Mothers' Day & My Birthday

On Saturday, after the adults had cast their votes, we had lunch at Bosses at Vivocity to celebrate Mothers' Day.

On Sunday, my aunt bought 2 chocolate cakes from Awfully Chocolate, one was pure chocolate while the other is chocolate banana, to celebrate Mothers' Day as well as my birthday. That evening, we ate pizza.

Today, the parents took a day off as my mother had a checkup near Orchard Road. I finally managed to buy The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide from Kinokuniya. And it's in hardcover, no less.

I also bought a bracelet from Pandora. I wished I had more choices to choose from, but the beautiful ones are too expensive. I got one murano glass and 2 sterling silver charms. When there are memorable moments in the future, I guess I could just add on to bracelet, which is supposed to be the whole point.

It's been a wonderful weekend and though tomorrow is my birthday, the days leading up to it are always better and full of anticipation. I'll like to thank everyone who have make this birthday special for me, especially the parents.

Books & Buildings

Look at this lovely new book cover! I just went Woah! when I saw it. Clearly, it's Artane with that lovely strand of beach. Sigh.

Maybe, just maybe I may buy it for fun? Because this is not a new book at all, it contains 2 stories in one which I have already read before.

Yesterday, I made a trip down to Orchard with my brother to try my luck on getting my hands on One Enchanted Evening.

I knew Borders would not have it but I went to check it anyway. We bought drinks from Coffee Club and walked down to Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City.

I was to make a reservation for the book. I didn't know know exactly what the person told me. She said that because it was the first time in print and just came out in the States, they don't know if their suppliers are getting the book or not. And they will contact me about it. But, it will take about 4 to 6 weeks for it to arrive.

What I am worried about is that I won't know it if they contact me on my phone. Last time, they called me twice and I didn't pick up because I was working. It was by sheer luck that I went down to check and found that my books had arrived.

I suppose I can recognise the number though. In my estimation, it won't take more than 2 weeks for the new book to arrive in Singapore. However, that goes my hope for ever getting it in time for my birthday.

See? That's why I lament living in a place far away from the happenings of the world, particularly USA. When there are good things going on, we're the "last" to receive it. If we ever want to learn more, we have to fly halfway across the world to get it with the air ticket being freaking expensive.

Yes, I know, there are advantages and disadvantages living in different countries.

Don't get me wrong. I do love Singapore. It's just that we are so backward in certain aspects, like entertainment. We may be ahead and con-current with world news but when it comes to entertainment matters, no way.

We can see it but we can't touch it. And it hurts.

After that, we took the Circle Line for the first time since its recent opening to Marina Bay. Boy, did we walk a long way from Promenade Station to Marina Square.

Met up with the rest of family at Dian Xiao Er for an early celebration of Mothers' Day.

Then, we walked down to The Helix. It's rather beautiful. Steel beams interweaving each other to form an overhead. As usual, there were lots of people all wanting to get a first look at the newly erected Marina Bay Sands.

It's just too bad that we didn't manage to get into the building since the narrow walkway was chock full of people and we ended up getting stuck. We did a U-turn and went back.

Ahh well, when everything officially open at June, we will go back.

We were all sweaty and tired. Actually, we wanted to have a drink at Coffee Club but there were no seats for us. We then went to Starbucks at Suntec City.

Went home afterwards and watched a few snippets of Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King. Even though I have watch it many times, I still can't get enough of the movie.

In Which We Talk of Books

If there is one thing I can't live without, it would be books. And chocolates and Internet and laptop and ice-cream...

Anyway, back to the main topic, which the title already displayed clearly.

Hooray for the industry! Not so much for my pocket. There are a couple of new novels coming out and I'm getting them! What else is new?


First of, surprise, surprise from Stephenie Meyer!

She is releasing a new novella titled "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner". After a year or more hiatus, it's awesome she is releasing this. Although, this novella was written before Twilight was published. It is originally meant for the Twilight Guide but it's too long to be included, so, now it's a stand-alone.

I love the cover! Its matching cover with the rest of the Twilight saga books means that it is meant to be a collectible. I can't wait to read the darker side of the Twilight vampire universe. All we ever read was the good side and sometimes, the other side. This story does not have a happy ending, that I can say as much.

Some fans are not too happy about this piece of news. They wanted Midnight Sun. Me? I'm thrilled with whatever Stephenie gives. Of course, who doesn't want Midnight Sun? However, she is in no obligation to owe fans anything. I think some mistook that fact.


This is also Twilight-related. It's a graphic novel. There is two volumes to it and what I'm most thrill about is that I can finally see how the characters look like. Really. Non of that movie-'nonsense'. No Robert Pattinson look-a-like here.

It's here in Singapore but unfortunately, it's so expensive! I don't understand why. Amazon and Borders USA are selling it at US$11+, in Singapore, a freaking S$36+. Do the conversion and you will see that the bookstore is extorting us. Urgh. I now wonder if I should ask my friend to help me get it instead.

Last but the the least, the novel on my book watchlist, One Enchanted Evening by Lynn Kurland.

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Yay! I've been waiting for this for a long time. At first, it was to be Isabella's story. Now, apparently, it's Montgomery's. It's great though. He is one of my favourite characters in the De Piaget family.

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I can't wait till he met his 'fairy'! Love the book cover, it's of Sedgewick castle, the place where they met. It will be out on April 27th. I'll give it a few days to reach Singapore's shores and off to Kinokuniya!

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I sincerely hope the novel will be there. I'm going to get so angry and upset if there isn't.

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During the period of obsession with Kurland's novels, what I can find in the library database, I reserved and booked them with a small fee. I spent a not-so-small amount buying the others, even flying them in from overseas (without extra charges).

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All in all, I'm pretty pleased with myself. I managed to read most of her novels, except one or two.

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This is the novel not to be missed. Lynn Kurland is publishing a novel each year, at least that's her plans. I like people who have plans and stick to them.

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Actually, all these new books here are not to be missed. Alas for my funds then. Although, what's a little money in exchange for happiness and fantasies?

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Fresh Reads

Fresh catches from the bookstore!

My eyes nearly bulged out when I saw the total amount. Goodness, while I brought enough money, the price really caught me by surprise. But, I'm pleased for once, so that should mean something.

I went to Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City today after lunch. It was a date with myself. What? I think it's a good idea to go out alone, particularly when I have clear goals in mind. Besides, the things I love and do are somewhat "off" from what others like.

I can't imagine why there were so many people on the MRT, on an weekday afternoon to boot. Anywho, no seats for moi. But, of that, I already know. Nowadays, it is so difficult to get a seat on the MRT, it doesn't help that seats are taken off to make way for more capacity rate. Afterall, when people are standing instead of seating, the space one occupies is smaller.

I already did my research on the books I want and they are available at Kinokuniya. I went straight to Ngee Ann City via the walkway from Ion Orchard.

As usual, there are tourists around, holding maps and taking pictures Singaporeans normally won't take. Actually, I like seeing visitors acting all tourist-y. It gives me a fresh perspective and it is very refreshing to look through their eyes at the beauties of Singapore.

As a Singaporean, I do appreciate what Singapore has to offer. However, sometimes, even I need reminders to remain grateful and appreciative.

Of course, this is vice versa. I'm guilty of going to other countries and taking pictures of buildings and the scenery too. It must have seem so strange, to the citizens, these buildings are nothing to wonder at, they are there, they exist without any particular reason. But to tourists, they are a fresh look, something new from our country.

I ramble too much and enough philosophy for the day.

All in all, I bought 5 books. 3 of which are mine, something which I coveted. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters by Ben. H Winters, Thanks for the memories and The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern. For my brother, Percy Jackson and The lightning Thief and The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan.

This is the largest collection of books I have bought since forever. Usually, I just buy one or two at one go.

I wanted to go to Paragon next because I want to buy the mini OPI nail polish set at Metro. It is something I wanted since last Christmas. The price is atrocious but I thought "just this once". Who would have know that the weather was a party pooper and rained heavily when I reached Lucky Plaza.

Sighs. I'm not a frequent goer to Orchard Road, much less to the other shopping centres other than Wheelock Place and Ngee Ann City. I really don't know if there is any underground path leading to Paragon. Dejected, I went back to Ngee Ann City and leave for home.

It had been a great day, I must say. I got what I wanted, spent a huge sum on money on that too.

Ha, got my hands on it

Woohoo! I finally got my hands on Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles! And it's all due to sheer luck and some perseverance.

Alright, so I haven't tried 13 times but I certainly did make useless trips to Kinokuniya and Borders.

Yesterday morning , I went to see the dermatologist at Novena medical centre with my father and than I left for Orchard while my father went to work.

I went traipsing from Borders at Wheelock Place to Kinokuniya at Takashimaya. My destination to be was actually Kinokuniya because I wanted to order some novels. Yes, I was planning to order in Thirteen Chances.

However, I decided to make a trip to Borders first. I don't know what prompt me to do that but it certainly was right. Searched for it under the new releases section to no avail. I was going to give up when I went further down the aisle to the Romance section and 'lo and behold!', 2 copies of Thirteen Chances are sitting on the shelf!

I was grinning to myself as I check the book for defects. Happily paid for it. Oh well, Borders may mark up the prices but I'm willing to pay a little more if it means I can get my books on the spot. I may be the customer and have every right to choose which bookstore to patronise but what's a girl to do when only one bookstore offers the coveted novel.

Walked to Kinokuniya and double-checked the shelves. Already I knew the chances of them to update their shelves are minimal, however, I can't help but to check again. No such luck.

Placed an order for two of Lynn Kurland's novels with the staff.

It felt good and at the same time, I felt a little guilty. To add to my defense, the only things in life I indulge in are branded ice-cream, chocolates and books and some other stuff. Besides, I just got my pay and I haven't treat myself for that traumatic experience, nevermind that I'm suppose to save all...

Went home and started reading Thirteen Chances. I'll do a review for it in another entry.

Great day!

Had a great day yesterday! My mother was due for her eye check-up at Raffles Hospital after her surgery and I tagged along with my parents because I wanted to go to Borders and Kinokuniya.

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The check-up was surprisingly fast and we were on our way to Orchard at about 10 plus.
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We parked at Nee Ann City and I had a curry puff before walking to Ion Orchard to cross the underground linkway to Wheelock Place. I was feeling particularly like the tourists on the walk-way. The sun was not shining too brightly and the streets were quite empty for once. What a lovely feeling!
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This was my parents’ first time in Ion since my father hated crowds. The shops are opened and we decided to shop around later as I wanted to go Borders first. Had a hard time finding the linkway to Wheelock Place since this was only my second official time there.
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As usual, Borders fails to satisfy and amuse me. I’m beginning to feel irritate at it. The books I want are not available, even Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles which was just released from USA. I get it that importation takes time but why can’t my wish came true?
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In the end, I bought a novel by Lynn Kurland, the only available title at Borders. I’m wondering if they ever take stock and update their collection. This is not funny at all. I asked about the special orders from overseas and it will cost me $6.90 extra for each book.
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Walked to Ion again, this time to do window-shopping. Love the feeling of spaciousness! Decided to do lunch at the so-called famous Food Mall. It was quite empty except for a few patrons as lunch time was still not here.


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Finally found what I’ve been looking for! Royce Chocolate brings back fond memories of the memorable trip to Hokkaido 2 years ago. I remembered visiting the shop in Hokkaido and my auntie buying and sharing the chocolate squares on the bus.

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Royce is tucked away in a small corner at B4 at Ion. The store is awash in blinding white and gives it a clinical yet pristine feel. The various types of chocolates are displayed prominently in glass squares.
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One of the staff served us and let us tried the Champagne and Bitter Nama Chocolates. It is heavenly. Bought a box of Bitter Nama Chocolates which cost $15 and is stored in this silvery material to keep it cool for 5 hours. I’ll try the other products next time. The Potatochip Chocolates looks delicious...

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S$115 (Not by scale)

S$115 (Not by scale)

(Not by scale)

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Did more window-shopping. Gazed in wonderment at the prices of the Swarovski crystals figurines at Swarovski. The lighting effects and the cuts of the crystals make it shine and dazzle. Of course, it makes my hands itch. I’ve a soft spot for cute things. A couple of the crystal figurines caught my eyes and I went squeal.

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Went to ThreeSixty Marketplace located at F4 of Ion. It was so cold in there. And it will no doubt make you feel colder when you see the prices of some of the fruits. $68 for a watermelon, anyone? How about $100+ bunch of the finest grapes from Japan?

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Walked back to Takashimaya and we went to Kinokuniya. I looked for my books and finally bought another novel from Lynn Kurland. That’s it. I’m reserving the other titles from the library in Singapore. No chance in getting Thirteen Chances.
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I asked the Information counter about it and was told it will be here in about 2 week times. Once again, I asked about the special orders and it will cost me no extra to import a book. Wow, Kinokuniya really went my book-O-metre.
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I’ll probably go back in 2-3 week times to see.
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Went to the food section at Takashimaya and bought drinks. The boxes at the various chocolate stores are so pretty and cute! I’d love to get my hands on them.
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Bought some vegetables from Cold Storage and went home.
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What a morning! It’s been quite some time that the 3 of us went out on a weekday, to Orchard no less. One of favourite places in Singapore. Window-shopping is better than none at all.

I want that novel

Noooo!

Looks like I can't go to Borders or Kino next week. I should wait at least 2 weeks for the shipment to come in before spending money to make a trip to town and ended coming back home empty-handed.

I truly hate the bookstores in Singapore! @#$%*! And the libraries too!

I always envy those who can get books like this *with a snap of the fingers*.

I searched through Borders website in the US and Thirteen Chances by Cindy Miles is selling there. So is BarnesandNoble.com and amazon.com. Arghhh! I want that novel!

I can always ordered it through websites but it will take too long and I'm paranoid about people making off with the credit card number.

Singapore can be so stagnant in advancements...