| A blog on my journey as a WORK AT HOME MOM and my WORK AT HOME BUSINESS |

15 October, 2007

let's go shopping for women's boots!

Anyone into boots? I can't tell you how cool they look with the right outfit and believe it or not, boots project a classy appearance - elegant, stylish and bold! I got my first pair of RM Williams boots when I picked up horse riding and since then, I had four pairs added to my boots collection. Other than giving an attractive visual appeal, a good pair of boots are great to keep feet and legs warm during those cool winter days.



Women's boots come in various styles and designs to suit an outfit for different occasions - knee length, calf length and ankle length, and for the heels, you have stilettos, Cuban heels, block heels or high heel wedges. Do not assume that any kind of boots can look good with every outfit. Personally, I have found knee high boots to look great with skinny jeans, short skirts, shorts and even formal suits. Ankle length ones are usually better with jeans or pants but never with short dresses or skirts. These days, boots are no longer restricted to the black and brown even though these colours are 'safe' enough to be used with any outfit colours. Get bold with rich and vivid colours - pink, red, purple, green, blue and metallic.




Something like this pair of women's boots by Chinese Laundry is elegant and professional with skirts or suits (see above). For a more casual and chic look, this pair of brown MIA Candida women's boots below is stylish with a nice weekend dress, neat shorts or denim skirts. Made of genuine leather, the MIA Candida is a fantastic value at $42.99 at Overstock dot com, when compared to the retail price of $124.95! I love the floral details which give a feminine and trendy look. Overstock dot com has a gorgeous range of women's boots and shoes for all occasions - formal, casual, rugged, fun and party. And if you have a little extra money to splurge, don't give the Dolce and Gabbana and Prada designer boots a miss!



Didn't I tell you that Overstock dot com has all kinds of boots of any occasion? How about looking artistic and cute with On Your Feet Satra Women's Solid Print Rainboots? These ones stand out from the boring black and solid colour ones you see on the streets and the one inch heels offer the extra height to help you walk comfortably.


See, there are so many styles, designs and colours to choose from when it comes to women's boots and it all depends on your personal taste and the occasion you are dressed up for. To buy women's boots at the best and lowest prices, head down to Overstock dot com by clicking on the link in the post.

14 October, 2007

hey, take a break :)

It's one of those days when I don't feel like writing a long post and you feel like your head is too heavy to think too hard. I know some bloggers take breaks on Sundays while some take the opportunity to catch up with emails, comments moderation and update blogs. I guess it's the long weekend break that making me feel a little lazy and tired. Maybe this is Mother Nature saying 'hey, take a break'.

13 October, 2007

selamat hari raya

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends!

It's the first day of Raya and I took the time to chill out in the mall, had a nice lunch at SOHO and spent my afternoon with Tracy and David before they head back to Ningbo tomorrow. Clayton had a great time with them, they are his close adult friends!

The mall was busy and it was a good time to walk around and grab a few audio racks for the home while checkikng out some home improvement items in DIY homefix shop. We were planning to go for a walk in Kepong reserve but there was a heavy downpour in the afternoon.

I'm looking forward to catch up with some detailed planning for our December vacation and hopefully prepare Clayton's birthday gifts for his classmates on Tuesday. My boy is turning three soon!

12 October, 2007

how i love those Christmas lights



This is the first time our family is spending Christmas out of the country and I'm so excited about it! I'm truly glad that I manage to convince DH to spend Christmas in LA with his cousins and brother. Clayton will have a great time with the kids while we adults chill out over the fireplace and enjoy our turkey dinners! How I miss those Christmas celebrations where I used to hang out with my buddies in town til wee hours of the morning - we were young then :)

Besides the gift giving, a time of love and sharing, I love the christmas lights and decorations that lit the hotels and town area. Sadly, I don't see much of those led christmas lights in KL city but in Hong Kong and Singapore, the Christmas decorations are worth watching. Like it or not, these christmas lights create a happy mood and add excitement to the season. Without them, the entire town will be dead, boring and life-less.

But amidst the celebrating, drinking, eating and gift giving, let's not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

live green, be green

live greener products

We've heard so much about being friendly to mother earth, save the environment, recycle campaigns, practice green living..etc. Sometimes the hype becomes too great that big brand fashion designers leverage on these principles and create products to bring more awareness to themselves.

But seriously, it's our responsibility to encourage green living in our lifestyle, to reduce the waste around us and save the earth! To do this, we should get into the habit of recycling and reusing paper bags and containers in the house and not dispose them after each use. For more ideas on how to follow green practices, you can start using environmental products for your household, garden, kitchen, garage and even buy eco-friendly gifts.



To begin, why not check out greenandmore dot com where you find tonnes of ideas on how you and your family can lead a 'green' lifestyle. How about a eco-friendly arm chair for your living room or a one of these beautiful ecor-friendly Fibonacci Pendant Lamps? The website has alot to offer in educating us on environmental issues such as creating a compost pile, air pollution, green transportation, recycling for businesses..etc. With strong philosophies on green living, greenandmore dot com seeks to spread their knowledge to more consumers like you and me. You can even read a green living tip everyday to learn how you can do you part in small and big ways to save Mother Earth. Otherwise, the blog is the place to learn and share more lessons on living a green lifestyle.



So hop over to greenandmore dot com and start reading about how you can begin living green in your daily experiences. Right now, to celebrate its opening, the website is offering a 10% off on your entire order with coupon code: GREEN10 (Expires 12/31/07)

11 October, 2007

don't feel guilty over a massage



What better way to end the day than a massage after a hard day's work? Some people regard massage therapy as a form of luxury but it's certainly more than that. Over the years, massage therapy has been found out to be a necessary element in obtaining general wellness. Previously, my hubby used to flash me with a look that made me feel guilty about booking myself to a relaxation therapy. But ever since I signed him up for a session on his birthday, his concept of massage therapy had changed for the good.

If you are that sort who have negative impression of massage and think that it's one of those activities attended by ladies of leisure who have nothing better to do in the day, then I hope that you will change your mind after reading this post.



There are more than 200 massage techniques available nowadays. But regardless of the technique used, all of these are intended to help in the healing process, management of pain, relief from stress, and improvement of circulation. I have tried many kinds of massage in the last ten years: swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, shiatsu, reflexology, sports massage, deep tissue massage and thai massage. Depending on my physical condition, I'll love a relaxation aromatherapy massage if I'm feeling all tired and stressed on my shoulders, neck and back. How I love those healing essential oils, they can simply revive, refresh and rejuvenate your mind and being. And if treatment is needed, I'll usually go for a Chinese therapeutic massage, which is known as 'Tui Na' in Mandarin. Coupled with acupuncture and cupping, this is a very effective form of treatment for injuries and specific ailments of the body.



Even when I was expecting Clayton, I was conscientious in pre-natal massage which could be the contributing cause of supple skin tone on my belly with no stretch marks during and after pregnancy. Contrary to what some women think, pre-natal massage is safe when conducted by an experienced and well trained massage therapist. It helps to provide relaxation and better sleep; reprieve on weight-bearing areas like ankles, joints, pelvis, and lower back; help in posture maintenance; prevention of swelling on feet and hands; lessening of cramps; and relief from nasal congestion.

Massage not only works to relieve us from life’s everyday stress. The traditional systems of health care all over the world have recognized the importance of therapeutic massage in the treatment of chronic illnesses. So the next time you decide to get a massage, stop feeling guilty about it. After all, the bodywork has enhanced your total wellbeing so what is there to be guilty about?



If any of you are keen to explore a massage therapy business or are interested in becoming a massage therapist or a massage geek, hop over to Massagegeeks dot com to learn more.

how many rings do you have?


Now I've just told you about the 4Cs of diamonds. So let's get ready to do some online shopping for some glittery stuff!


So, how many rings do you have? I have to confess that I have more rings than fingers put together, yet I'm still looking around for new styles to be added to my collection. Well, I have a dream ring and it's the Tiffany Lucida which cost a bomb! For now, I'm happy with a solitaire from Blue Nile or any fashionable white gold ones. Here's another place to compare and shop for your rings. At Shopping dot com, you can find Blue Nile, United diamonds, Mondera and a w-i-d-e selection of other rings in all sorts of styles and designs. Princess cut, round diamond, akoya pearl, semi-precious stones, white gold, sterling silver, platinum, engagement rings, wedding bands, eternity rings...etc.


What's nice is you can view many different ring designs and styles in one page and just for rings alone, there are fifty pages to browse through at shopping dot com. If it's too confusing, you can narrow your search by choosing the price range, jewelry material, brand, stone type or occasion. I don't know about you but I'm confused already with these thousands of options.

Go and see which one takes your fancy and put it in your wish list!

The 4Cs of diamonds

Hey ladies, this post is dedicated to you who adore diamonds and if you don't, it's still good knowledge here! Diamonds are graded based on these four criteria: color, cut, clarity and carat. So take a brief look at what they mean:

1) Color is the result of the composition of a diamond and it does not change. When a jeweler is describing the color of a diamond they are referring to the presence or absence of color in white diamonds.

2) The Cut is probably the most important of the Four C's. Let's see why.

Cut refers to a diamonds reflective quality. Most diamonds are cut with 58 facets. The brilliance of diamonds is heavily dependent on the cut. The different angles and the finish of a diamond determine its ability to reflect light and cause its brilliance and fire.

Remember that the cut of a diamond can have an impact on its durability as well as its beauty. Some cutting faults can make a diamond prone to breakage. A diamond that is cut too thin can also cause light to leak out of the back and the diamond will lose some of the sparkle.

3) During the formation process, inner flaws, or inclusions occur in most diamonds. The number and size of these inclusions determine what is referred to as the clarity of a diamond. Diamonds that are clear create more brilliance and therefore are rarer and highly priced. To be considered flawless, a diamond must have no surface or internal imperfections.

4) Carat is the unit of weight by which diamonds are measured.

When you go to the store to make a diamond purchase, do not be shy! Ask questions, get the answers you need to make an informed purchase. Shopping for certified diamonds enables you to make an informed selection. Knowing the four Cs allows you to shop, compare and purchase the best diamond at a fair price. But, before making a purchase, shop around and decide what shapes and styles really appeal to you.

my dream of a mobile business



I love the idea of having a mobile office. Being someone who loves freedom and space, I hope to fulfill my dream of working anywhere in the world some day. It looks like this can only happen with if I have an internet business or maybe there are options yet to be known to me. But for now, I'm still thankful that we can operate a business without being in a commercial office. No need to beat the morning traffic and waste time on traffic jam. If you live in an urban city, you will understand.

Now, it's even better with internet technology. With Internet fax services, you can send and receive a fax anywhere, anytime as long as you have a computer and an internet connection. For only 1,000 pages at $12.95 per month, you don't have to worry about busy lines, missing faxes, paper jammed and technical errors. Faxes can be received in PDF or TIFF formats in your PC, Mac or PDA. Sign up now and receive a month FREE at MetroFax with the above link.

1 billion to make teh tarik in space???



Vedis sent me her grievances about this space BS... for many months, DH and myself have been ranting about this issue. Spend 1 billion to make teh tarik in space... what a crap! Do you know how many lives can be saved from 1 billion? Why not use the money to build better schools, better roads, hospitals and help those who don't even have a roof over their heads? Vedis said it so well in her post - go read it!

Anyone shares similar grievances?

internet age parenting

When the media announced about the Singapore government's plans to build an integrated in Sentosa which included a casino in the plan, it sparked a controversy public debate. While the plan was intended to benefit the tourism of the country, others are concerned about the negative effects on the social end. Some parents were worried about the wrong influence it would cause on their children and young teens. But what about the TV programs and other media influence?

Parenting remains challenging whether or not there is a casino in the city. I believe it's the parents' responsibility to educate their children on what is acceptable and what is not. Parenting today requires openness and dedicated guidance, not a bunch of "dos" and "don'ts". Wouldn't it be worse if they rebel and do things contrary to what you have been teaching if they are not shown the reasons of things. In other words, if you spend time educating your children, you don't even have to spy on them or worry about them checking out online casino bluebook which shows the popular online casinos in the web. The free online guide is a resource stop for those who want to know more about the online gaming scene with full description included. Online gamers can check on the top ten sites to place their bets. I recalled my Las Vegas trip some years back where I was thrilled to win some cash on the jackpot. That was just recreation fun during the vacation.

While we can't stop our children from being exposed to media and social influence, all we can do is spend more time with them, encourage feedback and open communication and inculcate good values in them.

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10 October, 2007

when an aviation attorney is needed

Many years ago, there was a big story on the Silkair plane crash which led to the fatalies of many passengers. It was a tragic incident and sadly, my friend's neighbour was one of them. The victim was coming home from a vacation when the crash happened. It was hard for the family and close friends to accept this sudden loss of a loved one but only time could heal the pain and sad memories.

Though I believe the family may have sought an aviation attorney to handle the law suit against the airlines, it makes me wonder if any claim can comfort their loss. But it is good to know that there are aviation law firms who specialize in handling such aviation accidents including helicopter accidents, airplane fatalities and even charter accidents. Appointing an experienced attorney can mean greater success in your law suit which involves complexities in litigation and thorough investigation processes.

i prefer the free and easy way

In all my years of travel, I always prefer the free and easy style. I don't like waking up to a fixed schedule and spend my time waiting for other fellow travelers to show up. Not only is this a waste of my time, it's inflexible and boring. The truth is booking directly with the vacation property can be cheaper than a package holiday though it requires some homework on your part to organize this. For instance, if you are a UK resident who is planning to take a vacation to Florida, you can book with ThinkFlorida.co.uk instead of settling for a package holiday suggested by your travel agent. The website allows you to book your rental car, theme park tickets and vacation homes and condos in Disney region. Isn't it better to choose your own Villa in Orlando than letting someone else decide that for you and your family?

should I book with the Halekulani



I'm still contemplating if I should book a night at the Halekulani during our last night in Waikiki. After reading so many travel guides, all travel editors rave about the beauty, luxury and superb service in this exclusive hotel. Whenever I visit the official website, I'll be tempted to place my booking but I don't know if it's worth spending $500 for a night's stay - know what I mean? I know that if I ask DH about this, he'll throw the idea out of the window so I'm still considering secretly since I'm the organizer for this vacation... let me sleep over this for a few more weeks before coming to a decision.

should I buy my La Mer whitening essence?



I'm still contemplating if I should buy the La Mer Whitening Essence which costs a bomb! There is a lot of emphasis in today’s world to stay as young looking for as long as possible. There are many “miracle” products available to you that promise to keep you looking young and beautiful at any age. But how many of these products actually deliver what they promise? Many of us can truthfully answer to that, right?

The honest truth is that there is no miracle product that is going to keep you looking young forever. However, taking good care of your skin can keep you looking and feeling fresh and healthy no matter how old you are. So, should I buy the La Mer whitening product:P

anyone loves doing dishes?

Anyone loves doing dishes? I don't :P So there's a rule in our house. I do the cooking and DH does the washing. Fair? Not many women enjoy doing dishes - it spoils our nails, dries our hands, causes wrinkles..etc. Currently, we wouldn't need a dishwasher but when we move down under, I told DH that I would like to get one of those built-inWhirlpool Dishwashers for our house. A great place to search for household appliances like refrigerators, ovens, ranges, washers and dryers, and dishwashers is Krillion dot com. The unique thing with Krillion search features is that the results tally with the supply found in your local stores. This helps to avoid any disappointment when you have driven all the way to the store to find that the product is out of stock. Krillion saves you precious time and bringing you national brands sold by big box retailers.

discount products for your baby


Unlike those days, bringing up a child is getting tougher and more challenging. It is no wonder that birth rate in many countries has witnessed a declination as couples are complaining about the high costs of childcare. When Clayton was born, we had to stock up lots of babycare items - baby cot, sterilizer, bottles, diapers, skincare, diaper ointment, clothing, mittens, baby toys, pram....etc. And as he grew, new items had to be added month after month, this process seemed endless. Sounds familiar?

Woudn't it be great if you can buy discounts on products for your baby? While Supplies Last understands what it is to pay so much for baby stuff so what it does is that it alerts you with the best deals in the web for baby products. Everyday, you will see updated specials that are released from major online retailers in the web. In other words, you can shop and save with these special deals without wasting time on numerous websites. While Supplies Last brings you the best deals on all baby products, whether it's bedding, feeding items, diaper bags or early development toys. Why pay full price when you can save on your purchases?

Wordless Wednesday - treasure the moment



One of the things that I appreciate is Clayton's way of amusing me when I'm upset or moody. Everytime he flashes a smile at me, the comfort is indescribable. Sometimes, I'll be in a rage and all ready to give him a good spanking but his innocent plea for mercy will change my mind. Parenting is a bitter sweet experience. I often tell myself to treasure the moment because there is no way we can turn by time.

teaching good manners start from young

With a three year old in the house, we are beginning to be more conscious of our speech and behavior. Studies always remind us that we parents should set good examples for our children since they are constantly watching and growing. In their little minds, we are their heroes and thus, they look up to us in every manner.

It is never too early to teach children good manners. Studies show that even at a very young age, kids are already capable of learning and experiencing empathy and concern for others. Teaching manners becomes easier when it is a common practice in the household.

high definition footages for sale

I've always been asked on why I didn't enter the field of advertising but graphic design. Though I adore advertising design, I didn't fancy the culture and lifestyle of the industry. I'm still captivated by TV commercial and creative animations on the screen, especially the latest 3D graphics that added so much reality and attraction to modern cinematography. What I've just discovered is that advertising agencies and production houses can now purchase high definition footages from HD Stock Video Library. These footages from AlwaysHD are contributed by professional cinematographers and are available for sale on the website. Clients can search for special footage for their use in their commercials or production since these footages are royalty free once purchased, which allow the flexibility of use for any kind of work.

what is your splurge this month?

What is the most expensive item you bought this month? Ya, I know it's only the second week of October but that's why I'm asking. I know of a friend who has splurged on a Rolex watch (real one), courtesy of her hubby - I'm sooooo happy for her! Another one has just spent RM800 in 10 minutes to beautify herself and pamper her skin - she deserves it!


Me? I splurged on a Georg Jensen silver brooch which cost xxx - not revealing cos some of you may report to my hubby - lol. But well, we women need to be pampered every now and then, it makes us happy, keeps us motivated and helps us look forward to better days ahead. Pampering doesn't mean the high dollar value. It just means having something that you want - not need :)

oops... longsightedness knocking on the door?

I got myself a new pair of glasses on my last trip to Singapore. According to my optician, my power had decreased which sounded like good news. But suddenly, something struck me. Could this be an indication of 'long sightedness' - oh no! I know my DH hasn't got over the fact that he needs those reading glasses and I'm not about to come close to that.

Oops... how does it feel to have reading glasses when you pass 40? Ahem.. I'm not 40 yet hor!

DIY holiday gift ideas

When we find that the days are approaching towards the next festive holiday or special occasion, we all get the dreaded feeling of not knowing what to give out as a great holiday gift idea. We worry that whatever it is that we choose for the person or people we have in mind, there is no way that they will be truly happy with what we bring. That is, until you remember the old saying that items made from the heart last a lifetime and are always the best gift to give.

This is the time to think and pound your mind on what you are good at with your hands. It could be making a card, drawing a picture, doing a craft, knit a sweater or bake some cookies!

Baking goods have always been the biggest homemade gift that is given out, whether it be cookies, pies, or cakes. Bake some cookies, brownies and other such baked goods and placed inside mason jars, topped with fabric, a small ribbon, and the recipe.

What do you think?

internet changes communication

Like every woman who longs to be adored and considered for marriage when the right time comes, I have read about Russian women looking for marriage. The internet has changed the way people communicated. These days, we can talk or chat with anyone in the world with an internet connection at NO cost. Emails are common, so are chat rooms and social networking platforms. Thus, it is no surprise that more and more people are making friends online. Mixed marriages are common and there is an increasing trend of men from US, Canada and Australia meeting and marrying Russian women who are educated, attractive, committed and strong in family values. Lovers Planet is responsible for connecting many Russian women to men looking for Russian brides as life partners and dedicated to a long term relationship.

metal buildings better than wood frame ones

Seven years ago, we attended my brother-in-law's convocation and took the opportunity to tour around San Francisco for a short time. My brother in law is a marathon runner and will participate in numerous runs just for the fun of it. Being a bachelor, this is how he spends his leisure and recreation moments. While we were there visiting, he took us to a marathon event cum carnival, together with our cousins. That was an eye opener for us as we got a chance to experience the locals and participate in some carnival activities. I did notice that the organizer was using metal buildings for the activity rooms, which were spacious, functional and most importantly, they were easy to set up.

Later on, I was told that metal buildings were popular for both commercial and residential use due to the durability and price factors. Unlike wood frame buildings, they were not prone to termites attack or weather damage.

09 October, 2007

for adults only



Well, I have forgotten what romanticism is after becoming a mom for the last three years. Oh, what I mean is we have said goodbye to couple holidays for now until 'don't know when'... I know many couples still go for holidays by themselves even after they have children but it's not so for us since we are full-time caregivers to our boy too. Besides, our parents are not fit enough to run after an active boy like Clayton.

But should we have a chance to visit any adult resorts, we will check out Hedonism by Superclubs. Imagine waking up to spectacular views and not worrying about a fixed schedule and routine. Have breakfast in bed, laze in your comfortable sleepwear and party till there's no tomorrow! Well, that's what an all-inclusive vacation in Hedonism is all about - don't need to worry about your wallet, tipping, paying for food and recreation... it's just pure luxury and relaxation. It's the ideal place to start your life together or to renew your marriage vows by falling in love with each other again... how nice!

identify your target audience

Starting a business is not easy these days. With rising costs in rental, manpower, utilities and other marketing activities, you need to do your math well before investing in any business. Even when it comes to marketing and advertising, you need to identify your target audience to ensure higher conversion rates. To achieve that, a good quality Mailing List is necessary as you don't want to waste your marketing dollar. No wonder Fortune 1000 companies are turning to Martin Worldwide for reliable data list in their marketing campaigns. The company is reputed for being the largest provider for customized mailing lists, telemarketing lists and fax lists.

shopping for kids' toys



Can I tell you how much I adore little dollhouses? I never had the luxury to grow up with these so it just makes me wanna turn back the clock and experience the fun. Besides, my little boy will never go near a dollhouse, boys being boys! He would hop onto any motorbike or ride-on car but never likes anything soft and pink. I suppose it must be the hormones!

When it comes to shopping for kids' toys, it's always good to compare prices at various stores, and online shopping makes it convenient to do do. Shopping dot com has a huge collection of toys for all children of all ages. Kids' costumes, dollhouses, soft toys, toy vehicles, lego, star wars sets...etc. What's great is that you can compare prices among various stores, all in one glance, which makes it a cool way to save!

how many posts do you write a day?

It's always interesting to chat with non-bloggers about blogging. During a dinner conversation with a good friend last weekend, we were discussing about paid blogging and the local blogging scene. My friend had a blog too but an inactive one. He asked me how regularly do I post in my blogs. "Is it one a day?", he asked. I looked at him, shook my head and gave him an estimate. He got a shock. Some of you know what my answers are... what about you? How many posts do you write a day for your blogs?

more new malls opening up

In the last one month, 3 mega malls have opened up in KL. DH and myself have yet to visit any of these new malls and we won't be til another month or two. There's no point being there as not all shops are opened yet plus the traffic to these malls will be bad at this moment.

DH was telling me about a friend who had two kiosks in KLCC selling sunglasses. He had initially reserved two stores in Pavilion and The Gardens but pulled out last minute from the contract after realizing that he might not sustain with immense competition. As a retailer, not only does he need to invest in used point of sale to reduce cost, he needs to invest in a bulk of inventory to start the new shops. Currently, he's using ibm pos equipment and Fujitsu point of sale equipment which have been serving his business well. But he's concerned about not being able to handle the high rental costs if the initial sales are not favourable.

So I guess running a retail business these days isn't easy after all. Competition, high operating costs, manpower costs, rental, inventory are all part of the business investments that need serious consideration.

your online library of books and journals



If only the internet technology was that advanced ten years ago, I would have sailed through my research thesis smoothly. Looking back, I was having a hard time locating research and books of my subject topic and as a result of that, I had to order some of those hard-to-find books from States, which cost me alot of money.

When I learn about Questia, an online library for all academic books and journals, I am impressed with the 70,000 digital books and 1.7 million articles in its collection. For those who frequently conduct research in their field of study, you have just found a one-stop resource for your academic material. Whatever subjects you are searching for - arts and architecture, economics and business, literature, law, psychology, religion or science and technology, the smart search features will present you with a list of digital books and articles relevant to your search topic. What's unique about Questia is that subscribers can pen down notes on the digital book or article, highlight important quotes or passages and use the text in any style they want. Another cool thing is, this digital library is available 24/7 and never closes a day, unlike your local or school library. This facilitates all your research activities any time you want, with no rush, no stress except complete convenience. Your research can be done anywhere as long as there is an internet connection.

In case you think this is only a research library for the academics, take heart. Questia has over 5,000 FREE books available for all avid readers. You may also want to take advantage of the free trial to a set of books in any of these four subjects: Psychology, Ethics, Leadership, or Early American History.

It's hard to find an area that Questia needs to work on as everything is well thought of, right to filing your online notes to putting together a bibliography. Perhaps Questia can include more subscription options for users. Currently, it offers $19.95 for a monthly subscription and a $99.95 for a yearly one. If possible, discounts can be offered to students and a loyalty program can be introduced for subscribers who returned after a short break.

I have no doubt that Questia is the most comprehensive online library for all researchers, academicians and students of this modern internet age.

08 October, 2007

When will segmentation end?

I was just looking at my earnings for last month. My blogging buddies have always tell me we can still do well without PPP. At one time, I wasn't convinced by that but not anymore. Looking at last month's earnings, I had done well at LoudLaunch, Sponsored Reviews and even Smorty. The rest of the networks had also helped to meet my target, which was great. It is disappointing to see only 31 opps out of 203 opps... what on earth is going on huh? Why are advertisers letting their opps rot away, I wonder? When will segmentation end?

chinese VCDs to incalcuate good values



Last weekend, we took Clayton for some shopping and ended up with a big hole in DH's pocket - lol. Not sure if anyone of you has seen these chinese VCD series on chinese proverbs, poetry, ethics and values teaching but if you are keen to expose your little ones to mandarin songs and good values, check them out. They used to be sold in audio CDs but now, you can get them in VCDs. They are simple Mandarin phrases in easy going light tunes to teach children traditional values, chinese proverbs, chinese character history...etc. Available in popular bookstores.

07 October, 2007

more talk on website optimization firm

I was discussing about seo with a friend during dinner. He was asking me about how some wesbites rank top in google and how do that help to benefit the website owners. I wasn't able to explain to him due to my lack of knowledge in this big topic of seo so I suggested that he tried to search the internet for help.

I believe tips, guidelines and methods for search engine optimization are plenty to be found. You can read many articles that can help you optimize your site in search engine results. The more knowledge and information you gather the better. This will all help you in getting those high rankings. This may require a little time and effort in your part but the benefits will be astounding. But the reality is not everyone has the time to do these things so the best thing to do is to approach the help of a reliable website optimization firm. You can also check out the website of Think Big Sites, which provides a detailed overview of SEO. Being a website optimization firm, it has helped many companies rank top in search engines which eventually seen an increase in their website traffic.

my silver brooch indulgence

During my last trip to Singapore, I had another sinful indulgence. I finally bought myself a Georg Jensen brooch after having no success at Tiffany or other silver accessories stores. For me, I've always adore silver, though I do admit that they need extra care to be kept beautiful and lasting. For a long time, silver is regarded by many investors as a good investment and in fact, I was told that this is a good time to buy them if you have some spare cash. Available online at Monex deposit company, people are buying silver bullions for investment since the demand for silver is higher than its annual production. If you are keen to know more, check out how you can purchase silver coins online at monex.com

Do you lavish your children with expensive toys?

It feels good to pamper my boy. I know DH won't be happy to hear this but all mommies out there know what I mean! We are not that sort of parents who adorn our boy with expensive toys. In fact, we hardly buy toys for him. Most of those toy cars and blocks are either gifts or bought during sale and they aren't expensive and extravagant ones either. I do buy lots of educational stuff for him - books, flash cards and VCDs and I'm glad Clayton enjoys them.

Today, I insisted that we bought him a set of Chinese books series and a set of IQ games. The bill came up to RM800 and you should see DH's eyes rolling! But I told him these would be Clayton's birthday gift and he agreed that those were good things to have.

What about you? Do you lavish your children with expensive toys?

06 October, 2007

jerry is getting married!


My ex-student just beeped me on msn yesterday, asking me for my mailing address. Jerry is finally tying the knot! I am so happy for him that he's getting married to a wonderful girl whom he has known for more than 10 years! While I'm all excited for him, I can sense he's stressed with all the wedding preparation.


I know he's still figuring out on unique wedding favors on that day. I hope he's finding some help at The Knot Wedding Shop since they have lots of creative wedding supplies from lovely wedding favors to reception items, wedding cameras, decorations, gifts, wedding apparel, jewelry, accessories and everything else that helps make the day special for the wedding couple. Knowing Jerry, he's one fussy guy who will take time to choose the most unique wedding favors so I know The Knot is the right place for him!

have you heard of fire glass?



When I heard about this next cool thing for the home backyard, I thought it was interesting to check out. Urban fire glass is contemporary and artistic is its visual appeal. Apparently, it's hot and cool at the same time. What an interesting concept. Plus, it is alot nicer than old fire logs in the house... great for places which have four seasons. It's definitely out of question for our local folks here ;P

stairlifts for outdoor use

Just when I was writing about Stairlifts yesterday, a friend was asking if there were such stairlifts for outdoor use. I took a look at Value Stairlifts and true enough, I saw one that was designed ideally for garden porch and houses with garages.



Since the stairlifts are made of high quality material that are heat and UV resistant, they are durable and do not fade easily under adverse weather conditions. These stairlifts are great for folks who need to be outdoors and provide more flexibility for their movements. After all, everyone enjoys mobility and independence. For people with a limited budget or don't need a stairlift for long periods of time, they can consider the reconditioned stairlifts for better value and equivalent quality. These reconditioned stairlifts have been carefully refurbished and checked by experienced technicians before they are being released for sale.

credit card debt help information

Unfortunately, throughout the years, more and more people are becoming victims of enormous credit card debts that they probably will never get paid off. It is a shame to know that so many people feel that they NEED so many things but realize the only way that they could possibly get those things is by using their credit cards, and they normally have plenty of them to choose from! Don't believe? Ask your friends how many credit cards they have in their wallets and the answer is seldom at one.

Credit card debt has increased drastically throughout the past several years and it does not look like many people are yet realizing just how bad this problem is. If you are struggling each month, trying to figure out how in the world you will ever have the ability to pay all of your credit card payments on time, then you should credit card cebt help. The debt settlement company has some useful information on credit card debt consolidation, credit card counselling and debt settlement options to assist those who need help in debt relief.

05 October, 2007

do you want more website traffic?

To be honest with you, I was a total internet dummy a year ago. I don't even know how to upload a file or understand HTML and stuff like that. Worse still, when I attended my first internet marketing workshop with DH, I was clueless what those speakers were rambling on stage. I heard them talking about this and that product can bring more website traffic but did you think I really care at that time?

My learning curve began early this year as I read and studied more of what others were doing in the world of internet. This was when I fully understood why people spent big amount of money on bringing more traffic to their websites. Basically, more more website traffic can mean more awareness on their products or services which would eventually influence the profits of the company. From what I understand, this is a tedious and complex job that requires an experienced SEO company to carry out. If you like to learn more about what SEO, read these useful information at Think Big Sites which provides a detailed overview of what this subject is all about.

I found another Singaporean blogger!

It's interesting to note that in the last one year of blogging, most of my blogging buddies are mostly from Malaysia except one, who hails from my hometown, Singapore. Whenever I ask my Singaporean friends if they have a blog, they would look at me and reply "Where got time?"

Not having enough time is a typical excuse of most Singaporeans. Today, I have the opportunity to check out a Singaporean's blog who lives in a district not very far from where I used to live. Just a Thought is authored by David Woon, who has a noble dream of helping others unleash their potential in making the world a better place to live. From his profile, I understand that he reads widely and loves devouring knowledge to broaden his perspective of life. In his blog, he shares his thoughts and observations on subjects pertaining to happiness, life, media, people and local news. I can tell that this blog is his space to document his thoughts and views while hoping to inspire those who come along and leave footprints behind. I believe his work and little addition to the family must be keeping him busy everyday which is why David doesn't post everyday like some of us do :P

Looking for some inspiration on life's issues and stories, drop by Just a Thought by David Woon.

hoping to spot whales in Maui



According to travel guides, it says that we may be able to catch the sight of whales spouting at Maui's shore. Wow! How exciting is this! In other words, we don't even need to take a boat out there and be worried about getting sea sick to spot these humpback whales!

Our Maui Vacations are getting more and more exciting as I put together a list of must-dos and must see's. With the short time we had, we may consider booking ourselves to one of the helicopter flight seeing excursions that take us over Hana, Haleakala Crater and West Maui mountains. The information at the Hawaii travel blog are useful in our itinerary planning. Thanks to the people at Hawaiian Beach Rentals who updates the blog with valuable information for tourists and vacation seekers.

These helicopter flights may cost around $125 fo a half hour to $400 for a 2 hour mega experience. While two hours may be too long for us, I hope there is something between 45 - 50 minutes during that time.

how about a portable DVD player for Clayton's birthday?



In less than two weeks' time, Clayton turns three. I was asking DH what should we get for him. While DH is that sort who doesn't quite bother about gifts, me (the momma) will take the opportunity to pamper him with a good gift.

I am thinking if it's a good idea to buy Clayton a portable 10 inch DVD player. I have seen parents entertaining their small children with one of these portable DVD player in restaurants and public places. It looks kinda cool and is definitely a helpful 'tool' to calm a cranky kid on the table. Those of us with small children understand that a quiet and peaceful meal doesn't come easy with little ones on the table! After a little research on the web, I saw the portable DVD player being sold at Digital Framez, with all the product information I would need to know more. Now, I gotta get that man in the house to look at it and approve with a nod before I can place my order online.

things are changing

Yesterday, I came across couple of websites on drug rehab centers and I was amazed at the design. No longer were there emotional images as in some sites but lifestyle ones that bring a friendlier and relaxing appeal. This shows that people's tastes are changing and they need new styles to captivate their attention. These days, drug rehabs are located in areas with lush greens, spectacular views, neat landscapes and luxurious ambience. I believe it's not just treating the physical but mental and psychological aspects of the person that matters.

mouse trap needed in DH's ipoh house!

DH and myself got a shock when we heard from his parents' maid that their house had been infested with rats. I was the first one to shudder and I could see my goose pimples appearing on my arms. I hate rats, mouse, whatever you call them. That explains why I never keep hamsters or mice in the house too. DH has to get a mouse trap to start catching these rats before they start to do more damage. As it is, they are already chewing the electrical wires, destroyed the satellite dish on the roof and stealing the food on the table. OH, what pests they are!



Since there are many different kinds of mouse traps in the market, he's thinking of trying out the humane mouse traps with no wind up mechanism. Basically, humane mouse traps mean you catch them LIVE, not deadly squashed, if you know what I mean. You can then dispose them in the wild or immerse in water - yeee! Or maybe the Glue traps may be easier too. But anyways, it's not something I like to explore so I'll leave him to make the decision :P

learning from people's experiences and reviews

Since I started blogging, I have learned from the reviews of others in the web. Sometimes, I can be searching for a product to purchase and reading what others think can point me to the right direction. It can be a beauty product or just a web service I am planning to subscribe too. Besides searching and reading reviews of others, I will also seek advice from blogging buddies and friends.

Even for my hubby, who was searching for hair loss treatment products at one time. He was searching for Provillus information and he found some reviews of real users sharing their experience on the product. I also realized that I can read reviews of real users of certain products at trustsource.org. Reading reviews help to avoid costly mistakes and make me a more savvy shopper. Don't you think so?

potty training journey

I was so excited this morning. Thanks to my blogging buddy who encouraged me to read with Clayton in his potty, I have been practising this for few days and it's working. Clayton looks forward to sitting at the toilet bowl with a book (just like adults :P). This morning, he finally poo poo in the toilet. I know it doesn't sound that great to you guys buy to me, it's a good start to a successful potty training journey! I praised him for doing that and he was happy. I believe I need to continue doing this with patience and in a months' time, he should be getting used to this.

affordable alcoholism treatment Center

Alcoholism is in fact an illness, a disease, and finding a way to cure you from alcoholism before it destroys your life can be more than a challenge. You have first got to realize that recognizing that you are an alcoholic is the first step towards freeing yourself from alcohol forever. It is going to probably be the most difficult thing you will ever experience but once you can wake up knowing that you are free from alcohol you will begin to learn more positive, healthier activities, that you can start practicing in your life, to make you a stronger individual overall. Getting the proper treatment is so important but you need to realize that this is a life changing experience and it will also be a lifetime commitment to yourself.

For treatment in alcoholism, check out The Shoresdrug rehab treatment center who is known for its high quality treatment at the most affordable price of $8,500 for a 30 day residential program. Besides offering ongoing support to patients before, during and after treatment, this alcoholism treatment center continues to provide ongoing support and counselling for a full year. This helps to encourage long term sobriety in every patient who has completed the program in continuing this new path of life.

04 October, 2007

drug and alcohol rehab center in laguna beach

My first glance of this drug and alcohol rehab Ccenter throws me off. I almost thought it was a travel site on the famous Laguna Beach which I visited seven years ago but I was wrong. This is actually the header of Laguna Beach Recovery website which specializes in providing hope and help to people wanting to regain their life back from drugs and alcohol.

What sets Laguna Beach Recovery apart is the low cost treatment program it offers. They focus on strengthening the mind and building inner strength in the patients. With all that laguna beach can offer, patients can relax in the carefree environment, take a walk at the beach, read a book, enjoy the breeze, watch sunset, get engage in sporting activities and much more. The center offers several addiction drug rehab treatment programs that focuses on helping the patients maintain long term sobriety. All programs focus on the restoration and rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit of the person. So if you know of anyone who needs to be free from drugs and alcohol, point them to Laguna Beach Recovery.

document scanning service to the rescue!



As much as I enjoy working with my hubby, there are days of frustration, conflict, arguments and regret. We both have our own working styles so on one hand, we complement each other and on the other, we clash. It's a bitter sweet feeling if you know what I mean.

For instance, he hates filing and I hate mess so this creates a conflict between us. Seven years of running seminars mean we have lots of files and documents in our little home office - imagine the cabinets we need to add each year to accommodate new files. I told DH that we should look into for a company who can help us with Document Scanning Service. That way, we don't have to worry about filing so many registration forms and these documents are kept secure in the archives. Document Scanning Service is also cheaper than buying cabinets and solves all storage problems.

now I need a pair of sandals

keen.jpg

Now that I've got my luggage for our December vacation, I'm wondering what shoes I should bring with me to Hawaii :) Being someone who prefers to travel light, I'll probably bring a pair of all-purpose sandals which is versatile enough for rugged use or casual smart wear. While shopping for my sandals, I across an online store that specializes on a good selection of sandals. More...At Active Sandals, you can buy Reef Sandals Online, Birkenstock sandals, Rainbow sandals, Teva sandals, Chaco sandals and many others. I'm a big fan of Birkenstock sandals and bought one few months ago. Actually, I thought the women's Keen sandals are quite nice. Sporty, trendy, rugged and not overly casual, they are great for long trails and adventure walks. Since I live in a warm and humid climate, the V-strap forefoot helps keep the feet in place, preventing them from sliding during the warmer days.

reefmen.jpg

Since DH may need a pair of sandals as well for the trip, I think this pair of white Reef sandals may fit him just fine. He's that sort who prefers sandals with good grip and are easy to slip in and out so Reef sandals is great for him. Active Sandals offers free ground shipping for all orders over $75 so it works out well if everyone in the family gets a pair of their favourite sandals. If only they have something for Clayton :P

clayton is turning three!



I've got a playful boy who doesn't stop moving from the time he wakes up til he sleeps at night. Clayton is turning three in less than 2 weeks' time and looking back, this is an interesting journey for us. Alot of tears and fears, pain and gain, he has played a big part in spicing up my life in the last three years. Now, the next milestone is to potty train him. I'm praying that he reaches this milestone before our trip to Hawaii... these pictures were taken in a coach on our trip to Singapore. That was one of the ways to keep him occupied!

more mineral makeup samples arrived!



In the last two days, I have been receiving different mineral makeup samples from various online stores. I am so thrilled to be trying out and reviewing new mineral foundation, shimmers, finishing powders, bronzers, eye shadows and lip glosses. I'm waiting for this weekend where I can put on these new shades and see if they deliver what they promise! Till then, more mineral makeup reviews coming up!

where exclusive leads do matter

We had completed another seminar last week so as usual, it's time for another de-briefing session to find out what can be learned from the entire event. For years, we know that quality leads are important to generate the right response to our events but the challenge is finding them.

Previously, there were many marketing companies who tried to sell leads to us but when asked about where these leads were from, they couldn't provide us with satisfactory answers. Not unless these leads are quality ones like those in LeadPile, The Lead Marketplace/Exchange where buyers and sellers connect. At Leadpile, you can specify the kind of leads you want and buy them for your business. By specifying the lead categories, you reduce the risks of marketing to the wrong target audience which may be a waste of your money. This is great for anyone looking for exclusuvce leads as all lead sellers are screened by Leadpile to ensure credibility and professional in their business dealings.

03 October, 2007

my amykathryn designer bag review is up!



My designer bag review is up! Thanks to Amy who sent me this lovely Marigold Leopard bag which did take me a while to get used to. But after using it for a full weekend, I'm in love with this hip and modern bag. It is light, spacious, elegant, stylish and artistic! I like the way Amy uses the leopard print suede, it's different from those 'tai tai' looking bags on the catwalk. I'm just not the 'tai tai' sort of person :P

For a change, this bag is a great add-on to my collection. Check out my designer handbag review! It feels great doing a 'real' product review :)

more about running online stores

There are many advantages in managing an online business. One of which is the fact that it works for you round the clock of being 24/7. You don't need to worry about shop rental, opening hours, hiring people, manpower problems, and you can work at the comforts of your home - anytime, anyplace. You may have the sources to market certain products but do not want the hassle of even maintaining your online store.

What you can do is to find a fully automated warehouse where all your inventory and products can be organized, packed and shipped to your customers, from start to finish. GDF Fulfillment Solutions is a one-stop provider that can act as your wholesale clothing distributor or be one of your music cd distributors, depending what products you have in mind. The company can even take care of all the online ordering and transactions and handles the shipping process. In other words, you don't even need to bear any warehouse or manpower costs. If this is what you are looking for, contact GDF at their website and receive a quote within 24 hours!

Let your words be seasoned with grace

I learned something this morning after an argument that sparked from a word of criticism. That is, when you have nothing positive or uplifting to say to anyone, remain silent. The tongue is a powerful weapon, the Bible says. It is powerful enough to build and lift up broken spirits but has equivalent power to tear someone down. Always learn to listen and refrain from making judgments based on outward observation. Criticism blocks and stops all constructive conversation and brings a strong defense in anyone.

Think before you speak. Let your words be seasoned with grace and salt, peace and love.

how to save on warehouse costs

A friend had spoken to me after starting a business together. While he's keen to do something of artistic nature, it excites me cos it's a subject I can relate closely to. After a brief discussion, I realize that he has no idea how to bring this to fruition. With the internet technology moving so fast, I suggested an online platform to reach a wider market and audience. There are many things to consider with this business. Since the products may come in varying sizes, warehousing and inventory were many primary concerns. These days, there are companies that provide warehousing solutions for online stores and business owners who need space to carry their inventory. This help to save expensive cost in warehouse rentals on long term basis since what you need is to pay for warehousing service for your inventory. In fact, this type of warehousing service is great for xwholesale book distributors as the company can pack and ship the books on behalf of the online store and ensure a lower shipping cost.

online shopping offers privacy

I used to shop for DH in the past. In fact, almost all his nice shirts, socka and even mens underwear in his wardrobe are gifts for his birthday, anniversary, Christmas...etc. But nowadays, he gets more conscious and vain that he will buy new shirts for himself when there is a bargain in the stores. He's not that sort who likes to splurge on his attire so his favourites stores - FOS and The Reject Shop! I always joke that he's saving all the money for my shopping fancies! LOL.

But sometimes I feel a little uncomfortable in hanging around the men's underwear section especially when I plan to buy his some new boxers. Some of the male shoppers will throw me some funny stares which I don't like. So a better alternative would be to shop online. DUGG is an online store that is based Sydney and offers international shipping for orders over $80. With so many brands including Calvin Klein, Bonds and HOM, they offer a wide selection of men's briefs, boxers, thongs, sleepwear, tees...etc. At least with online shopping, I don't need to entertain any stares and can pick anything I want.

an extraordinary wedding



A wedding is not considered someone’s “big day” for nothing. For some people it is the formal expression of an endless commitment. For others, a wedding is simply an extravagant way of sealing the union between couples. But no matter how people look at it, it remains to be one of the most-celebrated events of all time.

Regardless who you are marrying, or at what age you’re doing it, your wedding day should be more special than any other day in your life. Let’s face it, weddings entail expenses – a lot in fact. But just because you can’t have it in the most elegant fashion doesn’t mean you should not get married at all. Weddings can still be very extraordinary even if you only have limited funds. One of the ways to save is to check out on all inclusive honeymoons that even includes preparation for your special day. Exchange vows in destination weddings in The Bahamas or the Carribean will bring memories of a lifetime. What more, you will be treated with super-inclusives and enjoy a stress-free wedding in paradise!

thinking of my caesar salad



I'm looking forward my regular caesar salad at Delicious this coming weekend. This is one place we frequent every other weekend and I can tell DH is already getting bored. But there are just too many of my favourite dishes found here - caesar salad, smoked duck pasta, lamb shank and the ultimate chocolate brownie! If you haven't been to Delicious then you probably won't know what the crowd is like on the weekends. But somehow, the wait is short and you will be seated at the table quite fast. Oh dear, why am I thinking about food at this hour? It must be that strong desire to put on those extra kilos :P

Anyone likes to put on some weight?

Contrary to the dreams of many women, I'm trying to put a couple of kilos since everyone is commenting that I've lost weight. Thanks to extended breastfeeding, I haven't regained my weight since. In order to succeed, I'm making a point to eat breakfast regularly and take more protein foods. I have also included an exercise program in my daily schedule since I can't find time for the gym at this moment. Hopefully, the coconut and flaxseed oil are helping to add some healthy calories as well. Anyone likes to put on some weight?

02 October, 2007

how about all inclusive vacations?



Yes, I know we are heading for Hawaii this December and I'm all thrilled about this one month vacation. But if Hawaii is not your choice of destination, then how about these all inclusive resorts in Jamaica and the Carribbean at Superclubs?

When I entered the website, I was greeted with an animated header showing coconut trees, blue skies, turquoise waters, rolling hills at the golf course and white sandy beaches. This is the kind of vacation many people crave for - all inclusive basically means your meals, recreation, activities, accommodation, tips, recreation and more! Imagine waking up to breakfast on the table, sounds of sweeping waves, be greeted by golden sunrise and impeccable service at every corner. Pick from all inclusive jamaica, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Curacao and Brazil, all packages are as sensational as the description and photos on the site. I know it's not easy to convince you so why don't head down the site and see it for yourself?

wanna splurge on a private jet charter?



There are many ways to travel these days. Whether it's by air, sea or land, the options are yours to pick, depending on your travel needs. Have you heard of Private Charter Flights? These are usually booked by companies - small or large, government agencies and travel companies for special trips. Other people who are repeat clients of these private charter flights include private families, performing artists, VIPs...etc. Actually, if you have the budget, taking a private jet to your honeymoon destination may be a real splurge for your bride-to-be!

With numerous flight options to choose, your choice of flight and itinerary will determine the pricing. What is great is that there is no payment before you travel and you are granted the flexibility to choose your private jet, from executive turboprops that cost $950 - $1,450 hourly to large cabin jets that cost $4,000 - $7,200 hourly. New Flight Charters is reputed for its wide selection of aircraft, safe flying, excellent service and best pricing. You can read from the list of impressive testimonies which explain why many companies are choosing New Flight Charters for their business and leisure trips.

process of owning our first home

Owning a home is a natural decision for any couple who plans to spend their lives together. Looking back, it was exciting choosing our 'love nest' when Alex and myself were getting married 7 years ago. At that time, I preferred a condominium as I was concerned about the security of staying in a house. But eventually, we bought a link house after considering the valuation and cost effectiveness of a house.

Like most couples, we shopped for the best mortgage loans from several banks, comparing the interests offered and other terms and conditions that came along with the proposal. We needed to make sure that there would be no hidden fees and the interests was fixed at a certain rate. Then we we had to check on our down payments with mortgage payment calculator so that the home loan could be reduced, which meant less interests over the next 10-20 years. Using a free mortgage calculator is useful during the entire planning process especially if you are not familiar with interests and the calculation process.

all set to visit Haleakala National Park



In case you don't know, next to Waikiki, the next most popular destination in Hawaii is Maui. In December, we will be part of the 2.5 million travelers to set foot on its sunny shores. From what I read, Maui has lots to offer in every sense - nature, sun, mountains, ocean and the waterfalls.

We are planning for a trip to the Haleakala National Park during our two nights there. I heard that watching sunset at the summit is the best experience anyone can have yet I am not sure if we can ever make it with a three year old :P Those who have traveled with little children know that we can't have high expectations when we travel with kids. Be realistic is the best way to make everyone happy. If we can't have the best, we must be prepared for second best.

Maui is an ideal destination for families. With the many Maui condos in the area, it's easy to find one that suits your needs and budget. If you need help on accommodation search, the Hawaiian travel blog is a good source of information, hosted by Hawaiian Beach Rentals, a booking site for all accommodations in Hawaii. Choose from the huge list of condos and vacation rentals, all listed along with detailed information and photos on the website. And if you need any help, don't hesitate to drop them a line.

something urgent, something important and something forgotten

It's the first day of a new month. Wow.. in two months' time, we will be entering into another New Year. How time flies. Though it's only October, I'm doing some evaluation on my personal priorities for this year. Honestly, I'm not proud about it at all. Somehow, I feel that I have lost my balance in some ways and it's time to do some adjustments before the year comes to an end. I always feel that there are so much to do but so little time. I wish I can spend more time with my boy yet there are a list of things waiting for me to accomplish. I wish I can do less work and spend more time to do leisure stuff but I simply can't afford to. There is always something urgent, something important and something forgotten - ever faced that dilemma before?

01 October, 2007

driving to Kauai beaches



Many travel guides suggest that if we stay in the Waikiki area, we will not need a car since everything is in close proximity. Shopping is near, restaurants are in abundance and I picture it as a place where I can stroll casually at my own pace. And that's what a vacation is all about.

But we plan to get a rental car for a few days so that we can drive to other side of the island. I have heard so much about Kauai beaches and its natural beauty so we are definitely checking that place out. If only we have more time in Hawaii, I will book a couple of nights with Kauai vacation rentals to fully enjoy the idyllic beaches and explore more of its environs. I also realized from my research that Kauai is home to many artists and designers and there are lots of specialty boutiques for shoppers looking for handmade and local stuff. I believe there are more Hawaiian vacation information available at Hawaiian Beach Rentals. So yes, we are all set for a visit to Kauai and its beaches!

our hawaii vacation research continues...



My research for our Hawaii vacation has halted a little as I get busy with work. Every now and then, DH will ask me on the progress and I'll telling him the same stuff. Sometimes, I wish that I can put aside all work and focus on my research, everyday seems like a rush these days.

After reviewing all the Oahu vacation rentals, we have settled for Waikiki beach area for its convenience and location. I know it sounds a bit touristy but we are tourists, after all :P Looks like I have to work abit faster and harder in putting our itinerary together. Perhaps, do more reading on Hawaii Travel Information at Hawaiian Beach Rentals website since there are lots of valuable information for holiday makers and tourists. After looking at the map of Oahu, I don't think we can cover all places with only 8 days on the island, there are so much to do there. Besides, DH has already planned to do a surfing course on the first day and I'll be checking out on the malls with Clayton. Research for our Hawaii vacation continues...

should I invest in a property in Singapore?

My mom is bugging me to buy a place in Singapore. I can sense that she still hope that I'll return to Singapore one day to live but I'm afraid she may be disappointed. But I may still consider speaking to a real estate agent to see if it's the right time to invest in a property. I had a friend who bought a 3 room flat in Holland Village and it seemed that the ROI was pretty attractive. Investing in a property may force me to save and spend less. Besides, rental income is another good stream of income if the ROI is good. I should seriously discuss with DH about this.

I had a fashionable pregnancy



My wardrobe needs some repacking after three years of neglect. Currently, it's filled with my maternity clothes, nursing wear, oversize and outdated clothing. Looking back, I had a 'new' wardrobe in the first two years of motherhood and it was nice shopping for contemporary maternity and nursing wear. I was one of those who disliked preggy looking clothes so I really went against the convention of hiding the bum. After all, why must pregnant ladies be deprived by fashionable and stylish clothing? This is a happy event - go ahead, pamper yourself and celebrate with a new wardrobe!

do you go overboard with baby clothes?

Even before I became a mom, I loved looking at baby clothes and would get excited when I needed to buy gifts for baby showers. Nowadays, baby clothings are soooo cute and adorable. It's amazing that parents are willing to spend on dressing up their little cuties. Some of the children's clothes are even more expensive than adults' ones. As for me, I do buy nice stuff for Clayton but will not go overboard. Children grow fast and if they don't usually wear that dress or pants for too long. So as parents, it's up to your own belief systems and preferences on how much you are willing to lavish on your kids. Personally, I just don't think it's good to spend $200 top for a baby's t-shirt or dress or a pacifier that costs $100. What do you think?