Short getaway + Vday

It was unplanned and last minute, we bought the air tickets only 1 week before the trip. In fact the decision to go over to Hong Kong was also last minute. We or rather I felt that something was wrong and we really needed a break. Probably our work has taken the toll of us but it has somehow affect my mood and our relationship personally. I was afraid and I knew we had to do something. I told him how I felt and how much a "we" trip would mean so much to us. And he agreed on a trip. I guess he might have been rather upset about what I've said but I'm glad that I could share and both of us work something out. After all in a relationship, there should be communication in order to sustain.

We actually had a few places in mind which was Bintan, Batam or Tioman. Somehow we ended up choosing Hong Kong. We wanted to go Taiwan but it was such a short trip so we thought we should go somewhere we're more familiar with so that we don't have to rush. 

When we went on this trip, we didn't really remember that Valentine's was next week. To us, it was just a normal trip to run away from work. Besides we don't really celebrate Valentine's day on the day itself, everything is so expensive. We believe that if we love each other so much, everyday is Valentine's day and everyday will be filled with smiles and laughter. And besides! I really don't like flowers especially when it's sent right to your office. Everybody else is doing the same! So I wouldn't be so surprise. But I generally don't like them 'cause I hate to see them die and after that I don't know what to do with it except for having dead flowers on my tables. It was really an intention for a short getaway to relax and chill. But I guess you could call it our mini Valentine's day trip! The decision was impulsive but not wrong. We had so much fun and it was relaxing for him as well. 'Cause the pace that I was shopping was comfortable for him and he could eat more.

Anyhow we reached there around evening time on day 1, checked in to the hotel and rush out to meet some of my Hong Kong colleagues. They brought us to this place at Yau Ma Tei which is famous for their claypot rice. The rice was so fragrant, very different from the ones in SG.

Day 2

It was really very cold when we were there. Temperature was between 10 - 12 degrees and wind was so strong. We were totally not prepared for the weather and brought the wrong jacket and coat there. We ended up have having to buy new ones to keep ourselves really warm. My colleagues told me that It wasn't so cold the week before we came. Only got colder on the day we reached! Cold but it was nice weather 'cause I get to wear my boots and socks!

Glad that we bought the Scarves before we went, It kept us warm before we bought the new ones.

He likes this pic alot 'cause it look so couple! But I don't like. 'Cause it look so typical. 

 

Peak hour crowd at the train station! It was insane and I got a shock when I saw it. But as compared to our MRT in Singapore, we were hopping on to the 4th train at less than 3 mins! Efficient! I like!

Day 3

Most of the time spent during the day was shopping, so no photos but busy shopping! Anyways we met Ringo for dinner on day 3 and he brought us to this really awesome "Private Kitchen" for dinner. It's legal in Hong Kong. You can actually convert that house unit to a kitchen.Nice warm soup on a cold night. What could be better than that!

Did you know I was a fishball monster!? We had 60 fishballs just that night after dinner.

Day 4

We woke up slightly earlier to have dim sum breakfast (how can you not, when you're in hk!) before heading to Harbourcity to look for some stuff.

Harbour City located at Tsim Sha Tsui is your one step branded place, you can find almost every and any brands there. It's really huge and you'll probably need 1 day or so there. But one thing I need to point out is that, it's filled with China people. So do expect to queue especially for brands like Prada, Chanel and etc.

Finally Steamboat! If I do have any friends in Hong Kong, I really wouldn't go for steamboat. I don't think I'll ever be able to figure out what's written on the menu. The food was nice and fresh. The only thing I didn't like was that there wasn't the blended kind of chilli sauce. Just felt so weird without it.

The dessert served here are famous and it's nice! 

Day 5

Our last day in Hong Kong. And we woke up uber early for breakfast! I kid you not. The queue is very long. We were late but fortunately we had another Hong Kong friend queuing for us. If you like steam milk, you really should try this. It's awesome! Nice and smooth! We ordered the steam egg as well, it was a little too eggy. Didn't really like it. If you're going, remember to check them out. Australia Diary Company.

The spicy fishballs from this stall are by far the best I ever taste, after going to Hong Kong so many times. Take a train to Yau Ma Tei and exit A2. It's just right outside.

 

 The spicy noodles (which I couldn't try my last trip cause I was sick) that make him surrender after 1 mouth and left me craving for more in hope to find 1 in Singapore. I mange to find it at Dhoby Ghaut but have yet to try it!

And it's time to bid goodbye again! I think they have no longer felt sad each time I leave 'cause I go back so often that it's like my second home. He never stop saying that he wanna go back again. We're planning for one more trip to HK this year but not sure when. Overall it was a fulfilling trip, we had so much fun!

Thought of the day

A colleague and I was supposed to meet an ex-colleague for dinner last night but we ended work so late we could only see her for half an hour.

And both of us were left to talk. He asked me if I meet my bf Everyday and they said it's not good to meet everyday. Suddenly I had this thought.

Meeting everyday while you are dating is bad 'cause maybe you'll get sick of each other. But when you're married, it's important that you see and talk to each other everyday if not your marriage is on the rock. How strange that in 2 similar situation but it has a different outcome when you do the same thing.

Probably the difference between the two is that you have a choice when you're still dating. 

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Someone of 'the past'

You know, I'm someone who loves to look back at the past whether good or bad. Good brings back sweet memories. Bad helps me to improve to be a better person now. Sometimes I could spend 1 hour or so while lying on bed before I sleep thinking about the past. I know it's bad but I like it.

This song reminds me of my heartbroken days. But I'm looking back at it with a smile now . Whatever or whoever has broken that heart of yours, I hope you are smiling back at it as well or eventually in the future.

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Another relaxing day as we walk and talk.

Finally had a day to slow day our pace and enjoy a massage session at spa infinity located at far east shopping centre. Boy! The massage was fantastic! Definitely heading back there again.

After massage, we had Thai food for dinner at Orchard Tower. Either we over ordered or the portion was too much for both of us. We had gotta get the leftovers packed. But it's a pity the Tom yum soup was not spicy enough.

We decided to walked down Orchard after dinner for a stroll and to do some 'we' time which we missed out pretty often.

And guess what! I bought this baby home! Have been eye-ing it a long time but I just don't feel that it's worth $229. Today it's home with me at only $68! Love it!



I love days like that! Love the walk. Love the talks and gossips that we had just like old friends. Love the laughters and the time spent together.

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Whatever it is, just smile!

I received this from my friend on Friday morning before waking up for work. Awesome statement and Am gonna make it my motto everyday from now onwards. So remember my friends, just smile in any situation!

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How do you know when it's the time to leave your job?

I guess most of us have been through times like that. If you haven't, it's a good thing! Trust me! You're probably tired from working and need a break. So how do you know? When you really loathe your job, no matter how much breaks you have once you need to head back to work, you just feel like crying and the intention to take medical leave comes to your mind.

In my previous team, I get the tired feeling from work but after each break I get it going again. Ever since I've transferred to my new team, things have gotten worst. I went over with a heart longing to learn something. I still do. But I really start to hate work 'cause of the people. I didn't realised how much it was affecting me until 2 weeks ago when I made a few mistakes that wasn't necessary at all. I've always been extra careful with my work and I couldn't accept such errors. I thought it was time for a break and we went to Hong Kong. But when I got back and it was time for work I had the same feeling.

I was talking to a friend and she shared with me this email on an article of  "The hidden costs of a job you loathe". And I start to realise how true is it. A job you loathe can rob almost everything away from you. Which explains how much medical leave I've been taking 'cause it has affects my gastric alot. And my work performance!

I thought it would be good to share this here to remind us that a job is still a job like what is mention inside. It's a pretty long article but do take some time to finish reading it.

The hidden costs of a job you loathe
By aaravind | British Gas Smart Meter – Mon, Jan 30, 2012
 
Have you ever had that 'Sunday night feeling'  -  the one where the very thought of work the next day spoils any chance you've got of switching off and enjoying your weekend? Well what about having that feeling every day of the week, not just on a Sunday? If you dread going into work, hate it and everything about it when you're there, you could soon find you're paying a very high cost for a job you clearly loathe.
 
"An accountant friend once tried to describe to me how much he hated his job. "I hate the walls, I hate the desks, I hate the plants in reception — I just hate that place so much", recalls Ruth Cornish.
"I've hated jobs too for different reasons. But when I felt like crying at the thought of going into the office and had that Sunday night feeling every night, when I stopped sleeping and started losing weight. I knew I had to do something," she adds.
 
Ruth, an HR consultant, has 20 years' experience and knows how having a job you loathe can eat you up, both from her own bitter experience and from that of her clients.
 
"We should all expect to have elements of any job that we don't enjoy, find boring, even dread doing a bit.  But realistically that should not be more than 30% of our job," Ruth explains.
 
From poor working conditions, to plain old boredom, irritating or demanding colleagues, lack of job security, a shattering daily commute, uncompetitive pay and a total lack of interest in what you do, day in, day out, it can all have a negative impact on your work-life happiness  - or rather unhappiness.
The fact is that being stuck in a job you hate with a vengeance is detrimental not only to your job satisfaction levels, career progression and general happiness, but ultimately your health and your wealth.
 
Workplace stress-related symptoms are very real and can affect all aspects of your physical being, from emotional to mental and behavioural problems. Over-drinking, over-eating and over-spending can all be symptoms of living with a job you loathe, as you seek ways to reward yourself and make yourself feel better.
 
And left unchecked these symptoms can lead to serious health and wealth problems, from alcoholism to debt-related problems and even the breakdown of relationships with family and friends. In the worst case scenario it can lead people to seek help for mental illness.
 
And it is a real problem. Private healthcare group BUPA, says workplace stress affects one in five working people, making it the biggest cause of sickness in the UK. It estimates that more than 105 million working days are lost each year because of work-related stress, and it says that nearly half a million people in the UK alone genuinely lay the blame for their illness or ailments on work-related stress.
 
As Ruth says: "It can become detrimental to our health  - both physically and mentally - to our relationships, and worst of all to our confidence.  Doing something we hate will mean we are not doing it well, and if this continues for too long our performance will suffer and we will become defined by it.
 
"This can lead to a poor career prognosis and may even blight the rest of your career so just like a health issue, you do need to give it serious consideration."
 
It's a well known fact among the medical profession that extreme and prolonged periods of stress have very real, physical side-effects. These can range from stomach ulcers and crippling back pain to, at the even more serious end of the spectrum, an increased risk of heart attacks, nervous disorders, and psychological problems.
 
So what can you do if you find yourself in this sort of rut? The first step is to work out exactly what is causing you the most unhappiness and dissatisfaction. Ruth says: "Try to understand why you hate your job so much. Speak to friends or colleagues or even your boss.
 
"Is it because of the type of work, the culture, the hours, and your colleagues or perhaps it is because you find it difficult? Often there is an easy solution right under your nose.
 
"Look for solutions in the workplace to make things feel better. If you don't get on with your boss, ask someone you respect to mentor you and act as a sounding board."
 
And talk to other people at work. Ruth says you could find they're in the same position as you. "Make friends and socialise with work colleagues.  Often others can feel the same and a problem shared is a problem halved," she says.
Then make sure that your hatred of work doesn't start eating into your personal life. This means taking time to consciously 'switch off' from work. During the working day, take regular breaks and get away from the workplace, even for 10 minutes. Go for a walk round the block or read a good book. Do something you love in your spare time and give your mind and body a complete break from the daily grind.
 
As well as your mental well-being, it's also important to take care of your body and general health. Stress can adversely affect our immune systems, making us more prone to illness, so eating well and trying to get as much normal sleep as possible is important. A definite no-no is turning to drink as a form of escape. Ruth says avoid self-medicating with alcohol, cigarettes or drugs.
 
And as she also says, try to keep it in perspective. "Remember that a job is a job.  No matter how important it is to be earning, staying in a job we hate longer term can have such a detrimental effect on our whole life it is never worth it.
 
"Think of it as a bad marriage.  It's something that will get worse the more you avoid dealing with it."
If that's you, then it could be time to dust off your CV and start looking at other opportunities. "Look for another job and take control of your future.  But take care to choose the right job in the right organisation. Ask lots of questions about the culture -  before you sign on the dotted line," advises Ruth.

Love is in the air!

Just got back from Hong Kong 2 days ago! My soul is still there enjoying the nice weather and shopping! Will update on the trip soon!

Happy Valentine's day peeps! Hope you guys are celebrating with your special one! If not with a group of friends who you love so much! Loves!

Much has happen over the weekends and something silly happen last night. And now I'm feeling kind of down. Felt so silly about last night's incident. I overacted. Over trivial matters. But anyhow it's over, it'll be all good.

Anyways I've been using the Hada labo lotion (toner) and Vitacreme B12 for almost 1 month. And guess what! I'm really satisfied with it! My skin has improved quite abit.

After using the Hada labo lotion, my skin feels less oily nowadays especially in the day. I've really oily skin and everytime even right before lunchtime my face would start to feel a little oily and it gets worst after lunchtime. My oil blotter paper would be covered with so much facial oil! But since I started using the toner, my face is still clear of oil even after lunch. Even on the T-zone area!

I've started using the moisturizing cream for the day only and it's doing good! I wanted to touch up after lunch one day and as usual I took out my oil blotter paper. I realised that the blotter paper was clean of oil! I guess I can really say goodbye to oily skin with this product. Yippee!

So what's Vitacreme B12?

Vitacreme B12 is the only cosmetic product with the Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) as a main active ingredient.

The principal actions with the application of VitacremeB12 are:

• Skin Reconditioning
• Very significant reduction in the extent of the wrinkles and fold of the skin
• Improvement in skin elasticity
• Correction of the skin dryness

My skin has improved quite abit after using this. It's less sensitive now and it feels moist. I used this as my night cream and even when I wake up in the morning, my face don't feel oily at all.

I've always love face threading but I always have to avoid my cheek area 'cause it's so sensitive. I have break outs after each threading session on my cheek and it upsets me alot. I've always gotta tell the person to skip my cheek area though my package is for the full face. Seeing that my skin has improved, I decided to thread my whole face and give it another try. After the session, it wasn't as red as before and till now I don't have any break out!

I guess I've find the product suitable for my skin. But again, it works out differently for different people. Check them out on their FB, Hada Labo. They do give out sample lotion, find out more on their FB.

Anyways I'm into pencil skirt. Will blog more about that. Gotta shower and get ready for work! Have a nice day ahead peeps!

Lastest addition!

Love this orange oxford shoes! My lastest addition to the family. Bought this in Malacca from Vinnci! It was love at first sight! Nothing and no one could stop me! The bf tried but I insisted! Glad I did and to be in it today!

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Greetings folks! It's Christmas!!

Hohoho!! Merry blessed Christmas everyone! It's the long weekends for some of us! Enjoy! Am on the way to Malacca for a short weekend trip! To make up for my last 2 trips!! Happy holidays! Loves!

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New products for my skin!

I think not just for me but for any other girls, having to know about a new facial product is happiness and excitement! 'Cause you've done your research and heard how good the product is and how it helps to make our skin look beautiful! It's tough being a woman 'cause we have to spend so much on all these stuff but sometimes it's a bliss!

I've added 2 new products to my skin regime.One is the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic acid hydrating lotion and the Vitacreme B12. I've always have sensitive skin and it got worst when I was 16. Acne started to haunt me and since then it has never left me. It has only gotten better the last 1-2 years but recently I had a mini breakout which I got treatment in time. And to make it worst, I've oily skin as well. The frustrating thing is that even though it's oily, my skin is dry at the same time. It's not hydrating enough.

Each time I went to Watsons, I would walk past the facial product section to check out for new products. I've seen Hada Labo a few times but I never did bother to pick it up to see and read. Until recently, I decided to google it and saw many good reviews about it. Since I'm running out of toner already, I thought I should just give it a try. I've replaced it with my Avene toner. It's only my fourth day using it, gotta give it a bit more time. I hope, as it claims, "One drop locks up an ocean."

I only got to know about Vitacreme B12 in October when my colleague requested me to get it for her in Hong Kong 'cause Singapore doesn't has it. I didn't dare to get one myself 'cause of my sensitive skin and I didn't wanna put my skin at stake. She told me it's quite good and again I did my research. So far, there's only good reviews about this product as well.

 Only got the cream yesterday from my fried who went Hong Kong and I've started using it last night. When I woke up this morning, my skin felt smooth and moist but it wasn't oily at all. If you have oily skin, you'll understand what I mean. Gonna continue using it and hope it works out well! I'm gonna use it only as a night cream 'cause I've another set of products to use differently in the day.

Feeling brown on a friday.

 TGIF! Finally! It's been a short week for me but I still can't wait for the day to end! Slept a little late last night cause of the breakdown of the north south train line. Buses were packed. People squeezing to get up buses like there's no tomorrow. So we decided to take a slow walk from Ion to Great world city for another bus. It was a great walk after dinner. But it was really tiring cause before that the crazy traffic at smu area got me stuck and I walked from The Cathay to Ion. Figured that it would be much faster than being stuck in the bus. I was so annoyed but I guess many as well. Especially those stranded in town and wanting to go home. Am thankful I stay near.

Yesterday my colleague mentioned that I lost weight. My cheek looks like it sunk in. Greatest news despite being sick! Anyways feeling brown today except for the leggings. I've been looking for a dress like that and am loving it. It's comfy!

Top: Her vintage store
Leggings: uniqlo
shoes: Zara
Bag: bershka.

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X'mas wishlist and HK part 2

Last Saturday, It was my 2 year old nephew's graduation at Singapore Post centre. His parents was on a trip with the church to Israel so bf and I had to babysit him with my auntie. And we had to wake up really early at 7am. Usually Saturday, we'll be sleeping till mid-noon and get the day started probably about 2pm onwards.

But we realised that it wasn't so bad waking up so early in the morning and get the day started. It actually felt fresh!! And it doesn't felt like the day was wasted. So we're trying to change life a little and hit the gym together on sat's morning.Will try that this Saturday and see how it goes.

I'm on 2 days MC again and I woke up at 8.30am this morning. I couldn't get back to sleep anymore due to the dry throat and gastric pain that I had. Took a little bit then medication. Feeling better now. My stomach is really giving me lots of issues nowadays. So the doc advised me to have 6 small meals each day, no spicy food and probably oily food. In another words, bland. Well just treat it as eating right and healthy. It's a good diet. I actually do feel lighter and healthier.

On a happy note, Christmas is just 11 days away! Oh boy! You bet am so excited! I love Christmas! And YES! I have to say it every year!! I'm still waiting for my kind of Christmas celebration to come true but that would have to wait another 3-4 years when we get married and have a home of our own. It's the season to give and share! Everybody would be buying gifts, exchanging them and a very good reason to catch up with each other after a long time. What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is about gathering with loved ones like family and friends for a sumptuous dinner and games. Christmas is love! And most of all! Christmas is about having a wishlist! =) I've my wishlist. And here it is!

I've always wanted to get an ankle boots. It's not practical to wear long boots in a country like Singapore 'cause it's just way too hot. Moreover, it's not like it rains so much through out the year like November and December. I thought ankle boots would be just nice for weathers like that. It's raining so frequently nowadays and I just really wanna wear boots so that my feet doesn't start feeling wet and uncomfy inside. And I hate wearing slippers out to places like town.

I was surfing the net the other day and found some ankle boots but it's a pity that they only ship to U.S. I might consider vPost! Think I'll go for darker colours or black instead of brown, I've too many brown shoes.

Ankle boots from Target

Ankle boots from Asos. Love the green actually.

I love loafers too! I've been wanting to get a new pair BUT I've too many pairs so this will probably just go into my "just see wishlist".

Loafers from Asos

Recently, I realised I have a problem with my shoes. That is, I've got way too many heels and I'm lacking on flats. It's just bad that I'm always wearing 5 inches heels and I know one day my legs are just gonna give way. I'll have to start investing on flats again. Yea, you can just say. Another reason/excuse to shop! I thought these 2 pairs from asos fits the X'mas mood! 

Besides shoes, there is another thing which I wanted. Or rather I would say I need 'cause I really don't have 'em and I thought they are really crucial for dinners at times. A portfolio clutch. I've been looking around and I regretted not getting the one I saw at HK. I'm still looking around. Now this is the number 1 item on my wishlist!

Portfolio clutch from asos

My wishlist never get too far away from clothes, bags and shoes. In short, fashion. Oh! I love books too! I like it for X'mas pressies! So here's my wishlist, have you got your own wishlist? I hope you'll received what you want on your wishlist!

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And here's some overdue photos from my hk trip. Finally got some time to upload it. It really takes a long time to upload at times and I just get too lazy.

This is fried you tiao wrapped in chang fen. Love it but not the best I had.

Headed to IFC mall Apple store to get his ipad. And it was the day that Steve job passed away. It was sad. What a lost. Many reporters were standing outside and some bouquet of flowers were laid outside. R.I.P Steve job.

They had to take this to prove that he bought his ipad from HK!

Charlton's slutty face!

On the ferry back to Kowloon. Love the skyline. beautiful.

Watami in HK! Taste so much better than SG!

Cow's tongue, I think. gross when you hear it but it's really quite tasty! Tender!

And how can dinner end without DESSERT!

Papaya! It was yummy!

Day 4. Not gonna say much but just look at the food.

Tell me! How can I not eat wanton noodles when I'm in HK! And the reason I eat wanton noodles in HK, it's cause I love their wanton and I only eat wanton with shrimps in it. Yea so I basically don't like SG style wanton noodles.

My wanton noodles!

I so look like a glutton here!

Charlton and gang left on the 4th day and I met another of my colleague, Macy,for dinner at Jasmine Garden located at Langham Place. That dinner was really nice and good! Definitely worth trying! I'm not sure how much it cost 'cause they won't allow me to pay. Not even telling me how much it was.

Drunken pigeon.

No idea what this is but it was tasty! and healthy too!

Lotus rice, I think! Extremely delicious.

Sweet and sour pork!

We saw the couple sitting next to us ordering this and we knew it has to be on our table too! It looks sweet. But it wasn't and there's lots of fruits in there!

Macy and I. Finally met her after so many attempts to arrange a good day after 2 years!

 Not sure what's the occasion but it was an eye opening experience for us. The streets were lined up with branded and renowned cars! We were busy taking photos.

Last day! Miss this view!

Packing our stuff for early check out.

Breakfast before our final shopping spree!

With Angel's daughter. Really cute and funny girls!

Love my purple hair! And it's the start of our shopping spree!

Finally food!! We were so famished after spending so many hours inside shopping!

These are my favourite! I had it on the first night we reached but it wasn't as good as this!

I'm really fortunate to have these few friends from Hong Kong to bring me around. Angel mummy was so nice to call a driver to pick up our luggages from the hotel so that we do not have to rush back and use the time to shop instead. Isn't that lovely! Such a sweet gesture. BUT! she wouldn't tell me how much it cost! I tried asking the driver! Guess what! He didn't wanna tell me as well! He said you're Miss Lai's good friend so I cannot say!

Packing my loots into my luggage at the airport!

Just watching and not helping! They were counting how much stuff I bought!

Final photo before we leave! I won't say it was the best trip. But we had some fun! We're already planning for our next trip to Hong Kong in May! And this time it will just be the both of us and 7 days! 

Anyways it's a really nice afternoon. Gonna continue watching "Bones" and take a nap. I like this kind of day! Feels more proper. Have a nice day!