heartkahve: everything under the sun: 2013

Dec 20, 2013

QOTD

"Stop comparing where you’re at with where everyone else is. It doesn’t move you farther ahead, improve your situation, or help you find peace. It just feeds your shame, fuels your feelings of inadequacy, and ultimately, it keeps you stuck. The reality is that there is no one correct path in life. Everyone has their own unique journey. A path that’s right for someone else won’t necessarily be a path that’s right for you. And that’s okay. Your journey isn’t right or wrong, or good or bad. It’s just different. Your life isn’t meant to look like anyone else’s because you aren’t like anyone else. You’re a person all your own with a unique set of goals, obstacles, dreams, and needs. So stop comparing, and start living. You may not have ended up where you intended to go. But trust, for once, that you have ended up where you needed to be. Trust that you are in the right place at the right time. Trust that your life is enough. Trust that you are enough."

— Daniell Koepke

Nov 29, 2013

Korean Pop

Everyone around me knows that I am in love with Korean Pop since my poly days. However many do not know which band I actually love. Music is very subjective, and my taste for music varies depending on my mood.

My favourite bands are rather popular in their own areas, be it dancing, singing or acting. They are unique in their own ways and that is why I tend to listen to them frequently even though they do not have a new song released.

Two bands that got me started are Big Bang and 2ne1. Both are from YG Entertainment. GDragon and CL are great leaders in the bands. They bring out a different energy and aura every time they do a comeback. Their music is always a pleasant surprise to me. Hence my love for them is constant.

The next band that I love is EXO, from SM Entertainment. These 12 boys are unique individuals and the song "Growl" got my attention. My bias are Luhan (Exo-M) and Chanyeol (Exo-K). I must say their dance move is really unique and it really got me dancing to the music too.

(image from YG Winner Facebook)
The last band that I favor a lot has yet to debut. Got to know them from YG Entertainment's WIN: WHO IS NEXT, where two bands have to compete so that they can debut. The bands were named Team A and Team B. Eventually Team A and their name has changed to Winner. The debut has not been confirmed but they have a few songs that are great for the ears which they sang during WIN. I cannot wait for them to debut because this band has great potential. HWATING WINNER (:

All 4 bands are unique which makes me want to always listen to their music.

사랑해요 <3

Oct 1, 2013

My constant reminder

Sep 30, 2013

Coffee is good for you.

What is something that you cannot live without? My 'something' will be coffee. It is part of my life now, like a boyfriend that I cannot live without every single day. My favourite coffee will be a hot cup of latte. I love the good mix of espresso and steamed milk. I prefer it with no sugar as I love to taste the beautiful combination of the espresso and milk The best latte that I have tasted from is in Italy, 2012. The coffee aroma was beyond words. The brew was perfect too. I miss that taste and wish to go back again to drink that cup of latte.

( Had a good cup of coffee and sandwich at Merchants Wine Cellar & Store)

Coffee is an addiction for me, but I do not overdrink it. Over doing something will just harm you instead. The benefits of coffee are rather interesting besides keeping us awake. Hence you should start drinking coffee. Of course with no sugar and milk, if possible. Those add-ons will make this zero calories drink be packed with unhealthy calories.

Benefits of coffee:

1) Coffee is a potent source of healthful antioxidants. Based of a study done in 2005, the human body seems to absorb the most from coffee, though fruits and vegetables have loads of antioxidants too. (This information is taken from HuffingtonPost. )
2) Caffeine provides a short term memory boost. This is actually rather true, especially for me. With coffee, it allows me to remember things especially during the morning. It also makes you intelligent. (This information is taken from HuffingtonPost. )
3) Smelling coffee make you feel less stressed. The aroma is amazing. It makes you feel happier and energetic. It curbs depression too.
4) Coffee reduces your risk of Type 2 diabetes, by almost 30 percent. (This information is taken from Health - Howstuffworks and HuffingtonPost)
5) Coffee can help to enhance performance in endurance sports.

With so much perks, coffee will be a great choice of beverage besides water. Enjoy every sip!
Buon Appetito (:

Merchants Wine Cellar & Store

52 Duxton Road

Tel: 6222 1162

Aug 8, 2013

Current Read: Vernetta Lopez's Memoirs of a DJ- Life in progress.

I grew up watching Under One Roof and always remember Vernetta Lopez for being hilarious in her own personal way. Her book is amazing. Though the book is about her life, she managed to make it easy to read and the details in the book was interesting. It was not heavy at all. Besides that, I never knew someone who is so happy and has an amazing happy personality had to experience a failure in her marriage. She has my fullest respect for being a strong and successful woman in every aspect. A good role model indeed. Thanks Vernetta for inspiring me with your book (:

Jul 31, 2013

Graduation

It feels so surreal to graduate and be able to don a gown together with a mortar board. This is my second time wearing a gown, first time wearing a mortar board. First was during my republic polytechnic days. School is officially done but I guess not over for me. I have the thoughts of pursuing my studies in other areas. Maybe culinary? maybe just doing a language course overseas? So many plan, so little time, require so much money.

Anyway, back to the topic "graduation", I am happy to graduate from SMU. I knew many wonderful people to light up my uni life. I am also glad to meet awesome professors who are willing to teach and guide me throughout these 4 years. I must say these 4 years ain't easy at all. I guess at least going through this process makes me a stronger person for the unknown future. Besides, thanks to SMU, I went to Turkey and had a beautiful cultural experience. I must really thank God, for being so kind to me during my education route. I hope for the upcoming years during my career things will run smoothly too.

All in all, I am beaming from ear to ear because I am finally a SMU graduate. (: WOOHOO.

Jun 26, 2013

Travel and see the world

(Image from Google)

Travelling has been part of my lifestyle now. The world is huge. I am always waiting to explore new things alone or with people who I love. Everybody should travel alone at least once in their lives.

People wonder why I love travelling alone?
- I can meet amazing people. I have met a lot of people, especially in my Turkish Exchange. The friends I made are kept closed to my heart. And I really want to meet them again.
- Freedom. The feeling of being free can't never be described. Being disconnected to life once awhile feels good and relaxing.
- Take time to understand yourself. Spending time alone allows me to reflect. I will also think through my life's ups and down. It is a good time to do such things before I go back to my comfort zone aka my home.

What is next on my itineracy?
- Japan and Hong Kong

May 31, 2013

SMU Sociology Study Mission: Guangzhou

Ended my semester with this trip to Guangzhou. The trip was rather fruitful. Learnt a lot and was in awe with the buildings, surroundings and people. Grateful for the friends that I made in this trip. They made the trip a joyful and fun one. Instead of pictures in this post, I made a video to sum up this trip. (:

Apr 29, 2013

A short trip - Australia: Melbourne

The first day of Melbourne for me was Anzac Day. It was a coincidence but an eye opener for me.

It was a solemn ceremony and was very crowded. Got a chance to take a picture with an old soldier. His badges on his coats were beautiful and had important meanings. It was really an honor.

What is Anzac Day?

It happens yearly on 25th April. It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations and the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.
(from Wikipedia)

The season in Australia is different from Europe. When I was there, it was autumn and the weather was perfect. Not too old or cold. The purpose of this trip is to visit my Godmother and my good friends (Aysu and Dilsat). Besides that, it was part of my graduation trip. I prefer to travel alone from Singapore to a foreign land so I can spend quality time with the people I love in their home/country/city. The experience always excites me because each city has something unique to offer.

First stop was Flinders Street. A beautiful street and people were rather calm as compared to Singapore, where everyone is always rushing to places. Had coffee with my good friend, Aysu at Cafe Giraffe.

The cafe was a happy, hip and young looking place. Once you enter the cafe's seating area, you will see a tree planted in the middle of the area. The atmosphere was rather warm and cosy. A good place to catch up with friends. Do visit this cafe if you are in Melbourne.

Cafe Giraffe:
Address: 302 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia.

After the cafe, we went to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image as there was a Hollywood Iconic Wax figures exhibition. As we were prohibited from taking pictures, I must say we were speechless with awe as the wax figures looked so real and alive. They had wax figures from the iconic Marilyn Monroe to Kill BIll - Uma Thurman.

Next up, it was Collingwood. A lovely place especially during the evening. It had a different feel to Flinders Street. It was small and cosy. Had a good time catching up with friends and chilling with them.

_____________________________

For the next day, I spent a good time with my Godmother and uncle. We went to the magnificent Queen Victoria Market for lunch and did some grocery shopping. It was busy and people from all walks of lives were there. The smell of fresh groceries welcomes you when you enter the area where fresh seafood and veggies are sold.

Head to this market if you are in Melbourne:

After brunch, we headed towards Brighton Beach to view the beautiful beach houses. We were greeted by the seagulls, colorful beach houses and the sea. The sight was beautiful.

Dinner was with my friends again, and we went to my all time favorite Grill'd burger joint. I love their burgers because the meat is juicy and delicious. Thumbs up to a good dinner (:

The last day was well spent with my Godmother and uncle. We had a good lunch and good catching up session as I haven't seen her for 2 years. I almost forget because it is Autumn, the flowers at my Godmother's house bloomed beautifully. I was in love with the roses. They made me smile.

I am very thankful for my Godmother as she hosted me throughout my stay in Melbourne. She is like my second mother, making sure I am safe and sound. Really appreciate it (: And to my uncle, who brought me to Brighton Beach because I really want to check out the beautifully painted beach houses. Thank you so much <3

Mar 5, 2013

Changing of hairstyles

With one hair cut, I can style it in 5 different ways ( pardon my facial expressions, I am not good with smiles. )

Changing of hair styles always make me happy. I am very fickle minded when it comes to hair styles. I get sick and tired of it very easy. Hence I just cut it again and again. I do not have a standard hair style to go for, but I have a trusted hair stylist whenever my hair changing habit kicks in. He is Georgie from Georgie Salon. He is a very fatherly hairstylist and tries his best to make the hairstyle suit my face/character (: Without him, there will not be any funky hairstyles for me. Thank you Georgie, you are awesome as always (:

Feb 27, 2013

A note to remind ourselves

Jan 6, 2013

24th

Finally, I am 24 years old. Feel so crazy that the year passed by so quickly. Thanks for all the wishes and blessings. Love my friends and family members for making the effort to make me smile. Thank you very much. I really appreciate everything. Simple birthday this year, which is one of the best birthdays overall. Thank you God for this beautiful 2013 gift.

Jan 2, 2013

Travel Log: Taiwan

Headed to Taiwan in December. It is a terrific country with friendly locals, good street food and beautiful landscape. During this 8-days trip, I went to visit a friend who was doing an exchange in National Sun Yat- Sen University, Kaoshiung. I also went to Taipei at the later part of my travelling. Overall, The weather was perfect, not too cold, not too hot.

Kaoshiung's night market