Hello everyone!

It's me, cynnie. Finally, I found some time to settle down with my laptop, a cup of Americano and a mind filled with thoughts.

With so many things happening lately, it is one of those times that we feel grateful for every day that we wake up to.

For every sunshine and moonlight we see.

Every breath we take.

Every bite we take.

Every experiences we have. 

Every emotions we feel.

Every interactions we have with our loved ones.

It hits upon so hardly that life's predicament will always catch us unexpectedly. Today, I could be worrying about how my grades are going to turn out. Tomorrow, I could be worrying about finding a job and how life is going to go on after university. The reason why we worked so hard, is for the sake of our future. But at the same time, how many times I felt like I have made myself and my life absolutely horrible. Sometimes, it's not just us. The comments and the way that the others look at us, often affects the way that we look at ourselves. Looking back, I can finally see the amount of unhappiness trapped within me, the amount of negativity. The amount of sadness I have given to my parents, because of how I was. At the end of the day, what are we really fighting for? 

Are we fighting for ourselves, or are we fighting for the recognition of others? Is it just social standards that we are using to gauge whether we are successful, happy or as intelligent as the others? These are those questions that I often ask myself, especially when I have so much more alone time. I tend to think a lot more. No matter what it is, there's no harm in expressing to our loved ones how much we love them, how much we appreciate them. Sometimes, my sister asks me - how do I live with such positivity in my life. Simply put into words, by thinking of what's the worst that could happen and what I am experiencing is definitely not the worst. And I am blessed with whatever that comes to me: the family I was born into, the friends I have made, the rough patches that I have undergone in my life. I love all of you, each and every one of you. Remember, there's always someone that loves you so deeply, unconditionally, that you will want to live your life to the utmost. I will live as a better person, and I want to make people that I have met before to be a bit happier, even if it is a tiny weeny bit. The best version of ourselves are crafted by ourselves, and to love ourselves is the only way that we will know how to love the others :)

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.

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.