Fwah, what a week!

I learnt "Fwah" from my good friend. LOL. It seems like a good combination of the "F word" and "wah" (which we normally used for exclamation).

This week has been horribly busy, with crisis at work the Friday before and then continuing onto Monday. Things finally got sorted but work never ceased to pile up, fortunately by Friday the major ones are done. The week crawled slowly, but I managed a movie, spinning class, changed my nails color twice, met 2 friends for lunches, helped a friend to vet his new website copy and then catching up with more friends and flea market shopping over the weekend (Okay, I admit I can never keep my words to stop buying nail polishes). It didn't do my wallet justice, poor cards, they need to be rested! I fell for the Club21 sale which started on Friday and bought myself a Marc by Marc Jacobs tote!

Pink flowery artistic tote!

My latest color craze - Skull & Glassbones from OPI Pirates of the Carribean.

One more good news, one of my entries for Silkair Explorer, a contest I took part almost a year ago, has been selected to be featured on an upcoming Silkair advertorial. I didn't win the contest, but still this is exciting, and I can't wait to see it. I will have one more additional portfolio for my travel writing!

Love your face

We might not be borned the prettiest of them all, but still we gotta love ourselves!

I heart Origins because of the smell... but at the same time Elizabeth Arden works for me but I always prefer Origins' citrous smell over the "plastic" smell. During a recent visit to town, I chanced upon this awesome deal for the White Tea set at S$100 (the set is worth over S$200). Being an indecisive person, I decided against the idea to buy since I got a travel set recently from Taiwan at about S$46 (retailing at S$60 in Singapore). But over the weekend, I gave it a serious consideration and decided to go for it since such necessities usually deplete fast over the next couple of months. To my dismay, it was sold out (within a week!) at the Robinsons I was at, and I had to call to reserve one of the last few sets at another. The promotion is not available at other Origins counters, only the ones in Robinsons. Phew! A very happy buy!

DIY Mix & Match travel set from Taiwan

Origins pouch, mimosa moisturiser (anti-aging), cleansing milk (rejuvenating), white tea gentle dermabrasion (anti-oxidant), sachets of Zero Oil range.

White Tea X'mas set from Singapore

White Tea lotion, moisturiser, cleanser, firming moisturiser for eyes, UV face protector and skin guardian (like serum) - all of which are anti-oxidant.

Something I really dislike about shopping for skincare products in Singapore is they ARE super stingy with samples, even when you're a regular customer of the brand! I recall getting a travel set in Taipei and asked if they would have complimentary sample for their new range of Origins Zero Oil, and she didn't hesitate a moment to give them to me with a SMILE. In Singapore, they usually give you the unbelievable excuse,"Oh, we don't have sample for these!" But if you spend over S$150 or S$200, suddenly they reappear and come free. What kind of service attitude?!? No wonder there are rumours of how bad the service attitude in Singapore is... I also remember the same for Elizabeth Arden, and when I wrote in to complain one of their products, they immediately offer me samples (though it was a decision from the Hong Kong branch), the Singapore side was the usual, being the miser. Geez, what's wrong with letting your customers try your new range of products before deciding to buy? They obviously can take some measures to ensure no one abuses it. No? Like before marrying a man, you have to try it out first - same theory!

Buying my first BRANDED in store

If you've noticed my wish list on the right column, I always wanted to own a Kate Spade's baby diaper bag. It's of course not because I have a baby or I am preparing for it! I love it because of all the compartments they have in there to put milk bottle, etc. ;) Weird, you thinking? But there you go, I ain't that typical.

Yesterday (as in Thursday) at lunch, my colleague and I happened to pass by Kate Spade in Takashimaya. There was a big sale going on for all brands to welcome Great Singapore Sale which was going to start today. I accompanied her, only to find myself attracted by an adorable lunch tote with an oversized ribbon. Very unusual material (straw), durable looking, cute and best of all it's at 50% off. It's too small for me though, I usually prefer bigger bag.

Back home last evening, I went online and found the bigger version on Kate Spade's website. It was on sale and as I was on the mailing list, I can even get additional 25% off. It all worked out that it's going to be much cheaper than getting in Singapore, but that is only if I ship to an USA address. Bubbles burst, castle in the dream collapsed. But after going through much trouble, I found someone based in USA who will be willingly to go through the hassle and she's charging a small handling fee. I got her to quote me, it works out to be the same if I were to ship it over myself with a concierge service. Got all excited about it, and so ready to make an order today.

This morning, I woke up and rang a Kate Spade store in Singapore. They are selling it at approximately S$6 more than what I was quoted by the seller. Woaaa, heck it, I am so going down to check it out! For your information, I'm not crazy over brands. The most expensive bag I bought was a Calvin Klein bag which I got at 70% off for less than S$70?! Or maybe a Coach wristlet Vivien helped me got in USA Outlet. By the way, I don't consider GUESS branded anymore because it's on SALE way too often, I do have one as a gift! I haven't got any Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu, Burberry... though I quite like the overpriced Miu Miu. I almost got myself a Marc Jacobs (which is around S$200-300 range) but it never really worked out.

So I rushed down. To my surprise, it wasn't displayed... and to my relief, it was still available. They kept them all inside (I wonder why?). I wanted the black but decided to ask for both... Well, since I am in the store, I can act like a REAL customer ;) I tried both on, looked in the mirror for umpteen times and couldn't make up my mind. White looks better on me, but it's very hard to maintain (If you're a man, you probably won't understand! You can think it on the same line as dating high maintanence women?). Out of desperation, I snapped a picture and MMS to 3 of my judges (friend, colleague and sister) to ask for their votes. Thank God for technology! It came back that everyone has chosen black. So their wishes are my command! :) I decided on black, I was before but then I was shaken, fickle-minded and needed reassurance! I also saw a baby diaper bag there, not the kind I fancy, but it seems like I'm not head over heels with it now. It is a little too big too.

I guess sometimes it just happens? Just like love... it happens when you least expect it. I never thought I would buy a Kate Spade that's not a baby bag. I never thought I would get a black one as I love all their bright colored stuff (not that they have any for this range!). I never even want to buy a bag but it just happened?! But the moment I saw it, I knew it. It's chemistry ;) It's so very odd that I know what I want the moment I see it, and that doesn't happen very often!

I left the store with a big hole in my wallet... and a wide big smile on my face, very pleased. I was over the moon when a man was willingly to spend hundreds to celebrate my birthday with me. But this happiness and contentment is way way way more satisfying and poisonous than that. It has poisoned me since the time I stepped out of the shop, I am still feeling it! Being able to afford that myself, being able to pamper myself without a man's wallet and being able to buy myself something I really like but normally wouldn't bear to purchase feel so damnnnnnnnnnnnn shiok!!!

If it's yours, it's yours...

I learned this.

Reluctantly.

Somehow this might be true. Or maybe it is really true. For someone so impatient like me, waiting is a torture. This has derived from my daily experience, and it was shopping (believe it or not).

3 months ago, I stepped into Zara... without any intention to buy. I spotted this grey jacket (windbreaker), the moment I tried it on, I fell in love with it. But the only thing that stopped me was the price (S$149.90). I have never bought a piece of clothing that expensive in SINGAPORE (don't mention Europe/London because of the different currencies). I put it back with a heavy heart. It wasn't that I couldn't afford, it wasn't that I didn't want it, I just couldn't bear to get it.

I thought over it for a night or two... It fits me perfectly and it could be the right one for me - a worthy investment which will last long. I made up my mind, returned to the store. To my dismay, it wasn't there anymore!! They must have sold it all. I left, very disheartened and told myself the next time I see something that fits me perfect, I should hesitate no more.

Last evening, I went down to Zara's first day of SALE. To my amaze, I found it right there. Hanging against the middle of the wall, it was on sale. S$99.90. Without any hesitation, I took it down and tried it on again and again and again... You wouldn't believe how ridiculous I can be... LOL. It fits me, it makes me glow, it makes me happy... and YES I BOUGHT IT.

If it is meant to be, it is. But it is still in your hands if you grab that chance the first time round, it might never come back again... it might, only if you're lucky enough or is that thing you called it "fated to be".

I totally love it :))

Indulgence is a sin

Self-pampering can be sinful.

On Thursday evening, I left Expo Robinsons Sale with a purchase totalling up to $222.

I had been shopping non-stop in the huge hall for 4 hours, entering the fitting room a couple of times, walking in circles at the perfume section... I didn't even want to pay attention to the shoes and bags section (For God's sake, I won't be able to imagine what my spending will be if I did!!). I chose my favourite brands of perfume, put them in my shopping trolley-bag they provided. Next, I passed by La Senza which is famous for their lingerie, going at more than 50% off... Sigh, I just couldn't resist the temptation anymore. I managed to stop myself at the SALE at their stores, however this time they are really a good buy at only 20-40% of the original prices. So I ended up picking up a couple of wonderfully comfortable bras, etc. Of course I didn't give the make-up section a miss either, because there are a few very good brands going at about 50% too and I would never get those prices even in duty-free shop! So I bought HR pore genius fluid foundation as well as Paul & Joe pressed powder - pretty happy to give them a try!

On Friday I decided the perfumes I bought weren't the best choices so I went back for an exchange. Thinking that I have to find substitutes to fill up the amount for the to-be-exchanged products, I ended up spending more (to top off the difference). At the end, I realised I didn't have to, damn it, they did a full refund and then I had to do a new purchase. I felt so cheated since I got the one other product to fill the number. Today, I went back to return it, it saved me $55!! But I ended up spending another $10 on something!

Now, at least I've reduced my spending to under $200, but that's still a lot to me - especially considering I have spent quite a bit in the recent weeks to get my skincare products and at TopShop Sale.

The warning signal is already flashing - time to stop and keep the wallet in check!

How do you know when you OVER-SHOP!!

1. When you updated the bank passbook, it used to only print half the page. But now it goes on and on, the printing never seems to stop, the pages flipping and it's taking more than a minute!!!!!!
2. You find yourself thinking what to buy to match the recent outfit/accessories you bought, you only care about color and style coordination, and not the poor wallet.
3. You are unable to resist entering any shop with "SALE" on the window display!
4. Your bank account never seems to increase after the pay day!
5. You find yourself stacking heap and heap of clothes because the closet is already near exploding.
6. Your wallet is gaining weight due to the amount of receipts you're accumulating!
7. You go to a shop and realise,"Hey, I have something similar to this, and that, and hey, that too!!", you have shopped far enough to head the trend. Oh, even the most "in" colors!

Weekends couldn't have been better

It's Monday and I can't wait for it to be over...

My last week (since the last last Friday) has been tremendously busy, but very fruitful;) Hard work does pay off and it seems like my job as a tour guide was more than satisfactory. I enjoy being a tourist myself and it does help accompanying a tourist and showing him around even though my Singapore knowledge is barely sufficient, I guess I just know "how to eat". So my dear friend, J, has already did a fare deal of food (from Italian dessert, Japanese sushi/sashimi, porridge buffet, Hong Kong cuisine/dim sum, food court/local food, Swissotel's JAAN (french) to crepes... we have done it all in just 5 days. Not bad.

Last last Saturday, dear boss has kindly invited the team to his house for a feast of home-cooked food and I dare say the food was awesome. I did a 2nd helping, if not for a dessert appointment, I would have helped myself to a 3rd one!! But well, not supposed to be greedy and after a "sinful" Chinese New Year, I should keep my weight in check. Actually, I'm pretty amazed at my self-control this CNY, as one gets older, we become more self/health-conscious, aren't we all... I did much lesser chocolates, sweets, tarts and stuff than the years before - glad to say that!
*Hint hint to myself* Time to force-start my HOT YOGA class - stop procrastinating!!

Airshow! The first Asia Airshow in Singapore at Changi Exhibition Center and I had the great honour to go. Dear Jeff offered me a pair of tickets but another friend, JT has already got one for me... very thankful for such contacts! Don't burn your bridges, friends!! So on Saturday, I put on my best and went to witness the aerobatic display (to my disappointment, we arrived late). It all went well in the end, the later part of the show was great too... I fulfilled my wish of taking a picture with the A380!!! Well, I wish I could step in but wasn't allowed to. We didn't stay long because there was a massive crowd - at least 1 million people must be there!!!! It was so stuffy I could almost faint... Luckily, me and JT managed to get out to the road and flagged a cab without having to queue in there for hoursssssssssssssss - OMG.

It's one of the rare time when I have male companion to company me shopping. But it was fun because normally I only have Pea/Mushroom/Melon telling me,"Nice. Not Nice. Don't buy!" Ah man was shopping with me on the last Friday after we had an awesome yumm.... dinner at Fig & Olive (can't wait to put pictures up now!), but it was about closing time so I had to return again. JT came along, and I'm surprised he had the patience when I tried almost half the sunglasses (ok I think I exaggerated) on that shelf of display... Not bad! I took my own sweet time and I had someone to tell me,"This suits you better. That is a bit too big. That's nice and could go with a nice pair of heels or leggings." Now I like shopping companion:) I got my loots and happily left! Now this reminds me a couple of days before I bought another top from British India... I didn't want to, but I showed my friend J the picture I took in the fitting room and he said,"Well it's nice and you should pamper yourself." I thought he was right and I really did. Sigh. Peer pressure. :(

More loots

Is it the boredom, unhappiness or the "self-induced" stress that made me shopped again?

I actually went to look for a pair of shoes I had my eyes on in another store but has ran out of sizes, and I knew that I would be vulnerable to temptation today. I obviously knew it. But I still went and succumbed under it.

A retro print red mini skirt (just like the green) and a stripes off shoulder top.

I miss blogging...

It has been a couple of days, and I really miss putting thoughts down to words. I want so much to write, but haven't found the time or energy most of the time. Even now, I'm going to quickly do one before I head out in 30mins time. All dressed up, prepared to go out, yet something has been bugging me. I need to blog!

Needless to say, a self proclaimed SALES shopaholic has a lot to share again. Recently, my loots have been piling and this is bad. Partly because whenever I shop, it is either due to stress, unhappiness or just a really good bargain can't afford to be missed.

After the usual busy and boring Chinese New Year (all that house visiting, hosting at home and a long weekend), it didn't help to return to the office again. So my first target was ROOTS, a Canadian brand, I ended up buying a cropped sweatpant, a polo tee and a t-shirt. It was 70% off... so it was still quite alright. One evening, I ended up shopping in the mall with a colleague after a work event just to kill time before I hit the clubs on Ladies' night... I saw this awesome little doll dress at S$15 in a boutique shop, without much hesitance I was already set on getting it. I was just deciding between the colors and designs as they are 3 options and all portraying each a different style. I chose the purple white one with circular pattern and it does look really class, can't wait to wear it out with heels... mmmmmmm. And just 2 days ago, Adeline informed me of another "can't be missed" sale, it's the shop I've been eyeing on for months since Christmas. The sale finally is here, it's the local brand M)phosis. They specialize in simple and casual wear with very simple/solid/vibrant colors. Immediately I already started my first trip down during lunch time, and visited 5 stores in total since. Fortunately, my damage isn't that bad, I spent slightly over S$30 but got very good stuff. My simple black and grey sleeveless tank tops, a bright green mini skirt (not that mini I think), a scarf and a ring.

I guess I really need to stop, as my pay doesn't seem enough anymore especially with a paycut I am suffering from this job. Sucks. Anyhow, life is keeping options open and making the right choices right(?)... looks like I need to find a better option (soon).


Just a reminder for myself, I need to also blog about
1. the book I bought weeksssss ago (a review)
2. Japanese snacks I tried recently (more reviews)
3. restaurants I tried - did I already write about Waraku? think nope, maybe that and the italian dessert place, can probably skip the dempsey italian restaurant - expensive & overrated (more more reviews)

Too much

What's wrong with spending? What's wrong with me?

My sister nagged at me the other day,"Why are you spending so much even when you're not working??" And I don't know the answer either, I should stop but it suddenly becomes too difficult a task. The only way is to refrain myself from stepping out of the door, but I can't be staying in the house ALL the time; I need fresh air, some external source of inspiration and also to meet people.

The other day, the smell of the freshly cut grass somehow awakened me... it reminded me of how much I miss being close to the nature.

In one week, I have accumulated a high record of spending (over S$200)... then again that excludes my normal transport or meal expenses. That is only, merely, purely shopping!!!!!!!! Well, part of it is necessary, the rest I would call it "Retail therapy".

It works.

Having a bad day/Woke up on the wrong side of the bed/Frustrated over nothing or mere things... these reasons can put anyone at danger if he/she should interact with an easily irritable woman. Don't risk it. Leave her alone to her own therapy and she will get back on track in no time.

That fateful Monday, I walked in the mall and scrutinized all my favourite brands as well as stores with further reductions... not leaving till I had hit S$100 spending and bought from 5 different stores. The satisfaction a woman can get from patronizing Sale is simply indescribable.

Today also marks the end of IKEA sale, fortunately I have no yearning to refurbish my room (due to the accumulating heap of trash my sister is piling at the other side of my room). I bet Angela would have done a good job of breaking my record at IKEA (but in UK instead, hahaa). Anyhow, I still managed to get myself this beautiful ROTERA (tealight) lantern. Here's my white version:)

Time to curb more shopping and save up for some trips planned ahead... damn, I have got too many plans and I don't think I can afford the time and money for them all:(

家庭日, die Familie, Family Sunday

You'll be amazed at the speed I finished my dinner... I nearly swallowed them than slowly digesting which is said to be bad scientifically as slow chewing means you won't get hungry soon.

Today mum cooked dinner and it hasn't happened very often since she started working and doing her usual weekend mahjong. Fortunately, she decided it should be a domestic Sunday and be at home. So it was somehow far more delicious, though there was nothing special that she made.. We had a steamed fish, broccoli with mushrooms and prawns, bak kut teh, 五香 "wu xiang" (click for viewing a similar picture, it's hard to explain, but it's crispy and crunchy filled with meat/prawn/etc).

Oiishi Hokkaido is here at Tampines Mall, and it's the last day today. It has been here a few times and it's a nightmare going to the fair which is always packed with hundreds of people and long queues for all the good Japanese goodies. I wanted to bring mum to the Metro Closing Down Sale (which is now 50% + further 20%). Erik is right somehow, I am still a "shopaholic", am I not? :( Even though I'm only especially vulnerable during sale, but that doesn't mean I'm not one... sigh.

Mum was very keen to go since I suggested I would bring her... so did Dad (who has been home for years due to joint pain - I think I'm getting part of that, geezz...). They walked so slow and I had to stop/wait/stop/wait. It was a rare occasion that they would come shopping with me as they are never big fans and always complaining about the crowd/heat/legs aching. Imagine they did 3 storeys of Metro with me, amazing, I must praise them now! In the end, mum got a lot of stuff, a new set of bedsheet, a new wallet (I get her one yearly, however it is quickly wearing out due to her frequent use) and chocolate & nougats (definitely not for her, but us - the kids). I think she's certainly very excited and pleased with the purchase.

Anyway I'm sure all of you aren't so keen in my domestic affair... hahahaaa.. which wasn't my point too. I wanted to show you guys many pictures I took at the Hokkaido fair earlier with my old but superb phone. So enjoy... I'll write some captions with them!

HOKKAIDO FAIR from 6 - 15 JULY 2007

Toksuei Seafood Bento

Trueblue Japanese salesman

Butter Manju Cake (hot selling, my sister & I Q-ed damn long for this)

Otaru Marugoto Sweet Potato Cake

Camembert Cheese/Chocolate/Blueberry Yoghurt/etc Cake

Tokachi Rice Cake, Kushi Dango Rice Cake

And of course, those are only less than 50% of what was sold there... It's hella-lotta-guuuuuud-food! But they aren't any cheap I must remind you. Besides those on the pictures, there's also the very popular Eat-in Hakodate Ramen, Mori No Ikameshi (Squid with with rice filling), Takoyaki Octopus Ball, Croquette, Seasoned Salmon Roe, Isobeage Fish Cake, Spicy Cod Roe, Japanese Soft Fresh Ice Cream & Gelato, Rice Hoshinoyume, the Japanese Scallops and Hokkaido Sake & Beer! Those highlighted in colors are hot-selling.

GSS madness

Know what? I didn't end up buying anything in Topshop (phew!).

I took half a day off yesterday, but the plan to send my camera for a check up was abolished after huge amount of consideration. The repair centre is too far out, I need to take an hour on the bus or take a train, switch to a bus and walk for a distance. My camera works fine, just that it makes some mechanical noises during focusing, I guess I should close one eye and really take it to service should it get any worse. Singaporeans, we should relax right... don't get all uptight about the slightest matter... OK, I'm getting there;) Hahaha

And then I spent the afternoon at VivoCity.

The GREAT SINGAPORE SALE (in short, GSS) has started yesterday... In fact, some shops were already having sale before the GSS, that's the spirit of Kiasu-ism. Victimssssssssssssss... I am one of them. Then again I have bought two things which aren't on sale, but because I liked them so much and probably if there is a sale, they might be out of stock! Besides my usual craze for socks, stockings and leggings, my new addition on the list is headbands (or hairbands). I got 4 yesterday at M)phosis (another local brand, see I'm such a great supporter). Unfortunately I wasn't the only one, many Singaporeans are great M)phosis fans and the shop was packed. I could hardly move around, it was a lot of squeezing and "excuse me".

I decided that this weekend I should be indoor and no more swiping my poor debit card!

The best timing not to ring me is during shopping hours, because I almost never would hear it!!! And damn, my job application #10 chose to ring me yesterday and we never managed to get hold of one another. They rang twice, I rang back, they rang back, and I rang twice back!!! I guess I really need to catch them on Monday, don't want to lose another job opportunity!

A weekend without woes

Friday night, I treated myself to a scoop of dark chocolate gelato, pampered my dull skin with the new Lush's deep cleansing peppermint mask. Very relaxing, as you can imagine... ;)

Saturday, part of my face appears to be allergic to the mask I had the previous night... it wasn't too serious and I had an appointment to go. The lower left cheek had a couple of tiny red spots (like pimples or mosquito bites). After a few constant applications of aloe vera gel, it didn't seem to aggravate, which is a good sign. So I decided to go along to Kinokuniya with my friend, to shop for "girly", feminine or women's magazines. We had a good browse at the japanese fashion magazines which many people (girls) here are into now, she got those while I ended up buying a british magazine AGAIN. Well I have already gotten one japanese magazine from HK. 5 hours of walking before finally I could rest my feet, still couldn't find a good pair of slippers-cum-flats-cum-sandals that I need. Sigh, I succumbed to temptation again. Flesh Imp, a local brand, has sale up to 70%... and you know we should support local brands, right? I swear they have one of the nicest collection of cool & punky tee shirts, or jersey jackets;) So...

Sister left for Bangkok early Sunday morning, it leaves me to my room alone for 2 nights, very pleased about this. I forced myself up at 930am each morning just to catch the Doraemon cartoon in time!! I love them, no matter how grown-up I am! Sunday is supposed to be lazy, but I made myself changed my sheets, cleaned my window grilles and ran errand for mum & dad (grocery shopping!). My face has recovered but I'm mentally exhausted by 10pm :)

Spiderman 2 on tv last night made me want to watch Spiderman 3 NOW!!!!!!!

What I get for working on Labour Day??

Here's some ranting again, but not all that bad lah! Working on a public holiday is like an alien experience. City Hall at 830am is a ghost town, deserted with barely a few people in sight. Let me show you some pictures... before I go on and on about the kinda things I get for working TODAY.

This is actually a photo I wanted to show you of the Singapore-Eye at the right of the picture. (Sorry lah, I name this myself, because its like the London-Eye wat!!), if you like you can call it a Ferris Wheel. Coincidentally, the road is also nearly empty, unlike the usual 830am jammed with "no-ending-in-sight" vehicles and those disturbing horns. Today it is QUIET, only the music of my MP3 ringing in my ears!

As I walked towards my office... Look!! Only 2 more people walking along with me... There is no human racing (Sometimes you see people walking so quickly as if they are on a race with the others!), no "click-clak-click-clak" sound of high heels, no people's backside to watch and trail, no people buying breakfast at Dome (Even Dome is closed!), no sense of rush... which is what I like. NO RUSH! I wish life could be slower...

Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the short pictorial narration... Now back to WHAT I GET FOR WORKING ON LABOUR DAY!! In fact, the answer is nothing, but I'm giving you a list of some meaningless facts and happenings to colorize it ;)

• No overtime pay = No x1.5 = No x2 = No monetary gain!! (OK, I can claim time off)
  
• No access into my office!!! (My pass is not granted 24/7 access or on weekends & public holidays, so much for being a contract staff)
• Empty seats on the train (On normal days you only have 1-5% chance of sitting!!)
• Lots of Bangladesh & Pakistan workers taking the morning ride with you (I get surrounded by them in the MRT this morning, luckily I've my "medicated oil" else I might faint! No hidden racism here, only commenting about the smell!)
• Rise like an early bird while everyone else is asleep! Channel 5 has generously given us non-stop movies from 10pm last night till late (dawn) and yet... I CAN'T WATCH! :(((((
• Stranded outside the National Library surfing and blogging (Geeez, I forgot Libraries closed on Public Holidays!!)

Enough! I didn't think my entry is as entertaining as I wanted it to be, so well I should get my bum off the ground and began my next journey.

p.s: Giordano has an old stock clearance at Suntec, didn't help the wallet much, I admit I got a linen crop pant at a bargain - S$15 :))
p.p.s: Still considering to get a digital camera and a mobile, both of mine are already dying :(((((

It was a bad day, for the pocket too

The local men just irk me... *where can I find the puke icon*

Okay. I know this is being very subjective of me, and I don't mean all of you out there. Yeah, again I succumbed to the temptation of SALE. I feel very sorry for myself, in fact, for my pocket. Yes, I know. You go thinking,"What! Again?"

At the Bodyshop Sale yesterday, there was a massive kiasu crowd at lunch time. I admit I'm one of them but more of the calm one, not rushing and pushing. It was the first day and all the good deals were there. So found the things I wanted, queued behind hundreds of people (about 20 minutes I reckon), the guy in front started chatting to me. Being polite, I just continued the conversation till we reached the end of the Q. And guess what... he's another of the ungentlemanly, miserly, indecisive and kiasu Singaporean men. Today, out of another itch, I went to take a second look (and helped a friend to look out for the eye shimmer I got). There I saw him again, this time with 2 female colleagues and saw him "bargaining" with the sales person. OMG, this is a sale... you get what you pay for and there I saw this "cheapo" man, whining about the $5 deal (what we got yesterday) which is already sold out by today.

God's sake, I feel very disappointed with the local men I met. Still... my friend was consoling me, the good ones are just outside your social circle... mmm... I'll believe her for once.


Just another additional list (I know, hopeless... and I better fuckin' stop this before I go HK):
15. Bsyi Sale (1 skirt) - approx $15
16. Bodyshop Sale (Eye shimmer cubes, 5 in 1 cleanser set) - approx $15
17. This Fashion Sale (1 legging) - approx $6
18. Diva Sale (1 necklace, 1 pair of earrings, 1 ring) - approx $11 (new add-on as on 02/04/07)

Serious damage done to pocket

I don't know what's wrong with me... Was it the stress which recently built up from work, or was it just the feeling down or sad and needed some form of self-condolences??

I have spent way more than I should, and I really think I need to do something SERIOUSLY about it now. Since last December where I think the bad habit has began, now it's getting to a point where retail therapy is kinda destructive! Especially post-CNY, the damage was worse. The Ang pao money (which is only about S$100) is barely enough to even cover what I have been lavishly spending at SALE.

I need to list them down so I can constantly remind myself not to fall back into the trap... starting from post CNY after I bought a S$30++ salmon Yusheng for home, that was where I caught my shopping bug - at Parkway Parade.

The infections
1. Carrefour (Learn italian CD) - approx $5
2. Mphosis Sale (1 skirt, 1 dress, 1 tank top, 1 hair-band) - approx $55
3. Elizabeth Arden day moisturizer & Clinique face powder - approx $90
4. Bysi Sale (1 top, 1 capri pants) - approx $30
5. Luxpro 1GB MP3 player - approx $68
6. Tangs Sale (2 necklaces, 1 sling handbag) - approx $25
7. GG5 Sale (1 cardigen) - approx $10
8. Mugigae Sale (Flare pants - approx $35 - but no cost incurred;))
9. Zinc (Rugged sling bag - approx $37 - but no cost incurred;))
10. Marina Square (1 pink bag) - approx $18
11. Far East Plaza (1 jeans, 1 black shoes) - approx $40
12. Carrefour Promotion (2GB mini flash drive, 2 PC bras, 3 undies) - approx $67 (new add-on as on 20/03/07)
13. Shoes Sale (Renoma working shoes) - $10 (new add-on as on 23/03/07)
14. Jetstar Promotion (Flight to HK) - approx $235 (new add-on as on 24/03/07)

I'm quite broke already!! Time to save for HK,HK,HK!

Pink bag from Marina Square

Of course besides all these self-pampering and needs, I also spent on food... Meiji food fair, sigh! Why is $ never enough... I need to lose an inch, and also stop swiping the poor debit card where my funds have been depleting at an alarming rapid speed.

p/s: But looking at those prices, it seems like I've also found quite some bargains eh. But arggh... even if it's a bargain now, I've to resist..... :( Daddy's birthday is coming, so are a few of my good friends'...

Retail therapy

I'm hooked on SALE.SALE.SALE.SALE.30%OFF.50%OFF.70%OFF.SALE.SALE.SALE.SALE

I'm dead. I'm using/wasting/spending money as a self-therapy.

한국어/조선말

And so.... I spent 56 dollars yesterday. I told you I was in the shopping mood... My mum told me last night," You're beginning to be like your sister (who happens to be a shopaholic)." Geeez, I'm not and don't want to be. Anyway for the almost $190 worth, I only paid 30% of the original price because they are on sale, so maybe I did save some money. It's a magenta long wool liner cardigan, trendy and very 'warm' for my rainy days and future autumn holidays!! I also got a korean made make-up/toiletry bag at a very cheap price, 70% off the original price. Very retro design, I like! In fact, I went to a couple of shops, very tempted to buy, luckily I exercised some self-control!

我可以写华语了！！！

Oh yea, I finally managed to make "chinese input" possible on my laptop. Sometimes I feel more IT-knowledgeable than some guys (well, than a guy I used to work with at least). Geeez, those really turned me off especially when they asked you simple Qs like "How do you open the video file?". OMG!!


What am I????
Yesterday at the shop, the sales person (who has lived in Korea) said I look KOREAN!! It's the first time, I heard someone said 'korean'. Well, I have never been there, never had korean friends, so I wouldn't know if I do look like them. So half the time she was talking to me in chinese and another half she tried english when she thought I didn't understand. Well, a lot of people do actually start the conversation in English, even those "chinese-speaking" aunties when I try to buy things from them.

Here's an amusing list of the race/nationalities I have been mistaken to be:
Eurasian. Indonesian chinese. Filipino. Chinese mixed indian/malay/just something else they can't name. Thai (only when I'm in thailand, haa). Japanese. Korean. South American (chinese??).


Something to share

A song (currently playing on my discman) that reminds me of that day one year ago... is it exactly one year already?? Gosh, I feel like I didn't live the last year well, there is so much I don't remember...

重播
歌手：袁惟仁

我应该勇敢地告诉你
还是让沉默住进屋子里
必要时我可以搬出去
热情和冷静都需要距离

我可以虚假地抱着你
让温度刻意保持在那里
甚至屏住自己的呼吸
只为了留滋暂的和平

去年这个时候我们还没有分手
相爱的故事剧情可以不断地重播
今年三月以后我们再没有联络
彼此的电话号码谁也没想过重播


Thank God, its Friday. Weekend and time for myself!
By the way, sorry guys, but Lemon Biscuits are finished, too hungry this morning! BS, you should have come my office that day, could have gotten one of the last 3 pieces, sigh. Gone! But it's amazing they stay crispy for some days, as I didn't tie the packet, just folded it nicely back in the box.

Aaaayooo, stop it lahh!

As the rainfall reaches a record high, as has my spending. $90 dollars yesterday. $70 the day before. At this rate of spending, my salary is not AT ALL ENOUGH to cover my expenses. For an usually non-shopaholic like myself, this is far too much. Excluding digital gadgets (like digital camera/laptop/mobile phone), this month has been extremely unhealthy to my pocket. I swear, in these 2-3 years, this month has ranked the highest for spending on shopping. And hey, I didn't shop on impulse, nor under stress...

It must be the Christmas and then now its post Christmas sale. Actually 50% was spent on necessary and inevitable stuff* (not material wise), the rest of 50% is a bit of a self-indulgence I must admit. I finally make that long awaited plastic-framed spectacles at a very reasonable price and it's in glorious pink tones - can't wait to collect it! I just returned from lunch with my sister where I brought her to help her increase her spending, lol... Anyway, kidding, she needs a new glasses so she made a funky blue one too.

Maybe let's see what else I bought this month (excluding X'mas presents):
1. Rose velvet bag *love love this one*
2. Camisole x 2
3. Funky pink hairband
4. Alleby snake + photoframe (IKEA)
5. Retro flower-prints dress
6. Baby-doll peach dress *too sweet, I like*
7. Red umbrella
8. Window streamers + massage stick (actually for mum, hah, but I'm using too)
9. Pink spectacles
10. Navy blue cropped pants
11. Glittery necklace x 2
12. Undies x 3

Actually, it isn't a lot, right? Compared to other girls whom buy 2 bags, 3 pairs of shoes and numerous blouses... ermmm.. ehem. I have spent about 40% of my next pay, it's my first pay for this job but it still hasn't come in yet. I'm spending future money, arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. There is a private Sale at Isetan tonight, sigh, got invited by a friend to join... which is a great opportunity to find the pair of shoes I need (must CONTROL - no more unnecessary shopping)!!! How can a girl live without a pair of black heels huh, anyway I really need one pair for work. Dinner appointment tomorrow, more spending...

Mobile phone has to be on hold, no $0 Samsung Ultra 8.4 for me as I don't want a 2 years contract!

*includes transport, food (lunching, grocery & snacks), household/office/personal care necessities, entertainment, medical fees

p.s: My hair grows at an amazing rate, about an inch per month! Since my haircut a few months back, it has grown another 2 inches.

Eine woche， one week， 一个星期

Last Thursday, I left my job. It feels like a long while now, yet I can recall that slightly touching scene when I was presented with the flower and my lovely team sang me a song. The week has slipped away rather fast, I still don't understand no matter how much sleep I get, I still never have enough... I have done a little in this one week, not a very active week really.

I have cooked with my sister, done the "English-style" breakfast - scrambled egg, hotdog, toast and "Japanese-style" curry which my dad said was good.

John Little sale is here again, it's always here! Together with the Times Bookshop sale and the Food Fest, it isn't the best time to save money, so there goes a little hole in my pocket again. Not to mention, Comex was here and I nearly wanted to buy that Lumix camera. I guess I should wait...

I have borrowed some books to keep me occupied and helped me with an essay, inspiration! I have sat in my favourite coffee house and chilled out with a book or two.

My little cousin Elise turned five last weekend, out of nowhere I felt old... actually more like, time is already catching up. I'm no longer the 18-year-old, still having lot of time deciding what school I should go, what course I could take... Arghh! And reading Joy's blog about her new university life, it makes me MISS SCHOOLING. I want homework, I want schoolmates, I want to have someone I can call my lecturer/mentor/teacher!

A day ago, I came across this phrase on TV. Someone said something similiar to this “你可以找到一个你更喜欢的人，但你永远找不到一个比我更爱你的人。” Well said! He actually said that for a marriage proposal, isn't it one of the best quotes around? Oh, I almost forgot to translate. He meant: You can always find someone you prefer to me, but you will not find someone who loves you as much as (or more than) I do.

I have been stocking up lots of food - I love grocery shopping!