Happy New Year to all...
Althought I didn't get a little tiger this Christmas...I have little leopard with me to wish all Happy New Year! 
Did GM write to The Straits Times? Why is it that ST is reporting what is in GM's mind?!?
Holidays are supposed to be happy events...however, recently, I've read of 2 groups of people, who had their holidays terminated abruptly.
1st: The group of Thais who went to Cameron Highlands in Malaysia and had a coach accident, resulting in 25 deaths.
I thank God that T and her family returned safely from Cameron Highlands the week before this news broke.
2nd: A couple were on a flight to Amsterdam when the wife became seriously ill, and had almost no pulse when the plane had an emergency landing in Romania. She was found to be suffering from ectopic pregnancy and had to have part of her uterus removed.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1100844/1/.html
Well, that's life...always bringing things when u least expect it..hence, we should seize the day and live life to the fullest for our family and loved ones.
So here's wishing you and your family happy holidays!
Something to go with a nice dress and shoes...
Was looking forward to receiving a special little tiger for Christmas...but perhaps there was some confusion and the tiger became 小琥 aka lizard hence 小琥 had to be flushed down the toilet! So good bye 小琥!
Something packed in turquoise box...
a lion cub
a leopard cub
I am now a veteran on internet shopping with 2 purchases under my belt! One thing about shopping online is that u need to have patience for the goods to be delivered to your doorstep. Sometimes, this includes a first delivery to your overseas address and a second delivery to your home address...and unless the article is not available in Singapore, the cost of delivery to Sg might not be worth your while at all...but one thing is sure, I know I am addicted....the ease of shopping anytime...in the privacy of your own home....
Now I am waiting for the goods to be delivered to my place...having travelled from Ohio in the States, to Hong Kong and to our little red dot island...I wonder where it is now...does DHL do deliveries on Saturdays? I called DHL Singapore on Friday and was informed that my article would only reach me on Monday....
Didn't use to like to eat crabs cause I didn't think it was worth the hassle...however, it all changed after I was introduced to the black pepper crab at Eng Seng Coffee Shop many years back.
Actually I didn't know the name of the zichar store, but I knew I had to google it after the disappointing time at Mellben some weeks back, reading some online reviews, I am glad that Eng Seng's crabs are still bringing in the crowds...although the coffeeshop itself seems have gone from bad to worse...as it now boost additional long-kang smells....
Wonder when I would next have the chance to try Eng Seng Crabs again....
247/249 Joo Chiat Place Singapore
Beside Malacca Hotel
Had this crazy idea to try preparing laksa when I saw Hai's laksa paste at NTUC... GM said that they are not worth trying as he swears by Prima Taste, which has the most authentic taste for such local fare....but somehow, I wanted to try Hai's when I saw that Prima Taste cost double!
So last Thursday, I bought a packet of Hai's laksa paste at NTUC, together with thick beehoon, and fried beancurd...so that I can reproduce nice laksa at home (I hope). The bean sprouts at NTUC didn't look fresh so I had to buy them at the wet market. GM was adamant that I use coconut milk and not fresh milk..so had to get it from NTUC again. As usual, I had to forget some ingredient...and this time it was fishcake!!! In addition, I didn't have time to cook hard boil eggs....so perhaps the authenticity was further reduced.
After pouring in the laksa paste into the pot of boiling water, I had a shock! The laksa gravy was sprouting like lava in a volcano and messed up the whole cooking area....in addition, there was a thick coat of chili oil in the gravy...and I had to scoop it up gently before I threw in the fried beancurd.
Somehow, I would say that the gravy lacked the oomph! Perhaps it was because I only bought 200ml of coconut milk (instead of 250ml as stated in the laksa packaging), perhaps, it was because I added in 850ml of water instead of 800ml (was too lazy to pour out the extra 50ml when I realised that I had misread the instructions on the laksa packaging). So perhaps can't blame the paste, but my precision or lack thereof, which makes GM so mad.
Anyway, for the mess, I think it's better to eat out when one feels like laksa...
Someone bought nice soft buns (叉烧包）for us...it was so nice that I took a picture of the box, so that I know where to get it next time.
It's supposed to be quite famous, if u r in the vicinity...pls buy some for me :P
Delicious pineapple tarts from Taiwan
My colleague bot these delicious pineapple tarts from Taiwan...it was no wonder they disappeared v fast.
Someone gave me this card and asked for the 太阳饼 from here...it's not bad...u can order when u r there.
Lamb ribs - $12+
Lobster porridge - $29.90 each
Long Xia Zhou Shi Jia
Orchard Central
#08-09/10
GM suggested going to Long Xia Zhou Shi Jia as his colleague had recommended it + they were having a 1-1 promotion with DBS card for the Lobster porridge.
Well, I had expected long queues, hence was not too keen to go, but we were in luck, as it was still not dinner-time, and we were quickly ushered to an available table.
With the 1-1 promotion, it worked out to below $30 per pax.
Steamed crabs
Claypot crabs (with meehoon)
Butter crabs
Disappointing frog-legs
Blk 232 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #01-1222 Singapore 560232
Tel: +65 6285 6762
It was a Friday night and the crowds were thick at AMK Ave 3. Good thing that XB managed to reserve a table before hand, and we could just walk to our table. [Note: reservations allowed only during weekdays].
We have heard about many raves about the good food around AMK, hence we came with high expectations. I would say that the taste was alright, but the crabs were abit disappointing. I've had better crabs before where the flesh could be easily removed from their shells...the frog-legs were a total let-down.
Melben even placed a notecard on each table stating that they are not responsible if the crabs are not meaty enough.
If you ask me, I would not bother to go there again when there are so many better eating places around.
With our group of 8 pax, it worked out to S$36 per pax.
Everytime we walk by Itacho @ Ion, there would be a long queue outside...so I thought the food must be nice...so decided to give it a try when I found myself alone at Orchard.
Well, being alone, I couldn't order alot..so didn't find the food very spectacular.
Managed to finish another book by Paulo Coelho...didn't really like this book's ending...
But as always, he always have some notable quotes.
"SMS - things that take 5 mins to be written and only 10 sec to be spoken"
"A diamond is the supreme manifestation of human vanity"
"What does it mattter where diamonds are from, as long as they shine?"
"Total power means total slavery. When you get that far, you don't ever want to give up."
"We can't destroy the planet, if we overstep the mark, the planet will simply ease us from its surface and carry on existing. Because 'saving the planet' gives a sense of power, action of nobility. Whereas 'not letting the planet destroy us' might lead to feelings of despair and impotence, and to a realisation of just how limited our capacities are."
哭到喉咙沙哑还得拼命装傻
我故意视而不见你外套上有她的发
她应该非常听你的话
她应该会顺着你的步伐
乖乖的呆在家
静静的守着电话
我已剪短我的发剪断了牵挂
剪一地不被爱的分岔
长长短短短短长长
一寸一寸在挣扎
我已剪短我的发剪断了惩罚
剪一地伤透我的尴尬
反反覆覆清清楚楚
一刀两断你的情话你的谎话
Do girls cut their hair to make a statement?
If so? What is my statement?
Wiped out 10 years of my history...
I am now back to the haircut of my schoolgirl days...
Thought that no guy would look at me anymore now that I do not have the security of my locks...but wonders of wonders... colleagues, especially male colleagues surprised me when they commented that I look nice in my new haircut...
I didn't know that Alfredo and carbonara refers to different kind of cream sauce..I thought they were all the same...until I was at the supermarket and trying to buy cream sauce...
Well, for carbonara sauce, I read that it is made with bacon, eggs, black pepper..and guess what? I read that the cream sauce is actually the American version, the italian version is without cream...just plain bacon, eggs & black pepper!
It just shows how much we know about our food...but since GM prefers Chinese food, I guess I don't have much opportunities to try cooking the real carbonara!
When we were at J&J's place, they prepared this for us saying that it is very easy...so I decided to try making it too...not too bad...but theirs taste nicer.
•1 pound thinly sliced beef * It tastes better if the beef slices are very thin.
•A handful of shirataki noodles (made from yam cakes) or cellophane noodles
•7-8 shiitake mushrooms
•1 block enoki mushrooms
•1 medium negi
•1/2 Chinese cabbage
•1 yaki-dofu (grilled tofu)
•For sukiyaki sauce:
•1/3 cup soy sauce / 3 tbsps sake (Japanese rice wine) / 5 tbsps sugar / 3/4 cup water
•For dipping: 4 eggs
Preparation:
Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces. Arrange all ingredients on a large plate and place the plate at the table. Mix soy sauce, sake, sugar, and water to make sukiyaki sauce. Set an electric pan or a skillet at the table. *After this point, everything is done at the table as you eat. Heat a little oil in the pan. Fry some beef slices, then pour sukiyaki sauce in the pan. Add other ingredients when the sauce starts to boil. Simmer until all ingredients are softened. Dip the cooked sukiyaki into the raw, beaten eggs and begin to eat. As the liquid boils away, add more sukiyaki sauce.
Follow this link to see how it is prepared:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fex-kBw1zUg&feature=related
GM wanted to get KDK fans...cos he complained that the fans that I bot previously are too noisy...while at XE's place, she also recommended her KDK fans and advised us to buy the new model...see the back of the fan is so flat!
GM's dad said that the water heater at their place wasn't too good. He was looking for 707 but couldnt' find it. So when we saw a place selling 707 water heaters, we quickly ordered. This is our 707 water heater. Don't understand why there is a need for 2 knobs
The beginning of being an auntie...google for receipe...found this receipe which was quite easy to prepare...
Chicken & potato soup. Serves 2
Prep time: 15 min, Cook time: 45 min, ready in 1 hr
Ingredients
5 g butter
190 g skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - diced
1 large onion, diced
215 g potatoes, diced
1 (15 ounce) can carrots, drained
1 (10 ounce) can peas, drained
1 (11 ounce) can corn, drained
40 ml milk
80 ml water, or as needed
hot pepper sauce to taste
salt to taste
ground black pepper
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, and cook the chicken 10 minutes, or until evenly browned and juices run clear.
Mix the onion into pot with the chicken. Mix in potatoes, carrots, peas, and corn. Pour in milk an enough water to cover all ingredients. Season with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and continue cooking 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
For those looking for massage in foreign lands....these are the massages that I've been to:
1. Batam
Sport Massage Centre & Spa
www.sportmassagecentre.com
2. Shanghai - Pudong
Tang Massage 和中堂- 足道
浦东新区向城路29号B16C座
Tel: 021-50583006
www.hezhongtang.com
www.tangmassage.com
The not so great view from the 27th floor
St Regis Hotel next door...
Although this is my 4th time flying into Shanghai Pudong Airport (3rd time for work purposes), the city still seems very new to me...
This time, I stayed at Holiday Inn Pudong at 东方路...
The bed
The WC
The bathtub 
Choice of soft and firm pillows 
1st time taking MC and staying at my own place...at first,I thought I would feel uneasy being alone in this place, but I was wrong, I feel so relaxed and at ease...
Since the floor space is not big, doing housework is a breeze! Still, I only managed to sweep the floor and do the laundry...
The utility room converted to walk-in wardrobe
Big brown sofa
King Koil bed
MBR curtains
Saw this sms from K, who was quoting A. Indeed, many of us worry about the future...or think that we still have time to do this or that.
But we forget that our lives are not in our hands...
It is true that we should treasure the present moment, and do what matters in eternity...the friendship and other relationships that we foster....and of course think about what would happen to us when we reach the end of our lives on earth.
Always liked this brand of household products, but since I did not have a need to buy for my house, I didn't bother to check out their prices...just assumed that the price was too high for me...
Yesterday, while flipping through the papers, saw that there was this warehouse sale on Leifheit and it was in the west part of Sg...so wanted to go to check it out. But GM was adamant that a warehouse sale is not a time to check out prices...he said that I should have researched the prices thoroughly prior to this.
I don't understand why there is this expectation of a wife...to know prices of all these...I AM NOT AN AUNTIE OK!!!! Can't rattle of prices at the supermarket like my telephone number!
Anyway, to GM, to go to a warehouse sale, means one is prepared to buy...well, I don't know what got over me... we bought a mop + ironing board, which was way beyond my budget for household products. Feeling lousy now...that we spent so much....
And it's just a low tech thing...not even this high-tech mop!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiKrJjN9SNg
Today is like the 3rd time that we went to IKEA and came back empty handed...each time we go, we say that we need to get this or that. In the end...we still left empty-handed.
Today, we were supposed to buy:-
1. Basin mirror
2. Dining table + chairs
3, Plastic container for toothbrush and paste
& also check out the curtains selection.
Basin mirror
None of suitable size...all too big for our little area...in the end, we went to a neighbourhood shop at Alexandra Village. Nice and cheap.
DIY Bathroom + Fans
Blk 123 Bukit Merah Lane 1 #01- 09
Tel 6270 9239
Business Hours: 9.30am to 8pm.
How I came to know of this place? Passed by while having lunch...
Dining Table + chairs
We were informed by IKEA staff that we have to order it only when we want to purchase it or only 3 days in advance if we require delivery. So we have to go back 3 days before our planned delivery date.
Plastic container
Can't seem to find the one which mum bought. :(
Curtains
LP who were also doing renovation for their place bot IKEA curtains for their place due to "budget constraints". I also liked IKEA curtains, but GM didn't believe in wasting time to sew our own curtains or if we buy ready-made ones....they won't have the exact fit for our window size...so we had our curtains tailor-made.
We ordered our curtains at
Kar Bee Company
Blk 449 Clementi Ave 3 #01-249
Tel: 6777 8115
Served by Edward
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 7:45pm
We chose them cause we liked their curtains selection...and also they were cheaper than the place that quoted us at Tanjong Katong...and definitely closer to our place.
How I came to know of this place? This store has been there since as long as I remember...but somehow, no one I know have used them before...
I originally wanted this for my utility room windows...
However, as the size doesn't seem to fit, I had to pass on it.
看到这本书的名便对它感到兴趣， 便把它借回家读...
其实这本书是在教读者如何策划新家， 但似乎也有作者对爱情的看法。在某页读到：
爱情就像投香油钱。我们到神社拜拜投香油钱，完全是出自本身的意愿，而不是故意要表现给他人看。
平常只要想向对方表达感谢，就悄悄将手中的香油钱投在对方心里。每次投个一元，十元的小硬币，对方或许无法察觉这轻轻送出的情感。
但某一天你猛然发现。其实，对方也投了不少香油钱在你心里，在不知不觉间自己已接受了对方这么多的爱。或许这就是支持着你生活的力量。
All of us must be so muted that we have no sense of danger at all...
Today, on the bus on the way to work...I was about 2 stops away from the bus stop when I heard someone telling the driver that there was smoke coming out from the back of the bus...turning to the back of the bus...indeed there was white smoke bellowing from behind the bus!
However, the bus driver didn't stop to let the passengers alight immediately...he drove off and continued til he reach the next bus stop. I quickly alighted although I was only 1 stop away...wonder why the other passengers didn't alight too...don't they have a sense of danger?
Overhead the bus driver calling back to his depot to inform that the bus was overheated... hence there was really a possibility of the bus catching fire...but all the passengers seem only interested to reach their stop without thinking about the danger. It's good that the bus didn't catch fire...
Finally had a chance to go Batam ...this time it was for Church Retreat...had planned to go Batam with different group of friends for massage but in the end...none came to fruitation, so it's good that I finally went!
We stayed at KTM resort...the place is not very new...but it was good as we could have the 2 bedroom villas as we were a group of 15. It seems that not many resorts / hotels in Batam offer villas / rooms that can fit 4 in a room.
No pictures of the rooms as they are not very fantastic...just a pix of the sea...(no sandy beach here!)
Actually from our front door, we can make-out Singapore's profile...the building that we can identify the easiest is MBS, but my phone-camera is not made for taking such photos...
Most should have heard about the long Q at Ippudo ramen at Mandarin Gallery. Well, if it is really so good, then we had to try it in Japan...from the guidebook, we read that Ippudo was within walking distance from our hotel in Osaka, hence when we reached our Hotel at around 11am that day, we quickly went to Ippudo to beat the lunch crowd.
There was no Q at that time, the ramen was really good! And the Q formed when we were having our ramen..so we quickly vacated our seats when we have finished to make way for others....
Somehow didn't know how to adjust the camera on my phone to take better pictures...
Anyway, we knew we had to try Ippudo in Sg so that we can compare...there was no way we were going to wait an hour for our food, so we had an early dinner at around 5+...no need to Q too...Hee!
The Kawaii bento set that J bot for us! Can't remember the price...but they were on half price so we grabbed!
Everything from Japan is kawaii...see my meal onboard Cathay Pacific on the outbound flight from Osaka...with the kawaii rice roll and carrots
Found this book on Kyoto's sakura: Cherry Blossoms of Kyoto...see the sakura at their best
Takasegawa River
Philosopher's Path
Ryonji 
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kiyomizudera Temple