This is a big part of my life, through their hardwork they hold the family together, brought us up, and put my brother and I through schools up till a diploma for me. I’ve never (maybe I did, perhaps once or twice) told them how much I cherish and appreciate their love and will forever be grateful.

Since we move to Sengkang some 12 years ago, I rarely go visit them at the stall. Today, I did, for the last time.

If you haven’t tried or have tried and love the taste, please do try head down for one last time. The last day of operation is on 29 May 2012, Tuesday. They start business from 7am to around 2pm (while ingredients last) from Monday to Friday.

Coffee Shop at Blk 206 Toa Payoh North

Try it before its gone!

The shu uemura smooth fit fluid foundation contains 100% mineral pigments proven to provide effortless precise fit with fresh watery sensation. The new “blend and fit” technology in shu uemura boasts spherical powders to fill in visible and surface smoothness – no shine no fade all day long. It allows for matte buildable coverage that additionally provides natural origin emollient to improve the smoothness of the skin.

I tried it and have to agree that it provides the ultimate coverage for most skin imperfections. Get the flawless coverage to last all day with no shine or fade whatever the weather outlook for the day with shu uemura face architect smooth fit fluid foundation.

Available at all shu uemura beauty counters island wide at the new reduced price of S$65.

At Made With Love, Plaza Singapura

At Scraplicious, Parkway Parade

(Damn I want that Cameo machine!)

Someone please stop me from going out on Friday and Saturday!

I do however have a very bad habit to buy a whole new set of cosmetics when I need to put on proper full makeup; for weddings, dinners and such. Most of these ended up used a few times and then into the trash. Only selected few get to be used on days where I need to go out for meetings or for formal events.

Lately, I feel that I need to start dolling myself a little else I’ll end up looking like a older hag than I am now. The little will include concealer for the dark under eyes, foundation for the coverage and a lip color to brighten up my face. shu uemura new lip colors came just at the right time when I was looking for a new shade to add to my collection.

My pick from the 36 shades of the rouge unlimited range is BG941. A beige shade that fits me pretty well.

shu uemura rouge unlimited collection indulge in a revolutionary formula that provides intense, long-term moisture. The ‘moisture lock cream’ creates a barrier layer that keeps three ‘moisture active’ ingredients close to the lip surface. These three moisture actives are jojoba seed oil, ceremide and shea butter.

From nude to bold, the new rouge unlimited lips colors are for all women who say it best with their lips. The new rouge unlimited has a sleek packaging, while maintaining its initial philosophy of providing convenience. With a transparent convex cap, it allows one to know the color in a single glance.

The new rouge unlimited range is available at all shu uemura beauty counters island wide at S$39.

View from our Space Zone room at Baiyoke Sky Hotel

We took the trains in Bangkok for the first time, and it sure did help speed up on transportation time; skipping the heavy traffic jams on the roads. If only they will soon figure out a way to have one standard ticket for tourists to use on all the different trains instead of having to buy tickets at every single interchange.

Single trip token for train ride in Bangkok

Highlight of this trip was to visit their newest shopping mall at Asok (right at the foot of the train station), Terminal 21. The shopping mall is HUGEEEE! The stalls at every level matches the country that level is themed after. There’s Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco and Hollywood all in one mall! Even the toilet (and its cleaners) were furnished and dressed as themed! Every corner you go to (yes toilets too) you’ll see shoppers taking photos and camwhoring. Great mall for photo opportunities if you’re heading there. Sharing some shots I took with iPhone 4s at Terminal 21.

Japan themed level - Fortune cat

Japan themed level

Terminal 21 at Bangkok

Istanbul themed level at Terminal 21

London themed level at Terminal 21

The mall though big and very pretty, the shops in there were almost like those found at Platinum Mall, just nicer and more pricey. There are couple of local designers stores which sells pretty interesting stuff. Don’t expect to find good bargains here. We spent almost half a day exploring every level and we walked out with only photos in our phones and our tummy filled with Mexican food. Still quite an experience.

If you are not the touchy touchy kind of folks, get into the store and pick up some real cards then slowly decide which design to use for your FRANK card. Pick from over 130 designs with designs from cute and cuddly, quirky to wild and bold. I had a tough time picking mine that day!

For FRANK Credit Card holders can choose to exchange their reward points for cash rebates or vouchers. They can also use the all-in-one VISA payment card to take a ride on trains and buses as well as withdraw cash and sign or tap for purchases.

For those who would rather not spend too much “future” money can opt for the FRANK debit card which comes with a FRANK account. One key feature that attracted me to this FRANK account is the savings goals sub accounts where we can apportion our savings for different purposes. I’ve yet tried this out at this point since I only just received my FRANK card and pin. Will update again when I’ve time to explore this further.

Go check out the cool designs for FRANK card at FRANK by OCBC website. Be warned! They are too hot to resists! *ahem!*

Oh and join them on Facebook too!

One of the Japanese restaurant at basement 1 of NEX, under the big umbrella of Shokutsu 10, a Japanese food street concept outlet by the people behind Kuriya and Shimbashi Soba, otherwise known as RE&S.

Kabe No Ana claims to be THE original Japanese spaghetti house established since 1953. With over 80 varieties in their menu, you ought to find something you would like to try in there.

Kabe No Ana - The Restaurant

The pasta is decent though some may say its a bit dry for their liking. Add S$5 to your pasta for their soup and bread set. The bread that comes with it is nice!

Corn Soup

Mentaiko Toast ~ Nice

Mentaiko Mayo Kinoko, S$15.90 (Cod Roe Flavored with Red Pepper Sauce and Mushroom Pasta)

Kabe No Ana
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-80 nex
Singapore 556083
Tel: 66348024
http://www.kabenoana.com.sg

Here’s our experience; anyone else shared the same experience before? Hope not.

It was on Sunday, 14 August 2011, when we visited the Marine Parade Central Standard Chartered Bank. Our intention was to open an account for savings with cheque book service and look at potential investment opportunities. After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, staff returned from their break and we were served by this young lady. After explaining our needs, she recommended us to take up a long term endowment plan (with Prudential) where we were eligible for a special short-term Time Deposits promotion where we get high interests return for a 3-month period. After calculating and discussions, we took up her proposal and signed up for the endowment plan, started two Time Deposits accounts and started an XtraSaver account.

As it was a Sunday, the bank were not able to deposit the cheque and all transactions had to wait till the next working day, which was the NEXT day. We asked when the ATM/Debit card, cheque book, Internet banking details and other documents will reach us, we were told the ATM/Debit card will be sent to us the NEXT working day and the rest of the documents and stuff will come in 7 working days. After all is signed and done, we left.

The first thing that arrived in our mailbox was the cheque book, followed by the bank transaction slip for our cheque deposit. A week passed and that were all we received. Then another week passed, still nothing was sent. We called the Relationship Manager who served us (whom also upgraded us to Preferred Banking status on 14 August 2011), she said she will check and the other documents should be on the way. After couple of days, still nothing received from Standard Chartered Bank. So I tweeted @stanchartbreeze hoping someone can help look into the matter. Private messages were exchanged and a phone call was made to clarify the situation. We were told they will send out the outstanding items the next working day, which was the day after Hari Raya. So by now, we should have received our ATM/Debit card, Pin for the card, Internet Banking information and documents for our endowment plan right? Sadly, only the card was received and it arrived on Friday! Without the pin number, the card is technically useless, except for purchasing it as a debit card; not what we needed.

From a verbal assurance that the card will reach us the NEXT working day, to a delay of more than 14 working days! This is NOT the kind of service standard we’re expecting from a bank, and for a preferred banking customer some more! Throughout this period of time, the only way we can access the money was to go to the branch and do our withdrawal over the counter. Much time would have been saved if the necessary stuff came in time, as mentioned by the Relationship Manager.

Several times we wanted to go straight to the branch to request for a card and the IB token, but was afraid the bank had already mailed out to us. So we waited. When we called the bank and when they called us after the tweet, neither of them suggested for us to have our problems solved at the branch. Wait was what we did.

If we had opened the account on a weekday, would all this have happened? If not, then is it a failure on the bank’s side to have weekend banking hours yet not able to deliver the standard that should have had for weekday banking? Is this considered a weekend banking fail?

We were looking forward to using the other banking services and products by Standard Chartered Bank before this happened, now we are seriously considering otherwise. If such simple transactional standards cannot be met, how can we trust that a long term property loan or even a CDA with Standard Chartered Bank is what we should take up? Hope something can be done about the bank’s service standard and SOPs. No point having a good range of products/services, great internet/mobile banking tools and nice website, but service standard isn’t satisfactory.

Let’s see how long more we’ve got to wait for the card pin, IB details and other documents pending to reach us. Haiz…

Simba-shi Soba is known for its handmade soba made from fresh buckwheat seeds. These seeds are milled into flour and skillfully shaped by hand into fine strands of noodles by their Japanese Soba Masters at the restaurant daily. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll witness the making of soba through the display glass at the outlet.

Shimbashi Soba

Yuzu Kosho Kamo Seiro, S$20.80

Chilled noodle with sliced seasoned duck meat, wild vegetables, mushrooms and egg in duck broth, served with citrus-flavored chili.

Chikara Soba, S$15.80

Warm soup noodle with rice cakes, chicken, mushrooms and spring onions.

Some people likes it and enjoyed the fresh soba, while some find it a little too salty and felt it wasn’t worth the price. What about you?

Simba-Shi Soba
#B1-02 NEX
23 Serangoon Central
Tel: 6634 4786
http://www.sobaworld.com.sg

It’s the first in the world and New Zealand Natural piloted their cafe concept here in Singapore! New Zealand Natural first entered Singapore in year 2000 by Delinatural, after 10 years we now have a cafe serving wholesome, healthy and value for money food.

The center of attraction at the cafe, a NZ tree - Pohutakawa

The cafe is decorated and infused with much taste of New Zealand and New Zealand Natural. A cosy cafe for shoppers and ice-cream lovers to sit, rest and chill. Serving yummy soups, wraps filled with goodness, mouthwatering sandwiches and more.

Classic Cream of Mushroom Soup, S$3.90/ S$6.90

What can possibly go wrong with a classic cream of mushroom? But this, as shared by Chef Roland, its even harder to go wrong as its a combination of many premium mushrooms! A must try for mushroom lovers out there. Get the bowl as the cup size just isn’t going to be enough. If you’re there with a friend, give the Fabulous Pumpkin Soup a try too! You won’t regret.

Chinese Duck Wrap, S$10.90

Chinese Duck Wrap, the oriental taste amongst the choices of wraps at New Zealand Natural Cafe. Diced duck meat mixed with plum sauce and wrapped with cucumbers and green onions. Just like how its described on the menu, utterly delicious and highly addictive.

Chef Roland, consultant for New Zealand Natural Cafe

Chef Roland is the Executive Chef at Shangri-la Singapore and at other renowned 5-star hotels. Friend of the boss of New Zealand Natural Cafe, he personally crafted, planned and designed the menu, bringing 5-star quality food at affordable price. Roland trains and supervises the chef and kitchen staff at New Zealand Natural Cafe to ensure the quality is delivered.

Ice-cream Sundae

While you’re at New Zealand Natural Cafe, of course you got to wrap up your meal with some ice-cream or sundaes!

Ending this with a short clip created by team at Rediscover Singapore for New Zealand Natural Cafe.

New Zealand Natural Cafe
NEX, #02-12
Join them on Facebook
http://www.nzn.com.sg