Preparing for the Halloween Party

I have been pretty tied up at work recently and I am so glad that I will be on leave from tomorrow onwards! Can't wait to hand over my work to my colleague today and I must really get her a nice gift when I am back to office as there's so much work she has to cover for me during my absence.

And at this time, I should be sorting out my RSVPs, seating arrangement, emcee script, thank you speech and wedding vows but here I am blogging away :P I need this outlet to share my thoughts so as to let go some of my wedding jitters.

Didn't have the time to blog about our shopping escapade last weekend. It was a fun-filled one as we went about shopping for our Halloween Party. We went to the shops selling party stuff along Middle Road and were fascinated by the range on offer. Overcome by excitement, we bought 50 devil's horn hairbands for our guests attending our dinner. We were actually contemplating getting another 50 just in case they get run out fast! We also got pumpkin containers to replace the usual flower baskets used by our flower girls. For ourselves, we got masquerade masks for our 2nd march in. I can't wait for the party to start soon! And I hope our guests will have an equally fun night with us :)

Ouch!!

Ok, it's my first time. I was nervous but I tried to keep my cool. I could not really imagine exposing something so private to a complete stranger. It was more the uneasiness than the anticipated pain that kind of put me off. Nonetheless, I threw away all my inhibitions and mustered whatever courage I had and stepped into Strip, the Ministry of Wax last Friday.

The Beauty Emporium at Dempsey works something like Marche, whereby you will be given a card and all charges will be made to that single card. Payment will be made at the point of exit. Upon entry, you will be greeted with all kinds of beauty products, including body scrubs and massage oils. We were then directed to our own individual 'haven' and the procedure was explained clearly. The therapist was professional and had quick hands. It was over in matter of minutes and the pain was bearable. The first few minutes of uneasiness was erased by the light conversation that I had with the therapist. Overall, I gave 8 out 10 to the whole experience.

We then proceeded to have our dinner at this Japanese restaurant, before heading to Harry's for a drink. The gals were sharing with me tips on marriage life and the guys kept themselves busy at the pool table. Our next gathering would most probably be during my wedding day, which is in a matter of days! I am starting to feel the jitters creeping in.

Much effort!

To welcome the big day, I have been prepping myself (and my body) for it. Besides my daily dosage of Vitamin C and multi-vitamins, I added a daily dosage of Meiji Amino Collagen. My maid of honour highly recommended it to me, claiming that her face has been ‘glowing’ ever since she started her regime of collagen intake. Although we always cast doubtful thoughts on her and all her oral supplements, I took up her advice. I don’t hope for miracles to happen overnight but I just wish that it can help in my general well-being.

Other than oral supplements, I have been putting on my face and eye mask every single night before bedtime for the past one week. I bought almost 6 months supply from my last Korea trip and I think at the rate that I am using now, I will probably finish it very soon. I will get my ‘maid’ to replenish my stock when she goes Korea for holiday next year :)

I have mask for my hair as well! The frequent washing and blowing (and possibly long term neglect) has taken a toll on my hair. So I bought the Pantene hair mask and have been using daily for the past week too :)

All grounds should be covered by now, from inside to the outside, from top to bottom. Oh ya, and did I mention about the brazilian waxing that I will be doing over the weekend? Now all can see what a vain pot I am and the extent I will go to ensure I look my best on my big day!

Case closed… at least for now

Following the budget airline saga last Friday, I waited patiently for them to return my call over the weekend. Weekend came and went and no calls came from them. Surprisingly, I received their call on Monday morning but again I was made to wait and wait and wait. Half of the time was spent talking to the answering machine and the other half I was put on hold. When I finally talked to a human being, I refused to be transferred to another machine and refused to be put on hold. I made the operator make the amendment for me on the spot. All in all, it took me a good hour to settle this.

Well, at the very least, they managed to change back to my original flight timing and not give me some crap excuse or charge me extra for the amendments. If not, this will not be the last that they will hear from me!

Pure indulgence

With days of my singlehood drawing near, I have been taking this opportunity to indulge myself in simple luxuries like spa treatments. On Saturday, I woke up bright and early, excited to meet the gals for our spa treatment at Spa Botanica. It was my first time there after hearing repeated good reviews. Upon arrival, we were greeted with lush greenery and tropical garden setting. We were shown to the locker and changing area shortly after our arrival. After changing into the robe, I was led into a nice and cozy treatment room. I chose the 1 hour traditional aromatherapy massage. I was given a few choices of massage oil and without much hesitation, I went for my favourite lavender oil. The scent has this calm and soothing effect and coupled with firm massaging, it can send one to dreamland in no time.

I requested for the therapist to place more emphasis on my shoulder and back and indeed she probably spent more than half of the time on it. The massaging was unlike those I experienced before. Instead of firm and smooth kneading, it was kind of vigorous and brutally hard. Initially it felt relaxing as it helped to release the tense and relieve the aches. But after a while, I felt slightly uncomfortable. I wondered if my one hour was up as she did not go on to massage my front. After my back, she went on only to my head and neck.

After the session, we sat by the lounge for our tea. Feeling hungry, we proceeded to grab a quick bite at The Garden, which takes pride in 'conscious dining'. We had salad, freshly squeezed juices and chicken noodle soup. While eating, we shared on our girly stuff like facial treatments and grooming services, things that we seldom got to share with our men around :P

At the mud pool, we applied soft mud onto our bodies and left it on for about 15 minutes or so before washing off. 'Enemy' and I nearly got into a mud wrestle and we actually had fun smacking mud onto each other :P We took a while for the washing as we were greedy and applied too thick a layer! We gave the swimming pool a miss as Candie had to leave early to attend a wedding dinner. So we soaked ourselves in the jacuzzi before calling it a day at Spa Botanica.

This is my ratings for Spa Botanica:
- Ambience: 8/10
- Facilities: 9/10
- Food: 7/10
- Choice/Variety of treatments: 8.5/10

- Cost/Value for money: 7/10
- Therapist: 5/10 (I woke up with sore and aching shoulders)

I think the whole experience would have been better if I have gotten myself a better therapist. Nonetheless, the place is a great retreat for city dwellers seeking solace and solitude. There is enough private space and it is truly a holistic spa experience that encompasses both the indoor and spacious outdoor facilities, complemented by the menu of healthy and organic food served in The Garden.

After spa was dinner at Coasties, which is a beach bar at Siloso beach. We had tasty pizzas, grilled chicken wings and fries. I concluded that sinful food always tastes the best. With the sun setting at the background, there isn't any better place for dinner than here. With a full stomach, we decided to take a stroll to the other end of the beach for Ben & Jerry's. As we were nearing, we witnessed the lights going off! Poor Lynn as she had been craving and asking for the ice cream the minute we met. In order to fulfill her craving (as well as ours), we drove out to Vivo City for our much awaited ice cream spread. This is the definitely the sweetest way to end our gals day out. Thanks gals for your great company!

Paying a price by going budget with Air Asia

Received an sms this morning from Air Asia telling me that there is a reschedulement of flight timing. We booked our air tickets from Air Asia sometime back in June for our honeymoon to Bali. We chose Air Asia over other budget airlines as their timings were better and I guessed we paid more for the favourable time slots. It came as a rude shock that the timings have to be changed and I tried to call their hotline, which proved to be indeed very hot as I could never get through to a human being. So I went to their webby and left a message, hoping someone kind enough would bother to return my call and care to unravel this mystery to me. It didn't help that I found out on their webby that the airline actually has the same timing available, just with a different flight number. The airline must be prepared to give me a proper explanation and take on my firing questions, if not that be my first and last time flying with this airline! And I would make sure all my friends know what a service this airline can provide.

This is what I have written to Air Asia in my fiery mood but I hope they can make sense of it and call me asap to clear the air.

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Tried calling the hotline but to no avail. I received an sms this morning informing me about reschedulement of the flight timing of QZ8493 from 1000hrs to 1645hrs. It came as a rude shock as the flight timing of 1000hrs is the reason I chose Air Asia over other budget airlines even though I have to pay more for Air Asia. To my astonishment, when I visited Air Asia website, I am shocked to find that there is still a flight (QZ8491) departing 1000hrs from SIN to BALI on the same day! I wonder if this is a way to trick customers into buying the tickets, only to be informed later that the timing has to be rescheduled. I also wonder if flights are indeed available in that earlier timing, can Air Asia not transfer those who bought QZ8493 to QZ8491? If for some reasons that cannot be done, I would expect Air Asia to allow customers who bought tickets for QZ8493 to change their flight to QZ8491 without any charges or penalties. I hope to hear a good explanation with regard to this asap as we would be departing in a few weeks' time.

Tired eyeballs from too much rolling….

I have to gripe about our meeting with the new wedding co-ordinator for our banquet. My previous one just left recently and we got this replacement. I did not feel quite comfortable over the phone with him prior to the meeting. Somehow he did not give me good vibes but I shrugged it off.

When we finally met last evening, it proves that a woman’s instincts can never go wrong. Even Lar Lar can’t help but agree with me for once. The way he puts things across is not exactly the most PR way and he seems more interested in telling us his lifetime story than to tell us what options are available. One classic example was when he asked us the food that we would like prior to the actual dinner. He rattled away some of the dishes available and imposed his opinions on us. He even ticked off orange juice as the chosen beverage without even telling us what other drinks are available just because he said that juice is the best! Who is he to decide for me?!?!

That is just the tip of the iceberg. This is even more infuriating. Being the new person to take over this case, the least he could do is to go through the things that were discussed with the previous co-ordinator and if need be, to let us go through the choices again. Not only did he not do that, he even chided me for forgetting things! &$#*&%$(&#

At the end of the session, I concluded that his pet phrase is “Grace, you have to help me here. You have to do this, you have to do that, you must confirm this early if not this will happen or that will happen…..” I think there is a role reversal here. Why am I paying the hotel to get a co-ordinator when I become the one doing it myself and even helping him to do his work?

I think that I have exercised my EQ to my optimum level last evening. I did nothing more than the act of rolling my eyes. I cannot believe that I can actually stomach the nonsense of this man even though I am the client here! I walked away asking Lar Lar if we can have a change of co-ordinator. I am afraid that my eyeballs will drop on the red carpet from too much rolling on the actual day.

A tribute to all our dear friends

Amidst our hectic schedule, friends are always there to lend a helpful hand. Be it during times when we were too caught up with our own things or when I was troubled, we always have them to fall back on. It is especially during this trying period when we are both doing this for the first time, 'experienced' friends are so ready to share and help out. Thank you all, for lending us the bridal car, sharing list of love songs, organising stag night/hen party, being our bros and sis on our actual day and the list goes on. We would not have come this far without all of you.

Below is a poem which I would like to share with all of you, which aptly describes how we feel towards friendship.

My Friend
by Sammy Lane Sharp

We all need someone
To talk to in our life,
A friend to whom we run
In times of stress or strife

A friend who's always there
Throughout the years,
A friend we know will care
And take away our fears.

A friend who's always near,
Waiting for our call,
To wipe away our tears,
And lift us when we fall.

A loving friend indeed,
On whom we can depend
To fulfill our every need -
Thank you, precious friend

Pre-marital stress?

Saw this article online and thought there is no harm trying the test, since I am indeed experiencing some form of intense anxiety of late.

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Pre-Marital Stress Test Helps Prevent the "Runaway Bride Syndrome"

Marriage has a dirty little secret, many brides as they walk down the aisle are really scared - Research indicates that over 40% of brides to have wedding anxiety. It's not uncommon for brides to experience a wide range of emotions, from happiness, anxiety, fear, stress and even panic as the big day draws near.

(PRWEB) June 1, 2005 -- Find-a-Therapist, (http://www.find-a-therapist.com/ offers help. Our Pre-Nuptial Stress Test will help you determine what your stress level is, and if professional help is indicated. "The foundation of all healthy relationships is good communication, says Judy Gifford, owner and founder of Find-a-Therapist, and our Pre-Nuptial Stress Test is a tool that couples can use to discuss their pre marital jitters and take whatever steps are indicated to begin their marriage in the best way."

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After the test, I got a score of 56. that says:

You're not alone here! Your stress level is about average for the circumstances. It is just the level of stress needed that will get things done properly.

Phew what a relief. I am sure Lar Lar does not wish to see his bride running away from the altar! :P

Hectic schedule

When there are 101 things to do, time just seems to fly by. Took so long for weekends to come and before you knew it, it's gone! Saturday was spent doing up the room. It felt good to see what you have imagined coming true. With the wardrobe and bed in place and the old furniture out of the way, it really looks like a proper room now. It used to look more like a pig sty in the past :P Maybe I'll do a before and after picture of our room in my next blog.

Sunday was our 过大礼. Felt more like a family gathering for me as most of my siblings and their children came over in the afternoon. Alvan's sister felt overwhelmed by the sheer number. One corner would be the designated children's corner, while the adults would gather round the dining table chatting and catching up.

Our wedding cakes. Been a long time since we ate such traditional cakes...yummy

The beauties of the family :P

Me and my bros

The children chilling out in the room where they can enjoy the aircon!

Thank you all for coming together and making this happen. It will stay a special and memorable one for me. I love you all!

Romantic

Did I mention that we paid hundreds of dollars to do up a photo frame from Chris Ling? We were sold quite easily as we really quite like the photo.

Romantic, classy and timeless. Although we have not figured out where to place the portrait, we will find a corner somewhere to hang up this masterpiece :)

Our photo montage

Lawrence from Peepshow Machine did up our photo montage and we could not wait to view it once we reached home today. It is simple and nicely done. Feel really touched, especially the holiday pictures we took in the past. It seems just like yesterday.

However, we thought of changing to "Something about You" by Corrinne May. More upbeat and meaningful lyrics. This is the song to share.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWZNQ8sW7Dc

Counting down: 26 days

We have moved on to the month of October!!! And to be exact, we are left with 26 days. We are now left with banquet related matters to attend to and we can't wait for our big day to come :)

Been busy for the past weekend. Went to distribute the cards and spent time with family to discuss about the wedding stuff. On Sunday, we went to United Square to get the suit and dresses for the page boy and flower girls. They looked lovely. Hope they won't steal the limelight from me on the actual day :P

We had our family meeting last Friday. Am glad that my family is supportive of the extreme 'decision' that I have made. This has always been the case since young. I am given the liberty and freedom to make my own decisions and be accountable for them. This is also the case here. I made this decision, and they respect and support me. Eventually, they just want me to be a happy bride. Thanks for the love that you all shower on me and I love all of you!

Fall for You

Thanks to Lar Lar who introduced me this song "Fall for You" by Secondhand Serenade. Initially when he tried to sing this song to me, it sounded horrible. When I finally came to hear and see the music video during our last kbox session, I fell in love with the song too! Below is the link with the music video.

http://new.music.yahoo.com/Secondhand-Serenade/videos/view/Fall-For-You--56755581

Hence, we decided to use this song for our express highlights during our wedding dinner. I can't wait to see how it will turn out with both of us as the lead actor and actress :P

I hope that to Alvan, I will be the precious one whom the singer sang "Because a girl like you is impossible to find, you're impossible to find."