#21 - The Lunch Bus

Recently, my dad and I have been exploring the woodlands estate. We have taken two buses for now and I thought why not share what we did on my blog!

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The first bus we took was 913 which brought us all the way to Admiralty and we had lunch at Koufu. The Foodcourt was mashed between Fork & Spoon which was another Foodcourt and a neighbourhood mall. Then we took our usual walk around the small neighbourhood mall called Woodlands Mart. It was a rather small community which I can't help but think that everyone knows each other and it was obvious that we were aliens to them. The mall gave me a 'of the past and the present' vibe because there were shops that had signs of wear and tear but had a new coat of paint over their scars. Also, there were shops that were more familiar with the younger generation like Sweet Talk and Mcdonalds. Whilst walking, we noticed that there were MANY students sitting around and just chilling after school. All of them were from different schools though. 

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(all photos taken with an iPhone)

Today, we took bus 856 which brought us to Marsiling Lane or Admiralty Rd. (I'm confused too but if you search google maps, marsiling lane is the better option) we had lunch at a hawker centre in Block 20. It was packed with office workers from the nearby factories and residents of the area. Food was cheap and the portion was good! 

Soy Sauce Chicken Rice

S$2.50

If you're looking for a meal that will satisfy your tummy leaving you without cravings for the rest of the day then this plate will save you. Although the rice wasn't up to standard and the chilli was more like Thai chilli sauce but they were pretty generous with the amount of chicken (: When at a hawker centre, don't leave without having freshly squeezed fruit juice which is also served cheap! I had apple juice and it was refreshing and non-diluted. Mmmmm...

Walking around this small neighbourhood I realised how quiet it was. It was like time decided to slow down. Most of the shops looked so old school! From provisional shops to hardware shops to wet markets. Visiting this place will enable anyone to relive the good ol' days.

Thanks for reading, x. 

# 20 - Chocolate Hazelnut Cake (My Mum Bakes)

Hey y'all! Time really flies! It's been 2 weeks since my holidays started and I, unlike many of my peers have accomplished only a fair bit. I don't have anything planned out to do during the holidays even though I did mention that I wanted to find a job. I took the first step of opening up Classifieds and looking through to find a job that might interest me but..nothing. I know many people would say that you would never find out if you like the job unless you try or just take up any job to gain the experience and if you don't like it, then you know that this is one of the thousands of jobs that would not fit me. I like that positive thinking but at the end of the day, I think that doing what I love to do would make me want to get out of bed and quickly start work. Yes, many factors fall in place and so does many different reasons to why I should take up any job but I don't want to be striving at work. So, that was just a piece that I had to pen down which maybe (just maybe) wasted 1 min of your time. HA.

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My Mum Bakes! strikes again. This time, she made a chocolate hazelnut cake that amazingly didn't require flour but just oil and hazelnuts. (of course chocolates...) Again, I want to say that I edited the photos BEFORE I realised that someone had already taken up the name XFOCUS so, therefore, I don't intend to infringe any copyright!

They were delicious and I really love the texture of it because it was both soft and moist! Just like a piece of brownie :) yumz. Sigh, what to do, my mum is so talented and she feeds me with good stuff until I'm this big. *looks at sad tummy with 1 family pack* HAHAHA #blessed

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So whilst I'm typing up this post, I'm waiting for the darn video to load. I'm currently on a My Princess marathon because SSH is just tooooo *puppy eyes* *starry eyed*. I realised that my biases (kinda weird to type this) are WAAAAAY older. LOL 

IF you have nothing to do, (like me lol) I recommend to watch this KDrama because it touches on issues like the old vs new and politics. Not only that, I think the character types are interesting because of the r/s and conflicting feelings. ALSO, A LOT OF SUBTEXT therefore thinking about what the characters say and feel goes through my mind a lot. Thanks to theatre teachings. HAHA Have fun watching!

As always,

Thanks for reading, x.

# 19 - Ahoy! (My Mum Bakes)

A while back, my mum made some really delicious Fisherman's Pie for dinner. It was the best, as always :) It had a layer of cheese on the top and the pie was mixed with a cream base. The filling consisted of potato, ham, egg and black pepper. The most important ingredient was literally, FISH! (DUH)

On another note, I just found out that someone else has already taken up 'XFOCUS Photography' after I edited the photos. Silly. Anyway, I shifted my 'portfolio' to http://xfocusbyjoywe.wordpress.com/ so you can just view the photos there! Or, you can click the links on the side >>>

As usual,

Thanks for reading, x. 

# 18 - RVRSBL

Hey! Surprise, surprise. I'm blogging after 2 days. (You'll hear your set of 4 numbers on the radio soon. jk.)
I recently shopped with my brother at Uniqlo and bought this jacket that is reversible! How cool is that! Both sides offers different styling options and not only that, they each serve a purpose be it cool or warm, I'm covered. This jacket was totally an unplanned purchase but I was glad that I got it ;) As usual, photos!

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(p.s. not an advertorial)

What I'm wearing

Top | Long Sleeved White Top

Bottom | Skinny Jeans from New Look

Headwear | Black Beanie, Bleeker SnapBack from RIPNDIP

Outerwear | Uniqlo

What I'm wearing

Everything else is the same

Top | Graphic Tee from New Look

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I'll be having a camp this week! First camp after so long.
Sigh, that means I will be missin' CG and possibly church.. Oh well...

Thanks for reading, x.

#17 - Me, You, Them.

Hey! I'm baaaaack :) (and guess who is on a month long break?? meeeee.)

A month long break = I-will-do-the-things-that-I-wanted-to-do-but-never-got-the-chance-to-because-of-classes. (phew that's a mouthful. I challenge you to say that 3 times fast. If you manage to do it, I will...)

So, the very first thing I did once my semester ended was to have a STEAMBOAT PARTY! Oh man, it was a good few hours spent with a couple of mates filled with laughter and homely food. Lovely, ain't it :) So, let's get on with the pictures! (y'know you want to see it. deeep down.) (am I annoying you with the brackets)(?) (no)(.)

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We chilled for a bit while doing up the cards for Kerencia and Boon Hui. Look at how hardworking we are with all the art and crafts materials. Artist mess.

At about 4.20pm, we started prepping for the steamboat like putting them on plates, boiling the hot water etc.

Housewife material right there. Anyone interested, drop me an email. (just kiddin'.) HAHA But on a serious note, she prepped all the food. Wash, cut, peel etc all her.

We prepped everything and waited for at least 1/2 an hour before the rest of the crew arrived and we started feasting! Look at how blessed we were! Prawns, taupok, mushrooms, CHEESE MEATBALLS (oh they were the bomb diggity), crabstick, CHEESE TOFU and more. All for 6 people and we couldn't finish lol.

Concept : Bunny pulling the carrot out.

After the feast when all of us were too full, we played Charades using the app. Oh it was so fun!! HAHAHA Samiah took a video which I've yet to see which reminds me that I need to get it. We cleaned up and brought the game to the room where we played other games as well :)

Then, in the midst of the games, I sneaked away to take out the cake and called them out saying " hey guys come out, I got something to show you. " Aaaaaand we sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I believed they were pleasantly surprised. Anj, Celestine and Samiah got them the birthday cake and the perfumes! The cake was really good so just in case you're thinking of what to have for dessert, go to Four Leaves and try their Royal Cheese Cake/ Strawberry Shortcake!

 (Birthday girls with their presents and cake)

So, after the cake, we went outside to take more photos and wanted have fun with sparklers. However, I was disappointed because our lighter didn't work. SIGHHHH SUPER SPOILER. T.T So, we took photos instead which lifted our mood because 'crazy' took over. I believed we made A LOT of noise but thank God no one chased us away heh.

(oh, hello. You made it this far. Remember the challenge I made earlier on and hinted a prize for it? Well, here's my prize!!)

(b)(r)(a)(c)(k)(e)(t)(s) CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! YOU HAVE UNLOCKED A LIFE ACHIEVEMENT OF READING SOMETHING 3 TIMES FAST EVEN THOUGH YOU MIGHT HAVE DONE IT BEFORE. EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T, IT'S OKAY. YOU DID IT. A FOR EFFORT.   (b)(r)(a)(c)(k)(e)(t)(s)

please don't leave. You've made it this far, why not read on yeah? #pls

** So, each of us took 'crazy' shots but to protect my friend's image, I shall not post it here. For those who love looking at people who look funny, well you can 'enjoy' mine as I dig up a hole and bury myself away from the world. goodbye **

I had a lovely time and I wanna thank these 5 people you see up there in the gif for being so kind throughout the semester :) Cheers to another!

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Thanks for reading, x.

# 16 - Quick update x Burnin' x Playlist

Hey it's been 2 weeks since I lasted posted. So, how's it going?

Quick update : (before I dive into my relaxing day at the beach)
I've just finished my performance for a module and I'm so relieved + glad that it was over. Most importantly, it was a success because we actually made the audience laugh and kept the pace going yknow. :') Thankful for my team mates who stuck by. You guys know who you are! <3 x

Also, I'm almost done with all my modules which is also another good thing because I wouldn't have to do any more RJs at least for a few weeks. However, my last stretch of exams are 'round the corner so I might not be posting for a long time. Not that I post everytime...but... yeahh..

Oh, one more thing! I'm feeling excited to receive Glasshouse merchandise cos I bought them! They are nicely designed and pretty. I'm not paid to do this but do support The Sam Willows through contributing to their Glasshouse MV! Their still short on their goal but if everyone just chip in a bit, I'm sure they can reach it! Click http://igg.me/at/glasshousemv and check out the different perks they have to offer!

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***DISCLAIMER : I FORESEE THAT I WOULD BE SAYING BBQ A LOT. ***

So, on the 8th of August just a day before Singapore's National Day, my family and I decided to have a BBQ by the beach. It's been on my mum's mind for a while to have a BBQ with a portable pit and we finally did! In the morning, our family went to get ingredients like prawns, sausages, bacon and corn etc. Then, we took a cab and went to East Coast Park.

The weather wasn't what we wanted it to be because my dad actually checked the weather forecast and it was SUPPOSED to be sunny. *starts singing Fort Minor's - Where'd You Go and looks out into the horizon* Anywayyyy, we had to wait it out so instead of having BBQ for lunch, we had it for dinner.

We sat on a table facing the sea and BBQ-ed our food. It was funny because we sat right in front of the huge BBQ pit where you have to book in advance while we just like sit down and *BAM* BBQ. The whole time when we were there, the people BBQ-ing behind us were looking at us. It's the kind of "Oh your puny BBQ set ain't gon cook nuthin' " look but hey, we still succeeded.

Me, mum and bro packed corn, mushroom + capsicum kebab, fresh salad, sausages, bacon and prawns! It doesn't sound like much but by the time we ended the BBQ, I was soooo full that I almost exploded. Literally.

It wasn't too hot and neither was it too windy. The weather was perfect for a BBQ and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The food turned out better than I'd expected in fact, it was delicious! MMMMMM :P

(I think they are Portobello mushrooms? Sorry, not a food connoisseur nor expert at recognising mushroom types. I poked a satay stick into the mushroom together with capsicums. In the background are the butter prawns and on the right are the sausages bought from the supermarket)

(cookin' up some butter prawnsssszx)

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That kinda sums up the day cos right after that, we went back home, watched some TV and went to bed! Basically, a really chill day ;) The next time you ever think of having a BBQ with some friends or your family, THINK SMART, GO PORTABLE.  - HAHAHA that was actually a good catchphrase.

So, as always, thanks for reading! x
Social Media links on the side so follow me if you want and I'll talk to everyone soon.

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Also, I've been really into Arctic Monkeys. Here are a few song recommendations :
A Certain Romance : http://youtu.be/VPmLadF3ydI
Mardy Bum : http://youtu.be/Lp1fQ51YZMM
Why'd You Only Call Me When You High : http://youtu.be/6366dxFf-Os
R U Mine : http://youtu.be/VQH8ZTgna3Q
Cornerstone : http://youtu.be/LIQz6zZi7R0

Hope you'd like it :)

#SATEAMBOAT

Hi, I'm finally back with a proper photo post! It's been a while but I've been so overwhelmed with school assignments and lack of sleep but finally(!) the long weekends are here!! I'm so excited because I get to have a short break away from the routine and my school. While sitting in my room, waiting for the laundry to be done and for the RJ to be released, I now have the time to blog yay! ON TO THE PHOTOS!

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Just last weekend, (wow time really flies) I met up with my secondary school mates for a farewell + gathering and we feasted over steamboat. It was a farewell meant for my beloved friend, Grace, who is going off to Boston to continue her studies. Even though I didn't stay for long, it was a good meet-up and I felt that my weekend was well-spent :)

A bunch of us went over to Nex to go get ingredients and apparently we were left with a lot of meat items in the end. HAHA

 ^ pretty self-explanatory photo here. We had cheese meatballs (omg these balls were so good. umm don't think otherwise.) , the usual fishballs, meatballs, porkballs and sausages!

^ Chef Eileen on duty along with Grace to prepare the ingredients while I just give moral + eye support ;P

^ of course, steamboat wouldn't be complete without a couple of veggies to give me fibre so that I will have a proper start to my day tmr with my business out of the way. If you get what I mean.

.....& so the feasting starts! Can you count how many meat items we have on the table?! (no prize though)

 ^ the few who came yesterday to enjoy the feasting :)

^ sorry lah all busy eating so no time to take photo. haha

 ^ first photo : my EC. She is so cuteeee hehehehe ok stahp joywe.

Mama Eileen + EC + GRACIEEEEE :)

 ^ the better group photo because everyone looks so happy :)

 Yay polaroid shot! I love polaroids hehehe hint hint

 ^ last girl group photo before I went off. So tiring to bend down hahaha but for them I would. cheyyy ;P

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On a final note, I'm so glad that I still have my secondary school mates to accompany me through this journey. Thank you everyone who still wanna be friends with me even when I have boyish hair and when I have extremely long hair HAHA I am so thankful for you guys :)

Aaaaand, dear Grace, I still wish you all the best in your pursuit of happiness in music. Thank you for being an inspiration to me for never giving up on your dreams and passion. Let's keep in touch and when you need me, I'll always be here! See you soon! x