It has been so long since I've posted.
Older, (maybe) wiser, happier.

2016

1. Subscriptions
Never really believed in subscriptions of sorts, but I made two subscriptions this year. One for Apple Music and the other for iBethel.tv. The one I pondered over the most was the iBetheltv subscription, because it was USD$96 for a year, and I was doing fine using the free media. But I went ahead with it anyway because I knew I wouldn't regret it. It was a treasure trove of sermons and worship sessions. Looking forward to more soaking sessions, and more uses of my Macbook Pro then.

2. Leading Praise and Worship at LG
This was something I did more of this year. Not that many times yet and I'm still always nervous when I lead, but I've learnt to enjoy the process and follow where God is leading. After all, it is not about me but all about Him and drawing others to Him.

SCMS 2014

Truly, unprepared would be a great understatement for this run. Well, not that I have ever been prepared for anything at all. But after the Great Eastern run on 9th November, I couldn't forget that pain that I experienced towards the end and at the end of the 21.1km. In a way I was more afraid for SCMS than GEWR since I had already been through it once and knew how it would feel. Adding on the fact that I would be going for it alone, I was quite a bundle of nerves the night before really! It did not help that I had to miss service to get sufficient rest. Many times I had exclaimed that I regretted signing up for 21.1km because I had no idea how I would complete it. But I had to complete it (that is a given since I already registered but it was sponsored so all the more I could not back out of it had I wanted to).

Attempting a flatlay on my bed the night before. I was pondering over the need to wear shorts over my tights but decided against it for fear that it'd be too warm.

Breakfast of bagel with laughing cow cheese prepared by my mum which tasted oh so good.

On the MRT at 4am when my flag off time was at 6:30am all because I didn't know how to get to Sentosa Gateway and was intending to follow other people. Yet all the people I saw on the MRT were full marathon runners, hence I decided to hide my purple bib identifying myself as a half marathon participant. #noobstatus Boo my purple bib still peeked out despite my feeble attempt.

Baggage deposit was a breeze and I headed off to the starting point. My legs were feeling so heavy at this point I didn't know how I was going to run at all.

Never been so early before.

Got a photo taken at the start point which I totally didn't expect because I didn't dare to ask anyone to help me take, but since someone asked me to help, I asked for a favour in return. Wasn't even 6am yet so I had lots of time to kill. Prayed a prayer of strength and protection while doing stretching. Soon the crowd came and the start pen was packed. Wasn't exactly feeling thrilled considering that I didn't feel like I could run but I tried to jump and stretch more before the air horn was sounded. I was so totally caught unaware by the slopes at the starting point. It was seriously a lot compared to the smooth and flat ground I was used to running previously. My knees were so weak! It felt like a long time before I reached the 1km mark and I really didn't think I could do it. In my mind I thought 'Okay 20 more to go.' But as I went on, I started to enjoy the run. Managed to regulate my breathing and I ran at a more constant pace. I didn't have a watch so I didn't keep track of the time until I passed the expressway where there was a clock.

My mood was instantly lifted when I entered USS. It was my first time in USS and I never imagined my first visit to be during a run. It was so fun to see the mascots but I didn't stop to take any photos though. My agenda was still to quickly finish. I think it was around the 6 or 7 km mark at that point. I still had a long way to go! Soon we entered the basement car park and I'm not sure why but I felt a little breathless while running through it. Then it was time to exit Sentosa and hit the highway. It was 10km by then. Grabbed two gels to take along the way. By that time the sun was out and all I was doing was to look out for the next distance marker as well as hydration points. I wouldn't have been able to run at all had my mind been on the run throughout. My mind was filled with songs of worship such as 'Every act of love', 'How great is our God' and many others that I cannot remember now. I prayed at some points, like what my leader did when he went for runs. Before my run I prayed for God to speak to me during the run and He told me to show acts of love. There were so many times in which I wanted to encourage another runner but had no courage to. I guess this is something I will have to work on in future.

Happiness upon reaching this sign! Just 2km more to go. The last few km before this was made difficult because of the sun. I don't think I have ever ran for prolonged periods in the sun before so that was something new. Tried to keep my spirits up and finish it well. I was trying to finish the run under 3 hours but I only managed a 3:05:18. I will just have to keep training well. I thank God for bringing me through and sustaining me throughout the run. Without Him I wouldn't have even completed it. 

I never thought much of 10km medals because I knew it was doable for me, but 21.1km medals are really precious to me and hold so much meaning.

Walked super far to the floating platform to collect my belongings and then it was time to head home. Always something to be learnt from each run and during this run I learnt to rely on God. I may have been alone throughout but I never once felt lonely. 

No two runs are ever the same even if they are of the same route. What more of a different route. I really enjoyed this run, with the scenic view and fewer loops. 

Till the next run then! So happy to have ended the last run of the year well.

Finding myself here when I'm supposed to be doing some reading. Or at least I had intended to. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed by technology. Where replies are expected to be quick and instant. I don't like that. I admit that sometimes, I am guilty of it too. When things are urgent and I see that 'two ticks' in Whatsapp, I expect the other party to reply me immediately. Gone are the days of sending a text message of 160 characters, where I would try to use up as many characters as possible so as to make the most of it. Often carefully thought through before sending. No, it's all gone now. People (we) send one word replies, one alphabet replies.

Most of all, what I really dislike is being caught in the middle. Does anyone have the same dilemma? Like how I ask someone who needs some expertise which I know someone else who has it. And then it becomes my responsibility to contact the other party. And not forgetting that the one in need already has many options. Then now I get caught in between. This is when I would so gladly wash my hands off this matter, or wish that I hadn't offered in the first place. Stop being so big-mouthed, Sam. 

I'm in the midst of a transition. Back then before I started this transition, I already knew how hard and painful it would be, yet I told myself that this was necessary. I couldn't go on like how I did previously. To give an analogy, it would be getting a new job and informing the colleagues of my impending move. Awkward and all. Feeling like I betrayed all of them by wanting to leave whenever I see them, and the only difference would be that I will still be seeing the people I feel that I betrayed, for a long long time. And this is not the worst part yet. It has yet to come because I haven't told the people whom I have been staying the longest time for about my leaving. I can only imagine the looks on their faces when they see it.

Don't know what point I'm trying to put across with this verbal diarrhoea really. Perhaps its jitters before my first 21.1km run, perhaps it's sudden reflections.

It sounds like an impending stormy rainy night is near.

I've been finding comfort in food lately, which explains by recent or gradual weight gain. I can't say I didn't see it coming, but somehow I tend to overeat my favourite nuts. I need to re-gain the self-control I had over my diet 2 years ago. Two years ago, I bought tops that were 15" in ptp without a thought but now I need to consider whether I will be able to fit into them. Skirts measuring 13" in waist were loose on me and now they feel more fitting and I wear them higher. My arms are bigger too. It's time to take control again, before it's too late.

Australia Dairy Company

Okay so first up is Australian Dairy Company located at Parkes Street. Nearest MTR exit is Jordan C2. So familiar with it now that I can walk to ADC without referring to the map. I'm quite sure of that. It's mandatory for me to visit ADC whenever I'm in Hong Kong, really. Actually I would love to have it twice on a trip but I figure that it wouldn't be too good for my health. So it's once a trip for me then! 

Most of the time there will always be a queue but the queue moves really fast so no worries about having to wait for a long time, and for me, I will queue for their eggs! And many say that their service is bad, but personally they haven't been rude to me or my family and friends when I was there so I can't speak about that. And sharing of tables is almost always a given unless you're in a group of 4 and above. 

This was from my first trip in May 2013 with Amanda and my Mum! I don't really care much about the macaroni because I'm not a fan. So being our first time there, we did what the locals did and ordered the breakfast set, which comprises of macaroni, toasted bread with eggs and a cup of coffee or tea for about HKD$ 35 if I recall correctly? So the three of us shared 2 breakfast sets. I don't know how one person can finish everything. It's so much! 

First time trying their scrambled eggs and I was sold. It was really really the best eggs that I have ever had. No other egg can compare. I don't know how they fry it, but it's so layered, and one can literally see all the many layers of eggy goodness. Best eggs ever. My Mum says that the secret to the eggs is lots of oil. Haha well. Tasty food is almost always unhealthy so I accept that. And I think the macaroni is worth a skip if you're saving your stomach for better food elsewhere. It's Hong Kong we're talking about.

And this was what I wanted to try. Almond steamed egg. I think we ordered the hot version because we like our desserts hot. Perhaps we were in a rush and it was too hot for me to enjoy it. I think I burnt my tongue. It costs about HKD$ 24. The egg taste was so strong. And I think it was sweet too but again the heat overpowered the sweetness. Still worth a try if you like eggs and almond like me! But maybe order it cold and it might taste better.

Second trip in January 2014 with my Mum and Grandma. Oops I've only got photos of my own order. So you see I've found my favourite and will only order what I want to eat. Leaving out the unnecessary ones. This was the 炒蛋文治 if I'm not wrong. If you don't know what to order, always go with the 炒蛋 every time they ask you how you want your eggs to be done and you will never go wrong.

So full of eggy goodness can you see it? And so many layers too! I thoroughly enjoyed it so much. The toasted bread gives the sandwich a little crunch as opposed to the usual soft white bread that I eat in sandwiches from Four Leaves. But anyhow, I like bread in any form, toasted or not, I still like it.

This is another dessert item that they serve. Steamed milk with egg whites. This was hot as well given the winter weather at that time. Burnt my tongue as usual and couldn't taste the sweetness. But it was good comfort food in the cold weather.

And my third and most recent trip about two weeks ago! We stayed near ADC this time so no need for us to come to Jordan specially for this. But the nearer we stay, the later we arrive, which means queuing up to enter. I don't think we had to queue the previous two visits. New experience every time. Wasted no time and took photos of what they have to offer.

They only have two types of desserts, both of which I've tried. I will always prefer the egg white version because I will definitely be having egg (yolks) in my breakfast. And too much cholesterol is no-no. Even on a holiday trip.

Finally got a photo of their menu! They've got milk from Kowloon Dairy too, which I never tried until this trip. I don't think ADC has skimmed milk. I saw the same bottle at the convenience stores, with many different options like chocolate flavoured, full fat and skimmed. I think ADC only has the standard one which is full fat. Worth a try and I brought the bottle back because it's so cute and I collect bottles.

#iwillalwaysreturn #eggswaitforme

Forever busy I think. There're crowds even at night. Saw it while on the way back to our apartment.

And my order this time! Actually I wanted to order what I had the previous trip, but I don't know what it's called. So I settled for 炒蛋多士, which came as an open faced sandwich. Haha well, even better for me since it's one less slice of bread. Took my own time to savour the eggs. Still tasted good as always but I think it tastes better in the 文治 form.

And here's the steamed milk and egg whites again, but cold this time round. Tasted so sweet but yummy. No more burning my tongue while eating it.

And the amazing thing about the waiters(?), or workers there, is that they can calculate your bill on the spot. I don't know how they do it, since only one person takes our order, but the one who calculates our bill is not the same person. And also given that we have already finished our food, there is no way that they can tell what we ate from our plates. Something to figure out on my next trip!

So there you have it! One of my favourite-est cha chaan teng to go to in Hong Kong! I think everyone who likes what they see in the photos should visit at least once. Not too expensive meals but I would say that the desserts are rather pricey since they cost HKD$ 26 which translates to about SGD$ 4 plus, which is even more than my yummy sandwich or toast. But I believe it's worth it for the taste so I will always be returning!

Address:

47-49 Parkes Street, Hong Kong
Open: 7:30am - 11:00pm
Closed on Thursdays
Nearest MTR: Jordan exit C2

Random blogpost at such a random time because I missed my blog. Checked the comments and I realized some life science students have asked me for notes/lab reports but I've misplaced all of them already. It's probably too late as well I guess. The semester is almost over.

Anyhow, I'm going to revive my blog in due time! I've still been blogging over at Dayre on the daily grind and nitty grities, so I shall use this blog to share the good stuff! I've been to Hong Kong three times since 2013 and I've returned to the same few places so I shall share those food that I really really like!

2013

On a night like this, the first day of 2014, trying to reflect on the year that has just past. So many things to be thankful for, so many blessings. I've learnt a lot this year, through losses, gains, everything. Maintained the friendships that has strengthened throughout the past year, forged new ones. In a way, 2013 was a year of many firsts for me. Many of which would be to do with God and spiritually. Water baptism, holy spirit baptism, attending life group, serving in a ministry. Others would be travelling with friends for the first time, to Hong Kong in May this year, cafe hopping, running marathons just to list a few. I have not been the most perfect. Even now, as I think of all my mistakes and my flaws, I feel ashamed and unworthy of love. But I thank God, my parents and friends for still loving me despite how I don't deserve it. I learnt forgiveness. I can now gladly and happily say that I can forgive because I've been forgiven much. I finally let go of that burden that I'd been holding on to for four years. Four years, that was how long it took for me to have the courage to face my past. I can only thank God for that supernatural strength. I've also learnt about loss. I still think of my cousin who left us this year. She taught me so much. I've learnt not to judge. I see people around me who remind me of her, and I get reminded not to judge. On a less serious note, I've also appeared on television, for the first time, albeit for just a few seconds.

In 2014, I want to listen more to God and know His direction for me, be it in terms of career/going back to studying/just anything. I also want to be more aware and sensitive to the needs of others. In other words, be less self-centred. Love more, judge less, continue exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle, eating healthier and cleaner. Save more, see more of the world, maintain my friendships. I can't speak for my shopaholic ways because I know I will still shop as and whenever I like to. More faith, more faith, greater conviction in God, and to read His word more so that I can be always prepared whenever my faith is challenged. Not that it ever wavers, but I want to be able to respond in a way that glorifies Him more, and not give such an anti-climax or lousy answer. More importantly, for His light to shine through me, such that others will wonder where my faith comes from.

So yes, 2013, you've been good to me. I know 2014 will be even better because God is already there, and is always for me. Christ is in me! Bring it on, 2014! 

Dayre

I haven't disappeared!
It's just so convenient to blog on the go with the new Dayre app!

here!

I'll never know how much it costs to see my sin upon that cross

I have so much to say, so much to share. So much so that I don't know where to start from anymore. So I shall put off the sharing and blog random thoughts. It's been one long hectic weekend, this weekend and the previous. Ended my last run of the year today with the Standard Chartered Marathon 2013 and surprisingly, I don't feel that tired, my legs aren't really aching, yet. I think yet is the word! Surely they'll ache tomorrow. It was my first time participating in SCMS and I really think that it's one of the more organized runs, despite my grumbles that race pack collection is so last minute. I collected it less than 24 hours before the race itself so that is kind of last minute right? But I guess it's necessary this way, considering its scale, and having to accommodate the overseas runners. Understandable. Apart from that, the race pack collection was really good. No queues (when I went on a Saturday afternoon), and I managed to sign up for next year's Sundown too! Baggage deposit and collection was fast and fuss free. I was impressed and kept telling Steph that they are so efficient. And I've completed yet another race, not my best timing today and I'm a little disappointed. I was hoping for a better timing today, but I ran without looking at my watch because I wanted to see how I would fare without looking at the timing. I guess I should have checked and paced myself for a better timing. But the important thing is that I finished it safely, and it's all God's grace and His providence. There were a few times, before the 5km mark that I felt like I couldn't do it, but I was reminded of some lyrics from a few praise and worship songs. Trying very hard to recall which lyrics, but I can't remember. I then found the strength to press on. Went for a kind of well deserved brunch at Namnam's at Raffles City. Steph and I scoured the entire basement for healthy food, eschewed Macs, KFC, Mos burger, and even Subway. We settled for Namnam's because they have the baguette sandwich which looked healthy, and felt healthy too. And I saw my running inspiration too so it's a happy day!

It's a month to the end of the year, and it's going to be such a busy month with meetings and celebrations. I'm actually looking forward to them. It's going to be my first Christmas as a church going Christian and I'm quite excited! In the previous years, Christmas was just another public holiday, just another occasion to eat good food. I'm looking forward to giving blessings this year.

I was immensely enlightened about forgiveness this week by Ps Benny Ho and his seminar on the book of Philemon. I always thought that for me to forgive, the person has to know his/her mistake and change first. But forgive is made up of fore-give, meaning to give before, so how can it still be called forgiving when you wait for the person to change? That would be justice and not forgiving. So forgiving a person of the offence against me is possible. I just need to make the decision to forgive.

Been eating all sorts of good food lately and I don't even know the occasion for them. I need to eat healthily before my trip to Bangkok again! Yes I'm scooting off to Bangkok next week with my family and I can't wait for the much needed getaway from work, although I already had a short week this week when I took leave to visit the zoo. It was a very fun experience! And I feel that it really depends on the company that you're with. The last time I was at the zoo was in 2010 for a school field trip for a biodiversity module, and needless to say, I was bored to death throughout the trip because I was with a group of people I didn't even know and was not even close to. I couldn't wait for it to end. I admit that I'm not exactly someone you'll call an animal lover, but while I was at the zoo this week, I could see the beauty of the animals. It's just amazing how many different animals there are, and one really can wonder how these animals came about.

Feeling all sorts of depressed because of my major breakout. My skin condition is so bad that I feel self conscious whenever I go out or while I'm outside. I can only blame it on my own vanity. I just really hope that it'll recover soon)):

Going to end this abruptly because I want to watch Running man!

Truly blessed

I know I've always been using the word blessed and I lack creativity, but there is no way else I can describe all that I've received this year. By God's grace, I've been water baptised, holy spirit baptised, I found J2, found a friend at work, learnt to love my mother more, learnt to love others more, loving my neighbour as myself.

Never have I found it easier to talk to a person the first time I met her. I often thought that I was imagining it and that we'd actually run out of topics to talk about that things would turn awkward with empty heavy silences some day but there was none of those at all. I was initially to broach sensitive topics, only to realize that I had nothing to worry about at all because we felt the same way about the same issues. I was just amazed to no end at how similar we were in our thinking and mindset. It's funny how I thought of her first when I saw something that I knew she'd like. How we laughed when we both thought of each other first. The length of time we've known each other may not be long but I'm sure that there'll be more to come. Thank you Liza(:

 For favourite cake of mine that I knew you'd like.

Cafe hopping days (IV)

Part four of my cafe hopping days! And this time it's Symmetry cafe with Steph! Symmetry is quite a popular cafe, I tried calling in advance to make a reservation for seats on a Saturday and was told that they were fully booked. But we decided that we'd just walk in and hope to get seats, although we had alternatives haha! We've planned in advance like that cos we have so many cafes to try.
They've got quite a sophisticated reservation system where you can just enter your number and group size, and then they'll call you when they've got seats for you, so we decided to wait it out since they had seats for people waiting outside. It wasn't quite a long wait, I must say.

I guess if you opt for bar seats the wait might be shorter since not many people would be keen on those (not us, anyway, haha)

I loved the quaint and mismatched decor. There is beauty in mismatched furniture and appliances, but sadly that doesn't apply to dressing up. Sometimes when I find that my clothes are matched weirdly I'd feel ill at ease the entire day and can't wait to go home. Okay digressing, on to what we ordered.

We really wanted to try their all day breakfast but we got tempted by their other items. And as you know, two of us don't want to eat too much, so we gave the breakfast a miss. We love truffle fries so we couldn't pass this up.
It came in a really huge bucket! Tasted really nice, and there was a side dip of truffle mayo (I'm guessing cos I didn't use that dip much). I seldom eat fries anymore because of the fact that it's unhealthy, unless it's truffle fries. Double standard much, haha!

And next up, another of our favourites, waffles! It came topped with whipped cream so we swept it off. I realize we do that for everything we order that has cream on top. Steph commented that it's not four whole quarters of waffle but more like three and a half. I loved the waffles, it was crispy on the outside, and topped with the ice cream, it was just awesome.

We saw people at other tables ordering their all day breakfast sets which looked so nice too, but we had no more stomach for that so it'll have to wait for the next time we're there.

Instagrammed it, one or two months back.

Lesson learnt

No one is perfect, lean not on man but on God, for man will fail but God never fails.

This is a fact that I've heard for some time now. My pastor always says that he will fail us, but God will never fail.

Somehow this fact hit me really hard this week. Because I had unknowingly put a lot of faith/trust in this sister of mine, and I just got very disappointed in her, although I wasn't in any position to judge anything. I was just reminded of this fact that people will definitely fail us, even though they may try very hard not to. Even for me, as much as I do not wish to fail n others' eyes, I will fail. Not even a 'might fail', but a 'will fail'.

Simply because we are not perfect.

I've neglected this space for some time, and today I'm back here to share about being touched by the Holy Spirit. All along, I always thought that it was the lyrics of the praise and worship songs that touch me, but last week, I found myself tearing even when I didn't know the lyrics. Thank you Jesus. For all the constant reminders that my worth is in nothing else but You, not what I look like, not what I achieve or even what I do. To keep trusting You for Romans 8:28 says that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.

Not because of who I am, but because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done, but because of who You are.

Yes Lord, everything that I am is given by Your grace. I am not to boast about anything because it is not my position to do so.

Kind of looking forward to serving in church this weekend yet there is this teeny weeny bit of apprehension because it's my first time. But I know I will do fine and it will turn out alright!

I don't know if anyone feels like this sometimes, but I do. Like settling into some kind of familiarity and getting too comfortable in life. I don't know why, but I don't really like this feeling because then things would remain status quo yet we should always be striving to improve each time. That said, I'm 'enjoying' this familiarity and I've been happier at work thanks to my two colleagues who make me laugh daily while facing the screen. So glad to have found them, and right now I'm really amazed and astounded by the greatness of His plans. A year ago, I accepted this job because of various reasons such as distance, nature of the job and simply gut feeling and would never have expected NEMO to come this far. I'm heartened to see reports on what we've been doing the past one (or two, for some of us) year. So motivated to work harder to make a difference for more of these patients!

I guess stress makes me shop more, okay those are just excuses. My eyes are very bad, they're spoilt, like my grandma would say whenever she sees things that catch her eye and make her want to buy them. I've been shopping on Love, bonito quite a bit. And I've moved away from the fit and flare dresses that I used to favour towards shift dresses which look more formal. Will share some of them soon!

This entry is such a mish-mash of random ideas in my head, I will get down to proper posts soon, just a matter of when now! Hahaha.

Cafe hopping days (III)

Here's part three of my cafe hopping journey, and this time with my dearest Mummy!

Since we both work in the west (sort of, not the extreme west though), I decided on D' Good Cafe, since I'd heard of it recently, and TTR had their photoshoot there as well, and it was in a location convenient for both of us. It's just a short walk from Holland Village station, a little further up from Hatched, if you've been there before. It's a very interesting cafe! It's located on the second floor, and there is a very special lift to take you up, where the lift is just a platform for you to step on. Well you can just climb the stairs up but my mum insisted on taking the lift, haha.

And we could just sit anywhere we liked, provided that it has not been taken up by anyone else. There're seats at the third level as well, but we didn't want to go up. My guess that it must be as pretty as the second level.

There are lovely seats at the swing, but it was occupied by the time we arrived.

We ordered and paid at the counter, so there wasn't any service charge or GST. We lingered at the counter for quite a while because we couldn't decide on what to order. We're so fickle minded like that. My mum always leaves it to me to decide when we go out, and you know I'm always undecided when it comes to ordering. We decided to just get one waffle and a breakfast dish, 'cause I like waffles. I know right, so much for being healthy. But at least I balanced it out with fruits! I love bananas to the moon and back hahaha. I can't remember how much both cost, but the prices were reasonable.

They gave us this, reminiscent of Rooftop Prince. Hahaha. I always remember Lee Gak buying this and pestering Park Ha by giving her this device and making it beep constantly.

And it wasn't long before it beeped and I exchanged this for our food.

Waffle with fruits and maple syrup

All day breakfast set. Loved the mushrooms and the bread.

We shared the above and the portion size was just right. We didn't feel too bloated or full and still had space for desserts after. Since I treated my mum to dinner, she said she'd treat me to a dessert! Totally didn't expect that and it was a pleasant surprise(:

And we found ourselves at Island Creamery! It was my mum's first time there and I was quite surprised that she didn't order or want to try their unique flavours like pulut hitam or chendol, since she liked them as desserts.  After a round of trying the flavours, we settled on burnt caramel and black forest! I always get to try something new each time I visit and this time, it was the black forest for me. I kept telling my mum that the love for burnt caramel is an acquired taste and made her try it first to see if she liked it before we ordered.

And I was tempted to order this mudpie instead of the baked alaska my mum kept suggesting. So needless to say my gracious mum gave in to me.
Very #fatdieme night but it's not always so its okayyy right?
I bought the chocolate peanut butter flavour home and it's still sitting in my fridge right now. My mum got the black forest flavour.

Instagrammed it! I love how Instagram allows me to post memories almost instantly.

More nights like this to come!

D' Good Cafe
273 Holland Ave  278992

Land of Dim sum Day 2 part 2

Finally getting down to blogging about Disneyland after about 3 months. But honestly, there isn't much to say about Disneyland. In fact, I was a little tiny bit disappointed. I expected it to be more magical, not sure how to describe it but it was just so commercialized with all the shops and merchandise shops.
So we took the MTR to Disneyland resort. Travelling in Hong Kong is relatively easy because the MTR is really convenient and directions are clear as to where to change train and where to walk. It's like Singapore but on a bigger scale, similar to Korea actually!

Us on the train that takes us to Disneyland! We were already egg-cited because it was Disney yo! Although it meant squeezing with the crowds and queuing up for a loooonnnngggg time for rides, I was still really excited because it was going to be our first time entering Disneyland!

Not going to post many photos of Disneyland because many others have already done so using their professional DSLRs and taken so much better than mine. Suffice to say that I really enjoyed Disneyland, although there was intermittent rain like how it was when we went to Everland. It didn't stop us from any of the rides. Also, I've got to say that the Disneyland management has better queue control. We didn't have to queue for a very long time as compared to Everland. The longest time we had to queue was probably less than 30 minutes to an hour, so thumbs up for that! 

One of my favourite characters, Woody from Toy Story!

Took quite a few rides, since I mentioned that the queues were not ridiculously long. We took the rollercoasters. I'm not actually a fan of rollercoasters or scary rides, but my mentality when at theme parks is that since I'm already here, just take everything and not regret not taking. Like we've already paid so much for the tickets to enter, and you don't want to take? Haha not referring to those who cannot take because of existing medical conditions. What else is there to do in theme parks apart from the rides, shopping and eating?

Also, I had the misfortune (not because of having to buy, but because I didn't manage to buy it) of having to help a colleague (whom I'm not that close to) buy a souvenir. She actually wanted a tin of biscuits, and well, that got me running into every souvenir shop to check if it was available. It was sadly not available at all. I was just so stressed, like what would she think of me because I didn't manage to buy it. Perhaps she would have thought that I didn't put effort into looking for it when I actually did! I walked into every shop to look for it. That was something I was quite upset about, although to others it might have just been a small issue. 

The nicest part was probably the fireworks. I don't know why, but I just got so emotional during the fireworks that I teared, like seeing something I haven't seen in a long time. I was just very touched, and it was so beautiful and it lasted for a long time. I'm really happy that we stayed for the fireworks although Amanda was not so well that day. 

And also, I actually really expected much more from Disneyland. I didn't exactly get sucked into the consumerism born out of the love for Disneyland. I didn't get a single souvenir at all and I don't regret it at all. Watching the other tourists snapping up so many souvenirs, I just thought, 'What's the point?' Perhaps I have reached the point where I don't need souvenirs to remind me of the beautiful experiences. I keep them all in my head or heart. I will always remember the feeling I felt when I was watching the fireworks.

I've been procrastinating this entry for such a long time all because I didn't feel like posting photos of Disneyland although I took a lot of photos on that day. So here is an unexpected wordy post that I haven't blogged in a long time. I'm more interested in talking about the food haha. Disneyland food isn't really worth talking about because it was overpriced and not nice at all. We had nicer food in the next few days.

Just wondering

If it is weird that my main source of motivation for running is to fit into clothes nicely. Literally, when I run, I really think of my clothes hanging in my wardrobe.

At other times, I think of the (unhealthy) food I've had the past week and cholesterol and fats being burnt, thinking burn, burn burn.

So sometimes when I've been eating healthily the entire week, the motivation would be at an all time low.

But thinking about the Magnum Black that is in my happy tummy now, I better put on my running shoes and get running.

And for someone like me who loses control when it comes to snacking (even on healthier choices like nuts and raisins), I have come to the conclusion that I better not buy any so that I cannot lose control. 

There's a first for everything

So here's my first bodycon skirt-dress? I say skirt-dress because it's not entirely bodycon and many have told me that it looks like a top and a skirt. So which dress is it?

None other than Smooch's Camilla and Belle dress!
Again, there is quite a long story with this dress.
I saw this dress when they launched it in January or February this year, but I was too slow during the launch and also, the price held me back. I didn't join the backorders as well because I don't really like waiting for backorders.

Then came the extras from backorders which they launched in July. I just happened to see it on the site when I was browsing randomly. I couldn't decide on which colour as I felt like all colours were nice. I particularly liked grey but I think at that time it wasn't on the site. I also liked white. And it was in my cart for a few days, until I realized that it was the last piece, then I got flustered and hurriedly checked out. I decided on size S because the ptp was 15"-16" and the measurement from size M would be too huge. It fits just right at the hips, another dress not suitable for buffets or huge meals.

It's a really pretty dress, although I was kind of surprised at how the nude/brown contrasting colour turned out. It's darker than the photos online. I thought it was nude when I saw it online. And the floral appliques sewn on are very intricate and not flimsy. And the double straps do not sit very well on my shoulders but that isn't a problem to me. Perhaps black would be much more flattering and give a slimming effect like it always does, but I wouldn't know because I'm the one always choosing white. It doesn't exactly crease easily but it does crease when you sit for a while.

I wore it casually with flats but I think it can be dressed up with accessories and wedges or heels. A versatile dress!

Hello Talia

After much hassle, I finally received The velvet dolls' Talia Eyelet cut out romper, mostly because of my own decisions. Here comes the long story. I tried the romper in size S at Kissjane one day and decided that it's too fitting for my liking. I already decided that I would get it in mint because it's the nicest (probably my own biasedness towards mint colour as well), and since S is fitting, M would be good. So I happily joined the backorder for the romper in mint size M. And I was really really looking forward to receiving it because well, I really really liked it.

This is how it looked when I tried it at kissjane. I really felt uncomfortable in it, likely because I just had a heavy meal.

And then while I was happily awaiting the arrival of the romper, I received an email from them instead, informing me that they did not have enough stocks for mint size M, and I was given the option to either opt for a refund or choose another colour. I really wanted a piece of the romper, so I was again stuck in a dilemma as to which colour to choose, and I decided on white in the end. And even as I was taking the white romper out, I knew that it was too huge and would not fit well. I don't think I took a photo. So I decided to try my luck and email them to ask if they have extras for mint size S, and I was :D when they replied that they did! So I waited for it happily, although I was a little afraid that I might not be able to fit into it. (I think I've gained weight since the previous time)

And here, this is the one I received from the backorder. It actually fits nicely, no weird stretch lines at the sides like you see in the above photo, and it didn't feel tight at all. I'm guessing its due to mass manufacturing, I couldn't have lost weight right? Hahahaha. And pardon the un-ironed romper.
So I conclude that I would not have faced any problem with the backorder at all if I had just ordered size S. But well, this is how it turned out, and I got my desired colour in the end(: It's a really nice piece and in my favourite colour! The only problem would be the length which is a little too short for my height of 1.66m, but nothing that cannot be solved by being more careful when out.

Favourite colour and style

I love white and I love ruches, so I was absolutely attracted to TTR's Waldorf ruched front maxi. I have a top from Mango that has so many ruches but I seldom wear it because it's black.

Thanks to both Singpost and TTR's super efficient service, I received this in my mailbox just 2 days after the launch. The material (cotton spandex) is really thick and of good quality, similar to lycra, in my own opinion since I'm no professional about materials and cloth.

I didn't really notice that it's the figure hugging kind of dress until I tried it on. Size M is kind of loose at the top but fitting at the hips, then loose at the legs. Seamless undergarments definitely needed. Oh the woes of a pear. I kind of like the padding at the shoulders since my shoulders aren't that broad and doesn't emphasize them. Overall, it's a dress that is suitable for both formal and casual days depending on how you accessorize and what shoes you choose to wear. I guess black is the popular choice because it's most flattering but no! No black colour for me because I don't exactly look good in black. I was actually deliberating between the very nice pastel blue and the white. Perhaps I'm just weird like that.

Cafe hopping days (II)

Here's part two of my cafe hopping journey! This time with my grandma haha!
Accompanied my grandma for her routine checkup at Novena, and I wanted to bring her to a cafe for a nicer meal instead of having lunch at the hospital, so we visited La Ristrettos which is located in Novena Medical Centre. Thanks to Ting for telling me about this cafe, for I wouldn't know where else to go for nicer food apart from my favourite restaurant chain TCC at Velocity.

Well it was quite funny, my grandma kept asking me as we were making our way to the cafe, how can there be a cafe among all these private clinics? And lo and behold, it appeared right in front of us. It was rather hidden and you really wouldn't have known of it if you hadn't passed by it before or making a special trip there like us. It was around 1pm when we arrived and it was really packed. I can't remember if they allow reservations, but it was mostly filled with healthcare staff on their lunch break, and the staff asked us if we wanted to sit outside, if not we would have to wait. So we took the outdoor seats first, and she told us that we could sit indoors when the other patrons leave. We got the indoor seats rather quickly so it wasn't an issue.

Next was deciding what to order. Even though I often look through menus before visiting, I don't actually decide what I want to order until I arrive. I guess it's dependent on my mood and tummy that day hahaha. We were trying to catch the attention of the waiters only to be told that ordering and payment has to be done at the counter. I think that's good, so that when you're done you don't have to be awkward and try to catch the attention of the staff to ask for the bill. Ordered a cappuccino or latte (I really cannot recall) for my grandma and it came with pretty art on top.

Which was quickly destroyed because my grandma likes her coffee sweet.

Mushroom Frittata which I ordered for my grandma. I read that it's an omelette, so I was quite surprised that it came like that. I always had the impression that an omelette has the fillings wrapped up. I tried a little bit and I was kind of disappointed. This is really a dish that is not bad, not good enough. Haha I don't downplay the dish. I'm sure the sour dough bread is nice! My own set also came with sour dough.

Tostino E Arrosto which I ordered for myself! Because it's chicken breast and cherry tomatoes. I started liking sour dough bread after eating the toast at Maison Ikkoku. The chicken was really well done. It didn't taste like chicken breast at all. The portion looks a little small like that but I was full from it.

We enjoyed our meal there. Wouldn't say that it's quiet because there was quite a crowd throughout the time we were there. Also, there is only one large table in the middle of the cafe so there's quite a high chance that you'd have to share the table with many others, unless you don't mind the 'bar seats' facing the window. A nice cafe to visit with reasonable prices really.

Asked my grandma to pose outside the cafe(: I'm so thankful that she is healthy and youthful looking and that she loves western food as well to come with me on cafe hopping trips.

And a grainy photo of us using the front iphone camera.