photo buttoncontact.png  photo buttonbloglovin.png  photo buttongfc.png  photo buttongoogleplus.png  photo buttonyoutube.png  photo buttongiveaway.png

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Birthday 2013 with Friends

My blog is perpetually updated in a "Throwback Thursday" fashion. My birthday was in May, I wrote a post in July on celebrating my birthday with my family and only now do I update the second part of my birthday celebration with friends.

For those who have missed the first part, here it is.

I don't care if I'm repeating myself, I would say it over and over again. There is nothing in this world that is worth achieving more than the love from family and friends. I could not be any more thankful for all the wonderful people in my life especially during times when there are lots of challenges to cope with. Being around with people you love who love you is one of life's greatest blessing.


 photo blogseparatorflowersmall.gif


~*Dinner with Evan at Saveur*~

Saveur is a restaurant that offers quality French cuisine to the masses at affordable prices. Saveur aims to serve her own interpretation of French food, bringing French cuisine to everyone using local products at down-to-earth prices. Thus, bringing a whole new gastronomic experience to all.

It would be my first time dining at Saveur and so I readily agreed to have dinner there when Evan suggested the place knowing how I'm always on the look out for decent French cuisine in Singapore.

 photo collageSV_zps27b645ed.jpg


For appetizer, we shared the apple infused port wine Foie Gras. As Foie Gras is an acquired taste, I was only glad that Evan didn't love it as much as I do so I ended up with more to eat.

 photo IMG_6228e_zpsc580c3bd.jpg


Both of us chose duck confit for our mains. The duck confit was $10.90! Where could you find such affordable and delicious duck confit at that price?

 photo IMG_6226e_zps8f48e73d.jpg


I forgot what this was but I think it was the side dish.

 photo IMG_6227e_zps12df21db.jpg


For desserts, we shared Textures of Citrus which was a tad too sour. I was expecting refreshing burst of citrus.

 photo IMG_6229e_zpsf0b232b5.jpg


We also shared the Chocolate and Hazelnut dessert which was quite delicious.

 photo IMG_6231e_zpsc2dae166.jpg


We had our gelish nails done at the same nail parlour on separate occasions. Evan was the one who recommended me to the nail parlour she frequents. I love her long nail bed. My short and stubby nail beds often do not do justice to the skills of the manicurists.

 photo IMG_6221e_zps7df8d1bf.jpg


Thank you for the birthday treat, Evan! *muax*

 photo IMG_6233e_zpsb91f5a94.jpg


I was sick on that day... like really sick just before the dinner. I nearly "white out" (when I'm on the verge of blacking out, I usually see massive pink or white instead of black) in the toilet when we were waiting to be seated. Fortunately, normality fell into place soon after I got over the wave of nausea and white-out phase that I managed to enjoy the dinner and catch up session with Evan after that.

[All photos in this section were taken using iPhone 4s.]


 photo blogseparatorflowersmall.gif


~*Dinner with Colleagues at Kko Kko Nara*~

It was a joint birthday dinner celebration with the April, May and June babies. We had Korean cuisine at Kko Kko Nara which is famous for their Korean Fried Chicken. We ordered a little too much food for 8 of us. I don't think I could ever survive 3 days in Korea as my taste buds are not really attuned to Korean food. Kko Kko Nara has a 4-star rating on a few food review website but I didn't find their food to my liking. The fried chicken was really good though and I would revisit this little restaurant just for their KFC aka Korean Fried Chicken.

 photo collageKKN_zpseab507a8.jpg


After dinner, it was time to open our presents. Here is an obligatory shot of the birthday babies with our presents.

 photo IMG_6292e_zps7a2a97c0.jpg


Here is the anigif of me opening my present as Jac simply took too many pictures of the process.
[Aside: I cringe whenever I see how crooked my teeth look from the side that I'm contemplating fixing them with braces. Am I too old for braces?]

 photo anigifJo_zpsdfed0e8f.gif


Ask and you shall receive... I asked for a Valentino perfume --Valentina Acqua Floreale. I love how my colleague specially printed a picture of a cat to write down the names of all who chipped in for the present.

 photo IMG_6325e_zps56839ad0.jpg


Taken from my instagram, this is a perfect example of a perfume that I fell in love with its bottle before its fragrance.

 photo 63721fb8-aa9f-44fd-96fb-9dadd8a0d181_zps75883d91.jpg


Same goes for Cat, who had many photos of her opening her present that an anigif would summarize it well.

 photo anigifCat_zps9e8c3d45.gif


She got a Hello Kitty swarovski pen. I'm not a Hello Kitty person but I must say that the pen is really cute!

 photo IMG_6305e_zpse4207e73.jpg


We were amused by the Hello Kitty charm.

 photo IMG_6306e_zpsff940175.jpg


Sock Yee also received a swarovski pen.

 photo IMG_6335e_zpsdb9fdc22.jpg


A group shot of all of us before some parted ways.

 photo IMG_6340e_zpsaa3791da.jpg


The rest of us proceeded a few streets down for desserts before calling it a day.

 photo IMG_6345e_zps49b92180.jpg

[All photos in this section were taken using iPhone 4s.]


 photo blogseparatorflowersmall.gif


~*Dinner with VIOS at Brussels Sprouts*~

It was a joint celebration for the May and June VIOS babies at Brussels Sprouts which is cosy and casual Belgian bar and bistro set up by Belgian celebrity chef Emmanuel Stroobant. People usually go there for their mussels with a variety of serving style and the extensive selection of beer. From the decoration on the wall, you could instantly tell that mussels are their speciality.

 photo IMG_2376e_zps6342c5f3.jpg


Kh and I thought we were early but we bumped into WL and Byng just around the vicinity. Belle is really growing up into a pretty little girl. No longer is she a baby anymore.

 photo IMG_2375e_zpsefddffbc.jpg

 photo IMG_2373e_zps9d06193f.jpg


We ordered mussels served in Asian style Laksa gravy, cream style Fromage Bleu, clear style Vin Blanc... and I can't remember what else. They all look the same in photos but each  of them are so delicious in their own unique gravy. You could refer to this page to check out the different serving styles. All mussels are served with free flow of fries too. I could just sit there and eat mussels the whole day.

 photo collageBS2_zpsa41fa392.jpg


Or course we did not just sit there and eat mussels the whole evening. We had other food to share like the yummilicious portobello mushroom, Belgian chicken wings and various meats.

 photo collageBS3_zps1d63b465.jpg


I stole some sips of Kh's 1 pint huge-ass Hoegaarden which could match his beer belly.

 photo IMG_2391e_zps4593b83c.jpg


Let's play Spot the Difference! Jerm simply found joy photo bombing my photos with his hands. You would think it was accidental from the way it looked but no, he purposely stuck his arm and hand in.

 photo collageBS7_zps739bf272.jpg


Kh's beer foam moustache

 photo IMG_2389e_zps241fbd21.jpg


Left: From that evening onward, I decided I really prefer Stella Artois to Hoegaarden.
Right: I had wanted the apple beer but it was out of stock. The cherry beer wasn't that bad except that on some occasions, it tasted like Panadol for kids with a dash of notti alcohol.

 photo collageBS4_zps5cbd5766.jpg


Random shots

 photo IMG_2383e_zps02f9e526.jpg

 photo collageBS1_zps51bd93bb.jpg


I looked like I wanted to kill SL.

 photo IMG_2417e_zpsd62d770a.jpg


Maybe I should not call this a random shot. It was so contrived how kh sneakily stole this shot with Belle.

 photo IMG_2403e_zps103fd953.jpg


Jully and me as the June and May babies respectively. We felt that Belle looked really cute peeking out from the table edge.

 photo IMG_2409e_zpsffe9f1a4.jpg


Time to sing the birthday song and cut the cake. The staff added in more volume in the singing and lots of extra cheers and whoops and claps.

 photo IMG_2407e_zps425a98c9.jpg

 photo collageBS5_zpsf887dd5d.jpg

 photo collageBS6_zpsce8f8718.jpg


The soon-to-wed couple.

 photo IMG_2427e_zpsd25ef307.jpg


The VIOS boys are really such clowns. It's so hilarious how Jerm and Kh were fighting to get into the picture and spoiling the gals' shot...

 photo IMG_2418e_zps98558c9d.jpg


yet acting like they were really part of the whole group shot.

 photo IMG_2419e_zps17a2957f.jpg


When we realised that the decorative frames on the wall could be detached, we had fun with them.

 photo IMG_2426e_zpse4a397bb.jpg

 photo IMG_2425e_zpsbb1f3b3f.jpg


I reckon the boys had more fun than us.

 photo IMG_2429e_zpse349c3de.jpg

 photo IMG_2428e_zps03cf9c7e.jpg


VIOS gatherings always come with a theme and it is up to the individuals to dress accordingly. Kh and I would usually religiously follow the theme. FLOWER was the theme for that gathering so I was clad in a dress with big red flowers.

 photo IMG_2372e_zpsa5afc6df.jpg

Outfit of the day:
♥ Red Flower dress which was a gift from Karen
♥ Sheer Romance bikini worn under
♥ Long Champ bag


It was my first attempt wearing my hair in an all-up pouffy fringe style. I tied up my 2nd day curls to the side to complete my look. For someone who is a noob at hairstyling and not having enough volume for bangs, I'm pretty satisfied with the final result.

 photo IMG_6603e_zps51a19b31.jpg


[All photos in this section were taken using iPhone 4s and Canon S95.]


 photo blogseparatorflowersmall.gif


~*Dinner with the F4 Gang at Antoinette*~

I had an advanced birthday celebration with the F4 gang which is another treasured group of friends. I blogged about the dinner meet-up here.


 photo blogseparatorflowersmall.gif


~*Current Updates*~

I suffered from diarrhoea for a day and a night during my work trip and suppressed it with some medication which worked like a charm for the next few days. When I came back, I was expelling from both the top and the bottom. My favourite doctor diagnosed it as food poisoning. I had 2 days of MC but returned to the office for half a day to clear some important stuff. I've been feeling lethargic every day that I fall asleep almost immediately dinner/ supper. Today is one of the rare occasions when I'm back to my owl-like self and being able to blog.

Edited to add:
Thank you all for your lovely comments on my past few posts. I always enjoy reading them. Do check back on the posts where you left yours as I've replied. I will visit your blogs during pockets of free time.

46 comments:

  1. All the food looks amazing! Omg, duck confit for $10!? That's insane and it looks like a big piece too!

    Now, I'm really hungry......

    http://sushiibear.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! The price is just too amazing and so was the queue.

      Delete
  2. Omg I hope you're feeling much much better VERY SOON! =(

    On another note your birthday looked amazing! So many friends, family and dinners hahahah The french food looks great! Especially that that price tag! I also do not have an acquired taste for foie gras =P At lots of french places I also tend to choose duck for my entree =P

    I think your nails look very pretty! ahhh makes me so tempted to get gel nails but must resist lol Oh how sweet of your coworkers to have gotten the perfume for you! Do you like the scent as much as the bottle? Omg those mussels look delicious! I only like to eat mussels if they come like that, with a sauce and all.

    You look super pretty in the last few photos with your hair and makeup! The hair looks perfect!!! Are you getting better at poofing your fringe now? haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanx for your concern! I think duck confit most of the time won't go way off and I tend to choose that too. Unless they have got very good piece of french steak. Foie gras is my ultimate favourite. I can't turn back ever since I first tasted it even as I'm well aware of the treatment of the geese and ducks. I guess I would do good in other ways. Bah!

      Yes, I fell in love with the bottle and decided to try out the scent. It is powdery floral and not overpowering at all. The whole floral series of the Valentino perfume smells good. The kind of scent I like.

      I haven't poofed my fringe after that day. Hahaha...

      Delete
  3. Wow, sweetie, what a wonderful series of celebrations of your birthday. So glad you have so many loving, sweet people in your life who care about you so much. You sure deserve it. Those pictures are so fun, love all the big smiles especially and you look so amazing. What a cool way to do your hair! Great post and I hope you get all over your "expelling" episode. All the best :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww... Thank you and yes, I've stopped expelling from the top quite quickly. Those are the worst.

      Delete
  4. The food look's simply mouth-watering and you girl's are all stunning esp you :)

    ~Michelle
    lapetitemichelle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Jo! I'm so sorry you are sick, take care and get better soon! From the photos seems you had a huge blast for your bday, have enjoyed all the photos, the food makes me so hungry! You look too beautiful with the floral dress and I really like the hair in that way! I also noticed the make up, you have such sweet eyes!:) Kisses and heal soon! xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww... thank you for your concern and your sweet words, dear. I'm much better now. Sweet eyes only happen with make up. lol

      Delete
  6. i'm hungry after seeing all your food picture ! <3

    rainxdropz.blogspot.sg

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice to be with family and friends. I love duck too.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. The French cuisine is one of my favorites,
    and I'm surprised that the duck only cost
    11 bucks! Bargain! Love your white dress
    with the red floral! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. aww looks like you have a really nice rel with you family and friends :) belated happy birthday and get well soon jo! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. beautiful pictures and blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. happy belated birthday! I agree. there is nothing more important and cherished in life than family and friends! :)) Looks like a good fun time! Keep in touch dear~

    Joyce @ carouselstreet.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Happy (late) birthday! :)
    Wow this looks like an amazing birthday celebration!
    You got so many nice gifts, they're all amazing!

    Hayfa
    http://londonloafers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting and leaving me a note. I love seeing newcomers around!

      Delete
  13. Wow, look at the size of that mug! Haha, great photos of a wonderful day it looks like :) Love seeing such a strong bond of family and friendship. You look wonderful too in that lovely print dress! Great job with the pretty ponytail too

    The Dragonfruit Diaries

    ReplyDelete
  14. I don't remember if I wished you a happy birthday at the proper time, but if not: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, JO!!

    You look absolutely gorgeous in the pictures, Jo. Love your make-up in the last pic, the cat-eye suits you! The food pictures are lovely, as always. You know, it's really hard to take a tasty-looking picture of a plate filled with food. Somehow the colours always look weird, or the sauce looks blubby or the vegetables mushy... It's a real art to take pretty pictures of food. There are very few people I know who can do it, and you're one of them.

    Those are all Belgian beers, by the way (*proud!*) I don't like Kriek (the cherry beer) either. It's a typical beer for women because it's so sweet and fruity (and yes, sometimes it does taste a little bit chemical). I prefer my beer to be bitter, though, and to still taste the hop and the grains. Buh, Kriek.
    ---
    RYCs: Thanks for the comments, Jo, I'm glad you took the time to go through my backlog of posts eventhough you're a busy lady. I'm still thinking about the Bibi-makeover. Having washed my hair for the first time, some of the harsher reds have washed out (as was to be expected) so it isn't as red anymore. More like a chestnutty brown, actually.

    As for your comment on the zoo-post, I thought: "let's write a post Kevin-style!" So then I did. It was nice for a change but not really me. Going to leave that type of post to the master :) Anyhow, I do see myself as a mum rather than as a wife, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to have a meaningful relationship with a man, someday in my life. It's just something that I don't have a lot of experience with, so it's hard to imagine. Then again, I have even less experience being a mum so in the end, that motivation still doesn't make sense.

    (Also, if you know any uni/college students-to-be, feel free to share the post ^^)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No worries about the wishing my dear. I think I'm forever late in my updates that people get so confused. Thank you for all the lovely words! I didn't know I take good food pictures but I often have friends passing the camera to me when taking food pictures, saying in jest that they might not be up to my standard. I do see lots of better food pictures around! Yes yes, full of Belgian beer. If you do ever come to Singapore, you could check out this Belgian bistro and bar to see how authentic is it! I love my beer really smooth and refreshing.

      Seriously when I saw the zoo post, I thought of Turtle-style! Ah yes, I get what you mean about the relationship. And hmm... I think I might just share your post since you are fine with it! =D

      Delete
  15. loveee! aww heart these belated birthday pics.. i'm always delayed with my pics too.. but i love love seeing the joy of you celebrating your birthday :)

    i love looking at girls too hahahaha especially when it's a sea of girls tehehe :p

    OMGOSH you and i would get along at a french restaurant sosooo well! everything you ordered are my favorite french foods.. foie gras and duck confit.. is EXACTLY what i always order as appetizers and entree!! yum :p

    ohh it was a bachlorette party.. because 2 of the girls are getting married. so the bridesmaids actually got each girl the attended the weekend in vegas our very own personalized bag with our name on it with all the snacks and goodies inside.. it was very sweet :

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha... Your posts are not as belated as mine! If we ever have our paths crossed, we should so go and pig out together with our hubz too coz I think we gals and they boys would have lots to yak about! And wow, the personalized bag and the thought of customizing it is just so sweet.

      Delete
  16. Happy (very) belated bday. I'm glad you're feeling better again :D. You are so lucky to have all your beloved ones around to celebrate. The food looks so yummy. I'd love to try the duck confit.

    xx Mira

    www.glamdevils.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the sweet words and wishes, dear. =)

      Delete
  17. O wow, you look gorgeous, and what a celebration! I'm glad you had such an awesome time(s) and I trust you're well on the mend now :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well on the mend I hope. I have chronic gastrointestinal issues for the past 2 years but I'm trying to adapt. Thank you for the sweet words. =D

      Delete
  18. happy belated birthday! sounds like you were REALLY sick! -_- and french food is so good haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your concern, dear. Appreciate it! =)

      Delete
  19. Happy belated birthday! It looks like you had a really awesome time. Friends and food, there's nothing better. I adore your birthday ensemble! That dress is so pretty on you, you lovely girl!

    May the Force be with you.
    Persephone

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Did you change your blogger name? I would have thought it was another person if not for your profile pic and sign off line. Hehehe... Thank you for your lovely words, sweetie. =)

      Delete
  20. Happy belated birthday! Looks like you had such a great time! These photos are so fun! You look gorgeous too, I love your hair and dress! Also looks like the food was yummy!

    I followed you on instagram and bloglovin! I'm @chessabond on instagram!

    Francesca

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Francesca for your sweet comment and for following. I followed you too. You are such a sweetie with lovely writing and photos.

      Delete
  21. You are blessed with great family and friends and they are blessed to have you. I wish you could enjoy the celebrations without having to deal with the illnesses. You are very strong.

    How does that beer glass look so big in your hands and just normal in kh's??? Were there two glasses? :)

    KFC! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your kind words, Rick. =) My gastrointestinal problem has become chronic since it started 2 years ago (or even more). Just that the intensity and frequency have increased lately. I'm trying to get used to it and treat it as part of my life.

      I didn't notice it until you mentioned and even thought it could be 2 different glasses when I read your comment from my email. OMIGOSH, yes you are right! I think it's the angle and also his hands are a lot bigger than mine and my hands are really very small too.

      Delete
  22. Happy Belated birthday hehe! Looked like you had a great celebration with your friends ^^
    The chocolate and hazelnut dessert looks amazingg its making me hungryyy :o
    Your friends are so cute with the presents and everything + your dress looks amazing and you look really gorgeous~

    xx
    www.beautifyinglifee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for dropping by and leaving me a lovely note, Fifi. I really love seeing newcomers around. Hope to see you around more often. =)

      Delete

I love reading sincere comments and hearing your voice. While blatant self promotion of blogs and follow for follow requests are not advisable, I would love if you leave a mark here with a trackback link so that I could connect with you. I reply to comments here or on your blog so don't forget to check back on replies! =)

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...