If you haven’t already heard, SDN (formerly SDU) organized a massive dating event at Marina Bay Sands just yesterday, 2nd Feb 2013.

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Apparently, the event attracted over 480 participants and broke a world record for mass speed-dating! Image may be NSFW.
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And I was a part of it!!!

They provided masks for everybody! So Sweet!

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But I’d also brought my own, and took a picture with this lovely lady, Mavis, whom I feel should have been crowned ‘Best Dressed Female’ last night:

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Early bird registration fees are as low as S$31.58 for an 8-course dinner and the opportunity to meet at least 20 or more like-minded people of the opposite gender! There were also stage games and attractive lucky draw prizes (such as an iPad Mini) given away!

For those who didn’t win anything during the lucky draw (like me), the quality of the food served more than made up for the disappointment. Image may be NSFW.
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Here’s the menu:

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Appetizers:

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Ginormous King Prawns:

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Abalone and Sea Cucumber:

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There were other dishes but you can refer to the menu above if you’d like. Image may be NSFW.
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There were some fun games for us to walk about and interact with people seated at other tables, such as this one which involved us finding the person (of the opposite gender) holding onto half of the poker card which we received. Some people must have been very busy cutting up poker cards for us before this event!

And guess what! The guy holding onto the other half of my poker card turned out to be someone I knew from Toastmasters! LIKE, WHAT ARE THE ODDS, MAN?! Hence, the photo:

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Other games involved people seated around the same table,. The Code Word game had us look for objects that would spell the words ‘SPEED DATING’. So we could use a Spoon for the ‘S’, a pen for the ‘P’, etc.

One fun but challenging game involved the volunteers having to pair up – guys blindfolded, girls giving directions. And they had to get into poses, as shown in pictures like this one:

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And at the end of all the games and feasting, we had the final segment no one knew we should be dreading – the speed dating segment.

Here are the rules, if you are interested:

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Actually, most of the guys flouted the rules. In fact, the first guy who spoke to me (when we were both still OUTSIDE the event venue) had already asked for my age within the first minute or so of conversation. *facepalm*

Anyway, the organizers provided these contact cards for us to fill in and hand out to the people we spoke to. Actually, they should have just told us to bring lots of namecards!

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I refused to state my handphone number as what’s the point in that? I expect people will call me days after the event and say something like “Erm, Grace ah, you left me your contact number at the SDN event. Mind telling me more about what you do?”

I left them my blog url and facebook page url instead. Heh heh. Instant blog traffic and Facebook likes. Plus, they will ALREADY know what I do before sending me an email via my blog. Smart, right? Image may be NSFW.
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Anyway, the way it worked was that there were 5 guys and 5 gals seated at each table, with, of course, a girl next to every guy. When the ‘gong’ sounds, the guys have to get up and move to the next table. The guys get to meet new ladies and chat for about 30 seconds, then the bell chimes, and they ‘change seats’ in a clockwise direction. Hence they get to speak individually with each of the ladies at the ‘new’ table. This goes on for about 5 tables.

AND EVERYONE IS FREAKING EXHAUSTED BY THE END OF IT!!!

Towards the end, I also had the misfortune of having this guy take the seat on my right. I had to speak with the guy on my left FIRST. Unfortunately, I dropped my pen cap in the midst of scribbling down notes about the guy on the left, and said pen cap landed next to this guy’s feet:

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Me: “Do you mind helping me pick it up?”

Him: *Silently moves his seat backwards and does not help*

Me: *Bend over and pick up pen cap*

Him: “Thanks for bending over for me”

Me: “You are NOT welcome”

I have no suitable words to describe this person – perhaps, “jerk”, “pervert”, and “scum of this earth” would fit him.

After the bell went, he took the seat on my left and wanted to engage me in a conversation.

Me: “I don’t like you very much”

Him: “BUT WHY?!” in a whiny voice. Omg I should have slapped him.

Me: “Cos you are so rude. Instead of helping a lady pick up what she has dropped, you make such a rude comment!”

Him: “It was a joke!”

Me: “You don’t joke about such things. It’s just plan rude!”

Him: “Alright, if you can’t chill…” *folds his arms, refuses to talk, and just plays with his handphone. What a loser.

Me: *Leaves for the washroom*

I hope no other girl has the misfortune of meeting this guy!!! He should be banned from all future events, actually! Good grief!

Having said that, the other guys were all very nice.

Here’s one who gamely agreed to a photo when I said it’d definitely make it onto my blog. LOL:

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I also got to speak with Violet Lim, whom I’ve interviewed for this blog previously Image may be NSFW.
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And I got to meet Claressa (actually she was the one who recognized me), a fellow blogger who voted for me during last year’s Singapore Blog Awards. How nice!

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I think the event was a huge success. Despite the large number of people who turned up, we did not get stuck in registration queues, the service staff were efficient, the food was delicious(!), and most of the people I met were nice folk!

We were also grouped according to age and occupation, I believe. So it was easy for people to make new friends within the same age group:

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The goodie bag was also, surprisingly, packed with pretty useful stuff!

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And it’s 2.46am now! I’m such a hardworking blogger! But before I go to bed, I think that since a lot of guys expressed interest in perhaps dating a blogger like me, I have this to say:

Guys, So You Want To Date A Blogger? Read This First:

1) Never (ever!) look down on Blogging as a profession.

2) You have to help take photographs of us, the bloggers. They are needed for our blogs, and facebook pages, and instagram and other such nonsense. And one take is not enough. Different angles, please! And ensure we don’t look fat in the pictures. Yes, we can jolly well lose the extra fat, but you can also just find the right angle – which is faster? Image may be NSFW.
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3) Food photographs are mandatory so hand over your dishes as soon as they are served. Even if you are on the brink of starvation, satisfactory photos of the food must be taken before you eat! To overcome this ‘inconvenience’, just order the exact same food your blogger girlfriend orders, then you can eat in peace.

4) You will sometimes get dragged along to bloggers’ events. Just obey, and no one gets hurt, okay? Image may be NSFW.
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5) You will have to deal with having a girlfriend/wife who is more famous than you are. Live with it. Heh heh!

*Please don’t take the 5 points above too seriously. There is SOME truth in them but it’s late and I’m sleep-deprived. So, good night!*

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You may have spotted me in last Saturday’s edition of The New Paper (2 Feb, 2013).

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TNP is running a contest to help 2 male celebs score dates for the upcoming Valentines’ Day. I wrote in, hoping to meet Mike Kasem, whom I found totally hilarious as the Child Whisperer, ‘Caesar Milano’, in the Random Island series:

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[source]

And meet him I did! Image may be NSFW.
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There were supposed to be three ladies at the photoshoot but one of them (the SIA girl) couldn’t make it. So it was pretty awkward. I was at the venue with a lady named Serene. She is 43, I’m 26. I felt she was a little wary of me – perhaps she saw me as competition. But hey, how can I possibly fight with her over Mike? They have my blessings! LOL. I just want a photo ok?

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Here’s Serene and Mike:

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I suspect the TNP reporter told Serene to come in this bright red outfit. Said reporter told me to come in something pink and ‘fun’.

But it was terribly difficult to be photographed without exposing oneself, methinks:

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But I guess it was Mike who really got the shorter end of the stick. He had to pose topless and his discomfort was evident, though he remained professional and humorous throughout:

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He must be visiting the gym very often. 6-pack abs, ladies!

Anyway, meeting Mike was nothing short of a nice experience. He was entertaining and witty and… I can’t believe he doesn’t already have a date for V-Day!!!

But what I had trouble getting used to was being interviewed by a reporter from The New Paper – it’s my first “feature” ever. So if you are like me, and need some tips with handling interview requests from TNP, here’s a guide.

How To Handle a TNP Reporter:

1) Learn to say NO… ten times or more. Mike and I both agreed that the TNP reporter who spoke to us is someone who gets straight to the point and asks very direct and probing questions. She is also someone who doesn’t accept ‘no’ for an answer.

She wanted Mike to be topless among greenery. According to her, it should be like an “Adam and Eve” scene, with Mike emerging from behind the erm, bushes.

Mike insisted that it was a “gay” thing to do. She insisted it was a brilliant idea, even when her colleague and I both agreed that it would seem very gay indeed. Mike had to reject her multiple times before she relented.

Also, I’d already figured that she’d ask me to remove my jacket. I said no when she asked. I’m only going to reveal my… teeth!

I was also told that only photos would be required but when I arrived, I was told there was a video segment. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. I.Should.Have.Said.NO. But I didn’t so… oh well.

2) Provide the “juicy” headline or he/she will conjure one for you. Mine’s the giving up of a 114K job and becoming a full-time blogger. What’s yours?

3) Be prepared to have “words put into your mouth”. You will read the articles and think “BUT I DIDN’T SAY THAT!”

It IS The New Paper, after all.

The reporter wrote that “she (referring to me) said Kasem remains her favorite comedian”. I never said any such nonsense. My favorite comedian is Michelle Chong, whom I have previously interviewed for this blog.

4) Do not entertain calls from them at inconvenient times. I received a call close to midnight, requesting for a phone interview. When a person is tired, he is more likely to say something he’ll end up regretting later. Thankfully, I kept my wits about me. And delivered the ‘juicy’ headline that I wanted to have published.

5) This might be the best tip of all: Stay away from TNP reporters! Unless, of course, you think that being featured on TNP is of great benefit to you. Then by all means. I don’t think the article increased my blog hits very much – they refused to publish my blog url. Image may be NSFW.
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~

If anything, it was a memorable experience. I hope Mike finds an awesome V-Day date. I have already turned down the reporter’s next ‘brilliant idea’ of a group date:

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*Sponsored*

Does the mountain of paperwork on your desk make you feel overwhelmed?

Do you sometimes feel stressed/upset/tired for no particular reason at all?

Do you wish you can get your work done faster so you have more time for your family, your hobbies, or simply, for surfing Facebook? Image may be NSFW.
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Then you need the 3Ms.

What are they? They are Mood, Motivation and Method.

Why am I “qualified” to share with you about the 3Ms? Here’s why:

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Just a week ago, my workdesk (I’m a full-time blogger so my room’s my office) looked like that – a complete, utter mess! Totally unbelievable! Fellow bloggers will be able to understand – you get press kits, notes and all sorts of junk piling up in no time if you don’t systematically bin them.

Then I read a book at the library and it changed my life. Seriously. You can purchase the book HERE.

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Today, my desk looks like this:

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It is still not as minimalist as the author, Leo Babauta, would like. But I think it is already a HUGE improvement from the junkyard it was previously.

So the first M to increase your productivity at work is to do whatever it takes to put yourself in a good MOOD!

You can start by clearing the clutter (dump the old bills, newspaper cuttings, expired coupons, etc), giving away what you no longer use (such as my hole puncher, as I don’t do any more filing), and ensuring that sitting at your desk puts you in a happy mood.

Remember: your external environment reflects your internal environment – messy outside, messy inside.

You can also establish a ritual to get you into the mood for working. When I worked in an office previously, my morning ritual would be to visit the washroom first, then brew a cup of tea when I am back at my desk, and finally get my laptop out of my bag and get started with tackling the emails. Hence, a daily ritual helps you get into the mood of being ready for work.

The second M you’d want to note is Motivation. All of us need motivation. And I believe all of us have post-it pads on our desks. So write down some motivational quotes to inspire you and stick them where you’ll see them. Here are some of mine:

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And since Chinese New Year is just around the corner:

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You can stick them one on top of the other and peel off the top one every day and stick it at the back. They are reusable! Image may be NSFW.
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Finally, the last M you need to know is Method. There are efficient ways of getting things done, and there are inefficient ways of getting things done. So find the right method.

For instance, everyone knows we should prioritize the tasks for the day. But not everyone does it. We usually just do first what seems simpler, more fun or because the boss says so.

I write down the tasks that need to be done today on post-its:

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Then I arrange them according to the sequence in which they should be done – with the highest priority tasks at the top:

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Then after I complete each task, I remove that post-it. It gives me a sense of achievement, akin to striking off an item on your to-do list.

And when it comes to reading material, bookmarks often fall out, we forget which was the last paragraph we read, and we waste time trying to locate it. I use post-it flags to clearly point me to the last word I set my eyes upon, and I carry on reading from there, with no time wasted at all:

*Psst… They don’t fall out!*

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I use the larger post-its to remind me of things I need to do after switching off the computer – I write them down on the post-it and it’s the first thing I see after the computer’s shut down.

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This way, when I am working, I have peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about that errand I need to do later as it’s all written down and I know I’ll see the note when the computer’s shut down.

When I worked in an office previously, I used to leave things (e.g. cream puffs) in the pantry fridge and forget to take them home when I leave the office. And most of the items would be left to rot in the fridge or miraculously disappear by the next day! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Then I thought of this brilliant idea of writing notes like “Bring cream puffs home” and sticking them onto my laptop, so that I’ll definitely see them when it’s time to pack up and go home. Genius, isn’t it?

So there you have it – the 3Ms (Mood, Motivation, Method) that will help you be more productive at work and allow you to have more time for a lot of those things that matter MORE. Image may be NSFW.
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And this is what I look like when I’m working at home (makeup-less, don’t judge):

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And finally, a super cool video about what some (crazy) people have been doing with post-its. Do not try this in the office, well, unless you work for 3M. Hur hur:

p/s: Do you have a tip for working smarter and staying happier at work? Share your tips via this Facebook contest and stand to win S$1000 worth of travel vouchers. Share them HERE.

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About a week ago, I set out to discover what it is like for foreign students to live in Singapore. And I concluded that some of them have it pretty good here.

I visited the Siglap Homestay at 653 Changi Road and met the students’ guardian, Sharene:

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Guess how many people stay in here?

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Besides Sharene and her family, plus two maids, there are 11 students currently staying in this 4-storey house! That explains the amount of laundry out in the front. Image may be NSFW.
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The students are currently paying S$1300 per month for their stay at Siglap Homestay, and this flat fee covers guardianship, 3 meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, etc.

I took a photo of what the students got for lunch:

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Seems like wholesome fare! I’d like some chili sauce for the nuggets, please! Image may be NSFW.
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What I appreciated most were the little corners in the house that were so tastefully decorated and exactly what I’d enjoy as a student:

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But most interesting of all were the notices pasted on every bedroom door, regarding the Rules and Regulations:

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I found at least one rule pretty mind-boggling: meals are not allowed in rooms (to prevent any spillage/mess) but snacks are allowed. Hmm…

In any case, I think the students will definitely develop some measure of discipline from staying here and their parents should feel very confident that their kids are in good hands.

I wish I’d gotten a chance to intimately experience what it is like to live in this homestay… Maybe next time. Image may be NSFW.
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To view more pictures and retrieve the necessary contact details, click HERE.

Till next time! And Happy Lunar New Year, everybody! Image may be NSFW.
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Since I visited SAFRA Toa Payoh’s Open House in October last year, I have become aware that SAFRA clubs are hidden gems in our neighborhoods! My visit to the Open House even made it into my list of the 12 Best Moments in 2012!

You might think this is because I multiplied my money TEN times at The Winners’ Circle but I enjoyed my visit to SAFRA because I haven’t visited SAFRA Toa Payoh since I was a kid. Back then, my mother used to bring my sister and I to the indoor playground there. And in 2012, when I finally visited SAFRA again, I got to take part in a Zorball Challenge, thanks to Omy and SAFRA!

That’s me in the pink tee! Image may be NSFW.
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To me, SAFRA clubs are where I have a lot of fun spending time with those I care most about.

~

And I’m sure an excited brother or male friend would have already told you the good news: SAFRA is thanking all National Servicemen for their dedicated service to the nation with SAFRA vouchers and/or free 1-year SAFRA membership. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Those vouchers can be utilized at so many different outlets (F&B, entertainment, leisure, etc) that you’ll just have to find out more HERE.

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I’ve been to 3 of the 5 SAFRA Clubs so far: Toa Payoh, Tampines & Mount Faber. I’ve found that while there are similarities, each club has its own uniqueness and I must say I like them all. The most recent visit was to SAFRA Mount Faber. Let me take you around Image may be NSFW.
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I’ll usually check out the food places first. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. When my tummy’s full, all’s well. LOL! And SAFRA Mount Faber has *gasp* Porn’s! Apart from Subway, Ya Kun and Summer Garden Restaurant, of course.

I was very amused by the standees and the sign stating that “SEXY FRUITS” were going at only S$1 …

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Sidenote: I also noticed that Summer Garden Restaurant is a great place to hold a wedding banquet! Image may be NSFW.
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After Food, next on my agenda is FUN! Image may be NSFW.
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Apart from the swimming pool, karaoke, billiards and bowling, SAFRA Mount Faber also provides for family fun. Check out this family I spotted having a good time.

Indeed, family time is the most important time. Don’t forget that!

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You can also go shoot some baskets… indoors! Image may be NSFW.
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And when you are feeling tired… my goodness, they have massage chairs too! Those two bros were chatting about their recent purchases, and I found out where they did their shopping. Image may be NSFW.
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In case you think the following picture is of a shopping mall, no, it’s SAFRA Mt Faber still!

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It is pretty interesting how Nail Classique is two doors away from SuperBowl! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Please visit the latter first before getting your nails done. Not the other way around! If the guys wants to bowl, but not the ladies, then the latter can get their nails done while waiting for the boys! How convenient! There’s also a movie screening on level 1.

And here’s someone feeling lucky at the entrance to The Winners’ Circle aka the jackpot room:

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There is so much to do and so many activities to take part in at SAFRA that I dare say no member will ever get bored!

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I also made a serendipitous discovery at SAFRA Mount Faber!

I stumbled upon a store selling army supplies and COULD NOT RESIST snapping a few pictures. I also took a cap off a mannequin for a picture. I mean no disrespect though!

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And look! Camo Creme! I have NEVER seen those in my entire life!

Anyone wants to look “FLAT BLACK” or erm, “LEAF GREEN”???

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And outside the store were some information panels about the history of SAFRA. Snapped some interesting pictures too:

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The former Camera Club has evolved into today’s Photographic Club! Here’s what it looked like in the past:

Look at those outfits! Retro much?!

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Hehe!

I also found this super-old newspaper article from 3 July 1972!

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It is about the inauguration of the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association (SAFRA) and the opening of its first clubhouse at Prince Edward Lane.

If you are keen to find out more about the history of SAFRA, then make your way down to Mount Faber! Image may be NSFW.
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Gentlemen, watch out for your NS45 eligibility letters in the mail from now till April 2013. Vouchers are valid till 31 March 2014! But why wait when you can register HERE right now? Image may be NSFW.
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Thanks to all who have been emailing me questions about Blogging and about my Blogging Workshops, I have decided to conduct the FIRST Blogging Workshop in 2013. It’s about topics I’ve not focused on for the previous workshops, so former participants are most welcome to join in!

Mark your calendars!

The date for this workshop is 15th March, 2013, next Friday. The workshop will be conducted from 7pm to 9pm in a venue in town. The exact location will be made known later.

At this workshop, you will learn:

1) How To Get The Sponsorships You Desire

2) How To Get Media Coverage For Your Blog (and perhaps business too, if the two are linked)

3) The 5 Ways To Get The Advertisers You WANT

4) Blogging Pitfalls and Secrets Of Success

Also:

* Get ALL your questions about Blogging answered

* Receive a FREE autographed copy of my book about Blogging when it is published in May/June 2013

* FREE LIFETIME Email Coaching

* This session is great for networking! Bring your namecards if you’d like!

* All materials for the workshop WILL BE PROVIDED

View the testimonials from participants in my previous workshops HERE.

The not-to-be-repeated-ever-again LOW fee for this workshop is S$200. Maximum of 5 participants, on a first-come-first-served basis. I have absolutely NO follow-up course to this so it is not like those funky Internet Marketing “previews” that have a course that costs thousands of dollars. NO! I don’t have the time for these!

I’m answering all your questions in this workshop and this is it – you are free to go! Image may be NSFW.
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Finally, email me at gracewwg@gmail.com for registration details. I’ll be busy this week with a beauty talkshow I’m appearing on and emceeing a fashion show, among other things – I’ll reply to your emails as soon as I can. Image may be NSFW.
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When my sister told me last night that IKEA is selling its meatballs at just 10 Singapore cents a piece today, I didn’t quite believe the news. Seriously? !

And the ads in the papers today proved she was right…

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I love the ad’s humorous take on the horsemeat scandal, by the way! Image may be NSFW.
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We reached the restaurant at 10am and the place was almost full, with about 15 people ahead of us in the queue for the food. I also spotted some photogs (not surprising, as I’d expected today’s 10cent meatballs to make the news multiple times)

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Naturally, I had to order the meatballs (they taste pretty yummy, horsemeat or not) but the organic mushroom pancake was a letdown (it was runny, sticky and unappetizing).

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But what shocked me most was the number of people seated around me who had brought tupperware and even ziplock bags with them to ‘save’ their meatballs for later. I thought IKEA has a takeaway service?

So, yes, while IKEA has elegantly and very generously returned meatballs to our dining tables at just 10 cents a piece, I wish my fellow Singaporeans would not go to such extremes. Tupperware, really??!!

*Update* Spotted a ‘conversation’ on IKEA Singapore’s Facebook page:

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Delivered to my home yesterday was a delightful Bunny-rific surprise! Image may be NSFW.
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A bag of goodies to remind me to have a Candylicious Easter!

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Totally LOVE the Reese choc + peanut butter eggs! The size of quail eggs, they make me feel less guilty than after I’ve eaten the bigger Reese peanut butter cups. Image may be NSFW.
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Kitty, despite lacking a mouth, should have some too. LOL!

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Go grab your Easter goodies from Candylicious – there’s a huge range to choose from, at affordable prices!

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p/s: The mini Reese bunnies got a little squashed and the chocolate and peanut butter was peeking out from under the rather thin foil. A less messy alternative would be the Reese eggs in the tray. The Hershey’s Cookies & Creme bunnies were delicious! Image may be NSFW.
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At this next Blogging Workshop, TV crew will be joining us to film parts of the workshop and also interview the participants. So if you’ve always wanted to learn about Blogging and would relish a chance to get on TV (haha!), then come by for this next workshop!

Here’s the tentative date and time:

 7th April, 2013 (Sunday) 1030am to 12noon

The exact location will be made known later, so email me at gracewwg@gmail.com.

This workshop is for business owners:

1) How To Start A Blog For Your Business & Attract + Retain Customers

2) Blogging Strategies For Success

3) How To Launch A Successful Blogging Campaign With The Help Of Bloggers

Also:

* Get ALL your questions about Blogging answered

* FREE LIFETIME Email Coaching

* This session is great for networking too! Bring your namecards!

* All materials for the workshop WILL BE PROVIDED

View the testimonials from participants in my previous workshops HERE.

The one-time fee for this workshop is S$350. Maximum of 3 participants, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Simply email me at gracewwg@gmail.com for registration details. Image may be NSFW.
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I had the privilege and pleasure of attending the launch of Oral-B’s Smile More Singapore campaign today, and interviewing Oral-B’s first campaign ambassador (Romeo) and his dentist, Dr Lee. Made a new friend too – Suffian Hakim, who is a freelance writer and writes for The Noose! Image may be NSFW.
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Here I am with Romeo and Suffian!

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This interview began with Romeo telling us that he was an introvert when he was young and said that as he grew older, he started defining who he is and became the confident person he is now. When probed about how he would describe himself, he said “I am… a successful actor in Singapore, doing something I’m happy doing”. He’s probably the first person I’ve interviewed thus far who would describe himself as “successful”, but Romeo, with his bright smile, tends to get away with most things.

[Update: After publishing this blogpost, I found out that Romeo has 17,340 Twitter followers, 16,160 Facebook fans (via The Juliet Club) and he blogs at romeotan.com] Image may be NSFW.
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When I asked if his smile has gotten him out of difficult situations before, he gamely replies with “YES!” When he was in the army and made some mistakes, he would just smile and get away with it. He then offers up some words of advice: If you have made some mistakes or feel stressed, just smile.

Suffian also cheekily asked if Romeo is single now and whether he has used his smile to ‘pick up girls’ before. Romeo hesitated for a very long time before declaring that he’s single (I wasn’t quite convinced. Ha) and that yes, he uses his megawatt smile to “prove” that he is friendly and it does help him attract female attention. As if that wasn’t obvious enough. Image may be NSFW.
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Today is Romeo’s 28th birthday but he did not take a break from work and fatigue was rather apparent. So I asked if acting is indeed his dream job. He said that it is his dream job, and 2nd on his list would be to “fly around the world”. He looks up to veteran actresses Hong Huifang and Xiang Yun for their professionalism and how they still look very good these days, despite their many years in showbiz.

Here’s the birthday cake specially prepared for Romeo:

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Romeo’s dentist, Dr Helena Lee, a periodontist at Specialist Dental Group, also shared with the audience about dental care and how we should brush, floss and rinse at least twice a day, using Oral-B’s toothbrushes, SATINfloss and rinses, of course. Image may be NSFW.
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I also took the opportunity to ask Dr Lee about teeth whitening and Invisalign. Image may be NSFW.
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Dr Lee shared with me that the usual culprits that cause stains are coffee, tea and red wine. But tumeric and certain mouth rinses can stain teeth too! Mouth rinses! Do check with your dentist to find out if the mouth rinse you are using could be causing your teeth to be stained!

She also said that people with certain dental conditions are unsuitable for teeth whitening procedures. If you have gum disease or exposed roots then teeth whitening is not for you.

It sure seems to me that a winning smile like Romeo’s is not achieved easily. I should definitely look into securing an appointment to check if I’m suitable for a teeth whitening procedure. Image may be NSFW.
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Many thanks to Oral-B for the great gifts. The Oral-B cupcake is too cute! Will have to brush, floss and rinse after eating it though! XD

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Here’s something for YOU to win too…

Visit Oral-B Singapore’s Facebook page and play the Oral-B Smile More Facebook Application. A lucky winner will walk away with a grand prize of a trip for two to Korea!!! Now, THAT’S something to smile about!

Keep Smiling, Singapore! Image may be NSFW.
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If everything happens for a reason, somehow I must have been prompted to take that seat at the front of the Subway restaurant in Tiong Bahru and to witness granny trying to sell tissue to passer-bys.

For half an hour, I watched.

Granny held three packets of tissue between a thumb and forefinger and another three packets between two other fingers on the same hand. She held out the tissues to people coming towards her, and people approaching her from the back.

It was a Sunday afternoon, after all, and there was no lack of human traffic. Granny had also picked a supposedly good spot just outside a convenience store and near the taxi stand.

But most people treated her as if she had an invisibility cloak on, or perhaps they could see through things and people. Granny even began flailing her arms in the hopes that she would be noticed. Teenage boys walked past her chatting on their mobile phones, oblivious.

Ladies flaunting the latest threads, the pretty bags and high-heeled shoes hurried past.

Granny would occasionally feel tired and take to leaning against a pillar nearby for a quick rest. Her legs seemed to be hurting as a raised pant leg revealed a palm-sized medicated plaster commonly used for relieving aches and pains.

Then some 15 minutes later, a gentleman presses a dollar coin into old granny’s palm, politely refuses the tissue and walks away. Then another. And another. Each time someone took some tissue, granny would quickly get some more out of her bright green recyclable bag on the ground next to her. It was a constant cycle – sell, replenish, sell, replenish.

Only men took pity on old granny?

Then a Muslim lady came by and bought some tissues. Business was picking up for granny!

Then more people came by and refused to stop. Granny tried selling tissues to the ten people waiting at the taxi stand – none bought any.

A little boy came into sight, followed closely by his mom and dad. Granny waited expectantly as she’d thought he was pointing excitedly in her direction. But no… he went right past her towards Subway… and me. Junior’s Mom and Dad had just lost a precious opportunity to teach him about caring for the elderly instead of his stomach.

Then a man stopped in front of granny, wanting to buy some tissues. He gave her a coin and wanted to take 3 packets but granny refused and held up one finger. He had given her less than a dollar, it seems. So he took just one packet and left.

As I sat in that chair in Subway, I wondered what it would be like to be in old granny’s shoes. I wondered if I’d be able to stand in that corner and keep holding out tissue to passer-bys, hoping they would stop to buy some. I wondered what it’d be like to have people keep holding up one palm to signal that no, they did not want any tissues and that I should keep away. I wondered what it would be like to face rejection after rejection. I wondered what it would be like to stand in a corner while my old legs ached and threatened to buckle under me.

Just half an hour watching granny sell her tissues felt like an eternity to me. I learnt so much about the person I want to be, and the person I’d like to be for my future kids. I’d want them to run towards granny to give her the coins in their pockets and when they run back to me, I’ll pat them on their heads and tell them they have been good.

One day, I hope to be able to give an old granny a hug, without me bursting into tears and embarrassing her and myself. Image may be NSFW.
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When it was time to go, I reached for my wallet, took out the biggest note I had and went towards granny.

She held out an arm with three packets of tissues held in her fingers.

I pressed the folded note into her palm, telling her in Mandarin to “keep it well”.

Her face lit up.

She brought her hands together, like when little children say “gongxi gongxi” at Chinese New Year. Her mouth opened as if to say something but no sound emerged from her seemingly toothless mouth, and no words were needed.

I walked away, and tears welled up in my eyes.

Whether it’s the biggest note in your wallet, or the smallest coin in your purse… when you next walk past a granny selling tissue, give it to her with a generous spirit. Trust me, when you see granny smile, the smile goes straight to your heart.

-

Grace Tan

14 April 2013

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It’s been a LONG time since I had such fun on a Monday night!

I was given two tickets to go watch EDGES The Musical at the National Library Building, and I went in not knowing what to expect. Did my best not to read any reviews so as not to spoil the whole experience, and I think it turned out to be a good decision! Image may be NSFW.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster ride, the often hilarious skit + song, and I absolutely LOVED “I Hmm You” and “Be My Friend” (aka The Facebook Song)! I don’t want to spoil the experience for you, so you’ll just have to go catch EDGES yourself! The show runs till 20th April only so hurry and book your tickets HERE!

If you can, resist watching this video:

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Just last month (March 2013), I traveled to Japan for the first time in my life. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Needless to say, it was a memorable experience! The fiance and I visited both Osaka and Tokyo, and while I loved Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland, I have to say that I love Osaka and its people more.

We arrived at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport on 19th March 2013 in the morning and took the train shuttle to the Arrival Hall.

* Flight via Jetstar: S$897.20 for two pax (return) – Not the cheapest though!

* Exchange rate was about S$1 : 74 yen

I’d done my research and knew what had to be purchased at the Airport…

First, we bought the Osaka Unlimited Pass [2,700 yen for 2 days] from the Travel Desk on Level 1 (Terminal 1). Then we went to get tickets to the Doraemon museum [1,000 yen] from the Lawson Convenience Store on the second floor. The tickets had to be purchased via the Loppi machine within the store but everything was in Japanese! I had to ask one of the cashier staff to help me decipher what’s on the screen. It was a pain, really! Because tickets to the Studio Ghibli museum were sold out for all of the timings I had prepared, then most of the tickets to Doraemon were sold out too. Even the staff got frustrated with the system.

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But we finally got the tickets we wanted and we headed to both Daiso (everything at 105 yen) and then a fast food restaurant called First Kitchen. I have to state this upfront: I do not eat fast food in Singapore, but when I am overseas, well, I make exceptions! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Anyway, we paid 500 yen for a set meal and shared it. This would be the case for many meals in Japan – we’d either order a large set to share or order two different mains and then switch plates halfway through. We call it “half and half” but that’s just one silly thing we do as a couple. Image may be NSFW.
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After filling our bellies, we decided to head to Rinku Premium Outlets – we spotted an advertisement on the train shuttle service towards the Airport Arrival Hall and decided that since it seemed rather near, we should check it out too.

There’s a shuttle bus service between the Airport and Rinku Premium Outlets for 100 yen each way – the bus stop is right outside the terminal. Here’s a tip: When you get there, head over to the customer service counter to get a tourist discount booklet before you buy anything ok? Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Because everything at the Outlets was (strangely) expensive, we simply ate at the foodcourt, utilizing a 10% discount coupon from the above-mentioned booklet and left.

Right at the entrance to Godiva:

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Literally a half and half meal Image may be NSFW.
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We took the JR [1030 yen] to Tennoji then switched trains to Tenmabashi [230 yen]. From Exit 3 of the Tenmabashi Station, we turned right and RIGHT before us, just a few steps away, was our first hotel… Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi.

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It was quite a shock to discover that their toilets are SUPER SMALL. It’s just a tiny washbasin cramped between a small bathtub and the toilet seat. Also, the room becomes VERY HOT at night because of the heater (sorry, no aircon this season) and the staff had to be called in to unlock and open the window! Thankfully, their service is very prompt, as if they had been lying in wait outside our hotel room.

The night’s stay cost S$74.20 so I really shouldn’t complain, eh? Image may be NSFW.
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I love the hotel’s proximity to the Railway Mall though. I made a serendipitous discovery there – there’s a Hallmark/Camomilla Milano store there! As you probably know, I’m a fan of Camomilla Milano’s accessories, especially their Hello Kitty collections. So, to find a store there in Japan, when I least expect it, was great! I bought a Hallmark Hello Kitty bag that was on sale, at just 1995 yen or about S$27! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. The fiance also bought some shirts at a men’s store, at 4725 yen for 3 shirts.

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We also visited Daiso once again (HUGE store there) and bought some superb mochi ice cream! How come Daiso Singapore doesn’t sell ice cream?! Image may be NSFW.
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We bought some takeaway sushi and bento sets and headed back to our hotel for a very lazy dinner indeed. And oh… some yummy strawberries for breakfast. Image may be NSFW.
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And that’s the end of Day One in Japan. Image may be NSFW.
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Come back again soon for Day Two…

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I chose the Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi for its proximity to Osaka Castle. It’s a 5-10 minute stroll to the Castle from the hotel and we headed there right after a breakfast of yummy strawberries and cherry tomatoes. [See the post on Day One]

Beautiful sakura! Image may be NSFW.
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Spotted: someone’s wishes for good health, success at work, to meet a good man and have $ to get married! Image may be NSFW.
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I love him ‘cos he makes me laugh! XD

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With the Osaka Unlimited Pass we had bought at the airport, we received free entry into the Osaka Castle Museum (which would otherwise cost 600 yen). Osaka Castle is open from 9am to 5pm, and there’s a (costume) photo opportunity available within for 300 yen per pax.

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With the Osaka Unlimited Pass, we also visited a restaurant offering 10% discount with every 1000 yen spent. We ordered a Udon + Katsu bowl which cost 1050 yen, and which tasted SO delicious! Ok, just about everything in Japan tastes good, so…

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Then a spot of shopping.

I went delirious with joy when I spotted a store selling a “value pack” of goodies – a Hello Kitty stationery set which costs just 500 yen. It was a great deal because the individual items within were being sold separately for 420 yen! If you are a Hello Kitty fan, you must be NUTS not to buy the pack. Image may be NSFW.
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It even comes with Hello Kitty poker cards! LOL

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From Tenmabashi Station, we then took the train to Higashi Umeda Station, walked to the Hankyu Umeda Station, then boarded the train to Ikeda Station. From there, it was a short walk to the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum. [To get there from the station, exit right, go down the stairs then take another right. If in doubt, just ask the traffic warden or any passerby - apparently the museum is quite famous!]

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At the museum, you will be shocked at the long line of people waiting to enter the cup decorating area. There are actually classes being conducted upstairs but prior booking is required so I did not get a chance to make my own ramen noodles. Image may be NSFW.
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Apparently, I’ve been doing the pose all wrong. Must learn from this little girl:

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I paid 300 yen for a cup, right out of a vending machine, no less. And while I doodled, the fiance had a good nap! Image may be NSFW.
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And tadah, my creation!

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Then it was time to get the instant noodles into the cup – I believe it took 8 turns of the wheel but kids had a lot of fun here!

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Then choose your preferred soup base and toppings.

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Then get it sealed, vacuum packed and put the cup into an inflatable (sling) bag. And you may parade your creation down the street back to the subway. Image may be NSFW.
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Don’t do this if you have to board a plane later ah!

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Throw your coins into this machine and get your train tickets. I don’t quite remember how it works already!

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After the ramen museum, we headed over to Hotel Hillarys [Namba Station, Takashimaya store exit], which is quite a hit with Singaporeans. It is not uncommon to hear Singlish in the lobby and drink bar area!

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I LOVE the toilet!

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Apparently, Hillarys is popular because of the FREE DRINKS (yes, you read that right!), free choice of toiletries, free comic books, and I believe free bicycle rental too. They were even nice enough to give us a room upgrade, but kept us on the same floor as the lobby and drink bar. So we walked out in our pyjamas to get free flow drinks – very convenient, ya? Image may be NSFW.
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You can also sign up to be a Hillarys member to get better room rates for 2 nights’ stay or more. They’ll also give you free breakfast!

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After checking in, we headed to Dotonburi and Shinsaibashi.

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The famous Kani Doraku!

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Cute erm… Waiter? Mascot? Dinner? XD

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No prizes for guessing what this place sells:

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Since everyone was posing for pictures here, I made him volunteer. Ha!

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I found my… twin?

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Dinner was at Saizeriya, which we enjoyed! We visit Saizeriya in Singapore, so we know their food’s yummy. We spotted a Sushi Zanmai outlet but we were already very full. Will have to visit Sushi Zanmai next time! Osaka, I’ll be back!

Our dinner at Saizeriya:

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As for shopping, the fiance brought me to a used goods store (I never thought I’d buy anything there). And I found an Adidas jacket that looks brand-new. And at 1600 yen, it seemed like quite a steal so I bought it.

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On the way back to the hotel, I also bought a tweed jacket for mum at only 500 yen, and two pairs of pretty socks at 60 yen a pair. <- Crazy price, I know. Two other ladies “digging” in the sale bin with me were chatting about how they can never find such cheap socks in Singapore. I pretended to be Japanese and quickly went to make payment. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Singaporeans – we can never walk away from a good bargain.

Supper: green tea + hot chocolate from the hotel’s drinks bar, and snacks we bought -

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Hotel Hillarys also provides free breakfast buns, at the drinks bar – again, great thing to stay on the same level: just walk out, get some, come back in and sleep some more Image may be NSFW.
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And that’s Day Two of my Japan trip. Come back soon for Day Three. Image may be NSFW.
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I have a new shoe sponsor I’d like to introduce to you – *I hear the ladies screaming* – and their shoes are simply amazing. Image may be NSFW.
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Yes, they are gorgeous but what’s more awesome is that you can also customize your look for the day, shoe-wise. We have heard of reversible dresses, two-way dresses and the like, which you can play around with to transform your look according to the time of day (office hours, after-office hours, etc). But did you know your shoes can do that too?

I received 5 pairs of shoes from Haute Shuz Bar. And here are some pictures taken during a photoshoot we did at the sponsor’s place. Channel U crew were also there to film *nervous* so you’ll be able to see me on TV soon! Image may be NSFW.
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Trying on the Fushia/Cream High Heels $49.90

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I’m wearing the Black Chunky Heel $41.90

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- Thanks to Max from Lumiere Photography for the photos above -

And here are the shoes I took home from Haute Shuz Bar:

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Yes, they even gave me additional shoe clips for different looks! Image may be NSFW.
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Take the Cream Sandal Flats $28.90 for instance. A change in shoe clip can result in an entirely different feel:

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You can also place the clips anywhere on the shoes, like what I’ve done here:

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And here’s one of my favorite pairs – the Gold/Black Trim Heels $51.90

A feminine + pretty look for the office:

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A different look is just a ‘clip’ away!

Are you tempted already?

*All shoes come with complimentary matching clips. Additional clips can be purchased via the website – there are even handmade bows, gemstones, rosettes and feather clips!

~

1) ‘Like’ Haute Shuz Bar on Facebook for all the latest news, sales, and events where you can get great discounts HERE.

2) WIN a pair of heels from Haute Shuz Bar (2 pairs to give away!) -> Facebook contest going on HERE!

1st Pair:

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To win, share my facebook giveaway post, like Haute Shuz Bar’s facebook page and comment here (on this blogpost) with “I want new shoes in size (your shoe size)” e.g. I want new shoes in size 38. Image may be NSFW.
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*All 3 steps must be completed, or you will *not* receive the prize even if you are picked as the winner.

- Step Out In Style, Ladies! -

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My newly-minted tai-tai friend, Amelia, jio-ed me for dim sum at Tim Ho Wan for two reasons. One, it is apparently a tai-tai thing to queue for dim sum, and I am one of the few people who would be free to accompany her for the long wait. And two, her hubby would not bother queuing for dim sum (actually, my fiance wouldn’t too! That’s why we need girlfriends! HAHA!).

I arrived before she did, just before 10am and tah-dah… Singaporeans, and their love for food… So apparent:

Q-ing even before the restaurant was open for business!!!

Probably 30-40 people!!!

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We waited for 1 hour and 15 minutes before we finally got a table. Thankfully, I came prepared for the long wait – wore flats from Haute Shuz Bar, instead of heels. Image may be NSFW.
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Here’s most of what we ordered:

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Actually, it wasn’t THAT good. The Vermicelli Roll with Beef aka Beef Chee Cheong Fun, was so tasteless that we wanted to douse it in soy sauce! The Vermicelli Roll with Pig’s Liver was slightly better, but those who aren’t fans of liver should *not* order this dish. And the Prawn Dumpling and Pork Dumpling with shrimp were just so-so. The Beancurd Skin Roll w/Pork & Shrimp was ok. The drink (Iced Barley) was HORRIBLY diluted. Instead of paying $2 for barley water, pay 50cents for plain water!

But the saving grace was the Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (3pcs for $4.50 before tax)

Too yummy!!!

Here’s Amelia with the super yummy pork buns aka char siew pau:

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However, every person is only allowed 3 pork buns. So if you want to get some for takeaway, too bad! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. We were desperate enough to ask a stranger at a table nearby to order some for us and we paid her in cash. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Desperate times call for desperate measures. LOL!

If you are curious about the pricing and menu, here it is:

(front)

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(back)

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And when we left, the queue had grown even longer:

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Would I go back again? Erm…. not for the rest of the dim sum. For the pork buns, maybe. Then again, only if they remove this silly restriction of maximum 3 pork buns per pax. Alternatively, I can bring the entire family! Image may be NSFW.
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Tim Ho Wan is at Plaza Singapura (extension wing), #01-29A

*NO Reservations*

- Join The Q, Folks! -

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Last year, I won a 4D3N trip to Hong Kong with fellow blogger Jae Liew aka Charmaine Liew aka Kiyomi Shimizu (yes, she has that many names!), thanks to Omy.sg. And fast forward 6 months, and Jae got picked to be the female lead in Michelle Chong’s second movie ’3 Peas In A Pod’!

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[You can read about my Hong Kong trip with Jae Liew here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three]

Honestly, I never thought the 22-year old Jae would go into acting. She seemed to be very happy at Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe <- I’d never heard about them before, till Jae told me briefly what MMK is all about.

She even demonstrated a pose next to a maid cafe ad:

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She’s a lot of fun to be around and a master at posing for pictures. Stardom is going to be a piece of cake!

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Only after reading another blogger’s blogpost did I realize too, that Jae is a member of a local dance group! Check out this Youtube video:

I’ve read a number of press interviews that Jae did and I was very impressed by her statement that “My resolution this year was to do something out of my comfort zone. I am really glad to be given an opportunity to have this trip and experience of a lifetime captured on film”. Now, don’t you regret not setting some New Year’s resolutions? It’s not too late to get started! Image may be NSFW.
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- 3 Peas In A Pod is slated to hit the big screens later this year. Can’t wait! -

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Just got home from attending It’s A Date’s launch at Avalon. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. It was a good thing that I’d brought my pals with me, or I’d have been oh-so-lonely at the Media table. XD I’m not complaining though – ours were likely the best seats in the house, right before the stage.

Grainy picture, but it’s the best one I’ve got. XD

Free drinks too Image may be NSFW.
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[Clarence, Derek, Me, Claressa, Chris]

We were told that the event would start at 7pm but apparently, it’d only begin at 8pm (actually, after 8pm). The queue for food was super long but something interesting happened… One of the buffet trays had been removed before I’d gotten to it so I asked the guy in front of me if he knew what that tray had contained. He pointed to his plate and said that it was the cereal prawns. And… get this… he actually used a fork to move that mound of cereal aside, retrieve what was probably the only prawn he managed to get, AND GAVE IT TO ME! *Awwwwww* I was VERY shocked – I’m not quite used to *ahem* generosity or any form of chivalry from Singaporean men. Sorry!

Back to the event…

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The talkshow mainly revolved around a makeover for a guy named Jeremy. We basically heard from the people given the responsibility of dressing him up in new threads, to styling his hair, and teaching him makeup(???). And we finally got to meet the *new* Jeremy – quite impressive, as all makeovers are.

However, we felt there was a disconnect between the host/speakers and the audience. There was little to no engagement and we felt kinda “lost” when the event suddenly came to an end. Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. I think the lucky draw was alright – pity I didn’t get to win the Samsung S4 though! Image may be NSFW.
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Anyway, the It’s A Date app is supposedly Asia’s FIRST Personalized Dating Concierge App. It provides you with a recommended list of dining places to bring your date to, and you can use it to arrange for styling and grooming sessions prior to your date too.

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For more information, visit itsadate.com.sg or their facebook page.

Actually, I think that a guy can dress up well, get his hair professionally styled, and even use makeup to enhance his features, but I’ll still not be impressed if he doesn’t have proper manners. Read about the well-dressed pervert I met at a previous mass dating event.

Yes, gentlemen, you should definitely give up the very last prawn to the lady behind you in the buffet queue. She’ll be willing to overlook your dressing and hairdo, I believe. Image may be NSFW.
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Not sure if the app teaches manners, but when it comes to dating, both men and women need all the help we can get so bring it on! Image may be NSFW.
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End of the day… it was good hanging out with my pals. If only it’s Friday night… then we can have more drinks! XD

BTW, we love the view outside Avalon! Image may be NSFW.
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My dress is from The Trunkshop. Image may be NSFW.
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