Dear Diary | July 2026 Edition

Hello, July ❤ 

Welcome to the second half of the year! ❤ July marks the month I embark on a new role at work, with greater responsibilities and excitements.  

Thank you to the version of myself 4 years ago for taking the leap and moving to Singapore, and to the version of myself 10 months ago for having the courage to change direction within the firm. 

The journey, the progress and the growth I've experienced wouldn't have been possible without the right opportunities, the right people and a little bit of stars aligning. While I'm incredibly grateful for how far I've come, I'd wish Mama is here to witness this. Wish to make her proud again...

Hello to the 1st @ Keen's Bagelry ❤ 

01.07.2026 | Celebrating the start of FY2027 with lunch buddies at work. May this be another smooth-sailing year ahead for all of us. 

Hello to the beautiful House of Tan Yeok Nee ❤ 

04.07.2026 | Built in the late 1800s by Teochew tycoon Tan Yeok Nee, this beautifully preserved mansion is one of Singapore's last surviving traditional Chinese villas. Loved how the House of Tan Yeok Nee has been thoughtfully restored, now bringing the rich history, culture, and stories of the Teochew community to life. A timeless piece of Singapore's heritage that is well worth a visit. 

Bar Kap @ House of Tan Yeok Nee ❤ 

04.07.2026 | It was a weekend for celebration, so we were at Bar Kap, a hidden bar within the historic House of Tan Yeok Nee which blends Teochew heritage with a modern cocktail and dining experience. The cool, intimate vibes make it the perfect spot to unwind. 

The Mee Kapitan was packed with flavours, the Assam Prawn struck a satisfying balance of tangy and spicy, and the TCM Drawer No. 3 cocktail was a delightful blend of coconut and gula melaka. We added a shot of rum for an extra kick, and it took the drink to a whole new level.

Unexpected gift on a chillax Sunday ❤ 

05.07.2026 | Found a new favourite! The Starbucks Croissant Bearista is just too cute that I fell in love with it the moment I saw it on social media. Every little detail was absolutely adorable, and it instantly made my day. Thank you for showering me with this gift without hesitation. I'll be cherishing this little Bearista for a long time.

Omakase dinner at Sushi Tenrai ❤ 

08.07.2026 | Weekday date night at Sushi Tenrai. We opted for the Sakura Course ($98), which began with a refreshing serving of cold somen, followed by 12 pieces of sushi and a mini negitoro ikura bowl, before ending on a sweet note with a custard egg cake. Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable meal, though it didn't quite leave a lasting impression on my palate.

Weekend in Joo Chiat ❤ 

11.07.2026 | Back in Joo Chiat for a day of exploring its vibrant eateries and squeezing in an impromptu photoshoot to put the new gear to the test - the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G ultra-wide lens. A perfect excuse to wander the charming streets, chase good food, and capture a fresh perspective along the way.

We revisited two of our favourites, 328 Katong Laksa and June Coffee, both of which continue to serve up genuinely good food and coffee. Chin Mee Chin's toast, however, didn't quite live up to the hype for us and is probably one we can skip next time.

The day wrapped up nicely with a stroll through East Coast Park before a satisfying dinner. Overall, it was a delicious Saturday spent eating, exploring, and soaking in the East Coast vibes.

H O K K A I D O ❤❤❤

16.07.2026 - 25.07.2026 | A much needed getaway is finally happening! Work has had me feeling like a pressure cooker lately, one whistle away from exploding. Time to trade deadlines for greenery, noise for silence, and stress for a little nature therapy in my favourite homeland - JAPAN ❤

Biei -- Furano -- Otaru -- Toyako -- Hakodate -- Sapporo - Chitose -- Narita ❤

There goes our 8 days exploring Hokkaido! Experiencing the vibrant colours of summer in Hokkaido has been an incredibly fulfilling journey. From scenic road trips through picturesque countryside landscapes to spontaneous discoveries of hidden gems along the way, every day brought something new and memorable. 

The freedom of renting a car in Hokkaido led us to charming towns, breathtaking flower fields, tranquil lakes, and unexpected moments that could never have been planned. It was a journey filled with adventure, surprises, and unforgettable memories.

Beautiful Hakodate ❤

Hakodate turned out to be one of the most delightful discoveries of our Hokkaido road trip. A charming port town filled with historic churches, fresh and delicious kaisendon, the stunning Mount Hakodate night view that ranks among Japan's Top 3, and the iconic star-shaped Goryokaku Park. Every stop revealed something special, making Hakodate a place that exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impression on us.

Vibrant Sapporo City ❤

Spending just two nights in Sapporo was definitely not enough to explore everything the city has to offer. Beyond its vibrant food scene, lively shopping districts, and beautiful cityscape, there was so much more left undiscovered. 

Hokkaido has a unique charm in every season, and this summer trip has only made me want to come back again. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to return in a different season, whether to witness the colourful autumn foliage, the magical winter snow, or the fresh blooms of spring, and experience a completely different side of this beautiful island!

Thank you, July for the beautiful memories! ❤ 

Signing off,

FiSh 

@ 31.07.2026