The Rice Magician

If rice is your staple and you are ruffled by all the bad press linking white rice (short grain) to diabetes, fret not, you can have your rice by choosing from a variety of healthier choices while cutting down on rice consumption in general by taking on alternative healthy food such as wholegrain bread or wholegrain noodle.

At QQ Rice (aka The Rice Magician), you are spoiled for choice with the following selection of rice and their purported benefits as sourced from their website:

Purple Rice (211 kcal/100 gm)

"Once known as the prized grains served only to the royals in ancient China, this super-food has extremely high nutritional value which provides a higher level of vitamins, minerals and fiber than any bran rice. In addition, it contains a comprehensive range of amino acids, proteins, vegetable fats and essential trace elements needed by the body to improve the immune system and promote longevity."

Red Rice (211 kcal/100 gm)

"Red rice contains a variety of anthocyanins that give its bran a red color. These anthocyanins, which act as antioxidant, have properties to reduce inflammation, allergy and prevent risk of cancer.  With high iron content, red rice also helps the body to promote the creation of red blood cells, thus preventing anemia." 

Mixed Grain (208 kcal/100 gm)

"It was once mentioned that this rice combination was started off by a monk who mixed 10 different types of healthy grains collected through alms-giving. Since then, this colorful blend of nutrient-dense grains got popular as it stimulates appetite and provides balanced nutrition that aims to prevent arteriosclerosis, stroke, heart attack and cancers."

Brown Rice (199 kcal/100 gm)

"With only the outermost layer, the hull, being removed, brown rice retained its nutrient-dense bran and germ layers which are rich in Selenium and fibre to promote weight loss and prevent colon cancer."

Wheat Five (191 kcal/100 gm)

"Combining the essential nutriments from pearl barley, cereal, buckwheat, oats and red wheat, wheat five has an abundance of minerals and vitamins, particularly rich in Vitamin E which contributes in reducing the problem of asthma. Moreover, it can also help to balance cholesterol and protect the heart. To the females, pearl barley is effective in beautifying the looks through fairer and clearer skin." 

Click here to explore the range of products offered by QQ, including Oat Rice. 

Spotlight on: A Blog To Watch

A Blog To Watch is big on wristwatches. 

In this blog, you will get your fix on the world of watches as every brand of watches under the sun will find its way here. For example, you can find Reverie (from Singapore) and Bathys (from Hawaii). 

if you are looking for a watch to buy, then a great place to start would be Review followed by your selection of: Watch Reviews Over $500 and Watch Reviews Under $500.

Do checkout their Giveaways and find out more on how you can participate with the chance of winning a free watch. No kidding.

Uplifting Epic Music

Music transcends words and has the power to move us. 

Click here for Most Beautiful Music Ever: "Everdream" by Epic Soul Factory.

Here is an extracted comment from the composer himself:-

"Hi, I'm Cesc Vilà, the composer of this track. 

I just wanted to let you know how important is for me to read all your beautiful comments. To read that someone can feel more relax or empowered and even that this music can help you a little bit to endure your struggle with depression, is something that's beyond what a composer could ask for and makes me feel a sense of purpose and a strength to move on with my life too. 

Sadly, sometimes we (myself) are knock out by many circumstances..., and although we all know that eventually things will pass, it's really hard to move on. At such dark times it is good to cling to what life gives to us..., it may be an idea, a dream, a song..., or even a series of warm comments in a video on you tube (that's the case). Anything goes to keep going on, to return back to our light.

I just wanted to show you my gratitude and also encourage you all. Feel free to listen to my track Suns and Stars (Really Slow Motion). It's there on you tube. Not propaganda. I think that track really can help you also to feel empowered, uplifted and happy..., even if just makes you smile or dream for a second, it will be worthwhile :)

Thanks also to HDSounDI for sharing my work. 

See you soon ^_^ "

Click here for a refill with Really Slow Motion & Epic Soul Factory - The Best of album SIGMA | Epic Hits | Epic Music VN.

The following epic music by Thomas Bergersen might also be of interest to you, especially: Immortal, Sonera, Casablanca, Ocean Princess and Compass. 

Click here for The Best of Thomas Bergersen | 1-Hour Epic Music Mix | Epic Hits | Epic Music VN.

Finally (for now), the following clip would provide a visual insight and background on how such epic music are produced where everyone from the conductor to the musicians and choir fulfill their respective roles to roll out the composer's vision of sound and emotions. Feel the vibrancy and energy.

Click here for Lord of the Rings Soundtrack live Orchestra HQ audio.


An orchestra is a metaphor of life where each of us play our part and create, well, a symphony of musical harmony if we follow our Maker's design and purpose for our respective lives.

Orchestra Cover of Popular Songs + Simply Three

Sit back, relax and let orchestral music wow you with their rendition of popular songs such as the following two:

I Gotta Feeling - Orchestra  


'A Sky Full Of Stars' - Coldplay - Orchestral 


Making it three, click here to check out the videos of Simply Three (yes, they are into strings instruments).

I think Simply Three's Rain would be perfect for you if you are feeling pensive or it is raining right now wherever you are.

Coffee Spill

Every coffee spill is unique and may not take any particular recognisable form.

The following random spill was a surprise find. You can see the creative you poised to illuminate like a light bulb.

There are certain things which you are very good at when you develop your gifting. It could be the way you dribble a ball, bake cakes that standout in texture and flavour or the ability to built rapport with other people quickly.

Be the best of version of yourself, and keep improving what you are good at by exploring new possibilities and testing them to see if it works. As you take the lead with the unique skills that you bring to the table of life, you will enrich the life experiences of other people just as others have enriched yours.

There is no end to creativity and innovation. We have come a long way from cave men and barbarians carrying clubs and swords to the cities we now live in with smart hand phones and internet connectivity. 

Even a coffee cup such as the following would attest to our expanding and progressive march forward as you turn it around:-

Coffee Bean power

Make your move. The world is waiting for you.

Probably the Best Duet Ever

If you are in the mood for a heart rending piece of duet blending the powerful emotive vocals of Alecia Beth Moore (Pink) with the distinctive rhythmic vocals of Nate Ruess, or you are figuring out your love relationship which is just bent but not broken, then this music video is just for you, adding to the 760+ million views as of this writing.

Click here for P!nk - Just Give Me A Reason ft. Nate Ruess.

As for the man up-close with Pink in the video, the following extract from Wikipedia would illuminate:-

"Pink met professional motocross racer Carey Hart at the 2001 X Games in Philadelphia. Following a brief separation in 2003, Pink proposed to Hart in June 2005 during a Mammoth Lakes motocross race; she was "assisting" in his race and wrote "Will You Marry Me? I'm serious!" on a pit board. He initially didn't notice and continued on for another lap. When he did notice later, he veered off the track to accept right then. She then made him finish the race because she wouldn't marry a loser. They married in Costa Rica on January 7, 2006.

After months of speculation, Pink announced in February 2008, that she and Hart had separated. Hart subsequently appeared in the video for her 2008 song "So What",which deals with their separation. The couple sought marriage counseling during their separation in hopes of reconciliation. In February 2010, Pink confirmed that she and Hart were back together. Hart appears with Pink in the music video for her songs "Just Give Me a Reason" and "True Love".

In November 2010, Pink announced on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that she and Hart were expecting their first child. In June 2011, she gave birth to their daughter. In December 2016, she gave birth to their second child, a son."

May it be, as with Pink, that your bent love relationship would be restored and worked out, moving forward.

The No. 1 French Butter

Further to my post of 10 June 2017 "Only French Butter Allowed", I have remained clueless as to what kind of French butter would be used at Tiong Bahru Bakery until today's revelation at NTUC Fairprice Xtra hypermarket that one likely selection would be: President.

After all, President butter is too French to be overlooked based on its popularity in France.

Real butter; with 80% butter fat

Contains no preservatives

Versatile, soft cheese with a buttery and creamy taste!

Food pairing with baguettes, cold meats, nuts,
sweet fruits, jams and honey

Whipping cream used by top French chefs

Butter and Cheese - Take your pick!

Standing Tall and Cool as No. 1

36th UOB Painting of the Year Competition 2017

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
- Edgar Degas

Some selected pieces from this year's competition is exhibited here for your refreshing:-

One Life
By Sukit Choosri, Thailand
(2017 UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year)

"One Life aims to open the mind to see beyond the immediate." In particular, the shadow of a decaying tree is cast over the lady's body, portraying the transience of life.

I Thought, We Can Stay Strong Like Stones
By Chok Yue Zan
(2017 UOB Painting of the Year: Established Artist Category - Malaysia)

In this portrait of his family, Mr Cheok recreated it from an old family photo to depict the passing of time along with the drastic change his hometown forest in the background.

Triumph Over Heavy Blows
By Abu Jalal Bin Sarimon
(Gold: Established Artist Category - Singapore)

This is a portrait of leaders who had "...hit rock-bottom, only to rise again and claw their way back to the top by overcoming adverse circumstances." 

Movement of Earth
By Byun Si Jae
(Silver: Established Artist Category - Singapore)

This artwork "focuses on the relationship between nature and architecture, and bridges the two elements through the use of ink and acrylic on layers of transparent silk."

Diskusi (Discussion)
By Alvian Anta Putra
(Most Promising Artist of the Year - Indonesia)

This artwork "captures how technology has created a cultural shift that has made people virtually close to one another; but in reality man has drifted further apart."

Three Worlds
By Yang Kaiwen
(Most Promising Artist of the Year - Singapore)

"We constantly live in a dream of our own reality, surrounded by the all-pervasive and intangible sense of indifference. In life, the three worlds may collide but will never meet."

Overlooked
By Cindy Evangeline
(Gold: Emerging Artist Category - Singapore)

"The delicate and fragile glass vessels, each a metaphor of an individual's soul, are easily overlooked due to their transparency. Viewers can only understand the true nature of human emotions by looking deeper into the hidden cracks."  

Dreaming of Old Shanghai
By Yong Wee Loon
(Silver: Emerging Artist Category - Singapore)

"The scene reflects the intertwining of traditional and modern Shanghai, binding society together."

Silent Tide
By Guan Ming
(Highly Commended: Emerging Artist Category - Singapore)

In a world awash with technological innovation ... "We stay connected even in our most private moments. Books are being abandoned, and cultural traditions are slowly disintegrating. What will tomorrow become?"

Dyspraxia
By Sunny Chyun
(2017 UOB Painting of the Year: Established Artist Category - Singapore)

"Dyspraxia explores the combination of elusive perceptions, memories and meanings. Ms Chyun challenges pictorial conventions using the physicality of paint to resonate emotions."

Bibliography:

- 36th UOB Painting of the Year brochure

Spotlight on: The Spirit of Orchestral Music

If you already have an overdose of classical music, why not be adventurous and explore contemporary orchestral music?

For example, classical piano music is great and familiar. But, there are further variety of sounds that can be played and blended from this instrument that are refreshing.

Click here for  World's Most Breathtaking Piano Pieces | Contemporary Music Mix | Vol. 2.

And, if you are get a kick out of music for movies, then you might wanna check out some great soundtracks from the compilations prepared by the Spirit of Orchestral Music, as well.

Click here for The Beauty Of Epic Music | 2-Hour Epic Orchestral Music Mix | Vol. 2. The soundtracks are epic alright and will not disappoint in moving your emotions for good. 

My favourites are Track 1: In The End and Track 4: Colors of Love.  In Colors of Love, Thomas Bergesen will awaken an entire forest and city, and would certainly rouse you to get going and seize the day.

Enjoy!

For more of The Spirit of Orchestral Music, click here.

Story to the Song "Miracles" by Chris Quilala

When your circumstance doesn't line up with your expectation of God's goodness, what would you do?

Would you stop believing in God and get angry with Him? Understandably, you could get ahead of yourself in your finite mind versus God's omniscience.

Click here for Miracles - Song Story With Chris Quilala (Jesus Culture). "Jesus Culture" is the name of the worship band at Bethel Redding.

Christmas 2017 Starts Early at Cold Storage

Even before Michael Buble's "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" could air on radios, Cold Storage supermarket is getting decked out and all about ready for Christmas 2017.

This is the time to shop for Christmas before the herd of shoppers get into the swing of Christmas hustle and bustle.

Prepare early for Christmas and you will benefit from the feel-good sensation of a longer Christmas and avoid the last-minute buying frenzy when you ought to be relaxed and cruising along as Christmas day arrives.

Husband and Wife Biscuits

There are biscuits and there are biscuits, but some have names just stick out.

For example, the renown wife biscuit (lou po bing in Cantonese) and the less popular husband biscuit.

Wife biscuit

Husband biscuit

Husband and Wife biscuits (from left to right)

The nursery rhyme on "What Are Little Girls made Of?" goes like this:

What are little boys made of? 

What are little boys made of? 

Frogs and snails, 

And puppy-dogs' tails; 

That's what little boys are made of. 

What are little girls made of? 

What are little girls made of? 

Sugar and spice, 

And all that's nice; 

That's what little girls are made of.

It is somewhat similar when it comes to husband and wife biscuits when you look at their ingredients and resultant tastes. The husband is stuffed with fermented bean curd, garlic, and black sesame mix paste whereas the wife is filled with candied winter melon and caster sugar.

Hands down, the best wife biscuit is found in Hong Kong with flaky crusts that melt in your mouth and well-grounded winter melon filling.

Click here for a review of Best Wife Cake in Hong Kong/Where to buy wife biscuit in hong kong by Singaporean In Hong Kong blog. 


And, then there is the Sun biscuit (Tai Yang Bing in Chinese) from Taiwan. When I had it for the first time, it was simply out of this world with its maltose filling and flaky crust.

Click here for a review of Sun biscuit with a link on how you can make your own.

A Royal Visit to Tiong Bahru - Sequel

For the background preparation leading up to the visit by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to Tiong Bahru Market, click here for To market, to market: How Tiong Bahru stallholders prepared for a royal visit.

And, you will get to see the bouquet of flowers presented to the Duchess of Cornwall. It's a make-my-day visit that any florist would dream of remotely.

A Royal Visit to Tiong Bahru

Further to Daily Refreshing's earlier two blog posts on Tiong Bahru, it is refreshing to note that Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall toured Tiong Bahru neighbourhood on 1 November 2017 as part of their itinerary on a four-day visit to Singapore.

3 June 2017: Visit Tiong Bahru and Walk Into The Past

3 June 2017: Tiong Bahru Shophouses and Market   


Click here for "A stroll through the neighbourhood: Britain’s Prince Charles and wife Camilla visit Tiong Bahru" as reported by Lianne Chia of Channel NewsAsia.