中雯大字报

Look at the color of my blog background!!!

2011-01-17T18:02:00.001+08:00

It's dusty pink!!! See I told you about my love for dirty colors.

miu miu frenzy...

2011-01-17T14:04:00.010+08:00

I do not when did I started my love for miu miu, perhaps 2 years ago?

I started liking their classic bow bag when X & X brand copied it and sell it like hot cakes. The real one uses ultra soft calf leather and comes in many "dirty" colors that I liked. Dirty colors meaning dirty-looking color. Like Dusty Pink, miu miu's paperbag pink is what I meant by Dusty Pink.

"Open up" look

Beige

Deserto

White

Limited Edition Electric Blue in nappa vernice, a special patent leather exclusive to miu miu

Here are some other colors out of the 9 new vibrant colors specially launched for the opening of miu miu's new boutique at The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands Singapore.

I love the bow bag for its versatility. This bag can go with any outfit, casual, smart, work or leisure. You can carry it as a satchel at your hand, out it over your elbow, sling it casually across your body. You can bring it to a picnic or carry it to a meeting. How versatile is that! :)

Next, I also fancied their coffer bag. The coffer bag resembles a Prada bag, afterall miu miu is the little sister brand of Prada. This bag is the sexy on with plaited handle and gold hardware paired together with a clapse fastening on the front and a removable should strap which, like the bow bag, can be sling across the body too.

White

Black

Sand

Not sure of the color but I think this is a special edition in calf suede

Coffer bag, I feel is more mature and more formal in a sense. It's not a bag that you can carry to a picnic or a bag that you can carry to spend a day in the mall. But I still like the option of having the strap to swing it across your body.

My ultimate choice:

I do not know what is this bag called. It is perhaps a seasonal bag that will not be rolled over season after season like their classics. I fell in love with this bag the 1st time I lay my eyes on it on 11 Dec 2010 when I go shopping with Li San. The sales executive told us this bag is from the latest Spring/Summer 2011 collection. This is the first designs from SS2011 and more will arrive in Jan 2011. That time we saw, it comes in Tan color and a very dark Navy Blue-Teal colour. I must say the blue one is a very unique color but I really do not know how to match it. I'm almost contemplating to buy the Tan one on the spot but no, I did not.

Actually that trip to miu miu is to find a wallet for myself for Christmas. I did not see any color that I fancy. Was looking for a dirty pink color actually but it's not in season anymore. I found that I like the Matelasse wallet the best. The best color that I seen that day is Beige or Deserto. Still thinking so did not buy any on the spot.

Matelasse wallet that as the same signature crease lines as the coffer bag

On 20 Dec 2010, our wedding anniversary ErBao & I popped over Marina Bay Sands miu miu boutique to take a look. The wallets are the same, it has a different grey color from what Li San & I saw in ION store. I still cannot decide and almost wanted to buy the Deserto color from ION, which MBS store do not carry. We then went over to ION. The Deserto color is no longer there but they have white and black. Wanted to get the white but they are left with the display piece. Wanted to go with the classic black, but ErBao is against it. He says its too old looking.

I showed ErBao the bag that I fancied, he say it's lovely, as me to get it but I turned it down. Not really ready to part with $1,740. The wallet is $680 still can bear with a little pinch at heart.

This time round, on 6 Jan 2011 after much persuasion from ErBao, we went down to miu miu Paragon to get both the bag and the wallet. We do not know what's in store for us so just go down to check it out.

The reason for NOT getting the bow bag or the coffer bag is because I do not like my bags with zip closure (bow bag) and I do not fancy overflap too (coffer bag). When I carry my Longchamp I usually leave the zip unzip and overflap flapping anywhere but clasped to its button.

To my surprise the bag is nowhere to be found in Tan or Blue color. I'm disappointed, I thought I'm just too late in deciding. Then something caught my eyes - a new color!

I grab it from the shelf, didn't like it on first glance. Tried it on my shoulder and looked into the mirror, this color is easier to match then the Tan one or the Blue one. It's a Warm Grey color. I asked the Sales Executive for a new piece without any hesitate this time. The picture above feature the bag in Sand color is actually my favorite, but I guess I do not have fate with it.

Meanwhile, I turned to the wallets counter to look for a color that I can buy. I found the wallet in a matching Warm Grey color to go with the bag. If not for the bag, I guess I have no reason to choose such color for my wallet. But it matches with the bag perfectly so I can't I do not have an issue with the color at all. I did not ask the price for both items and ask the Sales Executive to give me a new wallet too.

The credit card slip came for signing, Bag is as usual $1,740 and the Wallet is $700 ($20 more expensive then what was known to me). I shrugged my shoulders and tell myself perhaps it's a new SS2011 new color, that's why. :)

Bag is a Christmas gift from my father-in-law and Wallet from hubby. I'm a happy girl...

9 Jan 2011 Shopping Spree!!!

2011-01-17T11:29:00.006+08:00

I finally plucked my courage to buy the things that I have been lusting for 2 years. I bought not 1 but 2. How could I??? Resist...

My loot from miu miu Paragon. hehe...

My eagerness caught on camera...

Shifting my stuff from old wallet to the new one. :)

My good ol' Gucci has served me well in the past 4 yrs.

Can't hide my happiness with my new miu miu bag from the new Spring/Summer 2011 collection in new colour.

The family of miu miu: matching color wallet and hobo bag. XiaoBai wants to be part of the glory.

Happy 2011!!

2011-01-01T11:08:00.003+08:00

Today is the 1st day of 2011.

Let me do a recap...

2007 New deparment

2008 Promotion

2009 Married to the man of my life

2010 Nurturing a young one in the warmth of my womb

2011 Looking forward to his arrival in 3 weeks' time, upbringing a newborn. ErBao will take a turn in his career and so will I.

2011 here we come!!!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T09:36:00.005+08:00

Hubby asked me how heavy am I now. I reply "10 turkeys heavy".

Yesterday was a Christmas feast with my new family. We went for last minute gift shopping and last min foodie shopping. By the time we reach the biggest Cold Storage, it was already 5pm. All roast food are gone, if not reserved. The oven is roasting a new batch so we have no choice but to wait for the new batch which is only ready in 1 hr's time. We shopped around the supermarket and ended up with $250 worth of groceries.

The feast is a lot of food.

1) A family-size Italian herb roast chicken

2) 10 German sausages

3) 1 1/2 slab of honey glazed pork ribs

4) Stir-fried vegetables, Chinese style

5) Fish ball & cabbage soup, Chinese styles

6) Bacon fried rice

Half chicken, ribs and sausages will become our breakfast on Boxing Day.

On Christmas Eve, Shine invited us over to his/our place for a home-cooked Briyani dinner. It was simple but enjoyable. ErBao bought a nice wine for Shine & Sneha. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

In the past, my Christmas is always spent with ErBao. This is the first year I'm truly spending it with friends and family. And the celebration doesn't stop there. We're having dinner with my family today, 26 Dec 2010. Then we are having dinner with KL & SY tomorrow, 27 Dec 2010.

Joy, Peace & Love

BaoBei

I'm so lousy

2010-12-05T23:09:00.002+08:00

God, I'm so bad at managing 2 blogs. I have been blogging more over at the other blog and neglecting this one... I'm so lousy.

The only thing that I wanna update here is my new iPhone 4. It took me 4 months to decide to buy a set without plan. That's like $888, making it the most expensive phone I have ever bought, following by the $698 Samsung i600.

I bought the Black 16Gb iPhone 4, complete with a white bumper case and a SPG brown leather skin guard. The total damage? $975. Ouch!

I loved the speed and retina display of my new phone and loved the leather-feel skin guard at the back of the phone. Bumper makes the grip more substantial and the touch of volume buttons and sleep buttons feels just like the phone itself. However the white color is already stained due to direct contact with table surfaces.

Why did it take so long for me to change? Because my plan only expires next Jun, by then iPhone 5 will be out. Moreover most of my apps cannot work properly with my old OS anymore. When Facebook app starts to act strangely, I tell myself "Alright, this is it!"

And the rest is history...

I'm lovin' it!

2010-09-05T16:57:00.000+08:00

The Return to Conrad Centennial Singapore

2010-09-05T16:37:00.003+08:00

Last weekend we spent a "staycation" in Conrad Centennial Singapore. It's the first time we step foot in Conrad after our perfect wedding reception, besides collecting my own birthday cake this May briefly.

The stay is good. Service and hospitality is nothing but real and warm (compared with the ordeal we had in MBS aka Major Bad Service).

The poshness is then again, 1-2 notches below St. Regis. Nonetheless Conrad is always magically in our hearts. :)

Dinner is Sabotei Tonkatsu at Parco Millenia. I would say the meat is as good as Tonkichi but I personally like the salad here better. *thumbs up*

And the rant continues...

2010-08-19T21:52:00.005+08:00

So we left the Skypark after the fireworks at about 8+ and we went ahead to get out of Marina area for a breather and for dinner when we do not need to book or queue or break a few limps to get a table.

Dinner is nice and pleasant at 六月餐室 in Tanjong Katong area. Sumptuous tzechar: egg yolk crabs, pumkin prawns (yummy!), pork knuckle, steam fish and many more.

We were all full and rolly after dinner. Slowly we made our way back to MBS, reaching at about 10.30pm. We thought our last room should finally be ready and approached the front desk. They told us it's really and we are pleased that we got a room at the 45th floor along side with the other 3 rooms. Our happiness is shortlived as we soon found out that the room is on the 45th floor of Tower 2! @#$%...

Never mind, it's getting late and we believed that the hotel staff have did their best in getting a room for us. So we pack up and set off to our room in Tower 2. Stepped inside the room and walk to the TV console area and I backed off 3 steps. Erbao asked why do I walk in the reverse manner. I pointed to him that the room is messy and dirty. I'm not even sure if it is still occupied. Erbao stepped forth and checked things out. There is a Nokia phone still charging and a bag of clothes. Obviously the room is occupied by someone else who happen to step away. Gosh! What kind of hotel management and security is this?

We storm back to the front desk and demanded a change of room after telling them what we saw. Alas! There is no more room left. We were told to go rest at our other rooms while they keep looking for a clean room for us. Kinda left with no choice right?

I'm dirty and I'm tired. We waited until 11.30pm. I took a shower but there's no clean tower as my FIL & MIL both had taken their shower and have used the 2 clean towers. So I just reused one of them.

Erbao did not bathe and pace up and down, waiting for the front desk to call. I dozed off a few times. Erbao-mei wanted to take a shower and call the room concierge for clean towels to be sent to the room. To our dismay, they are even running out of clean towels! Erbao took over the phone and started giving them a piece of his mind. 4 pieces of clean and warm towels arrived in our room after 10 mins. Why do they lie about the towels, or are the staff so untrained that they do not know where the towels are kept? We are puzzled and angry.

Time passes by slowly. By 12.30am, finally someone called us to inform us that they found a room for us. We asked where is the room. It turned out to be a room at level 2, at Tower 3 (even further down). Erbao is wary of the situation and ask the guy to go to that room, checked out if it's a clean room and its facing and call us back from that room.

The phone rang. The guy told us that the room is clean, no one is using it but it comes with a Garden View. What the hell is Garden View? It has a big traveller's palm right outside the balcony that we can almost touch it. And why is the stupid palm tree there? It is there to shield the room away from ECP (Sheares Bridge). We are like 8m away from one of the busiest road in Singapore! That's Garden View for you.

Well, it's really late into the night and we are tired of scolding people. Afterall we have been scolding people since afternoon.

We managed our expectation and bunked in. Then more surprises came. The room is much smaller and it doesn't come with a bath tub!!! I cannot imagine a room in a 5-star hotel that down come with a bloody bath tub. WTH! Again, we won't get to enjoy the tub anyway because it's 1am. Erbao make do with the standing shower. Tick Tock.. Tick Tock... 10mins passed... He proved that our damn room has no hot water!!

Erbao walked back to MIL's room in his bathing robe and me following in my pyjamas in the so called posh hotel. I don't wish to dwell much into the shower. We finally retire for the day at 1.30am. We are tired of the whole day of queueing, scolding and waiting. Felt that a Saturday is wasted. :(

The first time that I'm gonna rant and rant and rant!!

2010-08-01T22:08:00.006+08:00

Yesterday is the day that Hubby & I are all excited about this long waited "stay-cation" at the hyped Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This hotel has 2,561 rooms and suites in all. I have always been impressed by how grand the lobby is and been quite sure that it is indeed the jewel of Singapore.

So we booked 4 rooms with the help of Li San. When we reached there, it really looked at Macau Venetian, but instead of Chinese tourists, we are welcomed by a lot of uncouth Singaporeans.

They sat everywhere on the polished marble floor, gorging their tabaos of chicken rice, playing PSP, iPhones. They do not carry luggage, one family could have up to 10 recycle bags holding their belongings. Very tak-glam. Cannot resist to use Singlish to describe.

Then it hit me that there is a super long queue to check into the hotel. Try to locate me if you can! And that colour wall behind the counter is hideous.

We started queueing at about 2.50pm and when it's finally our turn, it's already near 5pm. 2 hours of queueing. We were so glad to be serve by this Brandon, who tried very very hard to put all the 4 rooms together, or at least in the same tower. His face grew into a worried frown. I joked with him saying that he can put us in the suites. He said he actually checked all the suites that is available and he is afraid that they are fully booked for the day. Total can't find any available rooms. I asked him if there are no rooms, what about the 50 - 80 people behind us, still hopefully thinking that they will be check in, somehow.

He have to grab every room that comes available. There at about 15 check in counters and all have to grab whatever that is coming up, it reminds me of stock market. Finally he got us 3 rooms at 45th floor of Tower 1 and another at 28th floor of the same tower. That took us about 30 mins. Brandon said that all the rooms are available but dirty. We will have to come back for the room key later.

We proceed to lunch at the most affordable place -- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, as the temporary food court is packed. Again we queue to get in. That took about 10 mins. We ordered food in lighting speed but lunch takes forever to come. They served us a tea which we did not order. Hubby and sis-in-law's food came quite quickly except for my Penne de Roast Chicken. I gave a little chase and it came. I gobbled up everything in 10 mins. I'm totally famished. My lil' one needs to be fed. Not to mention I have remained standing for 2.5 hrs.

As we are kinda eager to get to the Skypark for a good spot for fireworks, Erbao gave his card to one blur chap to skip asking for bill. Guess what? The guy lost his credit card in a matter of seconds and unprofessionally looked for it in our table and the next table that he went to before losing the card. He asked us twice if we handed him a credit card, we said yes. all 3 pairs of eyes staring at him. He must be intimidated. Then we asked for the manager to tell her what happened, as different guy came and flashed the card in his hand. We were relieved and disgusted. I told that manager that this is unacceptable and we must be compensated. So we got a 10% discount off the bill. I don't really care about the absolute discount but this unpleasant incident just made their food & service not worth a single cent.

We got back at the hotel lobby to get our key cards, without which we cannot gain access to the Skypark. We approached one staff who issued 6 empty room cards to us. 1 card can bring 1 guest. Perhaps the rooms are ready so we tried asking our actual room keys from the check-in counters. True enough, all 3 rooms at the 45th floor are ready. We went up to our rooms to find that it faces the highway, not the city view. Nonetheless we are grateful for the high floor.

Without further ado, NDP rehearsal will start soon so we hurried to the Skypark. The park is packed, real packed. Once again, disgusted. More crowd than any public pool that I have been to. Rowdy kids running around, tak-glam grandparents stay behind shades to enjoy their tabaos. On the other hand, the view is indeed breathtaking.

The pool is facing the west and the sun is quite strong that day. There are sunscreens that separate the park and the pool. A family friend pulled up the screen, getting ready to watch the fireworks. An angry and rude security guard come around to pull the screen back down and say that we cannot do this. Erbao asked him why we can't have the screens up as we are all here to watch the fireworks from the most ideal spot in the whole island. He did not explain but say "No" sharply and rudely.

He did not manage to pull all the screens back down and the first round of fireworks started. The public is standing in his way to work. He wanted us to back off so that he can pull the screens down. Erbao didn't let him and reason with him. He insisted than I finally swing into action saying "We respect that you have a job here and you are trying to do your job. But we could have let you do your job if you are more courteous. You have been very rude which made us very unhappy and we will not let you do you job." Moments later more guards came, we don't care. But they are here to let up all the screens. Haha... we won the battle. :)

The fireworks are really specular from the Skypark and it ended in a grand finale. Making our way down is again another queue. While queueing, a VVVIP appear. MM Lee aka 老李, surrounded by his own fleet of guards emerged from the lift lobby. We only experience silence and people murmuring "Lee Kuan Yew, Lee Kuan Yew"...

Then we get back into our queue to wait for lift. The security guards started their shouting again asking the public to back off from dunno what?!?

[to be continued, the worst haven't come!]

Bits & pieces from the wedding

2010-07-25T00:07:00.006+08:00

A few of my favourite picks from Utopia Photography.

Our email invite.. made by moi! Our logo is also designed by me, if you don't mind.

Back to normal mode

2010-07-22T22:02:00.001+08:00

Now I'm gonna change this blog from a wedding blog to a normal blog dedicated to our lives together as a couple. The wedding day itself is just too much to blog about. I'm sorry if I disappoint anyone. But it's too much details. And the honeymoon, oh god… I'll try to blog about them in bits and pieces every now & then. As I do not want to miss our current lives just because I did not finish blogging about our wedding and honeymoon. I'll do flashbacks, I promise. *fingers crossed*

I started 2 other blogs recently. They are all linked in my blog links to the right. One is called "onetwothreethree", it is dedicated to our new home. From house hunting, to buying it, to designing it. Eventually it will be a reno blog and put an end to it when we moved in. How exciting isn't it? Unfortunately I habit start anything to write yet…

Next blog and the newest blog is called "Our Tiger Bump". It is naturally epicts our baby bump who is to be born at the end of the Tiger year. The blog is officially started last week and is already filling up with updates. Preety cool, stay tuned.

I now have 3 blogs to man, so do give me some time. ;)

A million sorries...

2010-07-11T23:02:00.002+08:00

Hey! I'm back. Yea I've been missing for a loooonnnggg while but most importantly is, I'm back! (reminds me of the scene when Spiderman in Spiderman 2 decided to be a super hero again and he goes "I'm baaacckkk.... and he somewhat lost his powers and fell from great heights. Then he picks himself up and goes "My back..." LOL)

I have been missing not because my after-wedding life is miserable. In fact, it's great! Everyday is new experience, learning to take care of someone, be taken care and pampered on, learning to be a wife, daugther-in-law and granddaughter-in-law. Wow!

I am so supposed to blog about the wedding actual day but I stop-short at the 2 days before the wedding. Ok I admit, I'm lazy to continue write about it. Hey I needed time to get over my post-wedding blues ok. It's not easy to let a day that I hold so dear to my heart go just like that. I gotten recover from all that.... blah blah blah... I can go on blabbering tons of reasons if you want to listen.

Anyway, long story short.

19th Dec 2009 - One day before wedding

I went for mani & pedi with my 2 blood sisters for some bonding session in a rather low class shop. LOL (recommended by my gown designer lor) My eldest sister sweat that she will never come back. The truth is, so did I.

I remember it was raining hard that day. Especially hard to move around in my freshly pedicured feet in my flip-flops. Nothing really happened to my toes but I had a hard time walking to the MRT station.

I chose the classic pink french mani for my hands and bloody red for my toes. I loved them!

My 2 sisters "pang se" me after the free treatment. I have to waddle myself home from Tanjong Pagar to Boon Lay. Then poor me, queue up for 45 mins in the POSB branch at Jurong Point to get the never-enough new $2 notes for last min ang paos. Only then I realised that banks do not carry new notes besides CNY period. So I begged the auntie behind the counter. "Tomorrow is my wedding, can you please get me the newest $2 notes you have? Please..." She is very helpful to collect $2 from every counter and gather the newest notes for me. I do not remember her face nor her name now. But I remembered her kind act.

Then I went to dunno NTUC or Sheng Shiong to buy oranges for the wedding rituals. Poor bride... Sayang...

Lastly and most importantly is some quiet bonding session with my mum & dad. My dad is a man of few words (recent years) and he kept his silence. I took a pic of me & him together.

Iris is also around. It is a homely day for me. :)

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 18th, 2009 Friday

2010-02-16T13:40:00.007+08:00

Finally it's the off day before Wedding. What did I do at home? I can't really remember.

In the morning, Mum & I brought 小妹妹 to Sheng Siong foodcourt for breakfast.

I also remember it's the day that we put up all the 囍 motifs at doors and windows and the main living area wall.

小妹妹 can't contain her curiosity aka KPO-ness anymore. She has got to abandon her bread and get her hands on the 囍 motifs.

She murmurs to herself "Iris paste! Iris paste!" Then she looks at me, she goes "Winnie Ah-yee can you paste?" So cute!

In the afternoon at about 5pm, we went down to Conrad again to meet up with our Banquet Manager, Barry. He is a man of few words. I'm not so assured by his lack of words, but somehow ErBao said he's good and professional. Well we trusted him. Passed the 8 big packs of M&M's Peanuts for the cocktail session.

Conrad 2009 Christmas deco

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 17th, 2009 Thursday

2010-02-16T13:39:00.004+08:00

And the world goes by...

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 16th, 2009 Wednesday

2010-02-16T13:35:00.005+08:00

This is the buying day and it has got to clash with our ROM appointment. No choice gotta take 1/2 day leave. Well it's time that they get used to the Winnie-may-not-always-be-there phenomenon.

Went to the ROM, 3pm appointment to take oath to pledge that neither of us has ever been wedded in any country. Then we collected the ROM certs so that we can bring on the actual day at the hotel.

Had a late lunch at Curry Favour. We are way pass the 3pm lunch special hour to order the 1/2 curry set. But she made an exception for us. :) Cos I say I don't want already. Not trying to be difficult but I really don't want to have the full portion.

The day is packed with appointments as we went down to Conrad to test our audio and montage. Get to see the crew turn around the ballroom from a seminar to a banquet hall. So many people, so professional, so fast and so many fresh roses everywhere. There's a wedding that night. According to Benedicte, our banquet coordinator, there's almost wedding dinner or private dinner function at the ballroom every night. Cool. Business is brisk for Conrad.

I love Conrad!

Then we move on to meet our all-so-busy-and-snoobish florist. While waiting for him at Starbucks Novena Square, we settled our 2 march-in songs.

He appeared, a fat man with beard. His portfolio is the same as his website and perhaps as old as he is.

The meeting is chop-chop. We browsed through his works. Generally what's covered in the package is a few pathetic synthetic flowers with dull ribbons. Big and bountiful flowers comes with a price. All we need to do is to tell him 5 things.

1) Package or add-on (in our case, need to say more?)
2) Real or synthetic (Remember those petals that were thrown at us during the 2nd march-in?)
3) Type of flowers (Rose)
4) Color of Rose (Yam, to match our Purple theme)
5) No. of corsages and their respective colors (Whoa! He's so kind to thrown in 2 FREE corsages, we are sooo grateful lor. My foot!)

Special request: Pearl strands around my hand bouquet

Flowers are a big thing in weddings. My day hand bouquet, hubby's corsages, banquet hall decor and my night hand bouquet. I'm so grately that I decided to have another hand bouquet for the night so that march-in will look better.

My night hand bouquet is Pale Pink Peonies bought directly from a nursery - $80. Thankful that Joyce helped me with this.

Count-down: 4 days

14th - 15th Dec 2009

2010-02-09T22:51:00.001+08:00

And we continued to work...

15th Dec 2009 is the day before the Pedro Buy. Usually it's a late night for me. True enough, 11pm.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Something taboo, something happy!! - Dec 13th, 2009 Sunday

2010-02-09T22:44:00.006+08:00

Continue with montage in the afternoon at ErBao's house.

In the evening...

13th December is ErBao's colleague's wedding. Ermm... we attended it. (ssshhh...)

Held at the Regent Hotel, nice & cosy event. Here's some pics.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 12th, 2009 Saturday

2009-12-27T10:06:00.006+08:00

I went out early in the morning to get some more 囍 decorations for the doors and mirrors. The store at JP that sells this doesn't open till 11am but I'm there at 10.15am. No choice, gotta get a drink at Old Town Coffee House. Milk Tea $2.50.

Along the way to Old Town, I chance upon a helium reindeer that walks. I remember discussing with the "sisters" that the Groom & "brothers" should come with props to make the photographs more interesting. They are supposed to come in costumes but costume rentals are too expensive and the return is painful. I thought Reindeer will be nice since it's Christmas. Then again, the occasion is our Wedding and not Christmas, hence aborted the idea of a Reindeer. Took a pic of the varieties for discussion with ErBao.

Remember the Pink iShell that stains my hand? We return to Paragon to ask for an exchange. It is a no-question-asked exchange. They didn't even see our receipt.

Then we went to Rupini's Orchard branch to get our messy brows threaded nicely to shape, ErBao included.

Lunch at dunno where and headed back home to continue with our wedding montage. ErBao is in charge of the overal production of the montage while I select the photos and do some combination photos so that we can space lengths of the video.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 11th, 2009 Friday

2009-12-26T12:29:00.006+08:00

Took a half day leave, eventually only left office at 4pm. !@#$% What's new?

First brought the wedding bands to Ah Kung for cleaning. Made an appointment to colour my hair and do some treatment at Gataomo. I simply only "top up" colour are hair root and Jacky charged me full price... Sob...

ErBao joined me shortly to for a haircut too.

End the day with a long-waited dinner at Fish & Co @ Paragon. ErBao bought a new iPhone shell in Shocking Alu Pink for me. I loved it! but its colour runs... I end up with Pink Hands.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 7th - 10th, 2009

2009-12-26T12:27:00.007+08:00

Work goes on as usual for ErBao & I. Samples came in for the buying. ErBao's project finally ended.

Apart from work, I return home to make floral corsages for my bridesmaids, (blood) sister and Iris. Materials with compliments from Joyce Chan.

From left: for bridesmaid, for morning Iris' small wrist, for evening Iris, for 大姐 (to match with Iris)

Made Iris 2 hairclips too.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 6th, 2009 Sunday

2009-12-26T00:09:00.015+08:00

This particular Sunday morning we woke up at exceptionally early as it is an important day leading up to our wedding - 过大礼。

The night before having had a hell lot of fun with my sistas' I went home to a sulky mum who complains that I'm not helping with 过大礼 stuff. So the night before, I sat down at 11pm tying red ribbons and sticking 囍 stickers onto whatever things that I see.

8am, woke up to wait for my Groom to come with his 媒人 to 提亲。They came with 22 boxes of cakes, many many oranges, 2 Martells, munchy goodies, etc. All these are called 聘礼, together with 聘金。

Mum & 媒人

They are suppose to give a lot to symbolize their generosity in this marriage. My mum & dad are suppose to keep some and return some to symbolize that the Groom's family is overly generous and that the Bride's family is humble and not greedy.

Ang Pows given back to the Groom's family members and the Groom himself (aka 女婿买田地礼金)。 So that he can buy land to plough with $28 lah... LOL...

In return, my mum also prepared many dowry for me to bring over to his house to symbolize the new Bride is ready to move every important possession over to her husband's place to start their new life together as a Couple. (those things that my mum spend $100 over to buy, which I clumsily tie red ribbons and stick 囍 stickers on.)

The things include sewing kit, splitoon, face basin, baby bath basin, towels (to represent cloths in the olden days), face towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mugs, 大圆小圆，bowls & chopsticks (for eating auspicious food stuff like rice dumplings on AD at Groom's house) and teapot set (for tea ceremony on AD at Groom's house).

Part of the 聘礼 are offered to Gods and ancestors to "tell" them that the daughter of the 甯 family is about to be married off and pray for their blessings to the new couple.

Did I mentioned that all the above happen at 8 in the morning??? Went back to sleep till 12 and get up to deliver the wedding cakes to relatives.

Mum, dad & I made rounds to 9 different places from Jurong to Toa Payoh. Finally end the day in my sister's place for dinner. My Bro-in-law cooks well.

Iris put on her new dress for us. She's gonna wear this new dress to our wedding banquet.

Did I mention that ErBao went on to participate in the Apply Discovery Race Finals and he won the 3rd place with his partner Cheng Wen. They each got a 16Gb Black iPhone complete with a 2-yr contract from Singtel. What's the catch here? They already have iPhones before the race. Humph!

Well the iPhone eventually fetched ErBao $1000 cash by selling to his colleague.

Final countdown to the Wedding - Dec 5th, 2009 Saturday

2009-12-25T23:34:00.002+08:00

This day is the much anticipated Sisters' Meeting whereby new friends are made and big plans to be discussed on how to disturb the Groom and Brothers during AD gatecrashing. The more difficult the game plan, the more 开门红包they get (of course, they did not know that I have set the budget with my Groom beforehand already). hehe...

Started the day with Peishan, Fion & Alicia as we go to Joanne's place for alternation of the Bridesmaids' dresses and some of my casual clothes. Joanne is still as friendly and helpful as before.

Then we leave for Somerset to meet the rest of the sistas. The chosen gossip playground is TCC at Peranakan Place. The damage? $139.

Shortly arriving at TCC, Li San & Jiaying joined us. Longly, Yu Jun joined us too. The girls enjoyed the food and chit-chat. All got too excited with the gatecrashing especially that hot mama Fion.

We all forgot it's time to go to my next appt, final fitting at Jawn Happy Ever After. The girls got a sneak preview to our Pre-Wedding shots. Hubby joined us at Jawn.

Followed by a bit of window shopping here & there and real shopping at 313 @ Somerset.

Finally we end the day at Wisma Food Republic. That's the end of our day but Fion, Alicia & Li San continued "shopping" after dinner.

I'm baaaaaack!

2009-12-25T23:28:00.002+08:00

I have been uber busy with the days leading up to our marriage. And the days after the wedding is just pure relaxation, packing and trying to accustom to my new life at new home.

Nonetheless, I promised that I'm gonna post everything that I held dear to my heart and swear to god that I will not revew before for the wedding. Now everything goes!

Before I dwell too much, Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!!! 2010 will be a great year!

It's the final countdown!

2009-12-06T01:27:00.002+08:00

Every weekend is packed with shopping for wedding traditional stuff, toothbrushes, combs, basins, "double happiness" stickers, ang pows, brothers' ties and ribbons.

过大礼 items are checked, purchased and "leh-bin" tie nice nice liao. Mum is getting jittery about this whole 过大礼 thing and sorta raised her voice at me as I went out for a some "me-time" with sisters. Oopsie!

Wanna snap some shots of the sistas meeting but all are shy and I'm also distracted by the discussions so never take any. Erbao did.

Bought new PJs, I never really spend money on PJs. Usually my mum will buy me some "3 for $10" shorts from pasar malam and Giordano t-shirts as homewear. On top of that, I now have 4 new combs. LOL!

We got conned all the time for the wedding, money that is. What's new? 过大礼 we are also not spared, except this time is my Mum.

For everything other things are under control. Like schedule, meet the sistas, final gown fitting, floral corsages, red slippers to go with Kua, red hair accessory, hard liquor, etc. I mean every other things are under control. Other.

Things like ang pow list, video montages, 2nd march-in songs, erhmm...

Oh by the way, the Simmons mattress came yesterday. It is super luxury as we always believe.

Tomorrow is 过大礼 & 安床 day. I'm gonna take many pics and post on blog. It's also Erbao's Final Apple Discovery Race Day! 加油二宝！！

14 days more to go. 14 days left to be Miss Nam!

The verdict is out!!

2009-11-15T18:55:00.015+08:00

We have finally decided to use Audi Q7 as our wedding car. We are debating about whether to hang "gu-nee kong" behind. I guess not. It will not do Q7 justice if we were to hang such "tak-glam" things behind him.

Q7, no we won't do such things to you 'cuz you cost more than a bomb!

So far so good

2009-10-27T16:49:00.004+08:00

I haven't blog about our wedding preparations for the longest time. That's because there's nothing to blog about.

Eversince the pre-wedding photoshoots are done, we basically lazed around doing many things but seemingly nothing. Aaah... I know, a lot of attention when into home shopping and loan-seeking. *any kind souls out there, please...*

We are now designing our own wedding card, target for printing early November. It's gonna be nice, fingers crossed.

The "matchmaker aka Erbao's aunty" came last Sunday to talk about betrothal items. Geez, I have not idea what they are talking about and Erbao cannot catch any ball too. All the traditional lingo in Teochew some more!

But I do look forward to taking pics of those betrothal items and I can post them here.

We are also finally starting to work on our montage and also met up with the Banquet manager.

Now I gotta get offline and prepare for D&D (with a runny nose and a coughy voice). LMAO!

Look at these!

2009-10-27T00:23:00.003+08:00

I hope my significant other sees this... hohohoho...

I loved her mirror. Every girl should have this!!!

I'm a Manchurian, perhaps

2009-10-19T17:58:00.004+08:00

The Ning surname (Chinese simplified: 宁; traditional: 寧;pinyin:nìng) is a surname of Chinese descendant. Its literal meaning means "peace". The surname is believed to have come from Northern China and is not known to be of Han origin, instead it is believed to be of Manchu or Tungusic origin. This surname is also known to be extremely rare as it was not on the top 100 of most common surnames in 2006 and is most common in New Zealand with 18.69 Frequency Per Million.

（taken from wikipedia)

Check these out!!

2009-10-07T00:04:00.005+08:00

Oh my gosh! These are by far one of the nicest heels I have seen recently. Being surrounded by shoes everyday, it's been a while since I was last "wowed" by shoes.

Check out Jane's blog at

2009-10-05T00:20:00.001+08:00

To all those out there affected by the natural disasters in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, whatever religion they may be, God bless them.

2009-10-05T00:18:00.000+08:00

Actually it's more like Audi Normal Q7 lah.

And the nominees are... drum roll

2009-10-05T00:12:00.004+08:00

The New BMW 7 Series

Audi Q7 Limo - 10 seater

Mercedes R Class

I love Peonies...

2009-10-04T23:54:00.002+08:00

I really love the richness and the royalty that Peonies encompass. I don't think I can get it without topping up $$.

Everyone's wedding at the end of the day will look the same because the wedding vendors like florist and hairstylist will give you the "standard" hand banquet and "standard" bride hairdo for the already-exorbitant price that you pay. If you want to be different, then you need to top up.

I am sick and tired of the words "一生人一次" and "you gotta top up". You think my wedding is as easy as topping up EZlink card? No! You are all wrong. You dunno who WINNIE NAM is. Don't mess with her!!!

Our New Home

2009-10-04T21:49:00.000+08:00

For a dear price, we are now proud home owners of #12-33. :)

Justice of Peace

2009-10-01T00:09:00.002+08:00

We are experiencing some hiccups with THE most important thing of the wedding - the Solemniser.

We almost believe that we are getting Mr Chan Kai Yau as the solemniser who will officiate our marriage. Alas! He does not conduct solemnization on Sundays.

Then we look around to find another hot favourite - NUS lecturer from my former faculty, Prof Yu. Again, we hit the wall. Prof Yu is booked for 6.30pm of 20 Dec 2009.

Why must such things happen to us twice? Now we are looking around for our 3rd choice...

Quickie updates

2009-09-26T02:24:00.002+08:00

We did the food tasting last Sunday, changed a couple of dishes. I love Conrad. But my dad, as usual has one too many comments.

We can't wait for the big big bed to come in October!!!

My New Toy

2009-09-16T00:31:00.002+08:00

Just unboxed my new 15" MacBook Pro with Erbao. The welcome video is fascinating and special. The hardware is so chic. Ooh, I love it!

My Lust List

2009-09-15T14:02:00.004+08:00

The Earthquake

2009-09-03T01:03:00.003+08:00

Today I landed in Jakarta for a 3-day work-related trip. Lunch was late and we almost only eat at about 2pm JKT time. When lunch ended at about 3pm, we hang around for a chat in the restaurant when the table and the bench that we were sitting on start to "move" side by side. We looked at each other strangely thinking what it was. I was pretty cool about it as it really did not occur to me that it's earthquake. We were in the topic of funny ghost-catching topic as I joked that the table shook because there's a friendly "hantu" playing, while I thought it's my colleague who moved the table. As people started to evacuate, then we know it's not funny, it's earthquake.

The Seismic movement lasted about 2 mins in lateral movements, bad enough to make you giddy, to make you worry and to make you want to run for your life.

The mall made an earthquake announcement in Bahasa. Some stores closed. My JKT counterpart said that it's been years since he last experience any earthquake in Jakarta. This means it is very serious, and I know at some part of the world, near JKT, people are suffering.

Disaster has never been closer. My well wishing goes out to all...

828!!!

2009-08-28T09:37:00.002+08:00

Today is the birthday of my 2nd niece, Karis.

加油，大姐！

Ho Ho Ho...

2009-08-24T13:57:00.000+08:00

Today I walked out of my house with cool breeze on my face. I thought
for a while to myself, thinking that Christmas is here. :)

The Pre-Wedding Shoot by Utopia

2009-08-18T01:13:00.001+08:00

The long waited and highly anticipated photoshoot has come and gone.
I'm actually feeling quite sad that it's over. It's been the one thing
that I looked forward to for the longest time.

1 Aug 09 Sat: Full trial, make up, hairdo, jewelry selection.

8 Aug 09 Sat: Went to get my eye brow threaded at Rupini's. Erbao had
his "virgin" thread.

10 Aug 09 Mon: Dyed my hair.

15 Aug 09 Sat: Got my mani & pedi done to perfection.

16 Aug 09 Sun: Collected tea dress, rings, jewelry, gowns, and
borrowed car.

17 Aug 09 Mon: Photoshoot. Make up starts at 10am, shoot start at
11.30am - 6pm. 3 looks, 3 outfits. Erbao too.

18 Aug 09 Tue: 1.13am still can't sleep!!

Got no time? There you have it!

2009-08-11T22:12:00.001+08:00

Sprintcuts is a serial of homemade videos that teaches how to do the simplest things the quickest way. Viola!

The Bridesmaid Dresses

2009-08-07T14:45:00.002+08:00

The Dresses finally come after all the hardship and ordeal. But they are all oversized!! Or rather, my girls are too skinny. Time to put on weight and get those asses shaking, girls!

Love this pic

2009-08-07T14:43:00.005+08:00

(courtesy of lightedpixelblog)

The Capella Ballroom

2009-08-07T14:41:00.002+08:00

(courtesy of lightedpixelblog)

Another Sneak Preview

2009-08-03T14:15:00.001+08:00

This pic is taken on 1 Aug 2009, the day of my trial make up, hairdo and jewelry before the battery goes flat...

Our Office Birthday Party organised by Moi!

2009-07-30T19:09:00.004+08:00

Sneak peek to the wedding bands

2009-07-23T20:07:00.001+08:00

Other things worth mentioning

2009-07-20T00:10:00.005+08:00

Yes I did.

I order the dream dress for all my bridesmaids. I carefully asked all of them a fav to chipped some money for the dress. I'm going to pay 50% for them. They get to own such good grade dress at less than $30. I pray for the quality to be good. The dresses are already delivered to our Guangzhou office waiting to be shipped out.

Can't wait. A total of 12 beautiful dresses on it's way to Singapore.

In the meantime, erbao also collected his grey suit. It is indeed a smart looking suit. We got him 3 shirts & 3 ties for different look. He isn't too happy with the cut though. But his lovey wifey assured him that he's looking his best.

The dresses, the suit, together with the jewelry + our Lightedpixel photographer. Everything will be picture-perfect for lasting memories. We believe that the money is well spent.

I'm back!

2009-07-19T23:48:00.004+08:00

You can't imagine how busy I am with work & the wedding that I haven't found time to blog anything about all these stuff.

Mid Jun - end Jun I'm busy with the once-every-3-mth buying conference where all my overseas counterparts flew in. 30 Jun - 8 Jul I travelled to Cairo & Dubai. Came back, other work drowned me too. Will post pics soon.

But most of all, I wanna updated about the wedding prep. We have bought our bed, bedding accessories & blanket all with great bargains from the Great Singapore Sale. Budget was $4500 but we spent something like $3800. Not bad. Can't wait for the bed to be delivered in October.

Yesterday we caught the first glimps of our wedding bands. This is brlliantly crafted, especially mine. But it is a little too tight, have asked Ah Kung to grind the inside a bit to loosen it. Erbao's ring is not as nice as we want it to be. The sandblast or the matt part is not evenly crafted. We have to point out to him what we really wanted. But the corners are far too fine to use machine so it was hand grinded. It is also a bit too loose for erbao. So we have asked him to expand.

Ah Kung is really a nice and honest man. We like to work with him.

Another thing worth mentioning is the evening gown. We were so unsatisfied with the bottom that we decided to ask for any overhual. The price that we pay is not being able to have the originally chosen color. Tomorrow is the 2nd fitting. Hope things turn out wl this time. *fingers crossed*

The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

2009-06-15T00:22:00.003+08:00

Awww.... isn't it nice?

I'm back....!

2009-06-14T23:40:00.002+08:00

Long time no blog.

It's been a crazy week both at work and in wedding preparations.

We have confirmed many things and we're so happy.

1) We confirmed and appointed Lightedpixel to cover the full AD photography in a jounalistic style. We loved his works too!
2) We confirmed my traditional Gold & Silver Drago & Phoenix Kua with The Red Wedding
3) We tried on our very rough wedding bands for the first time
4) We discussed design with Ah Kung on our Diamond-Pearl necklace. 2 necklaces - 4 ways of wearing ;) The set is designed exclusively by my hubby and words couldn't describe the feeling of having the world's one and only one piece of jewelry all by myself.
5) We bought a Peachy Red Quilt set from Tessuti for our Wedding night and bought 2 pillows too
6) We paid deposit for our first bed - Simmons Backcare Advance S1000
7) Erbao tried on his half complete suit
8) While I fit myself into 95% completed wedding gowns and evening gowns
9) Bride's shoes for Day & Night at settled
10) Dress hunting for the bridesmaids and Mum of Bride/Groom has begun
11) Guest list are being planned

We are both very very satisfied with what we have done so far. Especially the bed and jewelry. Sorry that I did not have time to blog down the details of everything as work has been equally hectic and irritating.

Pictures of Gowns, Suit, Kua and shoes will all not be posted to protect the innocence.

I'm contemplating whether to post the jewelry sketches. Till then, stay tuned...

Drumroll Ta-Daaa... The Moment of Truth

2009-06-08T20:32:00.005+08:00

Bride's Day shoes are off-white satin,diamante 3-inch heels, sponsored by Charles & Keith.

Bride's Evening stilettos are Taupe satin bling-bling 3-inch heels, purchased at staff discount from Pedro Woman.

Isn't me loyal? :>
...
..
.

No pics posted as it is a secret. Will post everything after the Wedding. I know it's a bit OFF by then, but it is still a momento that's worth blogging about.

Our Green Wedding

2009-06-07T15:36:00.006+08:00

There's a color theme for the morning ceremony to brighten up the whole atmosphere. We have been indecisive between Purple and Green.

Groom's shirt will be coloured, Bride's gown will be sashed with matching colour. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen will be colour coded as well.

Peishan's wedding is White and Gold. What's mine?

Sisters, do you ladies mind wearing same colour or even identical dresses? Trust me, it will look pretty in photos. We have burnt our pockets on photographer, so please cooperate and wear same color theme ok?

Thanks in advance.

(courtesy of "The Knot")

Deviation

2009-05-31T22:07:00.001+08:00

We are deviating from our Royal wedding theme.

We're going to change our AD photographer

2009-05-29T09:32:00.004+08:00

Yup, after the photographer-fly-us-kites saga, we're off to find ourselves new photographer for AD again. Today we will meet up with one *Fingers crossed*

This time round, we will give cold hard CASH there to get ready to pay deposit if everything is fine. No more hiccups, no more disappointment, no more anguish moments.

This is it!

**A girl's gotta do what a girl gotta do!

Never mess with an angry girl

My Desired Wedding Shoes... If only...

2009-05-29T09:25:00.006+08:00

(courtesy of "Zappos")

6 June 2009 is my first fitting. Excited! Susan called to ask me to prepare my shoes. Oh no!! Oh shit! Oh yeah!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-05-29T09:24:00.000+08:00

Kawaii....

2009-05-26T09:56:00.001+08:00

Alas! !@#$

2009-05-23T23:40:00.003+08:00

So far so good about our wedding. Everything seems to fall into place the way we wanted them to be. Until last Wednesday.

The initial plan is to have 2 photographers to cover day & night events.

On 18 May 2009, I'm on the verge of closing the deal with Redco, where I tried to squeeze another $100 down but I'm really ok to settle at that price ($1000 for 4 hrs). 20 May (Wed) he emailed us to say he got booked for the entire day by another couple and ask us to find some one else.

I'm not too happy with it of course, but good thing is we concluded with our favorite photographer for the evening, which is Plush. I confirmed with Plush on 29 Apr on his service for the evening via email. He said ok on the date and will send us his agreement and payment mode via email once he is back from Perth.

I waited...

20 May I emailed Plush to ask how do I payment as I remember him saying only paying deposit will secure a slot, so i wanted to pay the deposit first.

22 May, he email back and say he got the deposit payment from another couple to cover their wedding for 20 Dec 2009 and asked us to look for other photographers.

Why does this have to happen to us, twice in a roll? Why... :(

More things get done

2009-05-17T22:51:00.005+08:00

This weekend is superbly fruitful. We got 2 important things done!

1) We went back to Ah Kung and get our wedding bands made. The designs has revisited, confirmed and size of diamonds determined. We also custom-made a full diamond bracelet there. The total bill is momentarily and purposely forgotten at this point (tell me about it later). The full diamond bracelet is a gift from my future MIL to me during the tea ceremony. I'm glad I get to choose my preferred design. I can wear it during the wedding reception!! Yippee...

2) We got ourselves busy with Erbao's suit too. His favourite Shark Fin's Grey, ermm... I mean Sharkskin Grey is fortunately available from the many swatches that we saw on Saturday. The feel of the wool is good too. It's gonna be hot, darling. Good Luck!

We are going to get him 3 shirts: one for morning, 2 for evening. We get our hands on some fancy fabrics for a twist. It's gonna be fun and cool! (hmmm... The jacket's still gonna be hot)

What we DID NOT know is that suit also need to top up. Urgh...

I gave a miss to view the Kuas as I needed a break. Sunday is pure relaxation.

My 四点金

2009-05-12T12:11:00.003+08:00

If there's such thing called virtual robbery, then I won't post this pic. ;p

Wickedly Lovely

2009-05-06T22:22:00.003+08:00

(courtesy of Plush Photography blog)

I want this Kua!!!

2009-05-06T22:18:00.004+08:00

to go with those Crocs... (Sly look)

(courtesy of Plush Photography blog)

No shoes to go with Traditional Kua

2009-05-06T21:53:00.003+08:00

I'm a Cantonese by birth so wearing Kua is naturally my 1st choice for tea ceremony &
"home returning".

Today Peishan just reminded me that I need shoes to go with Kua. I seriously comtemplating to buy a pair of red Crocs to go with the Kua. hahaa...

(courtesy of Crocs)

Wedding Vendors & all

2009-05-06T21:40:00.005+08:00

For those of you whom I know or not know, and who want to know my vendors for my wedding; here goes:

Reception Venue: The Conrad Centennial Singapore
Bridal Salon: Jawn.happy.ever.after www.jawnhappyeverafter.com
Florist: No idea
Makeup Artist: Shirley from ???
Suit: Personality Menshop
Shoes: Charles & Keith and Pedro/ALDO (all TBC)
Rings: Ah Kunggggg....
Pre-Wedding Shoot: Utopia Photography www.utopiaphotography.com
Actual Day Photography (AM): Redco Photography www.redcophotography.com (TBC)
Actual Day Photography (Evening): Plush Photography www.plushphotography.com.sg or eadwine.livejournal.com
Kua Rental: The Red Wedding www.theredwedding.com
Videographer: None (And we'll happy with none)

Purely coincidental

2009-05-03T23:43:00.002+08:00

A sneak preview to my WG.

But I swear to God that it's pure coincidence. I only selected my gowns designs today, came home to check out Anne Hathaway's bridal hairstyle and saw just how similar my gown is with the ones in the movie.

Hee...Hee...

A bit of Elie Saab for ya

2009-05-03T23:41:00.001+08:00

The Moment of Truth... Phew!

2009-05-03T22:40:00.005+08:00

Today is the day that Euzart showed us his "masterpieces" after what seems like the longest time. Ok, fine, it's only 3 weeks. And I'm surprised at his speed when they call me last week to fix the view-your-gown-design appointment.

Euzart come up with 2 WGs and 3 EGs for me to choose. Well, his creatively did not impress me too much as he was highly "inspired" by what I showed him earlier in my "homework". Well isn't that what I want, just copy from somewhere chic and vogue, cookie-cutter-style. Voila!

2 Wedding Gowns
One is a variation of an Elie Saab evening gown where he inspired to change the top and matches a full tulle ballgown. I didn't much fancied the top (which I totally adored when it's in that Elie Saab gown). The changes he made to the top make it looked so very different, almost typical with other OTR.

The other one is a replica of my dream gown with more personal touches added -- in what seems to him "suits my personality" more. Of course it is in a petite cut that suits my frame. Need me elaborate further? I'm a happy girl...

It's a very simple WG that I think I have not seen this design in any local bridal magazines or OTR so far. I'm so getting my Tulle gown.

So what's wrong with copying? Most girls want originality and uniqueness in their gowns when they opted for MTM, but when it turn out far from what they like, they got disappointed and sulked at the design, leaving them with no choice. I certainly do not mind inspire and duplicate, provided you don't get into trouble. At the end of the day, MTM to me just means getting that right design, in the right colour and in the right fit. I have tried no less than 20 WGs and I must say... I REALLY HAVE A ULTRA SHORT BODY!!!

3 Evening Gowns

I told him I like the flow-y chiffon-kick-up-in-the-air-as-you-walk look in my EG. Dirty colors are what I like. Strapless babydoll, perhaps.

Sure enough he gave me a babydoll, a Elie Saab replica and an Asymmetrical gown with 2 funny strips of chiffon that you can dangle over your left shoulder, right shoulder, one over each on your left/right shoulders or tie up in a halter dress.

The asymmetrical gown is out for 2 reasons: First, I do not fancy the 2 strips of cloth; second, I'm a symmetrical girl.

Thank God the other 2 gowns are symmetrical. Alas! This leaves me in a tough dilemma -- I liked both!!!

In the end, I took a quick choice using a simple theory. I get to buy a babydoll dress anytime, for eg maternity dresses. But I know for sure I will not get a 2nd chance to wear an Elie Saab inspired gown. So this is it.

The toughest has yet to come -- colours and fabric.

I think I must have taken donkey years to confirm the colours on my EG. Euzart thought that I am a quick-decision maker and didn't expect me to take so long. Well I'm quick on the designs but the last thing I want now is to ruin the design by choosing the wrong colours. Long story short, it's a bit a dark colours for autumn/winter feel and a touch of gold for the ballroom grandeur. [I have cut short the entire 2-hr selection on colours alone to 1 para] The entire process is about 3 hrs.

I took my measurements for my first haute couture. 24.5, 31.5, 4.5, 8.5, etc Susan say I'm a half-girl in a straight poker-face. She's not impressed by it. Euzart added that half-girls are tough to make for. Well, whatever. I paid for it. For the first time in my life, I have been scrutinized and narrowed down to nothing more than a bunch of numbers.

My poor ErBao sat there quietly, giving comments when necessary. But our tastes have somewhat synchronized after so many years so he helped a great deal when I'm not sure. I know he'll know what I want and what I like. Thank you darling. Muck!

Euzart tore off some fabric from what I have chosen and stapled it to the men's tailor namecard and handed it to ErBao. Next week will be Erbao's turn. :)

I secreted snapped 2 pics of my design drafts when Euzart wasn't looking but I'm not going to post them here or anywhere. Just a bit of suspense. Trust me, we'll be fine.

No lace at all...

Now That's what I call Service

2009-04-28T09:13:00.001+08:00

Trial & Error

2009-04-26T22:43:00.002+08:00

I have tried this gown before!!! It's from The Wedding Present. This bride is super super skinny. I can't zip up without 4 hands helping! OMG!!!

It's nice, but my taste has deviated from it already.

:)

How about this?

2009-04-26T22:22:00.004+08:00

awww... Don't you just love the subtle love in the air (park-sitting) pic but fully dressed up?

I like this too.

I'm a Twitter!!!

2009-04-26T18:10:00.001+08:00

Following the episode on "I'm a Tuber!!!", I'm now a twitter. I twit whenever I have wifi connections on my iPhone. Follow me!

I do everything on my iPhone from checking emails, sms to facebook. I have loaded it with music, pictures, games and other useful daily apps.

Wonderful!

Maid-of-Honor

2009-04-26T18:08:00.001+08:00

I'm seriously contemplating on getting similar dresses for my MOH and my bridesmaid. If i can find something nice and if budget allows.

Looks pretty on the pictures.

WG & EG

2009-04-26T18:02:00.004+08:00

Well, of cos we did a lot of research for the WG & and EG. I have all the pics that sets the mood and theme of the wedding. Roughly how the gown is going to turn out is about 70% in my head. But I'm not going to post any pictures of the "homework" here so as to keep things fresh and unexposed. (Sssh... Top Secret)

After all, the gown is the more glaring item of the entire wedding isn't it?

My poor groom did not even get a chance to even speak about his ideas on his suit until the gown design is confirm and color/fabric is selected. For once, lady rulez!

Next Sunday, 3 May 2009 is the day that I will first catch a glimpse of what the designers have come up for me MTM (aka make-to-measure). We will confirm it, choose fabric and take measurements. (!@#$% damned those MaLa steamboat). *Fingers crossed, not on the vital measurements, but on the designs*

I told Jawn about my Royale theme and I think they know what I'm getting at. I wonder...

Getting busier by the day...

2009-04-26T17:17:00.004+08:00

Hellooo....

As each day goes by, more wedding preps just pile up!

What's done
Wedding bands design
Gown design
Banquet confirmation
Video montage planning

What's undone
Gown design confirmation, fabric selection
wedding rings quotation and making
Kua rental
Wedding car rental
Wedding songs and march-ins
Actual video montage production
Bed selection
All tradition stuff and ritual preps

(it's not difficult to see how slop-sided things are, but we'll be fine)

...

2009-04-22T19:04:00.000+08:00

I just wanna say "HAPPY EARTH DAY" everybody!!

Animals Save The Planet

2009-04-13T19:10:00.003+08:00

Uni-glow in Singapore

2009-04-12T20:11:00.005+08:00

Japan's No. 1 casual chic fashion label Uniqlo has finally arrived in Singapore in style, debuting in Tampines 1. The crowd is amazing, twining queue outside the boutique all the way to the loos. Half the shop's clear shutters are down to prevent unnecessary madness. Momentarily the escalator needs to be put to stop so that people stop rushing there from all directions.

This is Winnie Nam,
Reporting LIVE from Tampines 1

Like my blog?

2009-04-12T14:36:00.006+08:00

How about visiting my sister's blog featuring my beautiful niece?
http://ningningnest.blogspot.com

Okonomiyaki

2009-04-12T14:28:00.003+08:00

Okonomiyaki is one of our favourite Japanese dish. We had our fair bit in Osaka and finally made our own. Actually we are not that great, hahaa... Just buy the flour mix from Meidiya Japanese supermarket at Liang Court. A bit of fresh cabbage and 2 big eggs, bacons and we are good to go.

The end result? Heavenly...

I guess I forgot...

2009-04-12T13:56:00.005+08:00

to mention that I have signed the bridal package with jawn.happy.ever.after

They are 2 man-show who are designers on their own. Susan is supposed to be the guru in designing and making of wedding gowns, used to teach Ted Wu and she also have some students ending up in good bridal salon like Silhouette The Atelier. Euzart is the person whom we liaise with. Talking to him makes us feel comfortable and he seems like him know what he's doing as he has been in this trade for 10 years. He is quite "aunty" who even share with us for the tradition stories of "Kua", what colour represents what and why we must wear the ones with "Dragons & Phoenixes" instead of the ones with "Flowers & Butterflies".

Talking to him make us feel that we are in good hands. He is not pushy into sales. As for the workmanship, we have to try to find out. [Fingers crossed]

18 April 2009 is the day that I have to submit my "homework" for discussion. Susan & Euzart will work on it and hopefully come back with a few designs for me to choose some time in May.

One thing good about jawn.happy.ever.after is that they worked with many good names in the bridal industry. To name some: Tucky's Photography, Utopia Photography, TG Goh MUA, Ponnie Tsu MUA, Ophelia MUA, Personality Men's Suit, good floral to top it up. They do not need to lose their focus trying to get everything done for u. They will only need to focus on the gown and the rest are all taken care of by other professionals.

That's the way, ah-ha ah-ha, we like it... Ah-ha ah-ha... That's the way, ah-ha ah-ha, we like it...

We have booked the pre-wedding photo shoots on 17 Aug 2009. Pre-wedding photographer is Travis Ong from Utopia Photography. We fell in love with his photojournalistic works at first sight. It is Utopia that actually lead us to find jawn.happy.ever.after

Photographs to us is very important, we will want to take natural shots to commemorate this moment and at the same time, photography on the actual day is just as previous. So if budget allows, we hope we can engage Plush photography.

My new iPhone

2009-04-12T13:47:00.006+08:00

I have finally made the switch to the iPhone - FOC with special thanks to ErBao Pa who signs his 2-yr Singtel plan in exchange for a $59 iPhone. The iPhone landed in my hands without much difficulty.

[I haven't changed phone for 24 months. Thanks to my good ol' hardy Samsung i600. Truely, it's the BlackJack.]

Now I'm not new to the interface at all as I have been a vivid iPod Touch user for more than a year. Apps and all doesn't bother me the least bit as I'm completely at ease with it. The part that needs getting used to is the SMS functions and data usage. I'm already engaged with close to $60 worth of data downloads after 8 days of using the iPhone. Gotta get rid of this!

Rumors has it that Apple will launch new iPhone this June and arriving in Singapore by the last quarter. But this iPhone is FOC, what's there to complain about? None, I guess.

Thanks ErBao Pa...

Picture Blog of our 4D3N PENANG-PHUKET Cruise Trip

2009-04-12T02:32:00.018+08:00

[click pics for enlarge view]

Preparations for the Gala Dinner onboard Superstar Virgo

Getting a little tipsy with the Gala cocktail...

Hello there!

2009-04-11T00:44:00.003+08:00

I haven't blogged for almost a month. This period of time I took a break for a cruise trip with Erbao, changed to iPhone, visited 2 new malls and suffered a bad sales record.

Hmmm... It's been really busy but I'm back blogging with popular demand from my MOH.

Stay tuned. I'll be back with more tomorrow.

Very tempted to blog about my wedding gown research. But I wanna keep it a secret first. Ssshh...

Sent from my iPhone

Princesses do not wear sleeveless gowns

2009-03-16T16:27:00.004+08:00

In my research, I learnt that real Princesses do not wear sleeveless gowns as it is deems as disrespect to show too much shoulders and collar bone and bare arms in the solemn cathedral and in front of the Kings, Queens, the rest of the Royal families, prime ministers, arch bishops, etc.

Oh I see...

The Royal Weddings - 1981 & 2004

2009-03-16T15:57:00.004+08:00

Couldn't get it right...

2009-03-16T13:50:00.009+08:00

The wedding theme, that is.

Well I do not know how much Er Bao want so get involved in the theming of our wedding or if he is willing to let me have the free play, after all, the wedding is a girl's most important day.

For every other traditional matters and rituals, His Highness' opinions are greatly acknowledged and obeyed. (he he he...)

Initially I'm quite positive that Vintage is the theme. I'm all set to look for a perfect vintage lace gown circa 1920 and Cream colored Mercedes SL190 (I think so) for the wedding car.

Together with the warm glow of the Conrad ballroom. All should be set up nicely.

After trying many many gowns, Er Bao and all designers said my petite frame looks better in a tulle gown. Even I loved the dreamy tulle gown. And lace gowns look less spectacular in photos. So sayonara lace gown.

Even with tulle gown, I'm determined to create a drama-look with long train and veil. The tulle shall be as drama as it can be (without much top-up) and carry off that princessy look.

Please don't be alarmed when I used the word "princessy". I'm not a girl who wants to stay cute forever and trying to be a princess. Not the princess in Disney cartoons.

When I say "princess" I meant Princess Diana and Princess Mary of Denmark, in their royal weddings.

The keyword here is Royal. I wanted something to do with Castle, Royal Court, Royal Wedding, Wedding of the Century (think Princess Di), whole world looking, whole country celebrates, something along this line. Am I too greedy? Or am I just pure dreaming...

Now the question is how to fit our supposed cream-colored MINI Cooper Cabriolet into this Royale theme. OMG!!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Life Time!

2009-03-16T13:36:00.004+08:00

It was a beautiful Sunday Christmas morning (25 Dec 2007) where Er Bao and I are lazing in the fluffy bed in Pan Pacific Hotel. (special thanks to Kok Leong & Shuying)

As usual, I like to get lost inside layers and layers of sheets in the hotel's king-size bed before & after indulging in the hot American buffet breakfast. Er Bao was walking around in the room and sorta packing and unpacking, ruffling with his backpack.

Then he climb into the bed to join me from the foot of the bed and finds me in the between the pillows. No on-one-knee action, he swiftly brings out the ring box in one shaky hand.

I had tears in my eyes. He got the ring size and design all right. I didn't immediately accept it, but I'm swept off my feet.

Second proposal was during my birthday (2008) in our favourite hotel, Conrad Centennial Singapore. Same tactic, still caught me off guard; the answer is YES.

I took 6 months to prepare myself for the change: from Miss to Mrs, from Nam to Tan, from girlfriend to wife, from workaholic to family-first.

The change is too overwhelming, but a good one, that's why 6 months. Sorry Er Bao. I will not say No again and I will not let you down again.

It's a promise of a life time...

p/s: Conrad is meant to be OUR hotel, our venue of love.

The Venue

2009-03-16T13:12:00.004+08:00

(courtesy of "Conrad Centennial Singapore" website)

The Wedding Reception will be held at the our favourite hotel: Conrad Centennial Singapore

On: Sunday, 20 December 2009
ROM: 6.30pm or 7.00pm (TBC)
Cocktail Reception: 7.30pm
Banquet: 8.30pm

Theme: TBC

Our wedding band, design by Erbao & Baobei

2009-03-09T00:46:00.007+08:00

For Baobei:
Princess cut diamonds eternity band
with chamfered edge design in 18K white gold.

For Erbao:
Princess cut diamond solitaire band
with matte detail and chamfered edge design in 18K white gold.

8 loving years and counting!!

2009-03-08T22:11:00.009+08:00

To celebrate our 8th year of togetherness, Erbao make a bento for me themed with Xiaobai. The simple bento easily costed him $40 to buy things from tamago seasoning to Japanese pearl rice.

He woke up at 5pm, made me these, meet me at 8am on Jurong East platform, took the train with me to Paya Lebar before he heads back home. All my colleagues including K**th wowed with envy.

It's true. Not many people get love bento. It's my 2nd love bento in 8 years.

It's been 8 years of love, hate, anguish, sadness, nervous, touching. All kinds of feelings that a dictionary can offer. We are not the perfect couple. We quarrel and I slam things. We quarrel real hard and bad. Parents sometime step in to pull us back. At some point, I wanted to give up. I'm glad i didn't.

I thank God for giving me a man to love, to hate, to quarrel with, to throw things at, to say sweet nothings to and to kiss goodnight to.

We shaped each others' personality and honed other another's bad temper and impatience.

Thank you, Erbao.

Our Wedding Party

2009-03-08T21:45:00.008+08:00

Winnie & Kee Tong
December 20, 2009

Maid-of-Honour: Ms Tan Lisan

Lisan and Winnie know each other through work back in 2006. Both of us served our dear bosses faithfully and got to know and learn from each other through work. (Winnie learn from Lisan more) Despite we never attend the same school or work in the same company or even born in the same year, we remained closed friends, sharing same interests and topics. After Winnie left the post of PA, Lisan and Winnie remained closed friends and often meet up for dinner-coffee sessions.

Lisan has a record of planning 39 weddings and being a professional personal assistant, no one can match her meticulous-ness, in my opinion.

** Always fondly remember the Conrad high-tea session.

Bridesmaids
Ong Pei San, Bride's JC schoolmate (mum-to-be!!)
Jiaying, Bride's JC schoolmate
Fion Wong, Bride's colleague
Soh Yujun, Bride's ex-colleague

Flower Girl
Iris Ong, Bride's niece

Congratulation Peishan!

2009-03-04T23:43:00.004+08:00

My best friend is pregnant!! OMG...

Happy Anniversary!!! 1 March 2009... Yay!!!

2009-03-01T00:59:00.003+08:00

Er Bao,

Happy Anniversary! 8 years ago two childhood friends come soulmates.

Bao Bei

Belated posts

2009-03-01T00:51:00.006+08:00

Picture taken on 14 Feb 2009 - Valentine's Day (before we become "roast pork")

The Legendary Ah Kung...

2009-03-01T00:27:00.009+08:00

Today we finally visit the legendary Ah Kung at Mei Ya jewelry. Ah Kung is recommend to me by my colleague who used to work in the jewelry industry. He says Ah Kung can replicate any designer rings from Cartier to Tiffany.

We went to Lucky Plaza and cannot find Mei Ya at all. I even asked around in other shops to find out where is Mei Ya is. I finally entered into a watch shop that sells many many many many many watches. The lady there couldn't help us. As we are about to leave the shop, I found the gold Casio watch that I have always wanted to buy. She gave me a good price, so good I end up buying 2 watches. I haven't been buying any watches for the past 4 years. I'm a happy girl. 2 decent Casio watches for only $115!!!

Anyway, back to the quest for Mei Ya. I called my colleague to ask and he told me it's opposite a duck rice stall. Now the quest is Duck Rice Stall... Duh?!?!?

But that really lead us to find Mei Ya. Ah Kung is a humble fatherly figure which is originally from Hong Kong. He speaks broken Mandarin, then I speak Cantonese to him, ending his agony.

He is a chatty man who hides himself in a small counter at the back of the small shop, perfecting every piece of gem and jewelry. He couldn't draw designs very well but he perfectly understands what we want after I showed him a couple of pics and told him how we want it to be. He quoted us his price on the spot and we decided to give a serious thought about it before confirming.

Not that he is no good, but he says he only needed 2 weeks to complete, which is way too early for our wedding timeline. We do not need to commit first and spend money too soon.

Ah Kung has the experience of mounting four 10-carat diamonds onto a pair of earrings for a rich Indonesia tai-tai. He also designed a wonderful and versatile diamond-pearl earrings which the customer has yet to collect. It is stunningly beautiful.

But I did ask him to help me find a 0.6 carat stone for my mum. Can't wait...

World's Shortest Escalator

2009-02-28T01:26:00.006+08:00