With all the holiday season spending, do you find yourself a little short on cash?
Are you looking for a quick and fuss-free loan to tie you over till your next pay check? Don't want to borrow from relatives nor to have an overdraft in your bank?
Look no further, you can get payday advance loan online. The loan will generally be due on, or soon after, your next payday. Yup. It's that simple.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Great Gifts for Kids...
I just came across the Personal Creations Marvel comics collection online, and there are some great personalized Marvel comic hero gifts for kids. By the way, do you know that most of the heroes and villains in the Marvel comics have their first and last names in the same letter? For example - Bruce Banner, Peter Parker, Sue Storm, Victor Von doom, Matt Murdock, Mrs. Marvel, Green Goblin etc. etc.... Don't you find that kinda odd? I thought so too!
Stylish Address Labels
Do you still send mail the old-fashioned way? i.e. via the postal service and not email? How about holiday greeting cards? If you do, a good way to spruce up your envelopes is by using stylish address labels. You can choose the colors and design to suit your taste and personal style. I'm currently into PINK stuff. So I think I might get myself a set of address labels with cutesy pink background and shocking pink words. What do you think? Cool?
Monday, December 27, 2010
Is it because they are BOYS???
Or is it because they are BIG now???
We were at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on Thursday (23 Dec)...thankfully the weather cleared and was bright and sunny by Thursday morning as how California should be! I initially bought the 2 Day, 1 Park per Day ticket.... But because of the rains, our visit to Disneyland was unsatisfactory. Luckily, I could upgrade our tickets to 2 Day Hopper Tickets ($10 extra per ticket) so that we can hop between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. I was determined to watch ALL shows, parades, fireworks etc on Thursday... to make up for the 'lost' time where everything was cancelled on Monday.
Anyway, boys were okay with the first parade at Disneyland - which was a Christmas Parade (photos to come later).... I was more excited than my kids. They were really just okay with it. When I wanted to catch the second parade at Disney California Adventure, my boys were like "Huh? Another parade? Must we watch it?" ... bleah... But I wanna watch it!!
Did manage to watch part of it....as S1 and I were on a ride (S2 and H stayed behind as they hate thrill rides) and we came out a little after the parade had started.
And for the Disneyland Fireworks... I thought that was quite a main attraction and a MUST watch. BUT no one wanted to watch it!!! the three of them went them for the Buzz Lightyear Astros Blaster Ride leaving poor ole me alone on Main Street. Yup! Experienced the magical fireworks and snowfall ALL ALONE!!! So...why no interest in these??? Boys!!!
Don't even mention about photos with the Disney characters... NADDA.
:-(
We were at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on Thursday (23 Dec)...thankfully the weather cleared and was bright and sunny by Thursday morning as how California should be! I initially bought the 2 Day, 1 Park per Day ticket.... But because of the rains, our visit to Disneyland was unsatisfactory. Luckily, I could upgrade our tickets to 2 Day Hopper Tickets ($10 extra per ticket) so that we can hop between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. I was determined to watch ALL shows, parades, fireworks etc on Thursday... to make up for the 'lost' time where everything was cancelled on Monday.
Anyway, boys were okay with the first parade at Disneyland - which was a Christmas Parade (photos to come later).... I was more excited than my kids. They were really just okay with it. When I wanted to catch the second parade at Disney California Adventure, my boys were like "Huh? Another parade? Must we watch it?" ... bleah... But I wanna watch it!!
Did manage to watch part of it....as S1 and I were on a ride (S2 and H stayed behind as they hate thrill rides) and we came out a little after the parade had started.
And for the Disneyland Fireworks... I thought that was quite a main attraction and a MUST watch. BUT no one wanted to watch it!!! the three of them went them for the Buzz Lightyear Astros Blaster Ride leaving poor ole me alone on Main Street. Yup! Experienced the magical fireworks and snowfall ALL ALONE!!! So...why no interest in these??? Boys!!!
Don't even mention about photos with the Disney characters... NADDA.
:-(
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Once in a DECADE!
Actually not. Apparently it is Once in about 15 years!
What am I talking about?
This Pacific Coast Storm!!!
It has been raining and raining and raining since we arrived on Sunday!
What a bummer!
We were at Disneyland on Monday and it was certainly NOT fun....for both H and I that is. Boys still thought the day was EXCELLENT! Would definitely be awesome if the day was dry! It was soooooooo wet that all shows were cancelled. The Christmas Parade, Fantasmic and the Fireworks - ALL Cancelled! Boy. Was I disappointed. Funnily though, boys were not. They even joked that if the parade was on, you would see Cinderella in her poncho! Actually, I was in my Disneyland poncho the whole time!
Even though it was raining, the park was still quite crowded....with kids and toddlers and babies. I guess my grandma would say 'Siow Angmoh"!
Okay la...gotta go.
What am I talking about?
This Pacific Coast Storm!!!
It has been raining and raining and raining since we arrived on Sunday!
What a bummer!
We were at Disneyland on Monday and it was certainly NOT fun....for both H and I that is. Boys still thought the day was EXCELLENT! Would definitely be awesome if the day was dry! It was soooooooo wet that all shows were cancelled. The Christmas Parade, Fantasmic and the Fireworks - ALL Cancelled! Boy. Was I disappointed. Funnily though, boys were not. They even joked that if the parade was on, you would see Cinderella in her poncho! Actually, I was in my Disneyland poncho the whole time!
Even though it was raining, the park was still quite crowded....with kids and toddlers and babies. I guess my grandma would say 'Siow Angmoh"!
Okay la...gotta go.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Another Jumbled Post - 17 Dec 2010
Donno what has been happening but time seems to just whoooooooooooooooosh past. Now it is coming to the end of 2010....
Last Day of School
Yup. Today is the last day of school for the boys. BUT I told them to just NOT go. We have a plane to catch later this evening, and H said that we ought to leave the house by 4 pm as SURELY the whole of Jakarta will be leaving tonight, and traffic will be a nightmare. (Last day for many International Schools) Since they won't be studying at all today, might as well stay home and NOT chance the traffic. They usually will arrive at 3.30pm from school but if traffic is bad, they might only get home at 4 pm...then they need to have a shower etc etc.
Actually, S1 already missed school on Wed and Thurs... diarrhoea. Donno what sai he ate. Took him to the clinic yesterday...and the doctor wanted his stool sample which he couldn't give. But he's fine this morning.
Speaking of my S1.... I donno if is just bad luck or that he just don't process things in his brain. We both set out to pick S2 from school - on arrival at school, he said he didn't want to come down from the car. Thus he waited with the driver. When I came out, he blurted "we can't get into the car". Guess what happened... Driver was in the bathroom and when he saw the driver, he decided to get out from the car. Didn't bother to wait for the driver to get into the car. Came out and somehow LOCKED the car. So the car was locked with the engine and aircond running. You say lah! What was he thinking? We had to call a cab to get home. Poor driver had to wait for the leasing company to send the spare keys!
I tell you.... I feel like sending him to an ARMY BOOT CAMP to learn to think! Not just always so tidak apa and NOT processing things. Need some TOUGH love here... *sigh*
Baking Baking...
Have been baking quite a bit over the last week.... with orders from friends as well as for the Charity Bake Sale at school. Wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have so many baking disasters. The blender that I used for processing the sugar grains conked out (wrote about this a few post back), and I had to buy the fine sugar from the shops. Didn't realise that some had additives that made the cakes FUNNY. It was quite a nightmare! But luckily, eventually did manage to find the right type of sugar. Anyway, I turned down two orders this week. Figured that I needed the time to pack etc etc.
For the Charity Bake Sale, I baked both vanilla and chocolate cupcakes - Sent 14 vanilla and 8 chocolate cupcakes for the Bake Sale. Would have sent more if NOT for the "individually wrapped" request from the PTA. Such a bummer to put them in the little boxes.
Porky Spread
Christmas Concert
The Primary Orchestra
Last Day of School
Yup. Today is the last day of school for the boys. BUT I told them to just NOT go. We have a plane to catch later this evening, and H said that we ought to leave the house by 4 pm as SURELY the whole of Jakarta will be leaving tonight, and traffic will be a nightmare. (Last day for many International Schools) Since they won't be studying at all today, might as well stay home and NOT chance the traffic. They usually will arrive at 3.30pm from school but if traffic is bad, they might only get home at 4 pm...then they need to have a shower etc etc.
Actually, S1 already missed school on Wed and Thurs... diarrhoea. Donno what sai he ate. Took him to the clinic yesterday...and the doctor wanted his stool sample which he couldn't give. But he's fine this morning.
Speaking of my S1.... I donno if is just bad luck or that he just don't process things in his brain. We both set out to pick S2 from school - on arrival at school, he said he didn't want to come down from the car. Thus he waited with the driver. When I came out, he blurted "we can't get into the car". Guess what happened... Driver was in the bathroom and when he saw the driver, he decided to get out from the car. Didn't bother to wait for the driver to get into the car. Came out and somehow LOCKED the car. So the car was locked with the engine and aircond running. You say lah! What was he thinking? We had to call a cab to get home. Poor driver had to wait for the leasing company to send the spare keys!
I tell you.... I feel like sending him to an ARMY BOOT CAMP to learn to think! Not just always so tidak apa and NOT processing things. Need some TOUGH love here... *sigh*
Baking Baking...
Have been baking quite a bit over the last week.... with orders from friends as well as for the Charity Bake Sale at school. Wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have so many baking disasters. The blender that I used for processing the sugar grains conked out (wrote about this a few post back), and I had to buy the fine sugar from the shops. Didn't realise that some had additives that made the cakes FUNNY. It was quite a nightmare! But luckily, eventually did manage to find the right type of sugar. Anyway, I turned down two orders this week. Figured that I needed the time to pack etc etc.
For the Charity Bake Sale, I baked both vanilla and chocolate cupcakes - Sent 14 vanilla and 8 chocolate cupcakes for the Bake Sale. Would have sent more if NOT for the "individually wrapped" request from the PTA. Such a bummer to put them in the little boxes.
Vanilla Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes
Left the cupcakes with a PTA mom and then went off to attend S1's Sports Day. Was surprised that there weren't any moms! I guessed the Secondary School kids do NOT want their parents to come?? Well, S1 didn't win in his events. Oh well...
After that, I went to help out in the Cake Stall. Was a bit surprised that they priced my cupcakes at RP 30,000/-. That's about USD 3.30 each. By the time I left, all my cupcakes were sold. Was quite pleased... as was abit worried that there weren't a big crowd on that day.
Porky Lunch
Hosted a very porky lunch at my house last Friday... just had a few angmoh friends over for a Chinese porky meal. I have been saying that I will cook a porky meal for many moons. So decided to have one and get over and done with. What's on the menu?
Roast Pork, Fried Udon Hokkien Style, Fried Vegetarian Beehoon, Vegetarian Curry, Pork Spring Rolls, Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Coca-Cola Chicken Wings and Fried Gyoza. Cut fruits for dessert. The Vegetarian stuff was because I had a vegetarian friend over...
As it was a porky lunch...my friend said to take a photo and scrap it. The title of the page would be "Put a Pork on your Fork!" hahahahha
Porky Spread
Christmas Concert
As per last year, S2 participated in the school's Christmas Concert on Wednesday. I tell you ...this fellow is another irresponsible and tidak apa boy. I had to email his teacher to ask if he is taking part... I was supposed to receive a consent form in November through S2, which I did not! The teacher had to email it to me, and I only signed and sent it on Tuesday. Yeah. A day before the concert! When it was supposed to be handed-in in November!!
Even on Tuesday night...when I told him to pack his flute and his concert attire, he still said that he didn't know if he was playing in the concert! PENGSAN!!!!
The Primary Orchestra
(I need a terrer ZOOOOOOOM lens!)
Yeah. I know... cannot see anything. What to do? My lens on my DSLR is the normal one.
They only played 2 miserable songs. And I mean the tunes sounded miserable. H said that it sounded like "New Orleans Funerals". Hahahha...
Two hour concert but my S2 was only on stage for 5 minutes. H was like "ah?? Just that?" ...cause I rushed him from his meeting with his clients. Hehehehe
Okay...better go check what else to pack....
Expensive Gadgets...
As my kids grow older, the price tag of their toys and gadgets grow as well. I don't mind getting them all the newest gadgets in the market.... IF they are a responsible bunch. Unfortunately, I have two very irresponsible boys. Lost mobile phones, scientific calculators iTouch etc. I have barred them from taking the laptops out of the house. I tell you... if I don't, the laptops will be lost as well! I dread the day when the boys require personal laptops for school. Some schools already require all their Year 9s to have their own laptops. Shucks! What am I going to do? Wonder if there is such a thing as laptop insurance? I seriously don't want to repeatedly replace laptops for my irresponsible boys. Any other advice?
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
From NOT Putting up the Xmas Tree to......
Yup. Wasn't gonna put up the Christmas Tree initially. Figured that we won't be around for Christmas anyway, and I didn't fancy having to take down the tree the moment I walk through my front door in January 2011. But since this probably will be our last year here, HECK! What's a little packing when I have to pack up the whole house?? (Latest piece of info from H yesterday... WARSAW! Where the heck is Warsaw anyway?? Well, that's another option. IT's all up to H really...and he is undecided what he wants to do. NO option, NO job also headache. Too many options also headache)
Here's my 12 year old tree.... bought this when we lived in Singapore...before S2 was born. As you can see, the top of the tree is kinda "chopped" off. My Angel is sitting precariously... any day, she might take the plunge!!
H said that perhaps we should change the ornaments to a new theme. WARIOW! THAT would cost a bomb. I said...perhaps a RED and GOLD... then we just have to buy REDS...not so expensive. But the other day when we were at the mall, I had to have a look at the Christmas ornaments..., H and S1 said that we should get a WHITE tree with Dark Blue ornaments. That's too modern and out-of-the-norm. Don't you think??
No lah. We didn't.
My S1 spent quite a long time decorating this shelf...
Some cute Santa and Snowman Stockings and Wooden Carvings
More Santa and Snowman Items sitting atop my Scrapbooking cabinet
Huge Christmasy Candle from a Friend
Gold Christmas Wreath thingy for candle...
Carved Wooden Christmas Trees
Cute Mini Ornaments on my Living Area Sideboard
Wooden Snowman atop my BookShelf
Fusion?? Christmas Ornaments hanging off my Pussy Willow from CNY
Ornaments on my Banister (Gift from a Friend)
More Wooden Christmas Snowman
Snowman, Santa and Poinsetta ...
Christmas Balls...
More Christmas Balls...
MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Bunch of Thieves????
Before you chastise me for using incorrect grammar. Don't. I don't care.
I am just wondering why are all the three XY chromosome beings in the house just like to take my stuff?? I had been mega busy the last few days, and just when I thought that I have a bit of a breather to upload some photos and do some blogging, I find my connector wires are missing. Mind you. We don't only just own one. We have tonnes, and I told H that NO ONE touches MY stuff. And yet... it is gone. Nope. I did not misplace them. I have a cute little 'hanger' (people use these to hang their jewellery) to hold up all MY connector wires etc. So if it is not there...it should be on MY desk where NO ONE sits except the QUEEN of the house. So where is it???
I am almost tearing my hair out with frustration. Why must everyone take MY stuff?
My earphones. My plug for charging my camera. My pens.
I tell you...really quite fed-up. EVERYONE has a pair of earphones. But somehow, they either misplace it, lose it, thrash it or whatever...and then they come looking for mine. H is the same. He has his own, and yet wants to come grab mine. I have to literally show my displeasure and to NAG for him to go look for his own earphones.
And yeah. Stupid plug also want to take mine. I have a point-and-shoot and a DSLR, and both has its own charger and plugs. Now....both plugs also gone missing. I donno what these guys do with the plugs. Charge the PSP? The DS? I donno. I just know that it's missing from my bedside.
And don't let me get started with pens and stationery. We really really have sooooooooooo many pens, pencils, erasers etc etc. And I make sure the boys have their own, and I have MINE. But then.... somehow, MY stuff will disappear from my desk. 10,001 pens in the house, and I can't find a single one. Maybe there is a PEN MONSTER in the house that absolutely just lurves to chew and devour pens!!!
Buy more...and they will keep disappearing too!!!!!!
I seriously think that in future, I have to lock up my stash of pens and stationery, my plugs and connector wires. mmmm....do you think I need to lock up my make-up too????
I am just wondering why are all the three XY chromosome beings in the house just like to take my stuff?? I had been mega busy the last few days, and just when I thought that I have a bit of a breather to upload some photos and do some blogging, I find my connector wires are missing. Mind you. We don't only just own one. We have tonnes, and I told H that NO ONE touches MY stuff. And yet... it is gone. Nope. I did not misplace them. I have a cute little 'hanger' (people use these to hang their jewellery) to hold up all MY connector wires etc. So if it is not there...it should be on MY desk where NO ONE sits except the QUEEN of the house. So where is it???
I am almost tearing my hair out with frustration. Why must everyone take MY stuff?
My earphones. My plug for charging my camera. My pens.
I tell you...really quite fed-up. EVERYONE has a pair of earphones. But somehow, they either misplace it, lose it, thrash it or whatever...and then they come looking for mine. H is the same. He has his own, and yet wants to come grab mine. I have to literally show my displeasure and to NAG for him to go look for his own earphones.
And yeah. Stupid plug also want to take mine. I have a point-and-shoot and a DSLR, and both has its own charger and plugs. Now....both plugs also gone missing. I donno what these guys do with the plugs. Charge the PSP? The DS? I donno. I just know that it's missing from my bedside.
And don't let me get started with pens and stationery. We really really have sooooooooooo many pens, pencils, erasers etc etc. And I make sure the boys have their own, and I have MINE. But then.... somehow, MY stuff will disappear from my desk. 10,001 pens in the house, and I can't find a single one. Maybe there is a PEN MONSTER in the house that absolutely just lurves to chew and devour pens!!!
Buy more...and they will keep disappearing too!!!!!!
I seriously think that in future, I have to lock up my stash of pens and stationery, my plugs and connector wires. mmmm....do you think I need to lock up my make-up too????
Sunday, December 12, 2010
"I need New Running Shorts!"
S1 came home the other day...asking for money to buy new running shorts.
My immediate response was "AGAIN? You just bought one quite recently!"
Apparently, he has outgrown his pair of shorts AGAIN.... soooooooo quickly. He said that when he ran during PE, he couldn't do too big a stride as his shorts were preventing it! They weren't stretchable and thus were kinda constricted. When he emulated how he was running with the too-small pair of shorts, I had to laugh! It was quite a funny sight.
I guessed I should invest in proper running shorts rather than the el cheapo ones that the school shop sells.
My immediate response was "AGAIN? You just bought one quite recently!"
Apparently, he has outgrown his pair of shorts AGAIN.... soooooooo quickly. He said that when he ran during PE, he couldn't do too big a stride as his shorts were preventing it! They weren't stretchable and thus were kinda constricted. When he emulated how he was running with the too-small pair of shorts, I had to laugh! It was quite a funny sight.
I guessed I should invest in proper running shorts rather than the el cheapo ones that the school shop sells.
It's NOT that cold!
That's what people say about LA winters. Errr.. does LA even really have a winter season?? But in order to make sure that I packed the right clothing for myself and the boys, I went to look at the photos that were taken in LA last December 2009. I remember a half-naked street performer at Santa Monica beach. I remember joggers in shorts and sleeveless tops. Surely it really can't be that cold?
WRONG!!!
In those old photos, not only was I wearing a sweater, I had my JACKET on!
I know. I am such a wuss! But can't blame me for being brought up in the tropics!
We will be renting a private apartment near Hollywood Hills, I sure hope that the apartment has proper heating, and perhaps a heated blanket or two for sitting out on the patio, with a mug of hot chocolate...
WRONG!!!
In those old photos, not only was I wearing a sweater, I had my JACKET on!
I know. I am such a wuss! But can't blame me for being brought up in the tropics!
We will be renting a private apartment near Hollywood Hills, I sure hope that the apartment has proper heating, and perhaps a heated blanket or two for sitting out on the patio, with a mug of hot chocolate...
I hate it....but it IS important...
Yup. Hate it. Hate to think about it. Hate to talk about it.
But it IS really soooo important to have it.
What am I on about?
I am referring to term life insurance.
I hate to think about it because it involves life and death. BUT it IS so important because it involves life and death! Know what I mean? Especially when there is only ONE breadwinner in the house, this topic is especially crucial. The other topic that I hate is Wills! Don't you hate talking about it? Especially with your spouse?
But it IS really soooo important to have it.
What am I on about?
I am referring to term life insurance.
I hate to think about it because it involves life and death. BUT it IS so important because it involves life and death! Know what I mean? Especially when there is only ONE breadwinner in the house, this topic is especially crucial. The other topic that I hate is Wills! Don't you hate talking about it? Especially with your spouse?
Friday, December 03, 2010
A Jumbled Post - 3 Dec 2010
I realised that I have not talked about anything else other than my bidding on eBay! Read here, here, here and here. Okay...so no more eBay talk in this post.
Anniversary Surprise
Nope! H did not give me a diamond ring nor a handbag or whatever. Instead, he woke me up with a piece of news. He went "should I tell you, or should I not tell you".... irritating. He had just talked to his boss and "Finland or Singapore" was the option. Huh?? Apparently, his boss prefers that he goes to Finland but we prefer Singapore. So I said "I register the boys at the schools in Singapore?" but he said NO.
Huh??? So how like that??
Talk so much but still go back to nothing. I had been quite stress over this... as to where we are moving to. When we are moving? I know it sounds silly but it's like "Do I go and buy a plant for my garden? What if after I buy, we need to leave?". Really so unsettling... H doesn't understand why I am stressed. He just kept saying "leave it to me...."
So basically, NO answers for me.
Live day-by-day!
Bad Day!
Wednesday was a bad day! I had an order for a batch each of vanilla and chocolate mini cupcakes. As usual, I baked my vanilla first... and it turned out really bad. Taste was good but they looked bad. Overflowed from the cups... Donno why. I have been baking minis this way umpteen times without problems. I then baked another batch. Again. Looked bad. I actually baked a third time! Again. Disaster! Why? Why? Why?
Even my maid was surprised...as she commented "each time always good why today like that?".
The chocolate cupcakes came out beautifully though...
I gave up after baking 3 batches of vanilla cupcakes. I called my friend who had ordered the cakes to inform her that I can't deliver the vanilla ones...but will give her some foc (some cupcakes were sorta okay)...
What did I do with the extra cupcakes?
Boys ate some. Gave some to the hired help and S1 took some to school...
And you know what? My grinder decided to conk out on this day too.
The sugar crystals here are too coarse for baking so I usually use my grinder to process the sugar into finer grains. With having to bake so many blardy batches of vanilla cupcakes, I ran out of fine sugar...so had to grind a new pack. Bleahhhhh... Can't do so lor... Used the fine sugar (not exactly icing) that I have to bake... the cupcakes were sooooooo soft and fluffy. They were okay in normal sized cups but for the minis, they were just soooooooo fragile.
To top it all, I received a call from my landlord's office to inform me that they need to HACK my kitchen floor to sort out the plumbing! And also the maid's toilet to repair a leak. AIYO! Will be such a mess. Pengsan!
Discussed with H...and decided that they do all the hacking and repairing while we are away... I just have to get my maid to be around to monitor the works-in-progress (she usually gets a break when I go on a break).
Irresponsible
Did I mention that my kids are an irresponsible bunch?
The latest thing that went missing was S2's Nokia Mobile Phone. And apparently, he also borrowed his friend's school hat and lost that too. How to make him to be more responsible? Getting really fed-up. Somehow, both the boys take turns to either lose stuff or to misbehave. They just have to take turns to make me mad!
I really donno lah.
And just now.. I wanted to pack the boys' vacation clothes so I opened S2's wardrobe door. Guess what I found... a box of Dylan's Candy Store FUDGE, which has to be stored in the fridge. Donno why the heck he hid it in there! *sigh*
Anniversary Surprise
Nope! H did not give me a diamond ring nor a handbag or whatever. Instead, he woke me up with a piece of news. He went "should I tell you, or should I not tell you".... irritating. He had just talked to his boss and "Finland or Singapore" was the option. Huh?? Apparently, his boss prefers that he goes to Finland but we prefer Singapore. So I said "I register the boys at the schools in Singapore?" but he said NO.
Huh??? So how like that??
Talk so much but still go back to nothing. I had been quite stress over this... as to where we are moving to. When we are moving? I know it sounds silly but it's like "Do I go and buy a plant for my garden? What if after I buy, we need to leave?". Really so unsettling... H doesn't understand why I am stressed. He just kept saying "leave it to me...."
So basically, NO answers for me.
Live day-by-day!
Bad Day!
Wednesday was a bad day! I had an order for a batch each of vanilla and chocolate mini cupcakes. As usual, I baked my vanilla first... and it turned out really bad. Taste was good but they looked bad. Overflowed from the cups... Donno why. I have been baking minis this way umpteen times without problems. I then baked another batch. Again. Looked bad. I actually baked a third time! Again. Disaster! Why? Why? Why?
Even my maid was surprised...as she commented "each time always good why today like that?".
The chocolate cupcakes came out beautifully though...
I gave up after baking 3 batches of vanilla cupcakes. I called my friend who had ordered the cakes to inform her that I can't deliver the vanilla ones...but will give her some foc (some cupcakes were sorta okay)...
What did I do with the extra cupcakes?
Boys ate some. Gave some to the hired help and S1 took some to school...
And you know what? My grinder decided to conk out on this day too.
The sugar crystals here are too coarse for baking so I usually use my grinder to process the sugar into finer grains. With having to bake so many blardy batches of vanilla cupcakes, I ran out of fine sugar...so had to grind a new pack. Bleahhhhh... Can't do so lor... Used the fine sugar (not exactly icing) that I have to bake... the cupcakes were sooooooo soft and fluffy. They were okay in normal sized cups but for the minis, they were just soooooooo fragile.
To top it all, I received a call from my landlord's office to inform me that they need to HACK my kitchen floor to sort out the plumbing! And also the maid's toilet to repair a leak. AIYO! Will be such a mess. Pengsan!
Discussed with H...and decided that they do all the hacking and repairing while we are away... I just have to get my maid to be around to monitor the works-in-progress (she usually gets a break when I go on a break).
Irresponsible
Did I mention that my kids are an irresponsible bunch?
The latest thing that went missing was S2's Nokia Mobile Phone. And apparently, he also borrowed his friend's school hat and lost that too. How to make him to be more responsible? Getting really fed-up. Somehow, both the boys take turns to either lose stuff or to misbehave. They just have to take turns to make me mad!
I really donno lah.
And just now.. I wanted to pack the boys' vacation clothes so I opened S2's wardrobe door. Guess what I found... a box of Dylan's Candy Store FUDGE, which has to be stored in the fridge. Donno why the heck he hid it in there! *sigh*
Finally. I did win.
People who knows me will know that I am the PIGGIEST of the PIG, and nothing is more important than my beauty SLEEP.
I have been so obsessed to win some eBay auctions that I set my alarm clock to ring at 5.45 am... Yeah. To place my bids!
Normally, this would not be such a big deal as I usually wake the boys up at about 6.05 am for school. But today.. they needn't wake up early as boys were skipping the first few periods for our visit to the local Immigration Office to have our 'Permit to Stay" extended.
Anyway.....changed tactics a little bit. Lost an auction but won 3. The last probably not as interesting to the other bidders. What auction did I win?
(1) 3 Packs of Perfect Pearls Powder - $22.50 (think retail is about $13 each)
(2) Martha Stewart Heat Tool and 6 Embossing Powder - $21.02 (retail price of the heat tool is already $24,)
(3) 6 Packs of Brilliance Inks (each with 4 colours) - $10.49 (retail about $36 I think)
All these were from the same seller. Thus there was some savings in the shipping cost.
Had some additional auctions that I lost as I was at the Immigration Office . The area had really really bad 3G connection. Usually it takes like 5 seconds to register a bid but the connection was sooooooooooo slow that it took more than 2 minutes to register a bid. How to win like that?
Boys went to school directly from the Immigration Office, while H and I took a cab home. Put in another bid in the cab... and won an auction of 112 Inkadinkadoo Clear Stamps at $23.10. There were about 10 packs in there, and with $5 shipping - it works out to be $2.80 per pack...still cheaper than in the shops I guessed. Not that I need more stamps?!? I realised that I have stamps that I had bought but NOT used. They were still untouched in their original packaging. And the stamps I bought were pretty expensive compared to what I just spent on 10 packs. Can't believe I actually spent between $9.99 to &19.99 per pack of stamps! If I had discovered eBay then!!!
All my purchases will be sent to the hotel in Anaheim - we've informed them to expect delivery of packages. Should be okay one lah. Nobody wants to take my scrapbooking stuff ... nor my Psoriasis cream! We actually had 3 iPads delivered to our hotel in New Orleans last July....and they were all safe and sound.
Now I am watching the SLICE ELITE on eBay. The latest winning bid was at $82 with free delivery. I saw that Scrap-n-Crop in Malaysia is selling it at RM 800 (after the RM 50 discount). With USD still just at about RM 3.0-something, $82 is really really cheap if you compare with Malaysian prices. I am still deciding if I wanna get it. The thing is that the Design Card is about $25 to $45 each....unless I just stick to 1 or 2 design cards just for the alphabets. Will see.....
Watching. Watching. Watching.
I have been so obsessed to win some eBay auctions that I set my alarm clock to ring at 5.45 am... Yeah. To place my bids!
Normally, this would not be such a big deal as I usually wake the boys up at about 6.05 am for school. But today.. they needn't wake up early as boys were skipping the first few periods for our visit to the local Immigration Office to have our 'Permit to Stay" extended.
Anyway.....changed tactics a little bit. Lost an auction but won 3. The last probably not as interesting to the other bidders. What auction did I win?
(1) 3 Packs of Perfect Pearls Powder - $22.50 (think retail is about $13 each)
(2) Martha Stewart Heat Tool and 6 Embossing Powder - $21.02 (retail price of the heat tool is already $24,)
(3) 6 Packs of Brilliance Inks (each with 4 colours) - $10.49 (retail about $36 I think)
All these were from the same seller. Thus there was some savings in the shipping cost.
Had some additional auctions that I lost as I was at the Immigration Office . The area had really really bad 3G connection. Usually it takes like 5 seconds to register a bid but the connection was sooooooooooo slow that it took more than 2 minutes to register a bid. How to win like that?
Boys went to school directly from the Immigration Office, while H and I took a cab home. Put in another bid in the cab... and won an auction of 112 Inkadinkadoo Clear Stamps at $23.10. There were about 10 packs in there, and with $5 shipping - it works out to be $2.80 per pack...still cheaper than in the shops I guessed. Not that I need more stamps?!? I realised that I have stamps that I had bought but NOT used. They were still untouched in their original packaging. And the stamps I bought were pretty expensive compared to what I just spent on 10 packs. Can't believe I actually spent between $9.99 to &19.99 per pack of stamps! If I had discovered eBay then!!!
All my purchases will be sent to the hotel in Anaheim - we've informed them to expect delivery of packages. Should be okay one lah. Nobody wants to take my scrapbooking stuff ... nor my Psoriasis cream! We actually had 3 iPads delivered to our hotel in New Orleans last July....and they were all safe and sound.
Now I am watching the SLICE ELITE on eBay. The latest winning bid was at $82 with free delivery. I saw that Scrap-n-Crop in Malaysia is selling it at RM 800 (after the RM 50 discount). With USD still just at about RM 3.0-something, $82 is really really cheap if you compare with Malaysian prices. I am still deciding if I wanna get it. The thing is that the Design Card is about $25 to $45 each....unless I just stick to 1 or 2 design cards just for the alphabets. Will see.....
Watching. Watching. Watching.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
It is NOT easy to Win!
Serious. I kid you not. It is certainly NOT easy to win an auction on eBay.
Of course I am not talking about things that have 1000s in stock...like the cream for my Psoriasis. I was the only bidder... probably because one can just pop into the Duane Reade or Walgreens to get it. I am referring to things that are really a good deal.
(Errr...you are wondering why I bid then? Well, it's something that I need for my feet, and since it offers free shipping - might as well order it, and when I check into the hotel, I can use it immediately instead of popping out to search for this).
I missed out on a mixed lot of Scrapbooking Tools/Embellisments/Paper etc yesterday... and a lot of Creative Memories Punchers this morning. The retail value for the former was about USD 300 and and the winning bid was USD 53. For the latter, I estimated the retail value to be close to USD 150 as each set of punches is about USD 20, and there were quite a few plus other stuff. The winning bid was USD 78.50.
I followed the strategy of not bidding at the start...but just have these items on WATCH list.
For the first lot... I waited till the last minute, and then put in my bids until I was the highest bidder. I did this by upping 5 USD in one go. I was only highest bidder for like 5 seconds, and then I saw the words "You have been OUTBID", and then the timer goes to 0! ADOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No time to even increase my bid.
And for the second lot. I thought... okay. I don't follow the same mistake as I did yesterday. I will put in the bids dollar-by-dollar. No more upping USD 5 or 10 or whatever. ALAMAK! I didn't have time to even reach the point that I was the highest bidder. Timing has to be sooooooooooo right to WIN! Really sooo difficult. Who knows that buying stuff can be so difficult one ah?
Anyway, I stil have a few things that I am eyeing. Will see if I can WIN WIN WIN!
If don't win at these auctions, hopefully....will WIN the jackpot at Las Vegas! Hahhahahahah...
Of course I am not talking about things that have 1000s in stock...like the cream for my Psoriasis. I was the only bidder... probably because one can just pop into the Duane Reade or Walgreens to get it. I am referring to things that are really a good deal.
(Errr...you are wondering why I bid then? Well, it's something that I need for my feet, and since it offers free shipping - might as well order it, and when I check into the hotel, I can use it immediately instead of popping out to search for this).
I missed out on a mixed lot of Scrapbooking Tools/Embellisments/Paper etc yesterday... and a lot of Creative Memories Punchers this morning. The retail value for the former was about USD 300 and and the winning bid was USD 53. For the latter, I estimated the retail value to be close to USD 150 as each set of punches is about USD 20, and there were quite a few plus other stuff. The winning bid was USD 78.50.
I followed the strategy of not bidding at the start...but just have these items on WATCH list.
For the first lot... I waited till the last minute, and then put in my bids until I was the highest bidder. I did this by upping 5 USD in one go. I was only highest bidder for like 5 seconds, and then I saw the words "You have been OUTBID", and then the timer goes to 0! ADOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No time to even increase my bid.
And for the second lot. I thought... okay. I don't follow the same mistake as I did yesterday. I will put in the bids dollar-by-dollar. No more upping USD 5 or 10 or whatever. ALAMAK! I didn't have time to even reach the point that I was the highest bidder. Timing has to be sooooooooooo right to WIN! Really sooo difficult. Who knows that buying stuff can be so difficult one ah?
Anyway, I stil have a few things that I am eyeing. Will see if I can WIN WIN WIN!
If don't win at these auctions, hopefully....will WIN the jackpot at Las Vegas! Hahhahahahah...
Multivitamins for Growing Boys...
My older boy is growing rather rapidly in recent months. I didn't realize that he was as tall as I am until a friend mentioned it. All along, I had thought that he only reached my eye brows. With this growth spurt, I supposed I must switch his kiddie mutivitamins to a different one. Do you know what is the best multivitamins for growing boys? Whilst we are on the topic of growing boys... my younger boy somehow doesn't seem to be growing at all! I am wondering if I should supplement his diet with nutritional drinks on top of the multivitamins. What do you think?
Confused over Wrinkle Creams!
Are you confused?
I don't know about you... but I certainly am!
...Confused over Wrinkle creams.
I know that it sounds so silly but I have been searching the WWW to read-up on reviews on the wrinkle creams in the market. I wanna put in my order so that it can be delivered to the hotel that we are staying . My gosh! There is really really soooooooooooooooooo many brands out there. And the price can range from downright affordable to up right to the moons and stars!!! All I want is something affordable that would remove wrinkle from my face. It's tough to select ONE brand. I really am confused.
I don't know about you... but I certainly am!
...Confused over Wrinkle creams.
I know that it sounds so silly but I have been searching the WWW to read-up on reviews on the wrinkle creams in the market. I wanna put in my order so that it can be delivered to the hotel that we are staying . My gosh! There is really really soooooooooooooooooo many brands out there. And the price can range from downright affordable to up right to the moons and stars!!! All I want is something affordable that would remove wrinkle from my face. It's tough to select ONE brand. I really am confused.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
I really donno how I can last...
...through the day when we go for our year-end vacation with the boys. How to sit and wait for them to finish all the rides at the theme parks?? Universal Studios, Disneyland, Disney California, Legoland, Seaworld, Six Flags Magic Mountain... At the end of the trip, I will have roller-coasters coming out of my ears! As it is now, I'm falling asleep on a cafe chair outside the Games Arcade...and only 20 minutes has passed. Okay. Okay...not yet fallen asleep. But really feeling so sleepy....woke up early this morning for the boys' pre-season soccer training (actual season starts in Term 2), went to the gym, showered, had lunch in a Singaporean-style food court and now killing time until our movie starts in another 20 minutes or so... And I can kill time with fiddling with my iPad.
Maybe I should ask my chiropractor if it's safe for me to go on the rides as well... Queue and ride is so much more fun than queuing with boys and then staying back to wait for the rides to end, right? I am quite a roller-coaster girl, when i was younger. I love those that loop-the-loops, those whereby your feet dangle in the air...love the g-forces that pulls your heart down and go Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....
Or maybe I shouldn't risk my back. Lots of $$$$ already spent on my chiropractic adjustments. H said I shouldn't risk it...he doesn't want be to go arghhhhh for the rest of the trip. Oh well....looks like we are just gonna be Queue-ers for most rides...except for Its a Small World and other less thrilling rides that we can go on. H? He hates falling rides, ie he hates roller coasters. He, on the other hand, doesn't mind those turning teacups ride- which I absolutely loathe! Really do...those go around-round rides make me dizzy and want to puke!!
Okay. Gotta go now. Movie is starting in about 5 minutes... Gonna watch The Unstoppable...
Maybe I should ask my chiropractor if it's safe for me to go on the rides as well... Queue and ride is so much more fun than queuing with boys and then staying back to wait for the rides to end, right? I am quite a roller-coaster girl, when i was younger. I love those that loop-the-loops, those whereby your feet dangle in the air...love the g-forces that pulls your heart down and go Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....
Or maybe I shouldn't risk my back. Lots of $$$$ already spent on my chiropractic adjustments. H said I shouldn't risk it...he doesn't want be to go arghhhhh for the rest of the trip. Oh well....looks like we are just gonna be Queue-ers for most rides...except for Its a Small World and other less thrilling rides that we can go on. H? He hates falling rides, ie he hates roller coasters. He, on the other hand, doesn't mind those turning teacups ride- which I absolutely loathe! Really do...those go around-round rides make me dizzy and want to puke!!
Okay. Gotta go now. Movie is starting in about 5 minutes... Gonna watch The Unstoppable...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
If I were Living in the USA....
.........I would probably spend my days and nights SHOPPING. Shopping online. Shopping from catalogues. Shopping in the malls...in the factory outlets...etc etc. Do nothing but shop shop shop! I tell ya, there is really such a vast range of things to buy! But then, H would have to work doubly hard to pay for all my purchases!
As per my previous post, I'm starting to bid for auction lots at eBay.... I have to say that it is quite an adrenaline rush at the last minute, i.e. Last 60 seconds before the auction time ends. My heart went bit bop bit bop so quickly as I was putting my bids in, whilst looking at the timer ticking down...9s 8s 7s 6s 5s....and then wondering if the bid was successful. Hehehe... Cheap thrills.
Hey! Wait a minute! Not cheap at all! Already spent USD 57 just on stickers and shipping costs to Anaheim. Half I won at auctions. Half I did the "buy it now" or "best offer" option.
Anyway, I didn't win the 6000+ pieces lot that ended yesterday. Couldn't stay up. The winning bid was USD 40 ish. This is really a good price.. Even with the international shipping rates of USD 45, it's still cheaper than what I would pay to buy in Jakarta. The only thing is whether the postal service here would tax the items.... I guessed I really have to stay up if I want to get my hands on these lots... Or alternatively, go to bed early, then set my alarm to ring 5 minutes before the auction closes!
As per my previous post, I'm starting to bid for auction lots at eBay.... I have to say that it is quite an adrenaline rush at the last minute, i.e. Last 60 seconds before the auction time ends. My heart went bit bop bit bop so quickly as I was putting my bids in, whilst looking at the timer ticking down...9s 8s 7s 6s 5s....and then wondering if the bid was successful. Hehehe... Cheap thrills.
Hey! Wait a minute! Not cheap at all! Already spent USD 57 just on stickers and shipping costs to Anaheim. Half I won at auctions. Half I did the "buy it now" or "best offer" option.
Anyway, I didn't win the 6000+ pieces lot that ended yesterday. Couldn't stay up. The winning bid was USD 40 ish. This is really a good price.. Even with the international shipping rates of USD 45, it's still cheaper than what I would pay to buy in Jakarta. The only thing is whether the postal service here would tax the items.... I guessed I really have to stay up if I want to get my hands on these lots... Or alternatively, go to bed early, then set my alarm to ring 5 minutes before the auction closes!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
eBay Rookie
I have just signed-up on eBay yesterday... and proceeded to place bids on numerous scrapbooking lots. S2 saw what I was doing and then commented "You must wait only until the last 5 minutes, then place a bid a few cents above, then you will win". His dad asked him how he knew that... From "George Lopez", was the answer!
Obviously, I didn't pay attention to him... placing bids so that I was the highest bidder. There was one particular auction whereby there was only 40 minutes left, and I was the highest bidder then. H kept telling me to stay awake to monitor the bids. I didn't. And this morning, when I checked my eBay account... I lost. And you know what? The fella really only place a bid a couple of minutes before the auction closed. So I could have jumped-in with a higher bid. I lost by USD 1.00 !
Not only that, when I looked at the other lots where I had placed a bid... I had been outbid LEFT, RIGHT and CENTER. i have also been doing the NO-NO. I've been increasing my bid repeatedly yesterday... Basically, I drove the price up. SILLY ROOKIE!
I was kinda frustrated with being outbid, that I just went ahead and bought a 50 pack Jolee's Stickers at USD 19.99 without going through the bidding process. Told the seller to HOLD shipment until the other auction ends... in case I win, and then shipment can be in one lot...to our hotel in Anaheim (taking boys to Disneyland etc etc.. in December).
So now... I am not going to bid until the last couple of minutes. Looks like I am following my S2's strategy of putting a bid at the last minute, after all.
I am watching another auction that is expiring tonight... at midnight. Can I stay up? I will have to stay up! I wanna get the 6000+ pieces of scrapbooking stuff!!!!
WISH ME LUCK!
(Errr... I was going through my existing stash. Looks like I have quite a lot of stuff... so do I need more????)
Obviously, I didn't pay attention to him... placing bids so that I was the highest bidder. There was one particular auction whereby there was only 40 minutes left, and I was the highest bidder then. H kept telling me to stay awake to monitor the bids. I didn't. And this morning, when I checked my eBay account... I lost. And you know what? The fella really only place a bid a couple of minutes before the auction closed. So I could have jumped-in with a higher bid. I lost by USD 1.00 !
Not only that, when I looked at the other lots where I had placed a bid... I had been outbid LEFT, RIGHT and CENTER. i have also been doing the NO-NO. I've been increasing my bid repeatedly yesterday... Basically, I drove the price up. SILLY ROOKIE!
I was kinda frustrated with being outbid, that I just went ahead and bought a 50 pack Jolee's Stickers at USD 19.99 without going through the bidding process. Told the seller to HOLD shipment until the other auction ends... in case I win, and then shipment can be in one lot...to our hotel in Anaheim (taking boys to Disneyland etc etc.. in December).
So now... I am not going to bid until the last couple of minutes. Looks like I am following my S2's strategy of putting a bid at the last minute, after all.
I am watching another auction that is expiring tonight... at midnight. Can I stay up? I will have to stay up! I wanna get the 6000+ pieces of scrapbooking stuff!!!!
WISH ME LUCK!
(Errr... I was going through my existing stash. Looks like I have quite a lot of stuff... so do I need more????)
"Bag Lady"
That's what my English friend called me yesterday - Bag Lady...... because bags were the only things I bought at the BWA (British Women's Association) Bazaar. I actually didn't intend to buy anything.... just go for the sake of going... as the entrance fee goes to CHARITY. I even declined H's offer to go to the ATM to get more cash for me! So yes. I was serious in NOT buying anything.
But But But.. you know with every trip out, one surely will tend to spend on things that we don't actually need. But I just love these fabrics that were used to make these bags.
This was my first purchase...
A bag (pouch? whatever you call it) for my iPad.
But But But.. you know with every trip out, one surely will tend to spend on things that we don't actually need. But I just love these fabrics that were used to make these bags.
This was my first purchase...
A bag (pouch? whatever you call it) for my iPad.
I really love this fabric pattern.
Next.... was this little bag for my Scrapbooking Supplies (pens, sccissors, cutters, glue etc etc)
Whilst waiting for my friend to chose some fabric file folders, I rummaged through the box that housed Lunch Bags.... NOT that my boys would use lunch bags made of cute or beautiful fabrics. Then... I saw this bag. I contemplated whether to get it or not... but decided to just get it. I will use it to carry the boys' snacks when I pick them up for Mandarin classes, or after-football snacks.
And while waiting for the same-said friend, I went through the box with shopping bags. And saw this. Just thought that the cartoon pictures were sooooo cute...and had to get it.
A close-up of the cartoon depicted on the bag...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Island of the Gods, indeed!
As per my previous post, H and I went on a short getaway to Bali... Islands of the Gods. The moment we arrived at DPS on Wednesday (17th Nov), we were greeted with BLUE BLUE SKIES. For someone who came from a smog-filled city with over-cast skies, the BLUE BLUE SKIES certainly made me think that Bali is indeed the Island of the Gods! And at night...the moon was so big and round - soooo beautiful.
Anyway, our room rate at the Padma Resort At Legian came with airport transfers and we were whisked off from the airport in a jiffy. Why did I pick this hotel? Figured that since boys are not with us, I wanna explore the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak area. If they are, NO way I can explore anything. I would be lucky to even be able to dine at the hotel restaurants! They always want to have room service!!! Decided on Legian Beach. From there, surfed the WWW abit and decided on The Padma Resort as it is rated the #1 hotel on Legian on TripAdvisor, and the rate was sorta okay. We paid USD 169 per nite (inclusive of all taxes, breakfast and return airport transfers).
They upgraded our room to the next grade level...which basically just means that we have a terrace that looks over some kind of pond.
This is the view from my terrace. The bottom part is actually the pond.
Actually...didn't realise it until after we booked our trip. It actually somewhat coincided with our wedding anniversary. So can say this trip is for our anniversary lah. Heheheheh...
We had dinner at Bubba Gump as H wanted to have the baby back pork ribs. Can't remember what I had....but did have a yummy Mangolada - a mango version of Pina Colada. And walked all the way from the restaurant back to the hotel!
The next day, we chilled out at the Lagoon Pool for abit...discussed on our possible future postings etc etc. This talk did not go too well. Bleah! Almost ended up fighting so decided to go for a walk. We walked on the beach.... Again, walked a whole lot. Walked from our hotel all the way pass Ku-de-ta, to The Legian (which is actually on Seminyak) where we had a couple of drinks - H had a healthy banana smoothie and moi? I had a alcohol-laden Legian Sunset cocktail.
We then set-out to have lunch at Wah Wah Gourmet Burger and Wine Bar, which is situated between The Legian and Ku-de-ta (via road and NOT beach). Had read from online reviews that the joint is opened by a Shanghai designer/painter etc named Wah; and that the Wagyu tenderloin burgers are awesome. So had to give it a try.
Mini Wagyu Tenderloin Burgers with Crispy Prosciutto, Cheese and Quail Eggs
Anyway, our room rate at the Padma Resort At Legian came with airport transfers and we were whisked off from the airport in a jiffy. Why did I pick this hotel? Figured that since boys are not with us, I wanna explore the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak area. If they are, NO way I can explore anything. I would be lucky to even be able to dine at the hotel restaurants! They always want to have room service!!! Decided on Legian Beach. From there, surfed the WWW abit and decided on The Padma Resort as it is rated the #1 hotel on Legian on TripAdvisor, and the rate was sorta okay. We paid USD 169 per nite (inclusive of all taxes, breakfast and return airport transfers).
This is how our newly-refurbished deluxe room looks
They upgraded our room to the next grade level...which basically just means that we have a terrace that looks over some kind of pond.
This is the view from my terrace. The bottom part is actually the pond.
What we did next was to go jalan-jalan. Walked quite a bit...from the hotel to Kuta (through Poppies II, had lunch at Made's Warung. Wanted to go to Un's but it was soooooo empty in the day. So no fun lah! ) to Dicovery Mall at Tuban. H said "how come holidays with you these days entail lots of walking ah???". Walked back towards the beach just as the sun was setting...
Crowds admiring the sunset @ Kuta Beach
Sooooo Romantic!!!
The Lovey-Dovey Couple? Of course NOT us lah!
Actually...didn't realise it until after we booked our trip. It actually somewhat coincided with our wedding anniversary. So can say this trip is for our anniversary lah. Heheheheh...
We had dinner at Bubba Gump as H wanted to have the baby back pork ribs. Can't remember what I had....but did have a yummy Mangolada - a mango version of Pina Colada. And walked all the way from the restaurant back to the hotel!
The next day, we chilled out at the Lagoon Pool for abit...discussed on our possible future postings etc etc. This talk did not go too well. Bleah! Almost ended up fighting so decided to go for a walk. We walked on the beach.... Again, walked a whole lot. Walked from our hotel all the way pass Ku-de-ta, to The Legian (which is actually on Seminyak) where we had a couple of drinks - H had a healthy banana smoothie and moi? I had a alcohol-laden Legian Sunset cocktail.
We then set-out to have lunch at Wah Wah Gourmet Burger and Wine Bar, which is situated between The Legian and Ku-de-ta (via road and NOT beach). Had read from online reviews that the joint is opened by a Shanghai designer/painter etc named Wah; and that the Wagyu tenderloin burgers are awesome. So had to give it a try.
Can't remember the names...but here's what we had...
Mini Wagyu Tenderloin Burgers with Foie Gras
Mini Wagyu Tenderloin Burgers with Foie Gras
Mini Wagyu Tenderloin Burgers with Crispy Prosciutto, Cheese and Quail Eggs...all washed down with wine (H) and Wah-tini (Moi)
What's the verdict on the burgers?
Yummilicious!
Yes. A tad expensive for mere burgers ~ approx USD 14 - 16 per plate, but I supposed for Wagyu tenderloin, foie gras, prosciutto..... we shouldn't complain?
And what do you know? As I was getting out of the washroom to leave, I saw that H was chatting with a Chinese guy....who turned out to be Wah himself. We continued to chat for a bit, and he ended up losing a mug of beer to H over some silly bet.
I wanted to jalan around Seminyak abit more...but H would have NO more walking for the day. So we took a cab back to the hotel to have a rest. Errr....actually a PIGGY nap, waking up just in time for dinner.
Had made reservations at the Pearl Restaurant, a French restaurant attached to a small hotel on Double Six. Apparently, the French chef's parents run the hotel. Found out about this place from numerous online reviews, plus a write-up by a Bali-based food writer.
Had made reservations at the Pearl Restaurant, a French restaurant attached to a small hotel on Double Six. Apparently, the French chef's parents run the hotel. Found out about this place from numerous online reviews, plus a write-up by a Bali-based food writer.
I have to say that the food was excellent. Pity I didn't take any photos on my conventional camera. H couldnt wait to dig into the food. He only allowed one session of picture taking with my phone. I had the Fish Tartare in Two Ways for starter, which was pretty good. I would have given it top marks if I didn't had the Tuna Tartare over at Nougatine New York. But I supposed not fair to compare with the NY restaurant as that chef has a 3* Michelin. This chef is really quite young. Read that he just completed his course/training at a 1* Michelin restaurant in France about 2 years back. Eh...did I mention that he is very good-looking??? If H was not there, I probably could eat him up as well! Hahahhaah...
How do I know how the chef looks like? He came out to explain the menu and to give some recommendations. And again, when we finished to check if everything was alright.
H had a lobster bisque for starter. We both shared a lamb shank and the Dessert Tasting Plate. Overall, the food was pretty good and prices reasonable (for French Food...not comparing with your average Kon-loh Mee). We would definitely come back to this restaurant when we are in Bali.
That's the end of our trip! We took the first flight out on Saturday morning. Yeah..two nights only, as my silly husband did a boo-boo. See my previous post as to how this boo-boo came about.
Dropped H off at the office on my way home from the airport....
And what did I have to do as soon as I got home?
Mark my boys' Math sheets...math problems that I have given them before I left...
Mark my boys' Math sheets...math problems that I have given them before I left...
So basically ... from BB to MM,
ie.... Bali Bliss to Marking Maths
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Whatsa beena happeningggg???
School Mid-Term Break
Boys are having their one week mid-term break which started last Saturday (13th November ), and will be going back to school on Monday, 22nd November. Initially, wanted to take them to Jogjakarta to visit the Borobudur and Prabanan Temples. But with Mt. Merapi huffing and puffing away, that is totally OUT of the question. So how to entertain them for one whole week?
Do Math and English worksheets?? hehehehe.. Yeah. Made them do some.
And today, S2 has 2 friends over...and the boys are having a ball upstairs.
Grandma is HERE
Boys' grandma is here in Jakarta for a week..... She arrived last Saturday (13th November) and will be going home on Sunday, 21st November. Yeah. Yeah.. coincided with boys' mid-term break. As I said, initial plan was for ALL of us to go to Jogjakarta but that's not happening. So grandma just have to contend to staying in this traffic-choked city. And not only that. My silly H said to my girlfriend "must make use of MIL...to babysit the boys" so that both of us can getaway. Yup. Both H and I flying to Bali tomorrow...
Just to take the plane...
H was back in KL last week for work... and then he went to Macau for work/leisure. Only came back on Saturday....arriving 30 minutes later than Grandma. Just before he boarded the plane at KLIA, he texted me about getting away.... since my mom will be around to babysit! Floated ideas of flying to Paris. I was like "you gila or what? Really never sit plane before??" It's really literally flying there on Wed (as he has to work on Mon & Tues) and then back again... Besides, we are already going on a long holiday in a month's time. Told him NO. Furtherst that I will fly-to is either Bali or Phuket. I suggested that maybe just book a hotel in the city. That's also getaway what. He said NO. Okay. Then decided on Bali. Just as I was booking the flight. He was still thinking of Hong Kong or Perth. Really loves to fly so much meh? Anyway, booked to fly-off to Bali tomorrow and back on Saturday morning. And what do you know? He called me up and said that his boss wants to have a mandatory meeting on Friday afternoon... and off I went to amend our flights to return on Friday. And less than an hour later, he texted me and said the meeting has been re-scheduled again. You say lah. I get irritated or not? Anyway, not changing the schedules anymore.... so just go for two nights.
Wouldn't cause so much of a problem if we would have just booked a room in the city, right???
Boys are having their one week mid-term break which started last Saturday (13th November ), and will be going back to school on Monday, 22nd November. Initially, wanted to take them to Jogjakarta to visit the Borobudur and Prabanan Temples. But with Mt. Merapi huffing and puffing away, that is totally OUT of the question. So how to entertain them for one whole week?
Do Math and English worksheets?? hehehehe.. Yeah. Made them do some.
And today, S2 has 2 friends over...and the boys are having a ball upstairs.
Grandma is HERE
Boys' grandma is here in Jakarta for a week..... She arrived last Saturday (13th November) and will be going home on Sunday, 21st November. Yeah. Yeah.. coincided with boys' mid-term break. As I said, initial plan was for ALL of us to go to Jogjakarta but that's not happening. So grandma just have to contend to staying in this traffic-choked city. And not only that. My silly H said to my girlfriend "must make use of MIL...to babysit the boys" so that both of us can getaway. Yup. Both H and I flying to Bali tomorrow...
Just to take the plane...
H was back in KL last week for work... and then he went to Macau for work/leisure. Only came back on Saturday....arriving 30 minutes later than Grandma. Just before he boarded the plane at KLIA, he texted me about getting away.... since my mom will be around to babysit! Floated ideas of flying to Paris. I was like "you gila or what? Really never sit plane before??" It's really literally flying there on Wed (as he has to work on Mon & Tues) and then back again... Besides, we are already going on a long holiday in a month's time. Told him NO. Furtherst that I will fly-to is either Bali or Phuket. I suggested that maybe just book a hotel in the city. That's also getaway what. He said NO. Okay. Then decided on Bali. Just as I was booking the flight. He was still thinking of Hong Kong or Perth. Really loves to fly so much meh? Anyway, booked to fly-off to Bali tomorrow and back on Saturday morning. And what do you know? He called me up and said that his boss wants to have a mandatory meeting on Friday afternoon... and off I went to amend our flights to return on Friday. And less than an hour later, he texted me and said the meeting has been re-scheduled again. You say lah. I get irritated or not? Anyway, not changing the schedules anymore.... so just go for two nights.
Wouldn't cause so much of a problem if we would have just booked a room in the city, right???
Am I THAT big?
What do you know?
S2 came home the other day with his class photo...... As he was going through each and every classmate, he commented about each and every one - she has a funny smile, she is very emo, he is irritating etc etc. Then he came upon this boy, CK and commented "this is the boy that called mom a GIANT". Ehhhh??? Am I that big? To be called a GIANT????
Looks like it is time to reach out for fat burner pills to work its magic. Certainly don't want to be known as THE GIANT around school!
S2 came home the other day with his class photo...... As he was going through each and every classmate, he commented about each and every one - she has a funny smile, she is very emo, he is irritating etc etc. Then he came upon this boy, CK and commented "this is the boy that called mom a GIANT". Ehhhh??? Am I that big? To be called a GIANT????
Looks like it is time to reach out for fat burner pills to work its magic. Certainly don't want to be known as THE GIANT around school!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
My Bread Maker CONKED Out???!??!?
When I saw Wen's brioche on her FB page, I was rather inspired to make my own too. So... this morning, I trot out to get the necessary ingredients... milk, eggs, yeast yadda yadda yadda.. Came home and took my bread maker out from the kitchen cupboard. This white elephant has NOT seen the light of day for FOUR YEARS!
Happily poured the brioche ingredients into the bread pan in the order instructed by the manufacturer. Program 1 - Check. Loaf Size - Check. Crust Colour - Check. Then I pressed START. I saw that the mixing started and then it stopped. Waited for a few minutes. Ooooi?? Nothing happening. Flour is very still inside the bread pan.
Then took out my manual to have a look at the time sequence. Okay..it says mixing will be 10 minutes. Waited till then... Eiiiiiii? Nothing happening leh!
I 'boh kamm buan' (mm kamm yuen) and tried it again..... this time using the ingredients for a simple loaf. Dumped everything into the bread pan and pressed START again.
ALAMAK! No mixing again. So how?
Tipped everything out again and started mixing and kneading by hand. *sigh*
I wonder if my bread maker is punishing me for leaving it in the dark for four years. Donno where to send it to be fixed also...
Anyway, here's what I made today...
Yummilicious Chocolate Cake ...of course yummy ler. The 70% chocolate bars cost a bomb! (Oops...forgot to remove the paper lining)
And not only that. I actually went to the gym in the evening!
Hardworking or not???
Happily poured the brioche ingredients into the bread pan in the order instructed by the manufacturer. Program 1 - Check. Loaf Size - Check. Crust Colour - Check. Then I pressed START. I saw that the mixing started and then it stopped. Waited for a few minutes. Ooooi?? Nothing happening. Flour is very still inside the bread pan.
See! See!
Then took out my manual to have a look at the time sequence. Okay..it says mixing will be 10 minutes. Waited till then... Eiiiiiii? Nothing happening leh!
Fed-up. Turned off the power and tipped the contents into my mixing bowl. Had to resort to kneading the dough by hand.
Dough rising....the old fashioned way....
I 'boh kamm buan' (mm kamm yuen) and tried it again..... this time using the ingredients for a simple loaf. Dumped everything into the bread pan and pressed START again.
ALAMAK! No mixing again. So how?
Tipped everything out again and started mixing and kneading by hand. *sigh*
I wonder if my bread maker is punishing me for leaving it in the dark for four years. Donno where to send it to be fixed also...
Anyway, here's what I made today...
Clockwise from Top:
Bacon & Onion Rolls from the Brioche Dough, Simple White Loaf & Mini-Brioche
Have to say that I was quite hardworking today. Not only I managed to sort out some photos in the morning, I was also at school for a meeting (I'm a Class Rep, remember?), did grocery shopping, made those breads above and even baked a chocolate cake.
Yummilicious Chocolate Cake ...of course yummy ler. The 70% chocolate bars cost a bomb! (Oops...forgot to remove the paper lining)
And not only that. I actually went to the gym in the evening!
Hardworking or not???
Do we need travel insurance?
As you know, the four of us will be going for our annual vacation in December. I was wondering if we need to get travel insurance. In addition to possible flight delays, cancellations, lost baggage etc... I am more concerned with the medical aspects of things. Will we be able to get the necessary medical assistance in the event of a travel emergency? I mean we will be driving 4 1/2 hours from Los Angeles to Las Vegas after all.......
Monday, November 08, 2010
My NICE Cupcake Holders....
Remember the cupcake holders that I bought in Melbourne in September? The ones that my H said "waste money"?? Well, regardless of what he said, I think they are GREAT!
Look! Look!
Don't you agree they are HANDY?
There was a time...
There was a time when construction of mega projects were everywhere in Dubai. I'm sure you've heard of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers, Dubai Ski Dome and many others. But with the recent crisis, construction of new mega projects have reduced dramatically. Many construction jobs were lost as a result. As many of these construction workers are foreigners, they had to either return to their home country or seek alternative employment in other countries. Not only construction workers were affected by the crisis. I know of a restaurant manager who had to return to his home country too.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Not feeling too good...
It's not my day. Actually, it's not my week.
I've been feeling sluggish and lethargic all week. And to top it off, my throat and nose don't feel too good. I have a funny feeling that it's all the toxins that has been accumulating in this old body of mine. On top of the unhealthy food consumption, the air here is not exactly clean and fresh either. Think I should start on a colon cleansing ritual to rid my body's toxins... start eating healthier and perhaps get an air purifier for my house.
I've been feeling sluggish and lethargic all week. And to top it off, my throat and nose don't feel too good. I have a funny feeling that it's all the toxins that has been accumulating in this old body of mine. On top of the unhealthy food consumption, the air here is not exactly clean and fresh either. Think I should start on a colon cleansing ritual to rid my body's toxins... start eating healthier and perhaps get an air purifier for my house.
I am feeling kinda depressed about my weight...
Have not been very happy with my weight lately. I think I eat too much and exercise too little. Yes. Yes. Nobody is to blame except myself. :-P
But felt worse today... even a little depressed after my lunch with a couple of THIN and SVELTE moms. And you know what?? They were lamenting about their tummies!
If you see them, you would certainly say "WHAT TUMMIES??"
Shucks! I really have to do something to get rid of all the excess pounds that I am carrying. From the recent lipofuze review, one can lose 10 pounds in 7 days! I wanna get my hands on them!!
But felt worse today... even a little depressed after my lunch with a couple of THIN and SVELTE moms. And you know what?? They were lamenting about their tummies!
If you see them, you would certainly say "WHAT TUMMIES??"
Shucks! I really have to do something to get rid of all the excess pounds that I am carrying. From the recent lipofuze review, one can lose 10 pounds in 7 days! I wanna get my hands on them!!
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Partial Loot from USA (Houston, New Orleans & DC)
Yes. Yes. Very back-dated. Been procrastinating...
These are some of the stuff that we bought on our recent trip (July 2010) to the States.
Didn't take photos of H's Kenneth Cole shoe, my clothes nor S1's clothes.
I bought quite a number of skirts and tops from Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. Was frantically looking for a gift for my MIL at The Galleria Houston on our last day there... Went into Ann Taylor to find something for my MIL.... but came out with 3 pieces for myself. Sale maaa... Hahahahha...
Finally managed to find her something from GAP. But what do you know? It was too tight for her, and guess who ended up with the GAP top? Moi!!! Hahahahahha
Didn't buy any clothes for S2...as he doesn't seem to grow.. *sigh*
But bought quite a lot of GAP stuff forS1...but somehow that fella kept wearing OLD and UGLY stuff. If you look at him, you would surely think that this guy has only two T-Shirts! Don't want to buy him anything liow!!
These are some of the stuff that we bought on our recent trip (July 2010) to the States.
iTunes, Adventure Quest and playfish cards
Food Stuff from New Orleans
Lots of Intimates from Victoria's Secret
proactiv Facial Stuff
Cole Haan Footwear....
(Big Big Discount at the Outlets!)
Didn't take photos of H's Kenneth Cole shoe, my clothes nor S1's clothes.
I bought quite a number of skirts and tops from Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. Was frantically looking for a gift for my MIL at The Galleria Houston on our last day there... Went into Ann Taylor to find something for my MIL.... but came out with 3 pieces for myself. Sale maaa... Hahahahha...
Finally managed to find her something from GAP. But what do you know? It was too tight for her, and guess who ended up with the GAP top? Moi!!! Hahahahahha
Didn't buy any clothes for S2...as he doesn't seem to grow.. *sigh*
But bought quite a lot of GAP stuff forS1...but somehow that fella kept wearing OLD and UGLY stuff. If you look at him, you would surely think that this guy has only two T-Shirts! Don't want to buy him anything liow!!
Hair Loss after Child Birth!
I used to think that this was an old wives tale.... until I personally experienced hair loss from my bountiful head right after child birth. I don't mean one or two strands. It was in clumps. Boy! Was I in a panic! I quickly popped out to the shops to get bottles and bottles of hair loss shampoos.... And what do you know? It did work wonders! No more hair loss!
What is the cause of body acne?
Do you know?
What is the cause of body acne?
Is it caused by a hormonal imbalance? Bad diet? Stress? Or environmental pollution?
Whatever the cause is... It is a nuisance and can be unsightly.
I wonder if one can actually use the same acne creams for the face on body acne. Or do you think creams that are formulated specially for the body work better?
What is the cause of body acne?
Is it caused by a hormonal imbalance? Bad diet? Stress? Or environmental pollution?
Whatever the cause is... It is a nuisance and can be unsightly.
I wonder if one can actually use the same acne creams for the face on body acne. Or do you think creams that are formulated specially for the body work better?
Horsey for Sale!
I was surprised to find out that quite a number of the boys' school friends are into riding. So much so that a few actually have their own horses. When one of them were leaving the country, the mom actually asked if I was interested... She was selling the horse, the saddles, riding boots, etc. I had to turn her down as I was not ready to have the additional monthly expense of maintaining the horse. Besides, the boys didn't seem too keen to take up riding. She did managed to sell her horsey in time....
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Bundles of Joy...
I have been procrastinating.... My girlfriend, HT gave birth to a baby boy earlier this year and I have yet to get her a gift. I know. I know. What a terrible friend. But I figured that as another girlfriend, KL is expecting a baby girl due this December, I can search and purchase both gifts at one go. I was thinking of cute baby clothes complete with little hats. A set in BLUE and another in PINK. What do you think? I can get the online store to send the gift directly to HT in San Jose... and as for KL in Kuala Lumpur, I can hand-deliver them.
Crazeeeee Madness!!
This is really crazeeeeee madness!
What am I talking about?
Have a look at the two photos below.
What am I talking about?
Have a look at the two photos below.
The queues are MEGA long at the new Krispy Kreme at Siam Paragon. Apparently (as per my Bangkok friend), people queue overnight for these donuts!
GILA or not???
Actually... if you ask me, I don't really like Krispy Kreme. Neither do my boys. We all actually prefer J. Co Donuts. We find the Krispy Kreme donuts heavier and as per S1 "doughier". 4 Years ago, when my S1 first tasted Krispy Kreme, he actually wanted to write to them to change their recipe. Hahahahah...
Can't Board the Plane!
Yup! That's what H said... "You have to lose 3 kgs, otherwise you can't board the plane in December". He said that I need to lose 3 kgs BEFORE we embark on our 3 week vacation...so that I can put them all back-on DURING our vacation. He can forsee that I would be stuffing myself with all the Californian goodies. He does know me well.... Heheheheh...
Know any effective and safe diet pills that can help me achieve my goal?
Know any effective and safe diet pills that can help me achieve my goal?
Great Hotel Stays!
Okay. Okay. I admit that NOT all hotel stays are great. But don't you agree that some hotel stays are indeed ggggggrrrrreat? Especially those with the oh-so comfortable beds fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets. Once you jump onto these beds, you feel that you just melt into the bed. And in no time, you would be in la-la land till the next morning. How I wish that I could have such peaceful slumber every night. Perhaps I should go and get myself one of these beds and the sheets. Do you know how much they cost?
My Little Home Business...
My Cupcake business, that is.
Actually,...not even sure if it can really be considered as a business as I don't even have proper business cards! I am only relying on friends and word-of-mouth. I supposed I should get professional business card printing services if I am really serious with this home business. But the problem is that I have too many things going on to be fully focused on this business.
Actually,...not even sure if it can really be considered as a business as I don't even have proper business cards! I am only relying on friends and word-of-mouth. I supposed I should get professional business card printing services if I am really serious with this home business. But the problem is that I have too many things going on to be fully focused on this business.
Our Collective Loot from BANGKOK
Please NOTE the EMPHASIS on the word COLLECTIVE, i.e. combined stuff purchased by the FOUR of us.... (actually hor, most of the barang-barang were Sis No.4's!!!!
Clothes for Sis No.4's Kids 
T-Shirts and Dresses (mostly Sis No.4's)
Porky Powdered Stock for Dad 
Ties for Sis No.4's FIL
Cotton Aprons (Mine is the Shocking Pink one on the Right)
Miscellaneous Stuff
(Eye Ball for S2, Scented Candles, Phone covers, Passport holders, Baggage Tags etc etc)
Sis No.2's Loot
(Apron, T-shirts for her, kids & hubby, Ben-10 bags for kids, etc etc)
Mom's Baju
Free Stuff from Boots
Purchased Stuff from Boots
T-Shirt for S1
(Don't you think the T-Shirt is so appropriate for a video game junkie??) 
Another T-Shirt for S1
There's actually more stuff that are not photographed - NO Time lah... foods that Sis No.4 bought at the Food Hall for her in-laws (longans, biscuits etc), and more foodstuff from the airport (rice-crackers and biscuits)...
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