Laying kitchen floor tiles next week. Look forward to see how it's going to transform (>.<)
What we aimed for our nest (^o^) Still considering which shop to choose... Mostly will patronize Tropical Bath, a new opened shop selling kitchen and bathroom accessories. Good service! Good discount too! The other shop (just opposite) is having promotion, 1 WC bowl + 1 basin = $199. But Hubby Kiwi doesn't like the design (images = 1st row, pic 2 & 3, from left to right). He prefers Tropical Bath's products (image = 2nd row).
Spent $89 to book a room at value hotel along Jalan Besar, cos of diarrhea... Heartache...
Had our dinner at Cafe Cartel (IMM). So full! I'm so addicted to creamy pasta!!!
Had a simple birthday celebration for Chris with Kim on 2 Oct 2009 (Fri). Used my camera phone to take picture, only took 2 photos, haven't uploaded yet.
Too much pressure
Monday, September 21, 200916:48
I was and still am busying with my work, preparing for my renovation which is going to start on 29-09-2009. Chose tiles for living room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with our Renovator, Henry. He brought us to Hafary @ Balestier last Sun, 13-09-2009. While we were waiting for Henry, we bumped into Rosalind and her hubby, Thomas! What a surprise! They accompanied us and we chit-chatted until Henry called Kiwi.
He recommended us two shops, but we like Hafary only. Finally chose our ideal tiles, but unfortunately, my ideal wall tiles for MBR bathroom has low stock.
Bo Bian, yesterday I went back to Hafary to re-choose. I couldn't get something similar to the previous pattern after browsing from 1pm - 4pm+. So, I forgo my "warm+bright" concept, chose another simple concept one.
After that meetup with my mum, sis, 4th aunt, cousin Siqi and Xiaoyi to Kbox @ Clementi. Xiaojiu, 1st aunt, 3rd aunt, cousin Meow/Christine, cousin Lynne & cousin Eden suppose joining us... but last min: 1. Xiaojiu+Eden+1st aunt+3rd aunt - got to work. 2. Cousin Meow is preparing for her paper. 加油！ 3. Cousin Lynne's bf birthday
Guys, we will catch up again another day!
Used my digicam to take a few pictures only. The rest are with Xiaoyi & Siqi's digicam.
Last Sat, 12-09-2009, Kim & I were invited to Sharon's house. She prepared breakfast for us. Although just a simple one, but we really enjoy eating and chit-chatting. She is still on her maternity leave, but going back to work in October. Her princess Yujia is so cute and adorable, her hands are so small... I'm very emotional, my tears dropped... My best friend, Sharon... The 3 of us know one another since pri school. We never miss one another's important moment... Now, Sharon is a mother... Looking at her baby, the feeling is so special, so touching...
Celebrated Yiping's birthday on 09-09-2009 at Jack's Place.
The actual day is on 11-09-2009 and that day is for her to celebrate with her family and close ones. So we meet up earlier and luckily all of us are available on this special date. Except for Xiaolin! She got work last minute. But nvm, she can celebrate with their usual gang. We'll catch up for Christina's birthday.
Chatted alot during the meet up although we always msn but not enough... You guys gotta pity Christina, I'm going to keep disturbing her when I move in my new nest.
Always hear compliments from others, saying Ikea specialty chicken wings and meatballs are yummy and popular. Finally had the chance to try it at Ikea Alexandra with Kiwi after having movie, The Proposal with colleagues at Vivo. Really taste great, I mean the chicken wings, not meatballs. I can't take beef, but from what Kiwi comments, taste nice too!
Recently not much 热情 in taking photo... Maybe because of busying at work and personal issues, I become lazy... And most of the photos are taken by Kiwi's iPhone. He hasn't uploaded to pc yet. So I can only blog those pictures which are taken by my digicam...
Under too much pressure recently... work, renovation, "keys", people... Luckily last Sun bumped into Rosalind and Thomas. They gave me alot of positive encouragement. Rosalind, shall meet you & Nicole soon! Need consultation from you again...
Hope when renovation starts, I can focus on it and turn my nest to a cozy, lovely home... But it is so different from my original concept now...
A date with Xiaoyi
Saturday, August 15, 200923:35
Many of my close ones know I love Hokkien mee, especially the one at Bt Batok which is very near to my new nest! Xiaoyi brought me to her bf's family's stall at Chong Pang. We tried his parents' Hokkien Mee and White Carrot Cake. I prefer their carrot cake, crispy and nice!
After our brunch, Xiaoyi & I went to Sembawang Shopping Centre to walk walk. I sms-ed Xiuhui who stays nearby: "Hi! I'm at Sembawang SC now!" She replied: "Nothing much to shop hor?" Indeed... We shopped at Daiso & Giant, bought something for ourselves and family. Hee... Bought a pair of Badminton racket which costs $2 only. It's for my brother. We are going to have badminton session next Sat.
Then we back to North Point. Walked around at the new extension, and had dinner at The Breeks. Service ichiban, but food... urgh... soup is cold too...
Then went to Xiaoyi's house, watched Drop Dead Diva series online. Well well well... I seldom blog now because I'm busying watching series, movies online. So many to catch!!!
The last 2 weekends~
Sunday, August 2, 200910:40
Yesterday was a tiring day... Went to meet Alan to settle my new nest window in the morning with Hubby Kiwi and paid deposit. Then rushed to office to check some emails. Teri was there! "Jamie, don't you know I work 5 & 1/2 day?" Teri jokes. Poor colleagues in Finance... They always work till so late and even have to come back in weekends.
Then took cab back to meet Hubby Kiwi and we went to Tampines One to meet Fiona! Had our brunch at BBQ Chicken!
Went to Orchard ION to hang around and collected my ring.
Got 12 free movie tickets cos of credit card at The Cathay and enjoyed THE HANGOVER too. Nice!!! Guys sure LOVE this movie! & had our dinner at basement Tw cuisine.
Last Sat Hubby Kiwi and I went to Singapore Expo (settled our laminated floor for 3 bedrooms and main door grille) and Causeway Point to have our dinner. PASTAMANIA!!! I'm addicted to creamy pasta after my TW trip.
Then we went to visit Simon & Rachel. Their nest is so cosy and lovely! So the next day, Hubby Kiwi and I decided to engage their contractor, Henry!!! Renovation will start after lunar 7th month.
MIL & DIL are more gan jiong than us. They even asked us out after work, they wanna buy hob and hood for us. But the sales advises them to buy when the renovation begins.
* Congrats to Simon & Rachel! Lil' Simon really resembles Simon alot!*
20 - 23 June 2009: Taipei Trip
Sunday, July 5, 200919:56
This morning went to Yishun to return Xiaoyi the luggages we borrowed. And then dashed to Guilin restaurant to attend Ting and Francis's precious baby girl's 满月酒. She has big and beautiful eyes... She resembles my dear friend, Ting...
Ever since we know that Namie is going to have a concert in Taipei, Kiwi and I decided to "fly" to Taipei to watch her concert. We die die MUST watch her concert LIVE at least ONCE in the lifetime.
My sis, Ashley joined us too. The 3 of us idolize Namie Amuro since 1996. Those who know us, all are aware that we are Namie's followers - Amuroers. (So does my ex bf, he loves Namie too. Hee...)
Day 1, we were taking Jetstar. 1.20pm flight.
Before that, we had our brunch at Changi Airport Terminal 1.
Reached Taipei at 6pm+. Arrived at our hotel (Keyman's Hotel 怀宁旅店) at 7pm+.
After checked in, settled our luggage, we headed to Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). Bought our MRT card (悠游卡) at Taipei main station, followed our map provided by Xiaoyi to the destination.
As that day was Saturday, there was crowded. (Or is there always crowded? No idea...) How can we miss the famous 豪大鸡排? The queue was long, but we did not wait too long. Taste yummy and the portion is BIG!
Hubby Kiwi wanna try 大肠包小肠. Hee... Bro Kenji asked me to buy for him when I'm back. C'mon, Xiaodidi... It's impossible lor! My bro loves Taiwan sausage.
I'm not a 珍珠奶茶 lover... I never try before. But in Taipei, it was so difficult to find a common soft drink. So no choice, I tried 仙草奶冻. Oh! I definitely will try 珍珠奶茶 again in future!
臭豆腐！！！ The dish which I wanna try for soooooooooo long! And it was a disappointment... YUCKS!!!
Day 2... Hubby Kiwi unwell... Rest in hotel... I accompanied Sis Ashley to 五分埔. A place where most of the women can shop till they SIAO. But for me... not enjoyable at all. (Partly because can't find my size) Even Ashley said not nice to shop too. But the shoes there are nice. Ashley bought several pairs from a shop there.
After that, we back to hotel as we were worried for Kiwi. He was unwell, yet he sneaked out to 台北小巨蛋 to queue for Namie's 周边商品. He bought keychains for himself and Ashley, 环保袋 for me. Towels are out of stock, as it was the 2nd day of the concert...
After shopping at 五分埔, Ashley and I bought 台湾便当 at the shop near our hotel. YUMMY and CHEAP!
Kiwi and us meet at our hotel room.
Wawa WA! Where were we??? Taipei Arena!!!
The crew forbid us to take photo, they were so strict. But Ashley manage to take a few before the concert starts.
It was FULL house!!! Can't resist our Namie Amuro... She is the BEST!!! Jolin? Ayumi? Koda Kumi? 闪一边凉快去！
Ashley and I burst into tears when we saw Namie appeared on the stage. It might sound stupid to most of you. But we couldn't control ourselves, our tears... It was our dream when we were younger, and we finally made it. We finally see her in REAL life... Although there is a distance, but we can still see her clearly.
Video clip about her Taipei concert:
After the concert, we went to 诚品书店. Silly us, we thought there's only ONE Eslite in Taiwan and its operating hours is 24 hours. But the one we went is not 24 hours. It closes at 12 mn. When we were there, almost 11.45pm!!! SHIT!
Day 3. We went to analyse our Chinese name =) This is Chen Shifu.
We had our brunch at a restaurant in 台北火车站 which was recommended by Chen Shifu. Oh! Their 虾仁炒饭 is great!
And then... 西门町！ Of course we won't miss the popular 阿宗面线. Nice! Worth to try.
西门町 is something like our Bugis. Things are not cheap, around the same as Singapore. We did not buy much things from there. Except some small gifts for our friends. Kiwi and I went to their 漫画大王 to have a rest while Ashley still continuing her SHOPPING.
After that we went to Taipei 101 to buy snacks for our friends and relatives. We were too exhausted to take pictures at that time.
Then we back to hotel to put our things, and went to Shilin Night Market AGAIN! YES!!! Ashley and I LOVE Shilin!!! We find that it is a better place to shop for clothes and food than 五分埔.
Had our supper at this italian restaurant. Why not Taiwan 小吃? Cos the set meal is CHEAP! Soup+Main course+Drink = NT200 ONLY! And it is yummy! Can fight with Ma-Maison!
Day 4 - Last Day... =( We went to 新光三越 to shop. And had our brunch at a restaurant near our hotel. (Gosh! There are so many restaurants near our hotel!)
Of course MUST 吃冰 too!
Then we headed to 桃园机场. Had our last meal there too...
I'm missing Taiwan now... I'll be there again...
Xiaoyi is going with her friend in end of July. This morning she told me she is going in Oct too, with another friend.
ENVY!
Xiuhui's BIG day, 26 June 2009 - Daytime
Sunday, June 28, 200920:41
Was invited to be Xiuhui's 姐妹 with Ms. Kim & Irene. Our breakfast at Xiuhui's 娘家 (Taman Jurong) has 发糕、sandwiches, etc... All are prepared by Xiuhui's pretty mum. I did not take much picture cos their photographer has done all the job.
Before groom's arrival:
The groom is here:
Photos with Xiuhui's family, brothers and sisters:
大黄is attracting everyone's attention!!!
Me and 大黄's owner:
Waiting for Cecilia and photographer to send me more photo~
Their freelance photographer has done a great job! His 幽默 & 责任感 impress me. If the photo turn out very nice, I sure will engage him for my wedding. But he's fully booked till next year...
Over the course of five years, Sara Ziff snuck her ex-boyfriend Ole Schell into fashion shows, shoots, and parties so that he could film "without other people realizing it." Sometimes he got thrown out, but they were able to collection hundreds of hours of footage along the way, which they edited down to produce Ziff's documentary, Picture Me, which exposes the dirty underbelly of modeling.
In it, the stories are hardly pretty. Ziff told the Guardian about a 16-year-old model who complained to her agency when a 45-year-old photographer made a pass at her: "Her agency said she should have slept with him." She captures another model talking about how weight is approached: "In castings, people have slapped my thigh, and I'm not in any sense overweight, I never have been. I've been the same weight for a long time, but they'll slap your butt and be like 'Oooh, fat' in Italian or in French. 'It's too big here.'"
Ziff, who started modeling at 14 and surpassed her father's income by the time she was 20, relates a story about her third casting ever:
We had to go in one by one. The photographer said he wanted to see me without my shirt on. Then he told me that it was still hard to imagine me for the story so could I take my trousers off. I was standing there in a pair of Mickey Mouse knickers and a sports bra. I didn't even have breasts yet. 'We might need to see you without your bra,' he told me. It was like he was a shark circling me, walking around and around, looking me up and down without saying anything. I did what he told me to. I was just eager to be liked and get the job. I didn't know any better. Ziff filmed an interview with a model who was sexually assaulted by one of fashion's top photographers at a photoshoot in Paris, but the interview didn't make Picture Me's final cut because the day before the film's New York premiere, the 16-year-old model backed out, fearful of the repercussions. The Guardian reports the girl's experience, as told by Ziff:
She has very little experience of modelling and is unaccompanied by her agency or parents. She leaves the studio to go to the bathroom and meets the photographer — 'a very, very famous photographer, probably one of the world's top names', according to Ziff — in the hallway. He starts fiddling with her clothes. 'But you're used to this,' says Ziff. 'People touch you all the time. Your collar, or your breasts. It's not strange to be handled like that.' Then suddenly he puts his hands between her legs and sexually assaults her. 'She has no experience of boys, she hasn't even been kissed,' says Ziff. 'She was so shocked she just stood there and didn't say anything. He just looked at her and walked away and they did the rest of the shoot. And she never told anyone.' Unfortunately, stories like these seem to be a theme among all the footage Ziff has captured. The film features an interview with another model, Sena Cech, who talks about a casting with a top photographer who asked her to take off her clothes:
She does as instructed and takes off her clothes. Then the photographer starts undressing as well. 'Baby — can you do something a little sexy,' he tells her. The photographer's assistant, who is watching, eggs her on . . . The famous photographer demands to be touched sexually. 'Sena — can you grab his cock and twist it real hard,' his assistant tells her. 'He likes it when you squeeze it real hard and twist it.' 'I did it,' she shrugs, looking into the video camera. 'But later I didn't feel good about it.' The film is still touring the festival circuit — most recently, it picked up the audience award for Best Picture at the Milan International Film Festival. The Guardian deems it "one of the best films about the world of modelling and an honest portrayal of an industry built on artifice." The trailer can be seen above.
Happy Birthday, Grandma!
Sunday, June 7, 200914:26
Celebrated grandma's 71st birthday yesterday. Ashley enjoying herself at Malacca with her colleagues, unable to join us. Cousin Lynn and eldest Aunt attending their relative's wedding in M'sia, not joining us too. Cousin Ah Di working... Chef Assistant. Cousin Meow and her baby, Rotem went there for food testing. She comments the restaurant is high class and the food is nice! "Ah Di! Xiaohui (Ash) & I wanna go also!!!"
Thanks for organizing, Xiaoyi! You have done a great job!
Finally have chances to have pictures with my 舅舅! They were my childhood playmates too! 1st row from left: My youngest uncle, 6th uncle, 5th uncle & his family. 3rd row from left: 4th uncle & his family, 3rd Aunt & her family (2 sons, 1 young daughter-in-law and a SUPER handsome grandson!!!)
I will take more pictures with all my cousins and uncles and Aunties one day!
Got our KEYS!!!
13:58
24 May 2009, Thursday I'm a married woman!!!
Hubby Kiwi and I have an appointment with HDB. YES!!! 2nd Appointment! We got our keys!!!
Before getting our keys, we went to Marina Square and had our brunch at Jack's Place!
After we got our keys, we hurried went back to West Mall, wanna catch movie. But Uncle Ah Soon called and wished to meet us earlier, so we dashed back to our nest.
Before dashing back, received Christina's call, she was at West Mall with her hubby and princess Jessie! Jessie had fun with Kiwi! Look at the pic below:
Haha... Finally met up with Uncle Ah Soon, Superstar from Renotalk. He really seems very busy. Chatted awhile and he went off with our floor plan. Till now, still haven't got reply from him... Advices from forumers, "BE Patience"...
Gathering with cousins & aunts
Sunday, May 31, 200923:05
Ashley & I brought our lil' bro to West Mall this morning. Went to catch Night At The Museum 2. Bro wanted to watch so much. He did enjoy the movie & popcorn =) Before movie, we had our brunch at KFC.
After movie, packed KFC for my youngest sis's lunch and sent bro home. Then rushed to cousin's place at Woodlands.
Haha... Mini (their puppy) still so obedient, but I still scare when it gets close to me...
老妹、大表弟、二表弟
Took pictures with my 2 cousins, 2 aunties and Ash.
This coming Sat going to celebrate grandma's birthday!
◕ To be HAPPILY EMPLOYED
◕ To be Mrs Kiwi ~shy~
◕ Er... S... slim d... down
◕ Watch Namie's concert LIVE!
◕ Lap Top
◕ Smart TV/ DVD Recorder
◕ A Fairy Figurine/ BJD doll
◕ A Love Nest
◕ Dip in HR & Business Mgmt
◕ Cert in Basic Sculpture
◕ Miniature Arts Course
◕ Graphic Design Course
◕ Nikon D3000
◕ 北川美幸's comics
Laying kitchen floor tiles next week. Look forward to see how it's going to transform (>.<)
What we aimed for our nest (^o^) Still considering which shop to choose... Mostly will patronize Tropical Bath, a new opened shop selling kitchen and bathroom accessories. Good service! Good discount too! The other shop (just opposite) is having promotion, 1 WC bowl + 1 basin = $199. But Hubby Kiwi doesn't like the design (images = 1st row, pic 2 & 3, from left to right). He prefers Tropical Bath's products (image = 2nd row).
Spent $89 to book a room at value hotel along Jalan Besar, cos of diarrhea... Heartache...
Had our dinner at Cafe Cartel (IMM). So full! I'm so addicted to creamy pasta!!!
Had a simple birthday celebration for Chris with Kim on 2 Oct 2009 (Fri). Used my camera phone to take picture, only took 2 photos, haven't uploaded yet.
Too much pressure
Monday, September 21, 200916:48
I was and still am busying with my work, preparing for my renovation which is going to start on 29-09-2009. Chose tiles for living room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen with our Renovator, Henry. He brought us to Hafary @ Balestier last Sun, 13-09-2009. While we were waiting for Henry, we bumped into Rosalind and her hubby, Thomas! What a surprise! They accompanied us and we chit-chatted until Henry called Kiwi.
He recommended us two shops, but we like Hafary only. Finally chose our ideal tiles, but unfortunately, my ideal wall tiles for MBR bathroom has low stock.
Bo Bian, yesterday I went back to Hafary to re-choose. I couldn't get something similar to the previous pattern after browsing from 1pm - 4pm+. So, I forgo my "warm+bright" concept, chose another simple concept one.
After that meetup with my mum, sis, 4th aunt, cousin Siqi and Xiaoyi to Kbox @ Clementi. Xiaojiu, 1st aunt, 3rd aunt, cousin Meow/Christine, cousin Lynne & cousin Eden suppose joining us... but last min: 1. Xiaojiu+Eden+1st aunt+3rd aunt - got to work. 2. Cousin Meow is preparing for her paper. 加油！ 3. Cousin Lynne's bf birthday
Guys, we will catch up again another day!
Used my digicam to take a few pictures only. The rest are with Xiaoyi & Siqi's digicam.
Last Sat, 12-09-2009, Kim & I were invited to Sharon's house. She prepared breakfast for us. Although just a simple one, but we really enjoy eating and chit-chatting. She is still on her maternity leave, but going back to work in October. Her princess Yujia is so cute and adorable, her hands are so small... I'm very emotional, my tears dropped... My best friend, Sharon... The 3 of us know one another since pri school. We never miss one another's important moment... Now, Sharon is a mother... Looking at her baby, the feeling is so special, so touching...
Celebrated Yiping's birthday on 09-09-2009 at Jack's Place.
The actual day is on 11-09-2009 and that day is for her to celebrate with her family and close ones. So we meet up earlier and luckily all of us are available on this special date. Except for Xiaolin! She got work last minute. But nvm, she can celebrate with their usual gang. We'll catch up for Christina's birthday.
Chatted alot during the meet up although we always msn but not enough... You guys gotta pity Christina, I'm going to keep disturbing her when I move in my new nest.
Always hear compliments from others, saying Ikea specialty chicken wings and meatballs are yummy and popular. Finally had the chance to try it at Ikea Alexandra with Kiwi after having movie, The Proposal with colleagues at Vivo. Really taste great, I mean the chicken wings, not meatballs. I can't take beef, but from what Kiwi comments, taste nice too!
Recently not much 热情 in taking photo... Maybe because of busying at work and personal issues, I become lazy... And most of the photos are taken by Kiwi's iPhone. He hasn't uploaded to pc yet. So I can only blog those pictures which are taken by my digicam...
Under too much pressure recently... work, renovation, "keys", people... Luckily last Sun bumped into Rosalind and Thomas. They gave me alot of positive encouragement. Rosalind, shall meet you & Nicole soon! Need consultation from you again...
Hope when renovation starts, I can focus on it and turn my nest to a cozy, lovely home... But it is so different from my original concept now...
A date with Xiaoyi
Saturday, August 15, 200923:35
Many of my close ones know I love Hokkien mee, especially the one at Bt Batok which is very near to my new nest! Xiaoyi brought me to her bf's family's stall at Chong Pang. We tried his parents' Hokkien Mee and White Carrot Cake. I prefer their carrot cake, crispy and nice!
After our brunch, Xiaoyi & I went to Sembawang Shopping Centre to walk walk. I sms-ed Xiuhui who stays nearby: "Hi! I'm at Sembawang SC now!" She replied: "Nothing much to shop hor?" Indeed... We shopped at Daiso & Giant, bought something for ourselves and family. Hee... Bought a pair of Badminton racket which costs $2 only. It's for my brother. We are going to have badminton session next Sat.
Then we back to North Point. Walked around at the new extension, and had dinner at The Breeks. Service ichiban, but food... urgh... soup is cold too...
Then went to Xiaoyi's house, watched Drop Dead Diva series online. Well well well... I seldom blog now because I'm busying watching series, movies online. So many to catch!!!
The last 2 weekends~
Sunday, August 2, 200910:40
Yesterday was a tiring day... Went to meet Alan to settle my new nest window in the morning with Hubby Kiwi and paid deposit. Then rushed to office to check some emails. Teri was there! "Jamie, don't you know I work 5 & 1/2 day?" Teri jokes. Poor colleagues in Finance... They always work till so late and even have to come back in weekends.
Then took cab back to meet Hubby Kiwi and we went to Tampines One to meet Fiona! Had our brunch at BBQ Chicken!
Went to Orchard ION to hang around and collected my ring.
Got 12 free movie tickets cos of credit card at The Cathay and enjoyed THE HANGOVER too. Nice!!! Guys sure LOVE this movie! & had our dinner at basement Tw cuisine.
Last Sat Hubby Kiwi and I went to Singapore Expo (settled our laminated floor for 3 bedrooms and main door grille) and Causeway Point to have our dinner. PASTAMANIA!!! I'm addicted to creamy pasta after my TW trip.
Then we went to visit Simon & Rachel. Their nest is so cosy and lovely! So the next day, Hubby Kiwi and I decided to engage their contractor, Henry!!! Renovation will start after lunar 7th month.
MIL & DIL are more gan jiong than us. They even asked us out after work, they wanna buy hob and hood for us. But the sales advises them to buy when the renovation begins.
* Congrats to Simon & Rachel! Lil' Simon really resembles Simon alot!*
20 - 23 June 2009: Taipei Trip
Sunday, July 5, 200919:56
This morning went to Yishun to return Xiaoyi the luggages we borrowed. And then dashed to Guilin restaurant to attend Ting and Francis's precious baby girl's 满月酒. She has big and beautiful eyes... She resembles my dear friend, Ting...
Ever since we know that Namie is going to have a concert in Taipei, Kiwi and I decided to "fly" to Taipei to watch her concert. We die die MUST watch her concert LIVE at least ONCE in the lifetime.
My sis, Ashley joined us too. The 3 of us idolize Namie Amuro since 1996. Those who know us, all are aware that we are Namie's followers - Amuroers. (So does my ex bf, he loves Namie too. Hee...)
Day 1, we were taking Jetstar. 1.20pm flight.
Before that, we had our brunch at Changi Airport Terminal 1.
Reached Taipei at 6pm+. Arrived at our hotel (Keyman's Hotel 怀宁旅店) at 7pm+.
After checked in, settled our luggage, we headed to Shilin Night Market (士林夜市). Bought our MRT card (悠游卡) at Taipei main station, followed our map provided by Xiaoyi to the destination.
As that day was Saturday, there was crowded. (Or is there always crowded? No idea...) How can we miss the famous 豪大鸡排? The queue was long, but we did not wait too long. Taste yummy and the portion is BIG!
Hubby Kiwi wanna try 大肠包小肠. Hee... Bro Kenji asked me to buy for him when I'm back. C'mon, Xiaodidi... It's impossible lor! My bro loves Taiwan sausage.
I'm not a 珍珠奶茶 lover... I never try before. But in Taipei, it was so difficult to find a common soft drink. So no choice, I tried 仙草奶冻. Oh! I definitely will try 珍珠奶茶 again in future!
臭豆腐！！！ The dish which I wanna try for soooooooooo long! And it was a disappointment... YUCKS!!!
Day 2... Hubby Kiwi unwell... Rest in hotel... I accompanied Sis Ashley to 五分埔. A place where most of the women can shop till they SIAO. But for me... not enjoyable at all. (Partly because can't find my size) Even Ashley said not nice to shop too. But the shoes there are nice. Ashley bought several pairs from a shop there.
After that, we back to hotel as we were worried for Kiwi. He was unwell, yet he sneaked out to 台北小巨蛋 to queue for Namie's 周边商品. He bought keychains for himself and Ashley, 环保袋 for me. Towels are out of stock, as it was the 2nd day of the concert...
After shopping at 五分埔, Ashley and I bought 台湾便当 at the shop near our hotel. YUMMY and CHEAP!
Kiwi and us meet at our hotel room.
Wawa WA! Where were we??? Taipei Arena!!!
The crew forbid us to take photo, they were so strict. But Ashley manage to take a few before the concert starts.
It was FULL house!!! Can't resist our Namie Amuro... She is the BEST!!! Jolin? Ayumi? Koda Kumi? 闪一边凉快去！
Ashley and I burst into tears when we saw Namie appeared on the stage. It might sound stupid to most of you. But we couldn't control ourselves, our tears... It was our dream when we were younger, and we finally made it. We finally see her in REAL life... Although there is a distance, but we can still see her clearly.
Video clip about her Taipei concert:
After the concert, we went to 诚品书店. Silly us, we thought there's only ONE Eslite in Taiwan and its operating hours is 24 hours. But the one we went is not 24 hours. It closes at 12 mn. When we were there, almost 11.45pm!!! SHIT!
Day 3. We went to analyse our Chinese name =) This is Chen Shifu.
We had our brunch at a restaurant in 台北火车站 which was recommended by Chen Shifu. Oh! Their 虾仁炒饭 is great!
And then... 西门町！ Of course we won't miss the popular 阿宗面线. Nice! Worth to try.
西门町 is something like our Bugis. Things are not cheap, around the same as Singapore. We did not buy much things from there. Except some small gifts for our friends. Kiwi and I went to their 漫画大王 to have a rest while Ashley still continuing her SHOPPING.
After that we went to Taipei 101 to buy snacks for our friends and relatives. We were too exhausted to take pictures at that time.
Then we back to hotel to put our things, and went to Shilin Night Market AGAIN! YES!!! Ashley and I LOVE Shilin!!! We find that it is a better place to shop for clothes and food than 五分埔.
Had our supper at this italian restaurant. Why not Taiwan 小吃? Cos the set meal is CHEAP! Soup+Main course+Drink = NT200 ONLY! And it is yummy! Can fight with Ma-Maison!
Day 4 - Last Day... =( We went to 新光三越 to shop. And had our brunch at a restaurant near our hotel. (Gosh! There are so many restaurants near our hotel!)
Of course MUST 吃冰 too!
Then we headed to 桃园机场. Had our last meal there too...
I'm missing Taiwan now... I'll be there again...
Xiaoyi is going with her friend in end of July. This morning she told me she is going in Oct too, with another friend.
ENVY!
Xiuhui's BIG day, 26 June 2009 - Daytime
Sunday, June 28, 200920:41
Was invited to be Xiuhui's 姐妹 with Ms. Kim & Irene. Our breakfast at Xiuhui's 娘家 (Taman Jurong) has 发糕、sandwiches, etc... All are prepared by Xiuhui's pretty mum. I did not take much picture cos their photographer has done all the job.
Before groom's arrival:
The groom is here:
Photos with Xiuhui's family, brothers and sisters:
大黄is attracting everyone's attention!!!
Me and 大黄's owner:
Waiting for Cecilia and photographer to send me more photo~
Their freelance photographer has done a great job! His 幽默 & 责任感 impress me. If the photo turn out very nice, I sure will engage him for my wedding. But he's fully booked till next year...
Over the course of five years, Sara Ziff snuck her ex-boyfriend Ole Schell into fashion shows, shoots, and parties so that he could film "without other people realizing it." Sometimes he got thrown out, but they were able to collection hundreds of hours of footage along the way, which they edited down to produce Ziff's documentary, Picture Me, which exposes the dirty underbelly of modeling.
In it, the stories are hardly pretty. Ziff told the Guardian about a 16-year-old model who complained to her agency when a 45-year-old photographer made a pass at her: "Her agency said she should have slept with him." She captures another model talking about how weight is approached: "In castings, people have slapped my thigh, and I'm not in any sense overweight, I never have been. I've been the same weight for a long time, but they'll slap your butt and be like 'Oooh, fat' in Italian or in French. 'It's too big here.'"
Ziff, who started modeling at 14 and surpassed her father's income by the time she was 20, relates a story about her third casting ever:
We had to go in one by one. The photographer said he wanted to see me without my shirt on. Then he told me that it was still hard to imagine me for the story so could I take my trousers off. I was standing there in a pair of Mickey Mouse knickers and a sports bra. I didn't even have breasts yet. 'We might need to see you without your bra,' he told me. It was like he was a shark circling me, walking around and around, looking me up and down without saying anything. I did what he told me to. I was just eager to be liked and get the job. I didn't know any better. Ziff filmed an interview with a model who was sexually assaulted by one of fashion's top photographers at a photoshoot in Paris, but the interview didn't make Picture Me's final cut because the day before the film's New York premiere, the 16-year-old model backed out, fearful of the repercussions. The Guardian reports the girl's experience, as told by Ziff:
She has very little experience of modelling and is unaccompanied by her agency or parents. She leaves the studio to go to the bathroom and meets the photographer — 'a very, very famous photographer, probably one of the world's top names', according to Ziff — in the hallway. He starts fiddling with her clothes. 'But you're used to this,' says Ziff. 'People touch you all the time. Your collar, or your breasts. It's not strange to be handled like that.' Then suddenly he puts his hands between her legs and sexually assaults her. 'She has no experience of boys, she hasn't even been kissed,' says Ziff. 'She was so shocked she just stood there and didn't say anything. He just looked at her and walked away and they did the rest of the shoot. And she never told anyone.' Unfortunately, stories like these seem to be a theme among all the footage Ziff has captured. The film features an interview with another model, Sena Cech, who talks about a casting with a top photographer who asked her to take off her clothes:
She does as instructed and takes off her clothes. Then the photographer starts undressing as well. 'Baby — can you do something a little sexy,' he tells her. The photographer's assistant, who is watching, eggs her on . . . The famous photographer demands to be touched sexually. 'Sena — can you grab his cock and twist it real hard,' his assistant tells her. 'He likes it when you squeeze it real hard and twist it.' 'I did it,' she shrugs, looking into the video camera. 'But later I didn't feel good about it.' The film is still touring the festival circuit — most recently, it picked up the audience award for Best Picture at the Milan International Film Festival. The Guardian deems it "one of the best films about the world of modelling and an honest portrayal of an industry built on artifice." The trailer can be seen above.
Happy Birthday, Grandma!
Sunday, June 7, 200914:26
Celebrated grandma's 71st birthday yesterday. Ashley enjoying herself at Malacca with her colleagues, unable to join us. Cousin Lynn and eldest Aunt attending their relative's wedding in M'sia, not joining us too. Cousin Ah Di working... Chef Assistant. Cousin Meow and her baby, Rotem went there for food testing. She comments the restaurant is high class and the food is nice! "Ah Di! Xiaohui (Ash) & I wanna go also!!!"
Thanks for organizing, Xiaoyi! You have done a great job!
Finally have chances to have pictures with my 舅舅! They were my childhood playmates too! 1st row from left: My youngest uncle, 6th uncle, 5th uncle & his family. 3rd row from left: 4th uncle & his family, 3rd Aunt & her family (2 sons, 1 young daughter-in-law and a SUPER handsome grandson!!!)
I will take more pictures with all my cousins and uncles and Aunties one day!
Got our KEYS!!!
13:58
24 May 2009, Thursday I'm a married woman!!!
Hubby Kiwi and I have an appointment with HDB. YES!!! 2nd Appointment! We got our keys!!!
Before getting our keys, we went to Marina Square and had our brunch at Jack's Place!
After we got our keys, we hurried went back to West Mall, wanna catch movie. But Uncle Ah Soon called and wished to meet us earlier, so we dashed back to our nest.
Before dashing back, received Christina's call, she was at West Mall with her hubby and princess Jessie! Jessie had fun with Kiwi! Look at the pic below:
Haha... Finally met up with Uncle Ah Soon, Superstar from Renotalk. He really seems very busy. Chatted awhile and he went off with our floor plan. Till now, still haven't got reply from him... Advices from forumers, "BE Patience"...
Gathering with cousins & aunts
Sunday, May 31, 200923:05
Ashley & I brought our lil' bro to West Mall this morning. Went to catch Night At The Museum 2. Bro wanted to watch so much. He did enjoy the movie & popcorn =) Before movie, we had our brunch at KFC.
After movie, packed KFC for my youngest sis's lunch and sent bro home. Then rushed to cousin's place at Woodlands.
Haha... Mini (their puppy) still so obedient, but I still scare when it gets close to me...
老妹、大表弟、二表弟
Took pictures with my 2 cousins, 2 aunties and Ash.
This coming Sat going to celebrate grandma's birthday!
Losing 2kg last month just by drinking freshly sqeeze lime juice before taking three meals a day w/o introducing exercise into diet
and the daily food intake is only slightly less than normal and yet is able to shed of the 2 kgs.
The lime juice helps to clear the body system.
But don't drink too much though, lime juice is acidic and may cause stomach irritation which will lead to gastric.
Just make sure the stomach is not empty when drinking lime juice.
"Drink green lemon juice daily for whitening and detox, it helps!"
"freeze pure lemon juice into ice cubes then just pop an ice cube in a glass of plain water to drink, not so sour that way and very refreshing i thought, after a meal or something"
"make a few cuts through the lemon to expose the flesh then put everything into water and boil it.
Cuts two and puts in enough water for abt 2 glasses after boiling.
Then upon boiling, turn it off, take it the next day AFTER food and supposed to take AFTER food, else like will have gastric problems."
