moved.

moving on to wix.  [click on the link]

Dryspell

I feel like I've been on this case way too long, and bemoaned way too many times. After a great run at TSL, I feel like an exhausted runner at a marathon with fuel all burned at the big race. And even perhaps, a little too much.

It's funny because all I ever wanted to do was to write, and a big part of me still do. But I just somehow manage to run out of words to say - even when plenty of thoughts run through my brain. I told myself a quick breather and taking a back seat for a while will alleviate all that creative block and anxiety. But it seems like I'm still in that square called one.

At work, I interact daily with writers more than I do with writing, I read more words than I do actually writing them. Recognising I've so much to grow is outstanding, but parallel to that train of thought is the inability to do so.

Overthinking.

When I write, I try to mimic those storytellers who can seamlessly put sentences together like a hot hit pop song that work. But I somehow fall short and get stuck between mediocrity and a few vocabularies that are just synonyms of, on google.

I sometimes wonder, more often nowadays if the path I set myself to commit is just not right in the first place?

Tokyo Adventures VLOG

So as some of you guys know, I was writing for The Smart Local for a little bit since last year, and one of the highlights was definitely the Japan trip during my last month. I really wanted to blog about ever since we got back, but a)I was too lazy to get started b)The photos aren't edited c)totally forgot to ask Audz to pass me photos from her side. 

And as of now, it's pretty much the same situation. BUT, there is some progress, thankfully. 

Before going for the trip I contemplated if I should even bring my camera, considering how mediocre it is and my inability to capture great visuals just adds to the list of reasons why I shouldn't. But even with that, I reckoned to just bring it anyway. 

I kinda had half a mind to do a vlog, but still pretty meh about it, cause I had no idea what I wanted to capture. So I just shot whatever I thought was relevant and could be used in the final video. Note: usually these footages just lie and rot in my hard drive. 

But this time around, I was determined to not isolate these wonderful moments to myself and actually make something worthy out of it. So I undusted my age old premiere pro and tried to fiddle and make sense out of this confusing software. This was also where not listening in editing class came back to bite me in the ass. 

But after hours of trying, I FINALLY CAME UP WITH SOMETHING DECENT. SO HERE IT ISSSSSSS. (Please watch it in HD)

So obviously it ain't nothing out of this world, but cut a bitch some slack alright, this is my first time EVER editing a video for real that's not via iMovie. But really I was so proud of myself like w0w I can actually edit a video. 

Alright, but in all seriousness, I really hope you enjoyed the video because I had quite an enjoyable making it and reliving the moments while reviewing the clips. This is just a glimpse of the great time we had and I hope I did the experience we had justice. The remaining parts of the video is still in the making so STAY TUNED, hopefully it'll be even better.

I'm gonna TRY REAL HARD to blog about it in text here before I go off to Melbourne at the end of the month. Someone remind me to get the photos from Audrey. 

Dazzling Cafe Hits Singapore and Here's Why It's More Than Just a Shibuya Honey Toast Cafe

Hello From The Other Side

Having 9 outlets all over Taiwan, popular dessert cafe concept Dazzling Cafe has FINALLY hit our sunny shores. Hailing all the way from the land where street food and great cafes are essentials to locals and travellers alike, this sophisticated concept has reasons aplenty why it should be the next place you head to when it's time to bring bae for a date or squad for a good ol' tea-spilling sesh.

More Than Just Brick Toasts
Having been in Singapore since April last year, you've probably seen photos of the delectable brick toasts - warm, toasted bread with a glorious coat of cream lacing the toasts as if snow over a cottage home; or a bread served like a brown box, inside with marvellous cubes of bread toasted to buttery perfection, only to be made better with a generous scoop of ice cream and golden honey. Yup, they're all the creations of Dazzling cafe.

If not, you've probably seen an episode of Hype Hunt on clicknetwork and saw instaworthy these how mouth-watering these desserts can make one. Note: not a good time to watch it in the middle of the night if you're hungry.

Unknown to many, Dazzling Cafe actually serves up a wide array of savoury options to fill up the 'regular' tummy before slurping up their famous brick toasts to satisfy the 'dessert' stomach. Here're some the delights you should order when you head over to the said cafe. So here's to no more racking your brains over where to go for lunch the next time.

1. Mentaiko Pasta

Seriously, it's like I could've just left this point unwritten. I cannot begin to tell you my deep love with Mentaiko sauce. My first run with it was at Koh Grill and Sushi Bar where I had their famous Shiok Maki and I. was. sold. I still remember telling my friends I would buy their sauce and put it with anything.

And this is like a dream come true for me. The Mentaiko Pasta($18.90) has cod roe infused with their house white wine cream sauce that mixes my favourites of both italian and asian flavours. With every strand of al dente spaghetti coated with the savoury sauce, the dish is paired with a healthy pile of seaweed.

2. Truffle Mushroom Risotto

The truffle trend is in full swing and the Truffle Mushroom Risotto($24.90) is Dazzling's spin on the bandwagon. Unlike truffle dishes at most restaurants or cafes that'll have you wondering where the truffle is, this one actually shaves real truffle slices to promise you they're not using any of that imitation stuff. And to amp up the decadence, thick slices of parmesan cheeselaid atop the gooey and outstandingly guilty delight.

3. Mushroom and Zucchini Fettuccine

Heading out on a Saturday but cheat day's on Tuesday? Before you start taking out your tupperware and embarresssingly eating out of the box while your kakis slurp on a plate of tempting pasta, here's something you can actually enjoy without the guilt. The Mushroom and Zuccini Fettuccine ($16.90) is pretty self-explanatory. Wild mushrooms and sliced zuccini tossed with flat pasta drizzled in extra virgin live oil. 

The aromatic mushrooms adds to the brininess of the entire dish while the Zuccini adds another texture of crunch to the dish, making the dining experience not too cloying at all. 

4. Spicy Seafood Tom Yum Tomato Spaghetti

Don't be fooled by the unassuming front of this dish. Well it does very well just look like a seafood carbonara, the Spicy Seafood Tom Yum Tomato Spaghetti($22.90) is one dish no local can say no to. Exclusive to Singapore, this localised concoction will have you wanting for so much more.

A holy trinity of shrimp, mussels and squid, the al dente pasta is tossed in Dazzling's homemade tom yum tomato sauce that brings forth a sea of robust flavours. Both spicy and sour, this dish is extremely appetising so be prepared to order much much more after finishing this one!

5. Mango and Coconut Toast

No meal is, or can be ever completed without a hearty dessert. Remember about my theory of how we have 2 stomachs? One for food and one for desserts, yeah. This other SG exclusive dish is none other than the Mango and Coconut Gelato Honey Toast ($18.90). A half loaf of bread is first hollowed out, then filled with cubes of butter toasted bread that's crunchy on the outside while fluffy on the inside, this creation is finished with chunks of mangoes anointed on top and a big scoop of coconut gelato as its crowning glory. 

Plus a whole lotta shavings and honey to add on the IG-worthy meter. 

6. Matcha and Azuki Beans Toast

Following the hollowed brick concept, the deconstructed set-up of the Matcha with Azuki Beans Honey Toast ($19.90) is a visual stunner by every means. After half a loaf is cut into 3 and placed strategically, the scoop of green tea ice cream is landed on top before the entire structure is heavily drizzled with softly airrated cream and matcha sauce, only left to be completed a dainty green tea macaron to make the rubble one that's with more grace. 

There really isn't much left to do other than digging in and make this mess even a bigger one. Of course the story ends with everything ending up in your tummy. 

Make Every Experience Count!

Located at the Capitol Piazza, Dazzling Cafe is great for a quick getaway from the mundane office life during lunch or an ideal spot for the younger crowd to flock to for an alternative dining experience that's away from town or cafe streets.

Though the prices are a little steeper than usual spots, the novelty of it all makes it worthwhile, but either way, bring a friend or two to even out the costs. Plus, the portions are pretty big so it doesn't hurt to share. But whatever it is and however huge your appetite is, just be sure to bring along your trusted camera for it'll be a gigantic waste should you leave the cafe without a heap of photos before digging in. And I'm talking about the food, of course. 

My Last and Favourite #TSLTeamThemedThursdays

Themed Thursday for the last time and guess what was it? Neon! Initially 'tourist,' Wednesday called for a redraw when we thought the theme was too hard? In case you're wondering, when it comes to deciding #TSLTeamThemedThursdays, there's no sit-down discussion but instead, all newcomers think of a theme and throw it in a paper bag - and the week's winner, get to pick the next week's outfit of the day. 

It was absolutely hilarious and warming to see some of the people dressing as me with their wigs, sweaters and shorts. But Keiji stole the show with the white shirt, folded jeans, blue hair and brimmed hat. 

This is undoubtedly one of my favourite themes of ALL the themes we had during my short time here, and it was incredible to see how well they got the outfits right! 

Outfit on fleek?

I think they got it all locked down, from the outfit to the attitude. Gonna miss these 2 damn much

She Who Cut Herself

Of anyone in this world, it is her, who knows best.
Her, who cuts the deepest. Not of blades, that once was staple to a war,
but words that ingrain in the mind.

She knew too well, how vicious words can be,
how poisonous she could get.
To build a fortress, she would sting like a bee.

One day, he came along. A presence so strong, all the walls she spend building,
tumbled.
What was once toxic, had finally met her antidote.

As she grew to be with him, or not that all,
she became aware.
From the things she say, from the way she acts, and thoughts she revels.

So the words that cut like knives, she held back.
Swallowing those blades that cuts her every day.
She grew to become a woman of little words.

And one day, everything's gone.
And so was she.

Most of the time, I think. I'm ready. To be in the long run.

The marathon. But I've been going on for so long. 

When are things finally coming into full circle? 

I feel like I've been on the drawing board for a bit too long. 

Sad Things

Why do you write sad things, he asked. When I am here, when I love you.

Because someday, in one way or another,
you will be taken away from me,
or I,
you. 

It is inevitable. 

But please understand this;

from the moment
I met you,
I stopped writing for the past.
I no longer write for the present. When
I write sad things,
I am writing for the future. 

- Lang Leav

Why I Hate Staying In

If London was a mood, then I must find LA paradise.

So guess who's down with a cold again? The werk week begins and I found myself like a sneezing mess, rubbing my nose and stuffing tissue in it to stop the water fest. And unsurprisingly, a full day spent at home meant a day wasted for life. As much as I bemoan the constant need to sleep and go home, I never revel the idea of spending life slowly in a sloth manner. 

Yes, I would like a break and sleep for a good 10 hours here and there, once every fortnight maybe, but to laze around and do things slowly and taking on projects only once every while, isn't me. hardly. 

Just 2 days of nursing and staying in has already gotten me to feel the routine blues. I've raved about how much I want to experience London, for its gloomy and calm ethos, but I always thought of myself as a fast paced kind of person. Singapore, LA, the world. The thought of not doing can't seem any less inspiring - something that I've unfortunately been marinating myself in for the past few days. 

Bingeing on reality shows and watching the day slowly go past, the next thing that ensues in this confinement usually is over-thought. 

I love to work, I love throwing myself into things I love doing, learning and experiencing. Whether it's meeting someone new or being out to explore, I, like many teenagers, thirst for that sense of doing and creating something, only using sleep to refuel and push even more tomorrow. The world is so big, and we're only so small. Time is ticking and wasting any second at all seem like a crime you're doing not to anyone but yourself. 

My boldness or that lack thereof has proven that opportunities are never going to serve itself in a silver platter, and even if it does, it take more than courage and passion to take it. It's just something greater altogether. 

Maybe I don't hate the slow lifestyle, I just hate living without a purpose or something to chase for. 

It's funny you think the world would still orbits around you. 

But even the brightest stars die and the tributes would stop, 

and I would start thinking maybe all the things I should've done, be done. 

It took me a long time, but a long time worth.

You don't want love, you want a fan. 

and i finally found the right you. 

Ever since work at The Smart Local began, about 2 months ago to be exact, I hardly had the time to look around and see life from a wider perspective. But in its own way, that's a good thing - too much empty space left for thinking might sometimes get too much and loud.

Back when school was in session, it has always been about me. Me, myself and I. Being able to get home before the sun sets, ample time to do whatever shit I wanted, being late and lazy till the last minute. Even though life slacking through everything sounds glorious, there's only bits and pieces of that time I miss.

While the unfulfillment and periods of unforetold un-inspiration can be left behind, it would be blatant lying if I say I didn't miss going to a comfortable environment where friends, radio, and projects were a daily staple, especially the first point.

On the same thread, the things I've been doing currently has just been quite interesting. For someone who is seasoned to writing sadcore and all things whiny and endless, it's extremely refreshing, and brain cells killing process learning to write in another tone, yet retaining a resonant voice and personality.

It's daunting, trust me it is, but I've never learned so much for a long time - not even in school. And it's been liberating being able to do something like that. And slowly, I think I'm becoming a happier person.

- One may wonder

Say Hi

shot with the iPhone 6s,

x

How September Has Been

It's quite scary to say this, but I think I'm almost at the stage where I've lost track of time in totality and I'm in disbelieve that we are standing at the end of September, already! I think the biggest wake-up call is watching the General Elections the other day. For some reason, when I think GE, I think of the month May. But guess what, I'm 4 months behind. 

Perhaps the unconventional timetable of the school curriculum has screwed my year clock upside down. The scary thing for me is the lost track of time is making me oblivion to how much time I'm actually wasting, spending great deals of time just marinating in my own set of problems, and just sleeping it away. 

Which brings me to the next point : Internship. 

Probably the biggest blessing in disguise, I thankfully started internship 1.5 months earlier than the rest of the school. Knowing me, I'll probably unproductively spend those 45 days on absolutely the most ridiculous things (read : Rot away) 

And if you haven't already, I'm interning at the uber-youthful and fun company called The Smart Local, a youth-oriented travel, food and lifestyle website based in Singapore. Writing for them, I think I've been lucky enough to be in an environment where everyone is really young and absolute-experiencers. Everyone there has been so exceptionally warm and friendly, and above all, genuine. 

More about internship on the next one!

My Favourite People(s) // Thank You Notes

It's been a good 2 weeks since school was out, and as usual, I took the time to just slack on life and slept. And after bad sleeping patterns and habits, I am just glad I got my sleep schedule back to a humane one. Went back to school yesterday for one last time to collect the dreaded internship logbook and briefing.

While I found myself dragging my body to school, I did anticipate to see some of my favourite people. 

Viena, oh I'll be forever reminded of what a mess I am when I sleep and all the times we spent in Japan. Super thankful to have known you and we got to become closer before we graduate. 

What are the chances of the two of us knowing each other? Almost 0! If not for some marketing competition we were both involved in, me and Michelle would probably still not know each other. But I am just super grateful to have known her, god (and her) knows the conversations we have on our way home all the time. Just an uber reliable and fantastic friend who gives gr8 advice, WHY DID I NOT KNOW YOU EARLIER?!?!

When I saw this pic, my first thoughts were 'Long lost siblings reunited after 19 years'. But it was just gr8 getting to know Steph. Super talented in design and writing, her final magazine was bomb ok, bomb. It's so hard to meet people who are genuinely nice, but this gurl is just full of love.

MY HOMIE AND PEASANT #1. Oh my god, me and Ke Xin go wayyyyyyyy back. Ok, actually it was back in Year 2. It really is the most weirdest turn of events and even stanger to many people we are close.  I think we initially didn't think each other could be ghetto and crazy. An absolute awesome person who is just a joy to werk with. OMG I AM SO SAD SCHOOL'S OUT T___T #peasantinc2k16 okai

Oh yes, the Unfriended group. It was through Yams I know XY, Karin and Sang. Once again, the Japan trip was everything. Basically it was my gateway to knowing more people. Just a bunch of fun people who spreads positivity and makes your day better. Gonna miss the times we just see each other at the agency and just chill and chat and y'know, do whatever. 

NEDDY BOOMZ. This one is just a hell of a story. What are the chances of us being friends? Literally nigh. And of all ways we knew each other, it was a digital marketing masterclass that got us together. Both equally bitchy and placed in the same group, it was just great working with this gurl, and talking about Ned's bbyboy. And one of the perks of knowing Ned, is that she takes FANTASTIC photographs for you omg, it's unparalleled. And also she helped my magazine group out so much we are indebted to her. 

-more photos & anecdotes coming-

And as you can tell, I got my hurr refreshed! Gotta talk about that and also how I suffered my first chemical meltdown (that was no fun).