Singapore Old School Snacks - 80s & 90s

“The past is never dead. It's not even past.” ― William Faulkner

The era of the eighties & nineties are the all-time favorite for many, including me. Life seemed to be a little slower, a little less stressful and much more happier.  Now, Singapore has become metropolitan city-state rated 'most liveable city in Asia'. 

We are always on the lookout for food trends such as cupcakes and churros, ditching things that are no longer attractive.

Credits: justataste

Credits: Tumblr

But there are many things that stay close to our hearts, for we grew up with them and memories of us as kids enjoying these snacks.

Let walk down memory lane together

Gem Biscuits

Credits: FoodieBaker

Ring Pops

Credits: candyfavorites

Biscuit Piring

Credits: mutsharenews

Ice Lolly Tubes

Credits: TracyZhang

White Rabbit candy

Credits: alohagourmet

BEE BEE

Credits: flickr

Fake M&M

Credits: ladyironchef

XoXo,

Wilin May

Careers vs Job: following your passion

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” —Farrah Gray

We work to find source of income for us & our family.  We need money to spend on groceries, food, transportation fees and etc. However many of us are "forced" to put the passion aside and work for a job that does not define who you really are.  It is common nowadays because not all have the luxury to choose their dream career.  

But who's knows perhaps the job that you don't like at first, you will like it in the end. It takes time but eventually you will get there.  If after few years & you realize that maybe its not your thing, it time to look for other options.  Still, never quit before you get the other job.  Execute a plan.

Of course if you manage to find your dream career, good for you! Don't take it for granted because not everyone are as lucky as you.  

 XoXo,
Wilin May  

Kpop Obsession

“I wasn’t born with anything, my weapon is hard work and determination.” - Seunghoon of WINNER"

"“If you were to ask me the reason i tried so hard, there is no reason. Trying as hard as possible is everyone’s duty in life.” - Rain"

Do you like Kpop?

Many people asked why I am so obsess with Kpop so much.  "Are the songs that good?" or "Geez, too much plastic surgery!".  I would not call it "obsession" or "addiction". I just love the songs and the idols. The idols are pretty and handsome, and yes some did plastic surgery. Nobody born perfect. 

First reason would be I love the way it sounds. I love how different bands, idols, soloists etc. all have their different styles of music. I love how it’s catchy and how I can sing a long (*hentam la).

*hentam - just sing anyhow 

Second reason would be I love their dancing styles. I love watching K-Pop idols’ amazing dancing (music videos or live). Not all the time, but most of the time, K-Pop idols has incredible dance skills.  Their abs though make me want to have those.

Third reason would be their fashion styles.  Modern, chic & classy!  Also, it follows the theme and trend.  

Fourth reason would be their lyrics do have meaning behind it and the way it is presented can be fun and catchy. 

You don't need a reason to like or loathe Kpop.  Nevertheless, Kpop industry will always be here.  Look like they won't stop in the near future either.  

Here're some of my favourites

  

XoXo,

Wilin May

Being unemployed is not a bad thing

"Being unemployed is the true test of who you really are."

Some may realized that for a year I did not use any social media.  However at the same time, I was still unemployed and actively looking for a job. It took me quite a long time before I secure a suitable career. 

Being unemployed is not a bad thing.  It does have the pros & cons, but personally I believe things happen for a reason and if God has better plans I just have to try harder and be patient.

Surprising Benefits of Being Unemployed

Take advantage of your free time

Remember when you wanted to do adventurous things but couldn't take the time off? Well, now you can! I always wanted to explore Singapore and spend more time with my mother.  Hence, we made advance plans so that we could save $ but at the same time had fun.

Learn to surrender

Some of us have been sending out resumes and going to job interview many times. There’s not much you can do except to wait and persevere. Being "forced" to wait teaches you that you aren’t always going to be in control of your life. 

Learn to identify yourself in different ways

Some people solely define themselves by what their profession is. What happens when you don’t have that awesome job anymore? Being unemployed forces you to look deep inside yourself to figure out who you really are.  

I always wanted to be on the front line but than it does not suit me. Well I am able to comprehend myself and look for other opportunity.

Practice gratitude

No matter how dire your situation, there is always something to be thankful for. You've always got it better than someone else.

Take the time to really think about the great things you have going on in your life. Do you have a wonderful and supportive family? Do you have a roof over your head and enough food to eat?

I did and I'm happy with things are at present!

Even if you've been unemployed for more than a few months, don’t lose hope. Sit back, relax and reflect on how you've grown personally through this experience. Just because you might not be getting ahead in your career doesn't mean you haven’t grown in other parts of your life.

However don't make the benefits as an excuse not to try harder in order to have your dream job.
  

Keep trying! Hwaiting!

XoXo,

Wilin May

Mum (Not maid)

“And I realized when I look at my mother, I'm looking at the purest love ever.”

My mother is my best friend which why we would always talk about anything and everything. We were watching 19 Kids and Counting on TLC.  Jill Jillard (Duggar) was looking for bridesmaid dresses for her sisters.  The conversation between me and my mum went like this;

Me: "Wow, look at the baju (dress).  So pretty! I wonder who will be my bridesmaid? Ma, you become my bridesmaid ok (jokingly)?"

Her:  "Bridesmaid?! I'm your 3M (Maid, Manager and Mom)."

Although I knew she was joking, I felt there was something in her mind. This makes me ponder deeper that perhaps we (me and my siblings) do take her for granted.  

• Breakfast always ready when we woke up
• Clothes has been washed and hung
• Toilet is clean ready for usage
• Household chores completed

I realize that we need to change ourselves before we can change others.

Changes may be hard but it is not impossible!

Mom, I want you to be my 1M (Mother).  Love you!  

XoXo,

Wilin May

Welcome to Instagram!

"The more social media we have, the more we think we're connecting, yet we are really disconnecting from each other"

Today I made a decision to re-create Instagram account. I did have the previous a/c but it was left unused. That's right I avoid using Instagram and Facebook for a year and it was a success.

What did I learn throughout the process?

No social media = Family time!
I realized that my parents are growing old and they need our love and attention. Previously during dinnertime or whenever we went out for family outings, my first priority was #OOTD and the camera always kept clicking, which led me to forget to interact more with them.       

Some will say "use less" or "neverrmind, you can multi-task right?" Easier said than done.  

No social media = Improve reading and communicaion
I spent most of my time at the Library.  Not only have free air-con (weather so hot), but there are lots of latest books available for reading pleasure.  At home, I talked a lot (and I do meant A LOT) till my mother can't tahan anymore.
Sorry mum!

No social media = Doing important things
Such as the household chores duh! 

It's up to the individual to define social media, whether its good or bad. Personally, I believe that it can be fun but it can disrupt my life too.  Since I return, I promise that I would use less.

Family is my first priority!

XoXo,

Wilin May

Makan Time! -- Fine Dining

"You don't need a silver fork to eat good food."

That's right.  Food are available everywhere, anytime. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollar on fine dining.

Some ways to protect your wallet are:

• Look for good deals at their website
• It is encouraged to patron during lunchtime because most restaurants has one-for-one offer. Thumbs up!
• Ask for plain water (save $) & also it is a healthier choice
• Ask each person to share the bill. (Duh!)

Since I'm a food enthusiastic, I love to travel around Singapore looking for good food. However one issue I always face and cautious about is whether the restaurant is accessible or if is there enough space so that I could easily enter and take a seat. 

Also, whether if I can have the table that would not disrupt the service. So usually before I arrive, I would make a reservation.  

Make it a habit to search online regarding the restaurant's interior and exterior design. If unsure, call the restaurant directly. They would be glad to address your concerns. 

XoXo,

Wilin May

Favourite Hotspot

``Picture paints a thousands words`` 

My family love roaming around Changi Airport.  We usually go after we had a big dinner buffets.  We never miss riding the monorail from T1 to T3.  Of course before going home, we drop by McCafe for desserts.  Gotta love it! 

At the airport, there are many things to discover.

• Food
• Entertainment
• Healthcare
• Happiness
• Tears

One reason I like about the airport is the freedom to move around on my wheelchair. The space is so huge that I do not have to worry about knocking on people's feet. There are many activities for everybody.  I especially love the monorail because there is no gap between the monorail and the standing platform, hence I can ride the train without worry too much on my safety. To be honest, I have *trainphobia.

*Trainphobia - Afraid or terrified to ride the MRT due to the safeness of falling between the gaps.

Going to airport sometimes does make feel sad (not jealous) when seeing people boarding the plane.  I keep asking will I get a chance to go on holiday on my own.

XoXo,

Wilin May