Bright ideas

I am often browsing through IKEA catalog and always dog-earred pages of furniture that I would love to have. As I got older this habit never change. I am still browsing through but this time online. I not only visit their website but also their app. It is one of those things that I would scroll through and imagine what my dream house might look like.

You can browse through the entire collection on your phone! So simple and absolutely addictive. 

The best part is that you are able to save your shopping lists and immediately it can calculate for you the total you'll be spending for that trip. And yes, my total will be $1200 minimum. You can never stick closely to your list when you shop at IKEA! Trust me. 

These are the items I am looking to get. 

I already got my Algot system wardrobe so let's scratched that out.

As you can see, I am going for a clean and minimal colours for my side of the room. I have always love IKEA this majority of the items are from this beautiful furniture store. All but the chair. That one is from fortytwo.com. The chair selection there is much better than IKEA. 

Let's cross our fingers and hope that I find the time to make this a reality! I'm doing it in phases so shall periodically update here! 

Phase one

Unforgettable,In every way, And forever more

How many times have you caught yourself humming to an old tune and then all of the sudden, the inner diva in you got unleashed?

Come on, admit it. There are times that you ‘accidentally’ belt out that Mariah Carey song with all the high notes that in your head, you totally nailed it. ‘Cause I know I had a few of those moments. There is something about these old tunes isn’t it. No matter how irregular they are being playing over the radio airwaves, you still remember the words to every song while the new songs you can only mumble 2-3 lines of the chorus (I cannot even remember Wrecking Ball. My version is ‘I’m hmmm like a wrecking ball.’ That is it). Maybe it is just me but I do believe that the songs from the 80’s- 90‘s are absolutely one of the best remixes of music to have on your playlist. You can cry to the lyrics then jump up and down on the bed to the beat.

 While growing up, I was exposed to mainly the Rock genre. Scorpions and Eagles will accompany my family’s road trips to Ipoh, Perak (a twice a year trip we used to take to visit my maternal aunt and cousins). My favourite song of the two would be Hotel California. When I was younger it was just all about the instruments played, the chords and how ‘lentuk’ (rock) it can get. Maybe because of my age, I was not into the lyrics as much as I do now. It does not help when you have a dad and a bunch of cousins and their friends that would come together and start jamming outside of the house to Led Zeppelin, Metallica and other Rock legends.

So I did not grow up listening to Aqua or N’SYNC or Backstreet Boys. I only started to listen to Pop when I was 9. That was when I went GAGA over Blue (Still do). That was also the time I discovered Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, Jackson 5, Ella Fitzgerald and a lot more. Now my playlist is a mix of old and new. I love my Jazz and oldies too much to let them go. I can live without knowing the latest songs or the song that topped the Billboard Charts. Just leave me with my Jazz or songs from Ella Fitzgerald or even the suave Frank Sinatra and I will be in a blissful bubble for hours.

I do hear people say I am too young to know all these singers/songs. Music does not limit itself to age. So why should I. There is good music coming out from the new generation however I do not favour the music video that accompanies the music. Sometimes the song is absolutely amazing but the music video just ruins it. I love dance tracks. I let loose to them but not only the music videos, the lyrics more often than not, put me off listening to them. Call me old fashion but I wish music was as ‘harmless’ as it was back then (who could resist dancing to Grease Lighting or Saturday Night Fever! I know I couldn’t!). Growing up I was privileged enough to be exposed to different genres and was not restricted to just one.

Take the lead of the eldest one

Being the eldest is not all green. The normal sibling rivalry will happen but what sticks the most is parenting. 

You are the guinea pig of their parenting techniques. You are the product of trial and error. You will bring them through phases of your life and their reaction to them is not all approving.

Being 24, my circle of friends are in the phase of settling down. Some are just starting to plan and some are so deep into the planning process that before we knew it, it's time to buy the bridesmaid dresses. I, myself, am still trying to adjust to the fact that I am 'losing' my friends to tulle, flower arrangements, wedding favours, mason jars madness. I can only imagine my parents, coping with me being out of the house every weekend, helping a friend or having a social life outside of the family meet-ups. 

To cope with this change, they might say things that are insensitive. They might say to never return home. They might say things that made no sense to you that you get caught in disbelief. They might just see your disbelief as a sign of rudeness. They will make you cry with their words but always remember. They themselves are unsure how to react to things. You are their first. You will always be their baby. So to have you go out with someone else and attend events with you , they don't know what to make of it. 

Just remember this before you go storming out of the house, saying how they don't understand what you're going through; they don't. They don't know what the normal mid-twenties people have to go through. We just have to take a deep breath and exhale. As many times as possible. We are the guide for the rest. Their guide for the rest.

The geek in me

No, I am not referring to May 4th. I am referring to the inner child I still have in me whenever I get new makeup. In reference to Geek, I finally own the MakeupGeek ultimate palette! 

Yes. I caved in. The $200++ SGD (inclusive of shipping) was a big problem when I first add the palette on my wish list. Who the hell want to spent $200 on makeup?! Me. To be honest, it is relatively the same amount I would spend at MAC when it was time for me to restock my foundations, primers and of course add to my collection of eyeshadow from this renown brand. I finally talked myself into parting with my $200 and went on to purchase this bad boy.

I only received it yesterday and I've only swatched them. I have yet to start playing around with looks but so many ideas came to mind while I was unwrapping each shadow.

For the price you'll receive a large Z palette and 27 eyeshadows pans that is already magnetised for your convenience. As you can see, it fits 27 perfectly.

As I was unpacking the box and arranging the shadows, I notice that my fingers were stained with fallout from some of the shadows especially the darker colours. So peeps, do use these shadows before your foundation to avoid ruining ur base.

The shadows were so pretty to look at and I was tempted to sleep with the shadows by my side. I was staring at the palette and smiling to myself. Who knew a palette of 27 shadows can make one go bonkers! 

They swatch beautifully except for beaches and cream as it matches my skin to the T so it does not show up when I took a picture. 

I don't have a favourite yet as I love the colours! I am sure to try the palette out this week, and the week after and the week after that oh and... All the time!!! 

As you all can see, I am a happy GEEK!

Goodbye dear sir

I have always been a fan of our Mr Lee Kuan Yew. His vision, his ability to strive for a better tomorrow for Singapore hit me when I started learning about the history of singapore back in School. 

The history books often narrate him as a stern and vivacious leader of Singapore; going through adversities to make Singapore a Jewel of the East. The sense of respect was enforced upon me since young though I have no knowledge of why does he command such respect. 

As I got older, I got better at reading and I began reading about him. History books tend to narrate just the nationalistic achievements that he had achieve. I read his memoirs and a different view of him was presented to me. 

His 'soft-side' so to speak appeared through the books and his smile was rather infectious. Through the words and minimal pictures that the book had, I managed to catch a glimpse of Mr Lee as the father, husband and son. He is human too. 

Today his son, our current Prime Minister , Mr Lee Hsien Leong took centre stage to address the nation of the passing of our founding father; his father. The sadness in his eyes and voice was so clear and our heart mourn with him. 

Thank you Mr Lee Kuan Yew for all you've done to fight for our freedom and fight for our nation. Thank you for not abandoning us when we need a leader. Thank you for your vision of the future Singapore. Thank you for sacrificing your youth and time to build us to where we are today. From 3rd world to 1st within 40 years, that by itself is an amazing feat. Thank you sir.

With just that look, you know everything will be alright

Resolutions

Often I'll type my thoughts into this domain and all the thoughts will be backspaced at the end. My mind reflects my working and personal life now; in a indecisive mood. 

I cannot seem to decide on what to do for 2015. To start 2015 without a plan is not healthy. I have been procrastinating a lot of things and I need to get the gears running. Having a lot of moments to sigh is not great for the self esteem (or whatever is left). The only moments that liven up my day would be the small talk between colleagues, friends, family and of course the better half. Other than that I  spend my time sleeping, cleaning, rearranging and staring into space. 

What is wrong with me. Does anyone know? 

A tidel wave

A common sight at year end would be parties, festive celebrations and upbeat songs playing through the soundwaves everywhere in the world. It is not common to have your head spinning with deliverables and worries on the impending year ahead. That was my year end; Filled with bitter truths and even bitter tears.

Too many were suddenly thrown onto my plate that I am still trying to pick up the scraps of the table and placing them back onto the plate. I have yet to even deal with the mess on the plate itself. The scraps are slowly clearing up and soon I have to deal with the colourful mess. I am absolutely appaled at the situation I've put myself into. I know i have to do something about it and I will. Just not now. I am still deciding what to do with 2015. So forgive me for the lack of posts. I am trying to start 2015 right. So here I am, with a

short post. Hopefully, it will crank up these rusty gears in my head.

Have a break, have coffee

Too many changes in the last 2 months of 2014. I am not sure if I can keep myself afloat till the end of the year. Let's hope I do. 

How I know I have too many things on my plate? When I have 2 notebooks that are being filled simultaneously

Gems in my city: Tanglin Halt

Setting aside some time for a date has always been on my to do list every week. I believe in having a date and not just a 'meet-up'. However work, family has been demanding for a bit more of my time than usual so dates are rare now. What I have are just coffee dates which lasts for maybe about 2-3 hours at most. 

When the better half first introduced me to this area, I was enjoying the laid-back vibe that you get just strolling around the area and of course the good food. The hawker centre that is located near the neighborhood police post serves an array of food that I am sure is able to satisfy any picky eater. From Indian food to Chinese cuisine, one is definitely spoilt for choice. Before this date, we often come back to the area to eat at a certain stall but every trip was deemed wasted as the stall is always close. This time round, Lady Luck was on our side.

Lo and behold the elusive, the amazing chicken rice that seems to sell out all of its wares by 5pm everyday. Just look at those chicken bones hanging from the hook. When we came, there was only half a chicken left. Yes! Just half! How lucky were we! 

The better half was the one instigating for me to try this particular chicken rice. He described the dish as 'simply delicious'. Being a fan of chicken rice (especially Chinese chicken rice), I just got to try.

He is not lying when he say it is simple. It is. Even the price for the set (inclusive of the steamed vegetables) is just 4.50 SGD. Without the vegetables, it is just $3!

As for the taste, no wonder they sold out by 5pm. The rice is hot and extremely flavorful. The chicken is tender and cooked to perfection. No blood, no chewy bits. It is as smooth as the layer of fats found under the roasted skin. The vegetables are blanched just long enough that there is still a crunch to them. The soup is not salty unlike most places I've tried. I have low tolerance to salt so this soup is heaven. All in all, I want one more plate of the chicken rice but I have to think of the others waiting in line. Hmmm trust me, I am already planning an off day just to come down earlier to eat this delicious plate of chicken rice.

Most would think that a plate of this would be enough to fill my tummy. Nope. It was time for desserts! Ice-cream time! 

We walked past the store a couple of times before this trip and always wondered what flavors do they have. When we walked in, we were the only customers which I absolutely love. New cafes tend to be filled with hipster cool kids that at times I feel I am too underdressed to be of attendance. Cafes are supposed to be places to chill or to read a book. I love cafes that is able to offer me such ambiance and I must say, The Milky Way did just that.

I love the decor the ice-cream parlor has and I love that they only sells ice-cream, waffles, coffee and tea. The menu is so fussfree that I find it extremely comforting. Too many things on the menu makes it harder to choose what to try! So we went for a flat white and a cup of Smurf ice-cream and a Smurf and hazelnut combo. I got the combo while he gets the single scoop and the coffee.

I had a great 3 hours walking around Tanglin Halt. The nearest MRT station is Commonwealth. Just walk beyond the Sheng Shiong outlet and you will discover the old charm Tanglin has to offer. I am not sure till when they'll be there as we saw certain areas being cordoned off, signaling some demolition works being done. So have a visit before they are all gone.