Chjimes is one of the picturesque places here in Singapore. It was once a church and all girls school, now it is a pretty spot to have a meal (and take lots of pictures of course!). It houses some of the atas and hippest stores. What caught my eye in Chjimes were not the pubs and dainty cute restaurants, but the Japanese restaurant that had Tokyo’s Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2015-2018.


Ramen is all over Singapore and there are a lot of ramen shops here that sells good ramen. What piqued my interest is this particular ramen store which holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand title for their Shio and Shoyu ramen for 3 years. I figured it must be something good. My husband willingly obliged for he too is a fan of a good ramen.

It is a small store with a limited seating both indoor and outdoor because of the evident line. In Singapore, if there's a line, it is an indication of something good or something interesting. We queued up and waited for our turn to be called.


We ordered a Shoyu Ramen to share (we were still full from the snacks we ate) and a rice bowl for our son to devour (he's very energetic, hence always hungry).


I did a little research, what sets Konjiki Hototogisu apart from other ramen shops is their broth. Aside from the common tonkotsu broth (which everyone love!), their Michelin Bib Gourmand ramen consists of a special broth made of Hamaguri clams and pork. 


Shoyu Hamaguri Ramen

Shoyu Hamaguri Ramen

The ramen was tasty and delicious. The broth was not as milky as the tonkotsu one, but with more depth of flavor. The noodle (which is a black truffle one) was tasty as well. There was murkines in the broth because of the oil particles, but little do I know that it was porcini oil and flakes. That's why it has that much savory umami taste.


Chasu Rice Bowl


My son's chasu bowl was kinda small, kiddie portion to be exact. No, it is not a kiddie meal, but a regular side I guess. It is a small bowl of chahan topped with torched chasu slices. My kid loved it. As an adult, the portion is too small for its price.


OVERALL


I loved what we ordered at Konjiki Hototogisu.In reality, it is hard to find a bad ramen store here in Singapore so most ramen places tastes the same (same tonkotsu base more or less). I would love to try the Shio Ramen just for comparison (I bet it also taste great!).


DISCLAIMER:
This is not a sponsored post. I paid for all the meals we ate. Everyone has different preferences and opinions. All opinions expressed are based on the my experiences and palate. Indulge at one's own risk.

One good thing here in Singapore is that breakfast fare are available all day. Ever since moving to Singapore, I learned to love a good ol' toast sandwich. You can find the staple kaya toast sandwiches everywhere in Singapore. Eating kaya toast or sweet toasts all day everyday can tire out your palate, so unique flavored sandwiches are a warm welcome to foodies like me.


Eggstop is a quaint store that mainly sell thick sandwiches with savory fillings. Their menu is not as extensive as other stores, but that's the beauty of it. If you are tired of eating sugar-filled sanwiches, Eggstop got you covered for they mainly serve savory sandwiches.

They opened a small store in Paya Lebar Square. They currently have 6 sandwiches that you can try namely, Beef Teriyaki, Turkey Bacon and Cheese, Chicken Ham and Cheese, Spicy Corn and Cheese, Smoked Chicken and Classic Tuna.


My old foodie self (without the dairy restriction) would have ordered everything in the menu and tried them for you guys. For now, I ordered two for us to try. I ordered the Beef Teriyaki (lesser evil) and the Chicken Ham and Cheese.


Beef Teriyaki Sandwich

The sandwich consists of thin beef slices with their signature sauce nesting in two soft thick slices of bread, topped with an egg yolk. I asked the staff to remove the yolk.


VERDICT: 4/5
The sandwich is savoringly delicious! It is like a teriyaki gyudon in a sandwich. The price is a little bit reasonable given that there is generous amount of beef. Overall, $6 for a sandwich for me is a bit steep, it'll be considered an indulgence.


Chicken Ham and Cheese

The sandwich consists of a chicken ham slice, cheese, scrambled eggs and their signature sauce. This one is for my husband, and he told me he liked it. I did took a little bite (sorry Daxton!) and it tastes like your favorite ham and cheese sandwich.


VERDICT: 3/5
It is quite basic yet filling. The price is also a bit steep for a basic sandwich. Flavor-wise, it can be a good grub for hungry people.


OVERALL:
Eggstop is a sandwich store that sells good savory sandwiches. Their prices are a bit higher than a normal sandwich, which compensates for the depth of flavor and taste. I wouldn't mind buyimg another sandwich from them if I am hungry and wanted a filling snack.

Good News! They recently opened a new store in Chinatown. If you are a tourist visiting the Chinatown area, you can try this one out. I bet it is a good snack to bring while strolling around the area.

DISCLAIMER:
This is not a paid/sponsored post. All information present here are based on the author's views and opinion.

What is your favorite sandwich? Let's hear them in the comments below.

Here in Singapore, Chinese New Year is a big holiday celebrated island-wide. It is usually a 2 day holiday or even a week long holiday for most of our friends with traditional Chinese roots. So, what are your plans this Chinese New Year holiday? I will share with you some ideas I have in mind.


Most people have it already planned when it was released that it'll be a 2 day holiday. You see, February 5 and 6  2019 were declared a holiday, which falls on a Tuesday and Wednesday. If you are a budget traveller (or a wise one), you'll be filing your leave to maximize the whole week, which will give you a 9-day holiday (Feb 2-10). It'll just cost you 3 paid leaves to enjoy the 9 day holiday. YAY!!


So, where can you go on a 9-day holiday? This is the best time to check off some places on your bucket list. If you have saved up and ready to go, there's the US, UK, Europe and Japan trip just to name some. But for us, budget travellers, these trips need more in depth planning and saving up to do, so they are still out of the picture (maybe someday).

If big and expensive trips are out of the picture, I'll share with you other places that you can go for a holiday. I made a list long before of places you can visit this Lunar year holiday. Here are some suggestions:

I have taken into consideration that most places with a strong Chinese community will probably be on a holiday as well, so most establishments will be closed. Hongkong, Taiwan, Singapore, and most of China for example. Here in Singapore, most hawker places and restaurants are closed for days due to the holiday.

If you are just planning it last minute, like us, don't worry. I have taken into consideration that flying out is not an option due to budget constraints and that no paid leaves will be used (that has been allocated on a different holiday). Here are some doable places you can visit to enjoy the Chinese New Year holiday:

1. Johor Bahru

 Johor Bahru is a popular place for Singaporeans to go. It is near and accessible by a highway. A trip down there calls for an enjoyable road trip. A word of caution, the highway can get clogged up, especially during the weekends. The influx of people crossing the border, undergoing two immigration stops, you can expect a bit of waiting time to cross.


Some things you can enjoy in Johor Bahru are Legoland Malaysia, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and the newly opened Desaru Coast Waterpark. If waterparks and theme parks are not your thing, fret not because you can also enjoy shopping at Johor Bahru's outlet stores and eat your way along Johor.

2. Batam, Indonesia

Batam is also just a stone throw away from Singapore. You can easily drop by Batam via ferry. Batam is known for a place to unwind and relax for hey have beaches, rich food culture and best affordable spas.


Your Singaporean Dollars have better purchasing power versus the Indonesian Rupee. Most Singaporean escape to Batam for spa excursions, food tripping and a bit of shopping. 

3. Bintan, Indonesia

Same as Batam, Bintan is also near Singapore, just a ferry ride away. Bintan is a bit further down Batam. Bintan is known as a beach haven for they have nice beaches and resorts. Bintan is a bit pricey than Batam because they are more detached to the city. You are looking for more of an island vibe, Bintan is the way to go.


We have been to Bintan Lagoon and I must say we enjoyed our stay there. It was a great way to unwind and chill after a weeklong city hustle.

If you are in no mood to get out of Singapore, there are a lot of places you can check out in the island. There are a lot of celebrations island-wide that you can join in. Just be informed that most places to eat and stores are closed for days here.

It's exactly 12 days before Christmas. While most are busy opening their presents/advent calendars, I decided to join in the trend. Instead of opening presents, I decided to jump start my metabolism by doing a fitness challenge.


It's been almost two years since I had a good workout routine. I attempted several times post pregnancy, but my hormones keep messing me up. My appetite was out of control, adding the fact that I am fully breastfeeding, my metabolism was hibernating.

To start off one of my goals for 2019, I am doing a 12 days of fitness challenge to shake things up. Here's my plan:

Day 1 (That's today!) - 1 full run at the oval near the community center
Day 2 (Dec 14) - Push up exercise for at least 14 minutes (10 modified pushup and 3 full pushup).
Day 3 (Dec 15) - Finish one Insanity routine. THIS.IS.INSANE.
Day 4 (Dec 16) - Abs Exercises for 16 minutes. 4 variety of ab exercise.
Day 5 (Dec 17) - Arm Exercise with weights for 17 minutes.
Day 6 (Dec 18) - Push up Exercise for 18 minutes
Day 7 (Dec 19) - Squats (using weights) for 19 minutes
Day 8 (Dec 20) - Ab Exercise for 20 mins doing 4 variety.
Day 9 (Dec 21) - Arm Exercise (with weights) for 21 minutes
Day 10 (Dec 22) - Finish one Insanity routine. Let's check my stamina here.
Day 11 (Dec 23) - 2 full run at the oval near the community center
Day 12 (Dec 24) - Squats (using weights) for 24 mins.

If you'll observe, There are 6 types of exercises namely running, squats, arms, pushup, abs and cardio. My weak points will be running, arms and pushup (cardio, if I can actually last the Insanity workout). I strategically placed exercises I'm struggling at the earlier days. Adding the Insanity routine is a bit ambitious, so we'll see how far I can go from there.


The goal of this challenge is to jump start my metabolism (and to sweat buckets!). One of my goals for 2019 is to get back on exercising and modifying my eating habits so I could lose the pregnancy weight.

If you also want to do the challenge, feel free to use this (or modify to your preference). I'll update my progress on Instagram (follow me @carolranas) using the hashtag #12daysofxmasfitness #becarol.

Let the Fitness Challenge begin!



-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE:

If you have been following my instagram stories, I've been posting this challenge there. I even made a highlight on my profile page. Anyway, I just want to update my blog readers on what went down on this challenge.

I was able to do diligently up until Day 6. Day 7 - 9 was a bit of a struggle. Sadly, I did not make it to Day 10 - 12. Time constraint and procrastination were the culprit (I'll mix in the holiday spirit as well). Day 12 was our flight back to Manila for the holidays. Few days before that, we were busy packing (and shopping) for gifts and pasalubongs. I know those are just excuses, I really fell short of motivation.

LESSON: Buy cute active wear outfits so I'll look good in my insta stories. HAHAHA!
Kidding aside, I learned that procrastination got the best of me. I modified the challenge from the start so as towards the end of the challenge, I would still be able to do it. AND I DID NOT.

My cute baby was a big help because he joined me in my exercises. My friends and sisters were happy watching the video because of him. My sisters even reminded me of the challenge, just because they miss seeing the cute baby hanging out with me while I exercise. (WATCH MY INSTAGRAM STORIES HIGHLIGHTS SO YOU'LL SEE). 

Goal for 2019, END PROCRASTINATION! Be more productive on all aspects. ^_^

Hope you had fun with the challenge as much as I did. I am now researching for other challenges that I can do to increase my productivity (and to feel good about myself as well).




 

It's exactly 12 days before Christmas. While most are busy opening their presents/advent calendars, I decided to join in the trend. Instead of opening presents, I decided to jump start my metabolism by doing a fitness challenge.


It's been almost two years since I had a good workout routine. I attempted several times post pregnancy, but my hormones keep messing me up. My appetite was out of control, adding the fact that I am fully breastfeeding, my metabolism was hibernating.

To start off one of my goals for 2019, I am doing a 12 days of fitness challenge to shake things up. Here's my plan:

Day 1 (That's today!) - 1 full run at the oval near the community center
Day 2 (Dec 14) - Push up exercise for at least 14 minutes (10 modified pushup and 3 full pushup).
Day 3 (Dec 15) - Finish one Insanity routine. THIS.IS.INSANE.
Day 4 (Dec 16) - Abs Exercises for 16 minutes. 4 variety of ab exercise.
Day 5 (Dec 17) - Arm Exercise with weights for 17 minutes.
Day 6 (Dec 18) - Push up Exercise for 18 minutes
Day 7 (Dec 19) - Squats (using weights) for 19 minutes
Day 8 (Dec 20) - Ab Exercise for 20 mins doing 4 variety.
Day 9 (Dec 21) - Arm Exercise (with weights) for 21 minutes
Day 10 (Dec 22) - Finish one Insanity routine. Let's check my stamina here.
Day 11 (Dec 23) - 2 full run at the oval near the community center
Day 12 (Dec 24) - Squats (using weights) for 24 mins.

If you'll observe, There are 6 types of exercises namely running, squats, arms, pushup, abs and cardio. My weak points will be running, arms and pushup (cardio, if I can actually last the Insanity workout). I strategically placed exercises I'm struggling at the earlier days. Adding the Insanity routine is a bit ambitious, so we'll see how far I can go from there.


The goal of this challenge is to jump start my metabolism (and to sweat buckets!). One of my goals for 2019 is to get back on exercising and modifying my eating habits so I could lose the pregnancy weight.

If you also want to do the challenge, feel free to use this (or modify to your preference). I'll update my progress on Instagram (follow me @carolranas) using the hashtag #12daysofxmasfitness #becarol.

Let the Fitness Challenge begin!

Thanksgiving weekend is fast approaching. Everyone is busy for it is one of the busiest time of the year (crazy black friday and cyber monday sales). Evenwith all the buzz, we should remember what this Thanksgiving holiday represents.


Thanksgiving is a celebration of the things we are thankful for this year. In the Filipino culture, Thanksgiving is not widely practiced. I do believe that Thanksgiving is as important as the Christmas holiday. It is good to stop for a moment and reflect on the things we are grateful for.

In spite of tough times and crazy frenzy in these times, I'd like to share with you some of the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for family.

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

They say that family is everything, and it is true. God have blessed me my own family, a loving husband and a wonderful son. Even with the imperfections we each have, I am happy to have them in my life. Also, my family circle have grown. I know that not all families are the same, mine is no different as well. We were able to work with the difficulties.

I am thankful for the time I get to spend with family. 

Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash

I am a stay-at-home wife and hands-on mom. I am grateful for my husband because I was able to be both. We both have worked out our situation into something great. Leaving a career (or your home country) is not easy. But now, I am happy to take care of them. I get to spend a lot of time with my son and also take care of  my husband. Seeing my son grow to be a happy person is priceless. It may look easy, but I tell you it is hardwork.

I am thankful we are in Singapore

Photo by Sven Scheuermeier on Unsplash

My husband was fortunate to land a good job here in Singapore. We are able to be together and live comfortably in Singapore. Growing up in a third world country, we were raised to be resilient despite the worsening condition of our country. But living in a first world country opened my eyes. There are more to life that we deserve, if we look (and work) really hard for it. A clean and safe environment for my family to thrive and live in. A place where you feel good being a dutiful citizen and paying taxes because of what you can enjoy with it (efficient transport system, clean and safe surroundings).

I am thankful for the comfortable lifestyle we have.

I know most of you know the horror stories of Filipinos working abroad. Most of them are working their asses off 6 days a week for 10-12 hours so they could send almost all of their earnings to their loved ones in the Philippines. Little do we know, the living expenses here in Singapore is high. Think of what they eat everyday here if almost all their salary goes to the Philippines? I assume none or not so healthy processed food.

It is the sad state that one cannot control. So I'm thankful that we are able to live an okay life here in one of the most expensive cities (with me not having to work yet). This is not to brag, but just to appreciate what we have been given.

I am thankful for a wonderful opportunity that came our way.

Experiencing the perks and opportunities the first world countries offer, I can't help but reach and dream higher. Singapore is a good place to raise a family, if you can get a permanent resident visa or even citizenship. As of the current statistics, it is near impossible for a foreign family like us to be granted permanent residency here. The cost of living here is way too expensive to sustain a growing family for a foreigner.

Photo by Joël de Vriend on Unsplash

So we are venturing other countries that are more open to us in terms of permanent residency. I am quite ambitious to say that I yearn for that dual citizenship status where I get to enjoy the benefits the first world people enjoys. Call me spoiled, but free health care and education for my son sounds like a good deal to me.

Photo by Ty Williams on Unsplash

Don't get me wrong, this post is not here for me to brag. This is to acknowledge the things that I am grateful this year. I am lucky that God has given me these things. I am trying to see the positive despite of all the noise and negative things in this world. If you personally know me, I am a big worrier and I get stressed easily by the little things. Having your own family makes you appreciate what you have instead of being stressed on the things that you don't have. Being grateful and positive is something that I've been working on this whole year.

What are you thankful for this year?