Beautiful closure of 2008

Curtains to be drawn soon for 2008 and this will mark my last piece for the year.

2008 is quite eventful. Enjoyed most of the weekends which is filled with outdoor activities. The simple joy of breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the blue skies and to be so close to our mother nature.

Treasure the island. Luving every morning & dusk with the sun, sand & sea. I'll surely miss this place when we shift to mainland next year. In fact, the thought spurs me to jog more often after work. I jog with my mobile for music and was glad that I have my mobile to capture the sunset of 2008 @ Tanjong Beach....

Happy NYE :)

Cape No. 7

Watched the movie online cos tics are quite popular & dun seem to get a chance to watch it in theatre..nice song by 范逸臣.

Fiesta Cheese Cake - Mini Version

The mini version is here. The adorable fiesta cow stamp on the mini round cake is simply irresistible =P At S$2.10 each, the normal size one is more economical. However, I feel that this minature version suits me perfectly=)

Adapted directly from the box - Fiesta Japanese cheese cake is a light tasty and nutritious daily snack. It has a rich source of calcium to strengthen the bones, with a low sugar content, An enjoyable dessert to complement your meal.~ Nice marketing text~ Not too sure about the nutritious value part...but I am sure it is definitely something that can satisfy my always sweet tooth after dinner=P

Blogskin Revamp

My previous blogskin was facing a bit of misalignment prob. Being a blog dummy, I decided to go for something convenient. Thanks to freebloggerdesigns, my blog was converted from a blackie to an orangy starry. Hee kinda too "bright" for my liking but it was the easiest & better one I can find for now=P Luv the star biscuit too!! Who knows, I might grow to adore this new blogskin or am simply too lazy to change again.

A good sweat out!

~Standard Chartered Singapore Marathorn 2008~

For the 2 runs earlier this year, had only done 5km. Skeptical if I could take it for double the distance. Yea survived it & completed the 10km run in 1:19. Hmm think not v. fast but @ least managed to finish it without training=P The after-feeling is shiok & hopefully this run will spur me to run more=)

Food Note - Chilli clams, Dou Miao & Curry!

Sinfully delicious foodie on a Sun evening!

Christmas is here!

~The Sweetness of Precious Moments~

A pity I only have my mobile phone with me but I guess it is better than not having any=P

Saw the KFC jingle bell TVC in support of the deaf association the other day. Find it quite nice & meaningful.

Christmas is near=)

Berries Porridge!

Marks & Spencer Cranberry & Blueberry Porridge's review:

In summary, it is a sweet oat porridge!

Sweetness from the blueberries while cranberries add on a touch of sourness. Simple to cook. Had it for dinner but it will be good for a quick & healthy breakfast fix. To enhance taste, add on fresh fruits.

Food Note - Sun Dinner @ Compasspoint

Went Curry-san for dinner on Sun evening. Bro, Sis & I were deciding between Mosburger, Ajisen or Curry-san. Since none of us have tried Curry-san before, we decided to give it a go. Service - Cashier service can be more efficient. Bro ordered pasta but he was served rice instead. Food was served fast but not piping hot enough. Food taste - Average. Ambience - Limited space. Price - Ranges from S$6+ to S$7+ (Add on S$1.90 for potato wedges or salad or miso soup + drink). Good for peep looking for a quick craving satisfaction of curry rice.

Good run!

-Stanchart Marathon- counting down to 20 days...

Went jogging @ ecp with xq on sat evening. It was a good sweat-out & seriously think I need to jog more frequently.

Cranberry & Blueberry porridge, anyone? Gotten it from Marks & Spencer. It comes in a box with 8 individual sachets. 2.5mins in the microwave & it is ready to be served. I don't hve a microwave @ home, which means I need to cook it for 5 mins over saucepan. It shall serve as a good meal choice for me next week since mum is not around. Will update on how it tastes, hope it is not too disappointing.
Organic pure camomile infusion, relaxing? It is in fact naturally caffeine free and should be a light & refreshing herbal tea. From Marks & Spencer too. Comes in a small box with 20 teabags. Product of Egypt, blended & packed in UK. Shall try in office & share the true flavour soon!
Fiesta Cheesecake, is always so tempting! Had dinner @ ichiban sushi. Can't resist not lugging the box of cheesecake home. It shall be sis, bro & my breakfast for sun morn. Luv Fiesta Cheesecake cos it is baked.

Joy of ice-skating

At this time of the year, dreaming of a white christmas again. Catching snow flurries in both hands with aroma of freshly baked pies, cakes warming the hearts.

The joy of a white christmas!

Went ice-skating @ kallang leisure park with sj, js & xq this afternoon. The exhilarating thrill of ice-skating is the freedom to glide smoothly with nice music surrounding you. Imagine yourself skating in an outdoor ice rink in a winter city with blue skies, fresh breeze, snow flurries & a festive mood.
What a joy it will be!

Food Note - Sun Dinners

Always a nice blessing to have dinners @ home on Sundays. With mum & dad going on hols next week, gotta miss homecooked dinners. Hope they have great fun!

Golden Rule of Investing: Know Thyself Pass It On...

A piece of email circular from aia financial planner which I feel makes lotsa sense & is passing it on to those who read my blog=)

____________________________________________________________________________________ Dear Aver,

We are living in exciting times. The financial markets are in decline and uncertainty prevails. Nevertheless, in every adversity there is opportunity. Every few years the world markets present good investing opportunities. I wasn't ready during the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis and the 2001 market decline. This time however, I'm not going to let this golden opportunity slip away. Of course there are risks. But will you simply sit on the sidelines? Or will you seize the day and make the best use of the opportunities presented?
Golden Rule of Investing: Know Thyself Pass It On...

Golden Rule of Investing: Know Thyself
Everyone is familiar with the investment maxim, "buy low, sell high". There's no "lower" time than in a bear market similar to the one we are facing now. Before jumping in with our hard-earned money, there are certain things we first need to know. Even though all investors try to make money, each one comes from a diverse background with different needs. Thus, success depends on ensuring that our investment strategy fits our personal characteristics.
There are two tiers in knowing ourselves. The first is to know our "financial situation". The following factors are a general guide to knowing our financial situation:

Financial Situation
1) Expectation of change: Do we have enough finances to meet immediate needs? For example, if we have financial obligations to meet in the next six months, it's not be advisable to speculate with equity funds, hoping to make a "quick buck". It's also not prudent for someone who has sufficient backup to try to grow their monies from the meager interest banks pay.
2) Investment goals: We should always have an investment objective in mind. A retiring professional would have different investment goals as compared to a young couple just starting out. Is early retirement our goal? Or is enjoying a luxurious lifestyle more important? This determines the investment instrument we would choose.
3) Time Horizon: How long can we stay invested? The longer the time frame, the more likely to receive a positive return. Also, the longer the time, the less risk there will be, citrus paribus. Conversely, if we are only out to make a "quick buck", chances are, we won't do very well.

Unique Individual
The second tier is knowing ourselves as "unique individuals". Individually, we are "wired" with certain behavior biases and personality traits. What's your personality? Do you love extreme sports and the thrill of risk? Or do you prefer reading on your bed while enjoying the stability and safety of your room? Obviously, a compulsive gambler, a worrier, or simply someone who has no interest in, or capacity to learn matters of finance, should stay away from making investment decisions. You may be well-acquainted with yourself already. If not, you may want to try this online personality assessment based on the Jung-Myers-Briggs typology.

Only through understanding our financial health, preferences and personalities can a proper investment plan based on our unique needs be drawn up. As your personal Financial Services Consultant, I am committed to being your Right Partner; to help you understand your needs and plan your investments. So, don't be a stranger; and let's work together on a proper financial plan to ensure you have all the information you need before making any financial decisions.

Pass It On...
Is there anything we can do differently the next time to make it better and more valuable for you? What would you like to see in our subsequent issues? If this newsletter has been beneficial to you in some small way; please share it with your friends and family. Please don't hesitate to contact us should you require more information or would like to meet for a personalized Financial Healthcheck.

(original adapt minus graphics)

Ubin!

Went to ubin on Sat. Idea is to show loretta the rustic side of Spore. We did cycling & visited chek jawa & the smaller quarry. Mini saga when jo's rented bike was missing after we returned from chek jawa. Surprise knocking into xy there & knowing an is actually not frm bizad. Glad that lo did enjoyed herself. Realised I only have pics of the nature..the pics we took with us in it are all in lo & an's cams. Will get them later=P

Asia's Top 20

Iggy's does Spore proud as the top Asia's restaurant: http://www.iggys.com.sg/
Looking @ the menu, I definitely want to try one fine day.
___________________________________________________________________________
Four Singapore restaurants voted as Asia's Top 20
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 01 November 2008 2112 hrs

SINGAPORE: Few would dispute that Singapore has some of the best street food in the region.

But now, according to the inaugural Miele Guide, published by German home appliance maker Miele, Singapore also has Asia's best fine dining restaurant in the form of Iggy's.

However, choosing the best was not easy.

It took 84 of the most respected food critics, votes from over 15,000 diners across 40 countries, and a special jury of 1500 journalists and foodies, to come up with the final list.

Eight Hong Kong restaurants and four in Singapore made it to the list of Asia's Top 20 Restaurants. The ones from Singapore include Les Amis, Gunther’s and Garibaldi, which are placed at the third, fourth and seventh spot respectively.

To come up with the guide that lists 200 of the best, restaurants in 16 countries were evaluated.

Managing director of Miele South East Asia, Mario Miranda, said: “There was actually no serious credible guide in Asia - such a rich and diverse region, such great dining experiences."

The full list of the Top 20 restaurants is available at this website.

Art of Kite-flying

Went for hot yoga trial with sis on sat evening...sweat & more sweat. We think we still prefer hatha yoga @ sk CC=P
Ge run on sun morn. It's 5km again this time round. Will treat this as a warm-up to the stanchart one in dec=)
Kite-flying on sun evening. Luv the blue skies, fresh breeze, greenery & sea view! When was the last time I flew a kite? Think it might be during sec sch days in marina bay area. Sj, js, xq, fio & I decided to go fly kite @ paris ris park. In fact, it turns out to be quite fun & not boring as we thought. Kite-flying triggers a little thought. The art of kite flying might applies to many things we do in life...how we capture the wind & control the kite...pulling back & releasing @ the right time with the appropriate amt of strength in order to ensure that the kite flies freely & steadily in the skies.

Refer to fio & xq's blogs for more details on the activities.

Treasure the long weekend. Treasure the freedom to enjoy the wonders that nature can offer even more. I am 100% recovered from the sick bug! I guess it might be too early to set 09 resolutions but one of them shall definitely be to hit the outdoor to enjoy the blue & green more!=)

Picnic @ Botanical Gardens

Thank You!!

Thank you for casting your vote for baby janelle. She won=)

http://www.huggies.com.sg/photocontest/Default.aspx

Sore Throat

It started off with some muscle ache, lethargic & feverish feel on sun. It brews into a sore throat in the middle of the week. By Fri, the voice is half gone as well.

I never knew that sore throat can be this painful. I considered my threshold of pain to be quite alright. The throat has worsened to the state where I am scared to sneeze, swallow food/saliva, yawn or cough. Terrible feeling having to wake up in the morning and feel the pain first thing in your mouth.

Surviving on strepsils blackcurrent pain relief, strepsils original, clinical throat relief donated by my sweet colls, sea coco cough syrup offered by my thoughtful coll, pipagao @ home - think before the throat recovers, i'll die from overdose of glucose first hahaha...

2 more weeks!

GE Run in 2 weeks' time. Gotten a pair of Mizuno with Xq @ Vivo last Fri. Considering the fact that we didn't even plan the meet-up, it was quite an amazing & fast purchase. This brand is highly recommended by my coll. Like the cushioning & grip of this pair. Have been running with my pair of puma (not exactly running shoes type) all these while. With this pair, I hope it spurs me to run more=P Ready? Run bah!

Sun Evening: Family @ Sin Flyer

Inside a capsule, the views of Singapore surround. As Singapore Flyer terms - a moving experience at every turn. With the sun setting, al-fresco deck @ seafood paradise provides some good dining on a Sunday. As Bakerzin rightly describes, Macaron is all about sweetness. On a Monday evening, some bites of sweetness for the family=)

~ live well. laugh often. love much ~

This is supposed to be a thank you piece.

Ahem to all my dear frenz out there, you know who you are ya=P

3 Oct - Gang, thanks for the dinner @ cafe pasta + the casio sheen watch; so glad to see all the 5 of u turn up + our newbie mr lee! ks: time to bring ur girl-nxt-door the nxt tym we meet ya..we want to recruit one more gang member. nap: do rmb the research u owe us *winks*. ladies: hmm wonder how long must we wait for nap to produce his hw....(ops but i guess you guys don't read my blog=P)

4 Oct - Xq, St, Owl, my beloved ladies: u are fantastic! can't imagine my closest frenz are so excellent in plotting and casting surprises. Thanks for the nice swiss cult dinner + sweet strawberry shortcake + my favourite fancl products..you know me well=) For a fun piece on the story plot: refer to XQ's blog.

5 Oct - I am usually too lazy to meet on Sun (My definition of Sun: rest & slack @ home, breakfast & dinner with family). But how can I reject my two dearest frenz...ended up @ Parkway with Fio & SJ for lunch. Thanks for the delicious ichiban sushi + leehwa earrings...you understand me well=)

6 Oct - The actual date. Thanks for all the nice messages & wishes. Thanks to my wonderful department & colleagues! You made this day a blissful & special one @ work.

With this posting, I'm officially 24th this year...

~ live well. laugh often. love much ~

Vote for my niece!

Remember my first contact with diaper brands - the Marketing Research module I took during my last semester. We spent a great deal of effort & time doing research, questionnaires, analysis for our final project on diapers as it is a non-examinable 100% project grading module...it is fun nonetheless!

Niece Janelle is 20 months old now! As playful & cheerful as before, pls cast your vote for her if you think likewise=) Thanks! Closing date is on 9 Oct 08.

Photo Contest - Huggies Singapore

http://www.huggies.com.sg/photocontest/gallery.aspx?id=352

Food Note - Sun Dinners @ Home

Sunday dishes require fresher ingredients, more preparation time + effort and more people @ home to enjoy them=)

Overdose

Back from US autumn get-away...

Instead of jet-lag, think I am suffering from pics overdose...

Finally got them uploaded on FB,
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41459&l=d6776&id=632219079

"There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Three Tetons; and our people should see to it that they are preserved for their children and their children's children forever, with their majestic beauty all unmarred."

President Theodore Roosevelt, speaking of America's National Parks

Bits & Pieces

Mum always prepare surprise snacks for us over the weekends=) Tata, it's prawn fritter this time round! She makes it sound so simple, quoted: "I hve some prawns, bean sprouts frm the mkt this morn, so with these ingredients + some plain flour = prawn fritters"

Sent my mobile for servicing last Mon evening. Received the msg to inform that it is ready for collection yest evening. I was thinking: I am definitely not going to spend another 2hrs waiting for the queue. Took bus 27 at around 10.30am to ensure that I were there early when the service centre @ century sq. opens from 11am. I got Q. No. 5 & the screen reflected that it was serving No. 3...good just 2 customers to wait for rather than the 20 over on Mon night. Got a beady ring from fieJapan..found it pretty & lugged it home. Impulsive purchase=P

Wall-E

Watched Wall-E with ssl @ vivo this morn. Show is supposed to start @ 10.30am. We are running late...walking @ a mad pace frm home to sk mrt to catch nel train. Managed to reach by 10.50am but thankfully, the movie only commenced ard 5 mins after we sat down:P

A thought-invoking show that touches on the emotions through scientific WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class) & EVE (a feminine search robot). My fav character in this show is M-O, a small cute robot that is programmed to clean anything abroad the Axiom classified as " foreign contaminant".

Before catching it, I have heard some raves. My bias conclusion is guys might find this movie more interesting than girls. After all, it's robots!

With HOPE, there is always a FUTURE

A good initiative=) Something that I truly support for the benefit of our future generations. Hopefully, one day, I can contribute in any little way to Hope School and the children=P

http://bizalum.nus.edu/eflyer/2008/HopeSchool/about.htm

Joi Chua

Friends who know me enough know that I practically don't sing...or I just don't know how to sing=P As a listener, I like her voice and she has been one of my fav singers=)

Wakashachiya Curry Udon

It's Central again. We celebrate KS's bday @ Wakashachiya CURRY UDON. To end the day, green tea+red bean azabu sabo icecream by the steps.