This time of the year!!!

It's the last Saturday of 2007! Wow, 1 year has come and gone so quickly that I really feel like it was just yesterday I celebrated Christmas with all of my friends in Vietnam! How time flies!

Christmas this year was really boring for me! Staying at home and watching Japanese drama series the whole day! All because I wanted to avoid the crowd in Orchard Road! Sometimes, it's not that good to be too free!

Anyway, it's the time for me to look back and see what I have done in 2007! Which resolutions have I managed to get done? And what should I focus on improving in 2008?

Here are my 8 resolutions for 2007:

1. To slim down at least 3 kg --> I dunno if I have slimmed down! I haven't weighed myself since... (can't remember! Hheheh) But I just assume I've lost some weight for the sake of my confidence! Well, I'm vain, I know!
2. To start learning ballroom dance --> Yeah, I've managed to learn latin dance for 6 months and then stopped until now! Working and dancing dun mix well, I guess!
3. To spend less on clothes and shoes --> Errr! I dunno how much I have spent on these! Guess it wasn't less than what I had spent on the year before! Couldn't help it! I'm addicted to shopping! Excuses, I know!
4. To earn and save more money --> Saving money? No! Earning more money? Yes! Changing job with better pay? Yes, but I'll count this for 2008 'cos I won't start my new job until next year!
5. To learn Japanese again --> Again, I managed to register for a course! But learning Jap in Vietnam sucks! The Vietnamese teacher has a very bad accent which I couldn't stand! Overzealous classmates who still think good grades are everything that matters! And this is just a language school!
6. To get in touch with friends and acquaitance more frequently --> I had definitely achieved this! Congrats to me! Yay!!!
7. To be more organized --> I guess I did???
8. To read more quality books --> I'm sure I have read more books, but quality books? Not so sure! Dun laugh!

Well, what can I say? I'm a normal human who should never get all her resolutions done! That's what resolutions are, anyway! To let us to have some focus to start our new year with! I'll have my 2008 resolutions ready either on 31 December 07 or 1 January 2008! That's all for now! Cya!

Another Xmas has come!!!

Hi y'all! *Waving madly at her friends*

I've disappeared again for nearly one month! Just too many things happened and I had no time to blog! Sorry for the lack of updates though!

Firstly, update with y'all my whereabout! I'm back to Singapore and this time will be a long long stay! No more staying in Vietnam for 2 consecutive months like before! The next times I'm back to Saigon should be in short periods! So less reviews on Saigon restaurants and shopping for me!

Next, my job! I'm officially unemployed now! However, dun fret for me! Only until end of this year! I'll start my new job on 2 Jan 08! So I have a whole 10 days resting at home before going on a new exciting (hopefully) journey! Good planning, right? I'm celebrating my 12 days of Christmas now!

Last but no least, my shopping! Surprisingly I dun find sale in Singapore is attractive this time! Guess I have too many clothes so I'm in the overload mode for shopping! I'm more concentrated on collecting accessories! Online shopping is still going strong for me though! VS and its super gorgeous collections! Moreover, VS SAS is now on! Less reason for me to shop outside! But there's still Zara which I hope I can cope something from there!

So... that's all for now! And I wish y'all a joyous xmas and a wonderful new year! Loves!

Media appearances!!!

Just my sharing with the reporter! I couldn't believe that she turned it into an article. Felt a bit embarassed but said thanks to her anyway. It's not everyday you can appear on newspaper, right? Hhehhehh...

There were another 3 more appearances on HTV but I only have one in cd with me. I had to say I look quite different on screen, but still recognible.

What: Gourmet walnut bread or Walnut rustic bread

Where to buy: Tous Les Jours (Saigon, Vietnam), Carrefour & Swiss Bakery (Singapore)

How much does it cost? 13,000 VND or S$4 - 5.5

This walnut bread is perfect to eat alone or with some bacon or smoke turkey ham! If you prefer some jam or butter, it should be great as well. This is a bread afterall! Hhahhahah...

Indian food for spice lovers

I've got to know Indian food since I went to Singapore to live and study. Yet I didn't taste it until I graduated from uni. That was for 3 years long and I used to wonder why Westerners love eating Indian food so much. I remembered walking into Bizad canteen and saw a long queue of European and American students in front of Indian food stall. It was crazy and funny, I must say.

I officially tasted Indian food when I was working in hotel and got to know May, a Burmese ex-colleague. She's Muslim, speaks English, Burmese and Tamil. She loves Indian movies and TV drama series. And of course, she loves Indian food. I stayed with her for 6 months until I changed my job. It was an interesting cultural experience. There was also Lata, another Malaysian Indian ex-colleague. With their love for Indian food, they has dragged me in and out Indian restaurants and food stalls. And according to them, Blue Diamond near Mustafa is the best Indian restaurant in Singapore. I must say I agree with them whole-heartedly. Also, I prefer Northern cuisine to Southern. You've gotta try it before you understand what I'm talking about.

How about in Saigon? Where is the good place to have Indian food?

I've been back here for a year, minus time I flied back to Singapore for biz trips and shopping. Yet I've just explored Indian food since last month. That was after I get bored with Japanese, Thai, Western and Korean food. Never Vietnamese food, mind you.

The first restaurant I dined in was Tandoor, at Vo Van Tan St. Reason being it's near my house. But I wasn't impressed much. Even though it served Northern cuisine, the taste was mild at best. The only good thing was Nan, unleavened flour bread.

The second dining place I had was Saigon Indian Restaurant at Mac Thi Buoi St. Wow, this was a different class from Tandoor. Very authentic food, both North and South. Why could I be so sure? Because its food tastes nearly like what I had at Blue Diamond in Singapore. The first time I was there, I ordered Ajwanin Fish curry (sour and spicy, a must-try), Chicken Biryani (another must-try) and Cheese nan. Spicy enough for me without burning my throat. One downside was the nan, not so good as the one at Tandoor.

Tired of words? Some pictures for you...

Inside the restaurant

Plain Biryani, not so good as Chicken Biryani

Some vegetable dish, forgot the name, quite delicious!!! Originated from the South of India

Alright, this was one hella spicy dish, Chicken Vindaloo. The waitress told me that it was very sour (vinegar) and spicy (herbs). When I tasted it, I was like "oh gosh, my throat is burning", in a very good way, of course. Have lotsa water ready when taking this dish, okie?

Indulgence of the Month

It's an indulgence to find out your purse was on sale (30% discount) and you'd just gotten your salary. Here is my brand-new purse/wallet, taken by none other than my BFF...

Guess Olympia Trifold in black

Now I feel like regretting writing down that wish list. The list seems to help me to focus on buying what I was neglecting or ignoring before. Some of them require heavy investments. And I just go and turn those wishes into realities. Who else is better in grating my wishes than myself?

Anyway, back to the main topic, I fell in love with this purse quite a long time ago. I like Guess alright. The brand's got style, I must admit. But it's too bling for me, especially its bag and wallet collections. Half of its collections are too showy and heavy (litterally). Except this Olympia collection. More of my style. Since you've seen the purse, you might get what I meant. How about a look at the bag which is now on sale on its website?

Pretty, right? It's now selling at USD48. Compared with the usual price at USD80, it's a real steal. Anyone coming back from the States, please let me know and help me to grant my 10th wish. [Edit: A guess spree was open, yet the bag was OOS. Shocked and disappointed]

I'm wandering again. The trifold was selling at S$59.9 when I last saw it in Singapore. In Vietnam, the price tage was at 599k VND. A tad expensive for a wallet, I think. So when it was on sale at 30% discount, I didn't hesitate paying for it anymore. Either Guess or Mango. And Mango accessories this season are quite disappointing, being that they are leaning toward 80s trend, except sunglasses. It came with a box which I now use to put name cards inside. Quite convenient, hohohoh!!!

L'Amour

May I introduce to you my new BFF, Nokia 7373 from the L'Amour Collection?

It's been 2 and a half months my ex BFF left me at Changi Airport. I was mourning for her loss and purnished myself by forcing me to use back my very old Nokia 2650. Not a pleasant experience, I assure you. When I use the word "old", it really means old. Poor him! Had to work over time with me! Even his keypad was separated from his body!

Actually, before I decided on N7373, I was thinking about Nokia N70, N72 and 7373. In the end, 7373 has won and I found myself in accompany of her, even though I had to pay for her at retail price. So how is she? So far so good.

2 megapixel camera. Pink color for the cover, sweet and elegant. 128 MB memory card. Since I've bought a cable to connect with my lappie, I can download games or whatever I like to the phone, or vice versa, I can upload my pictures I take to my lappie immediately.

What else could I ask for in a cell phone? Love it!!!

Indulgence of the Day

It's an indulgence when you have a 2-litre tub of ice cream sitting in your fridge, waiting for you to have a go at it whenever you'd like.

This is top of my list of comfort food.

X Cream Green Tea Ice Cream - a damn big tub and chock full of goodness in it!!! You can see smoke is coming out from the tub! Of course, it's like a block of ice for all we know!

There it is! A tub full of ice cream in front of me! It's green in color. My new hp doesn't have a flash so I couldn't capture the color well. But who cares? Just look at it, I feel my mouth watering.

Have a scoop of this and you will know what heaven is like, especially in a hot day.

I'm a shower gel freak...

that's why I ordered a total of 10 body care items...

5 of them have arrived my friend's house... Mine were the boxes which were red-circled. Other items are from other spree-ers. Mine hasn't reached to Singapore yet. Hhahaha... I might post them, though. If you request so nicely...

The parcel was so big, bigger than an A4-sized magazine

What were inside it were more special

5 paper-wrapped unknown items (to you only. Of course I knew what they are...) and a VS catalogue with a super duper sexy Alessandra Ambrosio on the cover. A bonus from Amanda babe... Inviting? Yessssss.... VS bras, I'm so expecting you...

Best chocolate cake in Saigon...

... in my opinion as a disclaimer.

I love food. I love dessert, especially ice cream and cake. I had discovered the best ice cream in Saigon in my list and it's still X cream (screw Bud's and Fanny, not up to my standard! at least for green tea flavour). But cake is really a challenge.

I have my fair share of dining in restaurants and hotels. Caravelle, Sheraton, Equatorial, Windsor, Sofitel, Rex, just to name a few. I tried their buffet just so that I could try their cakes. Love the caramel spoon at Equatorial (exclusively at the Club Lounge, I think!). There are 4 types of cake I always want to taste, i.e. chocolate, cheese, blackforest and chocolate fudge. Yet I'm still in the quest to look for the latter 3.

I also have a fair share of spending my time at coffee houses. But cakes there are disappointed at the very least, even Highland, Terrace. And don't even talk about Kinh Do, Broadard or Duc Phat. They are just selling normal birthday cakes and I no longer eat those. (a bit fussy in this department, heheh!)

That's why it explained my surprise when I tasted chocolate cake at Soho Cafe & lounge bar. Chocolate cake over there is heaven materialized in a piece of cake. The chocolate is not too sweet, a bit bitter, melt immediately in your mouth. The sponge is not sweet either, perfectly combined with the chocolate, to give you the best taste ever. This piece of cake can be compared to the one I had as my b-day cake last year. Yummy!

I've tried Soho's Chocolate cake and Green Tea cake. The latter is just average standard. Yet still, there are other types of cake for me to choose next time I come back here. But the price is a bit steep. 25k for a piece. Worth trying? Absolutely yes!!!

My perfume collection

For me, buying perfume or scented spray is proved to be difficult. I didn't have a habbit to use one when I was young as perfume was a luxury to me at that time. Like every girl, I love to smell great and hence the need to own some EDPs has been arising for some time. But somehow I'll get allergic to the spray after a while. It seems like I can separate the alcoholic smell from the scent which causes me headade. If this happens, I'll feel obligated to throw away the bottle and it's such a waste of money.

Back to the main topic, I ain't so passionate in collecting perfumes. I buy what I deem I can use for various occasions and there's a pattern in what I've bought so far. But let's see what they are first, okie?

• Chanel No. 5 EDP

My forever most favorite perfume in the world. It's a classic for a reason.

"The now and forever fragrance. The ultimate in femininity. The most powerful, concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance; the fullest expression of the perfumer's art. The most elegant way to wear fragrance. The classic bottle signifies personal luxury and is an attractive addition to any dressing table.

Aldehydic floral. A bouquet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity.

Launches with bewitching notes of Ylang-Ylang and Neroli, then unfolds with Grasse Jasmine and May Rose. Sandalwood and Vanilla round out the fabled composition with unforgettable woody notes."

I simply love the powdery scent and the long-lasting staying power. EDP was costly but worth every cent.

• Very Sexy for her by Victoria's Secret EDP

Recommended to me by a friend and be a part of my collection since last year.

"Vibrant and sensuous, it's the ultimate fragrance for the woman who loves everything about being a woman.

Fragrance type: floral oriental
Top notes: pimento, clementine, cactus flower
Middle notes: camellia, hydrangea, mimosa
Low notes: white amber, musk, vanilla, blackberries"

This is a hell of strong parfum. Just 3 sprays and the smell lasts for 2 days. Yes, 2 days! That's why if you buy a 100ml (3.4oz), you can use it for 3 years. Not that I'm complaining.

• Burberry Tender Touch EDP

Bought in a perfume fair in TSC. Super cheap, $40+ for 100ml EDP.

"An intensely floral, feminine blend of green tangerine and violet leaves, rose oil, lychee, peach, and lush florals warmed with the soothing scent of musk, iris, sandalwood, and ambrette seed"

Like the name, the fragrance's very light and not too long-lasting. Suitable for feeling refeshed in the morning and then change to another scent when going out in the evening. I haven't used up to one third of the bottle. 100ml is too much though.

• Cool Water Women by Davidoff EDT

Again, bought this in that perfume fair at TSC. $21 for 50ml EDT. Quite a bargain, compared with retail price @ $70.

"Evoke sensations of vitality, energy, and sensuality. This fresh aquatic, with notes of citrus, water lily, jasmine, peach, and sandalwood, is presented in a signature ice blue bottle, designed like a delicate droplet of water."

This is one of those I've got allergic after using it a few times. Keep smelling that damn alcohol-esque smell. I haven't used it again for about 2 years. Just remember feel quite refreshed and clean.

• Max Mara Perfume by MaxMara EDP

This was bought in a coffret set, inclusive 1 bottle of shower gel and a 50 ml EDP, at a warehouse sale. Super cheap, again. Yes, I'm cheapskate, I know!

"The first perfume from the fashion house of Max Mara.

Simply elegant, sophisticated blend of florals. Top notes include, ctirus, ginger and plant sap, then blend off into lily, magnolia and orchid. Finishing off with musk, sugar cane and wood.

Maxmara is recommended for evening wear."

There is a reason for the last sentence. The fragrance is too strong to wear in the morning as it'll abuse my sensitive nose and cause me a killer headache. But it seems quite mature for me to wear at the moment. Hheheh. This is one example of impulsive purchase.

• Garden Collection by Victoria's Secret EDT Spray in Vanilla Lace

A gimmick when buying 1 body care set of Garden Collection by VS which means FREE. But this doesn't mean it's bad in any sense.

"A rich, sensual blend of vanilla and orchid with hints of amber and musk"

This is for whenever I feel so blah or no mood to put on anything too expressive. A must-have in my bag.

• Dream Angels by Victoria's Secret® Heavenly EDP (soon to be added)

As you can see, all my perfumes have 1 thing in common. They all have a sweet fragrance. Most of them have musk or vanilla or sandalwood in the notes. When I bought these, I didn't notice any of this. But my nose was more concious than my mind, wasn't it?

My wish has been granted

My 4th wish has been fulfilled...

It's been ordered last night and will reach me end of next month, half month before my b-day. This will be hand-carried from the States back to Vietnam as perfume has been banned from being shipped overseas at Victoria's Secret. Also, together with the EDP, I'll be receiving a gift bag with 4 beauty samplers (to be shared with Tracy), thanks to an offer code. So excited!!!

Let's see its description

"America's #1 Fragrance. Soft, creamy, smooth blend of white peony and white musk.

Fragrance type: vanilla oriental
Top notes: quince, cardamon, wild ivy, mandarin
Middle notes: waterlily, white peony, freesia, iris, violet, poppy
Low notes: white musk, sandalwood, orchid vanilla"

I've got a pic of the gift bag...

Double yayyyy!!!

My wish list

Just another 2 more months, and I'll hit my quarter-life mark. Shocking, isn't it? It seems just yesterday I celebrated my 18th bday with my friends (at Hinh Nhu La, I think...) and my 21st bday in China Black (I was a party animal back then). And it's been 6 years I celebrated my birthdays without my family. I have to tell you, they were not complete fun.

So... a soon-t0-be birthday girl is entitled a wish list for herself, right? It's my first ever wish list, anyway! Anyone would like to fulfill any of my wishes, don't be shy, just go ahead and tell me! I'll love you with 1/25th part of my heart, okie?

1. Good health to live, to work and to enjoy life. Thanks so much, V.Dat, for reminding me this. You're definitely entitled a 1/25th of my heart... hehheh...
2. A digital camera, Canon IXUS or Sony DSC preferred. But I'm not choosy about gift, hehhe.

3. A new cell phone, particularly Nokia 7373. I'm using N2650 after having lost my BFF N6111

4. Dream Angels by Victoria's Secret® Heavenly Eau de Parfum Spray, either 1, 2.5 or 4.2 oz will be fine

5. Victoria's Secret bra(s), preferrably Angels and Very Sexy collections. Their designs are so prettyyyyyy

6. Books by Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'm especially waiting for Can't Take My Eyes off of You: A Novel by JM and Natural Born Charmer by SEP.
7. A Samsonite suitcase. I'm in love with the brand's hand carried suitcase. I really need it after travelling so often.
8. Some Tiffany&Co. items, necklace, bracelace, ring, earrings, etc. I'm open for all types of jewellry

9. A purse/wallet. I'm looking for a perfect one about a year... It's so hard. Maybe if it's a gift, I won't be so picky... LV or Gucci, take your pick... Or Mango would do well enough...

10. A bag. I'm eyeing a Guess bag, Impact Top Zip. Looks quite cute. Suitable for both working and going out
11. Marks & Spencer chocolate bars. The one's filled with hazelnuts. I don't really care abt hand made chocolate like Godiva or the like... Give me M&S chocolate and I'm a happy girl.
12. DKNY 'Be Delicious' EDP. This green apple looks too delicious to be eaten. 50ml or 100ml will be welcome.
13. Swimwear. I prefer a tankini suit, but a biniki will be appreciated. Aiming for VS or Target Go International
14. A chocolate cake at Soho Cafe. It's the best chocolate cake in Saigon. Address of the coffee house, ask me if you wanna buy it for me. Hhehheh!!!
15. Shades to wear for night-outing. Saigon streets are too dusty to go out without sunglasses any time of the day. I'd broken the pair I used at night. Any brand is acceptable, as long as the design is pretty and suits my facial shape.
16. ... that's all for now... I'm thinking ...

All you need to know when shopping online at VS

Saigon ... rainy days... perfect weather to stay at home, be cocooned in thick blanket and sleep away...

But here I am, surfing around Internet just to shop. What can I say? It's raining almost everyday, and it's so inconvenient to go out shopping or doing anything. And I need to satisfy my thirst of buying something. Anyway, online shopping is just a click and some typing away.

Of all the stores, VS is my favourite webbie. Why? Because it offers everything a girl likes, i.e. undies, clothing and beauty. Furthermore, I've been trying and using its products, either undies (panty), clothing (a top) or beauty (plenty of these). And I love them. It's not because I love US goods (I have lots of clothes made in Vietnam, ya know?). It's because of their high quality, unique scents, colors and designs. Especially, they're cheap, even in Vietnamese standard nowadays, hohoho.

The 4th VS batch has been sent to my spree organizer and it was the first time I ordered panties (The one I have now was hand carried from the States). Previously, I just ordered Garden Collection sets or VS make up. And it was pretty easy to order these. The tip here is What You See Is What You Get. There's hardly a case when you find things you like go out of stock. And what you see on picture is really what you'll get once the order reaches you.

However, ordering panties is entirely a different matter. First of all, there are so many types of panties for you to choose. Bikini, hipster, cheeky hispter, boy brief. Even though I'm a girl, I feel so confused that I need to see them on models and gauge what I want. Guys, I really pity you if you need to buy these for your girlfriends or wives, hehehhe. Not only types, VS offers lots lots of colors to choose. They all look so cute and irresistable. Hey, but don't let these colors fool you. They aren't available for all the types of panties. To save yourself from disappointment of your color going OOS or unavailable, here is my tip for you. You need to choose which type of panty you'd like. Then you'll see a list of available colors which you can go back to the color chart and take a look. Now you can choose your type, favourite color, size and quantity. Remember to add to your shopping cart to check if the merchandise is available. If it's indicated IN-STOCK, tadaa, you can pay for it to be shipped to you.

One more thing, you always need to know how a store charge for shipping. Is it better to ship internationally/directly or through a concierge website? Can you save much when bundling up with others' orders? Do your homework before buying sth online! It's your money after all!

The Rebel [Dong Mau Anh Hung]

"Vietnam, 1920s. The long standing French colonization over the country has inflamed anti-French sentiments. At the height of the conflict, rebel forces emerge in many forms to discrupt the foreign occupiers. In response, the French employed elite units of Vietnamese agents to track and destroy these rebels" - www.therebelmovie.com

I'd heard about The Rebel quite a long time, about a month before it's been out to the box office. But I wasn't very keen on catching the movie. Something about the content and my experience with Vietnamese films had played a part in it. That was until this Tuesday, Tracy had asked me to go and watch it. And I decided to go. Well, I was bored (Internet was down the past 3 days) and the tickets were cheap (buy 1 get 1 free on every Tuesday at Galaxy. I'm a cheapskate, heheh).

My comment? Above average standard for an action movie. Ok plotline. Great cinematography. Very funny dialogues. Sexy hero and villain (yes, I'm talking about Sy - Dustin Tri Nguyen's character). Too weak a chemistry between Cuong and Thuy for it to blossom into love. But I'm not complaining as the movie is really a jump from other morality-teaching Vietnamese products I'd encountered so far.

Of all the characters, I love Sy/Dustin the most. Again, he's my tortured hero and everyone's villain. Dustin's acting was very good and his kung fu skill was superb which always stole the scene whenever he appeared. And one more thing which made him my favourite character... he always wore suit. I love men in suits, y'all know? Yummy...

I've got a mail...

Or a parcel? My maiden spree ordered, received from VS...

Do they look VERY SEXY?

Mine are the Very Sexy Mosaic Blush in love life and Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in my cherry amour. My friend told me the lip gloss tasted like a cherry candy. Uhmmm... I don't particularly like cherry flavour... But who cares? Now I'm so happy with this that I feel my stress gone away. Talking about retail therapy...hahhaha

Julian McMahon...

... is so0000 teh sex (squeaking loudly and waving madly)

I really love him as Cole Turner in Charmed (I know Charmed is like eon years ago but I'm watching it right now!). He's my tortured hero even though Cole was portrayed as a villain in the show. Half human, half demon - he always had to struggle between killing the Charmed ones and being a good guy. Of course, the Charmed one could go to hell for all I care, but they were the main characters, so they survived all the time... hehhehe... Phoebe didn't deserve to have this gorgeous man love her so much that he could give up his indestructable power just to get his lover back. The way he looked at her. The way he could do anything just to be with her. And he had died which left me dying for more Cole Turner/Julian McMahon.

But no worry for me, there's still Nip/Tuck. In this, Julian plays one of the two main characters so he will not die or go away any time soon. I just need to get the DVD (someone wanna buy it for me?) and then I can go and drown myself into his eyes, smile and voice.

Yeah, I'm a sucker for men with sexy voices, I know it. Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, Keanu Reeves... they are also teh sex...

'Vintage me' series - 4 days in KL

My first trip to Malaysia. From 8 - 12 Sept 2002 with Tracy. Got plenty of advices from a Malaysian friend on where to go and where to dine. Because of that, we didn't prepare anything. Literally just packed and went.

Woke up real early. Travelled there by bus even though train was available. Reached KL after 6 hours, half asleep half awake. Still remember the messy bus interchange in KL, reek of a distinct smell which I'm never fond of. Took a taxi to Mid Valley Megamall because we wanted to stay at Cititel Mid Valley, even without any prior reservation. I guess we were lucky as there were rooms available for walk-in guests. We just had to wait for about 1 hour for the room to be cleaned and we could check in. Well, 1-hour waiting was not that difficult for us as the hotel was next to a Megamall. So we did what shopaholics should have done in this situation. We went shopping! Mid Valley was really big, as huge as Vivo City. We came back to the hotel 2 hours later.

Here was the room we stayed in

And the overview of the hotel was

However, we weren't that fortunate when we visited Sunway Lagoon. Sunway Hotel & Resort didn't accept walk-in bookings so we ended up staying in a hostel. Well, at least we had a place to stay, good enough.

We spent 2 days in KL, visited Petronas Twin Tower, KLCC and other places which I couldn't remember now. The funniest memory I had at Twin Tower was the moment Tracy and I got onto the skybridge. Every visit to the skybridge was limited in a certain amount of time. So we tried to take photos as many as possible. We were so crazy in taking pictures that a visitor had to offer to take some for both of us. But now I don't have any of them with me. What a waste!

In front of Petronas Twin Tower

At KLCC Park

At Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

After this trip, I still went back to Malaysia a few times for my ex-company training trips and for seafood. Mostly in Johor Bahru (JB). But this 1st trip was the time I had the most fun.

Good memory, I suppose.

My spree list

This is for me to keep track on what I'm spreeing...

OPI @ 11 April 07 (shared with Tracy)

R39 Rose Petals (shared)
A48 Fit For A Queensland (shared)
T02 Black Onyx (Tracy)
H02 Chick Flick Cherry (Tracy)
W42 Lincoln Park After Dark (Tracy)
OPINTT30 Top Coat

Direct shipping

8 May - Arrived to Singapore & ready for distribution

11 May - Mailed to my provided address

Victoria's Secret #1 @ 11 April 07 (Shared with Tracy)

Garden Collection Luxurious Shower Gel in Amber Romance (x3)
Garden Collection Skin-Silkening Body Lotion in Amber Romance (x1)
Garden Collection Ultra-Softening Body Butter in Amber Romance (x1)

Direct shipping

5 May - Arrived to Singapore

Too heavy (more than 2kg) to be posted by registered mail --> Eva considering on speedpost or meeting up --> opt for meet up when coming back to Singapore end of next month

7 May - Confirmed to meet up with Eva --> sms her once I'm back to Singapore

Victoria's Secret # 2 @ 14 April 07 (Share with T.Ha)

Very Sexy® Makeup Mosaic Blush in love life
Very Sexy® Makeup Finishing Powder Duo in f73 - m05 (medium 5) (T.Ha)
Beauty Rush™ Lip Gloss in na3 - my cherry amour (x2) (T.Ha x1), e33 - lotta colada (x1) (T.Ha)

Using VpostUSA for shipping

27 April - Arrived VpostUSA

3 May - Waiting for arrival at spree organizer's residence

6 May - Ready for distribution

7 May - Mailed to my provided address

8 May - Mail arrived, pics taken, will post it later!!!

Victoria's Secret # 3 @ 3 May 07

Garden Collection Luxurious Shower Gel in 29f - forever romance
Garden Collection Stimulating Body Scrub in 259 amber romance
Garden Collection Limited Edition Blossoming Romance Shower Gel
Garden Collection Stimulating Body Scrub in 29f - forever romance
Garden Collection Ultra-Softening Body Butter in 29f - forever romance

Direct shipping

Expected date of arrival - 4 June 07

'Vintage me' series - uni and party all the same...

I was in my 1st year of uni, taking a trip to East Coast Singapore. I wore my hair long at the time, finally got it past my shoulder at least once in my life. But I'd soon realized long hair didn't suit me. Since then, I'm always spotted with short hairdo.

Year 1, a few days later the day I first came to Singapore. Taken with Annie (Tuyet Den's author! *hint, hint*) at Orchard Road, in front of Takashimaya Shopping Centre. It was the 3rd time I'd gone to Orchard. And believe it or not? Annie, Tracy and I had gone there real early. I still remember we'd left NUS by 8am and reached Orchard at about 930am. The shops hadn't even opened yet. So we went around and took pictures. The camera was a very lousy mechanical one which Tracy had won in some bazaar. The photos came out so dark that they looked like we'd taken them after the sunset even it was all sunny at the time. Anyway, we had real fun then.

This was taken at Jurong Bird Park (Singapore). In year 2. I must admit I looked very demure myself. Maybe it was because I was with my dad that time. My weight was like 47 -48 kgs at that time. Sigh... How long will it take me to come back to this weight? No, I'm not obsessed with my weight. It's just that I can't stand how I always feel all the times now.

Year 2, sem 2. With Tracy. We looked so much different then. Time flies, people change. For the better or worse, I don't know. But I'm doing what I've chosen myself. Again, let time speak itself.

My convocation. With Ha, a very good friend of mine. Life after uni has gone on but our friendship's still going strong. Thank you, my dear friend for all the time we've spent together and I hope we'll have more wonderful moments in the future (GSS, remember? Hheheh!!!)

Ooh!!! I'm shopping and I'm at home!!!

Yes! I'm talking about online shopping! After a year, now this shopping hobby is re-surfacing!

It's so damn easy. Just browse the websites, i.e. VS, OPI, Drugstore, etc. Then click to order. Next is typing my CC number. Click again. There I go! Wait for purchases being shipped back to my address. Well, that's nothing new and it's not happening! As a shopaholic, I want discount and want to save shipping cost which I have to order a big amount of goods in order to get. Hmm, what should I do?

I join spree! And together with me, Tracy joins as well. Since yesterday, we have ordered from OPI and VS, spent nearly $100. And we felt so happy. Because we think we will have to buy OPI sooner or later and if we buy at the shop in Vietnam, we have to pay double the price we get to pay online. For VS stuff, I have to say, we could buy its products just for no reason. I'm a VS girl through and through.

Spent $100 but we've got some discount which would only apply if we ordered $150 - 250. That's the beauty of this spree thingy. Also, because we share with other people, the shipping cost is lower which helps us to feel less guilty! But the spreeing speed is so fast! It's open in the morning and the next thing I know, it's close at night as people all queue up for order and payment! Spree for VS is usually capped at 250USD and no matter how many sprees are open, they are closed as quickly. Scary and exciting at the same time! I'd missed 4 batches before I managed to place mine this afternoon!

Now it's waiting time!!!

My shoes are killing me!!! Literally!!!

More precisely, my dance shoes!!!

I've just got back to my latin dance class today, after one and a half months taking a break which was taken after one month taking lessons! I know what you are thinking, heheh! I'm lazy! Tet and that biz trip back to Singapore didn't help at all!

Anyway, today I wore my pair of dance shoes which had been bought about more than 4 years ago . That was when I first started learning international-leveled ballroom dance. At that time, my passion with the art was very strong and fresh so I didn't hesitate forking out $150 for a pair of shoes. And the shoes have a name, too. It's Lorraine. My gosh! Thinking back then, I was so... (speechless!!!) But it's quite a blessing for me now for I'm taking dance lessons again. No need to go around and find a good pair of shoes without emptying my purse. I had left it in Singapore when I was back to Vietnam last year and I got it back the last biz trip. However, I needed to buy heels protectors for my shoes as the classroom has only brick/stone floor, not your average wooden floor in those fabulous dance studios. Those were the days... And in case you are wondering what the hell I'm talking about, here are the pictures for the heels protectors

Yeah! I came back to the dance studio where I had bought my shoes. First I didn't know there were 2 types of heels - flare and slim. Second, I didn't bring my shoes along (I went there after work, you see!) So I just based on those shoes displayed at the studios and got the flare heels protectors. Went back and tried on my shoes. Hah, wrong shape! Came back and changed to the slim type. Phewwww!

Back to the main topic. With the newly-retrieved shoes, I was happily back to the dance class. This month's step is Samba. It's a very lively and rhythmical dance with a lot of knee-bending and hip-swaying movements. Very good exercise for me at the moment! I've gotta admit! Wow, with a correct pair of dance shoes, my practice was much easier and the class felt more exciting! But it came with a price! My feet felt like they were on fire and when I took off my shoes, a little bit of my skin went with them. A bit gory but that was exactly what happened. I felt like an idiot as I had been through this before and I totally forgot. Sigh... I have no one to blame, except myself. I don't know if I can put the shoes on tomorrow but I'm bringing a pair of socks with me to protect those wounds.

Meaningless Kiss - Music and Lyrics soundtrack

I know that when talking about soundtracks of "Music and Lyrics", "Way Back Into Love" is normally mentioned. I love the song alright, but after a while, I feel a bit too much. Whereas "Meaningless Kiss" is growing on me. Especially when I link the song with those scences where Hugh Grant's character had sung it. It has a bittersweet taste to me. It means that fame is not everlasting. Now I understood why some celebrities try to do all sorts of things just to gain publicity and fans. Because these fading stars need something to keep them focused and feel secured. It's a sad life, isn't it?

Meaningless Kiss - Hugh Grant

I saw you across the dance floor
Out of the corner of my eye
I felt the connection
I don't know how, I don't know why
I shouldn't of stayed when I saw you there
With another man
But as we slipped away
I thought I heard you say
This wasn't part of the plan

CHORUS:
Just a meaningless kiss
It wasn't suppose to end up like this
Just a meaningless kiss
Oh ohh
Just a meaningless kiss
We knew it was wrong
But we couldn't resist
Just a meaningless kiss
Til I fell in love
With you

But you didn't want me to

Ohh no

Here we are two years later
Too late to turn back now
We gotta finish what we shouldn't have started
We've got to walk away somehow
But it's easier said than done
When two hearts beat as one
And three hearts are one too many
That's why we shouldn't have ever begun

CHORUS:
Just a meaningless kiss
It wasn't suppose to end up like this
Just a meaningless kiss
Oh ohh
Just a meaningless kiss
We knew it was wrong
But we couldn't resist
Just a meaningless kiss

We can't go on like this forever
When we're not meant to be together
So leave me here
On my own
From now on I guess I got to dance alone

CHORUS:
Just a meaningless kiss
It wasn't suppose to end up like this
Just a meaningless kiss
Ohh ohh
Just a meaningless kiss
We knew it was wrong
But we couldn't resist
Just a meaningless kiss
But I'm still in love
With you

No matter what I do

Recced for Kung-fu fans - Zhu Xian by Xiao Ding

I've been reading Zhu Xian, in Vietnamese. It's been a long time I read anything novel-length in Vietnamese. What I have been reading recently in Vietnamese were news and articles. Think what you'd like but I felt I hadn't had enough patience to spend time to read Vietnamese fictions. Too many moral stories lurking behind and they are exactly what I don't like to see in a story.

Anyway, back to Zhu Xian...

Is Zhu Xian captivating? Yes!

Is Zhu Xian your typical kung-fu novel? No!

It's a very angsty story with lotsa details and beautiful people. Well, except for the leading male character. Hah! An unusual detail in this type of novel, I dare say! But after while, I find myself not be able to care about that. About why? You must read the story to understand that.

One fact to let you know how hooked I am to Zhu Xian. I feel this is like Harry Potter. I can't stop reading it until I finish. And I'm a HP fanatic.

Just wanna share with you what's in my reading list now! Nowhere near achieving my resolution!

A friend-reunion weekend

Saturday - Attended Sis Audrey's ROM! Congratulations to the newly wed!
Sunday - A4 LHP reunion with Dat and Nam. Take good care of yourselves, both of you!
Time with friends is priceless...

6.3 richter...

... is the magnitude of the earthquake occurred in Sumatra, Indonesia. And certain parts in Singapore were affected. Then guess what?
I WAS THERE (in one of those certain parts being affected in Singapore, of course)!!!
First time in my life. And I've had it twice!!!
What did it feel like? As it was a tremor, I felt like I was on a boat! Shaking and swaying! In fact, the first time it happened, I thought I was dizzy from all the meetings I had been having! The second time, it was much clearer! My whole office then evacuated out of the building! It was a much needed break! Hheheh!
Quite an experience, I dare say!

Mung 2 Tet - Duong hoa Nguyen Hue Edition

Where would Saigonese go during Tet holidays? Nguyen Hue Boulevard? Yes, you guessed right. This year, Tet festival at Nguyen Hue lasts from 28th of the 12th month till the 3rd of the 1st month, lunar year. And it's really a joyous experience (and very hot... physically!)

As I'm too lazy to comment all the pics, I'll just post them randomly this time...

Boats of Tet fruits...

Calligraphy is honoured with a space of its own...

Art from clays and god-know-what-material...

Rows of colorful latterns...

Some snapshots from the countryside in the centre of Saigon...

Saigoneses try foot bridge...

What about a ricefield in the middle of the city?

And a large grain basket...

Now, back to admiring blossoming flowers...

One of the centerpoints of the festival... weathercock...

Lastly, some white sands in the middle of the delta...