We like IKEA.... but bought from COURTS

Have been looking around for a writing desk for Yinghong to replace the kiddy one in her room. We all like to shop in IKEA, but while the 2 writing desks we saw, with pull-out table and drawers look nice, but they just don't look sturdy or reliable enough to pay more than $400 for. Courts had a cheaper and nicer one which YH had her eyes on. But we finally returned because BC spotted a mega-sale ad, and we got a computer desk that has enough shelves to make YH happy, and yet small enough to fit the bedroom corner... phew..
I was just amused to see the row of shoes at our doorway --- a whole row of pink shoes for Yinghong, and a whole cupboard of black ones for me... took a snapshot just for fun.
Saturday night was a real treat - we went to "Silk Road" at The Amara hotel for a splendid Sze Chuan dinner. I've been there a long time ago with Linda& gang, but have forgotten about this place for a while. Food, service and ambience are impressive. Authentic Sze Chuan Fare - you know it when our lips went numb after the
chao shou". Ordered the peking duck (yes, not szechuan dish, but I have craved for this for a while and since it's in the menu, I went for it), good but not outstanding, can afford to skip this. Redbean pancake was yummy! They added breadcrumbs to the crepe before frying, which made it look amateurish, but the taste is superb!! Redbean paste filling is smooth and not too sweet, the crepe thin and crispy, it's simply delicious! Too bad we were so busy eating I forgot to take any pictures... very unusual.
Already I have decided to return here with mum for her birthday dinner....

some silly thoughts...

A week of chaos in the stock market, but I was more hounded by yinghong's constant nagging about wanting a puppy for her next birthday. No way... good thing Boonchong stood on the same side as me.
Had a free dinner on friday, thanks to BC's colleague. Never knew there is such nice Japanese ala carte buffet in Miramar Hotel - Ikoi Japanese Restaurant. On our way home, the traffic on CTE slowed down near the ERP gantry... we realized it's 30 seconds to 10pm when the charges will change from $1 to $0.50. Took a picture of that for fun.
And at the dinner, Yinghing made date with Celeste to meet in the park on Saturday morning so she could play with Celeste's dog - Belle...so she was happy for the weekend... and after a few rounds of picking up dog poo, she gave up the idea of having a dog for now.. haaa.

Weekday Time Off!

It's really a nice feeling to take off on a weekday!!! BC and I left home early at 7am and cycled a good 8 km to the end of Changi beach cycling path, then back home to bring Yinghong to lunch before sending her to school. Changi is full of it's old quiet charms on a Monday morning... a shame that they closed down the food centre for renovation so we didn't get to eat the "internationl" nasi lemak :(
"Rewarded" ourselves with Pratas and Masala Dosai, washed down with Teh Tarik...yum yum. We made new friends too! Met 2 young-at-heart exercise enthusiasts - Johnson and Jason, who are enjoying a fruitful retirement life now. Johnson came up to chat with us when he saw BoonChong's "clone" Stryda bike. Funny that BC was also eyeing his "carry me" bike earlier when we cycled past them along the beach.... Nice chaps! Afternoon was not as productive...went to a few places to look for a writing desk for YingHong only to find the shops no longer there.
Well..will continue to check out a few other options this weekend then..that gives me a reason to go to Orchard road... heee hee...

Finally... my b-day...

This week is the week when Denise, Myself, and Caroline turn one year older.... and WISER! First surprise came when Kelly and Geraldine bought me a cake to cut in the office. BC got me what I have always wanted... the mesh-heart silver ring , plus an extra surprise..ooooohhh.. so unlike him to get something with no "investment" value nor "useful". Really happy... hee.. Yinghong even presented a surprise magic show to unvail the presents to me.. so touched!
ChewChew and Cookie attended F1 on friday, but the rest of the funny gang are soooo sweet to bring Caroline and me to a surprise location for a nice, warm and cosy dinner.
THANK YOU folks! It made me feel really special.
The after-dinner tour to Urai's new condo was really fun!
Hope some of the nice places will have a good price adjustment next year, so we can have an opportunity..

Rather exciting week

Have been neglecting this blog, simply because I have been soooo busy.
Work is busy busy busy, but managed to join Jasmine for her birthday dinner on thursday.
This weekend is definitely exciting!
Yinghong made a lattern during her art class, performed her salsa dance at Elias C.C (Community Club) open day, there was a Mid autumn festival celebration evening at our Condo tonight!
Messed up a bit on my diet though... have been eating the different assortment of mooncakes since last weekend... gotta get back on track next week..

http://www.youtube.com/v/afNsTvHV4v8

Weekend of celebrations!

Last weekend was a hectic but happy one... Ching was here to celebrate her birthday with us. Was great catching up with her. We did so many things together in 2 days.. high tea, lounging (plus catching the fireworks performance which was part of the August national carnival); Spa, and dinner at Jaan. And all of us are impressed with her new trim figure...:) I am definitely more inspired and committed to cultivate a healthy eating habit from now on! (27% body fat means I am OBESE! Also means there is 16kg of fats on me!)
All the girly talks really helped ... we sometimes need to be reminded we are not alone in not having it all perfect in our lives, and Ching really show us we can work things out if we are determined to make changes or make things happen... do not give up easily. We all sort of know we need to stay positive and think positive... but I have been reminded this time to try to look at the positive sides of the people around us, especially our loved ones. Thank you Ching! You have given me a valuable present during your birthday trip here !

Botanic gardens...

Woke up late this morning, so had to skip our usual roller-blading. Went to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll, and we have not really visited this place with such a relaxing pace... it's wonderful!
Yinghong happily fed those already well-fed fishes and tortoises in the Symphony lake; we played frisbies and badminton on the big lawn under the shade of those huge tropical trees... lovely.
Followed with a relaxing and stupendous lunch at Halia Restaurant (one of my favourties now... and this time, it is FREE!!!.. heee those from my workplace will know why).
Will load the pictures later.....Now the next big thing is to reserve Au Jardin for Aug 23..... :)