Back to School

I'm thrilled to be back to school. Like when I was young, new school year means new stationary. I kinda got carried away by it too.

Hershel Backpack

Needed a backpack to hold the load of my books, laptop and spare clothes. Most of my classes are after work so I can't be going in my work attire. Trust me, I don't want to even when most of my friends admitted that I look stunning in it.

I'm spoiled after using a personalized pen. It has a good weight and a good feel. All I need is a change of ink and not the whole pen, unless I misplace it.

Moleskine Pen Case

Okay, I have to admit that this was splurging. Temporary I was using my Fred Perry's case but upon receiving it in the mail, it was too small to hold my lot of stationary. Hence I gave it away and continued using my current case.

Moleskine Folio

I'm am truly getting spoiled by Moleskine. The folio was my last online order and it was just perfect until I needed to get some sleeves to hold my papers.

As I continued doing my assignments, I realized that I needed a scientific calculator. I hoped that the one I had 10 years back is still functional but it wasn't. Hence I required a new one. Nothing fancy about this.

New Windows

While helping my buddy set up some furniture in his new abode, we were talking about iPad Mini and whether the two of us should be getting it. I still feels that the iPad should be big enough for me to read my comics and watch some shows on as these were my main usage for the iPad.

Somehow, I had that thought of getting it when I returned home until I realized that I needed to do something to my current PC first. I had the current customized PC for awhile but the system is slowly crashing due to my brother's gaming modifier which crashes some files. Majority of my programs were corrupted and I had to repair the OS.

I did want to convert to the latest Window 8 but wasn't sure how the interface was like. I haven't had much review from anyone and hadn't even tried it first hand. One thing I know for sure is that Microsoft is selling it at $49 for download/upgrade and $89 for the Window 8 Pro version. Both are at $200 off till end January.

Can't help it, I went to Sim Lim in search of the installer and a monitor but couldn't find them at the reduced price nor a good monitor. I returned back to Tampines and got it at Challengers Tampines One. Damn, shouldn't have traveled so far.

There was a free thumb drive too but it didn't really matter. After a whole day sitting in front of the PC setting up the OS, I am finally satisfied by the smooth functions of Windows 8. Now I'm looking into my next to be faulty monitor and wondering whether to have 2 split screens for the PC. Hmmmm....

So-Much-For-Not-Shopping Trip

After 3 days back to work from Hong Kong, I set off to my New Year oriental adventure in Beijing. Beijing was all out on tour, a rare occasion for me as I mostly do free and easy. It was expected that travelling and communication is a major challenge so tour was the safest.

Being on tour somehow stops you for shopping unnecessary and the conversion of 1:5 wasn't that appetizing. So I tend to spent mostly on souveniers and I only gotten myself some fruit tea with a free pee-pee boy (weird and useless thing), magnets for my travelogues and some socks (a common thing I've been buying for most holidays)

 

Apparently, the weather wasn't expected to be freezing cold so I had to get some additional heatwear. I got all this for below SGD 10 where it'll cost 500% more in Singapore. It definately were a life saver.

I expected to end my trip with not spending more that what I converted. I only swiped twice, one for souveniers and the other for a spa treatment during my spare time. Somehow, I managed a last minute buy at the airport. The DFS was closing in 15 mins but I managed to attain the Longchamp bag that my sister was looking for when I stumbled upon one of my shopping list - Bally's Keypouch. It was  45% of the price of Singapore and Hong Kong. Of course I had to get it.

 After Hong Kong and Beijing, my SIN needlist has been decreased. Time to window shop to increase the needlist.

Hong Kong Christmas

I've been mentioning about my Hong Kong Christmas shopping updates but the past post has been done locally. Finally, it's time to update my expenditures in Hong Kong.

Surprisingly, I've spent on the device below to assist me with Data connection using the available data Sim Card available in the country. It's tedious to change number when I'm overseas and my auto-roaming plan would be useless. At least, I only need 1 Data sim card and can be shared within the group of travelmate. So, a worthy investment.

Personal WiFi Device best for travelling

Shopping was great due to the 1:6 conversion rate. My previous visit was at 1:5, so majority of the items are cheaper than expected this time. It's winter time so clothing weren't much to withstand our local humid weather but I still managed to grab a few.



I also needed to get some winter wear for my next trip the week after and managed to get the following at a cheaper price too.

With a fast depleting stock of perfumes, I've decided to get at least $200 worth of perfume. I managed to get the much needed Gucci Guilty, a replenishment of my fave Hugo Boss Just Different and a little-Sis-psychoed YSL Homme fragrance.

Hong Kong wouldn't be completed without checking out the toy scene. I wandered around Causeway to Mongkok looking at toys and collectibles. I did stopped my collection but I can't help with the following purchases.

Truly a geek thing - iPhone 5 covers

Surprisingly cheap but most likely will be sold off in eBay

A must have - complete collection of Christopher Nolan's Batman

It may seem little shopping done in Hong Kong but the pictures above are just mine. I did a lot more shopping until I board the plane home.

Total damage before packing

Hong Kong was truly planned for shopping. My bag was half empty and I left with a fully packed luggage. Truly enjoyed my time there and I still contemplating to plan for a summer spree.

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.