Jarius' third birthday (School Celebration)

 

Jarius was so excited cos I kept mentioning to him that he would be celebrating his birthday @ school. Idk if he really understood the meaning but I can see he's really elated. Probably they always have celebrations every now and then 😅 His school bag has at least one goodie bag every month. 

After he saw us arrived at his school around 1130am, he knew we brought the cake and goodie bags. I actually decided to have a school celebration for him cos he always mentions them 😂 He chose the cake design himself. I then learnt that I should have chosen myself so it would be more of a surprise to him. The Cake was ordered from The Cake Shop, I think they specialise in photo image cakes which is priced quite reasonably. This is a 9 inches cake. 

 

^ This is after the candles are blown, as you can see the top layer of chocolate are broken 🙈

 

 

 

Pictures taken with both classes from nursery 1 😍

 

^ Teacher Qi helped us with the photos too!

 

Teachers then gathered to children to form a circle with their legs crossed. Time for goodie bags!! 😬

 

 

 

 

He handed out the goodie bags one by one starting from the most obedient child, taking instructions from Teacher Qi. 

After the goodie bags were all handed out, as if he knows we are going to leave, he cried so badly and keep wanting me to carry him! Was so reluctant to leave but Teacher Zhou helped to carry him away while we left without saying goodbyes 😢

家有二宝

 

Alohaaaaaa~

Blogging from my phone! 

Currently preggy with my second child. Fortunately, it's a baby girl! Yay! I can close factory with ease. Lols. 

Was quite worried while queueing for my detail scan 2 days ago 😅

Into week 20 at the moment. Gained about 4kgs +  . Stayed with my previous Gynaecologist Dr. Paul Tseng. Quite comfortable with him & he goes with my idea of VBAC. 

I really hope that I don't go through another round of c-sect ): The recovery seriously sucks. 

To achieve that, I'll make sure I control my diet 🙅🏼🙅🏼🙅🏼 

Anyway, I was contemplating if I should update my pregnancy via dayre or blog. Now I found an app for blogging, might as well do the updates here 😁 

Till then! 

Do not procrastinate spending time with your family

Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers passed away during Chinese New Year.

My paternal grandfather:

He is a fish merchant whom had his own business a few decades back. When I was young, I would look forward to spending weekends with him and grandma. He doesn't express himself with words but he always have this sweet smile plastered on his face. Whenever I spent the night over, he would have my favourite dishes on the dinner table.

He spent his life loving his job, having little sleep just to make sure work is done properly. I've never seen him flare his tempers before.

I brought along husband and son to visit him on the 1st day of Chinese New Year, & I almost couldn't go over to his place. As usual, the smile never left his face. He looked all well & healthy.

On the 4th day, I received a phone call from Daddy.. I couldn't tell that he was sobbing and choking his words, then he got over himself and he said grandfather may not make it and is in a critical condition at Mount Alvernia. At that point of time, I was with my maternal grandfather.. Husband & I quickly rushed down. When we reached the car park, Daddy called again and said maybe there's only 10 minutes left. We ran all the way to the ICU.

10 minutes passed, doctor came out and pronounced his death. I couldn't believe it! Yes no one could. It was all too sudden. This is the first time I lost someone so close due to heart attack. I still told him I would come visit him a few days after the 1st of CNY.

He dote me so much and I didn't spend enough time with him yet. I still had plans for dinner with him.

His funeral lasted for 7 days and we sent him off to cremate on the 17th February.



My Maternal grandfather:

Last year, he was diagnosed with last stage pancreatic cancer. He complained of pains & I'm sure it is those extreme pain as he was a strong headed man. He still look ok when we celebrated his birthday in October last year.

He always have his stern looking face but he would always smile when carrying Jarius :')

Then we celebrated Christmas, he's already getting weak in just a span of 2 months.

Look at how skinny he has become, his face aged and looked so different...

Slowly, he deteriorate.. Couldn't take in much food or even drinks, couldn't sleep, couldn't walk too much, couldn't bath. He was taking morphine to control the pain. He was being stubborn and didn't allowed people to help. In the end, we sent him to the hospice as he requested.

Being there, he allowed the nurses to help him with everything. We all took turns to visit him everyday. Small aunt took leave a week before CNY to be there for him everyday.

For the first time ever, our lunar reunion dinner was held outside of grandpa's place. I'm just really thankful that everyone is still united as one.

On the 1st day of CNY around noon time, aunt Carol called & ask me to go down to the hospice immediately. My heart paused as I never thought it would be so soon.

Husband drove us down. The hospice even transferred grandpa to one-bedded room.

I tried to hold my tears after hanging aunt Carol's call but when I reached the room, everyone had tears in their eyes and nose red from crying. I couldn't bring myself to step in.

Grandpa's face looked soul-less, it's like he's not there. Everyone kept calling him and talking to him, saying prosper words & hoping he would answer back.

He didn't respond. Until husband carried Jarius to grandpa's face. He suddenly raised his hands and touched Jarius. Everybody was elated!

Then my paternal grandfather left us on the 4th day of CNY due to heart attack, hence I was unable to be there for my maternal grandfather last days...

Rants x Melodyne Nailz

Currently chasing this drama 后宫甄嬛传 (The Legend of Zhen Huan). Only left with a few episodes! Always love this type of shows, with a lot of twist and suspense & the good ones eventually becomes bad. I wonder why the emperor is always not very good looking >:( The concubines are all beautiful.

Jarius is now adjusted to his school life, phew. He is always tired out and gets cranky quite early like 830pm.

Toddlers going to school at such a young age is prone to illness like flu & cough. Sadly, he keeps catching them too. He also has eczema, so sometimes he will have red spots unknowingly & it is hard to find out the cause :(

Great news! Received an email from HDB for our appointment to sign the Agreement of Lease & to collect our keys!!! Finally our home is here :D

I've started to take in appointments for Chinese New Year. Do whatsapp to 81390394 for enquiries/bookings ;)

Express services (Cut & Shaping of Nails, push cuticles, gel color, cuticle oil)
Gel Manicure $20
Gel Pedicure $25

Acrylic Sculptured Extensions $80 (Inclusive of one tone gel color)
Classic Services Add-On $10
Soak-off removal $8

Nail art charges applies to all nail services


Waiting for my nail drill to reach & I can start making water globes *.* So excited!

Bachelorette Night & Party 6th November 2015

My Bachelorette night is proudly planned by my BFF Lydia :*

She is real excited about it weeks before ( I think much more than me :p).





So I ended up driving down to Magnum, while squeezing 5 ladies in my cute car. We met up with the guys there, my Husband and his Bachelor's night party. Had a small game & we drank some beer to warm up the night.



Cabbed to Club Suite which is less than a minute on car -.-
My baobei Priscilla & Jessica Meow treated me to a drink there. & I felt drowsy already. Ok I know I sucks at drinking already.



We moved on to Zouk by cab & it was raining :/ Dashed across the rain, bumped into Xin Kai & Vincent there. Well, Singapore is really that small. So, Xin Kai sent a photo of us & reported to Husb, LOL.












-- Something unpleasant happened there & so Husb came together with BFF Jeremy.
We had to end the night early :( There's supposed to be one more place waiting for us & my night just end so abruptly.

I followed Husb to find his party of people at Gaga (couldn't rmb the place :/), together with my BFFs and Jessica. Jess came along too as the cliques are also there.

Before we leave Gaga, our company's GM Mohammed surprised us. I was walking towards the exit when I was pulled up stage, Husb was called up too. We then exchanged glasses of liquor. The singer then sang a song (Jin Tian Ni Yao Jia Gei Wo - I lazy to type chinese ok) dedicated to us.

After a crazy night, we went back to BP for KeKouMian @ 163. It isn't always that when I'm at BP the uncle's stall is open :>

Special thanks to all my great sisters for the wonderful night! Of course for staying throughout my wedding day without a single wink the night before :*

Casio ZR-3500 x Rants

^ Photo taken with my new Casio ZR-3500, husband got it for me on the first day of the year :p

I sold off my older model ZR-1500. It definitely served me with all the beautiful photos taken. Being skeptical to upgrade cos I'm afraid it wouldn't perform the same way. Was amazed by it cos the ZR-3500 is really better in terms of make up mode & also the exterior functions. The make up mode is seemingly similar to that of TR-50 which I'm almost tempted to buy TR-60 it's predecessor.

Flipping up the screen 180degrees used to be a bit of a hassle. The new one is improved with a smooth flip up! It also comes with a front shutter which makes it so convenient to take selfies! :>

---- Today -----
Husband sent Jarius to school today while I prepared. He then came back to fetch me over to office. I don't go the office daily but occasionally to check everything. As Husb is more of a sales person so I handled more of the internal work.

I finally got myself an iPhone 6s Plus in rose gold. Thanks to Starhub as I'm a hubclub member (You are automatically a hubclub member if you have their mobile plan, broadband & cable tv), I'm entitled to renew my contract yearly & also got a $500 voucher for re-contract :>

 I preferred Samsung Note series so much but their battery always starts to fail me in less than a year which is a disappointment. Their newly launched Note 5 is worse because Samsung removed the option of removable batteries and SD card slots :( This makes it no difference from Apple's iPhones. In fact, IMO the iPhone finally wins over cos it's always never lag & the battery seems to serve well for longer period.

I didn't regret getting the iPhone 6s! I'm waiting for the jailbreak to be out though. Can't wait for my phone to be pretty!

A brand new year, the same old me

Evening! I now have more time on my hands to do updates!
[Quick zoom on the past months below on caption THROWBACK]

For this year, I will have a big check list strike off - our own HDB flat. We balloted last year in May's sale of balance flat for a 5-room in Sengkang. Results were out in mid August & when I read through the email, I think my heart skipped a beat!!! COS MY QUEUE NUMBER IN THE BALLOT IS ONE ! Literally feels like striking first prize in 4D/Toto!

I went through each of the available flats' floor plans, building plans, amenities in the neighbourhood & blah blah.  I'm very disappointed cos I thought most 5-room flats have balconies! (I love balconies, I'm always super elated when the hotel I book has a balcony) So there's only one unit with a balcony which we're not satisfied with the level and unit number. I regretted not choosing punggol area :( There are many more premium units!



Had a x'mas exchange & gathering on the day itself with my maternal family & beloved cuzzies :>
I always love such get together with them. We are all so closely knitted since young & laughter never paused being together.

Next up, I will be travelling to Osaka in April together with Husb, Son & my mother. It will be Spring season then & also we will get to enjoy basking in the cherry blossoms! So excited everyday & I've already bought jackets & sweaters & what not.

[THROWBACK]

----- Long story alert -----
Well, my former maid Tina is no longer working due to some issues. & that issue caused me to be stripped of hiring any foreign domestic worker in the mean time! So I started taking care of Jarius full-time since October, & also juggle between some house chores and work. I also had to put off all nail appointments :(

I started looking for full day playgroup classes for Jarius. I first went down to Character Montessori which is much nearer to our house. It was totally out of bounds to visitors so you have to book an appointment to get any type of information or to look around. In fact, almost all of the Montessori/Pre-schools have to book an appointment prior to visiting!

The next one I goes to is Wharton Pre-school located @ Broadway Plaza(AMK) which offers Montessori structure too. So I didn't had any appt too but luckily the front desk staff cared to explain to me details & provided me with information. She told me the next intake is in February 2016 which is too long for me (I visited in Oct 2015). I explained briefly my situation that I needed a full day care for my son & I left the centre with a slight hope that someone would withdraw >.<

Yes! & I received a call from the same lady just 2 days later, informing me that there will be a slot in mid November! Ok, so why am I eager to send my son off to child care? Reason is he pretty much sticks to me the whole time he's awake & I can get nothing much done.

He is hard to coax to sleep back then because of bad habits like watching videos before sleeping everyday. Then one day I snapped out of it, I forbid myself & Husband to use the phone when it is his sleeping time. Yes he cried, yell & screamed for the 2-3days. It was all worth it as he started to drift off to sleep more easily.

Now he sleeps early cos of school (9am to 5pm). & finally I got back to taking in nail appointments! I do hope my new maid will be here soon :'(

---- Long story ends -----



^ Glow meteor Tula that I bought from a facebook group ( Tula Carriers Buy/Sell/Trade) https://www.facebook.com/groups/626117574066537/

It is actually a re-selling site where peeps sell off the Tula at a much higher price than retail. & still many people bought it as these are hard to buy straight off the Tula website. Tula usually does stocking every two weeks for their wrap conversions & they're sold out in seconds (Yes I've tried & failed). Especially those full wrap conversion designs as they are made of woven wraps instead of the usual canvas.

Why is it so highly sought after? Half of it is of the pretty & wide range of extremely beautiful and lovely designs!! It also has a re-sale value so you won't lose too much if you decided to change or your little one has grown out of it. It also comes in two sizes, standard size & toddler size(up to 4year old).



^ Throwback to Mediacorp Rotax Max

It was a fun event, check out TBSD PTE LTD facebook page for the photos!
https://www.facebook.com/BardahlSgp

We have a few events lined up so do stay tuned ;)

Bluebay x Bridal shop hunting

I had my pre-wedding photo shoot at Taiwan with Bluebay. If you haven't heard of them, do google their splendid reviews! I feel their service towards customer are impeccable.

Sadly, they don't bundle in packages for actual day wedding in Singapore with the photoshoot but they do have a seperate package for that. When I signed up with them during BOWS road show at Dhoby Ghaut, their prices are pretty fixed and no bargaining. The pros are you don't have to worry about double standards!

I can't rave enough for my make up artist(Baby), because she has transformed me beautifully!

Her make up skills, & of course with my photographer professionalism, all my photos turned out really well! Husband was so awed he decided to top up to 100 photos for our album & almost made a rash decision of buying all of the soft copies!

I will only post out my photos after my wedding :p

~~~~~~~~~~~ Bridal Shop Hunt ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't really hunt for them, I just started googling everywhere for many many months. There's just too many shops out there & the bad reviews do scare me. My initial plan after the photo shoot, is to continue my actual day package with Blue bay. When I went down to have a look at their branch in Orchard Delfi, their selections are quite little and they don't suit to my taste :(

I shall leave out the names of two bridal shop which I went & did not satisfy me.

Currently I'm settled for at Bridal Affairs, with my coordinator Christin.

It is located within a hdb unit at Tampines. The only cons are we can't browse through the wedding gowns, I guess they have too many! Anyway from the few times I went to bridal shops, what you see and try is really different. The coordinator is really important to pick your desired gowns and the gowns that you would like. There really are too many gowns to choose from.

My first appointment with Bridal Affairs is good, Christin brought out a few dresses, each from their different category. She will also take note of what I like or don't like! There is no hard selling, I didn't place a deposit with her yet cos I wanted to view their evening gowns. On the 2nd appt, she took out a few evening gowns according to my preference to try on.

I then place a deposit for their 2 piece gown package. I can upgrade my package to their full one anytime if I need.

Bardahl Retreat @ Bali 2015

Day one of our 4 days stay at Bali, organized by BAP - Bardahl Asia Pacific (Our manufacturer),

So thoughtful of BAP to have arranged someone to pick us up from the airport to our hotel.

Needless to say, definitely the only thing to do while there's nothing to do in the transport, selfie.

Upon exiting the airport, you will see these palm trees almost everywhere, except along the sub-urban looking shophouses. And when you think of palm trees, you will be thinking of beaches and the sunny Sun.

My husband who couldn't get off his phone anywhere anytime :( We got the 300,000 IDR sim card which has 8gb worth of data surfing and some call time. The cheaper alternative is 250,000 IDR which is only SGD$5 difference. I suppose it's quite the norm now that most airports have these stalls selling local sim cards!

Some ancient statues. ^

There, we arrived at Conrad Bali.

Greeted by more palm trees :D

Staffs from BAP ready at the lobby receiving guests arriving like us.

They even prepared two tops for us & a handy bag!

Photos of our room coming up! I really loved the design and spaciousness of the room! Pictures can't capture justice for it.

Toilet come with sliding doors, and it opened up to a bathtub. Shower room and the toilet bowl area are separated too.

Always have a thing for balconies ;)
Comes with a sunbed too but I loath tanning, lol.

They provide salts & dried flowers for your enjoyment in the bathtub.

We had a short rest time before going for the dinner buffet with the other Bardahl distributors. I took  a nap while husb watches the television.

Didn't bring my camera along to the dinner so... no photos :( Food was great. BAP even prepared a gift for all the distributors, for taking time off their busy schedule to attend this retreat.

Day two - Breakfast > Seminar > Lunch > Half day tour > Massage

 I skipped the 830am seminar cos I don't usually wake early in the morning.

Waterfall along the walkway of hotel corridor.

See, how thoughtful of BAP to have done so much for everyone.

Pond > Pool > Sea 

 Pool area from outside the pool view rooms, yes you can jump right into it from your balcony.

 Left side of the pool

 Right side of the pool. Yes it's huge!!

 Look at the beachhhhhhh ~

Glutton me having photo taken with mouth full of food :p

Yummy pizzas for 160,000 IDR (SGD$16+)

 Bar at lobby. ^

 Centre of the pool, it extends out both sides from the photo I've shown earlier.

Paranormal magnificent view.

 Off to the half day tour with the other distributors!

First stop was the Krishna shopping, looks like a super mart. They sell lots of local stuffs there at a better rate than Kuta Mall. Not too sure if it's cheaper than those shop-houses though.

& we are here at the Kuta beach and the shopping mall. Not much things to shop cos I feel it is slightly overpriced. Only maybe looking at the promotional items. They do have billabong, roxy, quicksilver etc. Do we still have it here in Singapore?

 Mandatory shot overlooking the Kuta beach.

The guys.

 Because our legs are tired, resting at a restaurant. (Can't remember the name, it's on the left side while exiting the mall towards the beach)

 Seafood combo for 2. 390,000 IDR or 490,000 IDR.

^ Sunset @ Kuta Beach. Was attempting to video the sun setting. In a span of less than 5 minutes the Sun just disappeared among the horizons! 

After our tour bus brought us back to the hotel, we sneaked out for a massage. Initially wanted to visit Rumah Spa as they provide pick up & drop off services from hotel. Then we decided to just walk along the streets to find one. We did passed by Rumah Spa but it was closed at 10pm although the website stated it's operating hours till 12mn.

Carla spa caught our eyes and I recalled the great reviews on trip advisor. The rates are very cheap, 60 mins of body massage @ 90,000 IDR ($9+ SGD). Didn't expect too much for this rate but the massage is really good compared to another one we went the previous day which sucks :(

After massage, we manage to find a food stall which serves chinese and western. Prices are normal, food taste good.

Day 3: Water sports > Farewell dinner

BAP did arrange a full day tour but husband was having tooth ache so we skipped. Off for hotel breakfast then we went for water sports.

Inside Conrad Bali, they have shops like these for guests to buy their stuffs in case they didn't have. Mostly are beach wear, swim wear, sun blocks and stuffs.

The resort really put in effort for their furnishings and designs.

Stopped by the table tennis for a challenge. Brings back childhood memories!

As the tide was extrememly low that day, there's a man there at the beach trying to bring tourists over to his water sports stall which is at another location. We succumbed to him as husband managed to slash the price for the water sports.

A car then came to fetch us over to the place.

Didn't bring along any swimwear cos I just did my hair treatment & I'm not supposed to swim!

 The only photo of us in the jet ski and my face not so cui ;D

 Husband with the salesman (?).

After 30mins of jet ski, we hopped on to a glass bottom boat to visit turtles. In my thoughts, the floor of the boat should be glass but instead, it's just a small panel :( Which we can't really see anything cos when the boat is moving, all we see are bubbles among the glass.

 Parasailing which I wanted to try so much but don't have the guts!

 Vintage looking boat while we are out on the sea ^

 ^ The supposedly glass panel.

 ^ So common to see these fisherman standing amidst the sea fishing! Quite an eye opener for me though.

As it is low tide, the boats engine must be switched off. So the boatman got off and pull the boats nearer to shore.

Initially, I thought we were supposed to see turtles through the glass panel! Since it's not possible then maybe it's a turtle island? No we were so wrong!

The boat couldn't get too far in so we must walk from a distance, quite far by the way.

 The shallow waters

Just see how far it is, and mohammed walked so fast.

Be hold, we reached and it's a turtle farm. Quite disappointed cos we already have a live turtle museum in Singapore which is so much better!

We still need to pay this attention fee? In USD$2, we don't have USD so we paid 30,000IDR

 The smaller turtles.

 Pardon my husband hair, it was messed up by the winds while on the boat.

The bigger ones in a pond rather than the tank.

It's feeding time! Is their food called mosses?  Or is it seaweed???

 More turtles started to swim their way near to us when they heard the splashing of food into their pond.

 Their food. ^

So, this is a mixed farm instead of a turtle farm! They have other animals, birds and reptiles in cages too!

 ^ Fruit bats?

 ^ Iguanas.

 Huge bird. Color looks pretty.

 ^ Porcupines

^ The common black bird we see in Singapore. Husband even ask if this bird is rare in Indonesia. Lol!

 ^ Chairs are decorated too!

 The wind are strong there as it's on the beach. Had a hard time having my dinner. Luckily, Eve managed to find a rubber band for me!

Chill around and headed back to the hotel cos husb having tooth ache again :(

Day 4: Home sweet home

 I wanted to bring along another luggage cos I know husb will definitely buy a lot of snacks back. Him being stubborn, we end up stuffing till everything almost exploded :/

Bye Bali !