Dissected: Why K-Drama Itaewon Class is the Unicorn Dream Reality

Img kpopmap. Itaewon Class Live Action VS Webtoon.

Img hitc.com. Six members of the Itaewon Class strut in badass style.

[ ALERT: MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW, DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED ITAEWON CLASS.* ]

*This article contains severe spoilers that will ruin your Itaewon drama viewing experience so do consider the back button if you’re not ready.

After finishing K-Drama Itaewon Class (oh nooooo there isn’t episode 17!), you may be left suffering from withdrawal symptoms because the series has finally, formally ended it’s run and life can’t seem to move on yet. Unless, you decided to check out the original Korean webtoon (English subs are a few chapters only) by author Gwangjin which inspired the live action scenes (there are various differences in script). Post-drama-math, you sit down at your living or study room and reached an epiphany that the Itaewon Class (IC) imagined world would indeed be the ideal society, perfect world you wish to live in. Chin-cha, really, the zenith of modern millennials’ brave new dawn (although a little too impossible to materialise in today’s compounded hard-to-please capitalism). Lifebly has dissected the entire Itaewon Class planet for you to present 10 spectacular resounding themes in this highly-rated Netflix JTBC serial proving the point. Many of which honestly, is like literally seeing a unicorn fantasy in real life. Itaewon Class might have sent waves of unicorns galloping far and beyond the Korean peninsula into the interstellar galaxy. So, let the unicorns begin.

Why K-Drama Itaewon Class is the Unicorn Dream Reality

Img @icebreakers

Unicorn Dream #1. Incredible Diversity

In Itaewon Class, there’s a transgender, a Guinean searching lost family, a scarface gangster ex-convict, an entrepreneurial middle school ex-convict, a psychopath social media Influencer (genius praiseworthy), and a dilemma chaebol heir. Held by a too beautiful to be true, common vision of love in diversity, all six of them responsible for their roles in the pub hustle bonded together like a match made in heaven, eventually embracing and helping each other to find themselves. All this while grounding their values as steady as an anchor for better or worse. Viewers can only gawk at the rare gem of a harmonious clique they are, looking at how close they are into getting in trouble and at their perspicaciousness in resolving disputes, contraries with such exquisitely tearjerking make peace finales. Expanding outwards to community excellence, we folks will never get enough of the DamBam crew’s colourful and vibrant freedom, affirmation, acceptance and belonging. Whoever wants to stay, is welcomed to stay in Itaewon’s DamBam, egged on by the reserves of their hearts or guts. Sadly, the golden six became a five after Mr. Chaebol left for Jangga. Still, the quintet’s amazing.

Img mydramalist. The cast of Itaewon featuring the six of them.

Unicorn Dream #2. Having Superb Second Chances To Right Wrongs

Almost every character in Itaewon Class seems to have a smooth-sailing second chance to shine in second charm and make things all right again. Park Saeroyi manages to score a perfect second chance, changing his fate from ex-convict to winning Fortune 500 F&B CEO after losing his dad and the police dream, flipping the tide and competing head-on hurricane with Jangga Corp. How did it all happen so well, flawlessly stirred up in such serendipitous series of events from ex-con pub owner to multinational tycoon? Don’t some arrogant patrons shun and lambast eateries run by ex-cons? In competitive capital climate even second chances are hard to come by, and many business ventures get consumed without resurrection. Not DamBam. Also Seung Kwon, his loyal mate and fellow ex-con had the all too timely opportunity to join Saeroyi in his early pub foundations, requesting to be recruited like it didn’t take much at all, because all you need to do is ask? Importantly, how often do you see young spirited, talented people like Jo Yi Seo enrolling in a startup pub instead of going to college, lining up all the cards to be the driving force of a major corporation later?

Unicorn Dream #3. Shocking Girl Power

Jo Yi Seo, the young, bedazzling multi-talented MENSA genius with everything to offer possessed almost-infinite girl power in handling all sorts of matters from kicking real bitches ass to operating as A-list social media influencer, elite pub manager, and one of Forbes’ recognised CFO big time in IC Inc. Sometimes we wonder if such girls truly exist, but they brazenly do in Itaewon Class. Mainly, Yi Seo’s strangely direct, strategic spunk and independent composure strikes a keen chord with female empowerment solely taking on the stage tackling attacks and even solving real man’s problems as in the financial ones of IC inc. with only one worry or two. NOW. Who the hell is she?! A modern genius basket-case goddess?? Her youthful sensible power as foundational pillar to Saeroyi’s every economic and social concern is unprecedented and to die for. Then there’s her love rival Soo Ah, another female force stealthily disarming Jangga Corp. on account of her individual strength, working her way up first then whistleblowing the corp’s demise. Wow.

Jo Yi Seo, the atypical sassy female lead in Itaewon Class.

Unicorn Dream #4. Long Sweet Revenge

Sweet Vengeance took more than 15 over years to accomplish in Itaewon Class, from Saeroyi’s high school dropout to jail time to deep sea fishing/factory labor to pub establishment to franchising to building a multinational company in a symbolic tower building. Seriously, revenge isn’t a thing to bear at all if you have to sleep in darkness for more than a decade picturing how your dad had been murdered by someone you knew and the perpetrator moved on scot-free. But that was how Saeroyi’s life had been, for too many years you could see him plotting the grids step by step on a huge company he aims to cripple and overthrow. His committed determination towards forging a successful business (and nothing else, not even a love relationship) with his dad’s passing shows remarkable perseverance and persistence. Clearly, his grit over the decade for vengeance is arguably more impressive and miraculous than the actual sweet revenge exacted on Jangga’s boss itself. Hard to believe one would go through with V for Vendetta all the way for so….. damn long.

Unicorn Dream #5. The Exceptional Boss Who Believes In People Over Profits

Amazing as it is, the Itaewon Class company is the stunning hands-up gold standard employer in any sector or industry. Chiefly because of an exceptionally trusting boss (Saeroyi, the rare unicorn) who places a high premium of faith in his people he deals directly with such as Yi Seo, Hyun Yi, Seung Kwon, Toni and others; believing in their character and abilities. Saeroyi is confident of his employees’ confidence, not money. He steps up as an idealistic people-oriented boss taking the helm, knowing that everyone in his village will do the best they can whatever it takes. These days, employees in numerous organisations are hoping for a corporate culture where bosses put their workers first to foster and maintain good working relationships instead of the focus emphasis on revenue climbs. Topping the icing which we can never forget, Saeroyi constantly shows respect to people’s rights and reasons for their doings, never precipitating hate in whichever that comes at him. What can I say? This IS the unicorn boss, so rare you have to dig deep to find.

Img meaww from JTBC. The exceptional boss of Itaewon Class, Park Saeroyi.

Unicorn Dream #6. Jobseekers Without Experience Can Apply

No experience? Go ahead to apply at DamBam if you really want the job (must show your teary eyes to Saeroyi with your life’s gamble at it). As Hyun Yi formerly worked in a manual factory (with Saeroyi), she had no relevant fundamental industry experience as a cook. Gremlins would object, but she got the job as cook anyway at DamBam. Despite the presence of probable better cooks available in the market who could average out more hits than misses in spice and starch proportions, her title as DamBam’s cook never got replaced. Saeroyi was perfectly fine with that, since he enjoyed the amateur lunch she once made for him. Now, we are looking at a transgendered woman without formative professional training and track record as chef in proper culinary settings serving the public, a feat she must pull up every inch of her socks to deliver the chops. Oh yes, I would like to apply as jobseeker in a company like this accepting individuals for their attitude if experience wasn’t a factor, but motivation is.

Unicorn Dream #7. Suck At Work? No Problem.

Adding to point #6, one can be a really bad incompetent worker in Saeroyi’s DamBam tavern and still be paid twice the salary to improve on your mark. In short, your shortcomings aren’t an excuse if you have the drive to work harder. Hyun Yi, executive chef to DamBam had zero cook experience. She was a prior factory laborer who didn’t know how to season dishes like a normal one would. Saeroyi, like the unicorn man he is, handed Hyun a bag of cash twice her pay seeking cooperation in that she double her efforts at the kitchen. After attempting and repeating to sort out issues of each dish everyday until perfection, she bagged the Korean national television culinary awards like the true boss of culinarians. Since Rome wasn’t built in a day, Rome had to address many stumbling blocks before it could be erected. In Itaewon’s DamBam, it’s no problem if you haven’t gotten it all sorted out yet at work.

Img Forbes. Soo Ah, Saeroyi and Yi Seo running away from a thug on the streets of Itaewon.

Unicorn Dream #8. You Can Unbelievably Luck Out In Love and Success

Staggeringly, you can get super lucky to be rich and famous overnight with the help of a celebrity social media star influencer riding you over the rainbows. If your entrepreneurship is heading down the pits, all you need is one Jo Yi Seo, the social queen who is the Merlin, the Rayleigh and the Zhugeliang to restore order from chaos, effectively weathering the storm and advising future best methods. In Itaewon Class, your untampered four leaf clover also means you can score a home run at love, by finding your one true love to live for as long as possible while commanding the billionaire empire at your fingertips. Your dream guy will finally realise your feelings after all this time working for him (Jo Yi Seo), and there is some kind of remedy for not finding out any sooner to which a mutually-agreed hug and kiss will culminate at the end. Overtime, being the next Jack Ma only gets better because you are on a winning streak and everything totally lucked out in your life. Even mother nature is in your favour, the unicorn diamond. Seriously?

Unicorn Dream #9. (Almost) Everyone In Itaewon Class Seems To Be Rebound Resilient

I have never seen such nimble characters in any youth-oriented dramas get back on their feet so magically and extraordinarily up to speed than the associates in Itaewon Class. Failure seems to be frankly, only very temporary and before anyone can anticipate a burying hole somewhere for losers, the IC brothers and sisters are already striving to recover from their losses and sorrows. With very little inertia hampering in their way. It’s like they already know a few more chess moves will bring forth a fortuitous climactic change to reverse the course of history and reset the clock. So IC members as though in a good type of trance - stop for nothing, never get distracted on the goal at large. I don’t think Park Saeroyi has truly been in a darker fog than the grim reaper - he saw light instead.

Unicorn Dream #10. Chaebols Bridging The Class Inequality Divide

In essence, the drama seems to draw a strong noticeable hint that although Korean Chaebols may plunder and destroy the average fabric of ordinary citizens, they can resolve a host of society’s problems at the heart of Korea. Chaebols here save people from poverty by bridging the class gap with normally inaccessible to laymen resources. They offer opportunities for scholarships through their foundations, plethora of job openings, debt rescue lines and charitable aids. Sometimes, like a kind fairy godmother, they set the record straight for anyone needing a little push from behind, if the victim is found so needy worthy. If angels don’t set foot onto earth often, chaebols likely would not either. You find a unicorn chaebol getting into good shoes here. I’m impressed.

gimme the unicorn dream reality in itaewon class!

Img @icebreakers

Home Design Trends In 2020 You Must Know

2020 is all set to channel some really cool design trends. Here’s a compiled guide for revamping your home or spaces if you are thinking of sprucing up!

#1: green

GREEN is going to be this year’s color best friend at home. Anything, everywhere…green. From furniture to objects, to linen and plants, you have got to incorporate some green in your pad. Not to mention the different shades of green like moss, emerald, olive, seaweed or army which you can mix and match to play around to add richness and diversity in the green effect.

Img src: https://www.thatscandinavianfeeling.com

A white stairwell and a coffee table on a grey carpet is heaven against an olive green wall and sofa. To add a jungle effect, gather more plants around this living area. For simplicity in minimalism, leave floor items uncluttered and generously spacious so harmonious green can bring out an invigorating feeling. You may contrast green with some beige or browns for enhanced warmth.

Img src: https://www.thatscandinavianfeeling.com

An interesting trend now is having green furniture paired seamlessly into the wall’s green paint. So they look totally “blended in” and obviously, quite the neat feat. Here, a simple green wall bookshelf adds simple, identical refinement to the green wall and produces a depth of contrast for the decor objects on the shelf itself. Things on the shelf appear more in sharper focus with interest.

Img src: https://www.thatscandinavianfeeling.com

Look out for any green decor articles such as pots, mugs, vases, or bottles that can highlight the rich green-ness of your home. They make wonderful statement objects for this green year.

#2: organic materials (rattan, seagrass..)

The organic movement is going stronger in 2020’s home design trends. Lots of beautiful, natural elegance not to be overlooked. More reasons to pick up an extra basket or two with some hanging rattan shelves. Think about the mix and match of wicker, rattan, seagrass, wood textures and with other neutral-tones furnishing for an offbeat, handmade design.

Img Src: https://onlinecatalogueasia.ikea.com/

Seen from this season’s Singapore IKEA Extra Catalogue, incorporating organic materials into your home invites that extraordinarily cozy and sustainable effect. Rattan chairs and ottomans, seagrass lampshades paired with wood and black furniture is just house perfect here!

Img src: http://www.interiordesign-addict.com/

Of course, do feel free to get more rattan baskets of any design, shape and size to textualize your organic-looking home. They are not only practical for storage but are super cute and chic.

#3: monochrome extravagance

For the highly accomplished individual who would think nothing less and is high on fleek cool. Screaming a tonne of wealth while sticking to the classicism of black, white, grey monochromality, this is 2020’s rich interior for anyone wanting to boast. Any dapper gentleman or a fair lady will find themselves on a date in a room like this and be guaranteed a really successful dating outcome.

Img src: https://www.tlcinteriors.com.au/

Here, you can expect the proper sophistication in professional monochrome with luxurious chairs and designer pieces combined with long floor-touching curtains and huge windows. Ornamental ceiling mouldings create regal opulence. The smart match of round and oval tables and irregular shaped sofas allude a modern but highly visual aesthetic which is further accentuated by a wide openness of space.

Img src: https://www.1stdibs.com/

There are no limits to space and monochrome extravagance here. Talk about an all-star Coco Chanel bathroom and vanity! Here marble takes the front on the walls and black marble is stylistically used for the sink. Sleek push glass doors, herringbone floors, mirrors, and black faucet fixtures complete the entire polished look. Black and white is cleverly, RICHLY deployed in every corner. Great touch with Byredo’s perfumes on the counter. Go ahead to add an Aesop bottle too.

#4: japanese scandinavian

2020 is all set for the merger of the two design styles - Japanese and Scandinavian coupled together for zen simplicity and hygge character. Here, the interplay of both creates a kind of tension and symphony of the senses. Straight and clean lines when jostled with slight touches of colour, shape and pattern can bring forth a different degree of calm and vibrance.

Img src: http://catesthill.com/

Img src: http://catesthill.com/

Above, concrete walls and floors next to a shoji screen bring forth interaction between different tonal environmental elements that allows mood resonation. Here the woody blue sideboard centerpiece creates a statement of balanced fun and collectedness with black/white vases that tie in to the theme of minimalism and quiet respite.

Img Src: https://onlinecatalogueasia.ikea.com/

And of course, IKEA is all in this year for Japanese-Scandi vibes. This showroom display above has pumped me up motivated and inspired to change my entire bedroom space now. Look at that outrageously gorgeous new bamboo dressing table/desk which can fit into any shoebox apartment! That matching side table too. Slot in with any white furniture pieces and you are all set to go.

#5: color-blocking colors fittingly

This year, there’s more color-blocking themes occurring than ever, because color contrasts and multiple dashes of color exemplifies bursts of energy, individuality and youth. However, the key aspect in this is that you should pair different colours so well so that they fit in to a T (like they were meant for each other) and there is synchronisation with your furniture, objects, walls and floors. Learning about different color palettes is important to make the most out of a good decision in color blocks.

Img src: https://homedecor.easyral.com

Top and bottom > Note the different color blocks that go well with each other. Warmer tone colours like auburn and amber tend to go well with each other. Lighter tones of pastels do too, creating a different mood and interjection. In doubt, do choose a few color palettes first or an atmosphere that you have in mind. Visualise and select various colored furniture pieces that go well with opposite color objects or walls to unify the aesthetic. However, the exception is that you can insert any shiny metallic objects to elevate any space, because irons, bronzes or golds tend to be on the neutral side of things (similar to black or white).

Img src: https://www.chloedominik.com

Img src: https://www.chloedominik.com

Reset Your Life In 2020 With These Eight Steps [5 Min Read]

Welcome to 2020, another chance you are invited to rethink about your life once again. Since this is January, where most people plot their yearly targets and goals while scheduling their calendars like the businessmen/women they are, it is THE most appropriate albeit clichéd time to think about a good life RESET. Would be good if you could give yourself a vacation day to think about Resetting Your Life seriously.

HOW TO RESET YOUR LIFE, THIS TIME (HELLLL YEAH !!!!!)

FIRST, THINK ABOUT ELIMINATING THOSE THINGS YOU DON’T WANNA DO OR BE IN 2020

This year, instead of planning all the fun, great things to do this awesome year right away like the exciting family holiday you have planned in Spring or Autumn, be sure to remove all those things you think you can do without. For example, what are some major lifestyle decisions which you have chose to un-adopt ? Like going to a club party every weekend just for an additional high booster of booze and all night dancing only to come home dreading your drunk actions with terrible hangovers the next day? Uncheck all those things you will not be doing ever again and no longer will be participating - including any employment decisions such as a potential job-hopping or resigning from your current line of work because it no longer made you happier or enhanced your wellbeing. Not to mention, draining all your precious resources. LET IT GO.

AND THEN, ADD THOSE NEW ACTIONS WHICH YOU INTEND TO DO IN 2020

Here’s the best part after curbing those deeds you no longer will be doing. Adding new actions to your activities. Those cooking classes which you have spent your work time thinking about and hesitating whether it is worth going even when you can’t ever cook? DO IT. If you have spent more than a week thinking about a class, an event, a situation, something in a lifestyle that you want, GO FOR IT. Don’t be afraid of risking anything because the outcome didn’t turn out as expected. Usually, we just need a little push from our inner voice. And this is that little voice nagging at you for so many hours already! Go ahead, get it done in 2020!

to do: making sure my cat has a life.

(Because, they don’t.)

OF COURSE, TIME TO BACKUP YOUR LIFE NOW IN 2020 (just like your iPhone)

Last year some plans went downhill, certain circumstances unfolded because you didn’t take into account some issues that have actually affected you immensely. For example, if you went on a trip to Spain in 2019 and was pickpocketed by a bandit and/or due to bad weather circumstances had to postpone some itineraries during the trip.. BUT holy moly you forgot to insure yourself with travel insurance, pack protective gears and do your homework before you leave for Spain. The very next time you are going anywhere again, you sure as hell will buy that insurance package that offers the best defense against the worst that can happen during your adventures. You will prepare raincoats for stormy days, or have arrangements to book for another day tour if there is even a rain check for the highlight show, and have enough interesting venues to visit. Plan your Plan B, C, D, or all the way to Z if you possibly can. Plan C will kick in when B fails, Plan D will help Plan C, and the chain of backups will somehow take you out of the woods in most batshit scenarios. Start holding and maintaining backups to your act each time, so you don’t have to start all over again. Point said?

backup yourself by backing up the backups too, before it pours.

START TAKING BETTER CARE OF YOURSELF IN 2020 (did you love yourself?)

How often did you really took care of yourself last year, to allow yourself room to breathe? Think about all your values and expectations. Have you been too hard on yourself? Why couldn’t you take that sick leave when you have that fever and still pulled your hardworking ass to work just to impress your demanding boss? (Eventually you became really sick and had no choice but to call in sick for many days, what for?). Have you been skipping meals for more than 200 days in a year? Did you overly diet yourself just to feel better in a new outfit or save money? Did you ignore what your body tells you? If you are in pain for the most part of last year, time to go see a doctor to obtain treatment and remedy instead of procrastinating. Pain is the largest indicator that you are NOT WELL AND NOT TAKING CARE of yourself!

DECLUTTER, EXTRACCCTTTTT ALL YOUR THINGS THAT DON’T SPARK KONDO HERO JOY IN 2020

Like what the Kondo cleaning goddess has said, get rid of things that no longer serve your happiness or joy. If you can’t minimise, at least simplify your possessions and ensure that there is only calm in organisation and purpose in having those things. Digitally declutter all your electronic devices like your drives and mobile phones, accounts and more where too many unimportant information isn’t needed anymore. Remember, all your stuff should be mostly 80% living space and not so much of storage space. If you can’t give away something, pass it away to your best friend who might be delighted to have it, or donate to charity. And if you really can’t, make sure to repurpose that item into something else that value adds you. You don’t have time to live with clutter in 2020!

declutter> only kondo-ing when kondo-ed.

GET ON TOP OF ALL YOUR FINANCES IN 2020 (yes I know this is eewwwww… boring)

Did you break the bank last year by purchasing many, omg several new (some not even used) things that were totally out of your planned budget? This year, you will reset to be a much more savvy person in monitoring all of your spending patterns. You will talk to your spouse often about your shopping, you will keep those receipts, compile and track them each time you sense some impulse buying. I’m not even talking about investments yet, but if you are smart about investing and engage well in that arena, go ahead I can’t outdo you. Nevertheless, you have to know exactly how much you can save each time you give some money away for something you perhaps don’t even need. And for needy items, have you sought better alternatives to get them elsewhere instead of the usual stores you go to? These days, e-commerce sites offer the best deals coupled with credit card and many other additional perks in case you weren’t aware. Also various full-priced articles regularly go on sale online, you can’t possibly miss every single opportunity to make use of them.

DEFINE YOUR IDEAL LIFE - EVERYTHING, IN LIFE 2020 (relationships, commitments, episodes)

In 2020, you will rethink what it means to really go to work, what it means to interact with people you hardly care about, what it means to have a stable boyfriend or girlfriend and stand for what you preach. You will get true and truer right now about how you want your life to exactly unfold (like what 500 podcasts from TEDTalks to famous Youtubers to brilliant money-making speakers have a lot to say). Start to design your life meticulously now, crafting out clearly what is your ideal morning, afternoon and night from start to finish. This is probably the best way to starting saying NO in glorious condescending Sarah Knight style but don’t be mean to people who really love you. Learn to end some friendships which were narcissistically toxic, say no to badgering donation solicitors that are shady and untruthful, cut back on your lifestyle habits (like staying up late to binge watch movies or dramas) that prevented you from an early start the next day. Set it in this reset that you are going to say NO to things that you don’t see as ideal for you.

print out your life in color and see which sweet one fits you.

BE GRATEFUL AND THINK GRATITUDE (how Lavendaire perspicaciously lines her journals)

This year, write down in a journal or in your hard-pressed head that you are sincerely, genuinely, uttermostly appreciative of everything. Yes, everything my dear. From the small to the big things and the insanely bad to the good. So long as you can find a reason to be thankful for, you will be a much better person in 2020. Why do you bother being sad when you are actually sipping Starbucks Reserve nitro brew right now when children in the other continents are only trying to stay hydrated by river water. If you are married and have kids at age 28 but are really panicking about them right now, pulling out your hairs in the struggle for work-life balance, learn to see that it would all pass and all your wonderful babies will eventually grow up with the most surprising of beer loud cheers. For there are always singles out there who would kill to be you in every minute and day of your worries. And there again, you lament?

i am grateful for smelly durians.

Now go on, reset that life in 2020 and live your very best life! Love, Vander.

Stop. Don’t you dare think suicide. [Part 2]

Dear You Wishing Suicide,

Please stop and get some little wee bit of rest before you actually want to do suicide now. I know nothing seems to make any sense when you are feeling this low, even if you are or are not in the self-explanatory “depressive state” within the harrows of dying. Yes, I know. Whatever is happening outside is none of your business already, and you are all set to hang or burn yourself to body motionless mode. Well, life isn’t cut out for everybody. But how about, allowing yourself another 20 years to live first and see how it goes? If you really have decided and pinned your hopes on death later, you can do that but don’t get caught. BUT, excuse me, that is not the point I wish to make.

We are all lonely and suffering. In some way or many ways, somehow. Some people have many coping methods and supportive networks that made it work better for them, so they don’t feel the weight so much on their shoulders. Others that are not so lucky, probably live like pain lasts forever. Sorrow lives on to drown all the good sides of their very own souls till they become this mindless drone moving about without care and remorse. They become emotionless because pain has gone so deep till they no longer feel. And of course, some people slide into an incredibly numb and woody stupor after which they head down the long depression route and eventually will contemplate suicide.

Being a classic INFJ, I really don’t have have a tonne of friends who can weather the storm with me. As an empath, I have heightened sensitivities. I can get sad and angry easily when others become sad and angry, and I take in the world around by a snap of a finger. My mind and heart can get very busy and racy, and often I shut out the world by embracing solitude more than my peers, which sometimes isn’t the best thing. However, I have developed some helpful mechanisms to allow me to go on my daily activities without disturbance, and even to an extent leverage on my sensitivities to boost my productivity at work.

Thankfully, my parents who ironically speaking, ain’t quite the best parents in the world as they were so punitive to me when I was young while stubbornly standing tall as republican-traditional, is still there for me when I feel like crying out ass. Even if they don’t indulge me perpetual hugs or tell me it’s going to be all right (they are not so expressive) while throwing in untimely lectures, they would sometimes cook or buy me simple delicious lunches or dinners so that I don’t go hungry. They would tell me to go to bed early and don’t stay up to tire those eyebags. They would share with me nifty life habits which would benefit me so that I don’t worsen into some rotting shit-hole by myself when life’s miseries are alllllll hell yeahhh happening full steam ahead.

Committing suicide is a superbly massive form of courage. This courage could measure up to the same courage a warrior would take on, to die for the country at battle with the risk of everything in demise and all the grand aspirations they have dreamed of, falling apart as they perish. The courage of possibly not having a home to go back to after fighting so much and giving back to the nation what the nation has given to them more. In other words, dying for nothing is immense bravery.

Before you use this courage to reach for the hanging noose or that lighter to burn yourself down, why don’t you try these options instead?

1. Have that very same courage to be grateful for what you have

Thank anybody and anything that comes to your mind. If you think your career is practically going down the pipe, with nothing else that you can save, think why you have this job and why others still DON’T. Do you know many people out there in this world would want what you have, but can’t? Or because of poverty or a lack of education, they would never even live in a city like you do, with clean water and beautiful sidewalks? Be thankful.

2. Have that courage to talk to someone first

It doesn’t even have to be a friend or family. You could strike up a short conversation with a McDonalds crew staff smiling whenever you order, a Starbucks employee, or someone you encounter in your commute. If you have a pleasant and fun work colleague, you could have a short chat about life with them. You don’t have to directly let them in, into your personal life, but you can hear what they have to say about certain topics, like politics or entertainment. It can be interesting, but do steer clear away from narcissistic assholes. Effectively, even 5 mins of talk can be uplifting with a friendly acquaintance.

3. Have that courage to hang around animals or save them if you could

I used to do this all the time whenever I come back home from work, or have enough time before meeting a friend. I would actually search high and low for my neighbourhood cats and dogs, knowing all their hideouts and favourite hangouts. I know this particular calico cat which frankly loves to frequent the police post around my block, and is not shy of cops. I would go there to say hi, have it brush against my legs and just stare at it licking its paws and body fur. Neighbors do come round to feed those cats and if I’m lucky to chance upon that time, I would have a treat just looking at these cats chomp down their food in front of me. If you have the opportunity to save a cat or two should they bump into you for a rescue, you are the chosen one to change their fate (and yours too).

4. And..of course, be that courage to save someone who is in need

I know this may be overly dramatic like the movies and soooooo cliche being replicated tenfold in metaphors or memes. But.. the same courage you hold to kill yourself can be used to save other lives! Why can’t you volunteer as a youth detective or elderly assistant to lend a helping hand to the community? If you are not ready for that, you can start smaller by doing little things for your friends or family who might appreciate that thought the most when others weren’t so ready to help. Maybe when a stranger had dropped their purse? Now’s the time to do something. But remember, no one is asking you for the moon in saving their asses for real. You can still be who you want to be, and not sacrifice your daily life just to assist a person in need.

5. Have the courage to fight back at life or change it

Not saying you should not be a coward. But when life attacks you with shitcrates of lemons in automatic burst mode, you are supposed to retaliate with your own version of a submachine. You WILL holler back and ask what the hell life wants, then kick its butt till it flies to Yosemite. You will rise to the occasion and be a better person. Would you be put down by this setback when life keeps running you weary? It’s time to let life know what you are truly capable of. Get over a breakup, Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

6. Have the courage to love your life even better

This is very difficult I know, when you already feel like dying. How do you even love your miserable life then? Well, you can. See all your mistakes as fun, and if there are no mistakes, you would not even have imagined life to be SUCH crazy fun in unconventional banter. Life can be very monotonous, dull and boring when everything is in their respective places and no one disagrees. Two days ago, I made a terrible mess at spray painting an already glazed ceramic vase. It looked so horrendously disfigured and distorted than it originally was meant to be, and I had wasted time doing it. Now, I have more hassles to deal with - I have to scrape all the excess dribbles of paint that made the surface uneven before painting more coats to hide the shit I’ve done. But mainly, I now need to spend more money buying more tools and better paint to resolve this failed spray paint job. Even so, I am beginning to love what the potential of this failure can become. It is exciting to imagine a new mess becoming avant-garde art soon, lol.

…….And so many, many, many more things you could do, with this courage to die. Really.

This suicidal courage which you have, you could muster the courage to confess to a girl or boy you’ve had a crush on since day lord knows when. You could use the courage to go on a solo road trip to Germany. You may even become a Minimalist with the courage to minimise and declutter your possessions for a cleaner home. You could even build your own empire business from scratch. The list goes on and on into multiple lists, and life is actually, not half bad. I hope you feel better soon. And if you don’t, pop me a message and I will get back to you. Seriously.

Stop. Don’t you dare think suicide. [Part 1]

If any of you are reading this and thinking (or ruminating) if you should end it all, to finish your life in one blow of an instant,

STOP.

JUST STOP IT, RIGHT THERE. RIGHT NOW.

DON’T YOU DARE DO IT.

NOT YOUR TIME YET.

SO JUST.. STOP.

Look, I know how it feels to want to end things in your supposed end game, when MISERY is straight up THE ONLY BLESSING you likely have. That emotion is so deeply etched in your head and heart right now, you can’t ever shake it off and everything else just doesn’t seem like you could go on. You believe you are always falling in reverse, wondering why the hell suicide always comes running back to you in full circle calling out to you to do it. But, dear you gracious human whoever you are, you are really not alone in your crater of problems. Not at all, alone. Although well, technically, we only have our own bodies to take care and account for independently but that is not the point in this situation. If ever, emptiness haunts you late at night, know that even I, someone from the so distant internet galaxy LOVES you and would give you the chunkiest, plumpest bear hug for as long as you want if you just knew that someone like me at the other corner of the world cares. If you weren’t my friend which I never had the chance to get acquainted with, I’m so very sorry and regret that I can’t emergency board the next flight to your state, county, or township and stay up all day and night to keep you company in the hours you hole up in your room as you go through the worst shit in life.

We’ve all been there, somehow, and some of us got rather beat up and worn. Now, I’m not going to be that weird spongebob idiot that says “Hey, one who got cancer probably has it far worst than you”. Or, insensitively blurt “that neighbour with autism or an arm, leg, or spinal disability is still trying to live out his life to the fullest but you probably aren’t.” WTF. If some priggish friends or even one particular family member said these to you, they deserve a huge smorgasbord of smackers in the face and no one can complain. Because they don’t ever know you, or how you are feeling in your unique predicament. Yes, your circumstance is SPECIAL. No one compares and no one will be like you. Remember that Chainsmokers’ song? “Cos I don’t really like anybody, so don’t tell me I’m like anybody”. OHH yeahhhh, you aren’t into anybody or anything and can’t be bothered about how people think of you. You are just doing you. There is nothing wrong with wanting to die so don’t suppress this as a matter of being weak.

For starters, take a deep breath. Breathe in the whole damn fucking world around you and exhale that. Do it again, this time overloading your lungs till they are almost bursting, then let it out. Repeat this until you are ready to snap out of the rut, presuming you are in a toilet crying at school and had the disastrous nuclear mental meltdown. Once the air slowly clears apart from the staleness you experienced, take a good step out of the cubicle and give a splash of water on your head to freshen up. You got this.

Life is hard, I know. In between trying to escape the tragic plight of the hunger games every now and then, we get caught up in someone else’s crossfires and are shot right in the chest, twice. Or thrice. Or more. Ouch that fucking hurts. Yes, it sure does. But don’t put yourself down for it. You are strong, you are capable, and you are worth it. Build your bulletproof. Now, I don’t want to sound like an overdone mantra journal or motivational stationery quote collection you can find on Typo, Kikki K or Urban Outfitters. However, there is still life for you in every ray of hope, sunshine, rainbows and unicorns that you just got to see them for yourself in order to realise. Everything may be blind now, pitting into darkness, darkest of places but you will overcome them and find that piece of delicious chicken in smokin’ BBQ sauce tempting you out of your black. YES. YOU WILL GET THERE.

So for now, why don’t you just grab my hand and let’s just go grab a cuppa coffee with some funky jazz music at an awesome teashop that sells coffee better than tea. How bout that?

When You Feel Like You're Only A Cog In The Machine

Cog in the machine,

Cogging it up.

Sometimes while in employment for less than a month since the day of one’s hire, you’ve been thoroughly made to feel like a cog in the machine. You may be overworked and willingly do so while your colleagues give no shit about you and don’t even say hi or meet your eye. Oh right, you’re turning into a cog, a very sad cog, left behind at a corner desk to rot away, indefinitely. So how do you know when to leave or not (if you’re thinking of doing so?) and dropping that resignation. You knock your head and think again, what should I do?

Here’s some major boo boo flaws to take into consideration, if you are indeed at the very end of the line and contemplating pulling the plug:

1. Is your boss an absolutely deplorable jerk?

Maybe he or she is. And continuously annoy the shit out of you as asshole more than 20 days in a month. The truly evil savage Miranda Priestly. Some bosses are terrible persons putting on countless facades to appear decent, acceptable and nice. But they harbour selfish intentions and despise people who are less rich and successful, as well as being not as educated as them. King, Queen exploiting narcissists building their colossal empire. After performing your due diligence at work, your boss do not properly thank or appreciate you in any humanly-expected way. On top of making you feel like you don’t mean a thing to them and is replaceable by a click of a mouse.

A long queue awaits this job opportunity and staff members are subordinate pieces of flesh. All your best ingenious ideas seem average and common sense, as though someone else could always do better than you, and so your wages are undeserved. In fact, they would rather not pay the job you’ve done in their deepermost cheapo-est hearts. If they are grateful for your presence in some projects, they would take you out for lunch or dinner, but it’s not special - just any low-price point diner that comes to mind.

AND, of course, on even the fairest of days when nothing went wrong - these bosses place themselves on a pedestal high horse in a condescending throne of authority like you owe them. Yes, you owe them. When you have just been doing your job everyday on time (well not on time all the time), but you do your best in most things. Right, so is it your acme to quit? I’ll leave it to you to decide.

2. Is your workplace environment an unpleasant venue to work in?

Functioning offices should be budding spots that not only are well ergonomically designed, but have good access to toilets, water supply, safety entry and exit. But not for some offbeat, eccentric office settings. Employees may be tasked to sit at certain designated zones with frequent exposure to noises (gossip included) and other hazards leading them to become mentally affected by the commotion, which can hamper work productivity. Computers, softwares, stationery and tools are always limited or out of order and a fix takes eons to arrive.

In addition, if you are not even assigned a desk or a locker to secure your belongings, you would have to carry all your stuff with you every single work day (especially if you are a Customer Service personnel). You would tend to feel lesser of yourself, like a manual labourer not even entitled to a little accommodating space in a job. Worse still, the air-conditioning often screws up and you are left to work out in a sauna by yourself with wonky dusty-rusty fans. When the water container runs out at the dispenser, no one ever initiated replacing it. By the way, the concrete ceiling is on the brink of collapse. Good old fuck’s sake. This doesn’t seem like fair-trade practice.

3. Are your colleagues the suckiest persons alive on this planet?

This is one of the major dealbreakers for members of staff in even the largest of corporations. Your co-workers are SHIT-ASSHOLES. They don’t care, at the very least they don’t. Zero fucks given when they do nothing but watch Chinese dramas made in China during office hours on paid company money. While frequently, very upsettingly not doing their supposed jobs like crediting your salary on goddamn time. Conniving, they simply refuse to apologise for their honest mistakes when reproached in screwing up the slightest. Their horrific excuses and attitudes in negotiating their business out of anything remotely possible when they should be taking charge on point gives you high functioning anxiety and you have to be on guard all the fucking time.

You always have to be on your toes to suavely pull off the Katniss Everdeen defence in fending these shitsos off shirking their responsibilities on you chucking their shabbiest note. On top of them questioning your self-worth in the company because they don’t think you are even worth being nice towards (in their lack of empathy). These asses indulge in bullying as they are ultimately mired in their own agony and misery. Oh, did they forget your payslip after forgetting your salary payment too? These completely sunset cop-out motherfuckers tick the hella out of you into shoving their heads into sharks.

hi, i’m just a lego

4. Pay and perks are the lowest in the market

Yes, the company hands out the lowest wages in the market and do not offer competitive renumeration packages for painstakingly hardworking employees. All the more, making you feel like a cog in the machine which can be replaced this very minute. What about the benefits? Nothing praise-worthy or raveable. Only 7 days of annual leave and you are made to work like a bull regardless if your parents or relatives passed on. You find yourself in miserable, insufferable situations of taking regular non-paid leave while trying to stay out of trouble and gossip spice. Being nice sometimes just doesn’t pay.

5. When you are taking on responsibilities outside your pay grade

If you are doing more than 10 people’s workload duties, some of which are outside your experiences and qualifications, you may have to ask yourself what the fuck are you doing here. You have been cluster-fucked. Oftentimes, some work just don’t measure up to success and you are being handed tasks more than you can operate. There is a huge structural disorganisation going on, and you aren’t certain if the things you do would help to change anything. Obviously, some responsibilities require a manager’s decision, but there isn’t even a manager and that tends to overlap into what you perform. Shit, there is no guiding anchor to carry the weight. You are that cat below winging whatever comes in your way while clinging tightly to a pathetic tree in a billowy tornado. Good luck.

shit’s happening.

6. When the organisation mottos are a complete fluff

Let’s say, this company A is positioned to carry out XX promises and deliver them all in their products and services. However, they never live up to their standards and their name. You begin to question the integrity of the business and it’s inefficient processes that made it so vulnerable to criticism by the public (and even their staff). You wonder why the company’s values are steeped in paradox and contradictions, and never found the reason to iron out it’s position no matter if someone breakthrough tried to contribute to its success. For example, if a beauty company mentions that their facial mask removes all blackheads after use especially printing that truth out on the product label, the mask still just doesn’t do anything right at all and maybe even triggers more spots than necessary. The mask gets a ridiculously poor review by beauty assessors and soon the general beauty population shuns the product company for being a liar. You as an employee for this beauty store will be seriously in twenty feet hollows because after 15 years the product is still stocked on shelves and more people are complaining. How do you press on with even the best marketing?

7. There is absolutely no future for you to be working here

After a long stint at a company, you find yourself still doing the same old stuff from 5 years ago with about similar wages, and no talks about promotion. So where’s the promotion? Where is the meaning in you toiling for the sake of growth in your worn out shoes? The tenure you’ve spent here is a broken clock gear-tripped since antiquity. However, you, the old you just came to a halt in the tracks. In sorry state and begging to get a better role for the dedication, loyalty, above and beyond commitment you’ve easily far outweighed yourself. Years of you being competent have gone to waste because you could have done something else, elsewhere in a company that loves and values you more.

OH, YOU THINK. I’M SO FUCKED.

Should I quit? Hell yeah.

(That said, if you have 3 kids, 2 requiring college education while yourself burdened by mortgage and loans, just do the fucking job and go home by end day.)

It's Never Too Late To Be Who & What You Want To Be

Time to lay those naysayers to rest and escape those communists (not literally!) who oppress. It’s never too late to be who you want to be, who you set yourself out to become. Dreams are reality, if only you can see. You may feel like you are stuck in an age of despair, with no doors ahead of you to go at dead end. But know that you are in a safe place, because it’s never too late. Foremost, please, please constantly remember this :

AGE IS JUST A FUCKING NUMBER the admins gotta register for the government in any nation to keep tabs. To monitor, maintain and audit the order of life time among us homo sapiens. It’s not who you are, or the defined limits you can do. Of course, to a certain point as you get older into age, your skin will sag and your bodies will fail you. You cannot reach for that can of sardines right on top of that odd cupboard corner with the same known agility. You cannot even climb stairs and mountains steadily like before. We understand that. The cat observes that. Everyone knows about the irreversible biological clock ticking away. Would it define your dreams? NOPE. Fact, you still can dream, and it’s not too late to attain that dream, if only you just believe you can do it.

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” ….Pope John XXIII

In the owl wink of an eye, I am 33 years old. Ambitious, hardworking folks at this age would have already found highly paid executive jobs while launching into managerial positions and leading key projects, positioning forces driving stable industry careers. Along with 3 awesome kids perhaps, the oldest a 10 year old raving BTS, the youngest a fun toddler role-playing nurse. And an understanding husband doubling up as mom. In a beautifully designed modern apartment with curated furniture pieces, pet corgis, peaches and cream.

Yet now, I, the single unmarried lady of the hunger games universe venture into becoming a nobody writer blindfully attempting to carve a niche out of becoming an actual writer, that is. It is crazy, how this dream journey has begun for me, facing 3000 rejections (I love you 3000!) from some friends, family, companies, recruiters, job ads, hoards overarch perceiving I went kabonkers to step out as middle-age writer; simply because somehow it infrequently crossed their minds that I EVER could competently write. Why, why would they think that way? I often pondered thoroughly hard.

One thing I knew poignant enough, I’ve lacked concrete professional experiences in writing and my dream had to build on this. So I sucked it up, wallowed in misery for a few days, depressed over job ads and anything related to this dream of becoming a writer meanwhile. I found myself weeping whenever I typed out interesting poetry and stories on my laptop, terribly worried if my material would get out someday and if ever a person would enjoy reading my text. Blimey, I loved writing so much that even in my misery I just had to continue writing.

“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can.” ….Neil Gaiman

Generally, it wasn’t hard to imagine where most people were coming from what they advised me, but at times they and those barriers society accentuate traps you into thinking like society and everyone else does. Some rules and requisites were by far the subject matter enforced to maintain appropriate status quo. So then the norms to assimilate by these rules grow ingrained and internalised, and people followed them. And oh, the one million writing internships that I fervently applied? They were all nada and gone with the wind. THEN, I knew for sure. No one sane would ever hire an intern in their 30s. No one. Well, with the sole exception of that expectation wherein I should have already been an intern in my early 20s and normatively now the emplacement of a 30s experienced writer. Them gremlins never dabbled the idea of employing a 30s intern - it would be embarrassing and it would defeat the purpose of grooming obvious talented youths far more worthy of that internship if their potential eclipses 30s middle age relics.

In a tight labor market of specialty stalls in Singapore, no one preferably thinks that a 30s could be a novice writer doing social media optimisation, quick flex push-button feeds, second-hand blogging, or any decent updated to the masses Kardashian column on social accounts. Because, in social media, a 30s woman is a senior akin to an old, withering lady gut-leaking boredom. See, this is an excuse to cordon off wise sages bearing the fruitiest of all fruits as maturity develops across the continuum of cognitive nurturance. The 30s is a fucking cool aunt who delivers the best hippiest intelligence man has ever known.

HEY, if dreams tend to privilege the young and snub others who could be young at heart, the world would be such a sad, sordid place. Many opportunities would be limited to a select elitist few, and meritocracy would be an impenetrable firewall. Some grizzled, talented outliers would have to hang themselves on the noose because people didn’t care or believed in them. And we won’t have interesting stories to share and spread about that mature jaw-dropping maverick. There would be lesser Susan Boyles, Harry Bernsteins, Vera Wangs, Julia Childs and other late bloomers delighting us with spectacular works of art, science and substance. Refinement comes with age, and sometimes going about a maze for years before even hoping to land that dream does more wonders than having it all at 21. If any of it matters, I implore all you dear electrified netizens to go pursue your dreams, aptly do that dream(s), because it’s never too late to be who or what you wanted to be.

How To effect your dream (SINCE It’S NEVER TOO Late.)

One known key to the fulfilment of any dream (or dreams) you got to importantly bear in mind and commit dedicatedly to action is that : Persistence trumps all gifts and talents. In case you misunderstood, persistence does not mean you have to work 16 hours a day without leave days and ample rest only to give up later because you died overworked. Persistence means showing up every single day to work a little closer to your dream no matter what it takes when shit flies by bazookas, doing the same thing that you did every time, reworking some over again and not throwing in the towel.

It is sheer determination of any sorts, the propelling unconditional persevering and perseverance your parents would go to great lengths in order to protect you at all costs and satisfy your hunger when you really need to feed. Despite all of their weariness from babysitting and panic at the disco, your parents don’t abandon you in the lurch. In fact, most days, they endeavoured a smile at your foolishness to wrap thy heart warm because their love for you is ultimate. Persistence is great effort that consistently advances effort, a kind of stubbornness that never gives, a smorgasbord of pent-up insatiable feelings trudging on for the dream.

Besides, talented individuals would not be too persistent for they are conceited with their preoccupied talents requiring less effort to succeed, so they believed. BUT, you don’t have to be talented to win, you only need to keep your foot on the accelerator long enough so you don’t ever fall behind others. Exactly, like what late US President Calvin Coolidge serving in the 1920s, the “Roaring Twenties” told. Or Angela Duckworth in her cogent book of “Grit.. ”. Being the cool underdog: If gifted men and women tire out somehow and walk away disinterested but you don’t and continue toiling, then surely you are in this way more extraordinary than people could judge otherwise.

persistence, Coolidge.

The 30th US President, late Calvin Coolidge responsible for the roaring twenties and American affluence advocates persistence!

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

- Calvin Coolidge (As omnipotent pictured above at his sworn-in.)

“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” …

“...there are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine....you've got to apply those skills and produce goods or services that are valuable to people....Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you're willing to stay loyal to it...it's doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.” …

“Staying on the treadmill is one thing, and I do think it’s related to staying true to our commitments even when we’re not comfortable. But getting back on the treadmill the next day, eager to try again, is in my view even more reflective of grit. Because when you don’t come back the next day—when you permanently turn your back on a commitment—your effort plummets to zero. As a consequence, your skills stop improving, and at the same time, you stop producing anything with whatever skills you have.” …

“Yes, but the main thing is that greatness is doable. Greatness is many, many individual feats, and each of them is doable.” …

“Without effort, your talent is nothing more than unmet potential. Without effort, your skill is nothing more than what you could have done but didn't.”

― Angela Duckworth, Grit: Passion, Perseverance, and the Science of Success (The Guru of Tenacious Effort and Self-Improvement)

Another element crucial to the realisation of your dream is that : You have to be a Philosopher. Not like Aristotle or a Paladin per se, but in a modern sensibility - you get what I mean. The only way to be conscious, to understand and carry out the true values critical to the fortune of any winner dreaming up success is to be a Philosopher, thinking and overthinking the shit shat out of most things.

This complexity of thinking in its entirety conjures an ideology that will allow you to win past obstacles, even war if necessary. If Sun Tzu fashioned the “Art of War” tasked as military strategist, it also means he had so damn well philosophised around what will happen to generals and soldiers on the fronts braving the rain and raking blood-stained shields to take out enemy targets. You could imagine simulations in his head leading to strategic resolutions and an ideal vision of victory. Thereafter he would execute counter-measures to minimise battle distress and fatalities.

In particular, the philosopher holds the power of thought clarity and abstract awareness towards true objectives. The philosopher will then craft meticulous chapters sequential on the route to champion a dream ending. Bonus, philosophising also inspires and motivates you to keep going when life gets tough. No kidding, when you tread into becoming a “think-tank”, you actually grow wiser and ethical because knowledge touches you in amazing ways.

And, the corresponding wisdom guides any to live life aligned to profound principles and cultivated traits such as resilience, respect, generosity and minimalism maybe (lol). You will love this wisdom because it not only enriches your mind, it centers your dream vision and encourages you to be a genuinely good person (unless you don’t want to..OMG). Reaping the benefits, you will consistently pursue this wisdom and be addict to philosophising like baited fish and fishermen hooked to bait. In any case, the accumulation of vital information over firm philosophy cements definite plans to gravitate your dream nearer towards reality.

Philosophize, thoreau.

Brilliant transcendentalist philosopher, poet, and essayist. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s BFF and roommate. Thoreau believed we should look inwards and our natural milieu for life’s answers.

To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity and trust.

- Henry David Thoreau (Bearded, cool, witty Man of Philosophy.)

“the unexamined life is not worth living,”

- Socrates (Classic and always relevant)

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”

- Dr. Seuss (The Thinking Cap)

“A concept is a brick. It can be used to build a courthouse of reason. Or it can be thrown through the window.”

- Gilles Deleuze (On Capitalism and Schizophrenia)

“Science is what you know. Philosophy is what you don't know”

- Bertrand Russell (I guess he knows.)

Of course, if you are already paving your move and plotting that graph towards that dream, you might not want to forget that along the way : Failure is always welcome and is your chewing gum. Seriously. Mistakes will show and even when you are so ready, accidental screw-ups will slip through the cracks. Life gives you lemons, and sometimes you don’t even get to juice a drop of lemonade. Will you curl up in foetal, cry out loud and forgo whatever dream you wanted just so failure happens?

When I was younger, I used to cower at surprises which comprise of failure events. Loathed how stuff didn’t go my way turning out bad than I had anticipated. Felt those failures hung me out to dry. Failures were severe injuries. However, as I’ve found, even in failure you will have that momentum to succeed if your positive attitude and strength is the infinite burning bush, never doused or extinguished but decisively set on goals. AND. The innate desperation to achieve dream goals hastens so exceedingly that you have no time and energy to be upset over spilled milk since understanding the mechanics of failure to overcome poor outcomes takes precedence over anything else. Many fear failure, paralyzed as though it will consume them like the darkness did and would strive to prevent that from happening at all costs, so risk-taking is not quite an option and experimenting is an abomination.

Honestly with that many rejected writer application notices I’ve had ballooning the obesity of my e-mail, to date the amount of perceived failure from these would surmount to atomic Godzilla blasts potent to flatten the city. Nevertheless, those “We regret to inform you…. you are not” responses did not the least pummel me out. I wouldn’t be in my pyjamas having the monty breakfast and dancing to Bruno Mars today if it did. Chew on the failure like gum; don’t swallow it, but munch and munch to tune, whet your appetite for better food to come. Note to self - Failure is always, always gunning you for success. Paulo Coelho purposefully slithers in rat-like into the soul’s crevices the need for relentless courage in the face of disappointments when one seeks to achieve dreams. This optimism is pungently scattered all over his finessed poetic prose you don’t even have to scour his directive.

Fearless at failures, Coelho.

Brazilian novelist. Iconic, earth-shattering, heartwarming messages in full fiction works. I would totally be his apprentice for free if he does not mind my suffocating presence.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” …

“Don't give in to your fears. If you do, you won't be able to talk to your heart.” …

“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” …

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

- Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (The only book you ever need when lost.)

“Everything tells me that I am about to make a wrong decision, but making mistakes is just part of life. What does the world want of me? Does it want me to take no risks, to go back to where I came from because I didn't have the courage to say "yes" to life?”

- Paulo Coelho, Eleven Minutes (Mind-blowing and life-changing.)

Be back for more.

How To Quell Anxiety And Live Well With It

We live in a highly stressful environment (why of course), amid increased patterns of fast-paced city living, technological developments and heightened sensitivities. There will be frequent days when we get uneasy and overwhelmed. And no doubt about it the panic bug will all hit us at some point, to which baffling relapses will take a few more swings often than ever before. The anxiety we encounter in the face of uncertainties and unpredictabilities in life including pressing demands of circumstantial resolutions can immensely peeve and exhaust us. So how do we save ourselves? Here are a few tips (not going to impart the sublime art of breathing in and out slowly.)

Acknowledge And Acquaint Your Worst Fears and Anxieties

The first initial step. Accept all the doldrums that comes with your bagged up fears and anxieties. Don’t fight them. See them as friends to get to know, an ally, someone closer than you think. Fighting off anxiety only makes you repelled towards it, creating a wider distance and marking it off as alien. ANXIETY IS THERE, yes, yes, yes. Using Three Yes-es, confirm that you have detected, are aware and have encountered the anxiety. Then simply accept that it is here for a reason of guiding you to safe action. See that frightfully thrilling rollercoaster? Its actually pretty fun and cool to get on !

anxiety can be your friend.

If You Can’t Acknowledge The Anxiety, Avoid The Anxiety Situation (For A brief while.)

Now, I’m not persuading you to run away at every difficult situation (don’t be an easily bruised strawberry!). However, in certain direly tense situations, you may want to avoid the deathly gallows altogether and skip the attempt to accept the encounter. How do you know if some circumstances significantly calls for a direct flee? Size up the anxiety situation in a minute by rating it a 8/10 or 9/10 out of anxiety levels. Once its an 8 or 9, it’s time to get out of it for awhile either by excusing yourself from school or work for a few minutes, hours or a day if absolutely required. Take that breather to strategise on your next move. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not recommending you to be lazy inexplicably resigning or surrendering to your fate when dealt a bad hand in life.

Unabashedly, Get Into Self-Love Version 2.0

After anxiety submission and acceptance, it is a deserving primer you take time-off from your mundane duties and responsibilities, where you switch into Self-Love Version 2.0. This means doing all the things you never got to do during busy periods, or interests you never got around to enjoy. You could also prepare an Anxiety Emergency Case for yourself containing your favourite things and stuff to do when you are indeed stressing out. Special things work wonders during this time, such as single-estate tea bags and coffee, limited edition books and games, quality yoga meditation guides, and even a year-long membership card to an exclusive spa. Otherwise, even the most basic activities you enjoy often (journaling like manybody else) can help to take your mind off overthinking and the tremors of anxiety scenarios. Another quick trick is to go away somewhere quiet (it could be a favourite corner in the office or home) and close your eyes for a few seconds, mindfully listening to your heartbeat beat by beat and then sipping a cup of piping hot tea slowly until your mood changes and the anxiety sensation comes to a standstill. You can even inhale the steam from the tea and watch the condensation on the cup forming.

See Anxiety As A Damn Routine You Gotta Live With

A great way to counter anxiety in the long term is to perceive anxiety as a routine you just gotta get on and over with, as events that keep occurring and the need to resolve it frequently in banal measure. In that way, anxiety is not so much of the unknown and unfamiliar, but a repeated scenario you have gone through and appropriated corrective actions to fix it before. Besides, the confidence from acting on a routine “ANXIOUS” episode will develop overtime, and it is this confidence that will allow anxiety to be a friendlier mate. You can imagine your anxiety case to an incoming bus or train which you have to hop on sooner or later in order to go places as part of the daily commute.

anxiety,

just another call.

Tackle At The Root Of Your Anxiety (tactfully)

Once you have gathered sufficient resources for anxiety coping, you may want to tackle the root of your anxiety right away. Analyse what causes your anxiety. Even some answers and solutions to issues at hand can add to your anxiety because they may not be the best remedy yet. Sit down and recollect all events happening around that is distressing. Is it those irksome dirty floors that you have been wanting to clean but couldn’t find the time and energy to get it done after a long day? For some others, it could be bullies in school awaiting principal punishment or a police report if severe. If you are dealing with low self-esteem due to weight problems, you may want to embark on a natural approach to diet and weight loss instead of consuming slimming pills from bogus sources and plastic surgery. Find out what is truly bothering you and think of the most effective way to eliminate the bugging misery.

refrain from The maddening complex multi-tasking (if you can.)

Already leading busy lives with countless responsibilities coupled with so many other varied tasks on hand to accomplish as much as you can, is disastrous. I term this the paradox of multi-tasking monstrosity. Humans were never made to multi-task, at least not for long, because how else to focus on what is important to focus on? Check out why human brains weren’t made to multi-task here. If you are on an anxiety attack already, please prioritise over multi-tasking, as prioritising allows more productivity once you know how to allocate and deploy your time in the most efficient way without wasting your brain’s resources and sacrificing your psychological wellbeing. If you absolutely need to multi-task complex tasks, perform a maximum of two tasks at one go so your mind can keep count.

the system hangs.

Talk To Friends, Family and bundle in a good laugh as well

In the tumultuous face of anxiety, staying connected, having solid and sturdy friendships with people whom you care matters. Chatting up with friends and family, while having a blast in rolling stocks of laughter can de-sensitise your sensitive dark moods to deliver positive changes to your temperament. Works all the time. Once, I had a conversation with a dear neighbour who had the worst day of her life as she relayed the terrible events unfolding in a bad hair day to me. Although she was not in the mood for jokes, she seemed to be in lighter spirits illuminating the day’s ridicule and weird offences in the ostentaciously mean people met as I patiently listened to her describe. While we spoke, we exchanged smiles and laughters at the characters typified in our heads. In the end, as I left her house, both of us were cracking up like crackheads loaded. We had the best time. Although anxiety can isolate us to a point of despair, staying socially strong and bonding together builds unity, trust and hope to overcome ever daunting episodes.

Se7enth Heaven: Oakwood Premier's Burger And Dine-In Hits The Right Spot, Baby

Now, we had heard of Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore. That it is quite swanky as a full-fledged luxury hotel and serviced apartment in the Central Business District. ATAS. (rich.) But I’ve never been there before, and I finally did in order to try the legendary burger in SE7ENTH, the in-house restaurant in Oakwood Premier. The second you get out onto the 7th floor of this really tall building to head over to SE7ENTH, you would pass by and be greeted by marbled floors, glittering chandeliers, designer light and sculptural features. And of course the lavishly furnished reception area. Immediately a grandiose tinkling will overlap, and you feel like a Champion. It’s amazing. Now, when we entered SE7ENTH to dine-in on a Sunday evening, it was near empty except for a family occupying the front dining seats. How lucky we are, we were let into a spacious table surrounded by peace and quiet.

. . . And on to the food. (Yeah Babyyyyyy)

Oakwood “SE7ENTH” Beef Burger, S$30. Now, I should think this is their signature dish because it is SOOOO juicy burger excellent. Move over Shake Shack! Beef patty is thick and rather moist layered by melted cheese. Eggs with cheddar are like Heaven made on Earth. Done rather gourmet-style. Both sides of the crisp fresh salad with sesame dressing and plump french fries are wonderful additions. Generous, hearty portion served on a farmhouse rustic chop board. Awesome!

Seafood Aglio Olio Linguine, S$28 (choice of spaghetti, penne, linguine). Not quite spicy as expected, but still packs good salty flavour from the ample fresh seafood items - mussels, prawns, and scallops thrown in. Also got two pieces of little sotong, not bad. LOL. Portion may be small for some heavy eaters though. Well, I liked that it is beautifully presented since they arranged the mussels standing upright, lol.

Chilli Crab Spaghetti, S$26 (choice of spaghetti, penne, linguine). Wow, this one is a local spin. Spicy and shioky. Although the crab is not the actual crab flesh but fried soft-shell crab (sad). The homemade sauce taste a little different from the ordinary chilli crab base, but after awhile it works. You still relish it’s savoury side, and I believe there are fresh chillies used.

Salted Egg Cod Fish and Chips, S$32. I adore everything salted egg these days. A very crunchy and somewhat oily cod with salted egg sauce spilled over it included with french fries, bowl of mixed salad in sesame dressing (same as the burger’s), considerate tomato and tartar sauces on the board. Fish has a good batter bite. Remember to drizzle the lemon over fish. Only wished that they would have more of the salted egg sauce over because it is addicting.

Caesar Salad, S$13. Why did we even order this? Huh. Anyway, people wanted more veggies and so this happened. Here, I really must applaud the freshness and appetising appeal of these vegetables on the plate, they seem to invite any kids cringey on veg to enjoy them with a smile. Veg doesn’t taste bad at all. Boiled eggs, croutons, bacon bits, parmesan cheese, anchovies in ranch dressing are included in the salad. You can choose to add a protein (chicken, prawns or salmon) too.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail, S$12. Exciting color and refreshing, tartness drenched in good martini. Bit of lime in there. What’s not to love? Best paired with the burgers.

Homemade Waffle With Gelato, S$14. Please don’t mind the candle, it was someone’s birthday. Choice of two scoops of gelato available - bitter sweet chocolate, tahitian vanilla or avocado. Sprinkles of nuts and berries on chocolate sauce paintbrush strokes. We picked the choco and avocado gelato, which was delicious. It was smooth, indulgent and creamy. Think Haagen Daz. I couldn’t tell if the waffles were homemade. But with the waffles delightfully dipped into the ice cream, we ended this wonderful dinner session with a blast. Sigh, if only I had booked a staycation in the Oakwood Premier!

LIFEBLY RATINGS -

Service: Attentive and professional 10/10

Food: Very good 8/10, although could be improved

Value for money: Probably yes and no for some dishes 6/10

All prices do not include GST and Service Charge. P.S. Check for deals before going!

Love Yourself: Be You, Be Proud, Be Happy.

This is not a reaction to K-Pop sensation BTS’ album “Love Yourself” (good lord, no.) and their epitome UN speech on self-love. But rather, an honest appeal to self-evaluation, self-reaffirmation, and the acceptance of who you truly are and should. This is especially so in youths these days who are constantly looking at their peers to mirror and social media for validation. Don’t get trapped in the labyrinth of media madness out there. Kudos to Lady Gaga sharing “Social Media is the Toilet of the Internet.” Yes, there are good things in social media, but toxic material proliferating on tweets and grams are far reaching viruses out there. Our Internet can be stinky and deplorable on excessive expectations and hate, and other nonsensical filth persistently clings on. No amount of cleaning would take out these remnants of excrements. Spending long hours hooked up on the online toilet (the dark side, I call it) can make you feel so small and unloved. Bear in mind, you don’t have time to lose yourself in there. You only have one life to live, and that is yours to own. Be yourself, before anybody else.

DON’T BE LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE. be you, be proud, be happy.

Oh. The Oddball-ish “Mulan Rockstar Tomboy” ?

Back when I was a teen and even up till my late twenties, I REALLY, genuinely hated myself. I hated how I look, how I was, and what prospects would lie ahead of me. Even now as a 33 year old, periodically at times, I would struggle to accept my actual body and soul and seek to be someone else. Essentially, throughout my lifetime, there were countless occasions I wanted to be like everybody else BUT me. Growing up as an Asian Chinese, I hated my tanned skin not reminiscent of a dainty damsel, I hated my less-than-demure big pouty Angelina Jolie lips, hated that I didn’t have a huge circle of friends while mostly being bullied in school and not the popular girl in class boys would date. Due to that, I also detested my birthdays because my so-called “friends” never ever remember or celebrate them. You could guess by now I had some form of terrible low self-esteem.

Of course, I hated that I was quite dumb and consecutively failed Math. I hated that I was way more Mulan than Sleeping Beauty, and I shot more arrows than played dolls when I was a kid. Although I too, played a lot of dolls because many girls my age played them and I had to join the famous girly club. In addition to playing dolls, I was building cool houses for them. I had used raw materials to build these houses. I stashed away emptied Yakult bottles for the formation of turrets. Designing the extent of how my dolls could live in my imagination set me on fire. I wanted my dolls to live in weird places and hang around esoteric objects that my girl friends found very odd and didn’t understand the tiniest bit why. I also had Barbie fight Ken very often LOL.

Then I went swimming every week to shy away from the Chinese dance class my Mom signed me up because the feathery fans were cringey and trigger my allergic sneezes. To complicate matters further, I was an introvert and an empath. I disliked talking too much, preferring to listen and kept things to myself. I had tonnes of unusual hobbies and interests at a time when kids were just following mainstream norms. I started learning Japanese when I was 12 years old, after the PSLE exams, because I wanted to read manga natively. So I pestered my highly impatient Mom about this and one day she finally caved in and allowed me to attend Japanese classes by myself. And then I was into loud rock music. I wanted to be a rockstar when I was a teenager in a country known as Singapore where rock is stereotypically reserved for Malay groupies. Not to mention, in the late 90s, the invasion of boyband/girlband pop hailed to be more popular than rock. Backstreet boys, Spice Girls anyone? Damn, the Spice Girls were hot.

i knew i’m different.

Despite all that I’ve liked and wanted to become, like many anxiety-ridden parents, my parents firmly devised numerous plans to model me into a “TO-BE” successful individual and chained me to lengthy Nazi-like learning programs. I was like this investment package they had invested their time and effort into building a future. Their system intensely limited my creativity and devalued my self-worth as time passes by. It was hell. I had to be really smart and get into white-collar jobs and earn loads of money enough to ferry them comfortably into retirement. I was constantly pressured to study, perform and continuously work hard to be like that cousin who became an engineer, or wealthy banker.

But I had retaliated on some events, went my own way, and then came back to them again because I thought they knew better.

So, I killed myself trying so hard, devoting copious spans of time on the goals my parents set out for me, but was frequently lost. After graduation, they wanted me to land a favourable respectful job. There was the badgering effervescent encouragement towards me to go into government service or work in an MNC. But I was a creative. Or at least I know I had that kind of blood. I knew back then, but not confidently enough. I was afraid to stand out to be myself, to be the sore thumb in the family. I kept thinking that if I didn’t think too much into it and just worked in their defined corporate jobs it would turn out fine. Would I be so very happy? Probably not. Much only in my later 20s, did I start doing things apart from my parents’ grand plans, ultimately determined to do what I want and to be myself.

no matter what, when and how old you are, you have all the right and control to be yourself.

Going into my 30s (but forever young, always young!), I am beginning to bear this conviction that if you BELIEVE, DECIDE AND DO love yourself, you will be a far more worthy, far more attractive person than anyone else you can ever emulate to be. Importantly, you will not constantly fall into senseless questioning of yourself should you encounter challenging environments that belittle your life and self-worth. And then engage in self-hurt. Plus the comparison game? Why should you even compare yourself against someone? You are in a different league altogether. You have your own standards. You only have to break the chains, cut loose from the cycle of identity crisis to be yourself. It is that simple. But difficult to commit. First, be aware and then act that it is just going to be you that matters. Everything about you - even those quirky, nasty habits that you think you possess are equally cherished and special.

So many successful people these days, it gets harder to validate yourself.

On the Internet, social media and lucrative billionaire entertainment, you will always find an opportunity to critique your life and self. IT COMES AS NO SURPRISE, those rich immaculate K-Pop idols got their shits together and are now world famous. However, all of these successful people had to realise who they truly were in each of their particular styles and callings, and had seriously worked hard on the one and only dream. It is not all glitzy dining along the Seine River in exclusivity the paparazzi permeates. Celebrities are just ordinary humans who knew and accepted themselves in greater clarity - including their strengths and weaknesses, and all the evil within. Most gradually have derived their own distinctive personalities and signature works, their own formula to the hunger games. Do you know you? Are you already doing you? What is your specialty you can bring to the world? Your niche? Don’t be a phoney replica of someone, frequently changing from one template copy to another. You will be very confused and led astray if you keep doing so.

Be proud and happy of who you are.

On the final and most hefty note, be proud (but not arrogant!) of who you are. There is a reason you are here on this Earth and aliens have no place to reside. Even the most trivial of things that you have done so far is considered unique and the stamp of your trademark. No one can replace you and nothing else can prevent your bloom, and you should be proud of that. Your parents, family, friends, colleagues and maybe strangers adore you just the way you are - if otherwise, they are foolish cucumbers, insincere and unappreciative of the beauty of your existence. They would rather go on the chopping board. Stay happy and contented in the fact that you are special sauce and many don’t deserve to get a taste of that if they don’t acknowledge your merits. Have faith, that in dire circumstances the pride and happiness of loving yourself will see you travel through and surpass the highest, thickest of setbacks even as you brace for (some) impact. Smile and look up!

The Affordable Minimalist Cafe To Dine In Peace And Chill

The front entrance of Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar. Very cool place to chill, eat, and hang out with friends. Good for loners too.

I found the best place to escape from it all. This Kara Cafe & Dessert minimalist cafe. Because I got so stricken and tired from overcoming crowds in the densely populated tiny island of Singapore (where you can find people downtown and everywhere else these days, yikes), I had to run off somewhere. Especially when the monthly pimple zits had maximised my pores on my face and my hormones are spiralling out of control, that it is time to go into relax mode.

Found this soothing dining spot on the Entertainer App, which let me tell you, is a messiah to money-saving couples. It was on the 1-for-1 deal. I ADORE the 1-for-1 and dearly pledge my alliance towards it. Anytime I see 1-for-1 on any fine printed banner, my body reflexes would zoom in with full on dilated pupils faster than my head could think. However, even if it was a non-deal at this cafe, prices are still reasonably cheaper than many standard dining establishments in Singapore.

This serene Minimalist Cafe has one side wall pink/white pastel-painted and the other side of the wall in calming foliage wallpapers, furnished with wooden tables, chairs, and earthy booth benches. Bonus with the cool overhanging lamps casting over your heads. Its pretty much insta-worthy, MUJI-Scandi vibes the minute you enter (see below). Inside, it is quiet and remarkably laid-back not only because not much people are in there on the day I went, but the placid interiors settle you down right away and sets you at liberty.

Img from Kara Cafe & Dessert Bar. Thank you for letting me dine here in bliss while chatting with goldfish memory boyfriend.

If you cannot get a seat at the MUJI cafes in town or some other snobby overrated Minimalist trending bistros right now, please do make a stop here. I paid for it using the Entertainer and ate with my annoying boyfriend. As I am the ultimate nobody, no one ever gives me a shit or sponsors me to eat for free. Sobs.

This particular pineapple on my table is way too cute to ignore. Possible plant housed in embroidered pineapple bottom. Can I bring home?

Modus Operandi of Ordering: Self-Service (YAH go to the counter to pick and purchase your food, then wait for pretty waitresses to deliver them over to your tables.) There is no service charge. Of course.

the ordered food (what i ate.)

This mouthwatering Aburi Mentaiko Salmon on Japanese Rice Grain Bowl, S$16. (Option to choose Quinoa instead of Japanese Rice). This is like having loads of blowtorched salmon sushis altogether in one bowl topped with a slippery egg yolk goodness and some buttery corns underneath the heap. Not to mention drizzles and sprinkles of seaweed. GIVE IT TO ME AGAIN

This oriental rendition of an Asian-spiced Seafood Pasta, S$19. Warning: Spicy level > Quite high. Tonnes of chilli. Very flavourful dish in a fusion mashup and heartily portioned as well for peckish diners. Prawns are lavishly big and succulent, goes with overall tanginess really well like Aglio Olio.

Comfort food for the worst of all days, Truffle Cheese Tater Tots, S$11. Quite a large serving. I was already too full to have much of the tots, so the foodie boyfriend of mine helped me with this. It had a really cheesy, voluptuous taste and can get cloying. Still, it had truffles and I was more than happy to pick up a few extra spoonfuls. Best had on a rainy day when you need to study and have slow bites somewhere cozy and quiet.

This beautiful pot of Blueberry Merlot Tea, S$7. Seriously, $7 for a more than 3/4 filled pot. Can’t do no wrong. Ordered this because boyfriend wanted it (he’s a blueberry fanboy). Pungently zesty, can’t tell if there is any Merlot as in the Merlot wine but there is certainly berries in it, though not quite blueberry. Very good to let it simmer and watch the condensation in this clear teapot occurring (always fascinated by trivial things). Such a cute accompanying wood tray with the teapot and cup.

the ensemble of all good stuff

Yay to this affordable MUJI-Inspired Minimalist Cafe. I WILL BE BACK.

Please do be informed that at my time of ordering (as at April 2019), the 1-for-1 on the Entertainer App usage only applies to Grain Bowls and Snacks so other items on the menu are excluded from it. Even without the offer, this place is still absolutely such a steal. Great hangout nook to chill, relax and forget that your problematic life exists. You can check out the full menu at their web.

Black Beauty: Black Kitchens Are Broodingly Stunning

Modern black kitchens are trending right now and no one is exactly dull and upset, since it is not merely about black against black. We see a definite pattern of blackish kitchens here, contemporary and dashing in their conspicuous flair. Black isn’t just a boring, plain silhouette. Check out these incredible black beauties! Pick up some pointers on how to maximise that look to enunciate opulence and characteristic charm without looking too intense and austere.

THE 50 SHADES OF GREY SEXY KITCHEN

This very dark grey kitchen, it’s shade almost nearing to a black, has got to be the sexiest one ever, screaming ‘SEXYY!..’ on point. This sort of black on black tone resembles a sophisticated 50 shades of a racy kitchen scene where Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele can get a little too intimate around the boiling over soup pot. (AHEM). Like a dream, this amazingly dark kitchen blends a still calmness so pleasing to the senses. Who says a working kitchen has to be pinned to the wall for the most? An island can’t have stove and sink installed, and room to whisk? This modular island kitchen by Vipp combines utility and chic. Source

ANOTHER DARK ISLAND KITCHEN

This open layout of pale surroundings contrast another black Vipp island kitchen solution. White walls and ceilings minimises the kitchen overall dark appearance in addition to having an open cooktop and counter space. The back, full-length wall units can be used for practical kitchen storage solutions and be opted a lighter color, such as grey if preferred. Stack matching minimal shelves on the wall to access frequently used spice bottles and mugs. Black hanging hood anchors the entire look. Source

THE BRASS-Y KITCHEN

Change up the look of your black kitchens by switching out for some brass hardware and knobs to supplement the luxe in this dark counter and cabinets line-up. Add some copper tones or mix metals if you want to, for some extra glamour. Walls are white with floating shelves and a grey backsplash to exemplify the dark impression in this kitchen. Match the kitchen with some wood flooring and chopping boards to add a layer of warmth and vintage. Source

THE MINIMAL BLACK KITCHEN

For obvious reasons already known to mankind, black can go really minimalist and be used to accentuate modern simplicity in any interior setting. This all black kitchen is so minimal, I can’t even locate the stove (possibly concealed in the cupboards) next to the tap or plants. Kitchen cupboards here are all wall-like and slick, portraying the illusion of vanishing from the space. Add some bowl ceiling headlights to the matching round dining table and chairs for a retro-futurismo vibe. Source

THE CORKISH BORDERED KITCHEN

For studio homeowners seeking to separate a living or working space from a kitchen, demarcating this difference can be done with this cork-ish wood appearance framed around the dark kitchen. Here, bright wood hues and black work wonders for a creative space. Source

THE BLACK GARDEN VIEW KITCHEN

Another dark kitchen with an open concept to quell out the grim, a concrete countertop front the integrated panelled cabinetry and window on concrete floors. Black fixtures, chairs and accessories blend in with some neutral tones against a garden backdrop. The result? An illusion of a large space that is extended to green spaces when the folding doors are pushed. Lots of ventilation for black to breathe. A great example of a modern monochrome kitchen. Now, let me pick some flowers from outside and put them in textured vases right on top of the counter! Source

THE NORDIC BLACK KITCHEN

Nordic-inspired, this black kitchen exemplifies warm and cozy without being too stark. Earthy wood accents and decor give off a lived-in working kitchen. Here concrete walls and wood floors amass depth with an organic sense of simplicity. Chrome appliances would fit in at ease here. Source

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK KITCHEN

This orange-clad kitchen is proof that a splash of bright cheery color can be a friend of Black. Instead of an open kitchen, you can choose to combine coloured kitchen cupboard doors with black to lend statement to the space. Also, blending kitchen into living room with color works out to define context and interest. Source

The Wood-would Black Kitchen

This kitchen probably isn’t the darkest of them all, in due to the wood cupboards. Wood perpetuates comfort and coziness. Dark brick walls contrast the wood material and black counters to catch the eye. A small kitchenette area in an apartment like this can be spruced up with just the right amount of planning to maximise storage space. Source

The MUJI-Scandi Kitchen

A mix of Muji and Scandinavian, this cool L-shaped kitchen cast a great spotlight on the home. Again, wood is the best friend of Black. Not the roomiest of counter space that you can have, but you can actually opt for concealed countertops built into the cupboards or get a wheeled island. Source

THE MODERN FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

Subway tiled backsplash, gold accents and dark cabinets add to a modern vintage farmhouse kitchen that is vavavoom Pinterest-worthy. Open shelving provides spots to display your favourite decorative china or some cookbooks. Source

What The Baboons Really Is Minimalism And A Minimalist?

This is for the selective few, severely lagging behind Millennials, some social and Internet recluses who are possibly Captain Marvels standing by incognito to beam over. Or, very busy people obviously having better things to do, in whichever case it is no doubt all right. Until one day, someone, let’s say your kid, tells you about going Minimalist and throws out almost half of his belongings. And then it sets you on fumes because it seems counter-intuitive and opposite of the norm.

So what exactly, is Minimalism going on here? There is no exact exposition to define Minimalism, really. Broadly, it can be interpreted as a person’s intentionally reduced way of thinking, feeling and doing things in life. Chiefly, this is done to improve mental and physical health in a continuum from extremely Minimal to not at all. Some people will fall in between and be a bit of both. Some people are just minimals for the aesthetics. Some people say Minimalism is likened to Hygge, a Danish lifestyle of comfortable and cozy living. Then again this is similar to Kinfolk. But, Minimalism can be stark, and not so cozy. At least for some who wanted it that way. Of course, how can we forget Marie Kondo instructing us to declutter and organise our every plethora of material junk to be neat. But that is all just clutter. You can remove your keepsakes no longer sparking joy but still will not minimise, be a Minimalist and adhere to Minimalism.

So, what in heavens, is this promulgating thing of a Minimalism and Minimalist ??!!

MeowwAHHHHHH !!!

MINIMALISM IS ALL ABOUT LESS (BUT LESS IS MORE)

Minimalism is all about the life concept of subtraction. It is about having less and lesser things, but those less things are the best things. One high quality product is better than ten lousier ones. Therefore in actual, having less is having more. You can extend this from your physical space into your mental space. If you have an empty and clean (expensive) desk, you would feel “cleansed” and happy from the inside out. As though a trip to the spa just happened by just clearing and cleaning out a small space. Those things, that you remove can be a material item in relation to a mind thought pulling you down.

Having few thoughts in your head for example, would give a peaceful mind and a calm you deserve on a very stressful day. Having less things would mean a lesser need to clean and upkeep, lesser weight on your shoulders and your mental state would be less burdened by these possessions. Having little things at home would definitely put the things into brighter spotlight to be more noticeable and enjoyable. Suddenly, there is magic and you feel different altogether.

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MINIMALISTS ARE ALL ABOUT DOING LESS (AND MORE THAT MATTERS)

I’m going to go ahead and use the term what Joshua Fields Milburn & Ryan Nicodemus (from theminimalists.com) said about Minimalists. Minimalists live intentionally, they create purpose even when doing less in all sorts of ways. Minimalists live every single day like they really mean it, use every single thing because they really love and cherish it, be with people whom they really want to be with, EVEN IF THEY HAVE LESS. Mostly, Minimalists have and want lesser material things so things aren’t fussed about and obsessed over in their heads, because there are other important issues to think about other than things.

Minimalists practise a concept of Minimalism, where their life mantra is to pare all things (mind, body, soul and the material) down to the most essential, so these basics are tools maximised to the fullest. They benefit that every single moment in their life is seldom wasted. Excess waste, in Minimalistic sense, is not only toxic to the environment, but to animals and the human who lives and breathes it. Any human will likely be overwhelmed by too much.

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THERE ARE SO MANY TYPES OF MINIMALISTS (AND MINIMALISMS)

Again, there are different types of Minimalists liking and advocating different aspirations. And a wide-ranging spectrum of Minimalism ranging from very radical extreme Minimalism to the not so, and not at all Minimalism. Some also interpret their living objects differently, like all things have to be white, in neutrals and wood, Scandinavian or Japanese methods. While some others are colourful Minimalists (not sure how that works, but yeah). To complicate matters worse, there are scary hybrids of different Minimalist breeds. And some only going the half-way mile. WHAT ARE YOU ??

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7 FAMOUS MINIMALIST BREEDS (Based on observations)

THE AESTHETIC MINIMALIST - One who adores Minimalism in the aesthetic sense only, meaning that Minimalism only applies to their direct surroundings - white sofas against white walls and windows, white side tables and grey futuristic vases, clean surfaces and scantily furnished cribs. They still have overcrowded wardrobes, towering boxes of shoes, too many overburdened tasks and will not be recycling properly anytime near soon.

THE ECO-MINIMALIST - The Minimalist living by a sustainable system, using environmentally-friendly methods to reduce, reuse and recycle things. They live with less in consideration to fair trade, animal welfare, cruelty, climate, poverty and global economic crisis. They are likely to be vegans and gluten-free, although not turn out so in some occasions if their families or spouses protest.

THE FRUGAL MINIMALIST - Easily the most identifiable, they go minimal because they cannot afford things. Could be students and retirees. If saving money is high on the agenda, it is likely frugality always wins. Think, sparse rooms with a few cheap and trendy decor from the thrift store. Aims to find Daiso at every mall. Eyeing the mid and year end-of-season sales like a hawk. Cheapo, cheapo, cheapo.

THE CAN DIY MINIMALIST - This Minimalist loves hands-on making of things with a personalised touch. They can be frugal, or not, but relishes things that can be made on their own by manifesting effective resources and borrowed stuff from neighbours. If need be, they will splurge on a quality power tool so that they can make 20 DIYs in a week. And then spread the word around that they are better than TheSorryGirls.

THE MEDITATIVE MINIMALIST - Surrounded by crystals, healing gems and salt lamps while sitting upright on a floor pillow, the Meditative will prove that going minimal is wholesome for mind, body and soul. Things that matter to improve wellness, that is, are essentials and all else are not so equivalent. The remaining can be axed, or culled to a certain extent so that their inner state of being is balanced and fortified.

THE ADVENTURE MINIMALIST - Travel nomads, travel photographers, or people living a digital lifestyle across borders do Minimalism because it is practical to move about with less stuff. If not, what else? They pay for the opportunity of events, incidents, and experiences to enrich their lives and not so much on material things. Mainly, spending time with loved ones, investing in the careers that mean a lot to them and going to places to nurture their strengths and beliefs.

THE 30 DAY MINIMALIST - Being a Minimalist for 30 days, just for the challenge of seeing and discovering how much a human really needs and can do without, to prepare for the upcoming conversion to full-time Minimalist. Everything is dumped into another unused room except for must-have items until the 30 day experiment is over and results are clear. Usually there will be separation anxiety (and cries) for some stowed away beloved items, but their habits would adapt swiftly to the situation, changing somehow in transition to realise their Minimalist potential.

Mind-blowing Minimalism Exhibition Had Me Wondering About My Life

On the 12th of January, having pre-booked tickets, I went to see the Minimalism: Space, Light, Object exhibition in Singapore which ends 14 April 2019. I’ve purchased the dual museum option. If you are stingy, and wondering whether you should spend that money on movies and popcorn instead of going, you are clearly skipping town. Because, you won’t regret it. EVER. In fact, you will pine for a sequel, after going through some life-changing magic (wondering about life and the universe). Consolation, you can get closing discounted tickets because the exhibition is ending, sob. There are single venue tickets where you can purchase tickets to visit National Gallery OR Art Science Museum separately. And BOTH (see below promo) at your preference. However, I recommend you choose both of these museums to cover everything there is to offer. IMPT: You need not be into design, art or a Minimalist to appreciate the Minimalism exhibition. It is for everybody. Anyone can enjoy and have a fun day out with family and friends. But please don’t be too loud.

Briefly, what the heck is this artsy Minimalism Exhibition all about? Foremost, it is about the manipulation of lights, spaces, and objects to accentuate the Minimal Art Form and its ability to induce powerful, probing mental states of perceiving and being in humans. This is performed through paintings, sculpture, installation, performance and music. It is a very telling movement, showing how Minimalism rose to prominence in 20th century art. By stripping away superfluous elements and unnecessary art processes down to the essential, these Minimalist artists strive to create a closer relationship between the audience and the artwork. So we can have direct cool conversations with the art pieces and their Minimalist masters setting out to lesser.

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One of the coolest installations ever at Minimalism: Space, Light, Object, Mega Death by Tatsuo Miyajima.

There are hundreds of work by various Western and Asian artists/composers influential in the Minimalism movement, spanning across both the National Gallery and Art Science museums for you to take in. This exhibition will shed light that the scientific idea of the Void itself - such as the cosmic void, which till today has tirelessly plagued metaphysics geek heads, is at best a very confusing hole of contemplation. The nature of the universe, although empty, isn’t truly empty. Somewhere along the walls in the museum, you will notice the overrated historical quote Albert Einstein would be hollering from his slumber six feet under in that ‘Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.’ I’m assuming it extends beyond mere Math equations he had to decipher when furiously mugging in his office.

hello, albert.

A further explanation to how the theory of science incorporates some sort of simplicity, that is to be simple but not simpler, where you would find the core principle of Minimalism is as follows:

“It can scarcely be denied that the supreme goal of all theory is to make the irreducible basic elements as simple and as few as possible without having to surrender the adequate representation of a single datum of experience.” Albert Einstein

Right.

Before getting there, I had forecasted that the exhibition would be boring, solely because, it is about material subtraction. So what can I expect?

First stop. The National Gallery. Pretty much glared at exhibit after every exhibit, dumbfounded. At this point, I was thinking about my life. Wondering what had happened to my life up until now and if the emptiness will swallow me whole. Wondering about deeper messages and the infinity beyond. The air in the venue was different and even when people stood in the way of an artwork, I felt like the displays grew on me. Besides, I had not known that empty spaces could open up unfounded feelings. Heartily provoked, I came out of the venue like an awkward, displaced duck.

Somehow, the artful endeavours seem to be speaking (at times, screaming) about the quotidian. That had to be experienced in its vernacular, to be felt on its own ground. Not to be dismissed, there were myriad difficult emotions in the wave of a highly complex absence the Minimalist artists have successfully produced by meticulous work. And there and then, whenever I turned to view another exhibit, groupies would comment as they saunter past “OH, THAT IS SO SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN.” Well, it does look a little like that, but there’s something else.

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LOL THIS SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN YOU THINK. Red Cube by POPO at Minimalism: Space, Light, Object.

Second stop. The Art Science Museum. The exact thing happened to me as it did at the National Gallery. Dumbstruck, I was reflecting on the starkness of Minimalism.

Here are some iconic unveilings you should look out for in Minimalism: Space, Light and Object:

This ASMR minimalist zen sand rotor. Perfect for zen gardens.

Organic stones in circular ritual formation. ARE THEY BLASTED out mini stone-henges?

High-brow, stylish ice cream scoops (bloody dung scoops too.)

The Dark void you enter at your own risk - soon you will ghost in. be very afraid.

This void, is quite possibly darker and deeper than it seem to be. Locking your eyes in into the pitch black ovate, you will wander off into the infinite galaxy of nothingness. Your senses will betray you, and you will lose all footing and control of your mind and body. Dead serious! You have to be there to feel. The manipulation of light, space, its angle and structure is divine Minimalist intervention. From Frederick De Wilde.

The only colour maze to get lost in the colour blinds. (Unlike me, you probably won’t be lost)

There was a maze of transparent coloured sheets. Color-tinted plastics. I got lost, and found myself at a dead-end slapped by a yellow plastic sheet. Turned around and I saw my friend from afar. Couldn’t call out to her and that was rather alienating and shameful. Although the sheets were kind of clear; you can peer out at people, but you can’t really see their faces. The colours had gone ahead and messed with spatial orientation. From Olafur Eliasson.

Moving light cubes to remind you squares aren’t so straitjacket. an Elite, hipster higher than high-school project.

A metal-plated egg to ward off Daenerys Targaryen’s rival gangs. (tales of fire and ice.)

A real time-capsule that encapsulates an artist’s time, hard work and sacrifice (weeping now..).

A superbly patient Artist does this task day by day, filling up the metal tubes in each needle-shaped borosilicate glass with finely milled metal powder. As if the time and effort spilled for this work is unjustly not rewarded, the time needle or capsule (pictured here) captures the essence of an Artist’s blood, sweat and tears, as time goes by. From Morgan Wong.

All the very enlightening museum labels (they have such elaborate stories).

Remember to read the explanations well so you really know what that they mean.

Well, were you expecting more? There are other featured highlights at the National Gallery & Art Science Museum in this exhibition which you have to explore and experience if you get the tickets before they close up. Every display had an important life lesson, at least to me it sure did? Something to think about when confronted head-on with sparsely decorated ornate installations. I had not discovered empty spaces to be so beautiful and hauntingly meditative. Now I really love an empty space and wish for a styled house to be quite empty.

How To Be A Smartie At IKEA

Hello IKEAHOLICS ! Yes, enough is never enough at IKEA. Going to IKEA is the embarkation into the Mothership of Affordable Interiors, the home styling haven, a homemaker’s dream. Anyone been down that IKEA market aisle is probably casually lingering and admiring the amazing showrooms and seasonal displays that are llamacorns. But wait, we can all maximise our time and effort, be a little smarter each time we shop around at IKEA. Because you don’t want to regret a few things that could leave you disappointed when you get home. This article is not sponsored by IKEA, but from a fan (I am a fan!) to all you other IKEA patrons out there who visit the store so often and have to drag your partners along!

So how do we get smart, shopping at IKEA? Here are a few tips. Brush this aside if you already knew.

Take Your Time (all the time you can) to browse ikea properly

By all means, please take all the time you have in the world to shop at IKEA. No one, not a single man or woman or dog would be surprised if you did. Quite often, you would feel very frustrated leaving the store in a hurry and not being able to go through sections that you thought you would explore. This is the worst regret you can ever experience at IKEA, not having the time to see more things thoroughly and get those on your check list. After all, since you already planned to go to IKEA in the first place and drove yourself all the way there (trip could be faraway for some), why not set aside an entire day or half a day for it? You could bundle lunch at the restaurant. Spend quality time talking to the Sales staff for assistance and advice. Get pencils, paper, and a measuring tape to analyse your home situation.

You obviously need time to navigate the maze, somehow. From boredpanda.com

Damn! Gotta head back to IKEA again.

Temporary abandon your kids somewhere

Sorrrrrry. But even if you drop off your kids at IKEA’s Småland, you still got to pick them up after an hour, not to mention worry if they would encounter little bullies in there (fingers crossed). You would not be able to shop freely at ease, on your own without that kiddo intervention and have them running off hiding somewhere for fun around the market halls. Leave the children, particularly on those days when you really need to get down to business on picking up some IKEA furniture, fixtures and a massive haul for a new home.

GO to ikea on a quiet or semi-quiet day

Weekends can get crowded, especially so on holidays out from work. Plan a good week day, when you can have all that space to walk and roam around the market aisles without feeling really tight. Of course, if this is not possible, plan an off-peak timing to head down instead to avoid the bustle. Whichever it may, if you want to be at peace and not be annoyed by others standing in the way of your browsing, don’t follow the majority. Treat yourself to IKEA, like going on a spa retreat to an interior wonderland for some self pampering.

Pick up the HARDCOPY IKEA catalogue for free in STORES

The yearly catalogue is IKEA’s main propaganda medium of communication. It tells you readily, what is effectively in stores at the moment (subjected to availability) and a jaw-dropping whopping cluster of showrooms on every page, with item descriptions and prices. I tend to pick it up and smell the pages itself - some interesting paper scent (lols), flipping through it time and time again in the toilet for much needed home interior inspiration. It’s the basic go-to furnishing textbook. You can download it off the official website too.

The GLORIOUS Singapore’s IKEA Extra Catalogue. Thanks, I’ll take everything!

Check out the IKEA website and social media for new arrivals/sales

New IKEA stuff always gets me excited each time. Most IKEA fanatics would know that checking the IKEA website of your country would inform you of new item arrivals fresh in-stores, even upcoming lines, limited collaborations, the release dates if any, and sneak previews of series launches. You can also find out more about their headsup sales period on IKEA’s Facebook, Instagram or various social media platforms.

NEW IKEA SOMMAR 2019 (SUMMER COLLECTION)

OMG. I need them, seriously.

E-SHOP items from the IKEA online store if you are really busy

Get some items from the IKEA online store deliverable to your home or office when you don’t have the time to shop at their brick and mortar. Shipping fees will be added upon checkout. NOTE. Only some items deliverable can be ordered online, and is subjected to availability on the online store. If these are sold out on the online store, there is still the option of going down to the actual store to pick it up. Refer to the stock availability in stores on the online pages. See below for the green bars showing “most likely in stock” at the stores you select.

The IKEA online store page showing the infamous BILLY bookcase in yellow, and the stock availability in stores.

Check out the IKEA online store for Store Availability before going

The IKEA online store of where I reside, Singapore, shows me the item availability at both Alexandra and Tampines stores. Not all items are shown on the website, but the bulk of most items availability levels is displayed on the product page. Click on the product that you are interested in by searching or through browsing the categories on the site menu. At the bottom of every product page, you can check the availability by store locations - 5 bars of varying availability - green (most likely in stock), yellow (some in stock), red (a few in stock), or not in stock. Always make sure that the stuff you want are in stock before heading down so you won’t be sad later.

Take notes, think, compare and flee to other shops if you can

The key to good IKEA shopping is to take notes about the main items you are interested in on a piece of paper or on your phone. You can take pictures of them, as many of them however you like. In addition, get your brains rolling and think. Have you seen this plastic box somewhere? Does it have a twin at Daiso? At Daiso it is much cheaper. Is the IKEA one better in terms of quality? Although shopping at IKEA is rather budget-friendly for the most of us, think if you could save a little more and do a little less. I see some similarities between IKEA and MUJI, in that they have matching Acrylic organisation now and minimal design forms. If you do not give any thought about your potential purchases, you tend to buy stuff on impulse, wasting it, regretting them a lot and certainly having a harder time decluttering.

Shop for ikea hacks by combining ikea stuff with others

Now, I wouldn’t say this is for everybody. But many of IKEA’s original products may not be as luxe as Crate & Barrels, or West Elm, or the local ones over at Castlery. Nonetheless, an IKEA hack is always the cheap compromise. You can shop and combine different items to make your very own furniture. It could be a personalised fluffy stool - one fluffy cushion and a minimal stool stuck together, or a mirror with washi tapes pasted all over its borders to cover up for its simplicity. Or a personalised lamp with the lampshade hand painted and made by you - the possibilities are endless to do. Try a few hacks to create a unique piece you would prefer over the IKEA mainstream starkness. Check out the d-i-y video below by Lone Fox.

Wait for the item to go on sale (if you can endure the wait)

Maybe not the wisest tip for the impatient, but some already cheap IKEA stuff do get a further discount later, once it is about to be discontinued or out on clearance. So do bookmark those items you may not want so soon but will pick up once on sale. Check the IKEA website over and over again (when you have the time) for various item price changes. Especially for IKEA FAMILY discounts. You will be so glad that stuff you need is slashed 20-30% off, so grab them on sale before they are gone.

Go watch youtubers shop at ikea for sneak peeks

Some of my favourite IKEA Youtubers (Nastazsa, Lara Joanna Jarvis, The Wads..and more) really are such darlings. They give us many regular doses of what's in at IKEA before we go. All the ample talk and hype in these videos are completely relevant and helpful as they go shopping at IKEA more often than most people. You can have a realistic sense of shopping vicariously through them first. Check out their regular IKEA vlog uploads to get a little peek walk-through.

Rest at the restaurant and watch what others are buying

Make a stop at the IKEA restaurant or cafe for a cuppa coffee or tea (complimentary for FAMILY members) to rest your tired feet after all the maze walking and spy away at people’s purchases when you sit nearer to the entrance. You will be able to catch glimpses of others walking out there with their bags full of stuff. People-watch their style and spot the trending home decor the masses are specifically picking up. Be inspired by them. Remember, ideas are very much crucial to your productivity when you get back to the quest of furniture and accessories hunting!

You don’t say? Hot dogs are great on the go.

Pick up chocolates, cookies for ad-hoc gifts at the swedish food market

If you ever felt so clueless as to the art of gift-giving to acquaintances whom you are not so close to and aren’t sure about their tastes, head over to the IKEA Swedish Food Market. Their chocolates are really delicious, inexpensive and awesome for gifts in their cute packaging. Pick up extra ones in case you need to give out more random gifts on some random days. Don’t forget those Swedish Meatballs you can whip up at home without dining in-store.

The star at the IKEA food market. Possibly the most addictive chocolate candy ever.. the damn DAIM taking my money every single time. Its even available on Japan’s Amazon.

Really get help to deliver, fix and assemble your IKEA furniture

IMPORTANT. Always, always, always get the help you need to have your items delivered and/or assembled (especially for larger, bulkier items). You can rope in your friends, siblings, partners, spouses, in-laws whoever willing to help - by all means just ask for help. Worst scenarios, use the delivery and assembly service at IKEA. They come at a fraction of the cost of your furniture piece, but you have that assurance of having a professional to fix it up better than you do, at the very least. In any case, if there is still an issue with the assembly, ring IKEA customer service for a resolution.

Get the complimentary Parking Coupon and pretend that you lost it

Parking is complimentary, if you ask for it upon checkout at the cashier. Remember to get it from the store clerk! Applicable if you have made a purchase at the store. The Tampines store is free parking, by the way. Well, I won’t be surprised if there are peeps who have lost their free parking slips and gotten new ones. And some cheapos out there pretending to have lost the complimentary parking coupons so as to score an additional (replacement) one for a family friend just popping by (lol).

20 Reasons Why You Can’t (Realistically) Be A Minimalist

Let’s be completely real. There are conditions you need to realise and act on before you tread into becoming a Minimalist. Types of Minimalists aside, ground rules exist for Minimalists to live by so Minimalism can run its cycle effectively, like a zen river flowing. Depending on what kind of a Minimalist you are planning to be, some criteria will or will not apply. If you aren’t sure what the caboodle is a Minimalist or Minimalism, please pop by here first.

Not putting a damper on the enthuse, here are 20 reasons why you can’t (realistically) be a Minimalist.

1- You are living with your parents or pesky roommates 

Single and still living with your family? If you cannot afford a rental or do not want to, living with your family may not be the best thing for Minimalism goals. Moms and pops have their own rules, as Maximalist as it can be with all the mismatched fabrics and multiples of cutlery. And you need to abide by them. Same for roommates who are not the most cooperative at home, and household members not resisting the chaos of clutter. Of course, you can gradually convert them into fellow Minimalists, but it’s not going to be easy peezy.

2- You have difficult children

Sometimes, you just have difficult children who cannot steer clear of trouble and a whole shitload of mess in the house. Muddy shoes all over the sofa, cupboards rummaged, toys and books trashed. You cannot find a day where white surfaces stay white for long. Working parents can feel very strained and taxed on the amount of mayhem their mad children are capable of. Plus, if kids frequently want things and grandparents gladly obliged. Your little ones rebel-cry if you start throwing their toys out by the dozens even as your white chairs and cushions are getting stained every other day. Going Minimal can do more harm than good here.

3- You are doing minimalism for the hype

Are you attempting minimalism because everyone else is doing it right now? Cos’ it is trending like crazy on social feeds? Well, trends eventually fade. Being Minimalist can save you a tonne of money and going back to a clutter-free home is invigorating. Still, is that really an ideal lifestyle for you? Think harder. Is it just aesthetically pleasing or a life routine that teaches mindfulness on a daily basis?

4- You are afraid of being judged by others

Sometimes, doing what you want will incur the wrath of others. It happens. You are fearful and anxious of judgement, what others may think of you. Often, people will question when you decide to cull your wardrobe to a capsule, and limit the amount of colours you wear now. People will think your new wardrobe poses new oddity questions even if it doesn’t concern them. If you decide to sleep on a hammock instead of a bed mattress, your friends and family will flip when they come over. You cannot begin on Minimalism unless you stop being afraid of what others will say.

5- You have maximalist hobbies

If you are a hobbyist who prides on a growing collection of Star Wars or Marvel figures.. well, stuff will tend to balloon until you set a limit on how much you can collect. Vintage doll collectors tend to purchase extra storage to house the purchase of more dolls. Most likely, if you are a multiple hobby collector, obviously collecting stuff rapidly at a higher volume than others, you will have a difficult time trying to pare things down to the essentials of a Minimalist. Unless, you decide to forgo some hobbies.

6- You have maximalist careers (like being a famous person)

Many celebrities say they love the idea of Minimalism. But they will not be Minimalists. Sure, they own Minimal designer items. Not the least, their lives are so completely busy, clutter has to exist. Being busy, having busy things to work on and owning myriad things are really important in their industry. Also, brand sponsorships, endorsements and fan gifts will litter their spaces while assistants task to manage these. Far too often, they have a luxury of options.

7- You crave a wide variety

This is one of the important deal-breakers of Minimalism. You cannot forgo a wide variety of things. You need socks in several colours and patterns to choose from an expansive selection, and you cannot wear the same pair again for the next two days. Staying chameleon-like is high on the list, making you feel excited and vibrant each time you wear something new, nothing like the old. You are never so much satisfied as, being on top of trends and exploring a diversity of possibilities. And, you rather not stick to a few basic Monochrome staples most Minimalists go for.

8- You are the ultimate hoarder

Unfortunately, humans are natural hoarders. We have instilled ourselves to stow away as much as we could like little hamsters and their seed feed, so we survive better and longer. If you find yourself NOT giving things up on MOST occasions, becoming so crippled and paralysed to the point you enter into heart attack mode each time, forget being Minimalist. You have to let stuff go at some point, to embark on the decluttering process every Minimalist does. There’s a Chinese saying that goes, “nothing new will come if the old can’t depart”.

9- You are too sentimental

You can’t let sentimental things go and severely sob when you have to. OH, you are stuck. No matter what kind of sentimental objects, they are a reflection of your past. These items so crucial to your existence always remind you of precious memories. 3000 polaroid photos of your deceased rabbit, you refuse to bin. You amassed ‘thank you’ cards from people you have no idea who they are by now. Learn to go digital by taking snapshots of sentimental stuff, saving them in files on your hard drive if you had to revisit memory lane again.

10- YOU just do not like restricting interiors to a few (neutrals)

Some people just love loud, colourful prints on walls and furniture. Although very distracting and busy, to many it can be impressive. They relish ‘the character’ so characteristic of leopard prints, massive display of florals and distinct colours that do not fit together. Obviously, the matchy-matchy concept is old school and strange juxtapositions between fore and background interior arrangements foster eclecticism. Neutrals and limited colour schemes are boring, although the simplicity can be fun if done tastefully (just look at IKEA). The serenity of white walls and simple design is uplifting, if not breathtaking for Minimalists.

11- You clearly do not like (NEGATIVE) empty spaces

Recently, I removed my vanity table out of my room since I wasn’t using it much. Was not doing makeup these days (only slaps of BB and skincare which can be done anywhere). My mom thought I was crazy, now that I have a huge parking lot where the huge vanity was supposed to be. I had left that remarkable vacant nook as it is. She was upset that now, my room looks unoccupied and crass. Well, finally, I am enriched by the void before me. I wouldn’t say all Minimalists love the idea of empty spaces. But they know how important it is to have empty spaces. Casted in a blank slate, the few visible items seem more prominent, profound and meaningful.

12- Cleaning is a pain in the **S

Some Minimalist wannabes are really born naturals at decluttering and organising, tidying their belongings so well you won’t believe they did not clean them. YASS. They do not clean. No Dyson. Nada wash. In actual, things get dusty and dirty so quickly, you won’t believe the extent of how horribly disgusting they are until you actually put them in water. The Minimalist process is only complete once everything you have decluttered is cleared of impurities. How could you eschew that irksome stench from a fine carpet for months?

13- You detest one item serving multiple purposes

I know, I was there. I hated using one tool for multiple use. Although a stool can be set as a tiny table, I did not want to utilise it as anything else but stool. If you live in a small space, a dining table has to double up as a desk. A bookshelf as room divider, living and kitchen storage. The benefits to multi-functions outweigh the cons - you combine uses so you have lesser things, lesser need to clean, freeing up needed space, saving money and contributing to less waste. Again, Minimalists will say less is more. Stripping possessions down to the barest makes them creative of what they have.

14- You still think less waste is a joke

If you ever, ever seek to be a genuine Minimalist someday (or a decent human being), please make less waste a priority in your life. It is detrimental to our planet. Save Earth, save us as well. Minimalism will not work - unless you try to reduce, reuse, and recycle. You will be far grateful for what you have if you generate lesser waste and is responsible for what you produce and consume.

15- You assume up-cycling is for beggars

Once, I had chanced upon a conversation among a group of nouveau riche dissing off up-cycling and its value. They believed that an old side table, is at best wonky, no doubt to be ditched in the dumpster. They scorn Freegans searching and digging away trash, labelling them beggars. Beggars can’t be choosers - they would pick up junk items right away to reuse. The true merits of Minimalism are right there - seeing value in absolutely anything they can find, and repurposing them so they may go around for a longer time. In a way, minimising waste and restoring its life.

16- You like to buy and store multiples

Just… don’t. You won’t be using the 5th or 6th scissors in the house - it won’t cross your mind about them at all. Listen to all the great Minimalists Fumio Sasaki, Joshua Fields and Ryan Nicodemus.. they will say the same. You only need one thing at one point of time. If you really want to make an exception, get a bonus extra. Try to limit your items to 1 at best and 2 at worst. Unfortunately, I live with my parents having 8 pairs of scissors in the house in case robbers and conniving idiots have to steal 6.

17- You love spending on things you don’t even use

Some peeps really enjoy home shopping, browsing those channels and picking up stuff they don’t even need because they appear cool on TV. Same for impulse retail purchases. Big mistake, Minimalist FAIL. Think again, does it really spark joy like our dear Marie Kondo emphasised? Is it really necessary you get that miracle juice blender when you don’t even juice often at home. Or a yoga mat, when you could have borrowed it from someone else?

18- You haven’t found the reason to love and live for yourself

Probably the most philosophical reason you can’t ever be Minimalist, true story for most. You haven’t found the drive to live in your own way. There are many of us still searching for ourselves. There ain’t no competition to this. Find some quiet, alone time. Then start thinking and writing down what you really like about yourself, how do you want to live your life, considering all the excess baggage you have. When are you going to let go? You cannot really reap the benefits of Minimalism unless you truly know, accept and begin to love yourself.

19- You never believed minimalism could solve real world problems

Cynics and skeptics thought Minimalism was The Hipster Fad of Intentional Suffering in little man and woman caves. I find it strange that they are looking at Minimalism on the outside, purely as a distanced observer. If you practise Minimalism, or some form of slow living, you will notice how much happier you could have been, compared to years ago. People have sought out divorces, cleared all their debts and worked closer towards their own goals. They’ve turned their life around. Completely, through Minimalism.

20- You procrastinate too much

You can’t get started on Minimalism unless you stop procrastinating. Listen carefully to what you heart says, does it want to embark on the Minimal journey? Do you want to clear out that wardrobe filled to the brim with towering stacks of clothes, doors bursting? Sit for 2 minutes in a room, and decide within these 2 mins if you are REALLY going to get the task done today. Many Minimalists procrastinate often, but they do eventually get out of it.

12 Avocado Items In Case You Need More to Avorize

We all know the sweeping Avocado craze is blazing lit and Avo lovers will lament one Avocado mug sitting on the desk isn’t enough. So here’s twelve (YES, 12) other Avocadoey goodies for you to get your hands on before it’s too late. Not limited to hipster Millennials. From cute t-shirts to pins, pool floats so you look fancy on point frolicking around the water, cool water bottles to keep you hydrated, there’s just so much for you choose and check out. Not to mention differentiate yourself from the non-Avo partisans. They make perfect gifts too. And, if those links aren’t active or unavailable, it’s likely to be sold out. So you might want to skip the panic and get them asap!

The Avocado Power Bank

Just when you thought that power banks aren’t supposed to be as cool as an Avocado.. this one sure is! Cables attached.

The Friendly Avocado Pin

Pin your bags with this cheery pin to brighten up your everyday. From Etsy

The Green Avocado Socks

Dress up your feet and remind yourself avocadoes are growing every step you take.

The Avogato Meow Tee

Lethal combination of cats and avocadoes = cuteness OD

The Avocado Stripe PJ

Send yourself to Avo dreamland in this sweet PJ. From Forever 21

The Avocado Water Bottle

Drink up, drink up in this super cute essential water bottle waiting for a refill each time.

The Avocado Stress Ball

Bludgeon away with this when you read your boss(es)’ terrifying emails! Warning: Pit doesn’t come off.

The Giant Avocado Cushion

Large cushion for you to lounge around and cuddle tightly.

The Avocado Satin Slip Dress

Look cool and chic in this Avocado Satin Slip Dress, no regrets.

The Inflatable Avocado Pool Float

Kick back and relax at the pool with this easy inflatable and deflatable float!

The Adi-Avocado Tee

This sporty-cute tee is great for Adidas and Avocado lovers (we heart both!)

The Avocado Sheet Mask

Packed with K-Beauty goodness, this sheet mask is nourishing and moisturising for dry skin.

The Avocavolution Is So Divine Its Smashin’

I haven’t seen humans devour Avocadoes so much when I was a kid in the 90s. I did not know that it was a delish back then. I had thought it was probably a mutated lime. It had a scaly, rough exterior. Sure didn’t look too friendly. Yet now, the superfood avocado has taken the world by storm and is the staple fruit all health aficionados swear by. Avocadoes aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Not a day has gone by do I not see Millennial Youtubers, Instagrammers, and social media influencers picking them up by the dozens.. spreading photobombs of Avocado toasts, Avocado smoothies, and Avocado salsa bowls by absolutely viral forms.

It’s no longer just breakfast food – you can totally upsize it for a hearty lunch or dinner. I saw a Korean Youtuber on her channel routinely mashing Avocado with hard-boiled egg chunks, spreading the mash onto bread and cutting it into a glorious 2 triangle sandwich. Before mixing, she sliced a hard-boiled egg into bits with a boiled egg cutter. I couldn’t stop myself drooling from watching her preparing and enjoying the delicacy so religiously in the evening. I could literally feel the creamy, buttery texture of it from her videos. I could imagine the fruit coming alive.

In fact, the iconic avocado toast is definitely pure bliss - just avocadoes on toasts with lightly sprinkled pepper is a godsend. The varieties of avocado toasts are amazingly wide range to think about, you can add them to meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables and nuts to create a simply beautiful delicious plate. The options are limitless. You could do so many things with an avocado or two.

Look at my Avocado Chicken Nugget salad I made for dinner. Not quite glamorous, but it tastes pretty awesome.

Oh, did I not mention all the Avocado paraphernalia clearing out retail shelves yet? There are Avocado power banks, Avocado bluetooth speakers, Avocado pool floats, Avocado salt and pepper shakers, Avocado kitchen ceramics and handmade Avocado earrings kitschy to the finest taste. Then there are screaming kids in shopping malls clasping Avocado plushies embroidered with cartoony eyes and lips, running around fatigued mommies. What about cool Avocado lattes and coffee art in Avocado shells replacing coffee cups? Ridiculously, all of these Avo-consumerism seem rather cloying. Nauseating. Nuff said. Often though, most of us are well aware how awesome the fruit is. The fruit alone is all I need. I’m riding on the Avo-wave too by having one in a week with eggs. (Forgive me I wanted to have dozens everyday). 

Avocado toast sneakers… it is. a shoe of avocado toast. (you can’t eat)

From Saucony

(Above) Not sure if any one would hop on.

(At the supermarket) So how much does it cost now?

Nobody has (well maybe some) predicted the formidable rise of the Avocado. We are chomping Avocadoes maybe more than we should. It is a dangerously worrying trend, to think that it can get expensive and erm, obese. Well if you compared the price per bag of Avocadoes to apples and oranges, I would budget myself. Some nations and communities are also out of reach of Avocadoes due to circumstances. Mind the weight, these good fatty acids are still fats if accumulated too much at one go. Unless you are a strength athlete, then by all means.

In this decade, should we be truly glad that Hollywood celebrities helmed the Avocado back into its full glory, and lesser known public figures are doing the same by consuming and publicizing them? The word Avocado is derived from the Spanish word “Aguacate” in Aztec relation to “Ahuacatl”, the testicle. Historically, Avocadoes have been part of the Mexican diet, grown in Central Mexico, identified natively as “the testicle fruit” (sure looks like one, *ahem*). Gone way back, the indigenous Mesoamericans consumed Avocadoes outdoors as they gathered and feasted in the wild. Later, Spanish Explorers in the 16th Century started spreading the demand across Europe like the plague. Famous for being the alligator pear, Hans Sloane derived the name “Avocado” in 1696 in an index of Jamaican plants. Behold! The Avocado boom had begun.

Letting history take its course.. Now circles of the rich and glamorous, hipsters, kids, moms and pops are indulging in the mighty green fatty flesh.

So how do we make sense of this epic Avocavolution, Post-modern Avocado Invasion sending us flying into supermarkets? We eat the damn avocado.

Here are some recipes to incorporate Avocado into your meals or diet. I’ve personally tried some myself, yum! I wouldn’t recommend them if you are conscious of healthy fats. Moderation is key.

5 of My Favourite Avocado Recipes (Tried and Tested)

Note: You can always improvise and swap out ingredients.

1.   Avocado Egg Salad Bagel – Still the best IMHO

A breakfast or brunch favourite. Very appetising and just filling! Click here for the full recipe you can’t miss.

2. Avocado Salsa – When you feel like Dancing!

Great and convenient for parties, one of the original recipes to remember! Click here for the full recipe you can’t miss.

3. Shrimp Stuffed Avocadoes – For that Seafood Flair

Almost too divine, the shrimp gets too creamy in the avocado. Click here for the full recipe you can’t miss.

4. Lovely Avocado Pasta – Because Pasta is Married to Avocadoes

So easy to make but delicious! Click here for the full recipe you can’t miss.

5. Chilled Avocado Soup with Tortilla Chips – For the Summer

Probably the best cold soup on Earth, during those hot summer months. You could have them at any time though. Click here for the full recipe you can’t miss.

Should You See A Career Coach? I Did

By now, we would have already known that there is no free good lunch. Didn’t we already know?

Our late father Lee Kuan Yew reiterated that nothing is for free. Not always free. Gotta bust our kicks doing what it takes to survive on our own in this cosmopolitan jungle. Mantra of meritocracy and self-sufficiency so mighty to our economy runs deep and engineered into our mundane lives. We study hard (sorry I hadn’t) the day we were in school and our parents send us for enhanced tuition classes believing we could stay on top of the rat race. At the end of our education or lack of thereof, we were supposed to land good jobs. Or attempt to find at least a decent one. Really I thought I could.

As long as we are eating, breathing and kicking, we need to work and somehow take that call from the office. Folks less entrepreneurial, find the company who will take you in. Not so fortunate going on the extended rollercoaster ride in securing a job? Why, why. People blame them for their incompetence and lack of social circles. Alas, they sought better and consulted a career coach considering those career guidance advertisements. In Singapore, the institutions NTUC e2i and WSG Careers Connect will hear you out. Everyone knows the philosophy behind, ‘some advice could help and shed light on candidates’ shortcomings”. Jobseekers could leverage on professional coaching expertise to improve their potential. Taking advantage of the career resources and job opportunities available by the career centers are ways to elevate the chances of job hunting. Fingers crossed. 

<- …oh, Ned Stark. Need you not remind me

Don’t do it as though your life depended on it.

If career advice is what you are looking for, dig deeper to know yourself before you enter that coaching door. Popped by NTUC e2i at the Devan Nair Institute of Employable and Employability on a weekday afternoon. Wanted some opinions on landing a suitable job because like many others, I wanted to be wiser at job hunting. The appointment visit was kind of all right and not bad, but to some others, possibly not a necessity. Basically, they set you up with a career coach at the reception if you did not have a reserved online appointment. Grumpy receptionist did not bother much to entertain but when you made your point of your visit so critical she will plot your particulars into the wait register.

Cordial male career counsellor in his 40s, assessed my resume and gave me some tips on how to go for interviews. Before that, he spoke on the strategy to be shortlisted for interviews by suggesting a thorough resume edit with the aid of several textbook resume templates. Wow. Every resume, although a change in formatting and tone, all look the same to me. They were supposed to be different. He recommended to provide accurate and short descriptions on my profile under one page. Neat and concise. This is great. I admit, at times, drafting out a decent work about myself in a single-paged document is tough craft. He branched into detailed talks. Reviewed my career ambition. Enlightening advice on reconsidering that myth of finding the “dream job”. According to this guru, there ain’t such thing as a dream job. No dreams.

Was given market advice on the kind of jobs I was interested in and would be a good fit. Much talk about concepts, diagrams, the MBTI personality test I should be aware to know thyself and job fit. Then again, I’ve seen some of these somewhere on the great ol’ Internet. Could tell the coach refrained from using social comparisons of myself to individuals in similar circumstances. Not sure why. If you would read his in-betweens, you feel the pauses in his words to think and rethink over his explanations. Maybe my profile was average to begin with. And he didn’t know what to do with it.

So I inquired about the acclaimed Professional Conversion Programme (PCP).

This was the bulk of my purpose in seeing a career coach. Curious mousey had to know if it is possible to jump ship into another field vastly different from your previous occupation. Reply I got was a generic positive. He said to apply for the program, and did not mention in-depth specifics about the transferrable skills candidates could leverage on to apply for a change in industries. There wasn’t much word on the fact that if you did not have mirroring diplomas or degrees in terms of the sectors and industries you were applying for, you would most probably be rejected (I rang up some numbers to confirm about this). I was still lost in the answers at this point.

At the culmination of the coaching, I specifically asked if it is possible to land a job quickly through openings offered by WSG. The career coach mentioned that the applicant has to land those opportunities by themselves even if those were available (according to their own merit and effort). Meaning, the job candidate has to make use of those resources, contact the right place, register for them online and in forms, send those resume documents, wait to see if shortlisted for interview (or not). No guarantee.

Is career coaching really that necessary? Most of which were feedback I didn’t quite need.

Take this career coaching as another form of experience out of the well, many other experiences life puts you through. Don’t be blinded by advice the coaching gives you because if you are going to literally swallow everything, it can affect your self-esteem and you negatively spiral into self-doubt. Don’t put your hopes up in career coaching if you are planning to go for one. Remember, every job candidate is different and there is no one failsafe method for anyone in the path to employment. Coaches may be veterans from known industries or ex-directors in MNCs. But you have to know yourself better than they do. Start believing in yourself!