Mel's domain

{Oct 1983} & The Bouquet People Valentine's Day Special

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000+08:00

Wow your special Valentine this year with our unique bouquets and jewellery! Oct 1983 has teamed up with The Bouquet People to come up with this special selection where you can show your love and appreciation without any fuss.

Choose from our unique bouquets where you can even have messages such as "LOVE", "MUAX" or "HUGS" or cute little foam cupcakes that reads, "Boy Love Girl". Some of our handmade jewellery are made with 14k gold-plated materials, Swarovski crystals or even quartz!

More photos and the order form can be found at www.oct1983.com.sg.

Do note that last orders are on 8 February. Terms & Conditions do apply. Check out the youtube version of our catalogue below!

First Successful Attempt at Poached Egg

2012-01-20T17:01:00.000+08:00

I've been craving poached egg with hollandaise sauce for ages and since I'm on medical leave this whole week, I decided to try my hand at it! Tada...my first successful attempt! It came out perfect!

Burst the yolk and it came out runny. Yum! I topped it off with a bit of black pepper and mayo (I didn't have hollandaise sauce so this was the best substitute) and paired it with roast beef ham. Mm...there's just something about poached egg that just makes you happy. :) So here's how I did my poached egg:

Simmer water at low heat (no bubbles)
Add a tiny bit of white/ cider vinegar. Not too much as you don't want sour eggs
Crack egg onto a shallow dish/ bowl
Swirl the water with a spatula/ spoon
Gently pour egg into the swirling warm water
Do not panic if the water turns murky
Wait for about 2 minutes
Swirl water gently again and then scoop egg up with skimmer spoon

The key to successful poached eggs is the water. It must never bubble. Timing-wise, use your judgement because some eggs may be larger than others.

Have fun poaching your eggs and do share any wonderful recipes!

New Diet Regime

2012-01-20T09:30:00.000+08:00

I'm so sick of my weight going up while I'm still exercising! I do know that it's a hormonal issue and while my gynae tries to find out exactly what is wrong with me (I had to do a minor surgery on Mon), I'm going on a new diet regime that involves unprocessed foods and I'm cutting down on soy products because they contain phyto-estrogens which may cause my hormones to be further unbalanced.

Essentially, I am cutting out:
1. Processed cheeses such as Chesdale etc
2. Hams
3. Canned foods
4. Instant noodles/ meals
5. Soy products
6. Roasted nuts
7. Chips and other snacks
8. Noodles
9. Margarine

I'll be loading up on:
1. Fresh fruits
2. Fresh vegetables
3. Whole nuts
4. Whole grains
5. Steamed/ Grilled meats and/or fish
6. Potatoes/ sweet potatoes
7. Brown Rice or Quinoa
8. Rice/ Hazelnut milk
9. Butter/ Olive oil

I find it easy to follow this diet programme when I'm at home but during work, it's really tough because everything is all processed, full of salt and low in nutrients. Ah well...let's see how this guideline works in a month's time!!

Risks of CFD

2012-01-19T02:47:00.000+08:00

Adding to my 15 minutes of fame!! Tada...my very first video clip! Not that I was doing the filming but it's the first time that I'm in a clip. It still feels weird to see me in a video and I do know that I look stiff. I was swaying forward and backwards a lot so my colleague asked to just stop moving. Another friend told me that the transition could've been done better and I agree with her...but nevertheless, we're not a professional film crew and I'm just glad that the educational suite of videos are out!

Enjoy!

{Oct 1983} Celebrates Chinese New Year!!

2012-01-08T23:48:00.000+08:00

How do we celebrate Chinese New Year with y'all? With discounts of course! Head on to our Facebook page and click on the 'vouchers' app to the left panel and claim your discount voucher.

This is our way of thanking everyone for your support and to bling you ladies up for the upcoming Chinese New Year. (:

Happy Shopping ladies!

Taxi Encounter - 8/1/2012

2012-01-08T13:08:00.001+08:00

Me: Uncle, I'm going to xxx.
Driver: Do you want to go by Route A or B?
Me: yup, route A is easier.
Driver: So do you want me to go by route A or B? You have to tell me.
Me: -_-;

New Year Lunch at Anchorpoint

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000+08:00

It's the new year and as I woke up only at 1pm on New Year's Day, the parents and I decided to have lunch at Anchorpoint. There was a new sushi bar, Sushi Odayama (if I remember the name correctly), that we were hoping would open on the New Year and lo and behold...they decided to do their soft opening on 01.01.2012!!

Above is their California Roll, which is very reasonably priced at $6.80 for 8 pieces. The layer of rice is very thin and it's chock-full of avocado and salmon! The owner also recommended the Tamago yaki (currently named as 'egg plate' on their temp menu...my feedback to the owner was to change it to Tamago yaki) which is topped with their secret powder. I'm guessing that their powder is a slightly variation from the traditional pink floss-like sugar.

We also tried their Double Ebi roll (top, priced at $13.80) and their Grilled Salmon Cheese roll (bottom, priced at $12.80). The Double ebi roll was quite a delight as the prawn inside is actually tempura prawn while the top is simply boiled prawn. The texture of the crispy tempura crust goes nicely with the unadulterated boiled prawn on the top.

As for the Grilled Salmon Cheese roll, everything was good except for the wasabi mayo that was drizzled on the top. As you know, I detest wasabi. Yes, I can taste it although it was very much diluted in the mayo. Still makes me gag. Sorry...you wasabi lovers can go to your own corner. :P

Anyway, back to the food. The owners are a young couple from China but recently got their PR status here in Singapore. The chefs are also from China but have many years of experience working in Japanese restaurants back in their native Shanghai. All in all, the food's quite good but as today was only their first day, there is a lot of tweaking to be done! We were quite forgiving as such and do support them as I do want this stall to stay in Anchorpoint! Hee hee...

For dessert, I opted for a bubble tea from yet another new store in Anchorpoint. It's Share Tea and it is also from Taiwan, joining the ranks of Gong Cha and Koi. Taste test - yum! Above is my grapefruit green tea with pearls and aloe vera at $3.60 (extra charge for the aloe vera). I was expecting grapefruit essence/ extract but was pleasantly surprised with fresh grapefruit juice and grapefruit pulp! Really refreshing and made me feel like I was really eating healthily, especially after my sushi lunch (I know, I can lie to myself). I've tried their QQ Family Tea before (milk tea with lychee nata de coco, jelly and pearls) and it was like a tea party in the mouth. Ok...am soo going back for more.

The parents went for the more traditional desserts of Ou-ni (yam paste with gingko nuts) and peanut paste.

All these food stalls can be found at the basement of Anchorpoint, 370 Alexandra Road, just opposite IKEA and next to Queensway Shopping Centre.

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-04T02:02:00.000+08:00

How did you bring in the new year? For me, I went to my bestie's place where she also invited a few other friends over and we went to a nearby zi char place for dinner. Most of the stuff were the usual fare but we had to take a photo of this:

Have you ever seen a heart-shaped yam ring? Well, I can't call it a ring now, can I? Taste test - so so. I suspect they over blended the yam in a food processor. That's a big no-no because that releases too much of the starch granules and the whole paste will be too gooey.

Back to the countdown. Bestie's place is in Woodlands and there was an actual countdown party going on at the field next to Causeway Point. I think you had to pay to be in the tent with goodness knows what sort of entertainment they had for the evening. We went downstairs at 11.45pm to await the fireworks. This is the calm before the display...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

{Oct 1983} x The Bouquet People - Project VDay Sneaks

2012-01-01T23:43:00.001+08:00

It has been months of planning with The Bouquet People and a week of (almost) non-stop jewellery making (my right hand still feels a little cramped...hahaha) but it's almost done! We did our photo shoot yesterday and here's a sneak as to what's in store for 2012!

Above, our photographer Conrad setting up and checking on the lighting while we get our stuff arranged.

Boo Boo the cat getting into our photo shoot and she's very fascinated with our photographer.

Conrad's moving around our hand sewn fur clutch! More details on this soon. :)

Friend Sophia is helping to arrange the jewellery and background materials to ensure that the photo turns out perfect!

Tada...just a quick snap shot of what's in store for Vday! Guys...we're coming up with packages that will make things easy peasy for you while ensuring that your ladies are happy. Ladies, do get yourself listed on our mailing list by sending an email to us at info@oopsiwannasay.com with the subject title "Mailing List" OR Like us on Facebook so that you can tag your guys on the stuff that you like! ;)

Some background on Oct 1983 x The Bouquet People:
We've known each other since Junior College (High School for those living in the US) and had joined hands in setting up jewellery and handicraft stalls during our University days. Although our career paths diverged after graduation, we remain creative and have now joined hands to showcase our love for creating fun but classic designs for all. 'Tis the season for loving!

Nails for the week - 27 Dec 2011

2011-12-27T12:14:00.001+08:00

It's the last week of the year!!! I decided to get something that's hotly but yet not OTT. This manicure took me a long time to finish because I had to wait for the layers to dry and then there's the thing abt cutting the stickers to the correct length for my nails. Linda reminds me of the San-X colour scheme for Sentimental Circus, which I love!!!!

Anyway, here's wishing all of you a happy happy new year!!!

Breathless

2011-12-26T12:00:00.001+08:00

I had the worst allergic reaction last night. My eyes were itchy and swollen, causing them to water like mad. My nose was blocked and I started sneezing really violently. Worst of all, my heart was racing and I couldn't breathe properly, even through my mouth. I was wheezing.

Thank god for anti-histamines. Took a pill and willed myself not to panic. After half an hour, heart wasn't racing and my eyes weren't that swollen. Another half an hour later, I could breathe easily despite the blocked nose.

That was rather scary and I still don't know what I was reacting to cos I didn't eat or breathed in anything unusual. Ah well, thing is-it always pays to have some anti-histamines lying in your first aid kit if you have allergies or sensitive nose.

Nails for the week - 19 Dec 2011

2011-12-22T11:34:00.001+08:00

Merry Christmas! Snowflakes design this time round. Simple but yet really pretty. I highlighted the snowflakes with white crystals. I might do a reindeer design for next week! :)

Googlism!!

2011-12-17T12:03:00.000+08:00

Check this out...was invited down to Google Singapore's Holiday Gathering and Open House last Thu (yup, when MRT decided to break down) at their new digs at Asia Square - part of the new buildings at the Marina Bay Financial district.

Google hired the same photography group that took those instant-print photos at Wenqing's wedding! Below is me taking a photo of Willy taking a photo of me. Haha!

I found it so cute that they named their staff ~~restaurant~~ canteen 'Goopitiam' which is in reference to our Kopitiams (coffee shops). I am soooo jealous of it though. Imagine - free lunch everyday? They also have cans of lemon tea, soda, coke, litres of soya bean milk, Snapple and even a machine that squeezes fresh orange juice! Heard from my salesperson that the kitchen serves porridge and other foods in the mornings.

Banana leaf curry anyone?

Wine, pistachio ice cream topped with candied peanuts with candlelight setting amid the Goopitiam's other lighting. Both were yum. :)

Their reception - cool and very approachable. Very Google, isn't it?

Check out their 'micro' kitchen. It's freaking huge. It's even larger than my home kitchen and the spread of food and drinks reminds me of 7-11. And they call it 'micro'. To make things worse, it's only ONE out of the several other kitchens that they have. I have kitchen envy now.

They also have TWO, not one but TWO, massage rooms in their office!!! How cool is that? I didn't manage to snap some shots but the Google Singapore office has a karaoke room, a games room with Playstation, a ping pong table, a pool table, 2 hammocks and a swing. I'm sure they've got other toys for their employees...just didn't manage to see them.

Sir Stamford Raffles the rap star/ graffiti artist? I guess he was one of the pioneer men to stand with his arms folded in the super cool manner.

Now...we come to their massive kitchen. That's just the dining portion. I already had major kitchen envy so...let's just say that the portion with the fridges, microwave, dishwasher etc is larger than my bedroom and parents' bedroom combined. Imagine.

This wall is so cute. True Googlism.

Although I didn't win any prizes that evening, I had fun and am looking forward to next year's Holiday Gathering!! :)

Christmas Wishlist 2011

2011-12-16T01:20:00.000+08:00

Let the countdown to Christmas begin!! I'm pretty simple...this year's wishlist is going to be the same as my birthday's: subsidy for my LASIK. I've already done it, but to pay over $3k for anything is no joke. Unless you're a millionaire, which I'm unfortunately not. I will gladly accept other things and it is also my tradition to do a non-wishlist...to eliminate dust-gatherers. Here I go...

Things that I do not want:

shower foam
body lotion
soft toys
jewellery
bags
socks
perfume sets

Besides a subsidy, a maid would be good though. LOL. I seriously need help with ironing all of my clothes and doing the housework. My schedule for the weekends are jam packed too.

Nevertheless, no matter what my friends do give me, I'll accept them with a grateful heart. <3 I already know what to get for my besties and I also bought a leopard print shoe bag for Leopard. Now...what to get for the rest of my colleagues?

Have a Happy Christmas everyone and all the best for the rest of 2011!!!

Jem-mich Wedding

2011-12-13T01:19:00.000+08:00

Attended yet another JC classmate's wedding on Sunday and it was held at the Grand Hyatt hotel's Grand Ballroom.

The presentation of the first dish was rather interesting. They dimmed all the lights and then they played the Disney song "Be Our Guest" while the wait staff came out with the platters. I tried taking a video but there wasn't enough light. :( Anyway, below is the platter of the Grand Hyatt delights, which is mainly chill clam, fried prawns with mayo, some kind of sushi, fried yam (was fooled into thinking there's prawn cos they stuck the prawn tails into the yam 'balls') and...I can't remember what the last fried thingy was.

We didn't manage to take any photos with the couple due to time constraint...so...Jem & Mich, maybe we'll photoshop you guys into this photo later...ditto for those classmates who couldn't make it either. LOL.

The couple entertained us by doing the tango! Wow! Never knew that Jem had any dancing bones in him!! Hahaha...that was good fun.

Could tell that there was a lot of love and spiritual connection between the couple because of how they met, their 'brothers' and 'sisters' were mainly from church and how they praised and thank god for bringing them together. Awww....

Chok asked me and Moon when it was going to be our turns. Um...find me a suitable bf first, then we'll talk k? Haha. ;) Ok...no more weddings lined up till end 2012 (I think). Phew. My wallet can now take a deserved break while I sit back, relax and enjoy Christmas!!!

MediaCorp Event @ Zouk

2011-12-10T02:45:00.001+08:00

Is anyone able to tell me who this actor is? Oops...I haven't been watching Channel 8 dramas for ages so I have lost touch with all the upcoming newbies. I've got to admit that he's quite good looking though. :) So...I went to this MediaCorp Channel 8 event in which they were promoting their latest drama "A Song to Remember (星洲之夜)" which is set in the 1930s. Pity the cast didn't turn up in 1930s wear.

Above is my glowing Gin & Tonic (it glows due to the tonic water) and buffalo wings. The food for the evening was quite meh~. Loved the free flow of house pours! Had a cranberry vodka, 2 bourbon cokes and 1 Gin & Tonic. :))))

Since it's the 1930s, it brings to mind cabarets and gambling dens so they had a 'Big Small' table there! All of us were given a small bag of chips to play with and the person with the most chips at the end will walk away with $500 worth of shopping vouchers. Too bad, my team didn't win...despite us pooling all of our chips.

Sing came in full out 1930s gear while I tried to go with something inspired but I wore that to the office...so I had to tone it down lots. No time to do the finger wave hair either.

The cast went on stage to introduce themselves, their characters and the whole drama. The person on the extreme right is a DJ from 93.3FM.

They displayed the costumes used during the drama as well. Quite like the cheongsams but I wonder...why didn't they also dress some of the women in the western 1930s fashion too? I bet there must've been some rich girls during those days who wore similar fashion as those in the West. Hmm...

Besides the pregnant Sing, her hubby and another friend, most of us stayed behind to party at Zouk and I was very surprised at how fast the Zouk staff tore down the stage, red carpet etc! They did it all in 10 min flat!

Another thing that we were treated to at 1am was the Pre-ZoukOut party with DJ Dirty South (Aus) spinning his set. I can't remember when was the last time I clubbed so I was quite happy. As usual, there were a few entertaining people on the floor - one ang moh woman who looked like she was doing aerobics; a group of people who looked like they were screwing and unscrewing lightbulbs; bunch of people who had finger LEDs AND another group of friends who turned up dressed as Japanese High School students. Gotta love the crowd at Zouk!

Alrighty...that's all from me today as I've got a BAZAAR happening at Clarke Quay!! Details below...

Date: Sat, 10 Dec
Time: 4pm - 1am
Venue: Clarke Quay
Stall: Oct 1983
Booth: No. 22

See you!!!

{Oct 1983} Glam Christmas 2011

2011-11-28T22:16:00.000+08:00

Our Christmas collection is out!! We promise no tacky Christmas ornaments but wearable pieces that will last you throughout the year. Perfect as gifts for your loved ones and you won't even have to break the bank.

Visit www.oct1983.com.sg to view more pieces and to purchase.

Wenqing & Kelvin's Wedding

2011-11-27T21:41:00.001+08:00

Here it is...the post of Qing & Kelvin's customary wedding dinner! It was held at Capella Hotel, Sentosa.

Cousin Ai Lian is the hottie in red while Jesslyn is in the middle. If only I'd known, I would have worn my falsies too...can't see my eyelashes!!

Above is the sweets table where guests could load up on lollies, golden choc coins, marshmallows, cookies and cupcakes.

We cousins with the bride!! Darn it...as usual, I'm the shortest...Ailian - stop wearing heels!! Qing's dress was customised but she didn't manage to tell me who did it for her. Haha...I didn't expect my lace dress to match her lace sleeves.

The flower girl aka the niece.

The door gift. Inside was a bookmark, which my cousin is now using as a 'badge'.

The couple cutting the cake which was a green tea chocolate cake.

My nephew (cousin's son) was fooling around with the napkin, pretending to strangle himself and what not. He soon took all the door gift boxes and turned them into a train.

With the lovely Patricia Mok.

Very red dress change where Kelvin wore a matching red Chinese vest with a Mao collar.

All in all, it was quite a lovely event and all the best to the couple!! Enjoy your honeymoon and the many years to come. Um...will I be expecting any more nieces or nephews? Hehehe....

Nails for the week - 21 Nov 2011

2011-11-20T14:01:00.001+08:00

Leopard prints!!! My friend said that it's so boomz so maybe I should call it leopard preentz. Lol.

Thank you for the loads of compliments that I received for my leopard print nails!!

Anime Festival Asia 2011!

2011-11-12T23:45:00.000+08:00

I went to the Anime Festival Asia 2011 yesterday with Conrad and Zedd. It first started off with Conrad and I going to watch the Naruto "Blood Prison" movie at 10am. We paid $10 for the movie but we were pleasantly surprised to receive a poster each!Check out my loot for the day below...

I bought the cat paws ($30) to match my cat ears, the latter being a gift from Satoshi many years ago. I did find the paws with the exact similiar type of fur as my cat ears but they cost $30 EACH!!!

After the movie and lunch, Zedd and I went into the main stage area because I wanted to see the appearance of Flow @ 2.05pm. As we were early, the Vanguard showcase was still on. On stage were Danny Choo, popular blogger and host of 'Cool Japan' (left) as well as Milky Holmes and homegrown cutsie girl-group Sea(star)A.

Flow!! Saw them in the flesh!! But they disallowed photography during the whole session (bah).
After the appearance was the 'live' dubbing by voice actress Chiwa Saito. I'm not into voice actors or actresses but it was fun to watch how things are done as well as the enthusiasm from the otakus around me.

After the dubbing session, I took a quick walk to the main exhibition area.

Look at the crowd!! Spot the cosplayers!! I counted 3 Narutos, 2 Clouds, a couple of Gundams and a leopard. There were many more of course but I didn't recognise the characters! (T_T) I've been so out of touch with anime!!

After that quick round, I went back to the stage area for the Gundam movie. I fell asleep during the middle and seriously, I am STILL not a fan of Gundam. Sorry Zedd. Thank you for explaining to me the storyline and the various Gundam characters but alas...a gundam convert I am not.

Above reads "I Love Anisong presents Rock Your Soul" and this is the concert that I've been waiting for!! FLOW!!!!! I still find it stupid that they don't allow photography. I can somehow understand no flash photography/ video taking but concerts are all about fans being close to their idols and taking photos of them live!!!! Ugh. This is the ONLY concert I've been to that doesn't allow photo taking. Boo.

Here's me waiting for the concert to begin and although I only started queuing at 6pm, I was very lucky to get pretty front row standing area. The artistes performing were Sea A (gah...too cutesy for me), Ichiro Mizuki (I sat down half way...I am not into Kaisen Riders/ Gundam/ Natto...yes, he actually sang a song about natto), Lisa (she really revved the crowd and I think I might have turned into a fan) and Flow (they rocked the house down!!!!).

To make up for the lack of concert vids/ photos...please enjoy the following music videos to savour a fraction of the energy and music that was played...

If Flow comes back next year as they hope they will, I think I might be willing to pay for the expensive tickets just so that I can see them closer AND get to sit on a proper chair during Ichiro Mizuki's set. Haha. AFA 2012, here we come!!

Nails for the week - 8 Nov 2011

2011-11-09T01:00:00.000+08:00

Je'taime Paris? This week's nails is cute, frilly but yet relatively simple to do. Below is a close up of the Eiffel Tower on my thumb. I didn't draw this on my right hand because I'm not ambidextrous...apologies for the bad pic qualities as the light and my camera refused to work with me today.

Here's how you can get this:

Base coat
Choose a nice pastel base colour. Mine's Canmake no. 20 pink. You might want to try baby blue or lavender.
You can add white stripes along as well but I just topped it off with Nicole's Nude Pink to give it a softer look.
For the frills, I first drew a semi circle and then filled in with black nail polish. Do this for your index, third and last finger.
Once the half moon is dry, use a black nail polish pen to draw scallops along it.
For the Eiffel Tower, use the same black nail polish pen to draw an upside down V
Join the V with an arc
Draw a horizontal line through the upside down V, with the middle resting on the top of the arc
Draw a short horizontal line at the top and make this one thick
Write the word 'Paris' (or any French word for that matter) in cursive next to the Eiffel Tower
Top it all off with some glitter polish to give it a bit of sparkle
I used a silver nail polish pen to draw a couple of hearts on my ring finger nail
Seal it all off with top coat

Voila! Simple, non? You can add white stripes after the base colour too but I reckon that you need a steady hand (especially on your non-master hand) and a fine tip brush. I've jazzed up my toe nails with some red hot nail polish and leopard prints too but that'll wait till my next post!!

{Oct 1983} Charms!!

2011-11-08T23:06:00.000+08:00

We're on a charms galore!!! Personalise your bracelets or your necklaces with these alphabet charms and more!! Go onto www.oct1983.com.sg to purchase them or like them on our Facebook Page today! You can follow us on twitter too!

Movie Review - 23:59

2011-11-05T22:50:00.000+08:00

Starring Malaysian hotties Henley Hii and Josh Lai, this local production (I know...ironic since the cast is mainly Malaysian) is set in 1983 during National Service. A timid recruit (Tedd Chan) believes that a local female ghost is out to get him and when he dies during a night march, his best friend and platoon mate soon experiences weird hauntings, where another platoon mate is even possessed.

I must say that this is one of the better Singaporean productions and it was a lot more horrifying than 'Changi Hospital' but less thrilling than 'The Maid'. Thumbs up for local productions! The film quality was very good and I liked how the director, Gilbert Chan, weaved in jabs at what's currently going on in today's National Service (think of spoilt boys with their mobile phones and a really funny liner regarding maids carrying the pack).

The plot was a little predictable, it reminded me of 'Ghost Whisperer' meets 'The Ring' where the ghost was haunting and killing for a good reason and not because she's the spawn of the devil. Some parts were not very believable either. I reckon that the horror could have been amplified if there wasn't so much humour in the script especially with Mark Lee's Sergeant Kuah and your typical hokkein-spouting bad-boy soldier played by Lawrence Koh. Might've been better if the movie opened during the lunar 7th month or on Halloween itself to increase the spook factor.

All in all, I was quite entertained and I wouldn't mind watching it again on telly just for the heck of it. You won't be scared till you pee in your pants but at least you don't leave the cinema feeling like you've wasted your money on a ticket.

Halloween @ Universal Studios Singapore

2011-10-31T22:26:00.000+08:00

As you enter the Carn-evil, the clown awaits you....

I was very impressed with the spooky decorations and what was more amazing was that they took 1 hour to complete it since the day USS ends at 7pm!

Above is a car crash scene and there were ghouls around who looked really decomposed. Couldn't really take good shots thanks to the crowd.

The queue for the haunted house was amazing. We waited for 70 mins before we could even get in!

Check out the queue....looks a bit like a clubbing scene, doesn't it?

The grim reaper is the coolest character in the whole theme park. Mel Li and I acted scared and obviously, Kai didn't get that memo...

Below is the 'scary director' who 'kidnaps' victims for his own horror flick...

What's a carn-evil without a tattooed lady?

Review on the whole event...
It was too short!! The event started at 8pm and ended at midnight. We spent most of our time queuing for the haunted house (70min) and the Battlestar Gallatica (110min). The haunted house was very spookily decorated and the actors really did their best in jumping out of shadows/ photos/ ceiling to scare us. However, I think they toned it down because apparently someone punched one of the actors on the first night?

It started raining while we were queuing for the Battlestar Gallatica (Human) and thankfully, we managed to get onto the ride! Oh man...it was scary enough! I'm soooo going back to Universal Studios JUST for Battlestar and the Mummy rides.

I wished that they let fewer people into the park for this Halloween event. It was waaay too crowded at the entrance and any spookiness was just ruined. It would've been more fun if we had more time too. Nevertheless, I had fun and I think I might go to USS again!

Nails for the week 24 Oct 2011 - Halloween Spidey!!

2011-10-25T00:38:00.001+08:00

It's Halloween week so I decided to go with the Halloween theme for my nails! That's spidey with his web!! Sorry if it's not clear...I added a filter to give it that vintage, spooky feel...*cue evil laugh* Here's how I did it:

Base coat to protect
OPI Pink
Sasa white. I made sure that the brush was not dripping with polish and then I dabbed the nails with the tip. Alternatively, you can use a make up sponge to dab the polish. You don't need to be neat about this.
I used Fasio's Sparkle to cover the white dabbed area.
Wait. Important! You MUST wait for all the layers to dry before drawing on the web!!
I used FaceShop's Black Nail Dot pen to draw the web but you can use a small fine tip brush and normal black polish. Start from the bottom by drawing an inverted V.
On top of the inverted V, draw a curved M and then join the peaks of the V and M
For the spider, I first drew a big blob and then drew on 8 legs at the sides before drawing the top most 'web'
Wait. Again, you must let your spider dry
I used FaceShop's Silver Nail Dot pen to dot the eyes of the spider. Again, you can use a dotting tool or a brush, whichever you are most comfortable with. Instead of silver, you can use white or red if you want an evil spider.
Once everything is dry, top it off with top coat to seal everything and to give it an even glossy finish

Voila! You're done!! :)

Movie Review - The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake

2011-10-22T21:25:00.000+08:00

My dad really wanted to watch "The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake" for some weird reason. Oh wait. I do know the reason. It's because he thinks that it's some action film. Anyway, the Chinese title of the movie is 競雄女俠•秋瑾 which I would've translated as "The Heroic Lady Warrior/ Knight - Qiu Jin". It IS about Qiu Jin, a revolutionist and a feminist who grew up in the 1900's. You can read up more about her via wikipedia.

Back to the movie.

This is another movie celebrating the 100th year of the 1911 revolution where the Sun Yat Sen-led group managed to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. The flow of the movie was a little odd because it starts off with the scene where a wealthy lady is carried in a sedan in the rain and she is accompanied by a younger woman who is crying. The wealthy lady comes out of the sedan, sees something and then collapses in tears.

The whole movie then jumps from one time space to another and the audience has to fix all of them up like a jigsaw puzzle. It's not a confusing jigsaw but it definitely does not build up the tension nor made you really feel for the characters. The storyline is so rich but the story-telling failed it. Worst part is, you can't blame the actors and actresses who really did their very best in emoting and you can't fault them.

I feel that the movie "The Woman Knight of Mirror Lake" is good to watch for historical value but then, you might gain more insight into Qiu Jin and the revolution from reading her poems and books on her.

Disney Villians Nail Polish

2011-10-21T23:42:00.001+08:00

I couldn't resist these 3 nail polishes...not just because I don't have the colours but also because of the labels! I know...I'm such a sucker. But these Disney Villians Series is just so darn cute! Doesn't help that they are only $2.90/ bottle and available at Watson's. Tempted? HEHEHEEHE

Movie Review - The Sorcerer and the White Snake

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000+08:00

I went to watch "The Sorcerer and The White Snake" (trailer above) with the parents last Sunday evening and thank goodness I didn't pay for the tickets. The newspaper reviews were whinging about the over-usage of CGI but I don't think that's the real issue. The real issues are:

Lousy plot
Lousy script
Many cheesy scenes

The movie's saving graces were:

Jet Li
The chemistry between the "White Snake" and her human love interest
Excellent song at the ending scene where the lovers are separated forever
Jet Li's apprentice

Watch this movie only if you have spare cash/ need brainless entertainment/ can't wait for the DVD/ can't wait for the pirates to catch hold of this and load it up onto the web. 'Nuff said.

Nails for the week - 18 Oct 2011

2011-10-18T00:00:00.000+08:00

I just bought the Japanese magazine "Nail Up" and gained some inspiration for nails. I learn that you need not have to have all your nails to have the same base (I know...I can be quite duh) and I have to say that this design is perfect for 'autumn'...if we ever have that season here. LOL.

It's my birthday and I party!!!

2011-10-15T18:27:00.000+08:00

My birthday celebrations started on Wed, 12 Oct evening where I had dinner with my parents at Vineyard @ HortPark (yes, I realy do like this place). I was so preoccupied with eating their fab food that I only remembered to take photos halfway through dessert!

Above is the very yummy Banana tempura with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce. Sounds a lot more glam than 'goreng pisang' right? Below is the demolished sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream. Very yummy!!

On Thu, 13 Oct (my actual birthday), I went to Ku De Ta for lunch with Mel Li and was very amused to see that they've concocted a drink after Angry Bird!

Our Lunch!!

Complimentary KDT Bounty Cake!!

Panoramic view of the city

Then it was dinner with my ex-goldies Jen and Dave at Jang Shou Korean BBQ at Esplanade...

Followed by drinks at Harry's @ Esplanade where we ordered a bottle of The Pink Elephant Rose. So cute...

I was pleasantly surprised to find a rose on my bed when I went home. Courtesy of my mum who went to the Our Lady of Fatima procession in church that evening. :) Gotta love my mum...

On Fri, 14 Oct, I celebrated my birthday with my close friends and colleagues at House@ Dempsey where they ordered this humongous Chai Chocolate cake!! The funny thing was that they placed the cake in front of Siew Mai at first because I had hijacked her hat for most of the evening so they recognised the bday girl as "the one wearing the hat".

That's me saying how huge this cake was...and they gave me a wimpish knife to cut it with. -__-;

Here goes...stab stab stab....give up. I asked the waiter to cut it up for us and to plate it for us too.

They gave me extra blackberries!! :)

The wonderful presents from my colleagues and friends! Thank you to everyone!! I feel really lucky and blessed to be surrounded by such loving family and friends. Hugs!!

I LOVE MIYAVI!! AND KREVA!!! In a musical way

2011-10-12T00:57:00.000+08:00

Miyavi and Kreva are both awesome artistes in their own right. Put them together and WOW! Check out the video...that's all I wanna say. Hahaha...

Happiness!

2011-10-10T00:42:00.000+08:00

Hellos...I've been super busy studying for my CMFAS M6 which I just passed on Friday!! Woohoo!! I FINALLY passed...after 6 previous attempts. Yes, this was a total beeeyatch of a paper. That's ONE huge weight off my shoulders and now, I can apply for my dealer's license! Yay!! *Does a little dance*

There are many other things to be happy about. I attended my JC classmate's wedding dinner on 29 Sep (super cute march-in btw, which I'll post later) and then another good friend's solemnisation on 2 Oct (aww...so happy for them because they FINALLY got married) AND...it's going to be my birthday next week! :) As most of you guys know, I will come up with a wishlist annually. I know Cubey checks it regularly and since I've been late in posting it this year, I received an unexpected text from Cubey that read, "No wishlist this year?" My wishlist this year is uber easy: sponsorship for my Lasik. I don't want or need anything else! :) Easy peasy.

Here are my toe nails for the week! It's my first time drawing anything on my nails (no stickers!) and it wasn't easy drawing the bee upside down but I'm quite pleased with the result. I tried to do leopard prints on my finger nails but I'm ashamed to say that my nails looked as if they had chicken pox so I wiped them clean and decided to go with simple glitter and OPI's black shatter. I'm having lotsa fun thinking of what designs for my nails and do let me know if you have seen any cute designs too! In the meanwhile, do support my cousin's manicure biz called SoQ. You can click on her blog link named "Wenqing".

Now that I've finished with my exams, I'll definitely blog more regularly! Till the next post...cheerios!

JC Classmate's Wedding Dinner

2011-10-05T18:32:00.000+08:00

Attended my JC classmate's wedding at St. Regis and check out the chi chi decor etc....

Most of us from S52

Enjoy the pics of the food...

The couple!

The sand art video of how they met

Our class' gentle giant who is 1.9m tall...thanks for stooping down for me!

Check out the video of their entrance 'dance'. Damn cute. So sorry for the amateur cutting and splicing of the vid!

Scam Alert!!

2011-09-23T23:05:00.002+08:00

If you recently received an email from Rebecca Wilson from Twinlinks and the body of the message is as follows:

Hello,

Let's do a 3-way link swap with your website http://melfann.blogspot.com. I'll give you two links in exchange for one from you.

3-way linking is a very effective link building strategy. Since you're getting the links from third party websites, they appear
totally natural to search engines. Such inbound links help your website rank higher in Google and other search
engines.

Visit http://twinlinks.org to submit your website.

Thanks,
Rebecca Wilson

Founder & CEO, TwinLinks

Beware...this is a scam/spam!! Firstly, the link doesn't work and it doesn't make sense that if she really got my email from my blog, wouldn't she be able to at least type my name in? This scam has been verified from another source which you can find here.

Moon's Birthday Celebration 2011

2011-09-21T01:15:00.000+08:00

Celebrated another of my bestie's (I've got 2) birthday on Sunday at Royal China, Raffles Hotel for dim sum. Now, before you think that it's super expensive, it's NOT. The prices are comparable to Crystal Jade or Imperial Treasure and the quality of Royal China's dim sum is top notch.

Must try:

流沙包
Fried Taro with scallop
Char Siew Sou

We ordered other dishes too but those 3 are my top favourite from Royal China! We ate so much that I ended up eating only THAT meal for the whole day. Not kidding. Even pregnant Sing ate till she was so full and ended up having constipation. :P

We didn't break the bank either because after eating all our fill and more, the bill came up to around $25/pax! Of course, I paid more in the end cos Moon's share was split amongst us.

FYI, Moon's cake was the uber delicious Opera cake from Canele. Mmm...it tasted like a light version of a tiramisu with a lot more coffee. Yumm...

Once more, Happy Birthday my dear!!! :) Next month will be my turn....hehehehe...

Parents' Anniversary @ Ku De Ta

2011-09-18T22:48:00.000+08:00

As you can see...we went to Ku De Ta for my parents' anniversary. I love the fact that you can make a reservation for a table via their website! It's convenient and because I mentioned that it was my parents' anniversary, they gave my parents complimentary champagne! Very classy. :)

The style of Ku De Ta's dining is best described as "Family style fine dining". There's no pretentious hush hush eating where every dish seems like a performance. It's really good food that's well presented and meant for sharing. Here's what we ordered:

Beef tataki topped with shredded nori. The dressing was simple but it made it really yummy. Even my mum, who isn't a beef lover, complimented it.

To the left is their signature sticky black pepper squid and it is a MUST try. They wash their squid thoroughly before dusting it with Japanese sweet potato starch and frying it. The dressing is made of equal parts of fish sauce and soy sauce with five spice powder. It is then sprinkled with kaffir lime. The result is a plate of happiness. As I mentioned earlier. A MUST try. Towards the top is their smoked eggplant with salmon caviar. It was yummy but it paled in comparison to the beef tataki and squid.

Now...moving away from the appetizers, we have cod with red miso (top left), forty flavoured fried rice (top right), asparagus with prawn floss (bottom right) and angus beef tenderloin (bottom left). Everything was yummy. Enough said. The only thing that was a bit of a turn off was the fried rice which cost $18 but reminded me of the lotus leaf rice that you can get from Crystal Jade for $10 and at twice the size.

Ah...my favourite. Pan fried foie gras on top of rice crackers and topped with mango. Lovely.

Barbecued eggplant with miso. Well...not too bad but I wouldn't miss it.

Handmade udon in tonkotsu soup. This was fantastic! The udon was cooked to perfection. In other words, its not the usual soggy noodles that you'd get elsewhere. The broth was light but yet flavourful, although I still can't quite understand why it's called tonkotsu when it's not the white tonkotsu broth...hmm...

For dessert, we ordered the KDT 'Bounty' cake with yuzu marshmallows (above) and I can't remember the name of the dessert below. As the name suggests, the 'bounty' cake is much like the candy bar - chocolate with coconut. So...that's a piece of chocolate cake with coconut foam. I liked the marshmallows. I can eat a whole bag of those. Coconut foam? Nah...am sick of foamy things but I guess this cake can give Tom Aiken a run for his money.

The dessert below is peach sorbet with salted white chocolate and the bread pudding is soaked with whisky. Now...that's what I'm talking about! Haha...just your regular alcoholic talking. Just kidding.

No trip to Ku De Ta is finished without taking in the sight from the terrace...

See the pool? That's the famous infinity pool and the Sky Deck which we didn't have access to.

All you LV fans...that's the largest LV standalone store in Singapore for ya...

Will I go back to Ku De Ta again? Of course! In fact, I plan to go there for lunch on my birthday! :)

{Oct 1983} Be An Ambassador!

2011-09-16T01:59:00.000+08:00

Be Oct 1983's ambassador and get 20% off your next purchase! There are so many ways to become one and you can refer your friends as well!

ONE. Facebook

Take a clear photo of yourself with the bag/accessories and include 2-3 lines about the items as a photo caption
Post the photo onto our facebook page (www.facebook.com/oct1983)
Like us on Facebook

TWO. Twitter

Tweet about your review, including a photo of you and the item
Include @Oct1983 in your tweet
Follow us on Twitter

THREE. Forums

Review your items, including a photo of yourself with the bag/ accessories and link it to www.oct1983.com.sg
Email the direct link to us at info@oopsiwannasay.com

FOUR. Blogs

Take a clear photo of yourself with the bag/accessories and post it onto your blog with your review
Link the post to www.oct1983.com.sg
Email your blog post's direct link to us at info@oopsiwannasay.com

FIVE. Refer a Friend

Fill in the form in the website with yours and your friend's details
Once your friend purchases 1 item within the month, you will get a $5 discount off ANY item
Limited to 5 recommendation per person

Bloody Sprain

2011-09-14T00:19:00.001+08:00

On Monday, I was walking to the MRT station and when I was crossing the road, my heel tripped onto something and I fell. I twisted and sprained my left ankle while scraping my right knee. So sad that my favourite pair of trousers got ripped in the process. :(

The fall really caused my body to be in shock and I think a lot of blood suddenly rushed downwards cos I felt really faint and had to sit on the pavement to regain some composure.

Thankfully, a stranger who was walking just ahead of me had seen me fall. She was so nice as to stay by my side while I called my mum and texted my boss. When my mum came, I stood up but immediately felt really dizzy. Dizzy to the point where I didn't refuse the lady's daughter's slippers and her offer to drive me home. I'm so grateful to her and I thank god for ensuring that although I got hurt, there's a kind person to help me get home safely.

Those who know me will know that ice sprained both ankles several times but this is really the worst sprain EVER! My ankle ballooned to twice it's size and even I'm afraid to touch it.

Anyhow, I'm feeling much better now. I went to see a Chinese physician after seeing a western trained one so that my ankle will heal faster. There's less pain today (maybe it's the painkiller talking) and my ankle feels less stiff.

Alas, no high heels for the rest of the month till my ankle is fully healed. :(

Your friends are walking dinners. Assist Jerry to turn your friends into vampires & win #FrightNightSG movie premiums!

2011-09-12T23:49:00.000+08:00

Your friends are walking dinners. Assist Jerry to turn your friends into vampires & win #FrightNightSG movie premiums!

Nails for the week - 12 Sep 2011

2011-09-12T00:21:00.000+08:00

Heya...here are my nails for this week! I'm going with the Mid-Autumn theme with jade bunnies! :)

1. Base coat of pastel yellow from The Face Shop. Make sure this coat is dry before doing step 2.
2. Stripe of white (some cheapo brand...). You MUST do 2 coats of this.
3. I lined the white stripes with silver using The Face Shop's silver dot pen
4. Pasted on these cute little bunnies and placed 2 white crystals.
5. Seal it all with top coat

Note: I didn't use any nail glue because I find it a pain to remove. I only use top coat to stick on both the bunnies and the crystals while it is still wet. I then top it all off with another layer of top coat to ensure that everything sticks.

I wanted to try out the water marbling art but I found out that you can only try it if your nail polishes are new. Otherwise, it becomes clumpy and you can't get it to marble well. Ah well...will continue experimenting!

Mid-Autumn with the girls!

2011-09-11T03:14:00.000+08:00

I am totally mooncaked out. I'm soon turning into a moon! I had a mooncake party with my department on Friday evening and on Sat evening, the girls met up for another mooncake party at Sing's parents' place!

Above is Cooper, the mini poodle who is blending into the rug. He was part of our entertainment of the evening.

After some Texas Fried Chicken (yum...better than Popeyes), we headed off to the roof terrace to play with our lanterns and eat some yummy mooncakes!

I brought some snowskin mooncakes from Szechuan Court, Fairmont Hotel while Kewei brought a box of Yam mooncakes from the former Crown Prince hotel. Yay! Me love.... <3

Sing bought a pomelo too and we ate all with tea. Perfect! The weather was cool and we had such a good time just chit chatting.

Oh...Sing's parents have a k-box equivalent thingy in their house. So...after our pig out session, we went into karaoke mode and sang till 1am! I think that we would've continued singing if it wasn't for her mum coming downstairs to tell us to stop our 'concert'. Haha.... (* " *)

It's so nice to hang out with the girls. I really need to do such stuff more often! Eat more mooncakes yo! This is the only time you get to gorge yourselves silly!!

Nails for the Week - 5 Sep 2011

2011-09-06T22:51:00.001+08:00

I tried to do the gradient nails and I used 6 types of nail polishes although you don't have to use the same number.

1. First coat - OPI What's With the Cattitude?
     Let it dry totally before going onto the next colour.

2. Second coat - Etude House Lavender PP901
     You can brush it onto a sponge and then sponge it onto the nails but I personally prefer to just remove excess nail polish and then brush it downwards. It's important to remove a lot of the polish so that you get that gradient look.

3. Third coat - OPI Funky Dunkey
     Same as step 2 but go further towards the tip

4. Fourth coat - Sally Hansen Deeply Violet
     Same as steps 2 & 3 but even further towards the tip

5. I used Canmake's Colorful Nails No. 30 and Face Shop's PK107 to add the glitter to the tips

6. Finally, I sealed it all with top coat.

I kinda messed up my nails because my mum was rushing me to keep my clothes and I was moving the ironing board out so iron my clothes. :(

I had experimented with newspaper print nails a couple of days ago but I didn't get the desired effect so I turned to the gradient nails! I'm now thinking of next week and I might try out the water marble effect. However, I've got an event on Saturday so I'm not sure whether those nails would look professional. :P Do let me know if you have any interesting or great ideas for nails that I can try out!

Holy Water anyone?

2011-09-01T13:54:00.005+08:00

I went to Taman Jurong last weekend and this is a store with the funniest signboard! I think they wanted it to read "All Got Beverages" which isn't grammatically correct either but this is just too cute. Holy water to wash away our sins? ;)

Nails for the week - 29 Aug 2011

2011-08-30T13:53:00.000+08:00

I've been doing my own nails every week for quite some time now but never really bothered to blog or facebook it so I've decided to do so! :)

This week, I used a lavendar base from Etude House, topped it off with Fasio's sparkle and then added these cute bears on 3 nails. The last two nails, I just did a simple silver cross with Face Shop's nail dot pen.

Easy peasy. I already have inspiration for next week's design but I shall be nice to my nails. Stripping the nail polish too often is bad for your nails!

Investment Wines for Sale!!!

2011-08-25T00:19:00.000+08:00

Hi folks!

I have 120 bottles of 2005 d'Arenberg The Dead Arm McLaren Vale Shiraz for sale. This wine has received 95 points from Robert Parker: "D’Arenberg’s most famous wine is its flagship, The Dead Arm Shiraz. The 2005 The Dead Arm Shiraz is sourced from ancient head-pruned vines. It was aged for 22 months in a mix of new and used French and American oak. It is opaque purple/black with an expansive perfume of toast, smoke, spice box, mineral, pencil lead, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, opulent, and super-concentrated, this structured, lengthy wine will benefit from 3-5 years of cellaring and drink well through 2025."

More information on the wine can be found on d'Arenberg's website www.darenberg.com.au.

The wines have been cellared in a bonded cellar for the past 3 years in Singapore.

Please contact me at melissa.fann@oopsiwannasay.com if you have interest in purchasing them.

Thanks!

{Oct 1983} Be a Rock Star!!

2011-08-21T15:49:00.000+08:00

Check out the latest pieces on www.oct1983.com.sg! All pieces are rock-inspired but yet suitable for everyday use!

I would also like to introduce you to a hot new designer named Hob. I fell in love with this funky clutches when I saw them in Bangkok! All clutches are made with 100% genuine leather and his clutches have even been featured in "Sex & The City 2"!

Like them?? Simply go to www.oct1983.com.sg to start shopping!! If you want the latest updates, do follow us on twitter as well!

Demon-cratic comics

2011-08-20T17:14:00.000+08:00

By the way, I have yet to decide who I'm voting for President...

Auntie-to-be Mel

2011-08-18T23:06:00.002+08:00

I can finally announce it! Sing is preggers and I'm going to be an Auntie!! Yay! *bounces*

Hahaha...yup. That's it. :P

Birthday Leopard

2011-08-13T22:53:00.002+08:00

Oops...this is a super late post...BUT...we celebrated Leopard's birthday last week!

As you can tell, Ms Leopard is so-called thanks to her love of all things leopard! Which is why, the Leopard Queen is sitting on her throne with all her leopard print presents! I managed to get her a leopard print tank top from Bershka, a leopard print lanyard AND a small leopard print bag. If I had more time, I'd probably add more leopard print stuff to the pile.

My colleagues and I chanced upon this Maid Cafe at Funan called Kawaii Ko-hii (literally means 'cute coffee') while walking back from lunch one day. We saw those leopard print chairs and knew that Ms Leopard will fall in love with it. I told her about and it and you should see how her eyes sparkled at the mention of LEOPARD PRINT CHAIRS.

Notice how Leopard blends into the chair?? She jokingly said that she was going to steal one of the chairs.

We hung out, had drinks and some finger food. I DO NOT recommend the wedges. They're dry and aren't tasty at all. Kindly note that potato wedges should be made with Russet Potatoes and NOT local ones which are much more suited to curries.

Please don't condemn me for this super act-cute photo!! It was tough posing like that ok! But we couldn't help it because the table had a cutesy Japanese girl with cat ears doing her pouty thing. We just HAD to mimic her. かわいいくないの？

Anyway...HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEOPARD! Hope you enjoyed yourself that day and may there be many more memorable birthdays to come!

Political Humour - the Presidential Election

2011-08-12T17:08:00.002+08:00

As all Singaporeans know, the Presidential Elections will take place on the 27th August. Check out the following comic strip!

The Day I had a Health Scare

2011-08-11T00:14:00.000+08:00

I woke up this morning with sharp pains coming from my left side. I just went to the company GP and then she started getting worried because the pain was coming from the area that is right smack where my ovary is. So...it could be my ovary or my intestines. Doesn't help that I have borderline poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. This is the first time I was given a letter to go to the A&E department of SGH asap. Not kidding.

Arrived at A&E at around 8.45am and I felt like a herded sheep. The process goes like this:

Take temperature and queue number
When queue number is flashed, go to the 'Triange' room (don't ask me what that is)
Doctor there will then read referral letter, take your blood pressure and pass you a pee cup if necessary
Go and pee into said cup
Pass pee cup back to doctor and wait in another area for queue number to be called once again
Wait for an hour or more
Go into consultation room
Draw some blood for blood test

At this point, I had explained my sharp pains 3 times. Was prodded 3 times and felt sharper pains each time they pressed the sore and tender area. Urine test came out clean. No UTI or any other infection. Doctor in this consultation room had to call a gynae and guess what I had to do? Yup...wait. Oh...and I had to drink lots of water so that the ultrasound scan will be effective. Remember...I had to pee earlier. Now, I had to down cups of water. -__-;

After 40 mins...I couldn't take it anymore as I had the urge to go to the loo. Went to the nurse and explained my situation but gynae still wasn't around. Nurse's advice was to go and release if I couldn't handle it anymore and to just drink more water once I was out of the toilet. -__-;; Did just that and voila! The gynae chose to arrive.

Scan, scan, scan...she couldn't see my left ovary...hence, we had to take a short walk to the gynae ward just so that she could use the better ultrasound machine. This time, I reallllly needed to pee. Well, she saw my resident cysts and said, "There's nothing to be worried about. The cysts haven't ruptured." Then, back to the A&E to wait once more.

It was already 1.30pm at this point in time. The doctor from the 2nd consultation room finally came out, told me that gynae has given me the clear sign so I had to take an X-ray to check whether it's my bowels or anything else. Oh...this time, I was also given a painkiller to finally stop the sharp pains!

Herded to the X-ray area to be gowned and then X-ray of my chest and hips were taken. Then...it was off to lunch and then back to the same place 2 hours later to await the results of my blood test and X-ray.

2.35pm...I just went to the nurse's station and told them that I was instructed to come back to check on my blood test and X-ray. Interestingly enough, the nurses saw that my blood test results were in! Woot! I only waited 15 mins this time before the doctor saw me again and gave me the good news that nothing's wrong with my intestines nor did I have any infection. So...what's the cause for my pain? Possible tiny stones in my urethra. She couldn't see any stones in my kidneys...so that's even better news. All I have to do now is drink loads of water to just flush them out.

So yes...that was how I spent the day after my holiday - in the hospital. Sheesh...only got a day's medical leave and still had to pay $90 for it all. Well, it's considered cheap since I had so many tests done in the day. Ah well...off to bed now and it's work tomorrow!

Holiday!

2011-08-10T18:58:00.000+08:00

Hi all! Sorry for the late post but I just came back from Hong Kong and Macau. I went to Hong Kong to visit my bro who's currently doing his MBA internship there as well as to visit some of my HK friends! It has been 3 years since I've last gone to Hong Kong and quite a lot of things have changed! I'm glad that IFC, H&M and some other familiar places are still there though. Haha...well, Ritz Carlton has since moved to Kowloon instead of the main HK island and their bar, Ozone, is now the new hot spot! Check out the view from the 118th floor!

That's my reflection in the glass. Wasn't expecting this since I used my camera's twilight feature...but I reckon that it's quite cool!

Me and the lovely Carol!

Dim Sum lunch at Fook Loon Moon (very yummy!) with Keru-chan. Thank you Kel for the treat and all the best to your upcoming wedding! Yes, I will be there!

My bro the foodie then brought us to this old-school dessert shop where the 龟鳞糕 was filled right to the top of the bowl and tasted really herby, the 芝麻糊 was thick with rich sesame taste and my mum had the most interesting dessert of all...

Yup...that's a whole egg in a sweet soup that kind of reminded me of 清汤 but less longans.

Met up with another friend, Vicky, for dinner that day and after a meal of delicious char siew and roast duck, we headed off to yet another famous dessert stall in Causeway Bay that served all milk products.

It is a very milky custard thing...but I think I prefer their mango milk. Tasted like liquid mango pudding. Yums!

Having filled our tummies to the brim, we decided to walk to Times Square and although I wasn't too enthused at first, I fell in love with the art that was being exhibited there!

Hehe...groovy queen and fat Bruce Lee! Coolios!

All these 'statues' were made from paper by this Korean artist. I'm not joking!

Fat Wonder Woman!!! Woots!

Fat and short Spiderman as well as an Asian Snow White! Sooo cute....

Journey to the West or FROM the West? This is the most political art piece yet and it is quite hilarious...

The next day, we met up with our old neighbours and ate at the famous Mak's Place Wonton Noodles. The noodles were quite nice but the servings were really small for HKD30. As such, we headed off to a coffee place where we could sit, chat and eat more...

Before you think I'm a greedy pig, I shared that with my bro. He just refused to take a pic with it. Haha...

After dessert, we walked over to IFC for a short bout of shopping and the above pic is the view from there. See that tall building? That's the ICC where Ritz Carlton is and Ozone is right on top!

Soon after, we made our way to Victoria Peak to watch the sun set.

The next day, we headed off to Macau! We had a fantastic package with The Venetian where we had a suite with 2 queen sized beds, breakfast and 2 complimentary tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show - ZAiA.

Check out the suite...

Gotta love the Portuguese influence in Macau...

The ruins of St. Paul

Below are pictures of the remaining stone foundations.

View from the bottom of the ruins...towards Senado Square.

Tada...below is Senado Square where all the shopping is at!

Went back to The Venetian where they actually have an opera singer sing in their Grand Canal Shoppes.

Reminds you of MBS much?

Went off to watch ZAiA!!

I must say that Cirque du Soleil is very graceful and it is a very graceful presentation of acrobatics and humour (mainly from the clowns). However...it really is a repackaging of acrobatic acts. Beautiful nonetheless. :)

My trip to Macau was too short...I seriously need to go back there again and just soak in the historical elements, shop a bit more (omg...the Grand Canal Shoppes in Venetian is so darn huge) and eat more Portuguese egg tarts!

Mission "Proposal"

2011-07-25T17:41:00.001+08:00

1035 Met up with Cubey for "Harry Potter". Mission begins!

1500 After lunch, headed to Mind Cafe at Boat Quay to fulfill part 2 of mission - distract Cubey with boardgames till 6pm.

1800 Mission part 2 completed. Now commencing 'lure Cubey to Pan Pacific with excuse of fake foreign client who wants me to go over to his hotel to collect his form, which I have to witness personally'.

1830 Reached Pan Pacific hotel. Met with co-conspirator in the Concierge. Told Cubey that we tried calling my client's room but nobody answered. We were to go to his room.

1845 Approaching room while Cubey kept on going, "I do not want to enter a crime scene. I do not want to call 999."

1849 Door opens and Cubey is pushed in. Mission "Proposal" successfully accomplished!

Check out the bliinnnnnngggg. Someone, please pass me a pair of sunnies.

Bling Shoes!

2011-07-15T12:00:00.001+08:00

I love my new pair of shoes from Pazzion! They look super high but they're not considering the platform. Love love love!! So cute...so bling and the best part is that Pazzion will replace each crystal if I drop them! For free!! Unless it's more than 5...but so far, they're all intact.

I was quite amused when I wore them to my student's place and her mum went, "How can you walk in those shoes?" LOL.

Pretty right? It comes in black as well but the while rocks! :) Yay...me love shoes...hehehe

Beautiful Typography Video on 'Home'

2011-07-14T12:00:00.004+08:00

Just watch this till the very end. Whoever said that Singaporeans aren't creative need to watch this. I love the ending. Super! Now...maybe I should talk to my boss about hiring this guy to do our vids...hmm....

Restaurant Review - Vineyard @ Hort Park

2011-07-13T23:37:00.001+08:00

I went to the Vineyard restaurant located at Hort Park for a site visit and this is the main entrance...

I love the open deck space with the deck chairs. There are ball lights next to the water, which will be lit at night. I can almost imagine lounging there with a bottle of wine and just chillaxing with friends.

You're greeted with shelves filled with bottles of wine as you walk in and it opens to a nice cosy area that's a cross between rustic and industrial. Rustic thanks to the wood ceiling, floor and unfinished 'planks' for their huge tables accompanied by cowhide floor rugs and velvet chairs. Industrial from the metal legs of the tables and chairs.

Sorry...I only took a pic of the Insalata Caprese as I sent it to my bro to make him jealous! Hahaha...

It was excellente! So were the spring rolls with the yummy tamarind sauce and their Vineyard salad was interesting. However, I'm not a mustard person so I wasn't a happy chomper on that.

There were 3 of us so we shared the following mains: Wagyu ribeye, snapper fillet with a lemon caper sauce and smoked chicken fettuccine. The ribeye was soooo tender that you don't need a steak knife to cut through it. Now, THAT's what I call a steak! The snapper was really good too! The skin was crispy and the meat wasn't overcooked. It had squash in the middle of the fillets and it was so unbelievably buttery. After eating those 2 dishes, the fettuccine was sadly blase. Not that it didn't taste good...but it didn't wow the tastebuds.

For dessert, we shared a single sticky date pudding with vanilla ice cream because we were so full. I LOVE it. The sticky date pudding wasn't too sweet and it was nice and soft. The vanilla ice cream tasted so wholesome and natural too. Mmm....yums!

No...I'm not getting anything from advertising them...haha...but I really like the ambience of the place. Do note that Vineyard opens from 12 noon to 3pm for lunch and opens again at 6pm for dinner. Hort Park's gates close at 11pm so you'll be shooed off by 10.30pm. Go try!

Am so in Love with Quest Crew!

2011-07-13T10:59:00.000+08:00

Are some of these people human? It's as if they don't have bones!! Oh my...the part where he does the backflip while sitting down..and when one of them flipped over 2 people while 1 of them pushed him. AMAZING. You guys just HAVE to love Quest Crew. Oh..amd Hok's British accent is waaay sexy. You've just got to go to Youtube and search for that 1st episode. ;)

July - The Month of Birthdays

2011-07-12T02:58:00.002+08:00

I'm sooo going to go broke this month! Last Sat, we celebrated Chow's birthday...

Then it was off to celebrate Missy Jean's birthday on Friday night at KPO! The drinks were just the way I like them...STRONG!

It started with me and Leopard taking a shot in front of KPO with the fancy schmancy cars (think Porsches and Ferraris)while we were still sober and not falling off our heels.

I fear this bloated face thing is starting to catch on...

Then it's with the whole gang! Well...half actually...

Us playing with Leopard's "mee sua"

Leopard brought her MJ gloves that night to paarrrty! She was on a roll...she had it all planned! Zouk was next on her list with her other pawpals.

I celebrated my best mate, Sing's bday last Sat as well but for some reason, all of us were so caught up with talking and eating that we never took any photos!! Amazing. I went to her house after dinner for a movie and stayed till 3am in the morning. No points for guessing how zombified I felt on Sunday. Haha...ah well...I'm going to be broke this month man...3 birthdays and a wedding to go. I know that Qing's ROM is also coming up but I'm going to give it a miss and will attend the traditional ceremony meant for family!

I went to a colleague's housewarming party on Sat as well so...my wallet is definitely feeling the pinch. Now...have to scrimp and save. Maybe this is a good time to start dieting. :P

Blueberries faked in cereals, muffins and bagels...what else?

2011-07-05T22:16:00.000+08:00

This is scary...I will definitely read the food labels a lot more closely now. Let's all go organic...hah.

Durian Trip!

2011-07-04T22:16:00.001+08:00

Went to Yong Peng, JB on Saturday for a durian trip where we ate a buffet durian lunch!!! Check out the durians hanging from the plantation....

The bus loads of Singaporeans who came down JUST to eat durians...

Hahaha...we decided to make funny faces as if our mouths were full of durians....lalalalala

After lunch, we went to Jusco and as Sing as feeling a bit peckish, we went to this Shabu-shabu restaurant where they served charcoal ice cream.

Tastes like sandy vanilla ice cream. It's supposed to be good for your body...maybe it's just to help with your bowels...

If you want to eat yummy otah...THE place to get it from in JB is the 小妹 otak-otak. I took a pic of the contact details. I believe that they've got bulk order discounts. I can't believe my friends bought 10-12 pieces each. Mind you, the pieces weren't small...they're like 5cm x 5cm and 1cm thick!

After the shopping, we went to the bay for dinner and it was just a very nice way to end the day of eating with...more eating!!

The whole trip cost us S$60/pax which is super worth it since it covered our Nasi Lemak breakfast at a mushroom farm, buffet durian lunch, trip to 'Yoyo' which sells lots of tidbits and local cakes, trip to a bird's nest factory, shopping and 10-course Chinese dinner at the end of it all.

Will I go next year? You betcha!

New Products on {Oct 1983}

2011-06-11T12:51:00.001+08:00

Check out my new stuff...my fave is the pompom earrings! :) All products can be found at www.oct1983.com.sg so please do show your support!

More GE humour...or in this case, POST-GE humour.

2011-06-09T00:03:00.003+08:00

I laughed till my sides hurt. Really funny!!!

The Human Spirit Lives On

2011-05-22T00:50:00.000+08:00

Besides Siem Reap, I did go to the capital Phnom Penh and over there, we went to the Prison Museum S21 - one of the few notorious prisons during the Khmer Rouge where thousands of prisoners were tortured and killed. The Khmer Rouge converted a high school into this place of horror. Warning: the following photos are quite depressing...

One of the silver linings was meeting 1 of the 7 survivors. Mr Bou Meng managed to survive thanks to his artistic talents. Sadly, his wife and children were not so fortunate.

Above - skull with a gunshot wound through the skull

The cells were puny. Big enough for only 1 person to lie down and all the inmates were not allowed to communicate with each other.

The visit to this prison museum was a sobering one. I cannot understand how humans could inflict such pain and terror to another fellow human. We're not talking about merely shooting humans with guns or whacking them with batons/ sticks. These people systematically tortured innocent civilians who were there for no proper reason other than to be accused of being traitors! That said, the human spirit is strong and kudos to the survivors who are no longer holding onto thoughts of vengeance but are moving forward in their lives.

Live on, love on.

Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

2011-05-10T00:20:00.000+08:00

Words can't describe the trip in Cambodia...so I'll let the photos do the talking. Firstly, I went on a tour for the Cambodian part of my holiday. I signed up for the 4D3N Siem Reap & Phnom Penh tour via www.TakeMeToAsia.com and for S$255/pax in 3-star hotels...it's a darn good deal!!

Above & below - Siem Reap International Airport

Couldn't help but take the above shot! Maybe I should stay there permanently...lol

Do you see a dinosaur in the above pic?

Above is part of the temple where Tomb Raider was filmed

The details are just amazing....

And below...the grand Angkor Wat...

Hello from Siem reap!

2011-05-01T22:03:00.002+08:00

I'm now typing from my phone at a restaurant after eating dinner. Thank god for wifi!!!
I'm currently in Siem Reap on a long deserved break and will only be home next Sunday! Have fun you guys!!
Via iPhone

BE ON THE SINGTEL AMNESIA VIP LIST. Let's party like rockstars! If I win, I'll invite YOU!

2011-04-26T22:27:00.000+08:00

BE ON THE SINGTEL AMNESIA VIP LIST. Let's party like rockstars! If I win, I'll invite YOU!

It's GE Season

2011-04-16T14:28:00.001+08:00

Some really humourous pokes at our General Elections, which should be coming up soon! You'll need to understand Hokkein to appreciate the poem but enjoy the video!!

GE Poem by Ong Ah Bee
Recently, my white MP,
nok on my door, and very kekki..
Say ‘I’ve worked so hard, so vote for me’,
‘Or rubbish won’t be cleared, in your vicinty’..
I said ‘Dear MP of my GRC’,
‘Dun remember u, so please pardon me’..
‘I only saw you on TV’,
‘Dozing off and jiakliao bee’..
Last GE I voted for thee,
2% up in GST..
Cut CPF and up utility,
Are still very clear in my memory..
5 years later, then you come to me,
Fresh from your slumber of ivory..
Say that only, you can help me,
Escape from a life of poverty..
Just take a drive on CTE,
Count the number, of all the gantries..
Or squeeze a ride on the MRT,
That has not been cleared for me
My life since the last GE,
Has been downhill though I voted PAP..
If I vote the same for your sleeping spree,
I can expect the same misery..
So! this time round, I vote for somebody,
Who will kachiao you, to productivity..
Forms fill wrong, no big deal to me,
If there’s someone to speak up for ah bee..
So dear MP of GRC,
If life no improve, vote u chosimi?

Klutz

2011-04-16T12:04:00.000+08:00

*Stares at high heels*

*Looks forlornly at them*

*Looks at ankle*

I'm such a walking klutz. Good news is that I didn't sprain my ankle. Bad news is that I injured a ligament. Don't ask me how I managed to do so. I was walking fine one minute and the next, I felt a sharp pain at my Achilles heels and side. Ok...no pain killers, nothing at all. All I have to do is continue wearing my ankle guard until it is back to normal.

*sigh*

*Continues staring forlornly at heels*

Shopping for Oct 1983 on Facebook

2011-04-13T20:19:00.000+08:00

You can shop for Oct 1983's products via its Facebook page! It has the usual shopping cart and you get to choose payment mode! Best thing is that the prices stated are cheaper than on the website! As the programme has not debug their landscape photos, some photos aren't as clear as those on Oct 1983's website www.oct1983.com.sg.

Do take a quick view and happy shopping!!

Day out with the family at the Botanics!

2011-04-02T13:56:00.001+08:00

Went to the Botanical Gardens last week to walk Baileys and just get some family bonding time. First thing we saw when we entered the gardens was this...

Still don't know what that is? It's a banana plant with a freaking LONG 'branch' full of bananas!! The thing is as tall as my mum!! Unbelievable!!!

Oooh...ducklings! Oh 'swanlets' as I like to call them. :)

My prince - Baileys. Looking mighty happy with the smells and the chance to romp around the gardens.

Ooh...what did Baileys see? The mother swan??

I can't believe that we walked for nearly 3 hours...after the walk, we went to Dempsey for a nice lunch.

Note: if you have pets, only Olio Dome and Jones the Grocers have outdoor seating. Jones the Grocers does not allow reservations and it's always packed for Sunday brunch so do go early. I wanted to go to House BUT House doesn't open their alfresco dining area until dinner service. I prefer to have my meal at Dempsey rather than the Botanical Gardens because the prices are more reasonable and you don't have to queue to buy your own food. :D

Now...where else can I bring Baileys for a nice walky??

Pray for Japan

2011-03-13T00:40:00.000+08:00

I know that I haven't been blogging lately and it is kind of depressing to end my hiatus on this note. I am sure that all of you have heard of the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in north-eastern Japan. I urge everyone to pray that there will be more survivors found.

I am glad to know that all my friends in Japan are safe and sound. In fact, I will be taking a trip to Japan in May and am going to arrange meetups with them.

In the meanwhile, let us all do our part and help Japan get back to her feet as soon as possible either in our prayers or donations to the Red Cross Society (www.redcross.org). Do note that the minimum donation sum is US$10.

Oct 1983 goes bazaar!!

2011-02-11T10:49:00.001+08:00

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, Oct 1983 will be taking part in a bazaar and we'll be offering LOADS OF DISCOUNTS!!! Details as follows:

Date:    Sat, 12 Feb
Time:   9am - 3pm
Venue: Poolside, The Anchorage (opp IKEA)
            370 Alexandra Road

How to get there?

Bus: 33, 195, 64 (alight at IKEA/ Anchorpoint)
        14 (alight at Queensway S.C. or Alexandra Village
      111, 186 (alight at Queenstown MRT)
        123, 198, 196, 855, 961, 61, 100, 51, 153, 147
        (alight at Queenstown Fire Station/ opp Fire Station)
MRT: Queenstown

Come join us in a day of good fun and great products! You'll never know what else you'll find there!

These are some special crane hair chopsticks and a necklace that I made! Check out the Fork & Spoon earrings too! They look uber cool with the filters, don't they? :D

Instagram shots

2011-02-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

Jill Stuart Emook - Love it!!

2011-02-07T20:48:00.001+08:00

The latest Jill Stuart Emook is out and it comes with the most amazingly roomy make up pouch! I couldn't resist it and for SGD 31, it was a worthwhile buy because I managed to put in ALL my makeup...except for some brushes and my eyelash curler. Otherwise, this is a lot MORE organised than my previous make up pouch which is more like a toiletry bag. The catalogue that comes along with it just makes you drool over the uber cute blusher brush (I want!!).

Ok...so Jill Stuart cosmetics aren't available in Singapore. I'm seriously considering taking orders for it. Do let me know if you're interested in purchasing! :)

Btw, if you notice, the above photo looks a bit different from my usual photo shots. That's because I'm currently obsessed with taking photos with Instagram (go d/l it for free on the App store). This was how the original photo looked like -->

I've been playing with all the filters and I think I'm going to have a post that is just full of my random shots. Alternatively, you can follow me on Instagram!

Going along with the pink theme for this post...check out my new pair of shoes!! Love them!! They're gorgeous and the best part is that I bought them for almost 50% off at Stradivarius! The heels look super high but it has a platform in front so the actual height of the heels is about 3 inches.

Ok...next post shall be all the cool pics that I filtered via Instagram!!

hack cough Bleurgh...

2011-01-30T17:12:00.001+08:00

I have been sick for the past week. Seriously ill...I'm so sick of being sick. It started last week when I felt body aches and I could just feel that something was creeping on. However, I felt really good the whole of last Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Till Sunday evening, my nose got stuffed up and I just brushed it off as an allergic reaction because my nose is pretty sensitive to dust. However, that night, my throat got really sore and I got chills in the middle of the night.

Then came the coughing for the whole week...ugh. Then I had the runs on Wed. Turns out that I was having a bad reaction to the antibiotics that I was on. Ugh. Changed meds and now, I feel 80% back to normal! I'm soooo happy!!! There's nothing more depressing than being sick and feeling uber weak. The good thing was that I slept a lot. :D

Anyways, that's why I've been so quiet. But....I'M BAACCCCKKKK!!!!!

Spring/ Summer 2011 Collection

2011-01-19T21:01:00.005+08:00

Here's Oct 1983's Spring/Summer collection for 2011!!

The black earrings above are a personal favourite and it was soooo difficult to get a good shot because the black just absorbed all the light. I had to bring the light really close to the flower, take a mirror to reflect more light on it AND use flash. The things I do for my art. :P

The Key Series.....

As usual, all pieces are available at www.oct1983.com.sg and as a Chinese New Year special, I am offering 30% OFF customised jewellery!

Happy Shopping!!!

Domestic Goddess Wannabe

2011-01-18T00:55:00.001+08:00

I cooked dinner - poached Salmon with carrots and shitake mushrooms. First off, yes I did bother to plate it nicely just because I was in the mood to do so. I felt that the salmon came out very well although my parents were so blase.

Dad: Should have potatoes.
Mum: What did you put inside? It's sour.

Just to inform you all, the sauce isn't vinegar sour. I put in red wine so it has that acidity from the wine but that's about it. I felt that it went really well with the fish! So...this meal was really easy to prepare. It's simply poaching the salmon steaks in wine, water (or stock), pepper, garlic, butter and parsley. I did add majoram, thyme, rosemary and some cream to give it a wee bit more kick.

I'm really quite surprised at my dad's comment. There's rice!! Why would you want potatoes AND rice? There's enough carbs on the plate!! Ah well...my family's hard to please. Everyone's a food critic. Bleah. Sometimes I wonder why I bother cooking...

New obsessions

2011-01-17T13:58:00.000+08:00

Welcome to my latest find and obsession...

Above is the Apple Green Tea granitas drink with yoghurt squirties from Dessert.cup. Once you've drunk this, you'll think, "Koi? Gong cha? Who cares?!" The yoghurt squirties are a MUST HAVE! They're small bubbles/ pearls filled with yoghurt and they squirt out once you bite on them. How cool is that?

I've tried their Lemonis crush (refreshing!) and their Orange Peach (delish!) as well. The drinks start from $3.50 (novice) to $5.50 (expert) and the yoghurt squirties are an additional $0.50. The thing I love about their drinks is that they are au naturel. I ordered the orange chocolate for a colleague and they used chocolate ice cream blended with half a frozen orange! As for the apple green tea, they used frozen apples! Now...that's tons 'healthier' than the creamer used in Koi and Gong Cha bubble teas. Although I must say that I still love the Alishan tea and Purple Plum drink with white pearls from Gong Cha.

Oh...did I mention that they have uber yummy looking cupcakes? The above is the Baileys espresso. I must say that the chocolate cupcake itself wasn't mindblowing but the cream was solid. The disappointing part was that I couldn't taste any Bailey's. I could taste the coffee though.

I tried their Tokyo Geisha (sorry, no pics) and I must say that this was TONS better. The green tea cupcake was chockful of matcha flavour and was nicely balanced with the azuki topping and cream. Two thumbs up for this. If you're adventurous, please try their popcorn, mushroom and sundried tomato flavoured cupcakes (they're savoury). Tell me what your verdict is. :)

Dessert.cup can be found at B1 of Raffles City Shopping Centre.

Chinese New Year is approaching and since its the year of the rabbit, I got a rabbit pedicure!! Cute???? :D Heee...now, what design should I get after CNY?

It's fate!

2011-01-15T12:38:00.000+08:00

Unbelievable...this man married his pillow!!!

Why oh why....I don't understand these people. Marry a non-living thing? WTH....
Worst part is that he acts as if the pillow is a living thing which loves him back!! Ugh...some people need a life. Seriously.

So now that they're married, are they going to have baby pillows which will grow up to become cushions and then bolsters?? :P

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-09T22:04:00.000+08:00

Happy Happy 2011!!!! I'm so glad that it's finally a new year and a new chapter in my life. I'm super busy as I've moved to a new job and am back in the financial industry. Yes!! No more bored Mel in front of the computer. Am super busy but am not bored. That's very important. Not to mention that I'm learning lots. I'm still waiting to pass my darn CMFAS so that I can get my dealer license. ZZZ...sians. I've failed so many times and do you know what's the worst part? Passing mark is 75%...my score is 70-74. How irritating is that? For ALL my papers....I've prayed darn hard...don't know why I can't seem to get that 1-2 more %. Ugh.

On a happier note, I do feel a lot more fulfilled and my self-confidence is picking up. Although I've joined the team for barely a month, I've been given a few projects and I do feel like I'm steering my own ship. My colleagues are really funny and nice! Yes! I finally have people sitting around me in the office, whom I can chit chat throughout the day and listen to everyone teasing each other. This is what I call working in a team! :)

Wish me luck for my exams. Wish me the brains to remember EVERYTHING. :P Ciao and have fun in 2011!!!

Brain is dying

2010-12-27T23:25:00.000+08:00

I have been busy mugging (Singaporean slang for serious studying) for my CMFAS M1A and M6 today. Brain is officially filled to the brim and am unable to absorb anymore. I am soooo going to fail M6 again. Boo hoo. :( On the other hand, I hope to freaking pass M1A!! I get flying colours on the mock papers so I had better pass tomorrow!!!!!

Ok. Sleep time. ZZZZZ.....

Christmas Eve and the funny things that start my day

2010-12-24T16:34:00.000+08:00

My Christmas themed nails! Cute eh? :D

Anyway, I just HAD to blog about my Christmas Eve because it didn't start off in the best way. I was walking out of my house on my way to work when the sole of my shoe came off! It was a new pair!!! Ah well...cheap pair of shoes. The story goes on. When I was hobbling back home (uphill too), this cleaner came up closer to me, smiled at my waddling and said, "Heehehe...只要粘住它就行了 (t/n: you only need to glue it)." DUH. But I don't carry tubes of glue in my handbag, do I??? She then proceeded to ask me where I lived. I pointed to the block up ahead and she then went, "那就回家去换鞋！(t: then you should go home and change your shoes!)" Double DUH. That's why I'm walking back home in the morning despite being dressed for work! -_-;

After changing my shoes, I took a cab to work and had the (mis)fortune of getting into the taxi of Singapore's 'blurrest' driver. I told him to take Orchard road and go straight down to my office at Raffles City Tower.

Driver: Orchard Road 不会塞车么？(Wouldn't Orchard Road be congested?"
Me: 不会。因为早上没有人去购物。(No, because nobody will be shopping in the morning.)

We then reached a traffic light which had turned red and there was a whole long row of cars waiting for the light to turn green. Furthermore, these cars were on the right turning lane.

Driver: 你看！我每次早上来就会这样塞车！(Look! It's always this congested when I come in the morning!)

I mentally rolled my eyes. There was a sign that read that Orchard Road would be closed tomorrow from 1pm to 1am.

Driver: 1pm to 1am. 那不是很短？(Isn't that very short?)
Me: Uncle, 是十二个小时哦！(it's 12 hours!)
(long pause)
Driver: 是喔！(Oh yeah!)

Yet another mental eye roll session. The driver then proceeded to comment on the Christmas decoration on all the shopping centres. When we drove past Ngee Ann City:

Driver: 为什么益安城没有啊？(Why does Ngee Ann City not have any decoration?)
Me: Uncle, Ngee Ann 每年都没有啊！他们是佛教的！(Uncle, Ngee Ann doesn't have any decorations every year! They're Buddhists!)
Driver: 他们是佛教啊？(They're Buddhists?) 那，那个日本公司也没有？(The Japanese company too? - referring to Takashimaya.)
Me: 里面就有但是益安城不是他们的，当然外面不能做！(There are decorations inside but Ngee Ann City isn't theirs so of course they can't decorate the building!)

I had to tell the driver where to turn right, otherwise, he would have gone straight down and I would've ended up at Suntec City or Marina Square! When he turned right, I told him specifically to enter via the second entrance.

Driver: 不是这个啊？(Not this one?)
Me: 不是。第二个入口。(No. The second entrance.)
Driver: 是新的啊？(It's new?)
Me: 不是。(No.)

I had to insist a few more times before he believed that this entrance was not new. My mental sums isn't that great but this driver beats me. I had to calculate how much the total sum was for him and how much change he needed to return to me. -__-;; The total fare was $12.45 and I passed him $15.

Driver: 总共是。。。$12.45。你又没有$2？(The total is...$12.45. Do you have $2?)
Me: No.
Driver: 我需要还你。。。(I need to return...)
Me: $2.55
Driver: 你又没有$1? (Do you have $1?)
Me: No.

Thank goodness he eventually gave me my change and then I was free to go to my office and tell my taxi tales to my colleagues! What a start to my Christmas. Anyway, y'all have a great Christmas and stay sane!!!

{Oct 1983} Merry Christmas!! ~ New collection out~

2010-12-10T11:10:00.002+08:00

Hi all. Apologies for the hiatus but as I've explained, I have been very busy studying for my CMFAS exams. Anyhows, I also had promised to come up with some Christmasy products which I did in one night! Tada....

Kimono flower ear studs

Agate Spiral Bracelet

This is a personal favourite. The colours are so bright and cheery...suits Christmas to a T! Thus, I named it the Christmas Ribbon earrings. I know...not very creative. Haha...

Continuing with the Ribbon theme is this dewdrop earrings. I just felt that the purple is such a sweet colour and the blue faceted crystal bead really complements it.

Now, for the luxe creation. This necklace is made with 14k gold plated parts (including the hooks) and with quartz 'tear drops'.

~~Above - Gothic Heart~~ SOLD

I love the burst of red and gold in this bracelet. Really makes a statement!!

For those who prefer something a lot more subdued. This long chain necklace will suit them perfectly. Simple, clean but yet has that fun element in it.

I still have another necklace but I couldn't take a good shot of it because it is sooo long. I can't wait to take a good shot of it and post it up soon as I think it's a piece that's so sweet and easy to match!

Above pieces can be viewed and purchased at www.oct1983.com.sg. Do feel free to email me if you have any queries and don't forget that I do accept customisation orders!

Merry Christmas folks!

Wardrobe Malfunction

2010-12-03T23:27:00.000+08:00

I came home not too long ago and when I closed my room door, I heard a 'bang'. I was wondering what sound it was and when I opened my wardrobe, I found the source. The metal pole holding my clothes up broke. Yep. Too many clothes? *Sheepish grin*

*sigh* Now, I've got to go get a new wardrobe...more moolah needed. *sigh* when will I see more money coming in than going out??? Ah well...at least I do get a new wardrobe :P

I hate studying

2010-11-27T18:49:00.000+08:00

I'm going to be very busy for the next 2 weeks as I've got 4 exams to study for: CMFAS 1A, 5 and 6 as well as my Japanese (JLPT N2).

Gosh...I hate studying. I'm not the memorising kind. I like attending classes, get spoonfed and then regurgitate everything out during exams. Ask me to read of a text? That's my immediate cure for insomnia man...*yawn* Ah well...I must press on.

I'm taking the CMFAS exams in order to get my dealer license. Yup, I've quit my current job and will be going back to the financial industry!! I am excited at the challenge but extremely nervous at the same time. Guess my ego has been bruised so badly that I second, triple guess my own intelligence. I'm so glad to all my friends who have (and still are) encouraged me. I'm also extremely grateful to the colleagues who happily clapped me on the back and said that I've made the right decision.

I have made the right decision.

This is both for my emotional well being as well as my career prospects. :)

My last day at my current organisation will be on Tuesday and I can't wait for it to be over. I'm also looking forward to Christmas and the New Year!! May 2011 be a good year for one and all!!

All about food!

2010-11-23T21:18:00.000+08:00

That is a picture of 2 Bai Ling mushrooms. They're ginormous!!! Each of them are resting on your typical styrofoam plate...so imagine. My bought it as her ex-colleagues told her that it is very smooth and crunchy. I cooked it with spaghetti...ie. spaghetti al funghi. Tossed it with loads of garlic, butter and white wine. Mmm....yum! I must say that I was quite pleased with myself ;)

On to more yummy stuff...I had lunch with a couple of colleagues (my farewell lunch...more on that in another post) at Caffe Pralet, Tiong Bahru. Their cakes are divine....you've been warned...drool...

Lychee Martini Cake

Dragonfruit cheese cake

Mirin (sweet sake) cake

They even have gingerbread boys and girls! Above is the girl and it was sooo adorable that I couldn't resist getting it. It costs only $2.80 anyways.

I made plum wine jelly too...tada....!! Hur hur...I posted it up on facebook to make my friends jealous. Hiak hiak hiak.

Ok...enough of food. I'm starting to sound like a glutt. :P

Truffles

2010-11-13T11:54:00.000+08:00

During dinner at Din Tai Fung last night, 2 idiots came by and sat down next to my table.

Guy 1: I want to eat truffle dumplings.
Guy 2: Huh? Where is it? (looking through the menu)
Guy1: It's not here...I want to eat it cos I heard about it.

My ears perked up because I love truffles and was hoping that the guy would just say where this truffle dumpling was being sold. However, there is a reason why I called them idiots in the intro.

Guy 1: Anyway, I think it'll taste weird. Sweet and then salty...
Guy 2: Ya...very weird, sweet sweet...

-__-

Guys...truffles are mushrooms. Horribly expensive mushrooms that are harvested by pigs and dogs. They're not chocolates you dohtz. Chocolate truffles were named after these famed mushrooms by mimicking the creamy and velvety texture and flavour.

Some people need to read more...

Movie Review - Due Date

2010-11-13T11:50:00.000+08:00

I went to watch "Due Date" with Let-chan last night and the main reason I went to watch it was for Robert Downey Jr. Gosh...he's such an amazing actor and his acting chops didn't fail in this comedy!

The chemistry between him and Zach Galifianakis is great and you can feel the tension. It's such a funny film and there were moments when you just have to cover your mouth in case flies flew into your wide-open mouth. Yup, there were many jaw-dropping moments that just made you laugh.

Go watch it to unwind and just laugh. :)

Taxi Tales

2010-11-09T21:43:00.000+08:00

I am pretty tired but I just HAD to blog about this. This is one of my many (what I dubbed as) 'taxi tales'. Went into this cab where the driver was a 70-year old uncle. First thing he said, other than asking me where I was going to, was "Thank you! You've saved me. Others wanted to go to Woodlands...by the time I go there and come back, I'll waste petrol. The young ones can drive fast lah."

He then asked me which part of my area I lived, using the super old terms (eg. 11 floors etc). I went, "Uh...I don't know." His prompt reply was, "How could you not know which side you live?" "Uh, because I'm at least 40 years your junior?" was what I mumbled under my breath. Was holding my breath slightly as his cab smelt of pee too. I spotted a can of air freshener in the seat pocket in front of me. Did he already know that his taxi stinks? Was it for me to spray? Was so tempted to do so but I think it would be quite insulting to do that during the ride.

He was NOT kidding when he said that he can't drive fast. Just when I thought that the speedometer would hit 60km/h, he would slow down. He never went beyond 4th gear and the car was creaking along at 4th. Just when the thought of "Oh, he's such a 'safe' driver" ran through my head, he started talking about Elvis Presley and Michael (Michael who?). I thought he was talking to me but soon realised that he was on his mobile phone...without his hands-free!!! His hands-free was hanging around his rear view mirror. Wow...was it there for display???

Wait...there's more. After his phone call, he stopped at the traffic light and went into a mild hacking attack. Eeks...*cough cough* With his furious coughing, he switched on his lights to look for his sweet/ lozenge. He found his sweet, popped one into his mouth and continued driving without switching off his light although the light turned green AFTER he ate his sweet. -__-;

When the uncle finally realised where I was heading to, he went, "Why didn't you just say ***? Everybody knows this place." My answer was that some taxi drivers thought I was going to Sengkang or Punggol. He then said, "Hmmph! Sengkang and Punggol are the worst!" in his most disgusted tone. Ookkkaaaay....

All in all, he's quite a nice driver who complimented my estate, saying that its well built. Haha...and he also wished me a good day. Now...back home to the lovely smells of Baileys and my air freshener. Hold on, the fresh air just outside the cab is good enough.

Sea of Randomness

2010-11-05T01:12:00.000+08:00

Was randomly surfing the web and look what I found!! :) I haven't been translating for months now but I still get a sense of pride whenever I see my work. Hee....

Happy Diwali/ Deepavali to all Hindu friends out there! Have fun!!

New cammie!!!

2010-11-02T22:17:00.000+08:00

Yes!! I finally bought myself a new camera!!! I know that a lot of people have told me that Canon is still the best but I'm a huge Sony fan and I find that their interface is a lot easier to maneuver. Pretty?? They didn't have this model in pink so the best is purple. The salesguy is so helpful too. Thanks Marcus!! We spent a good half an hour trying out all the different cameras and since he's such a photography fan, he started telling me why he's hooked onto the W-series of Sony and although he originally wanted to recommend another camera (which was super expensive), he was nice enough to recommend this 'cheaper' one. :)

Yay....this means that I now have a new cammie to take pics of my jewellery etc!! Now...I must rush for the Christmas sale...keep an eye out for that!

Cheerios!

Misc things that happened last week~

2010-11-01T14:09:00.001+08:00

Last week was a super duper busy week, which is why I haven't had the chance to blog. Anyhows, these are some miscellaneous things that I've been up to:

I made what I'd like to call, a mocha tiramisu. Unlike the traditional tiramisu, I didn't use mascarpone cheese. Instead, I used chocolate mousse (hence the mocha) which I made using a very simple recipe of marshmallows, good quality chocolate, a little bit of butter and whipped cream. I baked a coffee sponge cake, doused it in Kahlua (mmm...yummy) and then topped that with my chocolate mousse. Simply delicious!! I simply googled both recipes...hehe...

On Fri, my colleague braided my hair in this most amazing braid!! Check it out...

Nice? Nice? Nice? Haha...the great thing about the braid is that my hair didn't fly in a mess that evening and I didn't need to care about it being limp and yucky during that evening's event.

Oh...I've got to show off this pair of earrings that I made. It's not very well taken because I took it myself using my iphone. :P I originally made this to wear to my cousin's wedding but I changed my outift at the last minute so I didn't wear it in the end. Do let me know if you like it! I might consider making a variation of this for Oct 1983!

As I type this, my thighs are aching from my 10km run yesterday morning, my eyes are drooping cos I'm sleepy, my nose is semi-stuck and my stomach hurts. As you've probably guessed, I'm on medical leave and am at home. Will rest now...before I start on housework and whats not.

Last thing: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEYS!! Today's All Saints' Day and it is also my little angel/devil (depends on his mood) birthday!! Lots of hugs and kisses to my darling poochies who turns a grand age of 7! :)

Koi = 恋＝来い=bubble tea love!!!!

2010-10-23T13:17:00.000+08:00

This is how 29 cups of bubble tea looks like...

My colleagues and I love Koi Bubble Tea as such, I have actually started a distribution list called "Bubble Tea" and I take orders in a spreadsheet! :P

The pic above is only 15 cups...we started a collection point. Haha...amazing, isn't it? I reckon Koi ought to give us some VIP discount or something like that. Anyhows, I love bubble tea!!! It has been 10 years and I still have not grown out of my bubble tea phase (much to the chagrin of my mum). :D Bubble tea rulez!!

Spa boo

2010-10-21T22:27:00.000+08:00

Reading the news about how Subtle Senses is the latest spa to go under brings the following thoughts:

thank goodness I didn't sign up any package with Wax in the City
thank goodness I used up most of my True Spa package before it was taken over by Subtle Senses
thank goodness my mum used up the base True Spa package before Subtle Sense went under
Subtle Senses took on more than it could chew - all those 'free' members from Wax in the City and True Spa
the business model of all these spas are not profitable in the long term

Regarding the last point, most spas make you buy huge packages worth more than $3,000 while throwing in 'freebies' like an extra treatment and free credit. Well, how long can your $3,000 package last? A pretty long time if each massage only costs about $70/session and if each mani/ pedi is about $40/session. To maintain a certain sales margin, spas ought to target smaller packages to maintain a steady stream of customers which they will renew/ top up more frequently. In addition, allow walk-ins and have lunch specials like Kenko's $10 for 10min shoulder massages. Having computerised system or some sort of system which the customer can see the outstanding value of his/her package after visit is also very essential.

Encourage the sharing of packages so that clients will use up their packages faster AND you spread the name and reputation of your spa because more people are using your services. What better advertising than spreading via word-of-mouth? In addition, spas ought to sell products like facial cleansers, moisturisers, essential oils, aromatherapy thingamajigs, nail polishes etc. That's why most nail parlours are still doing well - they have cheap packages, allow walk-ins and sell nail-related products.

Most importantly - DO NOT HARD SELL!! Customers hate that. Want to win a loyal customer base with excellent reputation? Look at Spa Espirit!

Ok...enough of ranting from me. I am exhausted. I need a foot massage...and facial...and shoulder massage...

Birthday Party Time!! Part Trois

2010-10-16T12:40:00.001+08:00

I had a movie marathon at my place from Fri-Sat morning with my friends! :) Nothing much except to chill and eat!!!

I've got cool Lady Gaga earphones now!! WEEEEEE~~~~~~ Fren to me: We saw it and immediately went, "This is so Mel." Score for them because they didn't read my blog but earphones was on my wishlist!!!

Revisiting my wishlist:

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de toilette (no body lotion please)
~~DKNY Be Delicious (the pink one)~~
Donation to "revamp Mel's failing wardrobe"...the actual wardrobe, not the clothes inside
Donation to get a new digicam
A year's subscription to Elle/ Shape/ Female magazine
~~More sales at www.oct1983.com.sg~~
50% pay rise
To pass my JLPT N2 in Dec
Mulberry Alexa satchel in grape
A boy toy
Face Shop gel masks
SKII miracle water
Vouchers
Dinner at Jaan/ Iggy's/ that Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands
A holiday
~~Skull Candy earphones with the ear hooks! In shocking pink and black!!~~

Haha...ok, points 7-10, 14-15 are just my far-out wishes that my dear friends can't purchase for me.

Cubey bought me jewellery parts to add to my sales on Oct 1983 :D Thanks to everybody for your lovely presents!! :)

Birthday Party Time!! Part Deux

2010-10-14T22:37:00.000+08:00

As mentioned previously, I went to ta.ke bar at Studio M Hotel, a new boutique hotel by the Corpthorne & Millenia group, for the Choya Jazz party. The hotel is supposedly near to Clarke Quay MRT. It's not too far off...but it was about a 15 min walk away. Thank god I was wearing flats but I was perspiring like mad after the walk. I thought I could enjoy the cool air-con of the bar but guess what? It's open-air *slaps forehead*...

What I don't understand were...why did I have to make reservations if the event was:
1. Free Seating
2. No reservations needed

To make things worse, the free flow only started at 7pm but I was there at 6.40pm. Bah...ordered an apple cider to start.

I think the bar's concept isn't too bad. It is quite chill but will I go there again? Not really. Unless I've got friends who are staying at the Gallery Hotel or in Studio M itself. Now, I shall not start on the Choya Jazz event itself. It was probably a success (duhh....tons of people there JUST for the free Choya) but the execution of the whole event could've been done a lot better. The Choya branding wasn't done well enough and the jazz part of the event came on only at 7.45pm!! Hire me to plan!!!!

Anyway, today, I went for my overdued pedicure and check out my pretty nail art!!!!

So adorable, right?? Gosh...so cute...*gushes and stares at nails* I can't get over how cute it is. I was showing my nails off to all my colleagues and even to my mum. To top it off, it only cost me $18. Yup. You read right. EIGHTEEN dollars! I'm not going to blog where the place is because they're already so busy (they've only got 2 manicurist). :P Am being selfish, I know. But I do want to be able to make an appointment. Hur hur...ok...I shall go back to admiring my nails and being in total happiness because *drumroll* I'm on leave tomorrow!!!

Early Birthday Celebrations!!

2010-10-12T22:49:00.001+08:00

Wee~~ my birthday kinda came early as my dad went to Taiwan for business and he asked me what I wanted. So...tada....

Yay!! I've got a new bottle of perfume!! But I will conscientiously use up all the various vials of samples that I've gotten first before opening this beauty!

Revisiting my wishlist:

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de toilette (no body lotion please)
~~DKNY Be Delicious (the pink one)~~
Donation to "revamp Mel's failing wardrobe"...the actual wardrobe, not the clothes inside
Donation to get a new digicam
A year's subscription to Elle/ Shape/ Female magazine
More sales at www.oct1983.com.sg
50% pay rise
To pass my JLPT N2 in Dec
Mulberry Alexa satchel in grape
A boy toy
Face Shop gel masks
SKII miracle water
Vouchers
Dinner at Jaan/ Iggy's/ that Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands
A holiday
Skull Candy earphones with the ear hooks! In shocking pink and black!!

Haha...ok, points 7-10, 14-15 are just my far-out wishes that my dear friends can't purchase for me.

In the office, my dear colleagues were so sweet to order a special cupcake 'cake' for me. I've got the photos but it's in another camera. Will upload it soon. Really saves me the trouble of cutting the cake and distributing it to people. I merely passed the tray to people for them to take a cupcake! :) We had to celebrate a day early because I've got an event tomorrow and my colleague is also involved in another event. So...busy busy day tomorrow!

To make myself feel happy and in the celebratory mood, I did my nails last night (after walking Baileys and waiting for my hair to dry). Nice? Nice?? :D Hee...I'll be doing my pedicure on Thursday and I can't wait for it! My feet need pampering.

Met with Sing just now and after dinner, I had a rum and coke while she had a mohjito. Yes...pre-birthday drinks! Ah well...I guess I wouldn't really have a big bash until I hit the big 3-0. Ok, that is approaching soon. Darn. C'est la vie. In the meanwhile...party!!!!

Birthday Party Time!!

2010-10-11T22:26:00.000+08:00

(Sings) It's my birthday and I'm gonna parrrty....

Haha...ok, it's not quite my birthday. Yet. But I already have plans all lined up! Since I have a work event on my birthday itself, I can't take the day off BUT I am going to have drinks that evening!

Jazz and liquor...lol, reminds of the lyrics from the musical "Chicago". Free flow of Choya!! How can you NOT ask me to go? Well, I'll be there with my best mates enjoying good plum wine and music. Now, if only I will stop bloating!!!

Korean Restaurant - Kim's family

2010-10-09T16:11:00.001+08:00

I think I should become a food blogger. Haha...just kidding. I can't stick to one topic on my blog. Anyway, my mum and I went to this Korean restaurant recommended by my uncle - Kim's Family Korean restaurant.

Look at the number of appetizers!! These come FREE with ANY mains. I'm serious. My mum had a Bibimbap while I had the So-bulgogi (beef). I didn't bother taking any photos of our dishes because they look like any other Bibimbap and Bulgogi although they are very generous with the mushrooms and beef.

We were prepared. We came right smack at noon to avoid the lunch crowd and we came on empty stomachs. I wouldn't say that the appetizers were wow but it was worth it! I only paid $22 for our meal and both of us were full. Which Korean restaurant gives you SOOOO much food for $22? Mind you, all these appetizers are refillable!

The ambiance of the place is like cafe-meets-family living room. There is a huge Samsung TV which they switch on sometimes to show korean dramas and footie matches. There are drawings on the wall (bring a marker if you want to add your graffiti art) which range from cute to advertisements to random 'I was here' notes.

To end off your meal, they will give you a small cup of plum tea (yummy!!) and slices of watermelon. I wouldn't say that this is a 5-star meal but the quality and authenticity is definitely there! All in all, just try! After your meal, you can hop on down to Udders next door for FANTASTIC ice creams!

Kim's Family Restaurant
17 Lorong Kilat
(closed on Sundays)

Birthday Wishlist 2010

2010-10-04T23:51:00.000+08:00

This is an annual affair and I do it despite some friends saying that I'm thick-skinned but yet refer to it every year 'cos they can't think of what to get for me. So here goes my list for 2010!!

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de toilette (no body lotion please)
DKNY Be Delicious (the pink one)
Donation to "revamp Mel's failing wardrobe"...the actual wardrobe, not the clothes inside
Donation to get a new digicam
A year's subscription to Elle/ Shape/ Female magazine
More sales at www.oct1983.com.sg
50% pay rise
To pass my JLPT N2 in Dec
Mulberry Alexa satchel in grape
A boy toy
Face Shop gel masks
SKII miracle water
Vouchers
Dinner at Jaan/ Iggy's/ that Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands
A holiday
Skull Candy earphones with the ear hooks! In shocking pink and black!!

Haha...ok, points 7-10, 14-15 are just my far-out wishes that my dear friends can't purchase for me. I normally come up with a 'NOT' list because I don't want to get a thousand of the same stuff. I still have body lotions from 2 years ago. I've chucked out some....so....here's my "Not to get" list:

Jewellery (unless it's a 1 carat pink princess cut diamond)
Soft toys
Body lotions
Mugs
Photoframes
Candles (scented or non-scented)
Stationery (I don't care if its a Mont Blanc. I only use cheapo gel-ink plastic pens that I chuck everywhere :P)
Keychains (sorry...I've got tons of them and I'm only sticking to my current one)
Shower gel/ soaps (I've got enough to last me till Apr 2011)
Shower scrub
Sponge/ bath poofy thingy (I don't use them)
Pouches (I've got tons of them...heck, I'm even selling them)

Ok...I think that about sums things up! I've organised a movie marathon party after my birthday cos I want to veg out. I plan to take leave on that day too...I seriously need to enjoy my birthday despite me creeping closer to the big 3-0!