Two Dots Levels 511 - 535

I can't believe it but the magnets are set to continue in this latest update! I just hope it's easier than the last update....I mean I love this game but if it's too difficult, it frustrates me rather than excites me! I do wish that they won't release the treasure hunt and the update at the same time as there's only so much time and lives I have to play both! For those who want to take a look at my walkthrough, just check out my YouTube channel

Two Dots Levels 486 - 510

Ooh..another 25 levels of awesomeness is out! This time round there's a new magnets mechanic in the Blue City! Once again, you can check out my gameplay here if you like and have fun with the latest update which I'm sure is easier than all the limited time treasure hunts! Oh yeah, if there's any level that you would like to see my gameplay but is not posted on my channel, just leave me a comment. 

Two Dots Levels 461 - 485

I was busy with some other stuff that I didn't start playing the latest update till late this afternoon and boy was it worth the wait as it needed my full attention! It is easier than the last update maybe because it follows the same slime theme so if you would like, you can take a look at my gameplay. Have fun getting rid of the slime! 

Two Dots Levels 436 - 460

This time round, they have this interesting slime that seem to come back alive each time you try to disperse it! Highly interesting and challenging update that means the lotus flowers are an aid to clearing the levels! Or maybe not! Here's my gameplay or walkthrough whatever you call it if you wish to take a look! 

Two Dots Levels 411 - 435

It's been a long time since I put up the postcard after completing the levels! This time round I felt that it was not as difficult as the previous level which is great! I've posted my gamplay here so check it out if you like! I can't wait for the next update!!!

Two Dots Levels 386 - 410

I simply love Two Dots and have started posting the latest gameplay of the levels on YouTube.com

This time round they have some sort of lotus flowers as per the previous updates and bubble looking delayed time bombs combined into 1! Pretty fun stuff indeed!

It seems that you need to hit the bubble looking delayed timed bombs at least 3 times before it explodes but I feel it easier to do squares. To each his own I guess...I've finally completed the game...actually completed much earlier but couldn't manage to record it since it was done on the go. I've finally sat down and played the levels all over again just so I can post it on my Two Dots channel! 

Two Dots Levels 361 - 385

Two Dots is super fast with their updates and I'm up for the challenge so I've started uploading videos of my gameplay on Youtube.com so take a look if you like! These update seems to follow the same lotus flowers as per the previous update so it was not easy at all. I'm done with all the stages!

Two Dots Levels 336 - 360

I really think that the latest update of Two Dots is really tough...who knew that lotus flowers can make you go bonkers! I spent way too much time trying to clear these stages and I wonder whether it's the same for the other gamers out there! This time I posted videos of my gameplay (Two Dots Youtube Channel) which I hope would be more helpful than the written tips!

P.S. I filmed it while holding my phone and playing the game at the same time so its not picture perfect quality! The worst part is I completed some levels and forgot to film so I had to play the level again! Finally completed all levels! 

Two Dots Levels 311 - 335

The team behind Two Dots is absolutely fantastic! I love the slight modifications to the design. Here are my tips for the following levels and I was thinking of putting up videos of how I go about solving the levels so drop me a comment if you think that would help you in your endeavor! My gameplay videos of these levels are available on Youtube

Level 311: I tried to get rid of the ice first in my first attempt but I ran out of moves to kill the top switches so in my 2nd attempt I did the opposite and emerge victorious with many moves left!

Level 312, 325: Use the opposite of what I did in Level 312 which is make squares to get rid of ice then get rid of the switches!

Level 313: All the switches are connected to each other in this stage so the first thing to do is to get rid of all the blocks as some of the switches don't have any dots in it. I find it best to use squares to break the blocks up and then concentrate on turning on the switches!

Level 314, 321, 322, 323, 324, 331, 333: I used squares to clear this stage, to get rid of the blocks and it helps to turn on the switches as they are not all connected to each other. Try to time the switches exploding with a nearby anchor so you can kill both birds with one stone.

Level 315: Make squares to blast one side of the switches and then you need to make the same coloured square as the switch at the bottom. If you use a crate and end up with a bomb, it's not very useful for this level.

Level 316: This stage was interesting, you have to turn on and off the switches so that you work to turn on the last row of switches first then the next row and the top row.

Level 317, 332, 333: The best way to clear this stage is to work in steps by concentrating on each section rather than working all over the place.

Level 318: The most difficult switches are the one in the centre so I advise to get rid of the ones at the side first. You have to get rid of all the three switches before you can complete this stage and break the ice.

Level 319, 320, 326, 329, 330: I used squares to swap out and turn on the switches until I see that most of the switches are turned on and I can easily turn on the remaining switches.

Level 327: I had no issues turning on the switches but I had problems sinking enough anchors before I ran out of moves. The monsters tend to eat up my anchors so it's best to try to kill them when the switches explodes and then as well as sink an anchor all at the same time. Try to get the monsters in the centre especially the Orange ones and kill them!

Level 328: Let the pink monsters help you to turn the dots pink and make squares to turn on the switches.

Level 334: This stage is very tough so I used squares to turn on the switches, get them to explode then work with squares to break the ice and sink the anchors.

Level 335: You have to make the same coloured squares as the one in the corner so that you turn on the switches and they explode. Making squares is your best bet for this stage! 

Wally and Friends

Before Photo Hunt was invented (I think), there was Wally which you find in picture books so imagine my delight when I discover that they have Wally and Friends on iPad! It's free to download, super addictive and I think it's meant for adults as its damn difficult!

My tips for Wally and Friends are as follows and it's not complete since I'm still playing the game:

1. If you have friends or family who enjoy spotting things, put this game up on your TV through Apple air player and suddenly things get magnified and you can clear the stages easier.

2. Watch as many free videos to get gems! You will need them if you need extra time and you can use it to buy bones. It's better to use 15 gems to buy extra 1 minute of time rather than to use 30 gems for 1 bone (if you don't buy them in a packet).

3. The easiest land is the Bright Lights Night Frights and the hardest I think so far is Game of Games. I think they do it such that there are very few colours so everything kind of blends and you think the flag numbers help you....but they may just be more distracting! 

4. I think for The Mighty Fruit Fight land, they seem to know which colour you are bad at, I tend to be bad at spotting people in green so I get tons of them :( so the only way is to spend some energy and repeat the stage. The golden spoon is usually held by a person. 

5. For The Cake Factory, I had so much trouble finding the red smoking pipe and it's so freaking small. It can be found sometimes at the conveyor belt. 

6. In Battle of the Bands, the sausages can be found on top of the towers at times. 

7. Sometimes it's better to concentrate on playing one land as you will remember where the things are but then you will lose out on completing the missions and getting the gold coins so that's a trade off you have to make. 

8. When you connect to Facebook and play this game with your friends, you can challenge them and send gifts to each other. The funny thing is I received 5 gold coins whereas I sent 23 gold coins to my friend! Apparently you can only send a gift once a day so it makes sense to persuade your friends and family to play this game!

9. Wally is the least of your problems I this game, he kinda stands out so spotting him won't be an issue. I think the difficulty is finding the small items and sometimes they can be rather tricky as it can be hidden at all sorts of weird places.

10. Some of the people are just hidden behind other people so it makes it difficult to spot. I try to do it clockwise and have a quick scan and then note the facial expressions, colours and actions of the person you are supposed to find.

Happy spotting! 

Two Dots Levels 286 - 310

I tried my hands at the latest update of two dots and boy was the circuits a confusing new obstacle they had put in and I am still grappling with it! Here are my tips and hope it helps you! If you like, you can view videos of my gameplay for these levels on Youtube 

Level 286 - 287: The circuits basically are switched on when you connect the dots and then if you do a square that happens to be the same colours as the dots being switched on, they get switched off. Which complicates matters when you are trying to switch on all the circuits as well as collect the dots. These two stages are like trial runs so it shouldn't be too difficult in switching on all the circuits using normal connect the dots or even squares.

Level 288 - 294: These stages introduce the switches and you have to get a certain number of coloured dots as well. I find clearing the switches to be a hindrance at time as when I do blue squares for example,  it tends to switch off the same blue dots that are being switched on. Once the switches in a certain section are cleared, it explodes and clears off a number of dots. 

But if I solely focus on clearing the switches first, I run out of moves to get the required number of coloured dots. I tried to clear portions of switches, made some squares to get the dots and if you use a crate, the bomb is useless in helping you to clear this stage. The only crate that is useful is the teardrop which makes all the dots the same colour! I think it's about balancing both clearing the switches and getting the dots and I did waste two crates and a couple of lives to clear level 290 as the bottom row of switches was tough to clear. 

Level 295, 299: I think the best way is to make squares and once most of the dots have been switched on and all the four corners have been switched on, then slowly tackle the ones that are yet to be switched on. 

Level 296 - 298, 301, 306, 308 - 309: I like this stage since when the switches explode, you may get to kill some anchors as well so it really helps you in this game if you try to plan it that way! For Level 306, 308, I find it useful to make the same coloured squares as the dots that are trapping the blocks so that the switches can be turned on and then it'll explode.

Level 300: You have to minimize the number of moves to turn on the switches but that must be completed first before you can sink the anchors!

Level 302: It's best that you use squares as it will help to kill the switches, break the ice and reach the number of required dots.

Level 303 - 305: In this stage I find making squares to break off most of the ice first then kill the switches then break off the remaining ice the easier way to complete this level. For Level 305, I find it useful to make the same coloured squares as the dots that are trapping the blocks so that the switches can be turned on and then it'll explode.

Level 307: With the fire, I find it best to make squares to kill some switches and snuff out the fire and then continue killing the remaining switches.

Level 310: You have to clear the two side switches first before tackling the middle switch. I think in this case it makes sense to clear the switches first as you have two ice blocks stuck at the bottom which you can't break unless you clear the switches. The best is to make coloured squares to free the dots in the middle. Don't worry about the anchors, you can clear that easily.

Two Dots Levels 261 - 285

I find the latest update of Two Dots slightly easier and I reached Level 285 in a couple of days. I didn't update this earlier on as I thought nobody was reading this but at the request of carenlyn, here are my tips which I wrote after playing all the stages again! My gameplay videos of these levels are available on Youtube

Level 261 - 264: You should kill the monsters but you shouldn't make it your ultimate aim since to complete the level you need to get coloured dots! If you focus too much on killing the monsters, you may not have enough moves to complete the level!

Level 265 - 270, 274: Different coloured monsters from the dots that you are supposed to get. Level 265 was slightly harder than 261 - 264. For breaking the ice and getting rid of the blocks, just focus on making squares and getting the dots rather than killing the monsters. You can still complete the levels without killing all the monsters.

Level 271 - 273: Use the monsters to curb the fire then you have to kill them if not it's hard to get the dots that you need to complete this level.

Level 275: In this case, you want to keep the monsters and getting them down to the fire level helps you to eliminate the fire quickly such that you can break the ice and make the dots.

Level 276 - 277: I find it necessary to try to get rid of the monsters but not letting it get in the way of making squares and sinking those anchors and making the dots.

Level 278 - 279: This wasn't easy as you have to break the ice and try to sink the anchors and not let the monsters eat your anchors.

Level 280: I left the green monsters alone but kept making squares so I cleared the anchors easily.

Level 281: The key to this level is how to snuff out the fire using the yellow monsters and then how not to let the fire and yellow monsters eat up your anchors so that you can clear this stage. Main things is to snuff out the fire and then kill the yellow monsters.

Level 282: I cleared this stage easily but can't seem to get even a single star which perplexes me. Maybe its because I didn't kill the green monsters in this level? Any reader has any insights on this level, please leave me a comment!

Level 283: Concentrate on making squares that are of the same colours as the monsters to break the blocks. You wouldn't need to kill the monsters or knock down all the blocks to complete this level. The best square to make first is dark blue so that you can free the monster and it'll start turning other dots dark blue.

Level 284: I found this stage rather hard and I used up many lives as the monsters keep on moving away from the two sides where the fire was and I had difficulty snuffing out the fire. Main thing is not to let both monsters come to the middle because they will never go back to the sides where the fire is raging and you have very little chance of clearing this stage. Work on snuffing out the fire and yes the monsters are more useful than detrimental in this stage.

Level 285: Focus on making squares that are of the same colours as the monsters so that they will break the blocks, snuff out the fire and you may have to kill some of them to get sufficient purple dots.

Review of Pacsafe Pick-pocket proof bags

ACCICB and I tried the Pacsafe bags, wallet and neck pouch at the airport DFS and found them to be exactly what we were looking for. It has all the features such as RFID, slash proof material, zippers that can be locked which is difficult to be accessed by anyone but yourself. My first purchase was the wallet and I was so impressed with it that I bought the neck pouch and bags in a second purchase. 

Source: Pacsafe's website

I find the black Pacsafe Luggage Coversafe 75 Neck Pouch  useful but it sticks out so its still visible despite wearing two layers (a tee and a sweater). I think the reason why it sticks out is because of the strap as you can see in the picture below.

Front flap seals with velcro

Inner compartments

However, I still wear it as a multiple prong approach since I keep some money here and there everywhere around me to maximize my safety. I heard that some people just wear it on their back but I feel even weirder doing that. It has 3 compartments and there's a velcro to secure the main pocket. It can fit a passport and has a zippered pocket which makes it extra secure. 

I love the black Pacsafe Walletsafe 100 though as it can fit nicely into certain ski pants, cargo pants and jeans pockets as well as into my Pacsafe bag.

The long metal chain with a turn and lock security hook can be easily attached to the jeans loop or belt look or to the keychain loop within my Pacsafe bag.

The all important metal chain with turn and lock security hook

Plenty of space for cards

Two separate compartments for dollar bills which comes with a zipper for extra security

Velcroed inner compartment

Zippered coins compartment

It has plenty of compartments for cards, cash, coins etc so I can't even imagine how I used to travel without it! I must say that I lost my wallet years ago when I was in Sydney for a holiday and it was absolutely a nightmare which I do not wish to ever relive it again. 

The black Pacsafe Luggage Slingsafe 250 Gii handbag is so good that I use it on a daily basis even when I'm not travelling.

Front overview

Front pocket with zip

Front pocket's zip disappears into its zip sleeve!

Turn and lock thus its super difficult to unclasp the bag

Zipper for main compartment gets extra security boost

The zips are wonderful as you can hide them in its zip sleeve (front compartment) or lock it up (main compartment). The two key features are the turn and lock security hooks and the smart zipper security which really makes this an excellent pick-pocket proof bag!

Main compartment with pockets for phone, passports etc

The bag is water-resistant and I kinda like the green interior as it makes a nice contrast to the black exterior. It is soft and lightweight so it's quite nice to snuggle up to! However I find that the keychain loop gets stuck quite frequently into the zipper which is a problem for me. I've to be really careful when I zip up my bag.

For me, I shorten the bag strap such that the zip is next to my chest so that it's super close to me! It also fits a iPad mini at best. It has an excellent inner pocket and this is the place to keep your mobile safe and free from prying hands. 

ACCICB loves his black Pacsafe Luggage Venture Safe 200 GII (Medium) bag and it has become his everyday bag rather than just using it for traveling.

Front overview

Back overview

He didn't quite like the strap though because it's not padded like mine and is rather thin and hard. At first he complains that it cuts into his shoulder but now he's used to it and the strap has been more worn in, so he's a happy user.

Front pockets fit pen, passports etc

Main compartment fits your tablet etc

For his bag, you can fit a regular iPad, a phone and there are separate compartment for maps and pens.

The zipper puller locks!

The best feature I felt is the zipper puller locks which are impossible to reach and open even when he's the one doing it. I have to help him with it at times and even then I take a while to get it undone!

I must say that Pacsafe bags and accessories are a godsend but to me it is not sufficient so in the next post, I will be reviewing on money belts on your belly, for your legs, zippered socks and what not which I've used and am very pleased as they have provided me with an excellent peace of mind which to me is priceless! 

Review of The Clever Travel Companion Pick-pocket Proof Clothes

Last year, ACCICB and I visited many countries and that was where I started researching on travel safety and pick-pocket proof clothes, inner wear, bags etc. This was our first time travelling to NYC, London, Paris etc and we wanted to ensure that we are properly equipped with pick-pocket proof clothes amongst other items. 

I chanced upon The Clever Travel Companion and promptly bought a tank top, tee, thermals and undies for myself and a V neck tee for ACCICB. They are a wonderful respite from money belts and neck pouches which can be visible if you don't layer up. 

Money belts made ACCICB's tummy hurt like hell as it was constantly pressing against his belly. He was rather pissed with wearing a money belt to say the least and just gave up after Day 2 of the trip. I also bought us Pacsafe bags, zippered socks etc which I will review in a later post.

Below are some pictures which I'll update later on when I receive my 2nd order! These are just some of the clothes that I own since last year and they make me feel safe when I'm out and about in a foreign land. 

Comes in these clear plastic bag with a zip at the bottom

The tees are true to size but the tank top, undies and thermals run small so you would have to buy at least 1 size up. The clothes are well made and came quickly and were packed in a nice plastic bag. I bought grey as it's easy to match but have gotten some black ones in the upcoming order!

In terms of prices, I think they are affordable and seriously worth every penny since peace of mind is what I want when I'm travelling. It costs the same as any other tee or tank or undie out on the market without the pick-pocket functionality so I would pick these instead! 

Tank and Tee (S) and Undies (M)

They wash and dry quickly but I recommend to get at least two each so you don't have to keep on waiting for them to dry. In fact, I was prompted to write this post because I just bought more clothes from them for both of us yesterday. This is in anticipation of going to Italy or to NYC in summer this year.

Like many others, I wish there are more colours but the basic colours are fine with me. I think that this is one of the best investments one should make before embarking on any holiday! 

Review of Staub Enamelled Cast Iron Wok and Pan

ACCICB and I have been cooking more often lately and decided that we need to change some of our pots and pans as the coating has been wearing off and it's been going into our tummies. To be fair, we had Supor wok and pan which is way cheaper than Staub and has lasted us about 6 years or so.

Multi saute pan (24 cm)

Wok (37 cm) and Multi saute pan (24 cm)

There is a difference between plain cast iron and enamelled cast iron products. I've never used either type before so had to go and do some research on it and there are differing opinions on both products. I decided to go for the enamelled due to easier maintenance and also worried about the possible leaching of metal from plain cast iron when I cook acidic food in it. There was also talk of metal taste using the plain cast iron and that what you cooked in the past would be retained and carried on into your next dish. 

Currently at Tangs and Takashimaya in Singapore, there are four brands being sold namely Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge and Iwachu. The first two are from France, whereas Lodge is made in USA and Iwachu from Japan. In terms of prices Le Creuset is the most expensive, followed by Staub, Iwachu and then Lodge. 

Currently, Le Creuset, Staub and Lodge have promotions at Tangs which makes it a good deal as the discounts are from 30% and above. At Takashimaya, there's discounts for Staub which is where we bought the multi-purpose sauté pan (24 cm). We didn't check out Le Creuset and Lodge so not too sure about the discounts. Takashimaya has a wider range of Staub products than Tangs although the we bought our Staub wok (37cm)  at Tangs. You can also get it either online and  if you are not from Singapore.

We decided to go for red for both.. in the hope that we won't touch the handles! It also comes in black although Le Creuset comes in multiple colours for its frying pan and pots. We also saw a wok at Le Creuset and I think the price is > $1000 and I'm not sure whether there's any discount on it. 

We were very tempted to buy Lodge but as its plain cast iron, we had some reservations. For Le Creuset, we were interested but in the end the type of wok and pan offered by Staub was more in line with what we wanted plus they had the glass lid which is very important for us. There were good reviews for both Le Creuset and Staub and both have their fair share of fans.

We had to prepare the wok and pan before using which we did using the instructions on Staub's website. Both are easy to use,  just have to remember not to touch the handles with my bare hands. The eggs didn't really stick much and it was a breeze to clean and maintain. I've also cooked fried noodles and it did stick a little but came off easier so it was a non issue.

Looking forward to cooking more often at home with these healthy pans! 

Review of Beauty and the Beast Musical in Singapore

ACCICB and I went to watch Beauty and the Beast musical at MasterCard Theatre at Marina Bay Sands last Tuesday. It was a truly magical experience and at least 3/4 full on a weekday evening! 

I find Gaston a really funny fellow and enjoy the comedic parts. Belle was such a lovely singer and the Beast was truly like one...he showed how he hasn't interacted with a human, lest say a lady for years. 

I can't quite remember how much it resembles the original cartoon fairytale as it has been many years for me. Snippets such as the dance, the rose, the song Tale as Old as Time, all the crockery and cutlery coming to life in a dance as well as the other characters such as Mrs Potts, Cogsworth etc I have a vague memory of them.

ACCICB told me he has never watch led Beauty and the Beast when he was a kid... I wasn't surprised and was happy that he enjoyed the musical tremendously. It has been our 3rd time watching a musical at MasterCard Theatre, the other two being Tap Dogs and Cats.

My only grouse is that somehow their voices get kinda lost when they sing and it's not as clear and lucid as when I watch it in New York or London. I think it's the theatre itself and wish they would fix it somehow. 

Two Dots Levels 243 - 260

I've completed Two Dots Level 260 yesterday! Woo hoo! I've also started posting videos of my gameplay on Youtube 

My recap on the levels is as follows:

Level 243: Tough but not as bad as 242. Key is to get rid of the purple Monster as well as using squares to get your blue, green and yellow dots

Level 244: Get rid of some of the blue Monsters so that you can get some yellow dots. I realise the best is to have a long line of blue dots and then end with a square while being connected to the blue Monster. That is the most effective as you simultaneously get rid of all the blue dots as well as reduce the number of dots required to kill this particular blue Monster

Level 245/248/251/253/254/255: I didn't intentionally get rid of the Monsters but it irritated me by eating up my anchors thus its best to get rid of them if you can

Level 246: I got rid of the blue Monsters once I got blue sufficient dots.. for the rest of the Monsters it can be bad if it eats up your anchors!

Level 247/249/250/259: Aim is to clear the blocks using squares and then eventually you have to kill the Monsters although they can be useful in helping you create the squares... 

Level 252/257: I got rid of the Monsters once I got sufficient dots!

Level 256: This was tough as the fire dots came back and there was a blue Monster. I used the blue Monster to kill some of the fire dots and concentrated on making squares to get rid of the blocks. 

Level 258: If you use a crate and end up with the teardrop which is supposed to make all the dots the same colour, you will end up wasting one crate as no dots will change its colour as its still behind the blocks. Again, kill the Monsters although at the start they can be quite helpful in you being able to make squares!

Level 260: Similar to 256 except that they gave you a green and light blue Monster with fire dots, blocks and ice and you are supposed to fulfil yellow and dark blue dots plus crack the ice. This was a tough stage as well and I tried to clear one side first and then again many squares with the help of the Monsters and then kill them so that you can get your yellow and blue dots.

Remembering Lee Kuan Yew

Source: Gov.sg 

LKY means a lot of things to different people but to me, he represented what a true leader should be. He wasn't a manager but a leader who inspires even the most ordinary man on the street. He has returned to God and his beloved wife but he will be dearly missed by us. RIP, LKY

Two Dots Level 242

I finally cleared Two Dots level 242 without using any crates or power ups. Just good old fashioned squares! It's best not to remove the monster as this means less dots and just work on clearing the dots via squares. The tough part is the blue dots and not the green ones. Now Level 243 seems worst... Back to work!

P.S. This video is available on Youtube

Ink

I've been using ink for a while... it was the next step after pencils and I must say I kinda like it although I'm still far from being good. My art teacher says that I tend to be more design and decorative and not fine arts.. which I agree since she's from fine arts and I think I'm still bad at all the shadows and different shades etc. I do think that ink is brilliant for getting me to shade better though and I'm looking forward to using charcoal next! :)

Two Dots

I've been stuck at Level 242 for a few days and it is pissing me off! This game is taking up so much of my time but my competitive nature is not letting me rest until I complete all the levels. The graphics are awesome but it's getting so difficult and if not because of the regular updates with new levels, I won't be playing this game at all! I've also started posting videos of my gameplay on Youtube

Besides Momster Pet Shop which ACCICB and I were horribly addicted to, this is by far the only other game I've been playing for months! Unfortunately, ACCICB feels this game too difficult so I've to solve this on my own! He calls me a nerd for playing this but hey this is coming from a geek so who cares!

My art teacher will be seriously upset if she knew this is what is preventing me from practicing! I need to go cold turkey on this one and who knows maybe they'll recalibrate the level easier and I'll finally pass! *Fingers crossed*

From flab to fab!

I seriously have to transform myself from flab to fab especially when I read this news about this model looking awesome despite pregnant. Funnily when I showed ACCICB the photos, his first reaction was not how hot she looked but whether it's right that her belly is so small as compared to other pregnant women. I was thinking maybe it's because she has been hitting the gym all the way even while she was pregnant which is why her belly is so small. 

Now I feel awful about myself as I've gained way too much weight over the years but the good thing is that now I can finally go to the gym as often as I wish! I just did my 1st workout on Monday and I'm going again tomorrow! Now that I've gotten myself back into exercise mode, I am usually way more cautious when it comes to food choices. I guess I mentally curse myself when I'm exercising so the need to prohibit myself from junk becomes reinforced easily! 

I hope that in no time at all, I can lose some weight and be able to wear all my old clothes again and maybe even buy some new ones to celebrate! 

Savee Sea Sauvignon Blanc 2013

I had this Savee Sea Sauvignon Blanc 2013 last night and wow it's much better than the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc I had many years ago. The latter gave me rashes and ACCICB had heart palpitations but maybe now it's better but I'm so not going to try! 

I forgot to take a pic of the bottle so am using someone's else instead. I also found out that this was bought at around $50 plus at a wine shop called 1855 located at The Star Vista. 

Source: Groupy.co.nz

The white wine went down nicely, smooth but the effect hit me rather quickly thus it's rather strong and makes me happy and sleepy. A couple of hours later though, both of us felt super alert and had difficulties falling asleep! 

Citibank Birthday Rewards

This seems to be a new initiative from Citibank as I've not received birthday rewards from them before despite having their credit card for a couple of years. I will be using some of them but the rest would probably be thrown away I guess.

I can't wait to see whether I'll have more birthday rewards coming my way! 

Arthur's Reserve Riesling 2011

I'm not a big wine person and it's quite hard for me to find something that I like but yet doesn't give me a rash or a headache! I had this Arthur's Reserve Riesling 2011 at ACCICB's place a couple of weeks ago and I've been hunting it down ever since.

Finally found it at SUTL at S$31.50 per bottle (before 7% GST). They currently have a DBS cards promotion as well but I haven't tried the Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon so decided to give that a miss.

Arthur's Reserve is part of SUTL's group house brands so if you are going down to their office, it's normal working hours and days at Pasir Panjang Road. They also have a wine sale twice a year, once in May which we will be going since they have added us in their eDM campaign.

CNY surprise

We went to NTUC to buy some groceries and I was surprised by ACCICB's act. He gave an ang bao to the Chinese cashier who was serving us after he made payment for the groceries.

In the lift, I asked him why and he told me it was because its a tough job and he appreciates them for serving us despite it still being the CNY period. I praised him saying that his act makes me very happy! 

Previously, many years ago I had told him off before as there were times where I felt that his tone of voice towards service staff can be improved. Yesterday, his act went beyond what I expected despite us starting on this new journey which has been a bumpy ride.

He told me that he aspired to be able to give ang baos to all the cashiers at NTUC once he has made it big. I hope to see that day soon. Gong Xi Fa Cai to all readers and hope the Year of the Goat will be a much better one!

How to succeed in the workplace - A Dog's Perspective

In my lifetime, ACCICB and I have two dogs together. Both of them are different and yet the same and have taught us invaluable lessons in life.

Our current dog is what I term a social butterfly and can successfully convert any dog to become his friend given 3 to 5 meetings. I think if we can follow the 5 steps below, maybe we can win friends and allies and are a step closer to finding success in the workplace.

1. Be ultra confident of yourself which will this lead you to become super sociable

2. Greet everybody with much genuine enthusiasm and happiness with a wide smile on your face

3. Even when people ignore you or give you snide remarks when you start talking to them, just retreat and give them space. Try again with Step 2 the next time you meet the same people who couldn't care less about you. 

4. Make sure you give loads of personal attention to everybody you see regardless of whether they dislike you or not. 

5. With sufficient meetings, you will have successfully converted everybody, even those in Step 3 to your friend at work.

Try out these 5 steps at work and let me know whether it works or not! 

Artist in the making

I started taking drawing lessons last year in October I think and I've been terribly slow at it but here are two of my early works that I am most pleased with so far which really encourages me to push on.  Shading is way more difficult than drawing for me and I really need to set aside a lot of time to practice!

I love my new fan!

Today, we went to Best Denki to purchase a new KDK fan for Koki since he's pretty much outgrown his old and small Mistral fan, which is probably the same size as his face! We have been using a KDK stand fan for more than five years and except for a small repair last year due to an unexpected short circuit in our place, it has been working beautifully! Here's wishing for more good years to come!

Old Mistral fan that is light and portable

Once switched on, he doesn't want to move!

Bangkok!

1. Consider staying at Novotel Siam Square rather at Novotel Ploenchit to save on travelling expenses on the BTS. Plus Novotel Ploenchit's bed is hard and it's light switches glow in the dark!

Source: Novotel website

2. Consider taking Thai Airways or Silkair to Bangkok rather than Tiger as the return flight was delayed more than an hour :(

3. Go for Thai massage at Chang Foot Massage near Siam Square BTS. It costs 300 THB for a 1 hour body massage but costs 800 THB at the airport!

4. Get a single trip BTS card which starts from 15 THB for a stop or two. Just simply head to the station control to exchange your notes for coins! Remember to take out the card so that the gate will open and the entire BTS station map is on the overleaf of the card!

5. Shop at Chatuchak market just by taking the BTS to Mo Chit. Look for clothes, home furnishings, dog treats and pretty much everything under the sky. Such lovely furniture which makes me want to own a house but then the amount of cleaning to be done just scares the hell out of me! Just around the corner from the home furnishing stores are export agents who ship worldwide! Stop for some local Thai cuisine, sip some coconut juice and rest your legs.

Chicken satay, Crabmeat spring rolls and Phad Thai

6. Dine at Zen Cucina at Centralworld (L3) for its delicious Japanese cuisine. Go for the weekday lunch sets! I recommend the sashimi, sushi and Kobe beef! This is better and cheaper than any Japanese restaurant I've been to in Singapore

Source: Wongnai.com

7. Shop at Platinum mall but remember there ain't any fitting rooms but they will help to measure you before you commit to a purchase! I particularly like one local Thai designer and bought 3 pieces from her! Apparently the more pieces you buy from the same shop, they may charge you based on wholesale prices.

8. Shop at Siam Paragon's supermarket called the Gourmet Market for pet treats and toys, some of which can be cheaper than Singapore! They have got lovely cold pressed juices which you can sample as well! Try out the Scones by Anothai and the korean pork miso udon from Miyatake Sanuki Udon!

9. Shop at Asiatique by taking the free boat shuttle from the pier which is conveniently located at Saphan Taksin BTS.  It beats taking the taxi and being caught in the jam. Lots of good food at Rocking Doll, more shopping and we picked this up as a souvenir for 25 THB!

Reminds me of Koki 

Now, I shall plan for my next holiday... but there are just too many places I want to go!