I just want to live while I am alive

I've moved!

am_klutz — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:22:17 GMT

I have been radio silent for a couple of days partly due to the hectic work week and also, I was busy re-learning an entirely new blogging platform and coding my new site. It's been up for awhile but I wanted to perfect it. It's not quite 100% and I'll still be tweaking stuff along the way, but it's been too long since I've got the domain and put off launching it proper!

For my LJ friends, I'll still be reading your entries so pleeease leave me on your list. I'll still be blogging private entries on LJ as wordpress isn't so friendly for that function but I won't be cross posting or blogging publicly here. But please update your bookmarks and feel free to subscribe to my new blog on Google Reader which is the best thing for reading the gazillion blogs that I follow! Simply add my blog URL to the "add a subscription" box or there's also a link for my rss feeds.

I'll still be leaving this blog and won't be locking the old entries up as my travel entries, recipes etc all link back to LJ. I didn't migrate my entries as I didn't feel a need to (yet) and it's too mind boggling for not so tech savvy me.

So I'll be blogging at my new space at The Bokeeffect - find out why I picked that name :P, so hop on over! I appreciate all the support over the last 4-5 years - thanks for reading and hope to hear from you at my new space :)

♥ Help Japan recover

Spot the resemblance

am_klutz — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:05:57 GMT

My friend took this picture for me and I absolutely have to share it because I crack up each time I see it.

I got that tee for her because she has the same dog that is printed on the tee. I didn't realize the resemblance was uncanny :P What was funnier was how she made him pose in the exact same way. Bwahahahahaah.

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Hi Mr Police(wo)man!

am_klutz — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:01:12 GMT

It was S's hen's night yesterday and this is the only photo that will get to see daylight since the rest cannot be shared publicly :P

We were all utterly excited when S's boyfriend finally proposed. We were all looking forward to the hen's party which had countless emails on it. TS was the mastermind and this is the woman who is an expert in party planning. I mean the last time they all dressed up as angels with HUGE wings and you can always count on her to plan something really FUN.

The theme was 'policewomen'. Read. Caps, badges, handcuffs, batons and of course, the sexy twist to the uniform. We were all supposed to wear a white collared shirt but loo and behold, we all realized that none of us owned one. Yea. The only 'white' item I had was this G-star tee so I tried my best to make it work. S and I met TS at the hotel before meeting the rest and we walked in without the 'accessories' and hiked up tops because we didn't want to be mistaken for working girls -_- BUT, we did walk out in those outfits AND down Orchard Road and if I might add, the entire length of it grabbing *ahem, loads of wanted and unwanted attention.

It was a fantastic night! B.T and the boys went out and had their own boy's night out and met up with us at the end but I dare say we had loads more fun :P We pub hopped including Attica -the mothership, which is where S met her French beau 4 years back. S was a great sport and oh my, did she rawk it. I can't share the full details :P and all I can say is -

Those outfits got all the attention that we wanted. Those hats are a guy magnet I'm telling you. Met a few sleazys but it was funny how all the guys were flocking to us no matter where we went :P The 1-for-1 martinis at SGD$15 at No.5 are friggin' good but dangerously strong. Sorry, Singaporean guys, we thought the non Singaporean guys were waaaay more generous and fun.

P.S big call-out and thanks to the generous people at No.5 who gave us tequila shots on the house. That was totally unexpected and sweet. And also, free immediate entry at Attica - thanks Attica guys!

♥ Help Japan recover

Cellumination

am_klutz — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 07:02:25 GMT

I can never get the name right. It's like a tongue twister and I always land up calling it 'Illumination'.

This SK2 essence doesn't come cheap but I've heard it's good. My mom swears by it so I got a bottle to try. It's SGD100 cheaper if you get it on flight by the way :)

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Green polka dots and stripes

am_klutz — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 06:34:35 GMT

Martina Pink ballet flats

Giraffe and my Tiffany hearts which look like they could do with some polishing

Cole Haan aviators & Tag Heuer watch

f21 top, River Island belt

I love polka dots and stripes so much, I try to bold clash them sometimes. I was utterly happy to find a top that had already done that for me :p

I'm so glad I decided to spend money to repair my Tag. It was quite a price to pay but this watch had huge sentimental value. It was gifted to me from my Mom when I was in university so I've had it for a very long time now. I reckon this watch will always be special to me :)

♥ Help Japan recover

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Photo collection. Love

am_klutz — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:16:29 GMT

Credit

That's what I seem to be doing these days. Forming photos boards on Pinterest - it's like a digital scrapbook! And I've woken up my dormant Tumblr where I (continue) to collect even more photos and quotes.

Today, it was mostly about love.

B.T. For you.

♥ Help Japan recover

eMiu

am_klutz — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:06:54 GMT

OMG. Just kill me now. This is one helluva e-shop. I'm drooling over the shoes, bags, clothes. EVERYTHING.

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Those colored sugar puffs

am_klutz — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 01:45:03 GMT

The last time we were at Canele intending the order some macarons for dessert, they were all completely sold out. I figured they must at least be decent so I made a mental note to get them somehow.

I wished I could try every flavor but that will send my blood sugar levels sky high so I tried to pick out what I thought was the best.

Orange bergamote, raspberry framboise, coffee, feuillitine ganache and caramel sel.

Verdict? I like them! The salty caramel was a bit too sweet but it was still good. Flavors tasted authentic and not artificially flavored. I would buy them again in future.

Canele
290 Orchard Road
#B1-25 Paragon
Singapore 238859
+(65) 6733 8893

♥ Help Japan recover

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Get fit for a cause

am_klutz — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:09:30 GMT

It's been almost a month since the Japan disaster happened and the buzz around it has sort of quieten down in cyber space. I don't read as much about it as during the first week that it happened and in some ways, people have 'moved on' to other news and happenings.

As for me, I can't say that I've done great in donating but I can say that I've done what I can be it spreading the word as I am still doing via this blog with my tiny call out at the end of each post, or running a few miles in the Run for Japan Nike+ challenge (which is now over by the way since we've achieved USD$200,00 or 200,000 miles). I was pleasantly surprised and pleased when Fitness First invited me to join in with their fundraising activities to help raise funds for Japan. Unfortunately, the scheduled activities clashes with mine so I am unable to participate but I would still like to do a little shout-out here for those who are looking for some fun fitness activities to participate in and at the same time, do something for Japan.

Fitness First is holding a charity drive at all 11 of its fitness clubs here in Singapore with the aim of raising SGD$12,000 which will go to the Singapore Red Cross Society for the Japan disaster relief. Instructors will be pledging a portion of their salaries to the cause and Fitness First personal trainers (PT) will be donating their time to conduct personal training sessions for members and the fees will be donated to Red Cross. Donation tins are placed at all reception counters in the 11 Fitness First clubs from 11-25 April 2011.

The fundraising fitness activities include -

... Urban-athlon @ Fitness First at One Georget Street on 12 April, Tuesday from 6:30-8:00pm in the outdoor area. It is opened to both Fitness First members and the public. You can register either at the club reception or call +(65) 6538 7666 to register. A minimum donation of SGD$5 is required to register for this activity and you are encouraged to donate more if you want to. The Urban-athlon consists of 2 categories - 1.5km run + 5 exercise stations OR 2.5km run + 5 stations.

For those that do not fancy doing runs or circuit training and prefer to sweat it out by dancing, you can participate in the -

... "Saturday Night Fever" themed dance class @ Fitness First at Tampines (which is the newly opened club- first in the East) at CPF Building, Level 4 on 16 April, Saturday from 12:15-1:15pm in the main GX studio. It is opened to both Fitness First members and the public. Register 1 day in advanced at the club reception or call +(65) 6438 5998. Participants are encouraged to dress according to the theme and a minimum donation of SGD$5 is required for registration and you are encouraged to donate more if you want to.

Selected group exercise classes at all 11 Fitness First Clubs will also be participating in this fundraising drive from 11-17 April so check out the website here.

With my schedule packed to the brim, I'll be at most doing a run or two and one yoga class this weekend. But watch this space as I'll be trying out a new workout at the new Fitness First gym @ Tampines some time soon and I can't wait to share more about it. :)

♥ Help Japan recover

Running is for girls

am_klutz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:32 GMT

Just 3 of my favorites ;)

Just a few samplers on why Running is for GIRLS. Click through the links and be completely amused :P

Nike Goddess 5K
7 May 2011
Marina Barrage, 5pm
SEE YOU THERE!

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The views expressed on this website/weblog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

Monday blues

am_klutz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:03:59 GMT

Weekend was too short (for me) so it was harder pulling myself out of bed. Looks like my dressing reflected how I felt!

/f21 tunic, belt and necklace. Nike leggings. Miu Miu ballet flats.

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Yoghurt and yoga

am_klutz — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:53:19 GMT

I love frozen yoghurt like Yami Yoghurt or Red Mango and those off the supermarket shelves as well. Meiji yoghurt is one of my favorite. It has generous chunks inside - strawberries, aloe Vera etc and it tastes so good. I've tried other brands but still return to this. I think everything from Meiji just tastes good!

I've been going for yoga once a week - not as much as I'd like to but it's tough to rush down on weekdays when my office is near the damn airport.

Sunday's hot vinyasa was so good. My limbs were like jello after the one hour sesh and I knew the aches would creep in by next morning.

My arms are aching, abs are tight and sore but it's the good type of aching feeling that I miss when I was training for marathons :p

I think I'll give myself a break from running today. I'm trying to run 3-4 times a week (currently it's twice on average) and figure a way to get back into Insanity too!

Not feeling spectacular about Monday but it's FOUR more days to the weekend so BRING IT ON!

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What's playing

am_klutz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:47:43 GMT

I hope Grey's Anatomy never ends because I love it so much, love the quotes, the life lessons and everything about it. I'm so glad that I convinced him to watch it and great minds think alike because he's been hooked on it ever since :P

The last episode that showed was so sad. I was trying hard not to tear and the music was incredible. It was the first time that they did a musical out of it with the cast singing and damn can most of them sing. Callie and Lexi can really sing! Tried to find a few songs that I really liked but some were not listed. I did find this one though - The Story by Brandi Carlile. Lovely.

The two of us don't watch TV. When I say TV, I'm referring to the local television shows so don't ask us about the local stars etc because we just don't follow the scene. We watch a lot of tv dramas from the States like GA, Heroes, Big Bang Theory and have recently started on Glee.

Now when I first watched Glee, I didn't get it. Sure, I love musicals and the singing was great but I just couldn't relate to it. I kept on watching a few more and then it just clicked. And now, we are hooked.

"My body is like a warm chocolate souffle. If I don't warm up right, it won't rise.

Bwahhahahaha.

What other tv dramas are you hooked on?

♥ Help Japan recover

The longest night out

am_klutz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:35:55 GMT

When age catches up, you find yourself wanting to stay at home more and the word 'clubbing' ceases to even exists in my vocabulary. I can't even recall when was the last time I went out to club, if I do go out for drinks, I much rather hang out at a chill-out bar where I can hear myself speak. Call it age but that's what happens when you settle down and look at life differently :P

For the rare occasions that I do go out and stay out till late, is when friends are visiting and are in town or for a hen's party or something. TS was in town briefly and I promised her that I'll hang out and I probably broke my record by staying out till 4am that night! I miss this girl so much. Seeing her a few times a year across the ocean just isn't enough. But you know what, friendship spans across miles, half across the world and I thank my lucky stars for having such a friend in my life. I think that deserves another post by itself so i'll not digress :P

I'm utterly happy that TS' beau and B.T have finally met! We both said that they are so similar in character, they would get along well and we were so excited for them to meet. Haha. Good times. Indeed.

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Canele

am_klutz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:00:47 GMT

I've always loved Canele for its desserts and food and thought our guests from SF might enjoy it too. They did. The sweet crepes are always a sure winner and the cakes are good too. The macarons seem pretty popular too and I'm making a mental note to try them some time soon.

♥ Help Japan recover

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Week in pictures

am_klutz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 08:17:46 GMT

1) Bunch of flowers on my finger to brighten up my day :)

2) Mr Bean's icy chocolate soy milk after a run is heavenly. I wish I could buy a store!

3) When my close friend told me she was pregnant some time back, I got excited and wanted to get her a gift. Afterall, mommy is often forgotten and everyone buys things for the baby and not her. My trip to the U.S didn't materialize so I couldn't get the intended gift so this was a small substitute from Bangkok. She loves it :)

4) Grocery pick-up. Brown Brother's Rosa. Yummy yum.

5) My man carrying the heavy groceries.

A : Need help?
B.T : Nah. I don't want you to compress your spine and become shorter.
A : -_-

6) I've read that wearing shades protect your eyes from getting wrinkles around your eyes and according to B.T, early onset of cataracts! So, wear your shades!!

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Over and over again

am_klutz — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 08:02:23 GMT

After 3.5 years, I still find myself falling in love with him over and over again :) It's the best feeling in the world, being in love with your best friend, the one who makes me laugh day in and day out.

You. Me. Together. Us.

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Miz

am_klutz — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:22:37 GMT

Dynamite oysters

Miz Japanese Restaurant is a few doors away from Pasta Brava (one of my favorite Italian restaurants) and I've always walked past it making a mental note to 'try it out the next time' but never quite got around to doing it. It was in fact, a colleague of mine who had recently moved to a new place around the area that introduced it to us and a bunch of us swung by the other night.

Don't expect any fancy ambience here just decent Japanese food that is priced reasonably. The must-orders are the dynamite oyster and scallops. If you have tried the 'Shiok Maki' at Koh's Sushi at Wisma foodcourt, this is quite similar in taste. I'm not typically a big fan of oysters but I wouldn't mind eating a few portions of this variant. I swear anything with Japanese mayonnaise tastes extra yummy.

We ordered a few more dishes and our mains and frankly, all turned out well. The tofu steak was another winner - love the lightly fried skin that was soaked in a sweet sauce. B.T's beef shabu shabu came in a modest serving size but the broth was light and tasty with tender pieces of beef.

Ramen is offered at Miz but there is only one option - pork ramen so I ordered that and if you like ramen noodles that are the yellow sort, springy and slightly chewy, this one will win you over. I still prefer the Hokkaido white and hard ramen (ones served at Tampopo) or the ones at Miharu but this one is quite nice for a change as well. The pork bone broth is thick, not too salty and decent oomph in flavor. Pork pieces are different from the usual char siew slices and are instead chunks with thick layers of fat. Personally, I prefer the traditional char siew slices. But overall, a good bowl of ramen, loads of noodles and definitely fulfilling.

I'm quite glad we finally checked out Miz and we are quite certain that we will be back.

Miz Japanese Restaurant
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
+(65) 6225 5761

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Dynamite scallops

tofu steak

beef shabu shabu

reminds me of my mini lucky (fat) cat

pork ramen

Imperial Treasure

am_klutz — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:10:25 GMT

The other day, I ate at Imperial Treasure (one of my favorite dim sum places) and discovered two items that I have never had before! Yes. Never. I don't know why but omg I can't believe what I have been missing out on!

The baked char siew bun has to be the best char siew bun ever. Succulent flavorful (sinful) chunks of meat inside a glazed baked bun that is so friggin' delicious, I had to make a conscious effort to just stop at one because I know that ain't too good for my arteries. The next item was the custard bun which was beyond description. I have had custard buns before but none came close to the one at Imperial Treasure. Look at that bright yellow eggy mixture that was oozing out of the skin. It was buttery, very eggy, sweet, warm and heavenly.

The next time I visit Imperial Treasure, those two items are going to be the first that I'll order.

Imperial Treasure
75 Airport Boulevard
#01-02 Crowne Plaza Hotel (next to Changi Airport T3)
Singapore
+(65) 6822 8228

There are outlets at Ion, Ngee Ann City, Great World City and a few more others I believe

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10 totally new ways to play with Instagram

am_klutz — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 06:20:45 GMT

I'm a huge Instagram addict, can't get enough of Pinterest as well and I've a Tumblr account somewhere. Picture blogging and collecting in the case of Pinterest, is pretty neat. This latest tech article on 10 new ways to play with Instagram caught my eye.

I got Inkstagram now which means I can READ Instagram on my macbook instead of just the phone and many more. Check it out!

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The beauty regime

am_klutz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:41:46 GMT

I had a few questions on the 'make-up' and previously on skin care that I use so I figured it's easier to do a short post of it.

I typically don't use a lot of make-up unless it's for a special event or dinner date and my routine is more focused on skin care and protection versus piling on tons of powder. I believe in leaving your skin fresh and natural as far as possible and using some make-up for necessary coverage and to enhance features. :)

I do switch around brands for some products like mascara, facial foams, eye makeup and chapsticks but for the general skincare routine, I stick to what has been working for my skin. For example, I have been using SK2 for ages and I even got my mom and sis hooked onto it. However, it also doesn't work for everyone as each individual has different skin types with different requirements. I believe in trying out with samples to test suitability and no matter how popular a brand/product might be - don't use it if it doesn't suit you! I love BB Cream and it gives me a lovely coverage BUT it makes me break out so I rarely use it.

Daily skincare routine

This to me is the most important part of my beauty routine. No matter how tired I am, I'll go through this routine. My mom taught me from young never to stinge on skin care products. She said anything that you put on your face is worth splurging on and you can use cheaper products for the body. I've been using quality skincare products since young. I prefer to use oil-free products so most are water-based.

Clockwise from extreme left -

Origins facial cleanser - Nice smelling and cleanses well.

SKII clear lotion - toner after washing. Toner is very important!

SKII Miracle water - I don't know how to explain this, but it just works!

The Face Shop moisturizer - I don't normally use this but the smell was enticing so I tried it and it's been good so far but not as intensive as my H20+ moisturizer.

H20 moisturizer - water based moisturizer. Been using this for years too.

SKII anti spots serum - use this on my age spots, freckles. The problem with being naturally fair! -_-

H20 eye cream - light and non-greasy.

Clockwise from extreme left -

Burt's bees chapstick - not picky over chapstick. I use whatever catches my eye. My lips are naturally reddish in color so I hardly put on lip color and only chapstick. I love those with fruity flavors :P

L'OReal minerals coverage - Great for age spots above my eye brow -_-

Physician's Formula mineral powder - I lightly brush it on after I apply powder.

Biotherm facial sunblock 50SPF - my absolute favorite sunblock. A MUST even when I'm indoors!

Boots No.7 luminating liquid - I apply a little after putting on sunblock for a 'dewy' look.

Ponds powder - this is like talculm powder for the face. It costs a few bucks from Boots :p I use this on weekends.

Water powder - Can't recall this Korean brand, it's from a beauty shop at Plaza Singapura. I pat this on after the No.7 luminating liquid. It's not foundation or face powder and works just to matify my face.

Shiseido eye lash curler - best ever

PN by Shiseido blusher - I've been using this for years

Shu Umera mini blush brush - I try to get everything in travel size so it's easy for travel.

Shu Umera lash repair - helps protect my lashes

PN by Shiseido eye brow pencil - been using this for years too!

MAC eyebrow brush - Also from a travel kit range

The Face Shop white eyeliner - I use this to highlight certain parts around my eyes.

These are miscellaneous products that I might not necessarily use on a daily basis. It depends on whether I have time or sometimes I just want to give my skin/hair a break.

Clockwise from extreme left -

Bare Escentuals minerals - I love the coverage it provides but it does make me break out slightly so I use this mainly for special occasions!

Essentials hair serum - to tame my super fine flyaway hair.

Bumble & Bumble sea salt spray - best invention ever to give volume and texture and that 'beach look'.

Boots No.7 4-in-1 facial wipes - great for wiping off make-up or fuss free face cleansing when I am in a rush.

Bobbi Brown neutral eye shadow - Love neutral eye colors. I use the coffee color as an eyeliner.

Shu Umera shimmer eye shadow - It has glitter in it so this is used for night functions.

MAC 'Heartless' lipstick - RED lipstick which I discovered that suits me really well!

Paul & Joe lipstick - soft pink lipstick

Paul & Joe liquid eye shadow - for more intense shimmer and to help powder eye shadow stay on longer

Khiel's spot corrector - BEST cure for pimples!

Maybelline mascara - cheap and it works

Sounds like I use a lot but actually, it's hardly any. The sad thing is that people have told me that I look the same before and after makeup -_- I like the natural look anyway so I guess it works. I usually take 30-40 minutes to get ready in the morning including shower, skin care routine, change and make-up. My make-up routine takes usually around 10 minutes as I tend to spend at least 15 minutes in the shower trying to wake up under the hot shower!

P.S Does anyone use a hair curling iron? I have the multi-purpose one from Philips and it doesn't seem to curl my hair at all! I'm wondering if it's due to my fine hair texture which is usually very very hard to style (testified by hair stylists - my hairdo for my sis' wedding had over THIRTY pins in it -_- ) or whether the hair iron isn't good. Any recommendations?

♥ Help Japan recover

I am a runner

am_klutz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:46:27 GMT

I am a runner. Yup. I can totally relate to this video. Bwahhahahahaahhaa! :P

I have no idea why I love running and why I want to run 7 marathons (5 more to go) but I do.

♥ Help Japan recover

The perfect cheese platter

am_klutz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 05:12:25 GMT

Photo taken from 'Cup of Jo' website

Joanna Goddard's blogsite 'A Cup of Jo' is one of my favorite lifestyle blogs which I have been following for awhile. I love her hairstyling tips, stories of her new baby, fashion and general random stuff. Her recent entry on 'A handy guide to creating the perfect cheese platter was delightful!

I never quite put much thought whenever I served one but this guide makes a lot of sense and I will be trying to follow it in future! Oh golly! I'm craving for a good platter right now. Now. Now. Now.

♥ Help Japan recover

Midweek outfits

am_klutz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:09:49 GMT

Brandless dress worn as a top, Stradivarius bandage skirt, silver beans necklace (can't recall from where), Tag Heuer bracelet watch, Converse wedges, Miu Miu tote

Old Navy tee, Stradivarius polka dot tulip skirt, Casio metallic bracelet watch, Tiffany double ring necklace, MBMJ bangle, brandless giraffe ring, almond toe shaped Christian Louboutins

Loving the ridiculously large bow in the front center

Whimsical ring and my favorite bangle of the moment

Love.

I've reached my quota for wearing heels for the week :p Two days in a row, I think I might be wearing them again tomorrow night.

I've discovered that wearing heels can be comfortable if you get the right fit, a quality pair and comfortable height (3 inch is my absolute max). I still wear flats more than I do heels but sometimes it is nice to trot around in heels and feeling ultra feminine and tall(er).

♥ Help Japan recover

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Practical additions

am_klutz — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:47:56 GMT

1) Our current cutesy Mr Egg measuring spoon is quite hopeless especially in measuring out liquids. This magnetic long measuring spoons are fab! They fit into long and narrow jars and stack up together for compact storage.

2) The markings of our cheap plastic measuring cup have worn off and I've been doing guesstimates! Loving these collapsible rubber measurement cups. Stores easily in a small space :)

3) We've been making tea and sharing a tea strainer. I decided it's more practical to get a tea pot. This Matryoyshka tea set is perfect! It comes with a tea strainer inside the pot and both cups stack nicely on top of the tea pot and saves space :) Yes, it's rather dainty for B.T that's why I previously got for him the classic 'coffee' and 'tea' mugs in red and blue.

♥ Help Japan recover

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