Bits & Pieces

Dearest Readers and Friends,

After a few years of mauling on the idea of writing a book, and another year or so of sitting on the idea… my first book "Lessons from 15,000 First Dates" is going to be launched!

I know some of you have been following my blogs for years. And some of you have been providing me with lots of support and encouragement as well as advice. So, to thank you for your love, support and encouragement all these years, I would like to invite you to my book launch party which will be held sometime soon in Singapore…

If you are interested to come and celebrate with me, leave a comment below to indicate your interest, and I will email you your invite as well as more details closer to the event.

Meanwhile, keep well and happy dating!

Love, Violet

As the saying goes, 'a picture speaks a thousand words'… I shall let the photos do the talking…!

We were warmly welcomed at the airport. Our transport for the next few days will be the minivan! From the airport to the hotel, managed to capture some street scene of HK!

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When we arrived at The Mira (the gorgeous hotel that we are putting up for the next 3 nights, we were warmly welcomed by their hospitality team.

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And when I got into my room, I was suitably impressed!

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And being the gadget-crazy person I am, I simply love all the gadgets in the room!

1) Do you see the mobile phone below? It's a mobile phone that you can bring with you wherever you go and if someone calls you at the hotel, you can pick up the call even though you are out shopping! How cool is that?

2) And there is a super big flat screen which is connected to a PC, and you can use it to go online!

3) Check out the wireless keyboard. So you can access the Internet from the comfort of your bed!

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Love the hotel that we are staying in. It's so cozy and comfortable that sometimes, I contemplate staying in rather than going out!

Dearest Readers,

To those of you who have voted for me in the Singapore Blog Awards 2010, a big big thank you to you…!  

I won!!!

The presentation ceremony was held at Movida, St James Power Station. And by the time I got there, the place was packed. Looking around, I felt rather old… as the crowd looks really young.

Am really honoured to be the winner as there are some really great blogs being featured in the same category – 'Most Insightful Blog'.

When I first registered for this contest, I had no idea what the prizes are… so this is actually the biggest surprise when I received my prizes…

The prizes consist of:

1) Asus Eee PC Netbook

2) A trip to HK sponsored by Hong Kong Tourism Board

3) A 3 days 2 nights hotel stay in Phuket

I am actually blogging this entry from my new netbook! Have always wanted a netbook!

And am looking forward to the HK trip. I actually agreed to take part in the 'bath tub' race which is part of the dragon boat race. I am not sure what I have gotten myself into! Well, I will definitely blog about it and tell you more.

Anyway, here's one of the few photos I took at the ceremony today. Me holding up my trophy!

Dearest Readers,

I am now herworld.com's Relationship Q&A Expert! Felt very honoured when I was first approached by herworld.com to be on their panel of experts. It's definitely a wonderful opportunity to share my insights and knowledge. Am really glad that I am given another avenue to help more single and dating ladies out there!

If you have any pressing questions about love, dating and relationships, please do visit herworld.com to drop me a question. You might also find out that someone else has already asked a question similar to yours, and the question is right there!

Thank you for your support all these while, and am looking forward to writing more insightful blog posts! Btw, if you have not registered to vote yet, please vote for me at the Singapore Blog Awards 2010 under "Most Insightful Blog" category. Thanks in advance!

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

This morning, I received a fantastic surprise! I found out that I am one of the finalists in the Singapore Blog Awards under the 'Most Insightful Blog' category! When I first read about this award, I thought I would just register my blog at a whim. Hence, I am really honoured to be selected as one of the finalists from the 1000s of nominations!

So my dear readers, please vote for me at http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/category/

Here are some quick step-by-step pointers…

1. If you are not a member of omy.sg, you just need to join as one. The process is short and quick, would take you less than 2 minutes.

2. After signing up as a member and confirming your registration via the email link they send you, go to http://sgblogawards.omy.sg/category/ and choose 'Most Insightful Blog' category.

3. You will see my headshot, and the 'Vote' ribbon on it. Click on the ribbon, and NOT my face. Because if you click on my face, it would bring you to my blog.

4. After you click on the 'Vote' ribbon, you will be asked to confirm if you would like to vote for me. Click YES!

5, Then, the 'Vote' ribbon will change to say 'Voted'. And voila, you are done!

You can vote once a day for each award category. Please vote generously!

By voting, apart from supporting your favourite blogger , you also stand a chance to win some amazing prizes from omy.sg… Garmin Asus M10 smartphone, 3 days 2 nights holidays among others.

Thanks in advance for your votes! Have a wonderful week ahead!

Last weekend was one hectic and busy weekend!

Received a call from Mediacorp on Labour Day i.e. Saturday morning that they would like to do a shoot for the Channel 8 Evening News with regards to the public now being able to search up to 2 marital records for free per year. To find out more about this latest initiative, click here.

Then on Sunday evening, I rushed to Caldecott Hill after a quick dinner with Jamie and our friends, for the filming of Singapore Talking Episode 4 – “Is Marriage for Me?”

I have always enjoyed talk shows as it is a free and easy format where the host and guest can interact with one another and exchange views on the topic at hand.

I was invited as a panel speaker to this particular episode as they would like to get my expert views on why there are more and more singles in Singapore despite the fact that up to 80% of singles polled indicated that they would like to get married. The other invited panelists were Vanessa Fernandez (better known as Vandetta), a 987FM DJ and John Ng, mediation consultant and author of “Dim Sum for the Family”. And the host is Ashraf Safdar, a banker with UBS.

As there were 1 host, 3 panel speakers, and only 27 minutes to work with, we were advised to be succinct and concise.

It is an interesting discussion as John and I are obviously pro-marriage, and Vanessa does not believe in the institution of marriage. Personally, I respect that some people do not want to get married for X, Y, Z reasons. Because at the end of the day, it is a very personal choice. And we cannot force them. Though we can try to persuade and coax them.

I think another worrying trend is the people who really want to get married but are facing various challenges due to their profile or their dating preferences. Actually, unlike what many people think, these singles are not unattractive or ineligible.

I have highlighted some of these challenges on the show. I will post up the video link once it has been uploaded by Mediacorp.

Meanwhile, here are more photos…

Above: Getting some ‘touch up’ during the break.

Above: Having a chat with Ms. V during the break.

Above: Hmm, not a flattering shot… but oh well!

Above: And that’s the 4 of us… Vanessa, Violet, Ashraf & John!

So, what are your views? If you are not married, is marriage for you? Looking forward to hear your views!

April has been an amazing AMAZING month…

As pictures speak louder than words, here are some photos of what has taken place in this Amazing April!

Sometime in March, I received an email from Munkysuperstar Pictures, the company that is behind clicknetwork.tv. They asked if I am interested to be on Xiaxue’s Guide to Life show, to show her the ropes on matchmaking. I thought, “Why not?” I have always wanted to meet Xiaxue a.k.a. Wendy Cheng, the most famous blogger in Asia!

I had lots of fun during the shoot, trying to impart as much matchmaking knowledge as possible to Wendy in the shortest time possible.

This is Wendy putting what I have taught her to use…

Wendy and I!

A photo with Gillian = the lady behind the camera. And also the boss of Munkysuperstar!

And then on 8 April, I was invited by the lovely Mamiko (lady in red) to speak at the Abundant Women – Women PowerTalk Series! It was wonderful sharing my journey in entrepreneurship so far, sharing my tips and advice for budding women entrepreneurs, divulging some dating and relationship secrets that I have learnt along the way and also sharing on how I juggle career and family.

The ladies were really warm, supportive and encouraging, and I had lots of fun sharing and getting to know them!

Either I am really funny, or Mamiko is really happy and smiley (or both)! It was such a joy working with her!

And just yesterday, it was my “foray into acting” in a Mediacorp drama! Amazing isn’t it? I never thought that I would have a chance to be an ‘actress’! Haha! I was recommended by a friend to help out as a ‘consultant’ as well as ‘talent’ in this English drama due to my dating industry experience!

This is the first time I have been on a ‘TV drama set’. And it was really an eye-opening experience!

Here is the Director’s seat!

And here’s a photo of my 30 seconds of fame on the drama… delivering my one-liner.

Does he look familiar? That’s me and the lead actor 吴耀汉Richard Ng from Hong Kong! Had fun conversing with him in Cantonese. He was really amused with my profession.

And with the other lead actor from Malaysia – funny and jolly guy!

And finally… with the Director – Mr Chan!

Apart from having a great time at work, we also celebrated Princess Cara’s first birthday in April! On top of that, also combined a work trip with a short family trip with Jamie, my parents and Corum.

It was a jam-packed month where I learnt so so much!

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in April that I would like to share is…

“NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!”

Many of the things I am doing right now are things that I previously only dreamed of doing. As a little girl then, it then seemed like a faraway or even futile dream.

I am amazed and extremely thankful for all the opportunities I have been given to make a difference and to touch others’ lives. And I hope that this is something I will continuously be doing for the rest of my life.

Over the last few years, I have learnt that…

You CAN be whoever you want to be.

You CAN live your dreams.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM? You might have this great desire to achieve something in your life.

It might be starting your own business.

You might want to travel around the world.

You might want to make an impact and a difference in our world.

You might want to meet Mr Right, and not Mr Right Now.

You might wish to meet the right girl and settle down and start your own family.

You might want to have an incredibly fulfilling and happy marriage.

The truth is… yes, we CAN all live our dreams… if we want them enough.

Remember those new year resolutions we made? Or that dream that we have that we might have by now tucked into the corner of our mind. It’s time to make our dreams a reality. It’s time to put our plans into action.

Napoleon Hill once said,

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.”

Dearest friends, let’s not fall into the trap of procrastination again… let’s put our plans into action and pursue our dreams together!

加油哦！:)

Hi Violet,

I just attended your above workshop today. It is a very informative workshop. I have learnt a lot from your workshop. I will try out the things that you taught in your workshop.  I really appreciate your effort in imparting your knowledge to us. Thanks so much!

Have a great weekend!

C

Happiness is… receiving this note… in my mailbox after conducting a recent dating workshop – ‘How to Be, Meet and Choose The Right One’.

And it really made my day!

Have you realized that with a blink of an eye, we are already moving into the 2nd Quarter of 2010? Isn’t it amazing? It seems like just yesterday, that we ushered in the new year…

2010 has been an amazing year so far! Am feeling extremely thankful and blessed for all the wonderful things that have happened thus far.

Happiness is… being surprised!

One of the biggest surprises that I have received so far this year, apart from my surprise birthday party organised by my wonderful hubby is… to know that I have been nominated for The Singapore Women’s Weekly Great Women of Our Time Award 2010.

I was so shocked when I first received the call! To the person who nominated me, thank you very much for your vote of confidence and encouragement, I am truly touched!

Here are some photos from the photo shoot that was done at The Tapas Tree @ Clarke Quay.

With the very nice and friendly make-up artist!

With Christina, from SWW. I love this purple dress that the stylist brought!

These 2 young ladies were the ones who helped me change in and out of the various outfits!

With Christina & Candy from SWW!

I had lots of fun at the shoot. Am not sure which issue of SWW that I will be appearing on. Will keep you updated when I know…

Happiness is… reflecting on my goals for 2010, I am glad that I am making some progress on some of them. And for those that I have not started on, it’s really time to get started!

What about you? What were some of the goals that you have set out to achieve for this year?

Are you hoping to spend more time to widen your social circle? Or have you been thinking of attending more singles events or joining a dating service? Or is it spending more time with your loved ones? Or rekindling the romance between your spouse and yourself?

One quarter has passed… there is no better time to start than now! It’s time for us to revisit and re-look at those goals, and start taking concrete action and work on them.

Happiness is… often not the destination, but the journey. Not merely the results, but also the process.

We can achieve our goals! We can fulfill our dreams! As long as we put our heart and mind to it, we can do it!

Let’s jia-you!

Dearest Readers,

Just a short note to say hi… The reason I have not been updating for a while now is I have been busy at work, and also, we are in Beijing!

Jamie has never been to Beijing. Hence when we know that my alma mater is holding its Asia Forum this year in Beijing,

we jumped on the chance for a little holiday!

So far, it has been a blast! We are loving the weather. It even snowed on the first night we arrived! Have not enjoyed such cold weather since we last left university!

Will be back in Singapore next week, and will update you on some exciting news.

From Beijing, with love…

Just a quick note to wish all my dearest readers a very Happy Valentine’s Day and of course Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy New Year to all of you who celebrate the Lunar New Year!

Have a wonderful celebration!

I have signed up for the Standard Chartered Marathon 2009.

Before you get too excited… no, I did not sign up for the full marathon. Not even the half. I signed up for 10km.

If you are a seasoned marathon runner, you probably are thinking… “Chey…” Haha!

But if you know my fitness level… then you would think that I have gone out of my mind! The last time I did any real exercise was when I was 15 or 16, and that was like more than 10 years ago!

And if you are wondering…

“Why in the world then did you sign up for a 10km run?”

Well, I have wanted to start an exercise regime for the longest time, and I thought what would be a better way to jump start it than to set a goal? And that was why a few months ago, I decided to sign up for the run!

Did not push too much thought to it, until a couple of days ago…

I was thinking… oh no! I have not trained for it at all! Apart from getting a pair of swanky running shoes, I pretty much have not done anything.

I started to panic… What should I do? Should I drop out? But my pride did not allow me to… haha!

So, I came up with a plan… since I am going to torture myself, why not come up with a motivation plan?

Hence, I decided to run for a cause! To provide vaccination for 100 children in Bangladesh, a program supported by World Vision. And get my friends to support me. And the support has been overwhelming!

Instead of helping to vaccinate 100 kids, I have enough support to vaccinate 200 kids! Isn’t that amazing? I love my friends!

So, here I am. Just came back from my training. I know, I should have started months before…

Got my entry kit today, and saw the route map… looks pretty scary…

But I have a motivation… to help 200 kids!

Violet, you can do it! Jiayou! (Self-motivation!)

Watch this space, I will update you on how it went!

Did a press conference last week to release the survey findings of the ADAMS (Association of Dating Agencies and Matchmakers Singapore). One of the interesting findings was that quite a number of locals think that by having more foreigners in Singapore actually increase their dating opportunities.

Was interviewed on Razor TV. Check out the following 2 clips… they interviewed many locals and foreigners to ask what they think… really interesting!

They’re stealing our girls! (Foreigners dating Locals Pt 1)

A different kind of SPG (Foreigners dating Locals Pt 2)