Awesome Day

So Shabby Chic

2009-07-26T11:17:00.001+08:00

I was researching for designs for my website. I was tittering on vintage and somehow, the long crossed to shabby chic.

Now, here are stores carrying shabby chic pretty items and I just so love them. However I just can't put my money on them to buy them home because my house is filled to the brim with odds and ends.

Than.. dear hubby said its so simple to do shabby chic, all you have to do is to paint your furniture off white, put some decal or flowers stickers on them, and the inhouse furniture than become shabby chic items... does it make sense? I don't know.. I can't see myself painting my furniture white and putting stickers on them.... some how, I just can't imagine how the furniture will turn out looking.

So what prompted to write was my heart is in my throat as I research more and found so many artists, so many people just having or doing shabby chic.

Here is one.. www.treasuredheirlooms.net I just so love the room Cathy Scalise is in.. so dreamy.. so pretty.. This is definitely a room I don't want to get out of and would love to work in.

Ok for now.. I'm going away to browse these lovely sites.. get inspired, eye candy, day dream.. whatever.. I just can't have enough of them...

Incredible Urge...

2009-07-16T08:01:00.000+08:00

I don't know why I start a blog for which I can't keep. It's been 6 months past and I've not blog in anything. Where have I been?

Well, I think of my blog now and than. While I drive, while packing things to mail, while in the shower, everything else except not in front of the computer. Because there were just so much else to do.

But this morning, I have this incredible urge to blog..but WHAT!?.. Random thoughts, doesn't mean you have to say something clever or wise.

If anybody sees the way I work, they'll know that I multi-task. I'll be switching between many screens, doing bit of this and that.

Woo hoo... my feedbacks have hit 4000!! Now... I'm aiming for 5000 and it seems a long way off but nevertheless, I'll get there.

Now... I got distracted again.. as always. I've been busy buying new products which means new photos to take and new listings to do.

Meantime, I'm also listing items in my website www.awesomecraftsstore.com Its been around for as long as I dare admit but only recent months, I get my act together and begin to work on it on a more constant manner. Helps when I've got the programmer and designer. I also have target a date to launch it. So I must get to it as soon as I can..

So do stay tune, if you'll like to add me to your blog, please contact me.

25 November 2008

2008-12-12T13:26:00.000+08:00

Two things happened on 25 November.

Thing no. 1 - 14 years ago, John and I were legally married in the Registry of Marriage, Singapore.

Thing no. 2 - 14 years later, we found ourselves on bikes, no helmets, rushing to the Suvarnabhumi Airport , Bangkok Thailand, to catch our Air Asia flight due to depart at 6pm (Thailand time) back to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Story of recent event was, we went to the supplier whose office is near the airport. Enroute, we saw massive jams on flyovers leading to the airport. Not knowing what the problem was, our hazzled guess was perhaps some accidents. So we told the engineer repeatedly we had to go to the airport earlier though the office is just 15 mins drive away. The engineer not wanting to stress us further or himself, agreed to send us, at 4.15pm? However, we just couldn't get close enough to the airport to walk. Infact, the car has to make a u-turn on the one way road flyover.

The best and only choice was to ride on motorbikes (called moto-cyc). One each. Me on one, John and another for our luggage.

We ride on bikes with no helmets. I was shaking my head and thinking for all the insurance we bought, we took bikes with no helmets and put our life at risk to catch the damn flight. Fortunately we did, because the airport was reportedly taken over from 7+ pm on that fateful day. We left on the 6pm flight... phew...

Going round the south gate to the airport. Roads leading to North gate were already closed.

The heros who took us to the airport.

12 / 12 / 2008

2008-12-12T12:43:00.000+08:00

To the chinese, today seems like a really nice day, due to the date - 12 / 12 - direct translate from cantonese is - easy easy.....

In the olden times, or not so olden times ago, a mother will give a red packet with 12 dollars inserted in it (in any currency), to a child on their first day of school, work or whatever new endeavour this person takes on and the 12 dollars simply translate to 'easy start / smooth sailing' and all things good with this new endeavour..

Now.. perhaps I should just give myself a red packet with RM12 enclosed and than let me see what's the endeavour I'm going to start with.. oh.. yah.. get down to clearing out the piles and piles of papers everywhere in the house...

What makes me smile ?

2008-11-15T11:04:00.000+08:00

Funny I would post on a topic like this. There are of course little things, scene, impromptu situation that makes me smile but that was all unconscious act.

Now specifically what made me smile (just a few minutes ago) was to find another person, bearing the same name and what more 'surname' as me. Ok, to make it easier, 'Yeow' is not really a common surname in Singapore (where I'm hailed from) and to find someone with same name and surname (here I go again), is better than hitting the 10billion jackpot (fortunately I don't buy these heart stopping stuff - what if you miss just a digit ?!) and than to read an entry of this 'Wendy Yeow' in her blog (namesake found in my namesake) about the false lashes and I thought, hey been there, done that. These lashes were way irritating and they made my eyes tear. Now, if I were peering into the eyes of my prey, that would have been spot-on but the only pair of eyes that I peer into were my own, when I checked to see how pretty my eyes looked with those lashes, all I saw was irritation and discomfort. The lashes did not last more than a week and that crap about removing with vaseline, hah ! I lost more lashes than I put on.

How time flies...

2008-11-03T22:57:00.000+08:00

Indeed. I didn't realise I have not been blogging since September and it felt like yesterday I last did.

I'm not much of a blogger, time just flies by and there is just insufficient hours in a day to complete what I have to. But I do not ask for more hours in a day, I'll just be spending it on more work, perhaps ironing clothes (that has been hanging there for days - I dare not say weeks) , fussing over the stocks, looking through what I have and not. Wish they just fly out the windows, just like days and hours do.

Click and it's gone !

2008-09-20T00:28:00.002+08:00

I was working on my 'About Me' page, putting the words into a proper border template and than .. wham ka bang..... I hit some back buttons and to discover, what I have been doing for the last 30mins disappeared into thin air.. WHIFF and it's gone.

I had to re-do, I just won't let it off and as a result, this plain setting without the template. I'll get to it asap. There are lots to do. Lots of ideas to dish out, from my bag of tricks? No.. no tricks.. just rewards... stay very tune.

I know, I know

2008-09-20T00:28:00.001+08:00

It's hard work to keep up a blog. There are tons of things running through my brain daily and actually, if ever there's such a wish, I wish I have more brains to help me cope.

Talking about brains, I was just giving my kids a good sounding off, more in the direction of not being independant enough. I came home from facial today to find them still on the computer and the other playing nintendo instead of getting themselves ready for their chinese class, so that when mummy dear (pretty from all that thorough cleasning comes home - ouch), they are ready to jump into the car and off to class.

As soon as the words 'give your brains to those who really need it', I regret. I seriously do. I mean.. what if they met with an accident and became a 'vegetable'... the horror of horrors.. I take back my words. They were spoken in a moment of anger. Extreme anger and I sincerely apologise.

These words should never ever be mentioned. Period !

Just dropping by to send you this

2008-07-26T14:38:00.000+08:00

Glitter Graphics - Topglittergraphics

awesomecraftsstore.com

2008-07-19T12:41:00.000+08:00

Ok, the said website is still under construction. I just don't know how this thing work. Many times I just want to shove it and say I give up ! But... wouldn't it be nice to know how to handle one's own website.. tinkle with it, manage it?

And so I PERSEVERE and having said that, I'm going to work some more on the site, right now.. oops.. after my shower... to wake myself up.. and it's only 12.45pm... lunch time...

Have a lovely weekend everyone...

While I'm at it

2008-07-19T12:09:00.000+08:00

While I'm blogging, I might as well get as many nather up.

Well, it's all quiet at home because the boys are out ! Yipee.. need I say more?

It's D's school sports day and he was of course all excited though a little disappointed at the same time, because he was selected to be the 'backup' runner of the 4x4 relay. Of course I think the teacher must have made a mistake (which mom won't?!) but I just didn't make a bone out of it. His full interest in it is sufficient for me. Part and parcel of a school life.

Now last year, he won a bronze trophy for 100 m run. Think he did a great job. This year, little J said 'Mum, when gor gor won his trophy, all you said was 'wow'. and than you kept quiet?'. I queried him by asking 'What more should I say?'. He repeated himself and than added 'I think you were timid?' WWhaaat? Me timid just because I didn't want to say more? I was pre-occupied, I was in a world of my own.. I i i.... ok.. I'll try harder this time. What does he mean by 'I'm timid'.. actually?

Snowed Under

2008-07-19T12:04:00.001+08:00

Ok, we live in a tropical country, so there never will have snow, unless we go to the Snow World in Genting. One time experience there, never again I say. Well, it's just not the real stuff, isn't it?

What I meant was the amount of work I'm trying to accomplish. The list or rather, Mental List is extremely long and not many gets tick off. Let's see,

1. Set up my website into full operational
2. List all the items into Ebay
3. Do my accounting
4. Keep track of stocks
5. Reply my 'fan' club - I mean the buyers who have queries
6. Send some enquiries (this I've been sitting on for weeks)
7. Purchase new products to sell (now this can only come after no. 2 - I tell myself without much sucess, just too many pretty things to offer my buyers)

NOTE - not all in the above order ! Now each item has their own subcategory... oh dear.. I'm not going to think so much into this - I MOAN !!!!

Vacation A Calling

2008-05-21T10:36:00.000+08:00

Finally the day to go back to Singapore is arriving soon.

I didn't realise that it's this Friday, 23 May - just 2 days away. At the back of my mind I know it's soon but NOT that soon. Seems like I still have lots to do. Clothes, bags, shoes and etc to buy.. never mind that I have to pack for the boys as well. Nevermind that actually, I can do it in a jiffy. When one goes to Singapore, all they need is passport and lotsa cash or many workable credit cards - or just one titantium card. You can buy practically everything you need there... yes.. including Aspirin (because I had a late night and a late morning).

Now the other thingy on my mind is, do I close my ebay store temporary or just keep it running. I think many buyers will not look at the 'mail after which date' notification. They pay for their items and expects them to be in the mail box the next morning. Talking about patience.. and threats ! yes threats of non-receipt or dispute claims to Ebay and Paypal.

Talking about Paypal, besides collecting money on your behalf and taking a percentage out of it and touting that they protect buyers and sellers alike, what do they actually do? They tout, yes! They don't protect - if they do, they charge you a certain $$ for their work. Upsetting? YES! Fortunately I have not many case to deal with but just one is enough. I have a tracking no. of an item I mailed out to France which never arrived. Paypal told the buyer to sort it out among yourself and get the seller to refund. Hellow... I spent 18 euros on postage and don't I have a say? I'm suppose to bite the bullet and refund meekly?! 18 euros could feed a family for a whole day - not just slices of bread mind you. I'm talking about fish, meat, rice, vegetables, soup! Well... not without a fight I tell you.

Ok let me calm down now..... so tonight, after my facial, I'm off to the mall and hopefully I could get my hands & feet on a couple of pretty stuff.... I'll worry about the bills later...

2008-03-18T10:35:00.001+08:00

What's Your Little Black Dress Personality?

My Result: Strapless

When it comes to sporting the latest looks, you're definitely on top of the trends. Whether you're headed to a new hot spot or just a local hangout down the block, you're likely to be the perfect picture of what's in. It's only right that your little black dress is as hip as you are.

A trendsetter like you makes looking good seem effortless. You know how to put together your clothes, accessories, and makeup to create an image that is very now. If it's in the fashion magazines, we'd bet it's probably also in your closet. That's hot!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=littleblackdresspersonalityogt&c=50652

Seriously, I don't know if this were me. Sure I can put things together, provided I have them in the first place.. well.. we'll see... soon...

2008-03-18T10:31:00.000+08:00

What Flavor Fits You?

My Result: Crazy Cranberry

We have to hand it to you. With your self-confidence, gumption, and joie de vivre, you're usually two steps ahead of the pack, willing to try anything once (and usually twice). We'd guess that kind of devil-may-care attitude has won you loads of admirers, particularly those wanting in on some of that positive energy (or maybe just wondering what the heck you're going to do next). Regardless, you're always refreshing with a little kick — a combination sure to juice up any crowd.

You're a real self-starter, and tend to be motivated by the unknown. For you, the possibilities are endless. And that kind of adventuresome attitude is contagious. That's probably why people tend to look to you to shake things up — you never know what kind of fabulous cocktail you'll come up with.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=flavorfitsogt&c=50652

Time Flies

2008-03-18T09:44:00.000+08:00

Ok, it's such a clique title right?

We all say this. However, I just discovered that the last time I made an entry here was 5 months ago?!?

A little quick update :-

School has started and restarted again. The kids just have had their week of vacation and is back in school this week. They'll enjoy a day of public holiday this Thursday, being the Phophet Mohammad's birthday. We don't celebrate Good Friday here though.

Well, we plan to spend a little time at the cinema and catch the movie 'Horton Hears a Who'. We all love Dr. Suess' stories. And definitely looking forward to watching this.

Home front, we all have been really busy. For the readers who don't live in Asia, you'll be alarmed at the way we spend spare time with the kids. Yes, we ferry them around for enrichment classes after enrichment classes. Enrichment meaning... more academic pursuits. In our case, it's mandarin & maths. Not that I'm a typical don't-want-to-lose kinda mummy, if I will, I rather spend the money on dancing and art classes for them. Expose them to the artistic side of themselves, rather than just pursuing more academic studies. Sad to say, they have to 'play catch-up' with the school syllabus. However, I'm so looking forward to next year, because after a gruelling one year (this year that is), I hope they got the rhythm of what they have learnt this year and apply in their studies (keeping my fingers so knotted up for this). I mean, I want them to have a carefree childhood. Not a mummy who breathes down their neck and constantly at their back asking them if they have finished their school-homework. Their enrichment classes work and yada yada yada. I feel instantly old just having to remind them all the time. We all don't deserve this, I say!

Oops, I gotta wash my coffee cup.. ants are having a field day there .. that's another problem living in a house.. besides the rodents having fun just right outside our house.... did I mention we had many of them visiting us some time last year till we plug the drain hole in the bathroom.... now that's another story for another day... coffee cup here I come.

2007-10-09T14:28:00.000+08:00

Scrapbooking Profits !

2007-09-29T21:24:00.000+08:00

I came across this amazing site that teaches people who loves.... no, rather... as one of the websites says 'would scrap for food' scrappers (if there is such a term), to use their 'talent', 'hobby' and 'interest' to do what they love and earn a profit from it.

It tells you where to find :
1) Freebies - fonts, backing paper to print, templates and etc;
2) How to manage your scrapping materials;
3) How to modify materials to improve it's look:

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

4) What to CHARGE your customers for your work !

Not convinced - You be the JUDGE !

Scrapbooking Profits!

My eBay Store

2007-09-29T09:55:00.000+08:00

Featuring :

handicraft products such as satin ribbons, satin rose buds, floss buds, shiny jewel embellishments and many many more products...

Personal use products such as handphone pouch, fine-leather brooches and hair accessories, summer tees and many soon-to-be listed items.

Have a look - Awesome Crafts Store

Prague Sinfonia Orchestra

2007-09-12T21:45:00.000+08:00

I was invited by my sister-in-law to the Prague Sinfoni Orchestra in KLCC last Saturday. It was a charity event jointly organised by Kiwanis and SMILE.

The week before, they were playing in Singapore to a full-house.

It was my first at an orchestra, I didn't quite know what to expect but I was very excited. Unfortunately the hubby has to stay home to watch the boys, so he can't go (much to his lost) but I promised him that we will go to more.

The conductor was none other than the acclaimed Christian Benda. His biography states 'Conductor, cellist and composer Christian Benda is a descendant of the Czech Benda composers dynasty of the 18th century and a member of the longest family of musicians in music history. He received his professional training within his family where the musical tradition was maintained without interruption through three centuries'.

Performing along side with Christian Benda, is our very own Singapore protégé, Min Lee. Honestly, I don't know much about her. Heard her name somewhere but ..... now I know who she is.

I was impressed and knew that the phrase 'in for a treat' would be an understatement.

The second she started playing, my heart took a leap and my senses came alive. She played throughout the first half of the performance but I wished the magical moment never end. The amount of energy, the interpretation of the composed music speaks through the strings of the violin. Amazing!!

It was a wonderful evening and definitely one to remember.

2007-09-03T20:32:00.000+08:00

Oh, I couldn't resist this.. indulge me would you ?

You Are Sensual Sexy

You exude a luxurious sensuality in your everyday life

Turning heads everywhere you go, it's all about your sexy attitude.

You're naturally hot - gorgeous in both sweats and stilettos.

Your biggest problem is that your ultra sexy self sometimes scares men away.

What Kind of Sexy Girl Are You?

Ohhhh.. I didn't know about the last paragraph... ummm.. food for thought...

Hello September

2007-09-03T19:47:00.000+08:00

Time has flown by like a flash of lightning. Incidentally, one hit home recently and boy... it was the very first time I heard lightning clashed so close by. The sound was deafening and definitely shocking. It sounded like a sharp precised clap but many times louder. I was just so glad I was indoor.

On another note - the Outdoors :

In August, we had a week of school break and had the pleasure of spending it in Singapore. My hometown and if you would allow 'kumpung'. Truth be said, it's a cosmopolitan little city and just like a small little neat package, it comes with many surprises. Especially for me; who lives just 4 hours drive away from 'home' but yet this distance, seems like light years away. It is a definite joy to discover it's newest treasure in every visit. The most recent one is the skyrocketing property prices due to the Integrated Resort coming up sometime next year. Foreign and internal investors are driving property prices up into no-mans land prices... Hopefully, the next guy on the street will not have to suffer the after-math.

Well, after a week away, my 12 year old BMW decided that it needs attention after a week of neglect. The car was still usable, yes, but with no aircon, windows that doesn't quite function well, it just have to go into the workshop to be tinkled with.

I think this is what I should be driving...

You Should Drive a Ford Shelby Mustang Cobra

You have an extreme need for speed, even when you're not in a hurry.

And while your flying by, you don't want to look like every other car on the road!

What 2007 Car Should You Drive?

I think the hubby will not like to know this... but anyway.. just between us ok?

2007-08-06T09:03:00.000+08:00

I took an instant liking to this picture. It was taken from Chet3's photostream and it says Redwood Creek in Muir Woods, Marin County, California. Perhaps one day my family and I would have the chance to visit this beautiful place.

I love the gentle tones of colours - flowing between light lavendar to green and this white flowy stream glistening in the sun. Sure bliss and gentle peace just looking at it.

What a perfect way to start the morning. I'm going to have this picture in my mind the entire day. When things get crazy, I'll 'try' to think of this picture and calm myself down.

Now what 'beautiful' picture you have in your mind to jump start your day?

2007-07-17T10:25:00.000+08:00

Luxurious Fine Detailed White Leather Flower with yellow hair band attached to pretty up the hair.

Flower has indeed been handled with care and the many petals show that due attention has been given craft it. It's a flower that has been made to last through many seasons.

Can be innovated by pinning onto handbag or coat lapel.