tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319842652024-03-13T20:23:07.011+08:00Mom to Angelsshopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-67473962788694079602010-02-20T00:29:00.004+08:002010-02-20T00:47:46.932+08:00Holiday Fun in Thailand, 9-14 Dec 09<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S36420xPabI/AAAAAAAABZE/B4_M4Bwzb_g/s1600-h/091209_01huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S36420xPabI/AAAAAAAABZE/B4_M4Bwzb_g/s400/091209_01huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365I9HemkI/AAAAAAAABZM/Z2o9m1isBTs/s1600-h/091209_02huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365I9HemkI/AAAAAAAABZM/Z2o9m1isBTs/s400/091209_02huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365ah9KIuI/AAAAAAAABZU/czgVG4uO-H8/s1600-h/091209_03huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365ah9KIuI/AAAAAAAABZU/czgVG4uO-H8/s400/091209_03huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365tIGlKoI/AAAAAAAABZc/tWYTnQ0MOwI/s1600-h/091209_04huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S365tIGlKoI/AAAAAAAABZc/tWYTnQ0MOwI/s400/091209_04huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S364fNrYCnI/AAAAAAAABY8/WZiWSYW_5a0/s1600-h/091209_05huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S364fNrYCnI/AAAAAAAABY8/WZiWSYW_5a0/s400/091209_05huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S36zhYvlaJI/AAAAAAAABYs/hLWm4gS3OpQ/s1600-h/091209_06huahin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/S36zhYvlaJI/AAAAAAAABYs/hLWm4gS3OpQ/s400/091209_06huahin.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
More photos in my Facebook, don't think I have the energy to upload more pictures here.<br />
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[I know this is a very very late entry, since Jan, my work is getting heavier by the hour...]<br />
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We had a splendid year-end vacation with the Poh Family. Started off with a good flight by SQ, we took our 3-hour transfer to Hua Hin. This was our second visit but the first for the Pohs. he happiest people in this vacation had to be the kids for they had great company, all 5 active boys!<br />
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We checked into AKA Resort's 2-bedroom villa that comes with our very own private pool and cabana! That's what I called "life". The boys were so excited they changed into your swimwear and jumped into the pool! AKA is a good resort, the welcome snacks were a surprise and the breakfast spread was heavenly! As the occupancy rate was low on our first 2 mornings, we actually had ala carte brekkie buffet, which includes impressive menu such as egg benedict - WOW - it was very well done, the poached egg oozed out succulent sunny yolk that literally shouts "GOOD MORNING & WELCOME!"<br />
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To cut short the story... we visited the famous floating market and elephant camp where we rode on 4 elephants.<br />
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Our next stop was Bangkok and we stayed at a new boutique hotel called Ten Face (kinda weird name if you asked me). The service at Ten Face is not attuned to family groups as they were quite inflexible in certain ways to accommodate us. Imagine they expected us to pay for Raeyen's brekkie and our advanced booking for transfer to airport was not taken, etc.<br />
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Anyway, on a happier note, Bangkok was fun as we visited the Oceanarium beneath Siam Paragon - a mammoth shopping mall. We had great food and even foot massage at my favourite Blooming Spa along Sukhumvit Road. We celebrated Ivy's birthday at Jasmin Restaurant on the 4th floor of Times Square (next to Grande Sheraton Sukhumvit) where we had sumptuous Peking duck!<br />
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It was overall a FANTASTIC break for us before the new year started. Thanks, Poh Family!shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-26180424937691592582009-12-30T00:14:00.004+08:002010-01-01T21:01:47.676+08:00Holiday Fun, 5 Dec 09<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoqZdvpeWI/AAAAAAAABSw/eYoClNSYzMQ/s1600-h/091205_collage_thomas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoqZdvpeWI/AAAAAAAABSw/eYoClNSYzMQ/s400/091205_collage_thomas1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoqouYxdlI/AAAAAAAABS4/LiYYePW-gMw/s1600-h/091205_collage_thomas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoqouYxdlI/AAAAAAAABS4/LiYYePW-gMw/s400/091205_collage_thomas2.jpg" /></a><br />
Raeyen's favourite character came to town - Thomas the Tank Engine. To surprise him, I took him and Kieran to catch the show at the Indoor Stadium. He was visibly thrilled. I was however surprised that the organiser did not have many souvenir on sale to cash in from zealous kids and generous parents. Unlike many other shows such as Disney On Ice, this one has very limited merchandise for sale, only some tees, light spinners and posters. As usual, seeing other kids having the light spinner, Raeyen wanted one. I explained that it was a waste of money as he would not play after that and it only affect him from watching the show.<br />
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To me, the show was OK. While the cast was pretty good, the Fat Controller was unfortunately played by someone lean with the help of a spongy prop as tummy. The storyline was also so-so. The interval was longer than announced, so I think the ticket was on a high side. Nonetheless, it was almost full-house!<br />
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Anyway, so long as the kids enjoy, it's still worth it.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-73422592740029856422009-12-29T23:15:00.003+08:002009-12-29T23:18:17.332+08:00Holiday Fun, 23 Nov 09<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzocuXdLHHI/AAAAAAAABSo/TKI7G3O86Wk/s1600-h/091123_collage_kids+amaze1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzocuXdLHHI/AAAAAAAABSo/TKI7G3O86Wk/s400/091123_collage_kids+amaze1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoccHbtpCI/AAAAAAAABSg/OmdyExlG_z0/s1600-h/091123_collage_kids+amaze2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SzoccHbtpCI/AAAAAAAABSg/OmdyExlG_z0/s400/091123_collage_kids+amaze2.jpg" /></a><br />
We applied leave to take our kids to <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Kids Amaze</b></span> at SAFRA Jurong. It's huge and the entrance fee is quite all right. It has what looks like a 6-storey high tower made of kid-friendly materials with lots of cushioned pillars and mats. There were "cannons" where kids could shoot foam balls against insect boards. We enjoyed that alot. Kieran loved the long, spiral tubal slide most. Initially Raeyen was skeptical trying it but the thrill soon overcame his fear and he enjoyed the slide tremendously and without us accompanying him.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-84964526423005481352009-11-15T23:47:00.006+08:002009-11-16T23:25:56.888+08:00Garden outing with the kids<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFuEo2_XcI/AAAAAAAABOQ/gsvrUS2S-Z4/s1600/P1030537-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFuEo2_XcI/AAAAAAAABOQ/gsvrUS2S-Z4/s400/P1030537-1.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3Hnz8gI/AAAAAAAABNM/LYXP8FzmMlI/s1600-h/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+091.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3Hnz8gI/AAAAAAAABNM/LYXP8FzmMlI/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+091.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3XL12SI/AAAAAAAABNU/zkWN39aVgrA/s1600-h/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+092.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3XL12SI/AAAAAAAABNU/zkWN39aVgrA/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+092.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3sHEj8I/AAAAAAAABNc/MDbJpj8BaXE/s1600-h/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+093.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwAi3sHEj8I/AAAAAAAABNc/MDbJpj8BaXE/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+093.jpg" /></a> <br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFinGysEII/AAAAAAAABNo/DPf7D4nhgJI/s1600/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFinGysEII/AAAAAAAABNo/DPf7D4nhgJI/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+094.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFmi2aoFkI/AAAAAAAABOA/uOvIMrgblao/s1600/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFmi2aoFkI/AAAAAAAABOA/uOvIMrgblao/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+095.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFnUdLmeRI/AAAAAAAABOI/U6KuxUIvfLY/s1600/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFnUdLmeRI/AAAAAAAABOI/U6KuxUIvfLY/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+096.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFjryS-SMI/AAAAAAAABNw/PmWeDihC88c/s1600/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFjryS-SMI/AAAAAAAABNw/PmWeDihC88c/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+097.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFklO8prLI/AAAAAAAABN4/Ql5sDvSEnVs/s1600/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+098.jpg" imageanch=""><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SwFklO8prLI/AAAAAAAABN4/Ql5sDvSEnVs/s400/Jacob+Ballas+Children%27s+Garden+15+Nov+098.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The sun was out (finally), we took the great opportunity to bring our kids to visit the long-awaited<a href="http://www.sbg.org.sg/bukittimahcore/ChildrenGarden.asp"> Jacob Ballas Children's Garden</a> near NUS Bukit Timah campus.<br />
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We were greeted by bananas after entering, Raeyen was especially thrilled to see banana flower, not only it's big, beautiful, it's hanging upside down.<br />
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There were many plants with interesting and child-friendly signages to explain what they were and purposes. They saw a cotton plant and henna tree. It was hard to explain what is a dye.... anyway, they enjoyed the area where kids could experience what photosynthesis is about.<br />
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We also like the section where all spices (rosemary, chilli, mint, basil, etc) can be found. I like the line-up of anti-mozzie plants - citronella, lemon grass and aloe vera; frankly I didn't know aloe can ward mozzies.<br />
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We didn't realise there was a waterplay area and so they played the slides at the dry area. Before we left, they visited a maze trying to find each other.<br />
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It was fun and educational, and somehow refreshing as it is a garden dedicated to the little ones. I am proud that we have such a garden for them.<br />
</div>shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-67069812632435224572009-11-08T23:02:00.001+08:002009-11-08T23:03:20.666+08:00Dainty pretty scarves/hankies<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SvbcwIhRlBI/AAAAAAAABLY/jRVs-r50mNQ/s1600-h/Recently+Updated1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SvbcwIhRlBI/AAAAAAAABLY/jRVs-r50mNQ/s400/Recently+Updated1.jpg" /></a><br />
The first time I saw pretty scarves and hankies in Japan, I couldn't make up my mind if I should have them.<br />
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The second time I saw them, I got to have them and bought four in one go.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-8052113078736128382009-11-04T00:01:00.000+08:002009-11-04T00:01:21.773+08:00Raeyen's favourite tune<object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0Rz3Tp-F-s&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a0Rz3Tp-F-s&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
10 October 2009 (4 years and 3 months old)shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-91728662051102335302009-11-03T00:23:00.000+08:002009-11-03T00:23:42.865+08:00Mom in painMy mom was admitted to the hospital in the wee hours of the morning due to a second dislocation of her jaw plus the irritating pain on her tailbone caused by a very bad bedsore.<br />
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My mom doesn't deserve all these. Not a good person and a loving mom like her. She defended me when I wanted to further my studies after a lousy A levels. She helped with my fees. She got me my first diamond. She took me to my first holiday by plane. Yet, I wasn't there to help her when she is in need. When she needed a listening ear when she was well, we were busy catching up with other siblings. When she complained, we brushed her off. Now, we try to coax her to speak more. But how can she? With the pain she has to endure. It's heartbreaking. Everytime I see her fragile frame shrinks with each passing week, my eyes refuse to stay dry. Yet I can't let her see me weep. I weep in silence.<br />
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Her pain must be relieved. But how?shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-79811452056900466042009-11-03T00:14:00.001+08:002009-11-03T22:33:14.442+08:00Is there joy in schooling here?I feel a little emotional whenever I hear news of school-kid committed suicide. Some as young as in primary schools.<br />
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What made them do it? What was the motivation pushing a tiny soul to end the journey?<br />
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There are many questions in my head. Was it pressure from school, parents, peers or the society? Was there ever any happiness or joy in our educational system? What is our value system - meritocratic or ??? I don't know the answer. What I do know is the stress all of us have today. We have to cope so many things in a day. For me, coaching Kieran in his school work on weekday evenings becomes a chore. It irks me whenever he doesn't understand what I was explaining. My heart aches and my mind goes bonkers. I don't think I can take it. Initially we thought the after-school care could help, but it doesn't, and so did my friends told me.<br />
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So what parents to do?<br />
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We enrolled him in Singapore's favourite haunting place - tuition centre. Much to my displeasure. But what can we do? Pop goes our weekends of family togetherness and comes chaotic madness of chauffeuring. I don't know if it's good for Kieran or me; but I really don't know which is best.<br />
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AGAIN I stress, I DON'T LIKE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM! There is no balance, kids are stretched, so are parents. It's like a test to our tensile strength, waiting for the breaking point.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-83196523028512288232009-11-01T14:03:00.000+08:002009-11-01T14:03:42.101+08:00Raeyen's performance<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kIi9d_8I/AAAAAAAABK4/PIeBpp1lsLc/s1600-h/Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kIi9d_8I/AAAAAAAABK4/PIeBpp1lsLc/s400/Pictures.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0j-1QOqgI/AAAAAAAABKw/GFzQ-MRbYuM/s1600-h/Pictures1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0j-1QOqgI/AAAAAAAABKw/GFzQ-MRbYuM/s400/Pictures1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kZAV59KI/AAAAAAAABLA/_pAdv5_ocAI/s1600-h/Pictures2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kZAV59KI/AAAAAAAABLA/_pAdv5_ocAI/s400/Pictures2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kcxN9VQI/AAAAAAAABLI/EIi_eZkbY1g/s1600-h/Pictures3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Su0kcxN9VQI/AAAAAAAABLI/EIi_eZkbY1g/s400/Pictures3.jpg" /></a><span id="goog_1257054131708"></span><span id="goog_1257054131709"></span>Raeyen has been practicing the Malay number - Di Tanjung Katong for weeks.<br />
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Yesterday, we caught his performance at his Kindy's year end concert. He wore a nice purple Malay costume, complete with a songkok. So cute.<br />
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Kieran was excited as he is part of the audience unlike in the past years when he performed on stage.<br />
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Raeyen loves to perform and we were happy that stage fright was never a problem for him.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-81655526527840705762009-10-17T01:37:00.010+08:002009-10-17T17:47:05.744+08:00All things kawaii and yummy in Japan<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiqDeI7JqI/AAAAAAAABKI/SvXAvhXVklU/s1600-h/Tokyo+12-15+Oct+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiqDeI7JqI/AAAAAAAABKI/SvXAvhXVklU/s400/Tokyo+12-15+Oct+09.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiqSPbpJPI/AAAAAAAABKQ/jmXzytaVeu4/s1600-h/Tokyo+12-15+Oct+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiqSPbpJPI/AAAAAAAABKQ/jmXzytaVeu4/s400/Tokyo+12-15+Oct+091.jpg" /></a><br />
Just returned from a business trip in Tokyo. Weather was fantastic, like you are in an air-conditioned room while walking on the streets.<br />
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Japan is full of vibrancy and the fashion magazines are always bundled with attractive gifts to lure people like me to buy. I like some of the gifts featured in one of my favourite bloggers' <a href="http://rougedeluxe.blogspot.com/search/label/magazine">entries</a> but I could not buy in Singapore due to various reasons, besides not able to understand the language:<br />
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1. Highly-priced at Kinokuniya<br />
2. Hardly have the chance to hit town to get<br />
3. Am always too slow to catch up on what's newly arrived here<br />
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So I scoured many bookstores in the evenings and it was not futile as 2 eMooks (<a href="http://rougedeluxe.blogspot.com/2009/09/jill-stuart-mook-gisele.html">Jill Stuart's 5th Anniversary</a> and <a href="http://rougedeluxe.blogspot.com/search/label/Cath%20Kidston">Cath Kidston's Thank You Box</a>) were already sold out at Kinokuniya here. Some bookstores in Tokyo have also emptied these popular eMooks. I also managed to get a Jill Stuart tote from CanCam and a Jill by Jill Stuart cosmetic carry pouch from <a href="http://tkj.jp/spring/2009Nov/">Spring</a>.<br />
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I also bought some pretty stationery and small scarves from Burberry, Paul & Joe Sister and Lulu Guinness. Too lazy to take photos of the scarves as I bought them just hours before my return flight.<br />
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Next best thing in Japan is the FOOD!!!! Freshest ever, I can't get enough of toro (fatty tuna) sashimi, unagi and all sorts of raw fish (aji is great too)!!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StivJUBMesI/AAAAAAAABKY/vs8_QUXNziQ/s1600-h/P1030294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StivJUBMesI/AAAAAAAABKY/vs8_QUXNziQ/s400/P1030294.JPG" /></a>A huge surprise came at Grand Hyatt hotel lobby at Roppongi Hills where I was staying when I bumped into Jon Voight (Angeline Jolie's dad). He smiled to me and I said, "Hi, you look familiar!" and he replied, "Hi, you look familiar too." Boy, I was floored. He obliged kindly and may I add, fatherly too when I asked for a photo to be taken with him. When his companion apologised for taking the picture a little too far, I said, "No problem, I can always crop it..." and my new found idol said, "Oh, don't crop me out." Isn't he humourous? He is very handsome, no wonder his famous daughter is so pretty, though she looks very much like her mom.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-77672871889598209122009-10-17T00:06:00.009+08:002009-10-17T17:46:36.773+08:00More decades of love<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">9 October 1999.</span></span></b> I got married to a wonderful man who loves me dearly.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiYUjMY8ZI/AAAAAAAABJo/hk4MlB8JE78/s1600-h/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiYUjMY8ZI/AAAAAAAABJo/hk4MlB8JE78/s400/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+09.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiYmmMN03I/AAAAAAAABJw/95temw2V4jA/s1600-h/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiYmmMN03I/AAAAAAAABJw/95temw2V4jA/s400/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+091.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiY_J0Jm4I/AAAAAAAABJ4/OQ2Hr76bCVc/s1600-h/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiY_J0Jm4I/AAAAAAAABJ4/OQ2Hr76bCVc/s400/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+092.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiZVGB2sQI/AAAAAAAABKA/4GbnBwHM7HM/s1600-h/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StiZVGB2sQI/AAAAAAAABKA/4GbnBwHM7HM/s400/10th+wedding+anniversary+9+Oct+093.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">9 October 2009.</span><span style="color: #741b47;"> </span></span></b>We celebrated our full decade of love in a laid-back fashion, very us, and just us. Had a simple casual lunch at <a href="http://www.wildrocket.com.sg/relish.htm">Relish by Wild Rocket</a>. Had wanted to go <a href="http://www.wildrocket.com.sg/wildrocket.htm">Wild Rocket at Mount Emily</a> but it was closed for renovation. At Relish, he had a yummy blue cheese beef burger with rucola, poached pear and walnut butter with fries while I had succulent beef cheeks with mashed potato. Desserts were perfect - warm molten chocolate cake and black sesame puree, both with vanilla ice-cream.<br />
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I wore a LBD from Guess Jeans, which my little angels helped pick. I love it and the 10th wedding anniversary was a perfect occasion to wear it.<br />
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I insisted of getting a cake to complete the celebration with our little ones. They were thrilled, involving them is a natural thing to do for a mommy.<br />
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After 10 years of marriage, our love is like an unspoken relationship, at least for him (hence no flowers, very pragmatic). I am very expressive and I like to be told that someone cares, etc. Hubby on the other hand, is more reserved and he always thinks I should know what he is thinking without him saying it.<br />
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I asked him why didn't he ask me to call him every time I travel on business to know if I have landed or reached my hotel safely. He said it's because I used to call him so it's understood that I would call and there was no need to remind me to call him, and of course he cared about my safety when am overseas. But this is not the point. Men..... most men are like him, I guess.<br />
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Whenever my male colleague told me about where he would be going for short vacation because, "my wife likes it" or where they will dine because, "my wife likes to eat that", I can't help but have pangs of envy. Deep down, I know my hubby does things my way in an unspoken way. BUT, I still like it if he tells and says so.<br />
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I have to accept for what he is; afterall he gave me 2 beautiful boys because I wanted kids (though a little princess will complete the picture).<br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To more decades of love!</span></span></b>shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-83690826188162827302009-10-07T22:33:00.004+08:002009-10-17T17:45:24.347+08:00I wish Jill was here...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StmRvMMAjTI/AAAAAAAABKg/76frlkAHk8M/s1600-h/JS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/StmRvMMAjTI/AAAAAAAABKg/76frlkAHk8M/s200/JS.jpg" vr="true" /></a>I mean <a href="http://www.jillstuart-beauty.com/"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Jill Stuart, my favourite cosmetic brand</span></b></a>. An American brand made good debut in Japan, now it has counters in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Seoul. It has a stream of followers who scour around Asia to get any of its oh-so-romantic products. My favourites are Mix Blush Compact and Eye Palette.<br />
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It launches limited edition products from time to time. There are even special <a href="http://www.iswii.net/post/show/15496">coffret sets</a> available only in Taiwan in conjunction with the Republic's famous annual department stores' anniversary sale! Taiwan is also my favourite place to buy Jill Stuart stuff, not only there's 5% VAT refund, the prices in Taiwan are relatively cheaper from the rest of the world, except for a few items in Hong Kong.<br />
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Check out Jill Stuart's Christmas 2009 LE set <a href="http://www.iswii.net/post/show/15872">here</a>.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-46526844487056919882009-10-02T23:51:00.001+08:002009-10-02T23:57:13.833+08:00Mid-Autumn Festival & Children's Day Party by the Park<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYeD2qCOPI/AAAAAAAABJM/QUYpMt_dVkU/s1600-h/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYeD2qCOPI/AAAAAAAABJM/QUYpMt_dVkU/s400/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+09.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYeUKnmFsI/AAAAAAAABJU/XksyhaqJbkk/s1600-h/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYeUKnmFsI/AAAAAAAABJU/XksyhaqJbkk/s400/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+091.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYevMeVfRI/AAAAAAAABJc/3piu59l9H9Y/s1600-h/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsYevMeVfRI/AAAAAAAABJc/3piu59l9H9Y/s400/Mid-Autumn+Party+by+the+Kindy+1+Oct+092.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Raeyen's Kindy</span></span></b> organised a party yesterday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival-cum-Children's Day at a park near our place and families were invited. That, was a very nice gesture and a great opportunity for family bonding.<br />
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Kids were thrilled, took their Transformers lanterns, picnic mats and snacks. Kieran got to see his ex-classmates and teachers. It was a cloudy day and the moon was not visible, as a result.<br />
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During registration, Raeyen saw his favourite teacher, Mrs Rai and took a photo with her. He also joined his schoolmates at the "stage" singing songs that they learned. He really loves performing. Now he and Kieran are into the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKrU_BsEmD8&feature=channel">Wonder Girls' Nobody</a>!<br />
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There was a walkabout around the park and some games. Raeyen was busy playing catch with his buddies while Kieran played ball. Both were drenched with sweat in the unbelievable heat! And, I was attacked by the irritating mozzies, arrgh!<br />
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We didn't win the make-your-own-lantern by parent-and-child contest and Raeyen could not understand why he didn't get a prize. He persistently asked, "Why Mommy, why I don't have a prize? Where is my prize?"shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-47779500867558808922009-09-29T14:15:00.004+08:002009-09-29T23:32:42.752+08:00Raeyen's Lantern Project<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsGldX1kTkI/AAAAAAAABJE/-xjTUvnwpH0/s1600-h/Picture+001+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" iq="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SsGldX1kTkI/AAAAAAAABJE/-xjTUvnwpH0/s320/Picture+001+copy.jpg" /></a>This is part of his kindy's <strong><span style="color: magenta;">parent-and-child project</span></strong> in conjunction with the <strong><span style="color: #660000;">Mooncake Festival.</span></strong> It is also part of a competition that will be held on 1 October to celebrate Children's Day & the Mooncake Festival.<br />
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He helped in sticking the glittering and colourful adhesives while I did the rest. Those little furry balls depict the moon, and yes, many moons. I used 3 different patterned origami papers to "wrap" the orange cylinder and clear plastic strips with the furry balls as frills. All items were bought from Daiso, a great place to hunt for such knick-knacks.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-33157215852229465782009-09-11T22:38:00.001+08:002009-09-11T22:39:18.415+08:00Mini break at Sentosa<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SqpgVPbctDI/AAAAAAAABI8/qS7-aW-V2Vc/s1600-h/07-Sep-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SqpgVPbctDI/AAAAAAAABI8/qS7-aW-V2Vc/s400/07-Sep-2009.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
We spent this one-week September school holiday at Rasa Sentosa Resort for a night. It was our first and will be the last. Simply because it was not value-for-money and the whole place is rather run-down.<br />
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First of. Our room wasn't ready, so we took the kids to the Kids' Club to kill time. BUT, it was closed for lunch - can you believe this? The toddler playroom was pathetically boring for Raeyen. The arcade rooms were lingered with stale air. When the Kids' Club was finally opened, we were told only kids above 5 are allowed! Kieran went in, but came out after 5 minutes because it was "boring". He was expecting at least somewhere along the same standard as what he had experienced at The Westin Bali.<br />
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Our so-called half-price package of S$217++ per room per night rate does not come with breakfast. When we got in after collecting our key, we were surprised that the carpet has stains.<br />
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When we went to the pool the next morning, the pool bar was not opened even through the afternoon! The sea-sport centre was also not opened until either late morning or noon.<br />
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Anyhow, despite all these unpleasantness, we had a blast riding 2-3 times on the luge in the day and night. The kids were happy that we spent some time with them. They blew bubbles at the hotel balcony and were excited when we saw a monitor lizard wondering near the pool. The only thing they were thrilled at the hotel was the kiddie rides by the waddle pool.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-23361181858193568232009-09-02T22:44:00.000+08:002009-09-02T22:44:40.334+08:00This is my one"This is my one" is often spoken by Singapore kids. I have no idea how this has spun to such extent and that long since my kindergarten days!<br />
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I, especially, loathe to hear kids and adults alike exclaiming, "Aiyah, this is not your one, it's his/her one."<br />
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Therefore, I am happy that the <a href="http://www.goodenglish.org.sg/">Speak Good English Movement</a> is a regular affair annually. You can also pick up some post cards bearing funny lines such as "This is my one" and "Why you so like that" from the <a href="http://www.nlb.gov.sg/">library</a>.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-45889569409854752102009-08-25T13:56:00.001+08:002009-08-25T14:00:11.613+08:00Feel like a teen again<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpN8vC8SQrI/AAAAAAAABI0/Z8O06vKnemA/s1600-h/newmooncover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" lk="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpN8vC8SQrI/AAAAAAAABI0/Z8O06vKnemA/s200/newmooncover.jpg" /></a>My friends have been telling me how great <a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight.html"><strong><span style="color: red;">Twilight</span></strong></a> has been. Having watched the movie with hubby & May, which made us feel like teens again, I decided to read it.<br />
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My ex-boss' girlfriend lent me the book, boy it was addictive. The way the author wrote about Edward Cullen, it's so beautiful. I am so looking forward to watching it again and to catch its second installment - <a href="http://www.apple.com/trailers/summit/newmoon/"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">The Twilight Saga: New Moon</span></strong></a>, which will be released this November. Before that, I must read New Moon first.<br />
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Ooh, how I miss my teenage years!shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-69781533231759791762009-08-24T22:03:00.003+08:002009-08-25T09:39:41.775+08:00Kieran's part 2 celebration<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpKdQ_xEJiI/AAAAAAAABIk/VrhN8ZDVxFw/s1600-h/Recently+Updated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpKdQ_xEJiI/AAAAAAAABIk/VrhN8ZDVxFw/s400/Recently+Updated.jpg" /></a>We celebrated again on Sunday with our extended family at our home over dinner.<br />
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I prepared portobello soup, while my helper cooked sweet & sour chicken, eggs, Indonesian vege rolls and fried vermicelli.<br />
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The family arrived with Meg still decked in her sweet ballerina costume. Raeyen was very excited when he saw the pressie from them to Kieran and kept asking when it could be opened.<br />
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The kids ate together as they watched a movie from Disney Channel while the adults had theirs at the dining table, chatting from cycling to our home. We had <a href="http://www.choya.com/"><strong><span style="color: #741b47;">Choya</span></strong></a> Royal Honey <span style="font-size: x-small;">(click </span><a href="http://www.choya.com/drink.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> to discover different ways of concocting a nice Choya drink)</span> with lemonade as an aperitif and ended with <a href="http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/"><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Crabtree & Evelyn</span></strong></a> chamomile tea.<br />
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The whole clan proceeded to the playroom to reminisce May and our good 'ol days flipping through photo albums from secondary school to our wedding to our European holiday together.<br />
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The kids then played the remote-controlled chopper that May bought for Kieran before saying goodbye.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-58662693429694589542009-08-24T21:59:00.005+08:002009-08-25T09:33:30.195+08:00Kieran turned 7!Hubby and I made plans to bring Kieran out on Thursday and Friday, respectively as a prelude to his birthday, afterall the school was closed on both days due to PSLE Oral exam.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Thursday.</span></strong> Hubby took him for a movie - <a href="http://www.hasbro.com/gijoe/en_US/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>G I Joe</strong></span></a>, as the title implies, it's very apt for male bonding. I bought the tickets for them at lunch and the came over to meet me for a quick one before scooting off for the show. They met me again after work. Kieran had evidently enjoyed the movie as he related part of the story to me on our way home by MRT.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Friday.</span></strong> After rushing home from half-day's work, I took Kieran and Raeyen to Orchard Road. Raeyen tagged along as I couldn't bear to leave him home. First stop was <a href="http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg/"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6;">Kinokuniya</span></strong></a> for books; Kieran chose Star Wars while Raeyen had Thomas the Tank Engine. While we were walking to Takashimaya from Wisma Atria, we took a short-cut through <a href="http://www.guess.com/"><strong><span style="color: #e06666;">Guess</span></strong></a> and a LBD caught my eyes.... I tried, the boys squealed that it was nice on me.... and yes I bought it. Then we went Bakerzin for desserts before going to <a href="http://www.borders.com.sg/"><span style="color: red;"><strong>Borders</strong></span></a> for more books. We left Orchard to meet hubby for dinner at Ajisen.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpKb8f7TZtI/AAAAAAAABIc/c5b8bItZgCw/s1600-h/Kieran's+7th+Birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SpKb8f7TZtI/AAAAAAAABIc/c5b8bItZgCw/s400/Kieran%27s+7th+Birthday.jpg" /></a><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;">Saturday.</span></strong> We collected Kieran's Raspberry cheesecake from Secret Recipe at Square 2 but it was badly done (as you can see in the photo), even the quality of the cake has gone South. It was disappointing which I have no mood to detail here. Anyway, the kids had fun with their cousins as usual. Joo family even flew in his pressie from Perth - Ben 10 Alien Force swimwear + board shorts. Raeyen also had a new Lightning McQueen suit. Kieran wants Star Wars lego which he has yet found one that he likes because most are bad guys.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-53224391875600808832009-08-22T00:45:00.004+08:002009-08-25T09:42:31.085+08:00New gadget<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/So7Q0owEpdI/AAAAAAAABIU/JORtbgZvVIE/s1600-h/P1020982.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372461008210404818" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/So7Q0owEpdI/AAAAAAAABIU/JORtbgZvVIE/s400/P1020982.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 350px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
19 August. Hubby gave me a surprise when he opened the car boot while we waited for Kieran. My new found <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">MacBook Pro 13"</span></span> sat squarely awaiting for her new owner. Yes, my Mac is a girl, no less.<br />
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I was beaming with pride that it didn't cost us much as we signed up for another 2 years with Singnet for its broadband and paid an additional $499 to get the Pro version.<br />
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The very night, after the kids went to bed, I was busy exploring this silver beauty. Setting up my own Apple account, Skype, etc. Mac is definitely a class of its own, I am loving it.<br />
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Next gadget - <a href="http://www.apple.com/sg/"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Apple</span></strong></a> iPhone 3G[S].shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-62074072518627529682009-08-18T23:56:00.005+08:002009-08-19T00:04:32.666+08:00Amazing Daddy<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">Background:</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663300;">It's bedtime and I was busy, ie can't read book to the kids.</span></i><br /><br />Here's a conversation between Raeyen and me.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Raeyen: Good night, Mommy!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Me: Good night, Baby! Is Daddy going to read to you (er... hubby rarely reads to them even when I am away)?</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Raeyen: Yes, Daddy is going to read to me. Isn't it amazing, Mommy?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br />Me: *Dumb-founded and burst out laughing*</span>shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-58178532234257967622009-07-26T20:14:00.004+08:002009-07-29T09:15:38.860+08:00Raeyen's mishap at Ikea Tampines<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Sm-ioLz2eBI/AAAAAAAABIM/qoUP4QQnvTo/s1600-h/090726+Rae+cut+at+Ikea.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363684492470286354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 283px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/Sm-ioLz2eBI/AAAAAAAABIM/qoUP4QQnvTo/s400/090726+Rae+cut+at+Ikea.jpg" border="0" /></a>It was supposed to be a fun-filled one-hour for the kiddos at Ikea's play facility but only into 45 minutes of play, hubby received a call from Ikea that Raeyen suffered a bump and cut on his left temple.<br /><br />When he got there to pick him, there were 3 Ikea staff surrounding Raeyen but none offered comforting words nor a hug to our poor boy. Hubby was shocked that the abrasive cut was quite bad and could not believe that the staff kept asking Raeyen what happened. Apparently another boy was involved in a collision with Raeyen but he has left with his parents.<br /><br />Hubby asked if any of the staff saw what happened but none could help. Truth is, there was no staff stationed at main sections of the play facility to mind the large amount of kids. We were shocked and disappointed with how the kids were treated there.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-24328667377402597212009-07-26T20:02:00.002+08:002009-07-29T22:41:53.905+08:00Ion - the new Icon for all things FashionableIon is a beautiful mall that housed many fashionable labels and refreshingly new food joints (most from Japan).<br /><br />With my sis and 2 kid in tow, we hit the mall on Saturday morning to avoid the crowd. The kids went "WOW" to the ceiling where silhouette of sea creatures swam past. It was a visual treat.<br /><br />We had brekkie at Food Opera, another classy brainchild of the Breadtalk chain (in fact I met the owner on Friday, he seems very down to earth). We were pleasantly surprised to see the National Geographic wooden horse installed infront of Fatty Weng's stall. There are many art pieces in the foodcourt to feast one's eyes.<br /><br />Other food joint operators on Basement 4 are interesting too... especially those hailed from The Rising Sun. While I had tried the tako balls with macha on Friday, we bought some fish pancakes with witty fillings; the kids like chocolate with banana and bacon with egg.<br /><br />Ion is already my fav haunt, next to Vivocity.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-50575620648983469372009-07-21T15:36:00.004+08:002009-07-21T15:50:06.332+08:00New book release<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmVyhcZjWcI/AAAAAAAABH8/GNyY5g2mwvM/s1600-h/_bk_20s.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360816850339060162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmVyhcZjWcI/AAAAAAAABH8/GNyY5g2mwvM/s400/_bk_20s.jpg" border="0" /></a>My fav author of the Shopaholic series, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/">Sophie Kinsella</a> has just launched her new book - <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/books/display.pperl?isbn=9780385342025"><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Twenties Girl</span></strong></a>.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">Storyline:<br /></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive. Normal professional twenty-something young women don’t get visited by ghosts. Or do they?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">When the spirit of Lara’s great-aunt Sadie–a feisty, demanding girl with firm ideas about fashion, love, and the right way to dance–mysteriously appears, she has one last request: Lara must find a missing necklace that had been in Sadie’s possession for more than seventy-five years, and Sadie cannot rest without it. Lara, on the other hand, has a number of ongoing distractions. Her best friend and business partner has run off to Goa, her start-up company is floundering, and she’s just been dumped by the “perfect” man.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Sadie, however, could care less.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lara and Sadie make a hilarious sparring duo, and at first it seems as though they have nothing in common. But as the mission to find Sadie’s necklace leads to intrigue and a new romance for Lara, these very different “twenties” girls learn some surprising truths from each other along the way. Written with all the irrepressible charm and humor that have made Sophie Kinsella’s books beloved by millions, Twenties Girl is also a deeply moving testament to the transcendent bonds of friendship and family.</span><br /><br />There's even an <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/multimedia.html">iTune playlist for the book</a> (crikey!) and a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophie-Kinsella/15458005572#/video/video.php?v=563783917575">videoclip</a> of the same.<br /><br />Gotta get the book!shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31984265.post-87462302903590440792009-07-19T23:04:00.009+08:002009-07-19T23:19:12.819+08:00A cozy dinner<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM48JQBo8I/AAAAAAAABH0/dYfQYX0SCDw/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360190587427464130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM48JQBo8I/AAAAAAAABH0/dYfQYX0SCDw/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM4nxIdrLI/AAAAAAAABHs/Ld0JSDqBZtw/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360190237355912370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM4nxIdrLI/AAAAAAAABHs/Ld0JSDqBZtw/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM4Sy4_E5I/AAAAAAAABHk/Q1fs3wbuP9s/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360189877050610578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM4Sy4_E5I/AAAAAAAABHk/Q1fs3wbuP9s/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay3.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3_Ir0e2I/AAAAAAAABHc/RsPpfdx4U48/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360189539303586658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3_Ir0e2I/AAAAAAAABHc/RsPpfdx4U48/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay4.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3ysBowAI/AAAAAAAABHU/94QjCgb10Ng/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360189325452034050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3ysBowAI/AAAAAAAABHU/94QjCgb10Ng/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3nf1jr1I/AAAAAAAABHM/q0xsTrvYLlI/s1600-h/090717+Keppel+Bay6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360189133201583954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MVfaMG2hO6k/SmM3nf1jr1I/AAAAAAAABHM/q0xsTrvYLlI/s400/090717+Keppel+Bay6.jpg" /></a><br />As part of farewell to Connie & Jamus before they return to Perth, we went to tcc at Marina @ Keppel Bay on Friday evening. We were glad that May & Megan could also join us as we have not been seeing them for quite some time.<br /><br />The evening was warm with little wind. It was a nice drive along Keppel Bay Drive and we were greeted with calm waters and nice yachts at the marina. tcc is located on the second floor. Dinner was as usual great with unusual coffee concoctions. The company was even better.<br /><br />After dinner, we walked along the marina and chit-chatted. The place was serene with carpet grass on a small greenfield where the kids roamed and played together.shopaholichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438661240785598911noreply@blogger.com0