Tao's Footwear, something I would love to have!

Hello everyone! It's cynnie back here again. Life has been as hectic as usual, with my final semester coming to an end soon, I barely have enough time to chill myself around town or to even enjoy the festive spirit in London. Work has been pretty hectic as well as the Christmas crowd gets bigger every week!

Similarly, my working shifts are also getting longer with 8-9 hours shift every weekend. Lest to say that I go back home with sore feet and aching heels that I desperately need some body scrub to get rid of those nasty dead skin. I have always been one who is willing to invest in good quality shoes because - I don't want to be complaining about my painful shoes or feet while I'm out having fun!

Even when I try going out for jogs, I realize that my feet aches the following day, despite me trying to keep up with a good jogging posture - also known as Plantar fasciitis which the tissues from my toes linking to my heels get inflamed. And it definitely ruins my plans for the rest of the day. Perhaps my shoes wasn't that good enough for jogging purposes and I would need a pair of running shoes that gives sufficient support while absorbing the pressure that my feet undertakes while jogging.

I've tried Clarks, Timberland, Hush Puppies, Nike and many more brands before for shoes. Not just for jogging purposes but also for outgoing purposes. And now, I've encountered Taos' Footwear online, which just might be my next favorite!

Founded in 2005 and designed in Southern California, the influence of Taos' footwear remains tied to the city of Taos in New Mexico, which led to the brand name.

Image Credits to Taos Footwear

What makes Taos stand out from the other brands, is the reputation of their signature footbeds are gives ample support to our feet, making it really comfortable while looking fashionable even for your outfits. If you are someone who needs specific support, you can even get yourself orthotic-friendly removable footbed that contours and hugs to your feet!

These are absolutely some of my favorite picks from their selections!

Image Credits: Taos Footwear

Classic sneakers is my absolute fave! Perfect for any seasons, I could foresee myself wearing it in the U.K. or sunny Singapore! I am an avid fan of sneakers (any kinds!) as streetwear is currently the style I am trying to pull off now - which I have no idea if it even fits me 😬

Image Credits: Taos Footwear

Another pick which I feel its perfect for my mom! She works long hours standing as well, and whenever we head out for shopping, she would always try to find somewhere to rest her tired feet. Besides being fashionable, this pair of shoes is really comfortable to keep you going for the rest of the day too!

Image Credits: Taos Footwear

How can I ever forget about those heeled boots? Loving those minimalistic designs with the utmost comfort, I can fit it in with tights and an oversized shirt - then I'm ready for the day! Designed with the classic suede material, this pair of boots look classier than ever in my eyes! Compared to canvas ones which I've worn before and the color faded off really quickly under the sun. 

Now, now. I've curated a my Christmas wish list with all these shoes listed in my heads now. I can safely get comfortable shoes for myself now without breaking the bank.

It is definitely time for us to Get Up and Stand Comfortable!™ 

Psst... Taos' Footwear was awarded the Best Women's Comfort in the Foot Wear Plus Award 2017,

Sharing this good deals with you now over at Taos Footwear.

Thanks for reading guys, much loves!

x cynnieco.

Hilltop Gardening Dining - Arbora is the place to go!

 Friends who know me would also know me for loving those greenery places. Especially ever since I came to U.K., I am more immersed into the nature than ever. While I did not get the opportunity to attend the opening of Arbora by One Faber Group, I am ecstatic to find out what Arbora has to offer to their customers - like me!

Located at Faber Peak Singapore, this hilltop sanctuary is the next dining destination that I think is perfect for a nights out or even a date! Just imagine you and your company immersing into the beauty of nature, an overview of the urban areas alongside with great food and drinks. I can't say no to the idea of that. With trees being the main surrounding for this restaurant, we can imagine how the name Arbora came about - an eponym for a Latin word "Arbor" which represents trees. If you didn't know, Arbora is formerly known as Spuds & Apron which my friends and I really love!

This place sounds like a great place to hang out anytime or any day to me, perhaps like a great brunch place to go to! Not to forget that they have all-day dining available here with 35 selections, created by Executive Chef Kenny Yeo to delight your palates of starters, entrees and desserts. If you have been to Dusk Restaurant & Bar before, the creator of the European tapas menu is also created by yours truly, Chef Kenny Yeo.

Let's talk business, the food is what attracts people to a place alongside with the great atmosphere. 

Think of lamb served alongside with prune sauce (Rack of Lamb - SGD36++) 

A tomato-based seafood broth with tender baby abalones in it (Fisherman's Stew - SGD42++)... how mouth-watering. Especially the Fisherman's Stew is hooking up my tastebuds as the weather starts getting colder in the U.K.

Or perhaps a Wild Mushroom Salad (SGD14++) to get more veggies into your meal? and I absolutely love mushrooms, am really anticipating to try out this place!

and what's better than having a drink alongside with a meal? I find that whenever I'm having my meals, I always need like water or a drink to go alongside with it. As though I have been dehydrated along the process of eating hurhur. If I could choose a cocktail, my go-to drink is always a Mojito. And that preference of mine have never changed since then. But okay, next time I'm going to take a leap of faith and try the the Botanic Roku cocktail which is at SG15++ which I find it pretty decent for a drink.

Visuals: ✓

Price: ✓

Taste: Pending (but if you've tried it please let me know how it tastes!)

How beautiful it is, that I would order it off the menu, if one day I have to decide to be heartless and just forget about mojitos for a nights out. 

fyi: not an alcoholic person!

and with a bit of twist, anise stars on a cocktail. 

well, well, did anyone mention that anise stars is a spice that's usually used for cooking? 

Anise Stars (SGD15++) sounds so magical, almost like a galaxy to me. But just the look of it is appealing to me. I can never imagine how it tastes like, but that gives me another excuse to drink cocktails.

With Arbora's opening, they are giving us a treat!Get a free snack or salad when you order 2 mains from the menu, such as hand-cooked chips (loves!) and Wild Mushroom Salad (loves x2!). Also, you can get your hands on their Arbora craft beers at a promotional price of SGD30+ for 3 bottles (U.P. SGD36++) 

Good things are meant to be shared. Follow through Arbora with their menus and specials to keep yourself updated on what special treats they have to offer!

Visit www.onefabergroup.com/arbora to find out more details on the promotions.

thank you hoomans for reading!

cynnieco x.

*Special thanks to WOM Communications for the details and images, as well as One Faber Group.

Give me a month.

cynnieco will be back.

@thepurpledaisies.

regrets.

regret.
it's a simple word.
but it holds so much more meaning, sadness and tears beneath it.
have you ever regretted over something you have done or have not done?
how did you feel?
sadness?
guilt?
regretful?

maybe.

we all have regrets in our life, be it less or more.
but when we start to reminiscence about it, we feel sad, depressed and regretful for what have happened.
i, myself, have regrets too.
i started thinking about it recently before i slept.
what my regrets are.
regretting not spending enough time with people that i love, and probably have met angels in the sky.
regretting for words or actions i have done before - because i really don't mean it.

however, regrets can be powerless over our mind being too.
i have never regretted changing my university options, because i'm much happier.
i have never regretted making friends that would stay with me till ups and downs.
i have never regretted being born into my Simpson's family, because they brought me so much love & joy.

so, are regrets fearful?
no it's not.
only if we have the power to turn regrets into a learning point, or even a goal to make regrets become something non-regretful.

love yourself, love your life, love your dreams.
nothing beats happiness.
love happiness.

cynnie.

Summer.

Beautiful summer, perfect temperature with the perfect sunshine.

I never realise how much I've missed the sun until summer came about.
Daisies are blooming everywhere, definitely bringing a smile to my face.
If you've seen the daisies above, yes they have bloomed just right around my apartment.
Winter was all about that gloominess, the wind, the darkness and the chills.
Now, the sun doesn't set till its approximately 9pm.
Totally lovin' that.

That aside, my summer vacation is here!
Well, not to say exactly that I am free from school work, but I definitely get to spend more free time doing what I love.
Perhaps exploring some cities, travelling, reading or even just sit in a cafe with a cuppa.
Talk about travelling, I am really excited about embarking my journey towards Seoul and Tokyo!
My very first time heading to Tokyo and I am really screaming inside of me.
I will be meeting friends over there as well, so much more catching up to be done!

Thoughts of street food and shopping are flooding my mind: Tteokbokki, mandu, shabu shabu, bubble tea yes I need that. I've missed my local bubble tea so much.
Tokyo Disneyland is definitely on my list!
However, being a newbie to Japan, I seriously have no idea of where is a must-go or a must-try experience.
Any recommendations will be seriously appreciated!
Oh and souvenirs, yes please. I need recommendations.

Currently on my playlist, it's "From Now On" by SHINee.
One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
Alongside with the peaceful street sight just right outside my window, I've never felt such calmness in me for such a long time.
I appreciate all these wonderful moments given to me, and am thankful that I have lived to see another beautiful day.
Appreciate every day of your life, & be joyous for all the moments that seem like a normal part of your life - because you've lived another wonderful day.

cynnie.

Let's make Animal-Testing non-existent.

Have you got a pet at home, let's say a dog, a cat, hamsters, rabbits or even any other pets you might have as a companion?
Do you love them everyday that you would want to cuddle them and brush your hands against their furry bodies?
Calling out to them everyday when you get back home after a long day of work, and them running towards you seems to relieve all that fatigue you have?

Thank you for loving your pet. Similarly, I hope you would love any other any animals/pets even if they do not belong to you.
Whenever we purchase a cosmetic product, have we ever though of what goes behind the scene to manufacture and make these products?
In order to beautify ourselves, how many innocent lives have been taken away just to make sure these products are suitable for our skin?
I am definitely not a saint, there are times that I bought cosmetic products not knowing what went behind the scenes. However, as we start to gain awareness about how all these cosmetics are being tested, we can make a difference to the lives of these innocent animals!

The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International have united to bring about this awareness to United Nations. Recently, dogs were taken to the streets, right outside the United Nations headquarters in New York to protest against animal testing. It is shocking that approximately 80% of the world still do no ban cosmetic animal tests.
So right now, The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International are calling out to all of us to sign this petition, in which upon reaching 8 million signatures, this petition will be presented to United Nations and promote the opportunity of banning animal testing for cosmetic products.

Credits: The Body Shop

Across the span of 6 months, 4.1 million signatures have been collected, which makes us 3.9 million signatures away to make the lives of these animals a better one. Are you willing to be a part of this campaign and make these animals live a happier life like how your pets are in your household?
If so, you can pledge your support over at Forever Against Animal Testing.

I have made my pledge towards this, what about you?

Together, let's make a difference to our world. And to a happier world that we live in with all these cuddly fur balls that could possibly be alive 😀

love,
cynnie.

Train ride.

Travelling on a West Midlands train, bound from Birmingham towards London Euston.

I sat on a 6 seater area together with my dad and sister, as well as an unknown stranger. A 2 hours train ride.

My dad and sister fell asleep, but I didn't feel like it. A holiday that we had long planned before is almost coming to an end. I wanted to take more glances at them before they head back to Singapore.

Dad fell asleep. He looked tired. I felt sad.

How hard he worked for to bring me here, and always wanting to give me the best.

It triggered me so much, to how much I want to support him in the rest of his life.

It reflects very much likely to the stories back in the old days, how parents worked hard to give their child the best.

To what people of us nowadays say, it's just a story.

But how many times have we ever thought that it happened to us in our lifetime? It did to me, and I'm definitely one hell of a lucky girl(to myself). 

Love is so brave, warm, heart-wrecking, priceless and something that one can never force upon the others. Because love is so valuable.

Thank you dad, for loving me so unconditionally. For showing your pure happiness when you visited my school, apartment and my workplace. 

To see your loved ones appreciating what you have done, it is really a sweet moment. To be waiting for your daughters shopping, how tiring that must have been for you. My endless thank you(s).

My sister, despite small bickers(which we resolved quickly with laughters) made this trip really wild. We braved the winds of Louvre museum with my godparents and dad. A heavy downpour with 32km/h of wind speed was no joke. Even if it was a moment.

We made it together to the Eiffel Tower. Those moments are unforgettable. 

We raced for Disneyland rides together. Squeezing our bags through roller coasters with 360 degrees turn when we were secretly hoping that there were some compartments to keep our bags oops.

Taking silly photos and just enjoying each other's companion. Shopping for gifts and buying gifts for each other...sweet moments. Such sisterly moments are deeply etched in my heart, something we can't wipe off from our lives and mind.

Thank you for ensuring my silliness and stubbornness at times. I'm blessed, with a family that loves me so dearly(and all of you too!)

My godparents, who also took care of me throughout this trip. Despite me catching a fever for 2 days, my family gave me the strongest support throughout this whole trip. ❤️

-

And so the day came. The day that my dad and sister headed back to Singapore while I made my way back to Birmingham. We bid our goodbyes at Victoria Coach Station.
I gripped a hold of myself, with tears unknowingly streaming down my face.
As I caught my West Midlands train back to Birmingham, my heart felt empty.
The past few days, I had my dad and sister alongside with me on the train rides. but now, it's just me.
I couldn't help feeling lonely. I felt sleepy, but I had no shoulders to lean on.
I leaned on my luggage handle and fell asleep.
Why do good moments end so quickly?
Yes, people say a year will fly past quickly. However, there are some moments that a year feel like an eternity.
But I treasure it. My classmates, my colleagues and my family who had unwavering faith and hope in me. Thank you for accompanying me alongside this rigorous journey, a key part of my life.
I give thanks for everyday that I wake up to, and to everyone that is around me.
Thank you & I love you.

cynnie.

Future.

How will my future be?

Sometimes I get this question so often," What do you want to do after you graduate?"

Started pondering. Getting a job, yes. 

But I haven't exactly thought of where I would want to land my foot at.

A spot that fits me.

But besides a job, I have thought of what I want my life to be.

Something that is enough for me to survive on, and at the same time I could let my parents live a more relaxed life.

I would want to fulfil my dream of having 2 dogs. Maybe a Pomeranian or a Toy Poodle.

Living in an apartment and hugging them everyday when I come back from work.

Whether I'm married or not, that is part of my dream.

To be able to continue blogging, which after not blogging for awhile, I started to feel empty, and it seems like there's nowhere I could pour my thoughts out.

If you guys are wondering how's my life like in Birmingham right now, I would say it's been going great thus far! Since it's the holiday season, I have much more time to relax and sleep in because I really lacked sleep during school period while juggling with work and school work.

And this week my dad, sissy and godparents are here to visit!

A really packed schedule in London, Paris, Manchester and probably Birmingham as well.

Really excited to meet them once again in somewhere far away!

Fulfilling some of our childhood dreams together with my sister. 

I will definitely updating more photos over here to share with you guys!

So please stay tuned while I steer away any negativity here.

Hope 2018 has been a great start and stay happy as always :)

loves,

cynnie.

Save me.

Life. How fragile is life.

Alone in a café, watching people pass by under the drizzling of rain. 

"Baby I'm so lonely," played on my headphones.

Emotions wavered along with the song, and how it feels like to be pressured by everything else in life. 

Wishing that I could have another one of myself by my side. 

To lean on, to cry on.

Stress filed up 99% of me, with 1% of myself to allow oxygen in.

Felt myself in the shoes of someone else, who felt that he was always not enough.

Feeling that I am enough for myself, but to others I am never enough.

Needed an outlet to free myself.

If my soul could stand somewhere else and look at myself, maybe it would feel like I had another person by my side.

But I'm all alone.

Alone.

A loneliness that can not be hidden. 

A loneliness that can be seen through the window of my eyes.

How can I be better for the others.

Trees swayed along with the strong wind. But it didn't fall.

Will I be strong enough like the tree, and stay strong through all these pressure?

I asked myself. 

I don't know.

Save me, from drowning in an ocean of unhappiness.

Wet eyes, drenched tissues.

I reached out for a hand, but there's none to hold.

Save me.

I'm losing a part of me as time passes.

cynnie.