Surprise for Our Parents

Both dad and mum had just touched down from the plane. One of my sisters arranged to fetch the old folks from the Budget Terminal.

Our conversations went like these ...

Alison: Hey Fiona, where are you?

Fiona: We are parking our car.

Alison: Great, the plane just landed.

Fiona: K, on my way now.

(after 15mins)

Alison: Hey, where are you again?

Fiona: I couldn't find belt no. 3, oh gosh...I think I'm at the wrong terminal. Is Terminal 3, a Budget Terminal?

Alison: Of cuz not. You gotta make a U-turn again at T3. No wonder you take such a long time. In that case, make your way to T2 where our dinner is. Meet you at Sakae Resturant.

Fiona: OK.

So joining the rest at Sakae Sushi Resturant ... waiting for the arrival of our parents. Children were waiting patiently behind the door while I waited for them with the camera on my hands.

Waited for almost 20 mins ... and the moment the door slid, this was how my parents looked especially my mum. She was surprised. Can tell from the eyes of the old folks that they really miss us especially their beloved granddaughter, Celestine.

Waiting behind the scene!

Arrival of the Folks - Part 1

Arrival of the Folks - Part 2

Wedding Perfection

Something old,

Something new,

Something borrowed,

Something blue

This saying is really new to me. Unsure if you guys ever heard of it.

That means any items use on the wedding day by the bride. For instance,

Something old - I'm going to wear my necklace and earrings that hubby specially bought during the proposal.

Something new - I'm will be wearing a new pair of gold wedding heels that's about 3 to 3 1/2 inches to match with my new Wedding gown.

Something borrowed - I need to borrow any item from my family or friends. Can be anything.

Something blue - Oh, does it include my evening gown? A bit purplish and blueish ...

So is my Wedding consider a perfection now? Hee ...

'Shu Shu, Ah Yi bu jian le' - Hanyu Pinyin (Mandarin)

Celestine is growing everyday. She is learning new things even before she was born, begin to pick up things around her and importantly, she listens attentively to people when they talk. To support what I said, recently I had attended a seminar from a pre-school which was set-up by a Professor from Japan - Professor Shichida.

http://www.shichidamethod.com/

From ages 0-3, the right brain works dominantly. During this period, it is important to provide as much as a baby needs, and to stimulate his or her five senses regularly. This is also a time when the child is fast absorbing information and is extremely eager to learn - Professor Shichida

That's one of the points, apart from these, I would hold dearly the way Celestine address the people around her. Example, who is 'ye ye', 'gong gong', 'nai nai', 'po po', 'bo bo', 'gu gu', 'yi yi', 'yi zhang' & etc ...

For people who doesn't know:

1. Ye Ye - Paternal Grandpa (related to the father)

2. Nai Nai - Paternal Grandma

3. Gong Gong - Maternal Grandpa (related to the mother)

4. Po Po - Maternal Grandma

5. Bo Bo - Uncle (Father's elder brother)

6. Gu Gu - Aunt (Father's sister)

7. Yi Yi - Aunt (Mother's sister)

8. Yi Zhang - Uncle (Aunt's husband)

9. Tang Ge - Bo Bo's children (Cousin from Paternal)

10. Biao Ge - Yi Zhang's children (Cousin from Maternal)

The lists just go on ...

This is something which I wanted Celestine to learn and differentiate. We as a parents should instill the right attitudes and values to our child. Not only that, we must help them to differentiate between paternal and maternal.

For example, I did a test on my nephew and neice whom currently address Deon as their Uncle. Apparently, these 2 kids do not know what's the difference between 'shu shu' or 'bo bo'. What I did was to check if they know how to address 'Uncle Deon' in Mandarin.

To my surprise, these 2 kids addressed Deon as their 'xiao gu' means aunt in Mandarin. Sounds funny isn't it but come to think of it, it's really important especially we are Chinese. And me, being a kiasu / nervous aunt without any qualms began to preach all over again. Explaining the difference.

It's really a hassle to explain right from the start especially these were not instill to them at their earlier stage. It can be resolved but can be avoided too.

I'm not trying to be stubborn over here but I guess as a parents, we should trach and guide our child. I'm not a perfect person trying to preach but as far as Celestine is concerned, I hope she can be a better person with the help of her parents.

I'm a new mother and for sure, I'm learning. I stand to be corrected at all times.

A Fine Evening

What else can we go wrong with great companions, fantastic food and cool ambience with hip music?

Cafe del Mar @ Sentosa is definitely a cool hippy place for people to chill out on a weekends. These days, hubby and I have been in-out of Sentosa quite often due to our wedding preparation. That makes us know Sentosa even better. Am I? Well ... not exactly.

This time, we were back again to collect extra wedding cards from our hotel planner. To make sure our printing of wedding invitation cards is sufficient.

Once the 'thing' was settled, we headed down to this hip place for dining and relaxation. Not really sure about hubby and friends-Perhaps some bikini babes.

To begin with,

The Lobster Soup

This was what he had! Roasted Spring Chicken with herbs

This was what he had! Asian Grilled Jumbo Prawns

My beloved hubby Fettuccine Champignon

Bubbly Fiona & her Grilled Succulent Lambchop

Dessert for us!

The Dining Ends!

Wine begins ... by the pool with bikini babes ... however ... no babes around when I took the pictures ...

We ended the night by driving around Sentosa Cove.

Where To Puff

Couldn't find a fine afternoon to puff? Cafe 2000 offers a quiet relaxing ambient to puff as many as you can. Juicy curry with ingredients like chunky chicken wrapped in crispy buttery pastry. Potatoes lovers' like hubby prefers the normal curry puff. The potatoes are chunky enough to cover the whole taste, which I normally hate.

With sufficient portion of Ice-Lemon Tea and the company of your loved ones, for sure it will satisfied you with the right dosage of love. Life is not all about work and money. Importantly, to spend a fine good afternoon together.

While waiting for my puff ... @ M Hotel

Hubby waiting patiently ... Here comes our puff & tea ...

Hubby enjoying his curry puff ... Me? As usual ...

And When She Sleeps

Every morning is a brand new day.

To begin with a smile,

A smile that is innocent and lovable.

Her glittering eyes unfold her feeling.

She knows you are there to protect her,

to cuddle her,

& to shower her with tender loving care.

Every night is to end with a kiss.

A kiss on the cheek,

to say goodnight honey.

A kiss on the forehead,

to say sleep tight darling.

The next moment, you can't resist youself

by holding her hand

& to sleep peacefully.

By Fiona

Am I A Model?

A galfriend has been searching for a blouse for her company's Annual Dinner & Dance since last week. We forayed around the mall and nothing seemed to be appealing. Yep, we gave up and ended somewhere at a resturant for our late night dinner.

Again on the next day, went shopping with hubby and this time was not searching blouses for myself but this galfriend of mine.

So that's my pick at Massimo Dutti!

I was the model just for that moment. Put on the blouse and to send her pictures of what I wore for her selections.

Here we are:

1st Blouse: $145

2nd blouse: $125

In fact, I'm still contemplating if I should buy. It seemed that the latter looks more stunning and formal. Just couldn't find the right occasion and opportunity to wear.

Well, shall see how it goes! Should I buy or not? But trust me, the cutting is really good! So good that it conceal my flaws. Hee ...

Another Temptation

Oh gosh! Temptation is in the air!

My friend who is in my house, while I'm doing some writing on this bloggie has just offered me with some donuts.

Ya, thanks anyway!

Too bad, I have no craving for it even though I know there are people who queue for hours just to enjoy.

I still remember, there was an interview with Renee Zellweger who was known as the main characters from the Bridget Jones' Diaries. Back then, she just had ice cream and donut to be that fat lady. And since then, I told myself that I'm not going to touch any of these and definitely no donuts.

Well, try to tempt me next time. Try harder friend. Hee ...

It's A Sin!

It's A Sin! Father forgive me. I try not to do it.

But I'm just a big fat glutton! Sorry.

What have I done again?

Sigh, instead of exercising hard enough. I have allowed myself to sin. A big feast!

Simply can't resist those yummy chilli crab-alicious especially those spicy gravy that served with fleshy crab meat. Simply irresistible especially those fingers' licking was marvellous!

Too bad, I was so busy indulging on the herbal prawns and chilli crabs that I'd forgotten to take pictures until the end.

Throughout the whole feast, my little honey was co-operative. In fact, she was sleeping while mummy was enjoying her crab-alicious!

My New Toy

Not too sure if I have been working hard enough to slim down for my special day!

Well, instead of sitting down and complain, might as well kick my ass and do something productive. So next, I got myself a new toy! This new toy will help to enhance further to achieve my goal. Afterall, I'm left with 2 months to shed those jiggling fats.

Look this is my new toy

Instead of running thrice a week, I have segregated my timetable to running twice a week and bladding once. Hopefully by the end of the day, I'm able to achieve my goal.

So let me exercise hard.

Cheers ...

Bits and Pieces

Wedding banquet was confirmed however there were some bits and pieces to follow up.

Like the wedding cards, confirmation of guests list, cocktail reception, stroller band, musics like songs to play during the wedding dinner and the lists just go on and on. Wonder is this what I called bits and pieces!

Not to worry, like I always do, take things at a time.

As far as a bride's concern, most of the arrangement have already been settled.

First, my wedding gown was settled. Hubby has granted me with my most favourite gown, of course with some additional cost. We reckon that! If you want the best and the latest design, you gotta pay! Yes, we did try to negotiate with the boss with more perks. Finally, both parties has agreed! We are willing to pay additional unless you agree to loan us the gown for a week. That means I'm allow to bring a gown for my next honeymoon. Just like what we did during our 1st Mauritius honeymoon.

Next, is the timing for my makeup artist to arrive at my place in the morning, afternoon at the hotel and follow by the 3rd hairdo. So basically, I'm getting 2 hairdos in 1 night. Cheers!

As for those Chinese items, what to buy lists will be under my mum's responsibility. She will take charge of buying the small little items for me. Haven't really get any indication from her yet. But will do that soon.

So far, these are some of my small little things to do for the past week. And I hope to progress smoothly as I go along.

Just a picture of me and my little honey

Conquer My Cravings

Recently, I was asked if I have any cravings for snacks. Some friends whom I know do indulge in snacks when they are depress, stress, or even when they are happy. From a recent poll that I have read, snackers said the hours after dinner were most challenging, followed by mid-afternoon munching, and late night snack attacks ranking third.

Personally, I think snacking due to the above syndrome is purely an excuse and not only that but a suicide to our physical. I wouldn't want to engage in snacking just because I'm depress. Normally, this depression doesn't last and by the time we overcome the ordeal, we are back to the norms. Sad to say, it's too late as we have already happily indugled in the snacking sin. Look into the mirror, what do you see? A fat unfamiliar faces with pimples popping or just another sad looking depress lady? Have we really overcome the depression? Sad to say, the answer is NO!

Be it, it's a depression or happiness. It's just an excuse for snacking.

So do I really snack? Yes but probably once a while. Even if so, it's just a bite or to be more exact, it's only a slice of potato chips allowed in my mouth. Most of the time, I would say NO. And the word NO is firm and steady. I'm proud to say, no one can ever tempt me. I can resist without any pain and look here, I'm still a happy-go-lucky woman who just don't snack.

I'm not stopping you but with some reminder for you to learn and recognize your cravings instead of jumping to the fridge or your pantry for some junk food again.

Let me suggest some basic and yet simple rules to prevent yourself from snacking.

1. Divert your attention elsewhere.

2. Keep yourself busy.

3. Set a timetable to follow strictly.

Eg. 3 meals a day and THAT'S ALL!

4. Substitute snacks with a cup of Milo.

5. Leave your office drawer empty. Don't dump snacks in it. NO NO!!!

Well, sounds simple right?

So what's next?

Congratulate yourself for not snacking.

The Little Red Riding Hood

I was 'The Little Red Riding Hood' on the Halloween night. Doll up to be the young girl. Can't believe right? Ya, so am I. A mother of one trying to act innocent and cute. Sucks! Look cool man. At least, I'm sporting enough to dress up.

Hey, but I thought Halloween night is supposed to dress up something more scary and eerie? Why Little Red Riding Hood appears? Isn't she supposed to stay at home to avoid the wolf? Where's the wolf?

Well ... the wolves were those young punks behind me queuing for the entry to Zouk, Halloween Night. Trust me, I was not the only one. Snow white was in the party too. Puffing away with her other sexy ghosts. The Geisha was roaming around with her small feminine umbrella probably hoping to find some affluent man to chat. Pirates in the Carribean ain't cruising on that night. Probably a rest night for him. Even Bernie, Jason and Boxers were there. In a nutshell, it's just another crazy night.

So probably, gotta wait for next year again.

1st Cereal

It's time to introduce my sixth months old sweetie pie to some semi-solid food. I can tell she is ready for any new taste based on the way she looks at people when they eat. To test that, I have tried to put a spoon close to her mouth. She reacted by stretching her arms with her mouth open. All ready for the food.

To begin with, I started something very mild, by giving her Baby's Apple Juice and then brown rice. I was comparing the nutritional facts between the brown and the white rice. For sure, the brown contains better nutrition than the latter. At first, wasn't sure what to give but a trip to the supermarket to see what's available for infant. And somehow, there isn't much choices for the the little ones. It's either brown or white rice. Wheat or Honey oats.

Finally decided to pick the brown rice and wheat for my little honey.

Mon to Fri: Brown Rice

Sat & Sun: Wheat cereal

In between snacks: Purees Apple with Mango, Purees Carrots with Pumpkins, etc ...

Brown Rice and Baby's Apple Juice

See, this is my little honey enjoying her 1st Cereal

My Dream Gown

When it comes to wedding especially 'MY WEDDING', finding the right lavish wedding gown is something that I will not neglect. The gown of my dream has to be timeless and exudes a romantic flair. A classic gown that helps to accentuate the curve of my body and to bring out the femininity in me. The gown is a representative of me. It reflects my style and my personality. Every gown is unique and I'm pretty sure what I really want for my dream wedding.

Of course not only the gown will enhance the best in a bride but a gorgeous smile is indispensable. A smile that captures everyone's attention only for that special occasion. And I'm sure my smile will make wonders on this special moments, a moment that my hubby will remember for the rest of his life. The smile that remains in his heart.

So expect to see my splendour gown and not forgetting the traditional gown - 'Cantonese Kua' which I'm going to wear on that evening.

P.S: To all my friends who are attending this special evening, please help us to capture more glamorous shots.

Wedding Venue

Have I ever mentioned about my wedding venue?

No!

Now, I'm going to announce.

My dream wedding! Rasa Sentosa Resort by Shangri-La

We specially selected this venue mainly because the hotel is capable of fulfilling our requests and importantly fulfilled my dreams.

A Wedding by the Sea in celebrating the important day of our life. A truly unique wedding experience in an idyllic resort setting by the sea. This is exactly what I wish for in our wedding.

A Cocktail Reception at the Waterfront Lawn with all my important relatives and friends.

A truly memorable everlasting love for the two of us.

Wedding Preparation: Food Tasting

Our first wedding preparation is to participate in a food tasting at the restaurant. Get-to-know session with the chef. To taste the food that we have specially selected for our guest. What we want to eat and how we want the taste to be.

So yesterday, we got both sides of the parents to join us for the trial. Discuss about the taste of the food and portion of the food. Is it enough for our guests? Is this what we expected to see? Is the taste going to be standard? What we see is what we get? What we smell is what we taste? Sounds funny right. Anyway, this is quite a good session for us. At least, certain doubts about the food and servings have been cleared. At least, we have enough time to make some adjustment. So far, not much comments and just a change of dish from our current choice.

Well, I'm going to keep you guys in suspense. I'm not going to tell you the menu until the special day arrives.

The session ended at least two and a half hours.

Happy Family

Takashimaya SALE

The weekend was fulfilling and relaxing. Met up with my mum on Friday for a shopping spree. She wanted to get a cheong-sam for my wedding day. Finally got one at 'Madame Butterfly' and I do admit it looks nice on her perhaps of her slender figure. The cheong-sam cost about $200 plus with a discount of 20% from the boutique and additional 10% discount by using Taka card. End up paying much lesser. (Note: The cheong-sam she's wearing was not her pick.)

While mum was busy with her selection, I'd chose a sexy piece too for try on. It was a black silky body hugging cheong-sam with big floral. Wanted so much to buy for my tea ceremony but too bad, my mum stopped me. Waste of money! Same old thingy that mum always comments. Sob sob ... BUT according to the sales rep, I do look very nice and sexy. Kind of 60s look, back to the olden Shangainese days.

So what was my gal doing? Oh well, she was sleeping comfortably at her pram. While mummy and granny shopped peacefully. If not, we would not have the luxury to shop.

1 item down and lunch was settled at Crystal Jade La-Mien. Lunch over and next, it's time to shop for my item. Bought a pair of shoe from Bonia.

I can still remember the brand tagline vividly.

BONIA - 'It brings up the Italian in You'.

The leather is soft and it fits well according to the shape of my feet. No wonder people pay a premium for a good pair of Italian shoe. It's a good investment afterall. No regrets, hee ... the good thing was managed to get a discount too. Needless to say, 20% and additional 10% again.

Hang on guys, the sale is not over. What I meant was, the sale went on from Friday till Sunday late night at 10pm.

Then again, on Sunday night, went to Taka again with hubby. He bought a belt and a pair of shoe. All from Taka and specially in preparation for our special day.

A belt, a wallet, a ring and a trouser are given as a gift from my mum. It was a traditional custom that most Cantonese follow even until now. It said that all mother-in-law has to buy the above items for their new son-in-law as a dowry. And I believe there are lots more to follow.

Well, I supposed my next bloggie would be some topics related to our wedding preparation.

So guys, sit back and I definitely welcome you to read my dreamy bloggie more often as this dreamer is going to have a new set of topics to talk and gossip about.

Sale is over and what's next? We shall see ...

Just Don't Understand

People around me are going gaga over blogging. But still, there are some who appear to be lost when we talk about 'BLOG'.

What is blog? What's so good about blogging? Why must you tell the whole world about yourself? No privacy! Usually this is the comments I heard, 'Blogging is only meant for people like you who are so damn free!'

Hey, Hello! This is not true. I'm always a firm beliver of self-time management. I take charge of my time though at times I'm quite a procastinator. I need to be pushed but once I get started with the task, I'm 'IN' man.

It is about how you manage your time. And I thought it's quite a good idea to share with our friends whom we have lost over the years about our experiences and what we have done recently. It's also a good tools to vent our frustration especially at this kind of hush enviroment when everyone is busy with their daily life and no time to lend a hand.

I call it an escapade from the real world. Agree or not? It's subjective and I'm not going to comments much.

But still, would appreciate if those friends who see me again, please don't ask me the same question. I'm not going to repeat time and time again.

It's really a chore to explain. And if we don't see eye to eye, that is fine.

Till now, I have no regrets in writing my own dreamy blog. Through this form of medium, I have managed to know more wonderful friends not only in Singapore but around the world.

Don't believe, try yourself. Sit back and relax.

1st & Last

Honey,

Mummy is sorry but I promise, this will be the last time. I will not do it again.

Call it a myth or what ... mummy wanna gamble just for this time.

So here we are.

Honestly, you look real cute now. Hee ...

Enjoy it honey.

Step Out

Bye to my primitive era and Welcome my new shopping exploration.

I called myself a traditional shopper who prefers to shop at the retail. Foray at the shopping mall in search of dresses, shoes and books. The sense of touch and sight is important. Exactly, this is what most women do!

But then again, I have stepped out of the well and all ready to make my first purchase through the net. Yes, my first online purchase! I was skeptical at the beginning, wondering what if I made payment and nothing was sent to me? What if the bills end up in a hefty sums? What if the items I had purchased wasn't up to my expectations? What if and what if ... never ending ... the convincing thing is purchasing online is only when you can't get the thing in your own country. If you can, why bother to shop online?

So where's my first stop?

http://www.amazon.com/

It all started this way, when I was browsing this webpage and happened to find this interesting book 'Retail Therapy' by Amanda Ford. Next, found myself scanning all the bookstores in S'pore. But none of them import this interesting book. Infact, I'm really desperate. My hubby was puzzled. What is this lady hunting again? What's so interesting about this book? Since couldn't find it over here but no choice gotta purchase from the net. This was how I got started.

So after all the troubles of registering the account and getting all user id ready and credit card on standby, I should be able to get my new purchase in less than 2 - 3 weeks.

Here comes my new purchase. Sound kiddish here but trust me, you will never know how I feel especially when I received the parcel from the postman. This is my first time!

Definitely looking for my new hunt again!

Run For Hope

Before the run! After the run!

Sunday - Run for Hope Marathon @ Sentosa

Supposingly, running for 8km but ended up running along the track of a 4km. It wasn't well-organised in the first place. Nonetheless, it was warm as everyone was running with a purpose.

We almost couldn't make it due to the heavy rain but thank God, we make it to the destination. As I guess most of us were quite reluctant to go. Anyway, that's not really the point. And we, among ourselves, my jogging/marathon buddies enjoyed the fun.

Hope to continue this spirit and to look forward to such rewarding events.

Next year, I would love to particpate again, of course with my honey in mind.