.::. Muscles .::.

Upon fitting back into my old dress, I continued with my workout.

I feel so much stronger after being more conscious of what I eat and consistent in my workouts this year.

Got to thank Pak, my ex-colleague, and my inspiration. She's in her 40s, with 3 kids and still maintains her muscles and bikini body through pure hard work and discipline.

And of course, my favourite fitness site bodyrock.tv for the endless motivation and real body rockers transformations which really inspires me.

Asian girls ought to stop being afraid of gaining muscles. Afterall, muscles uses up more calories which means that you can eat more and still lose weight just because you gained more muscles. Without protein powder, it's really impossible to look like a bodybuilder.

.::. Fitting In .::.

I bought this dress about 3 years ago, and I haven't been able to zip it up for a very long time. The zip is really delicate and I didn't dare try pulling it up.

Today, I finally got my sister to zip it up for me. Surprisingly, it came up effortlessly!

I love the ribbon and texture of the dress, and I have never worn it out yet.

*yay! I can fit back into my Size 8 dress. It'll be good if I can shrink one more size, but I think I can live with being this size. =)

.::. Antoinette .::.

We finally made it to Antoinette after hearing all the raves since forever.

It was a rainy Thursday night after work, when Orchard Road was notably quieter.

When I arrived at about 7pm, there was already a few couples waiting ahead of me. As I approached the counter and told them that I was a party of two, I was told to hang around to wait. I enquired if it was possible to leave my number, and the waitress politely told me that they did not offer such a service. I was somewhat perturbed as I was not given a queue number, the manager did not take down my name nor any details, and the people who were before we stood around in groups randomly. I was wondering, how do they remember who came before who and who should be let in first?

Chye arrived not long after and we started looking at their menu and the beautiful cakes on display. And while we were happily browsing, the manager asked if we were a party of two. I looked at her wide-eyed, and reminded her that I am in the queue! Seriously, my initial suspicion was proven right! That was the first hint that service here was not up-to-standard.

There were 3 couples ahead of us and one left after a short-while. We waited for about 45 minutes for a table, with 2 groups ahead of us.

The restaurant seemed to be short-handed and it took awhile before our orders were taken. The wait was acceptable, or perhaps we didn't really notice as we girls were yakking away.

I ordered the salmon thick pancakes while Chye ordered the roast beef crepe. Both were about $15 and pretty good value for money. When the manager approached my table with our food, we saw her trying to shoo flick/shoo away something on my think pancake plate. And after she placed our food on the table, I spotted this small insect (fly?) on my salmon, jumping its way to my salad and getting lost in the lettuce. Obviously, I immediately got the manager to change my food, pointing out that there's an insect in my salad (which she has spotted obviously). She apologised and look mildly surprised while promising to change it. After about a few minutes, she came back with my food, placing it in-front of me with a sorry and walking off immediately. Guess what? That insect was STILL there, jumping around, lost in my salad. I was feeling pretty pissed off then. The waitress came when I waved this time round and promised to change it again. The manager then came back to me and told me that they will 'make a new one for me'. But barely 5 minutes later, my food was placed in-front of me again. Obviously, they did not make a new one for me although the salad was changed. Being famished and wanting to avoid a scene, I simply let it go although the insect was jumping on my salmon and perhaps pancakes too.

The thick pancakes were so delicious that I forgot about the earlier episode in no time. I like my pancakes with maple syrup and butter. I asked for maple syrup to be served together since the menu only says that it's served with butter. But I had to ask for butter separately - perhaps they forgot or replace the butter with maple syrup. The salad was fresh and the salmon was delicious too. I had a mouthful of Chye's roast beef crepe but I didn't like the taste of the beef much, perhaps I'm not a crepe person.

All was good, till we ordered desserts. We ordered a cake and a French toast with salty caramel to go with tea. They didn't allow 'sharing of a pot of tea' so we shared the tea from the same cup! Then, the French toast came but the cake did not ever make it to our table. They simply, forgot. Then again, the French toast was so heavenly that we didn't realized that the cake was missing - till we were too full for anything else. I loved the fragrant vanilla used in the cream on the French toast. Black seeds of real vanilla was visible. We did not like the earl grey tea we bought, which had an overpowering flora taste. The tea bag was left in the pot and the tea turned siap-siap after some time. It made me miss my TWG tea very much. I guess not many places brew and serve you a perfect pot of tea.

When it was time for the bill, we asked the waitress for the bill (the same waitress who took our order for the desserts). But after quite some time, the bill did not come and she went around continuing with her work, oblivious she had a bill to deliver. We asked for the bill again from the manager, and she finally brought it over. We were charged for the cake which never come. Obviously it was waived, and the manager went to check if the cake was still available and whispered to the waitress who forgot our cake.

Although the food was heavenly, the service leaves much to be desired although they were smiling the whole time. They don't seem sincere in serving their customers and I even heard them complaining about a table of customers who 'refused to leave although they have finished their food' when I was waiting outside. This is unacceptable for a place which charges a premium for its food and dessert. Ain't such places for you to chill and chat with your friends over a pot of tea and desserts? Do they seriously expect their customers to leave right after they finish their food? Really?

Comparing my experience at Antoinette to Wild Honey, which is only upstairs and serve food which is as good, the service here really pales in comparison. Despite long waits at Wild Honey, they take down your number and you do not need to wait outside. Although the ordering is at the counter, at least my orders are served correctly (sans insects).

I can't say that I'm not disappointed. The food did not disappoint, but I can't decide if I would want to go back to such treatment and still pay a premium for such service.

Let's see if my craving for delicious pancakes will bring me back again.

.::. Words have power .:;.

他们总是说＂我说你是为你好＂，真的好吗？

I really like this picture/advertisement which is circulating on Facebook these days. It's such a powerful tool, delivering such a powerful message. I guess visuals have power too!

People forget that words are double-edged swords which can cut deeper than anything else, leaving scars which make an impact forever.

The next time you feel like saying something negative, think again. Say it in another way, change your tone, or simply do not say it at all. Think of how you would feel in the recipient's shoe. If it doesn't affect you directly, it's none of you business and don't go judging other people's choices or giving unwanted comments.

Find something positive to say to make someone's day. Give them some encouragement, positive energy and make them smile. The world has enough negativity, too much in fact. No need for more negativity.

I'm still trying, trying to stop letting thoughtless words impact my life, trying to avoid people who would tempt me to spurt out words which may hurt. And I must remember not to become one of those cynical aunties who has nothing positive to say someday! I see so many people, with so much negativity, complaining about everything and everyone. I look at them and wonder, don't they have anything that they are thankful for in life? Don't they have anything nice to say?

I was with my gym-buddy on the stationary bike today, and the topic always goes back to trying to lose weight and look good enough for our wedding someday. Afterall, gym sessions are endured with that aim in mind. We, the ladies who never seem to be slim enough for the society's eyes always have it the worst.

When I thought that my horrible insensitive relatives' comments were bad, hers was worst. Mine constantly asks me to lose weight and question why don't I lose weight. And obviously, they tell me that I have put on weight every single fucking time they see me. At that rate, I would have became obese already! Nothing to say to me? No need to make such small talk about my so-called weight gain. I can still fit into my first Levis I bought 7 years ago, though I'm slightly rounder than my slimmest days! My mum comments on how my huge butt can balance a tray on top or how I look fat some days. These people really makes me feel good about myself. Only god knows how hard I work just to stay in shape and fend off these comments.

Hers? Tells her in her face that she has a big butt and fat thighs - luckily she has a smooth face, else nobody will want her! Her friend had it worst - the future mother-in-law told her that if she (MIL) had her thighs, she would have chopped her legs off. That MIL still asked her to learn how to makeup and doll up, otherwise risk being dumped by her son!

It almost makes me feel better, like I have it better. How can I swallow such comments?! Although these are people whom you call your 'elders' and you should treat them with respect, I believe that due respect is given till proven otherwise. Don't expect people to have any ounce of respect for you when you act like you don't deserve it.

Seriously, what's wrong with these aunties?! What are they thinking when the lash out such remarks?

.::. Monday Blues Be Gone .::.

I dislike Mondays. Who doesn't? What's worst than a rainy Monday morning?! Last week has been hectic, so is this week, and the next. Regional meeting 8am-11pm 4 days in a row!!

But..how not to laugh when he's this cheeky? =)

Thank you for making me laugh.

.::. Circle Line .::.

The circle line has officially opened this weekend.

There was an open house for the public last Sunday and I went, because the boyfriend had to work and needed a lunch partner.

There was an obscene amount of people. It's ridiculous. I don't quite understand why people would love to jostle with the crowds unnecessarily just because the rides were 'free'! You still have to pay for your transport to the Cirle Line Stations!

This was at the Buona Vista Station. Look totally like a normal train station.

And this is the number of people squeezing in the trains!

Here we are. Seriously, if not for the fact that he was working there and wanted company for lunch, I wouldn't have gone down!

This is the new map of our train stations.

Happy squeezing!

Actually, I'm happy that there's trains to Holland Village and Botanical Gardens and Hort Park now~ Perhaps I could do some free and healthy activities during the weekends. =)

.::. Mugging .::.

Have been trying to study these days.

Financial Management paper in 8 weeks or so.

Need to try harder.

.::. W T F .:.

After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says "W T F" .

.::. World Animal Day 2011 .::.

It was World Animal Day a few weeks back and SPCA had an event at East Coast Park. Of course, we brought Chinook along.

Here is the happy dog who loves car rides. Open the car door and he'll help himself in.

And then he starts running around the backseat, to and fro. Look at his muscle tone.

We finally reached our designation and the dog dashed out of the car.

I find this hilarious. Who would do such things along a very crowded beach?

The shy dog. People approaches him and he runs away or pretend they didn't exist.

There are dogs all around.

And then, a couple with a dachshund approached us. He's Kushi and as shy as Chinook, even more so! Another terrier came to join in the crowd.

Kushi.

The friendly couple who was amazed by Chinook's size. Kushi look so small in comparison.

The dog is happy.

Another group of short legs - Corgis.

Towards the end, it was the agility race. Border Collies are such smart dogs!

These 2 dogs were HUGE. They reach your waist.

Here's Chinook tired after all the action and looking at the other dogs race.

The agility course. I wonder if Chinook can ever complete it.

It was a nice day by the beach and we went back as the sun set.

.::. Workout .::.

Wanted to share this page from October's Shape magazine.

I swear by squats and weights.

Seriously, now that I sit 10 hours a day, I see my hips and butt expanding. Although squats has helped so very much, it's the only area which I couldn't get back to 'when-i'm-slimmest' inches.

Still, I'm glad that I'm (almost!!) back to 'normal' size. Although I don't think I'm getting back my 25-inch waist, I'm probably more toned than I ever was. Just need to constantly remind myself to cut sugar, avoid fried and junk food (especially fries), cut carbo, move/walk more, workout regularly, do more squats and lift more weights!

Have you been working out and staying healthy?

.::. Apple Convert .::.

So, I took the plunge and got a 13" MacBook Pro.

How do I feel now?

Lust. Satisfied. High.

Here's my new toy!

I think I got a pretty good deal. Free upgrade to 8GB RAM (and I got to keep the 2x2GB RAM), hard cover case, a palm protector, keypad protector, sleeve and 3rd party wireless mouse. It was the first time I actually looked into a laptop's insides.

I have been contemplating about getting a Mac for the longest time, since many years ago. I was a little apprehensive about getting used to it and compatibility issues.

My last 2 Laptops were Acers. My dad is a big fan of Acer and he got me one when I just started university. And when my dad gets me stuff, I usually don't get to choose. It was a huge machine, but if served me well, for a good 5 years. After 3 years in university and a year at work, it went with me to Sweden. Alas, it was making too much noise for comfort and the battery life was non-existent then. I was so worried that it may die on me in a foreign land while I was writing my thesis. A new laptop would have enabled me to work on my thesis in the library and on the go.

I got the 2nd Acer when I came back for holidays in December. It was another dad's choice. Another Acer, but slim and light and as sexy as a PC can get. I was pretty happy about it, since it was a great upgrade from the 5-year-old Acer. All was good, till it blackout-ed on me in Sweden. Brand new, barely 3 months old. The screen went all black in a foreign land, just when I just started working on my thesis.

Imagine my anguish!

I still remembered feeling so helpless then. Being so far away, without a laptop is being disconnected to the world and home. A Swede helped me to enquire about repairs, but it takes at least a month and is not covered by my warranty. It's going to cost a lot and take a long time. Buying another laptop was out of the question since it's so expensive and comes with Swedish keyboards.

I had no choice. The laptop screen was gone, but it worked perfectly when connected to a screen. Being the poor student I am, I borrowed the huge, old, bulky screen that Swede was willing to lend (for free!). It was godamn heavy and I carried it up trains and bus and walked home with it, just so I can continue using the laptop.

I thought all was good, but the screen turns off by itself periodically and I have to unplug the electrical power and plug it back on for it to work again. I can't tell you how many times I cursed when I worked on my 75-page thesis. I actually lived with this for about 5 months and completed my thesis with it.

I'm thankful for that Swede. He even drove over and picked it up after I'm done with it. It saved me quite abit of money.

Thinking back to my days in Sweden, I really did all sorts of crazy things just to save some money. One of the heaviest thing I carried home was this huge, old, second-hand microwave oven. It cost me $20 instead of $200 for a new one. I collected it from someone's house and carried it home all by myself, getting on the public transport. I didn't even know that I had strength like this.

The 2nd Acer got repaired for free when I came back. But my mum dropped it on the floor after some months and the screen was gone a second time. It cost $300. Barely 3 years old, the screen died on me again. It's the THIRD time!

It was like a cue, for me to get a MacBook!

Seriously, it's not a good time since we're planning on getting our flat soon. It's either a 30k cash downpayment or upcoming renovation. But since there was the 12-month interest-free installment, it isn't too bad.

I've to say that NuBox's service was pretty good. He spent a good hour with me, changing my RAM, putting my protectors and teaching me how to use the features. He even installed the flash player and my microsoft office for me! I'm still pretty much confused really, but I'm loving the scrolling function on the touchpad.

I'm happy! Very happy. I may be able to get another laptop at half the price, but I won't get the same satisfaction and happiness with my purchase. All my pictures suddenly looks a lot nicer! I honestly am willing to pay more for more satisfaction. It's like how people choose to eat at restaurants instead of coffeeshops or how people buy Prada bags.

Surround yourself with beautiful things and things which make you happy. Life is too short for regrets! =)

.::. Sale of Balance flats 2011 .::.

After all the hype and apprehension, the sale of balance flats cum BTO in September 2011 is finally over! *phew.

It has been an emotionally draining week, seeing the numbers of applicants go higher and higher, with my chances of getting my flat lower and lower. I can’t help but keep refreshing the results page everyday at 8am, 11am, 2pm and 5pm everyday although the jump in numbers never fails to faze me. I can't help being obsessed about important things like that, and all I do is keep doing more research and getting more information to satisfy my curiosity. Knowledge is power, they say.

The final results for BTO and SBF were out at 2pm today, and the results will be known in mid-October for the BTO exercise and end-October for the Sale of balance flats. Selection of flats starts from November.

We have just started our quest for our own flat, and I have heard many horror stories of how many times people have failed in their balloting. It’s honestly ridiculous. In 2010, HDB released 17,700 new BTO flats. About 16,000 BTO flats have been released this year with 8,200 more for this September release and another 4,200 in November. Despite the 34,000 flats released in the past 20 months, almost 30,000 applicants applied for the September release! That would mean that more than 60,000 Singaporeans are waiting to buy flats?!

Anyway, we were contemplating between the Clementi and Queenstown (SBF), 4-room flats. Bukit Merah is out since it will definitely be ridiculously oversubscribed. There are 2 projects under Queenstown – Ghim Moh Valley and Strathmore Green. Both have already been completed and keys are available straightaway. The Clementi one is called Casa Clementi at Clementi Avenue 1, which TOP in August 2013 officially. However, rumours have it that it will be ready for keys collection in Q1 2012.

Since this will probably be our biggest purchase, we actually went down to all the sites to look-see before deciding which to go for. All 3 of them are about 0.8m or 10 minutes from the train station and consists of mainly left over flats from the SERS. I’m used to walking to the train station and I very much prefer walking than waiting/squeezing on buses, so I didn’t mind any of the 3 projects.

Strathmore Green is tucked deep inside Strathmore and it’s a very quiet neighborhood with all the older residents from the SERS already living there. It’s somewhat intimidating for the old people there knew each other by name! We took a lift up a random block just to take a look, and saw the residents there greeting each other by name. The flats were pretty tall, but did not seem to have much of a view (perhaps it was too dark at night?). We didn’t see many shops nearby, and bus-stops were a distance away too. We found it too quiet to our liking.

New stop was Ghim Moh Valley, and I actually liked the location very much. It is about 5 minutes walk away from Ghim Moh Market with many shops in that area and a community center. The train is also about 10 minutes away, with the Circle Line interchange opening just this weekend. The area is pretty and tranquil with a nice bridge and canal to run along. The only big minus is the proximity to train tracks with really loud noises which we could not accept. Many units left are facing the train tracks, especially blocks 26 and 27. We went up to the 5^th floor and then to the 28^th floor and the train noise was very audible. I can’t imagine living with it, especially on weekend mornings! I really wonder if those who have balloted for these projects actually visited these sites before choosing?

Since there were very little choice units left in Ghim Moh Valley and we did not like the quiet neighborhood in Strathmore, we gave Queenstown a miss.

Casa Clementi is not exactly near the train station, but the stadium and public swimming pool is just 3 minutes away. NTUC and Clementi central are 5 minutes away, with Clementi Mall about 10 minutes away. It’s still under construction though all buildings look ready. There were people milling around when we were there. They must be like us, checking the projects out before submitting the ballot.

We eventually chose Clementi, since I prefer to be near malls and amenities. I love it that banks, supermarkets, malls, restaurants, coffeeshops and markets are all within walking distance away. I don’t exactly like Queenstown since apart from the slight proximity to town, there is nothing much around and I would need to head into town for any errands and shopping. Moreover, Clementi has good primary schools and is so near to Jurong East with 2 upcoming HUGE shopping malls. Clementi is also nearer to my parents’ place and our weekly dinner at Jurong Point.

My chances are about 20%, and well, not very high. I'm hoping that many applicants are 2nd timers. But then again, I only need ONE flat while there are 287 for me to choose from. Many other SBF and earlier BTO had much lower chances. And yes, I’m trying very hard to be positive and attract all the good energy around me.

Wish me luck!

On a separate note, if I get it, I'll be married new year. =O

.::. Organized .::.

Are you one who uses organizers, or have you upgraded to electronic organizers?

I'm one of those who never fails to get an organizer every single year. My organizer MUST have a month-view and I don't really care about weekly/daily views since I graduated from school. I simply do not have so many things to write anymore. I just need an overview of the month and my appointments, income and expenses.



This is my 2011 organizer. It's really cute.

And today, I got my 2012 organizer. Super cute too.

I'm girly in a way, I tend to buy pinkish and cute stuff. But I never do buy any pink clothes nor bags and shoes. It's just that I like to add such cute touches to the little things I carry.

I love scribbling on my little organizer when I day dream and plan my life for the year, set saving goals, plans for holidays, shopping lists or any ideas that come across my mind. It's during these me-time that I evaluate my life and let my imagination run wild.

So yea, I reckon that my organizers is pretty juicy and personal. It has always been, and I have kept all my organizers since Secondary school! It still makes me smile when I flip through those pages.

.::. Red Heels .::.

I bought my first pair of red heels a few weeks back. It was on 40% at Tang Studio, when we passed by it during lunch time. How can I say no to such pretty shoes when it's like less than $40?!



I really love it. The boyfriend says that I always buy the same kind of shoes - those with a ribbon or bow infront.

Men just don't get it.

They can balantly say that it's the same when it's obviously different.

One thing I don't quite like is the sling-backs. It cuts into my skin/meat at the side of my feet.

Just when it was getting more comfy and easy to walk in, the bottom part of the heel (the stopper?) dropped off when I walked in the rain. Gotta bring it for repairs. =(



Doesn't it look awfully similar to this pair of Prada heels?

I'm falling in love with Prada. Have you seen their new collection this season?

.::. Gym & Men .::.

Yesterday was gym-day as usual.

BodyCombat or Kickboxing is one of my favourite classes, and apparently many others' favourite since it's always very crowded and you don't have much space. The lack of space can potentially wreck a workout since I've seen people arguing over it.

I became a 'victim' at yesterday's class since I was standing right in-front of this pillar with fire extinguisher and obviously I can't go backwards much. This very fit and muscular guy standing in-front of me had plenty of space in-front of him but refused to move! Then, he stepped really hard on my feet when moving backwards. The worst thing was that he turned back sharply and stared very rudely/fiercely at me, like he wanted to punch me. I was taken aback, yet annoyed and irritated at the same time. This dumbass didn't even look apologetic when he stepped on a girl's feet so with so much strength! So I spent moments feeling damn pissed off, cursing him and thinking if he's a self-absorbed (short) gay. What's the point of looking so fit but have no sense of social grace?! But I'm not going to let him ruin my workout! Then I tried to stay as far from him as possible. Luckily, BodyCombat is a class which enables you to vent all your frustrations through your punches and kicks. The lesson passed by so quickly as I punched with all my might.

The funniest thing? He came up to me after the class to apologise. Can't say I wasn't shell-shocked, coming from the same guy who threw daggers at me with his eyes not long ago. I almost thought he wanted to pick a fight or something. But he actually said sorry. And when I said it's okay, he even apologized again, saying that he knew he was very fierce earlier on.

A little entertainment for the monotonous week. My gym-buddy even had a dream that my head got bitten by a tiger, and then stitched back by a doctor yesterday night. It must have been because of this little incident.

.::. Dolling Up .::.

When was the last time you dolled up?

I just did last Saturday.



Honestly, I don't doll up often enough. Work days are, well, work days. And I prefer to be relaxed and comfortable on weekends. You will probably find me with minimal makeup, jeans and tee with my birkies.

Dolling up makes you feel good. But most of the time I find it less comfortable, worrying about adjusting that dress and some excess flab which may choose to play peek-a-boo.

I'm lazy by nature and the only reason why I took the effort was...

His birthday.

I even made him a card, though it was really a very simple one.

I took him out for a nice dinner.

The only group picture of us.

I like it. Not because I look pretty in it, but because my arms actually look slim!

My arms never do look slim.

*jumps around happily.

Looks like the hard work for the past 6 months has paid off. I'm going to continue those 50-reps-a-day triceps curls and weight training. I'm really particular about my arms now for I conclude that toned arms are the most crucial for looking good in a wedding dress.

I'm going for my favourite kickboxing lesson tomorrow!

.::. Racing Against Time .::.

It's Monday. Again.

I managed to get off work on time and came home in time for a jog before the sun sets.



I was out by 6,40pm. And I had to run quickly to enjoy the scenery before it turns dark.

There were already so many people jogging around.

This is Jurong Lake. I walk past it everyday, and I always wanted to come jogging around it. It looks so calm and tranquil.

There are old people sitting on the benches, couples resting after a run, middle-aged people playing cards and toddlers enjoying themselves.

They build a new viewing deck into the lake, it was my first time there.

Walking on the viewing deck.

It reminds me of my favourite beach nearby my place in Sweden. I always walked to the beach whenever I had some free time and dropped by the supermarket on the way back. It was so beautiful and I felt really carefree staring into the horizon. Seriously, if Sweden had food as good as Singapore, I don't mind staying there for good. I love the cooling weather, the slower pace of life and there's H&M for shopping.

I spent so many afternoons lazing on the decks and reading books while enjoying the breeze. Alas, this is no longer possible in Singapore when I'm sweating all day long.

Walking along the deck.

Look at the beautiful twilight.

There's even a fountain in the middle of Jurong Lake!



I jogged all the way to Chinese Garden, but it was closed.

Then it was time to head back again.

Monday no blues.

I love the area around Jurong Lake, it's really a relaxing area to jog and stroll. And I love it that my place is within walking distance to the train station and takes 30 minutes to reach town. No wonder housing prices are rising so much around here! I'm also seeing alot of Caucasians around these days.

I really would like to live near a park or some nature for jogging in future. It's just not the same as running on the treadmill in the gym.