My Life

Love and I were finally back from Korea. It was an enjoyable trip in Seoul and Geoje. We love their beautiful city and scenery but so not on the people. The scenery was worth the whole trip and we took lots of photo. It is always fun travelling with him to somewhere we never go before.

In Geoje, we looked up to our friend, and a groom-to-be, Wei Teck at his apartment as he is working there. We took this opportunity to travel Seoul and Geoje, planning our holiday trip and returned Singapore together.

We had known each other since 17, 18 in our poly school days and completed our FYP together. About 10 years back, we were just students looking for team-mates to form a group. The whole formation was kinda weird and unplanned. Wei Teck and Xiong were my classmates but we were never close. It was Shiqi (Wei Teck's then-gf) who looked me up to ask if we would form a team of 5. Angela was Shiqi's good friend while Wei Teck is well, her then boyfriend. And later, Wei Teck ask Wei Xiong to join since they were rather "close". That was our team.

Many years back, the photo quality wasn't as good. Photo taken after we completed our presentation at Schneider Electric

We had lots of fun, tapping company's network to L4D and travelling to places for food. Most of the time, we were having fun more than we were doing our project. But anyway, we passed out our poly and each of us peruse a different path... Though each of us were doing our own things, we would try to plan some meet up or a simple dinner and even impromptu activities.

As Xiong drives, we usually head home late until the night is really late.

Through the years, we had planned FYP chalet, picnic, KTVs and even going overseas. I vividly remembered that we went overseas to Bangkok a few weeks after my breakup with SJ. With them, I could somehow forget my sadness and enjoyed the Bangkok trip.

BKK

They were there early on my 21st birthday.

And a blink of an eye, we are all grown up. Wei Teck and Shiqi's love blossom and they are ready to move on together as married couple. I could not describe how happy we were for them. Me and Angela were chosen to be the bridesmaid and Wei Xiong was their groomsman. We were so honoured and happy that we were on their mind when it comes to their wedding.

Pretty bride! And we grew together over the years.

They held their wedding lunch at The Park Royal Pickering on 19th March. We woke up early to the gatecrash. Honestly speaking, we felt that the gate crash was too easy for the Groom. After which, we we had some light breakfast and head to Botanic garden for photoshoot. As it was still early, the sun wasn't that hot and we walked a distance to the Pavilion.

Credits to Kris

All of their guest came and the lunch started at 1pm. The whole lunch lasted for 3 hours plus and there we were taking photos outside.

Wishing them everlasting love and blissful marriage!

Now you see, how fast time passes....

Congratulation to Shiqi and Wei Teck!!

by Elvina on 1:39 PM

Love and I were finally back from Korea. It was an enjoyable trip in Seoul and Geoje. We love their beautiful city and scenery but so not on...

After a good 3 years, on a one fine day, Xiong told me that CDC will be closed after their lease has expired in Ubi. And the question came: When are you going to re-take your driving license?

After news has confirmed of their closure, I once again , moved my fat ass to re-register with CDC to activate my account. As my final theory has already expired (only valid for 2 years before your practical test), I had to re-take my final theory. Luckily, I passed with one attempt.

One night, Xiong was scrolling through a list of private instructor and he showed me a few with higher passing rate. I decided on one and I contacted him the following day. Immediately the next day, we made an appointment on the following week.

He was an elderly instructor with age about 60+ and he has more than 20 years of teaching experience. He is a very nice instructor and he never scolded me. His formulas were good and easy to remember. Most importantly, he owns a new Toyota Vios and it was very easy to drive. I had about 12 lessons with him before I took my test as I didn't want to spend a full amount on my whole driving. 12 lessons are considered a lot since I had lost touch with driving for 3 years.

From what I know, CDC doesn't have any test date on weekends and now, all we have to wait was only a month before our practical test. In the past, we have to wait 2-3 months before we can book our test.

On the day, I booked a warm up test with my instructor at 1pm and my test was at 2.50pm. My instructor re-run with me on the tips and pointers to look out for in the circuit. My warm up lesson ended at 2.30pm and I went to the ladies. Supposedly I had a 20 minutes rest but the queue was so long that I waited about 10 minutes. After I had finished my business, I heard my instructr shouting for my name from afar: Li Yun ar, your instructor is already here, he is sitting in the car waiting for you liao.

I was like: WTH!!!

I had no time for preparation or calm myself down. I ran to my instructors' car immediately as the tester was already waiting for me. I entered the driver's seat, put my bag at the passenger seat and he said: Once you are ready, you can move off.

I adjusted my seat, my rear mirror (act a bit), check my blind spot and move off. At the first station, he told me to go to parallel parking. I could vividly remember that i strike kerb the moment I parked in. And Bamb! I made the same mistake again. A 10 points is deducted. Unknowingly, I strike kerb on my 2nd attempt and I wasn't very happy about it. I left 10 points to fail the whole test.

My tester told me to do down to take a look at the wheel and I did. I knew that I would fail terribly again. So I just let go of my nervousness and continue my test.

For the rest of the stations, the crank course, the S-curve, vertical parking and slope, I think I did pretty alright as there isn't comment from the tester. I didn't have much hope in passing my test,so i just did my best anyway. I paid for it right?!

Soon, we drove out of the circuit. And bad enough, I had forgotten to wind my side mirror up. I only realised when I reached a junction at a red light, only then, i wind up my side mirror when I stopped at the traffic light. I guesses I'm going to fail anyway.

The cars at Ubi at 2,50pm was heavy. You can see lots of cars and cargo trucks on the road, travelling on the same lane as you. At one of the junction, the tester told me to make a U turn and I had hard time cutting the lane to the right. I found a chance when I saw a big cargo truck travelling at a slower speed. I immediately cut into the right lane and made a right turn.

Finally, we were back to the CDC. the tester told me to follow him to the 2nd floor and so i did. I knew I wouldn't make it. But surprisingly enough, the tester said a few words: ar check blind spot ar, check left and right etc.... and passed my test!

I got a 18 demerit points. Thanks to the kerb I strike at parallel parking. ZZZ

Passing my driving test - Part 2

by Elvina on 7:57 PM

After a good 3 years, on a one fine day, Xiong told me that CDC will be closed after their lease has expired in Ubi. And the question came: ...

Its going to a be a lengthy post without photos. But I believe it would be an interesting read to you if you are taking your Practical Test the next few days.

I had my first drive 3 years ago. When I was 23, I told myself that its time to get a driving license. Out there there are are so many getting their license and some even got it when they are 18. And more, Xiong was already driving and has his own car back then. So he said: Go get a driving license since I have a car now, you can drive when I work.

And so happily and excited, he brought me to UBI CDC to register an account with them at the office admin at level 1 and borrowed some basic theory book from his friend. When the day came, I went to take my Basic Theory Test and all was well. Every student has a set of different questions. You are given 10 papers and all you have to do was to pick one. Its a tap screen so just tap your answers on accordingly. Since each and every of us had different questions, there is no point copying your answers or what, its all on your own. And remember to booked the mock test before you go for the Basic Theory test. I passed and was pretty confident that its time to take my Final Theory test. So after that, I went back to UBI CDC during lunch hour to book my Final Theory. I stayed in Ubi and my workplace was just at Ubi Ave 3. I told myself: Man, I'm damned lucky that I leave near UBI CDC.

After booking my Final Theory test, I went to a bookstore to pick up the Final Theory book to study. Comparing to Basic theory, Final Theory content was much easier to read as not much memorising content. After a few weeks, I went to take my Final Theory test and I passed again. I was so excited and began looking for good driving instructor to teach me the skills of driving. Landed on one which my sis recommended. She said he was alright because he doesn't scold people. As my sis had taken her lesson before with him, I trusted her and booked my first lesson with him.

It turned out to be not bad as he made me drive the highway just behind Kakit Bukit.. I learnt manual and it was indeed fun to drive on the road like you are some cool teenager. It was a Nissan Sunny. After which, he taught me how to start the car on a slope, parking, parallel parking directional change, crank course and S-course. At some point of time, he would teach me tips and where to look at and how to turn. However, I realize he likes to use my lesson to go for toilet breaks and I didn't like that.

Like to turn the vehicle left or right, go slow and keep your vehicle in line with the middle line, make sure your turn along the white line in the middle road, So when to do vertical parking, make sure that you saw the side of the headline in the quarter glass behind before you turn, listen to the sound of engine before you move off on the slope. the sound of when to change gear when you hear the dragging of gears. I went in the circuit like 8 times for my first time and getting myself to familiar with those techniques.

Like the direction change: make sure your shoulder reaches about 3.5 of the kerb on the right before you make a full lock to the right. In crank course, make sure when your rear mirror is reaching the side of the kerb, turn and position your wheel back to original position. Or S -course, make sure your you turn when you almost can't see the kerb infront of you.

My test was on the Nov 2013 in the last morning at about 11+. Before that, I had a warm up drive at 9. Like all students taking their test, I was so nervous and scared. I'm afraid that I forgot my tips and turned the wrong way in the circuit. I'm afraid that my car rolled back on the slope, Im afraid that I forgot my judgement when I'm doing vertical parking, and the list go on... After my warm up, mt instructor told me to sit in a detention-like room and wait for my name to be called from the tester. And I tell you, everyone sitting in the room all had the nervous-shit like face and solemnly followed the tester to their instructor's car.

I waited a while and the tester came. He called out my name and I led him to the car. I was feeling shitty all over because Im afraid that i missed a safety step. And so the test began... I fasten my seat belt, adjust the mirror (act act), push the clutch and brake, change to gear 1 and pull down the handbrake. and release to half clutch, the car moved....It was moving slowly but its okay. You can maintain at half-clutch through out and maximum gear 2. And so my first stop was at the parallel parking. I slowly moved in and began my parking. To my horror, I strike the kerb and there goes my 10 points. In order to pass my driving, I had to get a demerit of below 20. So i left 10 points. And the tester told me to move to the slope, and to the rest of the station. After the circuit, I was told to drive along the airport road and ubi road 4. In the middle, I used the wrong ear to move off, I was at gear 2. At one time, my engine went dead. I knew I was dead already. We came back to the CDC and park the vehicle near the admin office. I followed the tester up to the 2nd floor and that's where he would announce if you passed or failed. And not surprisingly, I failed with a demerit point of 26. He failed me at failed to look at blind spots, strike kerb, using incorrect gear to move off , failed to slow down at pedestrian crossing. And t-da, that's it. I am a dangerous driver.

I left the CDC, feeling disappointed with myself and walked to work after that...

Shall continue on "Passing my driving test" part 2 later....

Passing my driving test- Part 1

by Elvina on 9:54 AM

Its going to a be a lengthy post without photos. But I believe it would be an interesting read to you if you are taking your Practical Test ...

I have been missing out on my blogpost for a while. And oh ya, Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine' to you guys. It has been a while.

Just a short summary on my Chinese New Year.

This year, New Year is pretty quiet for me. We were only given 2 days and we were back to work on Wednesday. But at least, I felt that my holiday was well spent.

On the New Year Eve, we stayed at home and ate the foods left from the prayer in the morning.

At night, we lo hei. Thanks to my sister, we get to enjoy Jumbo Seafood's Yu Sheng every year.

On my new Year Eve.

On the 1st day of New Year, we had our gathering at my Uncle's house. It is the 2nd time we had gathering there. For the last 20 years, all of my paternal relatives came to our house for gathering, but as my mum is not in the right condition to host, we decided to bring our gathering to my uncle's house.

I got to wear nice clothes for the second time in my last 26 years. So kua zhang hahaha! We had steamboat and lots of CNY snacks. I am putting on weight this time round.

My little sick niece who got to whiny on that day.

And wait, we had reunion lunch with love's family at Punggol Settlement. I had forgotten the name of the restaurant but the food was good. They served seafood.

This is love's family. Small family he has haha.

On day 2, we went to my aunty's house for another gathering.

And my family from my mum side.

I grew up with my cousin who now has a family on their own. All of us are busy but we try our best to stay connected.

I wonder how we will spend our CNY next year. Perhaps next year I won't be staying home to help out or anything like that as i realized that it might be the last year I will be home, counting down New Year with my family after my marriage.

My Chinese New Year 2016

by Elvina on 9:27 PM

I have been missing out on my blogpost for a while. And oh ya, Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine' to you guys. It has been a wh...

Hey ladies, have you ever tried booking a nail service at a salon but manicurist told you that their slots are full? Or a heavy additional CNY surcharge? And even lazy to go to town to get your nails, lashes and brows done? If all of your answers are YES, you will definitely love the app:

Vanitee

Vanitee is a platform where you can find many trusted beauticians and nail artists where you can get your personal grooming done, without the hassle of making several phone calls just to get 1 available slot. You can even call for home service at an affordable price.

Sounds too good to believe? Read more below to get a promo code and get a $30 worth of VanityTrove beauty kit!

Begin by downloading the app from your App Store or Google Play.

This is how the app look like.

Click on the app, you may begin by signing in with your Facebook account or opening one account using your email. After all those is done, that's where you can starting "shopping" for services.

Their main page

The app is very easy to navigate. If you are looking for manicure services, just tap on the nails. For lazy ladies, you may want to tap on the house call to look for beauty artist to go your house for grooming.

Within each category, you can scroll and view each of the beauticians' portfolio and chat with them if you would like to clarify your doubts. They have an instant messenger which allow you to stay connected to the beautician 24/7!

Nail list!

Under the nail category, you can filter and narrow your search to manicurist who stays near your house or filter to look at the popular ones. Each of them showcase their skills and art designs. Very lovely!

For me, I had decided to try the eye lash extension service. As CNY is coming, I would definitely love to doll up my eyes so that I need not glue fake eyelashes. It takes me forever to glue them nicely and perfectly. Just- so-lazy. I search the popular ones and it came up with ....

Emeraldallure

I find them having affordable prices and what's more, its near my house! Besides that, they have a slot available on Sunday morning. How often do your find slots that is available on a weekend?! It costs $60 to do a natural eye lash extension while $80 for a volume one. And most importantly, the app allows you to view and compare the rates from different beauticians!! It's such an open market and everyone know how much you are charging for a service. (No rip off please!) Good thing is :

No hidden cost!

But of course, if you have any last minute request, the charges would be different depending on the type of beauty service required.

And so i proceed to tap on the $80 eyelash extension.

At the next page, all you have to do is to choose the time slot available and fill in your credit card details. If you have a promo code, just tap on the "Redeem/Use Promo Code" and key in the details. Saw the words: $80- Book now pay later?

Yes, that's right! Book now and pay later. Once you fill in your credit card details, the amount doesn't deduct right away from your card. Just like the waiter asking you if they could hold your credit card till your dinner ends, its the same thing! They will only deduct after the service is rendered and completed.

You do not need to be on the awaiting list because the app will directly show you the available slots! After the booking was made, an email will be sent to you on the appointment and location of the salon. Some of them could even tell you which buses would take you there.

And happily, I went to Roxy Square 2 on a Sunday morning to my lashes. As I know I was going to be late, I informed my beautician through the instant messenger in the Vanitee App. It's easy isn't it?!

After a good 1.5 hours, my lashes was nicely done by Elayne from Emerald Allure.

Photo credits to Emerald Allure. Totally save my time having to put on eyeliner or mascara.

If you are still thinking where to get your nails, brows and lashes done, starting downloading the app and look for the nearest and trusted salons near you. Trust me, you will never want to be put on a waiting list.

Note that all the beauticians and artists are certified by Vanitee before they could post their salon on the app. Also, some of them offer ROM and make up services too, not limiting only to nails and brows. You will not want to miss any of the good stuffs.!

And also, make any booking on Vanitee by 14 February 2016 and get a FREE Beauty Kit from VanityTrove worth $30 when you use this promo code - "ELVINACNY"

So hurry now and book your slot for CNY!!

Beauty App: Vanitee X Eyelash extension X Promo Code

by Elvina on 12:06 AM

Hey ladies, have you ever tried booking a nail service at a salon but manicurist told you that their slots are full? Or a heavy additional C...

January 2015. A year to new resolution, new life and a toast to me getting a year older.

And a year of busyness.

I am counting down to our wedding date as each day passes like nobody's business. As I get older, I feel that time is not enough for myself and family. Work takes up my weekday while I could only allocate the weekends for my family and friends.

I will be attending 2-3 weddings this year. My best friend of 14 years will be getting married to her beau of almost 8 years this Saturday. When she announced her ROM date, I was having mixed feeling, somehow, happy,sad, nostaglic, excited... I am happy that she is getting married.. but sad on the fact that we are getting old.

We watched each other grow since our secondary school days, went out shopping over the weekends, explored Bangkok together and chill out at times after a day of hectic work. Now, she will be a wife to a man.

We went prawning together recently.

And over the years... I had accumulated the photos.. Look how much we had changed!

OMG!

We were once cui too hahaha.

Shall take more photos this Saturday on her ROM .

And oh well, signing off here.

My bestie is getting married!

by Elvina on 8:19 PM

January 2015. A year to new resolution, new life and a toast to me getting a year older. And a year of busyness. I am counting down to o...

Hi all, wondering if anyone is following me up on blog. I am not those popular blogger who gets paid to blog a post or whatsoever, but perhaps, my blog can help some readers in finding more information I hope?

Earlier, I had mentioned that I would post more photos and details on some other hotels which we shortlisted.

And this time, I shall post Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar.

Amara Hotel Tanjong Pagar Ballroom

We met the coordinator at about 3pm. He brought us to the ballroom and showed us around. The ballroom in Amara is really spacious. It can easily hold up to 42 tables and minimum 25.

Imagine the space around you when you have only 25 tables.

Can you see how big it is?

The ballroom looks dull and there isn't much bright colours in default. As it is from the photo, the ceiling isn't as high due to the "fairy lights" on the ceiling. As we were too early, we couldn't see the full set up and decor of the ballroom. Therefore, it wouldn't be fair if I say that the ballroom is so-so.

We were looking at the 2017 price for wedding banquet. Xiong made a comparison and he realized that the price increase from 2016 to 2017 is a difference of $80.

And the perks:

Weekend Lunch: $1,088++
Weekend Dinner: $1,188++
Weekend Platinum Lunch & Dinner: $1,288++

It comes with

8 Course Chinese menu
Free flow of Chinese tea and soft drinks
A bottle of champagne for toasting
1 complimentary bottle of wine for every guarantee table
1 complimentary barrel of 20 liter
Waiver of corkage charged and duty-paid hard liquor
Choice of wedding favors for all guests and specially designed signature scroll
Wedding invitation cars for 70% guaranteed attendance (not inclusive of printing)
1 night stay in Bridal Suite and breakfast for 2 at Element Restaurant
Pre-snack delivered to Bridal suite
Parking coupon 20%
Food tasting
Complimentary usage of basic sound system and LCD projector with screen

Most of the items given were standard package. Of course, I believed that you can always fight (ask gently) for more free perks and upgrades like that if you confirm with them.

Overall, we didn't choose them because the price increase from 2016 to 2017 is way too high and the ballroom was too spacious. As we were considering to invite only about 20 tables, our tables would be too far apart and kids will be running rampant around.

If we have a larger guests, we might consider Amara Hotel.

Wedding Post: Amara Hotel 2017

by Elvina on 9:59 PM

Hi all, wondering if anyone is following me up on blog. I am not those popular blogger who gets paid to blog a post or whatsoever, but perha...

Hi guys, I think I had abandoned my blog almost entirely :X These days I have been busy with looking for wedding locations and visiting Interior Design for our new home.

People around us might that that we are kiasu as we had not received our house keys and booking wedding dinner in 1 year advance etc. But who knows, there are many hotels which were already fully booked on auspicious date on 7th Jan 2017.

Anyway, Xiong and I are planning our wedding on 5th Jan 2017. This date has been confirmed and we had already paid a $5,000 deposit with the hotel. We had viewed a few hotels and which some of it were Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Hotel and Marina Bay Sands.

We went to the wedding fair at M Hotel and we thought that we loved it a lot.

M Hotel Banquet Suite

The ballroom

It is a paid wedding fair ($38) but love and I got to go in for free as we are the 1st 50 couples to register (Yeah!!). The ballroom is really pretty: there is no blockage of pillar, romantic decor and the food was really delicious. It is a cosy ballroom as it can hold a minimum 25 to 32 tables. This is the Banquet suite at level 10.

The ceiling height is about 4m and I am sure the photos will look good.

The stage is in the center with 2 projectors at the side and L shape march in. Gotta note that the LOVE at the stage was from IM Perfections. You have to pay for it.

Menu at the VIP table.

What's more special was that there is a menu placed at each of the table of my guest on the VIP table. Like most hotel does, the waiter will serve the potion individually to my guests on the VIP table.

They have other vendors at the ballroom as well: Event stylist from IM-Perfections, Coolgurt, vendors for wedding shoes and hand bouquet etc.

Coolgurt

Why we like M Hotel:

I get the whole level 10 for my guest, be at at the reception, or solemnization ceremony or our wedding dinner. It all at level 10. I bet my guests wouldn't be lost.
The changing room is just next to the banquet. During our 2nd march in, we need not go up to our hotel to change. The changing room is spacious and there are seats for us to rest.
The ballroom ceiling height is about 4m and it will look good in photos.
Their ballroom is able to cater from 25 to 32 tables, and it would be the right size for us.
The food was delicious and they do serve shark fin.

Our coordinator is Fiona and she is really nice. Someone who we are able to talk to and able to accommodate to our request. A very nice and friendly lady.

But what's more important, at the wedding fair, their perks are practical that we felt that it should be adequate.

1 night stay at the bridal suite
1 night stay for helper (Very seldom do you get a night stay for helper)
Free flow wine, beer soft drinks and Chinese tea
Free corkage (Feel free to bring in anything you like)
Standard complimentary printing of invitation
Free use of solemnization room.
1 complimentary table when there is 25 tables booked.

Of course like all couples do, we will try to squeeze more of what we will be paying for. Some couples might ask for 2nd night stay, discount, more parking complimentary etc, whatever you think you can fight for.

Price for weekday in

2016 Banquet Suite Weekday: $1,068++
2016 Banquet Suite Saturday: $1,208 ++
2016 Banquet Suite weekend: $1,188++
2017 Banquet Suite Weekday: $1,088++
2017 Banquet Suite Saturday: $1,228++
2017 Banquet Suite Weekend: $1,208++

In case you were thinking how the Anson Room look like.. you may view the below.

Located at level 2, Anson Room is smaller, cosy and poised. The ceiling height is lower but the decor is decent enough. As compared to Banquet Suite,

Anson Room

Sorry for the poor quality but this is the best I could take.

You can choose 3 decors in case you didn't like the one which is displayed in the picture. Though the ceiling is lower, it doesn't stop us from liking the ballroom. It is a small intimate event afterall.

The price for Anson Room is also cheaper:

2016 Anson Room Weekday: $838++
2016 Anson Room Saturday: $988+
2016 Anson Room Weekend: $988++
2017 Anson Room Weekday : $858++
2017 Anson Room Saturday : $1,008++
2017 Anson Room Weekend: $1,008++

If you had noticed, the price increase per table from 2016 to 2017 is a mere $20. Compared to other hotels, M Hotel offers a more competitive prices for couples.

Also, they are able to accommodate us in terms of payment. Other hotels require couple to pay 50% of the total amount 3 months before the banquet and the balance when the wedding ended. Every hotel differs. M Hotel allows couple to make an upfront full payment after the wedding banquet or during check out.

Afterall, love and I felt comfortable with M Hotel which therefore, love and I decided to hold our wedding banquet there :)

Shall blog on other hotels too. Stay tune!

Wedding Post: M Hotel (Banquet Suite and Anson Room)

by Elvina on 9:01 PM

Hi guys, I think I had abandoned my blog almost entirely :X These days I have been busy with looking for wedding locations and visiting Int...

Adding another achievement to my life, i had completed my Pro Gel course at J Studio. I am happy that i have completed something which I wanted to do years ago. I never thought that painting nails would be my passion in my teen to adult life.

I was a nail biter, just like my sis and we used to bite our nails whenever we saw the white line growing above the fingertip. It was until in my mid teens, when I saw people selling stickers for nails, i was so awe by it and since then, i stopped the habit of biting nails and was determined to grow them. In my sec school life, I was a netball-er from Sec 1 to 2. During Sec 3, i dragged going to my CCA as i had to cut them short whenever I went for lessons. At times, I was caught having long nails by my own form teacher. I like having designs on my nail but wasn't as crazy that i paint them to school. I was a good student after all.

By the age of 20, I have about 20-30 bottles of nail polish at home. Used to paint them in my poly school days and my colour would be black or navy blue or purple and other odd colours. Tried my first gelish at age 22? And the feeling was awesome as i was able to afford to go for a mani service.

And now, i am learning for a passion and hopefully, a freelance one too.

I used to harp to my friends that i had always wanted to learn the skill of the manicure. They told me it was getting common now,but its just something i wanted to do. It would be definitely cost me some money but if i feel right, perhaps , just let me try it. Love was very disapproving that i would spend my money on my passion but in the end , he just say: go for it then. He doesn't agree but he was supportive. That's how he reacts.

So I googled and chanced upon J Studio. I was so mesmerized by her designs and that after looking at her course, I decided to contact her. She is a very nice lady and a serious manicurist haha.

She took sometime to explain to me on the different courses which is offered and recommended me what I would be suitable for. After giving much thoughts, I had decided to go for the Pro Gel course.

The whole journey was a satisfying one. Whenever I learnt a new pattern or skill, I am so excited and would like to draw another one with similar pattern.

Over the 3-4 months, I had learnt 20 designs with basic nail care etc.

Gel extension

The designs I had learnt below:

French Mani and single colour.

The 20 designs

Right now, I am still practicing on my skills. Thanks to my friends, they are willing to lend me a helping hand.

But most importantly, I would like to thanks my teacher, Jess Puan, who helped me achieve my dreams :) She taught me how to draw, the technique, the way to hold the brush, the amount of gel to pick up and etc.. Can't thank her enough!

Thanks Jess!!

Completed a Manicure Course !!

by Elvina on 2:37 PM

Adding another achievement to my life, i had completed my Pro Gel course at J Studio. I am happy that i have completed something which I wan...

Coming to an end of Dec 2015, I have gotten busier, fatter and happier?

Perhaps not so much on the 'happy' part because I am getting older, but some things should be worth celebrating!

And Ahem.... I am getting married in 2017 January. My love and I had the dates already but sadly, it will fall on a Thursday. It will definitely be a small event and only those people who I care will be invited. Shall slowly reveal and blog on more wedding stuffs next year.

And oh well, my mum and I are back from Port Dickson ! What a short trip!

Port Dickson is about 4-5 hours drive from Singapore. The whole ride has been smooth. Everyone was trying to grab some rest as all of us woke up to an early morning. We gathered at Punggol at 6.30am waiting for the coach to arrive.

Stop by some place to have our breakfast

Going to Seremban for lunch

Couldn't take more photos as I was trying to nap throughout the journey. The after effect from going home late night on TGIF. We roamed the shopping mall for about an hour, got our stuffs from supermarket and head to the coach again.

The resort is about 1.5 hours from the shopping mall...

In case you are wondering where we stayed... we had our 3 days 2 nights at

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

Can you see that the cabins were the outline of a hibiscus? For your info, hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia.

There are more than 400 cabins in the resort. And near the cabins, a hotel is built nearby which allow us to take the lift up to level 7 to take the scenic view. But, part of the hotel is still under construction.

The lobby is spacious. From time to time, there will be some performance there.

The hotel reception is far from all the cabins. One will have to call for a buggy to fetch hotel guests to and fro from your accommodation. However, their service is superb as the waiting time for the buggy is only 10-15 minutes. When it rains, it was a hassle as they did not have a lot of buggy or manpower to fetch all hotel guests back,. But all these doesn't matter as you are supposed to take your time slow in a resort.

The 8 of us can sit on a buggy comfortably. With this, they can easily fetch 2-3 room guests to their room.

I was so excited about their room, as I heard that they had a indoor jacuzzi. How often do you see an indoor jacuzzi in Singapore? You will only get them if you are willing to pay $1,000+ and above.

Entering the room... I was shocked.

2 large beds which can be shared by 6 people easily. I have so much space to open my luggage and putting other barang barang. We were given 4 complimentary soft drinks as welcome drink. If you are intending to go there, please note that you can have them for free. But of course, the soft drinks are not refillable haha.

Taken from another angle

The transparent glass which most adults were afraid to walk over. But it is definitely safe to walk and lie on haha. The seawater is somehow green. Imagine it is in blue, I could stay there a little longer.

1 cubicle and 1 showering area. There were no locks, so .. no peeping please.

And moving on further outdoor..

Ta-da, your very own jacuzzi! The clear water which makes you very much wanted to jump up in it.

Can you resist?

Another view of it!

While looking at the pool, you can see your neighbors as well.

Say hi to them!

While facing in front, you can see the rest of the cabins.

If you are staying the right location, you may even get to see sunrise in the morning!

Can you see how pretty it is?

Dinner came too soon and we went out for dinner.

The Thai food was so delicious! It is about 30 minutes from the resort.

The next day, we didn't have much activities going on, ended up soaking ourselves in the pool.

The 2 aunties resting and chatting, listening to hokkien songs and shaking legs.

The group of us who went together to the resort.

Last but not least.. the sunset view..

Lexis Hibiscus is a place worth going if you love the sea and nature or when you would like to avoid crowded area. There's nothing much to do there except relaxing yourself in the room or cycling around the resort. They do rent bicycle to guests at a cost of RM10 for half an hour.

Of course, such luxury stay-cation doesn't come cheap though they are slightly cheaper than hotel rates in Singapore. One night in the cabin cost about SGD 500 and above. They are a new resort and accordingly to the tour guide, they started operation only in April 2015.

Do click below to view more on the gallery:

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

12th Mile, Jalan Pantai

Pasir Panjang 17250,

Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Tel: +606 - 6600 2626

Email: reservations@lexishibiscuspd.com