happynsunny

SELL or NOT TO SELL?????

2011-07-31T11:52:00.000+08:00

Potential buyer now offered $1.12mil to buy our current house,up from $1.08 and $1.02mil previously.

HB is obviously keen to sell, as this is the price he told agent intially. I am not keen as I agreed to let in viewers only because Hb said will sell and rent back the place for 2 years, till B1 complete her PSLE,but not buyer is not willing to.

Options:

1) Don't sell.

2) Sell and move to our new unit in Bt Batok meant to be rented out. I am not too keen as it's not so convenient for B1's schooling and if this can fetch better rental return, I'll prefer to stay in cheaper unit elsewhere.

3) Sell and rent a unit in another condo,like Mayspring which is still far from her school but at least has mall and library.

4) Sell and rent a bigger HDB unit near her school. Saw a 5I unit at Blk 441 renting at $2.5k!

P5 and P5 has lots of supplementary classes.When I couldn't pick B1 from school, at least she could walk back herself.

SELL Or NOT TO SELL?

Rowenta Bagless Vacuum Cleaner RO6643

2011-01-29T19:10:00.000+08:00

Bought this from Courts on Friday for S$369.

I have been "studying" and comparing various models from Philips,but ended up getting this which is totally not in my list.

Courts Lot 1 didn't have all the Philips models that I have been eyeing.Hb is away for business trip, so I have to do all the CNY shopping and spring cleaning all by myself, I don't have time to travel to other Courts or Best Denki, so I just "take" this and go.

I like that it's bagless,has HEPA filter,with parquet care kit,light weight at 5kg ,and compact. Anyway ,most in the store is considered compact when comparing to my 10-year-old Ossim vaccuum cleaner,which thankfully, has just retired!

The triangular shaped also made it easier for handling corners. One major CONS is that it's quite noisy at 82dB!

Online shopping-GST on Package over SGD400

2011-01-20T10:02:00.000+08:00

If dellivery is by UPS- They will deliver the parcel without collecting any $,but invoice will come one or two weeks later with the GST,handling fee,shipping fee (if it has not already been paid in advanced by shipper)

If delivery is by DHL-they will deliver the parcel and we'll pay GST and a handling fee of S$10 on the spot.

By USPS Express International Mail-

Marking the parcel as gift/used items do not help! Even if the custom form clearly stated the value,as long as it exceeds SGD400, it will still be detained by Custom!

http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trad/cle/Internet+PurchasesPostal+Parcels.htm

Internet Purchases/Postal Parcels

All goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts, food preparations and dutiable products, imported by parcel post through ordinary mail or speedpost are subject to clearance by officers of the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at the Singapore Post Centre (SPC). The ICA Office at SPC is located at #01-04, 10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore 408600 (next to Paya Lebar MRT station).

Goods and Services Tax

There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on all goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts, food preparations and dutiable products, imported into Singapore. GST is calculated based on the CIF value of the goods plus all duties payable. If the invoice value of goods does not include insurance and freight charges, the postage charge paid for the goods is to be taken as freight and insurance charges, and is to be added to the invoice value of such invoice for calculation of GST payable.

GST relief is granted on goods, inclusive of new articles, personal effects, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations but excluding dutiable products, imported by post to a total value not exceeding $400. Where the value exceeds $400, the entire sum would be subject to GST.

Clearing parcels containing non-dutiable and non-controlled goods of above $400 in value

Parcels containing non-dutiable and non-controlled goods above $400 in value are subject to payment of GST. ICA requires the invoices or confirmation slips (with values of goods stated), printed from the website of the Internet Portal upon confirmation of transactions, to compute the GST payable on the parcels.

If the parcel is imported with an invoice attached, SP will deliver the parcel to the addressee and collect the GST upon delivery.

If the parcel is imported without any invoice attached to it at the time of arrival, the addressee upon notification by SP could fax the supplier's invoice or confirmation slip from the Internet Portal (with values of goods stated) to ICA at SPC for computation of GST. The addressee may call at SPC to collect the parcels or appoint SP to act on his/her behalf for delivery of the parcel and payment of GST. A service fee is payable to SP for the service rendered.

In my case, the seller shipped out on 11 Jan 2011 (US time),the parcel left SF on 12 Jan 2011. Arrived Singapore Sorting Centre on 18 Jan 2011. 0:18, Confrimed detained by Custom on 18 Jan 2011, 13:18.

On 20 Jan 2011, 11am+, postman delivered a registered lettter to inform me about collecting my parcel from Sing Post Centre.

I could authorise Singpost to pay GST on my behalf, collect the parcel then deliver to me, at a fee of $10 +$5 (this $5 is not applicable if pay by Giro).

Or I can personally collect with any documentation that shows the CIF value of the parcel.

B1's Primary Five now

2011-01-20T05:55:00.000+08:00

No more honeymoon period...P5 is the year they started the preparation for PSLE! Sounds Scary? That's what we were told when B1's in P4!

P5 and P6 are both in morning sessions for her school. B1 said is better, as she's not so tired when she does her school homework in the afternoon.

Till now, I have not bought a single assessment book for any of her subjects. Previous experiences showed that the school teachers gave them enough homework, so much that they really don't have time to do other assessment books.

She started walking back from school instead of taking school bus. I don't really like the idea,but it may be better since she'll have more and more supplementary classes coming along. One Chinese, Two for English+Maths+Science, One Conversational Malay class(optiona), CCAs... In the morning, either daddy drives her, or they walk together to school.

She has to wash her own dishes after meals,but haven't started ironing her own uniform yet.

Also taught her how to wrap her new books and she wrapped all her textbooks and workbooks within 2 days.

Pocket money also change from daily to weekly.

Still as stubbon as before and talk back all the time.... addicted to Korean dramas and MTVs, Korean celebrities,kept watching them on iphone and iPad again and again.

Hb has decided to remove the SCV set up box in her room, since she clearly shows that she couldn't manage herself. Watching TV in her room, instead of taking shower.

She's no longer in the top class of her level, but I think it may be better for her and she seems happier in her present class.Less stress and away from some of the snobbish classmates in her previous class, who were quite mean to her.

Lunch Every Thursday

2011-01-20T05:39:00.000+08:00

For the last two Thursday and Today, lunch is always the same soup

Boil soup with soya beans,ikan bilis, a drumstick,black mushroom in the slow cooker early in the morning.

When B1 reaches home, transfer the soup to my small Tanyu pot, boil and add in Quail eggs, Fresh fish balls, Fish dumplings,button mushrooms,chopped spring onion, and fried shallots. Season with salt and a bit of light soya sauce. A pot of piping hot, tasty and fuss-free soup is ready!

Shallots are "fried" in the microwave, so washing up of oily pots and pans after that!

No mood for Chinese New Year!

2011-01-16T14:16:00.000+08:00

no....it's not just no mood....

Actually I NEVER like CNY since I got married.

ST Urban -Net deals 26 Nov 2010

2011-01-14T21:09:00.000+08:00

http://admpreview.straitstimes.com:90/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20101125/urb_cov1.pdf

http://admpreview.straitstimes.com:90/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20101125/urb_cov3.pdf

http://admpreview.straitstimes.com:90/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20101125/urb_cov5.pdf

reviews of concealer (ST Urban 14 Jan 2011)

2011-01-14T21:00:00.000+08:00

http://admpreview.straitstimes.com:90/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20110113/urb_beauty.pdf

common myths abotu eczema (from ST -Mind your body 12 Jan 2011)

2011-01-14T20:57:00.000+08:00

Common myths about eczema

1 MYTH: My child has eczema because her blood is dirty and has poison in it. I want a blood test done.

FACT: Eczema is not a disorder of the blood. It is primarily a skin condition and a blood test cannot confirm if a child has eczema.

2 MYTH: Eczema is a one-off event. Once my child's flare-up has subsided, I do not need to apply the creams anymore.

FACT: Eczema is seldom a single flare-up. To prevent it from coming back, parents need to maintain their child's skin barrier by moisturising his skin frequently and using gentle non-fragrant soaps for baths.

3 MYTH: All children with eczema must have food allergies.

FACT: Not all children with eczema have food allergies. In fact, studies have shown that food is not a common trigger of eczema. So, unless you have confirmed with your doctor that your child has a true food allergy, do not deprive him of certain foods or he may become malnourished.

4 MYTH: To reduce house dust mites, it is good enough to wash bedsheets and pillowcases regularly.

FACT: Wash your bedsheets and pillowcases in hot water to kill the dust mites. In addition, mattresses should be sunned and sheets changed regularly to reduce the number of house dust mites. The surfaces in the bedroom should be cleaned with a wet cloth rather than a feather duster.

5 MYTH: No steroid creams for my child, please.

FACT: The use of steroid creams is an effective way to treat eczema. Avoiding them may cause more harm as untreated eczema rash causes the child misery and can become infected.

6 MYTH: My child's skin is dry because he did not drink enough water.

FACT: Dry skin has nothing to do with the lack of water intake.

Sources: Dr Lynn Chiam, an associate consultant at the National Skin Centre; Dr John Chiam, a general practitioner in private practice

Parents under stress

Parents are bending under the strain of taking care of their kids who have eczema.

A study by the National University Hospital (NUH) in 2008 found that incurring high expenses was the No. 1 one problem, followed by fatigue and emotional distress.

The study, published in the International Journal Of Paediatric Allergy And Immunology, surveyed 104 mothers with a child suffering from eczema.

It found that mothers whose children have eczema were less well physically and mentally. They complained of pain and fatigue and reported feeling sad and nervous.

Madam Diana Ng, whose five-year-old son has eczema, is exhausted from waking up nightly to his crying and scratching.

Madam Ng, 36, has another son, three, and a daughter, seven, both of whom have mild eczema. She said the most stressful part about having a child with the condition is the feeling of not being able to help the child.

The assistant director of a marketing communications department had eczema into her teens herself.

The authors of the study, Professor Hugo Van Bever and Dr Roger Ho from NUH, said mothers need the support of not just doctors, but also professionals from different disciplines such as nurses, psychologists, counsellors and social workers.

Parents of children who have eczema can find help through support groups at NUH and the National Skin Centre. The skin centre has published a book which gives parents tips on how to live with eczema.

Madam Ng said she could not have coped with her son's condition without her husband. The couple take turns to look after their son at night. MadamNg's mother helps in the day.

Her son has been on oral steroids for four months. His eczema began 'mysteriously' 21/2 years ago after he was hospitalised for high fever. Red, itchy patches can be found all over his body, including his scalp. His condition is so severe he draws stares from strangers.

Madam Ng is still trying to pin down the triggers of her son's eczema.

Traditional Chinese medicine doctors told her the antibiotics her son took in hospital made his immune system 'go haywire', while Western doctors pointed the finger at house dust mites.

Madam Ng thinks something else is at work.

She said: 'Every two weeks, I eliminate a certain food from his diet to find out if his eczema gets better." She has eliminated seafood, milk and cheese because his rash seemed to worsen after he ate them.

If nothing works, she is thinking of emigrating to a temperate country.

She said: 'When I took my son to Japan and Australia for holiday during winter, I found that the cooler climate there dried up his sores faster and he did not scratch so much.'

Those interested in joining support groups for parents with kids with eczema can contact:

* National Skin Centre

E-mail thomaseyun@nsc.gov.sg or call 6350-8558

* National University Singapore

E-mail enquiry@ican.com.sg, log onto www.ican.com.sg or call 6772-5566.

Help, my kid's itching all over

Cases of children with eczema - a skin condition resulting in dry, red and itchy patches - are on the rise. But health experts cannot explain why

By Lea Wee

Madam Diana Ng has tried everything to help her five-year-old son deal with a rash that keeps popping up all over his body, including his scalp.

Each month, the assistant director of a marketing communications department spends up to $400 on medication and moisturisers to soothe the angry rashes.

Recently, she borrowed an electrolyte machine which converts tap water into alkaline water for drinking. Reason: Another mother had told her that drinking alkaline water improved her children's health. If it helps to improve her son's eczema, Madam Ng plans to fork out $1,600 for a machine too.

Then there was laundry detergent additive she spent $130 on, because it claims to kill dust mites. Next on her shopping list is an air filter which will cost her about $700.

The itching is so bad that her son gets only 21/2 hours of sleep every night. He scratches his sores till they bleed.

Madam Ng does not like applying steroid creams on her son's rashes. These creams are prescribed by doctors to reduce the redness and itching. When used over long periods, they cause thinning of the skin and can slow down a child's physical growth.

Cases of children with eczema are on the rise here. At least one in five under the age of 12 is affected, a study published by National University Hospital (NUH) in 2003 showed.

In 2006, a report in the medical journal Lancet noted that cases of eczema among six- and seven-year-olds in Singapore rose from 2.8 per cent to 8.9 per cent in seven years.

In contrast, asthma cases in the same group fell from 15.7 per cent to 10.2 per cent.

Children with eczema have sensitive skin which reacts to triggers in the environment. Dry, red and itchy patches erupt, typically at the wrists, the backs of knees and the insides of elbows. Babies have flare-ups around their cheeks and mouths.

Associate consultant Lynn Chiam from the National Skin Centre said the increase is a worldwide phenomenon, especially in urban areas.

One hypothesis is that city kids are under-exposed to bugs and mites from young, so their immune systems cannot handle the triggers. However, this does not explain why asthma cases, which has the same triggers, has gone down in the same period.

Evidence has emerged in recent years to pinpoint a strong genetic cause for eczema. The gene, which produces the protein filaggrin to protect the skin, has been found to be defective in those with eczema.

A genetic predisposition is then triggered by environmental factors, the most common of which are house dust mites, said Dr Chiam.

Other triggers are heat, sweat, stress, food and dust, for instance, from nearby construction or renovation works.

With 150 children - or three out of four - showing up at the National Skin Centre each month with eczema, a workflow plan for doctors and a dedicated team of nurses to counsel patients and their families was put in place.

At NUH, there are nurses assigned to look after these children and their families.

Two out of every five children seen at the hospital's allergy clinic have eczema, said Professor Hugo Van Bever from the NUH University Children's Medical Institute.

General practitioner John Chiam, who is in private practice and has an interest in dermatology, sees one new case of childhood eczema every week, compared to one every fortnight five years ago.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the triggers but the good news is, three out of four children will outgrow the condition.

Dr John Chiam said the most effective way to battle eczema in children is to guide parents on the use of soap substitutes, moisturisers and medication such as steroids. Some soaps strip the skin of its natural protection so parents should avoid using them.

New-generation steroids have fewer side effects such as skin thinning. But Dr John Chiam warned that all steriods, when used long enough and in the wrong way, can cause side effects. This is why steroid creams should be applied in thin layers and children should stop using them once their eczema clears.

There are also non-steroidal creams available and they are safe and effective.

A few studies suggest that probiotics supplements may be beneficial, but other studies, including one done at NUH, have shown no such beneficial effect.

Madam Ng wanted to give probiotics to her son too. 'But the doctor said probiotics works only if my son starts taking it before he turns two," she said.

1 in 5 kids under the age of 12 has eczema

recipe :Grill Miso Chicken

2011-01-12T18:47:00.000+08:00

600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut in half and visible fat removed

Marinade:

2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoon mirin
1/2 teaspoon peeled and grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp grated pineapple
Salt to taste

Miso Glaze:

2 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon sake
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup white miso
3 tablespoons water

Garnishing:

Grilled Pineapple rings

Marinade:

1. In a shallow bowl large enough to accommodate the chicken thighs in a single layer, mix and stir the soy sauce, sugar, mirin and ginger.

2. Add salt to taste.

3. Add the chicken, turn to coat evenly, and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Prepare and preheat the Cornell griller to medium.

Miso glaze:

1. In a small bowl, stir the mirin, sugar, miso and water, mixing well.

Grilling the chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.

2. Place the chicken directly over the heated griller and grill for approximately 6 minutes. Turn the chicken over, brush the top with some of the glaze, and grill for 5 minutes.

3. Turn the chicken over again and brush the other side with some glaze. Continue to grill, turning and brushing with the glaze every 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes in total.

4. Remove the chicken from the grill to serve.

brown rice

2010-12-06T12:17:00.000+08:00

Longchamp Limited Edition Le Pliage-Statute of Liberty and Great Wall of China

2010-11-18T10:13:00.002+08:00

Statue of liberty is available exclusively at New York's Madison and SOHO boutique. Short handles cost USD135.00,, Long Handles cost USD155.00.

Great Wall of China is available in China and Hong Kong, cost RMB1210 for the Long Handles large,if i am not wrong. Friend's friend helped to buy this from Shanghai during her business trip.Really really grateful for her effort. and of course my dear good friend.

Longchamp Limited Edition Le Pliage-Statute of Liberty and Great Wall of China

2010-11-18T10:13:00.001+08:00

Statue of liberty is available exclusively at New York's Madison and SOHO boutique. Short handles cost USD135.00,, Long Handles cost USD155.00.

Longchamp Limited Edition Le Pliage-Statute of Liberty and Great Wall of China

2010-11-18T10:13:00.000+08:00

Statue of liberty is available exclusively at New York's Madison and SOHO boutique. Short handles cost USD135.00,, Long Handles cost USD155.00.

Order from triderma.com

2010-11-18T09:59:00.000+08:00

Since the Triderma Eczema Fast Healing Cream proved to be effective, I decided to order more products directly from their website, after trying the samples that came along with those tubes Hb bought from Las Vegas.

I ordered 03 Nov 10, got free UPS ground shipping to VPOST, finally received it today,18 Nov 2010.

I requested for my items be packed into as small box as possible, and they gladly agreed,and gave me extrac sachets of samples, in addtions to the small samples already in their full-size products.

For info,direct international shipping cost USD20,via USPS.

I believe if the order is big enough, they MAY upgrade to UPS.

My order's supposed to send via USPS to VPOST, but instead they change to UPS Ground on their own initiative, since I told them I need to consolidate it with my other packages and ship from Oregon to Singapore.

B1's grade 4 ballet exam-a lesson to learn

2010-11-18T09:49:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, 17 Nov 10 was B1's ballet exam in Yishun's School of dance.

It's her last exam with this school, and last one with her current teacher,but that's another story.

Last week, when she went for her full-dress coaching class, she forgot to bring her belt.

On Monday, I saw her belt under her study chair, nagged her 2 times to keep into her ballet bag,since 2 days later will be her exam.

When we reached her school at 8.35am (her exam is at 9.32am),I suddenly have a bad feeling and asked her " did you bring your belt?" she looked at me blankly and I knew she didn't! She has kept in her wardrobe's accessory pocket instead.

She's the first batch of her grade to take the exam, no chance to borrow from others, her teacher didn't have spares, the school can't sell or lend us..

So daddy drove at full speed back to CCK to get her belt then at full speed(according to him about 120km/h at times) back to Yishun.

Hb blacked face after that and kept saying it's mainly the parent's responsibility ( READ: MINE!).

Anyway,it's a lesson I have learned,and hopefully, B1 has also learned her lesson.

Trapped in the bathroom

2010-11-09T18:21:00.000+08:00

Sunday evening, after bathing for B2, I found the two of us locked up in the bathroom! We couldn't open the door from inside, neither could B1 or hb from outside. The door knob of all our bathrooms are those typically meant for bathrooms,with no keys.

Hb has to climb through the tiny window, from kitchen's yard,used screwdriver to dismantle the whole knob and lock to get us out.

After the incident, I was telling B2,"we were locked in the bathroom, the door is not working.Luckily daddy saved us out", then sang to her "Daddy is a hero.....".Guess what she sang after singing Daddy is a hero??? "I, Bertina,super hero!"

I can't imagine what will happen if hb is not at home.How am I going to save myself out?

After this incident, Hb put a screw driver in our masterbath,just in case.We also told B1 not to lock her bathroom door when she bath in her attached bathroom.

Husband's in Las Vegas

2010-10-27T15:32:00.001+08:00

Thought of asking him to buy Limited Edition Longchamp Statute of Liberty Le Pliage bags, but it's now sold exclusively at Longchamp Boutiques in New York;s Madison and SOHO only!

I didn't have chance to watch Sex and the City 2,but the DVD will be released in USA on 26 Oct, so I guess there is good chance that Hb can buy it back for me?!

Directed him to the Forum Shops and Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas. Fashion Show Mall has all the major department stores like Macy's,Nordstrom,Dillards',Bloomingdales all under one roof,and Gymboree,The Chidlren's Place,Sanrio etc that sell children's stuff. Guess he will have no problem picking up gifts for B1 and B2,provided he can squeeze in some shopping after conferences.

It's very tiring now that hb is not around, I am down with flu and B1's having her SA2 exams from today till next Monday!

B'2s getting even more active and "sticky", refused to nap in the afterrnoon and wake up easily at night. She's also constantly doing dangerous act like climbing up TV cabinet,standing on chairs, walking on my higher-than-usual bed.

Husband's in Las Vegas

2010-10-27T15:32:00.000+08:00

Thought of asking him to buy Limited Edition Longchamp Statute of Liberty Le Pliage bags, but it's now sold exclusively at Longchamp Boutiques in New York;s Madison and SOHO only!

I didn't have chance to watch Sex and the City 2,but the DVD will be released in USA on 26 Oct, so I guess there is good chance that Hb can buy it back for me?!

It's very tiring now that hb is not around, I am down with flu and B1's having her SA2 exams from today till next Monday!

Finally ... Solutions for B1's eczema...

2010-10-27T13:11:00.000+08:00

BOTH are ordered from US online stores.

Dermarest cost USD6.79,contains Pramoxine Hydrochloride (1% topical analgesic),the main ingredient that's supposed to "numb" the skin, and hence helps to stop the itch.

Doesn't sound good? Yes, probably that's why it's not recommended for continuous use of more than 7 days at one go.

I have found another cream that that is non-greasy, non-sticky and not as stick as cream like Triple Paste.

It claims that it doesn't contain steroids or parabens.

Bad news, it's expensive at USD15.99 for such a small tube! That is before adding on the international shipping cost.

I emailed triderma.com, and was told that International Shipping cost USD20, but I have yet to order directly from them, but will probably do so very soon. as drugstore.com and other online stores do not carry the complete range.

B1's skin was quite bad before Hb left for US.Within 2 days of applying this, Her neck,elbows and legs's broken skin has healed. Her skin is still rough, but that's mostly due to inadequate moisturising. It's very very very hard to get her to apply moisturiser right after she bathe and after she woke up from sleeping in air-con room.

She didn't like the grease and stickiness of most moisturiser,so she would only apply only a little bit on her eczema-proned area.

I have tried so many products from US,these are the two that I think really work.

Triple Paste does help to moisturise and act as barrier cream,but it's very thick and left oily after feel. Peter Thomas Roth's Aloe-Cort is a 2-in-1. Moisturiser with hydrocortisone. If one is like my husband, who believe that ointment(which is many steroids) still works and is necessary, Aloe-Cort is a good alternative. Instead of applying a layer of of ointment then moisturizer, one just need to apply this 2-in-1 lotion like moisturiser.

I will be ordering more of this and probably other products from Triderma very soon...

Mid-Autumn Festival Sep 2010

2010-09-23T12:46:00.000+08:00

After B1 finished her school homework,we walked over to the opposite town park.B1 and B2 carrying their lanterns,both preferred the traditional ones,rather than their new,battery operated Hello kitty and My Melody lanterns.

I packed a mooncake and some fruit juice along, while hb brought some candles for the girls to play with.

It's already 10pm,but the park is still packed with lots of people,mostly groups of teenagers playing with candles and sparklers,and some families with young children.

Arrival of my New Longchamp wallet from Longchamp.com

2010-09-23T12:18:00.000+08:00

Finally, I got my new wallet today 23 Sep 2010 at 3.45pm.

Yes, I kept record of all the dates for reference of how long it takes the online stores to ship,how long it takes to reach VPOSTUSA,and how long Vpost take to deliver to my doorstep after payment is made.(16 Sep)

My small wallet in a small longchamp box is place in

a 33x29x5cm box,which makes the volumetri weight 0.9kg,instead of the actual weight of 400g.

Item cost SGD374.52 (USD272),shipping fee SGD20.78,Total Cost SGD 395.30, a savings of SGD 95.70, since Longchamp counter is selling it at SGD491.

What prompted me to order from US Longchamp is not so much the difference in price,but more of the stock availability. Eeven when I put my name down on their "waiting list", there is no guaratee that the following 2 shipments has my desired wallet in it.

Husband's Vegas trip in Oct

2010-09-21T06:54:00.000+08:00

Hb is going Vegas to attend a conference organised by our major client, at our own cost.

The dates coincide with B1's SA2 exams!

Braised Peanuts (Sunday Times,19 Sep 10

2010-09-20T21:41:00.000+08:00

I didn't know so much work is involved to cook braised peanuts.

My version using thermal pot is simpler. Just soak the peanuts.Cook with soya sauce,rock sugar,cinnamon stick,star anise,orange peel.

Car broke down...

2010-09-20T12:44:00.000+08:00

Hb couldn't start his car after parking it outside Cheers last night.Managed to get one kind soul to help him,made big turn back and park opposite traffic flow to help him to jump start.

Afraid that it's going to happen again,he accompanied us to send B1 to her supp class early in the morning.We went from breakfast after that,before sending B2 to schoo.l.After breakfast at Keat Hong, the car couldn't start again.

Tried jump start with two men's help,but it didn't work this time.We had to walk to CCK Ave 2 to call a cab.I took B2 to school in a cab,while he called Toyota's service centre.

By about 12pm,he called to say the car is ready. The car didn't need to be towed to workshop,instead,the serviceman came and change a new battery on the spot.

Since the car is already more than 2 years old, they charged 50% of the cost,We would have to pay full price if the car is 3 years old!

B1's slighly late for school, but at least we managed to pick her up on time.

Luckily it happened today.If it's tomorrow,when Hb is in KL, I would be very panick!

PN-Construction-in-progress sep2010

2010-09-19T08:32:00.000+08:00

Our block seems to be almost complete, except the ground floor.

Few weeks ago,when we passed by the site, we could already see workers wiping the glass doors.

Toxic 12

2010-09-09T21:03:00.000+08:00

http://www.toxic12.com/Toxic12.html

Abalone-cooking tips and recipe

2010-09-09T07:26:00.000+08:00

Ultra Sound Scan for B2

2010-09-07T07:54:00.000+08:00

Quite sometime ago, the PD said B2's heart has some "mur mur" sound. He referred us to Dr Heng at Kidslink Jurong East St 31 for ultra sound scan.

I brought her there yeseterday. Luckily after scanning, the doctor said B1's ok, there is no hole in her heart. The sound is just due to blood flow.

Medical fee for the consultation and ultra scan cost S$300+! LUCKILY everything is ok with her!

Recipe -Banana butter cake

2010-09-07T07:51:00.000+08:00

It's first day of school holiday yesterday.I have lots of very ripe Ang Bak Banaa ,so we made some banana cake and ate it while it's still warm after dinner.

(A) 250g butter (I used 125g butter, + 125g margarine)

230g sugar

(B) 5 eggs (55g each)

1/2 tbsp milk powder

1 tsp baking powder

(D) 200g banana (used Ang Bak/hong2 rou4 Banana)

pinch of salt

1/4 tsp banana essence( optional)

Grease & line loaf pan with paper (if using loaf pan)

(1) Cream (A) till light & fluffy

(2) Add (B), one at a time & cream till light & smooth

(3) Fold in the sieved (C) & mix well

(4) Mash the banana & mix with the rest of (D) ingredients till smooth. Add into the above mixture & mix till well incorporated.

(5) Bake at 180C for 50- 60 min. at lower rack of oven

For BIG cup cakes, I bake at 200c for about 45 min,on the middle rack.

Japan's Kasutera/Castella Cake-Isetan Kyushu Fair

2010-09-05T10:48:00.000+08:00

Isetan Kyushu Fair 08 Sep - 20 Sep 2010

One of my favourite Japanese Cake,Castella/Kasutera will be available for sale during the fair.

Online Shopping from longchamp.com

2010-09-04T08:51:00.000+08:00

I have cancelled my Longchamp wallet order from Magnums.net as I didn't want to wait for backorder period of 4-6 weeks + another 7-10 days from VPOSTUSA.

Finally ordered from Longchamp.com US site. More expensive than from Longchamp UK and from magnums.net,but still cheaper than buying in Singapore.

Anyway,Singapore's Longchamp counter can't promise that my wallet will be in the following shipment,which is end Sep,everything "cannot guarantee", so what's the point of "Placing Order" with them???

Just a note. Longchamp UK will not even ship to VPOSTEUROPE. Their system will match the shipping address against their database.Once they detect that it's not a Personal or Word address, they will reject the order.

Longchamp US doesn't have this problem. but it costs USD12 for ground shipping via UPS to VPOSTUSA. They shipped out on 03 Sep 2010 US time, scheduled delivery is 13 Sep. I probably will get it on around 20 Sep 2010?

Last check my credit card statement, my item is not even charged yet. So they ship out item without first charging???

Teacher's Day-School holiday

2010-08-31T12:24:00.000+08:00

No school on Teacher's Day

Plan to take B1 & B2 to Zoo in the morning. After lunch,back home to bathe B2,then go Taka to shop for Moon Cake and Cookies.

This year, both Kee Wah and Wing Wah from Hong Kong set up stalls here. Kee Wah brought in most of their best sellers here.Bought loose pack walnut cookies and sesame crisp the other day.Will be buying more + egg rolls and some yam paste moon cakes.

Birthday Present for myself ...

2010-08-28T12:58:00.000+08:00

My Old Longchamp wallet has been with me for MANY MANY years.

Time to change...to ANOTHER LONGCHAMP wallet.

I am very particular about what I want when comes to my wallet.

French Wallet style, in RED ,two billfold, lots of credit card slots, coin compartment and a ID flap for putting B1 & B2's photos.Onlly Longchamp has wallets that met my requirements.

I have just ordered this from magnums.net, at US$260,ship via VPOSTUSA.I estimated the shipping fee to be less than S$25.

I prefer the AW Carmine wine red, instead of the SS Chili red though. The photo shown is something of orangey brown.

Was told by SA at SG's Longchamp that this used to be selling at S$457,though during GSS, I saw it selling at S$470, and it's now S$491! No further discount, even though there is only 1 chili red display piece left.

This is going to be a birthday present for myself...from myself ! Hope my LUCK will come back after I get this LUCKY RED wallet!

Starhub sucks!

2010-08-27T10:03:00.000+08:00

I made several calls to Starhub 1633, to lodge service calls due to faulty setup box and today, to cancel appointment.

EVERTY time ,they put me on hold for at least 20mins, before someone finally pickep up the calls.

I feedback to the CS today, he just told me "Other customers also facing the same issues..." .This is precisely WHY they need to improve their customer service. Can't they just have options to leave our contact number,so that they can call back? Of course, they must REALLY call back, as my organisations' have CS who promised to call back but never did.

No PE lessons during fasting month?

2010-08-19T06:27:00.000+08:00

B1 said they won't have any PE lessons,as their PE teacher,who's Muslim is fasting.

Not sure if this is a common practice in other schools?

B1's watching YOG now...

2010-08-19T06:24:00.000+08:00

No schools these 2 days as P6 pupiles are having their PSLE Oral exams.

The school has arranged for some of the students to watch YOG.

Got to be school at 7am,not supposed to pack food there.Only water,poncho,umbrella,sunblock, hat..

Bertina's 2nd birthday slideshows

2010-08-13T12:58:00.000+08:00

Bertina's 2nd Birthday

2010-08-13T11:42:00.000+08:00

Primary school children's Boy-Girl-Relationship

2010-08-06T05:53:00.001+08:00

Recently B1 and some of her friends seem obsessed over the talk about Boy-Girl relationship.Who loves who, who kisses who,hold hands.... One of them,JY, even created Facebook Group " What's the latest rumous in School"., and exchanges messaged there and even SMS.

Late at 11.30pm, a boy still SMS B1 and said he loves JY 100% blah blah blah.

Frankly, I did have the urge to contact their mothers when I read all those but I refrained myself,didn't want to over-react.

Then one of her friend's mother contact us and asked to meet up in person, to discuss about the drawings she found that they drew. I suspect it's about those BG relationship stuff,but I'll have to wait till the meet-up tomorrow to see how it goes.

We probably need some experts' advice or some parents who has gone through this to tell us how shall our reaction be?

Primary school children's Boy-Girl-Relationship

2010-08-06T05:53:00.000+08:00

Late at 11.30pm, a boy still SMS B1 and said he loves JY 100% blah blah blah.

Frankly, I did have the urge to contact their mothers when I read all those but I refrained myself,didn't want to over-react.

We probably need some experts' advice or some parents who has gone through this to tell us how shall our reaction be?

Delicious and addictive Korean Grill Fish crackers

2010-08-04T11:54:00.000+08:00

SGD6.00 from Isetan Scott's Korean Cooked Food Counter.

Unlike Japanese crackers,this is not salty,and not overly sweet.

It's crispy and light,and best of all ,no oil is used for making this crackers.

Tips from PD- when Kids have high fever (in Chinese)

2010-08-03T14:05:00.000+08:00

My USA Haul via VPOSTUSA/Speedpost

2010-08-02T13:31:00.000+08:00

Got the Scrapbook Fatory deluxe at 50% off, since it's an upgrade from an older version I own.

Int'l shipping cost US$60,crazy!

I shipped via VPOSTUSA, paid US$4.95 for ground shipping instead.VPOST charged about SGD18,including a SGD13.40 base charge.

When the package arrived at VPOSTUSA, I suddenly recalled those ointment for eczema and diaper rash that drugstore is not able to ship direct. Not to waste the chance to save on base charge, I immediately placed order from drugstore.

Total shipping for BOTH packages cost only SGD20.83, after 12% UOB lady's card discount.

skinstore.com always give 2 sachets of skincare samples.drustore.com gave only a sachet of vanilla bean latte! The ground shipping takes about 5 days to reach VPOSTUSA at Oregon and it's despatched via UPS, so online tracking can be done,whereas skinstore.com is mailed out via USPS with no tracking.

VPOSTUSA or rather Speedpost does have lapse in serivce this time. My first package arrived in SG before I have paid.The "Track and Trace" system shows "Attempted/Failed Delivery" on 28 July, 8.58pm, but I am VERY SURE I was at home that night and my door bell never rang and there isn't even and Receipt left at my door for me to call for re-delivery!

I called their hotline,were told all the customer service officers are busy, asked me to leave name,contact number and Vpost number and they will call back, but they NEVER did!

Called again to enquire about my first package,after even my 2nd package has arrived. Changed the time slot to S2 (2pm to 6pm),instead of their original scheduled 9am to 1pm. Told the officer about the first "attempted/failed delivery" and requested for an investigation, but till now, no response/feedback from them. I was even told that there is NO night delivery, so the system shows failed delivery at 8.58pm is "probably" due to rainning/traffic jam...

Good Chinese Education sites

2010-07-28T12:20:00.001+08:00

http://www.5qchannel.com/

Good Chinese Education sites

2010-07-28T12:20:00.000+08:00

http://www.5qchannel.com/

ER3300 Panasoni Baby Hair Trimmer

2010-07-27T12:38:00.000+08:00

http://www.panasonic.com.sg/web/pid/9008

Bought this Panasonic Baby Hair Trimmer for SGD49.90.

I though I could use my Taka voucher to pay at Best Denki in Taka, but they have already stopped accepting Taka voucher since 2008!

I have been cutting B2's hair since she's around 8 month old.

This may not be as perfect as using a sharp scissors + trimming scissors,but it's safe,fast and easy. Best of all .the cover helps to 'trap" the hair, don't need to wear any hair cutting cape!

It can also be removable from the cover to "shave" the back easily. Pushing up a plastic blade will turn it into "hair thinning" function.

Combi Hello Kitty Baby and Toddler Feeding Set

2010-07-27T12:28:00.001+08:00

This is selling at SGD109.00,but Taka is giving 20%,so cost only SG80+ now.

I like this set very much, but unfortunately when I chanced upon it, I already bought most of B2's feeding set and cutlery from other brands. I decided to give this set to my neighbour as a gift, esepcially now that there is 20% discount.

Combi Hello Kitty Baby and Toddler Feeding Set

2010-07-27T12:28:00.000+08:00

This is selling at SGD109.00,but Taka is giving 20%,so cost only SG80+ now.

Dinner at Lei Garden

2010-07-27T12:23:00.000+08:00

You know how stressed I am if you know this "Pair" is what I put on when I drove B1 and B2 to Lei Garden at Chjmes,to meet Hb for dinner for his birthday celebrations!

Luckily we were given VIP room at 2nd floor(which as another different story),so no other diners saw me in that.

Already sitted in her car seat then found B2 pooed a lot and even stained her pants, got to bring her up to change and wash first.

Traffic jam at various spots due to road work and NDP rehearsals.

Finally reached there,found that there is no empty table reserved for us, even though we have made reservations in the afternoon.

The staff is just betting their luck that by the time we reach there, there will be earlier diners just finished their meals and table ready Just-in-time for us.

Hb is furious and asked to see their manager,asking them why we still need to wait for more than 30mins when we have made reservations...

The staff is still trying hard till the last minute, keep checking with her colleague via walkie-talkie whether the table who has paid has got up....see whether she really have to "release second floor" for us...all these in Cantonese....may be she though we couldn't understand?

On our way up, we also heard her telling her colleague upstairs to serve us quickly...immediately give us the menu.... Anyway, service from then on is quite ok.

The food is quite ok, and both B1 and B2 like their chicken soup with Xiang3 Luo2 Pian4 very much. I was too busy getting B2 to eat, no time to snap any photos though.

First Highever then Urticaria(hives)...Poor B2

2010-07-17T10:29:00.000+08:00

Poor B2 with her swollen eyes,face and lips!

B2 had high fever,up to 40Degree C for 4 days. As predicted by PD, the fever go off after 4 days.

Since we have previous experience with B1,whom we rushed to KK A&E, and the doctor explained in details to us, we didn't bring B2 to A&E this time, We just brought her to see PD,gave her Panadol and Brufen as instructed by PD, sponged her,and monitor to see that she's still active and alert.

She's probably brought back some kind of virus from her playgroup on Wednesday and her body was trying hard to fight against the virus with high temperature,and she won the battle!

Last night,I saw two mosquito-bite-like bumps on her cheeks.After a 20min ride to pick B1 back from her ballet class, we noticed that her cheeks turn red and eyes a bit red and swollen.

Within hours her face and lips are swollen and red. By early morning,she has rasher on several parts of her body.

I suspected allergic reaction to insect bites, or even hives, but hb think it could be allergic reaction to the food she has taken, and started questioning what food she's taken.

We brought her to see doctor at Bt Gombak,and doct confrimed that she's having Urticaria or hives, and prescribed 3 types of medicine to be finished in a week.

Her rashes on face subsided by the time we paid up and left the clinic, but we brought her back to see doctor again after seeing her face turned pale and lips turn WHITE!

B2 didn't like the taste and even tried to spit out.

When B2 window shop in Esprit...

2010-07-13T10:54:00.000+08:00

She's sitting in her stroller,going through racks and racks of apparels... she pointed and said out aloud ..."bag","belt","shoes","socks","panty"...then when she saw Bras...she said "Milk Milk Milk"!

neighbour just gave birth

2010-07-13T10:51:00.000+08:00

My neighbour gave birth to a 2.8kg baby girl on 08 Jul.She's discharged from hospital just the day after giving birthday,cos she's worried about the other 3 children at home.

She's deteremined to follow my footstep and breastfeed her 4th child as long as possible,so i pass my Avent breast pumps, both the manual and the single pump to her.

Baby has a bit of jaundice, and I see the confinement nanny carried her downstair to sunbathe.Actually my neighbour's house has afternoon sun at the living room, but the nanny said it's not good to sunbathe in the evening,Not sure how true is it.

Hong Kong Trip Jun 2010-Shopping

2010-07-05T00:34:00.000+08:00

For various seasons, this trip's shopping isn't that satisfying. .

Didn't go to Citygate Outlet Mall

No chance to step into any DHC stores.The shops at HKIA T2 and Causeway Bay are gone. Passed by one at Grand Century Place but no chance to go in.Thought there is one at Diamond Hill,went there but it's also gone!

Didn't have time or chance to step into any SaSa,Bonjour,Bossini,Giordano etc..

Luckily still have time and chance to get clothes and shoes for both B1 and B2. Got NARS and Jill Stuart's cosmetics (both not available in Singapore) for myself,since they have shops/counters in Langham Mall,and of course Rabeanco's bag. A small lambskin leather bag cost S$215 in SG (Guy by Rabeanco in Ion Orchand).I got it at HKD698 after offer and VIP discount! They don't have it in the color I wanted though.

There is a Rabeanco counter inside Seibu and a shop in B1 of Langham Mall, stocking slightly different products.

Langham Mall though very conveniently located and linked to Langham place hotel, doesn't have any shops for kids clothings and shoes. The nearest mall with most shops under one roof is probably Grand Century Place.

(Nars blusher in "Orgams" gives very natural glow,with very very subtle shimmer.No wonder it's a best seller in US,Hong Kong and Taiwan. "Super Orgasms" has too much shimmer in it....)

We tried to go via Mong Kok Station Exit B3,

which is not the right decision. Took us a while to find Exit B3.Finally found it,it's a LONG walk on a covered bridge before we reached the mall.By then, most of the shops are closed. We passed by DHC,but have to give it a miss, as getting shoes for B1 & B2 from Dr Kong is more important then.

On the last day, when we took a cab from Diamond hill back to hotel to pick up our luggage, we figured that there is shorter way to get to grand century place.

At the back of the H&M is Agryle Street, from there cross the road and walk all the way down, there is entrance to Grand Century Place,looks much easier then the map appear to be.

Another

Grand Century Place

港鐵東鐵?	旺角東站 (D出口)

港鐵觀塘? / 荃灣?	太子站 (B2出口)	旺角站 (B3出口)

Kids Apparels

http://www.grandcenturyplace.com.hk/cybermall/gcp/shop_info_list?sub_skin_set_alias=Shop+Info+Kids&cat_id=123

Ladies Apparels

http://www.grandcenturyplace.com.hk/cybermall/gcp/shop_info_list?sub_skin_set_alias=Shop+Info+Women&cat_id=121

Leather Goods,Hanbags & Shoes

http://www.grandcenturyplace.com.hk/cybermall/gcp/shop_info_list?sub_skin_set_alias=Shop+Info+Leathers&cat_id=125

If you are not into branded goods, and only have time to go one shopping mall, this is one that you should consider.Most of HK's major brands,chain stores are here!

Langham Mall B1 has whole floor dedicated to handbags & shoes,but it's mainly mid-price brands like Staccato,Rabeanco,Walker Shop.GEOX etc.

The supermarket at basement 2 is not very big, but I visited it almost daily for drinks,convenient food and fruits.Bring along a foldable shopping tote if you don't want to get charged for their plastic bags

The H&M here is MUCH smaller than their store in Central.

Most of the eateries at Level 4A are quite packed.Either they don't provide baby chair at all ,or just give you a stool to stack on their dining chair.Not exactly baby-friendly.

At street level, across the street, there are SaSa, Bonjour,大家乐Da4 Jia1 Le4 and 7 Eleven. We had breakfast at Da Jia Le on Sunday morning, cost only about SGD14 for simple breakfast for 3 of us.

I have packed full range of travel medicine for both B1 & B2, but didn't pack any for myself and hubby. Hb had to go to the 7 Eleven at 3am + on Monday morning to get me Panadol Extra for my terrible headache. Hotel concierge couldn't give us and advised him to buy from 7-Eleven instead.

Just outside the supermarket, there are several bakeries and a small Kee Wah bakery.Both B1 & B2 love their egg rolls and egg biscuits.

We also went Diamond Hill's Plaza Hollywood,as I thought there is a DHC store there, but were disappointed when we couldn't find DHC there.Probably it's also closed down.There are quite a number of shops selling children's apparels, including LA COMPAGNIE DES PETITS,not found in Sogo and Times Square.

http://www.plazahollywood.com.hk/en/shopping.jsp

The mall is linked to Diamond Hill MTR station,and has Nursing room with lockable door.Next to the nursing room is a row of baby changing stations and some chairs for bottle feeding babies.

Ladies Fashions are quite boring though, or may be just not my taste....lots of sequinned clothes.. If you don't have time, you could just give this mall a miss,it's not worth going, since most of the shop can be found elsewhere.

Since I have plan to try out Hee Kee's Stir Fry Chilli Crabs避风塘炒蟹 in Lockhart drive (CWB MTR Exit C)，we also scheduled some shopping at Sogo, where we got most of B1 and B2's clothes.

http://www.openrice.com/re

staurant/sr1.htm?s=1&district_id=&inputcategory=cname&inputstrrest=%E9%81%BF%E9%A2%A8%E5%A1%98

Word Trade Centre next to Sogo has also undegone some changes, with a much bigger TWIST,selling branded goods like Hermes,Gucci,Balenciaga,Prada. I was told that customers who show their foreign passports will be given 10 to 20% discount,but I have not tried it or confirmed with the sales staff, since I didn't plan to get anything there.

There is also Brand Off shop in WTC now. It's a very established Japanese chain stores selling mostly 2nd brand branded goods like Hermes,LV,Gucci,Chanel etc. I was also told that customers can actually bargain when they buy from this store.

If you have HSBC credit card, remember to bring along when you shop in Hong Kong. Most shops offer at least 5 to 10% disocunt for HSBC credit cards. I remembered to bring mine but it's the one that has EXPIRED! Luckily this year DBS credit card is also one of the participating banks,though not as widely accepted for discount as HSBC and Hang Seng Bank's.

VIP Card Numbers

(Other than my own , I just tell them it's my friend's card, and I can only give them card number)

Rabeanco : 02027485 (or quote my handphone number)

CEU-ZCEU009967

Bess-06545451

Chickeeduck- 83400060 Ms Leung

DHC -OF00162735 Ms Tsang, OF00121319 Miss Mak(HP:96454500)

Sanrio kids- V14954 Ms Cheung

Fables- 800002284 Ms Ma

PS: most of the VIP number for "Bread and Butter" in the attached Excel file are expired.

Hong Kong Trip Jun 2010 day 1 & 2

2010-07-05T00:32:00.000+08:00

Since Hb already paid fo4 24hr internet access, and yet he's sleeping already, I shouldn't waste and just log in to check emails,surf for HK info...

Day 1

Only given 3 HK immigration cards and Changi Airport Terminal 3, A1 gate. When asked, the staff told us INFANTS DON'T NEED,so we assumed what he said is right. At HK airport,the very stern looking Immigration Officer VERY STERNLY told us "EVERYONE NEEDS",so we got to fill up for B2 on the spot, while looking at her very black face.The Singaporean tourist before us didn't write her home address, and now us,didn't even fill up the form for the infant must have annoyed her so much.

Reached HK in the evening, after checked-in,headed straight to Disneyland,just in time to watch fireworks. Returned to our hotel,thinking that we could order some ala-carte

dishes from the restaurants here.Buffet here is expensive yet awful from our past experience. Only managed to get to order limited dishes from their Special Menu.We even tried to get room service but were told that Disneyland Hollywood Hotel doesn't even offer room service for their food!

B1's kids set dinner is ok, except that they forgot to serve her the fresh milk. Hb's pork bone soup pork chop ramen doesn't taste like pork bone soup,but

more like tasteless seaweed soup.

My Indonesian Nasi Goreng taste more like Cantonese Lup Cheong Rice, with lots of lup cheong and chicken pieces, totally not spicy,Satay taste ok,but is totally different from our satay.

Another BAD BAD experience. Remember, always eat outside,don't even think of taking dinner in this hotel.

Having stayed in this hotel 3 times, we can see from some minor changes that showsthe hotel is trying to cut cost.

DAY2

Overall B2 enjoyed herself at Disneyland. A bit worried and uncomfortable taking Winnie the Pooh Story Book adventure and watching Golden Mickey shows.

Food is problem today. She totally didn't want the Italian rice we ordered at a small Italian restaurant in Langham Mall,As they don't have baby high chair, we even have problems getting her to sit still at her Booster Seat (with Ikea's stool on a normal chair).

Luckily I brought along some Nestle Fruit & Veg cereal and Pigeon Instant porridge.Also went to the supermaket at B2 to get her apples and Papaya Milk.Was trying to get her packet Strawberry milk but there isn't any,no UHT or chilled fresh type.

We are all very happy with the Langham Place Hotel I chose this time round.

-Spacious

-with little kitchenette that comes with a microwave oven.There are 2 plates and 2 bowls but no cutlery given.(CORRECTION: the western and Chinese cutlery set are given,placed in one of the drawers.

-a coffee maker attached to mini kettle. Something unusual, and there is even a packet of Boncafe powder for the coffee maker.

-Separate shower and bath tub. Shower cubicle with both rain shower and detachable shower head,very useful for bathing small kids.

-Room comes with printer and paper.

-Complete set of toiletries.toothbrush and toothpaste,shower cap & hair band,comb,cotton buds & tips, sewing kit,shoe shine sponge,small packet of detergent for washing clothes,shaving kit.

-Other than the usual coffee and tea bags, there are also 3-in-1 Milo pack.Not usually found in Hong Kong's hotels.

Hb likes it so much that,he even suggested booking this hotel for his future business trips here. Forgetting that the last time when I helped him to book, he only wanted "Cheap" hotel, so I booked him the Prudential Hotel,right on top of Jordan MTR,at onlyS$100+ for standard room.

Pleasantly surprised to find RED BEAN BAK CHANG here ! I couldn't even buy it in Singapore. Only get to eat the homemade version by my aunt and friends' mother.

Thanks to the microwave in our room, I could buy the chilled bak chang(Cost Hk$32) and heat it up in our room.

The ingredients are quite different. My aunt's version has pork,black mushrooms,chestnut,hay bee and garlic.

HK's version has pork,hay bee,salted egg yolk and lotus seeds! I prefer chestnut over lotus seeds and salted egg yolk in red bean bak chang is overpowering!

Didn't bring my camera's cables,will post photos and update this entry when I am back...

Girls' Brigade -The Fast-Food and Fuzz Camp 2010

2010-07-04T16:46:00.000+08:00

B1 just returned from her 2D 1 N camp.

According to the letter to parents, the girls will be taught how to fast/resist from the luxuries of life, such as no computer game or Ipod/MP3,no watching of TV programmes,or to have their favourtie foods or comfortable homes etc.

They will experience a different lifestyle where they will have simple meals, sleep on make-shift beds made by them and learn to appreciate what they have; not to compare with others but walk in thankfulness and humility.

Sounds good? I thought this is exactly what B1 needed, but she wept when I told her this is good for her and asked her to sign up. When Hb also said the same thing and "forcced" her to attend, she had no choice.

Anyway, she came back telling us she cried at night, slept on cardboard,got bitten by insects with many swollen bumps on her legs. Ate porridge with canned peanuts,pickles,at biscuits.

Didn't sound comfortable? Though under "My Reflections" , she wrote that she's learned not to take things for granted, but we found that her behaviour didn't change a bit.

Fireworks at Hong Kong Disneyland -last 1 min 50 sec

2010-07-02T16:39:00.000+08:00

18 months old Bertina-Emotions

2010-07-02T15:24:00.000+08:00

Bertina's latest video-One,Two,Buckle My Shoe

2010-07-02T15:21:00.000+08:00

Free parental control software

2010-06-30T09:58:00.001+08:00

http://www.parentalcontrolbar.org/

Many times, when B1 said she needed to check something on internet for school homework, she ended up playing games or even chatting.

I don't mind if she play games etc after she's done with her work, but she could just spent hours playing, with nothing done for her work.

Another similar episode today, so I have no choice but to install this Free Parental Control Software,blocked some of the game sites she frequent.

Nursing Bra online sites

2010-06-19T22:33:00.000+08:00

http://www.bravadodesigns.com/

http://www.passionspice.com/

http://www.hotmilklingerie.co.nz/

http://www.momsinmind.com.sg/

recipe_roast pork (from Sunday Times)

2010-06-08T07:48:00.000+08:00

2 kids meal now..

2010-06-07T21:12:00.000+08:00

Now we are able to order 2 kids meal at Swensen for B1 & B2 to share!

Spaghetti Bolognaise for B1, Ham & CheeseOmelette for B2,but they can share both dishes,except that B2 doesn't take the alphabet fries.

The Toy Story Masks are given when customers order 2 kids meals.

Don't they look cute?

Another trip to Singapore Zoo

2010-06-03T21:01:00.000+08:00

02 June 2010,Wednesday

We went to different parts every visit, and only "look" at a few animals each time. It's white tige,pymy hippo,Malayan Tapir and Baboons turn this round.

We spent most time looking at the baboons, especially the cute baby baboons.

GSS Haul from Watson

2010-06-03T20:49:00.000+08:00

It's GSS! Time to stock-up some drugstore brands skincare/cosmetic.

The K-Palette Eyebrow pencil is my all time favourite.Selling at $13.20 now vs $18.90.

Loreal eye gel is meant to replace my long-time love Dior Capture Eye Gel which is discontinued.

This is my 3rd bottle.I find that it's hydrating enough yet not oily or heavy,and seems to help reduce my under-eye dark circles.

Loreal Matte sunblock SPF30 for oily skin is something new that I am going to try. So is the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation. See that I have obsessed with the word "matte"? The oil on my T-zone by noon is enough to fry an egg,so I have no choice, though I don't use foundation often nowadays.

Loreal products are having 20%off,not very attractive discount, since Metro and Robinsons do have 20% their products regulary.

I didn't read any reviews of the Hada Labo hydrating lotion before buying,but I have tested it on B1's eczema's skin twice and could see the effects. When we were out for dinner and I noticed B1's forehead and around eye area getting vvery dry, I poured some from Watson's tester and applied on her. Could see her skin looks more hydrated after a while.

Little Twins Stars Car

2010-06-03T13:01:00.000+08:00

Isn't it sweet?

I have seen many cars with Cartoon Characters on the road...Winnie the Pooh,Hello Kitty,Little Twins Stars..

I think they look much better on White cars.

B1's 3D2N Girls' Brigade Camp 2010

2010-05-31T07:08:00.000+08:00

From 29th - 31st May.

On 2nd night, parents are invited to the iHeartU Cafe to have dinner served by the girls.

Followed by dance performance, presentation of appreciation gift and letters.

Parents are also shown slide show of what the girls did during the camp and briefed on what the girls are being taught at the camp.

On the second day, there are also other uniform groups, Boys Scouts and Boys Brigade joining them for games.

B2 cried and wanted to go home with us after seeing many of the girls packed and leave for home after the performance. We checked with the officers and were told that those are leaving because they have other camps the following day. Only then B1 stopped crying and accepted the fact that she has to stay till tomorrown afternoon.

One of the officers approached us and told us that B1 has "grown up" a lot, unlike the first time she attended the camp last year. This year she didn't feel homesick and cried.

B2 also had fun with the other GB girls after the performance. A small crowd slowly gather around her and played balloon with her.

Notes Re: Booking SIA's tickets online

2010-05-19T18:56:00.000+08:00

Hb booked SQ's ticket online. His meeting is on Thurs, but he couldn't get any air tickets back on Friday, so he's booked Saturday return instead.

Surprise Surprise..so I checked and found one flight back on Friday night....He insisted that he couldn't get any when he made the bookings.

I guess it's due to Airlines blocked some tickets for agents, so it's shown as no available flights when he booked, but by certain time if those tickets are not taken up by the agencies, then it's released back to their system again.

Anyway, Hb made a mistake of making me book for his hotels first, just in case he couldn't find and good and cheap one, so I have booked his hotel till Saturday.

When I found return tickets for Friday, and changed his return flight, the hotel is already booked and there is no refund for early check-out.Wasted one night's hotel $! Lesson Learned!

2010 Mother's Day Gifts

2010-05-18T12:06:00.000+08:00

From hb,B1 and B2.

B2 cried for the first time in school

2010-05-07T21:12:00.000+08:00

B2 has been enjoying her school and never cried since she started one month ago,but cried today when her classmate,who's 2 months older than her pushed and made her fall!

This girl joined the school much earlier than B2,but is still crying before going in, and cling on to the grandma all the time. Heard the teachers telling the grandma than she pushed other kid and made her fall, didn't know poor B2 is the victim!

B2 must be a born PR person! Even when she's crying while I carried her to the car, she still didn't stop waving and saying Bye-Bye loudly to her teachers!

There's a new Indian (from India) boy who joined their class today. Saw the mother waited anxiously outside the school, kept making phone calls(later found out that she's been trying to call the school, but the teachers were too busy to pick up). She kept repeating the same thing to the teachers..." heard her boy crying...her boy has NEVER Cried....NEVER Cried for more than 10 minutes since birth...didn't want him to go to school and LEARN TO CRY.....,want to stay in the class to accompany him(which the teacher politely explain to her why it's not a good idea)....to make sure than he knew that it's a SAFE place....

This whole thing go on and on...and caused late dismissal of other children!

Bertina's First Mother's Day Gift!

2010-05-07T07:35:00.001+08:00

Bertina's First Mother's Day Gift!

2010-05-07T07:35:00.000+08:00

Instant Lobster Miso soup from Japan

2010-04-30T21:59:00.000+08:00

I f you like Miso Soup,then you got to try this!

Found this Instant Lobster Miso soup at Isetan Scotts. $12.60 for a 8pkt pack. With generous seadweeds and some Tau Pok Strips. I usually add half a block of soft beancurd to 1 serving.

Make this when I fried rice, or when "ta pau" duck/chicken rice, which is dry and lack of fibre.

Hb said this is tasty. I have even recommended it to my cousins.

Just bought the crab version,which is more expensive, but have yet to try it.

Recommendations for good eczema ointment/lotion/Cream?

2010-04-28T18:55:00.000+08:00

Was trying to order some ointment for eczema and diaper rash,since they do international shipping now. but was so dissappointed that all of them are NOT ABLE to ship to Singapore!

B1's eczema is getting from bad to worse, and we couldn't stop her from scratching and peeling...

I am sure doctors will prescribe very strong ointment for her seeing her condition, but I really hope she could do away with those steroid based ointment!

Guy by Rabeanco at Ion Orchard

2010-04-28T09:20:00.000+08:00

I chanced upon this store while going to SIA's office at Ion Orchard,a pleasant surprise to see Rabeanco store here, but we didn't have time to go in...

I love buying Rabeanco's leather bags from Hong Kong,glad that they are now available in S'pore!

Went there again on Monday with my friend. We both like eyeing a lamb skin 4-way leather bag,but in different colors,but we refrain from buying since I am going HK next month.Will check out the prices there since it's supposed to be cheaper in HK + I have their VIIP card.

Another 3-way bag I almost bought while in HK in Jun 2008 is also available here at SGD241.I didn't get it the last time since it was the last display piece then. Will have to check out again next month.

SIA,new credit card security measures.

2010-04-28T05:43:00.000+08:00

I did bookings for most our vacations. This time round, Hb did the booking, and we were surprised that SIA has implemented a "NEW" security meaure. We didn't go overseas the whole of last year, so it's probably introduced last year?

Hb needs to sign a "Letter of Indemnity" when he book for our airtickets using his credit card. I couldn't understand the rationale for this, since we are his IMMEDIATE family members listed in his profile!

Anyway, we still head for SIA's office at ION orchard last Sunday, since B1 has classes at Forum every Sunday. We went there after sending B1 in, and after our breakfast at Orchard Tower.

The girl at the counter told hb " Actually there is no need to, ,since you are also travelling with them." I seriously think SIA should come out with something more sensible than this ridiculous measure that waste customers' time!

Since we were there, I also requested for Kids Meal for B2, as I read somewhere that SIA flight served bottle baby food like those from Heins onboard to babies.B2 will be 22 months by then,even though we paid for "infant" price.

Other credit card companies have also stiffen up their security measures. I just received new credit cards from OCBC and UOB with added security feature. UOB even SMS me whenever I charded to my UOB card.

When Hb tried to book hotel room for visiting consultant in Singapore, he was also told that he cannot pay for the rooms with his credit card,so he had to head down to the hotel personally!

VIP Preview- Tree House by CDL at Chestnue Avenue

2010-04-23T11:08:00.000+08:00

Previews by Developer's VIP starts in the morning, while agents' VIP start from afternoon.

We went there at close to 8pm. Still very crowded with lots of cars, agents,potential buyers.

The moment we stepped in, our agent told us all but one 2+study were sold out. Those 3 bedroom units with good facing were also mostly sold out, except the lower floors 2-4th storey or above 20th floor.

Pricing for the good facing 3-BR #02-02 $934,920, $804psf, #04-02-4,$941640 $810psf, #15-02 $976080 $839psf, #02-12 $892,000 $774 psf, #03-12 $895,200 $777psf, #22-12 $1034400 $801psf.

Can't imagine a 99 LH,at such location is asking for this price? Well,it's really that HOT! We saw mainly middle age and above potential buyers there.

The 2nd and 3rd bedroom are both quite small,but the 4-bedroom units are quite attractive. Finishes are just so-so. We have seen really good ones by CDL, so comparatively this project is nothing to WOW about.

New Condo at Chestnut Avenue - Tree House by CDL

2010-04-18T18:11:00.000+08:00

Sales Preview starting this Thursday.

Need to "register" with an agent, with IC and a blank cheque (YES!) to secure a place for viewing showflat and balloting!...to enjoy "early bird discounts".

Location is very very quiet, with NOTHING surrounding...good for nature lovers.Very near BKE,but not so near from the nearest LRT,or future MRT.

Layouts are simple, practical and functional,No surprises,no odd corners.Slight difference in sizes for different floors for same stacks are mainly due to difference in sizes of balcony.

It's 99 yr LH by CDL. I have confidence in CDL's projects so far, but what we have viewed before are mainly freehold or 999yr projects.Not sure if their 99yr LH projects are as good?!

Agents didn't have firm prices yet, but guess it would be around $700+ psf.

Hello Kitty Nursing Room in Taiwan

2010-04-13T09:13:00.000+08:00

http://hsl5013.pixnet.net/blog/post/21324796

Very Sweet Hello Kitty Baby Care Room.

Even B2 can't stop saying "Wow", "Wah"...when I showed her.

Hong Kong Major Shopping Malls qith Nursing Rooms/Baby Rooms

2010-04-13T08:59:00.000+08:00

See attached Excel file.

Store this to your handphone for quick reference if your handphone is able to open Excel worksheet.

The Visions in West Coast

2010-04-12T10:41:00.000+08:00

We visited the showflats on Good Friday,as after-breakfast activity.Partly because we are curious why it's priced above $1000 psf,much higher than Blue Horizon next to it, which is also 99 LH.

After visiting, I am still not convinced that it's worth the price. Yes, they did use lots of high end,premium brand fittings and fixtures.But it's not going to cost anyone more than $100k to install those. And who needs chandelier in common bathroom???

The 2 bedroom units left are not ideal facing. One on 3rd floor,904sqft,facing stair cases to pool cost S$982k. The others,818sq ft units don't even have attached bathroom.It's sharing a common bathroom with the other room,not ideal if one is buying for investment.

Layout of the 4 bedroom units are quite nice and pratical,but they are all sold-out! The agent said the remaining unreleased units are all having afternoon sun,something I am qutie sceptical, as this is not an usual tactic adopted by other developers.

New Partner in our Company

2010-04-11T15:40:00.000+08:00

Yes, there will be one.

Hb doesn't really like this person's character,neither do I,but we have no choice....it's a long long story.

Our comapny will no longer be Private Exempt Company, and I can foresee there will be some unhappiness,but I have no choice,no control....whatsoever...

BTW, the Geomancer we inquired in Taipei a few years ago, did specifcally warned my hb not to "partner" with other people when doing business, and not to be guarantor for anyone...Reminded hb about this, but he just brushed it aside with black face...

B2's 1st day in school...

2010-04-11T15:31:00.001+08:00

B2 started her Playgroup at Tulip Montessori on 07 Apr 2010. It's a 2x/week sessions, from 10.30-12.30pm. Fee is $550/term of 10 weeks. There is a deposit of $220, $50 registration and $18 for a set of uniform.

I would say I have prepared her quite well for the playgroup. Bringing her to visit and join the class before signing up.Keep teaching her the songs that the sang,and talked to her about going to school, whenever there are such scenes on TV.

She enjoys her playgrouop very much, didn't cry and didn't show any separation anxiety. Finished all the snacks that I packed for her. She didn't seem to have any appertite after school,but would sleep for long hours.

The backpack that she's carrying was passed down from B1. B1 used to carry the same backpack when she attended Tullip Montessori. That's Esprit backpack bought from Bangkok in 2003!

B2's 1st day in school...

2010-04-11T15:31:00.000+08:00

The backpack that she's carrying was passed down from B1. B1 used to carry the same backpack when she attended Tullip Montessori. That's Esprit backpack bought from Bangkok in 2003!

B1's Hong Kong trip in June...

2010-04-11T10:38:00.000+08:00

This will be B2's 1st overseas trip/ Hong Kong Trip...The other one while she's still in my womb in June 2008 not counted.

The dates are not ideal,my fault actually. Didn't double check,triple check before telling hb the date is okay, and he's eager to get it down immediately...don't want to procastinate blah blah blah....

The time of flight also not ideal. We usually fly in the morning,reached there in the afternoon, and head straight to Disneyland after checked-in. This time round the flight is in afternoon, and by the time we reach Disneyland, probably just in time for the fireworks and nothing else! But Hb said we could spend the whole day there the next day, before leaving for hotel in HK city. The savings in airfare converts to another day stay.

We have only booked Disneyland Hollywood Hotel, but have not decided on the HK city hotel yet. As I feel that The Deluxe Harbour View Room that we usually stay in CWB area is quite small,may be quite tight to fit in another baby crib or roll-away bed.

I am considering Lanson Boutique Hotel, but the location is not as convenient.One advantage is that it comes with a little kitchenette with microwave,stove,simple cooking utensils etc .I might be able to heat up some Pigeon's baby porridge and feed her in the hotel before we head out for some baby-unfriendly food. ..

As this is B2's first overseas trip, we would be doing everything there relaxed and leisurely, probably not much time for shopping and other sight seeing. But at least we hope she could visit Disneyland, Ocean Park and taking tram up The Peak.

Bertina is going to school...

2010-03-26T09:08:00.000+08:00

Brought B1 & B2 to Tulip Montessori.

The owner cum teacher,Mrs Kwan seems to be able to recognise me but couldn't recognise B1.

B2 enjoys her time(about 15min) very much.Singing and dancing with the teachers and kids,playing "spooning".Said Bye Bye,Thank You, kiss and hugged the teacher before leaving.

She kept nodding her head and said yes when I asked if she wants to come to school again.

Wanted to stay longer but the air-con man who's supposed to turn up at 1pm called me at 11am+,said they are waiting outside my place!

They are supposed to dismantle the compressor, bring to Panasonic to exchange for a new one, since it's still under warranty.

Anyway,already signed B2 up for a 2x/week playgroup session. Cost $550/term(10 weeks), a 2-hour session from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

New Home?

2010-03-25T13:10:00.000+08:00

Still not concrete plan regarding moving to or rent out when it's ready.

We did think of selling our exisiting 1507sqft,4B-R,and move to a smaller 2+1 unit,in older,more spacious estate.

Viewed a 1281,2+1 unit at Dairy Farm Esate few weeks ago. Asking price is about $1.1m.

Typical 20yr old condo layout, walk into a spacious dining room, a few steps down is the equally spacious living room.but it has afternoon sun! The agent said over the phone " It has a bit of afternoon sun diagonally at the balcony"...how not true!

Masterbedroom is quite spacious but the 2nd bedroom is rather small for B1 n B2 to share.

The esate has a mini-mart, a cafe,a Jap restaurant and a hair salon. The "basement" car park is actually on the ground level.

We didn't view anymore after this. As we find that even if we could sell current place at $800k+, the new one we get might be smaller yet more expensive. The newer deveopment's 2BR might be $500k+-$600k+,but it's going to be less than 1000sqft!

So our new possible plan is to move to new place for only a few weeks, while renovating our current place, then rent out the new place.

Still looking for new office

2010-03-25T11:33:00.000+08:00

Viewed 3 units at IBP, in 2 different buildings. all around 400 sqft,bare. They are charging around $4.2 psf. Which is quite high for a JURONG office...what "prestige"IBP address..we don't need that.

Hopefully can find one 300-400 sqf, near to MRT,enough parking space. ..Current office in Lavendar St has parking space issues.

Panasonic's air-con sucks!

2010-03-25T11:28:00.000+08:00

Panasonic's air-con compressor died after JUST 2 yrs+! AND they charge $400-$500 labour cost for replacing vs outside contractor's $220! Sanyo in my old house lasted more than 5 years, Orgininal Carrier in my current house lasted more than 7 yrs! Another few nights of sleeping without air-con!

Busy...tired..stressed...

2010-02-27T15:40:00.000+08:00

B1's CA1 coming next week.Piano exam coming week after, then Ballet exams..so lots of homework,supplementary classes, coaching classes etc.

3 of the ballet coaching classes will be conducted on weekday nights in Yishun! Mad rush after her school and she won't have time to do school homework.

Hb also busy and stressed with work

Everyone in the house is so stressed!...probably only B2 is not!

agnes b and Longchamp nylon/canvas tote/bag

2010-02-27T07:44:00.000+08:00

The red longchamp short handles in S was bought before Chinese New Year. Red is supposed to

be my lucky colour. Hope this will bring me good luck from now on...

Most of the time it's hang behind B2's stroller, packed with her water bottle,lunch box of biscuits and puff,wipes and tissues.Just the right size when I just bring her out for some grocery shopping.

Cost $165+,after 10% discount, Thanks to my dear good friend who's working in Taka.

The agnes b. canvas tote from Japan cost JPY1200. It comes with a heart charm and agnes b. 2010 catalogue.It's able to fit in A4 size,but the material is quite thin, not sure if it could take heavy weight.

neighbour's kids driving me crazy

2010-01-26T11:00:00.000+08:00

I used to be able to let B1 wait for school bus alone and come up alone after school.

Not anymore.

Since my neighbour's two boys started taking school bus with her,now that they are also in PM session, I have to accompany her to wait for school bus and pick her up from waiting area every evening.

The elder boy would instigate her to do lots of things,running around while wating,climb over fences to the plants (by asking "why didn't you dare to climb over?"), climb up 9 storeys of steep stairs with their heavy school bags,fought witht the two Indian boys from neighbouring blocks.

It's really driving me crazy. He even had the guts to tell me "If you are not here,we will do this and that...".

We really have to train and brainwash her not to be influenced by her "friends" ,starting from young.

Ordering Goyard St Louis PM tote from London/Paris

2010-01-26T10:30:00.003+08:00

My St Louis PM tote in Burgundy/Bordeaux has finally arrived.

I ordered on Tues night(Singapore time), and the DHL guy came knocking on my door on the following Monday morning.

The bag cost GBP 459.57 without tax, plus a shipping fee of GBP85,both to be paid to Goyard London.

They emailed me a CC authorization form,which I filled in,signed and scanned,and then emailed back together with scanned copy of my ID and credit card.

By 12pm the next day,DHL has picked up the parcel,and Goyard London emailed me a tracking number which I track from there.

Tracking from DHL site is easy, and you can request for them to SMS at various stages of the shipment process.

Another site for tracking, which provide more details than DHL:

http://shipping.langenberg.com/

I have to pay GST of SGD86.26 plus handling fee of SGD10,which I paid by cheque (to DHL Express (S) Pte Ltd) to the DHL guy direct.

In order not to miss the DHL guy, it would be better to call their customer service line to arrange the delivery time in advance,once you got the alert that the parcel has cleared customs and awaiting at DHL facility. I got SMS alert that it's with the DHL man 9.01am, and by 9.51am he's at my door step which I missed. Luckily I was near my house,immediately called them customer service line, and they re-delivered at 11.36am. Alternatively, I would call to arrange for re-delivery at night from 7pm to 9pm.

Yes, I admit that I do feel the pinch when I have to pay for the shipping fee and GST.Since Goyard is not available here in Singapore, and it's unlikely that I will be going to London or Paris within this year,I really don't mind the "extras".

So my red,hot Burgundy Goyard St Louis PM arrived just in time for Chinese New Year!

BTW ,I am surprised to find that the attached pouch has an extra external pocket at the back, which is useful for slotting my mobile phone for easy access.

Ordering from Paris is slightly different. They quoted ESTIMATED shipping fee of Eur 120-140 ,to be paid directly to the courier, which is UPS. They require CC authroization form, both sides of credit card, and passport (ID for London). I am not too comfortable with the estimated shipping fee,but I am holding back from ordering from Paris not because of this.It's merely because they don't have ready stock of the Burgundy color I wanted.

Now comes the packaging. Goyard doesn't give boxes, which is good for shipping anyway.

The bag is wrapped in layers of yellow paper, then folded at one side and put into a bubbled envelope,another layer of yellow paper,together with the Goyard carrier, then whole lot wrapped with another layer of yellow paper before they are put into the plastic DHL envelope.

I supposed it's okay to squeeze in another one or two St Louis tote with this kind of packing. So if you can pool other interested buyers to order together, you should be able to save some shipping cost.

Just found out the Keith Png from Hide and Seek sells the GM for SGD1700 and PM for SGD1500. Someone from deluxemall also selling the black,orange and red PM for SGD1650.

Hong Kong used to sell it at about HKD7100 iirc, and US is selling it at USD940 now. So my cost of SGD1300+ seems quite alright compared to all these.

Even if Goyard finally comes to S'pore, I expect the price to be more than SGD1000,and by then I would have moved on to another bag.

Longchamp Les pliages foldable tote

2010-01-19T18:16:00.001+08:00

Saw the Limited Edition Eiffel Tower in Navy blue and Papier selling at Taka. S$220 for medium short handles, at S$280 for Large Long Handles. I don't mind to get a navy,blue,long handles BUT they are all sold out islandwide.

Thought of ordering the customized version.Can't make up my mind re: the second/stripe's color.After opinions from friends.I've narrowed down to two colours:

Cheery Bright Pink or subtle Lavender?

Longchamp Les pliages foldable tote

2010-01-19T18:16:00.000+08:00

Thought of ordering the customized version.Can't make up my mind re: the second/stripe's color.After opinions from friends.I've narrowed down to two colours:

Cheery Bright Pink or subtle Lavender?

Lousy BBQ caterer

2010-01-17T06:03:00.000+08:00

Hb insisted on organising a BBQ gathering tonight for his family,even when there is no occassion at all, just to let his family bond,especially his elder brother and mother.For some reasons (which is another long, long story), the elder brother hasn't been talking to his mother even though they stay under the same roof.

His younger brother's family of 3 not coming, then thanks to his mother again, his elder sisters family of 10 also not coming(another story AGAIN!), after hb has booked for BBQ caterer at $14 /pax for min 30 pax!

I didn't want to ask any of my friends and family members as it's supposd to be his family's gathering, but had to sms them yesterday,after knowing that the min pax is 30. We did invite our neigbour'f family of 6 , and B1 invited 4 of her good friends right from beginning

When trying out to check whether the caterer provide for wire mesh, then we realised that they are NOT providing MOST of the BBQ essentials that other caterer are providing...including charcoal,brush,butter,fire starter,wire mesh......For $500+ that we are paying, they don't even bother to throw in a $1 brush or a $2.50 tub of margarine etc.

They don't even have a proper confirmation letter via email or fax to list out all the details of the order,unlike Neo Garden, which I usually order for CNY mini buffet and other occassions.

Sex and The City 2-trailer

2010-01-12T11:50:00.000+08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiDuWnwCrF0&feature=player_embedded

Looking for new office

2010-01-08T21:55:00.000+08:00

Current lease is expiring soon. Current office is next to a hawker centre (5*),10 min walk from MRT station (3*),close to major clients (4*),limited parking space (-*)

Hope to find one convenient to drive and park there,plus all the above *****s,at affordable rate and move-in condition.

From TODAY-My son deserves a second chance

2010-01-07T06:01:00.000+08:00

My husband's nephew has a similar experience. He's promoted to JC2, but 3 months into his JC 2,he's told to skip taking his A level. Subsequently, he was given 3 choices 1) skip A level 2) re-take 3) quit JC. He suffered depression after this, stayed in NUH for a while. Subsequently there were differing opinions and account of whether he should go back to JC or take A level as a private student. His father even went to see MP for help,while my husband helped to write in to the school/principal. He also wrote the The Straits Times but it's never published.

Anyway, he is now serving his NS, neve got to take his A level, so I wouldn't want to go into too much details of his case.

My son deserves a second chance

05:55 AM Jan 06, 2010

Letter from Vincent Tan

THE new school year started on Monday, but my son, who was in his first year of junior college (JC) last year, will not be attending school this year.

My son qualified for his JC having scored an O-Levels aggregate of 10 points. Except for Chinese, which he failed, he scored either A1s or A2s for his subjects.

However, my son was not a consistent worker. He has the habit of slacking during non-crucial years, only to outperform and surprise peers, teachers and parents alike and make the cut when it matters. At PSLE he topped his school's EM2 stream, with A* in three subjects and an A in Chinese.

Last year, he did badly in his "promo" exams, only getting passing grades in two subjects. Prior to the exam, the school vice-principals (VPs) and his civic tutor (CT) had flagged his "attitude problem" and warned that he would not make it to JC2 if he did not meet the promotion criteria.

Having fared badly in his exams, my playful son was given his report card with a blank under "status", meaning it had not yet been decided whether he would be retained or promoted. The VPs warned that my son was under review and that his performance in the ongoing Project Work (PW) would determine the outcome of that status.

We wanted my son to be given a fair chance and pleaded that his status not be determined and revealed to him until after the PW final presentation was over. However, his CT told him in no uncertain terms that he would be "expelled" and would not even be retained for JC1.

That pulled the carpet from under his feet. For him, all motivation was lost.

A few days after the PW presentation, we were told by the CT to meet the VPs. My son was very happy that day, as the CT had changed tack and told him that he would be retained. As parents we were elated when we were told the news and we went to the meeting with a happy heart.

My wife and I stepped into the room to meet the VPs and were given a report card with the status "retained". As a concerned parent, I voiced out the difficulties we had motivating our son for the PW and we wanted to make sure that in his repeat year he would not face such a setback again. I pointed out that at his young age motivation was a key factor in performance.

To our disbelief, one of the VPs at that point pulled back the report card, said they had made a terrible mistake and asked for our forgiveness. My son was not to be retained, they said - he was being asked to leave.

While my son fared badly at the promos, was it not overly punitive to deprive him of a chance to at least repeat JC1? My son's entire future was at stake.

My son is determined to do JC in Singapore, but when we contacted the other JCs, we were told that they, too, are also weeding out weak students. We have not received so much as a call from any of them.

Back in my school days, some of my more playful classmates used to do badly in non-crucial years only to ace their school-leaving exams when it mattered. Many are eminent members of society now.

Are JCs now too competitive? In their hurry to raise their "value add" quotient, are they pressuring weak students to drop subjects and prematurely weeding out students they deem unsuitable? I hope the Ministry of Education will look into the school ranking system, which may have seen sacrificial lambs such as my son paying the painful price.

URL http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100106-0000038/My-son-deserves-a-second-chance

Blame the 'slacking', not the system

05:55 AM Jan 07, 2010

Letter from Benjamin Lee

I refer to "My son deserves a second chance" (Jan 6) by Mr Vincent Tan.

Mr Tan's stinging criticisms of our education system, based on his son's experiences, do a grave injustice to the solid work that our teachers put in. Putting it simply, he is being a poor workman who blames his tools.

Mr Tan blames competitiveness in junior colleges (JCs), an undesirable trait in his view, for many "sacrificial lambs" including his son.

Being a JC student myself, I can understand the intense competition among students. However, it is ludicrous to blame his son's expulsion on his JC's "over-competitiveness".

Competition exists everywhere, at work and definitely in JCs, where academic results are emphasised greatly.

As Mr Tan should know, it is unavoidable, especially in a meritocratic society such as ours. The lack of competitiveness, rather than competitiveness itself, should be to blame for his son's predicament.

I believe that there is no question of Mr Tan's son's academic potential, given his stellar PSLE and O-levels results.

His son's dismal promotional exam results, as strongly asserted by Mr Tan, do not represent his true potential as a student.

Then why did he do so badly? The answer is his lack of competitiveness and motivation. To quote Mr Tan, his son has "the habit of slacking during non crucial years".

Evidently, his son does not carry the correct attitude towards his studies; his "slacking" completely contradicts the concept of consistency and the building of strong foundational knowledge espoused by many teachers in JC.

The fact that he had to be motivated for his Project Work presentation - an A-level graded subject no less - shows the extent of his self motivation and responsibility towards his group.

What also troubles me is Mr Tan's impression that JC1 is a "non-crucial year", which supposedly justifies his son's dismal results.

JC1 is as important as JC2 - it builds up the knowledge base needed for the A levels, providing a solid foundation for JC2.

The promotional exams is thus a litmus test of the level of understanding of a student, and whether he has the crucial knowledge needed to progress to JC2.

Mr Tan's son's failure to take JC1 and this important exam seriously only goes to show that his attitude and methodology towards study is seriously wrong.

In defending his son's studying methods by espousing his academic achievements, Mr Tan is only adds insult to injury; despite his son's academic potential, he still did disastrously badly.

Instead of attacking the education system, Mr Tan should reflect on the main reasons for this predicament: His son's attitude and the lack of motivation and competitiveness.

Perhaps his son's expulsion will give him a second chance to think things through.

The writer is a 17-year-old JC student

URL http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100107-0000053/Blame-the-slacking,-not-the-system

More on PSLE entry points

2010-01-06T10:23:00.000+08:00

Hb's friend's son got 255,couldn't get into 1st choice Hwa Chong,posted to 2nd choice ACS instead.After learning that this year's cut-off for Hwa Chong is 257,the father wrote in to appeal and he got into Hwa Chong!

Neighbour's T-score is the same as Bt Panjang's current year's cut-off, but was posted to 2nd choice,again, father appealed and he got into Bt Panjang.

so don't lose hope.

we have been teaching B1 since she's very young,"no harm to ask, if you ask you MAY get it,but if you don't ask, you won't get it for sure."