Life as it is

Hello,

I've been away.
Life has been really happening, and perhaps a tad 'too' happening for a sedentary person like me.

If you don't already know, I am on my last attachment/internship which be ending next week! Yay! Which also reminds me that I am flying to Bangkok next week and... I am totally unprepared for it (shit).

I know that I just flew to Bangkok a couple months back, but hey that city is pretty cool! And I like hearing the announcer say the train station name "Nana"... (Na-nah-ahhh)

I would always mimick the way it is being said and get a good laugh out of it. Bf would give me the -.- face LOL

It really is pretty funny because they say all the other station names with a monotonous tone, yet for this particular station, they would say the name with a very... sexual/orgasmic feel.

Bf and I were discussing about it and we came to the conclusion that it might have something to do with the fact that the area is a red light district, and the person whose voice got recorded must have had some pretty awesome time in the area. :/


Anyway, this trip would be a family trip + business trip.

I am in the midst of opening my own blogshop.

Stop, don't ask questions about it. No I have never thought of myself as a blogshop owner. It is one of those things in life that just hits you like that!



I got myself a job, even before I graduated.

My friends have been commenting about it, telling me how awesome it is, and I agree with them that it is. The deal that I have gotten is pretty neat.

However I am more fixated on the fact that working = money, money = travel, travel = fulfil my wanderlust.

I have a long list of places that I want to visit. Thank goodness for all the long weekends this year! *blows kisses*

I am also itching to get myself a Canon Powershot N2!

I am in desperate need of a good camera with WiFi + selfie function.
This camera might just be it!
With the end of my final internship, I will be entering the next phase of my life as a working adult.

Yes, I have been down that road before and I loved it then.

I wonder if my passion for a working life is still burning as bright as it did then.

I was still a child then, and I still am one now. I think some part of me will forever be one.

Life as a working adult is a lot more different now. There are more responsibilities to carry, and also a future that I have to plan, save and pay for.


We are thinking of applying for a BTO at the end of this year.

Good lord, I finally understand what they mean by purchasing your own home in Singapore is such a bloody expensive thing!!!

I can rant about that topic for like.. forever? So I will leave that for another blog post for another time.

I still have work tomorrow morning so goodnight folks!



XO,
Soph

5 ways to survive studying for exams

Let's all admit it.

WE HATE EXAMS

(Whoever that decides to be a saint and has a second opinion about this, fuck off no one cares about your shit)


I am in the midst of preparing my final exams and I would be lying if I said that it aren't a pain in my ass.


Exams are like a pressure cooker. They cook you alive... slowly

Not in Singapore man...
So here is a short guide to how you can cope with the pressure and come out of the 'cooking' alive:



1. Instant noodles will be your best friend


You can't deny that they make the best supper that your tongue, your stomach and your brain will thank you for.



2. Find YOUR song(s)


Working alone in the night is too quiet and a tad eerie for you?

Fret not, just pop on your earphones (because you are a considerate neighbour, RIGHT?) and play that music that will bring you right into your little safe space (aka your comfort zone).

Shake your booty if you want to, but just remember to close the curtains because the last thing you want is your neighbours remembering you for your butt-twerking moments.



3. Get a study buddy


Well to me, a study buddy is not someone who studies with you.

But rather, someone to bitch with you about how this exam is so dreadful, preparing for this exam is such a waste of time, you'd rather be sleeping/partying/watching TV (does anyone even still watch shows from their TV?) or YouTube videos or that show you just torrent(ed).

Someone to inject humor in these cold boring nights.

Company helps. Always.



4. CAFFEINE!!!!


Ha, you didn't think I would forget this did you? This is every student's essential exam survival tool!

If you aren't a coffee person like me, some substitutes would be coke (if you prefer a cold beverage) or a cup of hot green tea (ahhh..)



5. S-T-R-E-T-C-H


Get up from your seat. Stand up tall and do some simple stretches (even a lazy stretch counts). You'll find yourself a whole lot more relaxed, centered and ready to get back with the dumbass studying (remind me again, why do we have exams?)




Good luck!

2014 in a flash

Hi guys,

It is officially the 1st of January 2015, therefore HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Taken from my instagram
2014 has been an unexpected year.

I started off the year with a new year resolution that it would be the year of being 'AWESOME' again. How I came about to that resolution was because as I reflected back on the past 2 years of my life.. I felt miserable and pathetic.

I lost sight of how one's life should be led. I lost sense of how to be alive — how to feel alive. I lost my way in being one with life.

Hence I decided that I would find myself again and work towards feeling genuine joy for myself and for the very fact that, I'm alive.

With that said, so many changes occurred in my life. I learnt so many lessons that I wouldn't trade anything for. Including my break-up with Rod.

Theoretically speaking, I should be devastated about it, and perhaps even grieving still... however.. I was (and am) surprisingly cheerful and strong about it.

There were definitely moments of sadness and I had my days of crying my eyeballs out, wailing loudly "WHYYY????????".. but those days are so over.

Photo taken post-breakup: Day out at River Safari
If it aren't obvious enough, we're still besties. I'd still kick his ass anytime if he acts like a fucking immature selfish brat.

Just like how he would growl real deep, take an incredibly deep breath and mutter through his clenched teeth about what a bitch I still am.

#gottalovethisdudeman #takesmyshitanytime #hasmybackalways
#thanksamillionchicken #ioweyouforever



In this year, I've traveled THRICE!

FIRST TO TAIWAN

Stayed in one of the VIP rooms in our hotel. Fuck yeah
Put my make-up on in front of a window that displayed a gorgeous mountain view
Realised what an incredibly low tolerance level I have for cold weathers *yikes*

Took more selfies than I can ever remember
(Note: this aren't a selfie but I'm posting this up anyway because I look adorable and the presence of the cat made me look even cuter! Thick-skin like that, thanks)






THEN TO KRABI

Fugly duck-face photo but it was either a duck face or a fat face. I chose the former (cool shades yes?)


I went white water rafting and.. I was noob enough to have somehow been thrown out of my seat during the bumpy ride, and so I flew and landed in a heap on the floor of the raft.

The rafters stared at me like "wtf just happened?!" #epicfail #soembarassing


Dressed up super prettily to take gorgeous beach photos at Hong island and guess what, 5 minutes onto the speedboat and it started to fucking POUR.

In under 2 minutes, I was completely drenched, my hair was dripping wet and without a single doubt, my makeup was ruined.

THANK YOU, WEATHER. YOU WERE SO HELPFUL. #firstworldpains



The trip was still bloody awesome though. Even though I had an episode of food poisoning induced by coconut milk. (Me and my weak stomach)





AND LASTLY, TO BANGKOK (which happened not too long ago!)Spent my 2014 Christmas in Bangkok!


I hadn't been to Bangkok in 10 years. The last time I went, I was 11.

Bangkok wasn't so developed yet. I recall the city still being rather run down, the malls were not that fantastic but the exchange rate and the food is still as awesome as I had remembered LOL.

It was great to be back there again. The change... wow. Guess I wasn't the only one/thing growing!

That store name. Ah so apt. #stampofapproval



Le puffball was born!!!!! And I officially became an aunt #OLD



A particular granny touched my heart in ways that I could never have imagined was possible #mayyouforeverrestinpeace

That moment when she drew a geometrical shape in the trunk of the tree and with a few waves of a hand, she drew a "#", some squiggly lines and "O"s.

I asked her what she drew, and she gave me her explanation: "This is a park. There is a big tree in the middle of the park. The big tree has a hole in its tree trunk, and behind the tree lies a wooden bench, for which a man is sitting on that wooden bench."

That moment of realisation that hit me when I understood what she had drawn... I burst out in laughter not at her drawing but rather at her vivid imagination and creativity.

My heart became warmer that very instant and I have never felt more at place. Thank you granny for all the life lessons and all the love that you have showered upon me. I can never thank you enough.




And last but not least, ACADEMIC YEAR IS FUCKING OVER (good riddance)
Fucking not going back to school until I feel that I am ready to take on the student role again (which will probably not be for another half a decade at minimum)


ALL HAIL 2015!

Char Grill Bar Christmas 'Scratch & Win'

Advertorial

Hi guys!!!!!

As you all know....

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!
WOOHOOO!!!! *throws confetti and blows party horn*


And the best thing about this Christmas is that Char Grill Bar is giving out presents early!!!

Eat a Christmas meal and you will get to win prizes from their "scratch & win" coupons!
For more information, check out their facebook page!



HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!

360Xperience (Part II): Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant

Advertorial

Disclaimer: This review is produced in collaboration with Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant FOR Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant and 360Xperience.

Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant
1 Expo Drive, Singapore Expo
#01-31 (Outside Hall 3)
Singapore 486150
Website: http://akaifune.com.sg
Reservation Hotline: (+65)9380 0437
Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant took their first step in the F&B industry earlier this year, with the intention of making their mark through the sales of their signature Japanese Ramen and Shabu Shabu Japanese steamboat (only available via reservation).


I was invited to try their Shabu Shabu Japanese steamboat, which I shall once again re-emphasise, requires RESERVATION!!!

So please do not turn up at their restaurant asking for it and expecting it to materialise before your eyes because that aren't happening yo!

Interior design
A little more about Akai Fune before I dwell into the food bits (and cause you to salivate profusely)...

Akai Fune means "red boat" in Japanese. In ancient Japan, the first thing that is seen coming to the shore each morning with the freshest products from the ocean is this red boat.


Hence with that, it became the reason behind the naming of their restaurant as the owners strive to provide the freshest and highest quality food to their customers. Their products are flown in from Japan twice a week!


Other than being a restaurant, Akai Fune is working towards serving its customers as a cafe and also an Izayaki (ie. a casual japanese drinking place that provides after-work drinking).

Akai Fune aims to provide their diners with an opportunity to relax after a long day of work and to enjoy their meal in peace and comfort, hence they chose the concept of serving their customers in a "fun" and "casual" atmosphere.



Ok enough of background story, time for some food. *rubs hands gleefully*
*************
But first... let's decide on our drinks. LOL #whoops
Iced Chocolate ($5.90)
I was recommended by the lady boss to try out their Iced Chocolate and Passion Fruit Soda.

The Iced Chocolate is indeed good because it wasn't too milky nor too sweet and the chocolate taste was just right! I really like their Iced Chocolate and I would give it a rating of 6-7/10?

However I would not recommend having this drink with the steamboat because it is too filling and you really would want the extra stomach space for all the hot steaming food!

Passion Fruit Soda ($4.90)
Passion Fruit Soda... I love love love! The weather was so hot that day and I was so glad when this drink was placed before me. It was a life-saver!!!

This is a drink that you could order to go with your steamboat because it is indeed refreshing and the balance between sweet and sour is just fine! But be warned that it is after all a soda, hence it has carbonated water which makes it rather gassy. #FYI

And finally.. Introducing the Shabu Shabu (Lobster Set) Package
Like what I mentioned earlier on, the purpose of my visit to Akai Fune was to write a review and to help promote one of their signature dishes (ie. this Shabu Shabu Japanese steamboat).

A bit more information about their Shabu Shabu steamboat: There are two packages available for your choosing.

1) Lobster Set (indulge in SEAFOOD with no care nor concern for your cholesterol level lol)
2) Wagyu set (indulge in PREMIUM MEAT without any thought about your calorie intake for the day)

*I'm just kidding!! Liven up people! And yes as an Allied Healthcare Professional, it is my duty to constantly remind you of the need to live a healthy lifestyle! (Which includes pigging out on food every once in awhile for the sake of your mental wellbeing!)

Therefore you SHOULD read my blog to find out where are the other cool food places that you can go to for awesome food and an even awesome-r new waistline! *high-five*

Both packages are priced at $79.90 and it is state to be for 1-2 pax.

Do NOT be alarmed at the price yet! Got discount!! Wait for it! I'll talk about it at the end of the entry! For now, just enjoy the food pics and salivate with ease! LOL!!!


Oh and, honestly speaking... that amount of food for ONE package... It is enough to feed like 3-4 PAX?!!?!?!?!?!!

Therefore if you wish to optimise the amount of food consumed and spare a thought for the animals that died to provide you with this sumptuous meal (this is what you get for being an omnivore/carnivore), do huddle up your friends and make a reservation!!!

Dual soup choice - Tonkotsu and Kimchi
You will get to choose two types of soup base from the variety available. There is:

• Tonkotsu (Pork soup) **RECOMMENDED
• Sukiyaki (Japanese sweet soup) **RECOMMENDED
• Kombu (Seaweed soup )
• Kimchi (Korean spicy soup)
• Miso (Japanese miso soup)

My soup base combination was chosen for me and I am incredibly satisfied with the recommendations by the lady boss.

I'm usually not a fan of spicy soups but damn, THE KIMCHI SOUP BASE WAS SUPER AWESOME!!!! It goes really really well with the Shabu Shabu stuff! *spam hearts*

JUST. LOOK. AT. THAT. AMOUNT. OF. FOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!
I am dead serious when I say that this is NOT just for 1-2 pax!!!

You gotta be a cow (because a cow has 4 stomachs) in order to finish this!

Hell I don't even think 2 cows can finish this.

Then again, why would cows even eat this?! They are herbivores and they certainly are not cannibals!! LOL!!! #crackinglamejokes

So what's in your Shabu Shabu package?
I had the Lobster Set so... this is what my set comprised of:

20 ingredients in total!!!! (Yes I counted lol)

Lobster Hotate scallop Crabstick Fishball Squid Salmon Pork belly Beef striploin Special chicken slice Special tsukune (chicken) meat

Xiao Bai Cai Kang Kong Enoki mushrooms Shitake mushrooms Carrot Eggs Hotdog Toufu Noodles White fragrant rice

Lobster!!!
Look at that juicy succulent lobster flesh! *smacks lips*
Hotate scallop
Pork belly
Beef striploin
Special chicken slice (garnished with sesame seed and spring onion)
Special tsukune meat
For you folks out there...

I made an effort to figure what the hell Tsukune means so here is what Wikipedia (the most unreliable albeit easiest source for information in the world) told me:

"Tsukune refers to a type of fish meatball which is added to hot soup. It is also enjoyed as 'Tsukune Nabe', a Japanese steamboat dish with local varieties found in regions of Japan."

So tadah! Now you know what you will be ingesting into your digestive system, and I knew what I ingested into my digestive system! LOL #grammarpun

Salmon
The remaining miscellaneous ingredients...
Which includes your daily dose of fibre (ie. vegetables), other proteins and carbohydrates
And needless to say, every Asian's staple — white fragrant rice
#bloggeratwork
Soup + cooked food

TRY KIMCHI SOUP!!! Kimchi soup is awesome!
Sauces to go with all the meats
Interior of the restaurant
In hindsight, Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant is a brilliant place for a social gathering of two or more and the Shabu Shabu Japanese steamboat would serve as a perfect dish to order and create bonds over.

Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant
1 Expo Drive, Singapore Expo
#01-31 (Outside Hall 3)
Singapore 486150
Website: http://akaifune.com.sg
Reservation Hotline: (+65)9380 0437


***********************
As mentioned previously, this entry has been written for both Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant and 360Xperience (read my previous entry for 360Xperience here!).

Akai Fune Japanese Restaurant is one of the merchants working with 360Xperience!
Therefore cardholders of the 360Xperience Privilege Card would stand to get 20% off their total bill, and for the month of their birthday you can also get 3 complimentary scoops of ice cream (from the 9 flavors available)!!

To the lucky winners of the 360Xperience Privilege Card contest held back in July, this is another gourmet place that you can indulge at!

Application for membership of the 360Xperience Privilege Card is still open and is priced as such:


The card includes welcome gifts such as complimentary Sadhana Sanctuary Yoga Passes, dining vouchers and more... all totalling up to be worth over $300!! *Terms and conditions apply

For more information on 360Xperience Privilege Card, do visit their website (click 'here!)

360Xperience has offered an additional 5% discount for my readers!

So, do key in the promo code '1005' during checkout to redeem the additional discount!

If you key in the promo code, you will also stand to receive these complimentary items in your set:

• Complimentary pair of GV movie tickets (worth $24) *Applicable for 24mths Privilege Club Membership only
• Complimentary Sadhana Sanctuary yoga passes, 6 sessions (worth $210)
• Complimentary Palmer's product samples
• Complimentary Dining, Shopping, Spa vouchers worth over $200!!!

(Only for my readers!!!!!!)