Food - Tiong Bahru Bakery

Spent an afternoon roaming around Tiong Bahru with my sister. It's one of those estates that I find very peaceful and open. Not too crowded, not too built up. It retains some sort of the past and introduces lots of quirky random things at the same time. The bakery really saw a mish mash of customers walking in and out. Didn't really like that it was so poseur-ish, yet it was, in a way, some sort comforting to have such a diverse mix of people coming and going.

Oh, I wish they would offer soy milk options for free.

Food - Jones the Grocer

As fans of big open spaces (and beer), we find the both of us being attracted to Jones the Grocer at Dempsey for it's rustic, almost industrial, interior. I've always loved wood and the effect it has on spaces. It can be used as storage, display, and just adds a lot of feel to a place. I like the fact that the tables are big and allows you to feel almost like you're dining in your own home, unlike other places that have small tables just enough for 2 reminding you constantly that you're in a commercial space.

 Just a note, the Parma Ham serving is kinda big and is pretty salty.

Food - Wimbly Lu

The name Wimbly Lu reminds me of whimsical and lulu - 2 things that remind me of a childhood memory. I visited on 2 different occasions with 2 different groups of people and each time I had a different feel about the place. Interesting how company changes everything (like being stuck on a holiday with a sucky travel mate). While the food was really the same both times, who I hung out with changed my take away from each visit. 

The first time I was left sitting alone because my friend was almost an hour late. It felt nice actually because the cafe was relatively empty on a Saturday morning and alone time is always welcomed. So I basically sat and did nothing and didn't think of anything much as well. It seems stupid, but did so much to just help me wind down from the work week and allow me to not be in a constant state of rush. I think sometimes I cannot draw a straight line between workday and weekend and it ends up making me very very drained. Need to remember that time wasted is not wasted if it helps to rejuvenate the mind.

The second time, the place was packed and noisy, and so I didn't like the experience as much. I think I tend to get upset a lot especially when my parents put down an idea I have. I then get angry and upset and start wondering whether or not they are just being skeptics, plain disinterested or is my idea really bad. Know what? In my anger I just forgot all about the times they had stood by me, letting me do things my way, letting me learn and fumble and then helping me when I meet with an obstacle or need a push to get things done. Sometimes all it takes is a small simple incident to make you realize how fortunate you really are. 

Food - Coastal Settlement

A lot of people I've met are very unforgiving and when something/someone screws up, they start to blame and take it for granted that it should never happen esp since (insert reason to justify). Maybe we should all take a step back and start to feel how they feel on the other side when we complain or are being unreasonable. I think sometimes we think we are the only one with "rights".

"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Food - Antoinette

On weekends when J and I feel we need some alone time together, we usually hop out of the house and  head to some cafe for brunch or even just desserts. Sometimes I think we over hype the activities that couples do together. What works for one couple, may not work for another. Do not envy others because it will only lead to you thinking that your relationship is not as perfect as it should be. There is no perfect, just balance. For now we prefer simple moments just spent together relaxing, and it's these moments spent together with him that really makes me happy and content at the end of the day.

 

The Blinis (French thick pancakes) is very fluffy and indeed savory! To think we were dismissing the need for them to call their pancakes savory in the menu. After 2 days, J is still raving about them. Definitely my current favourite pancake place for now.

Happy Sunday at Burp Cafe

Got to know about this cafe by chance because J was sick and we didn't want to go too far for brunch. I liked the idea of the cafe and the creamy pasta was pretty good! I think we especially enjoyed our short stroll and the peace and quiet away from the bustle of city life. A different way of spending our Sunday but enjoyable in it's own way.

Si Ying's farewell

Met up with some of my JC classmates for brunch, as a farewell for Si Ying who's going overseas to study in Cottbus. 

Only a few of us were able to make it, but it was a cosy outing nonetheless and I liked the place a lot.

Looking forward to our next meet up.

Fiona's surprise birthday celebration

Surprised Fiona at House at Dempsey for her birthday

Happy birthday Fiona!