Internet Marketing Membership - One of a Kind

I have recently come across this membership which I believe to be quite different from other IM memberships that I have seen so far.


Leo & Paul Membership is truly for those new to Internet Marketing and is one of those rare few that provides step by step instructions and videos. What I like best is the "Build Your Own Business in 21 Days' module which is in my opinion very beneficial for those new in the IM arena. This membership also offers a very comprehensive Traffic Training Center modules that delve into every forms of traffic imaginable. Another feature that I have never seen before is the feature where they will create videos for technical (how to do this, how to do that) questions that are asked by members and they also conduct frequent live training webinars where there will also be questions and answers sessions that will be very useful for those technoprobia like myself. ;)

Leo & Paul Membership has a 7 days trial, try it and see for yourself if it is worth every cents of your money. As I understand it, the subscription fee is going to be raised very soon do try to get in early if you are still sitting on the fence.

- SGMale

SEnukeX is launching on 5 April 2011 @ 8PM (EST) Sharp!

For those doing internet marketing or any form of online businesses, you will realize that you will need to perform consistent promotion effort in order to rank well in search engines, particularly with Google. While there are a huge varieties of link building tools out in the market, to be very honest, nothing beat using SEnuke.

SEnuke is a multi-purpose tool that allows one to do not only niche and keyword research, it is simply the best tool in the entire Internet for people to do link building for their websites. Imagine having an all-in-one tool that can perform tedious link building tasks like social bookmarking, RSS feed submission, profile creation, creation and submission of articles to both Web 2.0 properties and article directories.

And if such capabilities of SEnuke can also impress you, you will be blown away with what SEnukeX can do. It can now allow one to drip feed their link building tasks and can now allow submission to Press Release sites. Most importantly SEnukeX now has this template feature that allows one to start their link building campaigns and strategy with just a few mouse click!

The offer price of $127 will only last a week starting 5 April 2011, after which the price will be at $147 a month.

Go get it if you are still seating on the fence. Most information can be found here.

Shopping in Hong Kong

Our holidays in Hong Kong are drawing near, and we are all very excited.
However, in order to make full use of the time there, we need to plan our itinerary well, especially for shopping!!! Here some suggestions and info SGFemale found online:

Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa

Stretching over 1.4 million sq.ft., Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa, which boasts over 300 shops, is one of the largest shopping, dining and entertainment centres in Hong Kong. It comprises a unique combination of themed worlds, offering an array of fashion, accessories, dining, entertainment facilities and boundless fun. Come and experience the Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa.

What's Hot:

Address: Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom, Kowloon Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (daily) Tel: +852 2121 8344 Transport: Bus: 8A / 8P - Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier; 115 - Central (Macau Ferry Pier); E23 - Airport Green Mini Bus: No. 6 / 6A – Tsim Sha Tsui Hankow Road via MTR Hung Hom Station Ferry: From Central Ferry Pier, Wanchai Ferry Pier and North Point Ferry Pier to Hung Hom Ferry Pier Website: www.whampoaworld.com

DFS Galleria Hong Kong DFS is the world's leading destination for international travellers seeking the world's finest brands. We bring you luxurious shopping environments to highlight the best assortments in fine watches, leather goods, jewellery, clothing and cosmetics. Customer-oriented benefits such as 100% Worldwide Guarantee, personal shopping services, rewards for customer loyalty and a multi-lingual staff make DFS Gallerias a must-stop destination for international travellers. Exclusive for Visitors: Taxi Service Take a taxi to visit DFS Galleria and we'll reimburse you for the taxi! Up to HK$50 DFS Galleria gift certificate can be redeemed per ride with valid receipt. Address: The Sun Arcade, G/F, 28 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm (Daily) Tel: +852 2302 6600 Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit E Address: Chinachem Golden Plaza, G/F, 77 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East Opening Hours: 9:30am to 10pm (Daily) Tel: +852 2732 5229 Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui East Station Exit P2 Website: http://www.dfsgalleria.com

Elements

ELEMENTS is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, atop the MTR Kowloon Station on the Tung Chung and Airport Express lines. The mall houses a collection of the world’s most prestigious and dynamic brands, while its Civic Square (located on 3/F) provides a unique alfresco dining area with bars and restaurants offering seven different international cuisines.

Address:

1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui

Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm (daily)

Tel: +852 2735 5234

Transport: MTR Kowloon Station Exit C or 5 minutes walk from Austin Station Exit B5

Complimentary Shuttle Bus: Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui – Peking Road (Outside Duty Free)–ELEMENTS (Service Times: 12:30pm to 9:30pm)

Bus: 8/11/215X/203E/270A

Minibus:26/74/77M

Website: http://www.elementshk.com

Lane Crawford

Lane Crawford is delighted to invite you to discover Asia's leading specialty store.
Within Lane Crawford's luxurious and innovatively designed stores, customers will find the largest assortment of international designer brands. Every season, Lane Crawford presents a unique edit of the world's best in Womenswear, Menswear, Shoes and Accessories, Jewellery, Cosmetics, and Home and Lifestyle collections.

Address:

Address: G/F-2/F, The Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)
Tel: +852 2118 3428


Address: Shop 3025-3026 & 3031-3066, 3/F, ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)
Tel: +852 2118 3388


Address: Shop 117, 126 & 225, Level 1 & 2, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10am - 9pm (Daily)
11am to 8pm (Sun & PH)
Tel: +852 2118 3668

Address: G/F-2/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)
11am to 8pm (Sun & PH)
Tel: +852 2118 3638

Website: http://www.lanecrawford.com

Times Square

The largest mall in Causeway Bay, Times Square has more than 230 shops, offering an exciting range of products as well as great dining establishments. Food Forum offers 20 restaurants featuring a wide variety of delectable and exquisite world-class culinary delights. Definitely a must-visit dining and shopping landmark!

Address:

1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (Daily)

Tel: +852 2118 8900

Transport: MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit A

Website: http://www.timessquare.com.hk

Plaza Hollywood

Plaza Hollywood is one of the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong's Kowloon East. It offers an unequalled environment of light and space, a place to shop, relax and enjoy life to the full -- over 220 shops and restaurants, a 6-screen cinema multiplex, 10,000 square feet of exhibition venue. Adjacent to popular attractions like Chin Lin Nunnery, Nan Lian Garden and Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Plaza Hollywood is a one of the destinations not to be missed when you travel in Hong Kong.

Address:3 Lung Poon Street, Diamond Hill, Kowloon

Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm (Daily)

Tel: +852 2118 8811

Transport: MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2

Website:http://www.plazahollywood.com

Harbour City

Harbour City, with an area of 185,800 square metres, is one of the main tourist attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui. Encompassing over 700 shops of all kinds, around 50 food & beverage outlets, three star hotels, and two cinemas, you are sure to find something you like at Harbour City. Moreover, in order to bring art into a part of Hong Kong’s lifestyle, Harbour City also launched "Gallery by the Harbour", which is the only one of its kind in any shopping mall in Hong Kong.

Address: 3 - 27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)

Tel: +852 2118 8666

Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit A1, walk along Haiphong Road for five minutes, or take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui.

Website:http://www.harbourcity.com.hk

Tsim Sha Tsui Centre & Empire Centre

Just a few steps from Tsim Sha Tsui East MTR station. Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre are connected by a covered pedestrian bridge. The nearby Star Ferry offers easy access to Hong Kong Island.

The centres offer a wide variety of fashion, cosmetics and accessory items, providing customers with a one-stop shopping experience.

Alfresco Lane at Tsim Sha Tsui Centre and Empire Centre is one of the favourite harbour-front dining spots in Hong Kong. Located on Tsim Sha Tsui East's waterfront promenade, Alfresco Lane offers a variety of international and fusion cuisines.

Address: 66 & 68 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon

Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm (Daily)

Tel: +852 2721 5489

Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui East Station Exit P1

Website: www.tsimshatsuicentre.com.hk

Hong Kong Trip - Itinerary and Preparation Work

Now that SGson is 4 years of age, we have decided to bring him out for his second oversea trip. His first maiden trip oversea was to Penang by air ( May 2010). He was surprising well behave during the 1 hour trip given his hyperactive nature.

This time round, we have decided to visit Hong Kong again. As mentioned in one of our earlier post, we were there in 2003 Dec. Well, time flies, after seven long years, we are going back there again, with the addition of SGson of course! The initial plan was to go New Zealand but since we do not know if SGson can take the long journey, we decided to shorten the 'air' time by going to Hong Kong. Ocean Park and Disneyland would be the 2 must-go theme parks for SGson.

The exact itinerary will be populated below gradually by SGMale once he has finalized the places to visit.

We will be flying off on the 10th Dec, just in time to experience the X'mas mood and spirit there. And mostly important of all, both SGMale and SGFemale are looking forward to enjoying the nice and cooling weather there.

Day 1:

- Victoria Harbor
- Short visit to Nathan Road - Tsim Sha Tsui - Shopping District
- Stanley Market
- Ladies Market (Mongkok)

Day 2:

- Shopping!!@ Times Square, Causeway Bay
- Victoria Peak
- Temple Street Night Market

Day 3:


- Star Ferry
- Have Dim Sum somewhere near Star Ferry
- DisneyLand


Day 4:

- Shopping!! @ Central District
- Repulse Bay (Go during Weekday)
- Space and Science Muesum
- Middle Kingdom => A miniature China that houses Chinese shrines, street scenes, temples, and palaces only at Middle Kingdom.

Day 5:

- Macau
- Water World => Travel Hong Kong with kids would never be so much fun without taking a plunge on Water World. Enjoy wave pools, play area, and water slides.

Day 6:

- Ocean Theme Park

Day 7:

- Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park

Day 8:

Day 8 will definitely be a short day as half the time we will be busy packing our stuff and luggage.

-SGMale

Working as Freelancer

Doing freelancing is a widely popular choice for people who does not want to be tied down by a office hour job. Just go register with any of the freelance websites like Elance and Freelancer, one can starting bidding for jobs from people looking for freelancers who specialize in designing websites, article writing etc.

Do you know that people like willing to pay as high as $10 for a very well written article? Some jobs may require an article to be rewritten so as to make it unique and unless you have a content re-writer tool, most of us may find it challenging to churn out unique articles.

So if you are sick and tired of the corporate jungle and have a flair for writing or website design etc, you want soon realize that being a freelancer is a much better option than tying ourselves down with a job that doesn't provide flexibility (choose how many hours to work) and mobility (choose where to work from).

-SGMale

Yu Sheng

Today is the 7th day of the Chinese New Year and this is the best date for Yu Sheng.
By the chinese traditional custom, it is an auspicious date as it is also the "Ren Ri" (Everyman's birthday).

What is Yu Sheng ?
It is a salad dish made up of thin slices of raw fish and various spices, mixed with tossing by the diners. Tossing of Yu Sheng means prosperity and longevity, adding to the good wishes and good luck for the new year.

Origins
It is believed that Yu Sheng has its origins in southern China. Legend has it that a young man and his girlfriend found themselves stranded by bad weather at a temple with nothing to eat but a carp they had caught. Chancing upon a bottle of vinegar, they added this to the stripped carp and found it quite appetising.

Today, both SGMale and SGFemale had Yu Sheng and salmon sashimi for our dinner.
YUMMY!!!!

- SGFemale

Happy Birthday!

18-Feb-10 (Thursday)

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you both......
Happy Birthday to you!

Yes, today is the birthday of my hubby - SGMale.
Today is also the birth date of my new notebook, named Tigee.
Why is it named as Tigee?
Answer: cos it was born in the year of tiger, so we both decide to name it Tigee.
Let's hope Tigee behave herself and able to service SGFemale for at least another 5 years.
Long life to Tigee!!!!

- SGFemale

PS: SGFemale's old Sony Vaio notebook "retired" two weeks ago.....:(

Alexa Ranking

I am sure most website owners will know what is Alexa Ranking. Alexa Ranking is a very popular indicator used by many webmasters around the world to gauge how their website performance. It also bases its ranking algorithm on the level of traffic each site receives from the number of internet visitors who enter a website with the Alexa toolbar installed.

If you have a website or a blog, you may want to visit www.alexa.com/toolbar to download the plugin for your browser to display the ranking of the website you are visiting. Obviously Google is world #1 by Alexa Ranking standard followed by Facebook #2 and Youtube #3. The lower the number of your Alexa ranking, the better it is in terms of performance in the eye of Alexa.com. ;)

Why good Alexa Ranking is must for your website?

-It will help promote credibility to your website.
-It will enhance the number of real visitors hence quality clients or sponsors.
-It helps boost your website sales as your website becomes more established
-It helps you to better monetize the website.
-It will also help fetch you a good price should you want to sell your website in the future

I believe many advertisers would be knocking at your virtual door once you achieve a ranking of below 100,000 which is considered to be very rare considering the hundreds of millions of websites out there.

SGMale hope to achieve below the 100,000 mark one of these day, hoping...

-SGMale

Valentine's day!

2010 is a very special year. Having Valentine's Day and Chinese Lunar New Year on the same day bring along lots of headaches to both business owners and lovers.

As much as they want to earn some 'easy' cash from those "oh shit I didnt buy anything yet" customers/lovers, they also want to spend quality time with their love ones.

As for the couples, especially those new lovers, it is a torture for them as some may not even get to see each other at all since they will usually have a whole day relative-visiting marathon awaiting them.

To some it doesn't matter, because everyday is consider a Valentine's day so long the couples still share the same frequency and their hearts still beating under the same rhythm. ;)

-SGMale

Chinese Lunar New Year

Chinese Lunar New Year has arrived. Kids from around the world never fail to look forward to the coming of this festive season. Why? This is the time for them to fill their PIGGY BANK with 'Red Packets'. A few visits to relatives' houses would easily earn them pocket money that is enough for them to buy their dream toys..lol. Can you imagine, our SGSon got almost #300 in a day..not bad ya..($.$)

As for the parents, it is the once a year ritual for them to change fresh notes from the bank, label all the red packets with secret markings so that it is easier for them to dish out red packet that has little amount inside for those "I don't even know you at all" relatives' kids. This method really helps them 'save' money. Imagine going to a relative's place for visting and out of sudden, a huge group of his relatives come along with an army of kids. Ha..fret not..having secretly labeled Red Packets a.k.a Hong Bao will save your wallet's life here. Not sure if people still provides $2 dollar red packetsn nowadays...anyway typical Singaporean will not dish out $10 dollar red packets to "I hardly know you" relatives' kids..unless they are really filthy rich! End of the day, thriftiness is a virtue, isn't it? lol

Yes, you may have guessed. SGMale and SGFemale use similar tactics when it comes to this. We do not use secret markings, instead we make use of red packets of different designs to differentiate between the cash denominations within.

First day of the lunar new year is over for us. Pretty tired but rewarding to know that we have 'saved' some money for more important things in life..haha! Indeed, Natas Fair is coming again..hehehe...

- SGMale

Honeymoon in Office

Due to a company wide acquisition that took place last year, SGMale find himself having lots of time in the office doing his own work. This is probably the best time in his entire career life getting paid for doing personal things. Shh....;)

Again, SGMale is making the best of this time to enrich his knowledge in the area of Internet Marketing. He is hoping never to return to the 'Corporate Jungle' anymore should he get lay off after the restructuring soon. That being said, he is spending lots and lots of his personal time in front of the screen setting up all the neccessary tools to pave the way to early retirement and also towards financial freedom. He is very thankful to SGFemale who has been very supportive of him and his spending of all his time on this 'financial' project.

SGMale hope to meet his goal by end of the year by earning enough to lead a stable and yet comfortable life through his online businesses.

Cheers!

-SGMale

Starting a cooking blog

One of the website that SGMale recently started was a online resource for sharing cooking tips. For someone who doesn't cook at all, he will be very much dependent on SGFemale ( who has gone back to become a Tai Tai again) to furnish the site with useful information for anyone who wish to pick up some tips on cooking.

The website that has gone from ranking 27 millions to 14 millions in a short span of 6 days in Alexa. For those who doesn't know what is Alexa, please go and find out --> www.alexa.com

Let's hope the website rank for this site will break below the 10 million mark soon.

-SGMale

Earn Cash from Home

Ever wonder if it is possible to earn an online income from the very comfort of your home? Ever since the early 90s, there are already people that quit the corporate jungle and raking tons of cash from their online e-business.

So what exactly is there to do in order to make a living off the Internet. Go visit http://earncashfromhome.info and hopefully you will have more visibility and clarity.

-SGMale

Singapore 1st Concept Store

Just came across someone's blog and found this link.

http://www.fr3b.com/referral_program.php?referrer_token=8af6d067d720c7b2b7cd7bf5167d5f82

It's interesting!

Free Sample Shopping, try before you buy.
You need to become a member for $28/year in order to request for sample.

Visit the link and see for yourselves.

- SGFemale

I wish I can have one

You should have seen this particular advertisement at least once or twice every night when you watch TV.

Yes, it's none other than the OSIM uKimono advertisement.

Whenever SGFemale passes by OSIM outlet, she will just look at this product cos the advertisement were filmed by her favourite idols - S.H.E and it was really a very cute advertisement.

Moreover, the product itself have got a very appealing power which attracts SGFemale to keep on looking at the advertisement. The fats in the advertisement looks like humpty dumpty, and it do look comical.

Haha....:)

Oh yes, this product claim to breaks down fatty tissue in the tummy, butt and thighs, tighten muscles, and create a perfectly trimmed body when combined with an effective diet routine plan.

It can enhances circulation to help to eliminate waste and fluid retention and increase basal metabolism that further burns fat even while at rest, enhances blood circulation and massages sore and aching musles.

Oh... so many advantages...

But is it really effective?

Anyone tried this product?

Pls comment.

- SGFemale

Challenging year ahead

Yes, it's year 2010 now....

This is a challenging year for SGFemale.

Why?

As you can see from the earlier blog entry that SGFemale has got so many new year resolutions.

SGFemale wouldn't be looking for a job and will become a homemaker till further notice. During these period, she will have to find time to exercise to shed away some KGs of fats and also to build up her stamina.

Yes, she has also signed up with Mary Chia for a 6 times treatment, and only shed 300g to 500g per session, 2 more session to go before she decide whether to continue or to stop. SGFemale will then go for the twice weekly gym training, that's consider tough for someone who don't jog regularly over the years.

Back in old school days, SGFemale always took part in sport's day event, 100m, 400m, 4 x 100m relay, high-jump and long jump. She got 2nd prize for high jump and 1st prize for 400m during her secondary school days but now..... she can't even chase down her son. Sob...

So, this year, her primary objectives are to build up her health & stamina.

Wish her luck and strength to do all this.

- SGFemale

Our New Year Resolution for 2010

It has been a while since our last blog. Yes, we know that we have been lagging behind again due to heavy work and family commitments. Anyway this is one area we hope to make improvements in this brand new year.

Below's our New Year resolution for 2010:

SGMale:

- To be able to get out of the IT arena before year end.

- To have multiple streams of passive income that can easily replace the active income.

- To make time to visit The Great Wall of China at Beijing and Hokkaido in Japan.

- To improve on anger management

- To upgrade to a SUV [Grand Vitara]

- To maintain healthy BMI and weight at around 70 -71KG

SGFemale:

- To reach ideal weight which is 48KG

- To exercise at least twice a week so as to maintain healthy muscle tone and energy level

- To whip up more delicious dishes

- To be more patient with our son who is hyperactive

- Hope to bond better with our son

- To bring our son to Disneyland @ Hong Kong

- To improve on driving skill on the road, especially parking

- To either get a better job or to become a successful homemaker that can cope with all household chores

That's all. We will check back towards the end of the year and see what much we have accomplished over the year..;)

-SGMale & SGFemale

Bamboo Charcoal King

Heard from a friend that placing Charcoal at home is good for health as it aids to block off Electromagnetic radiation, removes odour and is ideal for people who are allergic to dust mites.

As SGson is allergic to dust mites and is sleeping in the studyroom with no "protection", SGFemale bought 2 packs of Bamboo Charcoal to place it in the room.




Some info from the net:

Bamboo charcoal is 100% natural , healthy , practical product, and is chemical-free.

What are the functions of Bamboo Charcoal ?

- Bamboo charcoal deodorizes, dehumidifies, prevents mildew formation, anti-bacteria, anti-dust mites and insect.

- Released far infrared rays and negative ions, promotes blood circulationg and metabolism.

- Water purifier and release natural minerals.

- Absorbs electromagnetic waves.

- Environmental friendly and recyclable.

More informations at:
http://www.bamboochartalk.com/

- SGFemale

Birthday Celebrations

On SGFemale's birthday eve, the SG family had dinner at Jurong Point at a newly opened casual European Dining - Ambush. We ordered a main dish each and a side dish for sharing.

After dinner, we shopped around for a while then proceed to the basement at new wing to get a cake for SGFemale. SGson wanted to personally decorate a cake for his mummy, so we went to a cake shop called The Icing Room.

The Icing Room is a place for do-it-yourself cakes. They will provide you with a fresh cream fruit cake, some colourful sugar flowers and some coloured pipings cream for decoration and wordings.

Isn't it a good idea?

You can personally decorate the cake in your own way and surprise your loved ones.

As SGson is too young and he couldn't draw and write so well, SGMale decorate the cake on his behalf. The 3 of them had so much fun there!!!!

We cut the cake the next day which is SGFemale's actual birthday, 3 of us finished the whole cake as our breakfast.

Hm... It was nice and soft. Yummy!

We had dinner with our friends at Two Chefs Eating Place at Commonwealth, these are the dishes that they ordered before we arrive.

Butter pork ribs

We all loves their butter pork ribs!!!!

Marmite Chicken - very crispy and nice


Their 'signboard dish', tofu, nice with rice.

Stir fried veggies - so-so


Black pepper crabs

We don't really like their black pepper crabs, still prefer the ones at Jumbo Seafood.

However, we enjoyed the dinner and went for some coffee session and chit chat.

- SGFemale

A disgusting experience!!!

* WARNING !!!

Pls do not read this blog if you are eating at this moment !!!
===============================================================

While having some snack and coffee on the sofa, watching TV for relaxation. SGFemale turned her body to reach out for the cup of coffee she make and left it beside the display cabinet top which is just about 20cm from her eye-level angle.

SGFemale got a shock and almost screamed out loud!!!!

Beside her is a dead, bloody and disgusting lizard glued to the tape of a dropped-off cabinet protector!!!

SGFemale quickly stand up and run away from the sofa.

Sitting about 1.5m away from the dead lizard, SGFemale tried to calm down and watch quietly! SGFemale thought to herself, should she dispose this disgusting lizard or to wait for SGMale to come home then he will do it.



SGFemale is so scared and afraid of lizards, whenever she saw one or a few on the wall or ceiling, she would be running and screaming away..... And this time, it was right before her eyes and she was home alone with this dead disgusting lizard. She thought for a while, due to hygiene needs for the family and SGson, she decided to dispose it herself.

With some courage, SGFemale forced herself forward toward the lizard, with the help of some tissue paper, she tried to pull the whole lizard out but in vain cos it was glued to the tape and cabinet tightly. No choice, SGFemale use her fingernails with the tissue papers on top of it, and scrape the lizard off bit by bit.....Run to the kitchen and throw the bundle of tissue papers down to the rubbish chute!!!!

I did it! I did it! I did it myself !!!!

SGFemale's heart is still beating very fast........


- SGFemale

Birthday present (Part 2)

While both SGMale and SGFemale were in Paris......

SGMale: Dear, see if you like anything here, I shall get it for you for your birthday gift.

SGFemale: No, no need cos I already have a gift (D&G watch) from you before we came to paris.

SGMale: But you don't have a LV bag!!!

SGFemale: It's ok!!!

SGMale: Come on, it's a good bargain to get it in Paris, moreover I knew you hope to own for one long ago. I insisted we get one here.

SGFemale: Don't waste money lah.... Should save cos I haven't got a job yet.

SGMale: Nvm, just get it, cos we might not be coming back to Paris, it's really a good steal to get it here than in Singapore.

SGFemale: Ok, since you insist. (Hee.....) (SGFemale feeling touched and happy in her heart)

After an hour, and after some hesitation, and after seeing so many designs, SGFemale finally settled with a LV Damier Canvas Tate PM.


Yes, it was a bargain. It costs Euro 615, and after 12% tax refund, it is Euro 541.20.
Euro 541 is SGD $1141.51, and it is sellling at SGD $1440 in Singapore.
A total saving of SGD $300.

SGMale also bought a LV Men's Wallet for himself.

Note for SGMale: Thanks for the 2nd birthday present, dear!

PS: today is the eve of my birthday!!!!
Stay tune for any updates of SGFemale's birthday celebrations!!!!

- SGFemale

Going around the world

Some people love to see the world, experience cultures of every kind and type. Mingling with people from another part of the world. Well...SGMale and SGFemale are such people and very soon perhaps SGSon too...haha. =P

Countries we have been to so far till date [Oct 2009]:

[Malaysia ]
- Johor Bahru [2000]
- Kukup [2008]
- Kuala Lumpur [2002]
- Malacca [2008]
- Genting [2009]
- Pontian [2008]
- Penang (SGFemale) [1982]
- Langawi [2002]

HongKong [Dec 2003]

Japan [Jan 2003]
- Osaka
- Ginza
- Shinjuku
- Yokohama

Taiwan [Jul 2004]
- Taipei

Korea [Apr 2008]
- Seoul
- Jeju

China

- Jiangnan [ Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Wuzhen, Suzhou] [Jun 2007]
- Yunnan [Shangri-la, Dali, Li Jiang] [Oct 2008]

Thailand

- Phuket [2002]
- Bangkok [SGFemale - 2000]

Indonesia

- Bintan [2008]
- Batam [2005]

Europe

- Germany [Oct 2009]
- Switzerland [Oct 2009]
- France [Oct 2009]

We are hoping to visit North America countries like Canada and US and Hokkaido in Japan and of course Australia by 2011. And ultimately some countries in Africa and also some countries like Brazli, Peru and Argentina at South America by 2013.

-SGMale

Savings vs Financial investments

Sometimes I wonder how much can a person save?

Fresh grad with a normal degree tyically gets about $2200 a month.

And let's do simple math to see how much can be saved off this amount:

1. Food ( based on 2 meals a day, assuming dinner is at home ) - $5 x 2 = $10 x 22 days = $220.

2. Transportation ( Assuming MRT and occassional Taxi rides ) - [$3 x 30] + [$10 x 5 (taxi) ] = $140.

3. Shopping ( new clothings, jeans, magazines, gadgets ) - $200.

4. Bills ( Handphone, Internet, Cable TV etc ) - $250.

5. Insurance - $100

6. CPF - $440

7. Allowance to parents - $200

8. Entertainments ( kaorake, movies, clubbing etc ) - $300

9. Misc ( 4D, charity, titbits ) - $50


So after doing simple sums, that person will only be left with $300 take-home pay ( after CFP deduction ). And so potentially $4600 = [ $300 x 12 ] + [$1000 AWS ) can be saved in a year assuming that person save about 1K off this AWS. That person will have about $25000 on his bank account if he diligently save the same amount every passing year including yearly increments.

lets presume that person ( guy ) was already 22 years old when he started work with $2200 as monthly salary, five year later he would have $25K as saving. Should he get married and own a house, renovation and furnitures would definitely wipe his saving clean not mentioning about the amount of money he needs to come out for the wedding dinners and honeymoon.

Morale of the story is that one would defnitely need to be financially educated at a young age so that he would know how to invest those saving of his and turn those $25K saving into at least $50 - 100K. And many people have proven that it can be done with proper guidance and prudence on investment bonds and securities/stocks.

SGMale is amazed at how money can work hard for us even while we are sleeping given a proper investment portfolio, proper training and guidance.

Work smart, don't work hard!

-SGMale

Birthday present (Part 1)

YES!!!!

SGFemale received her very 1st birthday present one month in advance.

SGMale got the hint !!!

As SGFemale have to stay home last Saturday for a gathering with her 2 friends (L & I) . SGMale went to the Comex shows himself at Suntec City.

SGMale returned home with a paperbag with a box of "don't know what". It was then after SGFemale's friends left then he told her about his great buy - a multi-media player. SGMale started to install his "new toy" and at the same time, "promoting" it to SGFemale.

Then SGMale mentioned casually that there's a D&G watches sale at Suntec, having a discount of up to 70%. SGFemale replied that D&G wasn't so popular now!!! Then, SGMale said he had bought a D&G watch for her. SGFemale doesn't believe him until he showed it to her.

It is a very beautiful and "special" watch, with a very unique colour.

This is really a surprise.

SGFemale like it very much!

Thank you, dear!

- SGFemale

Is the economy really picking up?

We have hear over the news that the worst part of the economic downturn is over and Singapore is into its recovery mode now.

Well, SGMale never expect the recovery news to turn into something so immediate. This month alone, two of my colleagues have found a better job and have hence tendered their resignation. So what am i waiting for? Hm...well...SGMale has been wanting to take a long long break after all these years of working but since SGFemale is still out of job, this break has to be postponed again.

By the way, SGMale may be forced to take his break soon as the company that he is assigned to and worked for the past 3 years have been bought over and there will be postitions made redundant after the transition periods are over.

So...SGMale is in fact adopting a 'wait and see' attitude now and is NOT looking for a job at all..;P

-SGMale

Info-tech Shows

IT shows. Sitex shows. Comex shows. PC shows.

Quarterly shows that are ever so familiar & popular with people who love playing around with gadgets, especially those working in the Information Technology industry.

Hundreds of exhibitors will feature a dynamic and comprehensive line-up of the latest and hottest consumer technology gadgets from new next-generation digital televisions, wireless HD, coolest new multimedia phone, ultra mobile PCs, Digital Imaging, Wireless Technology, Portable Entertainment, HDTV, Plasmas, Gaming, MP3, Networking, Digital Media, Audio & Home Entertainment/Lifestyle Products, Broadband Technology, Multimedia, Security, Software, Consumer Electronics to a plethora of accessories all on display.

SGMale used to buy things that are on sale and also those that are very very cheap ONLY during the show. Given the current state of the economy, SGMale is no longer so 'generous'. He starts to think about 'Is it a need or a want?', what's the impact if i get it during the next show?

SGMale has becames a more 'mature' consumer. Since SGFemale is still on a 'Tai Tai' status, SGMale has to be more thrifty than ever. For example, instead of spending at least $900 - $1500 on a wall-mountable Blu-ray player, SGMale got a multi-media player ( for $229)that can play off multimedia of any formats ( MP3, Mp4, AVI, DIVX, RSS among all other blu-ray encoders..etc ).

SGMale applied for Amex card so that he can start getting 10 times as many reward points compared to other credit cards which he intend to cancel. To SGMale, he is going to use just one card for all future purchase of big ticket items.

SGMale also got a few watches from one of the showroom that sells branded watches. Latest model of D&G watches that are selling at hundreds of dollars were selling at 60 - 70% discount. SGMale was lucky for being able to 'squeeze' in to the very crowded and packed showroom and grab a few very good buys.

In order to have the best bang for our bucks in times like this, it is better to think thrice before buying anything..haha!

-SGMale

Counting down to my birthday

Another counting down......

Would people still be counting down to their birthday?

Of cos, they would, if they are still young.

Would ladies after their 30s be counting down to their birthday every year happily?

No, yes or maybe ?

SGFemale would be.

She would be happy to count down.....

She is always looking forward to her birthday every year, 29th, 30th, 31st, 32nd and 33rd......

Next month, SGFemale will be turning 34 years old.

Oops! Other ladies are all worrying about people knowing their ages and here SGFemale is revealing her age openly.

Well, it's a fact and everyone will grow "old"!

So whenever people asked SGFemale about her age, she would just say it.

SGFemale remembered clearly that last year during her birthday day, she and SGMale were flying off to Yunnan and Shangri-la. This year, she will be spending her birthday in Singapore, not in Europe, the romantic city. If only we depart on 7th Oct, not only can she celebrate her birthday in Europe but also get to visit Dubai as well.

Ok, nevermind, we are still young, we can go there next time, with our "grown-up" son.

Note to SGMale:

Where are we celebrating my birthday this year?

When can I have my present?

What is my birthday present?

LV bag from Paris? (just joking?) I already received my "countless" present from you during our KL trip (Guess hat, Coach bag, 4 pcs of Mickey T-shirts and a skirt), so no need to get present.

However, if you "rich man" insisted, SGFemale is most welcome.

* A birthday cake is MUST-have, so that our son can blow the candles, make sure you get 34 pcs of candles, hahaha.....;)






Suggestion of gift IF YOU INSISTED:


OR


OR



* Cash and cheque would be highly recommended, cos SGFemale is not working at the moment, cash is running low....;)


SGFemale feel that her lower part of this blog will soon be deleted or ignored by SGMale, hee...
PS: I am just joking, the trip to Europe is already the BEST gift, as we could still go holiday and also a "high-end holiday" when I am still unemployed with this poor economy.




- SGFemale

No more Dubai

Yes, we are counting down to Europe, and it's just Europe!

No more Dubai!!!!!

Apparently, that guy who sold the tour package got it wrong, there's no free 3 days 2 nights land package for Dubai, for those departing in Sept. And in our group of 30 paxs which is departing in 25 Sept, we are the only 2 paxs that have been "package" with the Dubai land package. They just called us on this Wed stating that, it's their internal miscommnication!!

We were both MAD ANGRY and DISAPPOINTED !!!

What they can do is to compensate $80/pax !

For those going on Oct, and for the same price we are paying, they got to go to Dubai!

What a joke!!!!

Does the 3 days 2 nights land package for 2 worth only $160???

We booked the tour because we feel that with the kind of price we are paying, and with Dubai, it is really worth it. And now ??? No Dubai !!!

We have been thinking and thinking!!!! Should we brought the case up to CASE or to just cancel the trip?

If we brought the case up to CASE, firstly, it's very troublesome and the departuring date is approaching soon..... secondly, even if they can handle it on time, do they have enough time to book the hotel (Dubai) and flight (extension of 3 days) for us?

If we cancelled the whole package and get a full refund, it would be a great disappointment cos we have been counting down and looking forward to the tour.

So we went to the travel agency and see if there's anything they can do for us.

After an hour and 15 mins of discussion with the person-in-charge, we were both satisfied with their compensation and decide to go ahead with the tour.

For the next few days, SGFemale will be washing the new winter jackets and pants that we bought specially for this trip!

Hopefully, this incident will not affect our mood during the tour cos the guy who we negotiate the compensation term with will be leading this tour!!!

- SGFemale

Working as a Temp (Part 2)

SGFemale received another call from the agency again this Monday (7th Sept), asking if she was able to work as a temp receptionist for 2 days (8th and 9th Sept).

SGFemale agreed after hearing the job's details cos again it was quite near to her house.

The company is to provide a safe, prompt and efficient response to oil spill incidents.

They claimed : The key to effective response lies in the expertise of people to solve problems and understanding the issues surrounding oil spills and the preparation of equipment. We pride ourselves on the quality of our people and the reliability of our equipment to meet response needs.

Now, SGFemale must say, working there is quite simple, just answering and transferring of calls, sorting and distributing of letters. So most of the time, SGFemale was quite bored, there's isn't many calls to answer (about 10 to 15). SGFemale was sitting there doing nothing and earning "easy money".

Haha......

- SGFemale

Working as a Temp (Part 1)

To kill time and to earn extra while waiting for a permanent job to come by, SGFemale started to work as a Temp last Thursday (3rd Sept).

SGFemale received a call from the job agency last Wednesday evening to ask if she is available the next morning to work in a lab. It was a last minute and urgent assignment. After hearing the details of the job, SGFemale agreed.

The work place was very near to our house, and SGFemale always imagine herself working there as a perm, she longed to have the chance. And yes, she had the chance now, even as a Temp, she's happy and contented.

The company being the biggest and best confectionery in the world, they make and sell three kinds of confectionery, chocolate, gum and candy. They operate in over 60 countries and have about 50,000 employees. They claimed that everyday millions of people in the world enjoy their brands.

Personally, SGFemale and SGMale are also the fans of this brand and their products.

Despite the tiring work load, SGFemale enjoyed working there, the nice and clean enviroment, and most of all, nice and friendly colleagues. One other fact that SGFemale must mention, the ladies there really have good team-work and having good relationship with one another unlike other places with lots of politics.

Sigh....

It was only an assignment of a day.

- SGFemale

* For some reasons, SGFemale can't disclose too much details regarding this assignment.

Kid's talk - counting

3 of us were sitting at the living room together, accompanying SGson to watch his fave Thomas and Friends DVD.

SGMale: Dear, our son can now count from 1 to 29 in English, he "showing off" to me while in the car back home this evening!

SGFemale: Wow... that's good, show me. But how come till 29 only?

SGMale: We will demo it again and you will understand.

SGMale: 1, 2....

SGson: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

SGFemale: That's all???

SGMale: No, that's not all.

SGFemale: Then what's after that?

SGMale: Bao bei, what's after 29?

SGSon thought for a while then answered.

SGson: 20/10 (Twenty-ten)

SGFemale laughed loudly, hahaha.....

SGFemale: Why "twenty-ten"?

SGson: Cos twenty-eight, twenty-nine so "twenty-ten".

Conclusion: Kids are really so cute and innocent.

- SGFemale

Kid's talk - sleeping together

While putting SGson to bed , he looked up at SGFemale and asked her a few questions.

SGson: Mummy, I grow up already so must sleep alone by myself ah?

SGFemale: Yes, bao bei.

SGson: Mummy, I cannot sleep with you?

SGFemale: No, you are a big boy already so must sleep by yourselves. ok. Be a good boy and go to sleep.

SGson: ok, mummy, good nite.

SGFemale: Good nite, baobei.

SGFemale kissed SGson on his forehead and when she was about to leave the room, SGson called out to her again.

SGson: Mummy, then you must sleep with papa ah?

SGFemale: Yes, and go to sleep now.

SGson: But papa is an adult, he could sleep alone, I am small, mummy must sleep with me.

SGFemale didn't know how to reply him.

SGson: Can 3 of us sleep together then?

SGFemale: No, it would be very crowded for the 3 of us to sleep together.
(actually, it's still ok for 3 to "squeeze" onto our king-sized bed, but we just want to start training him to sleep alone in the next room.)

SGson: Ok, mummy. I will sleep now. Good nite, mummy!

SGson kissed SGFemale's cheek, and SGFemale left the room.
But when she closed the door behind her, she heard SGson calling her again.

SGson: Mummy, it's very dark and I am scared, can I sleep with you?

SGFemale ignored him and went into the master bedroom, cos she knew that it's never ending, cos SGson is very long-winded and like to repeat again and again (f0r the same question).

After 15 mins, SGFemale went over to check on SGson, he was already asleep.

* Can you imagine SGFemale sleeping on SGson's toddler bed, both mother and son on the small toddler bed? Don't laugh cos it does happened!!!!
SGMale was shaking his head when he saw that, hahaha!



- SGFemale

2nd Free Night Redemption: Crowne Hotel - Changi Airport

This time round, we decided to stay at the Crowne Hotel situated at T3 Changi Airport. We decided to bring along our son with us. He was very happy that we bring him along although it took away quite a bit of our time just by 'managing' his monkey acts ( jumping, touching, running and what have you..)









We were lucky that the hotel allowed us to check in at 12pm since there is a room ready for us. The hotel decor is very eco-friendly and we were glad that we choose to stay here. The room was spacious and there is a see-though toilet right beside. After unpacking, we rest a bit, watch a bit of documentary from the starhub channels and took a bit of bread we bought the night before to satisfy our hunger. We left for lunch at 2pm. We went to the food court at T3. SGMale ordered some tim-sum and SGFemale order a bowl of Mango ice dessert. We got a char-siu bao for our son as usual..;P

After lunch, we wandered around aimlessly and we ended up at the Crocs sale which was held right opp the TCC cafe. It was much of a sale as there isnt much varieties to choose from. We did not get anything. We returned to our room and 3 of us took a nap till 6.30pm. We then washed up and took MRT to Tampines 1 Mall. We had dinner at Manpuku [ Japanese Restaurant ]. It shares the same kind of concept as that of Marche where you are given a credit card to record all your purchases and you are supposed to surrender the card and pay up when you leave the place.







After dinner, we shopped a bit before making our way back to the hotel room. We washed up and our son slept at 10pm. SGMale and SGFemale manage to catch up 2 episodes of their HK dram series before they succumbed to the sleeping bugs.. We had breadfast inside our room and after washing up, we checked out at 11am. We left for home after depositing our son at my mum's place so that we can do wash-ups and household chores.

In retrospection, we have decided NOT to bring our son along for the next 2 stays so as to maximise our wonderful experiences at the hotel..kekeke!

-SGMale