The Marmalade Pantry - Stables

Hot hot hot!
That's what I said when we went to the Stables on Saturday.
(Strangely, these few days were so cold -.-)

Anyway, had problems parking there since the parking spaces were small, but we managed to find a space to park.
This is my 2nd visit to the Stables.
The first visit was to Riders Cafe, and the recent one was to Marmalade Pantry!

I was pleased with my meal at Marmalade Pantry.
Btw, anyone interested in a wedding lunch there? Saw a wedding event that was to take place at 2.30pm - but we stayed there only till 1+
Bf said it was a good idea, but I told him, imagine your guests slapping their legs because of the mozzies

Ok, back to the Pantry.
There were cupcakes on display (I didn't get any), funny little boy beside our tables (singing Xmas songs to himself), and...not much people in the restaurants.

Come to think of it, Riders Cafe seemed really packed!

I had the mushroom risotto - yum yum, but the risotto was a little hard to chew.
The mushroom and cheese was flavourful :D

Boyfriend had the sweet potato fries with avocado wrap.
He thought the avocado slices made it too creamy and would prefer mashed avocado, but I love the big chunks of avocado.
Yummy!
The sweet potato fries were perfect too!

Ordered the berries smoothies.
I asked if these were made from fresh fruits, but it was actually from puree.
Well, never mind, it was quite a decent drink anyway.

I wouldn't mind heading there again, but 2013 is ending!

This means, my 1-1 voucher is expiring!

Damn!

There's still so many places I've yet to explore :(

Sometimes I bring it upon myself.

I am not a sociable person, I don't know how to act or make people like me, I don't know how to maintain relationships.

I don't have close friends.
To be honest, the only "friend" I contact everyday is my boyfriend.
Sigh.
I sometimes think I don't put in effort to meet up with people - I don't initiate meetings; but most of the time, I will attend when someone creates an outing.
I think I only have 2 groups of girl-friends whom I meet up with (but it has been months since we last saw each other).
1 group is my secondary classmates, and another is my JC classmates.
We don't meet up frequently, but when we get together, we do have quite a lot of things to talk about and share.
But I don't meet these girls 1-1; I feel awkward and uncomfortable with myself.
I find that I'm a difficult person to click with? And, we do not have common topics to chat about 1-1.
I do have 2 girl friends whom I used to meet up very often 1-1 with.
But, it has been long since I last saw them 1-1.
The last time I met up with my JC friend, I felt like I couldn't talk to her as much as I could in the past.
We'd have frequent pauses, and I felt like we were on different pages at times.
Ever since she got a boyfriend, she would praise or "boast" about him in front of me.
I don't really know how to react - while I'm happy for her, I felt like it was a little excessive.
The problem with me is that I don't bear to tell her to stop.
Also, we used to go shopping after our meals, but now, we only meet up for meals and end the day.
When I asked if she wants to walk around, she said she is meeting her bf or had other plans.
I felt sad because I tried not to plan any activities with my bf so that we could go out on a long date.
Sigh.

Another sec sch friend has known me for at least 10 years.
We were really close, in that we'd ask each other out to events or shopping - before I had a bf.
:( I feel guilty thinking about this.
I guess she is now closer with her other groups of poly friends as they frequently meet up.
2 months ago, I suddenly thought of her, and decided to whatsapp her to meetup.
I felt that I needed to make the first move - so we met, and asked our other sec friends along too.
Maybe I should ask her out again - but I'm also afraid we don't have much to talk about.

Yeah, I think I worry too much.
I worry about how people think about me, so much that I don't know how to act naturally.

Sometimes when I walk to the office or walk back home, I've thoughts about me being a lonely person with no social network.
The only 2 people that knows me well, or that I can talk to at ease are my bf and my brother.
Not that I'm complaining, but I can't help but think - what if I quarrel with both of them, who do I talk to? :P

You know, I havent been a likeable person (I think) ever since I was in primary school.
In each educational stage, I've people that I disliked, and they disliked me too.
I've people that I outcast, and they might have outcasted me too.
When I was in primary school, I had 2 close friends.
But because of some childish thing started by me, both of them end up disliking each other.
And, I took side with one, and no longer "friend" another person.
Quite shocking to remember that a primary school kid can be so nasty.
When we entered Sec school, the person I take side with, no longer keeps in contact with me
Actually, I don't keep in contact with any of my primary school mates - that's quite sad when I see friends of the same age meeting their primary school friends :(

In lower secondary school, I faced the same problem.
I had a close friend, and we "recruited" another girl into our clique.
But 3 always seem to be a wrong combination.
One of that bitch friend, whom I used to call my "best friend" likes to backstab both of us.
She would tell nasty things about the 3rd friend to me, and nasty things about me to the 3rd friend.
There were times when we hate each other, and did not talk; patch back and disliked each other again.
That was when I decided I had enough and should stop befriending such bitchy classmates.
When I entered upper secondary, I pretty much just ignored them since we went to different classes.

In upper secondary, the same thing happened.
This girl likes me and "recruited" me to her clique (+me = 3 members).
Again, 3 is an omen.
The girl would always say bad things about the other girl and I got pretty tired listening to those crap.
I knew myself that this girl was not a good person - and I should again not befriend her.
I started to get closer to the girl who was complained about, and one day, both of us decided to just stop talking to her.
Initially, we felt guilty.
But after that, we felt that it was for the better?
Come to think of it, outcasting that girl was such a bad thing, and I was guilty.
But I figured I shouldnt hang out with bad influences.
Anyway, the girl that I got close to, became the 1-1 friend that I still meet up till today.

Off to JC, the same thing happened yet again.
It must be me.
Met this girl who is also bitchy and double-faced, always trying to influence me to hate her friend, whom she introduced me to.
We were all in the same class.
I think she did the same to that friend, and slowly we ended up disliking each other.
Well, stupid girls game.
But my 2 years of JC life wasn't miserable... I joined another clique made up of 5 people.
Luckily, we didn't have such a problem - but I do know that one or two of the members dislike me in the past.
Which is why, till today, even when we meet up as a clique, I don't feel comfortable sitting or talking to them 1-1.

Speaking of these past problems, I do think a big problem lies in me.
It seems like I was the figure who brought discord among people.
If not, I was the person who people sometimes dislike (of course, when people dislike me, I dislike them too).

Hence, I got very mindful when I entered uni.
Unfortunately, I didnt meet any close friends in my course, and I literally "friendless".
The only friends I had were people I met during camps, and also on exchange.
I did join a clique in my course, but we're not bonded at all.
The girl who introduced me in, used to be close to me.
She would always chat with me on MSN (that's old school already), and I think she really likes me!
But one day, she totally changed and said things like "shouldn't have told you who I like".
I was like wtf? She was the one who told me and now she's saying such unkind stuffs.
And, I didnt even divulge who she likes. I wasnt even sure why she said that.
Obviously after what she said, I drifted away from her, and started to dislike her.
She too dislike me, so we pretty much did not hang out together.

SIGH
There are so many times when I wished I could turn back the time and make myself popular and likeable!
Sometimes I envy girls with close friends, who support each other well, and are well-liked.
I don't know how to be like them, and I sometimes think it's in-born?
Like, how you look is something you can't really change.
I don't know how to change or improve my personality too.
I do think I'm a nice and friendly person, but I just don't know how to get close to people and make them feel comfortable with me.

There are more issues about myself that I would like to type out..perhaps next time.
I can't seem to make relationships work - I try to be true to myself, and act in my way, but I don't think I'm doing it right.
I guess the only person that can tolerate me is my brother (or maybe...even not)

Accessories Review: Orion Crystal Jewellery - Sapphire Birthstone Earrings

During my previous Batam trip, I lost 1 side of my Goldheart earring which I had it since Sec 2.

My mom bought it for me and i've been wearing it since, for nearly 9 years.

Sigh, I cried when I lost it because it felt like I'd lost something really important.

I tried going back to Goldheart to find my earring, but since it was such a long time ago, they don't have the model anymore </3.

My bf, feeling guilty that he could have led to my earring loss (cause he kept playing with my ears in Batam *roll eyes*), decided to find me a pair.

We've went into jewellery shops, but of course, the price was over his budget.

I saw a rather pretty diamond round earring (my Goldheart one was a heart diamond earring) which looked classic. However, the price was $600+...sigh, didn't buy it since it was too expensive.

I've been trying to find cheaper alternatives..diamond earrings for <$200 but failed.

Okay, maybe I didn't find hard enough.

So, one fine day, I received this Orion Crystal vouchers (20% off) and decided to google it!

In case you're wondering, no, I'm not paid for this. Please read on lol

Found out that the earrings were cheap!

I zoomed in to the birthstone earrings below, and found out that my birthstone is Sapphire.

Coincidentally, I was talking to my brother a few days back, about buying a sapphire earring instead of a diamond earring, since it could be cheaper!

And look, this is $25!

So I copied this link to my bf and told him that I'm helping him to save money.
See, instead of diamond earrings, I'm asking for this la! And, I am searching it on my own some more...shouldn't he be the one searching? lol, since it's his gift for me? tsk

As blue as the sea, September's birthstone is a symbol of deep loyalty, fidelity, and truth. The Birthstone earrings in Sapphire are a pair of royal blue SWAROVSKI Elements that spark and glitter against their simple rhodium-plated background.

100% pure Rhodium plated design, Hypoallergenic Titanium posts, Made with SWAROVSKI Elements

In the end, we settled for this. 

Bf thought it was pretty too but of course, we were both skeptical la.

Swarvoski for $25? 

And what if my ears get pus? (FYI, my ears are allergic to fake metals, so the hypoallergenic titanium was a plus)

But we guessed, since it was just $25, we could take a bet.

Furthermore, they had the banner below

So I guessed it should be safe.

Ordered the earrings on Nov 27th.
Waited for a long time, and even emailed the customer service about my order, only to receive a reply that I've to wait for around 14 working days.
Ok lor.
So in the end, the item was shipped on 5th December.
It was then received by my bf on 9th December.
Tbh, the delivery wasn't prompt, but well, at least I got the goods.

Review (photos via Note 2)

WITH FLASH 

How does it look?
My first reaction was: way lao, got conned. It looks like plastic earrings!

It definitely does not look expensive - my brother thought it was around 10 odd dollars lol
I mean, really, 一分钱一分货, so I guess I got what I paid for.

Another thing I realised was that there seemed to be a blackening/darkening of the earring stick.
I'm afraid it'd make my ears grow pus, but I'm wearing it to sleep for now.
I've been sleeping with my Goldheart earrings for years (of course la, that one is certified and is white gold lor) and had not grow pus ever since.
Am trying it out for a night to judge.
---
Okay, so after a night of sleeping with the earrings, it didn't give me any problems.
No pain while sleeping, nor any pus.
Hopefully it'll continue like this!
Will be adding any further comments.

Till next time~

Hard Rock Cafe - Bad Service, Great Music

There, I summarized it in the heading.
Bad service.
But on one hand, great music - although I nearly went deaf sitting in front.

To start, it was pouring yesterday.
We had to brave the rain at 6 and walked all the way from Ion to Hard Rock.
When we reached, I told the staff I'd book a table for four.

Bad experience #1

Here's what she told me, "we've called you a lot of times, but you didn't pick up. Our seats are taken, we can only give you somewhere, alright?"
You know, I apologized for not picking up the call, because I was caught in the rain.
But guess what, when I check my phone - there was 0 missed call.
WTS, why did I apologize?
Either they called the wrong number (why would I say my number wrongly when I reserve? I repeated my number twice), or they didn't call at all.

The seat they gave us was near to the kitchen, and it was dark.
Fortunately, in the end, we requested for a change to at table in front - and the table was a little bigger - nice enough for 4 pax.
Okay, *calms myself down*

Bad experience #2

We were served by a young girl (probably our age).

Took out our Entertainer 1 for 1 voucher, which entitles us to 1 for 1 entrees.

It was then that the girl told us that we can't use 2 vouchers for a table.

Only 1 voucher for 1 table.

What? Why so inflexible?

We asked if it's possible for her to split our bills, so that we can use both vouchers, but she said "No, you guys are seated in the same table, same bill."

Okay, *getting pissed off*

We asked her to get her colleagues or manager to advise, but she said she's not the one who set the rules, everyone would say the same thing to us.

We then suggested if we should split tables and move back together again, "no" either.

Seriously, I was really grumpy at that point.

In the end we ordered 3 entrees for 4 to share.

Fair enough, it was enough for all.

But, I'd never have thought that we can't use 2 vouchers at the same time.

Didn't the voucher read, "You're entitled to 1 complimentary entrees, along with 1 guest"?

Mega mood-spoiler.

Plus, the young girl's attitude wasn't good when we changed table.

She looked grumpy as well (should we blame the rain?).

Food & Ambience

Food wise, it was decent.

I'm not keen on American or Western food; would much prefer Asian food.

But, the meal was okay.

I like how birthdays were celebrated over there, when customers and staff all sing along "Happy Birthday"

(but I wouldn't want it for myself, quite embarrasing :P)

 Pardon my blurry and overexposed photos - the place was dark, so I'd to do some editing on the photos.
Apparently I'm a photo editing noob.

Ordered 3 mains for 4 pax.
It was just enough.
I won't say that their food is of high standards, but it is at least average.
Decent for a chill nightout.

You may also stay on from 10pm onwards to listen to live music.
The band was rather impressive.

Spruce @ Bukit Timah, Old Fire Station

Had a date over at Spruce for Sunday dinner.
It was still bright and sunny - so bright I'd to shift table as the sun rays hurt my eyes.

Really like the bright red colours of this place.
Do you know this used to be a fire station?
That speaks about the 3 giant doors in the photo below - bf said that it should house 3 fire engines back then.

 

 There wasn't much customers, so it was cosy and quiet for us :)

We ordered 2 mains to share.
The first was the Whole Roasted Snapper crusted with cumin and fennel seeds served with herb salad
The roasted snapper was really a WHOLE fish!
Hehe, seems like a Chinese cuisine, but it was a Western twist.
Kinda like it :)

The next dish was the Prawn Pasta served with chopped sea prawn in zucchini and garlic cream.
Initially, I complained about the texture of the pasta.
It felt a little too hard and difficult to chew.
However, I really love the garlic cream.
We both love the sauce for this plate, and didnt regret choosing this!

Nice meal and cosy ambience :)
Thumbs up!

Brunetti, 4Fingers @ Plaza Sing, Le Chocolatier @ Robinsons Orchard

You know, every since I started working, I've been going out frequently on weekend dates with my bf (and friends).

But, I never found the time to blog about my finds! :(

I've so many backdated entries - one kind reader mentioned that I didn't blog about my Food finds in Busan.

OOPS.

Okay, so one fine Saturday, we went to town.

#1 Brunetti, Tanglin Mall (#01-03/04 & 01-35/36)

I've never heard of this place before, but chanced upon it and decided to try it out using the Entertainer 2013 book.

Turns out, it was such a delicious lunch for ME :D

My bf had the chicken aglio olio.

The sauce was great.

However, this dish pales in comparison to my Pan Seared Red Snapper.
Pls get this dish! I'm salivating as I type
The sauce was amazing, and the fish was fresh.
It was heavenly!

 And of course, proof that we like our meals:

#2 4fingers @ Plaza Singapura

My bf has been eyeing this for long, but their long queues deterred me from eating it.

I just can't wait or I'll be famished.

Fortunately that day, the queue wasn't insanely long.

Plus, I wasn't the one who queued :P, so we got to try it!

 We had the chicken drumstick combo above + seafood salad.
Felt that a salad was needed, to complement as well as #eatmoreclean.
I'm not the kind who stomach everything fried, I need my veggies

Tbh, $9.95 for the seafood salad is EXPENSIVE.
Judge for yourself.
But I must say, the fried prawns was delicious :) and chewy

My bf upsized the fries - one with kimchi flavour, another seaweed.
But nope, didn't taste much difference.

 Here comes the main - drumsticks!
I read online that their chicken wings were good.
Okay, the drumsticks was decent
We love the skins - it was flavourful (especially the soy garlic; spicy was rather spicy).
But, we can't say much about the meat.
It was rather bland nor tender.
KFC does a better job in its chicken though.

Total damage $26.90.
Worth it? Just alright - my bf said, "okay, it's enough after 1 try, I was just trying out to see why so many people queue."
It could be quite sinful for those on a diet too haha!

#3 Le Chocolatier @ Robinsons Orchard 

We went to Robinsons Orchard which was newly open and it was huge!

Went window shopping there, and discussed with my bf what I'd like in my future home

*say say only la*

Then, we went down to the basement and saw...MACARONS!

Ok, I was the only one excited about it.

My bf relented and wanted to get me ONE.

But guess what, being greedy, and having no self-control, I gave in for A BOX after the girl told me 6 for $18 (UP: $3.50 each)

Gian png

haha

End of the story - I REGRETTED LA!

Whut, this must be the worst macarons I've ever tasted

Only 1 out of 6 passed - the green pistachio one

So fail!

Buy at your own risk, ok?

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

"Oldschool kopitiam for breakfast please."
This was what I told my boyfriend, as we ponder over our next dining location.
Love his spontaneity too, because he drove me here upon my request!

Not sure if you've read the viral blogpost about the must-go places for food before you die.
One of it was Chin Mee Chin for our local breakfast (think soft boiled eggs, kopi, kaya toast.)

When I was here, the queue was pretty long. But for 2 pax, we managed to find our seats within a while.
The layout of this shop was really old-school.
It brought back my childhood memories, where I used to drink milo and eat soft boiled eggs beside my grandparents and parents back in Tiong Bahru market (oh man, I can still rmb how it looks like before it was demolished for the new one).
The staff here were old as well, and there was one auntie who doesn't seem very patient when talking to customers.
I didn't receive her wrath, but another auntie did.

Enough talking, let my photos do the talk.
Btw, they're taken using my Note 2 - no editing done.

The custard puff and egg tart below was NOT DELICIOUS.
Disappointing as this was the first 2 pieces we ate.
Murmured to my bf and say "not nice leh".

Ordered 4 soft boiled eggs, and I overestimated myself - luckily I had a dustbin aka bf beside me.
Can only finish 1 plate.
Also had 2 coffees - which was really average.
Err....why was this highly rated?

 But, I am still impressed with their kaya toast buns.
I had expected bread, but they use buns here instead.
Tbh, the buns were meh..so average; but the real deals were the kaya and butter.
I saw people beside me halving the butter (maybe high cholestrol?); but I just gobbled them down.

 1 for him, and 1 for me.
Like not enough leh.

 I'm always very impressed with how kopitiams can make such good soft boiled eggs.
My mum can make them too, but she sometimes fail la. LOL.
The eggs done here were good man!
We just drank the whole thing from the plate....slurp!

 

If you're interested in this oldschool coffeeshop, here's the address:
(Found from Hungrygowhere)

Address

204 East Coast Road

Phone

63450419

Hours

Tue - Sun: 08:30 - 16:00

Closed: Mon