Singapore Christmas Spree

Per last entry, this entry was reserved for my Hong Kong Spree but somehow it's still not. There are some necessities I need to get for my back to back holiday.You read it right. I going Hong Kong for Christmas and flying off again 3 days later for New Year at Beijing. Majority stared daggers at me.

I'm mostly a traveler but this time my best friend and I are tourist. Some places are best to go on tour, I learnt that during my escapade in Jeju Island, South Korea. We got the package cheap and my best friend is tied up with work and wedding in January while I'm officially a student in 2013. So New Year in Beijing seems feasible especially with my low count of leave.

Anyway back to my splurges. Need to update a bit of winter clothing to prepare for my winter escapade. Had a great time in H&M.

My third winter jacket and this is the lightest of them all. I'm gonna bring all 3 since I foresee no requirement of  luggage space/weight for shopping

The only legal time to wear turtleneck is winter 

Needed a new cardigan for the office. It's practically Hong Kong's winter at my cubicle

Since it's a back to back holiday, I need to replenish my inner wears.

While walking around, I came upon a sale in Timberland and I just can't resist. Something great for Christmas Day

With the new iPhone 5, I needed a new portable charger and something  I don't need to fight about with my best friend because now we can share (Why do I even bother?)

Pre-Holiday Shopping

OK, I am supposed to save up for my upcoming trip or at least save up. My financial consultant (a really close friend) nearly killed me due to my contribution didn't went through the month before. I had to consult him on the reason and he bought it. Plus, my hard work finally paid off and really well I might add. Even after putting aside for the trip, I have a few to spare. Hence I splurged a bit before my Shop-a-holiday.

I've been searching for short sleeve button down and it was quite arduous searching for one. I've always fancied Muji's clothing but got turned off by the price and cutting. I was just wondering around contemplating on a baumkuchen purchase when I stumbled upon the men clothing rack. It was a simple design and it was on 30% sale. I tried some on and was quite amazed of the material, fitting (I still fit "freaking" Medium) and the cutting. I loved it and pursued the purchase.

 

I still couldn't stop buying books when I still have one or more that are left unread. It's just something made ready should I just feel like reading. I don't need to go out and search for the things to read or wait 3 weeks for my purchase to arrive. My latest book is of a mindset of how a character that I've recently adores, Sherlock Holmes.

 I've managed to complete Assassin's Creed 3 within a week and a book before and after the game. Another thing to stand by is a game. Just something I've been wanting to continue playing. There isn't any games that I'm waiting for at the moment.

Lastly, I brought my consultant friend to shop for my niece's birthday gift. He did mentioned that I shouldn't buy things that is expensive but buy something that the person needs. It's the thought that counts. Though what would a 3 year old need and would she understand gratitude maturely. He gave me a lot of options of books and clothes but she'll outgrew them. I've been procrastinating a gift that I've been wanting to get her and finally believe she's old enough to enjoy.

A little girl needs a bit of imagination to work that mind and she adores it when she unwrapped her present(tore through the wrappers). The parents including aunts were in awe too. A quality gift for a little girl, a doll house. I had to get something for the brother too as I missed his birthday. Wanted to get him a Little Prince picture book but wasn't able to find it. So the next best thing is a game by LEGO. Should have checked whether he had it first. Time to look for another gift then.

After all the shoppings, my consultant told me that I spent a lot but noticed that I'm not stingy for my money. LOL... that was a laughter. It's selective. I can't be doing it all the time for everyone, just for the closest people I would.

Now I just can't wait what my next entry be like from my Christmas Shopping Trip to Hong Kong!

Stabilizing

Finance has it's down for the second half of 2012 but it's coming back on track and stabilizing. I've managed to clear personal debts and still can afford for my upcoming trip. I may be burning myself with overtime but that is my source of extra income.

Money is slowly coming back through people owing me and clearance from Rydikulez Collections. I can finally breathe easier and shop a little. It is time to stock on my hobby.

Firstly, the much anticipated sequel to a favorite game. But I promised myself to complete a book before pursuing hour in front of the TV.

I also managed to dust off my Kinokuniya card and visited Ngee City branch for some updates. I do have Out of Oz to complete but I can't digest the last Gregory Maguire book. I also have my Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper but I'm keeping that for a read on my trip. I needed something that I'll enjoy and easily digest and ended with below:

 This is actually my second The Hobbit book that I've owned. The first is a graphic novel that was published way back during the rise of Lord of the Rings. It was a gift from my dear sister but I find it a shocker that I was unable to digest that graphic novel. To prepare myself before the release of the film, I had to read it up first ala standard prints.

I was excited and truly enjoyed Jon Ronson's The Psychopath Test and thrilled to stumble upon his latest book. I actually set to get the new Lemony Snicket's book (too childish) but I chose Ronson's. Even though I've watched The Guy Who Stares at Goats, I'm going to hunt for it and another book, Them.

Overspent

OMG!!! I blew it for the month of September, thanks to the extra credits. A bit of my hobby during the start of the month thanks to someone recommending me Bookdepository.com. This is the only order I checked out from the numerous "Add to Basket". This is the most anticipated of all in the basket.

Next is the fast sold-out or climbing price for flight ticket to Hong Kong for Christmas. I had to scrunch for 2 for my little sister and myself. Not forgetting the hotel reservation.

Last but not least is the launch of iPhone 5 which I've waited for a year. Got punked the year before with 4S and thank god I didn't get it.

A big hole in the pocket but one happy soul. Now I have scrunch my daily expenses till the next payday. Time for a stay-home-son mode. LOL...

Avengers Assemble!!!

I was really impressed with the quality of Bluray after my Star Wars series. With the sharp and fine picture quality, I wanted to get another worthy film on Bluray. The best movie to get is basically Marvel's The Avengers. Firstly, it's by Joss Whedon alas the whole movie is pretty much awesome with great scenes and graphics. A true comic fan boy!

I so going to get the Transformers Trilogy as well and Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy. Also after watching the Avengers, I urged to assemble all the past Avengers movie tie-in.

Aidilfitri Spoils

It has been weeks since I shopped but was too busy to upload the spoils for the festive seasons. I've finally managed to unpack them on the very day since I don't go out.

Not much as I can't find anything in favor

Uniqlo Berms

The berms are inappropriate for Hari Raya but I'm running low on bermudas and of all the shop I've been to, only Uniqlo's caught my eye.

DKNY Jeans Polo

I wanted to grab a Polo shirt from DKNY but my size was unavailable and other stores does not carry them as well. Went over to DKNY Jeans and found something similar and I just blindly bought it. Still happy but my siblings are not.

H&M Shirt

I needed another short sleeve top but saw a gray shirt that looks good with the sleeve folded. Again, there wasn't any size available and found the only size available in white instead. Again I just grabbed it.

I'm actually thrilled that I can fit in size M due to the Ramadan month. Now I have to maintain this size throughout to please myself and my doctor.

A Newly Revised Hobby - Reading

As I'm slowly selling off my comics and toys away, something else is creeping into the empty spaces. Not that I'm worried but truly thrilled. It's a psychological mindset that I got to know. Having more books can actually make a man wise. Then again, that depend on the books one owns.

I've been reading a handful of non-fiction books ranging mostly on psychology and a bit of philosophy. I do still read a bit of fiction but I rather have it over the screen rather than paperbacks, and definitely comics but only electronically on my iPad.

My latest interest is taking up new languages but noticed that I'm still rusty at it. I've gotten another set of language books from clearing my CitiPoints which will be expiring soon. Time to strengthen my Korean and relearn my Japanese. Hopefully I don't get to mix them up.

Conversion-Rate was to be blamed

I had a quick getaway to Kuala Lumpur during my company's 1 day shutdown. It's meant for a glutton trip before the Ramadan month starts the week after and told myself not to shop. I did however had the intention to search for shows by the late Yasmin Ahmad.

 

 

Here comes the blame game. Due to great conversion rate, I had an amazing time at Kinokuniya Malaysia. The prices were better or almost the same as Kinokuniya's member's sale in Singapore. Though I had to limit myself, actually there were more and I was carrying a basket. I had to think of the weight of my messenger bag that I'll be carrying.

 

 

Someone ask to get this using my member's card and since it's the same price, I got it there instead

Still itching to shop, I've found something that I needed to change. The price in Singapore was unbelievable and the price I got in KL was impossible. Now, I have a matching trunks and goggle. Love 'em!

NYC Goodies

My God Brother had decided take up a sabbatical and stay in NYC for a month. Of course, we knew that certain US products are cheaper there. So I've joined the list of friends with a list of shopping needs.

A must to get when I know anyone that's going to the States. I went overboard by asking to get 5 packs

(3 packs opened to save space)

I needed to test out the Blu-Ray system on my PS3 and the discs in Singapore cost a bomb for a piece. Initially wanted to get a cheaper set but he mentioned that it's USD 99 which is actually cheaper than Singapore. A must for a Star Wars Fan

A souvenir from his Lego Store visit. Maybe to complete the Star Wars frenzy.

The is a totally unexpected souvenir. My jaw dropped when I opened the box and check it out. May not be a leather wallet that I wanted but I'm not complaining for a Gucci Tri-Fold.

His transit via Delta was to Narita. So I've asked to get Tokyo Banana if possible and he got me 3 packs with a Baumkuchen in tow. Awesome!!!

From Seller to Buyer

With the growing sales of Rydikulez Collections, I've been busy going around sending orders over weekends or days that I'm free. Mostly were kind enough to meet in the central but I had one in the west. I didn't mind the travel as I loved to explore. This time it brought me to Clementi. The place got hipper with the new Clementi Mall.

After the transaction, I explored the new Clementi central with no intention of shopping. Alas I was wrong. I managed to find the Kinect UFC Trainer that I've been searching aimlessly locally and overseas. On the hind side, it was at 50% off, so I succumb to getting it and no, my sale proceed didn't went to the purchase, I used my other resources.

At least now, I have an updated Kinect workout. The old Shape Your Body was getting monotonous.

More Games II

Fine, I know I have many more books to read and I still have Uncharted 3 to play but I don't have the feeling to read nor play Uncharted. I do have the urge to play games and I just want to play something else. Either something with free-roaming or something childish. I did thought of getting something from the Lego games but find it a waste to get a new copy and there weren't any pre-owned found. I ended getting 2 free-roaming games instead.

Need a balance for both XBox 360 and PS3. I still have not complete my game list from the PS3 exclusive games so for time being, new games will be on Xbox 360.

New Improved Formula

I needed to replenish my facial products and was informed that it was phased out. Biotherm renewed the T-Pur product to and improved formula. They provided a trial set and it was effective, better than the previous. 

Along the way I noticed another product that interest me, the Abdosculpt. I could manage a regular abdominal workout and was hoping that this might help. I found OzComestics website and it was selling $10 cheaper than the counter. Wished I could order my T-Pur set as well but it was much more expensive online so I had to get it over the counter.

Let's Hope the Abdosculpt works

Back to the Normal Routine

After all the walking and climbing from my trip in Korea and miraculously survived, I knew it's time for me to continue my once neglected routine; exercising. After being hospitalized and symptoms of incapability to strain myself with strenuous activity, I temporary stopped my routine to recover.

Now I'm back in my healthier self, I wanted to start with a simple activity of swimming but somehow I've lost my trunks and hell no I'm going to wear either of my 3 skimpy speedos (2 NS-issued and 1 from a warehouse sale that my friend got for me). I do not want to strain myself with running first, so I had to venture out to search for my trunks but to no avail. Hence I had to get a new pair and it's not as cheap as my previous one.

Korean Shopping

Shopping in Korea has been a blast. Even if majority of luxury goods are 5-10% cheaper, it's still great to shop. However, I've been spending a lot for others rather than for myself. I can't seem to find what I want or need but I know others would be happy with what I've got for them.

Above picture was taken when I was packing my luggage the night before flight. Somehow I still managed to shop while going over to the airport and you won't want to know what it is.

From the above, only the following are mine and I'm loving it. I love my novelty T-shirts and I have tons of it. I am proud to be a nerd. LOL...

Of course, every holiday will have a memento - fridge magnets of the places I've been to.

More Games

For now, I just buy them since it's available as new or pre-owned. A friend gave away a spoiler when he tweeted about the next sequel. Now, I had to play before the next sequel is out but I still have 4 games to play still. Once I'm back for Seoul, I'll have the time to complete the games and books that have been collecting dust until I get my school admission results later in May.

The Elixir of Scent

I love having different scents available. I used to have half a dozen of perfumes but lately, majority of them are fast depleting. Now I'm left with 3 and 1 of them turn vapid. Since I've won a Takashimaya voucher, I chose to get hold of another bottle - Hugo Boss Just Different.

 I knew what I wanted and the sales person was trying her best to add in additional items by getting me to try the different lines of perfumes. I love Hugo Boss fragrance and I did my scent research or I've got it before so I declined her offer. However, being a great help, she provided me with tons of samples and a shower gel.

Freebies of the day

The green Wicked bottle however was an Easter day freebies from Wicked the musical. Just an additional of the freebies for the day