Ways to shop for christmas..well MY way that is...

Well guys, it's the time of year again. Christmas. 

Have you started your christmas shopping yet? 

Its almost the end of november and in a week's time it is December. 

What about me? you ask. Well I haven't either. 

But with school, work, a thought of how "december is a month away" and my laziness,

I just couldn't be bothered to start shopping early. 

Hence, I came up with some hacks or rather strategies to shop for people like me. 

Where you just keep putting off the idea of "shopping for gifts" to the last minute.

                        

1. Set a date to shop

Block a day in your calendar to shop. By setting a date to shop, you will be motivated to go out that day because you already planned it and you can't give yourself any excuse because you blocked an entire day for it. 

2. Plan your presents ahead 

Planning is key if you want to save time and get away from the shopping crowd as fast as possible. 

List the things your friend might like and circle the the things you want to buy for them. Knowing what you want to buy for your friends will save time for you rather then just walking back and forth in a mall. If you are unsure what to get for you friend looking at the list, write down the stall(s) you think might have gifts your friends might want and go straight to that stall to find a gift. 

3. Pick a mall 

Try to pick one mall that has every shop that suits the people you want to buy presents for (e.g. Vivocity). If you really cant think of a gift for your friends, by choosing a mall that has everything, will save you on transportation. 

4. Get friends to shop with you 

Shopping by yourself might allow you to wrap things faster, however it is always good to have another opinion on the things you want to get.

                                    

5. Dont leave wrapping to the last minute 

If you know you won't have the time to wrap the gifts, get the store to wrap them. Some malls offer free wrapping if you buy until a certain amount (another perks of shopping in one mall). Also, shops like kinnokuniya offers free wrapping services, therefore if you have no time to wrap you can consider going to these stalls to get your presents! 

6. Wait till christmas sale starts 

I leave my shopping till  December due to 1 reason -Christmas Sales. You can get things cheaper at some stalls and even some online sites. Also, if you own credit cards, things may be cheaper as well at some stalls. Therefore, always. ALWAYS wait for christmas sales (but of course do not wait till the day before christmas to buy stuffs) 

                                  

7. Look to online sites for small gifts 

Really out of time or need to buy small gifts for a bunch of people? Take a look at Taobao or Qoo10. 

Tao bao is a really good place to look at when you have to buy gifts for a lot of people because things are costed in 'yuan' which is cheaper than in singapore. And also, the site has everything under the sun so it will cater to all the gift ideas you have. However, the downside is that you need to know how to read in chinese and you would need to order early for it to arrive before christmas cuz shipping takes time especially if it is via ship. (probably at least 1-2 weeks before x'mas) 

If you are out of time but still want to save a couple bucks OR you need to buy things in bulk, go for Qoo10. They have offers at times when you order in bulk and some things are cheaper at certain times of the day/week. Also, they sell make-up/beauty products cheaper then retail stores (at most cases).  However, do take note of the delivery time as well and also read the reviews so that you get what you pay for. 

                                       

8. Last minute resort- Homemade gifts 

If you really don't want to mingle with the christmas crowd to shop, try making home-made gifts. 

Drop by ikea where you can get jars, frames and other crafts stuff to make something. Spotlight is an ideal place as well however, it could be a tad bit expensive. 

Something I made last year was a mix disc and it got a good response among my friends. So, you could consider that for a small gift. Sharing the gift of music never goes wrong 

To get inspired, check out sites like pintrest, iheartnaptime, the 36th avenue, The gunny sack

Personally, I love the gunny sack's idea especially as a personalized gift for your friend. 

So! That is all for my tips and tricks to shopping for christmas and I hope at least 1 point is helpful for you. 

Let me know if you have any other idea or tricks to shopping for christmas! 

Cheers and happy shopping :) 

P.s Some other sites regarding christmas hacks that I like. Check 'em out! 

10 life hacks you need to know for christmas- Instructables 

Gift wrapping tips and tricks- Business insider

Gift Guide- Buzzfeed  

Then and Now

I was on the train the other day to Tanjong Pagar when I just glanced out the window on the way to Clementi. 

There was a temple with a huge Buddha statue and behind that was the holding school that I used to attend when my primary school was under construction. Or should I say it used to be behind the temple. 

When I passed by that day, behind the temple stood two tall buildings of what looked like a HDB. I tried to see if the holding school was still there or was torn down but the train kept moving and I couldn’t see it.

As I passed it, I suddenly thought to myself how much time has passed and how much Singapore changed. Just 11 years ago when I studied there, I could still see the train passing by from the open field in that school when I had PE.

Looking back at Singapore as a whole, I realised Singapore changed so much. 

Where gardens by the bay stands today used to be a park where my parents brought me to cycle on the weekends when I was 7. There wasn’t an ION mall when I was 10 and big splash at East Coast still boasted its slide whenever I passed it. (Though I remember it being closed whenever I went past it.)Heck, Queensway’s cinema was still there whenever I passed by it and I remember when I was very young, it had a billboard painted and left outside though there wasn’t any movie playing inside.

But as Singapore evolves into a globalized city, it would mean that we need to “upgrade” our city as well and the places that are forgotten would be taken down one by one. 

However, little do we know that these places that are forgotten still holds memory to some of us and only when the media reports that it is going to be taken down or demolished do we realise ‘oh…’. We always assume something would be there, however when we try to revisit it 5 years down the road we realise a huge brand new building has replaced the one that held you memories

It isn’t just buildings. Our transportation has also evolved a lot in just a mere 13 years. When I was in Primary 1, there was only 2 lines Red and Green. But now, we have Red, Green, Purple, Yellow and Dark Blue. (I go by colors because I can’t seem to remember their read names…as you can tell I’m not good with directions)

Though we moan and groan about the speed of the train or how the buses isn't coming when you are rushing for a meeting, take a step back and compare it to the past. 

Our buses has also became so efficient! With the ez link card and buses coming every 15 minutes or so, it has changed so much to keep up with the fast-paced life we lead. (we don't even have to push the button nor figure out how much we need to pay to go to a certain place cuz the machine counts it for us now) 

Do you remember this? Do you remember what it used to do?
Took this one day when I was on the bus. Gotta take it before it disappears!

 

Photo Credit: Google Images

I don’t know if it is just me but I felt that in the past, time seemed to go slower. Now, it feels like time goes to fast that you’d think “shit. Did 24 hours just passed?”

I’m not sure if it is because I’m now all grown up and my life revolves around deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines. But it seemed like the sun stayed out long enough for me to enjoy myself.

But one thing is for sure. Change is needed as people are evolving now and the society around us is always improving. I am definitely one that supports having these changes around but its just a bit hard to believe how fast things are changing.

It kinds of scares me at times but I still look forward to see how much our country will change in the next 10 years. Not only our country but the world as well.

Maybe in my next post, I should talk about the habits and things that changed over the 10 years or so.

Till then, how about re-visiting that place you grew up at or a place you used to hang out after school (whether primary or secondary) and see if it is still there.

Cheers. 

Back Online and probably going back Offline

Back from a long hiatus and would probably go back to another hiatus after this post.

So what's up guys! Finally found a time to actually jot down a new post! 

Lately a lot of things have been swirling in my mind because I am very new to 

the things I am doing at work now and though there are many terms and things I don't 

understand, i'm gradually getting used to things and I actually love the fact that I am 

learning so many things here. 

So anyways, not gonna blabber about life anymore and I shall talk about music! 

So some updates on the bands I found that are nice: 

1. Whether, I

Song: Dreamcatcher ft.Richard Rogers of Secrets 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp5iXj0Oh-s 

[Whether, I is a post-hardcore band that hails from Houston, Texas. With a light guitar riff and drop into the heavy side with decent lyrics this song is probably one of the better ones I heard from the rest..this is just a personal opinion. So if you are interested, check this song out first! ]

2. White Lies 

Song: Farewell to the Fairground

http://youtu.be/LQ0AFriC7ZM 

[A band that hails from london and will be performing in Singapore on 11th April, their vocalist reminds me of the 80s band depache mode. And the riffs in their songs, I'm not quite sure why reminds me of the songs that frequent the 80s/90s scene. It could also be because I'm not a huge fan of indie that I am not used to those type of songs with a standard melodic riff. However I must say farewell to the fairground sounds like something that came from the 80s and its nice to hear those familiar riffs and music style again. Their riffs catch my attention so much that honestly I had to listen to the song 4 times to get their lyrics. Overall, if you are into indie rock, this is one good band to check out! That is if you haven't already] 

3. CHVRCHES 

Song: The Mother We Share 

[A band I fell in love with due to its familiar 80s type of melody. Is it just me or indie music reminds me soo much of the 80s? Maybe its just me but anyways, hearing from the people around me, CHVRCHES are actually quite big in the indie scene so yes, I did jump into the bandwagon a bit late. BUT anyways, so I heard them on Channel V when they had a indie top 5 countdown and immediately fell in love with it. The lead singer, Lauren Mayberry has a really nice and soothing voice. Also, unlike other indie bands where I tend to like only 1 or 2 songs from them I absolutely love all the songs from CHVRCHES. So check 'em out if you havent and you want to have a feel of the 80s in a modern era] 

4. Dayshell 

Song: Share with me 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij-yJDawfwA

[ When I first heard the opening of this song I though 'oh! Is this band a rebirth of creed?" then came in the familar heavy tunes of post-rock melody and that was when I knew this band's music was different from the others. A band that produces mixes soft melodies with heavy bass/drum rhythm, it was quite refreshing to listen to honestly. If your're not into the total heavy stuffs, try listening to When you fall asleep tonight . 

Its guitar melody right into the chorus is just very soothing and so are the echos of the vocals kind of heighten the song a bit without ruining much of the soothing melodies from the band.]

5. Close to Closure 

Songs: Royals Cover 

http://youtu.be/iWyO5TTZMlI

[Now I honestly hated..i repeat HATED the song 'Royals' probably because it kept playing on the radio until it was to the extent that on the first note of the song I would turn off the radio. However this band actually made royals more bearable to hear. With the songs all riffed up and turned into a punk/pop style its actually easier to digest and pleasing to ear. Though lorde's voice is good and all, I think because of the type of genre I like, I'm more biased to this version of the song. Not to mention of the change in the chorus and the last verse before the ending chorus. Either way do check them out cuz its one of my faverite covers.] 

With that, I shall end my post. 

If you have a band whether its indie, rock, post-hardcore, pop, alternative rock or whatever its genre or language do comment below to let me know and check 'em out! Because honestly sometimes I have no idea where to look for new bands/artists to listen to. 

See ya guys in the next post! 

Cheerz!

Saying goodbye is the hardest thing.

Today, my best friend, my brother, my dearest family member passed away. 

It was so sudden that I really had no idea what to do. 

At 6.15 in the morning my mom ran into the room, slamming my door, saying my dog, hutchy wasn't breathing. 

I immediately ran out and saw it on its bed. Lying on its side, eyes open and tongue sticking out. 

All I could was hold its cold body and paws. 

Since when was it so cold i thought. I tried to close its eyes but it just wouldnt. 

I remember the first day I met it at the pet shop. 

During the ride home, my mom told me

'you better take care of it. Dogs live a shorter life then us. It will at most live until you are in poly'. 

After I got my O level certificate and into poly, I got worried. 

Wanting to avoid the fact that he would go one day. 

But who knew that day would have to come sooner or later. 

I thought at least it would accompany me till I graduate. 

When it was time to bring it to the vet to say goodbye, 

it was really hard. 

I got reminded of the day i brought him home. 

I felt sad and bad and kept saying sorry for not bringing him to the vet earlier yesterday. 

Thinking that he would be okay today and planned on bringing him today. 

He didnt even eat last night and just like that he passed away. 

he loved food. He was one hungry dog and always kept begging for food. 

But I want to thank him for making me smile everyday. 

Thank him for giving me a reason for not being alone, being my sibling. 

I also feel sorry that I wasn't always with him because as I grew older I became busier. 

I am sorry he had to be alone during the day because we were all busy with life 

I am also sorry I couldnt bring him around anywhere except a walk below the park. 

I wonder if it had a good time spending time with my family. 

well I hope he did and I hope in the next life it wont be as greedy as it used to be. 

And not spin around the table too much cuz it might make him dizzy. 

I'm gonna miss his smell, his fur and his furry little paw that he always hated me touching. 

I'm gonna miss  his eyes and tongue and the way he looked at me when I pat it. 

My dear brother, you have suffered enough and I am so sorry I made you suffer.

I hope you are at a place somewhere better,maybe with oba-chan, oji-chan and nana. 

May you always be smiling and spinning with that cute little tongue out of your mouth. 

I am going to miss you dearly. 

A little update...

Hey guys!!!
Whhhooot guess what guys I passed the 100 mark!!
Yes this would be my 101th post!!
haha amazing even how I managed to write 100 posts..
Anyways, I am finally done with 15 weeks of school
and am now preparing for my UTs/exams.
Urgh, its so sad how time passes so fast.
Especially this semester. It is gone just like that in a blink of an eye.

I really liked this semester because my class became close over the weeks
and I had really awesome facilitators. School didn't seem to bore me as much as my other sems did.
Also, not to mention I'm going for internship soon D':
Which means I probably won't see a lot of people until I graduate. I'm kinda sad about that.
Wish we had a longer sem 2. My heart isn't ready to go for intern.

Anyways, since I am supposed to be revising instead of writing a post,
I shall write till here.
No worries though, I will write a better post soon after my UT is over!

Cheers!
(P.s I shall leave this post with the last few pictures I took for Photography lesson ><)

Lesson: Lines 
Slanted Shadows

Lesson: Still Life Photography
OCD Chicken Rice 

Lesson: Commercial photography 
Chicken Rice @ Lawn 

Lesson:  'Moody People' 
Anger

Lesson : Moody People 
Surprise 

Lesson: Fashion Shoot 
 School Fashion 

 Lesson: Fashion Shoot 
Theme: School Fashion

Lesson: Fashion Shoot 
School Fashion 

Lesson: Photoshop/Overlay 
Narrow View of the school entrance

Lesson: Unique Photography 
School Library 

Lesson: Unique Photography 
Rock Climbing

Lesson: Photoshop/Overlay 
My Bear 

Lesson: Photoshop/Overlay
Random snapshot 

Lesson: Unique Photography
Distant gaming 

Silhouette
Taken by my classmate 

The Moon

Looking for that someone that could be miles away. 
In a distance, someone calls. Is it for me? Perhaps not. 
Silent as the wind that blows, my hands swiftly moves. 
Leaving selfish thoughts on unwanted paper. 
Whispering to the light that shines through my windows. 
" Let me learn to be alone. Let me learn how to shut the voice in my hearts. The wants. The addiction. The sadness. The sorrow. Teach me to store it away"

Scripts are strewn all over. An actor lies on the floor. 
Cigarette in one hand, the other through his hair. 
He asks himself did he choose the right path. 
Where was the spirit he used to have? Are they gone now? 
What's his purpose other then performing for others?
 Walking to his window, he looks out. 
Whispering to the moon. 
"Help me find the road that gives me strength so that I can stand once again"

Broken glasses smashed against the wall a cry is heard. 
A girl leans against the wall. Tears running down her eyes. 
She picks up a shattered glass without a thought and brings it to her wrist. 
What's life.  Whats her purpose in this story called life. 
Invisible to others and unheard by many. 
Her life was in a darkness. 
She follows the trail of light shining through her window. 
Her eyes is led up to face the shining moon and she begs. 
"Save me. Save me from despair. Let me see the light in my world of darkness. Save me"

A moan is heard from the sheets as darkness falls upon two people.
 Lust. Love. Addiction. These 3 words filled the room. 
As one person lays after whats done, the other has his eyes wide open. 
Am I doing something wrong? 
But he couldn't live without the man beside him. 
He sighs and turns his body towards the window. The moon greeted him. 
"Let me be free to love who I want. Let me love the one who loves me the most & makes me one"

The moon is a being. 
A being many unconsciously speaks to. 
Only time will tell if it understand the many tales it is being told. 

Back to talking 'bout the Music

It's been a few weeks since New Year passed
and school has definitely not given me a break at all.
After the holidays, I was thrown into trying to finish up my graded assignments
and trying to pass my exams.
Finally, yesterday, I finished my last paper!! (though regretfully..because I couldn't finish it)
Had a good rest last night and soon I would be busy again.
However until then I wish to rest and sleep also to start clearing my room as Chinese new year is coming :D

So, apart from writing how hectic my life is, I decided to update on the music I have been listening to!

New Heights 
I actually stumbled upon this band when I was watching someone's video and I felt that this one song the person used was really good and now...I'm hooked on them. A soft-rock/Pop sound and feel to them, this song totally got me hooked with its soft rhythm and gentle lyrics. The lead singer has a great voice too. If you like groups like Boyce Avenue, then this band is a that you should try listening to because, they do covers as well!
Songs I would recommend: Gonna love you / Closer



Connor Cruise
Funnily enough, I stumbled upon this song when I watching a fashion variety show. (Yes I have no fashion sense but I do watch the shows. I think I have recommanded it a few posts back.) My most faverite song from him is 'Closer to Heaven' feat. Masson Musso (former frontman of Metro station). I feel that the song is uplifting and definitely it makes a good BGM if you want to make a crazy girls-night-out video. Also, I like the beat of the song and how at its peak it just makes you want to jump.
#Funfact: I read in an article that Connor Cruise is tom cruise & Nicole Kidman's son!! Interesting fact there for you guys!
Songs I would recommend: Closer to heaven



[Champagne]
Not sure if I have ever recommended this band here on this blog, but I will still recommend anyways because they need that recognition. If you like J-rock then this is the group for you. However honestly speaking, I wont call them rock..maybe indie..but I'm not sure how to categorize them because they really changed the way they play their song in their latest single/album 'Oblivion'. Their songs are always feel with that intriguing sound and for their latest single 'Run away', there is more of a 'rock' feel and I really enjoy. That mixture of the synthesized piano and guitar shredding with that drum beat that makes the whole song just perfect and fresh. The lyrics is also just nice especially on nights when you really just want to leave everything behind.
'Stepping out to the world where all the lights are gone, I cant sleep, I can't sleep/ When all the bustle's gone and all the grouch is done, I will run away, run away'
I find their new song soothing and it is one of the most replayed songs in my list.
Songs I recommend: Run Away / Waitress, Waitress/Kick Spin 

An Honest Mistake
I came upon this group when I was browsing through some local bands. However 'An honest mistake' is not a local band but is from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am honestly in awe on how much I didnt see how there are so many good music around me, both locally and in the neighboring countries. [Maybe one day I shall do a post about it] Anyways, this band is pop-punk band and whats interesting is that they have a member that plays the violin in it! (yes like yellowcard!!) Fronted by a male lead backed with a female lead, they have somewhat a paramore meets good charlotte feel ( Yes I tried my best to click them together...please do not bash me on how I described their music). Also, they wrote how A skylit drive is one of their influence!! Overall, I'm looking forward to hearing more songs from this band
Songs I recommend: Let's battle it out with Vesuvius the great/If I told you this was real would you believe me/Giddy up horsie! The chase ain't waiting for you

Alright!! I hope you guys would check out the groups/songs I recommended today!!
If you feel that there is a band I should check out do write at the comments!!
Have an awesome week ahead!

Cheers!!