Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Off We Go


Berkshire Hathaway AGM Credentials

Received these credentials early this month. Yes, hubby & I will be joining the 40,000 odd crowd at the Berkshire Hathaway AGM in Omaha this year. (those who have not heard of it, please google Warren Buffett :P)

We planned this trip almost a year in advance, securing cheaper flight tickets, cheaper hotel room rates and etc. Even making babies plan need to wait, because this comes first for now. *winks*

After the AGM weekend, we will be doing a 10-day tour in West California. So we will be gone for about 2 weeks plus. And we will be missing Shern to bits.

Am I excited? Yes, surprisingly, I am excited to see Warren Buffett in real person.
But I am dreading the 36-hour flight there all the way from Penang to Omaha. I need many, many air sick pills to last me there in one-piece.

No, I will not be bringing my laptop there. So don't miss me.
'Til then.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Shern Naming the Animals

Now I no more worry about Shern's speech development . Yes, he is really a late-talker. He calls 'Mami' and 'Dadi' only at 2o-months-old. But I can see that he is learning new words every day.

For now, he can recognize and say duck, pig, frog, star fish, horse, ter-ter (turtle), chick, fish, bu'fly (butterfly), rabbit, and many more. :)

Below is a short video clip of him knowing his Animals. He is able to tell me the names of the animals with me pointing at them. His words are not so accurate yet, but as his mummy, I can understand him. I am not sure if you all can, though! *winks*



p/s - it took me more than 3 hours to upload this 3 min video clip. Streamyx....Arghhhh!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Praying

I haven't prayed so fervently before as I do now, but now there is nothing I can really do but just to pray. I pray for your health and safety, and for you to be strong.

I love you.
And we'll be with you.

Monday, April 18, 2011

The Little Gangster


22 October 2009

I was looking through my photo folders and I saw this photo. Shern was nearly 5 month old at that time. Wah....look at his chubby legs and hands. Results of only breastmilk in his stomach. Haha.

The expression on his face is so...so...so...'gangster'.
He seems to be saying 'Don't play-play....you want to fight is it?' :)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

10 Cards and a Happy Girl

Yay, I've finished 10 cards in 10 days' time. So proud of myself. *beam*
It took me a long time to finish my first handmade card using scrapbooking materials. I am a newbie in creating cards and still is. But I am a happy newbie. :)

These are the cards I made:


Forever card & That's What Friends Are For card


You Make Me Smile card & Thank You(b) card


Happy Day card & Thank You(a) card


I Love U card


May Your Hearts be Forever Joined In Love card


You're Special card


It's A Girl card

Many people ask me what am I going to do with all these cards? Am I going to give it to my family and friends? Well, for now, they are sitting inside a beautiful box, with me taking them out to admire every once in a while. Haha.

See who is the lucky one to receive a handmade card from me! ;P

p/s - And oohh....baking is taking a backseat for now while I'm entering a card-making fever phase. :)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I Am Impressed!

Shern was on full breastmilk until about 1 1/2 yo when I switched him to formula milk. When I did that, I was also racking up my brains in choosing which formula milk to feed him. I ended up choosing Anmum Essential.

So why Anmum Essential? Well, first of all, I wanted a brand which is more affordable, somewhere mid range. Compared to Enfapro which is so expensive, Anmum Essential seems reasonably priced. And I wanted a brand which is more well known and easily sourced. That was the few main reason why I chose Anmum Essential for Shern.
And since Shern has no problem with the taste and no constipation problems, I stick to Anmum Essential 'til now.

At that time, the price of a 1.7kg tin is retailing at around RM59.90. And since the new packaging of 'Concentrated Formulation with absolutely No Added Sugars', the price shot up to RM72.90 for a 1.6kg tin. Yes, you heard me right. Rm13 more expensive for a tin lesser by 100g. Wow.....Anmum Essential is getting more expensive!


left: old formula right: newly improved formula

And the problem is, Shern is so used to this brand's taste that it is not easy to switch formula milk brands. I tried feeding him with Pediasure formula milk when he was having mild food poisoning and he refused it.

Then I started doing some research on the newly packaged Anmum Essential. I want to know what all the fuss is about and what is the reason that they increase the price so drastically.

If you see the words 'sucrose', 'fructose' or 'glucose or even 'corn syrup solids' on the labels of the food packaging, that means you bought food that contains ADDED sugar. And if you see the higher contents of carbohydrate is dictated in any food label, that means the higher the added sugar level is. (source: http://cleffairy.com/?p=4961)

The newly improved Anmum Essential boasts of a 'no added sugar' formula. As far as I know, for now, Anmum Essential is the only formula milk brand in the market that has no added sugar in it. I want to check for myself how true is that.

So I went to check the Nutrition Imformation on the tin label.
I was confused because I see this being stated in the label.


left: old formula
right: newly improved formula

On the left is the old formula:
Carbohydrate = 21.6g per serving(38g powder)
Fructo-oligosaccharide Inulin = 0.63g per serving(38g powder)

On the right is the newly improved formula:
Carbohydrate = 10.9g per serving(28g powder)
Fructo-oligosaccharide Inulin = 0.63g per serving(28g powder)

The 'fructo-oligosaccharide' which means added sugar in the newly improved formula seems to be more since the gram per serving is less.

Then someone recommended this website http://www.semakgula.com.my/ which can calculate how much added sugar your child is consuming.
When I entered the carbohydrates and serve size into the Sugar Calculator of both the old and new formula, below was what I found.


old formula: 6-9 tsp (28%) of added sugar per serving


new formula - 0 tsp (0%) of added sugar per serving

In the old formula, there are 6-9 tsp (28%) of added sugar per serving. In the newly improved formula, there is 0 tsp (0%) of added sugar per serving. Wah...I am impressed! It is really true what they claimed to be - No Added Sugar in the newly improved formula!

Besides that, the newly improved Anmum Essential also boasts of concentrated formulation.
It actually claims that the newly improved formula lasts longer and is more worth it compared to the old formula.




I just finished one tin of it and it is true. I made a note and the calculation stated is more or less accurate. Wah...I'm impressed again!

So for now, I am OK that I am paying more for the newly improved Anmum Essential formula. In fact, I am rather happy that I am feeding Shern a No Added Sugar Formula Milk. :)

Source:
http://cleffairy.com/?p=4961
http://www.semakgula.com.my/

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

My Pimply Face

Since I reached puberty when I was 11 years old, my face is full of pimples. As in lots of them. There is no such word as 'pimple' in my vocabulary, it's always 'pimpleS' with a capital S.

I was always feeling insecure during school days, knowing that my face is full of pimples. And with me being so active in guiding did not help. I spent days in camps without washing my face properly. Hey, I barely slept when I went camping, let alone have the time to wash my face! (Ok, excuses...I know.)

So what facial products did I use during school days? Well, the normal commercials facial brands such as Oxy, Clean and Clear, Neutrogena, etc. Does it work? Well, I'm not sure. Either my hormones were raging too hard or I just used the wrong product.

So what facial products did I use AFTER school days? Well, the same. And guess what? I did NOT do the most basic steps. I did not cleanse, tone and moisture. Haha. Well, I did know about it. I did own some toners before but then after a few days, I became lazy and skipped the toner part. As for moisturizing, I always find the moisturizer too oily and made my face worse after using it. So I skipped that too.

I cannot believe I spent so many years JUST cleansing my face. Fullstop. So naturally all my dead skin cells piled onto my face. And it got so bad that even when I scratched my fingernails through my face, I could see all my dead skin cells underneath my fingernails. Ewwww...i know. It just did not occur to me that I need to use the toner to remove the dead cells. *doink*. I just didn't know what to do then.

So since I am turning 30 next year, I suddenly woke up and decided that I must do something about my face. I then decided that I would spend some money on facial products. Then early this year, I grabbed the Clinique 3-step facial retailing at RM150, which I think is reasonably priced. And that was the first time I went near the cosmetic counters at Parkson!

I actually did not do much research on why I chose Clinique. Maybe because I like that they were reasonably priced, and that they are dermatologically tested and is fragrance-free. Anyway, it was just a grab-and-go kind of decision.


Clinique Basic 3-Step

I told myself that I would use them twice daily without fail and see how long I would last. And surprisingly I did last. I still use them twice daily without fail. I am so proud of myself. And just by doing this basic 3-steps, I find my face became smoother and all the dead cells were gone! I was impressed and decided to go back to the Clinique counter for some advice.

It was then that they asked me to attend their Clinique Workshop. You pay RM150 and RM120 can be redeemed for Clinique products which means that you are paying RM30 for the workshop. They told me that at the 2-hour workshop, I would get to learn how to wash my face correctly and which products to use, etc.

The Clinique Workshop is being held at G-Hotel, just next to Gurney Plaza which is very convenient for me. When I reached there, outside the room, there is a table of premium coffee and tea selection. Not being a coffee-person, I chose Earl Grey, something familiar.

I initially felt a little weird because I knew no one there. There were about 5 of them already there. Then someone called out to me. She turned out to be hubby's friend. Well, what a small world indeed.


Clinique Workshop @ G Hotel - 13 March 2011

After that, we were invited into a small room and there were four tables there. Six participants to a table. We were all already being assigned to a table and we sat at our respective tables, waiting for the other participants. This is how it looks like from where I was seated at my table (My table was in front).

From where I sat

In front of me is a whole set of stuff: a mirror, two hair clips, a small bowl filled with water, a facial napkin on top of it, a bottle of mineral water with a glass, a paper pad with a pencil. Very well prepared.

The table arrangement in front of me

Once there only then I realized that this is a workshop promoting Clinique's latest brightening range called Derma White (the person who sold me the tickets did not tell me this).
It started with a powerpoint presentation by a Clinique representative from KL explaining the history of Clinique and the breakthrough of their products. Even that was something new for me, since I am new to Clinique. Then they have this ice-breaking session where participants would get something if we answer correctly. After that we had a 15 minutes break for some snacks outside the room where the tea and coffee were. Snacks were delicious. Hehe.

Then to the main part of the workshop; hands-on. One Clinique personnel to a table. Very good interaction. we were told to stip off our makeup or whatever we have on our face. She guided us and gave us Clinique's products to use step-by-step. She provided us the facial cotton and all.

For me it was very informative. I also get hands-on experience on how to wash my face, how to apply moisturizer and eye-cream, which products should be used first. What is the reason for using these products. Mostly used is the Derma White range, since they are promoting this.
And the best part is, they don't give everyone the same product. Mine is the Dry to Normal Combination skin, so she gave me the one which suited me.

And I learned that for my skin, I need to double-cleanse! And that I actually have very dry skin which eventually leads to my skin producing a lot of oil. I had always thought I have oily skin.

After 2 hours sharp, the workshop ended. I then received a door gift which consists of a 6-piece Clinique travel pack. It was an eye-opener workshop for me. I find it interesting, not too draggy and worth the money; RM30 for the workshop using all their products, for the delicious snacks and premium tea and also for the travel pack worth RM170.

Then I walked straight to the Clinique counter at Gurney Plaza to redeem my RM120. Ended up spending an extra RM300.
I got myself a milk-based double cleanser, a mask and a scrub, laser focus repairwear to reduce pimple scars, moisture surge cream to lock in my moisture and an eye cream. And they threw in loads of free gifts and samples.


My Clinique Stash

I am still using it, for 3 months already. I guess Clinique suits me for now.

So how is my face now? Personally I feel that it is smoother, more stable with less breakouts and I feel my face being cleaner than ever, and that is a wonderful feeling. And to outsiders they might not noticed the difference. Haha. I guess it takes years, since I had been neglecting it for tens of years. ;)

Of course my face would never be like those flawless complexions but it is finally getting some attention from me! :)

p/s - This is NOT a Clinique Advertorial. It is all based on my personal experience.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Sabariah's Wedding

Sabariah is my colleague when I was working in EI back in 2004. She is a very humble and quiet person. And she is my very good friend until now. I am glad we still keep in touch. Last Saturday was her big day and she invited us to her wedding. I brought Shern there as well. I woke him up from his nap because it was getting late. Thus he was a little cranky at first and made a fuss. He did not want to change his clothes and refused his milk. But in the end, he drank only a little milk. So when we reached there, he was hungry. He ate a lot of rice. And he ate quietly, sitting on the chair (no baby chair avail) and was feeding himself the rice.
Since all the dishes were spicy, that was the only thing I gave him. (He refused the biscuits and egg tart I brought for him, preferring rice). He spat out all the fruit and finished 2 plates of the flavurful rice of this amount. He was really hungry.
And of course he made some mess while feeding himself, since he was not used to using a plate (usually using bowls which makes it easier to scoop). So after eating, he spent some time picking the rice that dropped on the chair and threw them on the floor. Haha.
Then he ate some jellies that were packed inside the gift bag which consists of bunga telur and some other snacks.
Lastly, a photo with the beautiful bride.


CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding, Sabariah!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Shern Playing with his Animal Puzzle

This is a pass-me-down Animal Puzzle from Shern's cousins.

When I brought it out for Shern about half a year ago, he used to have no interest in it at all. He just chucked it aside and preferred to play with his other toys instead.
And even when I tried to persuade him to play with the puzzle, he would grew frustrated because he did not know how to put the puzzle pieces into the correct 'hole'. He tried using his strength which did not help and after that he gave up, feeling frustrated.

But now that he can recognizes animals such as horses since we brought him to the Penang Turf Club Expo, he likes this puzzle. And also since he loves his Dear Zoo book, he loves pointing out the lion, elephant and the snake. So his interest in this Animal Puzzle grew and is now more matured and interested to play with it.

And also what I recently mentioned is true: that he recently loves playing toys which needs handling of his hands such as stacking and playing with his loop-y toy. And now with this Animal Puzzle.


Animal Puzzle

This Animal Puzzle is from The Learning Journey based on the logo at the bottom left corner of the puzzle. It is very suitable for Shern's age because it is simple with replicas of the animals in the 'holes'. And I love the bright colours of them.

I also like that the animal puzzle pieces are big and that they have a knob on it for Shern to grip on it. Shern also has a branded Melissa and Dough's Number Puzzle but I find that the knob is too small and is difficult for him to grip.

He now understands that he needs to put it into the similar picture 'hole' and to twist and turn a little so that the pieces could fit it.


Shern playing with his Animal Puzzle - 11 April 2o11

With a little guide and help from me, he can now sit and finish the whole puzzle!


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Scrapbooking: Thank You Card

Completed my second simple card today. Now I know why people are infatuated in making cards. Because it doesn't take long to finish them.


Thank You card - 7 April 2011

To make this 4" 5" card, I used the floral card stock from My Mind's Eye's Stella and Rose collection against a craft-coloured plain cardstock as a base. Then I turned over the other side and I punched the border of the yellow card stock using the Martha Stewart puncher.

Then I used a scallop puncher and punched onto the craft cardstock which then I glued the 'Thank You' die-cut on it. Used a foam sticker to give the card some dimension.
As for the butterfly, I used my newly bought Martha Steward Monarch Butterfly Puncher. Dotted it with liquid pearls. I glued only the butterfly spine onto the card so that it looks like it is flying.

Zooming in, this is how the card looks like.


Really loving how the butterfly perches on the car....fluttering its wings! ;)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Something is Occupying My Time

If any of you are a loyal follower of my blog (not many I guess based on the dismal figure of my nuffnang $$$. hehe), you would have noticed that I've not been updating here for, let's see.....more than a week! Well, 1 week is a long absence for not blogging, at least for me.

I've been busy, yes. And no, I haven't been baking. I've been so busy that I've no time to go blog hopping or even flipping through my baking books. My poor red baby is sitting on my kitchen top collecting dust.

So what have I been doing? I've been doing scrapbooking. I actually went to Smidapaper @ Straits Quay to look for some stuff for Shern's upcoming birthday. And once there, I was hooked. I used to frequent Smidapaper years ago before Shern was born. Was a newbie and still is a newbie in scrapbooking.

Once there I was so inspired to create a Mini Album for Shern after seeing all the beautiful things in store. After a big hole in my pocket, I went home and immediately did a Mini Accordian Album (largely inspired by a mini album class I attended many years ago) of Shern.

This is a sneak peak of it. I am lovin' it.

Mini Accordian Album: My Baby

After that I went back to the store and the girls there knows me well now. Then I saw the beautiful cards displayed in the store and I wanted to make some. So inspired by Cindy Lee and Josie, I created my first card using scrapbooking materials.

Card - Forever

I am not sure how long this scrapbooking phase will last. I like scrapbooking but I hope it won't turn feverish...haha. Because the stuff at Smidapaper is freaking expensive but very beautiful.

Now I want to create another Mini Album. Target is to finish it in a week's time. So baking and blogging has to wait, I guess since I only have so little time for myself! ;)

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