Quiet Confidence

It’s about our culture, heritage and roots

2012-02-04T19:27:00.002+08:00

新年快乐! Before the 15th day of the Chinese New Year approaches, let me wish you all 心想事成, 事事顺心! If you do not know what those words mean, time to brush up on your Chinese! Hahah!

I read a tweet that said that CNY isn’t about buying new clothes, munching on goodies or even exchanging ang paos! It’s about celebrating our culture, our heritage and our roots! So true! But of course, part of our CNY culture includes those aforementioned customs that we practice year after year! :) And I think, one of the best customs of the CNY is gathering with family and loved ones! Thinking back on the CNY week filled with home visitations at our dearest family and frens’ homes, my heart is filled with so much gratitude for dear ones I have in my life! Although the time spent together may be short, but the sense of belonging and the feeling of family togetherness warms my heart! :)

Having 面线together! As my mother-in-law says, having this traditional dish (which I love so much, my bowl is always wiped clean!) is a wish for us all to 长命百岁!

Yet another bowl at my granny’s! Yum yum yum!!!

Exchanging kum and 新年贺词are also important customs to the Chinese! This year, I decided to make a point to really memorise some auspicious 贺词to greet my elders and they were really happy! If you think about it, saying such 吉祥话is having positive affirmation and confessing the best for others! :)

Steamboat and yu sheng are also must-haves during CNY! Makes all of us come together! 团团圆圆!

It’s a wonder I din put on much weight over the New Year! :)

Other than these usual customs, my family shares some special customs that must be practiced on 初一! Like having my Auntie’s delicious curry chicken and chap chye!

And after years of “leaving out” my Auntie, cousin & family from our 初一late night movie, we got tickets for all of them and it was a blast watching “We Not Naughty” together! This must be a new annual affair!!!

Till my next post, 我祝大家身体健康, 龙马精神! :)

The Office Lady Style

2012-01-26T23:36:00.001+08:00

I love reading blogs, especially style blogs (refer to my previous post here). But most of the style blogs are skewed towards casual style, yet I spend most of my week and waking hours at work. So I have always been hoping to find blogs featuring formal workwear. And thankfully, I stumbled upon some really good ones that I can’t wait to share with all of you.

Extrapetite

Came across this when my fellow petite fren, Liping, liked this blog on her Facebook wall and I decided to check it out. Immediately, my eyes were opened to a whole new genre of style blogs – petite-size! Which suits me just fine since I am only slightly over 5 feet tall! I really like Jean’s style – professional, feminine and classy. I also love how she constantly mixes and matches items in her wardrobe to come out with fresh new looks. One of my fav sites!

Wendy’s Lookbook

Ok, so this blog isn’t really on formal wear, more like smart casual, great for dress-down Fridays. But Wendy is really really stylish and she has really great style videos as well, such as the very popular “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!”.

Shentonista

The catchy name definitely got my attention! It features stylish people caught around the Central Business District. (Btw, read my previous post about working in Raffles Place here!) I really love how they zoom into the details of each person’s outfit as well! Yours sincerely will be featured on the site soon, I hope! :)

All pics from respective sites

I’ve been doing it wrong all this while!

2012-01-04T22:09:00.000+08:00

My love affair with BB cream started after I bought a tube in Korea. Read my previous post of BB cream here. I really love using BB cream as it acts as a foundation, but with built-in skin care! However, recently when I was in the search for a new BB cream to try out (after The ODBO one, I bought The Face Shop Face It HD Perfect BB Cream), I realised I had been applying it wrongly all this while! Since it provides coverage, I thought it should be applied on the face by spreading it over your skin. Apparently not! I seriously flipped when I watched the video below! And it really makes a difference when I applied it correctly! Sigh… well, better late than never! Please look and learn!

And also introducing, my latest BB cream haul – the Rachel K CC cream. I chanced upon it when I went to Watson’s and it was after researching on it online that I found the video above! It’s called CC (for Colour Control) cream but it really works the same way as a BB cream. Best of all, it’s mineral-based with lots of additional ingredients like white tea extract, green tea leaf extract, deep sea water, and macadamia nut oil to nourish your skin! It comes in 3 shades – fair, neutral and sun-kissed and I got the neutral one. It’s very light on the skin, yet giving a smooth finish and considerably good coverage. I really love it! It’s retailing for $35 at all Watson’s outlets. =)

Heels that DO NOT Hurt (that much)

2012-01-02T18:22:00.001+08:00

High heels and hurt toes are almost synonymous! And that’s bad news for a petite working gal like me (with a tall hubby)! After constantly abusing my feet with a certain local brand, I decided enough is enough! I had to get better made shoes that were comfortable, yet not compromising on style. And on a fren’s recommendation (thanks Hsu!), I decided to get a pair of Heatwave shoes. Although the styles are very basic and simple, they fit so well and seriously, how flashy do you want your shoes to be? I feel that the classic styles give me more mileage, especially at work. My feet hurt a lot less and they are thanking me every day for that! =)

Heatwave has also recently launched their online store (click here) and delivery is now free for a limited time only! I ordered a pair – easy-peasy one rainy evening and I received it the next afternoon (hand-delivered by Speedpost)! What’s more, they have a daily promo of 15% off a selected shoe style right now! I really hope one of the shoes below will be on promo soon! =) My shoe size is 37 btw if any of you feel led to bless me! Did I also mention that the prices are very reasonable? =)

Images above from Heatwave Shoes

2011 Reflections

2011-12-31T22:26:00.002+08:00

On this last day of the year, I just want to pen down my reflections for the year that has just passed. It was one tough year, the toughest I have experienced all my life. I wondered many times if I would ever make it through. But I am glad to say that I did, growing stronger and wiser, tapping inner strength that I never knew I possessed. Also, for the family members and loved ones who were there supporting Joe and me, praying for us and standing by us, THANK YOU!

I am really thankful for a new start in 2012 yet also grateful for the various highlights of 2011.

Definitely blogged a lot more in 2011, so one of my resolutions got fulfilled!
Promoted to an Ah Yi with the birth of Baby Nate, my darling nephew!
Church moved into Suntec, which is a momentous milestone!
Finally rebonded my hair, after resisting for many many years, a new look to welcome the new year!

What will 2012 hold? As the saying goes, I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future and I know He holds my hand :)

One resolution I have made for the new year is to improve my Chinese and I even bought myself a Chinese book today! I really hope to fulfill this resolution so if you have any tips or ideas, do let me know! And maybe the next time you see me, speak to me in Chinese instead! Haha!

Happy New Year! :)

Family Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-31T12:43:00.002+08:00

Thanks to Charles and Aileen for hosting the annual Family Christmas party! :) Their place was all decked up for the celebration!

Goodie bags for all the kiddos!

Superhero Super Boy made a guest appearance too!

But had to take a nap cos he was so tired saving the world!

Lots of toys and games to occupy the young and the young at heart!

Presents Time!

What a great way to celebrate Christmas! :)

Christmas Lightings 2011

2011-12-30T18:29:00.002+08:00

True to our promise to make this a yearly affair, Joe and me made a trip to Orchard Road once again to capture the Christmas lightings! Felt that this year’s light-up faded in comparison to last year’s, but here goes the pics!

Started at Plaza Singapura and made our way down Orchard Road

Just outside Istana

The same blue and white lighting all along the stretch of Orchard Road

Orchard Central

Loved the Paragon one! Very edgy!

TANGS’ one always has an apt verse from the Bible!

Orchard ION

Till next year’s!

The Angry Bird Brothers

2011-12-26T18:05:00.000+08:00

Calvin and Henry in Angry Birds’ T-shirts playing with Angry Birds’ plushies!

Lighting Up Suntec

2011-12-24T22:54:00.000+08:00

Light shines the brightest in darkness. When all around you is bleak and dark, remember the light shining ever so brightly inside of you.

One of the most highly anticipated services every year is the Candlelight Service and this year is extra special as it is our church’s very first Candlelight Service at Suntec!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! :)

Christmas Party Time!

2011-12-24T15:27:00.002+08:00

Every year without fail (though we sometimes feel lazy to do so!), we will “resurrect” our trusty Christmas tree and decorate it for the upcoming festivities!

This year’s theme is red and silver – nice? :)

And the best part of having a Christmas tree? Having lots and lots of presents under it! :)

Love it when the whole cellgroup comes together for a fun time of Christmas celebrations! With lots of yummy food to fill the tummies!

Truffle Royale Log Cake from Pat’s Pastry! Delicious!

Time for gift exchange!

Everyone (generally) happy with the gift they got! Hee!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! :)

Live Colorfully: Multi-Color is for November

2011-12-13T22:05:00.003+08:00

The festive season is here and I’m sure many of you must be busy with gift-buying, gift-wrapping and gift-giving! It can be tiring at times but it always feels good to get a good gift that you know the recipient will appreciate! :) Be inspired by the colorful video below and inject a bit of color into your gift-giving this year! And also ending off with my pics for the month!

More Live Colorfully posts can be found here

Rasa Sentosa Staycation

2011-11-28T22:39:00.000+08:00

Had a mini get-away with my Mum, Nis and Baby Nate at Rasa Sentosa. Bringing Baby along means that most of the attention would be on him so lots of the pics you see are of darling Baby Nate!

The hotel has a dedicated play area for kids, and what’s best, a playroom for little toddlers!

Doing what he loves most – putting things in his mouth!

Having fun with colourful plastic balls!

We booked a Seaview Room so the view was awesome!

The moment Baby Nate was placed on the bed, he didn’t want to get up!

He sure knows how to enjoy life!

Doing his fav activity – with his hands! See how happy he is!

After a nice leisurely swim, we went to Vivo for dinner and shop shop! Then we made our way back to Sentosa.

Preppy baby!

Playing with water!

When Baby Nate was sound asleep, we were enjoying the Crane Dance!

Then it was time to call it a night! Till the next!

Always There

2011-11-25T23:01:00.000+08:00

Been a while since I blogged! =) Hope everyone is well!

Recently I bought myself a small little Carebear that now “resides” in my bag. Love it cos it’s such a cutie with its hot pink colour and intertwined hearts on its belly. It’s the “Always There” Carebear and I guess it serves as a reminder to myself.

That when I feel all alone, that I really am not.
That when all is bleak and dark, God is always there to shine a light for me.
That even when I don’t sense it, I have loved ones who think about me, who worry for me, who care for me.

Take care everyone and know that there is indeed One who is always there for you!

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:20

Live Colorfully: Chocolate is for October

2011-11-07T23:13:00.000+08:00

Warm, rich, melt-in-your mouth, comforting chocolate

More Live Colorfully posts can be found here

Streets of Malacca [Malacca]

2011-11-02T22:50:00.000+08:00

We walked up and down Jonker Street many times and even had time to explore the adjoining streets! It’s fun to explore!

And that marks the end of my Malacca posts! :)

Attractions [Malacca]

2011-10-31T22:41:00.000+08:00

Malacca is relatively a small town so there aren’t many tourist attractions to speak of. Still, there are some iconic buildings that you can immediately identify as attractions of Malacca!

Christ Church

Saw a pretty fountain there!

St Paul’s Church

A Famosa Fort

With lots of time to spare, we also checked out some less famous attractions!

Malacca River

Beautiful yah? Next time I go back to Malacca, shall sit on the River Cruise!

Water Wheel

Maritime Museum

San Su Gong [Malacca]

2011-10-29T17:00:00.000+08:00

San Su Gong is almost a landmark in Malacca and is located just to the right of the main entrance of Jonker Walk.

It’s where you can buy lots of goodies and snacks back home as souvenirs!

There’s a cafe on the first floor and I recommend you try the Ice Cold White Coffee. You can give the Chendol a miss cos it’s expensive and not as nice as Jonker 88’s! Joe will never fail to buy packets of White Coffee back from here!

Lots of stuff to buy!

Durian jam!

Lian’s!

And lots of other good stuff!

Jonker 88 [Malacca]

2011-10-27T22:53:00.000+08:00

Another must-try food in Malacca is Chendol which is shaved rice with sweet gula melaka swirled over it! And what better place to try it than the popular Jonker 88?

We went on Monday morning when the queue wasn’t that crazy! There are stalls selling different food and you have to order, pay and wait for the food to be prepared before you can sit down. It would be good to go in and get some seats first before ordering.

Some pics of the inside of the shophouse! The shophouses in Malacca are narrow in length but long in depth!

We ordered Assam Laksa – which Joe said was very good! I am not into too sour stuff so I ordered Baba Laksa instead.

I loved the Baba Laksa that I ordered! The tofu pieces soaked up the gravy and it was simply delicious just biting into them! There were even thinly sliced cucumber and tuna pieces in the laksa – very unique!

The chendol was not bad but there should be more gula melaka!

Joe ordered mango ice kacang, the mango pieces should be bigger!

All in all, an enjoyable meal and worth a visit for the amazing laksa!

Jonker 88
88 Jalan Hang Jebat (also known as Jonker Street)
Just keep walking down along Jonker Street and you will see it on your right hand side!
You can’t miss it cos there will be a long queue outside!

Thai food in the neighbourhood

2011-10-25T23:19:00.000+08:00

Stumbled upon a cosy Thai restaurant in a neighbouring neighbourhood ;P and gave it a try. We liked it so much we went a second time and planning to visit it more often in time to come!

A really nice place actually for a neighbourhood food outlet!

Tom Yam Seafood soup – full of ingredients, sotong, prawns, fish! Very very nice! We ordered this both times!

Stir-fried Basil Minced Pork, love it, tasty and spicy!

Stuffed Chicken Wing, stuffed with fish cake which was different from the usual Thai stuffed chicken wings.

Thai Style Sweet & Sour Pork, not your typical Chinese style! The pork pieces were not coated with flour and fried, more like stir-fried.

Kai Lan with Shrimp Paste Chilli, spicy!

Pineapple Rice, with raisins to add sweetness to the rice!

Not only was the food good, the prices were very reasonable too! Both times we ordered around 3 dishes and we paid less than $30.

SakonThai Authentic Thai Cuisine
Blk 152 Serangoon North Ave 1
#01-304
Singapore 550152
Tel: 6288 8225

Teo Soon Loong Chan Teochew Restaurant [Malacca]

2011-10-22T21:56:00.004+08:00

I never knew about this popular Teochew restaurant in Malacca till I asked my colleague for food recommendations and she mentioned a certain “Teochew” restaurant that was very crowded. She had long forgotten its name but trusty Tripadvisor soon showed me that this restaurant was probably the #7 on its list – Teo Soon Loong Chan (not Tee!) We followed its advice and made reservations in the morning for dinner. Kiasu us even went to find out its exact location earlier in the day so that we won’t be late for our reservation!

Looks kinda rundown from the outside with its kitchen at the entrance! The staff were preparing food, cooking and even washing dishes in full view!

A very small restaurant with space for only around 6 tables! No wonder reservations are necessary! The friendly boss will take your orders at the left hand side where you get to choose the food items you want.

A simple set-up

I guess the food must be quite renowned as the chef was invited to cook for the late President Ong Teng Cheong when he visited Malacca!

Now on to the food! The specialty – Oyster Noodles! Very unique and not seen in Singapore at all. The oysters were fresh and the noodles full of flavour!

The pork rolls (Ngoh Hiang) were very nice, chockfull with meat!

The sweet potato leaves was very good too cos the veg was so fresh!

And that was all we were allowed to order by the boss!! We have to bring more people with us the next time so that we get to order more dishes!! But it was all good and our tummies were satisfied! :) And not forgetting desserts!

The yam paste (Orh Nee) was really smooth and not jelat at all! The mango was very fresh and sweet as well!

Loved the fruit juice we ordered! Watermelon with lime and it was so refreshing!

RM47 for our meal. Really enjoyed the meal – we will definitely be back!

Check out the website! If you wish to try out only the yam paste dessert and the fruit juice, check out the sister outlet, eha!

Handmade with love

2011-10-20T23:52:00.000+08:00

My dearest hubby surprised me with 3 lovely cupcakes from Twelve Cupcakes (after several hints on my part)!

Love the hot pink packaging!

The three pretty cupcakes – all in a row!

PB Chocolate - Fluffy Peanut Butter on a Moist Chocolate Cupcake

Red Velvet - Vanilla Cream Cheese on a Classic Red Velvet Cupcake

Cookies N Cream - Oreos Crumbles Infused Buttercream on a Moist Chocolate Cupcake

They dun come cheap, at $3 a pop! Though they seem small, they are quite filling! My fav is the Red Velvet! Love the cream cheese topping which has a hint of lemon and the moist cupcake! :) Thanks dear!

Have also been receiving much love from my Mum-in-law whose cooking is just the BEST! You can really sense her love when you tuck into the sumptuous dishes she whips up! :) Mmmmm… Thanks Mum!

Nancy’s Kitchen [Malacca]

2011-10-18T22:22:00.003+08:00

Another die-die-must-try food in Malacca is Peranakan food. From what I heard, there are 3 places with lots of Peranakans and they are Singapore, Malacca and Penang. They are all ports-of-call with lots of trade going on and with Chinese traders staying long periods at those areas, inter-racial marriages were bound to occur!

There are many popular Peranakan restaurants in Malacca and we decided to try out the one rated #13 on Tripadvisor’s list of restaurants in Malacca – Nancy’s Kitchen. It’s not difficult to find, just walk down Jonker Walk on the left hand side till you see Geographer Cafe. Then turn left in, walk a short distance down that street (Jalan Hang Lekir) and you will find Nancy’s Kitchen on your right hand side. But do keep your eyes peeled for it as it’s so nondescript you may just miss it!

The main entrance to the restaurant

Very cosy old-fashioned feel

Now check out the food!

I love the otak! So fresh and tasty!

The pork pongteh was my favourite dish! The pork was so tender with just the right amount of fat. The potatoes were so soft and filled with flavour! The sauce was so delicious I couldn’t stop scooping it over my rice!

The cinchalok omelette was not bad too!

The only disappointing dish was the belachan kang kong.

All four dishes with rice and two drinks cost RM45. Cheap and good!

Our tummies were too full for anything else but I heard the kuehs and changs are nice too. Maybe next time! :)

P.S. Ooh.. I think there's a typo on the namecard.. we were there for dinner around 6:30pm so I would think that their normal business hours are from 11am - 9:30pm!

Chung Hwa Chicken Rice Balls [Malacca]

2011-10-15T12:32:00.002+08:00

When you think of Malacca, you think of chicken rice balls. Apparently, the chicken rice balls were created as they were easier to bring around as lunch for those working by the harbor or at the plantations.

Chung Hwa is located just at the entrance of Jonker Walk and there’s always a long queue so you can’t miss it! We went there immediately after checking in as we heard it usually closes by 3pm when everything is sold out.

Looks like a long queue but thankfully we waited only around 15 minutes for seats.

The coffee shop seems to have been frozen in time!

I like the chicken rice balls cos they were very moist and tasty. The chili was nice too.

The chicken paled in comparison as it was oily and not very tender. The chicken rice balls were definitely the main highlight.

Only RM12 for two plates of chicken rice balls, one cup of barley and half a chicken. Quite worth it, I must say!

Casa del Rio [Malacca]

2011-10-12T22:36:00.002+08:00

Joe and I went for a short getaway at Malacca over the weekend. We have been there before with a group of frens so the place was not new to us. But we made sure to try out food places we missed out the last time!

The hotel we stayed at was Casa del Rio, a newly opened hotel since May this year. It’s pricier than Equatorial Hotel which we stayed at previously but it’s located by the river, just a stroll away from all the major sights and most importantly, Jonker Street where all the good food were! :)

We booked a coach cum hotel package from Luxury Tours and it was really hassle-free! Just board the coach, clear customs and you get sent all the way to your hotel!

Ginger sherbet as a welcome treat during check-in! Refreshing!

Another treat welcomed us in our hotel room! Appreciate little touches like these, they make all the difference!

Now, to show you around our extremely spacious hotel room! There is a separate area for the wardrobe, and then as you peak into the bathroom… you see the bedroom!

Here’s a view of the bedroom from the bathroom!

And to enter the bedroom, you walk some steps down…

Such an inviting bed!

I feel instantly relaxed already, just looking at these pictures!

And at the balcony, you get to chill at your own leisure!

Here’s the view from the balcony!

We still managed to get a view of the river although ours was a Deluxe Lago room :)

And not forgetting one of the highlights of the hotel – the infinity pool! Want to know what lies beyond the edge? You got to see it for yourself! Heh!

The “lago” area on the ground floor (meaning “lake” in Spanish) for more chilling!

The hotel at night!

I highly recommend this hotel for a weekend getaway at Malacca! Love it lots and we plan to come back again, next time with our family members! :)

Live Colorfully: Ruby is for September

2011-10-11T23:18:00.002+08:00

Kinda late but here goes!

Ruby: is it red, purple or pink? Maybe it’s a mix of all three?

More Live Colorfully posts can be found here

Daddy’s little girls

2011-10-04T23:27:00.000+08:00

Had a day out with my Dad and it was fun!

Felt like a little girl all over again, with Dad taking care of everything! We need to do this again soon!

No more fashion blues (for men)!

2011-09-22T22:04:00.003+08:00

It’s almost a confirmed stereotype that most females are crazy about shopping and fashion. But increasingly, males are becoming more fashion-conscious and just as savvy about shopping. Still, such males are few and far between. Although, I do have one such rare male living under the same roof as me. This one guy that has more T-shirts, more jeans, more shoes, more watches, more glasses than me! More than once, he has mentioned in jest that he would like to banish my clothes to a corner in our spare room and have the whole wardrobe to himself! Who else but my one and only hubby?!!

And with his passion for style and shopping, he has finally started something he has talked about doing for a long time. A very, very long time. A fashion blog for guys called StyleBleu :) With the blog (and Twitter and Facebook Page), he hopes to share his outfits of the day and style tips to inspire the common male to look better. Pls pls pls support him by reading, following, friend-ing, like-ing, subscribing to StyleBleu TODAY! Thank you!

Blog >> www.stylebleu.tumblr.com

Twitter >> @style_bleu

Facebook >> www.facebook.com/stylebleu

Outfits of the day pics below all taken from StyleBleu :) (Actually pics taken BY ME!)

17 September 2011

2011-09-19T22:54:00.003+08:00

Jiahao & Shing’s wedding was a highly anticipated wedding, especially for our young lady who grew up in the zone! It was also fuelled by her constant blog updates on her wedding prep! I really admire her for that cos when I was preparing for my own wedding, blogging was the last thing on my mind! :)

I think she and all her bridesmaids spent lots of time and effort to DIY the whimsical decorations. Very pretty and girly!

It was a full capacity crowd and there was such an atmosphere of love in the place! :)

Best of all, our dearest Pastor Kong was there to officiate the wedding! What a privilege!

Every little detail was looked into, so you can expect the buffet setting to be just as pretty!

The dessert section was an absolute delight (in looks and taste)!

Congrats to the lovely couple, have a very blessed marriage ahead :)

17 Sep 2011 also marks the 6th year of Joe and me together as a couple :)

Wedding Catch-up

2011-09-15T23:14:00.000+08:00

September is really the season for weddings! I have a total of 3 weddings to attend this month! :) Really love how weddings “forces” everyone to come together and allows long-lost frens to catch up! The last time I met up with my poly frens was Christmas last year so you can imagine how long it has been!!

Meiting' & Melvin’s wedding was held at Capella and it was really high-class!

Had lots of fun at the “photo-booth”!

And our own photo-taking too!

This is one of the most efficient weddings ever! Got the table photo shortly after taking the photo! Congrats Meiting & Melvin! :)

Till we meet again! Christmas, perhaps? :)

H&K

2011-09-12T22:44:00.003+08:00

While the rest of Singapore was queuing outside H&M on its grand opening day, I was happily enjoying the day at H&K – the wedding of my dear frens Hsu & Kelvin :)

It was a simple and sweet holy matrimony at the church :) Though the pastor was kinda dull (very few funny jokes!), some of the things he said struck me. Like how he shared that sometimes submission is a bad word as we think of it as a servant submitting to a master. But real submission means trusting in the judgment and decisions of the hubby. And how in a marriage, there is little room for self-centredness, but instead other-centredness is required. And other-centredness doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less :) Wise words indeed!

It was also a nice catch-up time with ex-colleagues, especially Elon & Wai Leng. Think we caused quite a riot on the bus with our incessant chattering and laughing! :)

The wedding dinner was held at Burkill Hall, Botanic Gardens! I totally adore Botanic Gardens (read my previous post on it here) so it was quite a treat :)

Jas was already there, though really oddly dressed for a wedding! Hahah!

The lovely Burkill Hall, a 2-storey colonial bungalow.

2nd floor

Overlooks the beautiful greens :)

We were early, so we had ample time to chill!

Pics with the lovely bride :)

Took a walk around and checked out the VIP Orchid Garden, pretty orchids all named after famous dignitaries whose presence graced the Gardens :)

Some selected pics below :)

Also checked out the lovely dessert buffet before it got devoured up! They taste as good as they look!!! From “Let Them Eat Cake”!

>> Website
>> Facebook Fan Page

Had to take individual shots of everything!

Really LOVE all the classy collaterals, from the invite, the programme booklet, down to the table place card (which doubles up as a fan)!

The eye-catching orange theme!

Joke of the night – how alike Kelvin & Nic looks! They had to take a pic together!

So so happy for the couple! They were basking in bliss! :) To many many blessed years ahead, H&K!

Solving my morning traffic woes

2011-09-07T21:58:00.004+08:00

I am much calmer now. More at peace. Less prone to sudden outbursts of hissing and cursing early in the morning. Yes, I have stopped taking public transport (sort of).

If you follow me on Twitter, you would know I ~~frequently~~ occasionally gripe about how ~~most~~ some commuters just simply refuse to move in, whether it is on the bus or on the train. Somehow they think that staying close to the doors is like holding on to dear life, cos they refuse to budge at all. Then we have some days when the train/bus refuses to come, leading to a buildup of commuters on the platform / at the bus stop, just like stacked coins on Coin Dozer. And when it is peak hour and the only buses that come are single deck buses already sardine can-filled with passengers. And… ok ok I feel my blood pressure rising and it’s time to stop and breathe in, breathe out…

So as I was saying, I have now sworn off rushing with the morning crowd on buses and trains for a more comfortable option – the premium bus. Although that means I need to wake up earlier so as to catch the bus at 7:49pm sharp (not a minute or second less) and spend an extra $2 a day on transport costs, I would gladly do it for all the resulting benefits. Like better mental health, some well-deserved me-time in the morning to start the day right (aka extra snooze time) and reaching Shenton Way early to enjoy a cuppa before work starts. Probably the recent glowing survey on satisfaction with public transport only surveyed those taking premium buses?

More info on premium buses:
Public Transport @ SG >> Premium Bus Routes

Loving Singapore

2011-09-03T13:41:00.003+08:00

I’m not sure about you, but I do love this country Singapore. Not just on National Day, but especially on National Day! I remember once I was a child and my whole family went to watch the preview of the National Day Parade (then there was only one preview). When my sis and I came back home, we were filled with so much pride for our nation that we sang National Day songs all night long, waved our flags and screamed out of our window “We love Singapore!” Hahha! :)

And I remember the time when I was overseas for 3 months, I did not just miss my family and frens back home or the food, I also missed the sights and sounds of Singapore, even thinking fondly of the Merlion! True story! Hee!

So for all you who are now overseas (be it for work or studies) or anyone who calls Singapore home, here’s a short video of one running through Singapore, passing all the unique places that make Singapore really home. Btw, you can catch a fleeting glimpse of our Jurong West church building too! :) For all the locations featured in the vid, click here.

And if you still haven’t got your fix of all places Singaporean, check out this website Rediscover Sg, started by a group of university students, who share their love for Singapore through their photography and videography. I love how they try to documents scenes that are fast fading from Singapore or less well-known, like Chinese street opera and provision shops. Explore the site, it’s really special! :)

Live Colorfully: Blue is for August

2011-08-31T23:50:00.002+08:00

Do you know what is the favourite colour for both males and females? Blue! According to research done here (PDF file)

I think blue is very likely to be God’s favourite colour too cos He created water (which covers 70% of the earth’s surface) and skies (which in its ever changing beauty always seems like an artwork) in blue!

Will this thought change the way you think about Monday blues? :)

More Live Colourfully posts can be found here

Presidential Election 2011

2011-08-30T11:25:00.003+08:00

It has been an exciting Presidential Election. I think the two strongest contenders were worthy opponents. Dr Tony Tan appealed to the head with his credentials and experiences, while Dr Tan Cheng Bock won the hearts of many, with his sincerity and track record of standing up to the government when required. Now that the dust has settled from the election, it’s time to give our support to our newly elected President, Dr Tony Tan, regardless of who we actually voted for in the polls.

Still, in my heart, I think Dr Tan Cheng Bock, would make a good President. To me, he comes across as one who is more genuine and real. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that God perhaps has lined up everything in His own timing, putting various people in power for a bigger purpose!

Enjoy the following video of Dr Tan Cheng Bock playing the ukelele, telling his supporters (and I’m sure those who DID NOT vote for him too), “I understand”.

And also enjoy the following video of the biggest star of all elections, Yam Ah Mee! Yam Ah Mee for the next President of Singapore? :)

A Walk in the Park

2011-08-27T18:34:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite places to be at are parks! Nothing is more therapeutic than taking a walk in the park, admiring God’s creativity, letting the calmness of nature refresh and clear your mind.

Just the other day, I asked Joe to bring me to Botanic Gardens for a stroll and he kindly obliged (though his usual hunting ground is the shopping mall!) He even bought fish food from a dispenser so that we could feed the koi fish!

Botanic Gardens has changed a fair bit, I believe some upgrading works were done and it’s so much more “walk-able” now with lots of new things to see, like sculptures! Love the below sculpture of a family of swans taking flight!

A closer view!

Pic below taken by hubby – he wanted to take the reflection in the water!

More swans!

Now this time, they are for real!

Din take much pics thereafter cos we were busy relaxing and spending some good quality time talking heart to heart. I love times like these so much! :)

NDP 2011 @ Padang

2011-08-25T00:20:00.000+08:00

Yes, you didn’t read it wrong… my blog post is…

1) Still about NDP although it was almost 3 weeks back! It’s still August isn’t it? You are still flying the Singapore flag right? Surely, my blog post on NDP can still be published right!!

2) On how I spent it at the Padang, not like all those fortunate ones enjoying it at the Floating Platform!

My mum got tickets for us to enjoy the celebrations at the Padang, organized by Young NTUC. Although it wasn’t as grand as being at the actual National Day parade, it was an experience nonetheless!

We got to wear red and white and not look queer (cos everybody else was wearing queer too!)

Wave our little Singapore flags, drink Newater, eat Khong Guan biscuits, flash the fancy Akira light stick, all out of the Fun Pack!

We even got the chance to be shouted at by some parade commander (Joe says the guy sounds like a retired army general!) on how to twirl our umbrellas! All in a bid to form the largest Singapore flag with umbrellas!

Now UP!! and OPEN your umbrellas… wait I din ask you to put down your umbrellas!

We even got to catch the flag bypass!

And my favourite part of the whole event! FIREWORKS!

HAPPY 46th NATIONAL DAY SINGAPORE!! :)

Angry Birds

2011-08-22T23:52:00.000+08:00

My hubby has somewhat of a fascination with Angry Birds. Not the game, but the merchandise! :) Every time we pass by a pasar malam (night market) or a shop selling Angry Bird stuff, he always stops and looks at them so intently! So as a little surprise for him, I went to get him an Angry Bird!

Wanted to get the authentic stuff, not those China-made imitation ones and went to Toys ‘R’ Us after seeing my fren’s pics on Facebook (yes Carilyn, your pics!) They had them in different sizes, small, medium and LARGE!

Super cute right!!! Got him the iconic red one! The best thing is if you press its forehead, you will hear the all-too-familiar Angry Bird sound when the birds are released from the slingshot! My hubby couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear! :)

After a while, we felt that Red Angry Birdy was much too lonely! And Joe went to buy the Green Piggy! Looking oh so innocent!

And the battle begins!!! :)

Baby Baby Oh

2011-08-20T16:36:00.002+08:00

I think Baby Nate is gonna grow up to be a rockstar! :)

The moment he puts on his shades, he starts to become a whole different baby!

Everybody look to their left (yeah)!

Everybody look to their right (ha)!

Now, shake your body! Oooh yeah!

Be With You

2011-08-15T23:46:00.003+08:00

Can’t seem to find the English version of this beautiful song so I’m sharing the Chinese version (fast forward to 7:35min) sung by the lovely Liang Wen Yin :)

Love the following lines in the song:

Savior of my soul
I confide in You
Through all my darkest moments
In you I find my peace
My comfort when I’m weak
I trust in You, through storm and raging sea

Romans 8:38 (NLT)
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love... neither death nor life...

# Update: 20 Aug Sat

Thanks to my dearest blog readers Del & Jo, you all get to enjoy the English version :)

Just A Dream, a Teenage Dream

2011-08-08T00:28:00.001+08:00

Happy Monday! Thank God I am on leave! For those of you who are not, don’t fret! NDP Holiday is just a few hours away! In the meantime, enjoy these two Youtube videos of awesome Sam Tsui and Mike Tompkins! :)

More on Sam Tsui,
Youtube Channel >> KurtHugoSchneider
Wikipedia >> Sam Tsui
Facebook >> Sam Tsui Music

More on Mike Tompkins,
Youtube Channel >> pbpproductions
Official Website >> Mike Tompkins

Please make reservations!

2011-08-05T23:33:00.001+08:00

Somehow I had this mistaken notion in my head that it should be OK not to make reservations at the newly opened Wild Oats at Punggol Park. Like come on, it’s only been opened for a month or so, it’s a stone’s stroll away and it can’t be that difficult to get 3 seats right? And boy oh boy, how wrong was I?!? We had to wait close to 45 minutes for seats to open up! So if you do intend to check the place out, please make reservations!!!

I have fond memories of Punggol Park :) I remember jogging there every Saturday morning before I got married and my mum would accompany me on those days she wasn’t working. She would take a nice stroll around the park while I did my rounds :)

I remember too, dinners there at Bliss Restaurant which is now replaced by Wild Oats. The food at Bliss wasn’t great, but we were there more for the ambience. (Ladyironchef agrees too!)

Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy al fresco dining this time round (may I repeat myself, please make reservations!) and settled for the indoor dining area. Not great but we were too hungry and tired of waiting, to protest.

Now, to the food…

Luncheon meat fries! Yum! Especially with the kaffir lime leaf mayo that accompanied it! Very refreshing complement! Seems that Chef Willin Low is quite good at making tasty dips! (Loved the blue cheese dip that came with the chicken wings when we tried out Relish, another one of his many restaurants)

The Sarawak Curry Chicken Cheese Baked Rice – very tasty! You know the curry chicken filling you find in curry puffs? That’s exactly how it tastes like and with rice and nicely baked cheese over it, totally delicious!

Unfortunately, those were the two better dishes out of the four that we had. The HK style instant noodles with sticky braised soy sauce chicken wings were much too salty and the black pepper beef burger was much too spicy! I really hope they fix them after sorting out newly opened blues. The customer service wasn’t quite up to scratch too, probably cos all the servers were overwhelmed by the crowd?

Will I be back? I guess so, not that soon though, and only after making reservations!!! :)

More on Wild Oats and Willin Low,
Soshiok.com >> Wild Oats in Punggol will offer local favourites
The Straits Times >> Maverick Chef

Wild Oats @ Punggol Park
Hougang Avenue 8
68582087

Hin Hollywood Canteen

2011-08-03T23:35:00.000+08:00

Hin Hollywood Canteen was one of those popular food haunts for CHC members after service, together with Haig Road Food Centre, Hoower Seafood, MacDonald’s, KFC, City Plaza and later SingPost when it opened.

The canteen looked exactly like the old days! All the old hawkers were still around, dishing up favourites like duck rice, chicken rice, wanton mee, ban mian, char kway teow… (are you drooling already?)

It was quite an experience especially for some who have never stepped foot here!

My fav dry ban mian!

We then took a walk around the area, while we still could!

The old Hollywood Theatre that became a supermarket.

Those steps that had countless number of CHC members squeezing together, anxiously waiting for the doors to be open!

Happy Restaurant where we held a Shanghai Tang Nite just last October! (Read about it here)

Lion City Hotel!

Will miss this area but the memories are still alive in my heart and on this blog! :)

More on Hin Hollywood Canteen,
Soshiok.com >> Popular Hin Hollywood Canteen stalls to move out end-August
Soshiok.com >> Hin Hollywood Canteen to be demolished

Old Hollywood Days

2011-08-01T22:38:00.003+08:00

Some weeks back, my fren Ronald heard that by end of August, the old Hollywood Theatre was going to be demolished, together with Hin Hollywood Canteen and Lion City Hotel. We then promptly arranged for lunch fellowship at Hin Hollywood Canteen after service one Sunday… To take a last look at the area, reminisce those old memories and savour the good old-fashioned food dished up by the Hollywood hawkers!

I don’t remember much of Hollywood Theatre when it was really a movie theatre. Only a very vague memory of my aunt bringing me along for a black and white movie. It was only later in my teens that Hollywood Theatre became a place of such rich memories! It was at that very location that I first got acquainted with the church I hold so dearly right now, City Harvest Church!

A place where I encountered God so real in my life! I remember once I was at the balcony during the worship time and I heard a voice whispering to me “Emily, I love you, I really do…” It was at that very moment that I knew God not as a religion, a philosophy, a set of beliefs but as a true and real person! :)

It was also at Hollywood that I got to know some really dear frens, people who hold a piece of my destiny in their lives! :)

Those were the days when the book store was really only a book table displayed outside the church building in the open air, when we queued at those broad steps perspiring like crazy, prayed before service in the hot sun, had carnivals and burger big days at the carpark area, sat at MacDonald’s for hours chit chatting non-stop.

Those were the days when we had meetings at Lion City Hotel, did area cleaning together as a cellgroup on Sundays, spent time at Power House in our school uniforms, even studied together at the nearby CDAC!

Although the area would soon be demolished and we have long moved on, we will always keep a part of Hollywood deep in our hearts! :)

More on Hin Hollywood Canteen in the next post!

Live Colorfully: Black & White is for July

2011-07-30T15:06:00.003+08:00

Black and white, dark and light, complete opposite ends of the spectrum.

Yet they can come together and complement each other so well.

Is that why they say opposites attract? :)

More Live Colourfully posts can be found here

The one sure way to build team unity

2011-07-26T00:38:00.000+08:00

Celebrate each other’s birthdays! I am not just saying it cos it’s my birthday month (hee… must always find an excuse to extend the celebrations)! Don’t you think you often feel a lot closer to someone who actually remembers that sweet special day that you were born and actually makes the effort to celebrate together with you? I do for sure! :)

So happy to celebrate my birthday together with Lilian’s! :) When Lilian is around with her million-dollar smile and hearty laughter, the whole atmosphere in the office lightens up immediately! :) So glad to have her as a sister-in-Christ too! Always enjoy our lunches together where we can share heart-to-heart! She is truly a godsend! :)

Birthday celebrations also give everyone some breather to relax during working hours! :)

Oops forgot a group shot! :) Nevermind, till the next birthday celebration! :)

Do you celebrate your colleagues’ birthdays? Try starting such a tradition, it really works to build team unity!

Relish(ing) family times

2011-07-23T21:58:00.002+08:00

Having a nice chill time over good food with family – that’s what I call utter bliss :)

We recently discovered myVillage at Serangoon Garden (a real charming contemporary shopping mall, may I add) and promptly decided to have my bday (I’m trying to keep it subtle here) dinner there. And at none other than the coolest restaurant in the mall, Relish :)

More pics of the cool place coming right up!

As usual, I’m not too enthusiastic about taking pics of my food cos I want to quickly tuck in! Sorry! My best below!

Oops, that’s the best… gave up after 3 shots! :] Once again, (cue disclaimer) do not let my food pics discourage you from trying out the place! The chicken wings are a MUST-TRY especially with the blue cheese sauce that came with it. Though the portions for the burgers look small, it fills you up just right. Worth a visit! :)

Baby Nate very displeased that he can’t eat any of the food yet! “Why ah?” His daddy had to sayang him! :)

The very inventive and tasty cake! Carrot & Chrysanthemum cake! You bite into crispy crumble bits which had a strong chrysanthemum taste (I really wonder how they did it!) on top of the moist carrot cake with sweet cream cheese layers! Really liked it!

Family pic!

Love family time together! :)

Jie, look behind you!

2011-07-22T00:16:00.000+08:00

Secrets are never safe with kids! :) I had Calvin pulling my sleeve and asking me to look behind, where Nis was busily trying to light up the candle on my cake! Heheh! She was really kinda deflated when she realised I was on to the surprise! Then I had Henry asking me whether I can give him my cake to eat! :)

The two rascals!

Still, these two boys bring lots of joy and laughter into all of our lives!

Wild Safari Nite

2011-07-20T00:22:00.000+08:00

After the cable car ride and a very satisfying Transformers 3 movie (my fav out of the three!), we made our way to Night Safari! It was a really jam-packed birthday eh! :) Can you imagine that it was the first time Joe and me stepped foot into Night Safari since it opened in 1994?!

Better late than never! I really enjoyed it! Most of all, it was FREE for me cos it was my BIRTHDAY! (I know you are quite sick of hearing about my birthday already… but oh well ;) And did you know, you can actually get free admission to Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Zoo too on your birthday? Maybe next year on my birthday, I will go to the bird park in the morning, the zoo in the afternoon and Night Safari at night! ;)

Me feeling so gleeful that I got a special badge to wear too! A closer view of the cool badge! So happy! I proudly wore it till I reached home! Hahah!

Our first stop was dinner at Bongo Burgers. We timed it such that we got to catch the Thumbuakar Performance happening just next to the restaurant. Get the seats closest to the Performance Plaza so that you get front row views and get to sit down too!

The performance was awesome! If fire-blowing, fire-twirling and fire-eating is your kind of entertainment, you got to catch this show! And also, eeer hmm, half-naked tribal looking guys with hot bods doing the above!

Then, it was time for the 40-min tram ride through the park. It was a nice cooling ride and we had a particularly good tour guide who gave an interesting commentary with her radio-friendly voice. We took the tram 2 more times and the other guides couldn’t compare – one put on a fake accent while the other was sapped of energy cos it was almost closing time! No matter, cos we were really only interested in gawking at the animals!

I have no photos to show cos flash photography wasn’t allowed but I can only say I totally enjoyed every minute! It’s like being given a chance to peek into the animals’ night life! It got more fascinating as it got darker, the animals became more alive and came out to play!

When we took the second last tram out through the park, the hyenas were “whooping” away with high-pitched calls. The less dangerous animals like the tapir and barasingha were walking just to the side of the tram and we could almost touch them if we stretched out our hands! The axis deer (with lots of spots like Bambi the deer) all looked up and gazed at us intently when we passed them by. You must also watch out for the striped hyena (different from the usual spotted species), scimitar-horned oryx (believed to have inspired the myth of the unicorn), the pelican and lots more! The amazing creativity of our God! :)

We also caught the highly-entertaining Creatures of the Night Show! Btw, sit tight! U never know what lurks below your seat! Wahahhaha!

All-in-all, I must say that I really had a great time there and I will definitely be back! Most probably, next year, sometime on 8 July ;)

Cable Car Ride @ The Jewel Box

2011-07-18T00:23:00.000+08:00

No, no not this cable car… but these new-generation cable cars with 360-degree panoramic windows!

From The Jewel Box, you can take the cable car all the way to Sentosa!

And here we go!

It was a bright and sunny day so you can imagine how hot it was inside the cabin! But the view was amazing!

Can you spot Vivo?

Enroute to Harbourfront!

Keppel Bay to the right!

Closer view of Vivo and the cityscape

Spot Singapore’s national bird, the crane!

Battlestar Gallactica! I wanna sit! USS, I’ll be back!

Merlion in the distance!

When you reach Sentosa, there’s actually a Cable Car Museum you can visit! Make sure you keep a look-out for the first cable car cabin completely made out of Lego!

On our way back!

Thanks Dear! :)

On a hill far away

2011-07-16T15:21:00.002+08:00

OK it wasn’t that far away, and it’s called Mount Faber though it’s more like a hill than a mountain! :)

Thanks to my awesome hubby who carefully planned the whole day for me, we kick-started my birthday celebration with a yummy lunch at Empress Jade situated at The Jewel Box. Highly recommended by Lusi, who also shared with us the executive set lunch promo The Jewel Box was having right now (S$28 ++ :) You get a complimentary cable car ticket with your lunch at either Empress Jade (Chinese) or Black Opal (Western). To get more details on the deal, click here.

Love the full-length glass windows with great views all round! But the views weren’t able to distract us from the delicious food!

Once again, I need to make mention of my kind sponsor, my hubby!! Don’t you think he looks super cool with his tortoise shell glasses? :)

He completely surprised me with a Longchamp bag, on top of the Kate Spade one he bought online! Sorry no posing with my Kate Spade bag, in case of backlash!

After lunch, we had a nice time exploring The Jewel Box, which gave us lots of photo opportunities!

Thereafter, we proceeded for our cable car ride which I will cover more on in the next post, stay tuned!

Let’s start with the bag…

2011-07-13T22:44:00.003+08:00

Let's start with the bag
That's right, grab your bag
It's the fun pack bag
Attack the fun pack

Unless you have been living under a rock the past week, you would have heard about ~~my birthday~~ the funpack song :) Well technically, this post is not about the song and the huge controversy it created, but about my birthday gifts! Something more interesting for a change right? ;)

Btw, I have included the video of the song below, just in case you were really living under a rock ~~and did not know about my birthday!~~

Jokes aside, I was blessed with bags this year, for reasons unknown to me! Perhaps my hubby and cg members were inspired by the funpack song? :)

Kids @ Play

2011-07-11T07:30:00.002+08:00

I really really like this pic!

Be a child at heart, take delight in the everyday, yes even at work!
Have fun and enjoy your life!
Hope this pic cheers up your Monday blues!! :)

The best dim sum in Singapore?

2011-07-09T00:21:00.000+08:00

Having heard so much about Royal China at Raffles Hotel from Ric (my SuperIntern, dun say I never mention about you!) and Ladyironchef (who declares it as one of the best dim sum places in Singapore!), I knew I had to try it one day. And the opportunity came when I spent some time chilling out with my sis and we were at a loss at what to have for lunch…

Tada! We decided on Royal China just like that and turned up at the restaurant with no reservations. So instead of sitting here…

We were given the “royal” treatment and had a nice table for two set up for us at the entrance!!!

Errrr… yes that meant that people entering the restaurant saw us first and people leaving the restaurant saw us last! Haha! But we couldn’t care less cos we were HUNGRY!

My pictures cannot rival those of Ladyironchef so please click here if you want to see beautiful peektures of delicious dim sum!

But, if you do not mind my peektures (taken half-heartedly) cos we were HUNGRY (I know I am repeating myself), look below…

My photos absolutely do not give justice to how yummy the dim sum were but take my word for it, you gotta try the har gao, the chee cheong fan and char siew soh! I seriously must go back again to try the other items on the menu! As to whether it is one of the best dim sum in Singapore, my heart (tummy) is still undecided.

Hey Ric, am I getting a treat from you anytime soon at Royal China? ;)

My first best fren

2011-07-07T00:49:00.000+08:00

The other day, my sister posted something on my wall that touched me a lot :)

For the record, it wasn’t “National Best Sister Week” (though there is in actual fact a Sister’s Day celebrated on the 1st Sunday of August)! It was just one of those random things my sister likes to do!

Yet, I must agree with her that she is my first fren in life, and more than that, my first best fren! :)

We are so different from each other, you could say we are complete opposites! I am a planner and like life to be organized, while she thrives on spontaneity! She is outspoken and chatty, while I am more reserved. She has a big picture view of things, while I go deep into details! It is a miracle how we managed to live under the same roof for so many years, ~~enduring~~ embracing each other’s unique traits and becoming the good frens we are today! :)

Ooh yes, in case you still haven’t realised, she’s my younger sister, not my elder sister! Hahah! Oops!

To my dearest Nis, you will forever be my best (girl) fren! In case my hubby gets jealous! Haha! Love you deep deep! :)

For better or worse

2011-07-05T11:59:00.000+08:00

When we decided to leave our own lives and live as one entity interdependently, we made a vow ...

To love and cherish
In sickness and in health
For richer or poorer
For better or worse
As long as we both shall live

Happy 3rd Wedding Anniversary my dear hubby!
Let’s walk together in this journey that we had started on and we’ll keep on walking, through the valleys, through the storms, through it all…

Just the way you are

2011-07-02T23:39:00.004+08:00

Ever wished your spouse, child or parent were more patient, more understanding, more loving? “If only they could change…” you may think to yourself. But I realised one thing through the years… that often times when you pray and ask God to change someone, God will instead change YOU! So today let’s appreciate the quirks and twists of those around us and tell them…

Cos you are amazing… just the way you are! :)

Btw, I love Jayesslee! These twin sisters are so pretty and sweet! :) And they are coming to my church next week! Can't wait to see and hear them!

Spinning all the plates well

2011-06-29T00:26:00.001+08:00

Mother four children, train for triathlons, study French, take up pottery, complete an EMBA from the Helsinki School of Economics plus be the senior VP of applications for Oracle Asia Pac? How does she do it? Like seriously??? To that, Tan Yen Yen puts it down to three things: discipline, good strategic planning and a very supportive network. Most importantly, she constantly pushes herself and is always “looking for new challenges, and racing against myself.”

On work
If you prove yourself, you will have opportunities for bigger roles.

To survive in the corporate jungle, know your stuff and be genuine and sincere. You have to be sincere and take a real interest in people before you gain trust and respect.

You have to constantly learn, upgrade and reinvent yourself to stay motivated and passionate.

On family
Both my husband and I come from tight-knit families and we love children. When you have a big brood, your children learn to develop their EQ, learn how to share, how to fight and of course how to make up.

The trick to juggling family life and her passionate pursuits is to involve them. All my four kids do triathlons… We train together, and it’s really good for bonding.

My family is very important. Whatever I do, whether it’s work or play, it has to centre on the family.

When asked whether she feels guilty about not always being there with her children due to her work, she said, “I believe that when I’m at work, I should focus on work. And when I’m at home, I’m there and present with my family. If you feel guilty, you will not enjoy either part.”

Want to find out more about her and her philosophy towards life? Check out the following links!

Her profile on Oracle’s website
HSE interview with her
ZDNet interview with her after winning the IT Leader of the Year Award 2011 from SCS (btw, she’s the first female being conferred this award in 15 years!)

Going to work with hubby

2011-06-27T00:44:00.001+08:00

Let me shout it out once again! “I’M SO GLAD THAT MY HUBBY IS BACK AT RAFFLES PLACE!”

Heheh! I’m really happy that Joe is once again back to work at Raffles Place! We get to go to work together, have lunch occasionally and go home together! We get to grumble about inconsiderate commuters who refuse to move into the train, walk quickly up the elevator together, queue for hot drinks at Mr Teh Tarik and buns from Barcook, and have hearty dinners before heading home. Feels like our dating days all over again! :)

Dear, 10 rounds tonight?

2011-06-25T11:07:00.000+08:00

When Joe and I plan to go for a jog, we wun say “Let’s go for a jog tonight!”, but rather “How about 10 rounds tonight?” It immediately sends the signal on whether it is gonna be a leisurely jog (8-10 rounds) or an intense one (12-15 rounds)! :)

So when we start our jog, we already have a plan on the number of rounds we want to cover. And, I will usually break it down further. For example, if I am running 12 rounds, I will tell myself to do 4 “laps” of 3 rounds. So instead of focusing on TWELVE rounds, I think THREE rounds. 1st round, I’m full of energy, 2nd round, I tell myself I’m halfway there and 3rd round, I congratulate myself for completing one lap :) Then I start on my second lap, and repeat the 3 rounds again. It really helps to get myself going!

I tend to think that that is how I approach life as well. Instead of seeing a huge insurmountable task before me, I will break it down into mini milestones and the small steps I need to take to reach each milestone. And pat myself on the back each time I achieve a victory, no matter how small it may be! Try it, it works! :)

Live Colorfully: Gold is for June

2011-06-23T23:24:00.000+08:00

I found it quite challenging to take pictures of gold items this month. I realise that you do not really find “gold” in everyday items around you. Rather, the colour gold is more often than not found in created objects. I wonder if that is what makes it more precious? That it takes a whole process of time and effort for gold to come forth. Reminds me of a verse in the Bible:

But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

More Live Colourfully posts can be found here

5 Simple Ways to Gain An Hour in the Mornings

2011-06-21T22:59:00.003+08:00

Hi all, how’s the work week for you so far? :) Hopefully treating you well! Anyway, I wanted to do a short and simple post on saving time in the mornings! I tend to dilly dally and take my time to get out of the house, which often leads to me being late for work. But I think I have improved vastly after I got married, cos my hubby is good at nagging me! :)

Do you feel like going back to sleep just by looking at Baby Nate yawning? Haha! Read the tips below first!

1) Do not snooze your alarm clock

Yes, I am talking about you! Do not deny that you do not laze in bed for a while before you finally drag yourself off the bed! I will readily confess that I am a “snooze-r”! If you really must snooze, why not set your alarm earlier so you can eventually wake up at the time you are supposed to!

Time saved: 15 minutes

2) Wash your hair the night before

Sometimes thinking about the amount of time taken to wash AND blow dry my long hair is enough to make me bury myself deeper under the sheets! True story! Hahha! I hope I am not the peculiar one! So it occurred to me that if I wash my hair in the evenings and air-dry my hair naturally, I can bounce out of bed in the mornings, have a quick shower and off I go!

Time saved: 15 minutes

3) Choose your outfits and iron your clothes for the week at one go

Ever spent a long time staring at your wardrobe and wonder what to wear to work? And then scramble to iron your outfit? That was me before I got married but I have definitely smartened up! Now I decide on my outfits during the weekend (which also forces me to think through my schedule for the week ahead) and iron them beforehand.

Time saved: 15 minutes

4) Pack your bag the night before

At the very least, put aside all the things you need to have in your bag at one place so the next morning you can easily grab them all, drop them into your bag and GO!

Time saved: 5 minutes

5) Know what time your bus arrives

If you know your bus always arrives at 7:55am, make sure you leave your house in time to catch that bus and not see it journeying along before you, WITHOUT you! Needless to say, I have encountered that very scene countless times! ;X Worse still, I had to waste time waiting for the next bus to arrive!

Time saved: 10 minutes

Viola, an hour gained in the morning! :)

Lunchtime Sabo

2011-06-18T18:36:00.003+08:00

One great thing about working in CBD is even if you move on and change jobs, you can still easily arrange lunch meet-ups with ex-colleagues as they are very likely working in the same area! :) I meet up with my ex-colleagues for lunch at least once a month and it’s always laughs and gossip galore! :) For our lunch meet-up this time round, we decided to have a mini birthday celebration for the June babies cum SABO! *Evil laughter*

Started innocently enough…

Then the SABO… very tame only lah! Hsu and Jas had to pick out the candle holder we had pushed deep into the yogurt with their mouths… piece of cake (in this case yogurt!) right?

Jas looking very distressed!

Hsu taking her own sweet time!

In the end, it turned out pretty tough so we gave them the concession of using spoons to scoop out the holder.

And viola, FINALLY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HSU & JAS! Be blessed always :)

Yummilicious Mudvelicious

2011-06-15T23:36:00.005+08:00

I have never been a fan of mudpies (although my hubby loves them!) cos all that chocolate ice-cream piled up high was much too jelat (filling) for me! And the thought of piling up the calories too … thanks but no thanks!

Yet recently I have found a worthy mudpie so that my hubby gets to indulge in his favourite dessert and I get to enjoy it together with him! :)

Presenting to you… Brownice’s Mudvelicious Mudpie! (made with brown rice ice-cream, more about it here)

Drooling already? Wait till you read the mouth-watering description taken off their website…

We start with a bed of brown rice crisp. Then we top it with two luxurious layers of French Chocolate ice cream and Hazelnut Chocolate ice cream - call it the Brownice double whammy. A dark chocolate ganache (dairy-free too) is lapped on and covered in a caramelised, sea-salted almond sprinkle.

Mmmmm… I especially love the unique twist of brown rice crisp at the bottom, with its slightly salty tinge! Best of all, after devouring it all up, there was no stuffed feeling at all! You got to try it! :)

Real Food Cafe
The Central, Eu Tong Sen Street
#B1-52/53

Bonding over bak changs

2011-06-13T00:23:00.002+08:00

I know I am one week late from Duan Wu Jie (Rice Dumpling/Dragon Boat Festival) but what better way to cheer up your Mondays than to ogle at pictures of delicious bak changs (glutinous rice dumplings with fillings? :)

My mum has declared my mum-in-law’s bak changs as SHIOK! And she has proclaimed that my mum-in-law has God-given culinary talent! Haha! :)

But seriously once you have tried her rice dumplings so chock-full of ingredients, you don’t ever want to eat store-brought ones!

Here she is meticulously making each dumpling by scratch! Ingredients are glutinous rice (well-seasoned with soya sauce, salt, etc..), salted egg yolks, dried shrimp, chestnuts, pork and mushrooms.

After wrapping them, they are cooked for an hour and a half in a pot of boiling water, thoroughly heated over a charcoal stove.

Freshly cooked off the pot!

All ready to be devoured!

So what’s this bonding over bak changs that I am talking about? Well, my mum-in-law was basically stuck in the same position for several hours wrapping bak changs! And what could she do except to answer my many many questions? Usually she would be busy around the house, cleaning or cooking but this is the first time she literally just sat still! And I am so glad that I took the opportunity to talk to her (in my cannot make it Chinese). She is better at Hokkien which I speak zilch so I’m glad she endured my language impediment! And it was really good quality time spent together and I got to know her so much better :)

And now excuse me as I am off to gobble up the rest of the many bak changs we brought home! :)

F Words to Live By

2011-06-11T15:19:00.004+08:00

Oh my, what’s becoming to this blog? First, sex talks and now F words?

Now, before you close this window in disgust, let me assure you that this blog is totally family friendly!

“F Words to Live By” is just a shorthand title for another talk I attended organized by Touch Community Services. The official title is “Family Matters: The influence of the family in career decision-making”. The speaker was Daniel Goh who is a lawyer by profession running his own mid-sized law practice. He was a short and sweet speaker, packing lots of useful tips and stories in the 40-min talk. Definitely can tell from his presentation style how he can juggle his career and family so well!

(The one in red polo-T is Mr Arthur Ling, Director of Touch Family Services)

Some useful pointers:

Live a FULLER life. Even if you are not married or do not have kids, do not just focus on your career. Engage in your interests, support causes, etc.
Be very FOCUSED, give yourself a task to complete within a set time and do all you can to stop any distractions
Be FAMILIAR with a set routine to get things done, yet be FLEXIBLE
Be highly FAVORED and win hearts by being sincere. Sometimes it’s not about who you are, but who you know!
But dun be a FAKE
Be highly FANCIED to do the job by being prepared and confident
Be physically & mentally FIT because life is about survival of the FITTEST
FAMILY matters so be FAMILY-ORIENTED! In a clash of commitments, choose to let FAMILY come first
Be FINANCIALLY sound, live below your means
Be FORGIVING of others and yourself especially when wrong judgment calls are made
Have FUN in everything you do, once you have decided you want to do it

I have 3 more F words to add!

FAITH in God sustains me through life. Without Him, there's no Em
FORGO some things. Sometimes you just got to take some time to ask yourself what are the most important things to life? And then let go of all the less important stuff
FORCEFULNESS having drive and passion in life

Really enjoyed this talk as well! There should be more of such lunchtime talks organised for busy executives like me! :)

Mummy and Me

2011-06-10T00:25:00.001+08:00

Had dinner with mum the other night at our nearby shopping mall. It’s really great that my mum stays near me! We can always meet up for impromptu meals!

Are you a single who is no longer staying with your parents? Or married and now starting your own family? How do you keep in touch and constant contact with your parents? I thought I share some of the ways I stay connected to mummy dearest.

I think living in the same neighbourhood helps a huge deal. Being near is always best.
Once in two weeks, we pop by her place to swim. Just being physically present makes a difference.
We go to the same church and now she attends my cg so there are more occasions that we attend together! And these social settings let me see my mum in a whole new light! I remember once we went to the museum after lunch fellowship. Everyone was tired and resting their feet after going through all the exhibits and my mum did not even complain one bit. She had boundless energy! And seeing her easy rapport and animated chit-chat with the members makes me so happy. I must thank my members for being so open to her, especially Merlyn for being so caring!

I make it a point to call her every day even if just to ask her how’s her day, has she had dinner, what’s she doing now. Sometimes we have a conference call together with my sis, it’s kinda fun actually!!
Now that she has gotten herself an iPhone 4 (with a really rocking cover!!!), we Whatsapp too!

We meet up for dinner every two weeks and spend longer quality time during these dinners.

How about you? Have you spent time with your parents lately? How do you keep in constant contact with them?

Turn up the heat (in the bedroom)

2011-06-08T00:15:00.003+08:00

Got your attention? ;) Hehee!

One Monday morning, I was walking to my office and a nice smiley lady passed me a thin booklet.

Seeing Evelyn Tan on the cover caught my eye but what really got my attention was this …

The four-letter word “FREE”! I admit, I’m a cheapskate! So anyway, I flipped to the pages on the informative talks about family topics and decided to check out the talks since they were held during lunch hour, conveniently at Samsung Hub which was near my workplace and most definitely cos they were FREE! (Btw, these talks are held annually as part of an event called “Family Festival” organised by TOUCH Community Services.)

And that brings me to the title of my blog post! I attended a talk on “Turn Up the Heat: Experiencing the beauty of sex in marriage”. The speakers are Simon Sim and his wife Bee Chin. Turned out to be pretty tame stuff, no talk on sex positions, etc, etc… but still very insightful, especially since I was listening to the wisdom of a couple married for more than 30 years! Some interesting key points below:

More important than physical sexual intimacy, a married couple needs to have emotional intimacy – the ability to share heart to heart with each other
To enjoy sex, you need to slow down your life
Aim for shared pleasure & satisfaction, i.e. both the man AND woman should enjoy sex
Enjoy sensuousness! But of course, in the privacy of your own couple space
Turn your spouse into a lover
Even when kids arrive, remember that the most important relationship in the family is between the husband and the wife. Your kids are leasehold property but your spouse is freehold!
He spoke pretty strongly against having the kids sleep in the master bedroom. Why? You can download the booklet PDF for his article on page 10

I must say I really enjoyed the talk! :) Simon was extremely humorous and shared a lot of interesting stories and anecdotes!

Find out more about Simon here at his personal blog. He’s the former GM of TOUCH Community Services and has written a book called “The Family CEO: Building a Happy and Successful Family”.

Bangkok Buys [Bangkok]

2011-06-06T00:14:00.005+08:00

My hubby keeps lamenting that some of the T-shirts he got from Bangkok have shrunk! Oh well, I guess you pay for the quality you get. But I am quite happy with my haul and want to share with you some of my good buys!

1. Beige blouse $12.50

2. Turquoise blouse $12.50

3. White buttoned blouse $8.30

4. Pink buttoned blouse $9.15

5. Lilac skirt $10.40

6. White blouse with purple frill $9.15

7. Blue bag $22.90

8. Blue leopard print dress $9.20

9. Rings (Ranging from $6.20 - $8.30 each)

10. Accessories (Ranging from $4.20 - $10 each)

11. Turquoise sandals $10

12. Turquoise frills blouse $8.30

13. Orange polka dot blouse $8.30

14. Brown Leopard Print Skirt $6.25

How many of you think we are paying too much in Singapore for clothes?!!!

Chatuchak Market [Bangkok]

2011-06-03T23:42:00.001+08:00

I really like Chatuchak Market and I think it’s a must-visit if you are in Bangkok over the weekend! It’s a huge huge market with a total of 27 sections with each section having numerous alleyways. We were only keen on clothing so we focused on those sections selling clothes but you can also get home décor items, art, plants, collectibles, even pets! I find the items here much more unique than Platinum and of course slightly pricier. There is more effort in doing up the stores to look attractive too. A lot more men’s clothing and shoes are being sold here so my hubby was reasonably pleased :)

Also called “JJ Market”

Prettily done up shops

Wide range of choices for guys

Soak in the atmosphere!

Food outlets – try them if you dare!

Random performances

Tips for shopping at Chatuchak:

The stores here are more flexible about trying but there are no changing rooms. So I advise ladies to wear dresses so you can easily try on bottoms. For guys, they will provide a sarong or elastic-banded “skirt” for you to try out bottoms.
Guys should wear singlets so you can easily remove to try out tops.
There are covered zinc-roof areas and open-air areas so it can get hot and stuffy! Wear something loose, airy and comfy.
If you like something, do take note of which section and which “soi” it is at or it’s gonna be very difficult to find the store again!
Do bargain but I realize they are not so flexible in cutting prices but at least try. There is no cheaper price for more than 1 piece though.
If you are planning to shop for long, bring water and snacks unless you intend to try out their street stalls. We did try a donut like cake (pic above) which tasted quite nice.

A great place to spend the weekend!

More info on Chatuchak:

Jatujak Market Shopping Directory
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Tongue in Chic article on Where to Shop in Chatuchak

Stripey Weekday

2011-06-01T23:19:00.001+08:00

Joe & me wore our newly bought threads from Bangkok!

All clothes from BKK!

Accessories from BKK too!

Sandals from RUBI

The Platinum Fashion Mall [Bangkok]

2011-05-30T00:46:00.004+08:00

The biggest tourist attraction (for us at least) was Platinum! We were there particularly every day!

Over 6 floors of clothes, accessories, shoes and bags, let loose a woman (or a man) there and you may have to intercom her to find her!

The clothes were reasonably cheap, starting from $5 upwards and we saw lots of people pulling trolleys, presumably filled with their exploits! Lots of blogshop owners come here to source for designs and buy in bulk to sell back in Singapore. I will now think twice about buying anything in Singapore!

Some tips for shopping here:

The official opening hours of the mall is 9am-7pm but it's better to come around 10 plus since not all the stores open at 9. They do close by 7pm though
No trying of clothes allowed so it would be good that you have a discerning eye to know what would fit you or not. Otherwise you can bring a T-shirt that fits you well as a reference (more for guys)
Do check the items that you have bought especially zips, buttons, etc
It’s usually cheaper if you buy more than 1 piece from each shop so bring a fren or if you are daring enough, ask if a fellow shopper is willing to join their purchases together with you
Some shops do allow you to change so if you are a bit worried an item doesn’t fit, try it at the toilets located on every floor and do an immediate exchange if you need to (tip from my hubby who's obsessive about getting the right fit!)
Bring a huge tote bag to carry your loots so that your hands can be kept free for easier browsing
Bring a water bottle or snacks if you dun intend to stop for lunch

Have fun shopping!

Birthday gifts for boys

2011-05-29T00:01:00.002+08:00

I am having huge headaches now buying suitable birthday presents for Calvin and Henry. As their ages move towards 7-10 years old, I get more and more clueless on what to get them. Of course, toys are no-fail but how many Nerf guns, radio controlled cars and helicopters can one give? And my hubby has been nagging me to stop buying books for them since boys their age do not really appreciate books! Oh man… then what should I buy? Any ideas?!!

Calvin and Joe’s birthday is 5 days apart and guess what Calvin got Joe? A book!!! Hahaha! Joe’s proclamation coming back to haunt him! Apparently Calvin is an avid reader and collector of the Mr Mystery series! So proud of him! Heheh!

Cheeky Henry looks like he is up to no good!!

In the end, I got him a helicopter and it turns out my dad bought him one too! See I told you it was tough getting gifts for boys!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALVIN! May you grow up to be a hardworking, intelligent, sensible and obedient boy! I LOVE YOU! ;D

Amari Watergate [Bangkok]

2011-05-27T23:20:00.003+08:00

I totally recommend this hotel if you are visiting Bangkok for shopping! It’s strategically located just across the road from The Platinum Fashion Mall! Thanks once again to Jared for helping us get a good deal at this 5-star hotel! It’s also walking distance from Central World where you have a wide selection of restaurants (especially those with buffets!) and a huge Naraya branch.

The very spacious lobby

On the 3rd floor, there are several tailor shops you can check out. The one we patronized (Alex’s Fashion) was recommended by our fren Ronald whose namecard was proudly displayed there as well.

The extremely comfy bed that greeted us!

Awesome lounging sofa!

There’s also an award-winning Clark Hatch gym, swimming pool and jacuzzi for the fitness buffs.

More pics of Amari here at Jerb's blog! :)

Farewell Lunch at P.S. Cafe

2011-05-26T23:41:00.002+08:00

Sometime back, our whole department gathered for lunch at P.S. Café at Ann Siang Hill. It’s a really nice classy place but you most definitely must make reservations beforehand!

The food was not cheap but the ambience priceless. Immediately you feel like you are transported to New York City with soft jazz playing in the background.

The sticky date pudding is a must-try, much raved about by Madeleine, who is sadly now my ex-boss. The reason we were all gathering together was for her farewell lunch.

It’s really been a blessing working under such a nice and pretty boss! She is one who is very easy-going and caring and you feel instantly at ease with her. I remember being introduced to her during my first interview and I thought to myself, such a young lady boss! And sometimes you get the impression that female bosses will be very particular and micro-manage but she doesn’t at all. She gives us a lot of autonomy to do things on our own. She really helped me transit to my new role and was very understanding that a lot of things were new to me. (Pic below was taken when I was only a few days old in the job!) She is also a very generous person and will not hesitate to pick the tab for meals and coffee. I will miss her!

Wishing her all the best in her new position!

Take care Mad!!

Activities at Phuket [Phuket]

2011-05-24T23:56:00.004+08:00

Frankly, we din do much at Phuket. It was more of a chill-out time before we hit Bangkok. Some of the few activities we did were:

1) Visit the tailor

2) Go on a Buggy Adventure

3) Roam the streets

4) Played mini golf!

5) Did massage

My travel companion, Jerb, did some thorough posts of our activities at her blog. Do support her by clicking on the following links!

Sights & Shopping in Phuket

Things to do in Phuket: Buggy Adventure

Things to do in Phuket: Mini-Golf at Dino Park

Delicious Food in Phuket

Giorgione Restaurant [Phuket]

2011-05-23T00:41:00.005+08:00

We had dinner at this restuarant twice as recommended by Jared & Jerb and indeed the food’s not bad! Best of all, it’s located just a short distance away from our resort.

The pizzas are a must-try! I love thin-crusted pizzas and I think the pizzas had the right thinness! Mmmmm…

The Thai food was good too!

Ed Tan looking very satisfied!

Some other notable dishes!

Had two tummy-filling meals there! :)

Metadee Resort [Phuket]

2011-05-21T22:25:00.000+08:00

We had a fun-filled holiday with our long-time frens Jared, Jerb, Ed Tan & Minghui! Many thanks to Jared who booked our flights and hotels so all we had to do was pack our bags and enjoy the trip! :) We had a relaxing time in Phuket at Metadee Resort.

Definitely a resort I would recommend if you are going to Phuket. It is located at the Kata beach area, away from the main tourist area of Patong beach. Let me bring you on a tour of the resort!

Full of greenery, you feel your stress melt away as you enter the resort!

Such a welcoming bed!

The sofa area just next to the balcony that gives you access to the pool…

The huge bath tub and spacious toilet!

More views of the pool just outside our room

So guess what we spent most of our time doing?

We enjoyed spending time at the resort so much we never even stepped foot on the beach! Hee!

Some tips on enjoying your stay at the resort:

Definitely bring a story book!
Bring your sports gear if you plan to use the gym
Free wireless is available so bring your laptop if you want to stay connected
Swimming gear goes without saying
Unless you want your skin burn, please bring sun block!
If you come with frens, bring playing cards

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and I think it’s great for a simple family getaway :)

Jo’s Bday Celebration 2011

2011-05-20T00:00:00.001+08:00

We had an early birthday celebration for Joe at Dempsey Hill. First time we went there and it has an easy-going chill-out vibe. Lots of eateries there for you to take your pick from!

The weather’s so hot I wish I can jump in and soak!

I brought Joe to HOUSE after I read rave reviews of the place from my fren Ee-lin!

House is set up by the same group that started Browhaus, Strip, Spa Esprit…

Btw, Joe’s outfit is all courtesy of BKK!

Love the eclectic style of the restaurant!

All mismatched chairs but they complement each other!

Creativity extended to the placemat and menu…

Time for food!

The highly recommended American Sliders!

The sweet potato fries which were a nice change from the usual fries.

The fries sprinkled with salt and white truffle oil were yum too!

Even the tomato sauce and chili sauce were presented in a unique manner!

They sang the birthday song with such gusto :)

Love the natural greenery around!

Hungrygowhere Review
Official Website

HOUSE - Barracks
8D Dempsey Road
6475 7787

And to my dearest hubby on your birthday, I just wanna say that I love you! As you embark on this new year as well as your new career, I believe that God’s abundant blessings and sovereign plan will be upon you! We may not understand everything that happens to us but I will be standing with you all the way!

Live Colorfully: Orange is for May

2011-05-18T12:09:00.006+08:00

Before showing my snaps for this month of May, I was introduced to a different kind of orange by Calvin and Henry. They were excitedly telling me one day that they wanted to watch Youtube videos of “Annoying Orange” on my iPhone! And this character even has Facebook and Twitter accounts! Remember the Children Church’s trailer for Easter Surprise where different eggs were exclaiming “Hey!” repeatedly? Apparently it was inspired by Annoying Orange! Check out the video below!

More info on Annoying Orange

Fashion Blogs from Around the World

2011-05-16T22:09:00.003+08:00

Some time back, I wrote a post on local fashion blogs to check out… unfortunately, two have since become defunct! The rest are still going on strong though and I have updated their new links too! :) I find fashion blogs a great source of style inspiration, more so than even magazines! Recently, I picked up a book called “Style Diaries: World Fashion from Berlin to Tokyo” by Simone Werle and I got to know quite a few newer fashion blogs from it. Below are some of those whose style appeals to me (read as not too over the top!). Click on the pics to get to the blogs!

Nicole is not only a fashion blogger but also runs a online vintage store selling clothes and accessories. She models all of the items she sells and her blog documents her style and how she runs her online business. Being half Japanese and half Korean, she has a very unique look. She lives in Terrigal, Australia.

Mireia is already a young mother of one boy but she looks so stylish, just like a model. Although the blog is written in Spanish with some simple English translation, I guess the pictures speak more than a thousand words! She also highlights cool fashion spreads for kids so if you have kids, a nice fashion blog to check out! She lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Coco is a petite lady who doesn’t let her height get in the way of pursuing style. I love how she is so adventurous with tights and stockings of all colours and designs! She lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Elizabeth has a very vintage look and I love how she mixes up prints! She lives in Anchorage, Alaska.

Keiko is 1/4 Japanese and I love her love for lace! Sweet and feminine with an edge! She lives in New York, USA.

Jessica is my fav of the lot and she wasn’t even featured in the book! Oops! I just love how she mixes and matches colours and prints and manage to put together outfits decent enough for everyday life! :) She lives in Indiana, USA.

Worthy blogs to add to your Reader today!

Myeongdong [Korea]

2011-05-14T22:11:00.003+08:00

Now to share about a really crowded and busy shopping area in Seoul – Myeongdong. When we were told by our tour guide that we were given only 4 hours to shop here, we were really dismayed. So in our hurry to comb through the area, we did not take many pictures. Photos you see below were all taken by my sis, who with Adriel and my Mum, took their time to explore the place!

Street food!

Personally I did enjoy shopping here as there were lots of street stalls selling affordable accessories and there was such energy in the place! Definitely a place worth to visit!

So that marks the end of my Korea travels! I will consolidate all the posts under one category! :)

Nami Island [Korea]

2011-05-12T23:03:00.006+08:00

One very unique place we went to was Nami Island. It is a small island that was bought over by a developer who made it into a fairytale resort town. Amazingly, in 2006, it declared (cultural) independence and became Naminara Republic! What that means is you need to get a visa (entrance ticket lah!) before you can enter the island! It also has its own flag, anthem, passport and currency!

Taking the Nami Maid cruise to the island!

How the boat looks like!

Ready to enter the island!

Lots of beautiful greenery!

It has a very easy going feel about it, a very relaxed vibe. We basically just walked around and explored the grounds.

It was also one of Winter Sonata’s filming sites!

Beautiful autumn leaves!

You can click here for more info on the island! (click top right corner for English version)

CityEats! – Roma’s Deli

2011-05-10T22:55:00.003+08:00

Last Sunday, we tried Roma’s Deli located on the first floor of Shaw Towers. Actually just by crossing the overhead bridge to the Bugis area, you get access to a wide range of food choices which are not very crowded as well! To get there, you need to walk from Suntec Convention Centre towards the shopping mall, reach Giordano and take the escalator up to the 2nd floor. Then you will walk pass a POSB ATM and a gift shop called TNS. Turn left and viola, you are at the overhead bridge that will bring you to Bugis! :)

Roma’s Deli is a vegetarian café specializing in baked rice and pasta dishes. They are fully vegetarian in that they do not use any meat, eggs, garlic or onion. So if you see dishes like “Chicken Mushroom Baked Rice” and “Bacon Bolognese Spaghetti”, do note that the meat is probably made of starch and not real meat! Their set lunch menu is served between 12-3pm and you can choose either a soup or drink with your main course. At around $7.50 - $7.90 with no GST or service charge, it’s quite reasonable.

Taste-wise, I would say it is quite average. For my “Chicken Mushroom Baked Rice”, I especially liked the mushrooms and broccoli used in the dish. The rice was not the usual long-grain rice and tasted a little like risotto but not as wet. The rest of my members tried various dishes (which I unfortunately did not capture in time!) but the comments overall were the dishes tasted not too bad. Even the self-declared carnivore Robert enjoyed his faux Baked Curry Rendang Rice!

My rating:
Affordability – 4 for its reasonable prices
Ambience – 4 a nice cosy place, looking nowhere like a vegetarian eatery, more like an Italian café! But seats are limited and probably just enough for 1-2 cellgroups!
Appetizing – 3 generally OK

3.7 upon 5 – worth a visit!

Our Japanese fren Yoshi’s last week in Singapore! He was very moved by Alison’s rendition of the Japanese hymn! Anyone has a recording to share? I can’t find it on Youtube! Take care Yoshi and we hope to see you back in Singapore soon!

Hungrygowhere Review

Roma’s Deli
100 Beach Road
#01-23 Shaw Towers

Mother’s Day Celebration 2011

2011-05-08T00:30:00.002+08:00

We had an early Mother’s Day Celebration on May Day holiday. We decided to have dinner near to Lorong Halus Wetlands so that we could explore the area. Dinner was at Frienzie Bistro & Bar located at Tebing Lane. There are a few other eateries in the area like the ever-crowded Popeyes Chicken, Xian Seafood, Shin Nichi Japanese and Uncle Leong Seafood. Will be back to try the rest! It may seem like such an ulu secluded area but it was packed! There are ample parking lots but come early as it gets packed in the evenings! By public transport, it’s a short walk from Riveria LRT.

We ordered a selection of dishes to share. Food was average, nothing much to rave about. We spent around $15 a head.

The weather was really cooling so although we ate al fresco, it was nice and comfy.

Check out Baby Nate!

Zoomed in view! So cuteeeee!

Happy Mother’s Day to “Simply the Best Mum Ever”!!!

Frienzie Bistro & Bar
10 Tebing Lane #01-02 Punggol
Singapore 828836
Tel: 6441 0966

8flo Lifestyle Review

After a full dinner, it was time to walk off those fats and we had a relaxing stroll. Baby Nate has been to Lorong Halus more times than I have! I think he will grow up to really love nature!

I want to take this opportunity to thank my mother for being such an awesome mother! You have not only shown your love to us all through our growing up years, you are still lovingly supporting us right now! It touches my heart seeing how you do your best to be a blessing to Baby Nate as well! You have such a limitless reservoir of love! Thank you Mummy and I love you lots!

And to my sister, Happy Mother’s Day as well! I am so proud of you that you are now a mother and I know you will be a fun-loving, awesome mother! Baby Nate looks so much like you when you were young, especially those eyes :) May God’s grace and wisdom be upon you!

Mrs George Yeo

2011-05-07T00:01:00.004+08:00

Foreign Minister George Yeo is currently in the hot seat now, contesting a fiercely battled Aljunied GRC. I believe he is well-liked by many due to his constant dialogues with young people and his active participation in social media. But it is anybody’s guess how the campaign at Aljunied will pan out… Vote wisely everyone!

Well, today’s blog post is not really about him but his wife, Jennifer Yeo. She is a lawyer by training and she opened her own law firm Yeo-Leong & Peh LLC. Most notably, she set up Viva Foundation, a charity that aims to increase the cure rate for children suffering from childhood cancer, especially leukemia by teaming up with St Jude Children's Research Hospital. This was no doubt a result of her own son’s struggle with leukemia of which he has recovered from and he is now a healthy 17-year old. I’m sure she is now also giving her full support to her husband. She apparently wrote on her Facebook wall “Who dares to kill my tiger will have to deal with me.” in response to Mr Low Thia Khiang’s use of a Chinese proverb about a tiger in the mountain!

On motherhood
I have four children and I used to tell myself I love each one 25 per cent. But when my son was ill, I realised I love him 100 per cent. I also realised that it doesn’t matter if you have 10 children; you love each one as if he or she is the only one.

On juggling her law firm and four children
It would have been super impossible without my mother and the maids. At one point, we had three maids. There were times when I felt guilty but I comforted myself that my mother was there and she was enjoying herself so much.

On her husband
(When she had to bring her son to US for a bone marrow transplant) We left poor George alone because he had just been made Minister for Foreign Affairs.
But because of who my husband is, I have to be very discreet so that nobody will misunderstand and think that I am using my position as a minister’s wife to further my interests. I try to keep a very low profile, and that’s fine by me.

I watched an interview with George Yeo on Clicknetwork.tv and he did speak a few words on his experiences when his son was suffering from leukemia. Then I knew this was a man who knew suffering and could empathize with others. What was admirable was his wife, together with his support, decided to do something to help others going through the same suffering.

News on Viva Hub

Passion for Science

2011-05-05T23:11:00.004+08:00

When I first started doing summaries of the Brand’s Women at the Top series, it was purely out of a desire to note down the lessons of female achievers who juggled work and family well. Unwittingly, the first lady in the series was Foo Mee Har, who gained much prominence in the news lately as one of PAP’s candidates for the upcoming election. Overnight, my web traffic skyrocketed and even now, many are clicking through to find out more about her. I had several reader comments too which I did not publish since I felt my blog is not a political one and neither do I have aspirations to turn it into one. And obviously the comments weren’t very positive too! I guess it is always easy to judge others … and how can you be sure you know the whole truth about a person?

The 3rd lady in the series is Dr Rosemary Tan who is a passionate scientist entrepreneur. She set up her 1st company, Genecet Biotechnologies to make life sciences kits for schools. I think that is a really cool way to spread her love for science to the younger generation! Then in 2004, overcome by an itch to “do something new”, she set up Veredus Laboratories that specialises in diagnostic tools, and not just any ordinary test kits! The various test kits can detect infectious diseases like malaria and dengue and even different flu strains in hours rather than days or weeks! In 2009, its VereFlu chip became the first in the world that could detect the H1N1 Flu virus!

On doing well in her career
Whether you’re a man or a woman, you need similar criteria to be a good scientist: discipline, focus and passion.

On motherhood and juggling it with being an entrepreneur
I guess it’s a choice. It’s my choice to do this, to provide for my family in a way that is different from others. I am very lucky because I have a very supportive family and husband. But I make sure I spend quality time with them…

I encourage creativity and free expression; I tell them they don’t have to conform to what society wants them to be. I tell them they are privileged and have a good life but I want them to step out of their comfort zone and learn different things.

I’m a great believer in learning, and in teaching my children to understand and love what they are doing. When you understand, you will naturally do well.

An interview she did back in 2003
An Asiaone interview on entrepreneurship

2 years and a day

2011-05-05T21:34:00.005+08:00

It is exactly 2 years and a day since www.emilyong.com was set up and I wish to thank all my readers for supporting me all this while! I will continue to do my best to provide the most interesting and inspiring content for you!

Some changes:

New tagline! Living Life to the Fullest while Balancing Work & Family
I have added an “About” page so click on top for more info on me, the blog and why the tagline?

Please keep reading! :)

Birthday Celebration for the two “JO”s

2011-05-03T23:41:00.003+08:00

We had a joint bday celebration for Joe and Joann since both their birthdays fall in May :) We decided to bring Joann to POPULAR to pick up her desired story book as her birthday present :) When she got into the car, and we drove past all the various plywood posters around the hotly contested Aljunied constituency, she suddenly proclaimed “I support George!”. Definitely made us laugh! The funniest was when Jayden replied “Who’s George?” Hahha!

Here is Joann keenly choosing her story book!

Then we proceeded for a sumptuous dinner at Seafood Paradise @ Defu Lane! Food was great, just like the last time we were there. Highlight was the creamy crab! The peanut sprinkled on it really added to the texture of the dish!

The birthday “JO”s!

Joe and me :)

Btw, the above 3 pics were taken by my bro-in-law using his DSLR which explains the difference in quality!

And sweet Joann made her Shu Shu a birthday card! :)

We all had a great time chilling out at Charles & Aileen’s place after dinner as well :) Thanks Charles & Aileen for the dinner treat and birthday blessing :)

Yoido Full Gospel Church [Korea]

2011-05-01T23:15:00.004+08:00

Dr Kim Sung Hae, wife of Dr Yonggi Cho, will be coming for the Mother’s Day weekend! Really looking forward to it as she speaks simple truths that hit straight to the heart. And she is really motherly too! Always asking Pastor Kong to eat well and rest more! =)

With her upcoming visit, I realised that I haven’t shared the photos I took when I visited Yoido Full Gospel Church! I know I know… it’s been 2 years since I visited the place but well… good things must be shared right? I also thought I might as well finish blogging about my holiday there. Before you grasp in horror, it’s really only 3 more posts… so enjoy ok? ;D

We did not actually plan on visiting the church since we were on a group tour and everyday was packed with activities. Who would have known that the night we reached back Seoul the hotel we were originally supposed to be staying in was full and they had to arrange for us to put up at another hotel? Imagine how pleasantly surprised we were when we were dropped off at our hotel and realised that it was just opposite the church? =D

We attended the 7am service as it was the earliest timing available before we set out on our tour schedule. And the service was already quite filled! It has traditional wooden pews and I saw that most of the members were older folks. Probably the timing is too early for the younger ones?

The guest speaker that day was an African pastor who spoke in English so we did not have to use the translation sets. Although the whole service was definitely different in style from what we were used to, God’s presence and the atmosphere of faith in the place was still evident!

We walked around the church for a while before it was time to leave. Not sure what those cards were for…

People coming for the next service!

Lots of cars!

Saying bye to Yeouido Island! Btw, this island does not just house the largest church in the world, it also contains the National Assembly (government) and HQs of LG and major TV stations KBS and MBC!