Thursday, July 29, 2010
Announcing Terrific Tuesdays GIVEAWAYS... coming soon!
By now, many know my love for Tuesdays.
"What?! It's practically almost the start of the week... it's still days to go before the weekend arrives! What so terrific about Tuesdays?!"... i hear you asking ;)
Well, simply because my dance classes fall on a Tuesday and THAT makes my day!
So, while many rejoices over Fridays, i thought it'll be great to assign Tuesdays (a mid weekday) as my official day for Babylicious' Giveaways, in hope that it'll make YOUR day!
I've been on the lookout for simple but wonderful items to give to all you lovelies out there, be it for your precious kiddo or even something for you!
I select items that i've used and love and other times, things that are in my wishlist that i think would tickle your fancy too!
So drop by often or if you're a FAN on Babylicious' facebook, you'll enjoy first hand notification on giveaways!
Stay tuned for Babylicious' TERRIFIC TUESDAYS Giveaways!
Friend or Foe??
Most of my buddies know my paranoia for birds. From chickens, pigeons, crows to peacocks, ostriches and all in between. Aarghh! i'm having goosebumps just typing these out!
I have yet to pinpoint how exactly i developed this insensible fear.
I used to rare colored chicks in my backyard. You know those cute little fluffy hairballs that unfortunately turns into ugly brown feathered chickens once they've grown!
But i find it really strange that i have no problems whatsoever having them on my plate or stomach for that matter. And what's fascinating is i just realized the other day that i'm almost always drawn to whimsical birdie designs. It could be a blog template, a motif on a bag or even a wallpaper.
But.... show me the real thing, and i'll flip!
I'll choose snakes, iguanas and even a LION over these feathered creatures!
I don't know when & how i intend to tackle this fear.
My only motivation to do so is so that this fear doesn't rub on to my little one or worse, having him know my weakness and scare the hell out of me with it!
I have yet to pinpoint how exactly i developed this insensible fear.
I used to rare colored chicks in my backyard. You know those cute little fluffy hairballs that unfortunately turns into ugly brown feathered chickens once they've grown!
But i find it really strange that i have no problems whatsoever having them on my plate or stomach for that matter. And what's fascinating is i just realized the other day that i'm almost always drawn to whimsical birdie designs. It could be a blog template, a motif on a bag or even a wallpaper.
such as these.. i got this free template by quirky-bird.com for my previous blog
or cute polka dot birdie pouch by countrykitty
and love this wall decal by HomeIdeasShop.com
But.... show me the real thing, and i'll flip!
I'll choose snakes, iguanas and even a LION over these feathered creatures!
I don't know when & how i intend to tackle this fear.
My only motivation to do so is so that this fear doesn't rub on to my little one or worse, having him know my weakness and scare the hell out of me with it!
Life between trucks, bicycles, balls & commando
Question: Most of my after work hours are spent between doing chores and mostly filled up with trucks, bicycles, balls, and commando, building blocks, bedtime stories...
How do you find time to indulge in your love for crafts or some handmade stuff when you have an active toddler who delights in hovering over you every single moment you find yourself doing something?
Answer: Get him/her to be PART of it!
I found myself asking this question time and time again.
It seemed that when you have a bouncy energizer tod who relishes his time with you, there's not much personal stuff you can do while he's within your midst.
So one fine afternoon while i was doing the dishes, it dawned upon me i could actually find craft ideas or activities that i could include him in. It's bound to be messy but the pros (as i found out) would definitely outweigh the cons.
1. He'll have FUN while i get to do something i enjoy too!
2. He'll LEARN and probably develop a love for arts or pick up some handy skill (at this moment, realistically, i think he's developing a love for MESS!)
3. We'll get to ENJOY each other's company and it'll be a wonderful mom & son BONDING session.
So what activities do i have up on my sleeves?
First up is...
BAKING - bought this adorable yellow duckie cookie cutter.
I think cookie mixes are brilliant... particularly the biscuit mix i get from Guten Braun @ Seapark.
So simple & saves you $$! Just mix in the butter and chocolate chips, cut it with your cookie cutter and just put them in the oven and you're on your way to enjoying delicious choc chip cookies!
One bag of this can churn out approx 6 jars of cookies so with the extras, i like to package them into plain paper bags, top it up with a pretty bow or write down the kids' name to make it more personal and given as treats to the kids at church or from the neighborhood.
And Luke loves the idea of giving these out!
For some reason, he has no problem sharing and giving out something he's gotten his hands into as opposed to something he hadn't.. such as the lollipop he bought off the grocery store!
Hope to share more activities with you in the coming weeks.
Got to space them out so mommy has some time to breathe in between!
Hope you'll have a blast with your lil' one too!
How do you find time to indulge in your love for crafts or some handmade stuff when you have an active toddler who delights in hovering over you every single moment you find yourself doing something?
Answer: Get him/her to be PART of it!
I found myself asking this question time and time again.
It seemed that when you have a bouncy energizer tod who relishes his time with you, there's not much personal stuff you can do while he's within your midst.
So one fine afternoon while i was doing the dishes, it dawned upon me i could actually find craft ideas or activities that i could include him in. It's bound to be messy but the pros (as i found out) would definitely outweigh the cons.
1. He'll have FUN while i get to do something i enjoy too!
2. He'll LEARN and probably develop a love for arts or pick up some handy skill (at this moment, realistically, i think he's developing a love for MESS!)
3. We'll get to ENJOY each other's company and it'll be a wonderful mom & son BONDING session.
So what activities do i have up on my sleeves?
First up is...
BAKING - bought this adorable yellow duckie cookie cutter.
I think cookie mixes are brilliant... particularly the biscuit mix i get from Guten Braun @ Seapark.
So simple & saves you $$! Just mix in the butter and chocolate chips, cut it with your cookie cutter and just put them in the oven and you're on your way to enjoying delicious choc chip cookies!
One bag of this can churn out approx 6 jars of cookies so with the extras, i like to package them into plain paper bags, top it up with a pretty bow or write down the kids' name to make it more personal and given as treats to the kids at church or from the neighborhood.
And Luke loves the idea of giving these out!
For some reason, he has no problem sharing and giving out something he's gotten his hands into as opposed to something he hadn't.. such as the lollipop he bought off the grocery store!
Hope to share more activities with you in the coming weeks.
Got to space them out so mommy has some time to breathe in between!
Hope you'll have a blast with your lil' one too!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
DIY Iron On
I've been searching hi & low for a shop that carries cute iron on prints so that i can customize a tshirt for luke.
I once saw a set of nice ones at a craft store @ Bangsar which was already ironed on.
So when i happened to chance upon this little booth at the Mom & Baby expo at Mid Valley a few months back, i went goo goo ga ga. Looked like i wasn't the only mom around searching for such items.
The booth was a hit and they offered services to iron them on the spot to save you the hassle.
But knowing my love for DIY stuff, i picked out the designs i liked and made my way back home, couldn't wait to start on the little project.
The booth stocks plain kids' t-shirts in assorted colors too.
Just pick your design and match them with whatever color t-shirt you find suitable.
Luke has a love for animals so i picked out this cheeky lion print and iron it on his plain chilli red t-shirt.
He watched me iron it on (only 4 simple steps required) and when it was all dried & done, he was one proud kid!
I once saw a set of nice ones at a craft store @ Bangsar which was already ironed on.
So when i happened to chance upon this little booth at the Mom & Baby expo at Mid Valley a few months back, i went goo goo ga ga. Looked like i wasn't the only mom around searching for such items.
The booth was a hit and they offered services to iron them on the spot to save you the hassle.
But knowing my love for DIY stuff, i picked out the designs i liked and made my way back home, couldn't wait to start on the little project.
The booth stocks plain kids' t-shirts in assorted colors too.
Just pick your design and match them with whatever color t-shirt you find suitable.
Luke has a love for animals so i picked out this cheeky lion print and iron it on his plain chilli red t-shirt.
He watched me iron it on (only 4 simple steps required) and when it was all dried & done, he was one proud kid!
Friday, July 23, 2010
DIY Beaded Flowers
If you can follow a simple cross stitch pattern, you'll sure be able to do this.
When i came across this article on beaded flowers in one of the Martha Stewart magazine i bought months before my wedding 6 years ago, i was impressed and shared the article with my hubby.
The advantages came in so many forms while we took on this project... we got to spend quality time with each other, it was therapeutic as it got our minds off the impending wedding and the to-do list, we didn't need to worry about wilting flowers and we got something going that is proudly handmade for the wedding :)
You could improvise and make a pair of earrings for yourself, a hair clip for your little princess or simply dress up a plain slipper with a pair of beaded blooms and give it as a novelty gift. The possibilities are endless.
Have fun!
When i came across this article on beaded flowers in one of the Martha Stewart magazine i bought months before my wedding 6 years ago, i was impressed and shared the article with my hubby.
We took up the challenge to try it out and after weeks of beading in front of the tele most evenings after work, we made ourselves 30 corsages for our helpers & family members, 1 for the groomsmen, 1 for my bridesmaid and i had myself a beautiful beaded rose bouquet painstakingly made entirely by my other half.
my rose bouquet
my bridesmaid bouquet
the corsages
The advantages came in so many forms while we took on this project... we got to spend quality time with each other, it was therapeutic as it got our minds off the impending wedding and the to-do list, we didn't need to worry about wilting flowers and we got something going that is proudly handmade for the wedding :)
You could improvise and make a pair of earrings for yourself, a hair clip for your little princess or simply dress up a plain slipper with a pair of beaded blooms and give it as a novelty gift. The possibilities are endless.
image extracted from marthastewart.com
Have fun!
WHITE Fever!
No... it's not one of those new strain of epidemic that has found its way to our modern world... i'm referring to a medical condition characterized by an elevation of temperature above the normal range when one comes into contact with the color WHITE.
I am now officially diagnosed as having white fever.
Well, it seems that one in 10 has it... and you may very well be one of them.
Very simple, here's how you know if it's in your blood system.
Feast your eyes on the photos below which has tinge of whites here & and if your heart begins to beat rapidly and you feel you're transported to wonderland, chances are, you have it!
Is your temperature rising?
I am now officially diagnosed as having white fever.
Well, it seems that one in 10 has it... and you may very well be one of them.
Very simple, here's how you know if it's in your blood system.
Feast your eyes on the photos below which has tinge of whites here & and if your heart begins to beat rapidly and you feel you're transported to wonderland, chances are, you have it!
images above extracted via Dreamy Whites
Is your temperature rising?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Babylicious' 1st GIVEAWAY with Covershots
BABYLICIOUS
is delighted to sponsor
The lucky winner wins
a set of lovely baby hooded towel+ a soft cotton blankie +
a pair of adorable socks + a cutesy bib
to keep the little one warm & cosy.
CLICK HERE for details on HOW TO ENTER!
a set of lovely baby hooded towel+ a soft cotton blankie +
a pair of adorable socks + a cutesy bib
to keep the little one warm & cosy.
CLICK HERE for details on HOW TO ENTER!
Choose one of two simple steps to enter
and stand a chance to win this wonderful gift
for your little one, your nephew or niece or your best friend's babe!
Any entries received after 30th July will not be included.
Winner will be announced on 3rd August 2010. All the best!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
When i was just a little girl, i asked my mother what will i be?...
Back in school, every year, students were asked to fill in a form which asks you to list down 3 occupation which you would like to be when you grow up.
My list changes from year to year.
From children storybook author to an architect (i actually had 2 books; one for me to compile stories from my imagination, and another; sketches of my house drawings), a piano teacher (didn't work out unfortunately as i lacked the important virtue of a devoted teacher = patience), a flight attendant (mainly driven by the opportunity to travel the world) and one that have stuck with me since... to have a store of my own...
somewhat like this for the exterior...
and this for the interior...
images extracted from summertime market
I'm thankful to my parents for giving us the freedom to choose what we wanted to do when we grew up. They've always been supportive and nurturing.
I won't say i'm far from doing what i've dreamed of doing. In fact i love what i'm doing now.
Of course, i have my fair share of work stress but I'm blessed with a wonderful boss & a great team so it makes up for it... and i get to delve into my creative side amongst my other job description and oh yes, there's the fabulous view of the lakeside right at the doorstep of my current office.
It still feels like not too long ago since i first stepped into our former office in the form of an old english colonial bungalow. I told myself i NEEDED to get myself a job here!
image extracted from covershots
I wrote in to asked if there were any vacancies and was so excited when they first offered me to work part time during college break. And a few months later, i was offered a full time job and i was ecstatic.
Time flies... and i am into my 8th year now...
So, do i still dream of someday opening my own little store? The answer is still yes... a quaint little shop by the countryside perhaps... selling wares that i love... friends & customers occasionally dropping in for tea... (ha! i foresee it's not gonna make me money!) but yeah, that's the idea of my dream job!
What's yours?
ps: i came across this dainty store and i have to say it's a little of how i envisioned my dream store to be ;)
pictures extracted from LARK
Friday, July 16, 2010
DIY Diaper Cake
The novelty idea of giving diaper cakes as newborn gifts has been around for some time. Attempted one years ago but it didn't really turn out perhaps i lacked the motivation since i didn't had any close friends who were expecting then ;)
Recently Vivienne blogged about it her post and included a youtube video with simple step by step instructions, it got me all excited about diaper cakes again! Thanks Viv!
This time round, it's the baby boom season and it was just the right time to give it a go again.
So with these items on hand and a good hour later, the diaper cake took form.
1. 43 pcs of S-sized diaper
2. Baby Gap white socks + a handmade froggie tag
3. Carter's yellow duckie bib
4. Carter's lion hooded towel
5. Training shorts
6. Buds sample packs
7. Strips of ribbons
8. Several beetle wooden pegs
9. Handful of rubberbands
10. Wooden toy (cake topper)
11. Wooden spatula (optional: but i used it to keep the 3 tiers in place. moms can use it for cooking or transform it to mr paddle ;)
It was a good attempt... could have done better but had to make do with what i had on hand. With a few more practices, should be able to see a better outcome ;)
The only tricky part is i haven't figured a nice way of transporting/presenting it to the recipient.
All i had was this brown courier box which sort of spoiled the final presentation but had to make do with it!
Dressing Up my Workspace
Being stationed at home in front of my computer for practically the whole day, and since my work requires a large extent of writing (and i can't write if my heart's not there), i need a great doze of inspirations.
And to do just that, i need to surround my work space with beautiful things.
And the wonderful thing about this is i don't need to spend a bomb! Just a little time & effort.
Just look through your stash... it could be anything... from items you've kept aside in a box eg sweet handmade cards sent by friends, a collection of pretty ribbons, a small huggable soft toy that reminds you of your childhood, a patterned fabric that you can simply throw over you dull worktable. You'll be amazed how it'll instantly and inexpensively brighten up your space.
When we moved into our present home 3 years ago, i wanted to keep things practical, minimal & no fuss as we needed to keep the place child-proof and clean. I kept all the knick knacks away but over time, things became really boring.
Since luke is now more receptive in taking some (not all) instructions, some of my knick knacks eg candles has found its way to my shelves, work space and different corners of our home just to add a little more color to keep me going!
Do you know little simple details like tying a nice bow around your reserved toilet roll can make all the difference in your washroom!
Here, Bonnie from www.goinghometoroost.com shares some really useful tips to keep your creative space inspirational.
And this does not limit to just your computer workspace, it could be your kitchen, laundry or ironing room... or any other space you spent most time working in!
Even if you're not working from home and you're feeling the monday work blues, you know you have one of those nice mugs given by a friend... it's so nice that you've left it seating in your kitchen cabinet all this while?? Now is the time to take it out, give it a good wash, and make yourself a nice hot chocolate. Put that cup on your work table in front of you, switch on some music on your comp and hopefully you're off to a better work day ;)
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Meet Constance the Vintage Caravan
photography by Hilary Walker
You know how i wrote here about wanting to find a campsite and rough out with the boys, setting up tent by the waterfalls, cooking by an open fire or more realistically with our mass can and bunsen burner? Well, no.. i've yet to find a suitable spot but hmmm... the alternative would be to rent a caravan but then again, where do you find the perfect spot to park one! For that matter, is it illegal to drive one here?!
Sigh.. back to square one.. will continue searching...
Meanwhile, i'll leave you here with Constance the Vintage Caravan.
Retro fever! Could jolly well have a 60s party in there!
Ahh... wishing & dreamin...
Between Work & Home...
pictures via tomkatstudio
I know many mothers struggle to find a good balance between work & home... wanting to spend more time with their kids but at the same time still be able to do something from home that would generate some income and keep their skills or creativity alive.
With the endless possibilities of the internet and vast social media available now, moms can turn their passion into the career of their dreams and at the same time, be there for your kids!
I've been a fan of Martha Stewart since a decade back and was very excited when they first launched Dreamers into Doers, a community that celebrates talented and creative women who turn their dreams into careers they love. Today, i found them featuring Kim Stoegbauer from the famed TomKat studio (i look to her blog for party inspirations) and thought i'll share this with you to get you excited and let you know IT IS possible to have the best of both worlds.
Kim now runs a successful blog and an etsy shop selling pretty DIY party printables files.
To read her featured interview, click here and be inspired!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
What would life be without 'em?
the shot of the 3 of us & our kids taken @ dad's bday 2009.
the kids didn't seem happy as they were happily singing their lungs out before we got them to pose for the pic above!
here below... a much happier pic of the both of them =)
the kids didn't seem happy as they were happily singing their lungs out before we got them to pose for the pic above!
here below... a much happier pic of the both of them =)
I seriously don't know how in the world we survived with our hair intact!
I love arts while she exceled in science. I'm the organized one, while she seemed to find delight in mess. She's the active outdoorsy type, and i'm the homebody, preferring burying myself with a nice book & a cuppa. I'm the dreamy one while she's the practical one, having her feet planted firmly on the ground. She was the thin one while i was the not-so-thin one.. and because she had a knack for buying nice clothes, i'll sometimes flick one or 2 from her and she'll go "Aargh!!! You've expanded my top!!"
Ahah! Now i recall that was one among the many reasons we fought!
While we're as different as night & day, i couldn't have asked for a better sis!
I find it amusing how, despite the many violent scenes that we have engaged in over the span of our growing up years, we have grown to share a deep friendship and affection for each other. And now with our kids in tow and staying at the other end of the highway (she says i live in a place that's known to be the other end of the world), we appreciate each other's company and friendship all the more.
Then came my "lil" brother who is 10 years younger! With the age gap, we weren't even thinking of prospective fight scenes. We actually adored him when he was a cute chubby baby and yes pamper him to some extent!
In the midst of preparing to move from my parent's place to my hubby's place, my bedroom was in total choas. So i moved into my brother's bedroom for a few weeks, and i remember with fondness the many late night conversations we had while looking out of the bedroom balcony. His only complaint, "Cheh... u still there??" as i was always the first to fall asleep while chatting =p
We talked about everything under the sun moon... from our fears to our hopes and aspirations and all else in between...
How our friendship sibligship (if there's such a word) developed through the years is beyond me.
I have our parents to thank for always reminding us that no matter what happens, we're always a family.
We didn't grow up in the most perfect family setting but in our imperfections, we found solace in each other.
We can just be ourselves, not afraid how the other would judge or see us...and when our family faces a potential threat/problem, we have each other as a source of support, pillar which we can lean on. There's always someone whom you know who would genuinely share in your joys & sorrows, failures & successes.
My hope is for Luke to be able to grow up with that same type of experiences (minus the fights, but i suppose that'll be inevitable some point or other)... and for that to happen, i better gambatei =p
Monday, July 12, 2010
LOVE is a many splendored thing
Once a while, i love a good cry... I'm a sucker (excuse me for the pun, but i really am!) for romantic movies, from classics to teenage flicks eg Twilight to modern love stories, Notting Hill, My Best Friend's Wedding etc. Enjoyed the latest movie which i watched on dvd entitled My Name is Khan (must watch by the way!).. one wouldn't term it as a love story but i love how true love wins the day yet again!
For many of us who have tied the knot, we reminisce with fondness our first kiss, the day when the boy you fancied held your hands for the first time, the butterflies in your stomach that just wouldn't stop fluttering while you wait in anticipation for that long awaited phone call even though it's just been 5 mins since you last talked!
If we could just stop time and just hold onto those moments..
I recalled a book entitled Romantic Love i read years ago by best-selling author Dr James Dobson.
Romantic Love is a powerful emotion that can sweep you off your feet but what follows after the whirlwind of chocolates, dates & butterflies?
To me, nothing sums up true love better than Dr Dobson's letter which he wrote to his wife on their 8th wedding anniversary.
I hope you'll be blessed reading this as much as i've been.
To My Darlin Wife, Shirley
I'm sure you remember the many, many occasions during our eight years of marriage when the tide of love and affection soared high above the crest - times when our feeling for each other was almost limitless. This kind of intense emotion can't be brought about voluntarily, but it often accompanies a time of particular happiness. We felt it when i was offered my first professional position. We felt it when the world's most previous child came home from the maternity ward. We felt it when i was awarded a doctoral degree. But emotions are strange. We felt the same closeness when a medical problem threatened to postpone our marriage plans. We felt it when you were hospitalized last year. I felt it intensely when i knelt over your unconscious form after a grinding automobile accident.
I'm trying to say this: both happiness and threat bring that overwhelming appreciation and affection for a person's beloved sweetheart. But the fact is, most of life is made up of neither disaster nor unusual hilarity. Rather, it is composed of the routine, calm, everyday events in which we participate. And during these times, i enjoy the quiet, serene love that actually surpasses the effervescent display, in many ways. It is not as exuberant, perhaps, but it runs deep & solid. Today i feel the steady and quiet affection that comes from a devoted heart. I am committed to you and your happiness, now more than i've ever been. I want to remain your "sweetheart."
When event throw us together emotionally, we will enjoy the thrill and romantic excitement. But during life's routine, like today, my love stands undiminished. Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife.
Jim
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Putting on my dancing shoes... FINALLY!
In primary school, a group of us came together and formed an all-girl dance group and we learned through dance moves from MTV (which was all the rage back then in the 80s) by popular boy bands eg NKOTB... (well if you grew up in the same era as i did, you'll know what this acronym stands for ;)
It's strange how i never thought of taking dance lessons back then.
I never gave it much thought but i remember every time i listened to music, it sort of makes you wanna break out in a dance even though you don't necessarily know how to!
I was never exposed to the club scene... except for that one time when a few of us went to party for christmas eve but good thing, blinking lazer lights and loud music ain't really my thing.
When i was in my early 20s, a good friend introduced me to Jazzercise and we happily went for classes together.
Then there was a time back at church when we formed a group to do a dance presentation to the song, Shackles. My sis and another friend did the choreography and we had so much fun practicing the steps at a friend's father's gym/studio. And the whole group of us, i don't think anyone of us had any form of dance lessons between us. They just whipped up the steps and we danced!
In the gym, i wasn't interested in the weights or the running, i simply love the dance classes.
I've not done any form of dance exercise for some time now but i've harbored the dream of taking proper dance classes since then.
So enough of dreaming and procrastinating. I'm not getting any younger and since i have a little wee bit more of free time compared to luke's early first 2 years and before babe no.2 comes along, i'm gonna put all the trepidation aside and am more determined than ever to just do it!
So here am i just waiting for tuesday to come bcos that'll be THE day for my first official dance class! Yay! Time to burn off those extra calories and have myself some FUN!
*Fingers crossed i don't come back with broken bones ;)*
picture extracted from Gina Maxine Photography
Friday, July 9, 2010
Head over heels...
I accidentally bumped into this incredible blog by Amy Moss and am now head over heels with it!
There's so much to LOVE about this blog... and i really don't know where to start!
So i'll let these pictures do the talking =)
..and the best part of this is she offers free darling stationery printables for parties & entertaining. How awesome can this get!
...and then there's her surprise wedding that she personally styled that you just have to check out... makes you wanna get married all over again ;)
see... told you i didn't know where to start!
life is beautiful!
all pictures extracted from www.eatdrinkchic.com
There's so much to LOVE about this blog... and i really don't know where to start!
So i'll let these pictures do the talking =)
..and the best part of this is she offers free darling stationery printables for parties & entertaining. How awesome can this get!
...and then there's her surprise wedding that she personally styled that you just have to check out... makes you wanna get married all over again ;)
see... told you i didn't know where to start!
life is beautiful!
all pictures extracted from www.eatdrinkchic.com
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Piano
I'm been yearning to get a piano for our home.
After almost 27 years living with one, when we moved to our current place 3 years ago, i felt handicap when neither my piano nor my hubby's one came with us ;(
I recall good time at my parent's home where my sis and i would sing our hearts out after dinner while i played the piano and her on her guitar (don't want to imagine what our neighbors were thinking!)
And then there was a period when a group of our friends would drop by over to our home after school and we'll jam the afternoon away.
Cannot imagine life without music, in particular, the piano.
But you'll never imagine how it all started... i clearly remember how i hated piano classes. And i mean really hated it. My carnal self schemed wicked ideas just to skip piano classes and when that's not possible, i prayed like crazy for power failure on evenings when my piano lessons were scheduled.
No electricity = no lights = no piano classes. Yeah!!
And believe it or not, it came true once! And after that, i prayed the same prayer faithfully every week but to my utter disappointment, it never did happen again.
Further back, i think when i was bout 7 maybe, there was that one time i recalled mom chasing me around with the rotan when i didn't show up for class.
She was out for something important so she got my aunt to get me to walk over to my teacher's house which was right opposite my home.. i think i told my aunt class was cancelled and when my mom found out about THE lie, she was super furious, i got a real whacking. *Ouch*
Fast forward, i couldn't be more thankful to both my parents now for giving us the opportunity to study music.
I think it was through much sweat and tears they put us through classes and it'll be one of those things we'll treasure for life.
The piano will always be one of my most treasured earthly possessions.
After all, that's how i first fell in "love" with my now other half.
I was like 12 then and he sounded good on the piano! LOL!
Very soon, luke would be choosing his favorite instrument.
We're hoping he'll enjoy classes from the very beginning and doesn't end up scheming up ideas like his mom used to!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
It's a Beautiful Day!
I woke up to a glorious Saturday morning, greeted by swaying trees, cool breeze, fluffy cotton clouds, blue skies. Awesome!
It strange... on days like this, my "dream mode" kicks into full gear... inspiration juices flow and i find myself wanting to do something creative. i just "baked" my first official diaper cake as a gift to the new baby on the block! still needs a bit of tweaking here & there... hopefully get to share some photos with you soon :)
Anyways back to the beautiful weather... am enjoying the whole breeze thingy while listening to wonderful music... i now so want to make my way up to sg palas boh tea plantation @ cameron highlands for a cup of hot piping tea, just to enjoy the cool air & scenic view.
Want to leave you with this cute little print i found from pen & paper flowers' post available at vol25's etsy shoppe
... and this beautiful song by Jesus Culture aptly entitled Happy Day!
Oh Happy Day.. You washed my sin away.. forever i am changed.. by Your love, by Your grace...
Happy, Happy Saturday!
A Gem...
I think the internet is a fantastic medium to learn, discover and to see the world.
I particularly love the world of blogging and once in a while i chance upon really good blogs and i get really excited!
I recently had the privilege of visiting marlene's blog. I first saw her work of a silhouette frame for a friend and i thought, "wow, the person who made this must be really talented" and yes, this gal is really one talented lass... hmmm "talented" is an understatement.. let's see what's a better word? i looked into the thesaurus and quickly found the words "artistic, brilliant, gifted..." yes! that's better... gifted is THE word!
Her writings in her blog are inspiring and at times humorous... her passion for people, life and God is contagious.
Some of her post are written in chinese.. as much as i would like to figure out the contents, i just have to make do with the pictures she captures and try figuring out and do my own story-telling. LOL!
I personally adore handmade stuff and Marlene's handiwork is incredible. She makes beautiful cards and pressies for her dear friends and you can see from her work that she gives a lot of thought to it.
Those who know her personally must be really fortunate :)
I can imagine the many lives she has touched, the smiles that she brings to people around her... it kinda makes me ponder, "Am i using my God-given abilities well enough? How can i channel my passion into something really worthwhile?"
The world will surely be a happier place if everyone of us has a little touch of marlene in us.
You can visit her blog at www.marlenelo.blogspot.com or purchase her work at www.marlenelo.com.
May we bring a smile to at least one person each day =)
Happy weekend!
picture extracted from www.marlenelo.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 1, 2010
6 skills i like to pick up before i die :P
I don't have a a thousand, just 6 that i would like to work on for now ;)
Here it is... in no particular order:
1. Cooking/baking - i love having guest come over for dinner but would love for once to be able to cook a full spread decent meal rather than catering or worse, tapau-ing!
2. Sewing - 1st project to tackle would be the apron. First things first, need to get the sewing machine up & going!
3. Dancing - looking for a reasonable good dance school around the area... really can't find one. Help!
4. Picking up a 2nd musical instrument - seeing learning the harp is virtually quite impossible, the flute would be my next bet.
5. Speaking/reading Chinese - main motivation: to sing Chinese songs... hmmm maybe this would not be so far fetched after all... seeing that we're probably gonna put luke through a chinese medium school, i probably have to learn the spoken & written language with him ;) then again, there's huan yu ping ying but it's nothing like doing it the right way.
6. Photography - my work revolves me working alongside talented photographers for the past 8 years and still no idea how to capture a nice still shot. sigh...
I know... there's like 101 things to juggle as a mom, wife, daughter, employee, friend, teacher, musician but hey a girl can dream right? It'll probably take me years but dreams start with a vision. I'm looking to striking them off one by one.. I did say... before i die mah... never say i have to do it all one shot =p
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