We then adjourned to Ben & Jerry's to continue waiting for the girls to arrive. That was when we succumbed to temptation. We ordered a huge platter of desserts to satisfy our sweet tooth. The presentation alone was so enticing, we absolutely could not resist.

After what seemed like an eternity, the girls came along and we chatted for a long time before calling it a night.

I've never mentioned this before, but I was inspired to share my views on friendship after some recent revelations. I draw very clear lines between work, friends and family. At work, I'm very demanding and I admit I may not be the most patient person to work with due to my expectations.

With friends, I'm more patient as all I expect is a listening ear and companionship, nothing more. In general, I don't like to trouble my friends for help as the last thing I want to do is to cause any inconvenience. Sometimes, mixing friendship with work is a sure recipe for disaster because everyone has different working styles and you may not realize that a friend's working style is vastly different from yours until it comes to the crunch, and this inevitably strains the relationship.

I try to show compassion, respect and consideration, and will reciprocate if someone does so as well. But if I feel someone has taken me for granted without showing me consideration, I get upset. Then again, I don't get upset for long as those close to me would know I never do bear grudges.

Of course, strangers and acquaintances are entitled to their own opinions of what sort of person I am, but I don't care about their impressions because we either don't know each other very well, or at all, and I don't see the need to explain myself to people who do not matter. :) Time is such a precious commodity that the only way to make good use of it is to spend it with people who matter, understand, and reciprocate. These are people who will stand by you, always.

This breezy little number is also fabulous for summer and the cheery colour is sure to brighten up anyone's day, don't you agree? :)

Every Chinese New Year, we'll make it a point to visit my parents first before heading to my paternal grandmother's place, where all my relatives would gather. I never used to like Chinese New Year, but this year, I feel different, probably because we'll be away from family for an extended period of time and my two grandmothers are getting frailer day by day.

Sometimes, we never do treasure what we have till we are this close to losing the people dearest to us. Likewise, absence does make the heart grow fonder.

I also had lots of fun playing with my favourite cousin, Shuya, who just turned 5 a couple of days back. She's such an independent and intelligent little darling!

Through our conversation, I found out that her favourite drink, in her own words, is the "yellow flower drink". Everyone was bewildered and I was the only one who guessed that it was chrysanthemum tea. So cute right?

The afternoon was spent at JW's 2nd aunt's home, where his family gathered. We were treated to a delicious feast comprising lotus root soup, fried chicken wings, ngor hiang, abalone and other wonderful delicacies whipped up by the mistress of the house. I love my MIL's dress, which was a birthday gift from my SIL. She looks remarkably sweet and young!

Happy Chinese New Year! Although tonight's the actual night for reunion dinner, I already had 2 lou heis before this. Here's what I wore for reunion dinner and lou hei with my family yesterday.

Aren't the rings cute? You can get both of them from Accessorize. I always have trouble finding rings that fit my tiny fingers, but the rings from Accessorize come in size XS and they fit me perfectly!

This pair of shoes looks like something that Carrie Bradshaw would wear. I love how it is dramatic, yet feminine, and beautiful, yet outrageous.

These are from a Korean shop called Angel at Far East Plaza, near the escalator on level 3, which is the same shop that I got all my transparent heels from. The transparent heels are superbly comfortable and so versatile, they can match practically everything in your wardrobe.

Now, which of these is your favourite? :)

Like Tiong Bahru, Haji Lane has a lot of character. I like to think of it as the more commercialized sister of Tiong Bahru because hoards of tourists and photography enthusiasts visit this street every weekend.



If you take a closer look at Haji Lane, you'll notice that the shophouses of yesteryear emanate a beautiful old world charm that blends in seamlessly with modern additions such as brightly coloured gates, graffiti, eclectic fashion shops and hip indie cafes.



One of my favourite cafes is Pluck. Pluck also retails a treasure trove of unique ornaments, apparel, accessories, crockery and all things beautiful.


I'm addicted to ice-cream waffle at Pluck. It's always sold out on weekends though, so do try to get there early.


They ran out of waffles the last time I went, so we settled for the ice-cream sandwich instead. It's basically ice-cream sandwiched between 2 chocolate biscuits. Tastes yummy but I still prefer my waffles!


Besides Pluck, Soon Lee is a shop that I frequent, mainly to admire interesting pieces from Asian designers. I was so drawn to a pink tulle skirt I saw recently, but they were only left with L size. :(

Still rummaging through the rack in search of the elusive size S skirt. ;P


Soon Lee stocks gorgeous accessories, bags and the most precious books too. I spotted quite a number of English and American classics which will not only be great reads but will also look magnificent on anyone's bookshelf.



Now, who said Singapore was boring? Sometimes, we only have to look around us to discover beauty in our daily lives. :)