my singapore diary

I've been back in Singapore for more than a week already, and the Chinese New Year mood has kinda fizzled out too. Elvis has also gone back to Shanghai 2 days ago. We've been busy catching up with our friends, and he's done a little damage to his wallet too - shopping! (If only we had more time!) Haha... We also went to explore the new VivoCity etc... [Reminiscing the fun times we had in Tokyo]

Today, my sisters took leave too and we went shopping at Marina Square & Plaza Singapura. It was Yen Yen's first time at Daiso, and she easily chalked up 20 items! Haha! Sandra went to get some yarn at Spotlight, and i was once again reminded of my nightmare! Arrgh...

I'll probably have another 3 weeks before i leave. I've arranged to go visit my ex-colleagues tomorrow. Then i'll probably meet up with 4 groups of girlfriends, and maybe a few individual friends in the next few weeks. I also wanna go shopping & resist buying (if possible), and wanna spend time at home with my dearest dog Terry, and pack my messy wardrobe. Hmm...wondering what else can be done - besides shopping...
(I've already bought a 4 tops, 1 bermudas & lots of junk! Singapore shopping is just as good as Shanghai!)

~27 Feb, Tue
Went back to the office with a box of Old Chang Kee, and had my fav prawns fried rice for lunch. (OCK is 1 snack i missed in Shanghai) Then i went to the new Central © before meeting Janis for toiletries shopping in Chinatown! Walk until my leg damn "serng".

~28 Feb, Wed
Finally confirmed my flight to Shanghai on 17 March, Sat. Wanted to get my 2nd Hep B jab today, but the rain is making me so sleepy...and i just wanna laze at home. Also did my credit card points redemption - so i can shop more! ;)

~1 Mar, Thu
Had a great time catching up with Stella & Cat over lunch... followed by shiok shopping (5 tops & some junk)... then a great dinner with Joanna! Today's just wonderful! =D

~2 Mar, Fri
Met Jeremy for lunch...shopped again (2 skirts only today)...then dinner with pals Bee & Charlotte for our annual "lou hei" - always wishing for more $$$$$$. Bee's relative won part of the 10-million Toto...and we were so envious! We even match our Toto tickets over-&-over! LOL! My feet ached so much from these 2 weeks of non-stop walking that i had to apply "yoko-yoko" last night! Haha!

~3 Mar, Sat
It was a lazy day with the rain as usual. Me, Audrey & Papa went to Marina Square/Suntec/Millenia in search of some kitchen stuff, then Papa suddenly had some 4D inspiration, and we rushed to "fa cai". Haha! But no luck leh, maybe tomorrow... =D

~4 Mar, Sun
Elvis is so mean...he left a message here that no more shopping for me in SHA. =/ Anyway, today i went to church with my family. I am righteous in Christ and will not be bothered by it. Heehee...

~5 Mar, Mon
I was surfing the net the whole day for tees that i so love...but are so ex! And i like so many! Hmm...it's sooo tempting! Haha! Let me think about it... Please give me a clear mind...

~6 Mar, Tue
I've been so lazy at home, all i wanna do is watch TV and finish my Korean drama Which Star Are You From?. It's nice! But not as nice as Snow Queen. Heehee... Highly Recommended! ;p

~7 Mar, Wed
Finished my Korean drama liao. So all i've been doing is stay home surf net... Just placed my order for this Rainbow Brite tee. Nice? Heehee... So happy! ;)
Been putting off wardrobe-packing & the dreadful jab. :{

~8 Mar, Thu
Finally pluck up the courage to go for my Hep-B jab! Didnt hurt as much as i imagined! LOL! Best part is, the doc said i could buy the 3rd vaccine back to Shanghai! Then Elvis will admister it for me about 5 months later! He was a great medic! ;p I got my butt out from this chair, and went to Tampines Mall & Century Square! It's such a great place to shop - has everything - in this heartland! And i ate more curry puffs! Yummy!

Also found this site...did some tests... Kekee...

Do you Truely Love Him?
The Love you Feel is Real
You are Truely in Love with him whatever his name may be just remember no matter what Love Conquors AllTake this test

~9 Mar, Fri
I went to the new IKEA at Tampines. Usually, when anyone learns that Shanghai has IKEA too, they'll be pretty surprised! I dont know why... Kekee ;p

I also met Becky, Stella, Tomy & Fraser for karaoke at Chinatown. Finally took some photos (with friends) since I came back. Will upload when i get back to Shanghai - very soon. Had a good time catching up too. We'll be having another Gals'-Night-Out next Tues. It was initiated by Catherine - perhaps she wanna inject some life into her motherhood days. ;)


~10 Mar, Sat
We went to Mustafa with dad...and i'm amazed that it's more fascinating and well-stocked than any departmental store in Orchard Road!

Also got a call from Elvis' sec. school friend that he'll be going to Shanghai for holiday with his wife. 1 of Elvis' ex-colleague is also going. WOW! Think we'll have quite a few friends going to Shanghai this year! Hmm...i'm worried i might be very broke... ;p

It also hit me that i'll be leaving Singapore very soon! Sob sob... ;[

~11 Mar, Sun
Went to church today, and then met up with Janis, Celine & Josefyne. They brought me to an interesting place- Gillman Village along Alexandra Road. We had dinner at The Turquoise Room, followed by drinks at Villa Bali. Both are amazing! (It just didnt feel like we were in Singapore!) We took many lovely photos. Will upload soon. Today's just GREAT! I'm so glad & thankful they made time out to meet me again before I leave. I'll miss these gals! I promised Jo I'll be back for her wedding! HURRY! Kekee... ;D


I'm so disappointed when i learnt about Topshop 'Additional 10% Off Sale' which ends today! Gosh! Nevermind, I'm going to do some shopping tomorrow! Kekee... ;p

~12 Mar, Mon
I had a really fruitful day shopping with Sandra, Yen Yen & little Xavier in tow. We brought Yen & Xavier to PepperLunch, and they enjoyed it! It's my 2nd time eating it since i came back, and it's still soooo good! It's one of the food i hope will come to Shanghai soon. Really yummy!

I had wanted to buy a bag from Agnes b. with my AMI (French for 'friend') points redemption, but i didnt see any nice ones (so i'll put that on hold first). But i bought a jacket, bag & 2 tees - all from Topshop! O ya, and an Agnes b. accessory for Elvis. ;p

~13 Mar, Tue
What i forgot to mention was the horrible haircut yesterday! Guess all that shopping made me forget about it until i saw myself in the mirror again this morning! Arrgh... I had gone to a salon in EastPoint and asked just to cut my fringe (at $5). I was on my way to meet my sis at Orchard, and thought that 5 mins was all that was needed. But the guy (supposedly the "most senior" cum boss) didnt even know how to do a simple fringe!!! I even had to tell him which part(s) is uneven! And the task took about 20mins! He said he hope to see me again and handed me his namecard. GOSH! I have to put his name & salon here...(gimme a minute)...Caesor Salon, Cleaven Yan! Boo... =/

Today, i met up with Jayz & Caren over lunch at Canele. Their desert was really good! Then i shopped around VivoCity again before meeting the gals - Becky, Jessica, Catherine, Stella, Peggy, Woei, little Amanda and Tomy! We settled for Superdog, which no one has tried before. The burgers were delicious, and some of them said the hot chocolate & strawberry drink was very good too! It was nice to see them again before i leave. Thanks Cat, for arranging! ;)



~14 Mar, Wed
I was home all afternoon packing the wardrobe - which was an almost impossible task. It was madness! Took some photos which i might upload next time. It's quite embarrassing. Haha!


(And i have TWO other wardrobes that i cant even bear to open its doors! I get a headache just thinking of what to do with all the clothes! And we have a whole storeroom of bags & accessories! And i still have an unpacked DHL box of clothes in my Shanghai home! Help me!!!)


Then i met Janis at a Japanese restaurant for dinner. It was a buffet, so we ate a lot of sashimi to make it worthwhile! Yummy! ;) Our JB trip tomorrow is cancelled coz some people said it's unsafe. Hmm...

~15 Mar, Thu
I met up with Janis again to shop at Plaza Singapura. Saw an interesting shop selling all sorts of scrapbook supplies - Made with Love (www.madewithlove.com.sg). In the evening, we met up with her colleagues - Angeline the angel, Junaida the missy & the very cute Yoon (who was once again late). We had dinner at Singapore's very own Xin Wang HK Teahouse (it's one of my fav in Shanghai), and watched a very British movie The History Boys. Hello! The 3 gals are English teachers, and what better movie to watch than this!!! It was pretty nice to me, just that i had to really concentrate on the dialogues. Kekee... After that, we had a cuppa at Starbucks, and Angeline proved her charms by getting a free drink! Way to go! ;p



Once again, i'm questioned about the things i do in Shanghai everyday...and i feel that some people feel somewhat "sorry" for me. But frankly, i really do enjoy my life in Shanghai! Every day is without worries...and troubles...and i go out whenever & wherever i please (even though i dont live the real 'tai tai' style). I REALLY DO LOVE MY BORING & SHALLOW LIFE IN SHANGHAI! Haha! Many of my friends are also envious of my blissful life in Shanghai. The only thing that can get me down is being away from my dog Terry. Sob sob... Anyway, today is my last time meeting anyone (friends) in Singapore...and i had a good time. I wish the gals do get to go to Spain during the June school holidays! Yeah! ;)

~16 Mar, Fri
Today we finally saw Xavier's performance on his erhu. He was very shy, but it was very good! ;)

We had dinner with at VivoCity's Dian Xiao Er whose specialty is the duck with the special sauce. It was very tender & yummy! Then we went for a spree with Xan & Xavier at Daiso! They each had $10 to shop, and had a hard time deciding which 5 items to buy. Haha... I took some really cute photos. See Xavier scratch his head!!! And Xan's all smiles pushing the trolley! ;)



~17 Mar, Sat
Time really flew...and it's time to go back to Shanghai. Back to the days of braving the cold in 8 degree celsius, to my jackets, and lazy days! ;p


On the way home from the airport, Elvis told me to look out for a H&M billboard! He knew i was really looking forward to it to open in Shanghai! I also managed to successfully "smuggle" my Hep-B vaccine, and the ice didnt even melt by the time i got home! The house was tidy, and Elvis was folding his own clothes from the wash. Heehee...

I'm already missing Terry so much... Good Night.

monkeying around

Sometimes, i will suddenly go crazy over a certain thing, and i'll buy loads of it! I love Monchichi but i havent gotten one - yet. Have been resisting the urge to buy 1 that i saw in the shops coz it's too expensive. Besides, i'm a grown-up already mah. =/
I like the blur-looking bunny ones like the 2 on the left. Dont u just wanna smile at them???

And here's my tiny thumb-sucking Monchichi with a milk bottle. She's so tiny, she fell off my keyring which got caught in something. And i dont wanna spoil my manicured nails fixing her back. So here's my cute lil' one! ;p
Ironically, we currently have the same fringe.

♥ makes the world go round

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

P.S. I discovered this '♥' yesterday...and as u can see,
i've placed it all over my blog! Haha!

my 2nd swap parcel

Katy from the US has received my parcel! I cant wait to get mine too!

Here's what i she requested for:

1 : personalized KATY cellphone strap + Jack
2 : bag
3 : bedroom slippers
4 : Winnie the Pooh items + 2 more cellphone straps
5 : a-week-of-panties
~ Katy: "...I love everything especially the underpants..."

UPDATE on 28 Feb:
It's been more than a month already, and my parcel hasnt arrive in Shanghai. I think it's lost. T_T

UPDATE on 5 Mar:
The parcel was returned to Katy. She will resend...and it's another long wait. =(

UPDATE on 2 Apr:
I still have not received ANYTHING! All the wait is in vain! =(

UPDATE on 10 Apr:
Even my March & April packages have arrived! Looks like this one's hopelessly lost! ={

flowers in the sky

Here's something
red, bright, auspicious... around ChengHuang Temple. Yes, Chinese New Year is only
6 days away. I see fireworks display from my apartment every night! Some days a few times a night! But i'm always alone. I wish you were here too. Here's some stills taken from my mpeg. I wish i knew how to upload it for u.

window display

Here's a beautiful window display i saw some workers doing up.
Doesnt it look familiar? The one that made u sooo giddy, but u just sooo love to stand there!



It's for a goldsmith/jewellers. Haha!
Got u there huh! ;p

It's beautiful nonetheless.

pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag

...and Smile, Smile, Smile.
Does this line sound familiar? Haha! It just came to my mind as i wanted to write about my last knit project.

To rekindle the days when i sang this song in primary school, i did a search and even got to listen to it too! Try it! ;)
http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/ww1-music/auto-kitbag.htm
OR here's the more serious version (with vocals but without lyrics):
http://www.archive.org/details/EdwardHamiltonReinaldWerrenrath

I'm glad i googled this song, and found out that it was actually a war song for the British in the early 1900s. This meant that many decades after the war, people still sang it. Haha...oops, i probably sang it without knowing its meaning.

Anyway, i just wanted to write and show off my final knit projects. Remember the LAST scarf that i mentioned in early December???

It's a very simple 1-row-up & 1-row-down knit, but it was still very hard work for me. And there's so many 'buts' in my life...Elvis also chose a design that needed a piece of cloth sewn on the other side, so we took a while to search for the ideal fabric. I also realised that i've got an extra 1.5 yarn of dark blue, and 1 yarn of grey. (Coz the initial design was a dark blue scarf with the greys at both ends, BUT Elvis changed his mind.) The "wastage" would cost me about S$20, so i decided to do a very small (and definitely THE LAST) project for myself. I settled on a small tote in whatever size the balance yarn would take me.

And this is what i've got - 32.5cm x 24.5cm of finery wool! Of course, it was also not as easy as 'Tada'. Haha! I had been too greedy and realised the 2 small handles needed more grey yarn than i thought. So, i needed to search for some strap. When i finally (painstakingly) got them, the tailor only wanted to sew the fabric on the scarf. She said that the bag needed too much work, and wanted to charge me S$10 for it! I am so D-A-M-N-E-D!!! So i refused, and decided to look for another cheaper tailor...or the worse scenario was to sew it myself! How difficult can it be! Just stitch everything up only what! But i was lucky, and found another tailor who would do it for half the price! Haha!

I was so happy when i collected it yesterday. I thought of the quote about the joys of knitting...and it's so true! I'm glad it's finally O-V-E-R. It's sweat blood, okay! #@!%*#!!

P.S. I also thought it'll be cool if we could use matching scarf & bag! BUT winter is almost over! Ahhh... #@!%*#!!#@!%*#!!#

bus ride

Today, i rode on a bus. I've taken the bus only twice before to some nearer destinations, but i always get lost...n always end up having to walk at least 1km!!! (Elvis has been here for more than 1 year, and he's never once taken the bus. He's surprised that i even tried!) Today, i decided to be adventurous and try again. Besides, i was 99% sure i'm on the right bus, and i can alight directly outside my destination. ;)

Hop on with me!
The bus came within 3 mins, and i got up. A man held his hand out to take my coins. I handed it to him thinking that he's the bus conductor. But he's actually taking my coins as his change. Haha! Okay... ;p I took the seat by the window - not on the driver's side - so that i can look at things on the streets. I saw a magazine pocket by the side (just beside my leg). It was chained to the seat infront. Okay...Cool! A magazine to read on board! When i was done flipping it, i continued to look at what's outside... It was pretty interesting (to me). We went by the more "local streets" selling clothes so cheap u didnt think it was possible to find (a cute pajama pants at only 10rmb/S$2 caught my eye), rows & rows of hardware shops, clothing dyes, hair salon products, got a glimpse of the small and dim lane-houses, people chatting with their neighbours, a Caucasian lady on the way home with her groceries & wanted to buy some flowers, a young boy balancing his umbrella in his palm & doing a little dance step, some nice apartments, people rushing to cross the road just as the green man starts to blink, drivers who dont care even if it's red light, some Caucasians going for their lunch break, people littering without a thought, beggars on the street... I wished i had my camera with me to take down the old local houses which was special in its own way. But i know i wouldnt have the guts to snap anyway - for fear that someone will follow me and steal my camera! Haha! Soon, it was time to alight. I got up earlier coz i have to shove my way out. When i got down, i looked at my watch. The journey took 40 mins. It would have taken 15 mins by cab. But well, i paid merely 10% of a cabfare...and i went on an excursion!

O ya! Forgot to talk about the interior of the bus. It was quite clean & comfortable. The LED lights just above the driver tells you which stop you are at, and there's an announcement in Mandarin AND English too! Bet u didnt expect this! ;)

However, i took a cab home...because i dont know where's the bus stop! It's not like those in Singapore where u just need to cross the street. Haha...

Here's a picture of an old street in Shanghai that we took previously.
Can you see its charm?

I liked the way they look, but i think it's quite depressing to live in them. By the way, many people in Shanghai live in VILLAS too! I heard of someone who even has his own life-sized statue in his backyard! How queer! HAHA!

100 things about me

1. I was born in Singapore and lived there until i relocated to Shanghai.
2. I am a Sagittarius, and born in the Chinese Zodiac year of the Ox.
3. I worked as a graphic designer for 9 years.
4. I've never set any ambition since young coz i know they are all lies.
5. I always knew Jesus wasnt born on Christmas Day.
6. I am very addicted to shopping, and dont plan to find a cure.
7. I have a sweet tooth, and i love all junk food.
8. I used to throw food out of the window from the 17th floor.
9. I used to take 2 hours to finish a meal. Now, i take 10 mins.
10. I eat a lot more variety of food now than when i was young.
11. I like to eat fish soup and rice, thinking that it's less fattening.
12. I love all sorts of fried rice.
13. I like to read my blog over & over again.
14. I cant sing, though i havent really tried.
15. I like to look at photographs.
16. I hate any food that's chewy, except gum.
17. I used to be good at studying, but i dont know what went wrong.
18. I have a small moustache.
19. I am good at meeting deadlines.
20. I wish i was 5cm taller.
21. I have never been athletic, but i tried wakeboarding.
22. I hate going to the dentist.
23. I dont have a favourite colour, but i almost always choose black.
24. I love to watch TV.
25. I never believed in best friends. But Elvis is my best friend.
26. I love McDonalds for Filet-O-Fish.
27. My bag was slashed twice, in Singapore and Thailand.
28. I love Helvetica, and left justify.
29. I can cross my eyes well.
30. My figure is like a boy's, and i hate it.
31. I hate cheesecake.
32. I dont think i have the courage to drive, but a BMW wouldnt kill.
33. I have very bad memory, well, selectively.
34. I sometimes think that i'm quite pretty.
35. I sometimes think that Elvis is very handsome.
36. I've learnt to swim, but i cant now coz i am shy. But i can float.
37. I am very shy, but no one believes me.
38. I like the smell of coffee, but i dont drink it.
39. If I have to drink plain water, it has to be cold.
40. Many people think that i look unfriendly.
41. I put on weight easily.
42. I adore any cute stuff.
43. I listened to a lot of music when i was young, but not anymore.
44. I suspect i refuse to grow up.
45. My dream holiday is anywhere that i can shop.
46. I wish i can buy anything without looking at the price tag.
47. I would like to live in Bangkok.
48. I love putting on blusher.
49. I will make time out to meet up with friends.
50. I love wearing jeans even though i dont have a nice butt.
51. I dont understand why i am always broke.
52. I dont wear any perfume.
53. I like to sleep late, and wake up quite early.
54. I get annoyed easily especially with people that i dont like.
55. I wish i was more sociable.
56. I need to sleep with a blanket or two.
57. I always dont know what to surf the net for.
58. I am not adventurous, and i hate to try new things.
59. I used to feel nauseous if i have to stay indoors the whole day.
60. I am afraid of dogs, but i love my dog.
61. I am good at work, and make a lot of money for my bosses.
62. I am quite afraid of the sea coz of its colour.
63. I hate ugly children.
64. I used to like crafts, but i hate it now.
65. I hate almost all my names, especially my Chinese name.
66. I sometimes think that i am quite lucky.
67. I enjoy writing. I thought of being a writer when i was 17.
68. I wore braces when i was 15, and it has caused me lots of problems.
69. I used to draw well, but i dont think i can anymore.
70. I watched cartoons till i was in my teens - with my younger sis.
71. I wish i was more patient with my parents.
72. I am a bad daughter-in-law coz i hate to answer questions.
73. I think i am quite independent.
74. I have terrible sense of direction, but i managed Barcelona alone.
75. I love Japanese food and pasta.
76. I talk more now with strangers, and i enjoy it.
77. I need to eat at least a meal of rice every day.
78. I feel very grown-up when i'm alone on a plane.
79. I have been bumming since last year July, but i quite like it.
80. I wish my husband could work 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays.
81. Elvis says i'm short-tempered.
82. I get very upset when any of my clothes are damaged.
83. I have more than 100 pairs of shoes.
84. I think i have more than 1000 clothes, and i think the only way to get rid of them without any heartache is to die.
85. I am quite untidy, but no one can tell.
86. I spoke good english until i was 20.
87. I failed my chinese oral coz the passage was about a man, and i couldnt even read his name.
88. I dont dare to touch raw meat, especially fish.
89. I like to spot spelling and grammar mistakes.
90. I only knew about blogging last year.
91. I am very happy when i manage to buy nice & cheap things.
92. I have lots of clothes, but i always wear the same. I dont know why.
93. I like making lists, especially for the supermarket.
94. I take only 5 mins to wear my makeup.
95. My only assets are some diamonds, gold, a Rolex from my father when i was 18, a Miu Miu, LV, Coach and some expensive tees.
96. I have natural slightly curly hair, and dark brown eyes.
97. I was vain until i was 28. Now, i'm just normal.
98. I love heels, but i always wear flats.
99. I am mildly phobic of heights.
100. I am glad when people tell me they enjoyed reading my blog.

Phew! I finally finished making this list...but now, i wish i had set 900 more! Haha!

world map

I stumbled upon this cool website that allows you to click on all the countries you have been to...and Presto! it will generate a map like this! Aint it cool?! Here's mine:

Hmm...i've visited 19 countries...and it's only 8% of the world. China is a BIG patch, but gotta minus lots of it coz i've only been to Hangzhou, Suzhou and of course, Shanghai.
create your own visited countries map

This is Elvis'


My younger sis' also did her visited map...WAH!!!

fav street

This is our favourite street in Shanghai - Chang Le Road. There's many nice nice small shops (xiao dian). Here's a glimpse of a not-so-modern street with very modern shops. It's a very very long stretch... Please wear comfortable shoes! Haha!

And even an Edison's Nike Air Force 1 shop here! Check this out!

A nice green store front...

And some cool conveyor belt display that moves...





















Oops...forgot to take photo of another very cool Japanese shop - 1 of his fav. But here's Elvis standing outside the shop...looking somewhat Japanese. Someone even approached him for a picture for some street mag! Haha!
(he was waiting for me while i took these shots)

WOW! x2

Times Square, Shanghai
3 Feb, Sat, 5+pm

hmm...who is more handsome leh??? ;p

my very 1st parcel

Hey guys! I've been telling almost everyone i know about this cool GimmeYourStuff site...and finally, i've received my 1st parcel!

Here's what Jean from Middlesbrough UK gave me...

1 : the pizza packaging (reversed) that it came in...how environmental-friendly & creative!
2 : chocolate bars, hot choc mix, shepherd's pie mix & a GOLD COIN! keching, keching...
3 : Marks & Spencer bath smoothie & lip shimmer
4 : NeuLook tshirt & victorian necklace
5 : photos, postcard, handmade card & fan-booklet for writing down birthdays (she's a genius with her hands!)
6 : Paperchase frog memo/photo clip, cat zipper/charm, pins, bookmark & magnet set

I love everything especially the magnets! It really made my day! Haha...

And here's what i gave her...

1 : Hello Kitty tote (for her daughter Olivia) & plastic Anpan Man toy
2 : Miffy & Minnie Mouse stationery
3 : Chinese Zodiac cross-stitch keychain set
4 : Nicknacks for the kitchen: "magic suction" cup lid, set of hand stirrer (hi5 & low5) & musical note tea infuser
5 : Paul Frank bedroom slippers
6 : Glico chocolates (in 3 flavours), Poky, Oreo wafers, sweets, LongJing tea & flower tea

I also wanna write about what i went through to get my parcel! I made 3 trips!
Trip #1 - to mail my swap to Katy in the US
Trip #2 - found the collection slip in my mailbox, and headed there again...only to realise i need my passport to claim the parcel (damn it!)
Trip #3 - finally got my parcel! Haha...

visitors

Just thought of counting the family & friends who chose Shanghai as their holiday destination:

2006
Sep - My parents
Sep - Vivienne & Alina
Oct - Elvis' parents
Oct - Elvina & Jessie
Dec - Janis, Yoon & Miss Wong

2007
Jan - Vivienne
Jan - Jayz & Caren
Jan - Vicky
Feb - Aey (to work with Elvis)
Mar
Apr - Cynthia, Viv, Hannah, Ching
May - Ching, Viv, Audrey & Jimmy, Ivan
Jun
Jul - Tomy & Shane
Aug -
Sep - Yen Yen, Simon, Xan & Xavier
Oct
Nov
Dec

Let me know if u wanna book the tourguide. ;)
NOTE: We might not be in town in May, July, and Oct onwards...

swa-ku

I've been happy since i came to Shanghai. It's not the China-China that i had imagined. There's many modern places like bookshops cum gelato parlour, interesting cafes, modern shopping malls... For shopping, there's nice HK, Japanese and angmoh brands. I wish i can buy everything inside i.t.

All my friends who came to visit were surprised at how modern and wonderful Shanghai is! Haha... BUT many things that i didnt think Singapore have (and Shanghai has), they will tell me "Now Singapore also have!" Haha... I think I've become a swa-ku in Singapore! So, i cant wait to rediscover Singapore - the new Vivocity, the new Gap store, XingWang teahouse etc... ;p

I also discovered many new stuff by blogging and looking at other people's site (esp from GYS). I chance upon this super cute brand called Cram Cream from Japan. AND...upon looking at more sites, i realised that i also have a Cram Cream mini tray & deco tape lying in my house! Haha... I dont know how "branded" it is, but i bought it coz it was really cute! I saw many many nice designs for the trays, but didnt know what i could use them for, so i bought only one. I saw from a site that a gal had a stack of it on her cupboard! Haha...

Check it out! You can buy them at:
http://juiceplanning.com/
http://reprodepot.com/cramcream.html
http://www.colorfulcute.com/house.htm
http://uncommonindustries.com/shop.php
http://secure.giantrobot.com/search_results.php?keywords=cram+cream
https://shop.glitterworkshop.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=78&zenid=lb6odrgj1j197cd7o933mcpdv1

new haircut

...that took 5 years off! ;)

and i dont even need to draw my eyebrows anymore...or trim it! oops! LOL!

my new toy

This is the last time i'm using my Nikon to upload pix on this blog! Haha... Here's my new digital camera from my dearest Elvis! ;)
But i wanna change the ugly pouch! ;p


My Review:
- Size too small my hand will perspire, so no more nice nice matt finish.
- Antishake! VERY GOOD! Esp if u ask people here to help u take photos!!! They press the shutter down, moving their hands down too!!! Hahaha...
- Leica lens which is as good as it sounds!

Professional Review:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0607/06071902panasonicfx3.asp

buy & buy

Lately, as i see anything interesting, i will buy it with the thought that i can give them to my swap partners (to come). Here are some of the swap items i've "collected"...and i cant wait to give them away. Do write to me if there's anything u like from here. ;)

Of course, when i bought them, i tell myself i can keep them for myself too - the PF slippers, any one of the purse, the keyring... Haha...

a suitcase of stuff that's not even mine

I've been very excited about my coming trip home to Singapore on 15 Feb! Many months ago, i've already been busy shopping for my sisters. Basically, they asked me to look out for clothes they can wear to work. I'm more than happy to shop for family coz shopping is my hobby, finding nice things is my forte...and i might also help them save some $ too. Among the pile of clothes, i've also got some bags, some wallets, 20 caps and a pair of (yes!) rollerblades. I'm actually importing the caps back & making some cash out of it, so it's more than fine to me.

As the day draws nearer, i'm more excited, and i decided to pack "other people's stuffs" into my suitcase - least i forget anything. Only then did i realise it took up almost three-quarter of my 31-inch suitcase space! I can barely close it coz of the bulk! To make things worse, my OWN stuffs are not even in! Arrgh... I'm usually very helpful! But now, I'm starting to regret being so helpful. I've definitely got to handcarry my stuff & the tidbits i plan to pack. My guess is my luggage is already overweight (considering the rollerblades about >5kg), and i could get taxed esp when i'm NOT taking my national airline home! Will they be lenient and let me pass??? The WORSE senario is i have to unpack at the airport and remove some stuff (to i duno where)!



Actually, i'm not angry about the things already in the suitcase (since there's nothing much i can do about it anyway). What pisses me off is that people are still asking me to help them buy stuff (despite my new MSN name as "Miss Overpacked!"). Miss Fussy wanted cheap rabbit fur coat which i heard the price was also rather cheap back home (S$20+!!! So why didnt she just buy it?!). Miss Perfect wanted to buy expensive cheongsams just by giving me vital stats (but aint one need to try it on? Besides, we're talking about a few hundred dollars! What about the design?!). Little Miss Tiny wanted me to bring in pirated DVDs which she can also get dirt cheap in our neighbouring country.

Shanghai is more than GREAT! Please come visit yourself!
BUT, really no offence meant - if u know u are the Lil' Miss Guilty! Kekee... ;)

shopping with a reason

I'm been very excited about my new "hobby" - swapping. I keep thinking what can i buy for my FIRST swap partner, Jean, from England. After about a week of preparation, I'm finally ready to mail them out! I LOVE it all, and cant wait to "see" her response. I also took photos of my items which i cant upload now [arrghh]...in case she sees what i'm sending over...n wont be kept in suspense anymore! This is the only thing that i dont enjoy about swapping!

art museum

I've been wanting to go see the Arts Museum. Finally did that when my artaz friends were here. It was a little disappointing for us coz there wasnt much exhibitions going on. The installation art that i wanted to see was long over. But cant complain since the ticket was only 20rmb/2 Euros/US$2.60...it's a fraction of what European museums charge!

And i just love the 'Women Are Beautiful' range of b/w photos! Picasso the womaniser is featured here too! Haha...

puss in boots

Take a closer look...it's not a cat but a poodle! Heehee... Nice?

It's my new boots! I think it's very pretty with a chic lady on the left, holding a silver leash...which extends all the way around...to the poodle on the right. She's wearing a red leather dress, and all other parts are embroidered on - her skin, hair, gloves, heels, clutch & buttons. Its fur is part embroidery & mohair (huh??!!). The feel of the entire boots is perfect! The smell is fresh from the box - pungent. The red piping is...err...nice. Anyway, the best part is i'm SO happy it's not a HIGH heel which will dash any hope of me buying this! Hope my poodle will remain white on the streets of Shanghai.

I overspent again this month! =[

swapping sounds like fun!

I really have to thank Ade for telling me about her great swaps! Gee...it must b GREAT to get stuffs from all over the world - esp in a nice package like this! (Sorry Ade, i cant help but to steal this lovely pix)

Haha... I cant wait to shop for her swap! Let's see what i can find in the Republic of China for this swapping young lady! Be awfully disgusted OR pleasantly surprised! Kekee...
By the way, see u soon in Feb for your "new" vintage clothes!

Click on this GIMME link and start getting excited! Haha...

home improvement

I bought these Mr.Men "cactus pots" today. Thought that it would look cute in our house. Besides, it's low maintenance. But sadly, i duno which Mr.Men they are! It must be becoz they're Made in China! Haha!
And time to keep that christmas tree! #@*&%!

a fresh start

Yesterday, we met up with 2 groups of people. Both are creative people, but vastly different. Let's call the ones at lunch 'The Family Group' - 2 families with 4 lovely children (2 each). And the ones at dinner are 'The Yuppie Group' of creatives like Elvis - making their mark in Shanghai. I dont like the term 'yuppie' but what's another way to describe not-so-young, talented, workaholic, funny, enjoy life...people.

Anyway, these are the type of gatherings which 'i dun mind attending but would rather not'. As usual, people would ask me what i've been doing here. MSN, watch tv, dvd, shop...hmm what else do i do??? Sounds boring to be doing just that for the past 6 months... Ok, let me think...errr i took up knitting too, did housework, went travelling, started this blog (which i'm glad coz it's pretty addictive even if nobody's reading)...and also showed visiting friends around Shanghai. But basically, that's about it. OK! I didnt do anything constructive here - and i hate to admit it! Sounds like a boring life, although i'm not complaining (most of the time). Some days i wake up later, so it's just a few hours to sundown. I really hate it that the sun sets early at 4pm, and it feels late even when it's not. Makes me wanna hurry home. Heehee... I am a "tai tai". I like to laze around, munch, go out when i feel like it...and at the end of the day, wait for Elvis to come home. So, i'm really not that bored lah.

But these real tai-tais from 'The Family Group' join tai-tai groups, and have busy busy schedules: mahjong, badminton clubs, do brunch gatherings, fetch the kids etc etc. Me? I will never fit in. I'm not interested in mahjong, hate sports etc etc...

What i have to admit is that meeting people do bring opportunities. Perhaps i would be freelancing/working in some agencies in the future... Hmm...i was good at work...so, perhaps it's time to make up for lost time...i had REALLY better start learning the much dreaded Illustrator/InDesign and move on from here... Arrgh...

O ya! We also went to buy a table from IKEA. Time to fix it up, get an oven and bake some chocolate cookies!

P.S. I heard that that Filipina was really bored at home! Serve her right! At least i'm not bored w/o her! Hahahaha...

------TODAY is 14 Feb, and the IKEA box is still lying around in our living room!!! ELVIS!!!!!!

to heat or not to eat

I've been thinking for ages to buy a microwave oven since i came to Shanghai. Seriously, i cannot live without one although i cant cook. I've been thinking of how to get my landlady to buy it instead (since we extended our lease). My friend has also been tempting me with the cookies/muffins receipes. Kekee... But becoz of our small kitchen, there's really no space to fit one on the kitchen countertop. Haiz...
(We already have the "necessary" rice cooker, sandwich maker and kettle on the countertop which we dont use everyday.)

Yesterday, Elvis asked me to go learn something - cooking/baking - coz we were watching the Korean serial 'My Lovely SamSoon' who's a pastry chef: patissier (the place: patisserie). [* I got the correct word/spelling from the dictionary, so thought i'll put it down here] Hmm...so should it be a microwave oven OR a normal oven? He said we could buy a small table and put in a corner of the kitchen (for the oven). It meant we have to move it together when we move houses...arrgh... Not exactly what i have in mind coz we already have so much clothes & stuff to move!

Q: Will i really cook?
Q: Will Elvis come home to eat at all?
Q: Will we stay home & cook on weekends?
Q: Will it be more work to clean the oven?
Q: Do i need to reheat food more? OR will i bake cookies at all?
Q: Will he really eat my cookies, muffins, cakes? I'm the one with the sweet tooth...not him!

I think with or w/o the microwave/oven, we'll also eat out all the time. Besides, we dont have to wait in line at our fav soup place too even though there's at least 20 on the wait list. So why the trouble for a table + an oven now???

Talking about being VIPs, i'm thinking about my wallet... In the past (in Spore), i have more than half a dozen credit cards in my wallet from almost every bank. Now, it's more than half a dozen shopping/dining/cinema VIP cards & 1 (Spore) credit card in my wallet - for emergencies. It's so amusing seeing them in my wallet! People whip out credit cards, i whip out VIP cards! Kekee... And my latest one is from McDonalds!
O MY GOD! What has become of me???!!!
Am i a real housewife now? Ahhh...........

bluier skies

China is improving for her coming Olympics Beijing 2008 & Shanghai Expo 2010. But here's what i hope will change first in 2007 Shanghai
- use of taxi stands: no more snatching!!!
- more sheltered walkways: no more wet laundry dripping
- fixed priced (small) shops: no more bargaining, unscrupulous sellers
- lower taxes/lower prices of branded labels, skincare/cosmetics etc
- no more snipping of my English washing labels/replacing them with Chinese!!!
- lower prices at nice cafes, restaurants etc
- proper translation of English menus
- proper ventilation at eating (or rather cooking) places: no more smelling like the food i ate when i leave!!!
- no more shoving & pushing at fast food outlets
- cheaper & comfortable cinemas with proper ventilation. no phones, no talking!!!
- DVDs with language selection/proper English subtitles
- clean toilets everywhere & bigger cubicles too. whatever's supposed to be INSIDE the toilet bowl to stay INSIDE!!!
- open GP clinics for normal ailments
- better service in hospitals please (since there wont be any GP clinics)
- lower airfares to anywhere (international & domestic) & in 2-way prices
- proper travel agencies to enquire about trips/airfares
- no more having to state 2 road names/junctions when taking taxis
- people alight BEFORE others board on trains
- no more DVD/newspaper sellers, rude namecard distributors, beggars inside the trains
- queue for escalators. dont push!!!
- no more spitting on the ground
- no more "LV/Prada/Gucci..." sellers/stalkers on the streets
- cheaper imported groceries at supermarkets
- cheaper housing/rental, nicer deco/furnishings

And to blue blue skies like this...

what a start

On lazy New Year's Day, we had our fav dimsum brunch, shopped again and our 2nd movie... When we were home, i was folding our (washed & dried) clothes and putting them away...Elvis suddenly said, "I have too many clothes! I cannot buy anymore!"
O MY GOD! Does it mean i have to stop buying too???!!! KILL ME!!!

Perhaps our New Year's resolution is to shop less. What a good start! Kekee...

By the way, this is worth mentioning too! On New Year's Eve afternoon, Elvis & i went shopping. BUT what happened afterwards was totally unexpected. We fought over a taxi! We were waiting along the road for a taxi (and Elvis was also trying to call for one). Suddenly this shameless couple came up IN FRONT of us. Then, when a cab stopped in front of us, the guy ran and got into the cab!!! We told him off, and he suggested that we rode together. When we got off, we wanted to spilt the fare, but he said he'll pay for it coz it was their fault snatching our cab! We were so surprised! Haha... We've been angry over cab-fights umpteen times, but this is a whole new experience - for a change!