How it feels to be 25.

Woke up, got out of bed with a aching back. Decided to do some baking just because I find comfort in the kitchen, even though the outcome wasn't what I had hope for. Got changed, called for a cab but the cab didn't arrive even after 15min. Slightly irritated that I had to walk to the main road in a maxi dress, high wedges, a bag full of stuff and a chocolate almond pie that I have to hold upright cos the handle wouldn't work. Went for class with Ashley and we talked about Shellie-May sitting beside her piano. Walked to Char's and at 7pm we were doing our makeup, curling our hair, just like old times. Had a lovely dinner with the girls and had so many surprises in a day that it feels surreal. Apparently, you can still feel this way at 25.

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"You can't be brave if you've only had wonderful things happen to you"

They say life is full of ups and downs. At quarter life, I can safely tell you that it's true. If all you experience in life is ups, you haven't experienced life at all. You will have your days of being frustrated, be it at yourself or your loved ones. You will have your days of pure bliss and then wonder why it cannot last through the year. You will spend days bickering, quarreling, having arguments. But through these, you realise things you haven't realise before. You will make new decisions based on these. People will always ask you "when are you getting married?" If you feel worried that you haven't had these thoughts yet, don't. Marriage is for life. You will know when the time is right. People get married for different reasons. Some get married to start a family straight away, some get married to spend time together with his/her partner in a new home filled with new experiences. Don't let the choices of others around you get to you or affect you in any way.

Be kind, be generous, be thankful.

Baking through 2013

Creamy Chocolate Raspberry Layered Cake

For my mom's birthday this year, I attempted a Chocolate Raspberry Layered Cake for her. It was my first ever cake so I was pretty excited. Everything went smoothly at first before I overwhipped my cream, turning it into a buttery mess and things went downhill from then on. I couldn't fit my cake into the cake carrier (kinda blame the carrier for being small) and the chocolate ganache created a beautiful puddle along the rims. Had to leave the cake at home for dinner and bought a replacement one at a local bakery to please the relatives. Came home to a homemade cake with over-sweetened frosting but honestly, who really cares? It's my first cake and I'm pretty damn proud of it. Happy Birthday Mom.

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If you're thinking of getting me a gift this year, I would really appreciate a/an

1. Handheld Mixer with Double Beater (speed control friendly)

2. Home Espresso Machine equipped with milk steamer and double drip

3. Rotating Cake Stand (white or clear)

4. Food thermometer

5. Standard glass mixing bowls
6. Classic Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons
7. Offset spatulas (for decorating cakes with)

8. Cake stands (white or clear)

9. Pies and Tarts baking tins / Bundt Pans
10. Blowtorch

or any other baking/food related goodies. (:

January

I know this photo doesn't seem very appropriate for January but I have this currently on my phone homescreen and adore it cos I think it's just so genius. Kinda know that I will be rushing around and all that jazz in this brand new 2013 so I need some kind of reminder to allow me to slow my pace down a bit and have some breathing space, (which I have been doing).

Have been debating on what to talk about on this blog for quite a while given my almost 2month hiatus, reason being, I got too carried away being in holiday mood where I've got no classes to teach. It was really a good November and December for me though. Got to spend loads of time with people that matter to me and also, unfortunately, spent loads and loads of money on myself and other people without batting an eye. In a short 2 months, I believe I've spent almost an obscene amount of 4k, thereabouts. I had a very lovely Christmas this year, of which, I'll most probably post some photos and talk about all the feasting I've been doing the past Dec. Spent my first non-house party at Countdown this year along with waiting for a cab for 2 hours. Insane is the word.

I've decided I'm not going to make any new year's resolutions this year (not like I really keep to them most of the time..). However, I really wanna get myself to start jogging and am definitely going to try taking Vitamins every day. I've been taking a tablet daily but I forget sometimes when I'm in a rush.

This month, I aim to complete my spring-cleaning before the month ends. Which also means, that I have 20 more days to go. (1) Bookshelf (2) Table top (3) Underneath the table (4) Accessories shelf (5) Vanity (6) Sofa (7) Wardrobe (8) Standing rack (9) Magazine rack (10) Kitchenware. That's the order I need to go in and am only currently halfway through my bookshelf. ):

January is the best cos it's Birthday Month!

A Brand New Year

Here's to 2013.

May it be filled with laughter, nonsense and sparkle.

<3