Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016 - 10KM Race

ABBEY: This is the last challenge we setup for ourselves this year; to join the 10-km run of Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. It was held last December 4. I was told by my brother-in-law to train for endurance as I need to finish the race. And since this is my first time, finishing the run fast is less priority. But my goal is to finish it within two-hour mark. 

Race day came and it took off at Esplanade Bridge by 7:25AM. Even before we start, some of the full marathon runners already finished the race. We were able to reach the first kilometer by running but Wilma got pain in upper-right part of her abdomen. We walked while she applied muscle rub. After another kilometer, we're able to race again. At the third kilometer, I jokingly told Wilma that I'm already questioning my existence and why I'm running instead of lying down in bed on a Sunday. Haha. 

We reached a drinking "pit stop" to stay hydrated. We enjoyed the sights as we run; like the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and F1 Pit Building. It is very rewarding to finish the race itself and a bonus for receiving the medal. We both finished the race the same time and within the two-hour mark. Another item done from our list of targets for 2016.

WILL: This 2016, to cap off the year, we need to one more thing to tick off all our to-do list. Join a 10KM marathon!!! 

This is an extra challenge for me. Really! Why? I have a problem with my lungs. Since birth. Hahaha! So this is competition not against the time of the other people but a battle against my whole being. 

4am, we are up already. Arrived at Capitol Piazza minutes before 5pm and warmed up our muscles from there. Our wave, starts at 7:25. Gosh! It is too late. 

So when the loud horn was heard, we started to jog on our way. Approaching the first 300m, my right side part just below my lungs began to hurt. It is too painful that I immediately halt my jog and began my walking pace. It is an excruciating pain. This is not my first to experience that, I felt that on my practice ran months ago and I usually go home and rest. I do not stretch myself too on that time. But this is the real thing. It is now or never. So I decided to go on. Its me against me. My brain against my body. 

Motivated to finish the race, every time I see on the gutter a person holding a Active Muscle Rub tube, I always ask for a pinch and rubbed and pressed it hardly on the painful side. I do remember that until 5km, I am still on the lookout for people giving out those rubs. Haha. 

When I see the banner welcoming me on my 6th, 7th..8th. I am congratulating myself. On the 9th mark, Abbey tapping me on my shoulder and we fist bumped on our our 9.5 mark. Gosh! On last turn, there is with a camera that applauding the soon-to-finishers. 

Few steps at the mark, Abbey held my hand and we stand side by side to get the same time at the 10th and final checkpoint. 

Whew! I have done it. I know Abbey can finish earlier than that time but he is a very supportive husband. Waaa! I want to cry! 

Thanks to my eldest brother Kuya Ric. He is a professional marathoner. My parents are very proud of him. I am so jealous of his trophies and golden medals. Do you know his best time for 10KM is only 39mins... Winner right? 

Thanks Abbey and Kuya Ric for pushing me to my death. Hahaha! Joke! This is a memorable experience indeed!

***

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016 - 10KM Race

http://www.marathonsingapore.com/

Easy Chinese Chicken And Corn Soup Recipe

Ingredients : 

2 cups shredded chicken (from left overs or boiled)

1 can kernel corn

1 can cream corn

2-3 eggs

Green onions

2-3 tsp cornstarch

2 chicken cubes

1-2 tbsp soy sauce

1-2 tsp grated ginger

Put 1 cup water into a pot and let it boil. Then add in the chicken cubes, kernel corn and cream corn.

Also add the ginger and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Then put the cornstarch slurry.

Whisk the eggs and add it to the pot to thicken the soup more.

Serve hot and enjoy.

Easy Chinese Chicken And Corn Soup

VERDICT
WILL: Soup!!!! Abbey knew how I love soup. I even bought cookbook for that. Haha! 

Then, Abbey one time told me to free up the Sunday menu and he will be cooking something special. After few minutes in the kitchen, he announced that dinner is hot and ready. Joyfully shocked I saw a huge amount of not so familiar soup on our table. 

The taste! It is creamy and amazingly fulfilling. Another yummy food hit our menu list. Yey!!!

Singapore River Festival 2016

ABBEY: Singapore River had more life during the festival. People flocked the area, malls, restaurants and bars. The main event is Crossings by Underclouds Cie. It is a performance by a pair of tightrope artists. It was thrilling as the performers can fall into the water. But they managed to finish their act without a hitch. Kudos to them. Only disappointing is that one side of the bridge is closed so the spectators squeezed themselves in a small space. I know that it is for security. But there is a larger space wherein only the official shutterbugs are allowed. But how many of them? Less than 10. And whole space they have occupied.  Hope there can be more viewing space for the public.

Next event we went into is the Silence Disco. It was a cool concept. Dance with the music from your headphones. People were shy at first but when the dance floor was almost full, they began to groove to the beat. But still it was not a silent one since the disco was located in the Clarke Quay fountain where all the bars are playing loud music.

All in all it was great and new experience.

Silent Disco - DJs 

Underclouds Cie

WILL: This is our first time to attend the Singapore River Festival. And we are deeply sorry for blogging this wayyyyy too long! :( 

Actually we where there to witness the stunts of Underclouds Cie. We saved our seats 2 hours before the performance and yep...we got somewhat perfect view of the tight rope. After the breathtaking act, we headed to Fountain Square to check out the "Silent Disco". Queue seems like a mile and we decided to pass the participation on it. We stand just behind the Disco Jockeys and just stared to the people with headsets on. It is quite saddening that you can count on your fingers who are enjoying the night and dancing off the music they are listening on. And the others? Standing, smiling and taking selfies. 

Looking forward for more surprises for 2017! And please let the restaurant have some promotions in lieu of the Singapore Night Festival.

***

Singapore River Festival 2016

(E) team@singapore-river.com

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Easy-Peasy Recipe

Ingredients :

1 block cream cheese

4 tbsp butter

6 eggs (yolk and white separated)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 tsp cream of tartar

3/4 cup cake flour (sifted)

2 3/4 tbsp corn starch (sifted)

7 tbsp milk

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp vanilla (optional)

Preheat the oven 320F (~162C).

Mix butter, milk, and cream cheese. Add in the yolks, cake flour, corn starch and lemon juice. Mix until smooth. Set aside.

Mix the egg whites and cream of tartar. Add the sugar gradually. Mix until soft peaks form.

Put 1/3 of the meringue to the first mixture by folding it. Do this until the whole batch is done.

Grease the baking pan and put in the mixture.

Baked the mixture in a water bath for an hour.

Enjoy!

Japanese Cotton Cheesecake Easy-Peasy Recipe

VERDICT
WILL: YouTube and Facebook is the culprit why the human kind is craving for food. Haha! 

This is another food that was shared and became viral. The fluffy and wiggling Japanese Cotton Cheesecake. We were supposedly going to Japan this year but some plan raised and we cancelled the idea. 

Abbey is quite creative, he bake the Japanese Cotton Cheesecake on his birthday...and the rest is history. I can eat the whole cake. Yup! I instructed Abbey that do not touch and dare to eat some. Haha! Gluttony indeed! 

Try to bake it. It seems easy to do. Ha!

Yellow Cab Pizza Co. Singapore - (CityLink Mall Branch)

ABBEY: At last the looooong wait is over. Yellow Cab is opening in Singapore. Yes, it is true. The store location is at City Link Mall B1-01-02. And we got a chance to taste their food items before their formal opening (Dec 9) like a movie premiere night.

They have their signature New York's Finest, Four Seasons, and Dear Darla. Their Four Seasons is great; four pizza flavors into one. How good is that? Add few drops of Tabasco and you're in for a kick. 

Also we tried their Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings. Good thing about it? No blood. :) You can eat it to the bones. Crunchy and flavorful in the outside and moist and juicy in the inside. They also serve wine, beers, soda and juice. Each serving can be shared by a couple. 

Another point is for the sounds. Not too loud so you can still chat with your date, friends, or family. We'll definitely come back to Yellow Cab.

WILL: I am astounded/delighted to see a post in Filipinos in Singapore facebook group about the upcoming arrival of one of the famous pizza chain in Philippines...Yellow Cab pizza. Yes! The hippy-millennial pizza arrived at the shores of Singapore. 

What is the difference? Ok, I will walk you through, haha! Yellow Cab Pizza do not rely on hot sauce to spice-up their menu, they introduced the chili oil + chili flakes that complement well with their unique flavour. Yellow Cab brings the New York style pizza in Asia, and on that, you will not see a "handle" on the edge of your pizza. Well, make your way to Charlie Chan Pasta, the not your ordinary, red/white sauced pasta. Most specially, make your way to Dear Darla!!! They are the first restaurant that I know that you do not need to pull up to get your slice, but you need to roll and wrap it together with greens (arugula and alfalfa). 

More words for us to persuade you in visiting Yellow Cab Pizza? The place has a homey feeling. It has also bar that you can order your favourite alcoholic drinks. 

It is just located just above the Esplanade MRT station. It is a good place for you to unwind after your busy/hectic/stressful day. 

See you there! Oooh! Can't wait for the delivery service too :) 

***
Yellow Cab Pizza Co. Singapore 
(A) B1-01/02 CityLink Mall
(H) 8189 7490
(F) https://www.facebook.com/yellowcabpizzasg/

Q & M Dental Clinic Singapore

ABBEY: Going to the dentist is more fun whenever I visit Q & M dental clinic at Selatar Mall. The dentists there are friendly, give feedback to your dental hygiene and advise how it can be improved. 

I met Dr. Taylor Dilan on my last visit. I got dental prophylaxis and fluoride treatment. He even told what procedures to be done to fix the gap in my front teeth. I know that it is part of their sales but knowing that someone cares for your betterment is a plus. 

See you again after six months.

WILL: The nominated dental clinic of AIA is full that next available reservation will be on next year and on that we opted to use the non-panel clinic for our dentistry needs. 

We chose Q&M. Upon checking their company's website I am astounded that they are into SGX. Wow! And it made a reputation to me instantly that they are on pursuit of excellence. 

This year, I visited them thrice and all I can say is they are thriving to make their patients happy. And I felt that they do not over-bill me but they always surpass my expectations. 

I commend the receptionist that are always serving with a smile and all the dentist specially Dr. , I love her.

A heartfelt thanks to Q&M from A&W. 

***

Q & M Dental Group

(A) 33 Sengkang West Ave 

#04-16 The Seletar Mall 

Singapore 797653 

(T) 6702 3738 | Fax: 6702 3739

(W) http://www.qandm.com.sg/

Equinox Restaurant at SWISSÔTEL The Stamford (Semi-Buffet Lunch)

ABBEY: This is where we celebrated my 33rd birthday. 

Equinox is located at the 70th storey of Swissotel (City Hall MRT). They have their own lift to carry their guest to the top. We had lunch there and it is a semi-buffet. 

I went for sushi and sashimi on my first round. Then I was surprised by the beef chunks when I'm helping myself in a serving of beef soup. The beef is so soft that it melts in your mouth. No chewing needed :) I think I had 3 bowls of them. 

Then I tried their crackers and cheese. For the main course (one time only as well as the coffee) I had slow-roasted pork belly. It is delicious. I enjoyed putting some Truffle and Cauliflower Emulsion sauce before having a bite. 

We were given a table with the view of Marina Bay. But it was cloudy and foggy as it is raining during that time. 

The staffs were polite and warm. They also gave me a cake for my birthday.

Baked Norwegian Salmon

Slow-Roasted Pork Belly

WILL: I gave three options to the birthday boy, three restaurants that not only will give him a good food but also a good view. Then he chose Equinox Restaurant of Swissotel. 

Why he went for that? Because it is semi-buffet and all the other are offering only a set meal. So what is semi buffet? This will be our first time to experience  this. Haha, so this explanation is not only for you but for me too (to inculcate this new knowledge on my brain), semi buffet offers an eat-all-you-can appetiser and desserts. The drinks and main course is limited in one serving. You can order more on menu, well of course with additional payment. 

What strikes me the most in this 70th floor restaurant in Swissotel? Beside of the outstanding view by the window, their sushi and their loveable cauliflower soup keeps me coming back for MORE! 

I did not enjoy my main course, Baked Norwegian Salmon, its is pretty bland and it needed a help of pepper and salt to somewhat gave some flavour. 

I am not fond of the selection of their pastries. But I like the fact that they surprise my husband with complimentary cake with my special dedication on it. 

Is it worth the money? The view plus the well-mannered staffs plus the sushi ... hit the value of the money we had paid for. 

One of the best place to propose! High up in Singapore Sky. :)

***

Equinox Restaurant Dining - Luxury Hotel Singapore - Swissotel
Semi-Buffet Lunch $59++

(A) 2 Stamford Road Singapore 178882 

(T) +65 6338 8585

(E) singapore-stamford@swissotel.com.

(W) http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford/dining/equinox-restaurant/

Semi-Buffet Lunch: Monday to Friday: 12.00 - 14.30

52-Week Saving Challenge - (2017) Free Template

Hey! Hello December! Few weeks more 2016 will come to its end. 


How was your 2016? We hope it is great and your time is used to invest in yourself to achieve your target goals in this year.

As we are nearing to start 2017, it will be nice(good) to start a habit of saving. Right? Last year (2015), we used the method of 52-week challenge and due to the excitement and fun it brought to us, we continued it this year and we set in for a higher value. That 52-week challenge will serve as our "Fun Fund" for 2017.

To give back, we enhanced our 52-week challenge template to accommodate our readers' requests.
How to use it:
1. Download the excel file.
2. Key-in the amount you want to start with.(inside yellow box)
3. Print
4. Write your GOAL.  
5. Post on wall.

"DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE 52-WEEK CHALLENGE TEMPLATE HERE"

Write your "GOAL" on top of the paper because as you put why you aim for that target it will surely drive you to stay and finish this challenge. 

In posting on your wall, we highly recommend it to put that just beside/above/below of your room's light switch. You can see everyday your performance on and if you are still on track.

Maybe you will be quite confused why on the 27th week, we begin again on the starting amount. Because if not, the value will be too high and it will be unpractical that you will withdraw a chunk of money out of ATM just to put inside your piggy bank. And some horror stories we heard that when they reached the half year the amount is too high and they do not felt the excitement anymore. Instead the anxiety sets in (pain truth in saving). 

We do hope that this will help you to learn the habit of saving. See you again on 2018 for a new template :)

To Happiness, Prosperity and Holiness!

**Abbey and Will**

Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta Recipe

Ingredients
1/8 cup Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
250g Penne Pasta
5 tbsp unsalted butter
1 Whole Garlic (minced)
1/4 kg large shrimp (about 12 shrimps), peeled and deveined
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 lemon (juiced)
1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flake


Cook the penne according to its packaging.

Melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 3 minute in low medium heat. Add the shrimp, about 5 minutes after the shrimps turned orange add the lemon juice. Let it cook for 2 minutes. Toss your cooked penne and add the parsely.

Turn the heat in high for 3 minutes, and start tossing. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Enjoy!

Easy Shrimp Scampi Pasta

VERDICT
ABBEY : Another variation of Wilma's pasta. Now it was loaded with my "bestfriend" ... shrimps. First she cooked it with butter but it taste better with olive oil. 

The taste and aroma of parsley makes it more delicious. And she added chilli flakes for a kick. I can eat this all day if allergy will not start to manifest. Haha.

Chef-in-Box - Vendcafé at Blk 320C Anchorvale Drive Sengkang Singapore

ABBEY: We saw a video that in Japan you can buy sushi and ramen on a vending machine. How good is that? And then I read in the paper that in Sengkang, local and western foods can be bought in those machines. 

So one night after our business plan meeting, our group headed there and see first-hand how this operates. The food is in a sealed microwave container and will be reheated upon ordering. I got Japanese curry. The next time I visited is with Wilma. I had nasi goreng. They also have coffee, fresh orange juice, snacks and desserts. The food is at I can say an airplane-meal quality level. Cutlery were also provided. 

Follow the instructions and you have your meal in no time. Be careful as it is hot. You can pay by NETS, credit card, and cash. We also had a talk with Mr. Tng Boo Kwang the general manager. We got insights about how he started it and how much a machine costs. It operates 24x7, but tone down the noise in the wee hours of the night.

Chef-in-Box - Vendcafé at Blk 320C Anchorvale Drive Sengkang

WILL: TheSmartLocal is a good facebook page in featuring some unique, un-hyped, even haunted places and out of the mall food/cafes around Singapore. And one time, they post something unusual here in Sengkang and Abbey found out that it is just corners away from our home. In a long time planning to visit the Chef-in-Box, we made our way by first week November. 

Lucky, we have talked to their General Manager Mr Tng and somewhat learned about this "Only in Japan" business concept. 

The machines are eye-catchy and you'll stop for sure to watch how the machine works and try to buy their food. And of course, there are repeat customers like Abbey and I. Why? What is the taste of it? It is like I am eating a food in the plane. Remember, when the stewards are preparing for your meal and the  whole plane was filled with the food's aroma? Excellent! That is the feeling. All you want to do is wait for them to cater your food. (Fish or Chicken? Haha!) 

Yes, we are repeat customers (suki na ba?). What food I love to go again and again? The Chef in Box’s  Japanese Chicken Curry Rice… Yum, yum, yum! 

They already have Vendcafe in some places! Hooray to Chef in Box!

***

Chef in Box

(A) Blk 320C Anchorvale Drive Sengkang

(H) 9222 2206

(E) info@chefinbox.com.sg

Fantastic Beasts - (Shaw at Waterway Point)

ABBEY: It is good that after sometime another Harry Potter movie will grace the silverscreen. Though not actually about the boy who lived, I'm still excited to see again the world of people with magic. 

Fantastic Beast and where to find them is a textbook or a reference book used by wizards and witches. Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is the main character. He wanted to release a Thunderbird in Arizona but briefly stops in New York city. Then the adventure begins. He met Jacob Kowalski where he accidentally learned about magic. 

The movie is great and I burst into laughter whenever the Niffler is 
on the scene. Can't wait to see the sequel with Grindelwald.

Fantastic Beasts - Shaw Theatres Booking Confirmation

WILL: Are we entitled to skip any of Harry Potter based movie? Nope! Haha! So here we are watching the first sequel of Hogwart's reference book. The Fantastic Beast. 

Is it great? Not that like with Harry Potter's sequels but it tingles my mind to anticipate on next scenes. :) 

I will surely wait for the next movie! Another movie to wait for! 10/10. 

Working Title - Burger Bar (Arab Street)

ABBEY: This is where we dined before going to 2016 River Festival. It is in Arab St. 

While checking their menu, their The Working Title Tower of Power really caught my attention. Its entry occupied one whole page of their menu. Two burger patties, tater tots, cheddar cheese, caramelised onions with barbecue sauce and serving of fries. Who wouldn't want that?  But it comes with a high price of 24 SGD. 

It took time before my order reached my table which I understand. Maybe I expected that if you something a tower, it will be tall. The burger stand a 6-7 inch tall. 

I don't like the burger patty. It is not even close to a beef patty. It looks like the vegan version. The texture is rubbery and your finger will bounce back when you poke it. Not the burger I'm expecting. The cheddar cheese somehow compensated for my disappointment.

The Working Title Tower of Power Burger

Working Title Burger Bar's Self Service Counter 

Working Title Burger Bar Ice Cream Burger

WILL: Abbey! Oh Abbey! 

We went to the famous street that is just on the corner of Bugis MRT, do you know where is it? Correct! Haji Lane.  

Gosh! There are too many cafe and all loaded with people merrymaking due to the weekend. We can't find a serene place that time and googled "best cafe at Haji Lane". In an instant, we saw the Working Title Cafe. 

We make our way to Arab Street and found the site. It is quieter than the other cafe and without hesitation we settled in there. 

I am quite full so I just went for dessert. I ordered Ice Cream Burger ($9.00). It is picture perfect. The taste? For me, the ice cream was nicely combined with their fried bun. I would suggest to eat the ice cream and bun together. The bread cannot stand alone. It is too oily and your brain will alert you that it is not good for your health. Haha! 

I am quite satisfied with my desert but will I come back? Nope!

***

(working title) Burger Bar

(A) 48 Arab Street 

(T) +65 8248 2841

(E) ask@workingtitle.sg

(W) http://www.workingtitle.sg/

(H) Monday to Thursday, 11am to 10pm

Friday, 11am to 11pm

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 11pm

Stir-fried Quail Egg, Mushroom, & Asparagus (Maggi's Recipe)

Ingredients:

2 cups asparagus (sliced)

1 medium cucumber (unpeeled and cut to 3-inch long strips)

2-3 celery stalks (3-inch long strips)

1 cup shitake mushrooms (thin slices)

1 medium carrot (3-inch long strips)

15-20 hard boiled quail eggs

3-5 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tbsp sesame oil

Put oil in a pan and sauté asparagus and carrots for 2 minutes.

Add the rest of the vegetables and cook until tender. Do not cover.

Mix in the quail eggs and oyster sauce.

Serve with hot rice.

Stir-fried Quail Egg, Mushroom, & Asparagus (Maggi's Recipe)

VERDICT
WILL: Maggi will not be left behind in publishing an easy to cook, nourishing and on budget recipes in facebook. Of course!

I saw this on Jhen's wall. Haha! As usual, shared it to Abbey and requested him to cook it for one of our dinner. Gladly, he agreed and put it immediately on our next week's list. 

The taste? Your brain will automatically announced that it is a healthy food. The crunchiness of the vegetables and the aroma of greeneries will soak your brain up. 

For sure, this will be one of our healthier variations on our weekly menu.

Easy Shiitake Mushroom Omelette Recipe

At last after three tries, I perfected how to fold an omelette.

Here are the ingredients.

Shitake mushrooms (soaked 2-3 hours before cooking)

Eggs

Salt

Pepper

Once soaked, drain the mushrooms and cut them into thin slices.

Sauté it in a pan and put salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Place a small pan on the stove in very low heat. Put a teaspoon of oil and make sure that the pan is covered.

Beat an egg and put a little bit of salt.

Pour 1/3 of the egg in the pan until it formed a thin layer. Place some mushrooms on the middle of the egg and tuck it in with both sides of the egg.

Place it on one side of the pan and place another third of the egg, then fold it again. Do this the 3rd time and you have your beautifully folded omelette.

Repeat the process for as many omelette you want to cook.

Shiitake Mushroom Omelette

VERDICT
WILL: It is not always perfect on your first try. The simplest thing that you think is sometimes the most difficult to do. Haha! And that exactly happened to our Shiitake Omelette. 

I tried twice and I gave up. Haha! Abbey tried and he failed too. One afternoon, he asked if I am already at home and enthusiastically told me to checkout what will be for my dinner. Then, I saw a nicely wrapped mushroom. 

The egg perfectly hugged the mushroom. I can't get enough of those! Ha! 

Anyways, that's it. This viand will not be absent in our monthly list. For sure! :) 

Thanks to my ever patient Abbey.

Play CASHFLOW® - Get Out of the Rat Race (2014 Version)

ABBEY: We bought this game board when we attended the Wealth Summit last 2015. And this is the first time we played it. Not that we are playing the game the first time but we have digital versions of it. It is the version of Cashflow released on 2014. The difference from the classic? You have to have and declare your own dream (no more pre-conceived list) and your goal is to increase your cashflow in Fast Track by 50000.

My dreams for our 3 games are: cancer reasearch, travel the world and build a school. And I'm proud that I won them all :)

Even a different version from the original, you still have the same goal. Build passive income that will be more or equal to your expenses. Then you're out of the rat race. Fast Track will not be called by that name for nothing. It will be a bliss once you're there. Just be prepared for the tax audit, divorce, and unforeseen events. 

Deal with what the dice roll out.

CASHFLOW® - Get Out of the Rat Race (2014 Version Board) 

WILL: If you are keen to learn "financial literacy" you will not surely miss the name Robert Kiyosaki. The best selling author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He introduced the 4 quadrants and this Cashflow board game.  

In one of meet-up here in Singapore where I first saw the Cashflow boardgame..in real life. Why? Because Abbey bought its iPad app version. Hehe. Of course, challenging a human is more exciting than playing with a computer. Hehe. 

When Robert Kiyosaki visited Singapore last year, we bought the Cashflow 2014 version. Yey! But too busy, we only opened and played it this year. Haha!

So what is the difference between original to its 2014 version? You will think of your own goal. :) Gosh! This time, I never won against my husband. He totally honed his strategies to outwit the doodads that may come his way. 

Cashflow is better than Monopoly. Why? It doesn't need you to let other people down for you to succeed. You will not mind on others' businesses/things. Cashflow will teach you how handle yourself in deciding how to make a small or big deals. 

I can't wait to play this game with my nephews!

Ritz Toasted Chips - Cheddar / Sour Cream & Onion Flavour

ABBEY: I was going round and round Sheng Siong for our weekly grocery when I stumbled upon this treasure :)

It was a pack of Ritz bite-size crackers. We bought the cheese-
flavored one for 4.95. It tastes good. I finish half of it in one sittig whereas the recommended serving is only 12 pieces. Haha. Next we tried the sour cream and onion flavor but too salty as if it has MSG. I still prefer the cheese. 

Next time we'll get the original.

Ritz Toasted Chips - Cheddar / Sour Cream & Onion Flavour 

WILL: Crackers invade the chips section in our room! OMG! So, Ritz is the lucky one who get a spot in our weekly grocery list. 

Abbey, that time, is staring at Ritz Cheddar Cheese. Then he looked at me, then stare again at Ritz as if the pack of crackers hypnotizing him to take it. Haha! I blurted take it and he resists because of the price. But still, I pushed him to buy a pack to taste it. 

That night, gosh! You will break a promise to yourself! I keep on saying that it will be the last piece but I can't hold back my tight hand to take another one. Haha!

So what I can say? This cracker is addictive specially the cheddar. I will suggest to buy the Cheddar and not the Sour and Cream flavour. 

Happy snacking!

Super Crispy Shiitake Mushroom Recipe

Ingredients:

400g potato starch

400g shitake mushroom

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Salt and pepper

Soak shitake mushroom in water for 6-12 hours.

Dissolve potato starch in water. It doesn't matter how much water as long as it is dissolved.

This should be done 2-3 hours before frying or until the starch settles at the bottom of the container.

Remove water from the starch until only left is a muddy starch.

Drain water from the mushroom and start to cut them in bite-size pieces then add salt and pepper. Mix well.

Throw the mushrooms into the potato starch slurry until well coated.

Heat the oil for frying and drop the mushrooms one by one.

Do not overcrowd the pan.

The secret for crispier mushrooms is to double fry them. Cook them in batches. When all has been fried first time, you can fry the first batch to have its double fry.

Crispy-Crispy Shiitake Mushroom

VERDICT
WILL: This is one of the ingredients of Maangchi's Sweet and Sour Dish and we discovered this that it can be a standalone fore more than 2 years ago and I am pretty shocked that we do not share this to you guys. 

Now that mushroom chicharon is a fad, this will be a good version to do it. 

When you start eating it, it will be hard for you to stop. :)

BurgerUp (We Are Made Different) - Waterway Point Punggol Branch

ABBEY: I found this promotion when I was looking what to eat for our movie date. It comes with a chicken burger, fries and a drink. You need to place your order at the kiosk, get your order receipt and then queue at the cashier for payment. They only accept cash and NETS (if bill more than 10SGD). They have a post on the wall that the order will take 10-15 mins. Just wait for your number and you're up. 

I was surprised that even I only started to eat the burger 30 minutes after ordering, the chicken is still crispy. It was packed in a foil wrap. Not your ordinary burger huh.

I hope they can accept credit card payments and it should be done in the kiosk itself so the number of queuing will be lessened.

 BurgerUp (Waterway Point Punggol Branch) - Ordering Kiosk

BurgerUp' Crispy Chicken Burger Meal

BurgerUp (Waterway Point Punggol Branch) Promotions 

WILL: I am a bit skeptical to buy their $3.80 Chicken Burger Meal. Why? They are located just beside McDonald's at Waterway Point, so instead of exploring new brand, I rather went for the "safe" taste. But when Abbey bought a set of BurgerUp's Chicken Value Meal, I can't get enough of its taste. 

For promotion price $3.80 you will get a Crispy Chicken Burger, Fries and a small soda. The difference from other fastfood chains? The price! Haha! And of course the incredible crispiness of the chicken inside the bun. It has a distinctive flavor on the rest of food stalls that offers the same. It is a fantastic taste.

If you are on a hunt for affordable burger, queue up! Yes! There is always a queue at BurgerUp. See you again on Sunday, BurgerUp!

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BurgerUP - We Are Made Different

(A) 83 Punggol Central  #B2-06 Punggol Waterway Point 

(H) Mon-Thur 11am-11pm/Fri & Eve of Public Holiday 11am-12am/Sat, Sun & Public Holiday 9am - 11pm

(W) http://www.burgerup.com.sg/