Trifling Thoughts On Lifestyle

Big Apple

2009-11-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

I used to travel to NY twice annually for fashion week and have always prefer to stay in different hotels for every trip. I had stayed in Thirty-thirty Hotel, Mansfield Hotel, Shoreham Hotel, Marcel hotel, Hudson Hotel, Amsterdam Hotel, L.ecole Oakwood Apartment, and others which I don't remember...My favorites: Mansfield and Shoreham for their location and rooms.

Since I haven't been back to NYC for 2 years since pregnant with Baby J, I was quite excited to travel although it was the first time I leave Baby J for more than 1 night. As usual, I planned out schedule for shopping and work but this around, I failed to input some addresses as I thought me and Lina (my friend, partner, traveling buddy) was familiar with the city. Not.

Day 1 - Lost
We exit the hotel without even checking into our rooms, for 1. the room was not ready and 2. we worried that we wouldn't get out of the hotel if we succumbed to the temptation to rest in the room. So off we went to the Grand Station instead of Bus terminal. After 1 hour of walking around and arguing about the direction, we finally arrived the bus station at 3pm. At 7.30pm was the promised time as we wanted to go back early, I was lost in the huge outlet! I ran around, sweating and blistering my feet, while my friend waited for me. The bus left when I reached the bus stop. We took the 8.30pm bus which delayed for 1/2 hour. We checked in back to hotel at 10+, since we hadn't had our dinner, we walked around to find decent supper. At midnight, I was restless and my feet hurt so I walked out to pharmacy.

Stay Hotel- nice, clean, good Times Square located boutique hotel.

We just have to stop by Magnolia Bakery before going to the bus terminal to go to Woodsbury Outlet.

Back to the city. 11pm and hungry...we just walked in the bar next to the hotel

Day 2 - Jet-Lagged and again Lost

We started our day okay aside from waking up hungry and ate hotel breakfast. We went around Hyde park by foot as my friend 'remembered' the Apple Store at. After walking around the park, we were too tired and too proud to ask for directions, so we took a cab with hopes of the driver knowing where it is.
Here's my friends description - a park, glass building, a huge toy store, and Louis Vuitton. I merely gaped. Geez, if I had to ask her to describe to me early on, I would have known we went to the wrong park. So off we went to Central Park. After getting to the Apple store, which is 24/7, I got myself Itouch and we had to go back to hotel to change to the Fashion show in Hyde Park.
As much as I anticipate to attend fashion shows, I detest the nervousness of getting in the show and preening too much. Fashion can be tough, the business and the people...After the show, both of us, went around the park and took off our Louboutins and back to our Crocs. We went back to Central Park and window-shopped around FAO and the stores nearby.
Then we went for dinner and drinks, which then led to more drinks.

From Fifth Ave to Soho. You gotta visit Kiki De Montparnasse and buy a little posh item *wink.

Day 3 - Jet-lagged and Hangover

Ugh! I don't when was the last time I indulge myself with alcohol...since 2007, last shot of vodka at my own wedding. Oh the vodka mix and wine in our last Seoul trip 2 months ago doesn't count...On the impulse of meeting my fun friend, Francesca and combination of Lina, and plus feeling for the first time of mommy-day-off, we got point-blanked drunk. Thank goodness of my instinct to know when to have my last drink, me and Lina, manage to get back to hotel to sleep away.
Forcing ourselves to wake up for our business meeting at 10am was not an easy task. We were late and we tried to be sober. After the meeting, thank goodness it was a small presentation of shoes, we were both pale from hungover and maybe still a little drunk since we still want to continue to do our errands in the city. From 5th Ave to Soho, I had to drop by Kiki de M store. From Soho, I went to Ground Zero to pray for a dear friend, which I then found out, the memorial ground is no longer there. Dinner again was late at 9.30pm...

Day 4 - Tired and Dumb
Both of us should have known after days of not having a normal day, we should be more aware. Again, another mistake to top off our entire trip - we missed our flight. I assumed our flight of being close to midnight after years of flying that flight, did not make me check my itinerary record, which I had already receive the check-in SMS.
OMG...Lina assuming I know the time, fail to heed her female instincts to check her paper records. So while we both were waiting for the private car I called after finishing our buying meeting, outside with our luggages, Lina flipped open her paper records to check. Hold and behold... our Singapore Airline flight to Singapore was at 9.20pm instead of the 11+ I thought it was to be. It was 6.40pm and I called the car to come at 7.15pm.
So aghast we were, we chased around the street at Ganservoort, which by means, frequency of any yellow car that passes by is minimum and even less for a taxi van, since we had 3big luggages. Our car came after we manage to haul up the luggages into a van...we wasted another good 5minutes to move the luggages again into the the private car.
Another dumb mistake we made in this trip was the fact that both of us didn't bother to buy local number, which we both usually do. So we asked for the driver to lend us his phone while Lina called to the airport.
Even a lot of "pleases", we were told that if we don't get into the airport 1hour before departure, we are not able to fly. We then called other airline to book for other flight availability that fly out the same night. Both of us cannot afford to miss that night's flight. Lina had to go back to her 2 children as her caretaker was to leave; I had to connect flight from Singapore to Beijing and I don't get to my connection Beijing flight, I would screw up my itinerary for 2 cities and I couldn't imagine my husband flying semi-long haul flight alone with Baby J.
So after running around the booths, we decided on China Airline. My initial round trip ticket was economy but I couldn't envision myself to sit more than 30hours in econ, so I spend freaking $3000+ on my business one-way tix to Singapore. Call me spoiled but NY-Anchorage-Taipei-Hong Kong- Singapore-Beijing??? Business seat will keep me sane.

Pop Burger is a fast food, self service dining. Good decor, not fast food friendly price, so-so burgers.

FAO is a haven! For kids and young at hearts adults. On the first floor is kingdom of furry animal toys, going up the escalator, I was greeted with a scene of dragon made impressively with Lego.
2nd floor- children books, Lego land, dolls, toy houses, Barbie corner with Barbie catwalk runway, VTech, Alex Toys, The Big Piano (you can tap dance on the piano floor), and a room for private parties
3rd floor - infant land

12 Flights in 3 Weeks

2009-11-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

How did I get myself to travel in 13flights? I'm not a jetsetter; I happened to transit in many countries. My initial traveling itinerary was New York for work and China for traveling with my entire family that includes my parents down to my nephews and of course, Baby J. Nothing crazy but I missed my flight from NY to Singapore en route China. So here's the crazy route I took.

Sept 10 Jakarta-Singapore
Sept 11 Singapore-Frankfurt (transit)
Sept 11 Frankfurt- NY
Sept 15 NY-Anchorage (transit)
Sept 16 Anchorage-Taipei (transit)
Sept 17 Taipei-Hong Kong (transit)
Sept 17 Hong Kong - Singapore (transit)
Sept 17 Singapore - Beijing
Sept 20 Beijing - Hangzhou
Sept 24 Shanghai - Hong Kong
Sept 27 Hong Kong- Singapore
Sept 28 Singapore - Jakarta

How did I survive? Sleeping pill, Kindle, inflight, movies, shawl for cold night, and optimism.

Macaroon Step-by-step

2009-09-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

My first French Macaroon baking experience. Not as difficult as I though it would be. Recipe found here.

Chocolate Macaroons

INGREDIENTS:
Macaroon Batter
1 cup (100 gr) powdered sugar
½ cup powdered almonds (about 2 ounces , 50 gr, sliced almonds, pulverized)
3 tablespoons (25 gr) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 egg whites
5 tablespoons (65 gr) granulated sugar

Prune Filling
15 medium prunes (pitted), about 5 ounces (150 gr) prunes
2½ ounces (70 gr) milk chocolate, finely chopped - I used whatever chocolate found in the fridge
2 tablespoons Armagnac - I used vodka+ I added some whipped cream into this recipe for a thicker and chewy taste.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (180 degrees C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and have a pastry bag with a plain tip (about 1/2-inch, 2 cm) ready. I used silicone to replace the paper and spoon for the tipped pastry pastry bag.
Grind together the powdered sugar with the almond powder and cocoa so there are no lumps; use a blender or food
In the bowl of a standing electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they begin to rise and hold their shape. While whipping, beat in the granulated sugar until very stiff and firm, about 2 minutes.

Carefully fold the dry ingredients, in two batches, into the beaten egg whites with a flexible rubber spatula. When the mixture is just smooth and there are no streaks of egg white, stop folding and scrape the batter into the pastry bag (standing the bag in a tall glass helps if you're alone).
Pipe the batter on the parchment-lined baking sheets in 1-inch (3 cm) circles (about 1 tablespoon each of batter), evenly spaced one-inch (3 cm) apart.
Rap the baking sheet a few times firmly on the countertop to flatten the macaroons, then bake them for 15-18 minutes. Let cool completely then remove from baking sheet.

To make the prune filling:
Cut the prunes into quarters and pour boiling water over them. Cover and let stand until the prunes are soft. Drain.
Squeeze most of the excess water from prunes and pass through a food mill or food processor.

Melt the milk chocolate, (added whipped cream on my own) and the Armagnac (While thinking 'What-The' is Armagnac, I figured all alcohol taste the same so I substituted using my hubby's Chivas') in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Stir into the prune puree.
Cool completely to room temperature (it will thicken when cool.)

Assembly
Spread a bit of batter on the inside of the macaroons then sandwich them together. (You can pipe the filling it, but I prefer to spread it by hand; it's more fun, I think.)
I also tend to overfill them so you may or may not use all the filling.
Let them stand at least one day before serving, to meld the flavors.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze. If you freeze them, defrost them in the unopened container, to avoid condensation which will make the macaroons soggy.

Notes: My second batch of macaroons were so much more petite and cuter. So getting the pastry bag with tips! Love the taste of chocolate and prunes, although I did cut on sugar, it was still a little too sweet.

Singapore Trip

2009-09-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

For the 10 years I grew up in Singapore, this small wonderful country, there's so many places and activities that I didn't visit and experience. Sure I visited Clarke Quay but I never bother to watch the G-Max the Ultimate Bungy.

My husband and our friend, Mr. L, bought tickets and I chickened out. I did bungee and rode on the one of the most highest roller coasters (Superman in US and the wooden roller coaster in Seoul), so its basically been-there-done-that-and-not-going-to-do-it-again. So off the two brave men sprung high into the air and bounced a few times before landing back to sanity.

After the crazy jump, we strolled down the street to visit my husband's fave jazz bar on Southbridge, which was again - my first jazz bar experience in Singapore.

Another friend suggested Valentino restaurant, I almost thought its related to the fashion house but thank goodness, its a very down-to-earth restaurant. Cozy and family-run Valentino serves some homey food and the prices are not daunting either. Here's the address and make sure you reserve ahead!
Ristorante Da Valentino
11 Jalan Bingka
Singapore, 588908, Singapore

Hit & Miss in the Kitchen

2009-08-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I made brunch for friends and served Egg Benedict & Fruit with Granola. I had 4 egg whites left and I didn't feel like having egg white omelet so I went online and looked for Angel Cake recipe. The recipe calls for 12 egg whites, I only had 4 so I just went ahead and do basic math equivalents.
Cake Recipe found on Epicurious:
- oven at 325F
- 1 1/2c sugar
- 1c unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 egg whites
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- finely grated orange peel (add for tastier cake)

While I happily sorted everything out and ready to mix on my newly fixed Kitchen Aid, it actually went kaput again! After I spent $50 to fix that damned thing. It was exactly my 3rd time, I switched it on and when I put it on the speed 4, it exploded!!! If this happened in US, I would definitely sue them. Anyways I went using my ever loyal whisk.

I'm those who cook and enjoy my own food. Cake is served with leftover cut fruits from brunch.

Whisk the egg whites, lemon and vanilla until foamy

I added a little cream of tartar and a little sugar and whisk till soft peaks. Fold in the rest of the sifted dry ingredients with spatula slowly and by a little, until the flour mix disappears. Scoop into ungreased tube pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 45-55min. I waited for 40min as my pan is small. Remove from oven and invert the pan to cool cake completely.
I had to knife the cake from the pan to dislodge the cake. And ta-da! My chocolate Angel Food Cake. I cut down on sugar and added on orange peel. I likey!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So thats the hit, here's the miss:

Irish Soda Bread or in my case Rock Bread

Flour (it said unbleached flour but I just used whatever flour available at that time)
Milk + white vinegar to replace Buttermilk
Baking Soda
salt
Sundried Tomatoes

Its July! Happy Birthday Baby J!

2009-07-29T01:58:00.000-07:00

Time sure flies. When I first started this blog, it was about my wedding, my sister's wedding, renovating, then about Baby J and now my little, cheeky baby is 1 year old!!!

My sister is Baby J's god-mother and when I showed her some pictures I found on flickr, she had the cakes made as Baby J's present! They were made by Hotel Mulia's chef and they are beautiful! Thank you dear!

My wishes for Baby J: Be happy, be healthy, be good and be wise.
More pics to come.

Doota!

2009-07-29T01:32:00.000-07:00

Mommies, girlfriends, bargain shoppers, fashionistas, and fellow bloggers, be sure to visit Doota! in Dondaemum. 8 floors of shopping area- B1 trendy/ sports, L1 women clothes, L2 more women's fashion, L3 Shoes & bags, L4 Accessories & Make-up, L5 men's fashion, L6 Children's shopping haven, L7 souveniers& homewares. Pick up children's hanbok for as cheap as 32,000W (USD30). Remember- if you are buying a lot and paying in cash, you can ask for discount. Ask for calculator and punch in the number you are bargaining for. You can't bargain too much in this place, disc usually goes up to 5% of total value.

Baby on Air

2009-07-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

More pics from my blackberry...
Baby J is relatively easy on air. Our trip to Seoul is longest air time for her so I planned for the night flight - the red eye flight. We even went to the airport few hours earlier so she could sleep on her stroller.
Maybe Baby J could feel our excitement taking her for a trip, she stayed clear-eyed throughout the 3 hour wait in airport. On the plane, it took her awhile to settle down, she joined in the chorus of the other babies' cries on the same row and I had to walk and rock her to sleep.
Both mommy and daddy were already so tired and it was until 2am when she finally slept on the flight bassinet. Before I could doze, there was turbulence and I had to take Baby J out from her bassinet. We finally had couple of hours to nap before we touch down Seoul (approx 6hrs flight Singapore-Seoul).

On our flight back to Singapore, we took the 7pm flight and upgraded our seats to business class, using up all the mileage we earned for 1yr! It was a new plane, with the full recline seats, I thought Julia would be able to sleep this time around. Nope. With the extra space, it became playground for her to climb over to daddy and rummage the inflight magazines.
After few hours, when she was so tired from being unable to sleep and crying, she threw up. The best thing I could do was to stay calm, smacked daddy's head to wake him up, wiped off puke from my face and neck, grabbed baby's spare pajamas, walked over to restroom to clean baby first then barked at daddy to get my spare clothes. Baby J was too tired to cry further and she finally succumbed to sleep.With the plane buzz and my husband's snore, I got some sleep with Baby J next to me on the seat.
All was well towards immigrations and baggage claim, it was inside the taxi when Baby J woke up and grinned at us. It was 1am.

Travel Seoul

2009-07-07T09:09:00.001-07:00

I lived in Seoul for 9 months as a housewife and I didn't really enjoy my time there due to lost in translation and homesickness. However, re-visiting Seoul with Baby J and friends turned out to very enjoyable. Here's what we did...
We strolled Baby J in the park. There are various parks by the rivers and many people jog, walk, play tennis, reading book, and many other activities. We saw the ducks by the river and it was first time for Baby J to see ducks up close.

Shopping!! Upscale shopping Corso Como on Apgujeong vs affordable shopping in Dongdaemun. Fantastic Korean beef, I'm not a big beef eater but I can taste quality! The Koreans carve good meet for the grill... I went into shopping craze for 3 different visitations to children's section! Its all about shopping, eating, hanging out and walking around till the wee hours. There are many 24hr restaurants, mini marts and super-late-night shopping.

For many local Koreans, or just these few Korean chaps we were with, they haven't visit the Namsan tower. Its a tourist thing and it was quite fun when you are with funny and easygoing group. We went on weekend, so there weren't any partking and there was a long queue to get on to the airconless cable car for an awful 5 minutes ride due to heat, so I highly suggest to visit any tourist place during weekdays.

Chaining locks of well wishes and loves on the gate. I had seen this display of love chains in Yellow Mountain, China, and well, that beats anything else...

Other worthwhile places to go in Seoul for the well-travelled visitors:

1. Everland Theme Park - this is fantastic for both adults and children. Ride the Express roller coaster which is touted as the Asian tallest roller coaster! Don't forget to purchase the picture outside the ride for a funny remembrance on how your face and hair look like.
2. Apgujeong Rodeo - Sit by any cafes and pay about $5 for coffee to people see. If you are lucky, you may chance upon local celebrities.
3. Nami Island - many dramas are filmed here, so walk down the memory if you are a Korean drama fan.
4. Eden Club - ever wonder where the beautiful and hip people spend their Saturday night? Eden. Wow! Back in my prime time, where I used to club, and let's just stick to Jkt, S'pore and HK, Eden Club in Ritz Carlton hotel has the most good people under one roof and on the same night. I haven't step into nightlife since I got married and due accompanying friends, that I got to sample Eden, and I was overwhelmed by the scene! Me and husband left at 1.30am and our friends told us when they left at 3.30am, there were still many people getting into the club.

Hello Kitty Exhibition in Seoul

2009-07-07T08:40:00.001-07:00

Hello to all Hello Kitty lovers ~ We attended the Hello Kitty exhibition and saw some inspiring Hello Kitty stuff for Baby J's birthday thats coming up soon, which was of course, Hello Kitty theme.

Cardboard bookshelf made out of 3d apple; Hello Kitty cutout cardboard table and flower shaped bench; Hello Kitty artwork.

A huggable Hello Kitty; Siamese twins Hello Kitties, an interesting Hello Kitty diety...

Look! Its a crystal Hello Kitty! Its 3d and it turns to red suit and yellow suit.

Korean Gift Exchange (Ham)

2009-07-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy couple and their matchmaker. What a happy day for the couple to get engaged but who knew what trouble brewed for the friends to get this engagement be a successful one.
A brief introduction for Korean 'Ham', known as the gift exchange, is done by groom-to-be's friends and bride-to-be's friends. The 'Ham' is the box carried by Squid masked man and it contains the gifts for the bride's family. In order for the "Ham' to be sent to the bride's family, the bride's side has to 'persuade' these stubborn men. They have to use bribery in form of money in envelopes, alcohol and snacks and womanly wiles. It can take hours and it can be easy or it can also get ugly, they all depend on how the groom's friend play it out...

1. The groom's friends had arrived and the bride's representatives (family and close friends) came to greet them. This just started and they had parked far from where the bride's family's place. To get the groomsmen to come forward, money was laid to bring them closer. Getting to know the groomsment and negotiating. Few steps forward. Cigarette break.

More enforcement came forward - bride's unmarried girlfriends and brother to bring the drinks and snacks. Pouring and feeding the Squid man. The girls were not as patient as they pulled the Squid man to come forward. Baiting Squid man with more drinks to move while Squid man stood his ground and sat again.

Using some femini wiles to get Squid man going while the men asked Squid man's rep on how much it would take for them to get going. Many onlookers watched the show while one of bride's gang took away Squid man's chair forward. The grooms gang parked themselves again at the spot and the girls asked for more enforcement.

I pretty much left the scene after witnessing 1 hour of these banterings, negotiations, pullings, laughter and fun, as I had to bring Baby J back to our accomodation to sleep. I heard the Ham took about 2.5hour for Squid man to break down and send forward the Ham.

Baby J Pose

2009-07-07T07:46:00.001-07:00

Taking Baby J pictures are always easy. She smiles easily and does not react differently to camera.

Here's Baby J sitting to watch TV (mommy doesn't usually let her watch too long).

Trying to Whip the Icing

2009-07-07T07:42:00.000-07:00

I received Kitchen Aid from a dear friend, Lenny, which I appreciate it very much. However, its imported from US thus the power voltage differs from the one in Jakarta and I managed to use it twice before it went kaput on me.

Thus the whipping of the icing of the cupcake was done the traditional way - manually. Oh my goodness! Its a chore!!! I had to switched arms to whisk, beat and whisk, and thanks to my sis and brother-in-law, it finally reached the firm icing topping.

Can anyone let me know where I can fix my Kitchen Aid in Jakarta?

Affordable Sling

2009-04-26T06:56:00.001-07:00

Mamita - Mommy's Best Friend. I have been using Hotslings but it's kinda expensive and I find that after a few wash, my pretty sling becomes a little washed out. Mamita slings are priced around Rp150,000 (USD15), so far so good with carrying Baby J with it.

Mamita site here.

More Inacraft Finds

2009-04-26T06:50:00.001-07:00

More finds...

Inacraft - Quilts

2009-04-22T04:16:00.001-07:00

Quilts Quilts and more quilts.
1. Miosche - has cute pillows, bumpers and quilt covers for children. Ordered the initial pillows, will blog on it when I receive them. Has store in ITC ambassador and has website here
2&3. - Pretty florals, fairies and other quilts for both children and adult designs. Has blog here
4. Lullaby- bumpers, bedsheet sets for children only. Has store in PIK Mediterania and has website here
5. Kain Patchwork-Intricate quilt, you can see the craftwork and quality. Really beautiful! Has blog here
6. Margriet - not exactly quilt but beautiful embroidery used as home furnishings. Has store in Kemang Raya 75B.

Tree House

2009-04-14T09:04:00.001-07:00

O Gosh! Check this out from Rumah Pohonku (translated as My Tree House)! Cool tree houses!! I sooo wanted one when I was this little girl under the table, imagining I'm in a tree house.

Well, the site says that the tree houses can pratically be set up anywhere but it will defeat its purpose if I ask it to be installed in my apartment right?

It can install AC and TV...hmmm... kids these days are sooo lucky!

Image taken from Rumah Pohonku

Guilty Pleasures

2009-04-14T08:55:00.001-07:00

I hog on to the internet and go from reading blogs to watching dramas and even to reading mangas online. Oh yes, let me put Ebay on the list. Time leftover from playing with Baby J, I put it all on internet.
Even my husband tried to pry me away from my laptop when we catch on our DVDs.

In anyways, here's some sites for you all out there who likes dramas and mangas!
Drama Beans - On Korean dramas, I couldn't be bothered watching the dramas online with my super-slow connection in Jakarta!
My Soju - Many updated dramas! You'll be hooked! Love Korean version of Boys Before Flowers :)
One Manga - Scanlations on Mangas.

Customized Bag

2009-03-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

My sister just had this bad customized for Baby J! Its roomy enough to hold 2bottles, Baby J's teethers, utensils and baby food jars. And whats great is that its lined in plastic, so any mess can be wiped off.

Made by MW (MasterWorks).

LGChem KidMat

2009-02-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

Baby J and her mini cousins spend most of their playtime on this mat. Its just a great product! Soft, cushiony, free of those nasty chemicals and I can't gush more about this. Its double the price than most playmats but this one can last for years and still look good!
Here's the vendor if you wish to get the mat- Kiddicare.
They are cheaper than found in stores and even compared to Singapore!

I find this print mat to be most interactive to infants' eyes. Baby J and Baby G stared and giggle at the bugs and other characters on this mat.

Chicco Puresteam

2009-02-21T20:55:00.001-08:00

It took me some time to consider buying Chicco Puresteam. Its quite pricey and I do have a steamer and blender too. However, my steamer takes forever to steam small portion of baby's food and my blender, well, the mommy like to use it for mommy and daddy's food.

I think this little machine works like Beaba's Babycook but since Beaba's products are not available in Jakarta, the only choice is Chicco's and this model is just cool! Not only it's compact, smaller than my toaster, thus, saved a lot of my tabletop space, it also save more of my mineral water for steaming process, just a tiny bit of water and I can steam food compared to my old steamer that requires few cups of water.

I place pre-cut food into the container, steam for 20min (unlike my old steamer at 40min), take out the steamer compartment, scoop the steamed food into the container again, insert the blades and puree. Wow. All in one compact machine.

Another pro about Puresteam is that it's BPA-free! The container is made of PSU. I read that Beaba Babycook is not going to change its polycarbonate container and to me its just not babysafe considering that we steam baby's food in it and all those chemicals will leach directly into the food and into our baby...

Where to buy - Suzanna Baby Store in Pondok Indah is cheapest at 1.230.00, Kasih Ibu at 1.450.000 (before negotation) and Chicco store.

Writing A Good Complaint Letter

2009-02-13T04:37:00.000-08:00

Image two: "What sort of animal would serve a dessert with peas in?"

I got a good crack of laughter when I read the complaint letter of a Virgin Atlantic passenger writing to the famous Richard Branson about his inflight meals as "Culinary Journey of Hell". Read it here

Usually nobody likes to read any complain letter about this so and so and how bad service so and so, but this letter caught my attention and I'm sure whoever read his complain letter in the Virgin Atlantic company would be more than happy to share his humor and send him free air ride tickets.

I Wish...But>>> I should rather

2009-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

How I had wanted Louboutin shoes since college. When the store opened in Jakarta and I spotted the nude shoes, I almost ran in to try it. Then I saw the price. Then I put them down, my excitement dampened.

Few days ago, I went into the store again, hoping it went on sale and even thought of how I will not shop anything else this month just to splurge on the nude shoes.

I'm feeling frumpty lately, with my excess weight and my lack of bother to dress up. No matter how I blow my hair and went through my wardrobe, I still have to pull up my hair so Baby J don't grab and pull, wear soft clothes so Baby J can cuddle on my chest, wear appropriate shoes so I can hold Baby J responsibly.

And it happens so that the store sold out my dream shoes. I did my ebay research but reality hits me - when to wear it and what to wear it with?

So yep, no lust-worthy heels, stick to my Crocs and other faithful flats, and instead of spending chunk of my savings on dreamy Louboutins, I should be a good mom and should just purchase the upgrade for Baby J's car seat. This month ;) Maybe next month, the nude Louboutin will be in stores...

The Horrid Four Letter Word - D I E T

2009-02-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Dieting is horrible. Ugh. Yes I do understand the dictionary meaning of diet, its supposed to be a positive thing or bla bla bla. Yep thats how my body understand diet - blah.

Before getting married or worse, when I was in my roaring twenties (19-24; I stopped counting when I passed quarter century old), I was a serial dieter. I tried diet pills and full salad meals in college, the 3 times/day calorie soup thing post graduation, skipping dinners and straight alcohol during clubbing phase and even vegetarian for months.
I went from a chubby, awkward teen of 63kg to sort-of a healthy 54kg girl in college and 47kg at my lowest. When I first reached 47kg successfully through depression and crazy dieting (small portion food intake, chugged on water and late night exercising), I took in people shocked faces when they exclaimed I'm too skinny as being a compliment.

It was until I felt more comfortable at social scenes that I begun to enjoy lunching and dining again. Then I met my husband and I went to my skinny mode again without dieting. I was too stressed out juggling wedding planning, renovating and moving into our townhouse all by myself at the same time.

After my wedding, my weight went back to healthy 52kg, I had a little 'pouch' but was still able to wear bikini by sucking in my breath for illusion of flat stomach.

I tried hard not to gain weight for my pregnancy, trying to only reach 12kg healthy gain but to no avail. I was so happy during my pregnancy, that I enjoyed all forms of living styles, which includes food. Thus, I gained and my weight peaked till 68kg. I was very optimistic to lose the weight by thinking to exercise with my baby.

Dream on.

Its been 7months already, and the extra 5kg still shows up on the weighing machine. I tried to eat less carbs, sugar, sodium and even lesser for my last meal by 6pm. When I remember my past dietings, I almost gag when I see those diet soup sachets. I still run to my kitchen and open my snack cupboard to gorge on sweets during late night cravings.

The solution to my woes is simple - exercise but exercise doesn't seem to exist in my dictionary. There is a diet though which is good and worked well for me, which is Eat By Your Blood Type. I'm AB, which means no dark meat and no rice, which means quite impossible because I can't give up on my beef now when I'm enjoying every bite of it (I gave beef up for dieting sake and didn't eat beef for a full decade).

So... I guess I just have to eat 'healthy' as possible and try not to read food blogs at these hours to spare myself the misery of seeing the weighing machine the next morning...

Drool then -> Hunger Pangs

2009-02-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

I just found this blog, Kuidoare, and was very excited to know its based in Singapore and the blog author teaches!

I'm actually more tempted to lick and munch on the pictures she put on her blog! Yes I admit I drool on most cupcake pictures I see very often online and this blog does not help my diet at all. Especially not at 10.30pm when I have to think and convince myself to not step out of the room and run to the kitchen and do some crazy rampage on the fridge.

image from Kuidoare