Hari Raya 2019

Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir & Batin!

This year, Jhon, Sarah and I were super happy because we get to celebrate the best way we could. After last year's disaster, anything was welcomed but yea, I am so contented for a "proper" Hari Raya with barely any drama.

This year, we celebrated at Abg's house at Punggol which was nice. At least, we get to get all dressed up and being in someone else's house definitely makes a difference in experience.

We left our home with Abg Jamil after Hari Raya prayers. Mak already stayed over at Abg's place so it was just the 4 of us in the cab.

Ermm... Somewhat surprisingly, Abg and family was not fully Raya Ready when we reached there at noon. Haha it's not an open house or anything. It's just the usual, Mak will be in the hosted house and our relatives would come over if they wanted to. This year, only 1 family came over besides my Kakak so it was quite relaxed.

It was so nice to see all the cousins playing together in pretty little outfits. Usually, everyone look bacin in their home clothes at Mak's place.

Mak also looked doned up so of course, group photo with the cucussss...

We had plenty of time in between so we had a quick visit to Kak Yana's mom. Sempat sey but it was a nice visit. Every year must see this sweet auntie. This was also where we parted with Kakak and family.

Before Mahgrib, we went back to Punggol in time to welcome Pak Busu and family. So geram lah get to see Adila and her curls. We totally forgot to take a family photo though. It totally slipped my mind! 

We spent the rest of the night until past midnight watching a movie while eating McDonalds. Although, McD kept messing up their order, we had a great time. I was past groggy from sleepiness to care. I could tell Sarah had a lot of fun because K.O.ed fairly easily that night. Haha

Thank you to Abg and family for having us! 

Spa by Norfasarie

The pièce de résistance of my pampering session for my birthday was spent at Spa by Norfasarie at Arab street.

I've heard of the place but was never keen in massages in general that is not done by Mak. Before this, I've only went to a massage parlor twice and it was a couple massage with Jhon; first during our honeymoon and second at Batam for his birthday.

This time, it was just me because I needed it. My body does not bounce back as easily at this age. Plus, no offence to Sarah, a few hours unattached to my girl feels like a reliever. I am a homemaker, after all. Mama once in a while, needs a breather.

Anyways, when I saw Spa by Norfasarie had a promo (they always have monthly promos) that fits perfectly for me, I knew it was meant to be. The package I was refering to was the 90min traditional massage with a foot spa.

Going to the spa does require a little bit of walking but it was an easy find. Do you know before a proper massage, we are supposed to have a proper meal and get hydrated as much as possible? It is because, after a massage, your body is relieved with toxins and whatnots. Just make sure you don't get a massage immediately after you eat.

After climbing a flight of stairs, I was greeted warmly by the concierge and was asked to fill a form. It was mostly to state the reason of needing a massage and health issues, if there's any.

After a few minutes, I was ushered by my masseuse (who I didn't get her name, doh) into a room to lounge in. The ambience in that room was calming and relaxing. I had to wait quite a while but not really complaining because I was trying to soak up the environment. It was also the first time Sarah and I were separated for almost 4 hours so yeah, mommy mode off was welcoming.

Soon after, I had my foot spa. I didn't know what to expect but to be honest, it was underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, my masseuse was gentle, lovely and took good care of my feet and calves. What I received was a soak, basic nail care which includes nail trimming, cuticle pushing and cutting, sole buffer and feet and calves scrub. It was rather basic but I suppose it was my fault to perhaps expected more. With that said, my feet was given so much gentle love that it relaxes me to a point I went in a daze. Haha

After that, I was guided to their locker to keep my valuables and was brought upstairs for my traditonal massage.

The rooms were dimly lit and quiet besides the calm music that resonates throughout the spa.

Now, as I've mentioned before, I am a fan of massages but not a fan of being touched by strangers especially while half naked. But a'las, that was part of the routine right? So I undressed as adviced and got myself ready. 

I didn't know what kind of fingers this lady had but as she started with my right foot and calves, I was burping like crazy. It was borderline embrassing. Usually, my burping hot spots due to "wind" are my shoulders and neck but feet? Hindsight, it could be also anxiety but I doubt so. 

I am not going into detail but the massage was wonderful. The only uncomfortable part was when my butt my massaged but other than that, it was basically syiok and relaxing. Most importantly, I didn't felt like I was borderline molested like in Batam. Hah!

After the massage, I took my time dressing up because I feeling dazed and floaty. I almost had trouble going down the stairs. This only means I need to recuperate by getting myself hydrated and get some energy. I was served with tea and biscuits and was given time to come back to reality.

Eventually, I made my payment and left. It probably took me an hour to overcome that floaty, out of body feeling which was nice. It was a similar feeling of being high.

Overall, I would rate my experience a satisfactory one. Would I go again? Perhaps, if only the right deal comes my way again. My body was significantly less tensed for the week.

Do you have any recommendations of spas for me to try? Please share! 

3rd Wedding Anniversary at Capri by Fraser at Changi

It's that time of the year again when we have our yearly staycation, this time, at Capri by Fraser Changi City. This hotel has great reviews especially by families for their family friendliness, their attractive rates and easy access to mall that has everything.

Now that Sarah is a toddler, we are constantly thinking of activities that would interest her and of course, a general ease of accessibility for us too.

Checking in the hotel was a breeze and we were happy with our room, Studio Superior. There's a king sized bed and a kitchenette too complete with the necessary culteries, pots and pans, which to be honest, we didn't use but definitely useful for those who needs it.

There's no bathtub (not an issue though) but when Jhon and I opened the wardrobe, we immediately thought of the same thing when we saw the laundry basket. Hahaha I am not suggesting you do the same thing, hor? If you do, do it at your own risk. Do not leave your kid alone and be vigilant as the basket is not sturdy and because a mini tub was not its intended purpose.

Oh yeah, I should mention their complimentary soap, shampoo and conditioner is Malin+Goetz which is an atas brand. Their shamppo and conditioner is heavenly on my scalp and hair. It moisturises my frizzy and poofy hair so well! I almost tempted to get my own bottle until I saw their price. Lol I didn't try their body soap though because of the rum in the ingredient.

After settling down, we went for dinner at Changi City point which was less than 3 mins walk from the hotel. We ate at JolliBee, because we were craving for it.

We also went to Burger King for dessert and somehow ended up at NTUC Plus for some light shopping of fruits, snacks and drinks.

Usually, we would use the hotel swimming pool the next morning but this time, we went on the same day. The rain had passed and it was cloudy. Perfect weather for us as we don't have to worry so much about heat. 

The hotel pool was not deep, also had a kiddy pool and a jacuzzi which unfortunately was not working at that time. 

Sarah obviously had a blast. 

After a good 1 hour, we took a shower and Sarah K.O.ed until dinner time at Manhattan fish market. 

We bought a tiny cake back to the room and had our dessert and fruits there. Remember that we bought fruits? It turned out the hotel management gave us a platter of fruits so we had a belly full of fruits that night. 

We woke up a little late the next day. Since we already had the trip to the swimming pool the day before, we didn't rush around to get ready for a swim as we would usually did. Jhon went to McDonalds for breakfast and we ate it in room. 

We lazed around the room until check out time and had lunch at Kopitiam in Changi City Point. That was it.

We really enjoyed our stay. The location was definitely family friendly and the ridiculously how accessible it was to every single thing was the icing and cherry on top! 

Quick Birthday Pedicure

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Like I previously stated in my last blogpost, I decided to pamper myself physically on my birthday month. I wanted to start with my long awaited pedicure. Why pedicure and not with manuciure too? I would like to think that I take a decent care of my hands and fingernails plus, I always feel my hands go back to "normal" state quickly since I do household chores.

Now, as for my feet, they need plenty of loving. I don't have the serious before transformation Russian nails like in @NailSunny from IG. (check them out of you haven't) I do try my best trimming my toenails, clear my cuticles, moisturise them once in a while and attempt at getting rid of my calluses. Yet, they are still subpar, at least to my eyes.

I didn't have much planned on my pedicure. I figured, I just try my luck by visiting a random nail salon and see if there is an opening on the spot. Over the weekend, I did eyed JasonSally at Tampines Hub but that didn't work out well. The next day, I tried Nailz Treats at Bedok Mall.

I had to wait 1 hour for availability so Jhon, Sarah and I just walked around the mall. While walking, I noticed there is also Nailz Treats Plus and they had a promotion of Classic Mani & Pedi at SGD55. Kwang Kwang.. I could've have a better deal but nevermind. 

The ambience at Nailz Treats was pretty standard in comparison to all the nail salons I've passed by. It was small yet cozy with several nail techs busy with their customers. 

I had Ms. May attended to me. She asked if I wanted color (for my nails) which I sheepishly said no, wondering if it was weird not wanting nails to be painted at a nail salon. 

Since I asked for a classic pedicure, I had the standard soak, nail trimming, cuticle cutting, buffing of my soles, feet scrub and plenty of moisturising. One word to describe my experience, gentle. 

May was gentle with my feet despite the work she had to do with my size 8 mildly loved feet. Usually the cuticle and under toenail cleaning hurts a teeny bit but it didn't this time! 

Oh, and yes, my mango sticky rice Sarah did get upset for a while as Jhon and her walked away. Get used to it, little lady because I will be going for a spa appointment for 2 hours. Haha

Anyways, my general experience was a 7.8 out of 10. I was satisfied and happy with how ridiculously clean and neat my toes looked. There was a little of selling of packages but it was not really a super hard sell. The cashier was a little persistant and in a friendly way so it was not a big of a deal.

One thing for sure, I didn't regret going for it and now I can't wait for my spa!

35

Hi! 

*cough cough* Let me clear the digital dust and cobwebs from this blog first, ya? The last time I wrote anything here was about 7 months ago and even then, I was way back dated with my posts.

Yes, I still do have intentions reviving this public journal of mine but ah yes, despite being only a mother of one, my hands are rather full attending to Sarah, the house and my little side job. Even when I do have the time, I just want to rest and slack.

I definitely need to hustle a little more for this. I will start with this birthday post of mine.

I wanted to do a list of 35 confirmations that I am old but when I reached the 10th, I started to feel crappy and decided to bin the idea.

I feel 30s is like a weird limbo in between the youthful, ever exciting life and constant feeling of tiredness and the fact that everyone, including you, are getting older.

30s is the start of our body slowly going downward spiral and we subconsciously trying to preserve the finesse and youth. It is the start of the mid life crisis range after all.

But this is the range is when (and recommendedly should) we get truly wiser. We couldn't care less what people think, we focus more in a small nucleus in our life and most importantly, we do whatever what we want to do that makes us happy without feeling reckless. 

I have always been okay at getting older but knowing I am at my mid thirties and heading towards 40 is very cringy lah. Hur hur. 

With that said, I decided to pamper myself a little this year by going for a foot spa and body massage and perhaps a pedicure; something I've craving ever since my post-natal massage. My body does not bounce back like it used to, you know? 

Jhon was nice to apply a day off work for us to spend time out together. To be honest, it was nothing so special lah. We went to redeem a prize I got from a contest, had lunch at Eighteen Chefs with free birthday dessert and jalan-jalan. 

We started at Bugis and ended at Tampines Hub where I tried my luck with JasonSally for a pedicure spa available slot but luck was not there. 

But we did played at the playground which was Sarah approved even though it was too hot. 

After that, we went grocery shopping and that was the end of my seemingly nonchalant birthday but I was happy and that was that important!

I just can't wait for my pampering sessions though.