Food Tour 17: West the Best

We didn't explore that much out of our zone because we have been so darn busy...oopsy. Haha, although many claims that good food only helm from the East, the West have also been pretty decent in satisfying my hunger pangs. So, today my post is dedicated to the food of the West.

1. Tan Yu

Tan Yu opened an outlet at Jurong area and plastered tons lots of advertisement on it. The thing is lately, I tend to loiter more but eat out less...haha. Every time, I see a Tan Yu advert, I am like "yum...but not today cos Dad cooked already..." So when the opportunity arose, I literally jumped at the chance to dine there. And this has quickly been promoted to one of my favourite Chinese food chains.

Tan Yu's main highlight is obviously their fish garnish with flavours (there are non-spicy options too). Even though the Hub is not much of a fish person, we managed to finish the entire fish ourselves! We also ordered the ricecakes ($7.90), absolutely devine. I could just eat it as snacks. Even their pre-meal goodies (i.e. sourplums and dried fruits) were delish. It is not exactly the cheapest meal, the fish itself already cost near $40, but it was definitely an enjoyable meal!

2. Nipong Naepong

We were trying to find a replacement closer to home. So far, all the good jampongs are in town area. Nipong Naepong was on Shopback Go with additional cashback, it was really a good time to give it a try. I think I can understand why some people like their taste like the Hubs, but I think I am more traditional when it comes to Korean food. 

It is interesting to have a bit of fusion mix, but it wears out fast for me. I don't see myself coming back because of any cravings. I am however very intrigued by their pizzas. The next time I am going there, I am definitely going to try their pizza. 

3. Lan Zhou Beef Noodles

More Chinese food! We went there on its opening day, so need to give them so slack. Overall, the soup version is way better than the dried. I got free re-fill of soup too! The noodles are especially springy and the soup is light and refreshing (a little different from the typical savoury soup).

Each bowl came with sides but the sides were honestly mediocre at best. After its opening day, the store is mostly quite packed (have been monitoring them for a while), I am guessing they have probably improved its taste. I will probably be going there for a second try soon when I am in the mood to move my fat ass. :P

Merry Christmas with The Pixie Berry

Sorry guys, but I felt that this year there was no better way to wish you all a Merry Christmas than a huge load of selfies taken via photo-editing apps...Hehe. In the midst of this Christmas joy, I am also donning some beautiful earrings by the Pixie Berry. 

Handmade clay earrings are all the rage right now, and I am joining in before 2019 ends. In case you can't see clearly cos photo editing apps, you can take a closer look at the Black Christmas trees here. I am quite a huge fan of this piece because it made something so dark cheery. I love wearing oxymorons on me. Hohoho. 

This was Raisa and I thought she would look good retro. This time I tried out a lot more "fake hats". I concluded that Raisa actually look pretty dope in different looks. Whether it was cutesy, hatsy, retro or me just being myself, Raisa did what clay earrings does best - adds a classy touch. Raisa was quite asymmetrical, but that was fine because I have a good selection of assymetrics. Earrings don't always have to be balanced to look good.

Compared to Black Christmas, Raisa being a stud was a lot more flimsy. I had to be a bit more dainty with it. I used too much force when I was pulling out the studs at the back and nearly broke her. T.T

2020 Resolution - Show more tender love to my stuff. 

I went all crazy on the Seashell series. Smexy with a floral beard...haha. This piece was just exuding too much fun vibe, I just couldn't take normal, typical photos with it. Cues huge buns, over the top flower pieces and excessive heart-shaped shades. Honestly, this piece makes me wanna go "She sells seashells by the seashore" Haha. 

If you like fun art pieces dangling on your earrings, you must check out the Pixie Berry. My ears are going to end 2019 on a fun, happy note and I want yours to start with a cheery, vibrant note. For the amount of work put into each piece, $28 is really quite a steal!

From Me To You: J. By Jee

Quite honestly, 2019 has been quite a bit of a shit-year for me. I am just thankful for this little space and the people whom I met through this space that kept me going. 2019 is a year which I first started travelogues and branch out to do simple writings on travels and attractions :D

Despite everything that happened, this space remained happy and positive and you know what I will continue to keep it that way. This place started off as a creativity outlet and a place to let me hone my writing. I am just thankful that along the way, I have captured some you readers' attention. I appreciate all the kind notes along the way. And for this, I want to give you all something nice as a New Year Giveaway!

Whether you are a male reader or female reader, it is ok because this gift is quite versatile. It is from J. By Jee , whose accessories exudes a lot of ForFunk's vibe. I think we can all agree that ForFunk has a slight muted flamboyant, and is a huge advocate for everyone to experience the most out of their lives.

And so we have 2 pieces to give away for 2 of you. If these pieces suit your vibe, please join in the giveaway. We will close it on 1 Feb so that you can flaunt it on V-Day to your beloved or just give it to him/ her if it suits their style better.

This simple piece is not for giveaway but from their leather collection ($39.90). I am keeping this for myself cos I think I can find some charms and pendants to hook on it and make it a Me-Piece. You can check out my wrist in future photos. :P The quality of this peice is really legit and the "hook" is quite an interesting design. 

It is magnetic so it is so easy to put it on and take it off. Yalor, good for singles #DonidaMan. Most bracelets like that are usually a hook or twist on, which I am not quite a fan of. Compared to other similar products, this might seem a bit pricier, but I am guessing it is because of its better design which I thought was pretty worth it to "save an extra pair of hands"

Quite frankly, I was deciding between a giveaway for either the Lion series of the Crown Series. If you are a Singa fan, I am sorry cos Mum and I decided we are more of Lion Ladies and our wrists are really small so we can't fit well into the Crown series. Like the crown series, the Lion series ($49.90) comes in either Rose Gold or Onyx. 

Usually, I tend to have a preference for colours but these both the rose gold and Onyx are amazing colours for this series. In comparison, the beads on the Lion Series are the Obsidian Moonstone which are shiner as compared to the natural stone beads in the Crown Series which has more a matte finish. It is nice and cool and suits the warm weather of Singapore. 

And finally, the giveaway peice. The crown series is a new design, worth $69.90 each. Yes, that is the most expensive piece! The Natural Onyx stone are warmer to touch and looks less like a crystal accessory worn for good luck. I personally like the silver piece more (maybe cos I am a lady). But if you want something less striking, the black crown would suit you better. 

Since it is more of a happy giveaway, I will just keep the rules simple. Just leave your email address (so I can contact you) and maybe tell me what you want to read more on my blog. If you don't win a piece for yourself, don't fret because you can always get your own at J By Jee. Good luck and thanks for reading!

Yawn Gai Gai: River Safari

I am quite a fan of cute stuff, so I literally jumped at the chance to visit River Safari cos there were Tsum Tsum being plastered around the area. Best of all, if you finished the Bingo, you will get a luggage bag tag. If I were a friend of the River Safari, I might have gone every week in December to collect all the luggage bag tags. 

In term of aesthetics, I think the Mickey and Minnie Tsum Tsum was the cutest, but we missed it. So I settled for my favourite Disney character of all time - Stitch :D. Pss, the other merchanise were sold at a pretty affordable price and the old tokidoki merch even had a nice discount. If my new house wasn't on its way, I might have just bought the store down. Hehe. 

Just to share a bit more, at most station you would have to take a photo doing specific poses. It is really difficult if you are coming by yourself. But, generally, everyone is pretty helpful and we got quite a few good photos. Some of the tsum tsum feature aren't actually Bingo points but they were so cute, I was like let's waste time on it. Hehe.

Being excessive as usual, I even wore a tsum tsum on my head. Some dressing advice, try to pack light and wear shorts/pants because there are quite a bit of motions if you wanna clear your bingo points (i.e. jump shots). It was raining that day, hence we had to lug around our umbrella cos I packed light using my Ecosusi Bag (Read more about it here!). River Safari is 90% sheltered, in retrospect, we could have taken a a risk and not bring the umbrella. 

Apart from the Tsum Tsum standees, there is not much additional attractions at the River Safari. The pandas and red pandas still holds our affection. In a desperate attempt, I tried to take a selfie with the red panda. I was a bit bummed that my camera choose to focus on me instead of the red panda. T.T

If haven't been to River Safari, one of the star attraction is also the river ride. Personally, I find the ride quite tranquil. It might be quite slow and boring for some people cos there isn't much animal action at the riverbank. But since you paid for it, you must as well go on the ride since it is free. Hehe. 

It has been quite a while since I last stepped into River Safari so everything seems pretty fresh. I was quite excited at this "new" arena where you get to catch monkeys and mousedeers? roaming around freely. We spotted a preggy one that is due for labour soon. But guess luck wasn't on my side and I didn't get to witness the birth for myself. T.T Overall, this was still a fun break with the Hubs. Can't wait for more fun times, although quite honestly sometimes going out too much drains me. Hehe. 

Yawn Gai Gai: 2019 SGCC

It has been 4 long years since I came for the SGCC (now it isn't even called the STGCC). And dang the FOMO in me can't hep but wonder how much have I missed up. Cos I feel that SGCC seems so much more intriguing. There seems to be something for everyone. Even if it is not your thing, there is someone out there who is hooked onto it.

Apart from cosplay, artist alley and autograph sessions with comic illustrators, I was quite surprised to see 25% of the area filled with board/ card games. There was also a wrestling arena! It was quite an eye-opener, but quite frankly it is really not my thing. The geek in me hurriedly took refuge at the artist alley haha.

Whichever year it is, the story is more or less the same for me. There is always so much to see and even more to spend. Quick tips from the veteran - Always bring cash! Trust me, you will always end up spending more than what you initally intended. Also, always do a quick exploration of the place. You really want to find out fast what are the things you really wanna do and the stuff you really wanna buy so that you can better prioritise your time and money.

This year, I felt that there was a lot more activities, some of them free. I spotted a few booths selling photos with cosplayers. But none beat the model painting activity. I had quite a bit of fun and headache concentrating. I had to queue really long for it but it was worth the wait and I think I might have picked up a new interest along the way.

This year, there was definitely a lot more fringe activies and hot deals lying around. Book Depository was there and I ended up buying quite a few books for the bookworm at home. I mean there was some great discounts and a Lying Cat toy. So why not right? In addition, I also signed up for a free credit card and walked away with free vouchers. Not too bad a recoup.

Now that I am a bit older, I also have a bit more to spend. Hehe...if you are a loyal reader and wanna send me some fan gifts. Pss...I love mystery boxes. I had quite a bit of a love-hate relationship with PopMart.They had so many series, it was really difficult to settle for one without breaking my wallet. In the end, I chose Pucky because she had this fantasy, innocent charm. <3

Being surrounded around toys made me realise one thing - I should really have a kid soon if I want to have a good excuse to stock up endless lego and toys. :P Also, it would give me a legitimate reason to play without appearing too childish. On a side-note for new "comiconers", set aside at least a day for it and go with friends. Toys are not meant to be appreciated or enjoyed alone!~!

Till next year! In the meanwhile, I am playing with this year's goodies I amassed.

Going Vegan with Try and Review

It has been a long while since I last reviewed products from Try and Review. This box was particularly exciting because it had 3 samples (more than the usual) and it was totally vegan. I have always wanted to try out the vegan lifestyle given that two of my friends had gone vegan. 

Apart from being an environementnal do-gooder, there seems to be quite a bit of health benefits from the vegan diets. My friends that had went down that path seems a lot happier and healthier. The thing is I really love my meat. I don't think to go full-fledged but I would be more than willing to try to hit the halfway mark. :D

1. Raw Focus +

The first sample we had in the box was a packet of superfood blend that contains naturally occuring caffine, antioxidants with additional superfood for a brain boost. This concoction apparently helps to fight fatigue and increase your level of focus. I was very excited to try this, simply because I love sweet matcha! But I have to be honest, this sachet isn't much of my thing. 

True to its name, it tasted very raw and a little bitter. Each sip did perk me up cos I had to make effort to force it through my gullet. But it is good stuff because I cleared my bowels after a cup of it. I don't think I can continue on this box after I am done with the samples though -_-"'

2. Alche{me}

If you buy this product off their shelf, you will get a personalised serum. Mine wasn't personalised but the product was very light on my skin and did cause any break-outs. One very intereting ingredient in the serum is the Ginseng extract. The scent is quite overpowering when you squirt it out but the distinctive smell will soon diffuse away as you spread it over your face. (So fear not, if you do not like the smell of Ginseng.)

Apart from Ginseng, other products include Babchi seeds extract, high penetration Vit C, Wu Zhu Fruit Extract, Moringa seed extract etc. I really like how natural this product is and how it does not leave any sticky residue. I do forsee myself using it again, this time after the skin assessment :D

3. Norilicious Seaweed Snack 

I saved the best for last. This snack is so yummy I finised it at one shot. Vegan never tasted so good. Generally, most snacks don't add in sesame. This snack is really strong on that. If you are sesame lover, I am sure you are enjoying this delightful snack. And good news too if you are weight-conscious, the packet is also quite calories-light. Guilt-free chomps!

Overall, I would recommend this box for individuals who wants to try to go Vegan. If you are already a vegan, I think you would go wild over this box of goodies. You can get them at Try and Review or sample other exciting products. :D Can't wait to sample more stuff already!

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Brewerkz

It has been eons since I last celebrated thanksgiving, so I was feeling quite pumped up when Brewerkz invited us down for a thank you meal. Thanksgiving is more popular among the Americans and rarely celebrated by Singaporeans. But it is quite a meaningful celebration as it is a day dedicated to give thanks and sacrifice for the bountiful harvest of the year.

The only reason why I am exposed to this day was because a close friend of mine in primary school was half American so she opened my tiny little world to the American culture and sub-culture. Hehe. The Hubs was also very excited about the meal, cos he is a thorough foodie and this was his first Thanksgiving. He actually spent quite a bit time researching and understanding "Thanksgiving"!

The food served that night at Brewerkz was the traditional fare. It was very popular with the caucassians and the whole place was literally packed. But despite the huge turnout, the food was replenished quite quickly. There wasn't a time when we were left famished and waiting for a "re-fill". Quite honestly, traditional American food is not a staple for the Hubs and I. 

But I have to say, some of the dishes were really good. The Butternut Squash Soup was rather impressive. It was my first time trying it and I drowned down 2 bowls of it. The carving section was also quite a hot favourite and there was some stuffing that was extremely yummy. Special shout-out to the desserts section. It is one of the rare times which I actually enjoyed 75% of the cake selection!

There was also canapes and an exclusive seafood bar, but they were not really my thing. My thing was...Beer! Brewerkz serve one of the widest selection of beer and they were all on happy pricing that day. If you are not a drinker, fret not, cos soda is on free-flow! The only grouse that day is probably slower service cos seriously the place was packed. 

For all these, it is only S$65++ per adult. I think if you celebrate Thanksgiving, Brewerkz is quite a decent place to hold your celebration. Plus you get a nice river-side view. :D I am now pretty much ready to start 2020! (2019 is just too hectic a year, so much going on! Of course, it is good for the readers with the variety of content, but really exhausting for the writer churning all these posts T_T) To a better 2020, and thanks for reading all this while!

Yawn Gai Gai: Bubble Tea Factory

 After surviving my tour at The Bubble Tea Factory, I feel obliged to set you guys expectations right and to advise you girls on who to bring on this journey. Given that each ticket cost rought S$20 odd plus (not cheap you know!), it is imperative that the right people are there. I bought the Hubs and *look right and left furgitatvely before I badmouth him*, he is definitely the wrong person for the occassion.

1. Bring a photographer or a friend who is at least good at helping you take selfies. You definitely need somebody who has an eye for angles and take quick shots because it is really quite paiseh to hog the place. Don't go alone! There are staff around to help you take photos, but ahem, not all of them have good photography skills to boast off. 


2. Have patient company! This is the time to unleash the girlfriends. Honestly, I saw some males (my Hubs included) looking so bored dazing into the thin air. And it irks me. If you want good vibes for the day, bring the girls out or at least bring a guy who is interested. 


3. Don't be paiseh! Honestly, I don't know how some of the girls do it. But they can hog the place as though it is their own photo studio. Admittedly, this is how gorgeous photos are born (I peeped at a few camera screens to verify.) Queueing behind them, I swear my eyes glazed by the time it was my turn, oops, I haven quite snapped out so I looked like a lifeless zombie in some of my photos. Yikes, just like that I missed my moment :'(





4. Wear comfy clothes! I was in my lounge pants from Coralist Swimwear, which comes in a set along with a top which I wore to Coney Island (Read the post here!) There is quite a bit of climbing and navigating on the sets, so don't wear a skirt or anything that is revealing. Don't bring too much stuff around too, otherwise you would have to lounge them around every photo spot. 


5. Bring your best camera/ phone that can own the night. The lighting can be qiute dim at some places. If you are using apps to make your photographs look better, be sure to bring a power bank. The last thing you want is to have a phone that you can't use.


6. Don't be too adventurous! Every ticket comes with a free bubbletea drink which you can customised. Hmm...the Hub went for a safer route and it was quite yummy. I broke all rules and might have created a disturbing concoction...yikes!

I wished The Bubble Tea Factory could have marked out the position where the best photo angles can be captured so that some girls wouldn't have the excuse to overstay their welcome at each spot. There were collectible and action cards given but everyone was just too obsessed with themselves to even bother about the other groups around them (FYI, I am sure no other influencer would mention this fun fact to you. If you look up, you would notice that the tubes are painted in specific colours to match the theme and there are labels of BBT on top.)

The Bubble Tea Factory, has been extended till January. For BBT lovers or those who like to experience, I would say go for it. The team did quite detailed touches around the place so don't go all out for the gram. Look around you more and I am sure you will gain a lot more joy in your Bubbletea journey. Hopefully, my tips help. Have fun girls!

Exploration: Coney Island

A part of me feels so liberated. It is as though I have finally got a life. :) Since the Hubs was also free, we finally or maybe more like I finally decided to let him have his way and do something more strenuous and sporty. And off we went to Coney Island. If you are Singaporean, you probably would have ventured to Coney Island by now. Otherwise, you really also a bit no-life like me.

We did read a bit of influencers' guide before making our way down that day. But annoyingly, I can't seem to find all the nice photo spots. And so, we just roamed around and made do with what we found. The cycling route is quite straight-forward so I am pretty sure whatever scenic spots  (i.e. Secret Haw Par Villa) must be quite off the beaten track.

During the last few days, it was raining cats and dogs. I did feel a bit like it is God's plan for me to be there - fabulous hair, fine weather, cute bike, cheap food. :D We went on a weekday to attempt to beat the crowd. We intended to have our meal at Punggol Settlement. But dang, everything looked close. Heng, we managed to find food at Fusion Kitchen and Bar. And you know what, there was 1-for-1 too. In addition, we also got a free singing session, wow!

Because it was the weekday, there was an extra hour free for the 2-hours bicycle rental. In total, I only took about 2.5 hours but that was very, very leisure. Hehe. You probably can do it faster if you don't stop for photos. There isn't much rustic looking bicycles like mine, so go early! And I am so happy my lounge top from Coralist Swimwear looked pretty dope in this pairing. (Will be doing another separate post on their collection, so keep a lookout if you are missing the LOTD already.)

We did a whole complete loop so we also got to explore the Lorong Halus Wetland and Punggol Waterway. My overall feel is that this is quite a good area to unplug from the bustling city. It can be quite a good retirement area. But I definitely don't want my house to be here for now, it is so darn far from town and basically anything!

By the way for dinner plans, avoid Punngol East Container Park. We went there thinking it was cool and all. But the variety of food selection was so little. It is just western food and more western food. And the sales people were all kinda of pushy. I don't really like the vibe so I grumbled and left. It would have been perfect if it wasn't my crappy experience at Punngol East Container Park. I am having a lot more life lately, so there will be more posts on interesting places.

Food Tour 16: Old Favourites

Usually, I like to post about the new food I am trying. But since I am going to my comfort food (except one), I thought it was apt to create a post about them. Let you guys know my taste better. Hehe.

1. Ramen Keisuke Kani King

I always feel that this chain is a hit or miss. And this was definitely a miss for me. I think the pork-based soup is still the best. The chicken-based soup is a close second. But the crab soup is quite a no-no. The free-flow brussel sprouts is also not as nice as the main store. It is the first time I am having gyozas and I think it is so-so only. 

But this store unlike the rest, have an additional marinated cabbage. This might be the best in the store. I could just eat it with instant noodles. But it doesn't make sense to just come here for this. Guess this is a no-gofor me in future. 

2. Wild Honey

I have been having cravings for Wild Honey for the longest time. Finally, I went there with my more "bimbotic" group of friends. We even went to do our nails at Far East Plaza. Honestly, the skills of the manicurist there ain't fantastic. But it looks quite decent in photo. (Updates: It lasted more than a month wow!)

Wild Honey still lived up to my memories. If you are looking for an all-day breakfast, Wild Honey has a good selection. Most importantly, all their food are good and instagram-worthy. The same goes for their drinks selection. The price is a little on the high side but I love the ambience. Definitely a good place to spend time with good company :D

3. Ah Loy Thai

Possibly the best Thai food in Singapore. The portions used to be really huge. But I think they did some review to adjust the portion and price. For the same price, you can now enjoy a larger selection and control the portions better. No more over-stuffing. Unlike before, there seems to be less of a queue. Either that, I am only arriving slightly before the closing of the kitchen. Hehe. 

I am always there twice a year so don't be surprised to see me there. You can be like me, come slightly before closing and you won't have to queue...ever. :P Till the next post. I've got life now so I  have quite a bit to share.

Bye Bye Acne bumps with Derma Angel

I am quite proud to say that my skin has pretty much stabilised except for the occassional annoying pre-menstrual zit that pop out.  One of my remedy which I find quite effective is the pimple sticker. Derma Angel is an acne patch that can be found in most pharmaceutical stores in Singapore. The patch helps to absorb the pus and the headless acne will recess quicker.

Given that the patches are quite thin, it is barely visible even if you paste it on a distinctive part on your face. (Check out my picture below. Bet you can't find the patches without my arrows!) You can also apply make-up on top of the patch. Most importantly, Derma Angel doesn't leave an acne scar like some acne cream.

I have also included a gross photo of the stuff the Acne patch sucks out. So far, my pimples take about 2 stickers for it to see effect. I personally don't find any difference in the effectiveness between the night and day stickers. In fact, I use them interchangeably. The day patch helps with UV protection, but if you put your suncreen religiously, then it probably doesn't matter anyway. 

Also, Derma Angel is also quite sanitary. The sticker page allows you to peal out each patch without touching the next. Given that it is quite affordable, Derma Angel is now one of my must-have in my cosmetic pouch. Whenever I sense a bump, I would quickly paste this on it. Can't wait to try out their other products once it reach our shores!

Moleskine On-Location Sketching Workshop

This month, I feel like I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone and challenged myself quite a bit. I received an invitation to join Moleskine sketching workshop. Although I have quite a bit of creative flair for writing, I can't draw to save my life. But the funny thing is, I actually look forward to going for art lessons because I never really had the chance to experience such activities when I was a kid. 

Usually when I go for events, I end up taking tons of photos. But for the first time, I was so engrossed in the event that I barely took any photos. Quite honestly, it was one of my most stressful lessons because everyone around could draw so, so well. But...I told myself if I pick up a skill or two and is better than I was before I stepped into the room., whatever people may say, I am proud of my work.

Our sensei for the day was local artist - Paul Wang. With him, I feel like I am not just learning technical drawing and painting skills, but also the philosophy on life. I figured out while drawing lines that I  have absolutely no patience to reflect and do repetitive work. (What a terrible human I am!) That's probably also why my art pieces always more often than not look very mediocre. I probably have not put aside enough time to practice and improve. 

And because I am not that great in art, I never really thought of owning a sketch book. Cos if it has to be permanent, it has to be perfect. The same goes for notebook. You guys may not know I actually once owned a Moleskine notebook cos it was so elegant. But, I didn't use it for myself in the end. It was so precious that I gave it to the Hubs who was someone I treasured as much. In retrospect, I should have gave myself a Moleskine notebook for my own fleeting thoughts. Because, they do deserve to be saved on a better medium, rather than some scrappy book. :'(

Maybe I am ignorant, I never knew Moleskine was such a young brand, established in 1997. Given the high quality and timeless design of their notebooks, I always thought it was some European home brand. Apart from their notebooks, I also never really tried out their stationery and bag collection. The sleek design of the Metro Bag Collection particularly stood out to me. In fact, it looked a lot like the work bag I am using. Comparatively, the metro bag seemed like a better deal than my work bag. It was equally sleek but came with more compartments and air mesh at the back. 

I got to bring home the bag and all the stationery I used. Dono whether it is lucky me or lucky Hubs cos he is the one who got to use Metro Bag for work. But at least, I have full rights to the stationery. With my full tools (sketch book, watercolour pencils), I have really no excuse to stop honing my drawing skills. :) 

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. 

Keep your garden sowed with happy dreams. 

To start 2020 right, you can save your thoughts on 007 and Star Wars Limited Edition Planner Collection if you are a fan of either series. :P

Funky Find: So Conversation Cards

Recently, I have developed an interest in card games because I thought it might be more meaningful for me to engage with the people around me instead of spending so much time online. 

So does that entails less copywriting and updates of my social media account? Possibly. 

Will I be happier? Maybe.

I am on quite a journey to improve the quality of my life and I think that spending more time and having quality conversation with the people around me might be something I really needa look into. I am quite embarrassed to say, but I think I am quite a patronising person sometime and I do like to hide behind convenient veils of excuses such as "too busy".

So Cards couldn't have come at a better time. Although I don't really have problems starting conversation even with strangers, I was quite curious on the alternative conversation starters. So Cards currently has 2 decks - More than Friends and Volume 2. And ooo lala...More than Friends is definitely something every hall orientation camp must have. Some of the questions are mildly raunchy. 

Volume 2 reminds me of The Thought Collective deck without pictures. (Read more about my meal with strangers here.) Personally, I preferred Volume 2 because some of the questions are quite intriguing and philosophical. I tried the deck with the Hubs and I felt that I did connect with him and his thoughts on a deeper level (can't wait to try it out on my friends. Hehe.)

There are a few ways to play this game. If you want the game to be light-hearted, you can always play "If I were you" where your friends have to answer as though they were you. And the person who is closest to the truth wins each round. To gain the most out of this game (and in life), I feel that we really should adhere to the principles:

1. Be Fully Present - Put away your phone
2. Open Up - Be willing to share and give other people the time to be ready to talk
3. Listen - I think this is one thing I never really do in life, I really needa listen more. 
4. Embrace differences - Everybody have different opinions on matters and we have to be respectful on that. 

To sum up, I just want to say the most precious gift you can give someone is the gift of time and attention. It is something we can never get back so use it wisely on things that matter. So Cards ships internationally, so you can get a deck for yourself too :D

Yummy halal food at Grill Ninety Nine

If you have malay friends, you will know that sometimes it is really hard to find yummy western food to dine and catch up. The eatery choices are very limited. So I am really glad to share with you Grill Ninety Nine.

Situated at Arab Street, Grill Ninety Nine is within walking distance from Bugis MRT. Located at a two-storey shophouse, there is an enclosed space on the second floor to host intimate parties. Most importantly, the western food served here is sedap and very affordable!

Here are some of our picks, from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Cream of Mushroom ($6): This is definitely not from a can. You will find generous portions of mushrooms with some truffles (I swear I taste it in them). Definitely a must to start the meal right.
2. Chicken De Glaze ($19.90): The chicken is really soft and tender and tears off the bone. Nonetheless, the meat is quite dry. Pair it with sauce, this dish is quite divine.  
3. Smoked Duck Pizza ($17): I think we are a family who knows our pizza well. And we can assure you this place serves quality pizza. The crust is crispy and the cheese is sticky. I love it! I think I had possibly 3 pieces :D
4. Ribeye Steak ($29.90): The steak is decent for its price point. All dishes comes with a huge scoop of mash potato so it is very filling. If you are very particular about steak then you may have some qualms about the place. But for plain ole steak, this should satisfy your craving. 
5. Crispy Crab Cakes ($12.90): This is quite a pricey appetizer but it is worth every penny of yours because you find real chunks of crab meat. I have never tasted anything like this elsewhere. This is truly a must order. 
6. Lamb Shank ($22.90): Lamb has always been something of an acquired taste. Personally, I thought this dish taste really good. But my Mum doesn't really like the strong gamey taste. To each his own, but I am still giving this dish my stamp of approval. 

You also won't be disappointed drinks-wise. From left to right:

1. Sunset Ninety Nine ($8): This is specially made concoction. However, it is not really my type of drink.
2. Peach Mango Basil ($8): I am not quite a fan of fizzy drinks, but I am very impressed with the quantity of peaches you can find in your drink. If there is one thing I must highlight, Grill Ninety Nine is very generous in its food quantity. 
3. Butter Bundung ($8): This is an absolute must order for me. I love it. If you are at Grill Ninety Nine, you have to order this. I have never quite tasted anything quite like this. 

Manpower there is a bit tight so you might need to wait a bit for your food to be served, but one thing for sure, it is worth the wait. :D Highly recommended, you are definitely going to see me there again!

New Favourite Bag: Ecosusi

This is a bit borderline showoff-ish, but heck it, I really want to tell the world how much I adore my new bag. A few days back, this little baby came in the mail. I was so excited for it because I saw many positive reviews on it. I am quite pleased to see that it is as it look on the website.

Nowadays, I am quite a fan/ sucker for leather products whether they are shoes or bags. In the past, I would have gone for bags that you hand along your arm or shoulder. However, I tend to have aches when I carry such bags (maybe cos of the sheer amount of items I throw into my bag), so now I have swapped over to backpacks! And my latest collection is from Ecosusi.

For this design, they had quite a few colours and I settled for a maroon colour cos it is trendy...and partially cos I have too much blue bags. Hehe. Despite its tiny size, I was very impressed with the amount of space and compartments it had. I could throw in my vanity pouch, house keys, pencil box, wallet, a book and an umbrella even. FYI, didn't even use up all the space I had.

The bag came with 2 straps so you could either use it as a sling or a backpack. For me, I was very sure I was going for a backpack and I think the design looks better as a backpack. But of cos, you readers may share a totally different aesthetic sense from me. :P

So far, this is my go-to causal backpack for days I don't need my laptop. If you are looking for a laptop bag, psss, Ecosusi also have quite a good selection of them. And male readers, don't fret cos they also have bags designed for you guys. Personally, I would classify Ecosusi designs as smart chic, with a vintage vibe. For such bags, usually the price goes a lot higher. I do feel that I did get quite a steal at their price-point. 

Also, I have to highlight the quality of the bag is superb. Ecosusi just surpass any already quite high expectations I have for them. :D You will definitely be seeing a lot of this baby plastering around my future LOTD posts. Between you and me, I hope they pick me to become the first ever Asian ambassador to try and review their collection :P

8 Things I love about Dry Shampoo

Colab Dry Shampoo sent me their series to try out. There was quite a bit of anticipation on my end because this was the first time I am using dry shampoo. So, here's a post on 10 takeways I had after using it :)

• Dry Shampoos are excellent hair fresheners. You know sometimes the hawker smell lingers in your head after lunch. Give your hair a quick spray and you are ready for your next meeting!

• They make great gifts for new mums. If you are Chinese, you would know that during the confinement, mothers are not supposed to wash their hair. Given how warm and humid Singapore is, this would be great for Mums to keep themselves smelling good :)

• It is portable. The bottle is quite light and fits snugly in my gym bag. If you are a person who love outdoor activities, you might want to try out Active+.  The formula is enriched with conditioning moringa seed which can effectively absorbs oil while helping protect against UV and pollution. 


• You can use it to tease your hair too. If you have an event going on in the evening, I would recommend having a bottle of Extreme Volume + at hand. It makes even the most limp hair go big and  sophiscated. Plus point, it comes with bergamot and rose scent!

• Dry shampoos are quite afforable. Before discount, Colab Dry Shampoo retails at around S$14 per bottle which can last at least a month if you use it daily. Way cheaper than hair fragrances!


• If you a fan of variety, you will be happy to know that Colab Dry Shampoo have 9 different scents/ functions suitable for your needs. 

• It is fun and easy to use. Shake it! Spray it! Tease it! You can either spray your roots or direct on your hair like me. It doesn't matter because it doesn't leave any white residue!


• If you only go for vegan products, Colab Dry Shampoo is cruelty free and vegan free. Also, it can used for all hair types, colours and textures. 

Here's the other 7 scents you can pick for yoruself:

1. Original: Bergamot and rose scent (same as Extreme Volume+)
2. Paradise: Tiare flower & Coconut. A must-have for a beach vacation. 
3. Good Vibes: Sweet Apple & Orange Blossom
4. Unicorn: Jasmine & Vanilla. Guess now we all know how a lengendary creature smells like now...hehe.
5. Tropical: Papaya & Peach. Another option for the beach vacation
6. Mermaid: Mandarin & Driftwood. Good when you are feeling the dreamy, princessy vibes.
7. Fruity: Apple & Watermelon. I quite like this scent cos it makes me feel very cheery.  

Funky Find: Axtro Fit 2

Hey guys, guess what! The next generation fitness tracker that is developed in collaboration with Health Promotion Board for the upcoming National Steps Challenge Season 5 is out! If you are a Singaporean or a Permanent Resident, who is a Silver Generation (born in year 1959 earlier), rejoice!

As long as you have signed up for Season 5 and have not received any heart-monitoring fitness tracker during Season 4, you will be eligible for the special edition Axtro Fit 2. Check out the chic red straps, super auspicious! For more details on the collection and eligibility, please refer to this link.

We have tested out the Axtro Fit 2 and here are some of the reasons why we like it better than its predecessor!

1. Colour screen: My father was immediately attracted to this new and visible feature, so he is now hoarding mine until he gets his special edition Axtro Fit 2.
2. Magnetic Charging Cradle: Personally, I prefer this charging design. It feels more sleek and stylish. 
3. Improved sensors: The old folks in my house don't really care about this function. But to me this matters a lot. Axtro Fit 2 can sense the heart rate as well as the steps more accurately. In addition, there is a workout mode to track exercises more easily with a real-time heart-rate view. 
4. Extended Battery Life: It makes me feel I am saving energy and thus saving money...hehe. 

If you are not a Silver Generation, fret not. You can also get your very own Axtro Fit 2 at $19. You can either purchase it directly from AXTRO Sports through their online store or visit their brick and mortar shop at #02-22 at Peninsula Shopping Centre (beside Funan).

Compared to other fitness watches, I find the Axtro Fit 2 quite value for money. I currently own a Fitbit Ionic as well. Admittedly, I don't use all the functions of  my Fitbit Ionic but of all the functions I use, the visible lacking functions of Axtro Fit 2 are the waterproof ability, sleep sensor and trainer. For any of you who are thinking of getting a more expensive tracker, I would suggest you to try out the Axtro Fit 2 first before you make your big-ticket purchase. From experience of the people around me, not everybody enjoys being tracked daily and not everyone actually require more functions on top of the basics. Hope this review helps, as always feel free to hit me up if you would like more advise :D