This is the one I get deep and incoherent

With this, I end my 2011.

• I started blogging again, regularly. If you're really bored and actually took the time to read through my old entries, I've been blogging since 2008. But between 2010 till now, there was a time when I stopped or rather blogged erratically due to the birth of the son and also due to some family issues.
• I went back to work full time. This is also the time when I decided to start blogging again. It started out sort of like an update to my friends, and then vanity got the better of me (my outfit photos, I know right) and lastly, I decided to take a more pro-active approach to it and sort of make it mine. Don't get what I'm trying to say? Neither do I.
• A major setback at the start of the year. It was an emotional roller coaster for me and my family. At this point, I'm still struggling as to how to write it down, but if you're reading this and you know who you are, Thank you. A very grateful and sincere Thank you. I remembered you told me you always check my blog for updates and am a fan(?) so this is for you. To let you guys know that though things are different now, but we're still doing alright. Not fantastic, but still surviving. I'm always thinking of you guys too. 
• I've learnt not to judge others. I used to have a snobbish attitude towards people but after what my family have been through, its best not to. Because really, what goes around, comes around.
• Family. When adversity struck, they're always be here for you. When everything was snowballing, the few people that really stuck with us were my mother-in-law, my sister and my parents. I really wouldn't know what I'll do without them.
• My father-in-law. He has not much time left due to a cancer remission. But he is a fighter. He was made bankrupt twice, yet he made his fortune back again and again. Back when the husband and I were still dating, the three of us would stay up late to watch football matches together. In between, he would often tells me stories about his heydays and their family history. I often joked to the husband, that my father-in-law will make a great history teacher or storyteller.  

And lastly, to my husband who has been so brave throughout it all. With so much pressure placed on you, you've never gave up hope. Not on us nor on me. Maybe you've thought about it, but I'm glad you didn't. You're never the type that bothers on how people's opinions matters, and rather stick to your own principles than let it get to you. Let's not bother with naysayers anymore than they give themselves credit for. 

For now, we're just going to take each day as it comes along whether its the new year or not, because frankly my dear, all that matters is, we still have each other.

I wonder where they got it from

This is a funny one. 

We were on the coach driving up to Malaysia when the son started to cry because I couldn't allow him to have any more sweets or something like that. And because he was doing a fake cry, I purposely ignored him and did not give him any attention.

After crying for a while, he asked for some tissue paper. I asked him if he really wants some tissue and he said yes, so I pass him some. 

And he proceed to wipe his own tears. 

Very drama-mama this boy.

ice cream treat

colouring lessons, mostly i enjoyed it more

ta-dah! drawn to accuracy

having smashing  fun with my sister's present.
he literally smashed it

P.S: I received an email recently inviting me to join a beauty challenge. I was flattered as they said I've been invited to participate as I am a prominent beauty and life style blogger in Singapore?

Little do they know the truth. I'm just a micro-organism floating around.

To see good in times of bad, really

Christmas came and gone, and this was how we spent it:

the matchy matchy Ye Ye and grandkid

happy grandparents, grouchy grandkid?

preppy for Christmas

one must always clear his nose before breakfast

why we have 2 index fingers for

no photos!

his new ride from the ah gong

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop, skirt: City Plaza, flats: Gmarket

I know its the festive holidays and all, but what do you do when you know that your loved one has not much time left?

Suddenly, its one tragedy one after another. Life.

The smell of rain can sometimes smells like salted fish

Yesterday I got home and there was this stench, like something fishy and salty. So I smelled around and came to a conclusion that it was my uncle's sandals that was giving off the smell. 

This morning I wore my flats out and then I got a whiff of that smell. I looked down, took my feet out of my flats and goodness. The stench shoot straight up my nose.

I almost feel sorry for all the other passengers sharing the same bus with me. 

Today's outfit:

top: Gmarket, skirt: Primark, flats: City Plaza, bracelets: Diva

P.S: Its not the above flats, its the other one in the same design, but in black. Want to know how to get the smell? Just slosh through the rain and when not dried completely, stench will occurred. You're welcome.

One just has to make do with make believe

Talking about stories, I have another one to share. 

Just the other night I was putting the son to sleep. All was well, I fell asleep first (what's new?) and all of a sudden, the son got up, brought the tissue box over and started pulling the tissues out one by one. And proceed to throw them all over the bed while exclaiming, 'Snowing! Snowing!' 

I really didn't know to laugh or to scold him. 

Today's outfit:

cardigan: defunct blogshop, lace top: Topshop, belt: Mphosis
jeans: Uniqlo, flats: Gmarket

P.S: I realised this shot made me look like a man wearing woman's clothes. Or a woman wearing man's clothes. Who knew my clothes are so versatile?

You had me at first touch

Story goes like this.

Girl visited shop with the intention of doing an item exchange only. Said exchange done, turn around to walked away and eyes met Skirt. Said Skirt was hanging on a corner rack, oblivious to the other shoppers. So Girl went over to check Skirt out, and what do you know. 

It was love at first touch.  

And so Girl and Skirt lived happily ever after.

Today's outfit:

top: Cotton On, pleated maxi skirt: Vogue, slippers: Ipanema

loving the way it swishes

Does your clothes story goes like this? Mine does. Every time when I'm not consciously shopping for anything, love hits me.

And this skirt? She has all the right moves. Length, checked. Colour, checked. Buttery soft cotton, checked.  Pleats, checked. And the sales staff even gave me a pair of earrings to go with it. Double checked.

What to wear: Weekend Staycation

The husband and I are going on a stay-cation this weekend courtesy of my mother-in-law! She won a gift voucher for a night stay with complimentary dinner at some fancy hotel but decided to give it to us instead. How cool is that!

I'm a light packer as you probably would know by now. So this is what I'm planning to wear for that two days. Yes two days. Because once you've checked in, you would fully utilised the room by staying in and ordering room service, right? And that's what the bathrobes are for, right? Right.

Okay, at least its still a little formal chic should we decide to venture out for dinner. So technically, I'm fully wearing the dress only when we've checked out.

P.S: My sister says she wants to use the swimming pool. In a bid to ditch her last minute attempt of crashing our stay-cation, let's just say we're going to do the pro-ing without the creating. If you know what I mean.

You've been warned.

Why is the world round?

Actually, I just want to share this. It looks so simple, too simple. But it works. Really like how she looked so put together. I'm going to try it too!

P.S: The world really works in mysterious ways. I don't like mushroom but I like truffle fries. And somehow having 3 people sharing it makes it all the more delicious. Hmmmmm....

Turn around silly girl, every now and then I fall apart. Nothing I can say, a total eclipse of the heart

Just thought to break the melancholic with some happening pictures.

grin and bear it, one of life's greatest lesson

blowing candles at a wedding, and clapping after thinking its his birthday

this dude loves his food

baking Christmas cookies

unfortunately, ours didn't turn out like this.
this was a Christmas gift from my colleague

P.S: I got angry with a guy who was trying to explain some rules to me today. I don't usually do that. But I guess its his unlucky day then. Or it could just be my PMS working up a storm.

Grief and mourning

My sister-in-law had a miscarriage. She was 23 weeks along when they found out that the baby had no heartbeat at a detailed scan. The doctor could not explain why and how it happened and advised her to take the baby out as soon as possible, but she wanted to wait. To wait for a miracle, and to wait for the heart to beat again.

But there was none.

So she had to make that difficult trip to the hospital, did a delivery that no woman should go through and came out of it emotionally wrecked. 

At least we know the baby is in safe hands now.

It's a girl.

What to wear: Weekend trip to the high mountains

This weekend, I'll be away with my extended family, all thirty of us, to Genting Highlands! And to pack light for my small family of three, I've packed only a pair of jeans, Chucks and some tops for myself similar to the above for a 3D2N trip. I've also thrown in a scarf and belt to accessorize while keeping in mind to keep it light for my luggage.

I'm quite nervous actually as this will be the first time the son is going on such a long journey in a coach. The first time was to Malacca but he was smaller and much more manageable. Now, he's so much more active and I'm really worried as to entertaining him throughout the journey. Hopefully he will sleep throughout.

Keyword, hopefully.

Anyway, I'm just looking forward to a proper break and enjoying this huge family holiday. See you all when we get back!

P.S: My sister bought a ski jacket for the son claiming it might be too cold for him in Genting. I think she just needs another excuse to shop, that's all. Who doesn't, right?

If you're a parent and you know what I'm talking about, clap your hands

Truth is, I still cannot believe I'm a mother. Every time I looked at the son, I find myself asking what did I do to deserve this sweetheart? I mean I know the doing part, but the amazement that it somehow produces this amazing product is somewhat confounding, don't you think?

I know I am.

And it really takes one to become a parent to truly appreciate the kisses of your child, the hugs they give and the gratefulness of it all to know that, You are the special one to them.

As much as they fill your world, it is us, as parents, to love them the best we can and to our utmost ability to provide for them.

Provide them with a loving home, a loving embrace and a loving heart.

To love them to become the best they can be, to love them to be who they are and to love them to be loving people.

Really, it truly takes one to become a parent to understand what it means to be a parent.

I know I am.

Our weekend has nothing to do with sailing

How did we spend the husband's birthday? 

He bought some manly stuff like light fixtures for the house, got himself a $3.80 haircut plus a $4 hair wash which he can get it completely free at home, but he explained to me that since he had showered before leaving home, so its only apt that he gets the hair wash so he doesn't have to shower again for that day. 

Whatever rocks your boat sir, but like I said, its for that day. Don't get your hopes too high. 

And the best part of the day was having a Japanese buffet dinner. I think we got our money's worth by feasting on all that sashimi and seafood. The son? For once he decided to turn vegetarian by having lots of water and fruits, at a buffet nevertheless. 

Whatever rocks his boat too as he kept himself entertained throughout the whole meal watering himself. For this, I'm grateful that we all got to eat in peace. Whatever rocks my boat too.

Today's outfit:

top: sis, flats: Novo

P.S: The flats gave way progressively throughout the day. This is what happens when you decide to wear a pair of shoes after two years of them sitting in the cabinet. You gave them a chance and they die on you.

What to wear: Weekend

Tomorrow is the husband's birthday. We've got no plans to go anywhere but I've this outfit planned if we're heading somewhere, and also if I really do have those red jeans too.

A girl's got to plan ahead, right?

I left out adding a bag because I've got to keep my hands empty to hold his hands. Very thoughtful. 

Planning for the future

I'm too empathic. Just the other day, the husband and I were watching a zombie show when I turned to him and asked, "What happens if we're really attacked by zombies? I think if we need to choose a car to run away, always choose a van! They're spacious enough to put all our stuff and supplies in it!"

And without looking at me, he just replied, "Its not ever going to happen dear". Spoilsport!

Anyway, in the event of a zombie apocalypse truly happening, my advise is, dress comfortably.

Today's outfit:

cardigan: defunct blogshop, tunic: Gmarket, jeans: New Future.  flats: Cotton On

A cardigan to keep warm at night, tunic to double up as a dress in the event the jeans gets too bloody from all the zombie killings, and flats for easy running.

P.S: For further reference, please watch this. 

You can thank me when we're all alive and well. I hope.

When one talks, it puts people to sleep but I think it's just me

Sometimes I feel that talking to a baby is just like blogging. Because it seems like you're just talking to yourself. 

This epiphany came to me last night as I was getting the son ready for bed. I was just telling him about my day and asking him how was his, when he just looked at me, begin to chew on his pillow and closed his eyes. Well played son.

There you have it. I'm my own reader and writer. 

Today's outfit:

dress: Jennie Shop, jacket: Primark, bag: BKK, flats: City Plaza

P.S: That's what I usually do too when the husband tries to talk to me. I foresee he has the makings of a blogger.

Its really blurry

Today's outfit:

top: Jennie Shop, scarve: Cotton On, pleated skirt: City Plaza

You know I'm back when I post blurry outfit photos and calls them artistic.

But.

I'm having a hard time thinking of the next sentence to write.

You know its bad when all you read are these one liners.

I'm still very tired, my eyes are puffy and I can't think properly.

My bad.

But.

I know you're a forgiving lot.

When all else fails, always have your kid on standby

argh! where's my bowl?!

grape connoisseur 

the bowl is the new hat

a growing boy is a tired boy

waking up grumpy

the story of our lives

I will be taking a short break this week, thus I've post the son's pictures to make up for it!

Babies are always good to use as bribes, heh.

A trip to hell and back

Before we head down to Haw Par Villa, the husband made a call to the office to enquire about its opening hours. 

Husband: Hello, is this the Har Par Villa office?

Man on the other line (sounding really bored): Yesssss, we are opennnnn, seven days a weeeeeek....

Husband: Erm ok thanks, bye!

He must have answered it a gazillion times, hence the bored tone, haha!

Haw Par Villa

the Ten Courts of Hell
too gruesome for pictures

a memorial for one of the founding brothers

It was quite an interesting visit as we got to learnt more about the history of the villa. The brothers built it as a means to teach traditional Chinese moral values like filial piety, honesty, willingness and kindness etc...

20 odd years ago

2011

I had that exact photo taken back then! Hee, made the son took the same one as well.

Just a word of caution. As the villa is built on a small hill, be prepared to walk up slope and climbed lots of stairs. We were huffing and puffing while carrying the son up and it was a very hot day to boot too. And don't forget the mosquito patch, umbrella or sunscreen.

Har Par Villa is open daily from 9-6pm, I think. And with the Circle Line now opened, it's so much more accessible than before.

P.S: You can try calling the office to ask for the operation hours. Or just to get a kick out of  hearing the man's bored voice.

What to wear: Weekend Wedding Dinner

For this past week, I've been waking up everyday in the morning thinking its Saturday. And the bland realisation when its not made the week passed by even slowly, bleah! But thankfully its here again.

So we'll be attending a wedding dinner this weekend and the above is what I have in mind to wear it to. Most of it are similar to what I already have in my closet. I'm just lacking that clutch. But I'll keep my hands full by holding onto my son. He'll be my best accessory for the night.

Hope you'll have an enjoyable weekend and make it a good one! 

We all learn as we go along, don't we?

The thing with being a parent is, you really don't know what you're getting yourself in to. For sure when both of you got married and starts to plan for a child, the idea of having a cute little baby in your arms cooing and being all cuddly makes perfect sense right?

Wrong.

The thing they don't tell you is, that having a kid comes along this little known rule called Parenting.

Parenting

noun

1.

the rearing of children

2.

the methods techniques, etc., used or required in the rearing of children

3.

the state of being a parent; parenthood

adjective

4.

of or concerned with the rearing of children

When my sis and I were growing up, the only parenting I know of was when my mum took out the cane. She used it mainly to discipline us and she would freely unleashed it upon us too. I would be so embarrassed to go to school the next day because of the cane marks on my legs. 

And that's the main point. Its never about the pain but rather the humiliation of it.

This was the old school method. But what about the now? There are tons of information on the web on articles of parenting, methods of parenting and many claims to be effective, so how do you choose wisely?

For me, back in the early days when the son was born, I tend to use the cry-it-out method, only because I didn't know any better. Every time someone picks him up whenever he cried, I would told them not to do so as to not 'spoiled' him. Taught by the old school of thoughts that by doing so, it would cause the child to be clingy when in fact, its the opposite.

So I quickly dropped that and tried the attachment parenting method. With this new found method, I find that I'm able to respond and nurture my son in the best possible way. 

Well I'm no expert here but what I've learned from these two methods are, there is a time and season for it to put in place. 

For infants, using the attachment parenting is obviously a much better method to raise them. And as they grow older, strike a balance between the two methods. But then I'm not condoning using it when the kid has fell hurting himself and crying his lungs off while you stand there telling him to cry it out as its for his own good. Duh!

as the saying goes, Happy parenting makes for happy kids.
you can quote me

P.S: I think my son is just glad that his mum found out about attachment parenting from the Internet. If not, he would still be crying his lungs off. 

A trip to the zoo

We spent half a day there and its not enough! There were shows that we wanted to catch but missed out because of the rain and also because I was too engrossed with the animals to keep track of the time. 

zoo zoo zoo!

my back to nature outfit

the boy and the pygmy hippo that swam too fast

the majestic white tiger

warthog

me no like this

and this

i know i'm shallow when i saw this and
first thought was of shoes and bags

hello horse

shy horse

goats

little goat wannabe

patting the lemur whom he keep calling it as cat

lemur

giant tortoise

giant tortoise version of romeo and juliet

We bought the tickets that comes with the tram rides. Stingy me didn't want to get it as they cost $5 more each, but the husband said it will be worth it later on when we get tired of walking around. Turns out he was right. Besides it drizzled quite heavily for a while and the tram rides did saved us from getting too wet and too tired out. And its unlimited rides too, so it is worth getting it.

There was also the Kidzworld, where you can let loose your children to play in the water area and playground, KFC to satisfy your hunger (fathers) and Ben's & Jerry for your sweet tooth (mothers). Very well covered for the whole family!

Some of the shows that we did managed to catch were the Splash Safari and the Animals Friends Show. Both were funny, entertaining and especially for the Animals Friends Show, great emphasis was placed on us that having pets are a huge responsibility and wild animals are not meant to be kept as exotic pets.

Yes sir!

And I like how they've also place informative details of each animal exhibits and made it very educational to read. I guess that's how we change people's mindset now. Educate instead of just hard selling.

For more information of the Zoo, click here.

I'm sure looking forward to our next trip to the zoo! How about you?!