Lackluster

Final leg of finals ha-ha. Seriously hate the timetable of exams this semester but since it's the last one tomorrow I shall quit the complaining and get on with describing photos of my life so far.

Recently got my hair touched up because I don't want my roots to be showing in vacation photos. The funny (and good) thing is that the photo above shows my hair color before the touch-up. It doesn't look like I've roots at all which's weird because I've gotten my hair cut quite often these past couple months so it's not like my hair has been stagnant in terms of growth. Secretly hoping that my natural hair color has decided to change to a reddish brown because I've been so nice to it. A girl can dream.

Tried Godfire ramen at Ramen Champion (Bugis) and liked it

What a sassy gal

WILD BEAST

Been quite in the working out zone recently because I want my body to look the best it can at my age. Not a willing victim of a saggy butt and bulging tummy. Darren has been helping me out so much in the fitness department. I mean, constantly being around someone else's six pack abs does make me feel bad about my body only because I know I could have that if I wanted to. And well I did have it, until laziness visited and decided to stay.

Problem areas: -circles entire body-

Does this count for something?

Smug after  surviving an hour of suffering

If you feel in need of a spark of motivation in terms of fitness, do contact Darren. Most people have this impression that personal training sessions cost a bomb and that it's not worth it when you can just workout at your own pace FOC. I used to think this way until I realized that never would I have the discipline or knowledge to identify what type of workouts my body needs. There's so much more to it than just running like a hamster on the treadmill, trust me on this.

In case you're interested, D.Fitness is having an ongoing personal trainer promotion and you can view the promo rates here. If you're a student like me, you enjoy a student discount! Don't be shy or hesitate any further and just go for it. There's no time better than now and personally, I prefer a perkier ass on myself. And it doesn't hurt hanging around with a bunch of hot guys at the gym.

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Mel and I participated in a flea and it was so bad this time round. Usually we clear most of our stuff but after the organizer shifted the location of the flea, it was so bad. Will definitely have to think twice if we're planning to join anymore fleas after this. The best part was definitely the chatting and spacing out together since we rarely see each other these days.

HA

Bravely partied at Mink in the midst of exams because I wouldn't have any other time to do that. The next day, I had such a bad baaaaad tummy ache and almost died waiting for Darren to bring me food because he was stuck in a meeting. Basically rolled around in bed the entire day with the occasional visit from Sundae. He bought me piping hot Ajisen so all the hate disapparated.

Finally took time out to bring the grizzly bear to the groomer's and of course she caused me such embarrassment. Had diarrhea twice during grooming and led all the other dogs in a barking frenzy. She's so wild. Does that say anything about me as the pet owner/sister?

Crunch Time

I would willingly buy a hardcopy of this dictionary and read it just for fun. Random fact: I used to read English dictionaries for fun as a kid. I'd run out of things to read at home and my entire series of Enid Blytons and Archie comics had already been read only about 978327687423 times. Mommy refused to buy me more books because Daddy was a hoarder of books and our house was just bursting with books and we had to buy new bookshelves for books you get the drift. She told me to read the daily newspapers but I've a fear of touching newspapers and I'm not alone so that makes me feel better and yet another random fact!

Anyway, I almost fell asleep during an exam earlier on. Had two papers in a day and was thinking it'll be a breeze but never did I expect my brain to slowly shut down after the first paper was done. It was so horrible trying to stay awake. The student behind me was probably cursing and swearing at me for being so fidgety in my seat.

Need to rest my brain cells now. Another paper on Saturday which I haven't studied for, so I'm going to spend this public holiday studying. Good times good times.

Wants

It's that time of the season to conjure up a list of things I want but can't afford. It doesn't hurt to dream or be inspired, and then frantically search for cheaper alternatives to suit your seasonal shopping budget.

This summer, it's all about dreamy and wispy fabrics in the sweetest of colors. In such outfits is where you can inject hints of masculinity like rugged boots or statement accessories, my favorite being these. Considering how the dog days of summer are here, I love wearing looser tops in fabrics that don't cling to hot and sweaty skin. Unexpected cut-outs are always welcome.

Credits: Sessun

 

Credits: Gentle Fawn

Credits: Paper Crown

Happy weekend!

Inspired

I haven't a vague idea what my recent sense of style is but somehow I always find myself back at the classics. One moment I can be trawling Forever 21 for trendy items, but the next I'm back on JCrew getting inspired by the latest lookbook so I can shop for similar and cheaper alternatives.

Classics are what my mom used to dress me in when I was a kid. Guess they're called classic pieces for a reason. It never fails to amaze me how many different ways you can style a basic white shirt. Maybe I should put together some outfits using that as a staple piece. That'll definitely put the xx number of pieces I have in my closet to good use.

Envision yourself wearing this to school. The environment there's dreary enough as it is so it wouldn't hurt to be that pop of Tiffany Blue running around campus if you're usually late for classes like I am. You will get noticed by that cutie, trust me.

This would most definitely be a date outfit with a boyfriend/girlfriend. I'm very thankful for the people in my life who bother to dress well and serve as a constant inspiration. Birds of a feather flock together and I might've just indirectly praised myself.

I call this the "I've nothing to wear" outfit. Too often, it's those with tons of clothes who have "nothing" to wear and I'm guilty as charged. A simple outfit accessorized with simple, yet statement, pieces of jewelry has been my go-to choice. Been super obsessed with bullet/quartz pendants recently.

If you've realized, the clothing I've chosen in all my outfits were relevant then and now. Just goes to show you can never go wrong with classics. Also, it's important to dress for your body shape and size. You need to get items that fit well on your body. If it doesn't, get it altered! It is a luxury how we've tailors readily available in the nearest neighborhood market/mall so make full use of it.

Nothing annoys me more than people who wear clothes that obviously do not fit them i.e. butt-cheeks hanging out of tiny undies shorts, unsightly flesh spilling out of too-tight dresses, the list goes on and I believe we've all witnessed one too many tragedies. Let's not add to the statistics.

Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman. Coco Chanel 

Bread

The only time I ever eat bread in my life is when:

1. My Grandpa specially toasts and spreads butter on it for me. And allows me to steal his entire breakfast oatmeal drink.

2. There is absolutely nothing else to eat at home. That's happening now.

At a risk of sounding uppity, I never ever have bread for breakfast. It's usually real food like bee hoon or basically some form of noodles from the coffee shop. Yes, bread isn't real to me. Well recently I've had ramen for brunch so been there done that.

Last week of school. Can't wait for this joke of a semester to end!

Rabbit Hole

Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, RABBIT HOLE is a moving, honest and surprisingly humorous portrait of a family searching for what remains possible in the most impossible of situations.

Becca (Janice Koh) and Howie (Adrian Pang) are returning to their everyday existence in the wake of a shocking accident. Caught in a maze of memory, longing, guilt, recrimination, sarcasm and tightly controlled rage, Howie lashes out and desperately attempts to find solace in a counseling group; while Becca opens up to her opinionated mother (Lok Meng Chue) and brash sister (Seong Hui Xuan). She also secretly reaches out to the teenager (Eden Ang) responsible for the accident that changed everything.

Yet, as lost as they are, the couple keeps trying to find their way back to a life that still holds the potential for hope, laughter and happiness. Their journey is an intimate exploration of the search for comfort in the darkest of places, and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day. Directed by Tracie Pang, Pangdemonium’s RABBIT HOLE is a beautiful and bittersweet story of loss, survival and the life-affirming power of family.

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Disclaimer: As an amateur theatre-goer, my review will be put across in the simplest form of words and of course, with all honesty.

My best friend and I just caught this production by Pangdemonium, and I was pleasantly surprised by how good and non-preachy it was. We've been trying to be more supportive of the local Arts scene so we each chose a play to watch this month. I chose The Importance of Being Earnest while she chose Rabbit Hole. Honestly, I was skeptical about her choice because after reading the synopsis, it seemed like it was going to be something dark and depressing which I most certainly do not need anymore of because of the daily existence of it in my life already. Thankfully, I was proven wrong.

I should've added in the disclaimer my bias towards certain actors i.e. Janice Koh and Adrian Pang. Watched and loved The Pupil (Channel 5 series) solely because of them. The amount of chemistry they have is so apparent and that definitely played a part in how well they portrayed their characters onstage. I most certainly did not expect the intense emotions that would be expressed in a way that touched my heart. (Do note that I'm pretty much a hardass when it comes to stuff like that. It takes a hell lot for me to feel that much for anyone or anything in any situation.)

After raving about the immensely good acting, I shall move on to the plot. I believe everyone will find something to relate to, especially since the story is based on the power of family. The ongoing theme of loss and grief aside, expect witty and humorous moments that you will most definitely identify with from your personal life. It is precisely because I could identify with certain aspects of this play, that made the whole production feel closer to my heart. Also, I hate it when shows try to preach the importance of insert any form of life people preach to you about so a thunderous applause to Rabbit Hole that had a way of putting the message out there but not choking people with it.

Movies or plays rarely affect the way I feel or basically the way I am but there was a take-home lesson for me after watching this. I'm not going to say precisely what it is as I wouldn't want to affect your opinion and after all, everyone's feelings would be subject to our own experiences. For me, it was pretty personal so I hope it would be the same for you too.

Overall, it was a great night spent with the cast of Rabbit Hole. Would not hesitate if asked to watch it again.

Get your tickets here quick before they sell out!

P.S.- It is not okay to clap between every single act. There was this one person who kept initiating applause between acts which is disruptive to the play and so rude! And others just followed suit... There were phones going off too. Please educate yourselves on basic theatre etiquette before going for one and inconveniencing others with your lack of knowledge. Show some basic respect please.

♥ Fox-Out ♥

Whenever I encounter something too good, I've a love/hate relationship with it. I hate that I love it so much and in this case, I'm referring to Fox-Out.

Here's a list explaining the love, just because everyone loves lists.

1. After payment of my first order, I found out they were launching some cute sling bags the coming weekend. I've been searching for the perfect (and affordable) sling bag for the longest time and asked if they could hold my order till the launch of the bags, so I could merge the two orders together. Yixin, only the best Customer Relationship Executive ever, helped me with that. On top of that, she threw in an upgrade to express shipping because I'd already paid for registered postage. Pretty sure I was the happiest squirrel that weekend.

2. My combined orders arrived the very next day. Compared to other stores which take 3 working days just to mail items out, this is indeed very much appreciated. And also, let's not go into how efficient Singpost is.

3. One of my sling bags was unfortunately defected, so I immediately contacted Yixin with photographic evidence to ask what could be done. She promptly replied and offered an exchange. I sent the defected item back to them via registered postage and was reimbursed for it. Correct me if I'm wrong but most online stores don't usually offer reimbursement for exchanges. It's at your own expense and time plus they take the longest time to answer your queries such that in the end, the best option is to give up and deal with the defected item yourself, like it's your fault for buying it in the first place. I sent Yixin a big virtual hug to Fox-Out for being so efficient like an established online store should! They really live up to their mission.

4. Here's evidence of the level of efficiency Fox-Out has showed:

We are happy to inform you that the order with Order ID - **** which you ordered on 17 Apr 2013 has been shipped out. It was shipped out on 17 Apr 2013 

It is estimated that your order will reach you on the 17 Apr 2013 

Here're the items I've bought so far and believe me, I want all more.

Spring Fling Dress in Green
A bright pop of color to add to your Spring/Summer wardrobe!

Orient Express Top in Peach
Classy and subtly sexy basic blouse, I want it in all colors!

Vintage Crossbody Sling Bag in Oxblood
Perfect.

Vintage Crossbody Sling Bag in Black
Perfect.

Cat Eye Sunglasses in Black
Love the cat-eye that makes this pair of shades so unique!

Go Low Bandage Maxi Dress
I love EVERYTHING about this. Fox-Out please have this in more colors!

Floral Embroidery Romper in Mint
Mint AND embroidered flowers? I am sold.

Spellbinder Knitted Throwover
Brings out the bohemian in me. Major love here.

Has anyone noticed how hilarious these quotes on their tags are? Usually after reading them I just smile to myself like a looney. Wish I'd kept all of them!

Tag #fox_out on Instagram to get your reward points!

No pretty make-up on to match the romper due to too much excitement

Just received it in the mail and was so happy (look at that grin?!) so I snapped a shot and sent it to Darren immediately while raving. Evidence that Fox-Out can make anyone feel good.

When this was launched, I was still out getting a massage with Darren and I started hyperventilating because there was only one piece left for this and the Navy one. Have never rushed home so fast in my life. Whipped my laptop and card out the minute I got home and placed an order for this. This was the only time Darren was supportive in my decision to buy more clothes. He said I could buy all 3 colors if I wanted to but my closet is kinda bursting at its seams. I'm never one who only buys clothes based on a boyfriend's opinion but if he says it's nice, it means it's really nice.

Actually come to think of it, every time I browse Fox-Out, he seems to approve of my selections which is very very rare. As rare as a flying pink unicorn. Sidetrack: I always thought unicorns were real till about three years ago when someone told me they aren't.

So there you have it. My thoughts on where your next online shopping destination should be.

Shopping with Fox-Out is like shopping with a trustworthy best friend. The Fox-Out team is always there when you need them and it feels like they're available the full 24 hours a day ready to answer any questions or pack orders. For a period of time, I was ready to swear off online shopping locally because of the kind of service I was getting. Established stores were taking days to reply enquiries, mail out parcels, and generally just being too busy for their customers. Shouldn't customers be the priority of these businesses?

Anyway, shopping at Fox-Out was the best decision I've ever made. The team makes me feel important and appreciated as a customer and let's make that customer for life.