#34 - Eve

A year has passed and there are many new things that I have learnt and achieved as well as friends that I have made and kept. People would say "I've grown a year older" but I would say "I've grown wiser and younger with each passing year". Today is a day to celebrate that with friends and family. Cherish every day with them and appreciate each person that comes into your life who made a difference.

I look forward to the year ahead because I know it's gonna be yet another exciting and fruitful year with bountiful blessings. I wish everyone a blessed year ahead and thank you all for reading! Cheers to a new year x

(Cr: http://cyrusgasmic.tumblr.com/ )

#33 - surprise, surprise (21122013)

After attending my youth service, I rushed over to meet Kerencia, Samiah and Boon Hui to go for Anj's church xmas service. Although it was pretty long and my bum got sore but the service was interesting nonetheless. I'm glad that she invited us to go and planted a seed in my 3 other friends to want to know my Jesus. I hope they were blessed! The church graciously provided snacks which was timely!!!!! (I was starving by then, phew) After my tummy was filled, we chatted for a bit and little did I know that they were preparing my cake. This time, I was genuinely surprised. So thankful for friends like them and these precious moments must be written down. 

Following which, we headed to the park opposite the church to snap some photos while waiting for Anj (but she went off early nuuu)

(more photos @ http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/ )

The cake was really good and I can't resist chocolate. Best thing EVER created. #understatementrightthere

Anywaysss, I prolly might not show my emotions but I am truly truly thankful and grateful for the cake. So thank you guys! I love y'all :*

Thank you for reading, x

#31 - 20/20

Hey guys! It's a Saturday, woohoo!! I think for those of you who are working, it was prolly your last day at work yesterday? (Like finally!!) Or maybe just my mum. anyway, I thought I would pen down my birthday thoughts today. It didn't dawn on me that I spent my 20th birthday on the 20th of December until my brother told me. How cool is that?! Plus, it happens only once thus the 20/20 title. My mind was blown at that point of time in which case, it marks a special year for me (:

So on the 19th, a bunch of my classmates came together for a dinner gathering and we exchanged presents. Even though it was only a small group of us, it felt homely. That marked a special moment for me which will hold a special place in my heart 'cos they celebrated it for me! Although they had meant for it to be a surprise, I was prepared for it. Funny enough, I was able to guess what they gave to me. HAHA! Actually, I didn't think I would need one but it's thoughtful of them to have given to me an unexpected gift. THANK YOU CHERMAINE, JULIA, INDAH and of course, JO'SSY, for the gift and the lovely cake as well as the thoughtful Xmas presents! x

On the day itself, it wasn't an eventful day but rather I spent time editing photos and  talking to my bro as well as my grandparents. Tbh, I was disappointed at first with how the day turned out to be but I didn't want to wallow in sadness and be consumed by it. I told myself that The Lord has so much more for me and as long I know that he loves me more than anyone, nothing can bring me down not even myself. After that, I was over it and what followed was much more. I remember going to MUJI whilst shopping for gifts that I spotted a bag which was what I was looking for. It was definitely pricey given that it was under a Japanese label and I had told my mum to check it out. I didn't expect her to get it for me 'cos at that point of time, I didn't intend for anything. It was merely a remark. Guess what I received? 

THE MOTHER OF ALL BAGS. (dramatic SFX)

My family chipped in and got me THE BAG (dramatic SFX!!!) and in the color I wanted!!! (DRAMATIC S F X !!!!!!!) Oh my gosh it was perfect and if I had my life recorded, you could zoom in and see the glistening in my eyeballs. Ding ding ding ~ starry eyed ~ It is the best gift I'd received and nothing can beat that. Hehehehe now I got new bag! Woohoooooooooo!!!!! THANK YOU MUMMY, DADDY and of course, MY LITTLE BABY BRO (chiku) HAHA I love you guys (:

How can I forget my well wishers? Some wishes came in early, some were late. Those I never thought would, did. Still, I thank you all so much for the thoughtful wishes! Thank you Jos, Jul, Cherms, Indah, Camilia, Shuwen, Qingli, Aihui, Kerencia, Salina, Kunyan, Samiah, Grace, Liz, Liling, Celestine, Anj and Jessin! X

Thank you for reading, x

#32 - Exchange (19122013)

Here's a recap from post #31 - I gathered together with some of my friends from Y2S2 for a Xmas gift exchange as well as a pre-celebration of my birthday! I've finally done a mass editing for a collection of photos and this is long overdue. 

Following this, I took some shots of Indah who specially wore a dress that day and I had to take it. 

More photos @ http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

Thank you for reading, x. 

#30 - love is a four letter word

Hey there. It's been a month since I last updated and no it wasn't intentional to blog on the 16th again.

So, it's finally the holidays and man am I filled with glee 'cos I've been waiting ages for this time to come! How you guys been though? I kinda miss this space since it's like a personal space where I can show my creativity and also inspire people in the process. Like my little baby. *strokes screen*

OK. I thought I'll just share some of my Instagram photos which are time stamps in my life during the month long hiatus. I feel that with pictures, it helps to tell a better story. 

1. SATAY
Location: Old Airport Rd
Spent some time with Vanessa, my CG mate after CIP briefing and we went to have some food and going there reminds of certain people in my life. Anyway, the satay was so good and I pledge to go there again. Not only for the good food but the atmosphere 'cos that to me, is what makes up SG as my home.

2. GOLDIE-LOCKS
Location: RP
Yeah, it was fundraising week and my class had to sell stuff to raise funds for our production. (in which I will intentionally self-promote. Like our fb page here and follow our instagram/twitter @D24_Productions kthx) I remember how tight my schedule was and my team and I were SO busy. Those weeks of late night meetings and sleepless hours were all made worth it when we hit our target. Thank God for everything!

3. GIRLS
Location: RP
Thank you also to those who came to show your support and my girls! xoxo

4. RPA LADIES
Location: National Library
After having fun and blessing others during CIP, I was being blessed again after hearing the word. I came back to life and whatever I did felt so worth it. I love these bunch of people and I feel so at home. Using words to describe my feelings cannot amount to the feels I feel towards them. See. I just.. #kingdomfriendships

5. FREE WILLY
Location: RP
From Bollywood to Singapore to TRCC. After World Music lesson on this day, I've come to realize how much I love music class. Y'know what? Lessons in RP need not be boring IF you decide to make it fun. Bring people into the fun and fun will come into class. Willy was born on this faithful day and will be fondly missed.

R.I.P WILLY

Born on 23/11/2013

Died on 23/11/2013

6. LUNCH
Location: Home
Decided to cook my own lunch just 'cos I wanted to try the noodles I bought from the Korean mart. I had the choice to join my parents at Woodgrove but opted to stay home to do some school work as well.

7. NEW
Location: Home
It was morning when I took this. The flowers replaced the previous set which were purple and how fast it has been since (i think) October where the original ones were displayed. It's finally December aka my favorite month of the year! Christmas carols, presents, sweather weather's, hot cocoa and all other goodness combined into one awesome month!!! xoxoxoxo

8. R&TR
Location: RP
In this month, I also discovered my new favorite artist. Riley and the Roxies. #holla Their music and mv just speaks old school and..... hipsterrrr ~ which I absolutely lurve. So, go check 'em out! You can download their free music from here. Ocean Gold isn't the only track I love just so you know.

9. GRANDPA'S BIRTHDAY
Location: Home
My mom baked an Avocado Chocolate Cake for my grand dad's bday and as always, it tastes good. #nuffsaid

10. TIME STOPPER
Location: Bus-stop
I didn't realize that my watch had a crack until I was queuing up for my bus home. Shocked and heartbroken at the same time 'cos this was my favorite watch. I remember my mum buying it for me. It was the perfect size and perfect color. I still have it with me, right beside my table with the hands stopping at 3.30PM. #sobs #cryingfit Goodbye dear companion.

11. DOOR CANDY
Location: Home
My mum decided to buy these cute decorations to jazz up our loft. Cheap but adds to the atmosphere. Thanks mum!

12. T-CONVERSATIONS
Location: Toast Box
It's been long since I last went out with my brother to do some catching up so shopping for xmas gifts was our opportunity. Went out for lunch first before walking up and down the mall looking for the gifts. Then, we stopped for some tea at Toast Box which isn't usually a place we would sit down at 'cos we would usually opt for fast food. Thanks bro for paying for the gifts and as for the money...... :) hmmm

- - -

Those were 12 photos for my month hiatus update on the 12th month of the year. Coincidence? Not intentional either. I promise you I didn't count the no. of photos to put together, I just took those I reckon would be nice. Anyway, not sure when will be the next time I blog but I'll continue to put up good and fresh content every time :)

Thank you for sticking around and till then, I wish you all a blessed X'mas!
X.

#29 - Where have I been?

Hello. I've been missing, yes I am aware. I thought I should write what I've been doing recently.

I'm currently taking up 6 modules for the school semester and thus have been busy. Some of them requires me to do some pre-class work and some requires me to over work myself. The one that I am most busy over the 6 is having to put up a production together with my class. It's not been easy but I know my God will see me through.

Given that this is a platform I can freely use, my class and I will be having a fundraiser on the 23rd of November 2013 at Republic Polytechnic. If you are from there, I warmly welcome you to join us! We will be serving Chocolate Fondue, Gong Cha as well as a Hair curling service! I thank you in advance :)

Oh, I have also taken up a Korean class and my teacher is so bubbly. (Which reminds me that I have homework to do) She seems so excited to teach and that makes her class interesting! Lastly, I'm so excited for this week because I'll be serving the Lord through a CIP event with my CG :)

I don't quite have a habit of tweeting often but I think I post more pictures so go check me out on Instagram @shemetjoe if you want.

Stay fabulous.
Thanks for reading, x.

#28 - SALMON BAKED RICE

Hey yo! How are you guys? Good? I've been pretty busy this week and will continue to be for the following weeks but it's okay! At least, I'm doing something productive and learning stuff!

So, on Sunday mum, me and my bro made lunch together. We have this thing where we make food that my dad wouldn't usually eat when it's just the 3 of us at home. It's called #onepansundays ! Why? It's because we usually throw the ingredients into one pan and eat from there.

more photos : http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

It was super duper yummy!!!!! Food-gasm overloadz. We had the left side mixed with egg and the other with cheese. For this dish, I'll have to go with the cheesy side. Obviously. (:

- - - 

Today, my family and I had planned to explore Little Guilin but unfortunately when we arrived it rained. I was a little disappointed but I decided to take it with a pinch of salt and treated the rest of the day as an adventure. (I guess I was influenced by Ben and Louis) I really feel that time is flying and I have no time to do so many things so with every time I have, it shall be an adventure and a good experience! Even though we didn't get to have a picnic, we got to spend time together which is always the best time. (:

Guilin pictures will be up on Insta so follow me or check me out if you want! @shemetjoe

Stay fabulous,
Thanks for reading x

#27 - The 2976

I posted on Instagram a not so obvious photo of my DMs and I've been putting this blog post on hold for a while. The reason being that my feet needs to heal. Now, I've read online about how DMs can seriously injure your feet and that the pain is something that one should not be playing with. #truth

I'm gonna be real honest when I say that if you can bear the pain and have the patience to wear them out, then go for it. I got mine because my pre-loved boots were crumbling off. Literally. Trust me when I say that I leave crumbs (flakes) wherever I walk. I guess you can say it is an investment and a rather big one. Let's get a move on and "Quit talking, more showing"!

- - - 

These babies are the Dr Martens 2976 Boot. I guess the style is called Pull-on Chelsea Boot and I got the smooth ones because I prefer matte over glossy. One thing about DMs is that they are made out of hard leather which is probably gonna take quite long to break in to. (break in : the leather to soften)

Here are some links which I think might be useful if you're thinking of getting DMs :

• http://danicastark.blogspot.sg/2013/04/how-to-break-in-your-martens.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnSfSNnXdfo

I also like how these 2976's give me the extra height without making my feet feel 'tired' like how heels do! Since I took some pictures of my DMs, I thought why not show how I would style them! So, I paired my outfit that leaned toward the night vibe.

I have this formal white top on and I thought that this would be appropriate if I want to look dressed up at night. Also, I think some of us (or maybe just me) would rock this during our internship so I guess it's something common in a way. Next, I thought I'll kick it up a notch and rock a statement piece.

I buttoned up and set this gold necklace (If there is a name to describe this, let me know!) which I got from CLS, around my neck. I think it will be eye-catching since the gold contrasts the white. Plus, it's reflective so it'll definitely be eye-catching!

photo blog : http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

You know how Fall/Winter is coming up? I think I can pretend that it feels chilly even though it is 30 degrees all year round in Singapore. I thought I'll just throw on a light jumper which I got from H&M to maybe keep myself comfy and warm in the air-conditioning. I love how the pairing came out because it's monochromatic which is the style I'm totally in to!

- - - 

That concludes my DMs post! Hopefully, I can keep posting regularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays since school has already started for me. Speaking of school, I have so much things to do and so much more to learn which is daunting. For sure, time is gonna fly quickly and soon enough it'll be over. (:

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed weekend!
Stay fabulous &
Thanks for reading, x.

#26 - My milkshake brings...

..All you people to my blog. HA HA. Okay so yes I'll be talking about milkshake but not chocolate or strawberry OR vanilla but A.V.O.C.A.D.O!!!!!! YAY!!!! You can probably tell that I really love the fruit. Yes, in fact I really enjoy eating them/drinking them because they go well with salads, sandwiches, facial washes(?) and milkshakes of course. I recently made an avocado milkshake for myself and here's how.

- - -

I think that this beverage is something easy that everyone can make and certain ingredients are things that most people would already have!

Milk is an essential part of this beverage because not only does it allow the avocado to be sipped on, it makes it easier to blend and it's also good for your bones. Depending on how many avocados you use, the end product should be thick rather than liquid. Also, you can choose to add any amount of milk to your preference. At the end of the day, it's all about your own taste, right? Personally, I added 1 cup of milk to 1 avocado. So ratio is 1:1 .

Sugar is what tingles the taste buds. I feel that avocado has a nutty kind of taste to it but it's neither sweet nor sour. Adding sugar will make a big difference to the drink so add however you prefer. I prefer the in-between where I can taste the nuttiness of the avocado and the slight sweetness of the sugar. In case you were wondering what the brown stuff is you see on the authentically made drinks, it's gula melaka. So, I am just replacing that with sugar.

Last but not least, Avocado. I bought 3 at one shot from the supermarket and two of them were unripe. I waited for them to ripen before using and once the skin turns brown, it's appropriate to use them. After slicing the avocado into half, I twisted them and pulled the halves apart and since all I needed were the flesh, I took out the seed. I had no idea that you needed SKILL to pull the seed out so I'm going to pass down my knowledge like how shifu did to Po.

With half an avocado in your hand, take the knife and chop down on the seed. Once the knife is stuck to the seed (not your fingers), twist it and it SHOULD come out. Be very careful because I don't want it turning into a halloween prank. After this, just dig the flesh out with a spoon and throw it into the blender together with the ice, sugar and milk!

Photo blog : http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

& here I have mine in a not so limited edition coca cola cup from the Olympics season very nicely decorated by my mum with a straw! yay! I think mine came out pretty good so it was a success :)

I hope you guys are having a wonderful mid-week.
Stay fabulous!
Thanks for reading, x.

#25 - How to: Bite-sized Taupok balls

Can we just take a moment to relish the fact that it's a SATURDAY?! All y'all finally made it to the the weekends! For me, I'm about to start school and I'm not too sure how I really feel about it. I'm excited for all the new things I'll be learning and doing something productive everyday. However, I'm not too excited about the workload and the fact that school is starting. Yeah, I know. It's a feeling that is going to take a while to understand. Also! My school had sent me an email telling us that they have added a new 'Wardrobe Collection' for those who don't abide by the dress code. Wow. I'm looking forward to the Fall fashion style that the school would be testing on students. HAHA (cue laughter)

- - -

I for one have never seen any food stall that sells what I'm about to show. So, I thought why not share about how to make them. Maybe it'll inspire you, maybe not? I can guarantee that it will be delicious and your taste buds will be calling out for more.

Ingredients you'll need are :

• Minced chicken meat 
• Fish meat 
• Mushrooms
• Spring Onions
• Carrots (diced)
• Soy sauce
• Sesame Oil
• Chinese cooking wine (a.k.a 花雕酒)
• Pepper
• Corn flour (depends on how much of the filling you have. more = more. It will help the mixture to stick)
• Egg yolk (this will help the mixture to not only stick together but also makes it more fragrant)
• Taupok (*SUPER IMPORTANT IF NOT YOU AIN'T GON' MAKE ANYTHING*)

In total, I spent : $10+ 

So, the things that I needed to spend on were the meat and the taupok. I did about a 100 servings but don't be taken aback by the amount it's not tedious at all. For the mixture, I just threw in the meat and vegetables together and gave them a good mix till everything is one big chunka meat. The sesame oil and cooking wine were added to give it fragrance. The pepper was added to sorta strip away any fishy smell. Lastly, the soy sauce was to give it flavor but I adjusted accordingly since the fish meat that I'd bought had MSG added.

For the taupok, I bought the bigger sized ones so my grandma and I thought of many creative ways to present the taupok balls and also to be able to make enough for everyone. In the end, we stuck with mini taupok balls or what my grandma would say "GOLD INGOTS!" HUAT AH!!!! (cue laughter)

Taking this big piece, I cut it into four. Then, for each piece I cut the middle just enough so that it won't tear open when I invert them. The trick when inverting is to push the middle or the corner of the piece in first then try as much as possible to be delicate with pushing the rest in. Of course, practice makes perfect! The following picture shows the progression. The end result is getting the coral-like interior to be outside so that I'll end up with a crispy delight!

Filling wise, we didn't want to put too much because the outside gets cooked really fast and we don't want people having to eat charcoal balls. Another note is that taupok by nature is very absorbent so therefore, it absorbs A LOT of oil so make sure that the oil is hot before cooking. While cooking them, I learnt to not over-fry them because the 'juice' from the meat will be gone. So, as long as you can see the meat turn white and the inside is more solid, it's time to take it out. 

photo blog : http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

Eventually, they will turn brown even if I took them out when they were golden but rest assured, they are perfectly fine. Of course, they taste better when just cooked! I'm really glad that my CG mates loved it! So, I hope that anyone who reads this would too :)

Alright, have a blessed weekend and..

Thanks for reading, x.

#24 - CHILL DAY

I'm guessing most of us spent the day with our family and friends yesterday since it was a public holiday. It was a very chill day for me and family so we each did our own stuff. I decided to tag along with my grandma and mum for some grocery shopping as well as lunch. After that, it was just helping mum make an apple pie, watching TV shows and Youtube videos.

The outward appearance of the pie looked really good since mum put in some work to mold some leafy detail. However, the recipe she used didn't turn out the way she wanted it to. Nonetheless, we now know that the recipe will forever be at the bottom of the sea and never to be seen by a human soul. Ever.

I also have a photo blog! >>> http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/ <<<

Thanks for reading, x.

#23 - I AM A DECENT COOK.

If you ask me if I can cook, I would've told you that "I am a decent cook." I can cook up an egg sandwich for breakfast, a pot of fried rice for lunch and an oven-baked fish for dinner. Suffice to say, I can cook myself a meal. So for lunch a few days back, I made myself a quick and simple meal!

Ingredients

• Scrambled Eggs : White Onion (small), Corn Kernels (mine are the frozen ones), Carrots and Milk.
• Dry noodles : Mi Goreng noodles

I like how NTUC sells these cooked fish that is already marinated with teriyaki sauce which makes things SO much easier. I think beginners can even cook this because they have 3 methods that comes with instructions at the back. Fret not young ones!

- - - 

On the same day, I decided to make some banana pancakes because I was craving for it. Since there was some connection problem I couldn't search the Interwebs for a recipe so I just used my gut feeling to judge. I did had a fun time experimenting (:

(disclaimer : this is what I would do if I made a pancake. The recipe can be altered to your personal taste)

Ingredients

• Salt (a pinch)
• Eggs x2
• Banana (Mashed)
• Milk (small cup)
• Plain Flour/Self-Raising flour (preferred)
• Vanilla Essence

For the banana, I mashed it while leaving small bits of banana. I reckon that while biting the slightly tasteless pancake, there will be bursts of sweetness. As for the milk, it was my savior when the batter became too thick as you want the batter to be more of a liquid consistency so pour it in bit by bit. I used plain flour thinking that I will have fluffy pancakes but had flat cakes instead. I guess self-raising flour would help with the fluffing it up!

After altering the recipe after the first pancake, it turned out pretty good! It went really well with my cup of milk and a spread of Nutella (:

Hmm, what did I learn from this? I guess, you never know until you try. Now I know how to make pancakes! So, UNLEASH YOUR INNER COOK TODAY!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!
For better viewing of pics, go to http://foxusphotos.tumblr.com/

& as always,

Thanks for reading, xx