route

Elvis brought me to a rather interesting place for brunch - Element Fresh. We sat at the open-air area on the upper level, and the breeze was a little disturbing (coz it was still a little cold) yet very refreshing. The whole place was filled with mostly angmohs (caucasians are called 'lau wai' here in China) and it's hard not to notice that this is a place for expats. Even the music was different. We both chose the set breakfast ¥60/S$12 each.


After that, we walked down to Xing Le Road (one of our fav too) and we went to a very cool flagship store SOURCE. I cant take pictures inside the store, so i took a screenshot from their site to let u get a glimpse of it. This is only part of the huge store+exhibition space, but in it, u'll be able to see a "room" where u can customise jeans with the different "washes". How cool! SOURCE carry many brands such as Supreme, Mooks, Pointer, Adidas, Nike, Onitsuka Tiger etc etc... They were also preparing for a Spanish artists exhibition inside the store. I sneaked around, and got a shot of a classic motorbike with a side car like those from Russia. Elvis tried on a pair of sneakers and jacket...but i think we should consider again (and again). It shouldnt be an impulse purchase especially since he's rushing off to work. Heehee... ;p

After that, he got on a cab to the office while i continued my window shopping. The rest of the photos are of my route of Xing Le Road, ?? Road, Huai Hai Road... The small shops are more interesting, and carry things with more character. Once on the main road (Huai Hai), you'll see shopping centres and departmental stores like Isetan, Parkson etc. These are the uglier photos u'll see. All the bigger brandnames u can/cannot think of can be found along this stretch. I also took a shot of Cathay Cinema which kinda reminds me of the old Capitol & Cathay Cinemas in Singapore. Beside the picture is where the new H&M will be. Kylie Minogue will be here to open the store (the second one in Asia after Hong Kong) on 12 April! This building used to house a 3-storey Benetton. At one of the junctions, i noticed a new shop - The Face Shop here in Shanghai! Their prices are higher than in Singapore. The last stop is an underground shopping area which i always call 'xiang jiao' (banana) because i cant read the words. Elvis told me again & again it was 'xiang dai'. Kekee...

I took a shot of part of the very loooong Huai Hai Road from a bridge. This is Shanghai's version of the Orchard Road. Enjoy the pictures! ;)

plan b

This week i went out a few times, but always didnt buy much - mostly just little things for my swaps. I was really practising my self-control! Haha! I had spent the bulk of my money at the supermarket buying snacks and Brands chicken essence. I had mentioned earlier that i was trying to save for a gift. So...today, i decided that perhaps i should buy some DVDs to while time! Staying at home kinda can help me save money! Haha! And here's my stash - 2 Korean, 2 Taiwanese (which i'm not too keen in, but i was sold by the aunty who said it was "really good") and 1 Hong Kong drama (which i knew my sis wanted to rent, so i assumed it was good too). These should last me for a while...

The places i went to today had more interesting shops (rather than just souvenirs & knick knacks), and once again, i practised self-control. I only bought 3 items for myself - a cute mickey bag which had a vintage feel to it (i'm not a Mickey fan, but it just caught my eye at that time), a pretty yellow top, and a pretty empire cut dress! I dont wear much dresses, but i really luuurrrvvveee the print & fabric! Velvet Baroque!

cherry blossoms

Nope, we're not going to Japan to see the cherry blossoms...just that i'm signed to a travel site and got this email, so i just wanted to share the lovely pictures.

happy meal

I had a Happy Meal for lunch today! The toy that came with it was really pretty! It's a Hello Kitty "digital camera"! Haha!
Here's how it looks...

Flip the Hello Kitty cover to reveal a jewel-like lens! Dazzle! Snap snap to the many Hello Kittys - chinese, french (bread & bicycle??), american (statue of liberty), dutch (flowers?? holland??), african (drums), japanese (sakura), spanish and mexican!

But i'm a little disappointed to find out that this is the LAST of the Hello Kitty toys! O no...sob sob...

Check out the PDA, DVD9, and MP4 Hello Kittys! Even though they dont work, it's just so cool!

cute husband

Someone ever commented in my blog that i have a cute husband, and my sis' friend commented that he looks Japanese! Wah! It has never failed to give us a good laugh! LOL!

Back to what i wanted to write about...he's such a cute husband because he always tell me to get out of the house! Go walk walk, shop around...dont just stay at home! LOL! Isnt he cool?!

Last time in Singapore, if i had to stay home all day, i'll feel giddy and nauseous!!! It's true! Haha... I dont know what's gotten into me that i can stay home all day now! Perhaps it's the weather. ;p

Usually after spending the weekends outside, i'll prefer to stay home on Mondays & Tuedays (coz the maid comes on Tues). Then the rest of the week, depending on my mood, i'll probably go out for a while. One of the reasons i'm "afraid" to go out now is coz i always spend too much money - especially on useless things which i already have so much of!!! For me, it's Temptation Island once i step out of the house! Haha! The cold winter also gets to me, and i will only go out for a short while most of the time. Sometimes, i would rather stay in and do the stuff i enjoy. MSN & blogging also takes up much of my time. I havent had much chance to look at the cool bloggers list i've put up (on the right) too! It's great to read and look into what people at the other end of the world are doing! I have my fans too, including cute & cool husband. ;p

Okie, it's Thursday and Spring's here, i shall go out walk walk shop shop and spend some money... Bye Bye, cool husband! ;)

P.S. I'm actually trying to save money now for our 1st wedding anniversary gift. That's why i wrote that i could only afford the hairties at the art flea market (which made cute husband go 'Huh??!!'). I was only joking! But from 1 hairtie, i was tempted to get 2, and i ended up with THREE! Okay, I do get more than enough pocket-money. ;D

who blocked the proxy

I've been using the new-found proxy at pkblogs.com happily for the past few days...BUT all good things DO come to an end... It's not working for me anymore!!! I tried all other proxies i have under my bookmarks, and they didnt work either. =(

Luckily, i found this other working proxy - which i'm not going to say what - in case they block it again.

Every day is like a challenge!

this is the day

...this is the day
That the Lord has made (that the Lord has made)
We will rejoice (we will rejoice)
And be glad in it (and be glad in it)

For this is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice and be glad in it

This is the day, This is the day
That the Lord has made!

Did you know that the bible has a special verse for everyone's birthday? Check yours out now!
http://www.birthverse.com

i ♥ my packages

I've got my 2 coming swaps ready to mail...but my parcel from Katy (February swap) hasnt arrive yet... ={

MARCH: Caro from France who is a young 21-year old gal with unique taste! She does illustration, and she has a beautiful blog. I completed this parcel immediately after i came back from Singapore. It's in the post by now... Cant wait to receive mine too!


APRIL: Phyllis from California who has 2 lovely daughters. So, i've been a lil' generous with her parcel. I believe she likes chinese stuff too!

(oops...just realised i forgot the CD she wanted. Will go get it soon!)

My next swap wont be up till JULY, with the amazing Malin from Sweden! I'm REALLY looking forward to that! I believe hers is my BEST package ever. She should like just about everything i like, so it's really easy to shop for her! I'm sure u'll go 'wow' when u see hers! Kekee... And also, just in case i call it quits after July. I've learnt sooo much from her blog! She sure ROCKS! ;p

And i'm just about to munch on the shortcake chocolate from Jean - my 1st swap partner in January from the UK. Yum Yum! ;)

P.S. I just ♥ all my packages, and hope that i can get nice things in return too - yes, just like karma! Keeping my fingers really crossed! Haha!

learning sunday

We started the day at Elvis' office coz the blur king forgot to save some files home, and he needs them for his meeting in Hong Kong on Monday. I always think this place is so cool to work in with its open-concept and all. It's really huge too (not like any of the places i've worked in), and they are moving to a bigger space coz there's not enough room now. I hear that sometimes when the conference rooms are in use, people have to hold meetings in the kitchen too! But I so like the amazing pantry+kitchen!



After that, we rushed to have our usual Crystal Jade brunch - which turned out to be LUNCH - with Aey (from Bangkok) & Betty (from Taiwan).

And then to Shanghai's very own "lai fuo shi cheng" - Raffles City. This weekend, there's a flea market, i-mart, which means i'm art

There were so many young people who design their own wares. I would love to attend more of such here.
















We were there to support Susie & her friend Quinne who made all these necklaces and hand-painted rubber shoes! They said many were sold out by the time we arrived! Prices starts from 200¥/S$40. Bravo!



Elvis & his friend from Bangkok, Aey, who has joined him to work in Shanghai. Aey absolutely LOVES Shanghai!





















My finds - hairties & pin! They had other stuff like bags too...but i could only afford these for now. (Just joking!) ;p







We went to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and saw not just how quickly Shanghai has developed, but also the plans they have for her.

Back in 1934, the city's infrastructure was already planned in this very orderly grid-like design.



Elvis who happy to be part of all these.

An interesting storefront just next to where we're going for dinner.

A traditional Shanghainese dinner.

nuts

All these problems that i've been having lately with my blog all because of the China "Firewall" problem is driving me crazy! It's so troublesome to login in one window, and view my blog in another window - using an anonymous proxy! Everytime i edit/add anything, i have to re-enter at the "view window"!!! I even thought of giving up on my blog, which sadly, is one of the kicks i get after moving to Shanghai! It has kept me sane (when at home), saved me from shopping too much, and allowed my family & friends back home to know more about my new life. Blogging has now become an "eyesore". And i now hate to view other peoples' blogs too. :_(

I must say that a free anonymous proxy is great invention! But why do people in China have to go through this???

And as Xan always say,
"Are you nuts?!"

I sure am now!
(as i'm about to hit 'Publish', and then hit 'Enter' again at the window on my right)

is this for real??

I just saw Louis Koo & a Korean actor (who acted as "ge" in Autumn In My Heart) on TV just now who came to promote a Lotte event here in Shanghai. Then i decided to do a search on the event...n i saw this!

http://www.kootinlok.com/blog/content.php?new

Could this be for real??? Here's the English translated version!
http://www.kootinlok.net/louisxpress/Blog/Blog.htm

Okay, i did a search...that Korean guy is called Song Seung-heon. More of him at http://www.hancinema.net/korean_Song_Seung-heon.php Wah...so handsome...so much to see tonight...cant sleep liao! ;p
(And i cant even view my blog or this entry!!! ARRGH!!!)

By the way, i suspect he did something to his jaw! Coz his face looks thinner and more angular! Hmm... But still so handsome!


Lotte ~ (in mandarin) Le Tian; Louis' name ~ Tian Le

what the

First, my blogger came up with these Chinese text, so i had to "argar" how to Add New Post or Edit Post...
Now, i cannot even view my blog, but i can add new posts!!!??? What's wrong with this damn thing!!!???


Here's what i've got:
http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help-howdoi/browse_thread/thread/c0f05be80b0a25b4/56375b831fd60010?q=cannot+view+blog&rnum=1#56375b831fd60010
Other threads discussing the problem:
http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help/search?q=bX-*00018&start=0&scoring=d&

SUMMARY:
~ This is an ongoing problem with the "Great Firewall" of China.
~ You'll have to use a proxy server (whatever that is): Reading your blog, using an anonymising proxy server, is generally a free service provided by the proxies. Most proxies, though, aren't non-profit. They will charge a small fee for you to use forms and scripts, and other elements which are involved in writing to blogs. If your ability to maintain your blog, in addition to read it, is blocked, using an anonymising proxy server may cost you.
~ If it is a China "Firewall" problem, don't look to Blogger to solve it. Google is cooperating with the Chinese government, and this may include "respecting cultural differences". You'd best find a workaround, using a proxy server (hopefully that will work).

SOLUTION:
I'm viewing my blog through this site http://www.pkblogs.com/blabberingjo

WHAT THE

my lunch-dinner

I told so many people back home that i'm so in love with Hunan dishes! These are 2 of my favourite! I will order delivery for lunch, and eat the same for dinner too! All i need is to cook my 1.5cups of rice!!! Hahaa.... Soooo YUMMY! ;D

The 1st dish is "luo2 bo1 pi2 chao3 la4 rou4" ~ radish skin fried with wax meat (bacon)! The radish tastes like "chaipo" and is really appetizing! The smoked bacon is very tasty too, and goes equally well with rice. The 2nd dish is "gan1 bian3 si4 ji4 dou4" ~ dry & flat four season beans! It has these minced meat that is extremely tasty! Haha...so much for the horrible menu translation! ;p

world's tallest ferris wheel

I'm sure that the next time i go back to Singapore, the world's tallest ferris wheel will be almost ready! It's called the Singapore Flyer and is due to be completed in March 2008.

Price: S$29.50 - $69, up to $1500 per capsule (30 pax).
WOW!

http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg

against all odds

This is Terry! I love him white, beige, brown, furry, entangled, hairless, apple-scented or stinky...


He's looks very small, but he's an old old Bishon Frise who's still so bubbly & very naughty. We even suspect he might be a little senile coz he sometimes urine on the floormats (okay, many times for DAYS in a row), knowing that my dad will get VERY ANGRY. ;p

Some of his other names:
- terry baby, baby, DOG, 6th aunty's son...

P.S. He's so old that almost all his teeth have fallen off. So, please dont laugh at him. ;p

first day back in Shanghai is a lazy Sunday

It was a lazy Sunday yesterday, and surprisingly, Elvis didnt have to work. It was so nice to sleep in this weather. But we got up for lunch at Xin Wang's, then went shopping. I merely "tagged along" coz no more shopping for me - at least for a while. Kekee...

I was so proud of myself coz i really kept my word! I did not buy anything despite the temptationS. Elvis bought a tee, jacket & jeans - full gear! (And he just bought a jacket on Sat too - before he picked me up from the airport!) Who's the Shopping KING, huh??!!

We went home to rest before walking to Grandma's Kitchen for dinner. The soup was sooo good as always!

Note: Elvis gave up on his "long hair" and chopped it off! Yes, i think he looks much better too. ;)

am i just confused or what

You Are 40% Left Brained, 60% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

now i know

My friend Stella & I have been so envious of other peoples' blogs coz theirs always seem so interesting and "clever" with the use of hyperlink/HTML and what-have-you... I even wondered where a young lass in her teens learnt that from??!!

Ahh ha...I just realised I can do it too! How's this? http://www.friendster.com/3627234

We are so silly! The only reason why we cant do it is becoz we're using Machintosh! Since I'm using a PC now, i'll make full use of it editing my blog!

WAH! Can change colour somemore! LOL!