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!!
When deciding the ideal wedding venue either for wedding solemisation or banquet or reception, you will need to look at the :-
Location Will you prefer an outdoor wedding or indoor? Living in a tropical island with blasting sunshine and unpredictable rain, having an outdoor wedding might need careful contingency planning for the unpredictable. Will it be held locally or overseas? Now it is common for couples to going overseas to fulfill that dream wedding or just simply because one of the partners are from overseas. I still remember many years back, a friend who held her wedding at 4 locations : (1) Castle Wedding Solemisation @ Scotland (2) Wedding beer party @ Singapore (3) Wedding Banquet @ Kuala Lumpur (4) Lunch reception @ Tokyo. Hahahaha! Well, well, the lucky bride got all the luxury for marrying a CFO of a MNC. Moi??? Not too bad too! I am marrying a COW. Wahahahahahahaha! Of course the venue will need to fit your wedding theme be it fairytale, romantic, traditional, cosy, garden setting, chapel, seaside, sunset, yacht etc.
Size and Capacity Even if you have find the ideal location that fits your ideal theme, its capacity must fit your guests size. If you are planning to invite hundreds, a small cosy restaurant would never be able to fit everyone. While if you are planning to invite only a 100pax, going for a huge restaurant for 1000 pax will be ridiculous since you won't be able to fill up the seats.
Logistics Then it's the logistics and accessibility issues. This is especially so for overseas and out-of-the-usual wedding where getting to the location might require a little bit more of planning and transport arrangement on the guests part. As the hosts, would you be able to provide the necessary arrangements to accommodate their needs and provide accessibility? No matter how ideal a place, if it's really that inconvenience, it will be a dread for your guests to turn out and they may end up getting late due to transport issues.
Budget Of course, at the end of the day, the use of the venue must be within your affordable means. =)
1. Biotherm Celluli-Peel 
2. Biotherm Body Resculpt Abdo 
3. Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite Smoothing Cellulite Gel-Cream
4. FANCL Shape, Design and Tone lotion
2. Silver
