about DH and KL Lake Gardens

See, I never meant to set up this blog to rant about my DH. This is just a personal space for me to rant, talk, complain, share, network and connect.

Few days ago, i reminded DH of our family outdoor photography shoot and he seemed displeased about it. Then he told me that he didn't wanna go cos he didn't like outdoor shoots. His reply shocked me cos I remembered telling him about it few months ago. Anyways, I told him it was ok if he didn't wanna join us. I shot an email to my photographer about the change of venue since I wasn't sure how to get to KL Lake Gardens. Well, don't sneer at me about that cos I'm not local!

Anyways, he came back to me in the night and told me that he was just teasing me. I almost wanna slapped him at that time cos I had to now write to my photographer to tell her how indecisive and 'tao hong' my other half can be!

Amidst all these rantings, we had a very fun outdoor shoot this morning which began at half past 8 in the morning. It was nice to run around at the beautiful playground with clayton, spending quality time as a family. Then I told myself that this wouldn't be the last time we were going to be here. We have discovered another nice hangout place for the family... Don't know where else to find space to breathe in KL, head down to KL Lake Gardens...

choosing the right web hosting provider

After a long break since November, I'm nudging myself to get on with my online business. What I need is momentum and discipline together with a clear mind of how to get started.

With so many plans in mind for my online business, I would need to look into a good webhosting apart from the one I'm having now. In the last couple of years, I witness a sprung up of webhosting companies - large and small - into the virtual world. With so many hosting options available, it can be hard to decide which is best and suitable for my online business needs.

We've heard about green wedding, green birthdays but it sounds a little weird when I first learned about green web hosting. For those of you who like a quick overview of which top web hosts to choose, Web Host Geeks has the answers all at one glance for you. Apart from learning about the features, special highlights of the web hosting package, you can also read reviews of the respective web hosts. This would help to speed up your research in locating the right web hosting provider in this busy e-marketplace.

home and personal updates: Clayton is sick :(

It's a relief for me that Clayton's high fever has broken! He started feeling feverish on thursday evening and the fever shot up very quickly in the night. It frightened me most when his fever went so high on Friday night and when he woke up crying and saying that he couldn't see me! I prayed hard and gave him a dose of medicine with his juice and was glad that he went back to sleep.

Anyways, I was glad that the fever was gone by this morning though he had a bad throat and could hardly talked. I don't enjoy nursing a sick child - not so much of the tiring moments but the fear of not knowing how to handle the child and the pain of seeing my child suffering. Now, I'm praying that the cough be gone and his voice returns... I do miss that chirpy self of his....

Looking forward, this is an exciting week as I'm starting my pilates class. It's good to learn something new and what more, I know it will be beneficial to my health. Then I have a couple of meetings planned before getting out there for a family photo shoot in KL lake gardens.

Have a great week ahead...

perhaps a vacation is Phuket is coming!

DH is talking about a trip to do his kite surfing. I volunteered to be the babysitter and he could see that he wasn't too excited. Then again, I reminded him that the hotel rates will be the same whether he's traveling alone or with us so that sort of settled his uncertainly.

After doing a quick search on Phuket vacation, AirAsia seems to offer a good deal of around RM400 (incl taxes and fees) for the month of June. As for hotels in Phuket, it depends on where you plan to stay. Since his kite surfing would most likely be in Nai Yang Beach, we would probably choose a phuket accommodation in that area. So the TOP 5 Phuket hotels for your next Phuket vacation:

Indigo Pearl, Nai Yang (see above photos)

JW Marriott Spa & Resort

Mom Tri's Boathouse Hotel

Amari Coral Beach Resort Hotel

Holiday Inn Resort

a little more about japan

This afternoon, my friend Tracy reminded me that I haven't written much about my Japan trip.



the street where the crowd gathers every Sunday



Harajuku on Sunday



A busy crepe kiosk

It's hard to begin cos there are so many things I enjoyed in my Japan trip. Besides the busy subways and mega malls in and around Tokyo and Shinjuku, I had a great time snacking around the subways and streets. We tried not to touch any sashimi or sushi sets during the trip as they could get very expensive. For most times, we ate in local establishments - small and squeezy, yet cosy. We had katsudon, soba, udon, okonomiyaki, tako ball and lots of snackies like fresh fish cake, handmade mochi and french breads. Tsukiji was a nice place to walk around and snack around though we couldn't bring ourselves to join one of those super long queues to the sushi restaurants.



Clayton helping himself to the crunchy seaweed sample in the souvenir shop!

We walked so much that I almost thought I had developed Plantar Fasciitis! My feet and heels were all sore at the end of day. It was a tiring thing to navigate around the local trains and subway lines but we had fun!

I found myself popping into any Muji and Uniqlo shop I could find. These were the cheapest places to shop! Harajuku was a little crazy on Sundays but it was a great experience being caught in the human jam. It was like a super crowded pasar malam! We didn't spot many funky dressers on that day but it was sheer fun to queue for handmade crepes and peeking into those teenage-packed shops.



Autumn in Hakone



our private hot bath in the courtyard





kaiseki BREAKFAST!

Overall, a trip to Hakone is something I would recommend if you are heading Tokyo. Hakone is slow, touristy, beautiful, natural, personal and cosy. Besides the Hakone loop and list of things to do, a night or two in a traditional ryokan is a real must. I missed the private hot tub in our room and courtyard, the autumn leaves and the marvelicious kaiseki dinner!

be thankful for what you have

I just got a note that an old friend of mine from Singapore had gone to be with the Lord few days ago. Though I haven't met him for years, I know that he must have gone through much in the last few years of his life here on earth. He was the one who taught me how to move a 'mouse' and use the mac way back in the early 90s. In fact, I would regard him as my first Mac teacher! An energetic tennis coach and someone who loved life, he was a real talent in the multimedia world. It is sad to hear that he had suffered from a rare motor neuron disease which took his life away at only 42.

Though it sounds very sad to receive such news at the early part of a new year, it goes to show that life is short and we should not take it for granted. Sometimes, we take things too hard and get upset over trivial things. But if we were to smile and love a little more, our lives can bring more joy and happy returns. It's been a reminder for myself cos I find myself going through a roller coaster ride in my personal life lately.

Whatever goals you set and plans you have for this year, may you be thankful for the life you have now and learn to treasure whatever you have.

Live life with joy. A soft word spoken turns away anger (Prov 15:1).

starting my new year goals early

This year, I'm determined to start my goals early. Next week, I'm planning to check out the pilates classes at Pilatique. I did a quick research and found a few pilates studio in Kuala Lumpur. It seems that Stot Pilates sounds pretty interesting to me. Only thing is, I am quite taken by the rates... they aren't cheap! (about RM180 for a private session)

Next week, my 4 yo will start K1 at Juara Cerdik (fungates system) at DUMU so I would have some time for my pilates and kickboxing classes. This year, I've purposed to work on my body and mind which includes my health too. Oh yes, a detox is set to come in this first quarter... my body sure needs an overhaul!

Keen to do pilates in Kuala Lumpur? Check out these two sites:
http://www.pilatique.com
http://www.pilateszentrum.com/

my goals for 2009

So what are your goals this year? Here are mine:

1) Pick up a pilates class
2) Have a profitable online business that brings in a five figure income
3) Own a property that can bring me a passive income
4) Be a more patient mom
5) Be more supportive towards my other half
6) Clean the fridge once every two months!
7) Communicate better with my mom
8) Pick up a new skill
9) Buy less and save more!
10) Exercise at least twice a week!
11) Organize my financial portfolio and home office area
12) Improve my photography skills

We cleaned up the fridge this afternoon. It was good to throw lots of expired stuff away though I would throw more if I was the only one doing the cleaning. For whatever reason, DH loves to keep old stuff including chocolates that expired two years ago? I suspect they will still be there by year end though he claimed he would eat them!

Perhaps the flooring of our guest's room needs fixing. Or maybe we need a Delta faucet for the backyard. We sure need a new sliding gate - it has been squeaking for a long time.

Oh yes! I need to sleep more and get a detox done too in 2009!

Have a blessed New Year and a happy one.

it's a year of blessings

I can hardly believe that 2008 is coming to an end and in less than 2 days' time, we are into a new year. I haven't been listing down any goals like last year but there are a few things that I'd like to achieve in 2009. Looking back, I'm once again thankful to God for a blessed year and for being there amidst the storms and trials of life. Life is never a bed of roses but it's comforting to know that we can still smell the roses if we still believe in them.

I just did a quick greeting a while ago for some close family members and friends. These pictures remind me of God's faithfulness and His unconditional love. Be hopeful in the new year!

move forward into 2009 with courage and enthusiasm

Christmas is over and in a few days' time, we are into a new year. It's a new era, a new beginning for many of us, a new set of goals, new dreams, new ambitions, new resolutions...etc.

I believe many are looking forward to the new year though we are armed with much caution with the current bleak economic outlook. But whatever the papers, the financial magazines, the experts or the professionals are saying about what will happen in 2009, let's move forward with courage, enthusiasm, optimism, joy and hope.

If 2008 has not turned out the way you like it to be, don't be disheartened. Life is about learning and renewing, keep counting your blessings and smile through the hard and good times, tough and happy moments. Put the past behind you and be renewed for a greater year ahead.

missing cool winters

Looking over the vacation pictures make me miss the wonderful times we had in tokyo and hakone - it was very nice.

While we were traveling around in tokyo, I was rather concerned if the hotels would provide electric blanket during winter. Interestingly, unlike australia, most hotels in Japan do not provide electric blanket or heated beds. But what you would find is central floor heating so that you can feel nice and warm in the room during winter time. I believe those of us who live in a tropical climate can hardly understand what it's like to have heated floors cos what we really want is floors with special coolers!

Speaking of the weather, I'm missing the cool december climate we used to have here. The effects of global warming is more real than we can imagine! I really hope I can spend another cool winter next December... now, I wonder where I'll be heading!

have a blessed christmas filled with great things

So what is your gift wish this Christmas? An unlocked phone from Apple? A new Nikon D90 DSLR camera? A shopping voucher from your favourite online store? A designer or luxury bag from Gucci or LV or just wishing for the gift of love and peace to flood your hearts?

In the midst of my domestic turmoil and stress, I find myself seeking for a peaceful way to end the year and a joyful and purposeful way to greet the new year. While I have many goals and dreams that were left unfulfilled in 2008, I'm listing them down for 2009. Looking back, it's still a great year of blessings and I can't be more thankful to the Almighty for His daily providence and abundant grace.

Wishing everyone a blessed Christmas filled with new hopes, dreams and great things for the new year.

a nice break in Singapore

It wasn't blissful since I had been home from our family vacation. Domestic issues were tiring me and I had to escape to Singapore for a break.

Being home to feel the Christmas spirit is always nice though I wish I can spend Christmas in Singapore next year. I had my hair highlighted in purple streaks which I almost asked for a tone down the next day cos I wasn't used to looking so hip and purple has never been my best color! But then I realized that life is about trying new things so why not give it a chance? So, I have purple hair this Christmas, a new pair of Markus T glasses and a few alldressedup tops which were going for half the price.

Though it's a quiet Christmas at home as usual, it is a good time to reflect on the year's blessings and get myself ready for 2009.

reminiscing Hakone Ginyu

I posted another video taken at our favourite ryokan in Hakone - Hakone Ginyu... the autumn leaves and scenery was just magnificent. I find myself reminiscing the wonderful moments spent in Hakone Ginyu once again...

our family trip in Hakone

I managed to upload a few videos of our family vacation. There are many small video recorded throughout the trip that my hard disk has literally no space to store all of them. Here are a few for your eyes taken in Hakone Japan...

Autumn leaves in Japan

It's amazing that three weeks have passed and I'm now back in KL. Am I excited to be back? Definitely not! On one hand, I miss being home and on the other, I don't like to be back dealing with domestic issues.



The best times of the vacation were spent in Hakone since it was my first experience in a Japanese ryokan. It felt nice to be treated and pampered like a queen. If you are ever thinking of staying in a Japanese style inn or style, Hakone Ginyu is my recommendation. Though it comes with a price tag, the experience is unforgettable and unique. From the moment you stepped into the ryokan to the time you say goodbye, the service is at its very best. What I really liked about Hakone Ginyu is the private hot bath in our room. It was very nice to soak in the hot bath in the cold...

Waking up to autumn leaves and the breathtaking mountain view was an amazing experience. As I am writing about it, I feel my troubles melting away for a while... it is nice to reminisce.

Here are some autumn leaves in Hakone in November 2008... they were beautiful.

Night skyline of Kowloon harbour from Hong Kong island

tokyo and osaka

Ask any woman where are the best places to shop in the world and I bet Japan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, US and even Paris are few of them.

While I was in Tokyo and Osaka, I noticed that there were lots of specialty stores and they were nice to behold. Winter time is a great time to see women in their stylish winter clothing including smart wooly jackets, knee high boots, colourful stockings, winter hats, designer scarves...etc. In face, there are also lots of cool and sexy lingerie stores around and some of them can look very kinky.

Whatever it is, Japan is a great place for those who are designer conscious and it is very hard to believe that the country is officially undergoing a recession. It is still the place where fashion and style thrive in Asia!

missing The Lanson Place hotel

I find myself missing Causeway Bay after staying there for four nights. Plus, The Lanson Place hotel had given us such a wonderful experience that I found it hard to say good bye.... what else do you find a four star hotel with enthusiastic concierge staff which ran to the door to open the door for you each time!

Whether you are heading out for shopping empty handed or going out with your hands full with golf bags, they will be smiling as they run to the door and even apologize if they are too late to do that. Though the room does not have a harbour view, it has made up for the nice and cosy decor and interiors, plus the quality continental breakfast every morning. Have I forgotten to mention that The Lanson Place hotel is conveniently located near Jardine Bazaar where all the good local food is found!

celebrating my birthday in hong kong

After 12 nights in Japan, we arrived in HOng KOng on 3 December. We were greeted with a taxi strike at the airport and that wasted some of our time getting to our hotel.

It was a good decision to book a limousine and checking in to The Lanson Place in Hong Kong island - a very nice serviced apartment, also a member of the small luxury hotels. As a member of the SLH, we were upgraded to an executive suite which was nice. It is hard to get a spacious room (about 50 sq metres) in Hong Kong hotels. What more, contemporary fittings and interiors,quality bathroom accessories and fine faucets plus a very nice welcome hamper. I would recommend The Lanson Place Hong Kong to anyone planning to make a trip to Hong Kong!

Well, today is my birthday and I'm so glad to be celebrating it with my DH and lovely son here in Hong Kong. No matter what people say about HK, I really do like Hong Kong. It has a special place in my heart and somehow, it's nice hanging around on the streets and even chilling out in the room. And oh, I even received a birthday cake from The Lanson Place - how sweet!

DH said I could buy anything with his credit card and I am certain he meant it as a joke. But still, he's not complaining too much about my first pair of shoes in Hong Kong and a Prada bag which happened to be on sale :P So, it's another year older for me and I am counting my blessings once again - thank you, Lord.