Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Long Champ PLANÈTES Tote bag

Going to seek colleague's assistance to buy back 2 of Planetes tote bags from Paris.


1 for me & 1 for Mama.


1 black & 1 navy.


Hopefully she likes.


I assume it is as durable as it seems to be without requiring much maintenance.


Finding it hard to decide on the sizing though...


31x30x19 cm or 25x25x14 cm?


Comments on the range & dimensions anyone?


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Saturday, May 26, 2012

Birdcages @ Novotel wedding

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Birdcages have been used as part of wedding decorations for quite some time.

This is the first wedding I came across that uses birdcages with lit candles as part of the aisle decoration.

Super likey!

Such a soft romantic feel...

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

If you want to change lanes...

 Kindly do the necessary checks before swerving into someone's lane...


Idiotic van driver who indirectly damaged 2 cars but managed to got off scot-free...


You will get what you deserve one day!

Diablo III-ing

I am glad that I am not a Diablo III widow...

But I am quite irritated at the internet connection/the server...

Somehow I prefer Diablo II which allows me to complete quests offline... 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Scrapbooking

Attended this scrapbooking workshop organised by Craft in Vogue recently together with Sis.


It was a rather basic session whereby we learn how to make paper rose (I fail terribly at it!) and also the basic concepts of scrapbooking.


I have actually created a digital photobook earlier & I would say scrapbooking involves similar concepts.


The correct placement of photos so that it will look more pleasing...


The theme that will fit the chosen photos...


The decorating material involved...


It might take eons before you get the final product but when you finally reach the endpoint, the results can be quite satisfying.


Started the bottom left product for the both of US during the scrapbook session.


Spent ages choosing the 'right' background paper.


Placement of the photos was a breeze but decoration was a headache.


Finally completed the product a few days after that with little items that are symbolic in our relationship.


I sewed the 2 'yellow-ribbon-look-alike' ribbons together with the school buttons on to the scrap paper and clipped on 2 tiny figurines on the string attached to the scrap paper.


I guess I can be considered a Karang Guni woman as I kept things as long as I felt that they might be useful in the near future which is not really healthy considering the limited storage space I have.


The top 2 items are created for my 2 Mothers for the purpose of Mother's Day.


They looked really simple and plain but it was the best that I could come up with and I hope they will like it!


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Friday, May 11, 2012

Nook Simple Touch

Ordered Nook Simple Touch at http://www.barnesandnoble.com

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http://www.barnesandnoble.com


Hopefully it will be as good as the Nook Colour which is quite user friendly but its touchscreen has started to fail us.

I am quite resistive to e-Book readers as I felt that the act of reading seems to be distorted when it is done electronically.

The enjoyment I gained in reading is somehow linked to the fact that I am in contact with the physical book.

The flipping of pages, placing of bookmarks, ink pressed pages...

I also don't like the glare/brightness of the e-Book readers' screen.

Somehow my eyes gets tired easily and I won't get to enjoy the reading process for long.

Nook Simple Touch is supposed to have E Ink display whereby users are able to read under the bright sun with no glare.

Planning to use it as my daily transport companion instead of using iPhone as my e-reader.

I certainly hope that it is as light as what the website claims.

More details on Nook Simple Touch can be found at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/nook-simple-touch-barnes-noble/1102344735

Wonder if there will be anyone else who will be interested in getting Nook Simple Touch too?

Thinking of organising a spree...

Thursday, May 10, 2012

A wedding and a funeral in a weekend...

Kind of sad that it is only May but so many not-so-nice stuff have been happening around us.


Illness of close ones...
Deaths of relatives/people that I know...


On the brighter note, there are also numerous weddings this year.


I guess this kinds of balance things but I am just not good at dealing with negative aspects of life...

Monday, April 30, 2012

Review of Magic Washing Balls (Made in Korea)

Order these Magic Washing Balls from gmarket about a week back and received them this morning.

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Tried these items a few hours back with our full load of laundry and I would say the results are comparable to our usual detergent.

The nice soapy scent... The level of cleanliness...

 Hopefully the results would remain consistent for the next 999 uses as stated by the seller!

Imagine the amount of detergent we can save $_$

Clarisonic Mia (Pink)

Just bought Clarisonic Mia online for S$100 via alldealsasia.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System - Pink
http://skincarerx.com

Have been thinking of getting a Clarisonic after reading various reviews online but was not able to really decide which model to get even with the help of the comparison table from Clarisonic.

There are so many various models to choose from.

Came across this deal recently which is really too good to miss.

S$100 inclusive of local registered delivery proves to be too tempting.

It is currently selling at US$119 at Skincarerx, not taking into account the shipping cost from US to Singapore.

Hopefully, it will helps to improve my skin condition, especially the T-zone with its usual supply of blackheads.

Some benefits of Clarisonic sonic cleaning:

- Best cleansing system directly from USA

- Removes makeup 6x better than any traditional methods with just 60 seconds

- Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size

- Cleanses so thoroughly that prepares skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers

- Creates noticeably healthier looking skin

- Gentle enough to use 2x a day

The alldealsasia voucher includes:

- Pink Clarisonic Mia(TM) Skin Cleansing System with 1 head (Sensitive)

- Trial size Gentle Hydro Cleanser

- 3 pin plug for singapore usage

- 1 Year Warranty against all manufacturing defects except any human mis-handling

So looking forward to getting the parcel!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Subsequent addition to the family - Squeaky & Nami

We thought of adopting another male hamster as a playmate to Fly ever since we observed that he gets quite depressive sometimes.


I stalked Singapore Hamsters Club everyday and finally adopted 2 hamsters from a forum user.


We actually only wanted just 1 hamster but the owner preferred both to be adopted together.


After discussing with HIM, we decided to just go ahead with the adoption which lead to a series of unfortunate events!


Instead of just 1 hamster, we adopted 2...


These supposed-to-be-male hamsters as assured by the owner turned out to be FEMALES...


These 2 hamsters which were cohabiting in peace previously started fighting when introduced into their new cage...


Seriously, the situation almost got out of control.


We did not get the playmate for Fly as we intended...


Instead of just preparing 1 cage, we had to setup 2 cages...


Anyway, these 2 hamsters are much more fierce as compared to Fly.


Introducing the tamer 1 - Squeaky which will squeak when she is feeling threatened.



Next is Nami which is like a watch dog. Always on the alert!




They are starting to grow on us though.


Our first activity once we get home is to check on them and 'play' with them for at least a few minutes before carrying on with other activities.


Although having  3 hamsters in 3 cages is more than what we had bargained for, the pleasure and laughter we get from them is all worth it!


Saturday, April 14, 2012

New addition to the family - Fly

It is only natural to have a new addition to the family although we have still yet to finish up on the painting =0

Initially, we reared guppies but the population fluctuates at ridiculous rate due to our inexperience.

Buy 10 guppies... 8 died... Buy another 10... 6 died... 20 babies! 15 babies died...

Too traumatizing and changing of water was a pain especially with babies guppies in the tank.

I managed to find a fellow podder who was willing to let us adopt a hamster from her.

But we backed out in the last minute and decided to adopt from SPCA instead.

Somehow, I felt more comfortable with this decision and I would also get to see and 'choose' the ONE which I felt a bond with.

At the SPCA, each cage contains only 1 hamster and all cages are stacked into another netted cupboard to protect the tiny beings from the cats caged in the same room enclosure.

We had some difficulties trying to spot a hamster which we felt a bond with.

Trying to peek in with squinting eyes and spot the hamsters hidden in the dark cages.

But it was all very exciting.

We knew we wanted an active one and were keeping a lookout for one that is on the move.

We selected Fly who was 1 of the more active ones and were given the chance to interact with him.

It was love at first sight when Fly allowed us to cup him in our hands.

Introducing Fly - our winter white hamster son!

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I would say it is worth a trip going down to SPCA especially if you are 'picky' and love at first sight is an important criteria in your selection process.

You will get to interact with your selected hamster before adoption and the staff are quite friendly.

Furthermore, you are doing a good deed by re-homing these abandoned hamsters.

Do take note that you have to bring along an empty cage and there is an adoption fee of $10.

For more information, check out http://www.spca.org.sg/

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Scanteak - Negative review

Bought quite a number of items from Scanteak and they were delivered on Sat.

Imagine our horror when we realized 2 of the dining chairs are obviously used goods (worn leg undersides, chipped legs, one leg of a chair had even split apart from the seat area).




How could used goods be repackaged as new goods to be sold to unsuspected customers?

They were supposed to get back to us today but so far they had not even bothered to acknowledge the complaint email I sent...

Update: The deliveryman claimed that these chairs were actually meant to be delivered to the warehouse but were mistakenly delivered to us...

Monday, September 19, 2011

Installation of lights

Have installed our lightings on 10 Sept.

Makes our painting/cleaning up job much easier especially when the weather is gloomy/dark.

Spent less than $1k on simple lightings.

Luckily within budget.

Location: Entrance of master bedroom


Location: Studyroom
Currently in the midst of painting the unit.

Super tiring from mask-taping/painting/cleaning.

Will be installing wooden planks on the planter box as well as expecting all deliveries this week.

Hopefully things goes smoothly.

We are now left with 1 main defect which is the laminated flooring.

Have been waiting for rectifications since 6 Sept.

If they still fail to settle by tomorrow, I am going to just give up.

Trying hard to juggle between work/interviews/house-related matters all at the same time =<

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover? Part III

Called the Bangladeshi supervisor who is supposed to be in charge of rectifying our unit's defects this afternoon.


And got the reply which I had already anticipated....


The defects on our laminated flooring is still yet to be rectified.


From 9 Sept to 10 Sept to 13 Sept and still nothing was done.


When we handed over the keys on Sat, he promised 3-4 days is all he need to clear the remaining defects.


Thus, we decided that Friday would be the deadline.


Perhaps this is why he said laminated flooring will only be rectified on Friday.


As for the rest of the defects, he mentioned that they are currently cleaning up the unit.


*Faint*


Am I supposed to call him up every single day just to check on the defect status?


Starting to feel like a loanshark...


Anyway I guess I have no choice but to do so since HE will only be back on Fri and it is up to me to ensure that things do progress smoothly for us to start painting on Saturday.


*Gambate*


Hope things are progressing more smoothly for the rest of my neighbours.


Cafe Epicurious @ The Rail Mall

Visited Cafe Epicurious located at the Rail Mall quite some time back on a weekday for lunch.


It was quite surreal and windy.


A nice place to relax and enjoy the food.


I had the beef stew while he had the carbonara.


Both dishes were cheap and good.


Definitely will be coming back in the near future.




Monday, September 12, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover? Part II

Not sleeping well for the past 1 week.


Kept worrying about the house whether can the defects be rectified by this week so that we can finally start painting.


Was really irritated at the supervisors.


Imagine taking leave to come down to the unit early for defect inspection but they take their own sweet time to turn up.


No sight of them at all from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs despite numerous calls and smses.


They seemed to think that they are the only busy persons in the whole wide world and the rest of us are just shaking legs *Argh*


The workers who are actually the ones rectifying the defects are so much better in comparison.


So far we are super happy with the workmanship of the rectified defects.


The Chinese worker 'trimmed' numerous tiles for us just to get a perfect piece to replace our chipped tile.


Another Chinese worker who was repairing the chipped/dented/ wall was also very professional.


We thought he would only 'putty' the affected areas but we were wrong.


He even sandpapered the region after the putty had dried, resulting in super smooth surfaces.


Hopefully the rest of the defects will be rectified by Fri as promised by the Bangladeshi supervisor.


If not, he is definitely going to get it from me since he is the one who promised to finish in 3-4 days and we have given him close to a week.




Thursday, September 8, 2011

Are you sure the unit is really ready for handover?

Pretty stunned at the state that the unit is in and keys were still handed over to us.


I don't think that we are very picky but look at this....



Are we supposed to install this ourselves?


And this is just the drain hole under the kitchen sink.


Imagine the same for all drain holes in the unit.


Who is going to be held responsible if someone gets injured?


The cement unfinished surfaces are super rough lo...


As for the bomb shelter, there are missing ventilation covers.



Starting we are quite noob at all these defects checking but I seriously think that we are now quite expert at spotting defects...


Other things like dents/holes on the walls and cement/paint stains, we can still close 1 eye and omit it from the defect list.


Just hope they fix the defects asap *sigh

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Success finally!

Made an impromptu decision to stop by PC and we managed to get into our unit!


It was quite an exciting experience getting from the carpark to the lift and finally into the unit.


Was expecting someone to stop us at any moment.


It was super windy and the scenery was not too bad from various spots in the unit.


Going to do away with the idea of installing ceiling fan, taking into account that the ceiling is really quite low.


Did some defect checking in the dark and so far so good.


Hope that things still look that optimistic in daylight.


On the downside, there seems to be a lack of privacy at certain spots in the unit.


Have to get some window films or curtains installed before shifting in...


Monday, August 29, 2011

Cameron Highlands

Beautiful sunrise...




Nice aircon temperature....

Mossy forest...

Gorgeous scenery with nice fluffy clouds...

Tea plantations with hills & hills of tea bushes...


Yummy food... T-cafe... Steamboat...

BUT

The environment is kind of dry for the skin...

The winding roads can be rather worrying...

Rains like nobody's business...

But overall quite an interesting trip =>

Thursday, August 18, 2011

The bad thing about some Taiwanese dramas... 爱上查美乐... 犀利人妻...

One bad thing about some of the Taiwanese drama I am watching is that there are always third parties...


Usually it is the most innocent/unattractive looking guy that attracts the attention of the young & pretty third party.


I might be too emotional but such scenes always make me feel sad for the wife/girlfriend which are not necessary lousy.


Perhaps it is just that they might not be paying much attention towards maintaining their appearance.


What makes it even more sad is that their lives usually evolves around these 'innocent/unattractive looking' guys and they are always the last to find out about these incidents.


Luckily there is always a Prince Charming in the pipeline!


 

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Where is our letter... Where are our keys...

Seriously lo, this Park Central project should be nicknamed "Snail Project".

It is almost mid Aug and we have yet to receive our key collection letter.

According to our forum neighbours, letters will be mailed out next week and key collection start from end Aug to early Sept.

Keys will be given out by blocks which is not exactly good news to us...

http://cpeng10.acsd.wikispaces.net
Now we no longer have to worry about having to conduct the Door Opening Ceremony during the Ghost Festival.

Instead we have to worry about whether we have sufficient time to check defects/clean/paint by 23 Sept for the deliveries of various household items, taking into account that HE has ICT for 1.5 weeks in Sept.

*Sigh Sigh*

And the government still wonders why the median age for Singaporeans getting married is increasing and the national birth rate is declining.

It is near impossible to plan for such stages in life without a roof over our head...

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Our new clock!

Bought this nice black clock in Malacca for RM 59.90.



It was love at 1st sight for me.


Somehow I knew it will fit in nicely with our Scanteak loots and didn't bother consulting him at all =>


There were white/red/black versions.


Was deciding between white and black.


The clock design seems so scandinavian with its simple clean lines.


Although our main design for the living is supposed to evolve around the minimalist theme but it seems to be shifting towards 'woody' style with the amount of Scanteak items that we have accumulated over the months.


 Might spray paint certain numerals on the clock to a different colour, eg: baby pink/blue?

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Shiseido Aqualabel Review

Bought Shiseido Aqualabel Moisture Lotion S (Moisturising range) & Shiseido Aqualabel White Up Emulsion R (Whitening range) to try a few weeks back.

Shiseido Aqualabel Moisture Lotion S is something like a toner but actually acts more like a softener.

Softeners help to soften and prep the skin, remove dead skin cells, maintain skin's natural PH balance, suitable for all skin types and gentle on eye and neck areas.

Initially I got confused what exactly is its function due to its ambiguous label.

After trying it out, I would have to say it does a good job in softening and prepping up my skin.

Most importantly, the Moisturising range is said to contain collagen glycerin which I hope would help to keep my skin supple and wrinkle free.

Skin feels moisturised after use and seems to minimise pore especially around my T zone.

No sticky feeling. Not too watery which allows for easier application. No weird smell.

 I would highly recommend wetting  cotton pads with Shiseido Aqualabel Moisture Lotion S and place it on the face especially under the eyebags region for around 10 mins to ensure the full moisturising effect.

As for Shiseido Aqualabel White Up Emulsion R, I use it as a moisturiser.

It is supposed to have whitening effects and helps to prevent dark spots by inhibiting excessive melanin production.

I would say this product works to a certain extent.

It does not clog pores, moisturises my skin and also gives this rosy translucent glow to my cheeks.

 I would say these 2 products are quite a good buy especially since these were bought during the Watsons Sale at 20% off.

In addition, I also bought Shiseido Aqualabel Bright White Ex (Whitening range) and Shiseido Aqualabel White Clear Foam (Whitening range) for my MIL.

Not too sure how frequently she has been using the 1st product but I do notice some whitening effect on the dark spots.

This product is supposed to be an intensive version of White Up Emulsion R and will be more effective at targeting dark spots.

At the same time, it promotes the healing of skin which has been damaged by UV exposure.

Hopefully the effect would be more pronounced after extensive usage.

As for the 2nd product, she finds it quite ok.

No squeaky clean feeling and does not dry up the skin.

Note: Aqualabel is slightly cheaper in Taiwan. Time to stock up on next trip!

Another facial foam which I found to be quite gentle is the Hada Labo facial wash.

Super gentle and really helps to soften the skin.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Sneaking into Park Central – Commando style Part II

It has been confirmed that the Indian guy whom I suspected to be tailing us in our previous visit to Park Central is indeed one  of the guards for PC.

When we dropped by the site on Sunday, we could see him sitting near the car porch drop-off point chatting on his handphone again.

Anyway the site looks really done up compared to the last time we went.

No more ugly mud piles all over the place.

Shrubs and grasses are all planted.

Nice!

Guess we should be receiving the key collection letter this week =>


See how the blue sky and green leaves complement  our tall white units!

Friday, July 29, 2011

The Wonder of Evening Primrose Oil

Have been taking EPO in the recent years in an attempt to improve my irregular periods.

Apart from that, the other benefit that is that it is supposed to be good for the skin.

I would say this method of hormonal therapy do work to a certain extent.

Just this week, I got to know an even better incentive to continue taking this supplement from my physician.

Evening Primrose Oil do help to delay the onset of wrinkles!

According to her, EPO is a much better alternative to Botex etc which might not even give patients the desired effect.

I am just glad that I started taking EPO in my early twenties and hopefully wrinkles would just leave me alone.

http://www.abbeyessentials.co.uk

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Cockroaches are my new "best" friends...

I seemed to be attracting cockroaches everywhere I go.

!st encounter: While walking back home from the carpark after attending a wedding dinner

2nd encounter: Back in our room just after the 1st encounter. Not able to capture it at all after it went under the sofa bed. Super hard to fall asleep that night imagining the cockroach crawling over me *yucks*

3rd encounter: In the car the next day just above my head *abandon car* *shrieks*

Seriously, cockroaches ought to be next on the extinct list.

They have been around like forever since the prehistoric times and I think it is time they rest in peace forever...

They are just a pest with no positive contributions to the environment at all.

Perhaps just an indicator that the place is dirty and it is time for a cleanup?


speedysigns.com

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Tentative sequence of events once we get the keys...

Have been thinking about our sequence of events after getting the precious keys especially since the keys are almost within our reach.

1 ) Choose a nice date to open the door (Quite an impossible task to do so especially since we are getting our keys during the Ghost month. Thanks to the tortoise like developers...)

2 ) Door Opening Ceremony (5 types of fruits, 2 Fa Gaos, mixture of green beans, rice & salt, tea leaves, angbaos etc) + new door lock

3 ) Take measurement of limited fridge space (finally can source for fridge)

4 ) Defects checking

5 ) Clean up house for painting (3 days after Door Opening Ceremony)

6) Painting of house (at least 7 cans of 5 litres interior paint, 1 can of 5 litre oil based sealant, 1 can of 5 litre exterior paint)

** painting sequence: Bomb shelter (to setup shelves for barang barang), master bedroom, kitchen, yard, living room, study room, balconies, guest bedroom)

7 ) Buy + install bomb shelter shelves

8 ) Buying of lightings & ceiling fan + installation

9 ) Installation of planter box planks

10 ) Deliveries of barang barang (Bedsheets, washing machine, Serta, TV, Scanteak etc)

11) Buy + install curtains

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Checking of Defects...

Since the collection of keys is going to come by very soon, I guess it is time to dig out the HDB defects checklists provided by online by some kind soul (refer to http://diva79.blogspot.com/2008/03/hdb-defects-checklist.html).


As stated on HDB website, flat owners should inspect their new flat  upon collection of keys.


They should report any defects that may be found in the flat within 7 days of receiving the keys or before commencement of any renovation work.


And it seems like if there are indeed any rectification works to be done by HDB, keys will be held by HDB and we wont be able to carry out any renovation works =<


Refer to http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyingNewFlatDefectsInYourNewHome?OpenDocument for more information.


Hope that there is no major faults with the unit and we are able to shift in asap!



Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Sneaking into Park Central - Commando style?

Seriously the wait to getting our keys is driving us nuts...


One last item on the To Buy List - Fridge which we dare not commit due to the not-so-confirmed site measurements.


This is like the slowest flat construction project I have ever seen so far.


Usually BTO/DBSS are completed 1 year before the TOP date but not for Park Central which TOP in Dec 2011...


Anyway the wait kind of drove us to desperate acts like attempting to sneak into the site/our unit to take measurements of the fridge area.


So far, we have only scout out the void deck/carpark area trying to siam the Indian construction workers cum security guards...


There was a good moment whereby HE could have just got into the staircase safely without me but once we hesitate, the chance was lost...


I really have to applaud these workers' perseverance in keeping their work site stranger-free to the extent that they even tail strangers to make sure that they really stay away from PC =O




Friday, July 8, 2011

Shocking Number of Bodies found recently

I am pretty shocked at the amount of bodies found in the recent weeks.


05 Jul 2011 - Decomposed body found at Clementi Woods Park


03 July 2011 - Male body found in waters off Harbourfront Walk


02 July 2011 - Human skeleton found at New Upper Changi Road next Tanah Merah MRT station


01 July 2011 - Female body found in water below Helix Bridge


Hope these incidents are isolated cases and not some serial killer at work.