Busy Busy

I realised that it has been quite some time since I last blogged (in March), BUT i did not stop blogging actually. Since starting my food blog, I have been working hard on it and I think I should be happy with my results so far! 43,165 pageviews for the 132 posts since end of 2012. Not that I have been promoting a lot, those feedback I received from friends had keep me going. haha. I am such a amateur blogger, hence not expecting any fans! =D But if you happened to like my review, do help to share lar!~

Don't forget to check out my food blog!

Once a while, I also pop by my another blog, Cookies in Jar, to post things that I feel like sharing! As mentioned before, I think, I prefer to keep this blog more undercover as I have such a long history/past in the archives that does not seems to be good for too many people to read. Ok, its all those boring rants I had last time... and the quizzes that I did which no longer around...

Over the past few months, I saw a couple of friends turn into blogger too. Probably should do some mention them here... They are fellow (singlish) food blogger Edwin (Ho Jiak Bo?), the Candyman KY (Sweet Man Talking) and Travel & Food blogger Jacelyn (杰思琳 Travelogue & Foodie Adventures). Do check them out once awhile... (after checking my own blogs out! haha)

I have also been revamping the things I posted on my Instagram which is now more food-focused. Once awhile, I will post some cafe or travel photos. I am glad that there are a few pictures that are quite well received! (40+ likes!) I am easily contented. Of course, I will be happier with more likes! Well, let nature takes its own course...

I have yet to post any of my travel pictures from Myanmar, Perth and New Zealand (South Island). It takes a while for me to have the mood to post I guess... Things happened over the past few months, hence I have actually not been feeling too well, emotionally. But not to worry, its over for now. Probably will post it in another post! =)

Travelling around in camper-van in South Island

What other things have I done over the last couple of months... Hmmm

Oh, I was engaged in casual pre-wedding shoot for two couples (friends). Speaking of this, I have not edit the photos for their last shoot yet! Oops. Planned to get it done by this weekend as I will be meeting them over the weekend. Wanted to do it today, but ended up listening to the song and got the 'feel' to blog! haha... I am nervous about the outcome of the shoot but glad that one of the couple like what I did for them over the past two shoots. I have the last set of photos of them to process! I refrained myself from posting the photos before their wedding. But I guess its alright to post one, right? =)

Other than the photoshoot, I had also completed the #100HappyDays project. Will go into it with more details in my other post! =)

2nd Confession - Should I?

If you are wondering if I am thinking about confessing to someone I love, stop that thoughts! I am actually thinking if I should pen the Chinese lyrics to this song instead. (Though I have no idea if anyone had done it!) I love this song when I first heard it on Youtube.com. It has since been one of the most played song in my iPhone! =D

Today, I went to google about the lyrics and translation! Probably will do it when the mood is right! =) Feel like doing a cover to the song (in Mandarin, of course!) Should I do it? haha... Okay, in case you have not heard them before... here you go! =)

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English Translation:

Today is a very important day
It’s the day when I give my second confession to one girl
I am going to find her once again
Will she accept my heart?
I feel good today for some reason

I threw away all my pride for this second confession
Though I have so much to say, I’ll keep it short
I will change and improve so from today and every day on
I want to have a great love like Gyon Woo and Jik Nyu

For you, I stay cooped up in my room, practicing my confession
I practice singing so I serenade you
Even if you fall, get up again, don’t worry, have courage
I write an awkward letter and buy a big bear doll

The times we used to love, those dream-like times
I can’t forget any of those times

All day, I only think of you, I stayed up all night again girl
My heart feels frustrated on this sleepless night

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

I want you back baby I swear it’s true
Won’t ever make you jealous, I’ll make them jealous of you
Come back to me, for eternity
And take a listen to my 2nd confession please

You and me, now we’re facing each other from across the street
What to do? It feels like my heart will explode
Someone please send my love through Cupid’s arrow to her, save me
Oh! It’s green light!

Can those times come back?
Will you be able to be with me again?
The restaurant on Garusu Street, breakfast at Nonhyun-dong
I want to taste that alleyway kiss once more

All the hard times are all days I regret the more time passes
I want to turn back all of those days

All day, I only think of you, I stayed up all night again girl
How about you? I want to go back to you

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

I’m not afraid of other people’s eyes – second confession
A serenade for you – second confession

Throwing away my pride to ask you to come back
I’ll be your shoulder strap and you can be my backpack

I want to go back to those times but why don’t you know my heart?
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears

How are you? I guess you’re okay
Day by day, I am drenched with your memories so it’s hard
If you will come back some day, there won’t be any tears – my second confession

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Romanized: (with individual parts)

[Minhyuk] Oneureun goengjanghi jungyohan narimnida
Han yeojaege dubeonjjae gobaegeul haneun narigeodeunyo
Geunyeoege dasi chajagaryeo hamnida
Gwayeon geunyeoga je maeumeul badajulkkayo?
Oneureun waenji neukkimi joseumnida

[Ilhoon] Jajonsimdo da beorigo dubeonjjae gobaek
Hago sipeun mari manhado saengnyakhalge
Meotjige na byeonhalge oneulbuteo dasi maeil
Gyeonuwa jingnyeocheoreom meotjin sarangeul haebollae

[Minhyuk] Neol wihae bang aneseo teureobakhyeo gobaek yeonseup
Neomaneul wihan serenade noraedo yeonseup
Neomeojyeodo dasi ireona geokjeonghajima yonggireul naeja
Seotunpyeonjireul sseugo keodaran gominhyeong gonggeup

[Eunkwang] Uriga saranghaetdeon sigando geutorok kkumgyeol gatdeon sigando
Modu jeonbu da ijeul suga eomneunde

[Changseob] All day neoman saenggakhae eojedo bameul sewonne girl
Gaseumi dapdaphae jammosiruneun bame

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo dubeonjjae naui gobaeg

[Peniel] I want you back baby i swear it’s true
Won’t ever make you jealous, i’ll make them jealous of you
Come back to me, for eternity
And take a listen to my 2nd confession please

[Minhyuk] Neowa nan ije sinho hanareul kkigoseo maju bwa
Eojjeona simjangi teojyeo beoril geotman gata
Nuga geunyeoege naesarangeul kyupiteuui hwasareul nallyeojwo nal sallyeojwo
Eorat? Chorokburida!

[Ilhoon] Dora ol su isseulkka geuttaega dasi nawa hamkke hal su isseulkka geudaega dasi
Garosu gil bapjip nonhyeondongui achim
Dasi han beon mat bogo sipeun golmokgireseoui kiseu

[Changseob] Yeojikkeot himgyeowotdeon sigandeul galsurok huhoeppunin nanaldeul
Modu jeonbu da doedolligo sipeunde

[Eunkwang] All day neoman saenggakhae eojedo bameul sewonne girl
Geudaeneun eotteonji doragago sipeunde

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo du beonjjae naui gobaek

[Minhyuk] Namdeurui siseoni duryeopjin anha du beonjjae gobaek
Geudaereul wihan serenade du beonjjaegobaek

[Peniel] Throwing away my pride to ask you to come back
I’ll be your shoulder strap and you can be my backpack

[Changseob] Geuttaero dasi doragago sipeunde geudaeneun wae oh wae nae mam mollajunayo
[Eunkwang] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo oh

[Sungjae] Eotteongayo geudaen gwaenchannna bwayo haruharu geuttae chueoge jeojeo himi deuneyo
[Hyunshik] Eonjerado geudae doraondamyeon
[Hyunshik/Eunkwang] Nunmul ttawin eopgetjyo du beonjjae naui gobaeg

Translation Credits: pop!gasa
Romanizations by: kpoplyrics.net

开心食验室 Food Laboratory: Pebbles Cookies

I finally perfected the cookies recipe that is well loved by my friends! Though it is not so much of egg taste as I used to love. But the butter cookie using creaming method is still very well received and tasty! I decided to post this here in case I forget the recipe! For those who see this, enjoy! haha

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Pebbles Cookies

250g plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
100g icing sugar
150g butter
2 tablespoons of beaten egg
1/2 - 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Method

1. Sift plain flour and baking powder.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add gradually the beaten egg and vanilla essence.
4. Fold in the sifted flour and mix well until the mixture is smooth.
5. Make the mixture into small pebbles shape.
6. Bake in the middle shelf of the oven at 150 degrees for 10minutes or till light brown.

Guitar Chords for 那英 夢醒了

I found this Guitar chords over the net for Na Ying's (那英) classic "夢醒了" and wanted to try on Ukelele. But not today! haha... The key for this song might be too high for me so I actually looking for the other version sang by the composer.

Hopefully can find and learn to 自弹自唱! haha...

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C_____________Dm____________F_____________G__
我想起你描述夢想天堂的樣子　手指著遠方畫出一棟一棟房子
C___________Dm__________F______________G__
你傻笑的表情又那麼誠實　_所有的信任是從那一刻開始
C_____________Dm___________F______________G_
你給我一個到那片天空的地址　只因為太高摔得我血流不止
C_____________Dm___________F______________G__
帶著傷口回到當初背叛的城市　唯一收容我的卻是自己的影子
F____________Am_______F____________G____F____________Am__
想跟著你一輩子　至少這樣的世界沒有現實　想賴著你一輩子
____F_____________G
做你感情裡最後一個天使
____C____________Em_____F___________G__
如果夢醒時還在一起　請容許我們相依為命
____Am____________Em____________F___________G__
絢爛也許一時　平淡走完一世　是我選擇你這樣的男子
____C____________Em_____F__________G__
就怕夢醒時已分兩地　誰也挽不回這場分離
____Am____________Em____________F_____________G_____C
愛恨可以不分　責任可以不問　天亮了　我還是不是你的女人

Cookies in Jar

As mentioned on my 20th February post, "Personalised Your Social Greeting Card", I created a new blog to share my views on articles, movies or other stuff. Food sharing will remains in my food blog, Critic's Critic, while personal views will remain here.

Reason? I am not confident to go too open and afraid my past being dug out! Alright, that is if anyone is interested lar... haha

March started off with Eason's concert in Singapore and I am still unhappy with SportsHub's greediness for increasing booking fee from $3 to $4 and additional if we wanted to print out ticket. Bullshit! Anyway, Eason's concert is enjoyable despite me not knowing Cantonese well. I need to rely on the subtitles (when there is) for the songs he is singing... I like his voice and how his dancers (or actors, according to him) performed that night. This resulted in me post this on my Facebook... :)

Honestly, I am impressed and took me awhile what I wanted to say within a short few sentences. I do not want to go on and on describing the whole show!

Anyway, I also ended my Ukelele lessons with Replugged Music on that day. I am interested in the Advance course but time is the main issue for me to commit to any new lesson plans. Hence, I decided to KIV the plan and maybe practise more by myself first. =) No point going with my friend if she could not help me much when I am not around. Yes, I am still upset! haha.

爱 L O V E @ 2014 (II)

Updates: More pink bomb has arrived (or arriving) at my doorstep!

I went to 14 (YES! FOURTEEN) last year... and this year... it seems like I did not have much time to rest! My pocket too!

Nevertheless, they are happy occasion and one should not be unhappy with it. Even though I am pretty envy (or even jealous at times, haha) but I never feel to have bad feeling or detest weddings. If we could not be fortunate to find the right one for ourselves, shouldn't we bless the rest and share their joy?

I withdraw to become 'brothers' (for one of the wedding) not because I don't want to be part of it. I respect that wedding 'brothers' and 'sisters' are chosen based on their closeness to the couple and I am honoured to be part of it. Therefore, I understand the situation when there are better candidates to be part of the team than me, myself. I don't want to put anyone in difficult situation.

Anyway, I will still be helping out in other ways of that wedding.

Here are the updated 2014 list:

Attended:
4th Jan : Fareed & Zahirah

Coming Up:
23rd Mar: Rick & Meixia - Emcee
10 May: Yuan Bin & Shiau Yinn
7th June: Joel's (JB)
7th Sept: Guoxin & Quinn
7th Sept: Bernard & Natalia - Emcee
27th Sept: Derek & Elynda
5th Oct: Jeremy's
25th Oct: Tina's (Taiwan)
23rd Nov: Keith & Regina [solemnization's photos]
December: Jesmine (JB) - not confirm if going/invited

And I will be the emcees for two of the 11 weddings above! I have been emcee for 8 times already... so I am looking forward to hit the number 10 (after missing out on a few of them)! FINALLY!

I am the emcee for the following past weddings (for my own records!):

(1) Han Keong's (Mandarin), 2010
(2) Guan Jie's (English), 2011
(3) Chen Siang's (English), 2012
(4) Wilson's (English), 2012
(5) Gwen & Sky's (Mandarin), 2013
(6) Jiahui & Bel's (Mandarin), 2013
(7) Liquan & Shiling (Mandarin), 2013
(8) Mun Whye (English/Mandarin), 2013

Personalised Your Social Greeting Card

Making an DIY card is often something very special, personal and unique.

Imagine all those personalised 'Thank You' speech in the cards'. Awww... I always make it a point to keep those hand-written cards or personalised cards in a safe place!

But I think it is not easy for people to squeeze out their precious time in designing and making or printing self-designed cards nowadays. Imagine I need to make so many invitation/thank-you cards at one go. But I came upon a greeting card company, The Card Room, that actually offer personalise greetings and signoffs on their cards! Cool huh?

Moreover, there's a 10% off for their Social Greeting Cards! The promotion ends on 28 Feb!

I managed to get in contact with The Card Room and find out how to go about ordering...

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Here are the few steps to get your very own SOCIAL GREETING cards:

Step 1: Select the design. (Check out their design here.)

Many designs available. But I love this most!

Step 2: Prepare the personalised pen-off note/quote.

Step 3: Decide on the Quantity needed.

Step 4: Email the above information to info@thecardroom.com.sg

Available in single card or folded card.

From there, they will send you the draft and the cards will be in production within one week after confirmation from you. The cards will be delivered by post, so don't forget to state the postal address!

Isn't that simple? 

Follow The Card Room latest promotion and news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

p/s: This post was posted to "Cookies in Jar" - My new blog!

Perth Series: Wine & Liquor

I AM BACK!

Yes, I am back from my trip to Perth, Australia!

It did not go smoothly but the minor hiccups did not dampen our mood and we had lots of fun.

Lots of damage, in fact. It is definitely one of the most relax and enjoyment trip.

I decided to break the trip and comments into a few parts, namely "Wine & Liquer", "Fun & Activites", "Food Food Food". Will see if I can come up with more parts! =D

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Wine & Liquer

We traveled down to Margaret River for what they are famous for... Wineries. Overlooking the Google map and you can see the number of wineries popping up everywhere! I think we were spoiled for options. We practically checked online and offline (Lonely Planet) for prices, tours, tasting etc.

In the end, we selected Leeuwin Estate for their tour. Unfortunately, we missed the last tour timing by 15 minutes. No more tour but we are glad they still provide us some of their collections for tasting. The lady serving us (forgotten her name!) spent time explaining what each wine is about and what she likes too. We managed to taste from the white wines to the red wines.

Leeuwin Estate was said to be one of the five founding wineries of the famed Margaret River district of Western Austrailia (Source). We actually fortunate to slip through to their vineyard to take some photos. I wonder how big is the area under Leeuwin Estate as we only seen a small area before looking at the exit. They offer a few labels like 'Art Series', 'Prelude Vineyards' and 'Siblings'. They even have an distributor in Singapore, but not all wines are being brought to Singapore. Siblings Shiraz is one among the few that are not available in Singapore.

A short 2-minute clip on Leeuwin Estate

Among the wines I tasted, I like the strong berry fragrance of  Siblings Shiraz and Art Series Shiraz. Though the taste is not what I always love, Art Series Shiraz tasted closer. After a second tasting of the two, I decided to get it. It cost me AUD36.50. My friend opt for the former as it is unique and not available in Singapore!

2011 Art Series Shiraz

In case you have not noticed, Art Series actually feature artwork of Australia's contemporary artist like, Tjunkaya Tapaya.

Apart from Leeuwin Estate, I also get two Chocolate Liquor from a place that I will never thought of alcohol. When we visited The Margaret River Chocolate Company, we are expecting chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates. Yes, there are actually lots of good quality chocolates around. But after having coffee and cakes there, we were handed a chocolate liquor tasting coupon. It happens that, apart from the three chocolate stores, they have a sister company, Providore, offering liquor and wines.

Margaret River Chocolate Company & Providore combine to offer wine & chocolate tastings

Hence, we went over on another day and we fell in love with the unique dessert style chocolate liquor. There are four flavour under 'Sambarino' label.

After Dinner Mint & Original Chocolate Liquor

Sambarino Original: This one brings out the chocolate lover in every adult. Tastes perfect on it’s own or with warm milk as a delicious night cap. The chocolaty taste is definitely something chocolate-lover will fall for.

Sambarino Hazelnut Mousse: This nutty twist on chocolate is perfect added to hot chocolate or drizzled over homemade cakes.The hazelnut taste doesn't goes well for me here. It taste a little too sweet.

Sambarino Macchiato: With dark chocolate and coffee who can go wrong? Fulfill all your cravings in one go with this perfectly married indulgence. Like Hazelnut Mousse, Macchiato tasted a faint coffee but too sweet. But it might turn out well if we mixed it with some milk.

Sambarino After Dinner Mint: This is the perfect way to end an evening. Reminiscent of the after dinner mints of our childhood. Enjoy straight over ice or on vanilla ice cream. The mint aftertaste is something I like but I will love it more if I pair it up with something else, like the suggested ice cream.

What did I get in the end? No prize for guessing the answer right since it is pretty obvious, isn't it? I got the Original and After Dinner Mint. They are likely to be part of my dessert experiment in the near future. Too bad I couldn't afford the other products that Providore is offering. Do visit them when you are in Margaret River! Free tasting for most of their products is available!


Back in Singapore, I couldn't help but went into the DFS shop to see any exciting Absolut Vodka. Unfortunately, unlike Perth Airport that offering a Skull Shaped Vodka for AUD60+, there is nothing special in Singapore. In the end, I went for my usual Baileys.

The only thing that is different is that I never tried the Biscotti Flavour (SGD26.10) before. I can't help myself but got another bottle though I had one unopened at home. I have not started my experiments using Baileys as my ingredient yet and I found they have recipes on their website! Can't wait to kick start!

I also got myself a dessert wine, Rosemount Estate's 2012 Moscato Ruby (SGD31) without knowing that this is from Australia also! haha... Do you know that you can now buy unlimited number of selected wines in DFS store in Singapore? I did not know until the cashier told me that! haha.

2012 Moscato Ruby

I also decided to go for a small Italian Bottega Gold (SGD11) to give it a try. Anyone tried this before?

Bottega Gold

Okay the last wine here are not what I got during the trip or what I bought. This one is actually from one of the hampers my company received. I decided to post this before I forget that I tried this before and I actually like it! The red wine is smooth and slightly sweet. This is a small bottle though.

Enough said. You can see how much I spent on wine during this trip! haha!

Day 1 at Perth

Patience tested. Haha. We waited nearly an hour just to get our Vodafone nano SIM card at AUD29 (starter kit with 3G data)! The service lady was nice and under pressure as she need to get 21 cards from a tour group done! We seriously think that the group do not need 21 and they can simply have one for a few of them!

This resulted in us reaching Green House late and they are closing soon. Haiz. Ended up in McDonald's Hay Street! Haha but they are so expensive... AUD10 for one upsized meal! (They called it 'Go Large'.)

Now resting at a beautiful homestay with warm host. Felt bad for arriving late and yet welcomed us with a smile... We disturbed her sleep, i'm sure! 

Time to rest before another long day to... Margaret River.

Chingay 2014

I first participated Chingay in 2011.

In 2013, I got my free ticket from a performer in Chingay 2013. Hence, I went alone. (I am still trying to find out whether I did take any picture! haha)

This year marks the 42nd year of the annual event, I am happy to be able to see the Parade 1 on 7 February 2014, all thanks to my friend. He was one of the helper in the parade. Guess this is a reward for being such a wonderful friend? XD.

This year was "the Most Colourful and Grandest Chingay ever"! I couldn't agree more. There are 8,000 multi-ethnic performers, World Longest and Largest 360-metre beautiful batik art, 4-metre tall Giant Artistic Puppets contingent, First Time Ge Tai in Chingay, 700-children ballet performance, First-of-its-kind outdoor community drama, Exotic groups from various countries such as Italy, Korea, Philippines and China and Grandest Finale by 3,000 performers presenting 720-metre long of colourful hand knitted tapestries. Okay, all are quoted from the website, but they are all true. I can feel it since I am there personally. I also uploaded snips of the event on Instagram, click here to take a look!

Not all but most of the floats and the performances are great! Babes and hunks (half naked on NUS's Magic Playground) on the float simply make the float more eye-catching! haha. I remember I did vote for 2013 but not sure who won. This year, the voting contest is back for the two categories, Most Popular Chingay Contingent and  Most Popular Chingay Float.

The only thing I love from this year's goodie bag (or fun pack) is... the ONE PEOPLE scarf. Really nice... I would prefer the word SINGAPORE though! haha... Okay, I am patriotic. I am proud to be Singaporean! haha...  Anyway, I hope I got a chance to participate in next year's Chingay.

Probably I will ask my friend to let me join PAYM too! Looks fun!

p/s: will upload photos soon!

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History of Chingay

Vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu master, performers of different races in their traditional costumes and many, many more...

This National Event is also the largest street performance and float parade in Asia. From the main parade site to the heartlands, this street extravaganza epitomises the dynamism of Singapore's vibrant and multicultural society.

The word Chingay is equivalent to the Mandarin zhuang yi (妆艺), which means "the art of costume and masquerade" in the Hokkien dialect.

The First Formal Chingay Parade in Singapore was mooted by the then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew who was also the chairman of the People's Association (PA). Chingay, with all its noise and gaiety, would compensate for the ban on firecrackers, a customary New Year practice to drive away evil spirits.

For its first street parade on 4 February 1973, the PA teamed up with the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation for a grand show in the Year of the Ox, depicting aspects of Chinese culture – dragon and lion dances, martial arts and street opera.

So well received was the first Chingay Parade that the PA made it an annual festival. It celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012.

Chingay took on a multicultural flavour from 1976.

Today, Chingay has become a uniquely Singaporean Lunar New Year tradition, held during the first weekend of the Lunar New Year. This yearly street parade is now a national festival, celebrated by Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians alike.

In 1987, Chingay featured its first foreign group when the city's main English newspaper, The Straits Times, sponsored four pop singers from Tokyo. Since then, this signature event had extended invitations to international artistes and troupes.

Indeed, for the scores of spectators, the Chingay Parade could well be a treasured glimpse into the different cultures of Singapore and the world. Here age, race, language and creed are no barriers. Here, we celebrate together as one.

(Source: Chingay.org.sg)

Changing Mind, Changing Life

Time for a change, might be a good thing...

Days after the arrival of Lunar New Year, I am facing the first issue. When there are more than one, there are bound to have some issues and different opinion. But I decided to approach it with an open-mind. There is no use arguing or fighting for what I believe in. Maybe the next time, I will do it alone. High chance. =D

I was expecting to control my budget for my trip yet my traveling mate think it will be 'well spent'. I wonder. Not that I am against the activities, I am just not very comfortable at the rate we will be spending. Due to the activities, the trip from a relax trip, now become a 'very fulfilling' trip! haha. Now we will be facing a challenge of re-adjusting our schedule to fit in all the activities. I have no choice but to remove some activity but yet my mate think that I should not give up. Let's see how things will turn out then. =x

Changing my mindset and accepting any ideas are part of the new tasks for me. I tends to turn down idea which I feel not feasible, but now, I decided to give others a chance to prove me wrong. It will open up to more ideas and plan. Right? =)

爱 L O V E @ 2014

Its another year filling with LOVE.

After a hectic schedule of weddings in 2013, it is going to be another year of weddings. Thankfully, it should not be as many as last year. This year, I will be seeing two cousins tying their knot. It is a blessing to see people around me living blissfully, finding the right one, especially since I do not have the fate to meet 'the one'.

Reed & Zahirah

I thought I should blog a post before I started to forget what are the wedding this year. Anyway, I had already attended one! =)

Let's see...

Attended:
4th Jan : Fareed & Zahirah

Coming Up:
10 May : Yuan Bin & Shiau Yinn
7th Sept: Guoxin & Quinn
7th Sept: Bernard & Natalia
23rd Nov: Keith & Regina [solemnization's photos]
(TBC): Derek & Elynda

Jian Hua, my Ukelele instructor

My Ukelele instructor appeared on Singapore's national television channel, Mediacorp's OKTO.

Not a supporter of OKTO since I have passed that age, I saw the post on Replugged Music's FB page!

He performed the song "Over The Rainbow" which was also taught in class. I thought the version is closer to Matthew Morrison's album version. Anyway, it is nice to see your instructor on TV, right?

I wasn't a hardworking student of his but he is patient and clear in class. Hence, I do enjoy my lesson there. By the way, I finally can sing and play to the simple tune of "Last Christmas"! Super happy even if I am not perfect yet.

The homework from this lesson is the chorus of "Right Here Waiting", with a new style that was taught today. Hope I don't get rusty over the Lunar New Year~! =D


Click here for more photos

2014 Shopping

I am not someone who often shop for clothes but if I do, it can be quite a lot.

This year, I have bought 3 items (costing $200+) in a week and I have not even started shopping for new clothes! I guess I can safely say that 2 of the items are what I needed (more than wanted) while the other is a small mistake but its over now! haha. =D

I got myself a 504 Levis jeans at $94.50 (UP: $149.90), after trading in an old jeans and using member Jay Gee card. I often have doubts getting jeans from Dockers, Levis or Lee as their cutting at the thigh are usually tighter. So I can consider this is a little different from my usual ones. I tried on and the material is comfy. Let's hope it last for years then I will not feel so much pain! haha. I usually shopped at Giodarno or Bossini for jeans.

I also bought a backpack and a jacket at Adidias. Both items are with a 40% discount! Isn't that cool??! I took a while to decided on the backpack... yes I took a long while... pondering... but glad I made the decision - BP Active 2 at $65.40 (UP: $109) The colours of the bag & jacket are similar... haha...

Simple but super nice backpack with a laptop slot!

Apart from the bags, I also shortlisted 2 jackets, while trying one that I know I will never get. haha. The 'rejected' jacket is more of my friend's style. I tried, and confirm it doesn't suit me well!

The 'rejected' one

The shortlisted black one looks cool on me and I like the yellow/white stripes. There is another classic design with black/white stripes. The green one does look similar to the one I wanted to replaced.

Shortlisted Jacket #1 & #2

While I am sharing and asking my friend for advice... I saw this baseball-style (below) which I find it nice and unique... So I ended up getting this. haha! It has similiar colours and I like the collar.

FLEECE VSTY at $83.40 (UP: $139)

So I guess it is time to say goodbye to the one that serve me so many years! 

Goodbye, my friend...

I am everywhere, almost

I just created an 500px.com account. A photography sharing website.

Then, I realised I have an account in Wix.com. It is rather empty though, which I think I may find it a hassle to create one (in 2010). But with Facebook page easily created and maintained (although less flexibility), there is little reason for me to maintain it. But I did edit the names and used JarWee Photography instead, so that I can easily identify if the account is mine. =)

500px.com is quite an amazing website! Really! If you take a look at my Favourites, you will get to see an amazing Russian photographer, Elena Shumilova. I love the composition, the story each photo tells, the moment of capture, the kids expression etc. I can go on and on...! haha... Now I am again inspired to work on my photography! =D

Here are the list of websites that I have an account in (there might be more!):

1. 500px.com
2. Blogger.com (Food / Travel)
3. Instagram
4. Facebook.com
5. Flickr.com
6. Tumblr.com
7. Twitter.com
8. Weibo.com
9. Wix.com

JEUNESSE® - RESERVE™

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Recently, I went to a health (and business) talk and was introduced to 2 main products. Yes, the first product is what I blogged earlier today, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum. This is the second one. To be honest, despite the logical business model initially, I had been quite sceptical about the MLM business structure that was introduced at the later stage. Hence, I decided to focus on the product itself. =)

I was given to test a package of Reserve by my friend. What's better than testing the product yourself. Anyway, since its a 'free sample' (paid by my friend), I decided to test and taste. It tasted like some berry juice and it may taste a little sweet if you had it early in the morning. We were told to drink it before we brush our teeth as our body are 'hungry' and will be in the best state to absorb all the nutritious ingredients and nutrients in the drink. This is also likely because I do not have the habit of having a fruit juice early in the morning.

Reserve is said to have help quite a number of people on their health conditions and balance what their body needed. Some reduced their blood pressure, sugar level, while others recover from white hair and showing signs of black hair at the root, near the scalp. Since my friend's dad is one of the example and the price is ok per pack (if I used member price), I decided to give it a try for a month and monitor my health condition.

Being a Chinese, this year is not that good for those who born in the year of Rat (Chinese Zodiac). It might be good for me to take extra care of my body. If it is good, I do not mind sharing with friends who needed them. Those who know me well enough will know that I have white hairs, so if it can really turn white hair black after a while, I will be a good testament for the product, isn't it? =D Oh for my own monitoring purposes, I started drinking yesterday (12th Jan '14).

Anyway, in case any reader passes by and wanted to look at some explanation, feel free to take a look at these clips or google it (use scholar.google.com for scientific papers).





Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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RESERVE™

With a botanical blend of antioxidants that super-charge your internal systems, RESERVE™ is a naturally sweet supplement bursting with exotic fruit juices. It contains a host of powerful ingredients that repair free radical damage and protect cells against future harm. Your cells stay healthier, live longer, and leave you looking and feeling great.

Formulated to provide you with all the protection you need, this delicious and nutritious gel will infuse your body with youthful vitality and a feeling of overall good health. RESERVE’S™ superstar ingredient, resveratrol, is accompanied by a supporting cast of other powerful antioxidants like açai, pomegranate, blueberry, dark sweet cherry, aloe vera, grapeseed, and green tea. This incredible supplement will jump-start your day.

BENEFITS

• Antioxidants resist oxidative stress and premature aging
• Anthocyanins support healthy cardiovascular function
• Essential fatty acids assist in digestive tract function
• Reinforces a healthy immune system
• Helps maintain a healthy metabolism
• Helps boost energy
• Supports healthy joint function
• Positive cap-e test results indicate that RESERVE™ penetrates and protects live cells from oxidative damage*

INGREDIENTS'

• Water
• Dark Sweet Cherry Juice Concentrate (Prunus Campanulata)
• Blueberry Juice Concentrate (Vaccinium)
• Concord Grape Juice Concentrate (Vitis Labrusca)
• Pomegranate Juice Concentrate (Punica Granatum)
• Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
• Resveratrol 
• Grapeseed Extract (Vitis Vinifera)
• Açai Extract (Euterpe Oleracea)
• Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis)
• Citric Acid, Natural Flavor
• Potassium Sorbate (preservative)
• Xanthan Gum
• Carboxy Methyl Cellulose.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

Source: http://jarwee.jeunesseglobal.com

Scarring is always one of my major issue when I look into the mirror. Even though I may received positive comments about my looks (don't laugh!), I still feel insecure as my skin looks dull and ugly with the facial 'potholes'. Hence when I come upon this product, I decided to give it a try.

Dr. Nathan Newman is the innovator of Stem Cell Lift™ - cutting edge cosmetic surgery, without cutting. This stem cell technology allows the cells to rejuvenate and recover, naturally. If I am to explain, it may take hours and I may missed out many points too. Hence, I will recommend you google about the technology and products by yourself. Trust no one (especially salesman) but the scientific information. haha! I will go read up myself too!

For now, I started to use this product (since last night) and hopefully, I can be more hardworking in documenting the progress through my blog and so I can see the difference and share with those who are curious and wanted to see progress of a user, more than those 'Before-And-After ones.

Note: Below product information is extracted from JEUNESSE® product website.

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LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum

This silky serum has the highest percentage of growth factor complex possible to encourage cell renewal. Use it twice daily after cleansing and as a primer for the daily moisturizing complex or advanced night repair. Its corrective properties make this the most popular product in the LUMINESCE line.

Based on the latest available technology, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum makes a powerful debut as the first anti-aging product that supports your body’s natural ability to restore and rejuvenate the skin. Using an exclusive patent-pending formula derived from adult stem cells that contains over 200 key human growth factors and cellular messengers, LUMINESCE™ cellular rejuvenation serum gently transforms your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look younger, healthier, and more radiant as this revolutionary serum helps you restore life to tired skin.

BENEFITS

• Helps even out discolored and blotchy skin tones
• Provides a youthful luminosity to the skin
• Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refreshes collagen and elastin
• Helps maintain smooth skin texture
• Replenishes skin’s natural stores of proteins to sustain a youthful, firm appearance
• All natural, hypoallergenic, and paraben free

INGREDIENTS'

Adipose Derived Adult Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Purified Water, Glycerin, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, DL-Panthenol, Sodium PCA, Allantoin, Superoxide Dismutase, Sodium Hydroxide.

For more information, check out the product here.

Check out other posts on my blog on Jeunesse products here.

Lies & Betrayal

After watching "青春如期" on Youtube.com, I realised that I can totally feel for Xiao Hua's (小华). I am someone who values friendship a lot and the more I trusted someone, the more I am unable to accept lies and betrayal. I am sure everyone been through this, felt being betrayed by someone or simple keep hearing lies from someone.

Hence I know it take a lot of courage and determination to forgive and forget, and get back to your friends. Not the best directing skills or producing, the actors did a commendable job and the plot is interesting though predictable. It gets me thinking about how I should deal with things in that situation. It happened before, it will happen again. This is also what make me grown and no longer put my 100% trust on these people. They may just take you for granted, easily.

Article: When you are not at home

In the modern world today,  we often take people around us for granted. The closer they are to us, the more easily being taken for granted. When I came upon this illustration, it kind of hit home with the message within them. I am not sure if you feel the way I do.

I always look highly to and love my parents very much but I don't say it out. Probably because we are guys, we are not as expressive in this term. Hence, when I see the illustrations, I can imagine my parents doing that too. They do. T.T

I translated the bottom two in English while you may take a look at the rest in Chinese. [Click Here]

*When You Are Not At Home*
Daddy: "Dear, no meat ah?"
Mummy: "Kept all for our daughter.
Aiya, It's healthier to eat more veg!

*When you are at home*

You:"Mum! Enough dishes, faster join us!"

Mum: "Left 1 more. You guys start first!"

Dad: *Drunk*

Checklist: Checked

8th day of 2014

I made sure I did what I plan to and what I wanted to. This is to prevent myself from creating more backlog. I may not complete all I wanted. At least, I completed most.

Checklist:

- Present (Kre-Os) for my friend - Done

- Tune my Ukelele - Done

- Read Manual of Equipment (Work) - Incomplete

- Have a gym session - Done

I bought transformer Kre-Os to give my friend (from a group of us). I have always been a rather last minute person for present. Hence, a new year, a new self. I try to settle it earlier and so I have more time to prepare other stuff. Now left a display box and, maybe, wrapping. =)

Returning home late doesn't suit well for me to practise my Uke. You don't expect me to create 'noise' in the middle of the night, don't you? Hence, at the very least, I tune my Uke to season it as advised by my friend/teacher. 

I am supposed to have a gym session with my trainer, but unfortunately, he was down with food poisoning. But nevertheless, I went for BodyPump class instead. Don't want to give myself more excuse for skipping gym, especially since I am freer in January. Good job! Keep it up!

As I always mention, I wasn't doing that well at work. Today, I seems to have antagonise my friend. I have no idea why I could not get the USB Serial working for my MacBook Air. It is not as if I didn't try, but it just did not work. Guess I have to continue to try tomorrow. I understand the necessity of getting it working, so I am not running away. As for the manual, it is the new equipments that we are going to use. I should do some reading. But guess it is a little too late now to read, so shall leave it till later 'today' (Its almost 1am!).

Keep it up, Jarron! =)

A new year, A new blog

Finally, my blog has seen some 'light'. I mean I finally revamped my blog page to a brighter one. Ditching the dark colours (like finally!), I went for white and brighter colours for the page! Hope your eyes will feel much better! =D

The Unspoken Voice (2004 - 2014)

Guess my blogging style will continues what I did in 2012. Slowly evolving over the years, I think it is not hard to observe the difference if one had read my blog for years. So I shall not elaborate on the changes! haha! Might change the title of the blog when I think of one (soon).

Recently, I have been focusing more on my food blog, Critic's Critic, as compared to this blog. A food blog is something I wanted to do in 2011! Hence, I am glad that it has been running for a year. Not like the usual professional, full-time bloggers, I am more like someone who have an alternative views to offer to the places people went. I love desserts & coffee especially! So, it is not surprising that I covers more cafes than restaurants... I also try to make my own when I am free!

Anyway, the travel blog is ongoing too. But I am not someone who can do a good job in multitasking, I engaged a friend to help me too and she is more active in blogging there than me! The blog name is not confirmed yet, but the tentative address is this... Since we are not ready to show the blog to the world, we are keeping it under wrap. As for photography, I created a Facebook page to share my photos to more people. But as my laptop is down for a long time, I am not that active there too. =D

I was shock to see that I am into blogging for more than 10 years, evolving from ranting to a more objective oriented blog. I hope that I can keep this going, even though I do not have any followers! haha. The Unspoken Voice has been around for more than 9 years! It is time for some good changes... =)

Frozen : Review

Synopsis


In “Frozen,” Anna (voice of Kristen Bell), a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven in an epic journey, encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn in a race to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and save their kingdom from eternal winter.

From the studio behind 2010’s “Tangled” and this year’s “Wreck-It Ralph,” Walt Disney Animation Studios presents “Frozen,” the coolest comedy-adventure ever to hit the big screen. When a prophecy traps a kingdom in eternal winter, Anna, a fearless optimist, teams up with extreme mountain man Kristoff and his sidekick reindeer Sven on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), the Snow Queen, and put an end to her icy spell. Encountering mystical trolls, a funny snowman named Olaf, Everest-like extremes and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom from destruction.

The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), and produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring music from Tony®-winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit”), “Frozen” journeys into theaters November 27, 2013, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

Source: Disney Animation

What I Think

If you think that the Snow Queen is the main character of the show, I would think that her sister Elsa steal most of the limelight. The story unfold with romance-seeking Elsa finding her true love among the two main male characters, while finding her sister and saving their Kingdom.

Frozen's main characters

Anna, the Snow Queen, on the other hand appears more often when she was a kid. The animation was made so beautiful that I couldn't let my eyes off the screen. The flakes, the snow, the ice castle... amazing. The music of the show is also amazing. Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) had great voices and immediately nailed the songs in the mind of the audiences.

 "Let It Go" is one of my favourite and  "First Time in Forever" is another amazing one. Disney didn't disappoint with their fairytales revolving queens and princesses before, and they definitely didn't disappoint now either. If you have not catch the movie just yet, go catch it before the movie ends.

Till then, enjoy the music "Let It Go" from the movie...

Photo Courtesy of Frozen's Facebook

Official Website : http://movies.disney.com/frozen
Follow Disney Animation/Frozen on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Youtube!

Movie Trailer:

Movie Teaser:

Disney's Frozen "First Time in Forever" Trailer:

Critic's Critics

I must say that I am not a hardworking food bloggers. I have many backlog (drafts) in my blog and not yet publish. It doesn't help when my laptop is down and I am trying to find ways to get and organise my photos for the blog (Critic's Critics). But I still have something to offer - an alternative view.

There are many foodies out there full-time or even did a great extend to research, talk to the owners, chef and understand their background. Some paid, some not (yet). I am aiming to produce a most objective or independent view on the food I had, be it hawker food or snacks, and not get sway by temptation. Like means like, dislike means dislike. There is no point of hiding it.

Service and ambience is just as important as the food. Of course, the food need to be of a certain standard to keep customer from coming, but do you know that the service and ambience are now very important in the modern world? Who will want to have something good and get served rudely? I won't!

Anyway, I finally uploaded some photos and completed the following reviews. Do check them out! =)

1. Just Want Coffee (Everton Park)
2. Hummerstons (Robertson Quay)
3. Mr Bean (One North)
4. Grub Singapore (Bishan Park)
5. Pho Street (Jurong East)

Reviews underway: D'Good cafe, Lady M, Spathe Public Bath, Ootaya and RakuZen.

Article: "20 Common Grammar Mistakes"

Yesterday, I saw an article shared by my friend via Facebook. Titled "20 Common Grammar Mistakes That (Almost) Everyone Makes", this is a column by Jon Gingerich back in Jan 31, 2012. Quite an interesting article, especially for those who wanted to improve their English language. Even if you are good with the language, there is no harm taking a look and see if you agree with the article.

From the list, how many common mistakes have you been committing without realising? =)

1. Who and Whom
2. Which and That
3. Lay and Lie
4. Moot
5. Continual and Continuous
6. Envy and Jealousy
7. Nor
8. May and Might
9. Whether and If 
10. Fewer and Less
11. Farther and Further
12. Since and Because
13. Disinterested and Uninterested
14. Anxious
15. Different Than and Different From
16. Bring and Take
17. Impactful
18. Affect and Effect
19. Irony and Coincidence
20. Nauseous