greetings, read this entry. There are also visitations, catching up with relatives and friends and a little gambling, visiting of the River Angpao and some "lohei" lunches / dinners pending.

Cobalt blue dress that is short, sleeveless and simple - for work and outings.

Orange dress that is elegant, has a good material and refreshing.

Finally, the signature little black dress that one cannot imagine me without - with sequins at sleevehole-hem.

I kind of regret not having bought the fuchsia pink tight dress I saw the other day - perhaps I may go back and buy it. 

Finally, working on the blogging project still, and more outings to come, dears.
Stay tuned, smooches.