Jun 30
A Spanking New Theme
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Et Cetera | icon4 06 30th, 2009| icon323 Comments »

After many moons of not updating my blog theme, I’ve finally decided to change to a new one, after sitting there for hours looking for the perfect theme…something simple, with a big header. I’m a suck3r for huge wide header LOL…

I was tempted to change to 1 column blog, since I’ve been posting alot of photos recently, I thought that it’d be nicer, but nevertheless, I decided not to, as the whole blog looks weird!! I also had a hard time to find themes that could fit the width of the photos nicely, hence I was pretty limited to only a few in the end.

So here you are, and I redesign the blog header with 4 cool photos resembling each one of us in the family hehe…

I know, all of you will start laughing, especially at Mr. Hon’s Pic. I hope he don’t kill me when he reads my blog the next time.

I still have some plugins and what nots to fix on the new template, so once a while you might still notice that old template flashing out while I’m working at it.

Loving the fresh orange colour. This shall last for some time, at least the colour. Photos might change occasionally :).

Jun 23

More rewind story hehe…

So the 1st weekend of the school holiday, so happen Daddy is also back. We made bookings at the apartment at Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson. Making use of the timeshare points which has been paid for.

This is the 2nd time we are heading to PD. We went to PD last year, but stayed elsewhere. This time round, it’s purely the 4 of us plus the maid (we brought the maid cause there’s alot of work to do, like fanning the charcoal, etc :P). If not for all those work, I think I would have dump her at home.

We arrived close to 12pm as we took off late and there were massive jam at the highway thanks to some accident at the opposite lane (typical Malaysia). We went straight to check in to the apartment. The outside looks pretty rundown, but inside was still OK.

Then we went to the private beach behind the apartment and had a look. Recce for the place where we gonna setup the barbeque pit. Yes, we brought along our BBQ pit all the way from KL LOL. We even brought ice box, marinated meat & fish, cold drinks, etc. Daddy prepare all these since he was so free. I’m only in-charged of driving :).

Daddy decided that we should visit the lighthouse. So off we went hunting for the lighthouse only to find that it’s closed. DUH!! The hike up the lighthouse is pretty killing. I’m glad that the kids made it after some ranting along the way.

We then stop by a restaurant for late lunch comprising of yummy seafood. We ordered like 6 dishes, only cost us RM96 or less. Simply worth it!!

Around 5pm, we drove to the beach behind the apartment. Daddy & the maid were busy setting up the BBQ pit and starting the fire. Faythe already all geared up with her beach toys and started playing sand. Vyktore was a bit skeptical (as usual, he takes some time to warm up), but after a while, he got used to it.

By 730pm, the whole place was dark & deserted. Only our car was there and we were still trying to finish BBQ-ing the meat and bring back to the apartment to eat haha..(cause alot mossies).

The kids knock off pretty early cause they were way too tired.

The next day, we went to hav breakfast near town centre and stop by the Blue Lagoon Beach. The sand is pretty clean, but there were plenty of people. So we decided to go back to the apartment.

At the apartment, there’s actually a water slide for the kids. Both of them thought it’s very fun, they went for the slide. But after the 1st round of thrilling, they were shocked hahaha…and refuse to go for 2nd round :P. Though I was there to catch them at the end of the slide, they are certainly not ready for such adventure.

We check out at 11am and headed home. A short holiday which all of us enjoyed.

And here are the remaining of the photos.

Daddy sitting on the tree branch with Faythe. Vyktore was too afraid to join in.

Faythe, coming down from the Lighthouse.

Vyktore coming down from the Lighthouse.

Daddy with his pipe, waiting for our lunch to be served.

I love these 2 shots of Faythe. 1 showing her tongue (not very co-operative). The other one posing with the big leaf as an umbrella.

Vyktore slowly venturing himself at the beach. He’s not very comfy with the sandy feel.

Faythe’s lil palm holding her bucket. She uses this to collect broken shells…

Getting ready for some sand castle?

Vyktore and his pail. He’s practically just holding the pail and some cups, that’s bout it. Not totally enjoying the sand as much as Faythe.

Examining his pail. Maybe to see if there’s any crack?

Hubby’s comfy slippers which he bought from China.

My sore feet…It was low tide, hence we could walk out pretty far and yet it’s pretty shallow and can see thru to the bottom.

Faythe enjoying herself dipping by the beach during low tide.

Daddy and his kungfu position. This is the FAT-GRASSHOPPER Style.

Another kungfu position. Crane perhaps?

Vyktore running about by the beach and enjoying being splashed at.

See, he loves it now, he even attempt to sleep on the beach!!

After the beach session, quenching his thirst with 100 plus. Do you think this photo I can submit for Tesco Choice Advertisement :P.

One of my favourite shot of both my children after the beach fun. One concentrating and eating her snacks, while the other one concentrating in finishing his drink.

Faythe, trying to ask Vyktore to give her some drinks.

They were changed and clean up. So they sat in the car to enjoy their snacks. Lucky fellas.

A very rare sunset shot. Why rare? Cause I’m not a silhouette person haha..But I just like this one, where the trees came from the side and the sun in the middle.

Another rare silhouette shot before the sun sets.

Before we put off the fire, Daddy suggested some flare shots with the BBQ Pit and here are 2 photos.

Faythe writing on the sand @ Blue Lagoon.

She’s trying to bury Daddy’s feet.

Daddy & Son, waiting for Faythe to come down with the swimming apparels at the apartment.

The boys having ME time together. I always love Vyktore’s big eyes. I admire his stare alot…

That’s all for the PD Trip.

Jun 19

Lets rewind to 3 weeks ago right before the kids break for the 2 weeks holiday. They had a party in the school. The theme this year is Noah’s Ark.

When I told Faythe about this and mentioned that she can pretend to me some kind of animal, guess what she wanted to be.  A STAR FISH *roll eyes*. Then Daddy said cannot, cause StarFish sea creature, didn’t go on Noah’s Ark..kanasai…

Eventually MIL managed to convince Faythe to be lady bird. MIL & SIL brought the 3 kids to costume shop to try the outfit and Faythe chose LadyBird.

As for Vyktore, from Day 1 he’s not aware what’s happening. And he refused to wear any of those animal costume. And this lil boy of mine lurves chicken and bird. So I thought, why not sew him a chicken suit LOL.

So presenting the chicken suit boy & the ladybird girl.

That chicken costume is sure hard work. I bought boa feather that came with yellow & white colour and sew them onto his old pyjamas overall back n front. The reason why I use his old pyjamas cause it comes with buttons in front, easier to put on.

I cut off the sleeves and that’s how he looks like. For the pants, I borrowed Faythe’s sports attire LOL. I also cut some felt like a shape of chicken feet and used blue tac to stick to the shoes so that it looks like chicken feet hehe…

It’s not easy, but it was fun. And with some psychoing job from Daddy, Vyktore wore the chicken suit without any issue.

When he reached school and saw so many children dressed up in animal costume, he was pretty happy and after that he didn’t mind wearing the suit after all.

A pic of Mommy with the chicky boy.

That’s the 2 children together with the cousin, Gabriel & Yiu Yiu.

And this my lil princess, sitting down waiting for the party to start. I think the ladybird head looks a bit heavy for her LOL

I’m sure they had fun during the party, though didn’t win best dressed.

Jun 10
Vyktore turns T-H-R-E-E!!
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Vyktore | icon4 06 10th, 2009| icon349 Comments »

Over the weekend, we celebrated Vyktore’s 3rd Birthday with a big party bash (mainly adults attended, only a few children were invited). Like we did for Faythe’s birthday, we did the same for Vyktore. We ordered a GOLDEN PIGGIE.

Cake, we ordered from Swee, a friend of mine, which we ordered a cake from her as well during Faythe’s 1st Birthday. It was yummy!!

I must admit that this round, the preparation was pretty last minute. Good thing that I was off on Friday, and my brother’s GF, Joni, came over to help with the last minute preparation. We also prepared some of the food on Friday (those which can leave overnight in the fridge).

I also setup a photobooth, whereby each guest that comes need to pick a prop and snap a photo hehe…no scrapbook page as I just finished editing the photos, so let the photos do all the talking. Long post ahead with photos!!

Fruits Platter in mini foil cuppies (Grapes(Vyktore’s Favourite), Pomelo, Peaches, Green & Red Apples)

Vege sticks in mini foil cuppies (Sengkuang, Carrots, Celery)

Homecook Macaroni with cheese (I didn’t get to taste this (duhh!! cause I cooked it), but Sue was telling me it’s so cheesy!!)

2 types of dips (salsa for the tortila bread & thousand island wassabi - the wasabi taste weren’t too obvious though)

sausages decorated with custom-made toothpicks of thomas & friends (Vyktore’s latest craze)

egg & mayo sandwiches (Chin Nee’s recipe), cut into bento shape. Faythe did a great work in helping me with the cutting into the shapes and arranging them.

Pickled cucumber to go with the main course, ROAST PIGGIE (recipe from Chin Nee too!!)

Tortilla bread and the various dips. I actually wanted to do tortilla chips, but couldn’t find ready made ones and I didn’t have time to fry it.

Kitchen wall decorated with polaroid prints. I didn’t print scrapbook page this round, but printed polaroids instead. I so so love this wall. Even Vyktore loves it too!!

Liquor section. 2 giant portraits of Vyktore. The one dressed in red is oil painting done in Vietnam. The one dressed in blue is canvas print. They will be hang in the our photo wall after the birthday.

Our birthday boy got all excited when I opened up the box and presented the cake!! I decided to put real thomas & friends toy trains on the cake instead of using sugar paste/fondant to make the train. At least he gets to play with the trains after the cake cutting ceremony. More worth the money lah!!

The kids with Cheryl, Vyktore’s Godmother

Birthday boy toddling in the house waiting for guests arrival

The kids with my brother & his GF, Joni

One for the family. Notice those horns growing on my head..cheeky Faythe

Daddy showing off his butchering skills

Photobooth Snaps: Fearles & Cruz

Photobooth Snaps: Cheryl & Annie

Photobooth Snaps: My brother & ME (sorry for that tongue LOL)

Photobooth Snaps: My brother & GF, Joni. Daddy cutting the pig.

Photobooth Snaps: Cheryl & ME

Photobooth Snaps: Cheryl (Daddy’s friend) & BF

Photobooth Snaps: Paik Ling & Brandon. Bryan just woke up from his nap.

Photobooth Snaps: Yvonne & Alycia

Photobooth Snaps: Daniel & his 2 lovely daughters (Daddy’s friend)

Photobooth Snaps: Lil Ashley & her family

Photobooth Snaps: Selva, Monica & family (Dadd’s Friend)

Photobooth Snaps: Harry & family (Daddy’s friend). He looks like our former PM, Tun Mahathir don’t he :P

Photobooth Snaps: Peggy & her lil ones

Cheryl trying to be a butcher.

Photobooth snaps: Sue & Jolie

Photobooth snaps: Taekwondo Sifu, Andrew & family

Photobooth snaps: Daddy’s friend

Photobooth snaps: Adeline & Jessie (Daddy’s friends)

Photobooth snaps: Alan & Rachel

Vyktore just can’t wait to cut the cake, Daddy had to ask him to wait until we finish singing the birthday song.

He was so soft in blowing off the candle, he did it 1 by 1!!

Cake cutting with the help of the WHOLE family

Paik Ling kidnapped Jolie. Faythe wanted to cut the cake as well.

Time to distribute the cake.

Vyktore with his toys from the cake. See told you it’s better than having the sugar paste/fondant deco!!

Emily & her daughter. We did a preggers photoshoot for her last year, time really files!!

Photobooth snaps: Evelyn, Faythe & Eelaine (Mommy’s BB friends)

Presenting Faythe with moustache LOL.

Photobooth snaps: Celebrity Snapshot of Vernon & Pei Lee

Gifts from the guests. Thank you all!!

OK lah, I guess everyone had an OD of photos :). Thanks to all that came and thanks for the presents. It’s really a memorable birthday for Vyktore. He’s still slowly opening his present 1 by 1 LOL.

Jun 1
> Horse Riding <
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Duit Kopi | icon4 06 1st, 2009| icon3No Comments »

During Olympics, one of the many sports event I’d watch is Horse Riding. I enjoy watching those Horses clearing hurdles. Well, actually I enjoy watching those beautiful hurdles more than the horse LOL. The way the decorate them so nicely, comes with stream and what nots. And those horses, my oh my, they are pretty good!! I wonder if the horses take any horse supplements to stay fit, like we do :).

Jun 1
> My Betawi Chair <
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Duit Kopi | icon4 06 1st, 2009| icon3Comments Off

When we moved to our house 4 yrs ago, we bought this beautiful Betawi Teak Chair. Our ex-maid has green fingers and she planted our indoor garden with all the hanging creepy crawly plants. We placed the teak chair there and sometimes we’d go there just to enjoy some moonlight under the sky roof. But after she left, nobody took care of the plants and it all died :(. Even our teak chair also worned out. Now we’ve moved the chair downstairs in our garage. Time to get new outdoor chairs for our indoor garden again perhaps.

Jun 1
> A trip to SAHARA <
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Duit Kopi | icon4 06 1st, 2009| icon3Comments Off

Sahara Desert. Who hasn’t heard bout it. One of the great desert in the world. After travelling to so many places for sightseeing, seriously, I don’t mind to throw in some adventure to Sahara Desert. Probably someday. But I need to convince my travel partner if he’s willing to do so. He’s one person that can’t live without aircond, so Sahara would probably be the last in his list to travel to…unless I tell him there’s an interesting hotel there, probably he might buy my idea. Have to go do some research on Sahara hotel.

May 7

(seen in the photos: Vyktore, Yiu Yiu & Faythe)

Last week before the long weekend, the kids’ Kindy organised a trip to KL Bird Park. It took a while for me to decide whether I should tag along this round. The last round we went to Butterfly Farm (previous school, didn’t blog bout it!!), I went together with my ex-maid as well. This round I was very sure I’m not bringing my M-A-I-D, cause she might just probably gimme more vomit blood scene than the kids. So I did eventually tagged along, with Vyktore. Faythe as the older child will have to take care of herself.

They were all very excited in the morning as they knew they were heading to bird park. Vyktore kept saying, “bird bird”. Faythe as usual ask me 1001 questions, including why our M-A-I-D not coming. She remembers last round our ex-maid did tag along.

Though we were supposed to be there by 830am, we waited quite long to finally gather everyone. Then the vice principal gave instructions and we proceed to the bus. I must say they are pretty well organised, except that when everyone reaches the bird park, the kids were a bit out of control. Some walking faster, some slower. I’m glad I followed Vyktore. Occasionally we will bump into Faythe’s class as well.

There were a bird show which they put on during the trip. After that it was time to go home. Overall I feel that we were there more for the bird show than anything as everyone kept rushing us to make sure we don’t miss the show, then after that was rushing back to the bus *duh*. I didn’t even manage to stop and take a pics of those beautiful birds!! And the weather was so so hot although it was partially covered.

This week back to reality, here’s what Vyktore says:

Mommy: Vyktore, we go school OK.
Vyktore: No No No (his fav word now). Bird Bird…See Bird…
Mommy: No, no more bird…back to school
Vyktore: No No No…bird…bird!!

As for Faythe, I ask her if she wants to go again, she didn’t give me a Yes or No, but she mentioned that she enjoys feeding the bird (she’s very daring!!)

Apr 22

I notice that I’ve not been blogging bout the kids individually for like ages!!! Thanks to the workload I’ve got at offce & home :(. Not forgetting all those travelling post and what nots.

Vyktore is turning 3 in June and we’re planning for a big celebration (to be fair since Faythe had a big celebration when she turned 3 last year). So what has this little boy been up to?

Speech wise, he’s still very very far from his peers but he’s certainly getting there. He’s been picking up alot of single phrase words and repeating every word of each sentence that we speak to him. Am I worried, YES, definitely!! At certain point of time I wander if he’s autistic or having learning disabilities? But sometimes when I watch him play and learn, I doubt he is.

He’s also starting to string 2 words together, but it’s really funny cause he has a long pause in between 2 words. e.g.

red………car…….

baby……two…… (he can count 2, last week Chin Nee came over with the bumbo boys and Vyktore said baby….two)

dog…tah(touch)….

Most of the time he doesn’t speak clearly, but I’m trying very hard to catch what he speaks as some of the alphas he’s still not able to pronounce, e.g. F, S, Y.

Lately, he has changed from calling me Meh to Mie. And the other day when he say a plane, he said, Da…di….(too bad Daddy not around).

His world revolves around: CARS, TAIN(TRAINS), COP(HELICOPTER), PANE (PLANE), BOT (ROBOT). Those are what boys made off right ;).

Attitude wise, he’s pretty easy to deal with (probably cause his speech is not that advance yet) and easily contemplated with just his toys.

Oh and he now loves the stroller. Each time we bring the stroller out, he will fight with Faythe to sit on it. I figure that probably because the stroller gives him an experience like sitting on the car :P.

Eating wise, he’s doing very well in this area. He’s the rice boy!! Never go without rice for even a day. He hates western food except macaroni cooked with Chinese boiled soup (typical Chinaman eh). He’s now same weight as Faythe *roll eyes* and I’m pretty sure he will surpass the not-so-big Faythe very soon.

Going to school been easier nowadays as he has started to enjoy himself more.

Oopss..did I just turn this into a monthly update post…I’mafraid I just did. I’m really loving and enjoying every bit of him. He gives me less headache compared to Faythe for sure!!

Apr 20
> Weight watch <
icon1 jazzmint | icon2 Duit Kopi | icon4 04 20th, 2009| icon3Comments Off

There are just too many weight loss products in the market sometimes you get confused how they actually work for your body. I’m sure consumers out there too are quite blinded by the fact that there are just too many to select from and we don’t know which one works best. I always believe that we have to be extra careful with what we consume. After all it’s our body. Even if we want to go on diet, make sure those ingredients going into the body doesn’t have any side effects.

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