Hello, Kitty!

The cutest

My girlfriends are the best - not only do they tolerate my very frivolous and bimbo side, they often indulge it. 

Case in point, dear J gleefully made sure she passed these cute saucers to me before I headed out for the holiday. "Something random and fun! I saw these and I KNEW I had to get them for you." she grinned. 

I unwrapped the boxes and burst out laughing. Of course she had to - two cutest Hello Kitty ceramic saucers, that were just the right balance of cute but not tacky. The artwork was beautifully done and the saucers were well made too. 

When I asked her what the Japanese script on them meant, she deliberately did a Google image translation to show me. Literally "Hello, Kitty". LOL. I was so amused. 

Took these plates out on the first day of LNY, to have a piece of pineapple tart, and one almond cookie. I'm not usually one to have sweets for breakfast, but these were surprisingly not cloyingly so, and perfect with a cuppa Americano. :)

Blends right in with my home decor

Found mâche!

A favourite salad base that la belle-mère uses is mâche (corn salad in English, a far less enchanting sounding name, if I may say so) a variety of the honeysuckle family. 

I love it - its taste is mild but still tasty, with just a slight crunch and texture to bring interest as well as stand on its own, and grows in cute little bunches of roundish leaves, in the prettiest shade of light/lime green. I was rather woeful at the end of my trip, as I don't recall ever seeing it here in Singapore shops.

Back home, I was mighty pleased to find that I was able to procure it from Le Petit Depot, my trusty source of all the European groceries I miss. And as most things on this dependable site, it was reasonably priced (same or slightly cheaper than my standard spinach/arugula mix in the local supermarkets) and offered in very easy 120g packets. Score. I gleefully added 2 different brands to my cart, alongside some of my standard orders from the grocer. 

I believe this is the most excitement I've ever felt over vegetables, hahaha. But I really do love my greens, and salad is a staple in my home meals, so this was indeed worth squealing over. :D

Split the first packet over two meals now, one as a side to accompany some grilled chicken and pasta, and another as a meal in itself together with tuna, sunflower seeds, dressed simply in a mustard/olive oil dressing with just a dash of salt and pepper. It was most satisfying, heh.

Je l'adore!

 

A quiet afternoon in

Thanks to Lunar New Year starting on a Sunday, it was such a treat to have the third day of LNY off as well - somehow even though we still get 2 business days off, mentally it made a difference. 

Had L over for the afternoon, which was perfect for me to order an easy delicious lunch from Suguru Dining, this small business that started in the midst of the pandemic and has consistently churned out decent home delivery of fresh Japanese seafood. This day, we also scored a one-day special offer and had their full Couple's set, with 100g of Hokkaido Bafun uni, snow crab, scallops and ikura alongside their signature truffle somen. I added on an order of half a dozen of their sashimi grade Hyogo flash-frozen oysters, and it made for a beautiful lunch at home, washed down with an easy bottle of Sancerre 2018. Yum. We took our time savouring the food, and chatting about various topics - this is another girlfriend I see often, so our conversation topics really range from the most frivolous trivials to random deep thoughts that we were musing on lately. Ha. Given that the meal itself was relatively light, we indulged in some cheese, as well as chocs and cookies that I'd brought back from Luxembourg. 

Then it was retro movie/tv time, as I introduced this poor deprived girl to The Sound of Music, as well as Ally McBeal. Haha. Over the past year, I have been notorious for snarkily judging some girlfriends on their sad childhood/teen years and forcing them to watch my favourite Disney/Hollywood movies. I say forced, by truthfully they were very willing participants who all enjoyed the education, so it's win win all around. :p

Times like this make me realise how much I really love having friends over, or spending time at friends' place sometimes - these easy chums whom I'm shameless to impose myself upon, are the same ones I would host anytime, having the luxury of just doing nothing and anything together in our own space and element. Quality time indeed.  

Cosy!

Not vain enough

"Is that even possible?" Some of you close to this vainpot may wonder, reading this title. Heeheehee.

Afterall, I am a self-proclaimedaware one. The many habits I have due to this trait has been prevalent since I was a toddler (probably also when I was an infant but I haven't heard any anecdotal evidence, and I can't remember that far back, so let's just say it started since I was really conscious of my appearance). I have long since accepted that I care about how I look and present myself, and fully embrace that most of the time.

Those last few words are critical, because I have a theory: Not all vainpots are made equal. Some are more vain than others, and what we are vain about differs.

For instance, as much as I like to look good, most days than not, I barely bother with putting on much makeup on a daily basis - sure I do the basics like fill in my barely there brows, swipe on some lippie, and if I'm feeling diligent I will put on some eyeliner, just so I look presentable. To me that's basic courtesy to fellow humans around me, not even about looking good.

That's not the same as the next vainpot who spends half an hour or more in the morning to put on proper makeup, such that when you look at her in the morning, you see someone who takes proper pride in her appearance, and cares enough about how they look to actually devote time to beautify themselves.

By the same vein (hehehe) of logic, I care enough about makeup and sometimes fashion to make the effort on those fronts. But for the life of me, as much as I admire people who can style their hair in a variety of looks - curls, braids, buns, accessories etc, I can never quite muster up the effort to do anything about my hair, beyond what's practical or functional. I keep wanting to, because I think it always looks so chic whenever one puts just the merest effort with their tresses, but I never really get round to actually mastering anything elaborate.

There really isn't a rhyme or logic to this post, just my random musing inspired by my hair which was done for a recent dance performance, where I got it professionally styled, then looked at the results, and bemoaned my lack of interest to learn how to do this myself. "Not vain enough," I tsked. :o

Nice right?? Sigh

The bizarre love affair

I took this happy OOTD and sent it to the bestie. Love this pair of comfy capri leggings which may not be the most flattering pair I own, but definitely ranks high on the list of those which just brightens my mood wearing them.

Flashback to just two years or so back, when I remember famously whinging on Instagram the possibility of having to don a pair of leggings for my very first dance performance. I actually went to H&M to try on leggings to try and desensitize my repulsion towards them.

Such a drama queen, eh. 

Who would have guessed that within months, I would start slowly liking the feel and look of leggings. And that this piece of active wear which I used to cringe at, would now be a staple in my sportswear wardrobe?

It just shows how fickle my brain is. Or perhaps, it's just fashion doing its usual, when something takes off in popularity, the variety and choices available then expands such that it's much easier to find a cut or fit that flatters. #stilltryingtoselfjustify

Heh. *shrugs*

I likey :)

Farewell my fabulous red shoes

Chucked this lovely pair of heels finally, with a heavy heart. The inner side of the right shoe had ripped a little a couple of months ago, and I had still insisted on wearing them. "Nobody noticed so it's fine", I whispered furtively to myself, deep in the throes of delusion.

Until one day when the eagle-eyed AB spotted the rip and stared at me ludicrously, "You can't wear these anymore Baby, you're gonna fall one day."

Of course he was right. I knew that - I just refused to acknowledge it. But now that The Voice of Reason has spoken, there was no other choice but to toss them down the bin. Sobs.

It's very bimbotic of me, but not all heels are equal, you know? Well, I know, because I have quite a collection of them (ahem I know, I have a problem). Some look amazing but are bloody high maintenance (you can't wear them for more than a couple of hours); some go with any outfit and instantly makes you look much more put together when you throw them on; and some have so much character or spunk that you know when you put them on, they are the highlight of the entire outfit.

Then there are those special ones who make you feel invincible and have the world at your feet. (Or maybe it's just the crazy height).

This pair I had to throw out was one of them special ones. And the best part? They look scarily high, but are in fact one of the most comfy pair of heels I ever owned - it's part of what makes them so fantastic. Not to mention that gorgeous shade of red. Got my heart hard, from the day I purchased them.

I must say I have been quite impressed with the longevity of them - had these for a good three years now, and I wore them quite often too (they are one of the regular work heels I wear at least three days per week). I have a record for wearing out shoes really quickly, so they truly lasted way longer than I had expected.

So yes, I am quite gutted, and have to post a tribute in loving memory of these fabulous shoes. 💔

You were brilliant, and I loved you for making me feel and look awesome, every single time. 

Goodbye beautiful, I will always remember you. 🌹

My funny cat mug

Coffee and Meow

One of those random purchases from Typo some time back (I love that shop for all these nonsense fun stuff!), and still one of my favourite things. A cute black coffee mug in the shape of a cat's head.

Just one of those little things that make me smile, always a great start (or break) to the day when I have my coffee. It makes my mediocre instant coffee taste 10 times better, so I consider this a great purchase that's returned many times its value. :D

食在台湾 ｜Taiwanese eats

While quite a number of our meal choices were dictated by AB's favourites on his past trips here, this unadventurous man was actually pretty open to a number of suggestions based on my friends' recommendations. Kudos to him for that given how he is one who most often prefers to pass up the chance to try something new, in favour of what he knows for sure he will enjoy. This man must have aced his economics back in the day. Heh.

I digressed - but that was how we ended up sampling quite a number of pretty awesome meals. :)

Toasteria

This is a rather unassuming chain of eateries, and one of the outlets just happened to be in the same cluster as AB's favourite cafe. It was therefore of little wonder that we wounded up there for quite a number of brunches during our trip, post mandatory morning coffee. Not that I'm complaining of course, the menu was right up my alley - breakfast-type food, which I can literally have all day as breakfast, lunch or dinner. The main specialty was their grilled cheese sandwiches which came in a variety of flavours. I gamely tried out the jalepeno version on our first visit there, which was awesomely cheesy (um, duh) and spicy, exactly what I expected. However, the egg fiend that I was meant that I just couldn't help reverting to my usual choice of the standard egg, potatoes and bacon set the next few times we were there, heehee. Yumm.

Love the poster

Grilled cheese! That cute little piece was what was cut out to add in the egg. 💖

My weakness 😍

Wu Lao Hotpot 無老鍋

The beloved colleague who is based in Hong Kong had just returned from her vacation in Taipei when I mentioned that I was going there, and she gushed on and on about this so many times I decided it had to be worth a try. Boy was she right. Not to mention that AB's parents had been meaning to try steamboat for their trip to Asia this time, and I have to say it probably was the best choice. Just as well that it was raining cats and dogs the entire evening that we decided to try it. 

Frankly though, there isn't really much to say about this famous hotpot, other than that it was really good: soup was flavourful while not chock-full of MSG, nor too overwhelming nor salty/oily, ingredients were awesome with plenty of greens and fresh food which was much more welcome than the processed cheese tofu or sausages, so it made for a really happy me. AB decided to go crazy and ordered a big bottle of Chinese rice wine to share, and thankfully it's not as scary as I'd feared, and the table did manage to finish the bottle amongst the four of us - we all managed to walk out sober and in a straight line, hurhurhur. 

Bubble bubble

My tiny Hello Kitty (also my MRT pass!) wasn't amused at being challenged to drink 🙈

Go Sang Grilled Meats 吳桑烤肉

Said colleague who recommended Wu Lao also sang praises of the grilled meat in Taipei, and while we didn't end up trying any of those that she mentioned, this one came on the recommendations of one of AB's friends, and just as well was conveniently located just a 20 minute stroll away from where we stayed. 

I have to say that the chilly weather made the most conducive accompaniment for huddling round a warm grill of smokeless charcoal, and having the servers grill your orders to the perfect doneness it was meant to be devoured was pretty fantastic. Can you tell by now that I am lazy maximus most of the time when I can help it? Heehee. 

Tender meat. Mmm.

Our very hardworking friendly server

All in all, a most lovely handful of eateries sampled. Probably even more adventurous than I was during my first trip here. :D

Craft beers in Taiwan

Chanced upon a bar on our second night in Taipei, which was such a cool place. Well, when a pub is named ABV, I guess it kinda means business, heh.

Was quite taken by the selection of craft beer available from all over the world, but of course being in Taiwan we had to try their local versions. I was particularly intrigued by this series that had one themed for each season. It was almost tempting to try them all, except I had limited stomach capacity. Thankfully, AB and his parents have way different taste preference from me, so they ended up ordering the ones I wasn't keen to spare space for an entire bottle. A sip or two sufficed. Heh. Also gave me the perfect opportunity to read all of them in detail and take plenty of photos. Muahaha.

Can you guess which is my favourite? ;)

Full series: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter (plus a random pumpkin beer)

Love the story behind each name/theme

ABV (Carribean bar and kitchen)

大安區忠孝東路四段216巷19弄11號

零食怪物

妹妹送的爱心点心，让郁闷的办公日下午过得轻松许多。^_^

啃在嘴里，“咸”在心底。呵呵。

Introduction: The one that got away

While brainstorming blog ideas, I recalled that I promised to provide more juicy details on my relationships over the past years, since I attempted, then gave up on giving something more than a general, rather vague summary of what had gone down during my dormant absence.

Funnily enough, given all my reservations to not overshare online, the idea of doing so doesn't scare or repulse me. I guess I trust myself enough to know what I can share and what I won't, and I'm quite happy to also wax lyrical about some of my musings and contemplations, as I am inclined to do anyway.

So here we are. :)

It won't be heavy or emo, and I'd very much like to keep my tone lighthearted for the most part, since like Richard Fish in Ally McBeal says, "Bygones." It's all in the past now. Whatever pain and anguish I suffered or  was subjected to, we have both moved on, so it's really a waste of time and energy to still be miserable over what's done and dusted. 

(Of course I made it sound like it was all the other person's fault. I'm an angel! Best girlfriend ever that I'm sure they regret not being able to keep. Plus it's my blog so I'm entitled to subject you to my biaised point of view, no? Heeheehee.)

With all that, you may be wondering about the theme of these posts: "The One that Got Away", which in its conventional use has that tone of wistfulness about it. Huh. Heh, just to clarify that this "One" refers to me, instead of said ex-es whom I will be writing about (sorry, not sorry! Heehee). 

How so? Because when I reflect on all these failed relationships and where I am now in my life, current relationship and everything else, I did feel like I lucked out in them not working out. I can't see myself in a better place than I am at the moment, and in many parts, it was those failures that drove me to become the person I am, someone I love, respect and admire (sometimes) so much more than before all those escapades eventuated. 

So brace yourselves, sit back with a cuppa when you see posts like this. I promise I will try to be entertaining and not bore you with melancholy and bitterness. :)

P/S: Apologies if I sound borderline manic here, am writing this pre morning coffee and that can make me sound a tad psychotic sometimes. :p

My new thing: swishy skirts

Our warm and humid climate here meant that I tend to shy away from wearing jeans or long dresses and skirts which just feel too heavy and even warmer than I can tolerate - I am one of those who is deathly heat-averse so I do everything I can to avoid getting sticky and sweaty when I'm out and about.

In the recent months however, I have taken a shine to swishy flowy skirts that make me feel like either an all-powerful witch or a dreamy princess, depending on the colour and design, hurhurhur. The light fabric makes it rather breezy to move about in while not getting more heated up than usual, and there's just something special about having those light swathes swish around my ankles and floating gently as I walk.

And so for lunar new year, I donned one for the second day. Wasn't about to chance wearing one when I had to commute a lot, so this was great for the day since the programme was only to visit the sister's renovated loft, then catch that awesome Aus Open final.

This was a particularly dreamy skirt that I had bought off some online shop and hoarded for months waiting for a right occasion and mood to wear, and that day was perfect for it. Paired it with one of my favourite easy white tops that matches nearly anything and just drapes flatteringly and comfortably. It was rather fun to prance around in it, even though I had to take care when going up the stairs to prevent my feet from getting caught in the overhanging fabric. Heh. It's a skirt that's not for the clumsy. :p

Pastels and polyester make a winning combo