Work versus life

Feb hasn't been a good month for me especially at work. Recently, I have been tied up and frustrated over things at work.. things just go wrong as it please. I'm am now given an opportunity to shine , to show my potential. On other hand, the demands from the top is way too much for me to bear. Having 3 bosses asking you to do deliver different projects within the same time period is no joke. With all the meetings I am expecting for this month cum expectations, I'm unsure if this is really what I want.

I haven't been courageous enough for my past 25 years... will this year be exceptional? I'm very thankful to always have Raymond around me to show me utmost support in what I do , so long as I'm happy. Can't be more blessed having to hear him say that... sadly, the issue doesn't lies with him.
Sometimes, I really wish I have my own house right now. Only then, I can choose to do the things I want in peace.

Right now, I only pray for miracles and good luck in the days to come. I can't take it any more blow from work right now.. and how I wish I can shut my ears off from everyone. I ain't no superwoman. All I ask is to go to work from 8- 5.30, come home and eat dinner with my family or spend some time with dear. I do not need to climb the corporate ladder. I may used to be ambitious, but now... I rather have a happy life because I only live once.

My trip to New Zealand

2013 beings with an exciting trip for me.. heading to New Zealand for our long awaited holiday and pre-wedding shoots makes me so happy!!
Now that i'm back, I still miss New Zealand so much.

I'm not a very adventurous person given the fact that if you go to the theme park with me, I will only take rides which are safe and slow. New Zealand brings out the courageous side of me.. especially the guts to do sky diving was something I never thought of.

 Waiting at Changi Airport to board the plance

 Our first night accommodation in Auckland

 Waiting for black water rafting so we decided to cam-whore

 Lady Gnox is erupting behind the scene

 Fox Glacier 

 Farm visit and see the bundle of sheep skin!

 Look at how the wind has transformed my hair hahahah

One of my favourite spot in NZ, so calm and tranquil.

 The 7m waterfall...

 Black water rafting...

 Clearwater Pepper house.. one of the best hotel I stay in NZ!

Beautiful sunset with nice melody.. this must be the best sunset I have seen

The most memorable activity of the trip - 15,000 ft sky diving!

I can't share how wonderful New Zealand is... it's a country with high standard of living yet not as stressful as Singapore city. No wonder everyone plans to retire there...

We met a young couple from Hong Kong who have been staying there for 3 years.. working as a retail sales, he is very happy.. there is no overtime, extra day of leave for every working day on a public holiday. Having to accumulate up to 2 months of leave in a year.. makes me wonder why am I working so hard in Singapore?

I could have move there, lead a simpler life... and be happier. But when am I still stuck in Singapore?

Is it worth to stay long term in Singapore given that we are leading such a stressful life to seek for fortune so that we can live better, be able to meet expectations of parents and to ensure an above average life in future.

The salary we earn will ultimately goes back to wedding, housing, car, daily needs.. is there any more extra $ to have kids and to give them a decent life? We are fighting for a living as each day passes..  Is this worth it?

This is a calling for the government to do something for the people here.. imagine having 50% of the population is made of foreigners? What is the meaning of staying here?

Happenings on weekends

Haven't been updating my blog as I lost the time to sit down peacefully and write. A daily routine after work was either to have dinner with my friends/family or watching dinner and hit the gym. There isn't a moment which I feel like facing the computer after a whole day at work...

Nevertheless.. I should still pen down my happenings just so I could have a memory of what went through in my life.

Capturing pictures on the phone definitely makes things easier.
Dear has decided that we should have a getaway from Singapore to celebrate my birthday and so we landed ourselves travelling to nowhere to the big sea away from Sg.

He never fails to bring me happiness and I'm glad to have waited 21 years to find my someone who can never be replaced deep within. Having gone through almost 4 years of ups and downs, I confidently says that he is the only one who can make me overcome my fears, bringing my laughter and to cool down my anger.

My first run in my entire life and is my honor to run with Cheryl on 11th Nov 2012. 5km is not long but I'm happy to take the first step to start running. I know this will not be the last ... shall do it more in the future to come!

It has always been something I wanted to do for the kids in this world and that is to bring them happiness. These little innocent ones know nothing about the world , they need love and care. I come from an above average family who provides me all that I needed. However, not all kids have the privileges that I had. I saw how excited they were when they get to bring home a storybook donated by a good soul . I saw how appreciative they were, coming towards you to shake your hand and say, 'Thank you'. I saw how their eyes lit up when they saw the painting set which I bought for them and putting in the efforts to ensure that it was nicely painted. 

A daily reminder to myself that I should never take things for granted and always remember to say, 'Thank you'.

I like to express thanks to my best friends - Cheryl , Rowena and Raymond for getting this absolutely wonderful camera for me. This camera shall bring more beautiful pictures to this blog and my memories every single day. Love it to bits!!!

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” 

I have indeed learn the meaning of friendship when I found both of you. We may not meet up as often as before, we may have our separate lives after marriage, we may pursue different interests over the years .. none the less, one thing that will not change is our friendship. Despite silent moments when we meet up, I know we still all care for one another. Know that... I'll always be there when you need a shoulder to cry on, a laughter to share your joy, a hand to lent when you need help and a brain when you need an advice. :)

"You are not the only guy in this universe, but you're the only one that matters."

Who says birthday must always comes with a gift? Both of us agree that gifts can also come in the form of time! And so... I decided to spend my full Saturday to celebrate dear's birthday. I couldn't remember when was the last time I dressed up as though it was my first date. Feeling all excited even though we were 4 years together, you still make my heart pumps crazily on our first date. I couldn't feel happier to share all my first with you... this is our 1st local production. It was hilarious! I urge everyone who haven't been to our local production.. you are missing something real good. This will not be the last.

Lastly, Merry Christmas to everybody!!! 2012 may not be the best year for me... but it's one which I will remember for life. So brief summary of 2012 timeline:

1) A whole new beginning and no more late nights on 3rd Feb 2012
2) I said ' Yes!' on 23rd Feb 2012
2) His 2nd wife on 28th Feb 2012
3) Landed my 2nd job on 2nd April 2012
4) My first trip to Shanghai on a biz trip on 26th April
5) First hospitalization for a week , one which almost caused my life
6) Confirmed wedding photoshoot in New Zealand in May 2012
7) A year which I try my 1st wedding gown and more more
8) 5km run with Cheryl on 11th Nov 2012
9) First boarding to Star Virgo

10) First local production - Hansel & Gretel

 Coming up in 2013 is a year which I am looking forward where wedding is the main theme of the year. 24 more days to New Zealand, I'm so excited. Look out for my updates in Jan.

My last year as a Miss... and come 2014, I will be called Mrs Xu. Till then, I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013 New year ahead!





My fruitful weekend

I love long weekends!!! Had a TI colleague visiting Singapore from Taiwan on Friday. So here I am being a tourist together with her haha.. We went to Mount Faber to take the Angry bird cable cars all the way to Sentosa. The skyline is beautiful :)

Had a fabulous night with Chery , Cheng Yun and dear at Switch ( under timbre group). The food is of the same as timbre.. with nice live bands singing a good mix of English and Chinese songs.

Look how the boyfriends staring at other girls while we are cam-whoring haha.

On Sat morning, I decided to go for a run but end up walking home haha. It was scotching hot! A bad run I had ... went to Nassim hill for brunch - Salmon Omelet yummy! This is a new found brunch place with not so many people yet.

Last evening, it's finally time to try on the wedding gowns for my wedding shoot. Initially I was super worried that I had problem finding a gown I love. Everyone always say when you meet the right gown, you will know it. How is it possible??? But now... I believe so coz after the first few gowns, I almost give up until this gorgeous piece. The moment I had it on... I just literally fell in love. I love two pieces though...

 One is made up roses which portray a modern high fashion feel while the other is like a princess cut made of glitters at the bottom.  Both looks beautiful... Can't make up my mind.

Looking forward to the next fitting :)

Heading off to high tea now! Tata

Never give up

It has always been my wish to continue from where I left when I first started out our blogshop back in 2008. Now, it has officially a wish came true as we launch our first collection , introducing fabulous pieces with our gorgeous model - Shine.

Visit us at www.akinstyle.com, share your favorite piece and stand a chance to win them!
 Stay tuned for more :)

Night safari

The last time I recall going to Night Safari was at the ge of 14. It has been a decade since I last visited the animals there.. something I vaguely rerember what's in there.
So here I am heading to Night Safari as there is a 1 for 1 deal on FB till end Sept ends. Valid ony from Sunday - Thurs. Not bad a deal since I wouldn't pay $32 per person to go in but $16 was fine :)

The most entertaining of the whole night was defintely the show. The trainers and audience were both so funny and it was a memorable night because the trainer scared the hell out of me when they were frantic all over the place. One of the trainer actually stop right in front of me with his whistle and started yelling... I was so afraid that something would come out below of my seat but he shouted' Nice shoes' -_- Everyone started to laugh...

My besties :)

Falling in love with the seal ...

 

Who's eyes is bigger?!?!

 The different animals in the show

Overall, it has been a greaat night to end my weekend. Love to hang out with my friends and dear!
To all, make your visit to the Night Safari if you haven't been to before September ends.

Goodnight peeps,
Adeline

My favourite facial and make-up brands

I would like to share my favourite facial and make-up products which I cannot do without. I'm someone who cannot do without my eye liner nd concealer. So these are my loves and I really cannot live without them.

I have bad eyebags and dark eye circles. I have been trying to find a perfect concealer to hide these flaws. Finally, I found one which doesn't make my skin feel too dry. I'm already a big fan of the HD foundation, but I've had a hard time finding a concealer that both concealed my under-eye circles,  and did NOT accentuate the fine lines under my eyes.  It's creamy and not drying. It also lasts throughout a work day and gym. The only thing I didn't like is its packaging coz I never know when will it the thing come out after multiple of turning.. nevertheless I still love using the product.

Eye liner is my essential as it makes me look more refresh. Even if I had only 5 hours of sleep back in audit, I am able to look as alert. This is due to my fabulous eye liner. This magical look boils down just to one stick - Shiseido - Majolica Majorca Automatic Eye Liner. I had used so many different brands of eye liner and none can match up to this. Most important, it doesn't smudge at all after a full day of work. This is the only eye liner which I will purchase. It's cheaper in Taiwan as it orginated from there so this is something not to be missed if you are in Taiwan for a holiday or business trip.

Lastly, it has got to be eye remover. Ever felt that when you are using an eye remover, your eye gets irritated from the product? I tried eye remover ranging from Loreal, Neutrogena etc etc.. But none beats this... Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.I love this product as it removes eye shadow and mascara so gentle and it doesn't leave residue like other brands removers. This remover works great and it doesn't irritate the eyes. Also, it doesn't take much of it to take eye makeup off. 

On top of this, Estee Lauder has become one of my favourite brand for facial product from its cleanser , moisturer , eye cream , mascara and serums.  

The beautiful little thing

For anybody who knows me long enough will know that I'm afraid of animals in the past. This fact has changed when this little beautiful thing came into my life back in 2009. Mickey came into my family back then as an abandoned dog by her previous owner. Weighing at only 5kg without fur, we still find her very pretty. I was super afraid of her initally that I would lock her out of my dog and stay far away from her until a week later.

People always say that dog is man's best friend. I totally agree with this statement. Even when you are sad, happy, rich or poor... a dog will never leave you alone. It will always stay by your side.
This little beautiful thing has brought so much happiness to my family. Everyone loves her so much that now she is weighing almost 10kg, with her own bed, house, toys, blaket, pillow, bloster etc etc

 

I'm thankful to have her welcoming me home every single day whether it's 6pm, 12am and to greet me every morning when everyone else is asleep.

Love her so much!!

 

To everyone out there, think before you decide to own a pet for its life is as precious as yours. Please do not abuse them for all you know he/she is your only best friend when everyone leaves.

Dog do not need luxury items like human beings, all they ask for is just your love and time.