I am not an optimistic person in view of marriage and relationship, so I am someone that does not believe in "happily ever after", the fairytale story... I do not know what holds in our future but I know at this moment, i want you by my side. Thanks for being there always.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am in a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow. I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am the starshine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room. I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I do not die.
For those who knew, I am not getting any wedding package, not buying or making a new dress for the wedding. I will be wearing a beautiful old dress. Please do not associate the word "OLD" with anything tattered and torn. The dress is a beautiful masterpiece. It is a very special dress that I am sharing with a very special someone and that we will be passing it down to yet another special someone. The special 3 women who will don in the same piece of dress for that very important day in their lives.
The creator was Mr. Kevin Seah... a very talented young designer. His hands are magical, every dress, every gown, every suite, every clothes he tailored become a piece of art. You will understand why if you have seem his work.
We are really glad to see him back after his short "silence". Well, he does really look a little older, very much tired out, someone who seems to experience various vicissitudes in his life. If i ever become a writer, I will love to write about his life, the story of a man who knows how to fall and get up and survive.
Kevin Seah Haute Couture 39 Stamford Road #02-01 Stamford House Singapore 178885 Tel: 6334 5128 Email: contact@kevinseah.com.sg
So after a tiff and make up with MooCow (as usual), he gave me his usual manja and asked why he always never win. And my reply was cause if he ever wins, it spells the end of our relationship. Before you jump into the conclusion that Moi, Missy MooBells is such a tyrant and feminist that doesnt allow her MAN to win, not even once, please hear Moi. Cause even when it always seems that MooCow lost, he was actually winning and the price, of course, is MY HEART. And so Men, read carefully, the winning part is showing whether you care enough for this relationship to give in and compromise, to be the first one to say sorry even if she was in the wrong.
So I explained to MooCow that if it comes a day when he wants to win at all cause and not even want to compromise and accommodate, it will be point when he is sick and tired with the relationship and just want to win. It's the time when he starts to put himself first in front of me instead of me. Just that if I am always bend to win all the fights we had, the relationship will not work out too. To be in the relationship, both parties will need to take the continuous and conscious step to put each other before self, to put two in front of one. It's not about winning, it's about her, it's about him.
Less than 3 months to go and AM I STRESS??? Yes I do but not completely because of the wedding preps though I know a lot of brides will be. I am thankful and grateful that the wedding was really small scale so no great deal of stuff to be bore down but still there are numerous issues that cant be handle till nearer the date and with the closure of my work at the same period as my wedding, just judging at my work, social, little KT and wedding preps schedule already send pimples popping out of my face. Maybe I should rush and press the panic button!! HELP!!!
So I must give reminding myself that the Wedding is just a day thing but a marriage a lifetime and so even if things dun turn out the way it should be or nicely, i should focus on the marriage life with MooCow and not the affairs of the ceremony and adhering to the customs and requests of others. Too bad, we aint on no-man island so it's easier said than done.
Well, I can lament that all these are really bad timing and everything just wants to clash together and squeeze me dry to the last drop. KO said it's a good timing that the end of my work is the beginning of my new life, a new life in status, a new life in responsibilities, a new life in a slightly different role and even a new job that will come with this new life. I am definitely very much affected by this new direction and my preparations for this new life.
Well, I aint sure if it's good or bad timing but I believe it will be a good plan ahead!!
Had a session with P and H just yesterday who share a part video from "Men Are Like Waffles - Women Are Like Spaghetti" by Bill and Pam Farrel. The session was very enlightening and interesting. Well, if you can never imagine putting maple syrup onto spaghetti and bolognese sauce on waffles, it just mean waffles and spaghetti are totally different and we should never treat them the same.
Men compartmentalise their thinking. Each time they can focus only 1 if not limited number of boxes. Thus the denotation that men are like waffles. And they will stay very focus on each box and try to unravel it before moving to the next compartment. While women are connective creatures, with people that are important to them, they are motivated to connect as much of her life to you as possible with all the details... thus they are like a piece of spaghetti that will somehow connects with all other spaghetti on a plate.
So for the women when communicating with your men, summarise and simplify and stay focus on 1-2 topics. But bear in mind the different in definition of topic. For eg. for a woman, talking about the children is one topic but for the man, talking about the children can means an overwhelming topic from education, nutrition, bonding,... (3 topics?). =P
While the men when communicating with your women, do remove to switch off your problem-focus brain, pack your bags and take a journey along with the women.
This post is written especially to many Bride-to-be out there who is having the same "problem" as Moi, to "assure" them that it's ok to be bo-chap and it's nothing particular being a bo-chap bride-to-be.
AND so even after finalising most of the things for my BIG day (with 3 months to go), I still received many comments and criticisms as to what I want for my BIG day. It doesn't really bother Moi since I do understand that family members, friends and relatives meant well and at the end of the day, since they aren't going to be the ONES going through the ceremony, exchanging the vows, foot the bill, and remember this occasion for life, I know they will still come in terms and respect my decision as it is, sooner or later.
Moi was sharing with JL and YS the other day over dinner that MooCow and myself went ahead to book a small venue and just exclude any other possible additional people that our parents wanted to include. We have kept it super exclusive basically because we wanted to spent real quality time receiving blessings from family and friends, spending quality time to talk to all our guests and smile and toast with them. Wearing pretty dresses and appear like Miss Singapore is not our priority at all. Just because everyone is doing that, doesn't mean I have to.
Dun ever feel pressurised that you have to invite everyone cause the closed friends that matters will understand and still support you if they knew you cannot invite them and for those who aint close (EG. colleagues and yonkers acquaintances), their moos and groans do not matter and most probably they should be happy that they do not need to give you angpows. =P
A wedding is only a moment but a marriage is for a lifetime. If you wish to have the wedding gala with the glitters and glam, why not? By all means. If you wish to be that bo-chap bride like Moi, why bother with other people's comments? The ones who will be tired out, stress-out and exhausted will be you and never the guests or other people.
Life is short, dun live it for others. And for me, I never believe in doing things for the sake of it.
Call me giam, stupid, bo-chap, siao!!! I dun care lah!! hohohohoho!
Well at this new age, the e-invite though seems more impersonalised might be a much better way to get in touch with others and to customise your invitation. Your guests can even leave messages, R.S.V.P and you can even do a poll. Neat har!!
Met up with a close group of chums for lunch and coffee.... Haven't meet them regularly since our event 2 years back. Definitely miss each of them a lot and I really enjoy the time together and while we were updating about each other latest progress, excited Bella dear pecah lobang me and the cat got let out of the bag. =P
Well did feel a little paiseh since I was denying the "cat" earlier on while chatting with GF and TT. Kekeke! But I know they will understand... and sweetie Bella and Sketches were so excited to arrange a Hens and Cockadoodoo Party for me. hahahaha!! Why Cockadoodoo?? Only Sketches will know the answer. =P
Well, the invitation was really a tough decision for us since we wanted a small wedding of 100pax but between the two of us, we have much, much more friends than we wanted to invite...
It was a very tough decision. Well the experts said...
Step 1. Sit down with your intended and list everyone you can think of to invite.
Step 2. Use the one-year rule for friends: If you haven't had a meaningful conversation with this person within the last year, don't invite him or her.
Step 3. Ask your parents on both sides to help you cull people from the list.
Step 4. Avoid the "If I invite this friend, I must invite all friends" trap. And don't feel obligated to invite people who invited you to their wedding. Relationships change.
Step 5. Exclude children if possible. Suddenly a family of six is a manageable party of two.
Step 6. Address the invitations only to those you intend to invite. If your single friend rates an invitation and isn't seeing anyone seriously, you don't have to include "and guest."
Step 7. Keep the list limited to personal friends. Do you hang out with co-workers away from the office? If not, don't invite them.
Step 8. Make sure that the same number of people are invited from each side. This will prevent in-laws from feeling cheated.
Step 9. Keep in mind that on average, about 25 percent of your guests won't be able to make it.
Step 10. Make a first and second list. Put the absolutely-must-invites on the first list, and as the RSVPs come in, send an invitation from the second list for each regret.
Well, I did get a little upset while trying to "balance" my guests with Moocow and his mother, especially everyone got their OWN "MUST-INVITE" people but I am really glad we are able to accommodate and compromise to one another. Well, some close chums will still be "missing" my really exclusive wedding ...sorry pals but I do hope they can understand and we can always do a little small separate party later.
Mini-Impostor will be our wedding car... =P kekeke! It was never Mini-impostor to be what she isn't but then she too often got mistaken as a rich super cousin, Mini-cooper. I was lucky enough that Mother Cow will be helping us with decorating Mini-impostor. And I went over to Spotlight to get some basic materials and for S$9.90 each, I got a tigger and a piglet (to be imposed as bunny bunny) as part of the decoration. It took me less than 15mins to piece them up.
Was searching high and low for the good old days chalkboard that we used to have as kid as part of my DIY ideas for the wedding... I couldn't find it even in toy shop... so decided to DIY myself using a photoframe and chalkboard paint. I had lots of fun. Kekeke! Photoframe and chalks from IKEA and Chalkboard paint from Spotlight
Someone passed me this link . Found it quite interesting so sharing it here... do checklist against YOURS. kekekeke!
1. Marry a man who has friends 2. Marry a man who uses money responsibly 3. Marry a man who is not a mother's boy 4. Marry a man who whose life you cant run 5. Marry a man who has a sense of humour 6. Marry a man who is willing to forgive, praise, be courteous
Most important, remember when you marry, you marry the man and his problems. Dun expect to change him after marriage. It's impossible.
Take note of his family and his ties with his family and this will be basis shaping his character and values that will continue into yours.
Recently visited the Marina @ Keppel Bay and Moi thought it's really a lovely venue for a simple, cosy and small wedding where the sky and the sea meet... and definitely a lovely spot to pop the special question. *wink*
The good thing about keeping the wedding small is that it is possible to personalise a lot of things ... basically because it's easier and one thing that I really wanted to personalise is the Wedding invites.
With less than 30 invitation cards to send out, it will be really a waste in terms of resources, materials and money to get the printer to print and so I went to type out and do the alignment for the wedding words (both english and chinese) onto 70gsm translucent paper, paper cut each piece nicely, fold them and tie the wedding inserts onto the provided cards by RH.
Well, the chinese wordings and greetings can be rather complex.... e.g. the youngest daughter is called "幼女" but the only daughter is called "小女".
Someone commented my blog is very BLUE BUT that's one of my FAVOURITE COLORS!!! hahahaha! Did a few headers but didn't know which one will look nice....
In spiderman 3, Aunt May told Peter Parker "You must be ready to put her before yourself." when Peter shared that he wanted to marry M.J.
It sounds easy but in actual fact, it's really difficult. Before you married someone, ask yourself are you ready to put HIM or HER before yourself? Not on par with your own needs and desires but more than your own needs and desires. Would you buy her her favourite Macbook before your iphone? Would you let him sleep when the baby cries despite you having to go work the next day? It's never easy to be really ready to put yourself second and the other partner first. And only if you are completely and fully ready to do that can you really know how to love and treasure another person for a lifetime. Cause when a marriage faces a crisis, would you be able to put HIM or HER before you or would you just put yourself first and get the easy way out of the relationship. When face with temptation, would you be too easily fall into thinking of fulfilling your own needs and only your feelings or hers or his?
It's worse when the child comes along...Can you put the child before ME and after US? Sounds confusing. The US should always come first cause only when your marriage is stable and strong and loving, can you provide stable and loving grounds for your child growth. A child grew up with arguing parents will not be completely secure and happy. It is all too common to witness the withering relationship of our parents' generation who spent too much time loving and nurturing the children and losing each other after the child grows up. The parents become strangers that don't share and talk much and just bicker. A couple who doesn't seem to understand or want to share much and whose passion had just totally fade over the time.
A marriage is a lifetime, it requires continuous effort and time to maintain and nurture it. The child is to bond the family together, not to separate it. Too many a times, I see young couples living the life of ME first, US and kid; or ME first, kid and US. If you think you so love yourself and only yourself, then dun get married because you can't love another without first putting that person before you.
Well, a Bride in her 30s is a very different Bride in her 20s. Our priorities and concerns, even to the mentality of wanting to get married will greatly differs.
Not that I am "lukewarm" about my own wedding preps but dun compare me to those chirpy, super-enthu sweet-young Brides and you will know what I mean. =P Thanks for the many concerns over my wedding preps and no thanks to the many "Are you sure?" replies with regards to my wedding requirements. Well, a 30s Bride is cool-headed and less emo so she does not want to spent her money (even if she has any) on necessary nice-to-have but expensive things.... I know a lot of people might think I am being really "giam" for not spending on wedding gown, photography, banquet, etc. Things that majority will deem MUST-HAVE for a wedding. Me and MooCow believes in No frills, just simple. In basic, You just need a solemnizer, 2 witness, the bride and the groom and a marriage certificate, 5 mins and you be announced husband and wife. It's that simple.
But no frills does not mean no quarrels. Moi definitely have my own share of arguments and tousling with MooCow with regards to our wedding preps. No prize for guessing who always win. Wahahahaha! * wink *
As a 30s Bride, I would say we are better wedding "buyers". We have less "energy" to do the hassling and "shopping" around and we definitely knows much clearer what we want. Thus we are able to decide fairly quickly and easily. As long as ABC meets our set of requirements, most probably, we will just take it. We need to spent more money to "upkeep" our face to keep it glowing and sparkling and our waistlines from bursting. These are the harsh facts that we cant escape from. We are also less enthu to be bother about too many details.
I still have my emotional turmoils and moments when the heart tries to over-ride the head and vice versa. But I have come to the point that I can see things much clearly and are more decisive with regards to what I want in life, include the decision to commit a lifelong relationship with MooCow. Do not married someone whom you can live with but someone you cannot live without. Given a chance to be with MooCow in my younger and "wilder" days, we might not survive. It's a wonderful age to be, to know what you want and to go for what you want. You don't ask yourself silly questions like if he is the ONE and what if he is NOT the one anymore and how you confirm if he is the ONE. Cause You just know he is the ONE. Period. AND if you ...yes, YOU are asking this question to yourself ... PLEASSSE dun get married. Go figure about yourself first before taking the plunge.
Of course, one single 30s Bride's testimony does not represent all the 30s Bride. So do bear with Moi, the less enthu, bo-chap Moobells Bride-to-be in her sweet 30s and loving it.
AND so he Mooooooooooooooo-ed, "Alas, dating with Miss Moobells has to make advance booking."
Lately timing has been a bit tough because of work and some stuff going on at home. SO there is no quantity and no quality time for the Man.
And so I often got comments from friends on how do I find time for HIM and being constantly reminded to spent more time with the Man. The fact is I hardly spent enough time with Him. Our dates are packed with my errands, my visits, my other commitments. Sometimes I feel I am such an awful girlfriend and I am really guilty about it.
I am truly thankful for MooCow's understanding and for his accommodation. Given the reverse, with ME receiving such "treatment", I wont be just MOoooooo-ing, most probably, I will be hopping and accusing him of not prioritising. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. So when you commit to someone it's also about sacrificing, to prioritise, to give and to receive.
Sounds kind of stressful? A little... But I am trying... trying to spent quality time during dating to stare your big eyes with my small eyes; to prick my ears to listen to your sweet words, to be gentle and submissive, and stun you with my killer smile and electrifying stares.
Readers, getting goose bumps!??
It's not ME, it cant be ME!! I am not the typical sweet little girlfriend, but I am the BEST for Him.
So i was being and still being constantly questioned and asked my reason for getting married. NOT that there is anything wrong or unworthy of MooCow, this i must emphasize but basically because I am not a "family", not a "marriage" person. And I haven't change a bit even now.
SO Why did I decide to marry?
I also acknowledge the power of the best-is-yet-to-come phenomenon, and allow for the possibility that my life alone is better than the life I would have in a marriage. The paradox is that woman after hitting the BIG 3 and 4, doesn't fantasize about marriage, we are more skeptical and discriminating than when we were younger and more "naive". We have spending money to provide good comfort to ourselves, friends who know us more intimately and understand us better than the man we are meeting and so we are less willing to compromise or should i put it that our expectations for the other half gets higher too. We are less likely to compromise marrying someone who is less educated, less well-to-do, less attractive, less perfect. Why "lower" myself to marry someone who is less capable, less desirable than myself? Why "change" myself for another when I am happy now.
I too have that mentality and still have... Marriages involve a lot of compromises and if I can find someone that can compromise my idiosyncrasies and I can compromise to his demands, someone who is willing to listen to my day-to-day trivia and puts up with my quirks and twists. And if marrying this man who makes me laugh, appreciates me and understands me, makes him happy, why not?
At the end of the day, I think like most people out there, I just want to have a companion, whether having a family or not it's not a very important issue for me. I just want to have someone to grow old with me and someone to apply ointment to my cracking bones when I get old, carry me when my arthritis are bad, pass me my reading glasses when I can't find it. Well, it might not sound very romantic or passionate but you too must understand that both romance and passion won't last forever. And the fact that a single middle-aged man still has appealing prospects; while a single middle-aged woman likely doesn’t.
There is no perfect match out there waiting for you to grab. In retrospects, if he is the perfect one, most probably he is already "taken" by someone so dun drool and dream. A relationship requires compromising, if you think you can and want to stay single forever, dun compromise. If you are afraid of being lonely, having no one to lift you from your bed when your bones are creaking, then be realistic. I am not saying just pick up any Tom, Dick and Harry and get yourself marrying off. That will be disaster but just dun fantasize about your dream partner too much.
Maybe it's fate. I didn't really prepare myself for marriage. Singlehood has always been my preference but he came knocking. At this moment, I would think I am fortunate to be able to marry him and I thank MooCow for waiting me relentlessly and patiently.
I can't foresee the future if things are going to be great or no... but no point guessing, cause you never know, until you take the plunge.
And at least, I can say I been there and I tried.
Tags : Relationships, Woman, Man, Single, Marriage
Had started my diet regime to get into the perfect hour-glass shape to fit into my wedding gown. Hahahahahhaha! From a hefty 52kg, Moi has managed to lose 2 kgs in less than 2 weeks and then put on another 1kg the next week. GRRRRRRRRRR!! Targeting to lose at least another 5kg. Hahahaha! So dear friends, dun tempt me with FOOD. =P
1. Exercise
The most basic and healthy method of losing weight is to exercise. It's a healthy thing to do for the body and the mind. It also a rewarding way to spent your time than going clubbing or shopping. Hahahaha!
Do something that you like... it can be swimming, jogging, rollerblading, brisk walking, basketball or anything. It helps burn off the calories and pump more oxygen into your brain. Choose something that you can commit on a regular basis and can do it with minimum hassle. Some might like to sign up with gym or fitness centre for the much required discipline.
Since last year, Moi has been jogging on a rather regular basis of about twice a week until i sprained by ankle a number of time and stopped for quite a while till now.... BUT i think it's time i picked up my running shoes and started running on the track again. Need to keep myself healthy and energised again. What i love about running is that it requires very basic items just a comfortable running shoes and you can jog practically anywhere and everywhere. And it's a sport that you can do it alone by yourself and i felt really fresh after each run. I derive satisfaction from completing a run or finishing a run at a good time.
I am also trying to do more exercise by avoiding taking the shuttle bus from my home to the MRT and also walking up and down the stairs instead of using the lift. Kekekeke!
2. Yoga
By influence of Moobella, I have been practicing yoga on a regular basis now. In my opinion, Yoga is very relaxing for both the mind and the body and it helps improve body posture just like Pilates which I am also trying out. Once you got to know the steps, you should try practise it at home by yourself as often as possible.
I have been spreading about this "slimming" yoga exercises set that is really easy to do and you can just do it before bed and just before you get off your bed. Easy, simple and effective. =)
Set 1 : Knee movement Lie down on the mat on your back. Spread your arms, palms facing the ground. Flex your legs so that heels are touching the hips. Now rotate both the knee toward right side so that right knee touches the ground. Take note that you are always using your waist and hip muscle when doing the turning. Now rotate both the knee towards left side. Now left knee touches the ground. Repeat 70 times. Breathe normally while doing this asana.
Benefits: 1. This is a very useful asana for backbone problems. 2. It improves the flexibility of the back bone. 3. Movement of the body waist also help aids digestion and improves blood circulation to liver, spleen and abdominal organs.
Set 2&3 : Leg movement Lie down on the mat, keeping your body straight. Arms should be straight and by side of your body. Now keeping the legs straight keep right foot over the left try to touch the ground with your right toe and then rotate back and touch the ground on the other side. Do not move your neck and upper body. Repeat this asana 70 times. Now keep your left feet over your right (reverse) and repeat the same steps above for another 70 times.
Benefits: 1. It improves the blood circulation on the feet. 2. It relieves muscular spasm of feet and lower leg. 3. It relieves knee joint and leg pain and makes them strong. 4. It tightens the inner thighs and make it firmer. 5. Also aids in digestion and improves blood circulation to liver, spleen and abdominal organs.
3. Diet
I dun believe in blood type diet or detox diet. I believe in taking lower calorie nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean meat, poultry, fish, low fat dairy products, cereals, salads, and pulses. Most important, eating a healthy diet that is not oily, and fattening and contains a little of everything. I dun believe in total avoid of carbo foods like bread and fat as they are filling other than fattening and if you are filling, you will eat less. But you can choose more healthy alternatives like whole meal and brown rice that contains more fiber, vitamins and minerals. To reduce fat intake, choose skim milk instead of full cream milk. Remove all visible fat parts of meat and only eat the lean meat. Don't take too much deep fried items as deep fried items contain more calories than items that are poached, steamed or grilled. When you crave for supper, drink plenty of water or munch on raw vegetables like carrots and celery. It's definitely a much healthier alternative.
No beers. No night life. Sleep early and make sure you sleep before 10pm and for at least 8 hours. Exercise and make sure your last meal ends at 8pm. Drink your eight glasses of water daily and you gonna definitely be radiating with so much glow and radiant.
5. Body Shaping supplements
Well, sometimes the result is harder to come without "foreign aids" . =P I did try a few of brands and found them rather effective. But take note that effects varies with different people and for first trial, it will be better to just apply a small amount on a small area of your skin in case allergy occurs.
And like all methods, be consistent and persistent and results will come after a month.
1. Biotherm Celluli-Peel It is said to provide a triple-action effect against cellulite: - Biological peeling: Deep penetration of cellulite-fighting ingredients + revelatory effect of whole new skin. BioPeeling complex, a Biotherm exclusive. - Reduces stubborn cellulite by 68%* and reduces appearance of orange peel skin by 74%*. - Replenishes skin’s fiber network: a lasting firming effect thanks to the Intra-Densifier System
2. Biotherm Body Resculpt Abdo It offers unique technology designed especially to target the abdominal area. The formula works like a natural “corset” to tighten the waist and flatten the stomach. Every day, the treatment facilitates firming of skin tissues. The skin on the midsection appears visibly tighter, trimmer and more toned. Firm skin feels so good. I tried this a few years back and it was really effective. The cream is also readily absorbed.
3. Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite Smoothing Cellulite Gel-Cream A cheaper alternative to Biotherm. It is said to contain L-Carnitine which is found naturally in the skin and supports the conversion of fat into energy. I also use it for toning of my thighs and arms.
4. FANCL Shape, Design and Tone lotion This was used by Mini after her child birth and it works wonders, after 6 months, she was and still is visibly very much thinner, back to her original frame. =)
But like all methods, I believe it should be a combination instead of one and unless you got a weight problem, i strongly discourage use of diet pills and formula. I believe in slimming healthy and beautifully. And having a healthy lifestyle not only leads to a firmer, toner and beautiful body but also mind, rejuvenating your cells, keep your mind fresh and reduces stress.
Saw some great DIY ideas from HER WORLD Wedding magazine and so decided to get my hands onto making and personalising some items for the wedding reception... POPPERS!!
Got the tiny poppers and medium poppers and big ones from those party retailers and wholesalers. Well, they used to congregate around Blanco Court then shifted to Concourse and then got scattered away. Was a little prelexed as to where Moi is going to locate all the shops so I went to look through the yellowpages and found a bunch which i am sharing here.
AZ Gift & Trading 116 Middle Rd #01-01 I C B Enterprise Hse Tel : 6291 3130
390 Victoria Street #01-39 Golden Landmark Tel : 6298 9311
Party & Gifts 116 Middle Rd #01-03 I C B Enterprise Hse Tel : 6396 8208
Party Store Pte Ltd 176 Orchard Rd #05-01 Centrepoint Tel : 6235 0221
Party City Pte Ltd 277A Holland Ave Holland Village Tel : 6462 6011
Got the small poppers at S$4.00 for 72 pcs/box and S$3.50 for 2pcs/box for the medium poppers. I thought it was rather money worthwhile. Did a little simple and cheap DIY to spice up the poppers. Got crepe paper and some simple design printing on colored paper and presto your poppers look both unique and beautiful. * wink *
For the small poppers, I just tear out the existing label and affixed my own label. It's that simple.
Click on The Travelling Ducks Blog to view the transparent heels. This pair of heels is a real beauty. Available at Sacha London which can be find at TANGS.
You will be amazed that many brides spent much attention on getting the perfect shoes for their wedding when the shoes received the least attention, in my opinion. I suggest to look around and don't rush to get one.
1. Comfort I think the foremost importance is the shoes got to be very comfortable on you since you will need to keep wearing it for hours with a lot of walking like walking down the aisle, posing for photographs, greeting attendants, cutting the cake, and even dancing in your bridal shoes. This could add up to hours and hours on your feet, so be sure, above all else, that you choose shoes that are comfortable on your feet.
2. Styles That Will Complement Your Dress and Style Well, of course the shoes must match your wedding dress and gown and also your own personal style. It can be very simple or fanciful. A simple rule of thumb to follow is fancy shoes for a simple dress, and simple shoes goes with an elaborate gown. Do bring a girlfriend or sister along when choosing shoes. My advice, girls give better advice than man. Hahahahaha!
3. Height of the heels Well, there is no SURE rule that the heels height must be 2 1/2 inches. I believe wedding shoes can be heels or even flats. It is totally up to yourself and of course the height of your future husband-to-be. If he is super tall, of course you will need a higher heels to complement him and vice versa. But if you are someone who is not used to wearing heels like Moi, I will strongly advise to practise wearing heels way before your wedding till you are comfortable in heels before trying it.
4. Wedding venue Whether the wedding will be held predominately outdoor or indoor will also determine the type of shoes you should wear. For example, closed toe shoes will be more comfortable in cooler indoor areas while strappy sandals or mules with open toes will be more appropriate for warm outdoor climate like our little island. High, slender heels can also make walking on soft ground and sand difficult if the wedding is to be held outdoor like beach or garden setting. In such circumstances, a wide, squat heel or a flat might be more appropriate.
5. Embellishments If you want your shoes with embellishments, be sure it matches your dress. For example, rhinestone or crystals on your shoes will go well with bejeweled or shiny, sequined dresses; while beaded shoes will work nicely with pearled dresses. Shoes with feather or french laces goes well with simple dress with french laces.
And you can DIY your own embellishments and make that your unique wedding shoes. I was surprised when I dropped in People Park's Complex to discover many shops selling beads, laces and embellishments like rhinestones, man-made crystals that serves as easy DIY embellishments on shoes. A pair of pretty shoes does not necessary has to be costly. * wink *
Sewing french laces onto a simple open toe sandals
Gluing crystals onto a simple open toe sandals
If you find it too much work, try detachable alternatives like clip-on earrings, hair clips and pins, you will be amazed how these simple and inexpensive things can do wonders to your shoes.
Here some useful links and reference for you to order and decide which style of wedding shoes will be the shoes for you.
The customs for wedding couple to take pre-wedding photoshoot came from Taiwan. Couples spent thousands of dollars to pose for memorable photos in their wedding gowns (various versions). Some even went overseas to do their photoshoots. Well, for most the bridal package most probably will include the photoshoots but if you looking for individual shoots, you can browse below links...
Andrew Choi 63 Spottiswood Park Singapore 088651 Tel : +65 6223 9552 Link : www.andrewchoigallery.com
Avenue 8 49 amoy street Singapore 069875 Tel : +65 6363-0088 Link : www.avenue8.com.sg
Montage Studios 49 amoy street Singapore 069875 Tel: +65 6227 8418 Link : www.montage.com.sg
Utopia Photography 56 Spottiswoode Park Road #01-01, Singapore 088648 Tel : +65 6225 9297 Link : www.utopiaphotography.com
Pre-Wedding shoots usually comprise 2 portions (1) Indoor studio plus (2) Outdoor shoots. Moi is not a very "photography" person. I don't feel comfortable posing and don't know how to pose and to be honest, I find it extremely hard to smile in front of camera and I am extremely camera shy so i will leave it at that. MooCow asked me many times if I am really serious not wanting to take any pre-wedding shoots. My dear Man has been dreaming about romantic overseas pre-wedding shoots. hahahaha! BUT it's not ME. I suppose the photos will turn out well too since I be awkward and I won't smile pretty. But I definitely be engaging a professional for my Actual Day shoots. =) I find it more meaningful to capture the memories of the actual wedding day for reminiscing.
Well, if you are planning to do with only outdoor shoots without the studio part, there are of course more photographer or freelance photographers that you can tap on like :-
Mabel Lee Gallery Hotel, #02-03 1 Nanson Road (formerly known as 76 Robertson Quay) Singapore 238909 Tel : +65 9619 3220 Link : www.mabelleephotography.com
9frames 72A Desker Road Singapore 209595 Tel : +65 9819 8684 Link : www.9frames.com
For these 2 photographers, I must emphasize that both are really professional and wonderful people to work with. Mabel is a rare female professional photographer. She is fast and great at capturing the moments. I has been working with her via other weddings for a number of times over the number of years and see her skills developed. Even attended her Photo Exhibition many years back.. Dun be misled by her tiny frame, she sure carries her equipments well.
Worked with Gillbert and his then gf, now wifey, Alyce for my office commercial shoots and I was really impressed by their patient and professional to give only the best. He is willing to sacrifice a whole piece of backdrop for that perfect effect and taking shoots from all angles from top of the ladder to the deepest difficult corners.
And made famous by Apple's iWork, you can also lock those sweet moments in beautiful digital albums. Check out these websites :-
The Kua is the chinese version of the wedding gown... very very pretty and intricate with exquistely hand embroideries of the long-feng (dragon and phonenix) with gold and silver thread. AND like the wedding gown, one don't wear it if it's not your wedding. So for this once-in-a-lifetime occassion, Moi will definitely love to don in the kua.
Went down to the House of Etiquette (HOE) with Mummy yesterday and was surprised to see so many wide-ranges and various designs of the kua.... each dress was just so beautiful. I felt so excited while trying them on. Hahahahahahaha!! =P
I am not too sure but I believe the HOE is the biggest and maybe the only shop in Singapore that brides can buy, rent and even made kua for themselves. Angela served me yesterday and she was very patient and friendly. I enjoyed her service very much.
From the more modest versions featuring dragons and phoenixes frolicking among mandarin ducks or flowers, to the highly elaborate 100% fully embroided version worn by aristocracy and the well-heeled, House of Etiquette has more than 30 designs to choose from. For those who wants the less traditonal style, there are also designs without dragons and phoenixes and only flowers. Well, I divided their designs into 3 categories : (1) Basic (2) Silver (3) Fully Embroidered. Please note it's my own classification so please do not go to HOE and ask for the silver kua or basic one. Kekekeke!
1. Basic
The rental is at S$298 for 3 days for the actual day and plus another S$150 for photoshoot for one day as a package. In addition, a deposit of S$700 is also required. It's more reddish in color and there are many designs to choose from. From flat Embroidery to 2-D Embroidery, straight jacket or with curves at the rim.
This is more embroidered with the silver threat with more silverish. Very pretty. It's has the meaning of Wu Fu Ling Men (Five blessings). The rental is of course much higher at S$568. Mom sets her eyes on these piece and both of us were arguing as Moi being the ever so practical lady will prefer to keep to the basic one.... While Mom feels it's once in a lifetime thingy and I should quit being a CHEAPO. BUT Moi is definitely not a CHEAPO, I just want to make sure the money is well-spent and what's more it's not MY MONEY but MooCow's. (SO I won't be feeling any pinch) =P But the fact is that paying $568 for a dress that I am only going to wear for an hour really doesn't seem so worthwhile.
This is really eyes dazzling piece of work. It required 1 year to finish and of course the rental is much higher at S$888. Moi find the Embroidery an over-kill but surprisingly when I was compared the photos of the different gown taken, the more silverish made the gown more stunning. Well, If Moi is marrying a tycoon and not MooCow, I will consider lah!! Hahahahha!
Finding the ideal location can be a headache... especially one that fits all the requirements. There isn't much publicity for Raffles Hotel as a wedding venue... basically because Raffles dun really "sell" their hotel as a wedding venue. But it's truly a little jem. Being both a national monument of the british colonial style architecture and maintaining a good luscious greenery in many parts of the hotel, thus serves as a good garden outdoor wedding venue.
Went down to take a look at this national monument, and was I so smitten by the colonial design and richness. A wonderful place that myself and MooCow will be able to come back 5, 10, 20 and more years to visit and reminisce our moments. Well, some might comment that it's a little too old and Raffles definitely doesn't offer any special package (extremely rigid) but if you love the ambience, it got to be there.
Raffles Hotel Main Entrance facing Beach Road
Long Corridor
During our third visit to Raffles Hotel, Moi was blown over by a Japanese bride with her scottish husband marching down this corridor to the ballroom. It's so picture perfect. * wink *
Palm Court Garden
The palm court garden is just outside the East India Room, entering to your left when you enter the main entrance facing beach room. It's a little hid-away that is quiet and cosy. Moi and MooCow really loves this quiet private corner. During a quiet afternoon, you can only hear the faint sounds of the tinkling culinary from the Tiffin Room, birds chirping and the water sounds from the fountain.
Grand BallRoom
The walls look a little old but the chandeliers are lovely....AND no beams to block any view. The grand ballroom is very near to their chinese kitchen so they can serves chinese food, western food and fusion food.
East India Room
This is the ballroom just beside Palm court garden. A nice cosy place taking only 100 - 120 pax. Serves only western and fusion food as the chinese kitchen is on the second floor and too far from the East india room. The size seems to be just nice for our wedding as we both wanted a really small and intimate ceremony.
Casuarina Suite
Just beside the Grand Ballroom, there are 2 rooms facing door to door inside the main entrance to the Casuarina Suite. The room size is just as small for cosy wedding. Moi thought it might be a little confusing for guests trying to locate the Suite.
The Lawn
This is really a PERFECT wedding venue... but alas, it's so costly to rent that place... and if you need to set up tentages and canopies against rain and sunshine, it will be a even more costly affairs. You can get a lot of online photos showing wedding @ lawn if you google for it. AND if your ring bearer is a dog or a cat, this is the place. Hahahaha! They allow animals participation. so sweet!!
1. Biotherm Celluli-Peel 
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3. Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite Smoothing Cellulite Gel-Cream
4. FANCL Shape, Design and Tone lotion
2. Silver
