The school year has ended

Another school year has ended, and this year have not been easy. Things are so different due to COVID and normally at this time, I'm busy preparing and planning for my trips. Tickets were booked earlier this year in January and February but everything was canceled as we still cant fly freely in and out of the country even though some countries with very low COVID rate are allowed now. For the past three years, I went to Osaka for the marathon around this time but now I feel kind of lost. The only thing we could look forward was a series of staycation. 

Anyway we were rather lucky as MBS offered us a total of 8 free stays (2 each in the month of August, October, November and December) and we also bought over one from P's friend in September as we did not know we were going to get more free stays later in the year. We did the 6th stay in MBS last Friday and after so many times there, we were kind of getting familiar with the routine so we did not take photos of the room anymore (most of the times we asked for high floor city view). We're even going back again tomorrow, just after two nights back at home, as there were not many dates to choose from in November and we're having another staycation in another hotel for P's birthday next weekend.

Food is a highlight for our staycations. After the first dinner at the MBS foodcourt, I ensured that I always make bookings for dinner for our remaining stays. After dinner at Wolfgang CUT, I wanted to try RISE buffet as it was right at the hotel lobby but I forgot to book and the reception told me it was fully booked, but we still went ahead and tried our luck when we were passing the lobby. To our surprise, there were seats for walk-in and we started trying out buffets at a few hotels for our stays thereafter.

1) MBS Shoppes foodcourt

2) Wolfgang CUT

3) RISE buffet (MBS)

4) The Edge (Pan Pacific hotel)

5) The Colony (Ritz Carlton hotel)

6) Sen of Japan (MBS Shoppes)

7) Spago Restaurant (upcoming stay)

8) LAVO Restaurant (upcoming stay)

9) Oscar's (upcoming stay )

Wefie while on our way to dinner

So good that we ordered another portion

Carbless maki was really good

Mouthwatering tender Wagyu A5

I ran out of ideas for buffet dinner after trying those from the nearby hotels, so I was practically looking through all the restaurants recommendations around the area and shortlisted places for dinner for our remaining stays. We dont mind splurging on food as our original plans to Japan and Europe would have cost even more, having a budget of around $200 for dinner seems okay in comparison.

I came across Sen of Japan during a search and decided to make reservations since the reviews was good. We were quite prompt and the restaurant was not full when we went in, in fact it is one of the eateries located on level 1 of the Shoppes and it was a good location for chilling and people-watching. The food did not disappoint and the ikura gunkan was so impressive that we ordered another portion. I had the carbless maki and the salmon was fatty and yummy, I was still craving for the taste the next morning. The food came fast and we only spent half an hour or so in the restaurant, not wasting any time on chatting while we devoured the delicious dinner. Together with drinks, the bill came up to around $190. I'm not sure if we'll ever visit again but it was a good experience, we enjoyed a good piece of wagyu steak which we both loved.

Venchi after dinner

Venchi again before we check out of hotel

P went up to chill in the morning

After dinner, we went to get Venchi for dessert and we walked out to the deck area overlooking the bay as we ate. We wanted to visit the newly opened Apple Store perched on the bay but visitors were only allowed into the shop via appointment. We headed back to the hotel room and I was so sleepy that I immediately lied down on the sofa to rest. There is something about MBS roomS as we always had early dinner but I always knock out early after the dinner, even on the sofa. I only woke up again at 11pm and P was also asleep even before washing up. I finally washed up and stayed up watching Netflix for a few hours before he finally woke. I rested again when it was about 3am in the morning. 

Our third anniversary (Part 2)

We were looking forward to Part 2 of our staycation as this time round we were more prepared and were ready to have a blast. P surprised me by requesting for a room on the higher floor (32nd floor) and facing the city. The view was truly awesome and breathtaking. We actually took time off from work to collect the renewed LTVP from ICA prior to this so we were earlier this time round. We checked in around 4pm and were in the room resting for a bit before we decided to head down for a early dinner (as both of us were famished after check-in). 

Awesome view from our room

P meant to take this pic as a trial for his tons of photos

The premiere room looked even bigger than our previous stay 

Even though it's really odd for us to do staycations during weekedays when we're working, this FOC offer is too good to be missed. Too bad we had to redeem it within the month of August as there's some school holidays coming up in September and October which will be a better timing for us.

Rare for us to dine at Michelin star restuarant

We had the early cuts

This time round, I planned for dinner early and booked a table at Wolfgang Puck since I've been wanting to try a Michelin Star restaurant for the longest time. It's a splurge but the price was slightly cheaper since we're going for the early cuts which ends at 7pm. Our initial booking was at 6pm but I called from the room to change it to 5pm. The whole restaurant was dark as the light was dim and there were only a few groups of patrons when we went in, but it slowly filled up until we left at almost 7pm. I would say the service was top notch as there were many servers hovering around to serve us with big smiles and they were really attentive. I decided to give P a treat as he really loves steak and this will be a really awesome meal. 

Complimentary bread from the restaurant

Soup with lobster bits

Sirloin steak with sides (creamy spinach and fries for me)

The dessert came with a card

I was hungry when we sat down even though we pushed the appointment earlier so I ate quite a bit of the bread and starters, in the end I did not even finish the smallish piece of steak. CUT is famous for its steak but we found it just average (we didnt order wagyu due to the price) and the nicest part was really the dessert and service. P decided he wouldnt want to visit again as our bill came up to near $300 for quite average steak. No surprise as he didnt appreciate the expensive Japanese ryokan kaiseki dinners too. After the dinner, the friendly servers came around and asked if we wanted to order some tea. We were wondering if it was complimentary but still went ahead to order anyway, and it added a little to the bill as each pot of tea was around $20. We were too shy to ask! 

Complimentary macarons

Late night supper

We were really full and sleepy after the dinner so we went back to the hotel and knocked out into a nap. We had a swimming pool booking at 9.30pm till 10.30pm (the last slot) and P was really keen to go for a dip so we dragged ourselves up and went for a quick dip at 10pm. I thought it was quite a hassle to change and lug back the wet swimsuits just for the quick 5 minutes in the book. After we washed up, it was past 11pm and P felt hungry as we had dinner early, he was specifically craving for char siew bao. He first went down to the MRT station as we remembered there was a 7-11 there and they might have some food there, but alas the 7-11 was closed as the last train service had left. We decided to get room service instead, the food was actually not too bad and P brought the remaining pizzas back to school in the morning to heat them up for breakfast. 

Our third anniversary

Our third wedding anniversary fell on a Wednesday this year and we tried to book a staycation for the long weekend right after our anniversary, but the hotels we were looking at were fully booked. Seems like everyone is rushing out to get a breather! I was trying to look for a nice hotel buffet dinner but there wasnt a good timing left for us as buffet dinner is basically ala carte style nowadays so the capacity is reduced. On that day, I had tuition in the evening as usual and we had a simple home cooked dinner to celebrate after that. After tuition, P suddenly whipped out a bouquet of roses and it was a pleasant surprise as he usually dont buy me flowers. On my birthday this year, I received a bouquet of roses and I thought it was already quite rare and he did it again! :D

Surprise bouquet from P

My anniversary bouquet next to my birthday flowers

 

Dinner at the Canopy

 

Two days after that, we had a day off as it was Hari Raya Haji. We walked to the nearby The Canopy at Bishan Park where I booked seats for dinner. Just a few weeks before our anniversary, I met up with some friends for dinner there and realised that the food was pretty good. The steak was nice but it seemed that P was not impressed enough for us to visit the place again so soon.

Not a long queue for check in 

A week after that, we celebrated National Day and it was a long weekend as well. There are still a few school holidays coming up for us teaching folks but the next public holiday is going to be Deepavali in November. Shortly after National Day, P received some promotion message offering us two nights of free stay at MBS and it's totally FOC, just that the dates for staying is really weird, like Monday till Thursday. We decided to take it up since its free, even though we had to check out early the next day to get to school. We chose two separate Mondays for the stay and we did the first staycation a few days ago on 17th August. I was actually looking forward to the staycation prior to that, its like a belated anniversary celebration for us.

Complimentary drinks and snacks for us

We took all the snacks and teabags

View from the room was awesome

This was taken by P

Unfortunately, we had a WPS session in school and only left school fifteen minutes before 5. Looking at the people checking in, there were not many people with luggages so I guess most of them are locals like us doing staycations. The room was nice and it has a awesome view, the other time we stayed in one of those rooms was a few years ago when P's mum was here and we decided to book a night to let her enjoy the pool and the view. 

Pool was closed for cleaning on rainy day

We were hungry after check in but we decided to visit the infinity pool before going for dinner. Due to COVID and safe management measures, we realised we had to book a slot to visit the pool as the number of people is restricted. The slots were already full for that evening but the staff told us we could try our luck and check if there's availability. We walked to the other end to take a look at the sky deck but it started drizzling soon. I would say MBS is doing quite well in managing the crowd and putting in place extra measures. There were staff stationed at all exits and entrances to ensure everyone do their safe entry/exit, so I had to get my IC/ phone ready all the time. 

Pepper lunch

Fond memories of Italy

We went to the atas MBS food court as P had some vouchers he could use to redeem for food. We had Pepper Lunch set meals, the steak was alright for a free dinner but I decided to book Michelin star Wolfgang Puck early cuts for our next staycation there two weeks later, I'm so looking forward! I had no idea we have a few Venchi outlets here in Singapore, the staycation really brought back fond memories of Italy and we shared some gelato from Venchi after dinner. We bought some snacks from the 7-11 at the MRT station and went back to the hotel room quite early after that to chill.

I almost fell asleep while I laze on the bed but had to drag myself up to shower. We wanted to have an early night and decided to off the lights and rest around 11.30pm. Strangely enough, I could usually sleep quite well and easily no matter where I am but I had a hard time falling asleep that night. I realised the soundproofing was not too great as I could hear the people in the next room laughing and talking away till late night. I wondered why they gave us the rooms just next to each other when most of the rest of the rooms were unoccupied. I think I only managed to fall asleep at 2am++, after I off all the lights in the room and tried my best to sleep. Fortunately, it did not really affect me at work the next day though I felt quite tired and sleepy and knocked out once I reached home on Tuesday. 

Happy National Day Singapore (55 Years of Awesomeness)

The flag that came with the fun pack

Each household received one of this, very apt for COVID days

Love my place so much, with fireworks right at the door step

Viewing the mobile column earlier in the day

Showing the sunset view from our balcony

 

National day was over a week ago and it was a long weekend, however the we did not get the school holiday off this year since the actual day was on a Sunday and we only had the Monday off in lieu. We did not get a half day off after the school celebration either since the eve of National Day was on Saturday this year. It was no biggie since we could not travel this year, I realised we had been spending most of our National Days abroad and this is the only year we have so many Singaporeans celebrating National Day in Singapore. The National Day Parade was scaled down to a small morning parade but many people (esp those with kids) were excited with the mobile column segment and the fireworks segment in the neighbourhood. I was lucky enough to see both from my balcony. 

Fitness goals and the taste of success!

Another one for the record again!

I promise I'm not that obsessed with weight. But I'm excited to realise I've lost more weight this morning. I seriously have not seen this number for years, a quick check on MyFitnessPal showed that the lowest I hit was 53.5kg when I just started keto 2 years ago. I had religiously tracked and followed the recommendations for my macros then, while now I'm just lazier and trying to stay on track as much as possible. I would say for most days I'm certainly dirty ketoing. Sometimes, when I have a few mouthful of rice, my diet is not even considered doing keto, but just low carb diet.

There's nothing much I can post about at this moment, as I've not been to places even in Phase 2 of post CB days. Many people were out and about for the past 10 days since they announced the nation entering into Phase 2 on 19th June, but I still try to keep to what I've been doing during CB period. It's been almost 2 months since I even go to Junction 8, which is just ten minutes walk away. I think the last time I've been there was to pick up dinner and get a new yoga mat for my workouts in May. Other than that, I've been to only three places the past 2 months. The first is of course my workplace. And I've visited my parents and celebrated Fathers' day with my family two weeks ago.

Last Monday, it was the first time I've dined out after months. The school is a nomination centre for the upcoming GE2020 so we could get off early on Monday afternoon and out we went for afternoon tea. On top of that, I've been taking Grab around and I've not taken public transport since March.

Chloe Ting rocks! 

Unbelievably, for the month of June, I only missed one day of not working out. It's crazy, I've always been quite active but I've never worked out for so many consecutive days before. It is easy to keep to this routine after I switched to home workouts, but nowadays I frequently do it late at night like hours after dinner and we dont really do together as a group on Zoom anymore. I'm now into Day 6 of Chloe's latest Intense Core Challenge and boy, it's really quite intensive and challenging. 

The month of July

I really missed Italy and traveling. We got so used to eating gelato daily during our trip then, we even had special missions hunting down gelato shops those days. I was delighted to see a post selling keto gelato last week and ordered these two tubs. Now I'm having these daily and I love the avocado chocolate one, the taste is really authentic. I've just put in my second order as I've finished the first tub of these.

Yummy Keto Gelato ice cream

Honestly I love rice and noodles, and probably noodles even more than rice. I'm able to cut out rice totally except for the occasional one or two bites of rice I pinched from P's plate. Other than that, I'm fine without rice and been doing okay with cauliflower rice for my occasional aaroz caldo dish. For noodles, it's hard to create dishes without them so I tried out different keto alternatives lately. I've been whipping up dishes using Lokarb and I've made my second purchase with just the fettucine. I also bought kelp noodles from iherb for my korean army stew, to replace the glass noodles as the texture is similar. Recently, I saw a post on facebook selling oat fibre noodles and these are now my favourites as the taste and texture is really similar to normal mee. The best thing is it does not need preparation unlike the other two options. I have shirataki noodles lying around but I had bad experiences with its taste so I've not touched those for ages. 

Different type of noodles while on keto diet 

My atas skincare collection, new routine daily

I've been buying stuff online a lot and that's the only mode for my purchases these months. Many shops are also having sales to clear off their stuff and I bought some skincare products that I've been eyeing for quite some time. I had not bite the bullet due to the price previously, but these were having such great discounts that I could not resist. 

Yippie! Another new low for my weight

With daily exercise and almost OMAD most of the times, I hit another new low for my weight, I think the whole of 2019 I did not see this number at all. I'm in the 55+ ish weight range now and I think it can hit 54kg soon. Ganbatte! 

New workout bench

P bought another addition to our home gym. He did not mention anything and just bought it offline so I was surprised when the bulky item was delivered. I was worried it will take up a lot of space but we managed to cleared up the boxes lying around and it's quite foldable. 

Post CB Phase 2 shenanigans

It's been a month since we went back to school, and from next week onwards, all students will be back in school. Just a short random post here. 

Made keto strawberry jam with very nice frozen berries from Redmart

Made a batch of these this morning. I made some blueberry ones a week ago and I actually liked blueberry better as those are thicker. Strawberry jam (keto version) is more watery so I added a lot of chia seeds to make it thicker. Not the first time I made these but the last time I did it was years ago.

P was actually craving for these

Mum gave us some salmon as we went over to celebrate Fathers' Day last sunday. We are actually in Phase 2 of post-CB period and only five visitors were allowed into the household but we kind of broke the rule as there were two more younger kids around. It was still nice to see the folks after months.

I finally see 55!

Just for the record, I achieved this weight a few weeks ago on 7th June. It's been super long since I see 55+kg on my weighing scale. I'm now 56+ ish but doing intermittent fasting and keto diet and my home workouts really helps to keep the weight down. I'm on my 56th day of working out with only 3 days break in between. Longest streak ever!

These are some 'ho liao' we've ordered from SHC group the past month. I've kind of stopped looking at their facebook live sales for now as it does take some effort to finish these seafood. It was fun and nice to try those once in a while.

Very nice clams with kelp noodles

Live lobsters!

Seriously the best oysters we tried in SG

Uni and big tub of mentaiko

The japanese seafood haul