[Sad news] Closure of Daiso in VivoCity

When I first heard of the news, my first reaction was...

"This has got to be a joke, right?"

Honestly, I thought all the online news were nothing but a clickbait.

But.. It turned out that it was true. 

(Image credit to: Goodyfeed)

I was dumfounded for a full whole minute.

In case you are wondering why I am so affected by this piece of unexpected news, it is because I have a deep connection towards this particular Daiso branch.

I somehow do not wish to show this unglamorous photo and never have I expected that this would be the only picture that I can retain the memory of VivoCity's Daiso.

Yes, I used to work at Daiso during my younger days (not that I am very old now either...) - but this was taken approximately more than 8 years ago.

AND yes, the main branch that I was attached to was the soon-to-close-down Daiso at VivoCity.

During those days, I have went through moments of anger, happiness, sadness... 

Pardon the blurry photo, this was taken when technology was not that advanced then.

I made a few new friends and gained experiences as a part-time sales assistant. 

I will never forget how I was so comfortable with the store layout that I could almost memorise where the stocks were located.

I did not earn much then, but I was contented with my life. I felt productive that I was actually doing something and earning money for my parents and myself.

Now that I have fully transitioned into adulthood, my workplace was surprisingly near VivoCity and it became one of my to-go stores during lunch hours.

Whenever I organised events for my department, Daiso would always be my saviour. 

From gift ideas to decorations, Daiso has it all.

And YES, I know there are many other branches in Singapore but I guess it will never be the same for me after the one at VivoCity has closed down.

To me, it holds memories.

A companion since my student days.

It's hard to see it go, but I guess it's a Goodbye for now. :(

Thank you, VivoCity's Daiso... For being my great saviour most of the times.

[Media Food Tasting] Machida Shoten - No 1 Lekei Ramen Restaurant in Japan

It's not easy to search for authentic Japanese quality food in Singapore.

And when I do, I share on my blog with my readers to share the joy!

With thanks to Alvin from DessertingBeauty for inviting me to the media tasting, I have one more To-Go Japanese restaurant added to my list.

Located conveniently at Wisma Atria, which is just a stone's throw away from Orchard MRT station - It is not difficult to locate Machida Shoten, especially with its prominent Japanese-style decorations. 

(I was amazed to know that the brand has already opened 45 outlets in Japan!)

They offer a wide variety of appetisers and small bites as well.

Cha-Shu Croquette ($6)

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, the Cha-Shu Croquette is made with seasoned minced pork that will tease your taste buds into yearning for more. If you were to ask me, I would say it is definitely a good appetiser before the main dishes. Don't worry as the sizes are considered small so the portion will not be taking much of your stomach storage space! Hahaha.

Here's a close-up of the minced pork fillings: - They tasted really fresh and soft! The exterior is really crunchy to a T so do have it while its hot to do justice to it!

Disclaimer: Tempting photos ahead. Not recommended to be seen if you have an empty stomach.

Homemade Shrimp Gyoza ($9.80 / 5 pieces)

The Homemade Shrimp Gyoza features the whole tiger prawn as well as shrimp encased in a crunchy exterior.

When I flipped the gyozas over, their base appeared to look burned or overcooked - but they are actually not because that is where the crispiness was derived from! 

Yes, I really the taste - No complaints about it. The encased tiger prawns were as fresh as they could possibly be, and had a "bouncy" texture to them. Soft and crunchy at the same time, I felt that I could finish all 5 pieces by myself. (But of course I couldn't as I can't be selfish lah)

Garden Salad ($9)

And for people who love salads, Machida Shoten has it too! Temper the meat indulgence with their Garden Salad, it is drenched with homemade curry dressing as well as non-oily ova leave vinegar for a flavourful finish.

Initially, I did not think that curry dressing would even be compatible for any salad (LIKE COME ON, CURRY?!?!)

But it was an unexpected twist for me as I somehow find the taste appealing after tasting one bite of it.

Seasoned Iberico Squareribs ($14)

The Seasoned Iberico Squareribs is an indulgent offering that are first boiled till they are tender, and then seasoned with Machida Shoten's very own original sweet soya sauce. I am one who is quite picky when it comes to pork ribs, but I will give it a A grade its tenderness!

I could literally taste the sweet sauce - The pork ribs are very well-marinated and the sweetness is penetrative to the taste buds.

Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice ($10)

Note: Yes this is quite spicy (Spicy level: 3/5) but spicy enough for my liking!

The portion appears small, but actually it can be VERY filling! Each mouthful exploded with the fragrance of shrimps (Trust me, you will LOVE it if you like the taste of shrimps)

However, do note that it will not be recommended for people who are allergic to prawns/shrimps. 

Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen ($14)



One of the must-try dishes at Machida Shoten is the chef's recommendation, Shou Tonkotsu. This is the signature Yokohama-style irked ramen, and it serves the perfect combination of soya sauce and pork bone broth. You can enjoy noodles cooked to your desired softness or hardness and even choose from 3 levels of doneness for your noodles! The noodles are then immersed in a tonkotsu and soya sauce broth. There are various add-on ingredients, from seasoned egg to cha-su just by topping up a small amount.

I would say this fares better than many other typical ramen I've eaten at other places. The noodles did not taste "too overly cooked"but in fact, it was just right. It's no wonder this is classified as a chef's recommendation! I will give it a TWO thumbs up. 

Garden Veggie Ramen ($15) *Exclusive to Singapore outlet*

When it was first served to the table, I almost thought it was another plate of salad - but look closely, it's actually ramen! It looks so colourful, right?!

It comprises of 12 different fresh vegetables in a bowl an the broth is made with 7 types of vegetables too. Fried garlic oil is added to enliven the flavour. 

Honestly, I wouldn't say this is my favourite of the lot as the taste was more to the bland side - and I would suggest you to have this first before trying other ramens of stronger flavour. 

Miso Tonkotsu Ramen ($14) *Exclusive to Singapore outlet*

Don't be fooled by the photo - THIS BOWL OF RAMEN HAS AN OVERPOWERING TASTE.

This Miso Tonkotsu Ramen fuses the goodness of miso and tonkotsu soup base, and the miso that the restaurant uses is a blend of red and white miso. The dish is then topped with sweet corn, cabbage and butter for an extra kick.

If you were to have this before the Garden Veggie Ramen, I am sure you would not be able to taste any flavour from the Garden Veggie Ramen at all.

Personally, I feel that this is too strong for me (and I am not a fan of corn); so I wouldn't exactly classify it as a favourite.

One thing that I noticed though - The portion of their ramen seems to be huge; I would recommend sharing with a friend unless you are a big eater. 

Something random -I find this sign kinda cute - it is a guide of different ways to eat your ramen!

My favourite of the lot? I would still pick the Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen.

And here's the chef behind the scenes - Many were actually going gaga over him as he looks quite cute! A young hunk who can whip up good Japanese dishes... I am not surprised everyone finds him attractive!

I feel like such a stalker. HAHAHA.

Address:

MACHIDA SHOTEN

Wisma Atria Level 4

435 Orchard Rd

Singapore 238877

Opening Hours: Daily 11AM – 11PM

Directions: Alight at Orchard MRT Station (NS22) and exit at Exit D towards Wisma Atria B1 (do not exit to Ion Orchard). 

Take the escalator (after OCBC bank) up until level 4, where the Food Court is located. Walk past it and you will see Japan Food Town. 

At the main entrance, walk further in and Machida Shoten is the second restaurant to your left.

[Review] The Sushi Bar - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

So I posted about this really AWESOME meal I had several days back on my Facebook and many of you have been waiting for the revelation. 

As promised, here's the answer: -

THE SUSHI BAR

Ok so I am not earning anything from this BUT I JUST HAVE TO post about this because the food was SO UNBELIEVABLY GOOD that I could not believe my mouth. 

So good that I invented a new word immediately known as "Mouthgasm".

The Salmon sashimi was so freaking FRESH and THICK (I repeat, THICK!!) that I literally FROZE in my seat when the first piece reached my taste buds. 

(Can you believe that this whole set cost only $11+++?!)

Other than exclaiming "OH MY GOD" over and over again, I was speechless. Wah!! The taste of full blast freshness and soft, tender salmon just sat comfortably in my mouth and every bite was SIMPLY pure bliss. No doubt about it.

I was reluctant to even swallow it down because I was really enjoying every single minute, second and millisecond of it. Where can you find such high quality shashimi in Singapore, you tell me?! I felt that I could just eat this FOREVER. 

 When I tried their other signature dishes (Miso soup, scallop, etc) as well, I soon developed goosebumps all over my body because the taste was SO awesome that I felt my spirit shot up to the sky in an instant and came back to my body. 

The super duper big bowl of generous serving.
This picture was taken before my spirit shot up to the sky:-

 The miso soup came in large bowl and every slurp made me jealous of myself because it's THAT good. I had to blink a few times to remind myself that I was NOT dreaming. Was this even real? Had I already entered heaven? God, every SINGLE dish I tried was mouth-watering and made me question the fact that such high quality of food indeed exist. I felt dizzy. Dizzy from being overwhelmed by the goodness in my mouth. I JUST CAN'T. What did I do to deserve this high feeling before 2016 ends?

 That's like the BEST food I have ever eaten in my living years. If you are thinking I am exaggerating, then TRY at least once to believe. Their food is superbly of out-of-the-world quality with GENEROUS quantity (can you imagine...THICK sashimi..) and the price is almost half of what other standard Japanese restaurants have to offer. They have got to be kidding but its just true. Do note that if you are eating their food, its NOT just food.  

YOU ARE EATING A PIECE OF FOOD THAT SEEMS TO BE FROM HEAVEN.

 This is one of their signature dishes, Wafu Spaghetti.
 

 Even if tomorrow is the end of the world, you will feel like the happiest person alive. 

 I am so happy now because the food was very rewarding after a hectic schedule, and all thanks to my dear friend Marie Lim who recommended me this place of a gem! I think I may burp from the filling food and I will love the smell of my burp. So GOOOOOOOOOOD. Mouthgasm mouthgasm.

Total damage: $81+ for 2 pax (inclusive of GST and service charge)



**I heard that advance booking is recommended, especially if you are planning to head down during peak hours (such as dinner time, etc).  They have two outlets in Singapore, 1 at Far East Plaza (which was the one that I went to for this review), and another at Ngee Ann City.

As below is the address of The Sushi Bar:-

FAR EAST PLAZA OUTLET:

14 Scotts Road ,Far East Plaza #04-28

Singapore

 NGEE ANN CITY OUTLET:

 391B Orchard Road, #05-34/35, 

Ngee Ann City, Ngee Ann City, 238874

 For reservation please SMS to 88183535 for Ngee Ann City outlet and 96536464 for Far East Plaza outlet. They DO NOT take reservation on weekends, public holiday and eve of public holiday.

Opens at 11:30am 11:30AM - 3:30PM, 5:00PM - 9:45PM

 **Okay, I repeat that this post is completely of my own opinion. Different individual may have different experiences as the taste of food is VERY subjective. I am just recommending what I think that are worth trying!

[Review] WheeloveSpree - Overseas Online shopping made easy!!!

If you are a mega online shopaholic like me, I suppose you would have heard of shopping sites such as Taobao, Amazon, etc.

(In case you haven't, those are overseas shopping sites)

Yes, many of the items are SO, SO superbly and unbelievably cheap  that it is IMPOSSIBLE not to be tempted. Unfortunately, it wasn't really an easy process trying to ship them over and the shipping fees would easily cost more than the items themselves.  It didn't help that online transactions can be a real hassle, and some sellers stubbornly DO NOT ship to Singapore despite how badly I wanted to purchase items from them. *(#*$()#*$

*starts hurling vulgarities*

"WHY AREN'T THOSE SELLERS BASED IN SINGAPORE?!?! WHY??!" I would often ask myself in agony.

I have wished for a simpler solution to these.
....

It was not until I heard of agent services that seem to be the best solution for struggling shoppers like me.

 I just simply have to make direct payment to the agent via local banking and they will take care of the processes.

In other words, they act as a local middleman by helping me to purchase the items and have them shipped over to me safe and sound. It's like having someone to oversee and take care of my overseas transaction!!

Honestly, I had my doubts and reservations initially as I wasn't sure if everything was as easy as it sounded. I felt it was important for me to find out how it works.
As the saying goes, "You never try, you never know", right?

I have put one such agent service to the test - So now ... Let's see.

This review is based on my personal experience and I have attempted to record down my processes (from Day 1 when I placed my orders to the day I received my package)

WheeloveSpree

When I entered the site, the first thing I did was to study how the flow works. Apparently, it seemed easy.

Here's an illustration chart they came up with on their site:

I was damn excited when I came to know that they are able to provide shipping from various countries as well (China, U.S, Taiwan, Korea, Japan...) I need not worry about the limitations of sellers, too! 

Being a frequent Taobao window-shopper, I decided to shop for my loots there through WheeloveSpree and see how it would go.

Personally, I would come up with shopping lists and make multiple purchases so that they can be shipped together at one shot. It's more worth it this way as its like combined shipping!

After much browsing around the site (I almost fainted from all the chinese words), I decided to get a MP3 player (for my dad), microSD card and 3 apparels.

So the next step... Entering order details on the agent site, WheeloveSpree! 

The instructions listed on their site are pretty clear and clear-cut. 

Just ensure that you enter your details correctly!

My item order details - I entered my 4 items accordingly into the list.

After submission of my orders (I was quite excited at this point), I received an e-mail on the same day with the calculated cost.

 I love it how everything appears to be so simple and transparent - I could see clearly what I was paying for. 

The stated SGD78.41 was considered my first amount to be transferred to WheeloveSpree as part of my purchase confirmation. 

I guess it somehow acts like a deposit. 

Afterwhich, they would proceed to place my orders with the merchants and all I needed to do was to SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR MY ITEMS TO BE ON THEIR WAY!! =D 

I waited for approximately 2 weeks (can't be blamed as my items were all from different China merchants and I guess it probably took time for those deliveries before they were eventually sent to Singapore)

When I was informed that my items were finally on their way, I was so thrilled.

And YES, did I mention that WheeloveSpree has one of the best customer services ever?!

I received a revised calculation of the total cost via e-mail indicating that I have overpaid during my first payment and I would be refunded accordingly.

(If let's say my first payment was underpaid, I would be required to top up. BUT since I paid more than I should during the estimated calculation of my first payment, I would get a refund.) 

I was shown the breakdown of final cost: - 

(As I had indicated my bank account details in the order form earlier, WheeloveSpree would be transferring my refund to it)

A trustworthy agent, I would say!

So it all boils down to anticipating the arrival of my items now!

 The delivery guy finally arrived on a Sunday (I opted for Home Delivery). 

AND HERE IT IS!!! You have came a long way, baby!

*squeals like an excited little girl*

Even though I already knew what were contained in the package, I was still feeling anxious. 

Slowly and steadily, I unwrapped the package to reveal its contents.

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Perfect condition and exactly what I expected!

WheeloveSpree namecard!

I love their tagline as it is indeed true: Shopping Just One Click Away.

Since I am not writing a review for the items I have purchased from Taobao (I am only reviewing the agent services of WheeloveSpree), I shall not go into details of the quality of items. Even if I were to write about it, I have to say that they are indeed in great condition nonetheless!

I would say that it is a positive experience using WheeloveSpree's services (Just so you know, it was my FIRST time and I am really glad everything turned out so well).

Looking back at how I used to have headache of overseas online shopping, I am amazed how simple and hassle-free the whole process has became after engaging their services.

Why didn't I know about them earlier?! It would have saved me tons of trouble!!

I feel that such services have improved the lives of online shopaholics so much, especially if you are one who isn't really familiar how to shop on Taobao or other overseas websites. Imagine those language barriers!

The amount of web shops they support is really amazing - You can check them out on their website. It's like most of the well-known web shops are listed there!

I have had friends asking me how to shop on Taobao before, so there - One of the best solutions I have found so far. I am reviewing its services through my real-life experience, so you can be rest assured about its credibility.

When have I ever lied to anyone on my blog before anyway huh?!?! I always share the good stuff! :)

Thank you,  WheeloveSpree ,for taking such good care of my purchases and providing me efficient customer service - There is nothing I can complain here. 

Now I know who to look for when it comes to future online shopping sprees!

AND YES, my dear readers... here's a little perk - WheeloveSpree has kindly agreed to come up with a special discount code just for my readers!!

 It will definitely come in handy if you are intending to try out their services which I think you should!!

Here's the discount code you can use when entering your details in the Order Form:

CAT1019

You will receive a $2 OFF Agent Fee for your first purchase!

For Malaysians, you will receive RM 5.00 OFF Agent Fee for your first purchase!

If you would like to be updated of their latest updates, do follow their Facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/wheelovespree/

Complaint: Starbucks!

Here's another complaint again. - Yes. I am so going to complain STARBUCKS.

Congratulations on getting yourself featured on my blog!

Well, don't get me wrong. I am NOT a Starbucks regular. In fact, it was my first time drinking a full Starbucks cup yesterday (I've won 2 Starbucks cards from my company's event).

According to what was stated on the card, I was encouraged to register them online for additional benefits and privileges.  

And so I did.

How delighted I was when I was shown a page that stated about a complimentary drink I would be getting (ANY SIZE).

So I happily went to claim that COMPLIMENTARY drink - only to be told that there was NONE.

The Starbucks staff told me that I wasn't granted any complimentary drinks when he scanned my cards.

Like... What the heck?!

That's a total cheat of my feelings + total embarrassment ! 

Well, since those cards were prizes anyway, I didn't pursue it further since I would be receiving free drinks nonetheless.

Shall blog about happier recent events!

Yeah, so it was my BFF's (Pei Wen) birthday on 13th March 2013.

And she was in for two different parts of surprises on two different days!

Our Part 1 celebration:

Thanks to Miao for her hard work and effort, the celebration was considered a success! We managed to reserve a table at EspresSoup at Jurong Point.

(Yeah.. We got her a Tiramisu cake from Polar, in which Miao had arranged with the staff to hide it)

When the cake was finally served to our table, both Miao and I sang a super, duper loud birthday song for our dearest birthday girl.

(Yes, it was so loud that we were actually criticized by random shoppers.. But who cares, right?! They were just jealous!)

We gave our Part 1 presents to her, while leaving the major one to Part 2.

And here is Part 2 of our celebration - on a bright and sunny Saturday.

Miao came out with an excellent idea - To have the Starbucks staff write "Happy Birthday" on the cup of latte (was it latte??! I don't know!)

We were really anxious to get the job done, and I was glad somehow it was a success?

Yep, we had Crystal Jade at night - with Dessie joining us as well. 

Thanks, Dessie!!

Yeah, the Part 2 present was a Kapibara - Halloween version. :)

It brings back memories, especially those times when we used to work at Universal Studios as a scare actor for their Halloween Horrors Night. 

We simply love Halloween!!

(Yes, it is only March and we are already talking about Halloween excitedly.)

And I am already thinking of what I want to be for this year's Halloween!

Maybe Lady Gaga or a werewolf.. *grins

To my dear readers, do stay tuned for more upcoming entries! I know I have been pretty inactive socially these days (and it is totally NOT healthy as I am so used to being an avid blogger).. But I will be back soon!

I'm looking forward to recording more singing videos and fill up this blog with more of my events and such.

So....Keep a lookout! ;)

Random Thoughts of 2013

So... 2012 was here... 

And now it's gone!

Still, the memories remain. Seriously, I am kinda anticipating and dreading 2013 at the same time. (*praying hard that 2013 will be a better year.)

But I do have a resolution though! 

Dream big as it may be, but I am actually thinking of writing my own book. 

Lol, this isn't the first time that I am saying this - But my plans always fell short halfway.

Oh well.

All of you will be the first to know if my book will ever see the daylight someday. Haha.

Gonna update happier thoughts!

Was invited to a group photoshoot by Datsumo Labo a few weeks back ~ 

It was  fun shoot ; and I was telling one of the girls how it felt so much like a girl group debut shoot. LOL.

New Girls Generation... ... NOT. Hahaha.

Picture credits to Datsumo Labo's Facebook Page

It was actually supposed to be a shoot for Datsumo Labo's website banner or other miscellaneous designs for their online campaigns.

And... this was one of the designs they came up with!

(Gosh, seriously I don't look very flattering in the shot. My jaw was dropping from smiling too much the entire time! Haha. This was actually one of the many shots that was taken..)

Picture credits to Datsumo Labo's Facebook Page

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On a random note, my Facebook page, CJ Cartoons, has finally passed the 800 mark by 2013! Whee~ It's considered a small achievement for me, judging by the fact that I didn't really expect much when I started out on the page.

I hope that it will still continue to grow with your support! :) It won't be possible without you.. So here's a thank-you and hug from me to you! (Now why does this sound like a Barney song? LOL)

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So how did you spend your last day of 2012?

For me, I ended with my lovelies - Pitrra and Ben.

(Wow, time flies! Cheers to our friendship!)

Special thanks to Pitrras's parents for hosting us. It sure was a heartwarming celebration - together with turkey, ham, ice-cream and wine! ;) Haha. 

*Glad I am not drunk*

Pitrra made this for us! It tasted really great- something like what you would expect from a retail store. Haha, and I am not exaggerating!

Thanks, Pit! 

(Sorry that this was taken from my handphone camera so the resolution kinda sucks.)

But still... I am glad I captured the moment! 

Haha.

Guess that's it for today's update.

Cheers, and Happy 2013 to all who are reading this! ;)