Project Chinese Jew

I need to cut cost! I just realized I'm more broke than I am because I overlooked a big bill that I had to pay and I spent the money! No wonder I was thinking how come I've got more money than I should in my bank some days ago...I should have known better, knowing my hopeless money managing skills, or the lack thereof to be precise. Okay, I'm bloody bad with money and it's got to do with my impulsive tendency to buy new stuff to thrill myself which is bad. I'm embarrassed to say that I have no savings cos I spend it all and I always have a shock when the credit card bills come in cos I normally have no idea what I've spent on. So I have to change and start saving. After I clear some bills off of course....But here are the Project Chinese Jew's Back to Frugal Living measures:

• No more cab rides to work in the morning. I'm supposed to wake up early at 7am so I can catch the bus to work but then I have a, ahem, sleep disorder and I have a hell lot of problem waking up early to catch the bus so I've been taking cab to work every morning and that is BAD. Bus ride $3, cab ride $15....that's 5 times the cost!!! So NO MORE cab rides! Today I failed to wake up when I told BB I'm gonna wake up to take the bus but next week, there'll be no more cab ride! If I take cab, I'll save $60 a week and that's $240 a month.
• No more Watsons cheap thrill...I have the bad habit of going into Watsons to buy something new every other day but I've got enough shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body moisturizer, skin care products and makeup stuff to last me till the end of the year and most probably beyond, so the next time I go into Watsons would be only to buy tissue paper, sanitary pads and tampons. Okay, and maybe Imedeen...but nothing more!
• No more shopping. Both in the shop and online...I've got enough clothes, bags, perfumes and shoes....Okay, it's impossible to not shop forever but I'll hold the shopping until end of June....how about that? Then thereafter, maybe I'll buy ONE item a month? Fair?
• I'll buy only ONE magazine a month instead of 34739842038....it'll be UK Glamour

I guess that would do it for now but let's hope I'll succeed!!

Super Cute Tooth!!

Found a really really cute site! My Milk Toof is one super cool and kawaii site started by an artist in US and it's got a story line about 2 milk teeth's little adventure! The pictures are so super cute! Look!

Aren't they the cutest toof or what??? They even have names! The smaller one is called Ickle and the bigger one is Lardee! They're so adorable I can't stop looking at them and they never fail to make me smile and go "Awwwww"....The artist also sells postcard sets and plush pins of Ickle and Lardee but they're all sold out....you must check it out! Click Here!

May Muse

Reading: Lady Oracle by Margaret Atwood...she needs no introduction...nuff said

Watching: The IT Crowd - British BAFTA award-winning Channel 4 comedy about a trio in a basement IT department. It's hilarious! BB introduced me to it and I love it!!! Click here to see my favorite scene

Listening to: Empire State of Mind by Jay Z ft Alicia Keys....okay, not my usual cup of tea I admit but then it's such an ear worm I have to listen to it all the time... "Neeeeew Yoooork, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do...now that you're in Neeeew Yooork, these streets make you feel brand new, the lights will inspire you"....

Using: A'Kin Lavender Shampoo and Avocado & Calendula Conditioner. I've always loved the A'Kin range cos they're all pure and botanical based with super nice natural aroma. The Lavender shampoo is divine cos it's such an olfactory treat just washing my hair and it leaves hair soft and the good thing about natural botanical products is that though they're slightly slower in delivering results, the results are rather long lasting compared to their non-botanical based counterparts. Ohhh and it smells divine! BB said he kept smelling my hair cos the shampoo smells so nice....

Wearing: My brand new Pandora bracelet! Woot! Love it and I'm looking forward to adding nice beads to it slowly....
I'm also re-visiting an old perfume, Marc Jacobs Daisy......I left it at a corner for awhile and I'm wearing it again and loving the nice strawberry top notes...just got complimented by a cab driver this morning...haha...

Eating: I'm addicted to the divine Lobster Bisque at Secret Recipe. It's soooo damn yummy and it's only about 5 bucks can you believe it? I've tried some really expensive ones before at places like Les Amis and its equivalents but then they're not even as good as this 5 bucks lobster bisque! It's got a irich and creamy without being too heavy and the flavor is totally awesome. The only complaint is that it doesn't have lobster bits in it but then it's at 5 bucks a pop so I shouldn't complain! Yummmm....I'm always saying how I wish I can have it on a dispensing machine....

Loving: Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar. Just a bit of an extra update. I'm still at it on my ACV routine and I feel healthier...yes, it kinda work and if you must know the detail, well, let me put it tastefully-- You get more output...now go figure it out yourself. It's good, and I intend to go on with it

Lusting after: Giuseppe Zanotti's heels....OMG soooo gorgeous but then you know what? This is the kinda shoes I want but will never buy nor wear cos they're so gorgeous to look at. I once bought a pair of Sergio Rossi's gorgeous heels but then I hardly wear it cos it's just  not that practical to walk in gorgeous high heels...the whole Sex In The City Carrie Bradshaw in lovely heels thing only look and FEEL (most important) good on tv cos bring it to real like, you'll get bunions and all...okay, I shall just admire from afar, though I wouldn't mind a pair of Christian Louboutin nude heels though cos that's a classic and you can totally walk in "Loubies"....ohhh...I was laughing that day cos OGT told me some wannabe skank said and wrote "Laboutin" instead of "Louboutin"....haha....second class....

Social Detox

About a year ago, I cut all ties from a friend whom I've known since I was 14 and she's tried adding me on facebook a couple of times but I rejected both attempts (though she followed me on twitter at one point). A mutual friend asked why I didn't attend her wedding and how come I don't talk to her anymore but I said nothing cos it's such a long story. Apart from the ubiquitous story of friends growing apart and becoming too different as we grow to develop into the person we are now, a main reason of me cutting ties is because she's what I call a "toxic friend" or a "downer". I'm blogging about it because I was reminded of her some days ago and thought maybe it's a good idea so those (my mom included and they probably think that I'm a bloody bitch for not talking to her) who're wondering why I no longer contact her would get an idea of what really happened. But because it's such a long and complicated story, I'm just gonna put down in point form some of the deal breakers that rendered her toxic....

• When she went to Australia to study, she went with her then boyfriend and totally disappeared for 2 (or was it 3?) years without so much of an email and I tried contacting her but she only replied me once and then she went MIA. And we were really close before as we've gone through bad patches together (though mainly hers cos she was having issues with some boy then), but she disappeared. Upsetting but fine. Then 3 years later, she SUDDENLY appeared at my door steps literally cos well she's back and guess what? She broke up with the boyfriend....I didn't turn her away of course and despite being rather miffed about her MIA stunts, I was kinda glad to reconnect
• She met a new guy and moved in with him, leaving her dog at home for her mom to take care of. Her mom didn't like the idea of a dog to begin with and my friend didn't even go home much cos she didn't get along with her family. It's the same as abandoning her dog and being a pet owner, I totally disagree with that and one day, she called me crying saying her mom put up the dog for adoption and had already sent the dog away....seriously, why cry now? and what's the big fuss when you don't even care to begin with? I was put off but nevertheless, I stuck around...and guess what? She adopted a new cat soon after that...and I wonder if the cat is still around now...
• She did lots of stunt to attract attention. Yes, people do that sometimes but she put me in a worrying position all the time and it's bloody selfish. Once she texted to say she's having problem with her boyfriend and was so upset she's breaking down and drinking herself silly at a pub. I immediately called her after I got her sms and guess what? She cut my call and when I texted her saying I would come down to pick her up in a cab and then send her back, she didn't reply me. I worriedly took a cab down to where she said she was and went into a couple of pubs looking for her and I didn't even know which pub she was in (I only knew she was supposedly at some pub below her office and I know where she worked). And of course I found no sign of her. I didn't even tell her I went looking for her cos I felt like a bloody moron when I later found out she's gone home.
• She made me call her boyfriend to solve their issues...I hate the fact that I had to be involved and dragged into their drama and many times I rushed to her when she needed me around but then she would do lots of attention seeking stunts like running away and then the boyfriend would have to call me to find out where she was...I can't deal with her drama
• I do think she's grown to be into money grabbing....I can't stand the fact that she proudly announced and specifically made a statement that she doesn't need to bring her wallet out with her when she goes out with her then-boyfriend and now husband....what's there to be proud of? She said it in front of me and my then-boyfriend and there was an awkward silence cos we didn't know what she was driving at.....Mind you, it's not jealousy cos BB pays for a lot of stuff and buys me lots of things too but I would never want to be financially dependent on a man....it's a matter of different lifestyle I guess...I just don't agree with hers
• She's FOREVER complaining about how everyone at her workplace was out to get her but yet was so passive to go find a new job. When she got her first job at some F&B establishment, she said the boss gave her shit. Then I called my contact at a publishing firm who's looking for an account servicing person and told her about my friend and I told my friend to write in cos I already spoke to someone about her. She said she was keen but did she do it? No. Why? Too busy. And no, I don't believe you're too busy to send out a resume. Then when I switched job and got a better offer, instead of being happy for me, she said "It's easy for you to get a job because you have connections. You got it because you know people"....What a downer....and of course she continued to complain and when she got a new job in some shipping company, surprise surprise! Everyone's against her again....
• The last straw: She texted me a suicide note on sms about a year plus or two ago, saying that she's gonna take her own life now and asking me to take care. At that point, I've already cooled the "friendship" and I didn't even have her number on my mobile anymore but one look and I knew the sms was from her. I called her husband (she's married already) who then freaked out cos she switched off her mobile and couldn't be reached. Well, the hubby rushed home from the office midway through work and then texted me saying she's home and then I got a message from her thanking me cos the paramedics arrived in time....WTF??????????? I'm done with all her attention-seeking stunt....if you really want to die, firstly, you don't tell anyone cos you just die or jump or slash your wrist (parallel to your wrist), secondly, if your real intention to die and your suicide plan's wrecked, do you actually THANK the person for wrecking your plan? I dunno what to say....but I guess that did it for me and I think I've had enough....It's a bloody selfish act to send someone a suicide note cos if the person really dies, YOU, yes, the person who receives the note would somehow feel responsible to some effect....I know some of you might say, oh fuck it cos it's her issue and her fault and it's not like you kill her, but at that point, I really WAS worried sick and it was nasty...

There're tons more but these are just the main stuff that I remember the most because it was emotionally traumatizing for me cos I really did care and love her as a friend. A hell lot in fact. But sometimes in life, some things happen and affect the relationship and no matter what you do, you can't reverse the effects and the damage is just irreversible. Now that I've looked back in retrospect, I really realize how much more positive I am when she's not around because the people you hang out with pass on their energy to you and I feel so much more healthier emotionally....It's really not that I hate her or anything cos I don't, but I guess sometimes, a friendship does run its course....

Opening the Pandora Box

I gave in! After walking pass the Pandora Jewellery shop so many times, I finally went in and walked out with a Pandora bracelet with some beads that I've always wanted! When I first saw Pandora in Sydney some years back, I already liked it but then I was just walking pass the shop and didn't go in to really look at it. Then the Danish jewellery company set up a store in Singapore some months back and I had a really good look this time and have loved all their stuff. I actually love their rings more but then they're kinda pricey cos the ones I like are in gold and is best worn in sets which means you need to buy more....So I guess I'll settle for the silver bracelet though I'll foresee myself buying one or two gold beads (more expensive!)to jazz it up a bit in the future....The beads start at about $49 which is quite okay and affordable but I really do like the gold ones though they're a lot more expensive at about 300 bucks.....ouch....like I said, maybe later. Now it looks a bit bare but then again, the idea is to slowly build it right...

Ohhh lovely baggie waiting for me to be open....

Ta-dahhh, they give away jewellery box too...with a two tier ring compartment...of course I wish I have some Pandora rings cos I saw some really nice gold ones with pink stones and pearls...soon okay soon

I love the idea of sloooowly building a bracelet with beads and all cos I can buy one bead at a time and for special occasion etc. Nice idea and I love their ads cos it says that instead of giving flowers, you give a bead to add on to the bracelet to make every moment unforgettable which is kinda cool! Okay, I'm a sucker for this kinda thing....Oh and they give me a nice Pandora jewellery box too! Nice! I love jewellery cos it's such a nice personal item (who doesn't right?) and when I was younger, I was into Tiffany & Co. and have amassed quite some items but then these days, it's so damn bloody mass market that everyone's got them and the appeal of it was gone. So I like Pandora cos it's less common...well, until everyone starts buying it of course....

Sheer Bliss!!

I've been "blissed out"! Courtesy of BB! Thanks! (I guess that's the perks of having to take the sister around while BB packed up at home in preparation for the big move come Monday!) I head down to Bliss Spa at Sephora today with Gail for some good old pampering and it was well, absolutely blissful....and I'm planning my next trip back there rather soon in fact! I did the Blissage 60 Full Body Massage and Gail picked the Steep Clean Facial and we were both in heaven!

The Singapore Bliss Spa is almost as good as the New York one (but not exactly 100% but really good enough for sure!) and the therapists are great! My Blissage 60 started off with a hot parafin wax wrapped around my feet while I'm tucked in the super comfy massage bed that's got a warming feature to keep you nice and comfy in your little cocoon! I've never been to another spa in Singapore that's got a warming bed! This is the exact same one in New York! Sheer delight!! Then the heaven started, my therapist worked through my shoulders (the problem bits!) and she's really good, if I'm not wrong, her name is Sherene and she's the chief massage therapist and her strokes were firm, strong but not too much. And I must say she's the best I've tried in Singapore cos I've been to many spas like Spa Esprit, Earth Sanctuary and even Spa Botanica in Sentosa (which charges double the price!) but this one is by far the best! So I'm definitely going back cos my shoulders feel so much better now! Gail loved her Steep Clean facial too and she said she almost felt asleep and she was close to snoring. The facial was great cos it comes with a neck and shoulder massage too and she, too, loved the warming bed. In fact, I didn't feel like getting off the bed when it's time's up cos it was so nice and warm like a cozy cocoon. Honestly, 60 minutes is a bit short!!! I highly recommend it! I'm going back for more and for the facial too. Here's where you can check out the menu!

When I walked out of Bliss, I bought the Triple Oxygen + C Energizing Cream that I've wanted!

Woot! It's $86 bucks and I thought it would be more expensive cos the mask I got was $104. But because the mask was so damn good, I have no qualms buying the cream and it's supposed to show result from the first application. I used it last night, well, not like miraculous but my skin is slightly more rosy. Dunno if it's psychological but it's got a very very nice texture and it's so light yet moisturizing! It gets absorbed real fast too! But I do find it not rich enough for my dry skin cos I have rather dry skin but I think most normal skin would find it delightful cos it's a gel-cream texture. I love it! I'm gonna update on how well it performs maybe 2 weeks later. But so far, it seems promising!

Silk Road with Yo-yo Ma

Up till the 14th Century, the Silk Road, a series of land and sea trade routes that connected Eurasia, had been the gateway between the China and the Mediterranean for nearly 2000 years, enabling not just a lucrative exchange of trade but also opening up an enthralling exchange of the oriental and Mediterranean cultures. Intrigued by the interconnectedness of arts, music and culture between the occidental and oriental world, famed virtuoso cellist Yo-yo Ma, , founded the Silk Road Project in 1998 to explore connections from ancient times to the present via the musical route. Then, out came many successful albums that feature the fascinating scores and rhythms inspired by the scintillating fusion of the east and west,  and the Silk Road Project has established itself as a musical favorite among many music connoisseurs. For years, I listened religiously to all their collections and then on Friday night 30 April, I experienced the musical convergence of the magical Silk Road right at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

The Silk Road Ensemble

Presenting the Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-yo Ma. As a cellist myself (despite a really really lousy one), Yo-yo Ma (along with the already deceased Jacqueline du Pre) has been my cello hero for over a decade, and his Silk Road Ensemble didn't fail to impress. The Silk Road Suite that opened the show was my ultimate favorite that featured the very talented Sheng (China Orchestra Instrument) Player Wu Tong (first row, extreme right on the picture above) who has successfully breathed a new lease of life into this stale dowdy Chinese Instrument that once graced the Chinese imperial court. Wu's chemistry with the Ruan's player during their solo segment was electric and phenomenally mesmerizing. Secretly, I was hoping Yo-yo Ma would play a more prominent role with his cello but then the Silk Road Ensemble isn't just about celebrating Yo-yo Ma as one of the century's greatest cello maestro. It's got the "We're in the limelight as a team" togetherness about them.

However, I was hoping for a more upbeat and easily digestible pieces cos they picked Ritmos Anchinos and Night Music as part of the selection and these are disarraying pieces that showcase the musicians' technical skills but aren't as aurally palatable. I enjoyed it for the simple reason that I was busy watching Yo-yo Ma's finger works cos I play the cello but some of the audience seemed a bit bored as both pieces are best described as movie soundtracks to the thriller genre. Nonetheless, it was a great showcase with 2 encores where the audience were surprised by the Sheng Player, Wu Tong's multi-faceted talents as he not only plays the Chinese flute but also sings amazingly in the final encore "Happiness". I think he's aria trained too!! What amazing talents! So I guess I'm okay with his sometimes over zealous style as he jumped and dance around the stage as if it's his solo show while playing the Sheng LOL! I must say he seemed as if he was hogging the limelight and I wonder what the rest of his team mates feel about that. Hmmm.....

Anyway, I know there's no photography allowed but I managed to sneak a couple...well, bad quality but hey at least I tried...

Right now, I'm gonna go take my cello out, make sure the G-string is tight (not the underwear but the instrument string!), tune it then play it...I can't wait to see Yo-yo Ma again!! I hope next time it'll be his solo! Tonight, it's indeed money and time well spent!!! What a great way to start the weekend!