Thursday, August 15, 2013

celio* Summer Showcase

As a father of two and closing in on 40 soon, most people would not associate us with the word ‘fashion’. A father’s image should be prim and proper, maybe even old-fashion. We are so used to say we will stay young at heart, probably an excuse for the lack of fashion sense. But today I am going to break that image and bring to you some fun and fashionable wear for male and for fathers like me.
*pardon the super amateur modelling poses, just focus on the clothing and not the model*

The celio* showcase located at level 1 of Plaza Singapura, just before you enter the main entrance. Get some inspirations here before you head up to level 3 main store.

2013-08-12 15.29.50

2013-08-12 15.30.29

Summer Showcase from celio*.

Traveller / Workers wear (rugged chic)

Denim shirts has always been one of my favourites. Easy to wear and almost perfect for every occasion. Tuck it in if you want a more ‘chic’ look. For a father, this wear is perfect for a rugged time with the girls. No worries of getting the shirt wrinkled or even slightly dirtied. Fun without the 烦 (worries).

IMG_9167 IMG_9170

Another denim shirt (short-sleeve), coupled with a red tee and beige-colour work pants. Versatile outfit with the denim shirt as a work wear and later at night, take it off and relax with just the cool red funky top.

IMG_9171 IMG_9172

Moove Retro Tech (tech sportswear)

Red is cool! This red sports jacket is not heavy but still able to provide the suitable warmth. Especially for someone like me who is usually feeling cold, this is a super nice addition for the wardrobe.

IMG_9194 IMG_9192

With the elastic finish on the bottom, the jacket gives a more ‘pro’ look when zipped up.

IMG_9195

Beach Pool Time & Essentials (covering hot summer favourites in bright prints)

Bright colours are the best choice for some fun activities. Paired this bright blue top with a dark blue berms and off we go for a great time at the beach (just dreaming). I think this is a great outfit to showcase myself as a fun father for my daughter. Wearing casual like this (and with a hat) always adds on to the idea of having fun with my girl.

IMG_9177 IMG_9186

Another bright orange shirt to recommend. My personal favourite for the day. My wife says the colour looks good with my skin tone, and it’s never wrong to believe your wife. I really like that Celio* offers quite a lot of different shirts like this, especially for fathers with young children, we can still look good and funky without being too informal. Thumbs up!

IMG_9189 IMG_9191

Urban (taken after ‘La Dolce Vita’ which means ‘a sweet life’ in Italian)

Lastly, the urban look with this turquoise jacket. So happens my dear wife is wearing the same colour as me, isn’t it ‘a sweet life’?

IMG_9198a

If you are not yet convinced by me, go down to the showcase and take a look for yourself. I’m sure you can find something nice and affordable to spice up your wardrobe.

IMG_9208 IMG_9205

IMG_9201

IMG_9202

And for all my readers, there is a special exclusive promotion for you!
Visit
celio* Plaza Singapura #03-41 store and quote ‘Omy Bloggers’ to receive a 10% discount on regular-priced items (valid from 1 to 31 Aug 2013).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction to celio*
It is founded in 1985 in Paris France, celio* has become the essential brand in men’s ready-to-wear and the leader in its market. Today, the international brand has more than 1,000 stores in over 60 countries, located in prominent cities like Milan, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Dubai, Mumbai, Taipei, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore and more. Over 35 million pieces of clothing are sold each year.

The brand’s 80-strong design team travels regularly to fashion capitals worldwide to seek inspiration. Thereafter, they translate and decode the trends into simple, wearable pieces that can be worn daily by the young urban male.

The brand bases its success to its five core values that are represented by the five-pointed star logo that resembles of an asterisk.
These values are:
Masculinity – awareness of men’s consumption behaviour and their relationship to clothing
Attractiveness – focus on quality, variety of colours and cuts
An open outlook – respect for others
A generous nature – being accessible and affordable with no borders
Service – gives men the keys to understand fashion codes

celio* has 6 stores in Singapore
- Takashimaya Shopping Centre #B2-36A
- Plaza Singapura #03-41
- CityLink Mall #B1-47
- Bugis+ #01-05
- Jem #02-10
- Suntec City #01-327/328

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CelioSingapore

Monday, August 12, 2013

EPL - StarHub or SingTel?

So the long-drawn battle is over. SingTel’s appeal was rejected and now the cross-carriage has to be done. Which means, StarHub gets to host EPL matches starting this new season 2013/14. It should be good news to all consumers, we can finally choose just one TV Cable (Red or Green). But the aftertaste was sort of a bitter one.

SingTel was casted as the ‘big bully’ and since he has lost the fight, the decision was to drag everyone down in defeat. With a single selfish swipe of decision, the new season package for EPL matches are now offered at $59.90 per month. That works out to be about $15 per match (assuming you only watch 1 match per week). If you happen to miss one of the matches, it will be $20 per match or $30 per match if you missed 2 matches in a month. Would it then be better to just make that trip to the nearby kopitiam and spend that money on beer? You can even order some satay or chicken wings to go along.

Your decision is sacred.

Here is what the 2 camps are offering.

SingTel – EPL Package
All existing MIO TV contracts honoured. Which means the new pricing will not be implemented to existing customers whose contracts are yet to run out. But if you are planning to renew, the new price kicks in.

Gold Pack @ $64.90 per month
> 9 BPL Channels (worth $59.90)
> 53 Family+ Channels (worth $29.90)
> Up to 23 Channels from your favourite ethnic packs (worth up to $42.80)
> 8 Movie Channels (worth $16.90)
> 11 World Sports Channels (worth $14.90)
> Free mio TV GO (worth $5/mth) till 31 May 2014
> Watch HD Channels at no extra cost
> Most number of HD Channels (59 channels)
> Lowest HD set-top box rental

Stadium+ Pack @ $59.90 per month
> mio Stadium Multiview (CH101)
> mio Stadium (CH102-108)
> mio Stadium On Demand (CH109)
> Note: UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Cup, Capital One Cup, La Liga, French Ligue 1 and Italian Serie A are not included. Only available in Gold Pack / World Sports Pack

StarHub – EPL Package
Get a $30 rebate every month for the next 2 seasons. Valid for new and existing customers with or without contracts. No bundling required. No contract on the rebate.

Football in 3 easy steps
> Get your NRIC and StarHub TV Subscription ID
> Take them to any SingTel shop and sign up for BPL cross-carried on StarHub TV
> You will automatically receive the $30 rebate in your StarHub monthly bill within 90 days from the date of sign up
> Note: BPL matches will be broadcasted in HD. Please swap your digital set-top box to a HD set-top box

So what is your choice? Mine is simple. Currently, I have both MIO TV (purely for EPL) and StarHub TV (watched by the entire family). The Gold Pack offered by SingTel seems like a very enticing offer, but essentially I am paying more for what I do not need. If I switch over to StarHub, the price will be halved with the $30 rebate per month. And I would have everything in one set-top box, cutting all the hassle of switching set-top box if I want to watch the EPL matches. But I think the main deciding factor to ditch the Red camp is because of their cable quality. It has been a tremendous pain for the past 3 years with MIO, experiencing the most inconvenient lost of signal during crucial matches. In short, I have changed my MIO set-top box for more than 3 times, called the hotline almost every month, had 4 different technicians coming to home and still cannot rectify the problem. Surprisingly, the signal was much better the past one month. Is it because now there is competition?

Current setup ($140)
SingTel – $65 (EPL)
StarHub – $75 (Family, News, Kids, Chinese)

New setup ($105)
SingTel – $59.90 (cross-carriage)
StarHub – $45 (Family, News, Kids, Chinese, EPL), price is after $30 rebate

Just for info… You can do the cross-carriage over the phone on SingTel’s hotline, but just be patient with the “foreign english” call-operator. If not, a trip to any SingTel Shop would be best.

GO GREEN!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Cafe - Baker & Cook

In Singapore, it is not difficult to find cafes. But it has been a challenge to find something unique and serves good food. Most of the cafes in Singapore serves cakes and bakery, so to be head and shoulders above everyone, you have to really serve good food with a reasonable price.

Baker & Cook is situated at Hillcrest Road, just near to Raffles Girls Primary and National JC.

I would recommend the All Day Brunch Menu.

Kless tried the Scrambled Eggs with Bacon. The bacon was done to perfection.

DSC_2245

I was more greedy, I tried both the Toast of the Day and Deluxe Granola.

The toast of the day comes along with your choice of jams and this is the highlight. Apricot Jam, Strawberry Jam and Mixed Berries Jam. All are equally awesome!

DSC_2249

I can probably eat this everyday.

DSC_2250

But it was a bad idea to order anything else if you are trying the Granola. Not saying that it was not nice, in fact, this is the best I have tried, served with berry compote, natural yoghurt and icing sugar. However, it was just too filling after eating the granola, you may not have enough space to enjoy the other nice bakeries.

DSC_2242

Long Black, not too acidic, just nice for a brunch menu.

 DSC_2246

We will be back for more.

DSC_2261

Baker & Cook – Hillcrest Road
77 Hillcrest Road, Greenwood, S(288951)
Tel: 6469 8834
Sun-Thu: 7am – 8pm
Fri-Sat: 7am – 10pm

Baker & Cook – Martin Road
38A Martin Road, #01-01, S(239072)
Tel: 6636 5865
Sun-Thu: 8am – 6pm
Fri-Sat: 8am – 6pm

Monday, August 5, 2013

Singapore Botanic Gardens - Just Me

A rare Monday afternoon without much plans, I took a bus to Botanic Gardens with my camera.

DSC_2265

The Gardens is quite empty since it was a weekday and nearly 4pm. The perfect time to take some scenery shots without the human clutter.

DSC_2267

DSC_2275

Was trying out to shoot with manual mode, it took me quite a few shots to get something presentable. But definitely a good chance to hone my skills.

DSC_2285

DSC_2298

DSC_2300

DSC_2303

First time I venture deeper into the Gardens and saw a few of the Heritage Trees. Majestic mature trees are the natural heritage of Singapore and serve as green landmarks of our Tropical Garden City.

Malayan Terminalia or Jelawi
At 47m, this tree is one of the tallest trees in the Gardens. Located at the junction of Liane Road and Lower Ring Road.

DSC_2307

Kapok Tree or White Silk-cotton Tree
This 43m tall tree was received from the Gold Coast, Ghana in 1932. Located along Lower Ring Road.

DSC_2310

DSC_2311

Tucked in a quiet corner of the Gardens is this cactus gardens. If I ever have my own garden, I would definitely have a cactus portion.

DSC_2314

DSC_2317

DSC_2316

DSC_2329

It’s not rare to spot these cute little squirrels in the garden.

DSC_2321

DSC_2322

On the way out, I can’t help buy took this photo, I think I still prefer to shoot people.

DSC_2324

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Grandma Is 90

This is one of my happiest post. My grandma has just turned 90 years old! Simply love her hair!

DSC_2004

I was under my grandma’s care for about 3 years since birth. Therefore, there is a special link between us and every time I get to see her (she stays in JB), I would love to just sit besides her and listen to her telling me to eat more, take care of my family, must remember to pray more, etc. She is such an adorable and beautiful lady.

 

Almost everyone is back for the celebration. Aunt Siew Kim came back from Melbourne too.

DSC_1995

Grandma has 7 children, 6 girls and 1 boy. So it took a while to take turns for individual family photo with her, but she happily obliged even though I can see she was a bit tired from all the smiling and posing for camera. I mean how many of us can or will live till 90 years old, it is indeed a great blessing.

DSC_2045

Just the 6 sisters with their mother.

DSC_2050

The grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

DSC_2053

Grandma sharing some intimate moments with different ones.

DSC_1955 DSC_2220

DSC_1957

DSC_2223

The Kuan Family with Grandma.

DSC_1973

Besides the celebration, it was also a great chance for our families to gather together, and it’s obvious everyone is having a very happy time.

DSC_2113

DSC_2141

DSC_2236

This is Joey and Jayne with their younger cousin, Zachery.

DSC_2110

The three of us goofing around.

We all had the traditional longevity noodle, and Grandma was so sporting to pose for me.

DSC_2086

Time for blowing the candle and cake cutting. Happy 90th birthday Grandma!

DSC_2194 DSC_2205

A perfect ending to a great night, praying for more blessings for Grandma. Praying for better health and happier days ahead. Love you Grandma!

DSC_2065