Sunday, December 30, 2012

Blessed Christmas !

Hubby ordered this Durian ice cream log from Scoopz as he knows his wife loves durian (but I'd prefer it more if there's a lil bit of sponge cake in it, hehe).
 
Quite a bit of Christmas meals done with various groups/individuals.
Those with different colleagues were mainly done at Antoinette... Can't believe that I've been there 3 times with different people in less than a week!
  Have way over eaten & spent too much!
 
Had our office Christmas tea on 19 Dec.  It's so crowded & warm at the main reception area so we're happy that we found a cozy cooling corner & some couches there.
 
The Sat of the Christmas weekend, we went for a very nice lunch at Capella.
Weekend Exclusive 5-course Set Lunch.
 
And the usual family Christmas party. 
Only the few of us this year as sis & niece was on holidays. 
 
This year, we're done with Christmas shopping early.. all thanks to  our HK trip where we settled more than half of the presents.  So gift wrapping was also completed quite well in advance :)
A total of 42 done!  42 blessings given out! :) 
My fav wrapping goes to this! ;)

Friday, December 21, 2012

Done !

 
Completed all the wrapping on Wed! :)
A big part of the preps settled!
Now, only about half of the presents left after giving out those for our colleagues this morning. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

And The Preps Begin ...

 
Bought these from my office's mini wine fair - M&C Champagne & a sweet wine :)
 
I grabbed the Champagne when I saw it's sold @ $55!  The cheapest we could find outside was $69.
 
Can't wait for the Christmas long weekend! :D

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Christmas Wish Comes True :)

The item in my wish list - Samsung Galaxy camera, has really become my Christmas present this year! :D

We first chanced upon it while browsing at Challenger on a Sunday morning in end Nov & I thought it's so cool... Android camera..  Can edit/share/email/save instantly...

Told hubby I knew what I wanted for Christmas hehe.

But the stock had not arrived yet (Samsung just brought in display sets).  We're told stock would be here in a week or 2.  Then 4 days later, on Thurs, hubby gave me a pleasant surprise!  When we returned home after work, he placed the box (with camera) on our bed.  I saw that there's a box there but I thought it's the car camera box which we got a few days ago.  Don't ask me why as both were of totally different sizes & also, there's no reason why hubby would place the car cam box there.  But I didn't take a good look of it.. didn't cross my mind at all to check it out.  I was just blurrr... or maybe, I least expected to really get it & so soon!

I think hubby was disappointed that such an obvious act was not being noticed at all.  He told me he expected screams of excitement any time from the moment he secretly placed it there.  But nope.. he heard nothing when I came out of our walk-in (to the bedroom).. nothing again from the bedroom to the bathroom walking past our bed........... still nothing when I was back to the bedroom after shower.  And I was even lying on the bed!!!  I can't believe I was so blind!  Haha.

When hubby came out of the bathroom, he couldn't take it anymore & asked me to take our lappy (that's placed on the bed, next to the box).  From the weird expression on his face, I sensed something & immediately related to the box on the bed & Galaxy camera then came to my mind (how retarded I was!!!).  Of course, I was overjoyed!

Apparently, hubby went to all the possible vendors at Vivo in search of the Camera but was told it's sold out.  And he finally got it at the last place which he least expected it - Starhub.  Hubby grabbed 1 of the remaining 3 units.

Can't wait to unwrap my present on Christmas Day!
Hope I can take some nice shots with my new toy :P

By the way, if you're wondering... SLR has never been a consideration because of the weight & bulkiness.  We still value comfort over awesome pictures taken by one... especially taking into consideration the condition of my back & hubby's elbows.

Thursday, December 06, 2012

A Truly God-Blessed 1

It's exactly a month since we returned from our HK trip which was an extraordinarily wonderful one.  We brought back more than we expected... not only fats & bags (of purchases)... ;)

The start of 2nd day in HK, hubby's feet started to ache after a satisfying dim sum breakfast at our fav Chinese restaurant.  The pain became more & more intense... so much so that he'd difficulty in walking.  So a 5-min walk took like 15 mins instead....

I was pretty upset... why of all the time, hubby had to have this problem?  Every min was precious as we only had total about 4 days in HK.  
The following day, his condition didn't get better.  I was frustrated.. It's early in the morning& amp; the pain in his feet was not any lesser than the previous night when we're done with all the shopping & walking.  After another round of tantrum thrown on hubby who already had to endure the increasing pain, I was suddenly hit by a question - "Why are you here?".  It's to celebrate our wedding anniversary, of course.  But I was so fixated in wanting a jolly holiday (that's what everyone wants out of a vacation.. all the more for us since we're celebrating a special day) that I was upset with hubby as he changed the whole holiday mood.  But I have missed out on a very important point - this celebration was also for hubby who was suffering then.  Instead of sharing his pain, I only cared about not being able to catch up with our planned itinerary.  Have I forgotten our marriage vow - "... in sickness & in health ...".  I have taken honey's good health for granted.  So on our 7th Wedding Anniversary (it's so wonderful how God worked as it's exactly on the day itself that all these happened, 3 Nov, as I recalled!), I renewed my vow to my beloved honey :)

And almost instantly, my heart was freed from all the grouchiness... no longer uptight I felt... & we just took as long as hubby needed to walk from destination to destination with me holding him (it's not easy as we all know how populated HK is & there's always throngs of people walking behind you!).  Amazingly, the grumps in me vanished so fast that I could hardly believe it myself !!

Hubby didn't need to go through this "lesson" as he's been taking good care of me since Day 1 whether I'm healthy or sick.  He's no problem in doing so.. in fact he's never shown any sign of impatience no matter how troublesome I am (esp a sick person could be demanding... yet I vent it on him when he's not well... how bad a wife I am!).

But hubby's not spared too, haha.  God also dealt with hubby's issue... that is, to rely on Him & not his own understanding.  It's not easy for him as he knows what he wants since young & always prides himself as a go-getter.  But as Head of the household, being close to God is the key because he's leading his family.  And a God-fearing man will have his steps guarded.. so our trust for each other is deeply rooted with the same Faith we have in Him.    

Now back to the HK trip - in the afternoon of the same day (3 Nov), hubby's legs were mostly healed (apart from the tiredness from walking)!  God is so so wise that He can use the same matter to let both of us learn totally different things!

On the last night in HK, while soaking our tired feet in the bathtub of hot water, we shared what we experienced in this trip... the enjoyment from all the feasting & shopping, the lessons & the appreciation of how God blessed this trip & our marriage.  Indeed, we're so blessed.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Jelly Bean !


Updated our phones to Android 4.1.1.
Superb performance on our quad-core mobiles!
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A Toast to the Last Day of Nov2012!



Is that a reason enough for a drink?  Hee.
@ this executives-filled bar facing Fullerton Bay Hotel - FIV五 Izayaka.
Sipping Choya on the rocks & hubby, Asahi Super Dry.... Teriyaki chicken wings for bites... :)
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Our 7th Anniversary Trip :)

Been 3 weeks since we returned from our HK trip. Busy busy! We only managed to clear our luggage as the soiled clothes needed to be washed. The one that's filled with my shopping loots is rooting on the floor of our bedroom... I'm clearing it bit by bit ;)

It's a really nice trip! Did a bit of everything & a lot of shopping (especially for me) :P

Thank God for the smooth journey to HK! Arrived super early at airport (& we even stopped by at my office on the way as I've missed out on some important work)!


Departure (from Spore), arrival (in HK), check-in (to the hotel) all went smoothly & on time. In fact we reached the hotel 1 hour earlier than estimated! The hotel staff were friendly & helpful... a very nice first impression! They even gave us an upgrade to the Studio (which is just one category below their Penthouse). God is so good!  We're greeted by a box of roses once entered the room and I thought it's really generous of the hotel to give us so many surprises. There's a card & hubby asked to read it.  Without sensing anything amiss, I did so.

So it's a pleasant surprise from hubby!
He later told me that he's also surprised to see the packaging as it's totally different from what he saw online haha.
Thanks for the nice surprise honey! ;)

A new & nice hotel - Madera HK... just 2 mins (or less!) from Jordan MTR.

A day on Hong Kong Island.
TST-Central ferry ride / IFC

Central - Mid-Levels escalator / Soho / Pottinger Street
Tram ride / Wanchai / Causeway Bay

Our 7th Anniversary night-out @ Cocky Bar, The One (嚣Bar).
A great night with captivating HK view... 

Feasting in HK!
Tim Ho Wan (the cheapest 1-Michelin Starred restaurant) / Australian Milk Company / 新斗记 / Maxim / 镛记酒家 .....

Shopping sprees!
The One / 波鞋街/ Lai Chi Kok / Granville Road ....

Sunday, November 25, 2012

My Christmas Wish List (Item no. 1)


A cool thing we just saw at Challenger..
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Saturday, November 17, 2012

Welcome On Board!

Hubby brought him back from Starbucks..for his wife:) 
First sign of Christmas!  :D
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

IN



Bought this dress more than a year ago & am delighted to know that leopard print makes a comeback :) Or did I have foresight that it'll be the in item after a year? Haha.
Wore it to a wedding dinner last Monday (yes!! Wedding banquet on a MONDAY!!!)... still looked trendy! ;)
Love the V-shape low back!
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Saturday, October 27, 2012

Hot Wings

This the best buffalo wings hubby & I've ever had so far...

From Cornerstone Restaurant @ Bishan Park 2.  Can choose spicy level from 1 to 8 or 9 (can't remember).

Yummy!

Crème brûlée is very nice too! (nicer than sis'... oopss :P)

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Canton breakfast

Buying breakfast at Canton Paradise when we're shopping at 112 Katong.
In exactly 2 weeks, we'll be eating the real made-in-HK food!! :D

Mid August, we've purchased air tix when there's 2-to-go promotion.  Soon after, we got some good news on the accommodation too.  I asked the hotel (the one that we've decided on among the few we've booked online) for corporate rate & we're pleasantly surprised to be quoted a rate that's nearly 30% cheaper than online rates & with a free upgrade!  So what are we waiting for!?  Grabbed it, of course!  Hee!

Hubby has been busy @ work for past weeks.... so we're really looking forward to our 5-day Anniversary break.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Taste of Thai


While waiting for hubby who's in a marathon meeting + pizza.
Compensate myself for having to dine alone with all my fav Thai food - Tom Kha Gai, Phad  Thai & Lemongrass drink :P
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Sunday, October 14, 2012

Always A Snack Time

Last Mon hubby & I went for comprehensive health screening, that's from his company.  And I was just shocked to discover that I'd put 3kg in the past 1 year!!!! 

Actually I shouldn't be too surprised as there's always endless supply of bites in the office.  Besides those bought by the ladies, my team travels frequently & here're some of the snacks they brought back for the past 2 months..

Nice chocolate from Bulgaria. 

V brought this back from Melbourne & I love it!  So placed an order to K who went back to Sydney to work for 2 weeks.  Nice!

And he also bought Lamington.

Chongqing tidbits from Sha.

Even Jen who visited HK, brought some nice egg rolls back.

Goldilocks from Manila.

This the latest (last Thurs).  Boss bought this in Osaka & he asked his wife to specially deliver a box each to E & I as he made his next trip without stepping into the office.  It's something like mochi in original & green tea flavour but a lil too sweet.  I'm touched though :)

Tink !

Had been trying to find a suitable character for myself since the D&D theme was Once Upon A Time... something about fairy tales.  Initially thought of dressing up as an (random/nameless) angel.. just wanted to doll up & be pretty for that night. Then  when hubby suggested Tinkerbell, my first reaction was "NOoo!".

2 weeks before the event, we went to this costume house at Toa Payoh... it's huge!! Nothing caught my eyes & I definitely didn't want to be Snow White or Mermaid! Then we saw Tinkerbell's outfit & I thought it wasn't that bad, the skirt was a lil too short but definitely I'd wear shorts :)

Dearest hubby was amusing himself in the shop!

Days before D&D, I was busy getting all things ready & finding solution to a situation which I was stuck in - S said would follow me home as she wanted me to do makeup for her & C wanted to have afternoon tea together before the Dinner (& I felt obliged because C said she'd go because I asked her to).  And even though we'd have an early knock-off @ 3.30pm that day & hubby had made prior arrangement to drive me office-home-MBS-home, I foresaw that by the time I reached home I'd only have time for myself. Hence after much consideration & discussion with hubby, we eventually rented a room at MBS, so that the ladies including myself could get prepped/have tea in the room.

That day, as planned, we left office at 3.30pm & hubby drove us to MBS.  We're glad that hubby came as there's a long Q at the taxi stand & it's changing shift time so not easy to get a cab.  After checking in, hubby did his work in the hotel room with his laptop while the 4 ladies busy dolling up, chatting, sipping tea & having dessert.  I was the first to start preparing so I could help C & S.  But I made a big blunder :(  In order to have the best effect, I bought a pair of blue lenses.  But I have totally forgotten about it till I was 80% done with my makeup.  Having (almost) perfect eyesight meaning I didn't need to wear contact lenses, I struggled with putting them on (which took me more than 15mins) & then trying to remove them as they pricked my eyes.  After more than half an hour's attempts, my whole face was soaked with perspiration & yes, my makeup completely ran.  So I gotta remove all my makeup.. & started the whole process again.  I was really upset with myself especially after so much fuss & delays, I still went sans blue lenses!  And threw $24 into the bin!  But the 3 ladies had been really patient with me... none of them chided me for wasting so much time & still tried best to not disturb me.  When I was done, it's already past 7pm & we supposed to be down @7!  In the midst, I only managed to help S with the eyeliner - the Queen must have fierce eyes!

Upon checking in, I told MBS we're celebrating a friend's birthday (S' fell on this month).  And they delivered this to our room.  So we've a free afternoon tea (in-room TWG tea + Raspberry Choco cake)! ;)

Helping C with her hair.
Notice mine's quite blond?  Hubby & I searched for colored hair spray & hubby helped to spray on after I was done with dressing up.  Everyone's impressed with the effect! ;)

Ok all set!  & it's already past 7.30pm!
We then realised that it's a looooong walk from the hotel to the convention centre.... from one end of MBS to the other end - down the escalator - through the casino - past the shopping mall to reach 5 levels of escalators before reaching our destination.  Of course, we attracted many stares.  It's my first time :P

While we adjourned to the D&D, hubby enjoyed his dinner at Kraze Burger & then went back to the room to continue his work.  And yes, he confessed that he played with the blue lenses but failed to put them on, haha.

It's a night of fun for us...  Took lots of photos with buddies Cindy & Adel & the group. Boss wanted me to sit with the team but I preferred to be with my friends (& a group of us formed our own table).  So I'd to also run between my table & the teams'.  Happy that I didn't choose to dress up as an angel as there're many nameless angels around that night.

Love this!  The hall was so big that we kept missing each other & it's impossible to Whatsapp/call as the connection was bad!  Imagine... there're 260 tables (x 11 pax/table) & how many were using their phones.
So we're like long lost friends when we finally bumped into each other :D

Towards the end of the dinner, I joined my team & got stuck there (when the ladies went back to the room to get their stuff, they told hubby I was missing! hehe).  By then many members in my team were seriously intoxicated.  One of them told me that they'd been drinking since the start of the dinner... & instead of being served by the waiter, they asked to have the whole bottle of red wine left on the table & the flow of red wine never ceased!  Well, I guess that's the privilege of being at the VIP table.  But I really thank God I wasn't sitting with them!!

After a few dances, I "danced" off to the exit & hubby was waiting for me downstairs to fetch his Tinkerbell wife back :)

Finally, a pic with my beloved when we're back in the room, before ending the night.

Rise & Shine the next morning.  We got a nice city view room :)

At least it didn't waste all the efforts in preparing & I have my beloved hubby to thank! From shopping around for ideas, searching for suitable characters, going to/from the costume shop a few times (not only for myself but for a couple of colleagues too!) to looking for other accompanied items for the character, hubby had been so supportive that as if he's the one who's going for the event.  The ladies were in fact impressed with how hubby took care of me & they kept asking "ok tell us, what else did you do/pack by yourself??".  Yes, I'm so blessed to have him!  Thank God!!  And thanks honey!  Muakz!!

Thursday, October 04, 2012

Once Upon A Time @ MBS


I had my company Dinner & Dance last Fri & the theme was Once Upon A Time.  It's a night of fun & photo taking :)

Which character is this? ;)



A group pic
 

It's such a coincidence that my boss dressed up as Peter Pan haha!


Table hop! 
We're sitting far apart that night - my team's was right in front of the stage, the VIP table,
but I chose to sit with my friends which was right behind, near the entrance.

 
 
Posing with good friends



Busy night as I was moving from table to table.  Food wasn't the focus for most of us!


An inter-unit picture :)
The one with turban is our big boss.
See 朱葛亮 in the middle (he's actually my boss when I first joined in 2008)?
 When we're about to take picture, he started to look for something on the &
those around him helped in the search too.
Just when I wondered what was lost, he whipped up his feather fan (朱葛亮's signature)
out of no where.  Lost & found!  Ha!

Those in the leadership team dressed up as Indian royals.

Pretty witch
Some pics! (taken from friends as I was busy catching up with different friends and didn't get to take shots of some interesting characters)

When Genie met Moses :)