My Taitai-esque Trip - SIN/PEK/SIN

19 August 2014

Came back from my week-long taitai-esque trip to the Forbidden City with ah Thiang!  Yes.  Just the two of us (... don't judge me, I wanted to bring Baby N but the folks [and, ah Thiang] think that the polluted air in the city is bad for a 7month baby... plus he's too young to travel that far for such long period... don't even have to mention the amount of stuffs to be packed for a 9-day trip - two adults and one infant...).

A quick pictorial update for the week since most of the days, except the day we went for the full day-tour - I basically woke up the same time for breakfast with ah Thiang and then head out to the malls for shopping for the rest of the day plus having to carry all the stuffs back to hotel by myself... so don't say being a taitai is so eng loh, at times can be very tiring too (I'm not super taitai enough that I can has people to carry my shopping loots for me while I shop... hehe)!

Our first meal in Beijing - yummiestestest 羊肉串 ever!  The hotpot was just so-so and soooo it was just only plain water but it's the sauce that compliments the "bak"...

FaceTime with my darling baby N but he simply not interest but more distracted in bio-ing his big head uncle leaving the house for his weekend party!  Look, his eyes weren't even looking at the screen...  ;-(

Our tour guide took us to the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu section where I read (after the climb) it has more steep steps-climbing compared to the rest of the section (ggggrrrrrrh....) even though there are lesser crowd and shorter distance to start with.  I literally climb - using my hands and legs.  Each steps were so so so steep and my legs were cramped and tired out after climbing flights and flights of stairs and we had to go through like 5-towers before we get to the end/top of the wall.  Found a vendor selling chilled cola and it was the best drink I ever had in China!  #alwayscocacola  #rmb20acan

"You are not a real man until you've climbed the Great Wall." - Mao

"Well, here I am.  Mrs.Friendly can do it, so can you!" - Me

我们登上了长城！  #greatwallofchina  #mutianyu

The 血汗 (血=mossi bites for ah Thiang, 汗=both are dripping wet during and after the tough climb) view of the Great Wall at Mutianyu!  #nowalls

The Forbidden City (故宫) - exploring the Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties!

Our Peking duck feast - our tour guide's recommendation.  We latter went to 全聚德 outlet nearest to our hotel and that was one of the best out of the 3 we've feasted for this trip!

Took a walk in 后海 area where the drinking pubs/nightlife were and took this beautiful sunset view at 银锭桥！ #soromantic

How can I be a full-pledged taitai (like I said, at least for this 9days...) without a pedicure session?  Cost me OPI pedicure service RMB 98 + nail art RMB 50 = RMB 148!  #wheregotcheap  #nochoiceihaveingrowthnailneededtobetided  #booo

Visited 海底捞 at Sanlitun and it really comes with excellent service I must say - look at the personalized fruit platter served to us!  #stilllongqueue  #postbirthdaygreetingtosingapore

Part of my haul from Beijing Zoo Market (more variety of fashion clothing compared to Xiushui and Yaxiu market).  I went there like two days straight... they are like a wholesaler - mainly distributed or sell their clothes compared to the other two markets.

One of my best dressed day!

Paired in Superman/Superwoman and all ready to go home!  #oversizedtee

我哪诗情画意的相公！#beijingairport

Up on the blue blue sky, missing my darling baby N...  Moma's coming home!

What I wear today - my loots from Beijing!  #ootd  #likefirstdayofcny  #allbrandnew

One incident that pissed me off the most during this trip was getting my bag checked at the Chinese customs.  They found out that I was carrying a power bank that does not indicate the device specification and they are confiscating it.  However, I can choose to collect them back within 30days (who the hell will come back to collect the power bank?!?).  Hello.  It was a limited edition Hello Kitty power bank.  The full specifications meaning stating the capacity/input/output etc etc...  Mine did but not full specifications only numbers, meaning 4000 (without the mAh) and they insisted to have the 3 letters printed together or beside with the number - 4000.  #dude  They didn't even 'warn' us about this loh...

To cut the story short, my 流氓的相公 fought it back for me.  After the hoo-ha with the customs and checking with the airline, I am then allow to bring it back with me.  I will presume that I am 'marked' for this incident which I don't even care - not as if I am coming back to Beijing or any part of China in the next coming trips for sure!

That almost summed up my trip to Beijing.  Don't know when is the next time I get to experience this taitai-esque vaccay again...  #throwback

Till next...

Eleventh Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

07 November 2013

Eleventh batch of shipment - - - - and still counting!

The last entry was only counting to sixth batch... suddenly lost count on how many packages were sent so far, then ah Thiang did a check and and myohmy guan yin ma... this was the eleventh purchase!  We've like spent over USD1375 or more already (blame it on the free shipping to SG lah...)!  0_0"  We still have items not cart out yet okay... like the baby wipes, mattress fitted cover protector... and etc!

 

Eleventh batch of loots:

> Carter's easy fitted printed crib fitted sheets, safari duck
> Carter's easy fit sateen crib fitted sheet, blue
> Aden + anais muslin stroller blanket, safari friends monkey
> Lamaze cloth book, tale of Sir Prance-a-lot
> Lamaze musical inchworm
> Lamaze early developement toy, Sir Prance-a-lot
> A pop-up book of nursery rhymes: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up
> Luvable friends 4pack washcloths, yellow
> Baby sign language basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and Toddlers, New & Expanded edition plus DVD
> Lifefactory 2pack multi sensory sillicone teether, yellow/spring green

The Son's First Toy Car!

04 November 2013

Title says it all!  Vroom vroom vroomz....

Chanced upon this toy store at I12 Katong last Friday and saw this vintage toy car - it was love at first sight!  Of course, I have storage issue settled before making this wise choice - to purchase lah, since the sales assistant say they only shipped in limited pieces.  Teehehe...!  Anyways, I have the permission to "park" the car at my aunt's place or alternatively the shop allows me to collect my car even though they have to store for me until next year.  So, win-win and YAY!  :)

Vilac - Pearly metal ride on car!  Retailing S$199 (+ Standard Chartered CC 10% discount).

Fifth Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

12 October 2013

Fifth batch of shipment arrived... and sixth batch is already on the way - ah Thiang just carted out another batch of Earth-mama baby creams!  I love the vintage Mickey Mouse fitted sheets and blanket, so so comfy... and Baby N will look so so handsome with that tuxedo bibs!  Awwwww...

Fifth batch of loots:

> Philips Avent medium flow nipples 2-pack
> Philips Avent classic bottle screw rings 4-pack
> Tuxedo bib
> Disney vintage Mickey fitted crib sheet
> Disnet vintahe Mickey BOA blanket

Fourth Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

22 August 2013

Fourth batch of shipment arrived yesterday - hopefully this is the last second batch we are placing our orders!  Pending to finalize the rest of the bulky baby items so that we can order the final batch in the next months.  I only ordered my Hello Kitty Thermos food jar, the. rest. of. the. items. are. not. mine.  I repeat, not. mine.  HAHA!

Popa tongbang-ed his shoes from our order (SG retailers doesn't have stock for his sizes anymore), aunt wanted the same Hello Kitty food jar (SG retailing S$49.90 and we are only paying S$18 online!!!) as mine so I ordered two!  ah Thiang thinks his Baby N doesn't want to use Hello Kitty food jar so he ordered another one!  :(

Fourth batch of loots:

> Skechers men's go 2 walking shoe - Popa's!
> Aden + anais 2 pack muslin burpy bib
> Thermos foogo 10-ounce food jar
> Thermos Hello Kitty 10-ounce food jar x2

Third Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

17 August 2013

Third batch of shipment arrived yesterday but was too tired to go through and stock check the items at 1am so, we decided to do it today.

Part of the loot was shared among Jessica (her princess to be due for delivery in the next 3 weeks... whoop whoop whoop)!  Most of the items in her order are pink and girly... wooo, I loved the Hello Kitty pacifier, and aiming to exchange 1pcs of her Hello Kitty's limited edition swaddle with mine!  Hehe.  *her crew friend got it for her in LA... amazon selling like 3times the price of mine, you see liao also want de!  #doubleconfirm  #jellypreggie

I love love love the seahorse - I have been using everynight for my 胎叫 you know...!

Third batch of loots:

> Philips Avent natural fast flow nipples - 2 packs
> Philips Avent natural drinking cup, 9ounce - blue
> Munchkin the medicator - green
> Baby buddy secure-a-toy, orange/gold - 2 packs
> Fisher-price ocean wonders soothe and glow seahorse, blue
> Jawbone headset - midnight blue

Shopping Haul from US!

11 August 2013

Baby N is so so so fortunate (ok lah, we were once fortunate too... aunt Linda has been sending us gifts and toys from the states when we were kids too!).  Ever since the day I told aunt Linda on the gender of Baby N, she started shopping already!  Sending me photos of her buys almost everyday (since the day she learnt how to use watsapp - sucha great tools right?!?!).

We are scheduled for our 6th gyane visit this Wednesday and by then, we can confirm the gender once again before she starts her shopping at the outlets, and bring back all the stuffs in October when she makes her first round back before baby Bro's wedding (main purposes to spend some quality time with my Grandpa - pray everyday for him to stay strong and healthy to be able to carry/see Baby N and attend baby Bro's wedding in time!).  *prayformygrandpa*

Look, what she's got for Baby N - and this was mearly just shopping nearby her place and she hasn't hit the outlet malls yet!  Hopes she don't pamper too much super nice clothes on Baby N, otherwise I'll get jealous (why last time no have super nice clothing?!?!).  HEHE!

Baby N's Cot!

07 August 2013

Finally we settled down on the Baby N's cot at the Takashimaya Baby Fair!  Quite hesitant to get white cot but neither the dark oak or the natural wood color 看的顺眼... so, we chose the white one.  Thank you aunt Joyce for this 厚礼!

Price comes with free 8-pcs bedding set, delivery & assembly and we top up $178 for better quality latex foam mattress!  Too happy!  :D

Second Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

01 August 2013

Second batch of shipment from Amazon.com has arrived - in less than a week from my first batch!  >_<"  ah Thiang's best buy was the thermometer, Singapore Watson was selling like $150 and online is only USD40.26!  We were playing the thermometer last night, checking one another's body temperature (of course main objective is to check if any defects on the quality lah, if not we have to do returns etc... very cumbersome one)!  Now, he is thinking or plan to buy those alcholol wipes, in-ear cap covers as refills...

His second favorite buy was the puppy.  I personally think it is ugly (I still prefers the sea horse lah!) - but he simply love it and thinks its more educational than my sea horse.  #meh.  And he asked if I am OK to let Livie play with it until the arrival of his child.  "of course (heartily!!! if not wait the battery deflated before his child can play in the next months...), please go ahead!"  Haha but shortly after he tested OK he kept back into the plastic bag and I asked why.  "aiyoh, wait she pull and broke the wires inside the puppy like the bear we got her, then no songs and lights then how?  I want this to be my child's first toy..." he replied.  "ok fine." I said.  So he gave me that 暧昧 look and packed the puppy back into the box.  #cantstand!

Second batch of loots:

> J.L Childress side sling stroller cargo net
> Kiddopotamus snuzzler complete and body support
> Fisher-price laugh & learn love to play puppy
> Aden + anais classic muslin swaddle blanket, 4pack jungle jam
> Braun thermoscan ear thermometer with exactemp technology

ah Thiang's First Batch of Loots from Amazon.com!

28 July 2013

What to expect when you're expecting; the techy daddy-to-be researching online all day, finding all accessories to zhng his stroller and cot... and his first batch of loots from Amazon.com has arrived!  Last informed was his second batch of items are on their way too... pending to cart out the third and fourth batch of items.  *hur hur*  #INEEDMORESTORAGESPACES

First batch of loots:

> Munchkin powdered formula dispenser
> Avent bottle sealing discs
> Avent breast shell set, 2-pack
> Avent bottle brush, 2pcs
> Avent 9 ounces bottles, 3-pack
> Avent 4 ounces sippy cup
> Avent breastcare essential sets
> Valco baby cup holder
> Lansinoh breastmilk storage bags, 25-count boxes pack of 3 x2
> Think king mighty buggy hook, 2pcs
> Freshfoods mash & serve bowl

15 Weeks 3 Days (2nd Trimester)

27 July 2013

Today was at the Gynae's clinic for my fifth appointment - week 15!  Baby N was measuring 9.10cm, another 3.16cm growth from the last visit.  Did a triple blood test, this time is not as painful as the first blood test I took weeks back.  The triple blood test is to test for any positive signs of Down Syndrome (they do have another test called the OSCAR, but the price is doubled and results varies from the former by about 10-15%, and so we decided to go for the cheaper option).

Baby N (what we wanted to named our baby, but we couldn't decide until we know the sex of the gender yet...), has been good.  Listens to Daddy.  Daddy has been telling Baby N to let us see his gender when we go for the scan this morning... and YES.  When the Gynae first touched my bump with the scanner, the first screen we saw was he facing us full view all the way from face to body the the legs (don't know how to describe but it's that kinda view)... *roll drums*, and YES.  We saw his testicles!  This was so sudden and I didn't expect to see it at week 15, too fast!  Then we started to loose focus and kept wanting to see other views and forgoten to ask the usual questions but just wanting to confirm if it is really a boy yet.  Gynae said, "If you see "it", that means it's boy liao... 90% accurate" and we wanted to confirm it so asked him to took the screen shot and printed it out (tsk, there goes another $45 for the film...).  I have heard people saying their Gynae confirming the sex of the gender by 90% but turn out to be the opposite again in the next visit!  Hopefully this view won't change in the next weeks!

Baby bump and scan at week 15

After paying antenatal package last month, this considered another expensive bill we have forked out additionally - $230 ($45 ultrascan, fish oil $35, calcium $15 and Triple Blood Test $135).

It was then some window-shopping for the baby cot and spree-ing on some newborn clothing for Baby N at H&M (this is the most exciting part I have been waiting for!!!)!  I think I enjoyed most was shopping for clothes rather than those accessories that the Daddy-to-be waiting to zhng for his stroller and cot.  LOL!

Preparing some newborn suits for Baby N to dress up when he's discharged from the hospital!  #toocute  :)

The Au-some Four's Trip - SIN/TPE/SIN

17 July 2013

Finally have time to pen down (my overdue) our gastronomic adventure with the Yeos -  a 7 days trip to Taiwan!

Day 1: 桃園機場出發＞台中＞赤崁楼＞安平古堡＞安平树屋＞夜宿台南

Arrival at the airport, our driver 三彤 from Utaxi picked us and head straight for breakfast.  We had ee-noodle as he recommended that the stall are very popular and latter we found out that actually the stall is popular for their porridge.  >_<  After our breakfast, we continued our journery for the first toliet break and take some photos at 幸福天空 before heading to 台南，赤莰楼 for lunch.  Tried the meat ball, yam cake and 冬瓜茶！On the way, we visited 安平古堡 and 安平树屋。 So tired after night flight and the humid and scorching hot weather!  We finally checked into hotel and refresh ourselves before visiting 台南花园夜市, had the stinkiest 臭豆腐！ Not enough with the street foods, we stuffed ourselves with Yakitori and some beer nearby the hotel!  :)

Accomodation - 天下大饭店 approx NT2,380/night

Day 2: 台南＞七股鹽田> 青青草原＞夜宿清境民宿

On the way leaving 台南, we visited the salt museum before climbing up the salty hill.  Wind was too strong, almost flew my cap away.  三彤 treated us a very nice sausage made of fish meat and I thought it tasted like some kind of black pig and I had two!!  It was too good!  The weather was pouring when we reached 青青草原 and was informed that the 绵羊秀 is cancelled due to the rain so we have to change our plans to visit the farm again the next day before we leave 清境。

Accomodation - 日光民宿 approx NT3,100/night

Day 3: 清境＞日月潭風景區＞夜宿台北北投溫泉

Early morning breakfast outdoor seating of the 民宿 cafe at 19 degrees - so shiok!  Lovin' the weather!  We head to catch the first 绵羊秀 at 9.30am right after we checked out - just a 5min drive!  The farm smells and I didn't know that the sheeps meh so manly.  Almost spent the whole morning at the farm!  We went to 日月潭，stopped-by to take a photo and buy their famous 阿婆茶叶蛋 and catch the same ferry back to the next point, in fact nothing much to see on the short ferry ride.  *so waste of my time and money*  Had a tea-tasting session at the small town, bought some tea before we start our journery to 北投， a hot spring hotel!  Very nicely deco hotel, the toiletries were all very unique - in forms of test tubes.  Of course, ah Thiang had a wonderful time soaking at the tub and all I do is to prepare the tub for him... watching him soak in happiness.  :)

Accomodation - 漾館時尚溫泉馆 approx NT2,666/night

Day 4: 台北＞故宮＞淡水老街＞漁人碼頭＞士林夜市＞夜宿台北

Visited 故宫 and we did a very fast one, brisk walking through most of the exhibits but spent a few moments on those exhibits which were worth mentioning like the 白菜头，the famous green jade craved into the cabbage and some super micro walnut craving thingy.  No pictures were allowed to be taken so, nothing here for me to do the talking.  :P  Made 3 sets of the CUTE animal horoscopes for the family at 淡水老街 - best buy so far!  So happy!  Then catching the fabulous sunset view of Taipei, Fisherman's Wharf... wind was extreme extremely strong and all my hair was entangled and I think I lost quite alot of hair trying to untangle them.  *angry*  Checked into an airline theme hotel before we explore 士林夜市。 And guessed what, I prefer SG's shilin's chicken chop to their 豪大大鸡扒！

Accomodation - Airline Inn Hotel approx NT2,900/night

Day 5: 台北＞野柳地質公園＞九份老街＞平溪（放天燈）＞夜宿台北

Had a long walk and climbing flights and flights of stairs at 九份老街, boy the weather is killing us!  We climbed all the way to the top just to buy the famous 阿柑姨 dessert.  Had a fun time writing all our wishes onto the lantern and see them all lit up then set them freely into the blue blue sky!  Hope all wishes come true!  The shop assistant was helpful and insisted to help us take some photos at the railway track using ah Thiang's DSLR - Mmm, not too bad lah I must say... the effects were like those how we go bridal outdoor shoot.  LOL!  *I liked.*

Day 6: 台北＞五分铺＞饒河街夜市＞１０１大樓＞夜宿台北

The day Imma looking forward to - is visiting Jay Chou's themed restaurant!  ah Thiang was so so so so so super nice okay, kept reminding me to check out if they are still in operation and ask me to make reservation.  Nice right?  Eventhough he kept making fun of my idol and say he mumbled all his songs and cannot hear properly and will make him puke if he listen to his songs while dining at the restaurant like until he don't want to go... but in the end, he still ask driver to send me there!  One of my birthday wishes come true.  *sweet*  We only managed to catch the night view of Taipei 101 as we took quite awhile to do our shopping at 五分铺... bought some stretchy bottoms and nothing much... such a disappointment because the quality and range of clothes were like those selling in Platinum Mall but the price like not within my expectations.

Day 7: 台北＞维多利亚花园餐厅＞桃園機場

Last day in Taipei!  We had sometime for lunch at a Victorian theme restaurant before our flight departure back to Singapore at 3pm.  Restaurant was very nicely decorated but my order of some pork as main course SUCKS.  So tough that you can't even chew properly, I should have followed the crowd and ordered chicken (and I had to order a cup noodles on our flight back).  Right after our lunch, we were all on the road to the airport.  Bid goodbye to 三彤  and took some photos before we check into our luggages....

A quick overview of what we had over the last 7 days in Tawan!  Actually everywhere in their night markets and on the streets sell the simliar stuffs and bites but my favorites are still the 香肠 and mee sua!