Fantastic Food @ Tampines!!!

Of all the new towns in Singapore, Tampines is unmistakably one of the most developed and matured ones, equipped with full facilities and amenities, coupled with huge shopping malls.

 

 

Having resided in Tampines, for about 10 years, I'd found myself rather attached to this area, in the East. Our 4 room flat, is more than enough for Joseph and me, and our dogs, Angel and Snowy, to live spaciously and comfortably.


Though I do not get see a nice sea view out from my window, the cool breeze entering the main gate, everyday, ventilates my house, making it nice and cooling.

Besides being easily accessible to the swimming pool and the shopping malls on bicycle, the presence of many coffee shops around the vicinity adds much great convenience to me.


Today, I'd like to recommend two local food stalls, which Joseph and I frequently patronize.
This coffee shop is situated at Blk 828, Tampines street 81. It is just diagonally opposite to Prime Supermarket.

The coffee shop situated at blk 828 Tampines st 81

This coffee shop is situated at this side of Prime Supermart

 Bocca.

This  local food stall sells Western food and Herbal Tonic soup, all at a good and reasonable price.

The Bocca stall

We tried the salmon steak ($9.50) and the Chicken steak ($6.50). The salmon steak is oven baked; while the chicken steak is pan-fried. Tasty and nicely done, both dishes do not taste oily and are in rather big portion.

The Salmon steak with mushroom sauce

Chicken steak with mushroom sauce

I find it reasonable for the price plus the taste, and would give it a 8/10!!


Besides serving Western food, the couple Bosses, Simon and Sabrina, also brew delicious Tonic soup at this stall. They prepare mainly the Black bean soup, the Lotus root soup, the watercress soup, ABC soup and the Bittergourd soup, in a thick soup broth of pork ribs.

The various soup at Bocca

The ingredients in their soup have many goodness in them, and they are known to promote good health and boost our general well being.


Take the Black bean soup for instance.
 
Black beans are rich in nutrients, packed with proteins, iron, calcium, vitamins A and B. They have detoxifying and diuretic effects, invigorate blood and nourish qi. They also have the ability to protect our cardiovascular system.

Joseph and I especially like the Black Bean soup with pork ribs. Sweet and savoury to its taste, this soup is certainly full-bodied and full of flavor!Besides, I like to munch on the Black beans, which would provide me with good carbohydrates.


This soup is so yummy that we consume it, on the average of about two to three times a week.

Indeed,  for a low price of just $4.50, you get a big bowl of nutritious soup to nourish your body!


As a soup lover, I'd give Bocca's soup a 9/10!!


 


Well, at this coffee shop, you can also patronize this mixed vegetable rice stall.

Tasty Mixed Vegetable Rice Stall

Serving an array of delicious local dishes at an economical price, this stall, in particular, charges the least to their loyal customers, compared to the other stalls in the other coffee shops in the area.

It is no wonder that often, you see queues forming up in front of this stall, especially during lunch and dinner time and over the weekends.


Operated by 5 young chefs, from Malaysia, who take rotating turns to take leave, they consistently serve their customers with a changing variety of mouth-watering local dishes, including curry chicken, Seafood  Lala, Sweet and sour pork and braised chicken feet.

Well, this is my usual lunch order of diced chicken in Gongbao sauce, Spinach and preserved vegetables, with just a little scoop of rice.

My usual lunch

 

With its excellent taste, and the fine culinary skills, I'd give this stall a 8/10!

 

Hmmm.... coming to the end of the week, I certainly look forward to the weekend, as I'd be taking a short trip to Malaysia!

 

To all of you here, Have a Happy and Fun-filled Thursday!!!

Till then.

God Bless,

Jenny, xxx.

The horrendous rain woke me up this morning.

 

I'd still remembered vividly that I'd dreamt of my primary school classmate. It was also raining in my dream. The last thing that happened in the dream was that there was a guy, whom I have never met, gave me a golden bracelet.

Only a dream, I'd told myself.

With a banana and a cup of coffee, I'd started grooming Angel. Angel has rather short fur coat. However, she has been shedding quite a fair bit.

I'd guess that it should be the changing of her fur coat, due to the weather change. When the brushing was completed, Angel showed me a gleam in her eyes.

My beautiful Angel

Recollecting the happy moments last nite, I was glad that I'd made it to two Events. First, it was the White Safari Pool Party, held at Sentosa Cove, organized by Vanilla Luxury, and invited by Cicilia Fleitas Del Sol; then Leandra's Live Performance at Singjazz Club in Sultan Hotel.

Joseph and I have never been to a pool party. So, I'd decided that we should spend some time there for the nite.


As we stepped into the grounds of Sentosa Cove, we were elated by the splendid view of the area. Although it is not what you would see in other countries, but to me, it is good enough, as an eye opener.


It was the 16th of the Lunar Month, a day after the Full Moon. I took a shot.

Posing under the Moon

Along the way, we met a lady, Joey, who was also joining the party. She was alone by herself, so I told her to join us.


It was a crowd of a good mix of locals and expats. All dressed impeccably in white, everyone was enjoying themselves to the wine, drinks and food, accompanied by the spinning of live DJ music. Of course, beautiful bikini-clad ladies were seen all around.

The crowd at the pool

Thrilled by the sight of the nice setting, Joey and I went around to explore the place further and to mingle with the crowd.


We then chanced upon Lasse, from Denmark, who had just arrived in Singapore.

Lasse and me

Lasse and Joey

Joey and me

Wefie with Lasse and Joey

Meeting Fabrice Imparato, who just live opposite the Club, was another delight!

Fabrice and me

Soon, we were offered champagne by a sweet David, who was with his gang of friends. He belongs to a group of locals, who all own Jeep.

He then remarked that they have frequent mountain climbing trips on Jeep to Malaysia. We exchanged contacts and he extended invitation to us, for future mountain climbing trips.

Jeep owner, David and me

Posing with the Jeep lovers

It was indeed a great environment to chill out, and  make new friends and contacts! A pity that I did not bring my swim suit, to enjoy a dip in the pool!!!


Of course, seeing Babelicious Cicilia Fleitas De Sol and hubby Eddy Fleitas De Sol, was yet another great delight!

Cicilia is such a wonderful wife, who has consistently shown tremendously support for her beloved Musician Artiste Hubby, Eddy, from Cuba, who is well known as a performing artiste in Singapore. Dressed in a clear white outfit, Cicilia is simply Classy yet Sexy!

Cicilia and me

Cicilia, Eddy and me

Well, Joseph is not quite as outspoken as I am. So he merely looked around, and at times, watching European live soccer on his phone.


However, he helped me took this picture with some sexy ladies in bikini!

me and the Bikini ladies

It was soon coming to 11 pm, that I'd decided to adjourned to the next event of the nite. I took some quick shots with the Sports cars, and Joseph to round off the nite there.

Posing with the sports car

With the Sports car and Yachts

 

Last shot with Joseph

 

The Singjazz Club - The Amazing Leandra and Band.

There was a time when Leandra performed, and I'd danced with the crowd. Leandra had liked my dance moves and since then, she had invited me to go to her shows and danced!!

This time, I'd decided to visit her after quite a while not seeing her.

Joseph decided not to join us, while Joey and I drove down to Sultan Hotel. There, we were welcomed by Boss of Singjazz Club, Mr. Alfedo Castillo.


I was taken by surprise with the great line up of the musicians, comprising of Pianist Jordan Wei, Drummer Bobby Singh, Bassist Wah Yong, Guitarist Ernesto and Saxophonist EJ Hughes.

The Band at Singjazz

The amazing Leandra, with her soulful voice, moved the audience at the Club. All of us were simply engrossed by her performance, watching her sang with her heart and emotions to all the tunes.

The Amazing Leandra with the Band

"Jenny, why aren't you dancing?" Leandra popped the question on stage. Not to disappoint Leandra, I then asked Joey to dance with me, near the stage.

Well, I'd found it rather awkward.

First, some the of crowd were already dancing on the second level above. Secondly, I'd felt that the crowd had wanted to  watch the live band performing. Having Joey and me, dancing near to the stage was obstructing the views of the audience, I'd told myself.

I'd decided to just sit down and chill.

As Leandra sang to the last song of her second set, I'd felt a little tired and sleepy. My watch read 12 midnite. I told Joey that I was going home and called Joseph to wait for me at his Association.

Soon, Joey and I took an early leave at the Club. Bumping into Leandra and the musicians, at the door entrance, I wished her well for the last set, and took a picture with them.

Group picture with Leandra and the Musicians

Well, for sure, it wasn't a nite with tremendous amount of dancing, like sometimes, which left me having insomnia nites.

It was certainly a Fun filled nite, seeing new things, meeting new friends and watching fantastic live band performance.

Indeed, I am happy that GOD brought Music to my Life!

Have a Good Sunday!

 

Till then.

God Bless,

Jenny, xxx

Angel and Snowy

A Beautiful Saturday!

What a great Saturday to begin the weekend!

Had a swim yesterday and slept early. It was a full 12 hour of beauty sleep, as I awoke this morning at about 9 am. Took a banana and as usual, fed Angel, Snowy, and the fish, and soon after brought the dogs down for a quick walk.


Before heading off to teach, I'd took some time to mop the floor and tidy up the dining's table, which was cluttered. (Joseph had been complaining about the mess on this table)

Well, life as a private Home Educator is fun and fulfilling!

Throughout the years of teaching, since 2007, both in piano and languages, to children and adults, I'd found myself in the process of learning, while teaching.

With an intense love for kids, I'd usually strive to motivate my students, showing them love, support and encouragement, while guiding them to the right path, and to excel in their studies. Coupled with occasional treats like candies and snacks, my students have performed well, so far.


This morning, I had a class with student, Sean. He has been learning Chinese language with me since he was 9. His brother Ian,  also my student, currently studies in JC.

Sean has improved tremendously in Chinese, scoring A1 now for his examinations and tests. Currently in Secondary one, his studies in higher Chinese, in the last two years in his primary school, laid down a strong foundation, and helped him vastly in his Chinese subject right now.

Sean, doing comprehension.

A great thing about being a teacher, is to be able to grow with your students, to guide them through, to see them excel and to feel proud about them.


To me, I find that all children have their own capabilities and innate potential. It takes great efforts and patience, as a teacher, to know their strengths and weaknesses, and to bring out the best in them.


Of course, the student has to also put in considerable and conscious time, to learn and revise their school work. The need to read widely is also vital.


Having 15 students, to date, both in piano and academic, I'd found myself able to strike a balance with work, exercise and leisure.

Sitting at the Fengshui corner of Sean's house after class

Another student of mine, is an Australian. Oliver is 10, currently in Primary four. Having a rather weak foundation in Chinese language, he finds some difficulties coping with his current school work, and often does not understand what his teacher talks about during Chinese class.


Nonetheless, Oliver is smart, intelligent and hardworking. For the past months that he was under my coaching, he demonstrated strong will to try and did all the homework assigned to him.

Oliver doing his work

Well, his Mum, Ms Linda, remarked that she would like his son to be able to at least converse in Mandarin to his classmates and others.


Right now, Oliver already can speak simple conversational Chinese. It is just that he does not use the language that often.


I'd certainly hope that,  in another 3 months time, Oliver would reach a higher stage in learning Chinese.

Posing at the poolside of Oliver's apartment after class

So much for my life as a Teacher!


With a plate of delicious mixed vegetable rice, for my lunch, I'm packed with energy to sustain for the next 4 hours, before heading to an event, The White Safari Pool Party, invited by babelicious Cicilia Feiltas del Sol, later in the evening.


Then, followed by yet another night out to Singjazz Club to watch Beautiful Leandra performing!


As I glared at Snowy, enjoying the breeze at the gate, I'd thank GOD for giving me Life...

Snowy at the gate

 

Till then.

God Bless,

Jenny, xxx

Food, Health and Nutrition .

We all know that from a sperm and egg, the rest is food.

That becomes You.

So Food is Everything.

Herbal Tonic Soup

Many may not know that 10% of people die of old age but 90% of people suffer from sickness for about 10 years prior to their death.


That provided, you eat the right food, else you fall sick with diseases, and need to turn to Doctors for help.

Through time, as I read from books, internet, and gathered through friends, and from my own experiments, I'd realized that the food we consume moulds our brain cells, and generate the level of physical and mental well being of our bodies.

Dr Ang Poon Liat and me at his Clinic at Thomson Medical Centre

I have an addiction in Diet Coke. Sometimes, I can take up to 3 cans of Diet Coke for 3 consequtive days.

On average, for the past 6 months, I was gobbling down about 2 cans of Diet Coke per day.

Some of my friends commented the fact that the  Aspartarme and chemicals in Diet Coke and Sodas, are real threats to health in the long run. I then tried to kick off the habit.


But, I'd guessed the addiction took over me and I'd just couldn't resist the temptation of ordering a Diet Coke everytime I eat out.

Besides, my drop in energy and motivational level, made me recently turn to coffee and brown sugar. And through this, I'd discovered that Sugar is in fact a double edged sword.


Certainly, Sugar perks up my energy level. However, after about 2 hours or so, sluggishness would set in, and I would feel tired and lethargic all over again.


Few months ago, I consulted two very good Chinese Doctor @ Dr. Chia Kit Chay Clinic, at Tampines.


Dr Chias, are brother and sister, both third generation of a famous Chinese Physician, Dr. Chia Kit Chay, way back in China, who then resided in Malaysia and cured Many people.


Their diagnosis of me, was a lack of blood flow and Qi energy.

For about 3 months, I was on their herbs and tonic. That boosted my health to some extent.


Eventually, I experimented with another Chinese herb, Ba Zhen, purchased from another Chinese medical Hall.


I took it to Dr. Chia, and she then advised me on the portion to take daily. That particular consultation was FOC.


I've been on this Ba Zhen herb, for 2 months now, and I'd seemed to have more drive and energy now!

I'm elated that Dr Chia was helpful enough to guide me throughout. Doctors like them are hard to come by. Just to mention a little on them. They have 9 siblings in the family, of which all of them were Doctors in different areas of practice.


As I'd uttered "WOW" upon hearing this fact, I'd told myself to keep in close touch with them.

 

Now, as I sat down at the Penny Black @ Boat Quay, with Beloved Hubby Joseph, and Lalo, my friend from Spain, sipping Perrier, I'd have this to say.

To stay in good health, we need to eat well and this journey, is best to start from birth and to start early. Of course, we could sometimes indulge in the "Bad" food, but I would advocate maximizing the consumption of "Good" food over  the "Bad" ones.

To get it right, one certainly needs awareness, information and roadmaps to return, should you fall to one side, along the way.

It is with much pleasure that I'd be happy to exchange ideas and views with All of you, on the World of Food and Nutritional, so as to bring about better Health, both physically and mentally.

 

Till then,

God Bless,

Jenny, xxx.

Fitness, Food and Love ...

It is everyone's dream to attain a beautiful, toned and fit body. To achieve that, we all know that a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet, coupled with some form of  regular exercise routine, is essential.

For me, I have maintained a rather fit body through swimming. Since 21, I had been a regular guest of Tampines Swimming pool, engaging myself in the pool, with continuous laps, for about 45 minutes.

I do this on the average of twice per week.

I have this to say about swimming.


Swimming doesn't necessarily make you look slimmer. In fact, it tones up your body, giving you more shape and definition.

Sometimes, you may seem to bulk up, especially on the upper body, the chest and shoulders, and perhaps the arms.


True enough, compared to the old days, I'd looked slightly bigger.


Now, I am of a medium built, wearing size 10, most of the time. Besides, I'd guessed I have what everyone would call it the "Butterfly" arms.

Nonetheless, It doesn't stop me from doing the sport.

 

 

What I'd like most about Swimming is that it gives me a all rounded body conditioning. Besides, the pressure in the water gives me an excellent massage to my body.

Instantly, after each swim, I'd feel refreshed and revitalized.

About two years ago, Joseph joined me at the pool.


It was indeed fun moments to engage in any kind of activities with your partner and loved one.


Without a child of our own, I constantly find things to do, together with Joseph, to make our lives more fulfilling, and to strengthen our love and bond.

Just recently, on Facebook, I learnt of this Fitness Club, called The Fitclub, owned by Ms Carlene Koh. After enquiring, I was rather keen to sign up for the programme.


Last Saturday, Joseph and I then took time to visit their studio at Orchard Plaza, to do a free body analysis.

Standing outside Za Studio, the FitClub

There, we were welcomed by Carlene and another wellness coach, Glisten and together, we sat down to chat and gather more information.


Carlene is a warm and pleasantly sweet lady. She poured us each, a  glass of  detox tea, from Herbalife, and explained to us their program and approach in fitness and health. Then, we went on to have a body analysis done.

Carlene and me

Well, on the whole, both Joseph and I are healthy and alright.


However, Carlene remarked to me that both Joseph and I need to drink more water. She commented that one needs to consume about 2 litres of water per 25 kg of body weight, so that there is a full cleansing and detox of the body system.

I'd then realized that my intake of 1.5 litres of water daily isn't enough. Besides, my metabolic rate of 1181 k/cal  indicated a lack of nutrition. Carlene commented that I need to consume more good food to nourish my body.

My Body Analysis

As for Joseph, his body fat of 27.6% is rather high. This is due to the lack of water intake. Carlene then commented that Joseph is classified as "Skinny Fat", as he looks trim but internally, he has much fat deposits. She advised him to start drinking lots of water throughout the day.

Joseph's Body Analysis

Carlene then told us that their concept to Fitness is 80% nutrition and 20% fitness. Sometimes, the Fitclub organizes nutritional talks for the members.


Well, I'd guess that their Fitness program is rather cheap and reasonable. For $38/-, you get 8 lessons of fitness workout, for about 1 hour, in a group, in an outdoor setting. FitClub conducts this program with 17 locations all over Singapore.





Joseph and I decided to give it a try.


The Saturday ended with some delicious claypot chicken rice, at Geylang Lorong 33.


We frequent this stall rather regularly, and to me , it is one of the best in Singapore!

Claypot chicken rice

I ate only very little portion of the rice, but indulged myself more into the vegetables and the tasty Old Cucumber soup.

Indeed, with my Passionate love for Food, Fitness and Life, I'd need to strike a balance, in  maintaining a healthy lifestyle, to enable me to age gracefully, while achieving my dreams in Life!

Have a Fantastic Wednesday, Everyone!!!

Till then.

God Bless,

Jenny, xxx .