tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32004365994145993982024-03-13T05:44:54.811-07:00Perfectly ImperfectPerfectumus Imperfectomaendus;
What you see is what you get.Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-41223531337925102272017-01-25T02:37:00.000-08:002017-01-25T02:37:25.462-08:00Is this the hormones speaking?<div>
<br /></div>
So last night, while I sat in darkness contemplating the complexities of life and carelessly scrolling through my Facebook feed, I chanced upon this article.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ptv4Ljduunw/WIdz8YjCwWI/AAAAAAAAFKw/kBxmYFq1zAs/s640/blogger-image--1668219561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ptv4Ljduunw/WIdz8YjCwWI/AAAAAAAAFKw/kBxmYFq1zAs/s640/blogger-image--1668219561.jpg" /></a>Although I didn't quite understand why two of my friends had shared it (because it didn't seem to contain much information other than a mention that a mom of a 2-month old had committed suicide) it did strike a chord with me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've always felt strongly about self-worth and in cases of many new moms, it seems to be something that is ignored / forgotten / put aside. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged in our day and age. Of course, with all the various benefits it provides to both mom and child, why not? But it also seems to be a cause of un-needed stress to many families. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've read so so many articles about moms commiting suicide because of post-natal depression tagged to the belief that their bodies were unable to provide nutrition for their young babies. So many posts about how moms were shamed for giving their children formula instead of "liquid gold". So many of my friends, who are shy to admit that they no longer breastfeed and quickly gloss over the topic for fear that some judgement may be passed. And seeing all this makes me feel so upset.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XOIUMufB9FM/WId1JQITyBI/AAAAAAAAFK8/EXYEqNqM2kI/s640/blogger-image--404728988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XOIUMufB9FM/WId1JQITyBI/AAAAAAAAFK8/EXYEqNqM2kI/s640/blogger-image--404728988.jpg" /></a>Upset at the fact that even something as natural and wholesome as a mother providing for her child can turn into a means to put an individual down or put someone on a pedestal. I've seen moms with great milk supplies boast about being "cows", wearing breast milk jewellery, YES, <b>Breast Milk Jewellery</b>, like a badge of honour and although I'm happy for them that they get to save on the exorbitantly-priced formula and of course provide their children with milk that is naturally the best for them, I can't help but wonder why, WHY do they liken themselves to COWS?<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely nothing against cows, but humans feed their babies human milk, and cows feed their babies cow milk, and cats feed their babies cat milk, and goldfish feed their babies goldfish milk........ (wait, what? You get my drift.) And you don't see Cats or Goldfish calling themselves COWS right? So, what's the deal?<br />
<br />
This then leads me to my next question, does one not feel insulted when one is admired for the sole purpose of being able to produce milk? (It's not like one needs to make any effort to produce milk, the body kinda produces it on its own...)<br />
<br />
Because the father of my kids referred to me as a milk dispenser that day, and I must say, I really did feel rather offended.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm absolutely not undermining the amount of work it takes for a breastfeeding mom to nurse her child. Sleepless nights, aching back and shoulders, extremely painful boobs (if engorged), sore nipples, YES. It isn't easy. Especially the fact that in the first few months you are resigned to the duty of stripping off your shirt every 2-3 hours or so. But when your milk supply dwindles, does your confidence dwindle too?<br />
<br />
Mine does. I have family members who live-in with me every once in awhile and when they are overly concerned about my milk supply, I have to say, I feel very worthless. VERY worthless. Because it's at times like these that you realise nobody really gives a shit about <i>you</i>. The shit is all about whether or not those boobs are producing the milk required for the baby. Whether or not you've had lunch is all about whether or not your body will be able to make the milk if you're running on an empty stomach. Sad, but true. I could be overly sensitive here but to a certain extent, it makes sense. Doesn't it?<br />
<br />
So please, families of nursing moms, give it a break. The mom is NOT a COW.<br />
<br />
Nursing moms, you are not a cow. You are a Mother. More importantly, you are your own individual, with a set of goals, ideals, aspirations and dreams. Never lose yourself. No matter how difficult it may be, find time to love you. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Formula feeding moms, your child needs your love and attention and you being there for them. Thankfully for modern technology, there are so many ways to supplement your child's diet. So don't blame yourself, and don't let other people blame you. Only you know what's best for your child. Whoever tells you otherwise can take a hike.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#fedisbest</div>
</div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-63257691146054563292017-01-20T22:55:00.000-08:002017-01-20T23:17:35.892-08:00Confinement Nutrition Round TwoSo, I just completed the last of my ordered confinement menu and while I'm so happy to be "free from confinement", I must say I will miss the yummy doorstep delivery service.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PizGHx5aag/WIMK7oM21WI/AAAAAAAAFKg/pgTQyRD96okqlGlMDSNChIsSgq0f05KmgCLcB/s1600/Sesame-oil-chicken-with-Dom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PizGHx5aag/WIMK7oM21WI/AAAAAAAAFKg/pgTQyRD96okqlGlMDSNChIsSgq0f05KmgCLcB/s1600/Sesame-oil-chicken-with-Dom.jpg" /></a></div>
The Natal Kitchen is a service provider for nutritious confinement food and I almost believe that they are one of the reasons I got "knocked up" a second time round. Sometime last year, I was lucky to be given a chance to try out their menu and I made a mental note to order from them if and when I get pregnant again.<br />
<br />
To find out <a href="https://perfectlyimperfect-i.blogspot.sg/2015/09/the-natal-kitchen-food-review.html" target="_blank">what I think about their food</a>, you may refer to the <a href="https://perfectlyimperfect-i.blogspot.sg/2015/09/the-natal-kitchen-food-review.html" target="_blank">post</a> I wrote last year.<br />
<br />
This time round, I ordered their trial menu once again, while I was still pregnant, just to make sure they still taste as good as they did last year. Now, the confinement period is supposed to be the time where "fresh moms" are treated like queens, and while I personally don't mind eating out of a bento, I know some ladies who do; and well, queens don't eat from tapau boxes. So I gathered a couple of friends to share my trial meal with me and re-plated the dishes so that they looked like home-cooked food. #playcheat<br />
<br />
Watch how easy it was to prepare a feast fit for royalty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYh7NH6Hd6XlEcsk_35HfGMuXVDj6UnBtk6oQmwzPfrMeKZAbRRGPUUiIr6QQlKBZcxVXd5QDQA0lM8oGYjg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I had two friends over and #mysweetkambing shared the food as well, so that made a total of four of us. Other than the rice, the dishes were more than enough to fill us all up. That's how large their serving portions are!!!<br />
<br />
Some comments from my friends:<br />
<br />
<i>"Wah! So much ah?! You mean this is supposed to be ONE meal for ONE person!? Wow. I want to do confinement too!" - Jeremy</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"The soup really has a lot of 好料 (good stuff). Very nutritious." - Evalee</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I love the vegetables! They're so fresh and cooked so nicely!" "I agree!" - Jeremy & Evalee</i><br />
<br />
<i>"More?" - Bart </i><br />
<br />
I have to make a disclaimer that the food was still warm when it was delivered. There is actually no need to re-heat. I only did so for the purpose of content for this video.<br />
<br />
That said, if you are in the last stages of your pregnancy and looking for a confinement food service provider, look no further. This one is really thumbs up.<br />
<br />
Have a smooth delivery and a happy confinement!Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-57208737254379520462017-01-07T00:52:00.001-08:002017-01-07T01:05:18.046-08:00Our 3D2N Staycation at Mount Elizabeth NovenaSo, on the night of the 15th of December, we made our way to Mount Elizabeth Novena to check-in for our 3D2N stay. We made it a point to check in as late as possible, so as to save the extra night stay. (yea yea cheapos to the highest degree, I know)<br />
<br />
But to be honest, when the contractions started coming at 10pm, I wasn't quite sure if "this was it" or not. Sounds so noob right? I've been through this once pretty recently, surely I'd be more experienced than that?<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
To say the least, this pregnancy has been ENTIRELY different from my first one. With Bart, there were no <strike>contractions</strike> painful contractions, no pain, no aches, no nothing. If not for the growing belly to remind me, I would probably have forgotten that I was pregnant. Even the delivery was so smooth and pleasant. (Ok, except for the big shock that the dad and I got when she came out and her head was so elongated. This, of course, is normal in all natural births. But being first-time parents back then, we didn't know that!)<br />
<br />
This time round, I had no symptoms in the first trimester. But the second trimester hit me like a b*tch. I felt heavy and tired and clearly, breastfeeding on top of having to carry a toddler around 80% of the time didn't help much to relieve my problems. Baby Number Two was also A LOT more active in my tummy, making sure his presence was known.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwAmZWUB8Umgu78Rfxd9buf256mFNGjiw_ngO4__ocIvbb4TWyVJvHeAJ-PDmRDTERPdU3BLZqDuAn6cS1SpA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div>
<br />
Third trimester I had thrown in the towel. (Refer to previous post)<br />
<br />
The great thing about it all is that Baby Number Two seemed to be pretty understanding towards his health-declining, increasingly-fatigued mother and decided to come out two weeks early. Woot!<br />
<br />
Our EDD was 31st December 2016, and we were kinda hoping we could try for a New Year Baby (Hello Diaper Sponsorship!) but I guess fate would not have it so.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHd8gYOCYPU/WHConlGbp0I/AAAAAAAAFJo/kxqqQQ_2KBAXrzmfogolkpYcvGN1Qnx8QCEw/s1600/image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHd8gYOCYPU/WHConlGbp0I/AAAAAAAAFJo/kxqqQQ_2KBAXrzmfogolkpYcvGN1Qnx8QCEw/s320/image3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our special alone time on <br />her first visit.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Either way, when I was headed to have my bath at about 9pm on the 15th, I had an inkling this was going to be the night. After Bart's bath, the first contraction came and I must say, it was then that I realized why in those TV shows and movies, people are always so drama about it. Because it really DOES hurt! Me being me, though, I refused to let it take me down. I continued to get Barty dressed for bed, gave her her milk, and went through our usual bedtime routine. Just as she was about to fall asleep I asked her, "Baby girl, Didi might come out today. Are you ready to be a Cheche?"<br />
<br />
She looked up at me with those sweet sweet eyes, smiled, nodded and said "uh-huh", the way she always does when she means to say Yes; Closed her eyes, and fell into a peaceful sleep.<br />
<br />
<i><b>It was one of those heart-melting moments I pray I would never ever ever forget.</b></i><br />
<br />
Now, I shall leave out the gory details of the whirlwind of events that happened after. Seriously, who wants to read about how I had to break the nurse's arm because the anaesthetist was taking what felt like forever (actually only about 30 minutes) to arrive, and then about how I had to birth a child? Yes, another birth story. Boring shizz, next please.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxSbBmSEMA0/WHCpW5TS8rI/AAAAAAAAFKA/VNKEaOEKSqEZXGGw15uG4F9LoPuXb_aEgCEw/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QxSbBmSEMA0/WHCpW5TS8rI/AAAAAAAAFKA/VNKEaOEKSqEZXGGw15uG4F9LoPuXb_aEgCEw/s320/image2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Testing out" the bed. He actually made me<br />get off so he could take a nap on it...</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, fast forward to the fun part. The part I was looking forward to the entire pregnancy. The <strike>hotel</strike> hospital stay. We delivered Bart at Mount Elizabeth Novena also, and back then, the entire excitement of having a baby and being a new mom was just so overwhelming that I barely had a chance to truly enjoy my experience there. When they told me I could be discharged I was like <i><b>"what?? So soon? But I haven't even finished my complimentary Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries yet..."</b></i><br />
<br />
This time round I came with a vengeance. I'm gonna finish all my toiletries, all the sparkling water, cranberry juice and VitC 100s in the minibar, take <a dir="ltr" href="tel:109234782691" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">109234782691</a> photos with the photo props and thoughtfully positioned photo wall (right next to the window for good lighting) and eat up all the incredily large and delectable portions of <strike>gourmet</strike> hospital food. I made it a point to take a walk outside my room to the nursery and relish in the quiet, serene ambience of the ward.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0MMua3iDfE/WHComLC7GiI/AAAAAAAAFJo/8MJgJTb1ulEO0bc5CeZj5zoh9tEYXPCrQCEw/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0MMua3iDfE/WHComLC7GiI/AAAAAAAAFJo/8MJgJTb1ulEO0bc5CeZj5zoh9tEYXPCrQCEw/s320/image2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Making full use of the photo props<br />before checking out.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Didn't manage to do all that eventually. They kept topping up the toiletries and drinks and made it so convenient for me to "call for baby" that I didn't even have to leave the comfort of my room. The comfort of my BED, in fact. But of course, I did get out of bed la. Took a couple of nice showers and long poops (sorry not sorry for the details) in the five-star bathroom. If not for the safety bars and "call for help" buttons I would've thought I was in the Shangri-La.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I'm writing this post about 3 weeks out of hospital and seriously, I'm missing it already. (Actually forgotten some of the stuff which I wanted to rave about...)<br />
<br />
What left the best impression though, was not how splendid the facilities in the hospital were, nor how luxurious the bedding, nor how thoughtfully designed the single-bedded rooms, nor how perfectly grilled the sirloin steak was. <i><b> </b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b>It was the nurses, the housekeepers, the waiters and waitresses (that's what was written on their badges), the concierge and everyone of the staff who put the soul; the heartbeat into what would otherwise just be a luxe hospital.</b></i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ug3ipByZMdQ/WHCszD3cZ8I/AAAAAAAAFKE/dCMNQkLW1hU/s640/blogger-image-1296777741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ug3ipByZMdQ/WHCszD3cZ8I/AAAAAAAAFKE/dCMNQkLW1hU/s640/blogger-image-1296777741.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My last breakfast in bed. :(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The stellar service of all the staff who maintained the highest levels of professionalism at all times truly deserves a shout-out. I can't imagine if I had to attend to someone's minute request of "can I have a milo please?" in the middle of the night.<br />
<br />
Before this starts to sound like some academy award thank you speech, let me just say that I would never have thought that some nurses not only have the charm and ability to literally brighten up any room/ward they walk into, some also have great talent and potential to be stand-up comedians. Specifically, NC Norijah, who came into my room on the second day to give the father of my children and I the low-down on getting the sleepy baby to <i>latch on properly</i> (for chrissakes). Although I'm quite sure she's probably done this "script" a million times before, it was so relatable and funny and it actually put Chun in his place."Daddy, have you read the notes in this pink file?" "huh? What file?" "THIS FILE. You haven't read it? What have you been doing huh? Your wife never read because she's busy breastfeeding and she just gave birth, that's understandable. Why you never read? What're you busy doing? Catching pokemons is it? READ THE NOTES IN THE FILE." Sounds fierce, but it was all in good humour. Effective though, because although he (still) didn't read the notes in the file, he took on a more active role in burping and diaper changing, and actually got up at night to help out. As opposed to sleeping through the night with baby number one.<br />
<br />
When we came home from the hospital, on one of those days where both babies were asleep at the same time (*chorus of angels*), I took the file and had a look at the very first page of notes. This is what I saw.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rnB-nm-Cj4/WHCoyAWfWnI/AAAAAAAAFJY/3hTpqe_n5z4ZkiQ0zpeZnoWg_Jqw-2n5QCEw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rnB-nm-Cj4/WHCoyAWfWnI/AAAAAAAAFJY/3hTpqe_n5z4ZkiQ0zpeZnoWg_Jqw-2n5QCEw/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this hospital very much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APQvEGz4W00/WHCoj4npzyI/AAAAAAAAFJo/_lPVfZj5HU4PSbbBJuLeCYoZRQeRj7ecwCEw/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-APQvEGz4W00/WHCoj4npzyI/AAAAAAAAFJo/_lPVfZj5HU4PSbbBJuLeCYoZRQeRj7ecwCEw/s400/image1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course, on top of having (<i>in my eyes, and I'm sure many others too</i>) one of the best gynaes in Singapore to deliver my baby, one of the best paediatricians to see to baby to ensure all is well, and of course, one of the best teams of staff and nurses at this awesome hospital to recuperate in, I also have to thank God for the great support system of family and friends.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV7DIv_i_F8/WHCpZSOpMrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/FWm0eyH4hogWg_Kp2DZEduy3HrHWcpqAQCEw/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xV7DIv_i_F8/WHCpZSOpMrI/AAAAAAAAFJw/FWm0eyH4hogWg_Kp2DZEduy3HrHWcpqAQCEw/s400/image1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><b>I never got to claim my Oscar nomination but delivering babies with this lot sure is enough to make me feel like a star.</b></i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGbXAqoFV0Y/WHCpBrB9_EI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/SoTTV1BOoZQyT9cXmDqq2fYZK7TDsotngCEw/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mGbXAqoFV0Y/WHCpBrB9_EI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/SoTTV1BOoZQyT9cXmDqq2fYZK7TDsotngCEw/s640/image1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCqX0Nspx_k/WHCpAUMg19I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/HfGv5DwKbmgXhFshHgqNTlxMoDid37gyQCEw/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kCqX0Nspx_k/WHCpAUMg19I/AAAAAAAAFJ4/HfGv5DwKbmgXhFshHgqNTlxMoDid37gyQCEw/s640/image2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6datfuiJlA/WHCpCkY9_DI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/Xmo9W3ilmnopbrwiNOpC88NsI-0ENW93ACEw/s1600/IMG_9275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6datfuiJlA/WHCpCkY9_DI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/Xmo9W3ilmnopbrwiNOpC88NsI-0ENW93ACEw/s640/IMG_9275.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-67237256795303905182016-12-09T20:40:00.000-08:002016-12-09T20:40:37.642-08:00Late Night Jitters / Early Morning Woes<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">So I find myself wide awake, here at 4:52am, hungry and wondering how I'm going to manage two babies when Number Two is out. Hoping to find some solace in my long lost blog, here I am, going through my old posts, and finding a half written post about Bart's first birthday party; dated 14th May 2016. MAY. 2016.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gosh, what is wrong with me? Procrastination gets the better of many of us, but this, this really takes the cake.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've always known myself to be of poor discipline, but after 20 months of being a mother, I am proud to say that I now, at least, make it a conscious effort to make my bed every morning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
... Ok yeap, it's pretty bad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hands up anyone else who's the same. Wait, no one?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here's the cue for me to turn the iPad off and bury myself back in bed, and hope and pray my bad habits will all go away by the time the sun rises.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But no. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I must finish this post. I read an article once that says it takes 21 days of repeating the same task daily to make it a habit so I'm going to try that with this blog and hope it works. Waking up at 4am though? Yea, probably shouldn't make that a habit.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyways, with that, here are some of the things that are keeping me up this fateful night. Feel free to leave advice, support, words of encouragement or your credit card details in the comments section. Ok wait, for the last bit, you can just email me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. The Sleepless Nights.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Up until now, Bart still wakes several times in the night. On a good night, she falls back asleep without much fussing. On a bad night, well.... it will be lots of whining and pointing and me trying to figure out what she's pointing at and offering hugs and kisses and her not wanting a hug or a kiss but just that one damn thing she is pointing at but Mommy just doesn't know what it is then the whining turns into wailing and then outright screaming and yelling and the neighbours start to wonder "gosh,what are they doing with that child" and... ... You get the picture. Yes, nobody said it was easy and I'm not complaining. But I really can't help but wonder how I'm going to handle this to the power of TWO.<br />
<br />
2. Over-Simplifying Vs Over-Complicating.<br />
<br />
I like to think that my other half and I work pretty well as a team. Ok, we really do. As long as there are no babies in the picture. He thinks I over-complicate matters, and I think he relies too much on winging it. Because at the end of the day, I'm the one that's doing most of the winging. Can't be helped right? I mean, I can't expect the man to breastfeed a baby.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I totally winged it with Bart and on hindsight, though I think I did a pretty good job, there were a lot of things I could have done better, just to make my own life easier. Note: Just to make MY OWN LIFE EASIER. I mean, although I've never been much of a planner, I'm sure there's a pretty good reason why a wise person once said "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."<br />
<br />
With the experience from getting through the first year with Bart still fresh in my mind, I figured I should make full use of this opportunity to get myself fully ready and prepared for Number Two.<br />
<br />
"make my life easier make my life easier make my life easier"<br />
<br />
I'm not whining.<br />
<br />
With Bart, I started work 3 weeks after I delivered. I rushed to, from and even between shows on my scooter to ensure I could get home in time for her next feed. She breastfed exclusively. This means we're looking at every 2 hours MAX. Besides having to head out for work as early as 5:30am on some days (even after a whole night of feeding, diaper-changing and, oh gawd, colic), my work required me to shuttle to various schools located all over Singapore. I was torn between bringing home the bacon and bringing home the boob. Yet, we survived. Bart grew healthy and strong. And I didn't die of exhaustion.<br />
<br />
But this does teach me one thing, a good plan could have and probably would have made all the difference.<br />
<br />
This time round, I'm certainly not prepared to handle a toddler, a newborn, exclusive breastfeeding AND work all at once. So I put my foot down and told the father of my children that he's going to have to take over night duty. (ALL HAIL THE AMAZING INVENTION CALLED A BREAST PUMP!)<br />
<br />
Will it work out? I don't know. You know how you can always plan and plan and plan, but nothing ever goes according to the plan anyways right?<br />
<br />
3. How Do They Do It? HOW?<br />
<br />
So social media is pretty evil. I look through all these posts on Instagram and see all these picture-perfect children doing all these picture-perfect things in their picture-perfect homes with their picture-perfect moms. And I have to be downright honest to myself about this. THEY can do it because they possess this amazing skill of being able to multi-task, because they have the ability to manage their time, to focus, to get things done. Of course, all this and on top of it, good cameras, an eye for detail and pure, genuine talent. </div>
<div>
<br />
All of these which I, sadly, do not have. So what can I do? Feel bad about it and stay up awake all night wondering why I can't be the same. Oh, talk about insecurities.<br />
<br />
Anyways, I ended up finishing up this post only now because I fell asleep eventually. SEE WHAT I MEAN ABOUT NEVER BEING ABLE TO FINISH UP A TASK?! But that's ok. Sometimes we just need to be a little less hard on ourselves and a little harder on other people. Like how I've let my Dad come by last minute to pick Bart up for a day at Grandpa's. Well... he offered! And I really just want a nice, proper lunch and some rest before my show later this evening. Full-term and still on stage entertaining the general public. I'm really not that lousy after all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-67442838483041864022016-05-13T17:49:00.000-07:002016-05-13T17:49:19.309-07:00Exabra from JapanSo I recently popped by Cle Maison, a boutique bra studio nestled in a quiet corner of Central Singapore and shared with the consultant my worries about the future of my boobs.<br />
<br />
Yes, they were never big to begin with but after 14 months (and still counting) of breastfeeding, I have noticed that they have started to look mildly saggy. *shockshockhorrorshock* I'm not sure if it's just me being paranoid, but anyways, Exabra, this special range of functional bras from Japan, not only helps to shape, it also has a range that promises an increment of one whole cup size, in a MONTH.<br />
<br />
No surgery, no pain, no need to travel to Korea. Or Thailand.<br />
<br />
Curious to find out more, and of course if it really works, I gave them a call, and made an appointment to drop in.<br />
<br />
Yuki, the consultant, was really warm and friendly, so it was easy to share with her my concerns. After a quick chat, she proceeded to measure me up to check to see if I was wearing the right size. It is common that many women are wearing the wrong bra size due to lack of proper fitting during bra shopping. And a badly fitted bra can cause damage over the years.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;">"A woman's </span><a data-action="boobs" data-content-type="section-topic" data-track="false" data-type="inline" data-word-count="1" href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/boobs" style="border: 0px none; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px; outline-style: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">boobs</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px;"> change size six times throughout her life and it's common to find the same girl coming up a different size in each store or label." - Mirror.co.uk</span></i></span></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #2c2c2c; font-family: "pt sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></i>
So, are you wearing the right size? If you are unsure, you can check by doing <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/quiz-you-wearing-wrong-bra-6889403" target="_blank">this quiz</a>!<br />
<br />
Thankfully for me, I was wearing the right size. I told Yuki about how I have to use a larger cup size for half-cup bras, and she agreed that it was common. One size doesn't fit all because the cutting is different. And this is also why it is so very important to get fitted properly.<br />
<br />
After measuring and ascertaining my size, she headed out to pick out a few different cuttings for me to try for size. Of course, she chose a few various sizes and this is where the fun begins.<br />
<br />
After putting on the bra, it looked just like any other normal bra, but that was because I didn't have it on properly. Apparently there is a METHOD to wearing the Exabra so that you work your boobies to their fullest potential. Following the instructions on the video, and with some help from Yuki, I finally had it on right and WOW. There really was a very big difference!<br />
<br />
Happy with the result, I chose 4 bras in total! One design from their Midi day range, one from their Strapless range, and two from their Grow Night range.<br />
<br />
Now let's talk about the functionality of their bras.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjYd-iFfSZ8/VzXo04DDh5I/AAAAAAAAFHA/YQSXJINrJzsmzM5wfTkIHVQ7sHjuhep2gCKgB/s1600/exabra3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yjYd-iFfSZ8/VzXo04DDh5I/AAAAAAAAFHA/YQSXJINrJzsmzM5wfTkIHVQ7sHjuhep2gCKgB/s320/exabra3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><b>The Midi range</b></u><br />
<br />
1. Creates a maximum cleavage.<br />
2. Supports the breasts and allows the shape to be natural.<br />
3. Is made of soft, comfortable and breathable fabric.<br />
<br />
It is designed for people with sensitive skin and also those who experience discomfort and pain at the underwired area while wearing a bra.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ω<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//giphy.com/embed/kpy4O1CGi2yje" width="480"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Without any restraint to your body shape and size, this bra is lined with layers of high quality laces and will give you a soft, elegant and luxurious finishing look.</div>
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiQAxAYyPY4/VzXo0_tY-KI/AAAAAAAAFHE/bQaKtyyZZdcfqJTF61dFPPfNlgKHnPq4ACKgB/s1600/exabra1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YiQAxAYyPY4/VzXo0_tY-KI/AAAAAAAAFHE/bQaKtyyZZdcfqJTF61dFPPfNlgKHnPq4ACKgB/s320/exabra1.JPG" width="319" /></a><u><b>The Strapless range</b></u><br />
<br />
1. Gives you a prominent and nicely shaped bust.<br />
2. Keeps bust in ideal position.<br />
3. Is suitable with any type of clothing styles.<br />
<br />
Basically this range maintains all the key EXABRA functions minus the straps, so that one can wear slinky tops while keeping the secret to those perky boobies a secret!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zJ3lUfYtLA/VzXo09IMftI/AAAAAAAAFHE/njmUdWvlk4QydO7L79i7T5_RKDUazcpMQCKgB/s1600/exabra2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zJ3lUfYtLA/VzXo09IMftI/AAAAAAAAFHE/njmUdWvlk4QydO7L79i7T5_RKDUazcpMQCKgB/s320/exabra2.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>
<u><b>The Grow Night range</b></u><br />
<br />
1. Provides bust support during sleep.<br />
2. Has no underwire, for comfort.<br />
3. Provides bust care throughout the night.<br />
<br />
Now, Grow Night is the first "Night Bra" in the market designed without underwire, exclusively for use during bedtime.<br />
<br />
Personally, I have never had the habit of wearing a bra to sleep. The idea of having my boobies, however little, all caged up through the night is just beyond me. But Yuki assured me that the Grow Night range is comfy and I certainly won't be losing sleep over it, so I thought I'd just give it a try.<br />
<br />
She was right. Made of Power Net fabric material, with wide width elastic bands that prevent lower bust from hanging around everywhere during sleep, this bra provides ideal comfort, and I would imagine for those with bigger boobs, better sleep quality, as well as all-round care of the bust.<br />
<br />
Not just that, it works while you sleep! It's patented design has a unique interfold to effectively prevent bulging fats and keeps bust in shape while lying down. The wide shoulder straps also reduce weight pressure of the bust. So over time and daily use, it sort of shapes your muscles and fats to keep them together to achieve fuller, better shaped, less saggy boobs!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="giphy-embed" frameborder="0" height="216" src="//giphy.com/embed/oqyKi6VA1du8M" width="480"></iframe></div>
<br />
If you would like more info about EXABRA and how you can get those boobies in order, here are their contact details!<br />
<br />
Cle Maison Lounge, 46 Kim Yam Road #02-25 The Herencia Singapore 239351<br />
T: 6333 1318<br />
Facebook: www.facebook.com/clemaison.sg<br />
Instagram: @cle.sg<br />
<br />
<br />Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-3915320950280742422016-03-06T19:43:00.001-08:002016-03-06T19:43:10.216-08:00The aftermath.Ok so the party is finally over! And this is us reeling from the aftermath of it all. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezLNVWW4680/Vtz4zCA4v2I/AAAAAAAAFGo/0-9XxKioCGw/s640/blogger-image--1628431171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ezLNVWW4680/Vtz4zCA4v2I/AAAAAAAAFGo/0-9XxKioCGw/s640/blogger-image--1628431171.jpg"></a> Don't be fooled by my grouchy face. I was actually really really happy and glad that my guests had a good time (I hope) 😅 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Barty was nonchalant about the whole thing like "uh yea. Oh they're here to celebrate my bday uh ok let's eat cake uh ok photo uh another photo ok. Geesh these adults"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you look at the photos she has that "uh" look in practically every shot! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well I can only comfort myself and say that when she grows up and says that I never threw her a proper party I HAVE PROOF. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That said, I would just like to thank EVERYONE that came down, and of course those who came to help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In chronological order:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My parents for helping me watch Bart whenever I had to run errands. And for dressing her and letting her Arrive in all her First Birthday Glory, fashionably late. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nikki for all the love and also for babysitting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mel for helping me put the buntings together and sorting out decor the day before and also for picking up the churros.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Xiuqi for adding oil and coming by early to set up and also for running out halfway to pick up tapau boxes. And also Eric for all that and helping to pack up after.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jeremy and Evalee for offering to come in early and pumping all those crazy balloons. Tying them is no easy feat and our hands got really dry but they did it without a word of complaint. ❤️ Jereny even walked out in the blistering heat to pick up MORE balloons and candle for the cake. Then they continued to help with decor, serve cake, take photos, clap hands, hold mics, play music, and pack up. Really guys. \m/ #bestcolleagueseveraward</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Phyllis for doing a wonderful job of ensuring the kids had a good time. (Can always count on you for that)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jessica and her team from Solasta for putting up the incredibly pretty dessert table. (So pretty until cannot bear to eat!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Audrey from Churro101 for helping me with my order for the limited edition strawberry flavoured mini churros. (They were delicious!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Prakash from Quentin's for the buffet layout and great food. (Lots of compliments on the sustenance!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Atika from The Serendipity for the cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok done with the thank you speech. Detailed post soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-37067453942012860292016-02-25T18:39:00.001-08:002016-02-25T18:39:00.353-08:00Almost a year...Wow I know I keep saying this but I can't believe my dear child is almost a year old. I absolutely love planning parties and have been dreaming of throwing parties for my kids even before they were born. 😅 <div><br></div><div>And now, I get to plan one FURREAL. Excited much, but it really is a lot more work than I thought. </div><div><br></div><div>Firstly, trying to juggle work, breastfeeding, diaper-changing, party-planning, invites and actually trying not to neglect baby at the same time is NO EASY FEAT. I mean, she's the whole reason for the party to begin with and it totally wouldn't make sense if I forsake my precious time with her just to throw The Party Of The Year. Right? Right. </div><div><br></div><div>It's tough trying not to get carried away though. So I often find myself waking up in the middle of the night, while she's fast asleep, to get some stuff done. And this post? She's sleeping in my arms as I type on my iPhone. (Thank www.God.com for the Blogger Mobile app.)</div><div><br></div><div>All this has no doubt contributed to the increasingly darkened and heavy under-eye baggage, but I can only cross my fingers and hope and pray that this will all be worth it.</div><div><br></div><div>Just some thoughts, and hopefully, I will find time to blog about the party-planning process soon! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-by4PE9c1k_8/Vs-6wlkHB0I/AAAAAAAAFGY/AiKNFhG-mSc/s640/blogger-image-452092994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-by4PE9c1k_8/Vs-6wlkHB0I/AAAAAAAAFGY/AiKNFhG-mSc/s640/blogger-image-452092994.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-83086764839796976582016-02-06T18:51:00.000-08:002016-02-07T03:17:00.433-08:00In an aim to prevent Iron Deficiencies in Children.11 months later and I look back amazed at how everything went by, just like that. I am now faced with a wobbly bobbly little munchkin who loves chatting, singing, dancing and terrorizing the dogs. (Sad but true)<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oy4ZOxEsIrE/VrcnqjbyeTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/FccbvZq5RZA/s640/blogger-image-445808224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oy4ZOxEsIrE/VrcnqjbyeTI/AAAAAAAAFGI/FccbvZq5RZA/s640/blogger-image-445808224.jpg"></a></div><br>
As like many other parents, I can't help but wonder if I've been doing my job well enough. The best judge would be the baby, but the baby can't speak! So, many a times, I've caught myself googling and searching to see if there are signs that point towards things like dehydration, lack of nutrition, lack of exercise, lack of this and that.<br>
<br>
"Is my baby growing normally? She's not putting on enough weight. Her growth seems to have stopped." - Things that run through my mind every now and then.<br>
<br>
I know, I know, I sound like one of those paranoid, kancheong spider type of moms, and here's the disclaimer: I really am not. Certain situations, however, do set me out of kilter, and nutrition is one of them. Simply because it's a basic need. We all have to eat right? And if the baby if rejecting food, or refusing to eat properly, that's where that tiny voice in my head turns into a chao ah lian, scolding and cussing any and everyone who gets in the way of me doing my duty as a mother.<br>
<br>
Now. In a country like ours, people generally take it for granted that all foods are clean, and that children won't get nutritional deficiencies because everything is so easily accessible, etc. NOT TRUE. I won't talk about hygiene because that is generally up to the parents (I allow the 3 second rule on certain occasions), BUT nutritional deficiencies? Studies have shown that up to 12% of the children in Singapore suffer from Iron Deficiencies.<br>
<br>
When I heard this, trust me, I was SHOCKED. That's an alarming number. Lack of iron can result in pretty dire circumstances you know.<div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9IsySxu4FCI/VrcnHHb5LMI/AAAAAAAAFGA/hrbMlUKK5F0/s640/blogger-image--1494877716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9IsySxu4FCI/VrcnHHb5LMI/AAAAAAAAFGA/hrbMlUKK5F0/s640/blogger-image--1494877716.jpg"></a></div><br>
Based on the talk that I attended by Nestle Cerelac, and some further research online, here is a short explanation on why Iron is so important, especially for babies:<br>
<br>
<i>Iron is an important dietary mineral that is involved in various bodily
functions, including the transport of oxygen in the blood. It plays an important role in muscle function, energy creation,
brain development and is
essential in providing energy for daily life. As a result, a child with iron deficiency may have
learning and behavioral problems.</i><br>
<i><br>Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers
are at higher risk of iron deficiency, mainly due to increased iron
needs during rapid growth periods. Without intervention, a child whose
diet does not provide them with enough iron will eventually develop iron
deficiency anaemia.</i><br>
<br>
Sounds scary? Yes. Do I sound crazy? Maybe yes, too. But between sounding crazy, and ensuring that my child gets the nutrition she needs, I choose the former. Because it's better to be safe than sorry.<br>
<i> </i><br>
So now that it's placed out there and we all know why Iron is a crucial ingredient in our children's diets, how and where do we ensure they are getting what they need?<br>
<br>
According to <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/iron-deficiency-children" target="_blank">Betterhealth Channel</a>, a baby’s iron stores run low
in the second half of their first year. (6-12 months old) Iron deficiency can result if
their diet doesn’t include enough iron-rich solid food. At around six
months, two servings a day of plain, iron-fortified infant cereal mixed
with breastmilk or infant formula can start to be given. Plain pureed
meats can soon be offered with other solids, once your baby is used to
the cereal. Late introduction of solids into the baby’s diet is a common
cause of iron deficiency in this age group.<br>
<br>
Thankfully, Dr Prathiba, the pediatrician we've been seeing since Day One, ensured that I was well-informed about starting My Sweet Kambing on Cerelac at the right age. With so many different brands of cereal on the market, at that point of time, I did wonder, "why Cerelac?"<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZDN6EdDT0g/VrcnI9LqpeI/AAAAAAAAFGE/N9jm4Lq7XM4/s640/blogger-image--358598605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VZDN6EdDT0g/VrcnI9LqpeI/AAAAAAAAFGE/N9jm4Lq7XM4/s640/blogger-image--358598605.jpg"></a></div><br>
It was only after the talk that I realized it's because Cerelac is made with higher Iron content, Vitamins A & C and BIFIDUS BL probiotics. And this is where I ask: How much of the iron is actually able to be absorbed by our bodies?<br>
<br>
This is the same question with Calcium. A lot of people think that as long as one has a lot of calcium, it is sufficient, but it is not true. One must have Vitamin D as well, because that is the mineral that helps the body ABSORB the calcium!<br>
<br>
So, in the case of Iron, how much is actually <i>absorb-able</i> Iron from the cereal? Quite a large percentage, actually. A study was done and the results show that each bowl of Cerelac meets more than 50% of baby’s
daily iron intake.<br>
<br>
So, make the right choice for your children. If eating just 2 bowls of Cerelac a day can ensure that they get the Iron that they need, then why not?<br>
<br>
I'm off to feed My Sweet Kambing now!<br>
<br>
<i>If you're still unsure about whether or not your bub is getting the Iron he/she needs, you can use the <a href="http://www.nestlebaby.com.sg/cerelac-iron-calculator/" target="_blank">Nestle Iron Calculator</a> to help you figure it out! </i><br>
<br>
<br></div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-53243286588176108932016-01-28T07:13:00.001-08:002016-01-28T07:13:11.064-08:00To revamp or not to revamp??How time flies! In just a blink of an eye I realize that months have gone by since my last post.<div><br></div><div>I am constantly amazed at my ability to procrastinate. Well, to be fair, I do have a lot on my hands right now. </div><div><br></div><div>I do want to get my act together though. I've been recently attending events that I believe will be very beneficial to others as well, just that I can't seem to find time to write about it.</div><div><br></div><div>Also I'm considering revamping my blog. The whole thing already seems so outta date in considering a fresh new start!!! </div><div><br></div><div>What do you think? To revamp or not to revamp?</div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-25548698513280959652015-09-07T02:35:00.000-07:002015-09-07T07:13:31.795-07:00The Natal Kitchen Food ReviewI never quite planned on being a "mommy blogger" but ever since Kambing, it seems like I suddenly have so much more content to blog about. Well, I guess you can say she kinda re-lit my fire. And with SO many people having babies, it's nice to read up and share experiences.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5szVoB66l0/Ve0uXXk9VrI/AAAAAAAAFCI/YK3w-IvqsOU/s1600/SAM_4814.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p5szVoB66l0/Ve0uXXk9VrI/AAAAAAAAFCI/YK3w-IvqsOU/s320/SAM_4814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sweet Kambing vs Sleep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When one is stuck in a tornado-hit home, baby in arm, laundry undone, it's also nice to go online and find out one is not alone.<br />
<br />
That said, one (<i>that being me</i>) would like to share a recent experience with one's friend's latest start-up, The Natal Kitchen. One was lucky enough to have one's friend deliver a bento set to one's house while she was kinda stuck trying to get the baby to take the afternoon nap. (<i>Is it just my baby that refuses to sleep?</i>)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lrgsuVNG78/Ve0uXw0oQEI/AAAAAAAAFCM/RiMOrsPmwzI/s1600/SAM_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Anyways, the bento arrived at the perfect timing, and I was so glad I didn't have to brave the blistering heat and go out to buy my own food. Cooking is beyond the question.<br />
<br />
So, what exactly is The Natal Kitchen? As the name suggests, they specialize in providing nutritious, nourishing food for mothers serving their "confinement".<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPL3Zw6Pjhs/Ve0uj3ehFFI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/lfN7N2ztgz0/s1600/chinese_herbs-blog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPL3Zw6Pjhs/Ve0uj3ehFFI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/lfN7N2ztgz0/s320/chinese_herbs-blog.jpg" width="320" /></a>For the benefit of non-South East Asian readers, a "confinement" period is a month or two after birth, where a new mom is <i>confined</i> to post-natal practices aimed at helping her recover from the rigours of pregnancy, labour and birth. Traditionally practised by the South East Asian community in various ways for years and years, some practices can be easily dismissed as old wives tales. Some others, however, do, in fact, make a lot of sense and hold a wealth of truth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3pkMCnqfPw/Ve0uW0agtaI/AAAAAAAAFB4/FRTkw4K4Qlo/s1600/Confinement-Food-in-Chinese-Malay-and-Indian-Cultures-PIc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E3pkMCnqfPw/Ve0uW0agtaI/AAAAAAAAFB4/FRTkw4K4Qlo/s320/Confinement-Food-in-Chinese-Malay-and-Indian-Cultures-PIc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A good example would be the diet of the new mom. In any culture, a new mother would need a nutritious diet to help her gain back all the blood, sweat, and tears (<i>literally</i>) lost during the trying past couple of months. Likewise, in Chinese tradition, the confinement menu consists of foods that are rich in nutritional value, and that "warms" the new mother's body up, and helps her to retain as much
"heat" as possible. It is believed this will help her avoid health
problems such as rheumatism, arthritis, headaches and body pains later
in life.
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
Therefore, even though I didn't quite practice the traditional act of confinement, like not bathing for the entire month and not washing my hair (<i>HOW TO TAHAN SO HOT!!?!?</i>), I would've liked to have a good, yummy menu sorted out for me every day. Good food all day errday, why not?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, The Natal Kitchen had not started business in the early days of my post-partum period, so I didn't get the chance to book their services. BUT, after trying their food... I am so tempted to have another baby JUST SO I have a good reason to order their food!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lrgsuVNG78/Ve0uXw0oQEI/AAAAAAAAFCM/RiMOrsPmwzI/s1600/SAM_4815.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lrgsuVNG78/Ve0uXw0oQEI/AAAAAAAAFCM/RiMOrsPmwzI/s200/SAM_4815.JPG" width="200" /></a>Firstly, if you think that confinement food is tasteless and boring, think again. Their team is without a doubt, experts in their field. Not only did they manage to whip up meals that are wholesome and nutritious (<i>I don't know how many times I'm going to type nutritious in this post</i>), they also taste absolutely fabulous!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj6UMPNxEyk/Ve0uWzPNItI/AAAAAAAAFB8/c1igPfG5TCo/s1600/11760095_875083562582093_1741086611808513191_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj6UMPNxEyk/Ve0uWzPNItI/AAAAAAAAFB8/c1igPfG5TCo/s200/11760095_875083562582093_1741086611808513191_n.jpg" width="150" /></a>So let's start off with the packaging of the Bento. It came in a thermal bag to ensure the food stays nice and hot. Inside, the food is packed in HACCP, food grade and micro-wave safe bento boxes. The kicker is that it is packed and sealed (<i>and I mean SEALED</i>) using a special machine to ensure FRESHNESS and QUALITY. I emphasize these two words because when I was researching for confinement menu packages, I read a couple of reviews, and ended up ordering none. Based on the many pictures I saw, the packaging could really use some work, and the food really didn't look very appetizing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NRlAFoWhI4/Ve0uarSd01I/AAAAAAAAFDI/G1LEdHqZ4GM/s1600/SAM_4821.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NRlAFoWhI4/Ve0uarSd01I/AAAAAAAAFDI/G1LEdHqZ4GM/s320/SAM_4821.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Natal Kitchen, however, has each dish neatly placed and sealed off in the bento, meaning the sauce or soup won't spill into the other dishes and that the flavour stays INTACT. Call me fussy but I really don't like eating food that looks ... questionable. Therefore, double thumbs up for good packaging. It is in these little details that I know the good people at The Natal Kitchen put pride in their work.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0tq0L5AHI/Ve0ubeu5GtI/AAAAAAAAFDY/6zrVorBZlmE/s1600/SAM_4823.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0tq0L5AHI/Ve0ubeu5GtI/AAAAAAAAFDY/6zrVorBZlmE/s320/SAM_4823.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">湘莲红豆午鱼汤 + 芫莤姜茸牛奶鸡 + 黑豆莲藕虫草花肉片</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now on to the food. These were the dishes I had.<br />
<br />
Firstly, let me just state that I wasn't prepared for such large portions. I mean, the bento looked deceivingly shallow, but they REALLY put ALOT of LIAO in there. I was eating forever. Between watching Kambing and eating I took about 2.5hrs to finish everything! Major Burp. And it was so good I HAD to finish up every morsel of it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE_-gk_YJ0g/Ve0ucgNRNII/AAAAAAAAFDw/b19EirwpfIc/s1600/SAM_4825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RE_-gk_YJ0g/Ve0ucgNRNII/AAAAAAAAFDw/b19EirwpfIc/s320/SAM_4825.JPG" width="320" /></a> At first look, I was most eager to try the chicken because it looked like green curry, and I was thinking "wow. Green curry for confinement food?" So I dug in, and well, it wasn't green curry, but it was just as good, if not better! I wasn't quite sure what it was because there was no menu and I had to find out from them later on what the dish was called, but I could certainly taste some ginger in there. It was also very creamy and aiyah, just divine! Thinking about it now is not good because I want to eat it now, like NAO.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNTzUb1PEHM/Ve0ub4-7lHI/AAAAAAAAFDc/yj_w7AIg6nc/s1600/SAM_4824.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNTzUb1PEHM/Ve0ub4-7lHI/AAAAAAAAFDc/yj_w7AIg6nc/s320/SAM_4824.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next up is the lotus root dish. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from it. It looked like one of those #eatclean aka #tastelessandboring dishes, but boy, was I wrong! There were so many flavours going on at once I didn't know what to think. On top of that, the lotus root was cooked to perfection, leaving it scrumptious, refreshing, and very delectable. I'm no connoisseur but I'm pretty sure alot of red dates were used to make the sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvQHjnq1_EU/Ve0ucuJVxCI/AAAAAAAAFDo/kPppZTY-1Sg/s1600/SAM_4826.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvQHjnq1_EU/Ve0ucuJVxCI/AAAAAAAAFDo/kPppZTY-1Sg/s320/SAM_4826.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZoEJiQlvOI/Ve0udfwbjcI/AAAAAAAAFD4/GGCV-R75-IE/s1600/SAM_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XZoEJiQlvOI/Ve0udfwbjcI/AAAAAAAAFD4/GGCV-R75-IE/s320/SAM_4827.JPG" width="320" /></a>Finally, I was on to the fish soup. When I was serving my confinement, my mom kept cooking fish soup with papaya that tasted absolutely horrid. Not that my mom's cooking was bad or anything but fish and papaya just don't go. That said, I would be lying to say I wasn't quite keen on trying this, but I did anyways. Because well, if it's good for baby and good for me, why not? The good thing is, if not for the fact that they had placed a fish steak there, I TOTALLY wouldn't have guessed it's fish soup! Not fishy AT ALL! They also had slices of lean meat in there, which I believe was meant to somehow filter out the fishy taste. Great combination, and I must say, they certainly don't stinge on ingredients! There were so many herbs in there! Now I remember asking someone before why confinement catering is a great deal more costly than regular catering, and she said it's because they use a lot of herbs. However, as mentioned earlier, how can one be sure that they REALLY used alot of herbs? You never know if it's just MSG or seasoning right? In this case, it shows for itself when you put your spoon in and scoop out tons and tons of various herbs and spices that you know are good for you! Also, The Natal Kitchen prides itself in using ZERO MSG and Premium Ingredients.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzNVFDN8pDo/Ve0ud9LzANI/AAAAAAAAFEA/conZwkHFy6o/s1600/SAM_4828.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RzNVFDN8pDo/Ve0ud9LzANI/AAAAAAAAFEA/conZwkHFy6o/s320/SAM_4828.JPG" width="320" /></a>Even for the longan red date tea, they add black dates (<i>5 times more costly than regular red dates</i>) to give it an extra oomph and of course, to boost it's nutritional value.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5XIrmKioNU/Ve0ufKqhbhI/AAAAAAAAFEY/8fbWK9EX9hM/s1600/SAM_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x5XIrmKioNU/Ve0ufKqhbhI/AAAAAAAAFEY/8fbWK9EX9hM/s320/SAM_4831.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Mommy, can I have some too? Pretty Please?</i></span>"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, I dug in to the dessert. At first I thought it was Tea Leaf Egg (茶叶蛋) because there was an egg in there. And I even wondered why the soup was so sweet. Then I realized it was the dessert! (<i>Free desserts every Friday</i>) It had a unique taste, not quite like anything I've tasted before, and I'm not sure, but I'm assuming it's the team's special concoction. Whatever the case, pairing it with an egg was really smart, because the egg really brought out the taste of the soup, and vice versa. Sweet and savoury, all at once! Of course, as with all the other dishes, a whole bunch of herbs in there as well!<br />
<br />
All in all, it was a VERY good meal that left me craving for MORE! Ok I really have to stop talking about it now or else I'll start getting very hungry!<br />
<br />
If you're interested to find out more about <a href="http://fb.com/thenatalkitchen" target="_blank">The Natal Kitchen</a> or book their services, visit their website at <a href="http://www.thenatalkitchen.com.sg/">www.thenatalkitchen.com.sg</a><br />
<br />
They can also be reached at <span class="light-gray number">Tel: 6635 7940</span> | <a class="orange mail" href="mailto:info@thenatalkitchen.com.sg">info@thenatalkitchen.com.sg</a>
<br />
<br />
This photo is taken from their Facebook page. I think they're also having some special promos going on right now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZTTcsgj9h0/Ve1YqRXK-AI/AAAAAAAAFFw/rsQihwpTj3M/s1600/meww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SZTTcsgj9h0/Ve1YqRXK-AI/AAAAAAAAFFw/rsQihwpTj3M/s320/meww.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey look, it's US! (<i>Just wanted to show off the banner with my photo on it. Haha!</i>)<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="right-bottom col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12 aright">
<span class="light-gray number"><br /></span><a class="orange mail" href="mailto:info@thenatalkitchen.com.sg"></a>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-7180112642595781512015-09-01T07:20:00.001-07:002015-09-01T07:20:59.241-07:00KFC's Battle of The WingsChoose a side, warriors, and may the odds be ever in your flavour!<div><br></div><div>Uh, I mean, favour. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCOyd8MoOD8/VeW0N39vM2I/AAAAAAAAFBk/495oKmQ2gcc/s640/blogger-image--1981983516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCOyd8MoOD8/VeW0N39vM2I/AAAAAAAAFBk/495oKmQ2gcc/s640/blogger-image--1981983516.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">KFC's latest Battle of The Wings rides on the has-been-here-and-will-go-on-forever J-pop and K-pop waves.</span></div><div><br></div><div>See, for some reason, the pop culture in Japan and Korea has always been the leaders of the pack here in Singapore. Maybe it's the incredibly good-looking guys and girls, the daring styles, or maybe just their really good food.</div><div><br></div><div>Whatever the case, KFC has taken up the challenge and produced two of the latest flavours, Umadare and Yang Yeum, heavily inspired by the two pop powerhouses in Asia. I've never been a very adventurous food consumer, but with the really good deal KFC was having, why not? </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1XmzcCe_nl0/VeW0LdwgW-I/AAAAAAAAFBc/234-88eMx1o/s640/blogger-image--1197577315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1XmzcCe_nl0/VeW0LdwgW-I/AAAAAAAAFBc/234-88eMx1o/s640/blogger-image--1197577315.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>I ordered BOTH flavours and I'm glad I decided to try. </div><div><br></div><div>The MAIN PROBLEM IS, both flavours looked kinda the same and I couldn't figure out which is which. One bite into each, though, and the answer was clear. One was tangy, yet savory and the other was kinda sweet and spicy. There was a burst of so many different flavours in my mouth, I felt like I was in love all over again.</div><div><br></div><div>So, if you ask me, which team I'd choose to be on, #kfcoishii or #kfcmashisoyo ?</div><div><br></div><div>I'd say... BOTH!!! </div><div><br></div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-75707444052744234582015-08-29T00:37:00.002-07:002015-09-07T02:37:58.253-07:00The Baby Hates The Bottle (Part Deux)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, it took me a while to "muster up the courage" to get Kambing to feed from the bottle. According to Doctor Ong, <u>I must not be the one to feed her</u>. Babies are very sensitive to the scent of their mother, and when they know that the original source of milk is available, they are more likely to refuse the bottle.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy1Tu_uBmJA/VeFezGo1eHI/AAAAAAAAE-c/EfoxD_ryDsA/s1600/SAM_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uy1Tu_uBmJA/VeFezGo1eHI/AAAAAAAAE-c/EfoxD_ryDsA/s400/SAM_4698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9InPxfKB0zg/VeFezDLSz_I/AAAAAAAAE-k/sXkcttzLKWc/s1600/SAM_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9InPxfKB0zg/VeFezDLSz_I/AAAAAAAAE-k/sXkcttzLKWc/s400/SAM_4699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some of the other things he mentioned about getting baby to bottlefeed was: </span><br />
<ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do not be in the room when someone else is attempting to feed her from the bottle.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do not give in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do NOT give in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">DO NOT give in.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Try and stick to a routine where she feeds from the bottle at the same time everyday.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If she still refuses, try and stick a bottle into her mouth while she's sleeping aka <a href="https://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/sleep-information/infant-sleep/sleep-information/what-is-a-dreamfeed" target="_blank">dreamfeeding</a>.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I had to get it right. I had ONE CHANCE. And I sure as hell didn't want to mess it up. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So when Hegen was
kind enough to send me a couple of bottles and teats that was suitable
for her age, I took a while to let Kambing familiarise herself with
them.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieIxf9FSVng/VeFe34FpjuI/AAAAAAAAE_w/CCzd7pT8yig/s1600/SAM_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ieIxf9FSVng/VeFe34FpjuI/AAAAAAAAE_w/CCzd7pT8yig/s400/SAM_4708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The photos you see here are the result of the "bottle familiarisation", as I would like to call it. <i>Heh</i>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sC32Eig6wW4/VeFe4_kLZbI/AAAAAAAAE_8/nY_dfwmoOS8/s1600/SAM_4709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sC32Eig6wW4/VeFe4_kLZbI/AAAAAAAAE_8/nY_dfwmoOS8/s400/SAM_4709.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So far, so good. She seemed pretty eager and curious about each item presented to her.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course, I had to strategize. I wasn't going to feed her right away! Not with milk at least. We then headed out to participate in her SG50 Baby's Day Out: My First National Day Party. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-XTAx8cxjo/VeFe5BftxTI/AAAAAAAAFAA/k9d1ZqDblkw/s1600/SAM_4731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-XTAx8cxjo/VeFe5BftxTI/AAAAAAAAFAA/k9d1ZqDblkw/s400/SAM_4731.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My plan was to wait to see if she got fussy while we were out, and to give her the bottle as a source of distraction from the flurry of activity around her. Instead of putting milk in there, I put a wee bit of water and kept it on standby.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There was much to see and do that day, and she sure had a good time. As expected, she readily and sportingly flashed the camera her signature look: <b>The Panda Cheese Stare.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCmZPNUvQPo/VeFxQsf3JBI/AAAAAAAAFBM/DXs96OnLyms/s1600/pandacheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qCmZPNUvQPo/VeFxQsf3JBI/AAAAAAAAFBM/DXs96OnLyms/s400/pandacheese.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffocyt6fbjE/VeFe5ZemGGI/AAAAAAAAFAk/kgKn459N7ts/s1600/SAM_4737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ffocyt6fbjE/VeFe5ZemGGI/AAAAAAAAFAk/kgKn459N7ts/s400/SAM_4737.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sidenote: This baby is super sensitive to spying cameras. She will be laughing and smiling but the minute she realizes the lens is on her, the face changes.</i></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She was on her best behaviour and I almost had no chance to pull out the bottle until we were on our way home! Then, she started to gripe about having to sit in the stroller while the exciting world rolled by. <i> </i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"MUAHAHA! It's TIME," I chuckled out loud (<i>maniacal laughter included</i>), whipped out the bottle, and handed it over to her. Thankfully, she's at the age where everything given to her would go straight into her mouth (<i>"the odds are so ever in my favour, my child</i>"), so the bottle was no exception. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I couldn't tell if she had any water to drink, because she didn't seem to be sucking as much as she was chewing. But at the very least, she wasn't rejecting it, as she did with the 250716 (<i>I'm exaggerating</i>) other bottles we gave her.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Whoppeedoo! Looked good so far. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN_eX2iWac4/VeFe7Mwq1-I/AAAAAAAAFAs/tyAf7qh-804/s1600/SAM_4740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN_eX2iWac4/VeFe7Mwq1-I/AAAAAAAAFAs/tyAf7qh-804/s400/SAM_4740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Who's to know, the very next day was The Day for The Ultimate Test. I had intended to rush home from Jurong between my shows to feed her, but something came up unexpectedly, and I wouldn't have been able to make it home in time and back. This provided a window of opportunity for us to put the Hegen to the test. I called home and got Chun to TRY and feed her, and as soon as I could, I called home again to see how things were going. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She had finished a whole bottle of expressed milk. Heartily and happily, she drank it all. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and repeated my question several times to the same answer; SUCCESS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZrb_7XEq38/VeFe7-cLF2I/AAAAAAAAFAc/GEIHWS30U_4/s1600/fbpooo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZrb_7XEq38/VeFe7-cLF2I/AAAAAAAAFAc/GEIHWS30U_4/s640/fbpooo.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once again, THANK YOU HEGEN!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2070"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2069"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2068"></span></span></span><i><b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2066">Hegen
products are now available in the following outlets:</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2066">Motherswork Tanglin Mall 3rd Level #03-11C </span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2066">MothersWork Great World
City</span></span></span></i>
</div>
<div class="yiv2432396729MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2065" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2064"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2063"></span></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv2432396729MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2065" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2064"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2063"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2062"></span></span></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2078"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2078">Takashimaya Department Store, Level 4 Infants & Kids Section</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv2432396729MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2065" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="yiv2432396729MsoListParagraph" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1440838402115_2065" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-22741655874886595432015-08-22T02:07:00.002-07:002015-09-07T02:38:10.055-07:00The Baby Hates The Bottle (Part Uno)<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So My Sweet Kambing had always been a VERY EASY baby to look after. Within the first month of her exsistence, she had tuned herself into my rest time and slept through the night, or at the very least, slept when I slept. She never cried much, was good with strangers, and seemed like a very thoughtful, sweet baby in general. I credit it to pure luck and the lack of any expectations. You see, I figured, whatever we plan for will not go according to plan anyways, so we might as well just wing it.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MFM-IARG-s/VdgzcYamcFI/AAAAAAAAE8s/YqJhsrET2dw/s640/blogger-image-1070962316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MFM-IARG-s/VdgzcYamcFI/AAAAAAAAE8s/YqJhsrET2dw/s400/blogger-image-1070962316.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I don't want to brag but it seemed to work out pretty well for us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That said, we did start to face a bit of a problem when my work started getting more hectic. Very soon after the baby was born, I was scheduled for assignments, but really short, simple ones. It was perfectly manageable because I would feed the baby, go to work, finish up within an hour, and make it home in time for her next feed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E4giVcOblLY/VdgzYFjv_-I/AAAAAAAAE8c/7Ai2i4PkN7Y/s640/blogger-image--1499669958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E4giVcOblLY/VdgzYFjv_-I/AAAAAAAAE8c/7Ai2i4PkN7Y/s400/blogger-image--1499669958.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The nature of my work also means that it is possible for me to breastfeed the baby exclusively. However, now that work is getting more hectic, I'm finding less and less time to rush home in between, and the poor Kambing will end up waiting for me to come home to feed her. Still being the very sweet baby that she is, she would wait doe-eyed, and only burst out in tears on the sight of me walking through the door.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6yPcoV7HHk8/VdgzaDuDxCI/AAAAAAAAE8k/qbk67HGiJHs/s640/blogger-image--81581363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6yPcoV7HHk8/VdgzaDuDxCI/AAAAAAAAE8k/qbk67HGiJHs/s400/blogger-image--81581363.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I told myself, however, that this will not do. Her weight gain had slowed down (although on hindsight I don't think it's because of the feeding) and I started to feel unforgivably guilty for it. This was when I was presented with a lightbulb moment *DING!* The Bottle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgoSikNo7q4/Vdg6foLgJJI/AAAAAAAAE9o/cvzITOx3rBo/s1600/bott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zgoSikNo7q4/Vdg6foLgJJI/AAAAAAAAE9o/cvzITOx3rBo/s320/bott.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Who's to know that my sweet little even-tempered Kambing would suddenly turn into a grumpy goat child at the introduction of The Bottle?!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XcKtBqxcTK4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcKtBqxcTK4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She absolutely REFUSED to drink from it. Crying and fussing and wailing and refusing. We tried everything.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">5 different adults trying to feed her in my absence - No. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Bottles from various brands - No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Various bottle teats from various brands - No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Dreamfeed - No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Singfeed - No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Dancefeed - No.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>NOTHING.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I actually felt a slight flutter of pride in my heart. In her eyes, nothing was as good as my <i>neh neh</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And then I felt my heart sink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This means that the poor baby is going to go on hunger strikes everytime I go to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I actually had started to give up, figuring that since she's already four months old, I might actually be able to keep putting off work until she's on solids, and not as dependent on me anymore as a sole source of nutrition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuDKr4qAWZ0/Vdg5TOomK_I/AAAAAAAAE9M/qiFJOBgEDGs/s640/blogger-image--175822510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tuDKr4qAWZ0/Vdg5TOomK_I/AAAAAAAAE9M/qiFJOBgEDGs/s640/blogger-image--175822510.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And then, I got invited to attend the launch of <a href="http://www.hegen.com/" target="_blank">Hegen, The Quantum Leap in Baby Feeding Products</a>. I was skeptical, yet eager to find out if this "Quantum Leap" had any solutions to my feeding woes. Still doubtful though, right until during the talk where it seemed like their star feature was the <b>PCTO (Press-to-Close, Squeeze-to-Open)</b> bottles. Their PCTO feature meant that moms could conveniently close bottles with just one hand instead of having to free up both hands to twist them close, saving precious time while preventing their hungry babies from crying the house down. Also, the milk storage and bottles were easily interchangeable, meaning that you simply Press-to-Close a bottle teat unto the milk storage bottle and feed directly. This way, the valuable nutrients from breastmilk does not get lost in the process of transferring to and from storage to bottle. It was then that I decided they had nothing for me. Sadly, I didn't face any of these problems because my baby didn't even want to drink from the bottle to begin with! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Out of being polite, and curious to hear more about what feeding issues "regular" mothers were facing, I stayed on. I even went on stage to see how quickly I could put together a milk bottle as a challenge against another participant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nx-PfWx1CHI/Vdg5RTQqOLI/AAAAAAAAE9E/GdL46hyv0Uw/s640/blogger-image--758719563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nx-PfWx1CHI/Vdg5RTQqOLI/AAAAAAAAE9E/GdL46hyv0Uw/s640/blogger-image--758719563.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thankfully I stayed, because Doctor Ong Eng Keow then came on to talk about the<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/your-mom-made-wonder-food/" target="_blank"> wonders of breastfeeding.</a> I was so happy to get the chance to replenish my arsenal of fact-based rebuttals to anyone who is to come and tell me that my baby is not getting enough nourishment from my <i>neh neh</i> milk. Being the opportunist that I am (#AuntiePatternAllComeOut), I stayed to chat with Doctor Ong about Kambing's resistance to the bottle, and he gave me a few pointers.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I then checked out the Hegen bottles that were on display and was surprised to find that the bottle teats were very soft! I was told that the silicone teat was one of its key features. <b>Super soft and elliptical-shaped</b>, it mimics the natural breast of mothers to promote natural latch-on for babies. This minimises nipple confusion, making it easier to combine breast and bottle feeding. Also, its <b>asymmetrical, off-centre teat</b> allows for natural upright feeding position similar to feeding from the breast. This minimises the tilt that conventional baby bottles require, reducing the risk of milk back-flow which may cause mid-ear complications.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Armed with the Hegen bottle that I won during the challenge, and the tips from Doctor Ong, I headed home with a new-found hope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Did baby accept the bottle? Find out more in my next post!</b></span></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-85891593384342752832015-05-04T01:46:00.000-07:002015-05-04T01:46:29.599-07:00Magic hands make for magic moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imKReuFSIis/VUcv4ELCNwI/AAAAAAAAE78/faQ2eMiYS3w/s1600/Chair%2B05_With%2BBackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-imKReuFSIis/VUcv4ELCNwI/AAAAAAAAE78/faQ2eMiYS3w/s320/Chair%2B05_With%2BBackground.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Not long after the birth of Baby Beth, I was invited to Osim's media launch of their latest product, uMagic. Already a fan of Osim products and in dire need of some relaxation, I was quick to say yes, and soon found myself making my way to their HQ in Ubi. Now, you would think being located in an industrial estate would mean something rather... well, industrial. Wrong. I made my way up to the top floor and was greeted with a sprawling swimming pool and fairy lights. A quick chat with one of their staff and I learned that the event venue is actually the staff lounge. There are gym and karaoke facilities, (and sauna cubicles in the changing room!) but mainly, on any day, it is furnished with MASSAGE CHAIRS and various Osim products, aimed at helping their staff relax. Talk about welfare! Talk about walking the talk! For an organization that believes strongly in their staff's well-being, I know for sure that they'd surely provide only the best for their consumer's well-being! </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9D9wiDS204/VUcvz20MpEI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/WCN1gAOBWuE/s1600/Application%2BShot_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f9D9wiDS204/VUcvz20MpEI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/WCN1gAOBWuE/s320/Application%2BShot_02.jpg" width="319" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So the night started off with a magic show. Yes yes, the theme being magic and all. After the opening act, one of their staff took the stage and talked to us about their latest product, the uMagic - Neck and Shoulder Expert.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now the reason why they came up with this massage chair that focuses on the neck and shoulders is because many people nowadays, due to constant usage of their mobile devices, suffer from neck and shoulder aches. Hands up if you're one of them!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And if tight and tense head and shoulders have been bothering you, you would also be no stranger to backaches and headaches as well, I suppose? The thing is that, these muscles are all joined together and if you are aching in one place and do nothing about it, chances are, the pain will spread. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVEW0ukHra8/VUcvz7QcuQI/AAAAAAAAE7U/PiUwFFgZies/s1600/Application%2BShot_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVEW0ukHra8/VUcvz7QcuQI/AAAAAAAAE7U/PiUwFFgZies/s320/Application%2BShot_05.jpg" width="270" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Therefore, Osim's uMagic offers massage movements similar to a masseur's hands with finger pressure and grip to relieve aching necks and shoulders. One of its signature programmes, 'Magic Moments', provides a powerful, deep-tissue massage with life-like hand movements. I tried it out for myself and couldn't help but utter, "what is this sorcery?!" Yes, magical, it may seem, but tiny elves hiding inside the massage chair, trained to relieve your tension at the press of a button, not likely. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After years of innovative massage technology, it is without surprise that OSIM has, once again, outdone itself with this revolutionary hand-grip massage technique, the very first in its industry. Life-like and realistic in application, the Magic Hands emulates the skillful techniques of a professional masseuse, tracking and treating every countour of the body, delivery utmost relief, comfort, and massage pleasures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpTf74RkPIc/VUcv3jPhQ4I/AAAAAAAAE7w/C6THzjCnwww/s1600/Chair%2B04_Footrest%2BExtended.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpTf74RkPIc/VUcv3jPhQ4I/AAAAAAAAE7w/C6THzjCnwww/s320/Chair%2B04_Footrest%2BExtended.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This massage chair features its Magic Hands highlights, the Magic Moments programme, and the Shoulder Delight programme, as well as a suite of lifestyle massage programmes that are tailored to satisfy the diverse needs and well-being of everyone in the family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Furthermore, instead of having to invest in a whole new massage chair whenever there's a new programme, the uMagic allows you to discover more massage pleasures simply by downloading from its ever-expanding suite of lifestyle massage programmes via a Bluetooth connection to your smartphone!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Finally, if you're worried about a big, bulky massage chair taking up space in your home, you can order it, and send it over to MY HOUSE! </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlpDT1NeOZU/VUcv2T7_TmI/AAAAAAAAE7k/bpI5V7b6UEU/s1600/Chair%2B01_All%2Bcolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlpDT1NeOZU/VUcv2T7_TmI/AAAAAAAAE7k/bpI5V7b6UEU/s320/Chair%2B01_All%2Bcolors.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just kiddin'! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The uMagic is chic and streamlined, with a touch of polished chrome curvatures, and upholstered in quilted leatherette. A combination of form and functionality, this wee bit of space it takes up is certainly a good exchange for the many nights of enchanting massage pleasure that it will give you in return.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY!!!</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">uMagic can be found at all OSIM outlets. Drop in for a trial today!</span></b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*psst* Mother's day coming already ah! </span></i>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-50998386622151271152015-01-18T22:33:00.002-08:002015-01-26T02:49:26.486-08:00A Merry Christmas with the Volvo XC60Where do I start?<br />
<br />
I was invited to test drive the Volvo XC60 over the Christmas weekend and since there was going to be lots of family gatherings to go to, and lots of presents to carry around, I was more than happy to take Volvo up on their offer. After all, I've heard many good things about the XC60 and how luxurious it is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SgmKlI8VcQ/VLyWGH3rVeI/AAAAAAAAE3o/Kurs9v3OOJ4/s1600/image(3).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SgmKlI8VcQ/VLyWGH3rVeI/AAAAAAAAE3o/Kurs9v3OOJ4/s1600/image%283%29.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>All I want for Christmas is a Volvo-vo! </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Boy, I certainly was not disappointed. Now firstly, I'm a two-wheels kind of girl, so I can't pretend to know what "Drive-E Powertrains" means. But I do know that reducing the number of engine variants results in increased flexibility and makes for a very smooth drive. I suffer from severe motion sickness meaning I feel nauseous on practically every moving vehicle (except my bike) but I'm glad to say that I enjoyed the drive on the XC60 so much that I didn't have time to feel sick. And my mind was kept occupied by all the awesome things this car had to offer! Here are some of my favourite features:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oN0OAncgWfg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
1. In-car Internet Connection<br />
A connection can be made via my mobile phone's Bluetooth tethering system. Intenet data is then transferred via Wi-Fi between the mobile phone and the Sensus Connect system. From here, I can play music from my Spotify playlist, or whichever other app on my phone. I can even check emails! <i>SO COOL RIGHT.</i> And to ensure safety, the web browsing screen is automatically turned off once the car goes over 7km/hr. <i>(Thankfully, otherwise you get all these jokers browsing the internet while driving...)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h9-z_ZeSk/VLyWFxctafI/AAAAAAAAE3g/798TV1U9CeY/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2BSports%2BSeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2h9-z_ZeSk/VLyWFxctafI/AAAAAAAAE3g/798TV1U9CeY/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2BSports%2BSeats.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Ingenious Voice-control<br />
To offer the user maximum
flexibility, the system can be operated vi<span id="goog_2094128352"></span><span id="goog_2094128353"></span>a the steering wheel or the
centre stack controls. On top of this, all calls and infotainment
functions can also be voice-activated. <i>Yay Handsfree!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL3n2iBUCQU/VLyWDwxlboI/AAAAAAAAE3I/QdKo6k08gTI/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RL3n2iBUCQU/VLyWDwxlboI/AAAAAAAAE3I/QdKo6k08gTI/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2B4.jpg" height="294" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
3. ECO+ Mode<br />
The ECO+ mode makes for further enhanced fuel consumption. So basically, when the car is on ECO+ mode, throttle reaction is dimmed to prevent heavy-footing. Engine braking is also deactivated to conserve kinetic energy, while gearshift and lock-up points are also optimised for efficiency, reducing fuel consumption by up to 5%. <i>(!!!)</i><br />
<br />
The ECO+ mode also adjusts the car's air-conditioning to reduce the load on the engine for better efficiency. If we were in a colder country, this feature would certainly be very useful, because on a colder day, we wouldn't need the aircon to be that strong. Unfortunately, in SG... still a cool feature to have though, at least for those rainy days!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmx5kSP82ag/VLyWHIP2tHI/AAAAAAAAE38/BirLKWd_Vc0/s1600/image(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmx5kSP82ag/VLyWHIP2tHI/AAAAAAAAE38/BirLKWd_Vc0/s1600/image(5).jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Engine Remote Start (Optional)<br />
Now THIS feature is certainly useful for us here in Sunny Singapore. Ever hated those days where you parked your car in the sun and stepped into a sauna when you wanted to drive off?<br />
<br />
Volvo Cars' Engine Remote Start is an ideal way to cool down your vehicle before leaving your home or the offive. The car will cool to the same temperature setting as when it was parked and will run for up to 15 minutes, ensuring comfort for all from the moment you enter the car. This can be activated from a distance of up to 30 metres, and to ensure safety, the car remains locked throughout when remotely started. The ignition is also cut when the driver unlocks it. Also, for those really concerned about the safety of the Engine Remote Start feature, do note that this feature will not work if the car is not put on 'Park' gear with all doors and hatches locked, if the car is low on petrol, engine oil or coolant, or if movement is detected in the car from people or animals. <i>So, worry not, and drive safe!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FZYvEO8K3nI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZYvEO8K3nI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?<wbr></wbr>v=FZYvEO8K3nI</a></span></div>
<br />
5. City Safety<br />
Next up is one of my favourite features of this car; The City Safety feature. I think ALL cars should have this! It would certainly help in preventing alot of early morning traffic accidents along the highway!<br />
<br />
So what is this awesome feature I speak of?<br />
<br />
City Safety is a support system designed to help the driver avoid low-speed collisions when driving in slow-moving, stop-and-go traffic conditions. Basically what happens is that the front sensor picks up if the car is following too closely to the vehicle in front, and triggers brief, forceful braking if a low-speed collision is imminent. <i>Makes for pretty idiot-proof driving if you ask me. All Hail Volvo!</i><br />
<br />
However, some people may be concerned that they will have less control over the car. Well, City Safety is designed to intervene as late as possible to help avoid unnecessary activation, and will not intervene in situations where the driver actively steers the vehicle or applies the brakes, even if a collision cannot be avoided. This ensures that the driver's actions are always in highest priority.<br />
<br />
In case you'd like to know more, you may check out the video above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpxn3amHAn0/VLyWECC91GI/AAAAAAAAE3E/kS7HPPHS-Oc/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2BFold%2BDown%2BSeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpxn3amHAn0/VLyWECC91GI/AAAAAAAAE3E/kS7HPPHS-Oc/s1600/Volvo%2BXC60%2BFold%2BDown%2BSeats.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">6. Spacious Boot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Last but not least, I especially like that the Volvo XC60 is equipped with a large spacious boot. Perfect for shopaholics, roadtrippers, picnickers and Santa Claus. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLRqao4swo/VLyWHXl2LZI/AAAAAAAAE4A/bkdhfbn-vjs/s1600/image(6).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLRqao4swo/VLyWHXl2LZI/AAAAAAAAE4A/bkdhfbn-vjs/s1600/image%286%29.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Thanks for the great ride, VOLVO XC60! I'll miss you! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/PrNLrN7P2FA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-85057733035946937632014-08-13T04:21:00.000-07:002014-08-13T04:22:15.810-07:00ALIVE Museum; Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>WARNING: This is a photo-heavy post. Proceed with caution.</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So, Chun and I visited ALIVE Museum Singapore over the National Day weekend, all ready to do some heavy-duty posing as part of our national duties. We chanced upon the ALIVE Museum in Insa-dong, Seoul when we were there in October, but because we were rushing to catch our flight in the evening, didn't manage to make time to go in. It's been on my mind ever since. Well, sort of. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So,
what exactly is ALIVE Museum? I'm sure you would've seen many of your
friend's posts on various social media platforms where they are part of
an interesting surreal piece of art. 3D art, to be specific. Well, ALIVE
Museum Singapore is a collection of over 80 masterpieces, 9 of which
are locally themed and unique to Singapore. It consists of Trick Art,
Digital Art, Object Art, Experimental Art, and a Dark Room, which is to
be released soon. This 3D illusionary museum offers a sensory experience
that tricks one's visual, physical and environmental perceptions,
bringing fantasy to reality using these different art forms, and if you
are one who loves taking head-turning photos, then this is definitely
the place for you!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Check out our photos!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BfOFwk5ZxE/U-s7TmxWn9I/AAAAAAAAEz4/AGIED3C14Vo/s1600/SAM_2841_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chun having a very serious discussion with Steve Jobs.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0kJhyW1rk0/U-s7TscxAtI/AAAAAAAAEz8/kQkg1nprfyo/s1600/SAM_2847_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K0kJhyW1rk0/U-s7TscxAtI/AAAAAAAAEz8/kQkg1nprfyo/s1600/SAM_2847_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Me having a very serious discussion with ... this guy.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJvkNI4yauc/U-s7T8VillI/AAAAAAAAE0A/bzenybTPckY/s1600/SAM_2870_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJvkNI4yauc/U-s7T8VillI/AAAAAAAAE0A/bzenybTPckY/s1600/SAM_2870_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chun attempting to undress the woman of his dreams. (Only to find she's got no body!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po_Pp9cm29Q/U-s7U6f9q1I/AAAAAAAAE0M/lDsibk1nfwc/s1600/SAM_2913_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Po_Pp9cm29Q/U-s7U6f9q1I/AAAAAAAAE0M/lDsibk1nfwc/s1600/SAM_2913_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Me attempting to appear as the woman of his dreams. (At least I've got arms and legs! And wings!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGf0bupQIt4/U-s7VYG62UI/AAAAAAAAE0U/rG7P_0vHphQ/s1600/SAM_2919_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gGf0bupQIt4/U-s7VYG62UI/AAAAAAAAE0U/rG7P_0vHphQ/s1600/SAM_2919_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Nah, nothing much, just hanging out with my BFF with our heads between our legs.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIoluHg5lyQ/U-s7VkwQrFI/AAAAAAAAE0c/AQ3jRxI3yAo/s1600/SAM_2927_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIoluHg5lyQ/U-s7VkwQrFI/AAAAAAAAE0c/AQ3jRxI3yAo/s1600/SAM_2927_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Gramppa, why is your tooth so difficult to pluck out?!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPzlU1d3LgY/U-s7WOCsjrI/AAAAAAAAE0g/KWpOwPrThyc/s1600/SAM_2938_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPzlU1d3LgY/U-s7WOCsjrI/AAAAAAAAE0g/KWpOwPrThyc/s1600/SAM_2938_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">To be executed by helium balloons. OH, BUT WAIT!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqANTiLUBvA/U-s7W-_rPTI/AAAAAAAAE0w/ymOnkNPi5oA/s1600/SAM_2939_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqANTiLUBvA/U-s7W-_rPTI/AAAAAAAAE0w/ymOnkNPi5oA/s1600/SAM_2939_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">LEMME FILL IN THE BLANKS FIRST.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-pMuVxJyHI/U-s7XYkYulI/AAAAAAAAE04/x7QYncYRZMo/s1600/SAM_2941_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-pMuVxJyHI/U-s7XYkYulI/AAAAAAAAE04/x7QYncYRZMo/s1600/SAM_2941_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Before I die, I WANT TO LIVE. (Oh so wise. I think I've got the cleverest answer there!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNghavT8es/U-s7Xd5oihI/AAAAAAAAE00/fO8c2r3m1fU/s1600/SAM_2947_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNghavT8es/U-s7Xd5oihI/AAAAAAAAE00/fO8c2r3m1fU/s1600/SAM_2947_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chun's failed attempt at jump shots. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1ygt2BpOM/U-s7YH7mTcI/AAAAAAAAE1I/HSFsb5X8I7g/s1600/SAM_2947_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1ygt2BpOM/U-s7YH7mTcI/AAAAAAAAE1I/HSFsb5X8I7g/s1600/SAM_2947_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rQ1ygt2BpOM/U-s7YH7mTcI/AAAAAAAAE1I/HSFsb5X8I7g/s1600/SAM_2947_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC11.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Either he really sucks at jumping, or I really suck at taking jumping photos.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Because I was recovering from a recent road accident, I couldn't do any of the fun stuff like jumping and some of the high difficulty poses that I would've loved to do. But that didn't stop me from posing my best anyways. And because we're both fiercely competitive individuals, we had to keep one-upping each other with nicer poses at every art piece. In the next few photos, tell me, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">WHO DID IT BETTER? </span></b></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXWF1Qi-U7c/U-s7YhwzofI/AAAAAAAAE1M/3oN-B_jmEJs/s1600/SAM_2968_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iXWF1Qi-U7c/U-s7YhwzofI/AAAAAAAAE1M/3oN-B_jmEJs/s1600/SAM_2968_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My AWESOME pose. Hair-flying and all.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0HkdNIOmnw/U-s7ZdQ6hcI/AAAAAAAAE1U/p0-Kk7hwBK4/s1600/SAM_2972_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s0HkdNIOmnw/U-s7ZdQ6hcI/AAAAAAAAE1U/p0-Kk7hwBK4/s1600/SAM_2972_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">His ... pose.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jXOBR3ukWU/U-s7bBfiokI/AAAAAAAAE10/aPjaegG3fNI/s1600/SAM_2996_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1jXOBR3ukWU/U-s7bBfiokI/AAAAAAAAE10/aPjaegG3fNI/s1600/SAM_2996_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Oh, Ellie, did you just touch me?" - Joanne</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9IzGKvKDlQ/U-s7a_YvURI/AAAAAAAAE1s/sjqTuUtkUDI/s1600/SAM_2994_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9IzGKvKDlQ/U-s7a_YvURI/AAAAAAAAE1s/sjqTuUtkUDI/s1600/SAM_2994_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Ooh! Again, again, again!!!" - Chun</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Ok, I have to admit, I was rolling over with laughter at this photo. The expression is hilarious. I mean, the expression of the giraffe in the background. (Not Chun, nope, Chun's not funny at all.) Heh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At this point of time I think the key is to have fun and really go nuts with the posing. When we first got in, we couldn't seem to get the effect we wanted. I think it was possibly because my camera was catching too much detail and it just didn't look quite as realistic as I assumed it would. Chun, however, got some great photos on his iPhone. So you don't have to bring along a great camera and lighting equipment and all that to get some good, fun photos. Just your regular phone camera will do the job! Oh, and a good spirit of spontaneity and your sense of humour, of course.<br /><br />Second thing to note is that there are Pose Point and Photo Point icons on the floor which would help you to maximise the art piece and get the nicest possible photo. Pose Point, of course, is where you stand and pose, and Photo Point, is the angle at which you take the photo from. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQl9ueJG-50/U-tD1jYtz8I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/aEEGP8DJh4I/s1600/SAM_2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQl9ueJG-50/U-tD1jYtz8I/AAAAAAAAE2Q/aEEGP8DJh4I/s1600/SAM_2822.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just in case you can't find it, THIS is what it looks like.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some of our fellow museum-goers were VERY SERIOUS about getting good photos. To be honest, I was starting to feel slightly stressed. Luckily I had great company and we had a great dose of fun not just taking photos, but exercising our facial muscles with ridiculous expressions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">WHY SO SERIOUS? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4-g_X2zWcA/U-s7Z3CcyMI/AAAAAAAAE1c/f1gHXKDR9sc/s1600/SAM_2977_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4-g_X2zWcA/U-s7Z3CcyMI/AAAAAAAAE1c/f1gHXKDR9sc/s1600/SAM_2977_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "I couldn't decide if I wanted the right pole or the left pole." - Chun</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And because they were about to close, one of their managers came over and offered to help us take photos at all the couple art pieces. So nice of him. He got us some of the best photos of the night.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXWvCr6omhU/U-s7bhcCfRI/AAAAAAAAE18/Fx-DbphD0Qo/s1600/SAM_3010_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXWvCr6omhU/U-s7bhcCfRI/AAAAAAAAE18/Fx-DbphD0Qo/s1600/SAM_3010_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="393" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Up, up and away! </b></span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No birds were harmed in the taking of this photo.</span></span></span></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> And presenting...<br /> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>MY FAVOURITE PHOTO.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WakTF0Iy9Vc/U-s7aZ7OHZI/AAAAAAAAE1k/R1JtbkRJjZo/s1600/SAM_2987_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WakTF0Iy9Vc/U-s7aZ7OHZI/AAAAAAAAE1k/R1JtbkRJjZo/s1600/SAM_2987_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC_%E5%89%AF%E6%9C%AC.jpg" height="640" width="459" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">*Cue 流星雨 song*</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ALIVE Museum Singapore is at Suntec City Mall #03-372 </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(Between Towers 3 & 4)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Opening Hours:</b> 10am - 10pm </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Ticket Prices:</b> <b>$25</b> (Adults), <b>$20</b> (Children 3 - 12 years)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Current Promotions:</b> Like ALIVE Museum on Facebook and get a FREE meal at Burger King Suntec with purchase of a full-priced ticket.</span></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-14370153750341771262014-06-25T05:18:00.002-07:002014-06-25T05:19:55.430-07:00Vintage Salon West Gate<div style="text-align: center;">
Some 2 weeks ago, before I started shoot for this project that I'm on, I decided to give my hair some tender loving care. After all, we know how crazy hairstyling can cause damage to our tresses. And usually for work, the make-up department would tease my hair to give it some volume, and then spray on loads of hairspray to keep it in place. Overusing products isn't good for the hair, and teasing? No question about it, definitely bad. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always wished I had better hair so that make-up artists would have an easier job. I mean, I don't blame them that my hair sucks. They've got to make it look good, and that really is quite a challenge. I would know. I face it EVERY DAY.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-innhELd3I5E/U6q89DvVIqI/AAAAAAAAEw8/1bn11wHhiy8/s640/blogger-image-1509761932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-innhELd3I5E/U6q89DvVIqI/AAAAAAAAEw8/1bn11wHhiy8/s640/blogger-image-1509761932.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
So I got down to Project Better Hair. I've decided to go for hair treatments more regularly, and with this latest collaboration with Vintage Studio, I'm on my way!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qI272TJ66lg/U6q8zzo4X-I/AAAAAAAAEwk/Y8Qzd60HR-Y/s640/blogger-image--192983502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qI272TJ66lg/U6q8zzo4X-I/AAAAAAAAEwk/Y8Qzd60HR-Y/s640/blogger-image--192983502.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
After a little bit of searching, I found their salon on Level 3 of West Gate. It's actually very conveniently located right near the MRT exit, but because I've never been to West Gate before, I voluntarily (yes, I admit it) got a little distracted by the wide variety of shops there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tQ3j5RYp63U/U6q9Fa6ABUI/AAAAAAAAExU/c0Cb8bOoiHU/s640/blogger-image-735148947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tQ3j5RYp63U/U6q9Fa6ABUI/AAAAAAAAExU/c0Cb8bOoiHU/s640/blogger-image-735148947.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, this salon sits amongst a couple of others, but stands out with its baroque-inspired decor. As I step in, I'm ushered to a quiet corner, and am given a nice hot cup of tea. A TV sits right in front of my "residence" for the next hour or so and I am kept entertained with Mr Bean Cartoons. Haha, I wish they had the original Mr Bean series though.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-adD1Jo9NHXo/U6q86YYQLEI/AAAAAAAAEw0/lsrinrdru8U/s640/blogger-image--1380799007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-adD1Jo9NHXo/U6q86YYQLEI/AAAAAAAAEw0/lsrinrdru8U/s640/blogger-image--1380799007.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not long after, one of the stylists approached and commences my Classic Hair Treatment. We make our way to the hair-washing area and he does his magic. I must say, this is the very first time I've had a hair wash in a salon where they massage your head, neck, shoulders, AND back! On a hot, sweaty day, it was just what I needed. In fact, it was ah-mazing!!! He really cleaned me up there and I stepped out, about half an hour later feeling very, very refreshed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcWwOF3iDEg/U6q8_pOINHI/AAAAAAAAExE/oX5UGkySQ9c/s640/blogger-image--1118762995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bcWwOF3iDEg/U6q8_pOINHI/AAAAAAAAExE/oX5UGkySQ9c/s640/blogger-image--1118762995.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-URNvT7l6owE/U6q83YnmNxI/AAAAAAAAEws/NyXj9Uw8vyw/s640/blogger-image--893995136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-URNvT7l6owE/U6q83YnmNxI/AAAAAAAAEws/NyXj9Uw8vyw/s640/blogger-image--893995136.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next, he applied the various treatment products, (with more massage!) and finally, left me with one of those big steaming things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wer_cOVlais/U6q9CVemrsI/AAAAAAAAExM/NUHbveyF5Ng/s640/blogger-image--1496029865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wer_cOVlais/U6q9CVemrsI/AAAAAAAAExM/NUHbveyF5Ng/s640/blogger-image--1496029865.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the range of products that he used. I really like that the shampoo has a minty feeling to it. It makes me feel like my scalp has been really cleaned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After another 20mins or so, I was done! My head of soft, refreshed and happy locks felt like a million bucks. I made a promise to myself to take really good care of my hair from now on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oOYrL8A5paI/U6q8xOP5r1I/AAAAAAAAEwc/uCfMCD-plJA/s640/blogger-image--977019945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oOYrL8A5paI/U6q8xOP5r1I/AAAAAAAAEwc/uCfMCD-plJA/s640/blogger-image--977019945.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ever since, I've been complimented on my hair a couple of times! #FirstTimeEver AND, the makeup artists that I've worked with from then have not insisted on teasing and pulling all my hair back in a ponytail (the default bad hair hairstyle). I also let my hair down a lot more then I ever used to. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm happy, happy, happy, and can't wait 'til my next treatment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks Vintage Studio!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Vintage Studio</b> West Gate can be found here: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>#03-25</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 Gateway Drive<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Singapore 608532<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />(Next to Jurong East MRT station)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-89923277505242843732014-04-21T02:24:00.001-07:002014-04-21T02:25:52.810-07:00The Entertainer App Part Deux<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So anyways, it's been some time I've been using The Entertainer App, and I managed to get myself TWO good deals. (yea yea I know it's not much but I've been very busy with work okay.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I got myself a Buy One Free One Intense Moisturizing Treatment for hair at this place in Turf Club Salon. Being the atas place that it is, I never imagined I'd be able to afford anything there! But because of The Entertainer App, I can! hahaha I can't wait to head back for my second treatment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQheCv-CvzI/U1TeB_Xz0eI/AAAAAAAAEuw/Gq0dlX9wtEA/s640/blogger-image--1682733027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQheCv-CvzI/U1TeB_Xz0eI/AAAAAAAAEuw/Gq0dlX9wtEA/s640/blogger-image--1682733027.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ceFdtGqxOb4/U1TeANjTHXI/AAAAAAAAEuo/eYkM3zSM9Lw/s640/blogger-image-1465496670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ceFdtGqxOb4/U1TeANjTHXI/AAAAAAAAEuo/eYkM3zSM9Lw/s640/blogger-image-1465496670.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2cRZ2BMoldU/U1TeE5K214I/AAAAAAAAEvA/WHafBBYjhWs/s640/blogger-image--1783987810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2cRZ2BMoldU/U1TeE5K214I/AAAAAAAAEvA/WHafBBYjhWs/s640/blogger-image--1783987810.jpg" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Funny though because when I was there, when I presented the stylist the app to key in his passcode, he didn't know quite what to do. His boss wasn't around and he had to call her, but they gave me a reciept anyways, and told me just to come back the next time round, and they'll have it done for me. Hopefully it works out right! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Anyways, I'm in dire need of a holiday and a good friend of mine, who's currently located in Bali has been bugging me to go visit her. Hence, I thought I'd just try my luck and see if there are any offers on The Entertainer App, and hey-ho-whaddya-know, they do! LOADS and LOADS of villas on offer! I felt the butterflies in my tummy start to come alive again!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jRrrYyNdfhw/U1TeIFzT3iI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/pGqH-bwru5s/s640/blogger-image-1527915571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jRrrYyNdfhw/U1TeIFzT3iI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/pGqH-bwru5s/s640/blogger-image-1527915571.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S5cLv8dhp3M/U1TeDbmLU4I/AAAAAAAAEu4/zCZjt4vasXk/s640/blogger-image--906093426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S5cLv8dhp3M/U1TeDbmLU4I/AAAAAAAAEu4/zCZjt4vasXk/s640/blogger-image--906093426.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pgmB75GvUMo/U1Td867ex-I/AAAAAAAAEuY/ChTajMdNh0g/s640/blogger-image--796856914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pgmB75GvUMo/U1Td867ex-I/AAAAAAAAEuY/ChTajMdNh0g/s640/blogger-image--796856914.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M5knZrFhd9c/U1TeGrBO6cI/AAAAAAAAEvI/hEcqXhw7tB8/s640/blogger-image--2053661868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M5knZrFhd9c/U1TeGrBO6cI/AAAAAAAAEvI/hEcqXhw7tB8/s640/blogger-image--2053661868.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SO HAPPY!</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VDMwEvW21Y/U1TeJitc0GI/AAAAAAAAEvY/M4rS9scc0t8/s640/blogger-image--46860266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VDMwEvW21Y/U1TeJitc0GI/AAAAAAAAEvY/M4rS9scc0t8/s1600/blogger-image--46860266.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Plus, it's a REALLY good deal! You get ONE NIGHT FREE, and although you can only use maximum one of the one night free coupon, you can use the 20% OFF coupon on the other additional nights! I'm SO excited!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And for those who don't want to travel too far away, GUESS WHAT?! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ID6UiVJ30nE/U1Td-gQ92PI/AAAAAAAAEug/9MFS4F5wl44/s640/blogger-image-649803923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ID6UiVJ30nE/U1Td-gQ92PI/AAAAAAAAEug/9MFS4F5wl44/s640/blogger-image-649803923.jpg" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Travel Planning, HERE I COME! </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Good things must share! Find out more about The Entertainer App <a href="http://www.theentertainerasia.com/singapore" target="_blank">here</a>! And, if you'd like to get this awesome app for yourself, there's even a discount code! Just type in </span><b>@joannemariesim</b> to get <b>20% off!</b></span></span></span></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-64503546453597079382014-03-27T22:58:00.000-07:002014-03-27T23:04:02.409-07:00Good Deals Galore!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmvjvkGLgv4/UzUNXpF2Q1I/AAAAAAAAEuI/jf71jm2Vjgc/s1600/EVpizz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BmvjvkGLgv4/UzUNXpF2Q1I/AAAAAAAAEuI/jf71jm2Vjgc/s1600/EVpizz.jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I headed down to Extra Virgin Pizza at United Square for this very interesting event. I had no idea what this "The Entertainer" app was about. I only knew that there was free pizza and seriously, who can say No to pizza? I know I can't! So I found myself sitting in the outlet, staring at the menu, wanting to order every single pizza on the menu. </span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p1rji8Mw-4E/UzULO6q_8aI/AAAAAAAAEtc/uuLudZIKZB8/s1600/blogger-image--836214506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p1rji8Mw-4E/UzULO6q_8aI/AAAAAAAAEtc/uuLudZIKZB8/s320/blogger-image--836214506.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As always, the first choice was the Hawaiian. Actually what popped up first was the meatball pizza and I was torn between that and Hawaiian, but the Hawaiian was one of their best sellers so I guess I had to try it!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">And because<b> The Entertainer App</b> allows users to get <b>One Free</b> of whatever they purchased, I bumped myself up and got a seafood pizza as well. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As we waited for the pizza, the nice people from The Entertainer came over to share a little bit more about their app. <i>(Oh yes, I forgot I was actually here to learn more about the app. I got distracted by the pizza.)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NR4tn888MfY/UzULTuGFBrI/AAAAAAAAEts/53UmGrR-OZ8/s640/blogger-image--877248918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NR4tn888MfY/UzULTuGFBrI/AAAAAAAAEts/53UmGrR-OZ8/s640/blogger-image--877248918.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Although I'm not really one of those that uses many apps on my phone, I'm telling you, this <b>The Entertainer App </b>is really awesome, especially if you dine out a lot and you're always with a friend. And also if you are very auntie and want to get the Best Deals out of everything. You get to use the <b>Buy One Get One Free</b> promos on SO MANY different brands and outlets! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZXRPo85eXc/UzULLTOY4oI/AAAAAAAAEtI/1E-7ffvfCIo/s640/blogger-image-1640207226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PZXRPo85eXc/UzULLTOY4oI/AAAAAAAAEtI/1E-7ffvfCIo/s400/blogger-image-1640207226.jpg" width="226" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's not just limited to food promos. You can get classes, spa treatments, and even <i>(Cue Shocker Music) </i><b>TIMEZONE CREDITS</b>!!! This app is a winner. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4fmJxDx0T-4/UzULGAaSgRI/AAAAAAAAEs0/TY_5bxShg4o/s640/blogger-image--1039950852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4fmJxDx0T-4/UzULGAaSgRI/AAAAAAAAEs0/TY_5bxShg4o/s400/blogger-image--1039950852.jpg" width="226" /></a> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Best part of all? There are no small prints and conditions like "you must purchase at least $xxx to qualify for this offer." It's <b>Buy One Get One Free, <u>no questions asked</u>.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7eix7leMs_A/UzULJigiW5I/AAAAAAAAEtE/hXAgdwHAaFs/s640/blogger-image-1573472074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7eix7leMs_A/UzULJigiW5I/AAAAAAAAEtE/hXAgdwHAaFs/s640/blogger-image-1573472074.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Entertainer started in Dubai and was actually a book of coupons that you had to spend money to purchase. Of course, with that small amount you use to purchase the book, you earn back very quickly by simply using those coupons to get the <b>Buy One Free One</b> offers. This basically translates into <b>50% off </b>whatever you can find in there. Sounds like a good deal, if you ask me! The best part is, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">they've now made it more convenient for users by putting it into an app! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xBUdacIZrgo/UzULR82ZTRI/AAAAAAAAEtk/P24aWD2yYaI/s640/blogger-image--512029873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xBUdacIZrgo/UzULR82ZTRI/AAAAAAAAEtk/P24aWD2yYaI/s640/blogger-image--512029873.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Before we could go on any further, my pizza arrived, and the manager certainly put the "Extra" in Extra Virgin by giving me a complimentary Pizza to try!! <i>(I guess I really do have "Pizza Lover" written all over my face...)</i> He said that the Pistachio Pesto is TO DIE FOR and that I must try it for myself. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>And there I go. EVERYTHING ASIDE. It's Pizza Time! </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Check back in a couple of days to see how <b>The Entertainer </b>app has changed my life! Or if you just can't wait, find out more <a href="http://www.theentertainerasia.com/singapore" target="_blank">here</a>! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />*psst* There's even a discount code! Just type in <b>@joannemariesim</b> to get<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>20% off!</b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2u9hCZAaalI/UzULMy5d4YI/AAAAAAAAEtU/OayMwECIBr4/s640/blogger-image--1955484252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2u9hCZAaalI/UzULMy5d4YI/AAAAAAAAEtU/OayMwECIBr4/s640/blogger-image--1955484252.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-px_pwmidcOI/UzULH5qP3tI/AAAAAAAAEs8/FwLhxm35-yM/s640/blogger-image-1036049242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-px_pwmidcOI/UzULH5qP3tI/AAAAAAAAEs8/FwLhxm35-yM/s320/blogger-image-1036049242.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5FnBAJH6Uzw/UzULgBZHZYI/AAAAAAAAEt0/Mww4oFm0jEM/s640/blogger-image-214316013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5FnBAJH6Uzw/UzULgBZHZYI/AAAAAAAAEt0/Mww4oFm0jEM/s320/blogger-image-214316013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-28529695852217293832014-01-14T04:06:00.001-08:002014-01-14T04:06:04.135-08:00wowIt's been a really really long time since I last wrote, but I've been focusing my energy on many other things. <div><br></div><div>Can't wait to start writing again, and I promise it will be soon!!! </div><div><br></div><div>So please do keep checking back! And of course, don't forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! @joannemariesim for all! Xoxoxoxxxx </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAXbx3AMnrw/UtUoKoz_RDI/AAAAAAAAEsk/KjEscwuuuE8/s640/blogger-image-448036833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAXbx3AMnrw/UtUoKoz_RDI/AAAAAAAAEsk/KjEscwuuuE8/s640/blogger-image-448036833.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DHe-3I5lVSQ/UtUoI4F8I6I/AAAAAAAAEsc/bpRJeqxEs_A/s640/blogger-image-20571188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DHe-3I5lVSQ/UtUoI4F8I6I/AAAAAAAAEsc/bpRJeqxEs_A/s640/blogger-image-20571188.jpg"></a></div>Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-80858948040081775512013-10-05T22:27:00.000-07:002013-10-05T22:27:50.925-07:00Think Of Our Boys; an Army Boy Special.<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B5Z1YmdC2nQ/UlBMPW9bpuI/AAAAAAAAEqg/5AUlA3RcXL8/s640/blogger-image-1736206809.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B5Z1YmdC2nQ/UlBMPW9bpuI/AAAAAAAAEqg/5AUlA3RcXL8/s320/blogger-image-1736206809.jpg" width="320" /></a> When was the last time you saw an army boy in the train, or a bus? What did you do? Did you shy away from him because he smelt bad? Or expect him to stand for the entire ride because he's serving the nation, and needs to be 'strong enough' to hang in there? <br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l_sAgz84XZw/UlBMH4uStqI/AAAAAAAAEqI/mGPc3BL9N5s/s640/blogger-image--1671634215.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l_sAgz84XZw/UlBMH4uStqI/AAAAAAAAEqI/mGPc3BL9N5s/s320/blogger-image--1671634215.jpg" width="212" /></a>Have you thought, just for a short moment, that he probably smelt bad because he had spent the entire day training up to be combat-ready just in case some other country decides to pull a trigger on us? And maybe, after a long day out in the field, he probably deserves the seat more than any one of us that has been comfortably sitting in the air-conditioned office 9-5, with coffee and tea breaks in between?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lKcS4jWnXn4/UlDs7wrNMBI/AAAAAAAAEsA/mDHmkicG8V0/s640/blogger-image-1414075025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lKcS4jWnXn4/UlDs7wrNMBI/AAAAAAAAEsA/mDHmkicG8V0/s320/blogger-image-1414075025.jpg" width="238" /></a>To be honest, I've been way guilty of all of these. I've always figured "oh well, it's good training for them anyways. At least we've never sent them to war." But I've come to realize that that's just bigoted thinking.<br />
<br />
Just because we've never sent our soldiers to war doesn't mean that we should and can take our national safety for granted. Our soldiers don't. And every day, they train hard to ensure that we sleep safe.<br />
<br />
One day outdoors in the sweltering heat is enough to kill most of us pampered individuals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4RfOZ11Nap4/UlDs-R3SfnI/AAAAAAAAEsI/zB1QtGUMucI/s640/blogger-image--364546247.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4RfOZ11Nap4/UlDs-R3SfnI/AAAAAAAAEsI/zB1QtGUMucI/s320/blogger-image--364546247.jpg" width="239" /></a>Can you imagine spending a couple of days and nights out in the field at one go, with no bed, no air-con, no bath, but lots of mosquitoes, greenery, sunlight and sweltering heat?<br />
<br />
I'm sure there must be some way to find joy in this, and one would, if it was something that one did out of will and for leisure. But these boys are SERVING the nation, and it's not an easy job.<br />
<br />
So the next time you see an Army Boy, don't be so hard on him. Maybe even a thank you or a smile would be nice. After all, the only reason that our Singaporean Sons are going through all that; is for US.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Below are some snapshots of a Girl's Day Out at the SAFTI Military Institute and MINDEF sites. Thanks for having me! </i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BekR_pbZFfk/UlBMM0ZmWjI/AAAAAAAAEqY/4JCmil6kGAo/s640/blogger-image-1914272491.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BekR_pbZFfk/UlBMM0ZmWjI/AAAAAAAAEqY/4JCmil6kGAo/s640/blogger-image-1914272491.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were taken on a tour to find out more about what the boys go through during training.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAbqebN8yxk/UlBL8o2ESVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/ebFJoW3QkSo/s640/blogger-image-417151980.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nAbqebN8yxk/UlBL8o2ESVI/AAAAAAAAEpo/ebFJoW3QkSo/s640/blogger-image-417151980.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sufyan tells us what their driving force behind all their hard work is, full of pride in his face. They fight to defend our country, our land, and of course, our people. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uchmR6sJoLE/UlBMB-_5EqI/AAAAAAAAEp4/TN2E8NSle5Q/s640/blogger-image--419923913.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uchmR6sJoLE/UlBMB-_5EqI/AAAAAAAAEp4/TN2E8NSle5Q/s640/blogger-image--419923913.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The memorial chambers that remind our officers that national defence should never be taken for granted. To date, not a single soldier has died at war, and we hope it stays that way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFXHW2zmm10/UlBMccIJzTI/AAAAAAAAErI/vhJNgHpZVgo/s640/blogger-image-1146262871.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFXHW2zmm10/UlBMccIJzTI/AAAAAAAAErI/vhJNgHpZVgo/s640/blogger-image-1146262871.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some friends made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SpKkodDQaok/UlBMUlyrDjI/AAAAAAAAEqw/VGnxQSfZwoA/s640/blogger-image--668064837.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SpKkodDQaok/UlBMUlyrDjI/AAAAAAAAEqw/VGnxQSfZwoA/s640/blogger-image--668064837.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl soldiers! So pretty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4RfOZ11Nap4/UlDs-R3SfnI/AAAAAAAAEsI/zB1QtGUMucI/s640/blogger-image--364546247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-l_sAgz84XZw/UlBMH4uStqI/AAAAAAAAEqI/mGPc3BL9N5s/s640/blogger-image--1671634215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KqWb-aGAqQ/UlBMXBpeTRI/AAAAAAAAEq4/ziAhkgpNk2I/s640/blogger-image--1600120967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KqWb-aGAqQ/UlBMXBpeTRI/AAAAAAAAEq4/ziAhkgpNk2I/s640/blogger-image--1600120967.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They prepared loads of goodies for us despite their busy schedules. So thoughtful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6uhvDGjRKYg/UlBL_Uk3RDI/AAAAAAAAEpw/GdCKlKE3Y14/s640/blogger-image-610732113.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6uhvDGjRKYg/UlBL_Uk3RDI/AAAAAAAAEpw/GdCKlKE3Y14/s640/blogger-image-610732113.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is just little old me, saying a BIG THANK YOU to every single person in the military for all that you've done!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztZReDcREyk/UlBMKfT4--I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/dDz1OqUv8U4/s640/blogger-image--933501550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ztZReDcREyk/UlBMKfT4--I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/dDz1OqUv8U4/s640/blogger-image--933501550.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blooper Reel: Clearly, Wei Lyn is not remotely frightened by my 无影抓. NO FEAR!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you'd like to find out more about our officers at work, do visit and like their Facebook Page by clicking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI" target="_blank">here</a>, or here. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI">www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI</a><br />
<br />Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-36425061237041671292013-09-27T03:56:00.001-07:002013-09-27T03:56:09.954-07:00REVAMPING IN PROGRESS.Hi Everyone!<br />
<br />
It's been a long time since I've blogged about anything, but don't worry, I WILL BE BACK.<br />
<br />
I'm currently trying to revamp my site, and hopefully it'll be better!!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, do stay tuned to my facebook page, twitter and instagram.<br />
<br />
FB.com/joannemariesim<br />
Twitter.com/joannemariesim<br />
Instagram.com/joannemariesim<br />
<br />
Love, xoxoxxxJoanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-43908046679873664382013-05-17T07:14:00.001-07:002013-05-17T07:15:56.344-07:00Absolutely Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YwBIs5ndIIk/UY3d8K0Ef8I/AAAAAAAAEk0/V52aE_OfIr4/s640/blogger-image-2047397279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YwBIs5ndIIk/UY3d8K0Ef8I/AAAAAAAAEk0/V52aE_OfIr4/s640/blogger-image-2047397279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FrW9wNT2TpU/UY3d5q5kl3I/AAAAAAAAEks/QN2xYvzlaco/s640/blogger-image--1158694593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FrW9wNT2TpU/UY3d5q5kl3I/AAAAAAAAEks/QN2xYvzlaco/s640/blogger-image--1158694593.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qFtFtZRcUBw/UY3eDBhGuKI/AAAAAAAAElM/BBfSQiDKQ0Y/s640/blogger-image-1471796961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometime last week, I took time off my schedule to get my nails done. It's been awhile since I hit the salon, and figured it was about time to try out this new place, Absolutely Nails, that is conveniently located at Marine Parade Central, near my place!<br />
<br />
It was raining, so when I arrived just in time for my appointment at the salon with my dripping wet raincoat and helmet, I think the staff were slightly stunned. They didn't try very hard to hide it either. Anyways, since they were busy with other customers, I took my time to "undress" and left all my wet stuff at the door, for fear of leaving traces of water all around the place.<br />
<br />
The salon was a cozy place, and I felt glad to have been able to find it easily. Since they weren't quite done with the two ladies that were there before me, I entertained myself by looking around and checking out their promotions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I2dYcYndTa0/UY3d-SFeHHI/AAAAAAAAEk8/yc08y94qvhg/s640/blogger-image--2085965875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-I2dYcYndTa0/UY3d-SFeHHI/AAAAAAAAEk8/yc08y94qvhg/s640/blogger-image--2085965875.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Finally it was my turn, and the manicurist and pedicurist promptly proceeded to work on my fingers and toes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The entire process was fast, and they were patient enough to let me choose my colours. She even painted it a few different colours of my choice on my fingers for me to see if it's ok before continuing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Halfway through my session, more customers started to come in. "<i>Wow</i>," I thought to myself, "<i>business is good!</i>" </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Hurriedly, they both finished up my Classic Manicure and Pedicure, and off they went to attend to the others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
All in all, Absolutely Nails is the perfect place to go for a quick change of colour with its fast, fuss-free services at very reasonable prices! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qFtFtZRcUBw/UY3eDBhGuKI/AAAAAAAAElM/BBfSQiDKQ0Y/s640/blogger-image-1471796961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qFtFtZRcUBw/UY3eDBhGuKI/AAAAAAAAElM/BBfSQiDKQ0Y/s640/blogger-image-1471796961.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.absolutelynailssg.com/" target="_blank"><b>Absolutely Nails </b></a>opening hours are:</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Mon - Fri: 10am to 8.30pm </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Weekends / Public Holidays: 10am to 8pm </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">And they are located at: </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Blk 82, Marine Parade Central, </span><span style="background-color: white;">#01-620, </span><span style="background-color: white;">Singapore 440082 </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Tel: 6345 3303</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-23728865970422887132013-03-02T03:26:00.001-08:002013-03-02T03:26:18.758-08:00Of climbing spider webs and catching frogs...I've been so busy with work everyday that I've almost forgotten my purpose in life. Hahah sounds serious, doesn't it? <br />
<br />
But it's true. I was talking to my co-host today about travelling. We spoke about how some would rather buy a pair of $600 shoes than spend that money on travel instead. It's not wrong or anything. It's just personal preference. Some find happiness in tangible objects, some find it in the intangible. Me?<br />
<br />
Well, it depends. But if I had to choose, I'd take travel any day.<br />
<br />
My co-host agreed. He said that memories would never rot. And he could take photos to remember it by. But strangely, I disagreed. I love taking photos, yes, but if we were to spend my entire holiday with my face stuck to my viewfinder, what would I see? I would see the mountains, the seas, the fields and so much more. <br />
<br />
But I would only see. I'd see the picture perfect scenery, but I'd miss out on the smell of grass in spring, the warmth of the autumn sunshine as it tries to fend off the oncoming cold winter winds, the joyfulness of everything in summer and the refreshing taste of snow in winter, as it slips into my mouth as I speak while walking at a very fast pace. <br />
<br />
Sometimes, holidays isn't about taking home beautiful pictures to put on your wall. It's about living in the moment. The eagerness of waking up everyday to discover more about a place completely unfamiliar to you. The comfort of knowing that there is so so much beauty in this world for us to uncover and the only way to truly remember it by, is to take a photo, with your heart. <br />
<br />
And by doing that, we may even find the courage to go back to where our routines live out, and try to find some semblance to the treasures we've found while in foreign lands. Maybe then, just maybe, we'd learn to appreciate what we have even more. <br />
Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3200436599414599398.post-89988253822904022272013-02-25T19:37:00.001-08:002013-02-25T19:39:24.848-08:00Jadedness (A post, from the heart.)<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Hello.<br />
<br />
Yes, this post is about jadedness. The roller-coaster of my life is at one of those low ends before it skyrockets me into outerspace. Good things and bad things. </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
The good is that hopefully, it will really skyrocket me into outer space, and the bad? Well, seems like the roller-coaster is running low on energy and if someone pulls the plug, there goes my ride.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
I've been at what I do for too long now, and as much as I love my work, sometimes, my "inner demons" eat me up alive. How so? Well, it's never easy when you hardly have control over what you do. You can't CHOOSE which movie you want to act in, which ad campaign you want to appear in, which brands wants to endorse you and so on and so forth. Generally, you just take whatever work you get and make the best out of it. (Ok, some people do get to make choices, because they're either filthy rich and don't have to do this for a living or they're already famous and they've got hoards of investors at their feet.) </div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Ok, so maybe I don't have the right to complain and say that I have to make ends meet because I seem to be making a decent living out of my work, but the point is that it never was the money that drove me. Cheesy as it may sound, it was "passion". Now? Now I feel like that flame is slowly but surely diminishing. No more oil already. Fire cannot burn.</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
And now, when I look back, I feel like I had what I had, and I did the best I could, and just like how the job chooses the person, the job is now un-choosing me. There isn't much I can do about it, really. And I guess this is the point where I flip tables and say "stuff it."</div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
Air-tickets to my next destination please?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkai3RstLSM/USwty5WxIkI/AAAAAAAAEjU/BjUNznXj7OU/s1600/airticket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkai3RstLSM/USwty5WxIkI/AAAAAAAAEjU/BjUNznXj7OU/s640/airticket.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Joanne-Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07807839516961462750noreply@blogger.com0