My 2nd time back to Haw Par Villa!

Hello guys! Hope your week has been going well :)
We are just a day away from weekends, how exciting!
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to tag along with my mum to visit Haw Par Villa, alongside with the RC committee. It was an eye-opening experience for me, considering the fact that I have been away from the Asian culture for awhile. Plus, the last time I went was probably back in Primary or Secondary school!
It has undergone much changes with its recent renovation, so you will be able to see the statues in a more realistic and vibrant color!

Well, there's Confucius! Basically, Haw Par Villa is filled with various sorts of Chinese history and beliefs. Not just about the beliefs of Life and Death, but it also involves legendary stories such as Journey to the West. Showered with the warmth from the sun, we spent 2 hours walking around the area and admiring those statues. 

Aside from the statues, Haw Par Villa consists of some really nice sceneries as well as activities such as feeding the tortoises! You can pay $1 to get a bag of tortoise feed, and you will be amazed by how all the tortoises gather around when you throw the feed into the pond! Bring some coins along as well as they have a wishing pond there as well if you want to make a wish.
For your info, the admission of Haw Par Villa is free! Just take the metro via Circle Line and alight at Haw Par Villa station - yes it's that convenient! I also heard that there's a wholesale market nearby that area which sells fresh produce and dried goods, so you might want to head there for a little shopping as well!

That's my mum and I! Missed that beautiful smile on her face. It was so nice catching up with my mum and just spending the day at a place that she prefers than just plainly shopping at malls. Really meaningful. We then had dinner over at LeNu at Northpoint City with my sister, my first time trying it!

Onsen Egg

Pork Wonton Noodles

Dried Anchovies Noodles

Vegetable Pork Dumplings in Pork Broth.

That was our dinner for the day. I love how the noodles were springy and the broth was really flavourful - the best part was how I don't feel thirsty after drinking the broth! So I guess there was little to no MSG in it (personal perspectives only!) The dumplings were great too, it tasted fresh and the skin was not overly thick, so you could taste the ingredients more. Moreover, it was at an affordable price at about 37 bucks alongside with a plate of vegetables! Definitely worth for me to visit again.

That's all for today! And should you wish to find out more about Haw Par Villa, Time Out Singapore has recently posted an article on it so its worth checking out! You can find out more about the history and outlook of Haw Par Villa here! Also, if you want to check out on LeNu, here's a link to their website as well - LeNu.

That's all for today and do let me know if you have any experiences with these places too!

thank you!

cynnie.

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.

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.