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Hong Kong Night’s Bright Lights: A Sonnet

Hong Kong night’s bright lights 🌃 By Jessica Felicia Anwar Jan 17, 2019 The moon shines bright on a Hong Kong evening, With the girls who shared a decade with me; And oh the feels whenever I’m leaving The world of adulting, being carefree! But all’s not lost as I leave this city; The friendships built will forever stay Imprinted in our mem’ries til sixty, When we choose to write a book or screenplay. The future is near and the past is far; Life happens only once and time tick tocks. You can wish upon a bright shooting star, But do as you wish, then the door unlocks. What do you want to do to leave your mark? Think of your legacy, glow in the dark.

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A Nodi Coffee: Christmas Sonnet

A Nodi Coffee ☕️ Dec 31, 2018 By Jessica Felicia Anwar • Have yourself an oat piccolo latte At this quick grab and go Nodi cafe! Or try the almond milk, but either way, Ditch the cow milk with coffee everyday. It’s nice to drink hot during christmastime, Or get an iced one during summertime! No matter the season in Hong Kong I’m Always drinking Nodi on my downtime. Truly miss my Hong Kong friends and time spent In my youth, wondering, what’s my intent? All the people that walked through my life meant The world to me, as you’re all heaven sent. Keep in touch no matter the retrospect, A coffee’s all we need to reconnect! ☕️

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Riding Bicycles: A Sonnet

Riding Bicycles By Jessica Felicia Anwar (Nov 25, 2018) As I ride into the deep turquoise blue, I don’t look back lest I cry from leaving The memories and people whom I hold true And dear to my heart that are now grieving. I promise you my loves, I won’t forget All the times we spent together on earth, Riding bicycles catching each sunset, ‘Cause I know how precious that time is worth. But now it’s time for me to let go And move on to the next stage after death. I love you, I’ll miss you, just so you know, I’ll pray for you and count your every breath Until we see each other once again In a peaceful place we call God’s heaven.

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Transcience: A Sonnet

Transience Jessica Felicia Anwar (Nov 22, 2018) If I could tell my younger self one thing: Show appreciation to your loved ones. Our existence will pass by in a blink; Death lingers near; given the chance, it runs. Time is precious, so devote it wisely, ‘Cause when it ends, you’re wounded with a knife. Is work that important, to not see family? Is money necessary after life? What is our purpose in this transient world? To make people smile, to make a difference, While keeping family safe, supported, Providing your loves an inheritance. One day, mom and dad will no longer be, So take this legacy and spread it free.

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A Mermaid’s Life: A Sonnet

A Mermaid’s Life Jessica Felicia Anwar (Nov 20, 2018) Close your eyes, open your soul, stay afloat In this beautiful turquoise blue ocean Filled with life; Let this be your antidote And fill your soul with daily devotion. Just imagine if you were a mermaid What kind of life would you want it to be? Home would be the deep blue, no palisade; The playground would be at the coral tree. Then humans come and intrude your abode, Executing your fish friends with ghost nets. Be kind to your neighbours around the globe; Avoid sending anyone your regrets. Keep in mind what you do affects others; Be filled with love, and show your true colors.

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Sonnet (Nov 20, 2018)

Sun, Sadness, Strength Jessica Felicia Anwar (Nov 20, 2018) The sun shines bright even on a bad day; Life gives you obstacles to overcome- Look to the sky, and deep inside, and pray, That He will provide you the best outcome. You can cover your sad eyes with dark shades, But never give up the fight in what’s right. People will hurt you deep with sharp blades, But rise up, and don’t underrate His might. Tears come and tears go as time takes a toll On our dear life that only happens once. We make mistakes then we patch up the hole; Don’t let the lesson be an encumbrance. Pray, ask for guidance from the sacrifice, And He shall lead the way to paradise.

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Sonnet I wrote on Dec 8, 2017

Drowning Up

How do people live in this day and age? How do they bring meaning to their own lives? It’s not like reading a book page by page, Life is like plunging into a deep dive.

Pessimistic is such a pow’rful word. I wonder why don’t they fill up the cup? I wonder why I exist in this world? ‘Cause when I do, i feel like a lost pup.

I can doggy paddle my way through life, But when it comes to swan dive, I freeze, Like I ought to read the manual on life. No, to live is to see the seven seas

Don’t worry about drowning little girl, You will be saved in this wonderful world.

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Sonnet I wrote in 2006

Life and Death

By: Jessica Anwar For ev'ry day in life that passes by, A pure and refined spirit comes alive, While a loving heart pours out to cry. Your life requires a deep and daring dive. A dive so deep, the ocean can't compete. A never-ending swim pulling you down Where there is no way out; it's your defeat. 'Cause once you dive a dive so deep, you drown. You're gone, but the good, innocent soul floats. It floats up high into another world With no signs of ocean water or boats, But where clouds, soft and fluffy, straight and swirled All come together for spirits to rise, Just as the sorrowful heart on Earth cries.

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The breakdown to breaking free

July 28, 2017 Every morning I wake to start my day, I reminisce those times I lived elsewhere. Getting mosquito bites is not okay. Asian weather has been such a nightmare. But not as much as living in the States, Where right and wrong is not so black and white. So find true justice at the pearly gates 'Cause with Him you cannot and dare not fight. So until that day comes to save my soul I'm spreading my love and passion for barre 'Cause of the freedom I've felt as a whole As I wipe the wounds and cover the scar. Sometimes we break free and sometimes we pray, And sometimes we just take it day by day.

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HOW TO HAVE A TEA-RIFFIC DAY!

By: Nicole Friets

7am: Wake up and Brew yourself a pot of tea

Photo: The 1872 Clipper Co.

Start your day the right way! It has been shown that having a set morning and/or night routine can aid in reducing stress and enhancing overall performance levels. While many of us start our days with a cup of coffee for that caffeine kick, there are actually some varieties of tea that contain more caffeine than coffee! On top of that, tea does not come with side effects (that often accompany a cuppa) such as acidity and bloating.

12pm: Have a cup of green tea before a BarreAmped class

Feeling pent up in the office sitting at your desk all morning with little desire to face the busy lunchtime crowd? Swing by the Barre 2 Barre studio where you will feel rejuvenated and energised after a BarreAmped class. For an additional boost, enjoy a cup of green tea as well. Green tea is known to improve endurance during aerobic activity by prioritizing fat storage over glycogen. Head back to the office ready to kill the second part of your day!

4pm: Drink some infused ice brewed tea

Photo: The 1872 Clipper Co. 

Many have the misconception that tea is served warm/hot - and what’s worse than a cup of hot tea in the sweltering heat here in Singapore? Good news! Tea can be served at a variety of temperatures and  make for a hydrating and refreshing mid afternoon drink. Instead of reaching for that sugar laden packaged drink or soda, make a big container of iced tea. Not only will this be a healthier option, but much more affordable in the long run - with a small teaspoon of tea leaves yielding a large pot of tea. Plus, it is relatively easy to make - all you have to do is steep a tea bag in cold water for about 4 hours!

8pm: Grab a handful of homemade tea puff pastries

Feeling peckish after dinner and tempted to reach for that “stress-reducing” bag of cookies or pint of ice cream? While life is all about balance and treats definitely have their place in life, why not try something different and end the day on a slightly healthier note? Tea leaves can be interesting and unique additions that pack a health kick to home baked goods. No time to bake or overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices available? Don’t worry, check out the 1872 Clipper Tea Retail shops in ION Orchard or Raffles City for your week’s worth of different flavored tea puff pastries!

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Check out @barre2barresg‘s new blog post! Follow them to read more about happenings in Singapore!

We <3 HK Street!

They say that “good neighbours are hard to find” and that “surrounding ourselves with the right people is paramount to success in life”.

Luckily for Barre 2 Barre, HongKong Street is full of good “neighbours” and the right “people”. When founders Myléne and Jess chanced upon this homely street a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Clarke Quay, they immediately fell in love with the enclave’s unique vibe.

In this article, we highlight a few of our neighbours and why we are absolutely head over heels with the HongKong Street neighbourhood!

1.  Food, food… and more food!

If you’re looking for a comfy place to kick back at brunch, a nice cafe to catch up with friends, or a spot to refuel after a workout - you’re bound to find something at HongKong Street.

PUNCH, with its outdoor courtyard beautifully designed with green wall plants, serves a mean molten grilled cheese sandwich (served with tomato soup) and their iced chocolate packs a punch! Its sister cafe, Ronin, has a more dark and mysterious interior, but similarly serves up yummy breakfast fare (the BEST scrambled eggs!!) as well as amazing lattes. If Italian food is more your thing, head over to Bottega… you’re bound to fall in love with their pizza made with 100% Italian soft wheat blend and homemade tomato sauce. They also serve Italian beers, wine, and mineral water to complement your food! If you come to Barre 2 Barre, ask for a Barre 2 Barre sticker, which entitles you to a 10% discount at Bottega!

PUNCH is located at 32 North Canal Rd, Singapore 059288

Ronin is located at 17 HongKong St, Singapore 059660

Bottega is located at 31 HongKong St, Singapore 059670

2. Alternative watering holes

Looking for a new watering hole for those Friday night drinks? Getting bored of the same old clubs for Ladies’ night? Head down to HongKong Street! There are some great places to enjoy quality cocktails in Singapore without punching a hole in your pocket. Our personal fav is Vasco, a Spanish influenced bar, where you can enjoy $10 cocktails on weekdays (until 9pm)…. just by wearing yoga pants! Other suggestions include Teepee and 28 HongKong Street.

Vasco is located at 42 HongKong St, 059681

TeePee is located at 31 HongKong Street #01-02, 059670

28 Hong Kong Street is located at (you guessed it!) 31 HongKong Street #01-02, 059670

3. Accommodation Galore

If you feel like you need a break but can’t afford the time to take a whole weekend away? HongKong Street is nestled with a host of staycation options that will allow you to unwind… without having to go too far! Check out BASE residences, a new city living concept In the heart of Singapore’s core. Here, a converted shophouse is home to 4 unique contemporary residences equipped with modern conveniences for the ultimate “home away from home” feel. If hotels are more your thing, be sure to check out Hotel Bencoolen as well as PARKROYAL on Pickering  which are less than a 10 minute walk away.

BASE Residences is located at 31 HongKong St, Singapore 059670

Hotel Bencoolen is located at 47 Bencoolen St, 189626

PARKROYAL on Pickering is located at 3 Upper Pickering St, Singapore 058289

4. Easily Accessible

Photo credits: Vasco 

HongKong street is located in the heart of the CBD district and easily accessible by car  (with both street parking and indoor parking by Riverwalk) as well as all modes of public transport. There are plenty of buses that stop close to the vicinity such as Bus 12 and 14. It is also just across the road from Clarke Quay MRT. If you feel like stretching your legs or warming up before class, you can also alight at City Hall MRT and enjoy a 15 minute walk down!

5. Sweat Fest!

Apart from Barre 2 Barre, there’s a host of other options in the area to jazz up your workout regime. If you’re looking to work up a sweat, head to Anthem Indoor Cycling across the street where you can spin your way to a toned booty (and enjoy amazing tracks at the same time). If you are rushed for time, check out Ritual Gym on North Canal Road.  They offer 30 minute HIIT/Bootcamp style classes that incorporate both cardio and strength training to make sure your busy schedule doesn’t get in the way of exercising. For something slightly closer to “home”, Yoga Movement on Carpenter Street has a wide array of yoga classes that are sure to leave you feeling stretched out!

Anthem Indoor Cycling is located at 66B South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058696

Ritual Gym is located at 11 North Canal Road, #03-01, 048824

Yoga Movement is located at 31A & 33A New Bridge Road, Singapore, 059394 (and other locations)

6. Interesting Finds

Hongkong Street is also home to a number of interesting concepts and finds! The Hive is one of Singapore’s co-working communities that is worlds apart from the corporate offices in the CBD. With its custom-made furniture, abundant light, open plan concept, and rooftop cafe - you are bound to feel comfortable and inspired at work. Just one level above Barre 2 Barre, Daniel Boey has also set up office. Dubbed as the “Godfather of Singapore Fashion”, we’re more than honored to share a building with him. Who knows? Come for barre classes, get toned, and maybe you’ll land an audition!

The Hive is located at 59 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059405

Daniel Boey is located at 42C HongKong St Singapore 059681

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So excited literally jumping for joy! Don't try this at home kids 👯 📸: @jennwxt . . . #barre2barre #barre2barresg #cardiobounce #lovebounce #bounce #airsplit #jump #airsplits #health #fitness #singapore #sgfitness #fit #flexi #healthy #happy #active #activewear #athleisure #fitfam #hongkongstreet #strongmindstrongbody #supportinglocalcharities #fitnessmotivation #fitspiration #flexible #altarego #altaregoapparel #altaregoapparelambassador #bouncesplit (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

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It’s been a long and fulfilling journey since moving to Singapore last year. I got married, graduated with an MBA at @INSEAD, became a lector and host at church, opened my dream @barre2barresg studio while still at school, and now managing the studio while teaching and continuing to refine my skills as a teacher. We’ve grown our wonderful team from 3 to 5 teachers and we’re ecstatic to share our passion for all things barre and fitness with you all. We couldn't have done it without you and we have the most wonderful group of barre lovers to share our passion with. We couldn't ask for more! We look forward to another year of growing and shaking at the studio with you. Wishing you much love, good health and happiness in 2017. If you've ever dreamed of taking the leap into teaching barre we are running teacher training in both Singapore (January) and Hong Kong (February). We hope to see you in the new year! (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

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"The feeling of focused intensity in every class, where you forget about everything else; was something I enjoyed and what kept me coming back for more. To be able to share this with others and contribute in some way to improve the quality of their lives is what drives me to do my best as a teacher every day."- Jessica Felicia, certified BarreAmped teacher and co-founder of Barre 2 Barre Singapore. Influenced by classical and modern dance, combining orthopedic stretching with Pilates insights - BarreAmped sets itself apart from more traditional barre methods with its use of a neutral spine during the class, ensuring that posture is maintained. • • • #barre2barre #barre2barresg #barreamped #shaketochange #lovebarre #barre #bootcamp #barrebootcamp #barrebesties #barrebabes #barrebeauties #fitness #community #singapore #sgfitness #fit #healthy #happy #active #activewear #athleisure #fitfam #hongkongstreet #strongmindstrongbody #workhard #ohmyquads #lululemon #lululemonsg #barrelove #sgcommunity (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

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Repost @barre2barresg Couldn't have started our day any better seeing our studio being awarded the most comprehensive barre gym class! 🎉💪 Come and experience the shake with us today! We have ongoing new year sale packages available - link in bio 😉 . . . Thanks @shape_sg for featuring us in your January issue 😊 . #grateful #happy #excited #blessed #barre2barre #barre2barresg #barreamped #shaketochange #lovebarre #barre #barrebesties #barrebabes #barrebeauties #fitness #singapore #sgfitness #fit #healthy #happy #active #athleisure #fitfam #hongkongstreet #strongmindstrongbody #workhard #shape #award #barreclass #barrelove #meetmeatthebarre (at Barre 2 Barre Singapore)

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📷: @bertywee (at Six Senses Con Dao)

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Went clam catching today... 🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚 (at Six Senses Con Dao)