Olive Bistro @ IBP

I think Olive Bistro probably sees more customers who are working in the International Business Park buildings rather than drop-in customers. Tucked away in a corner of the Nordic European Centre, Olive Bistro serves the usual western food fare.

I like the full-length glass windows with the greenery outside. It is relaxing to be there after a hard day at work or even during coffee breaks. I had a late lunch over there, around 4pm (yes, it is tea-time) and not much was left.

Ordered the tex-mex wrap (I think that was the name) and a mango roulade for dessert. I was not much impressed with the food. Pretty average, nothing to raved about. I will probably only eat there again if I am hungry after meeting with client. Maybe I should try the pies next time since it seemed like they are part of the Pie Shoppe.

Location

Olive Bistro @ IBP :
3 International Business Park, #01-20 Nordic European Centre, Singapore 609927
Tel: 6890 6698 Fax: 6890 6697
Email: enquiry@thepieshoppe.com

Of Bags and Shoes

It must be a full moon or what. Cos I have been spending and spending. It is crazy. Or it is all the pent-up "want" for shopping. Lol. But it is specific shopping. Only on shoes and bags.


I have been searching for flats or low-heeled sandals/shoes for the longest time. I realized I am not that keen to wear my heels now especially since I have to walk up and down at least 4 flights of stairs at the underpass to work. Plus after spraining my ankle, I found myself loving my Birkies. I wish I can wear them everyday to work. Lol.


So yeah, I managed to buy 1 pair of low heeled shoes a couple of months back, but barely 4 wears, the rubber sole came off and I have yet to get it fixed. Hence the search continues...until Monday. Went to Substance with colleagues and saw some gorgeous shoes. So cute. Bought 3 pairs - 2 flats (pink glitters and teal green ribboned) and 1 polka dot heels. Before that, I already bought 1 pair at Tangs the Friday before.


So I should be contented, and I am. But somehow shoes and bags always go together. It is like buying eyeshadows with blushers and lipglosses or moisturizer with eye-gel. Received an sms about the Bebe sale and Denise Lassler (some brand from NY which I never heard of) at Isetan Scotts and the promo of additional 10% off with Citibank cards. Didn't think much of it until I saw the email from Citibank about the promotion. The bag featured looked not bad, like a Birkin.


Popped by Isetan Scotts last night to check it out. It was 910pm by then, so it was not crowded at all. 2 bags caught my eye. The fushcia bag and the teal green bag. Not sure why I am so into colors lately, then saw the light tan bag. It kinda grow on you and I quite like it too. Decided to buy a dirty beige bag too for my mom. It looked nice on the owner when she modeled it for me. That was apparently the bestseller in NY. It was quite a good bargain as they were clearing the stocks to make space for new collection when they opened their own boutique.


Not posting the prices else my sister will nag at me ;p

IPL for underarm

After my favorite therapist has left Lifespa, I am trying to finish up my package there and so made an appointment for IPL (intense pulse light) for the underarms. I thought that would be a safe spot to try since the area is smaller and not in an obvious place.

It was with great trepidation that I entered the treatment room. I had no idea what to expect and had always thought it to be painful, something akin to ant bites. The therapist assured me it would not take long and would be painless.

She started off with dry shaving the area, before cleaning it and then applying a cooling gel. The gel was so cold it numbed the entire area. Maybe that was why I didn't feel any pain at all when the zapping started.

Now I am quite tempted to sign up for an IPL package. She said it might take 8-12 sessions for the hair follicles to be dormant. It is not a permanent treatment, a common perception due to uninformed sales consultants at various places, and the hair could grow back again after 2-3 years or later (depends on individual). It is so convenient, just zap and go. Waxing is much more painful and there is the redness to deal with. I also like that IPL will lighten the skin too.

Let's see if my negotiation skills will be good enough to get to a price I am comfortable with ;)

Cute Cupcakes Stuff

I was surfing the web when I chanced upon these cuties. Sili-Feet Reusable Silicone baking cups. How cute is that?

Then also saw this cupcake wristlet from Barry's Farm. Quite cute though a bit plain.

Oh, how smart is this? A Cup-a-cake container. I wonder if the frosting will still be smudged though.

And finally, someone got it right. Make cupcake, not war. Available from Johnny Cupcakes.

Santa Fe Tex-Mex Grill on board Stewords Riverboat

The Stewords Riverboat has moved from Sentosa to Marina South Pier. For those who like the rocking sensation of a boat, this will be a perfect venue for dining out. There are 2 restaurants on the boat - Santa Fe and Breaking Bread (opening late May 2007) - and a private dining area, inclusive of a cabin with attached bathroom and outdoor jacuzzi.

I am not an expert on Tex-Mex food and frankly, I can't really tell the difference between it and Mexican food. I like my quesadillas, burritos, fajitas and chips with cheese dip or salsa.

There was a media event last week and I got to try some of the dishes. I like the quesadillas, delicious with the guacamole and sour cream. The mushroom soup is creamy with real shiitake mushrooms. The bbq babyback ribs really slipped off the bones. Very tender and no-porky taste/smell at all.

The fajitas is good, the beef is made from striploin cuts. Soft, not hard at all. The tex-mex chicken is also tender, I can cut it using my fork. The enchilada is a bit too sour for my liking. The chocolate truffle cake is really nice!

As I am prone to motion sickness, I think I will stick to eating at the Santa Fe outside Far East Plaza. But the Riverboat is great for a different dining location and has excellent view of the clear sea and lush greenery and beautiful sunset. Plus there is the private dining area, perfect for private parties with friends.

The CaffeBar - Parkway Parade

I chanced upon this cafe while in Parkway today and decided to try it after I saw a review by Ah Yoke from ST. He has been known to be an elusive food critic and is extremely hard to invite him for a food tasting session.

I didn't read the article but just walked in to try. The place is right in the middle of an atrium, so you get to watch shoppers going about their business. I ordered the seafood spaghetti alio olio as I was not in the mood for tomato or cream based sauce.

I always think it is the mark of a great chef if the food is still nice without much seasoning or gravy or sauce to cover up the freshness of the ingredients. I liked the pasta - the spaghetti was al dente and it was infused with the subtle flavors of olive oil, herbs and garlic. There was a generous serving of seafood - crayfish, 2 prawns (shelled body with head intact), sliced squids (nicely done, not rubbery, almost like having it raw) and baby clams and whole chillies (spicy!).

The dessert I ordered was not that fantastic. Maybe it was too big for one person. I had the creme brulee lightly fused with earl grey tea. The creme brulee was thick and smooth. I loved breaking the burnt sugar and digging into the custard. Also ordered a viennese cappuccino which was topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder. That was nice though the coffee could be better?

The Performer

You Are An ESFP

The Performer You are a natural performer and happiest when you're entertaining others. A great friend, you are generous, fun-loving and optimistic. You love to laugh - and you like almost all people equally. You accept life as it is, and you do your best to make each day fantastic. You would make a good actor, designer, or counselor.

What's Your Personality Type?

New Lingerie from La Senza

I finally got my stuff from La Senza today. Yay! I ordered a babydoll, a slip and a kimono wrap. I don't know why, but somehow satin always attracted me. I love the feel of slippery and cool satin against bare skin.

Que Seurat Mesh Babydoll

Sexy but this is a bit scratchy due to the mesh material. It is tough too and not that elastic. Time to lose weight again.

Allure Modal Slip

This is stretchy and very comfortable. The material is similar to terry cloth. Nice!

Serenity Satin Kimono

This is delicious! I love it. Now I have 5 satin wraps thing. 2 black, 1 red, 1 deep plum and now lilac. Not that I wear them all the time, but it is nice to know I have them

There was a sale online and I got all these 3 for only S$60 or so. Good deal since it is retailing for S$55 each.

Cars - or lack of

I am never really that into cars. To me, they are just a mode of transport and as long as it can get me to my destination and not break down on me, I am happy.

Recently I was lemming to get my own car. That stemmed from knowing my friend just bought her own car, and she only got her driving license last year (I think). So I was curious to see what is actually available on the market and the price range.

I typically don't bother reading the car pages in the papers nor do I check out the prices in the classified. The only time I read that was way back in SFU when again, I was tempted to get a car then. Lol.

So I was checking out the small cars, I much prefer those than typical sedans. And I would love to get a 2-door car too. My dream car would be the Mazda Miata - I always saw it parked outside my apartment in Canada. So cute, tiny car zipping around. Searched more online and found out the 2nd generation is now known as Mazda RX5 or something. In Singapore the cost is exorbitant and so way out of my budget. I am not that keen on other Japanese cars, maybe I am influenced by others or what I am currently driving (Dad's car) - but continental or American is much better. Heavier and with weight.

But the thought of buying cars totally got dropped when I was confronted with the reality of rush hour traffic. It absolutely sucks! I can't believe it took me close to an hour to get to the airport from Novena. Maybe my fault for not knowing the best route (CTE to TPE to airport), but the line of cars on the CTE, waiting to get onto PIE was horrendous!

Anyway, the marking of the roads / signs was not clear and I somehow got off the line for the PIE and went onto Upper Serangoon road instead. And over there it was not much better. Long line of cars again. So yeah, that was strike 1 against buying a car.

Strike 2 was the next day when I took taxi from home to International Business Park to visit a client. Again, the traffic was bad and the charges on the ERP was astronomically crazy! $3.50 to use the CTE past Braddell I think.

Strike 3 was when I did my math. Even if I take taxis home from work everyday and from town, I doubt my total cost on transport will exceed $300/$400 per month. Currently I think my transport cost is between $180 to $300 per month.

If I buy a car, I will be paying around $800 - $1k per month (instalment plus gas, parking and other charges). Errr.....I really think I would derive much enjoyment using that on spa massages and travel :p

Plus I think I much prefer off-peak driving, and if I really need to go somewhere inaccessible, I could always use my Dad's car :)

But if someone wants to surprise me with a Miata, I would gladly accept too ;p

An Amazing Sight

It is a pity I couldn't snap a picture when I saw this. So I was driving away from the airport after dropping my parents off on Saturday, when there loomed a SIA jet.

I only noticed it when I was pretty close to the flyover. I never expect that flyover to be a runway above the regular road.

It was amazing, seeing the jumbo jet (or whatever it is) seemingly gliding on the runway flyover right above the road I was driving on. It was huge and yet small. The width of the flyover runway is not that wide, in my opinion, yet it could contain the wings of the plane.

I slowed down and when out of under the flyover, I sneaked peeks at the plane via the rearview mirror. Absolutely breathtaking. And I am not even a fan of planes!

King of Pentacles

King of Pentacles
On this card we see a man seated on a throne. He looks regal and sophisticated. He holds a scepter in his left hand and a Pentacle in his right hand. This man is very serious about financial security and has made the accumulation of funds his main preoccupation in life. He is very proud of his achievements and willing to show others his prized possessions. At this time in his life he is probably aged around late thirties to early forties. His work may involve him in the field of banking or the stock-market. The main aim of his life is to be financially secure and then he can relax in his later years in luxury and comfort. Appearances are important to him and to this end he dresses very conservatively and smartly. Comfort is also a factor in his well made and expensive attire. The aim is to appear wealthy, which is his ultimate goal. Usually he rides the wave of success in mid life and is therefore able to display an air of authority and confidence in his position. Others respect him for his determination and passion to succeed. He has mastered his life successfully and is usually married with a few children. His wife is conscious of his material desires and needs and accepts her role as the caretaker of all he owns.

10 of Cups

Ten of Cups
This card shows a cup, held in a man’s hand, and joined by a woman’s hand, as they appear to be about to sip together from the liquid in the cup, as if sharing in a celebration of some wonderful event. There is a rainbow in the background and several tall, green trees, some shrubs, beside a river and with mountains in the far distance. The sky is blue and the day looks warm as in Springtime. There are 9 cups across the sky in front of the rainbow. This card symbolises great happiness and contentment. Two people are brought together in unison and peace to share a special time in their lives. A joint project has obviously reached fruition and they are proud of their achievements and wish to celebrate in grand style. If you draw this card you may rest assured, that even though it took a long time to get where you are, it has all been worth the effort and the energy expended. You can relax in your new found comfort zone and pursue your other objectives with peace of mind, knowing that your life is now more secure than it has ever been.

Carrot Cake

I learnt to like carrot cake when in Canada. I love the way the different textures meld in the mouth. The soft sponginess of the cake mixed with the crunchiness of the nuts and grated carrots and fruits. But the best part is the frosting! The cream cheese frosting somehow just complements the cake.

I don't remember where this carrot cake was from. But could be from Toast at Ngee Ann City. Look at the thick cream cheese frosting and generous nuts and fruits in there. Simply divine! Perfect with a cup of tea (unsweetened).

Tea, anyone?

Rows of Tulips

My favorite flower is the tulip. I love to see them swaying in the breeze in the fields or gardens. You know when Spring is here - flowers will start peeking out. It is always a startling sight on the roads in Canada to see the flowers (usually scattered areas) growing.



I quite like this picture, taken at Skagit Valley, WA, about 10 years ago. I didn't realize how much I blend in till the picture was printed. Lol. There is a garden nearby with all varieties of tulips in different colors.

SB Thos @ Raffles City

I always walked past SB Thos but the little cafe in the corner of Raffles City / Raffles the Plaza area just never really screamed out "we are open for meals". One would usually see the counter with cakes and cookies that you thought they only sell baked goods.

Then I read about it serving sandwiches and light snacks like pies, quiches, muffins etc, so I always wanted to try but never got the opportunity until recently.

We were there early, just slightly after 1130am so the place was not crowded at all. We got a table by the side of the glass railing, so it overlooked the foyer of the escalators coming up to Raffles City Convention Centre via Swissotel the Stamford.

I originally ordered Busy Ben which has tandoori chicken, apple ratia and mint chutney, but they ran out of it. So I changed it to S B Club. That includes roasted chicken, smoked ham, bacon and fried egg. The sandwich came a side of potato salad and some greens. I think the bread (I think I asked for sourdough) was toasted for too long that it was very hard and crispy and it just scraped the roof of the mouth, making it very hard to eat.

I would say the food is average, but it is a nice place to be if you want some place quiet or just for simple food.

Decision Cube

For the days when you do not know what you want to do. Throw the Jeffrey Parker Decision Cube and let it decide your plans.

* Lunch with the girls
* Shop till you drop
* Me, me, me day
* Romantic dinner
* Chick flick
* Out on the town

Nice things to do and great to have it decided for you. They should have another one - day at the spa. Now that will be heaven.

Laptop Sleeve

This is a neat idea. I should have seen this earlier before I went off to Phuket. I don't carry a proper laptop case as it is usually so bulky and ugly. I prefer something which looks like a normal bag which is sleek and slim.

Since the only bag I have which has a bit of cushion is my backpack, I carried my laptop using that. At times I was still concerned about the laptop as the sides were not cushioned much.

But with Chelsey Henry Laptop Sleeve, I can just dump my laptop inside and put it in any of my regular bags. Wonder if something similar is sold in Singapore.

Paul Frank Bicycle

This is just so retro-cute! The aqua blue and pink and flowers print are so pretty! It makes me want to ride a bicycle again, and I have not cycled in a long while. Not since 1994 when the bicylce was my mode of transportation in Oakville. Getting around was only by bike. Peer pressure then. Lol. If you drive or take the bus, you will not get to hang out with those who biked around. Hahaha. But it made one more fit and toned, so there are pluses to cycling daily.

The Surfin' Party Bicycle by Nirve retails for US$340 (woah!) and featured Julius & Friends graphics by Paul Frank. The front basket certainly brings back memories of childhood. Hehe.

Cycling, anyone?

EQ - 147 (Woah!)

Your EQ is 147

50 or less: Thanks for answering honestly. Now get yourself a shrink, quick! 51-70: When it comes to understanding human emotions, you'd have better luck understanding Chinese. 71-90: You've got more emotional intelligence than the average frat boy. Barely. 91-110: You're average. It's easy to predict how you'll react to things. But anyone could have guessed that. 111-130: You usually have it going on emotionally, but roadblocks tend to land you on your butt. 131-150: You are remarkable when it comes to relating with others. Only the biggest losers get under your skin. 150+: Two possibilities - you've either out "Dr. Phil-ed" Dr. Phil... or you're a dirty liar.

What's Your EQ (Emotional Intelligence Quotient)?

MAC Pret-a-Porter Brush Set

Sometimes it is a case of follow the crowd, monkey sees, monkey does thing, and sometimes it works and other times, it doesn't. So I bought the MAC Pret-a-Porter brush set without any knowledge of what it is and why it is good. All I know was it came highly recommended by my friend as well as the MA at the counter. I am not really into brushes as I am quite happy with my current EL brush set (fit to be retired as they are going to be 10 years old soon), plus I really prefer to use my fingers for eyeshadow application.

Doing some research online now, it seemed like the brush set was released last Christmas and was an online exclusive thing retailing at US$217.

The set is a black satin brush roll appliquéd with black beads and a velvet fasten. It contained 8 essential brushes. For the face: the 129 Powder/Blush, 187 Duo-Fibre Face and 190 Foundation. For the eyes: the 213 Fluff, 219 Pencil, 224 Tapered Blending and 266 Small Angle. For the lips: the 318 retractable Lip Brush.

I am not sure how soon I will be trying them out but likely when I have more time to play with the makeup I have.

P.S. I tried the Zandra Rhodes eye palette and I love it! The colors are gorgeous. Only drawback is the layout of strips instead of squares. I always find it harder to get the colors when they are in strips.