OOTD Feature & River Safari Trip!

As an online shopaholic (and am proud of it) by nature, nothing beats the kind of satisfaction I get when I receive the items in my hands and discover that they look better than I imagined.

Since I am such a regular when it comes to online shopping, I understand the concerns of a typical shopper. Like many out there, I am often worried if the particular item looks true to the pictures as posted on the website. Imagine the horror if the items look so different from imagination! The heart-wrenching feeling (urgh) is just so hard to swallow.

Hence, just for this purpose, I have decided to record down my online shopping process, from the time I made the purchase to the time when I finally wear it on me! Be rest assured that my photographs aren't professionally edited in any way, and were taken just as how they looked.

 I made a purchase from one of my all-time favorite ZALORA SINGAPORE  (Seriously, you should check them out if you haven't). Believe me, it took me hours to finally settle on my choice of dress out of the hundreds that I have seen and liked.

I have decided that I should choose one that is not my usual style - and see how it'll look!

This piece particularly appealed to me as my favorite color is orange - and it looks kinda' sweet on the model! (*wishing hard that I can portray the same feel too.* LOL)

Best of all? It comes in two pieces - which means I can either wear them together, or separately. 

*Ding Dong*

My package came fast - within 2 days! (Thanks to my parents for helping me to receive the parcel while I was at work) The delivery service guy actually messaged me personally a day before that he'll be coming; thanks for the nice gesture!

The thrill of ripping the packaging open..

The floral details and fabric!

I was stunned by the bright color (I love this shade of orange!) In my own opinion, I feel that it looks even better than the featured photo in reality.

As I would be going on a River Safari trip with my gang that week, I decided that it should be my OOTD! I was feeling quite excited to try out a different style (I am not really a floral person and have never owned any flowery-style dresses) and here are the results!

Surprisingly, I LOVE it. Perfect for a casual day out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Here's my BFF, Pei Wen.. My bestie of 10 years and going strong!

My momo, Wen Jun. :)

We spotted this nice-looking hut and ran over to take a pic immediately.

A pic filled with CNY atmosphere, hor??!

It was a pity that we didn't get the chance to sit on the boat ride as it was crowded and full on a Saturday afternoon. :(

But guess what was the main highlight of the day?!

We got lucky ; and managed to catch the famous pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai in action! (I have heard many visitors weren't able to see them - but I was glad we did!)

Caught this smiling shot - Awww..

Interesting fact:

Couple pic, again:

Quite a short but interesting trip.. I have more photos of the animals uploaded on my Facebook.. So for those who are on my Facebook, just go to my albums and check them out luh. Haha.

SP Bloggers' CNY Appreciation Dinner

Even though CNY has already ended by the time I updated this entry, but I'm still gonna share this awesome-licious post - Beware, it's gonna' cause alot of saliva dripping.

Of course, I would like to thank the lovely staff from the Department of Corporate Communications of Singapore Polytechnic for the exclusive invitation to their CNY SP Bloggers' Appreciation dinner! It was very kind of them to extend an invitation for my partner as well, in which I brought my momo along. :)

(Thank you so much for helping me with the pictures, love!)

It was a complete surprise as I had no idea which cafe/restaurant the dinner would be held at - and it turned out to be a cozy Japanese-themed restaurant, GEN SUSHI! :)

I was admiring the paintings on the wall and couldn't take my eyes off them - Those are real drawn-on drawings and not printed!

Amazing,right?!

While chatting with the lovely girls, I started snapping photos away. *blogger mode turned on*

I just wanted to share how awesome I thought the interior design was! Look at those wine bottles. It was a fascinating sight to watch - and I somehow felt I was in Japan for that split second. #Hallucination.

Hahaha.

Since it was CNY, the dinner started off with Yu Sheng, or aka "Lou Hei"! This was a pic taken before the power and misc ingredients were added in. 

And here's the beautiful lady whom attended to the next table - The way she poured the ingredients was so graceful. (If it were me, everything would be in a mess. Hahaha)

*I just noticed that Jiun Ngee (the guy in specs) was looking at the food in awe! Hahaha. Cute expression*

And this was the graceful lady who attended to us at our ladies' table. Both ladies mixed in the ingredients at the same time together - everything was so in sync!

I'm so proud of this close-up shot - I am sure salmon lovers would find your tongues hanging out.

Yes, these pieces of raw salmon are WICKEDLY fresh. Note: I am not really a fan of raw food, but I actually LOVE these salmon pieces and found myself digging for them after they were mixed into the Lou Hei. Hahaha.

Messy in a beautiful way~

Here goes!

LOOK AT THOSE SALMON PIECES!! *screams*

 I snapped a photo of the guys - Theirs was a much messier version than ours!!

HUAT AH, HUAT AH~~~

.

And this was ours! :) The ladies were more careful not to drop any on the table. Hahaha.

We were so hyped up while tossing the Yu Sheng. Hee.

The baby squids that were served next. (Gosh, they actually looked adorable T_T)

Sashimi!! =) Are you tempted yet...?

Now, here's a close-up that's guaranteed to turn your taste buds on... 

Okay, I don't really know what this is called (Ok, I just went to google and found out its known as chawanmushi)-  it is one of the popular Japanese dishes that I always thought as "steamed egg". Oh man, it's so frigging' delicious that I finished everything in the bowl.

Grilled Salmon that came with special sauce that tickles your taste buds... I was craving for more after each bite........

Miso soup! One of my faves!

And we had the sushis, too! These were half-raw. But hey, I am sure any Jap food lover will love them!

Ice-cream for dessert!!!! 

Gosh, I actually feel like reaching my hand out and pull these food from the computer screen.  (Damn, it's now 11.52 pm and definitely not the time to feel hungry! BUT I CAN'T HELP IT!!)

Here's a group photo of us at the event:

Thank you so much for the great hospitality as usual, my lovely SP lovelies! It has always been a lovely journey joining and blogging for SP-related events. It's truly a blessing and I'm so glad to see SP soaring so high since my days.

It sure does feel good to be still connected to my ex-school in a way!

And yes, not to forget ....Here's a shoutout to Ms Yvonne Chan - It was indeed a pity that we didn't manage to catch up with each other at the dinner; but still - thanks for the invitation and I do look forward to seeing you again in future events!

HUAT AH!!

And to anyone who is interested in having authentic Jap food (I can vouch for its freshness!!! Hahaha) Here's the address!

Gen Sushi

33 Mohammed Sultan Road #01-03, Singapore 238977

What's the BIG deal about FLOWERS?!

I believe this entry is going to garner abit of hate from girls - but well, its just based on my personal opinions and am certainly not targeting at anyone in particular.

One thing I have noticed, especially on Valentine's Day, is that guys tend to give flowers (such as roses, tulips, etc) ; while some girls WHINE if they didn't receive any. (It's true! I have personally seen how some girls whine about it. Like seriously?! Get a life.)

Well..Here's the question:

What's the BIG deal about receiving flowers?!

Oh PLEASE.

Yes, I agree flowers are one of the most beautiful-looking things in the world... BUT they are not something that I would classify as PRACTICAL in terms of giving them as a gift.

A bouquet of flowers can easily cost up to $50 dollars and even more, depending on the design and such.

 And the harsh reality has it that the flowers will WILT before your eyes as each day passes. Before you know it, they would end up in the rubbish chute. The only memories to be retained are photographs.

Laugh all you want, but I see these as PLANTS CRUELTY. Oh damn it.

Those beautiful flowers came from mother nature, and they were plucked from their natural environment just TO BE YOUR TEMPORARY GIFTS , and HAVE THEIR LIVES ENDING IN RUBBISH CHUTES?!

Don't get me wrong - I have been there, done that. I was given flowers before; and yes - I did feel the sadness when the petals began to dry up and became somewhat lifeless after 1-2 weeks. Even if they cost $50, $60 or even $10,000, they will eventually suffer the same fate and have to be thrown away. The helplessness.

With that same amount of money, I would rather it be spent on something that would be more of sentimental value; and leave those beautiful flowers alone.

I know some people would say that I am posting this entry because I am jealous (oh, whatever)... BUT indeed, people who know me well would know that I am against the idea of having flowers as gifts. Say what you want ; but it's just me.

Guys, let's face it.

Giving flowers don't mean SINCERITY (Come on, they can be bought at ANY florist shops, anytime! Just pay the money and you'll have a bouquet of majestic-looking flowers)

They are readily available, even at last minutes.

Maybe some girls just love the feeling of holding the flowers in their hands just so they can feel proud being the point of envy. *rolls eyes*

I don't envy you at all - I would only feel sympathetic towards the flowers you are holding.

Personally, flowers are only "surface gifts" - meant to make others look. (So materialistic, heh)

It's fine if you show them off ; but for sure it gets on my nerves if girls whine about not getting any flowers as gifts. 

Be more practical, lah. Get your boyfriends to splurge on something else. 

Duh.

[GIVEAWAY] Valentine Vendetta 2014

Valentine's Day is coming! 

*starts singing "Can you feel the love tonight"*

And what's better than spending a romance-filled night at Swissotel the Stamford (it's the tallest hotel!!) and enjoying the night view within the heart of  the city while socializing with people from all walks of life...Yes, you might just be one of my selected ones after reading this entry because there is a GIVEAWAY here - Just be sure to finish reading this blog entry! You won't regret it- I promise! :)

Here's the official event poster - If you ain't hyped up already, you should!

Yes.. It's the... *drum rolls* Valentine Vendetta 2014!

Now in its 4th consecutive year, Valentine Vendetta is back for another sizzling night.

Since 2011, "Singapore's #1 Singles' Party" has been welcoming more than 700 singles to the event and for those who want to celebrate Valentine differently.

Join in the interactive games that will be sure to have the house rocking, and you will get to know many other singles in the meantime. There is nothing greater than partying your night out on a Friday night like this!

Here are some photos from the previous years:

So, what is the programme outline like, you ask?

Of course, there will be plenty of nibbles and drink promotions - plus a series of activities throughout the evening including the final game where the BEST couple with BEST kiss will win fantastic prizes including a *bling bling* diamond giveaway.

In addition, a variety of prizes will be up for grabs throughout the course of night via games participation - including shopping vouchers and holiday packages.

If you are currently single and available... It's definitely your great opportunity as Valentine Vendetta is an event that is dedicated in helping singles find love.

Even if you are feeling shy, there will be cupids at the event to help you... ...

Now, who says Valentine's Day is only for couples?

Make Valentine's Day your own at Valentine Vendetta - dress to impress, mingle with fellow singles, take part in the signature social games and stand to win over $10,000 worth of prizes!

As below are the details of the event:

• Date: 14th February 2014, Friday
• Venue: Swissotel the Stamford
• Tickets & Table Packages:
• Ladies @ $35.00 Nett (includes entry, games and one free drink)
• Men @ $45.00 Nett  (includes entry, games and one free drink)

AND NOW FOR THE TICKET GIVEAWAY TIME!

(See, I told you to read till the end because you are not going to miss out on this!)

With courtesy of Creative Insurgence, their organizers are offering 10 pairs of Valentine Vendetta tickets worth $800! Great or what! :)

And I am going to make it so easy for you to win that it doesn't really take much effort, except e-mailing me and telling me the reason why you would like to attend Valentine Vendetta 2014!

This is an event with no discrimination of genders - Whether or not you are a guy or girl, you are entitled for the giveaway!

Submit your entries to me with subject header "Win Valentine Vendetta 2014" , together with your NAME, CONTACT NUMBER at:
catherinejaevans@hotmail.com

For more information and details about the event, please visit their official page at: www.vday.sg

I am a Style Advisor for GlassesOnline (Malaysia and Singapore)

If you haven't noticed *points to the badge on the right sidebar* - I am a Style Advisor for Glasses Online Malaysia and Glasses Online Singapore !

So what is GlassesOnline all about, you ask?

If you LOVE wearing glasses, sunglasses, contact lens like I do, then you SHOULD hear all about it.

GlassesOnline is an online retailer that offers you a wide variety of them - and they come in different brands for both men and women. Think Ray Ban (my favorite!!) , Prada, Gucci and Giorgio Armani. Don't worry though, they offer one of the best prices around in the market - so you can't go wrong on this one.

When I was contacted to be their Style Advisor (Thanks, Antonella!), I was thrilled as I had the opportunity to mix and match different styles to match an pair of sunglasses that I was assigned with.

Before you start mocking at my sense of fashion, check out my masterpiece: (Thanks, GlassesOnline, for the final compilation!)

When I first saw the brown Ray Ban Matt Aviators, I was inspired to create something brownish in general. 

I was thinking of cowboy fashion or something along that line (but in this case it's more of a cowgirl. LOL).

So how do you guys like it?! :) 

Actually, I feel that sunglasses is a very versatile object - You can mix and match with even just casual wear, too. 

I just love the wide range of designs that Ray Ban offers! Of course, that's just personal preference.

And yes, I know that it is easy to find non-original sunglasses/aviators that looks like the real deal elsewhere at a much cheaper price.. But believe me, they WON'T last. I need to emphasize on this because I am speaking from personal experience.

For the fakes, the color of the sunnies actually FADES off upon contact with liquid. So you get what you pay for!

If you are seeking for AUTHENTIC sunglasses and stuff such as contact lenses or glasses at a reasonable price, do feel free to take a look at GlassesOnline - They offer *FREE* delivery to your doorstep too!

Best of all, they are available at both Malaysia and Singapore as well! (SAY YAY!!)

My masterpiece was recently featured on both their Facebook pages.. So check it out! Haha.

For Malaysians, visit their Malaysia website at:

http://www.glassesonline.com.my/

Or visit their Facebook page for interesting updates and fashion inspiration!

https://www.facebook.com/glassesonline.com.my

For Singaporeans, visit their Singapore website at:

http://www.glassesonline.sg/

Or visit their Facebook page for interesting updates and fashion inspiration!

https://www.facebook.com/glassesonline.com.sg

I am sure there is something for everyone!