Fun New Zealand Travel

May
23

Why I feel healthier in New Zealand than in Singapore?

No Comments | posted in Activity,Life,Sharing by DoRiS at 5:20 pm

NatureThese few days, my old acid reflux problem came back, likely to be due to irregular meals again. Despite there are so much food around Singapore, most of the food are processed and not exactly healthy. It is really hard to find fresh food around, even most of the veggies are not considered fresh, at least in my standards.

I wrote the Kiwis’ Guide to Healthy Lifestyle in New Zealand last year to share why their lifestyle is so much healthier than here. Another factor that applies to me is definitely home-cooked food, the preparation process in particular. When eating outside, most of the veggies are not thoroughly cleaned (if it is even washed), as compared to cooking at home.

With most of our days spent outside, it is really hard to find time to prepare meals at home. Sometimes, I wash my organic tomatoes and bring them along and eat with my meals outside, or even just a snack. Usually I soak them in unprocessed Himalayan salt + filtered water for at least 30 minutes before rubbing it, and rinsing with filtered water again.

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May
22

Project 365: A happy photo a day brightens up every day!

No Comments | posted in Activity,Life,Sharing by DoRiS at 3:06 pm

ParentsAn apology to my regular readers for not updating my blog as frequently as I should have. Being busy is not an excuse, even though there is some truth to it. For those who have read my 30 before 30 list, these to-dos are keeping me occupied pretty much every day.

As part of my 30 before 30 plan, I decided to do a Project 365 (+1) for 2012, which is also my last year of being in the 20s before hitting my big 3. Honestly, the 19 to 20 phase did not felt like 10 years ago. Not that I am in denial, but I am still feeling like my 21-year-old self, probably with a lot more wisdom.

Thanks to modern technology, I have taken a fair bit of photos in the last 10 years to remind my twenties life. A part of me is quite excited about being 30, coz 30 is the new 20, with more wisdom, more time, more energy and more money. My next 10 years will definitely be better, and still feeling like in my 20s all the way!

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Jan
12

Jan 12 – Books / Library

No Comments | posted in Activity,Facts,Life by DoRiS at 3:11 pm

The Singapore Dating Guide Book for the new SG Independent Princess (SNIP)Just finished reading a book recommended by my girlfriend – The Singapore Dating Guide Book by The Dazzling Diva. It was an interesting read as it is more of a humour book then a guide book. Well, there are some truth to it.

Guess it is because I fit into the character of a Singapore New Independent Princess – SNIP!! It’s ok to be single as long as I am living a fun and fulfilling life.

When I was in New Zealand, the number of books I read annually were much lesser to when I am in Singapore. New books take longer to launch in New Zealand and the library is not exactly fully stocked.

I was a member of Palmerston North City Library and Manukau Library while I resided there. They were not bad, but did not have much books on the genre I like.

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Jan
9

Jan 9 – Turf Appreciation at Golf Course

No Comments | posted in Activity,Life,Nature by DoRiS at 12:46 pm

Turf appreciation at Golf Course

Needed to do some reading of a very boring topic today. Took a nap instead of reading them yesterday, so decided to get out of my house to somewhere else. Wanted to sit at a nice quiet cafe with a great greenery view. Hence, went to my favourite golf course in Singapore – Warren Golf and Country Club.

It took me a 10 weeks of working at a golf course during summer to truly understand and appreciate turf. Read about my experience at Gulf Harbor Country Club Golf Course here. Previously, I do not think much about golf or golf courses. Well, since it’s there for so long, there must be people using it. I had no issues and was not bothered by it.

Today, whenever I pass by a golf course, I will take a peep (since I don’t have country club membership) at their landscape. Maintenance of a golf course is totally challenging! That’s why the country club and green fees are so pricey for a full 18-hole golf course. There are so many issues that a non-greenkeeper will never think of!

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Jan
7

Jan 7 – Terrarium / Glasshouse

1 Comment | posted in Activity,Life,Nature by DoRiS at 2:59 pm

TerrariumToday is my first time making a terrarium. Have been wanting to go for this workshop for 3 years, and finally went for it. Can consider this as the fun and different activity for 2012 Week 1. Check something off my to-do list in 30 before 30. It is such an awesome experience that I am considering going for terrarium-making again, probably next year.

There are 3 layers in terrarium substrate – gravel drainage layer, sterilised approved soil mixture and perlite mulch. Managed to squeeze 2 species of Fittonia in it. Pretty plant and most suitable for terrarium and indoors! Got 1 with pink venation and another with red venation. There is also the other with light green venation (which is not as pretty).

Terrarium is becoming one of those pretty must-have deco in homes and offices. Well, since the odds of me owning a glasshouse is quite slim, I shall make do with terrariums for the next few decades of my life first. Start small, and slowly up-size the terrarium and plant species. Maybe can get a vivarium in the future too! Not a big fan of aquarium though.

Visited several glasshouses in New Zealand – on campus, in gardens and even orchards. One memorable glasshouse is the place where they planted tomatoes and capsicums (if I remembered correctly) for a University trip. Can’t find my photos for that trip. It was huge, but not exactly a glamourous looking place.

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