Christmas and love... "Endless Love"

Dear *Freaders,

As Christmas Day is approaching closer with each passing day, I'm having a sudden craving for romantic films. Weird? No!! Christmas is a season of love, joy & sacrifices. So naturally, I feel like I am in a dreamy bubble filled with pounding hearts, breathing in shots of love ecstacy!

Well, I just watched a romantic show a few days back - Endless Love (2014). There was this ending liner that got stuck in my brain. Here it goes:

"My first love was everything all at once. The kind you never fall back from. Never try to. Never want to. A love so big, so strong, it never dies. Never fades. Never loses its electricity. The kind of love you fight for. The kind of boy you fight for."

Aww.. so sweet, eh? Anyway, I'm not going to be a plot spoiler! Please watch the movie if you haven't. It's worth spending 104 mins on the couch with your sweetheart.

If you love to read (like me!), you can search for Scott Spencer's novel of the same title. The 2014 movie was a second adaptation of his book. :)

Cheers~

Write... "Truth"

Dear *Freaders,

Haven't been writing for some time. My sincere apologies!! I just wrote something tonight and want to share it with all who is seeking the Truth like me.

Hope you guys will like it:

Cheers^ ^

Delicious Boneless Chicken Rice Review

Dear Freaders***,

You must give this chicken rice store a try, even if you are not a fan of the local chicken rice delicacy!! I'm truly confident that this will be one of the most memorable chicken rice you ever have.

The rice is rather bland compared to some other chicken rice elsewhere. But it still has the right flavour. And I do believe the owners have their reasons for creating such taste. Please remember to add some ginger, dark soy sauce on the rice. Nomnom! "One mouth of chicken meat and one mouth of rice" - that's a purrfect combo! ^ ^ The chicken meat is super tender and savoury! The bowl of soup is really tasty and has the right amount of pepper! Plus the generous portion of cabbage in the soup makes the meal a little less sinful. :)

Trust me! You will want to have a go at the chicken rice!!

It is located at:
#B1-85/87, Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Road.

You can also spend a lovely day at east coast park after you have satisfied your stomach! :))

Cheers!  ^ ^

I love to write

Hi Freaders*, :)

I just wrote something again tonight:

~Cheers

Write.. Write

Hi Freaders*,

My writing.. For pleasure reading:

Cheers^^

Dear Freaders*,

I wrote a rap for your pleasure reading:

Enjoy!!

Cheers~

Dear Freaders*,

I wrote something about time.. hope you guys will like it:

Cheers^ ^

Inspiring Quote from "The Spectacular Now"

Dear Freaders*,

I want to share this beautiful and inspiring quote from "The Spectacular Now" movie (2013). This film is based on the novel by Tim Tharp.

This quote really resonated with me (in a way..):

"Compared to other kids, I haven't had that many hardships. Not really. Well, shit's happened. Stuff's happened. Sure. But stuff always happens, right? But the real challenge of my life, the real hardship, is me. It's always been me. As long as I can remember I've never not been afraid. Afraid of failure, of letting people down, hurting people, getting hurt... I thought that if I keep my guard up, focused on other things, other people.. if I couldn't even feel it, then no harm would come to me. I screwed up. Not only did I shut out the pain, I shut out everything. The good and the bad. Until there was nothing. It's fine to just live in the now, but the best part about now, is there's another one tomorrow. And I'm gonna start making them count."

Hope you guys like it. Cheers.

:)

Dear Freaders*, :)

I'd just wrote something on my bus journey home.

For your leisure reading:

Cheers~

Dear Freaders*, =)

Here's a reminder for myself to start the day right, hope that it's inspiring to you too. :)

Cheers~ =)

Dear Freaders*,

Do check up this advertisement at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (the walkway between NEL and NSL).

I had to take a video so that you can view the interactive display. ^^

For your viewing pleasure:

Cool, eh? :)))

The company chooses to buy media space in the trains as well to extend its reach. (But the ad is static, of cos)

I wonder what other media platforms are being utilised. I will certainly be on the look-out.

Pls feel free to contribute your comments, if you have any. :)

Cheers~~~

Cafe Review on Rokeby

Dear Freaders*,

On a hot Sunday morning, I decide to visit Rokeby since Australian cafes is one of my heartthrobs.
I just love their casual setting and approachable ambience. :)

Rokeby is nestled in the neighbourhood of Jalan Riang (about 15 minutes walk from Serangoon MRT station).

Observation - Even their signboard is made of wood. I love wood (with the right colour and finishing) because it just gives me a warm, cosy and soothing poke in my heart. Aww ^^)

Look at the amicable and lovable staff smiling at my camera. :)

In love with their furniture & decor -

Lights, shelves, tables, chairs, cute beer bottles, coffee cups, signages

"There Will Be No Working During Drinking Hours" -
Makes SO MUCH sense in the hustle and bustle of city life

Magazines of various genres to entertain the guests ^^

Aussie 2-Way Waffles (Review: 4/5) - 

Your tongue (and mind) will thank you for the bursts of flavours. This is pure indulgence!

Savoury waffles with sauteed granny smith apples and orange zest syrup on the side (infused with some bourbon & maple syrup I believe) and a perfectly cooked sausage.

For me, these soft, fluffy waffles (with a slightly crispy outlayer) are a true WINNER! 

The crunchy onions and smoky bacon are the surprise elements
in this delectable treat that gives you the perfect mouthfeel!
The infused savoury cheese flavour will also swim around in your mouth.

(I wish they can add a small block of butter in this dish - it will give it a slightly
oily and buttery coat on your tongue)

Eggs Blackstone (Review: 5/5) -

Smoky streaky bacons, perfectly poached eggs, tomato, wild rocket, creamy hollandaise sauce on a soft brioche toast.

This is this best brioche toast that I have ever eaten!

Flat White (2.5/5) & Long Black -

Notable acidic note, creamy texture, goes perfectly well with the crunchy almond biscuit.

The coffee aroma starts to stir up in my mouth after

 a couple of sips.

Home-made Tiramisu with Bailey's Irish Cream (Review: 4/5) -

Super soft, creamy, wet and a moderate amount of Bailey's makes this Tiramisu a memorable one.

And, don't forget to leave your feedback on Rokeby's webpage to enjoy a complimentary

artisan coffee! :))

I would definitely recommend this cafe to anyone who loves Australian cafe or an unforgettable Brunch experience. ^^

Cheers~

Strive on, Freaders ^ ^

Dear Freaders*,

I just wrote something.. :)

"The path you're walking is now shifting,
The sights you're seeing is now blurring,
As the sun above is slowly setting,
The darkness is rapidly creeping.

I know you wanna cry & say bye,
When life leaves you high & dry,
But hold on & look to the sky,
Everything's gonna be alright."

What I am trying to say is be strong, stay true and be happy always. Look at all challenges in life as opportunities. Strive on.  ^^

I love to write!!

Dear Freaders*,

This is for all who needs an emotional boost ^^

I integrated something that I'd written with a picture that I'd taken, Cheers:

You'll be Alright

Dear Freaders, :))

I wrote something motivational, in the slightest hope that it might bring light to any one who needs it. No one is forever powerful or powerless... Sometime you will feel down... But it's totally okay.. In no time, I believe you'll be alright... Pls feel free to leave your comments if you're still upset..

So, here it is...

Title: You'll be Alright

Just remember his face when you're afraid,
He'll show you hope when all has been raided.
He'll give you light when you're about to sway.
Just hold on tight when everything is in a fray.
In all these crazy array of shades....

Just close your eyes,
The stars are shining bright.
You'll be alright,
He is the shining knight.
At the first light,
Your spirit will be ignited.

Stand tall, pray even when you're facing the blade,
Take pride, breathe in and let your heart be staid.
Don't fall, cling to your beliefs.
Don't cry, soon you'll be relieved,
relieved....

Just close your eyes,
The moon is shining bright.
You'll be alright,
He is the shining knight.
At the first light,
Your spirit will be ignited.

Cheers :))))

Review on the Movie "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" (2014)

Dear Freaders*,

Hello! I am going to write a review on the "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" movie that was recently out in the Cinemas. Hope this will inspire you to go and watch it cos I think it is a GREAT show! ^^

By the way, Freaders is a phrase that I had just created from the top of my mind. It represents Friends + Readers = Freaders. I feel that Freaders sound slightly personal than saying "Dear readers". :)))

Here's my Movie Review:

"Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" is not just an action-packed and thrilling movie but it is integrated with meaningful thoughts that we should all reflect on.

The tone of the movie is kinda dark and gripping for me as it is the sequel of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in 2011. In the previous show, a devastating virus was unleashed, almost sweeping the human race off the face of the earth. In the 2014 movie, the feeling is bittersweet as the centerpieces - the band of the humans and the group of genetically evolved apes are fighting each other in a quest to survive. It hurts me to see humans and apes fighting but it puzzles and traumatizes me even more to see the conflict within each band. However, this paves way for the purposeful messages in the plot (which I will elaborate on below).

Well, I have to comment that the genuine trust and friendship between a few apes (Caesar, Maurice) and Malcolm (casted by Jason Clarke) and his family is so, so SWEET!!~

You have to WATCH the show first-hand to experience this emotion.

My rating on the movie: 4.5/5.0

Messages:
1) There can be conflict within your own kind. 2) Actions by individuals might have a huge butterfly effect on what happened in this world and what little peace and things we might have can disappear in an instant. 3) This does not mean we should accept it and let things spin out of control. We must do our very best to make amendments to the situation. In the movie, we can see how hard Caesar and Malcolm work to make things better. I really admire their undying spirit in a bid to furnish the best environment for their families.

Anyway, for me, there's one phrase in the movie that really stands out -
"They don't need power, lights, heat, nothing. That's their advantage. That's what make them stronger." (A Human talking about the apes).... Somehow, this makes me reflect on a teaching in the Bible.

Teaching about Money and Possessions in the Bible:
Jesus mentioned "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life --whether you have enough food to eat and enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" .... "Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. " (Luke 12:22)

Food for Thought: We should spend time building a relationship with God and not store up earthly treasures mindlessly. :)

SO, make some time with your loved ones to watch the "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" before it is too late to catch it~ =)

Movie Trailer:

Dear Readers, :)

I'd just finished reading "Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom. Mitch is the author of popular international bestsellers like "Tuesdays with Morrie".

Other Books from Mitch Albom:
- For One More Day (Finished Reading =))
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven (Finished Reading =))
- Tuesdays with Morrie (Finished Reading =))
- Fab Five (Sports book)
- Bo (Sports book)

Here are my 5 favourites lines from the true story "Have a Little Faith" :

1.      About Faith (p.47)

 

 “Let me answer with a story.” He said. “There’s this salesman, see? And he knocks on a door. The man who answers says, ‘I don’t need anything today.’
 

“The next day. The salesman returns.

“ ‘Stay away,’ he is told.

“The next day, the salesman is back.

“The man yells, ‘You again! I warned you!’ He gets so angry, he spits in the salesman’s face.

“The salesman smiles, wipes the spit with a handkerchief, then looks to the sky and says, ‘Must be raining.’

“Mitch, that’s what faith is. If they spit in your face, you say it must be raining. But you still come back tomorrow.”

 

2.      About Happiness (p.101) (My FAV!)

When a baby comes into the world, it hands are clenched, right? Like this?
He made a fist.
“Why? Because a baby, not knowing any better, wants to grab everything, to say, ‘The whole world is mine.’
“But when an old person dies, how does he do so? With his hands open. Why? Because he has learned the lesson.”
What lesson? I asked.
He stretched open his empty fingers.
“We can take nothing with us.”

3.      About Home (p. 111)

“A soldier’s little girl, whose father was being moved to a distant post, was sitting at the airport among her family’s meager belongings.
“The girl was sleepy. She leaned against the packs and duffel bags.
“A lady came by, stopped, and patted her on the head.
“ ‘Poor child,’ she said. ‘You haven’t got a home.’
“The child looked up in surprise.
“ ‘But we do have a home,’ she said. ‘We just don’t have a house to put it in.’ “

4.      The Second Death (p. 128 – 129)

The second death. To think that you died and no one would remember you … … Names quickly blur and in time are forgotten.

How then, I asked the Reb, can you avoid the second death?
“In the short run,” he said, “the answer is simple. Family. It is through my family that I hope to live on for a few generations. When they remember me, I live on.

......

(In the long run) “This is why,” the Reb said, “faith is so important. It is a rope for us all to grab, up and down the mountain. I may not be remembered in so many years. But what I believe and have taught ---about God, about our tradition---that can go on. It comes from my parents and their parents before them. And if it stretches to my grandchildren and to their grandchildren, then we are all, you know ...”
Connected?
“ That’s it.”

5.      Pleasure vs. Sorrow (p. 176)

I walked a mile with Pleasure;
She chatted all the way;
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,
And ne’er a word said she;
But, oh! The things I learned from her,
When Sorrow walked with me.

ROBERT BROWNING HAMILTON

Hope these are good motivational reads for everyone! Cheers! ~~

 

SPRUCE @ Phoenix Park, Tanglin Road

Hi to all!

I must say I really miss all my readers and the FUN in WRITING! So I am determined to start writing again! Well.. here is my first post to start my Blog up & running again... I had been busy working and cafe-hopping around quite a bit. I will introduce the lovely cafes to you guys soon. =)

On Saturday afternoon, I visited Spruce at Phoenix Park (directions to Spruce is provided at the end) with my buddies. Who doesn't enjoy the idea of having a good Brunch over a nice cup of roasted coffee on a weekend? Spruce has an added advantage as it is nestled among the trees so having a meal and happily chatting with your friends in the Alfresco area of Spruce provides you the wholesome experience of dining in a Tree House.

Spruce serves Modern American cuisine such as Meatballs, Hot Wings, Salads, Baby Back Ribs, Salmon Steak, Pasta and Desserts with a warm hospitality. Spruce has simply 2 types of Menu - Dining Menu (available all day everyday except during Brunch on weekends and public holidays) and Weekend Brunch Menu (available on weekends and public holidays from 9am till 3.45pm). I really love the idea of the cafe operating everyday.

For those who love Brunch (like me!), here are some of the dishes on the Weekend Brunch Menu:
Egg Benedict, Greek Yoghurt, Banana Hotcakes, Spruce Signature Cinnamon Pecan Roll, Spruce Signature Burger, Spruce Signature Prawn Pasta, Beverages and Desserts.

Here are my reviews (the pictures below are in order of reviews):

1. Cappuccino (My order)
I must say that I am pretty disappointed with this cup of coffee. Some notes of the Cappuccino are off somehow. There is a slightly weird sour backnote. Overall, this cup fails to delight me in any way. But, I must say the coffee art is not bad.

2. Cafe Latte (Friends' order)
Their reviews: The Latte is a disappointment. One of my friends said that she'd tasted better Latte elsewhere.

3. Spruce Egg Benny
Corn Waffles topped with two Poached Eggs (drizzled with Hollandaise Sauce) and Back Bacon with greens at the sides. One key highlight of the usual Egg Benedict dish is how well-prepared the poached eggs are. In this case, I was looking forward to trying the poached eggs and corn waffles.
Again, this dish fails to justify its delish appearance. I tasted better poached eggs but luckily, this is not the worst. As for the corn waffles, there is not a single surprise element at all. I would expect the corn waffles to be slightly crispy but nope, it is not. The corns are not even juicy or sweet. Well! At least, I did enjoy the greens (they are really fresh).

4. Hotcakes

The Hotcakes are not bad. I tasted a light tinge of orangy flavour (which I love). Plus, this side order is value for money, priced at $6.

5. Soft Scrambled Eggs (with Avruga Caviar and Smoked Salmon)

My friend ordered this. I did not try this as I was sick and did not want to dig into her plate.

Having said the above, considering the lovely ambience, friendly customer service and the credentials of the cafe, I may still give the cafe another chance if I am near Tanglin. I will like to give the Spruce Signature Burger a try.

Travelling to Spruce is not tough. Just take bus 111 at the bus stop (B09022) opposite Orchard MRT Station (Exit B) and alight 6 bus stops later at Tanglin Road before Chartsworth Road (B13039). You will have to walk about 2 to 4 minutes forward and then cross the road. You will see something like a campus. Spruce is located in it.

My Late Night Writing