"What defines us is how well we rise after falling"

Shall update of what I've been busy with for the past week.

On Wednesday morning, I headed down to RE to sign my contract. Am officially working under HSBC & commencing work tomorrow. *beams* 

Thankful for being blessed for all the hard work & efforts put into for the past 1.5months of job hunting. It hadn't been easy to be facing countless rejections, turning down offers, waiting for news & also all the preparation work for interviews with diff companies. I am glad I have managed to secure a job finally. & to add on, I am familiar with HSBC enviroment so I am pretty much happy to be returning to bank ops again. I promise to give myself 1month to adjust well & settle down in th job. This whole year will bring about new challenges and I know I can overcome them. Thankyou to family & friends who has been around with me giving me endless support, encouragement and advices. I will do my very best in this new chapt of my life :*)

There was one person that I had to be thankful to & so we had breakfast on Friday morning together. Everytime when we meet up, it's definitely endless sharing and catching up. Well, things have changed. & I am pretty glad that certain things don't. Like how our bonds don't change. Maybe its hard to say a year later but for now I am really thankful to still be able to visit her :)

Had dinner and drinks with gf, Tiffany, on friday night in town. She had asked me out for some girly talk so I reckon it would be good to have a drink too. We drank quite abit and the guys (Win & Amos) came over to get us after that. Headed for Tau Huay (for them) and then back home around 2am. I was feeling really worn out by th time I hit the sheets.

#OOTD
Dress: Hollyhoque
Bag: Hollyhoque



Love the caption; just slip it in. 

Saturday was spent on baking for Monday's bake sale. If I had started out earlier, I would have completed more Pineapple Tarts & cookies. But then with consecutive 10hrs of baking, I did around 10bottles in total. Could have been more but I was totally drained by 3am when I am all done and packed!

 

Who can resist these yummy CNY goodies?!

On Sunday, it was "Flea-Day". The sisters & I headed down to Scape to clear out all the clothes we have on hand. It was pretty average sales cause we were late due to the jams. Intending to clear the remaining 1/2 bag of clothes after CNY period. 

#OOTD
Top: The Stage Walk
Shorts: Love Bonito

Pretty in love with floral prints! This pair of shorts from Love, Bonito does complement me very well. Perfect for lazy weekends! :)

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Rachbake Bake Sale @ Bukit View Primary

The sales was pretty good for a first time bake sale. And I had a few more preorders in as well. Will definitely be very tied down to Rachbake this CNY festive season but am determined to do well and pull through! 

Aft the bake sale, headed home to place my stuffs and out for gym. Guess I have been religiously going for PT sessions with Kevin (my PT). He's one good trainer to work with. Always pushing me to my limts and beyond. Its funny how sometimes I'll tell him " I really hate you for this" when I am going on my limits. Yesterday's training was a good one. And I went for floating yoga aftermath since I had time and there was classes on. 

 

First time experience for Floating Yoga was awesome. I guess it helped me to be better in terms of flexibility and stretching of my muscles. I am going back for more classes in time to come! Glad that this decision to sign up for gym with CF was a well-spent one. I have been spending more time on working out then headin out for drinks like how I'd do it last time. And I always placed working out as my "me-time" that I portion out for myself; to reflect, distress and do better tomorrow. 

Am suffering the aftermath from VIPR training ytd; body aches all over but it sure feels good! 

Long day of errands to go. Gonna run along now! :)

Love, 

Rach

Quick Updates

Had an appointment early yesterday morning @ Labrador Park, Mapletree Business City. After the appointment ended, I headed down to Vivo since I had wanted to have some "alone-time" off for the afternoon. So I guess window shopping is definitely a good way. Needed to sort some thoughts of my future path that I will be takin 2years down th road frm now. 

Promised myself not to overspend and im glad I didnt! Only bought a new pair of shoes. Shall show y'all next time round when I wear it out. 

Lets start of with OOTD



Blazer: Ohvola
Shorts: Far East Plaza
Black Tank: Miyoc @ Jcube

Havent put on a blazer for quite some time and I guess weathers these days are perfect for blazers, knits and pants. But well, guess blazers gonna come to good use in time to come. 

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Headed for a free trial gym session today @ Celebrity Fitness located at Rochester Mall. Started off with a good run of 20mins, some weights and squats. Had a short chat with the PT with regards to the package offered & I was so so so thankful that things were coming my way! I decided to take up the package offered as it was kept within my monthly budget. Hee. *beams*

The gym outfit

Went back home in the noon to settle some misc stuffs. & the contractor came over to fix some cabling for us to expediate for the mio tv we signed up recently with Singtel.

Then came a good news en route to the bank, I was shortlisted for a role in HSBC under the Cards Product and Partnership Dept as an bank ops officer! Definitely a great piece of news as I was caught up in a huge dilemma last night over my future career path. But after much serious thoughts, I had decided that the banking line will definitley be of a better route for myself & the future. Thus, I had decided to accept the role. 

#randomthoughts:
I truly believe in the saying "Every storm runs outta rain, so dont give up". I pretty much like this quote when I first encounter it on twitter. Maybe it was also partially due to the fact that I was going through an emotional turmoil when I saw it. I found it very true & started to inculcate it into my life. For everything in life that I went through, I always tell myself to never give up & to give my best. Of course, it wasnt easy to be facing countless of rejections by different companies. Subsequently, I realize that the problem lies in me. I needed to brush up better on my interview skills, language & posture. I worked for it, practise and asked my sisters & friends for advices. I am glad I had taken this extra step cause subsequent interviews, I did better and better. & now, I made my mark!

To greatly learn and experience of these sayings isnt as easy but with faith and hard work, it will gradually come true. Life's fair; you get your fair share of ups and downs. I guess the previous 6months of emotional turmoil that took a whole on me wasnt totally a bad thing. From it, I had learnt how to become a better person to everyone I love, be more mature & responsible of myself & to take charge of my life and make choices more rationally. I still believe in love. However, I'd need a longer time to accept someone's love & trust again. Nevertheless, now  that good things are all rolling in for me, I will not forget to be thankful to all the people who love me and has given me endless support,enouragement, love & care through the past few months. Especially to my family, cause I know that if I had no place to hide, family will always be my shelter :*)

For the good or bad, I had put down and moved on better in life. And we dont hate nor curse but just hope that the people who were once in our lives are also doing good. Thats all. 

No hate, only love.

Love,
Rach

Clive turns ONE!

Woke up to a storm on Saturday Morning. It was bad cause I had to travel down to Robertson Quay by 1030am! Nonetheless, im glad the storm subsided when I was about to head out. So anw, it was Clive's 1st birthday @ TCC Robertson Quay! The girls & I had planned to go down an hour earlier before the party to help Mommy Angie with the decorations.

First, lets start off with #OOTD



Vest: Bugis Street ( @ a steal of $15!)
Max: Bugis Street
Belt: Unknown

Didnt know why but I just felt like donning on a maxi for the day. & to add on, the weather was just nice for it!

It was a brunch party kinda thingy from 11am-2pm. Some of the guys in our clique couldnt make it down so we only had the only male; Ivan with us that day. Basically, we caught up among ourselves over coffee, food and cakes. & there were lots of mommies, daddies and kids ard! It was totally like a kids paradise. Haha.




So happy that this photo was really well-taken since we managed to catch Clive looking right at the camera!Thats Little Clive in Mommy Angie's arms looking so adorable! :)

So aft the brunch ended, we caught a cab together to the train station since it was still pouring badly. Then I seperated with the girls as I took the other way back home. Felt really worn out en route back home. And didnt have much energy to head down to get some stuffs @ Vivo. It was definitely a good choice to head home as the weather was really bad & i was super worn out. 

Thankful for th girls being around always :*) and so much bonded since last year! Cheers to the friendship!

:D

Love,

Rach

Pepperoni Pizzeria at Binjai Park

Yesterday the uni-mates & I went for dinner over at Pepperoni Pizzeria @ Binjai Park to celebrate Ben's 25th birthday. Hehe, im sucha meanie to say out his "old age". Anyway, the three of us (Ish, Zw & me) were early so we had a beer & some fries along to chill & catch up while waiting for Ben and Zz who came late due to work. 

 

Photo Credits: Pepperoni Pizzeria Website

So anyway, we ordered like the biggest size pizza on the menu and their signature flavors to try since we had all been wanting to have this pizza since ages ago! Initially, we had wanted to make Ben finish up 1 whole giant size pizza by himself but felt that we shouldn't be such a bully & so we decided to share it all together among the 5 of us!

 

That's Ben looking happy & can't wait to indulge in his pizza feasting!

We also ordered Calamari & Chicken Wings as sides to go along. The sides were pretty pricey and I would say it was only mediocre. But the pizza was da bomb!So after dinner, we had the waiter brought out the cuppycakes I baked for Ben. Service was top-notch! I was surprised when they actually placed the cupcakes onto the plate & lighted it up with candles for us. I even brought my own candles along! But guess it wasn't needed then. Then again, I'd give thumbs up for the attentiveness of the staff. 

I baked 12 of them since I reckon that 25 would seem impossible to finish. But anyways, he was supposed to finish them ALL by himself but we gave him a chance off. 

I think that these Red Velvet Cupcakes matches so well with his cardigan. HAHAHA! Happy 25th dude!

Got the friendly staff to snap a group shot for us. I reckon that Ben purposely took the back cause it was just under the lights and he could be easily seen in the photo! HAHAHA! The joke of him being "dark" nv ends. This photo was quite well-taken. We all looked great inside! Hee. And that Zz (next to me) who's a very talented friend of mine! :D

We decided to head for Udders @ Bukit Timah since the night was still early. The guys ordered like 2pints of ice-cream with 4flavors in total to share. No pictures cause we were busy wolfing them down. 

Thankful for this friendship with the uni-mates. Even though the "bimbo" thing of me nv ends, I still love them as much and thank them for always being there! More birthdays to come by.

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Side note, yesterday was also one of the best days so far in 2013! I am glad and thankful that after months of not speaking to each other, th silence between me and N broke off and we began talking like good old friends again! And it was through the conversation that I got to know much more. Thankful that she had been a great friend not a lousy one (since she felt bad that she wasnt ard when I needed someone). And that we had this friendship back and talking again. Nothing beats this wonderful feeling you get! To add on, Popular Holdings offered me a A&P Executive position and I'll be starting work at the end of January! Though I compromise with the salary but I guess it was pay off with experience and things I will gain along the way. Seems like good things roll in altogether yesterday. And I am thankful for all the good that had been brought to me and will continue being thankful. 

Love,
Rach

#RACHBAKE

Recently I finally managed to attend the legendary Red Velvet Cupcake Class held by Sarahloft! However, a little different this time round as Justin will be the one teaching instead. Nonetheless, though of many last minute complications that came in latter, the class was still able to carry on. I am really thankful and at the same time, I made a new baker during class! That's one reason why I love baking. You'll meet new people, talk to them & share the baking thoughts together :)

So anyways. I had to say that my first attempt during the class was quite a good one. Even though I am always very nervous x 10000000 when it comes to frosting! I'll just tremble and my frosting would turn out likewise. But thanks to Justin for helping me and giving me proper guidance on frosting, I managed to improve gradually. Hee. 

Yesterday night, I decided to bake again cause my dearest himz aka Ben birthday is around the corner! And we had decided to meet for pizza tonight @ Binjai Park fo a mini celeb together. To be honest, I was really skeptical about attempting it as it will be all on my own this time round. But nonetheless, give my courage, heart & soul in. AND IM THANKFUL IT TURNED OUT SUPER WELL! PHEW!!! Esp my frosting! 

TADAH! Box of 12! 

The strawberries were lying around in the fridge and thus I decided to be creative to slice them and top it off as a decor! One look at it tells that my frosting skills still needs BIG ROOM of improvement! Hiak hiak, will be brushing up on my frosting! And baking it during CNY for friends and family to eat! 

It definitely is true that when you put your heart & soul into doing something and along the way telling yourself that you will be able to achieve it, you'll definitiely achieve it! Though you may still bump into hiccups along the way but no pain no gain right? 

Am pretty looking forward to meet my bimb & himz tonight! Been long since I saw the guys! More new CNY bakes upcoming for next week; peanut, almond, cornflakes & the legendary PINEAPPLE TARTS! Tell me, who can resist pineapple tarts during CNY?!

Good day!

Love, Rach

Time flies & in the blink of an eye, we're 3rd week of 2013

Just another 2 weeks to go before CNY dawns in & all th endless feasting begins.

However, I am so glad that after all these while, I am still being VERY disciplined and keeping up to my weekly workout routine;
Jogging twice/thrice a week & full body core muscles workout.
More areas to be work on & I must do it!

I was contemplating whether I shld do a short  post of 2012 & felt that I shld!
It will serve as a good reflection for myself and to be better in 2013! *HWAITING*


Great start of 2012; Our new place was finally ready! The parents & sisters were rather excited about the move. We spent lots of weekends on furniture shopping (me missing out quite a few) and moving stuffs bit by bit during our free time! And as the date seems to be nearing, we were more excited than before! The move was set to be in May. & boy, we had a tedious 3days of house moving though th new place was only a street away from the old's. HAHA. All the unpacking was insane! But I'm glad we did it together as a family! It does feel good to be doing this altogether and helping each other. I guess the house moving had been a great bonding family time for us!



Mid way through the year, I was still in the midst of my uni studies. While having to juggle house-moving & exams during May, it was MADNESS. I was glad to have a shelter over at my then bf's place t crash for mugging & proper sleep since the house was pretty much in a mess to be conducive. Pretty thankful to his family for embracing me & making sure I have my full during dinner time with them, always on the lookout for me, calling me & including me in every of the family's activities. I do felt so loved as though I found new parents & grandparents. And of course, new siblings.



And yup, the then-bf left for 1.5months of summer exchange over in California, Berkeley. Well, it was pretty much of an experience and a real test for us & the relationship. We had changes to our lifestyle & ways of communication as well since the timings differs alot. We made adjustments and got use to it somehow after 3weeks? During the holidays, I wasnt able to land in a short-term job and thus decided it would be of a good break at home. Felt guilty though fo having my mom still "money-pocketing" me :/ Thanks mommykins!



But anyways, the 1month of holidays ended like what seems to be flying past so fast. I was basically prepping to be returning to school for the final semester of school! So glad it was gonna be over in 3mths as it would also mean that im finally done & over with studies! Might miss that a lil still. Being a student, def is still a better choice if I were to choose again.

As well as, I was fighting an emotional battle for 2-3months. It was nonetheless, something I never thought would come across again. Maybe cause you felt that this person would be the one you will spend with or settle down with. Utter disappointment, hurt and tears just filled my 3months. But for sure one thing I did not regret till date would be ending it off with a nice note. & to the lovely parents, grandparents & the 2 naughty ones, it had been a great time meeting them, bonding and always having endless fun together. Im so glad that im well-liked and that we bonded pretty well & close together. 

However, the 3months of emotional battle taught me alot more than and made me grow. I thought I had lost someone that I gave my all but in actual fact all the gains I had made me realize that the loss was just a minor one. Indeed, I lost him. But I had gained new friendships with his current friends, new bonds with his mom, met new people, made new friends, bonded back with my family & now closer than before, found back friendships and even rebuild some. People whom I had neglected for th past 10mths, I had them back. Some did left. But the true ones stayed on. Despite all these neglections to them, through my 3mths of emotional battle, they were their 24/7. Anytime when I needed a shoulder, a listening ear and somewhere to hide, they were there to embrace me and just allow me to do whatever would made me feel better. I will never forget how hard I cried outside and right in front of them. At the same time, I found another self of "me". It was something I nv knew existed within me. The "stronger" me. I rmb clearly how I drove to a quiet street during midnight, locked the car & just cried non-stop. I was lost and didnt know where I could go. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to be alone. I cried so hard till I was outta breathe. Aft 3hrs, I calmed down, started to be more clear-minded and rethink of my next step in life. I felt tired and went back home t bed. After this break-up, I had a hard time moving on initially. I took 2months to find back my routes for myself; as to where I would wanna go and be doing. And through the 2months, my perspective changed. I realize i became better and more mature along the way. I learnt new things and perspectives of life. And the constant love from the family, friends and everyone else was enough to keep me going even though it still hurts. I do cry to sleep certain nights, waking up to check my phone still, looking at photos and fb. I didnt sleep well, eat well nor live well. But I kept going though the grief still lives inside. But I guess it was also all these things that pushes me going and subsequently, the pain ease off quite alot. I didnt look bck as much nor think as much.

It was also then I found my route in life. I know clearly that I had wanted a change in myself and to be better person. I decided to start off with being a better family member to everyone in the family, then a better friend and subsequently myself. I found a new love; baking. And it was a talent. I did well in it. I merely started off with a cinnamon roll class at a home baker's class. From then, I learnt much more and started to bake even more. Friends & non-friends enjoyed them and I always feel good to see them eating my cookies or bakes so happily. Just brings a smile across my face. Definitely a sense of achievement as well!

Moving on with life, as I felt that the wound was getting better, I spent more time on family and friends. Those were the people who brings me joy in life and I thank each and every of them being there with me. Nonetheless, from my own experience, I started to help and advise my friends who met with their down times in life. It feels great upon helping. And I learnt to be a better friend. Give more, expect less

































I also started to sleep better, eat better & spend my time wiser as each other passes by. The happy thing was gaining back the weight; sign of happiness. And looking healthier & toner now. I dont look as sick and skinny as before. I like how I am now. Skinny but looking toned and healthy and also more radiant now. Im also feeling much more happier.

Maybe the best thing in Jan'13 was I know clearly I had moved on and no longer even looking back. They always say time will tell & heal all wounds. I strongly reciprocate with this saying. Through time, I see things in a clearer light & different perspective which made me stronger emotionally as well. And I've also greatly learnt to accept things the way it is. Resistance will only hinder u further & makes u more miserable. The same goes for hate.It really is true that if you hate, you'll live in misery. & if you learnt to let go & walk on, life is much more happier than before.

Sometimes I feel thankful for being able to go through this tough period of my life. It taught me alot and make me gained alot more too.

 :)