Why I love April 2016

Dear Diary,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pink Maxi Kale Dress

Black and peach lace collared blouse

Monochrome collared blouse

Gray checkered rose dress

Peachy-rose blouse

Black short dress with gray-detailed top coat

Black short dress with lacey top coat

Kimono-styled sleeping gown

Blue and white ombre tube dress with slit

Gray blouse-and-pants set

Royal blue blouse with rose neckline

March-vellous 2016

Dear Diary

The festivities have barely ended for the past months, and this month was another frantic one, filled with preparations for the upcoming wedding. Pace of work has also gone up due to some reasons,  but it is enjoyable.

Some fun activities marked this month as well, such as St. Patrick's Day and the recent Easter weekend. Lots of meeting up with friends to continue passing out the wedding invitation cards as well.

There was also the wedding dinner of a longtime good friend; a group of us took the opportunity to do catching up as well. I realise as we age and the stages of life change, catching up time as well as the people we hang out with seem to change drastically as well.

The Bridesmaids' Meeting happened as well, where we discussed the itinerary, who to help with what, and I handed out the bridesmaids' dresses. I kind of regret not having ordered the maxi dresses - would've looked more elegant and chic on them.

Networking activities for work and business continued to occur; always happy to meet new people. There was also the Guo Da Li (betrothal and dowry gifts exchange) ceremony that took place just last weekend. Lots to prepare, and lots of cake delivery to do. Saddened that I could not consume any of the cakes, wine or fruit exchanged, as it would equate to "eating away my own happiness".

Finally, collected the engraved rings and am happy to note that most stuff have been settled by now. The entire planning and preparation process was stressful and hectic but fun in retrospect. I believe I am not exactly "pantang" (superstitious) about a lot of stuff but I believe a lot in energy and positive thoughts.

All right, that's it for now. Looking forward to a new beginning and stage of life.

See you in April!


Media Invites  / sponsored events:
(i) Dinner at Ash & Elm @ Intercontinental
(ii) Facial at Shakura @ Plaza Sing
(iii) Golf, café and pub at Urban Fairways @ Raffles Place
(iv) Lunch at Grand Mandarina @ Chinatown
(v) The Nuptial Series - Wedding Styles in Singapore 2016

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.