Must have for summer

Tom Ford advert banned in Italy

Sony Ericsson T650 Pink and gold limited edition

RiRe, When are you going to buy for me ??

Sony Ericsson R306i

Finally , a phone that does not look like a mobile phone.

This is what i call " Thinking out of the phone box"






Outlook: The R306i is a very basic and simple handset targeted at the entry-level market. While it offers a built-in camera and Bluetooth connectivity, note that these are secondary. More importantly, if the price is right, it could be a hit with the lower end of the market by providing over-the-air entertainment sans external peripherals (that can potentially increase cost).

The triband clamshell phone is expected out in Q3 in selected Asia-Pacific markets and will be available in Coffee Black and Champagne White colors.


A lot of mobile phones these days come with built-in FM radio, but most require an external headset to be plugged in as an aerial. The Sony Ericsson R306i is no different, except it doesn't require the user to connect any peripherals, and it scans AM frequencies as well. We took a prototype and gave it a quick once-over for an early impression of this entry-level radio handset.

Upside: The highlight of the R306i is its built-in FM/AM aerial which eliminates the need for an external headset. So the user can listen to radio broadcast through the onboard speakers just like a mini standalone radio. There are a couple of tiny but handy shortcut buttons on the top face of the clamshell phone. Although we weren't able to test the built-in radio function, the nubs numbered one to three, according to the product description, allow the user to preset radio stations for quick access. There are also two arrow keys which could be for volume control or channel surfing.

Unlike most phones with their speakers at the back or on the sides, the stereo audio on the R306i projects from the top face of the phone. So when the clamshell is closed and facing up, there isn't any interference or obstruction to audio output. There's also a sub-display sandwiched between the speakers and the FM control buttons, which we suppose is for displaying the current radio station, and also incoming calls and text messages.

Opening the clamshell reveals the standard flip phone layout, so no surprises there. The 128 x 160-pixel 65K-color TFT LCD is at the top, while the alphanumeric keypad is on the bottom half of the set. Initial impressions of the buttons are generally good with decent tactile feedback. The sound of typing on the keypad is a tad louder than most handsets we've reviewed, but that's a minor issue and it could also be due to the technical set being an early prototype.

Downside: The W306i is marketed as an entry-level handset, so naturally we weren't surprised to see only a 1.3-megapixel camera. The odd part is the module lies on the bottom half with the phone open. So when taking pictures, you will have to hold the handset upright. As a result, the LCD screen that doubles as a viewfinder faces at a downward angle, which makes framing a little less convenient.

Nokia N96

Nokia seems to have another winner here. Not only has the redesign resulted in a slimmer and lighter handset with a larger screen, the improved feature set and DVB-H reception (availability depends on the region and country) will certainly attract new users as well as upgraders from the N95. The N96 is expected to ship in Q3'2008 and we should have a full review of the unit by then.

Frankly, we were a little relieved that Nokia did not go the way of a certain US phone maker (motorola) which latched onto a popular RAZR-thin design for too long, performing just minor upgrades for years. Though the first thing to strike you about the N96 is its generous 16GB of internal storage, the new phone is lighter and slimmer than the two N95 models that came before it. We took a pre-production model and gave it a brief once-over for an initial impression.

Upside: The redesign didn't just stop at the physical dimensions. Both the front and rear of the phone are now coated in a glossy black paint, while the slider rails on the sides of the keypad are now gone. This omission is greatly welcomed as it prevents the flank-side keys from being obstructed.

A kick stand has also been incorporated around the rear camera lens, while the 3.5mm headphone jack has been relocated to the top (like on the N82). The only design similarity it has with the two N95s is that the N96 is also a dual slider, though the keys have now been replaced with glossy black backlit keys instead of rubber buttons.

The N96 has a generous 16GB of memory (twice the capacity compared with the 8GB N95), which can be extended via the hot-swappable microSD expansion card slot on the side. It has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with support for A2DP profile, HSDPA, built-in GPS as well as an FM radio. Nokia has also introduced a new geotagging feature on the N96 which we will be keen to try out once we have a commercial set. If it works like it's supposed to, it could give external GPS travel loggers some competition.

The media player has been upgraded to handle more audio and video formats than the older model. In fact, the N96 can now handle flash videos on YouTube sites like the iPhone. There's also a TV-out feature which allows the display to be projected onto a larger screen.

In some regions with DVB-H service, the N96 has an integrated chip to receive these signals. It can even record programs for future viewing. Hence, you may find yourself easily filling up the 16GB of internal storage in no time at all. The stereo speakers are also a welcomed addition for improved audio output.

Downside: Whereas the N95 and the N95 (8GB) used the common mini-USB port for data connection, the N96 went with micro-USB similar to the N82. Though Nokia includes this cable in the package, nonetheless you may start missing the use of the ubiquitous mini-USB cables you have lying around.

The 5-megapixel CMOS camera on the back now comes with two LED lights. Considering that the N82 has a Xenon flash module which we found to be more powerful than the one on the Sony Ericsson K850i, we are a little bit disappointed at this omission from the company's latest flagship handset. In addition, it also appears that the N96 may not have a front-facing camera for video calls.

I think it still looks like a mobile phone.

I will still stick with my LG Viewty for now till September when singtel bring in the i-phone S$690.

Sony Ericsson W350i

Most Sony Ericssons tend to be on the pricey side, but every now and then the company gives us a more affordable model for the masses. Last year it rolled out the W200i, and at CES 2008, the company announced the W350i.

Editors' note:
This preview was first published on our sister site CNET.com. References made to some other products or telcos in this review may not be available or applicable in Asia.
At 10.4mm wide, it sports a design we haven't seen for a while. The keypad is covered by a flap that folds down when you're on a call. The flap not only protects the keypad when it's not in use but it also allows you to get the feel of a flip phone. So in essence, it's a candy-bar handset with flip-phone elements.

But the W350i's design offers another quirk as well. When closed you can access convenient Walkman controls to play your music and shuffle tracks. You also get a choice of four colors: Electric Black, Ice Blue, Hypnotic Black, and Graphic White. Beyond the music player, the feature set is pretty average. There's a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, messaging and email, an FM radio, a 262,144-color display, a speakerphone, and personal organizer applications.

The triband (GSM 850/1800/1900) W350i should be available in the second quarter of this year.

Wessex Estate

Wonderful place to watch the rain on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Lunch was a steaming fragrant curry chicken that was more delicious than spicy which my friend mopped up with his rice. I felt like a big nap after the comforting Heinz baked beans and pork chops. The food is not exceptional but were wonderful with the laidback setting. Not surprisingly, Colbar stocks a very good selection of ales and lagers perfect for a hot afteroon. Thinking we needed to eat more, the kind auntie boss also offered us some decadent pineapple tarts to sample.

Sorry no more pineapple tarts, I bought the last two tubs.

Dog-owners, this is a great place to bring your furfriends with a nice neighbourhood for a lazy walk for man + beast.

DISCLAIMER: Please avoid this establishment if you are
(1) expecting overpriced Dempsey/Rochester food/service;
(2) intolerant of children playing like children;
(3) anti-foreign talent; anti-cosmopolitian; anti-social or anti-human;
(4) too impatient about your food arriving 0.5 seconds later than the usual fast food joint;
(5) incapable of dining in a quiet rustic setting accompanied by an insect orchestras instead of uber-cool chillout music.


Must Tries: Curry chicken, hainanese western food and cold ales

The British Breakfast

LONDON: This is a city where money seems to melt in my pocket. It is more expensive for most things than Paris or New York — hotels, public transport, taxis, eating out — especially eating out. My rule of thumb is that a pound in London has roughly the same value as a dollar in New York or a euro in Paris.But THREE TIMES the singapore dollwah ... wah wah .. In Paris you can count on finding a neighborhood bistro where the owner pretends to be rude to everybody and serves sublime food. In New York, the home of pastrami, you can't go far wrong with a deli. But eating out well on a tight budget is a challenge that even street-wise natives find daunting.

After spending 10 solid days in London and Bath, England ,eating hotel breakfasts at 15 pounds per head.(thats $46.70 Singapore dollawh)
i came back to Singapore expecting my everyday breakfast to be of that standard.
no way can i find that.

i found out after monster mash (originally from england , and they have a franchise here in singapore )thru a review last year june 2007 , but didn't get a chance to get my ass over to holland village .

but if you are to treat me pizza at Da paolo , i get there in 3 minutes... haha
so long didn't get to chitty chatty with Edgar , the friendly and cute Filipino waiter from manila.

also, i wouldn't mind flying 12 hours (yes 12 hours) there just for a traditional full british set meal/
even if you dine at Ritz carlton singapore or Hilton Singapore (lousy food ) .
it's different .... people are different , waiters lagee more indiferrent lor.

perhaps Sloane court Hotel Singapore would be calling me for a meal there.

Sloane Court hotel is the closest you can get to britain.
everything is exactly the same. only the management happen to be chinese folks and the weather is different.
the taps , the bed and the creaky wooden floor downright to the half wall teak parqueting with flowery cornices above your head.

Is Sloane court hotel still there or tear down for En Bloc oradi ??

it is somewhere off orchard road .on Balmoral road.

message to URA >>> you do not DARE tear down that old english charming son of a colonist past house .

Welsh Rarebit

Makes 4 servings

1 large egg
1/4 cup beer or milk
1 tablespoon Cabot Salted Butter
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch ground red pepper (cayenne)
3 cups grated Cabot Sharp Cheddar* (about 12 ounces)
4 thick slices hearty bread
Optional additions: fresh tomato slices and/or crisp bacon strips


1. In small bowl, whisk egg until frothy and yolk and white are completely combined; set aside.

2. In bowl set over pan of simmering water or in double boiler, combine beer or milk, butter, mustard and cayenne.

3. When butter is melted, gradually whisk in cheese and continue stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.

4. Whisk in beaten egg and continue stirring for several minutes until mixture has thickened again (do not allow it to boil or it will separate).

5. Meanwhile, toast bread. Top each toast with tomato and bacon, if desired, and spoon rarebit over the top.

*Substitute tangy Horseradish Cheddar for part of the cheese.




Nutrition Analysis Calories 390 , Total Fat 26g , Saturated Fat 16g , Sodium 526mg , Carbohydrates 18g , Dietary Fiber 3g , Protein 22g , Calcium 588mg

The Ivy, London most famous celebrity restaurant

Cuisine: British
Average price for a meal for two: £80
Service Charge: Cover charge of £1.50 per person

1 - 5West Street,Covent Garden,London, WC2H 9NQ

Nearest Tube: Leicester Square


Review courtesy of Charles Campion from THE EVENING STANDARD

The Ivy is a beautiful, Regency-style restaurant, built in 1928 by Mario Gallati.It has been a Theatreland and society favourite ever since and never more so than today.The staff, it is said, notice recessions only because they turn fewer people away. That's no joke: The Ivy is booked solid, and behaves like a club even if it isn't one. To get a booking it helps to proffer the name of at least a B-list celebrity. If your heart is set on a visit, try booking at off-peak times a couple of months ahead, or at very short notice, or ask for a table in the bar area.
It's also less busy for weekend lunch - three courses for a bargain price, with valet parking thrown in.And once you're in? Well, first off, whether you're famous or not, the staff are charming and un-hurrying. Second, the food is pretty good.
The menu is essentially a brasserie list of comfort food - nice dishes that combine simplicity with familiarity. You might start with spiced pumpkin and coconut soup; the risotto of wild mushrooms; or the eggs Benedict. Then there's deep-fried haddock; grilled pork sausage; and well-made versions of classic staples such as the Ivy hamburger with dill pickle; shepherd's pie; and salmon fishcakes.Even the vegetable section is enlivened with homely delights like bubble and squeak.
For dessert you might turn to chocolate pudding soufflé; rhubarb fool; or go all Pickwickian and finish with a savoury - herring roes on toast, or a serious Welsh rarebit.



what's a rarebit ???
a rare rabbit ??
or rare bites ???
i know haddocks are available in Singapore at Holland Village.
Yet to have brekkie there thou..

How to differentiate real and fake bird's nest?

Real bird’s nest will allow light to penetrate it. Some fake bird’s nest is made of either rubber or pig’s skin, which will taste acidic and releases oil when soaked in water respectively. One obvious indication of a fake bird's nest is that its threads will look uniform and unnatural. Egg white or agar agar will also be added to increase the weight, as prices are determined based on weight.

Tip: Singapore laws on doing business are strict. Therefore, it is generally safe to buy bird’s nest in Singapore, especially from established merchants


Can price be a good indicator for quality?
There is a saying in Chinese, which goes “A cent spent will give you a cent worth of quality”. This can never be less true.

The price is a fair guideline in determining the quality of bird's nest. The pricier the bird’s nest, the better the quality, its nutritional values and the length of time it can withstand double-boiling. This is important as bird's nest of a lower grade will evaporate after a short time during the double-boiling process, which will result in poorer aroma and lesser amount of bird's nest for consumption. This will not justify the amount of money spent on this prized imperial cuisine.

I aspire to be the perfect wife... my mum is ....

The perfect wife knows how to provide the harmonic balance within the family unit. She knows how to balance career, domestic chores, taking care of the children and support her husband emotionally. The perfect wife has many roles to fulfill and finds it both a challenge and rewarding. Not every woman wants to be the perfect wife. Many women will purposely try to be something different to establish their independence. Even those women that rebuff the idea of a perfect wife, read on. There are many deep emotional rewards for striving to be the perfect wife.

The perfect wife knows how to smile at those jokes that aren't really that funny. She manages a small laugh and doesn't remind her husband that he has told that joke before repeatedly. Without her husband knowing it, the perfect wife embraces these age old jokes over and over as if they were brand new. The perfect wife will know that one day her husband might be in a nursing home not able to even recognize who she is. It will be that day that these old jokes will be a memory that keeps her going daily to visit her wonderful husband.

The perfect wife finds the energy to pick up the piles of clothes, socks strewn about and the glasses that never make it back to the sink. Instead of clearing up after everyone and feeling like a maid, the perfect wife is proud of her home. It will drive her nuts to have the little messes here and there. She cleans up without a second thought as to who did it last time or why everyone around her can't seem to walk to the kitchen sink. She knows that one day the house will be childless and there won't be laughter as everyone is gathered around the TV watching a movie and forgetting their dishes. The perfect wife covets the memories that are being made in the household from an active family life.

Wedding preparations

Spellbound Romance (Round Table) menu degustation

For the guests ,
- a sumptuous Western sit down dinner with free flow champagne for 2 hours only
- 5 foot round tables with table linen provided for 750 guests
- a Moet & Chandon mini bottle as door gifts
- a stalk of red wine rose for each lady (600)
order from prince / ridout garden nursery.
- reception table with linen and fresh flowers deco
- Tentage in case it rains




Menu Degustation

Cold Appetizer
Atlantic Lin Cod fish with Mesclun Bouquet &
Cavier served with Jasmine Vinegrette


Soup du Jour
Clear Asparagus soup with Julienne Black Fungus
& Crab Meat Dumpling


Main Entree
Honey Boneless Chicken with Mustard Leek Stew & Potato Sauteed
with Cranberry Sauce & Balsamic Reduction


Desserts
New York Cheesecake with Coulis of Strawberries
Trio Ben & Jerry's flavas - White Zombie, Chubby Hubby and Like a virgin


Thirst quenchers
Redbull Vodka
spinelli's coffee
Assorted gourmet tea bags
2 hours of Moet & Chandon (damage ??)

Wedding preparations

Caterer : Purple Sage
Church : St Andrews Cathedral
ROM : 14th June 2008 @ Prive Restaurant Keppel Island
AD : 14th September 2008
AD Banquet @ Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Ballroom 1
Wedding Planner name :
Contact :
Number of tables : 75
Number of invited Guests : 750
BS : My Bridal Room
Photoshoot: 16th April 2008 at Sentosa Golf Club
Photographer : Sam
MUA : Dily
AD PG : Desmond Ho
Wedding Band : Goldheart
Proposal Ring : Goldheart
Wedding Car : Opel Twintop Cabriolet in Champagne Gold

Wedding car

hmmm. i am still considering which one to use for my AD .