High Tea at Rose Veranda, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

We are on an island-wide high tea tour! So here we are at Rose Veranda. The 'unique' thing about the place is that they let you have your pick of two types of tea versus the usual single selection at other places.

As usual, Meimei went for her English Breakfast Tea. I had something more exotic, though I can't quite remember what it is now. The food was good, buffet style. They had a big section for scones which I loved. 

Quiet, hidden away in a corner of the hotel, with a view of the lush greens of the trees around the hotel. One for the slow afternoons.

I Think I'm Starting to Like Window Shopping

I was browsing Meimei's blog to check out her "I covet" list. Lots of electronic gadgets on it, but being the IT unsavvy nut that is me, I passed on those. So a small list of 3 items stayed, namely a coin bank, an Agnes b wallet and a breadmaker. With that I planned out my route and went shopping at Orchard Road. I setup base at Tangs and off I went.

First stop: Tangs Marketplace
I recall a piggy the last time we were here. They still have it and it's still as expensive. $59 for a piggy. I remembered Meimei pointing out that she would have to save lots of coins just to get it, i.e. why get it in the first place?

Second stop: ION Orchard
Tried my luck by walking around, slowly browsing each store. Found a decent tin can bank at a stationery shop for $16. Not bad not bad. I put in on my shortlist and continued on my prowl. And I chanced on a shop . . . or should I say I chanced on a gift. It's a retro diner phone we saw from a reno magazine. My face literally lid up the second I saw it. Good things do come expensive, for a good $299. Ouch. No worries I told myself, shortlisted.

Third stop: Takashimaya
I chanced on a Agnes B corner boutique in Takashimaya. Was walking aimlessly in the bags section and found it. I remembered Meimei eyeing a pink wallet from the 2009 collection. Sadly, they no longer have it in stock. The salesman tried to call other outlets in the vicinity and all of them didn't have it. Darn! Good stuff always run out fast . . . Sigh . . .

Fourth stop: Agnes B outlet at Wisma Atria basement
I recall walking pass it before on my way to Taka. So off I went and asked about the pink wallet. (I didn't want to believe the Taka salesman that it was out-of-stock everywhere hahaha) And again I was told they no longer carry it. Instead they had the new 2010 line of wallets which comes in metalic grey and gold. Hmmm, it looks pretty enough. But wait there is another outlet at Isetan Scotts! Broooommmm!

Fifth stop: Agnes B boutique at Isetan Scotts
Lo and behold, they didn't have the pink one too . . . this is becoming an afternoon of constant rejection. So I guessed I'm gonna have to get the 2010 collection, which honestly looks very good as well. But being a guy, which instantly qualifies me as 'colourblind', I called Meimei and simply asked her: "Do you like gold or silver colour?" Deep down I was fighting very hard not to let the cat out of the bag . . . Sigh . . . it's hard keeping things from her. I seem to always blurp out stuff unknowingly when I talk to her.

Anyways I eventually settle on the gold one. This is going to be a great (and pricy) gift for Meimei's Bday. Weeee!

Oh and I did gather something from today's hunt. Window shopping is fun fun fun!

Plans Folded!

After serious deliberation on the present, I've decided to go with a uZap Mini. But guess what? They have discontinued it! Arghh!!!

I was at the store at West Mall today and they didn't have it. I called the IMM, Best Denki and CK Tangs outlet and all didn't have it! The service staff at CK Tangs was kind enough to tell me that they discontinued it and I'll have to wait for the new uKimono Mini. Bah!!!

What is this??!! I'm like days away from The Day ... and I don't have a gift.

Presents Give Me a Headache

Meimei's Bday is coming up ... and I don't know what to get her. Below is a brain-storm list.

1) Sirotan
- First Choice. Sadly they have moved out of Singapore. I've been sourcing for this for the past few months. I even emailed the japanese sales staff at the MotherGarden office in Japan. Bah ... not a single reply. Damn, I really need to pick up more conversational Japanese . . .

2) Asterix
- Hahah, this is the defacto Christmas present ... not a good choice for Meimei's Bday.

3) uSnooz Massage Wrap
- I happen to chance on this while surfing for Smile rewards points redemption. This can be a possible gift. She's been having stiff neck recently, caused by vegetating on the bed for long hours watching tv serials.

4) Slim Belt & uZap Mini
- Found this after checking out the uSnooz webby. This looks even better as a Bday gift. I might need to buy 2 uZap though. Serious contender.

5) Bag
- Can never go wrong with Bags. Meimei has been hinting that her white Carlo Rino bag is spoiled and wants to get another. This is a good option for a gift, though the danger here is that I might get something which she might not like, but yet forced to use just because I bought it for her. Have to think about this one.

I have like 11 days to get something. Why oh why did MotherGarden moved out of Singapore. *Sign . . .

I Got A New Phone, I Got A New Phone

I got a new phone. It's the perfect gift from Meimei. Hehe, my old Nokia 6300 has been giving me problems for the past few months. The centre button doesn't register clicks anymore unless you jam it real hard. So I couldn't access the call register to see my missed calls nor send SMSes.

So Meimei took pains to check out a range of phones and eventually pulled me to Tampines mall to take my pick. And well, being the creature of habit that I am, I went with my old trusty 6300. The surprising though was that it was retailing at $229 . . . 5 years after it was first launched. Other phones which were newer models were going for half that price. Weird isn't it. But as the salesman explained, the body is made of stainless steel which is why it's price is still up there. Ahh, no wonder it doesn't spoil as easily when I drop it. I love it for it's durability and rigour.

Thanks Meimei! This is the perfect gift!

New Year New Look

New Year again. And I just noticed that Blogspot has the Verdana font. So I'm gonna start using it to give this place a new look feel. Maybe revamp the place too if I can find time.

Oh and Happy New Year 2010!!! Cheers!!!


P.S. And if anyone is asking, I didn't come up with a New Year's resolution list this year . . . cos I haven't even finish any of my last year's ones !!! >.< I'll just recycle and use the 2009 one . . .

2009 Christmas

I didn't get anything special this Christmas. We chanced on the sale at Isetan Orchard a few weeks ago and I bought a My Melody Plush and a My Melody stuff-toy for Meimei. I think she hugs it to sleep at night.

Hmm, at least it's something she likes. Maybe I'll get another plush next year, or stick back to the old gift of Asterix. Then again I couldn't find an Asterix for this year as Borders stop stocking them. I need to find where else can I get my hands on Asterix.

Book Opinion: John Grisham - Ford County

I can't actually remember when I finished reading this. I think it was about 2-3 weeks ago? But I didn't have the time to blog about it till now.

I think Ford County is John's first foray in the short stories category. And I must say it was a successful first try. As with all his other books, Ford County just pull you in and soon you won't be able to put it down. And better yet, the stories are just short enough for a quicky peek while waiting for someone or for a short coffee break. Even the stories are short, they are still told in surprising detail and emotion. A good read to bring a new reader into the world of John Grisham.

Book Opinion: Mitch Albom - Have A Little Faith

Meimei presented a 'special' edition of Mitch Albom's latest novel, Have A Little Faith, for my Bday. It had ruffled pages, very in touch with the cover which depicts a notebook binded together by two strings.

And I just finished it over the weekend. Most of the reading was done at Changi T3 Coffee Bean. Meimei was busy with work on Friday so I found a comfy spot, and coupled with a New York Cheesecake and my usual Latte, I started on the book.

True to Mitch Albom's books, it has strong religious overtones to the stories told. Though I'm not a believer, the stories are inspiring and refreshing. It didn't have that big of a oomph compared to his earlier books. But I guess it's because it's based on true stories. Such is the reality of life, good things come in small packages. So when I finished I wasn't 'moved' like his earlier books. Nonetheless I must say it was a good read. Good writers bring out the favour of any story. And Mitch is very fluid and detail in his writing. Highly recommended for a quiet rainy cozy afternoon with a good cup of coffee and pastry.

High Tea at Goodwood Park Hotel

We are on a high tea spree! Goodwood Park Sunday High Tea are reputed to be one of the best in town, so we had to try yah .... yeah it didn't disappoint!

The cafe serving the high tea is just at the end of the main lobby. It's a quint little place, nicely spaced between each table. They had a good selection of pastries and tea. Definitely one to return for more high tea pleasure!

The New Adventures of Puddle Girl & Medicated Boy

Puddle Girl
Think little girl in a red dress, jumping in the rain.
Call to Fame - Making waves in puddles by bouncing on them.

Medicated Boy
Think thin sickly boy, constantly coughing.
Call to Fame - Finished a whole course of Antibiotics but still sick.

It was a rainy Tuesday evening. Medicated boy braved bad traffic and inconsiderate drivers to reach Puddle girl's office. He made an exception and drove into the office carpark so that he didn't have to get out in the rain, much to the 'dismay' of Puddle girl. She would have loved to feel the wetness in her feet. But it was for the best of both heros as they couldn't afford to fall further into sickness.

They thought about dinner and agreed shopping centres are the best bet as they wouldn't need to trample in the rain. So off they went to Le Meridan for Korean goodness.

Both heros enjoy the rain. It's coolness, calmness and overall good feel.

Stay tuned folks for more adventures of Puddle Girl and Medicated Boy.

Tea with a High

Yeah yeah I know, "Cheesy Title". But hey it's my first High Tea experience. And boy, it was fabulous. We were at the Mandarin Oriental to conclude on our special celebration venue. When it was done, we continued to sit around and enjoy the lazy Saturday afternoon. We discussed a little about other aspects of the celebration. And as I looked around I see waiters bringing "trays" of little bite size tarts and scones and my mouth watered.

So we decided to order a tray as well since we already had free tea from our earlier dicussions with the catering manager. We also moved to a long sofa where we could relax and stretch. I must say, I love the High Tea experience. No hurry, no pressure, just irresistable pastries and hot teas. Food for the soul. Yum! I could get used to this. Hehehe.

1 Year Wiser

I'm a year older, or in someone's words one year wiser. This year is abit more special, though not that there was a big big bash or anything. But my mum used this opportunity to invite Meimei's parents to meet up for a meal on the pretext of celebrating my birthday. Heheh. This actually had me worried for awhile as I wasn't sure they would be cordial with each other, let alone cozy up to one another. Well, truth be told, I wasn't worried about Meimei's parents as much as I was worried about mine, and specifically my dad.

Thankfully it turned out pretty alright for a first meeting. We had buffet lunch at Noble House and were joined by Meimei's sister and my brother actually managed to make it. He just flew back to Singapore the night before. So lunch went pretty well and my heart finally stopped jumping when we drove off. Phew . . . imagine the horror if they got into a "discussion" . . . Anyways my fears were for nothing. I found out later that mum had warned dad harshly not to "anyhow say things". Thanks Mum! *kiss

Oh and Meimei got me presents!! I had to pick and choose but I was greedy and got all of them hehehehe. They are all my favourite pastime stuff. 2 seasons of The Big Bang Theory and Mitch Albom's latest book "Have a Little Faith". Thanks Meimei, I had a wonderful bday. Really . . . *kiss!

Early Party

My team was very nice to conjure up a 'surprise' celebration. Well, they made sure I was free today weeks in advance. And well, I did drop a few subtle *wink wink* hints that I love a particular strawberry shortcake from a certain eatery called Bakerzin. Hehehe.

So wah lah! they got me a cake, and had it delivered during office hours. The funny thing was the reception called me to collect a parcel haha. So I went to collect my own birthday cake. I must say they did keep a good straight face when I came back with it. They must have been stunned to see that I collected my own cake. Hahahahah.

While anyways, we gathered in the pantry and everyone sang a loud birthday song. I actually forgot to whip out my camera during the celebration. So the only picutre I have is that of the congratulatory message on the cake. "Happy Birthday to SunShine Boy!" Yeah! that's me baby!! Muhahahahahha

Live From HP's Office

This is Pokpok, live from HP's office.

Still in office attire and braving the minor pespiration from the lack of aircon, I am fearlessly bringing you this news report straight from Meimei's office. Chest high partitions in light brown colour, light emitting a yellowish glow, squarish booths. This is surely a scene right out of an office in an 80's movie! You'll see paper stacked over the place in each cubicle. Computer and monitors holding years of dust. It just sucks you in and in no time you'll be feverishly working on your lappy with no concern of your surroundings. Well, pretty much what I'm doing now. Heheh. It's 10.40pm right now but I'll be here for another hour or so as Meimei still can't leave for home. So stay tuned for more Pokpok live updates!