The List ~ Update 2

On 16 January I started with "The List" a compilation of 52 things for me to do in 2012. It is a really long list and to be honest I stopped referring to it because the list was super long and instead just lived each day as it happened ~ I think my list this year will be shorter so its easier to manage I reckon....Anyways, I did however, take stock of where I was on "The List" and wrote a post about it titled "The List - Update 1" on 5 May.

Since today is the 31 December, I thought it apt to provide a final update before 2013 happens! So, here goes folks... {OK.. I technically updated this on the 31 December but only managed to put in the pictures and etc. today ~ tsk tsk tsk! But better late then never. Enjoy!}Presenting "The List ~ Update 2".

1. Make time to be with God. To pray. To listen to His promptings and to just be with Him.

Update: To be perfectly honest, this year is the first time in all my 30 years to have missed mass so many times. It is indeed appalling. I will not try to make excuses for my actions but rather I think the lack of attendance boils down to not putting God first {shame on you DW!} and for not staying with my family. Since moving to my Love Nest, I dread to ask B to bring me to church since the weekend is sometimes the only time he gets to himself, yet he has almost always brought me to church and has on occasion reminded me to go as well. In terms of praying regularly, I find myself talking more to God but have been slack in reading the Bible daily. It is such a challenge to sit down quietly when my mind is buzzing with things to do or things that has happened. So this is definitely something that will be on my list in 2013 and hopefully I will be more diligent in setting aside time to be in God's presence, to pray and to read the Bible more. I think I should also plan my weekends a little better so that I fit in time to go to church.

2. To live in the moment.

Update: Ahhhh… I think I became better at this ‘living in the moment’ thingy half way through the year and even more so after the honeymoon. I don’t quite know what the trigger was but suddenly I began to do things that I would not normally do, I stopped taking everything too seriously, I Laughed loudly and more heartily, I listened and immersed myself in music, I cried till my soul ached, I put my passion into the things I enjoyed and loved like “Hearts & Crafts” for example. I still have a long long list of ‘things to do’ in my mind but I have decided to let some things go. This will also be on my list in 2013 because I want to live in the moment for all things because it has made my life so much richer.

3. Enjoy and savour my Wedding even if there are so many things that are not in our control.

Update: I still have not done and epic post for the wedding. I really should. Perhaps for my first year anniversary. But yes, the wedding was epic. Definitely a highlight of 2012. Will check this off my list for sure.

4. Learn how to sew something {ornaments, pouches, pillow cases… whatever. Just sew!}

Update: The cross stitching has been abandoned because of “Hearts & Crafts” and the several other projects I am dabbling in. However, I have made cloth pinwheels which does involve some minimal sewing of buttons… LOL! I wanted to also join a class to sew a tote bag and am hoping that I can fit that in before my 31st birthday. Let’s see how it goes. But, will definitely want to continue learning how to sew or use sewing in my projects to come *smiles*

5. Launch “The Knick Knack Box” proper

6. Plan, prepare and photograph items for “The Knick Knack Box”

One of the most awesomest news of 2012 for me would be not the launch of “The Knick Knack Box” but instead, the launch of “Hearts & Crafts”. The name “Hearts & Crafts” seemed to suit me so much better and I loved it when Joy recommended it to me. The design of the logo and the concept for “Hearts & Crafts” was developed in mid May and “Hearts & Crafts” officially started on 24 June, a day of new beginnings. I have so many awesome ideas for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013 and can’t wait to start on them *woot woot*

7.   Start working on my play lists for Lexy {Lexy is my new Samsung Galaxy II phone}

Update: Ok. I hate reading manuals. So no, I have not started any play lists. I have however expanded my musical interests to include rave music, super emo music and whatever interesting things I find on youtube. I might not want to make play lists for Lexy anymore, but play lists for perhaps cooking, relaxing, sleeping, dancing and etc. A definite thing to do in the New Year.

8.   Think about different kinds of posts for My Little Piece of Heaven

Update: I really did think about different kinds of posts for this little blog of mine but I don’t seem to have the time to really blog this year to be honest. It’s a pity to be honest. Anyways, on a side note, I hope to revamp the site for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013. I want to give it more life and a more “me” feel *snickers*

9.   Pack, pack and pack to move into the Love Nest

Update: I have moved quite a number of things over but realised that with the Love Nest being the size that it is {compact}, there is just no space for B’s and my things. Every nook and cranny of the Love Nest has stuff *egad* am trying hard to clear the space but its super tough when the things aren’t mine. In 2013, I hope to decorate and store things in more efficient and appealing way… and who knows, we might even get a new awesome landed property to call home *keeps hoping*

10. Get down to a 'friendlier' weight

Update: There was one time that I was doing well and going down but its taken a turn for the worse. I actually mentioned it to the doctor when I went to get some meds and he said the easy weight gain could be due to stress and hormones! *egad* Anyways, needless to say, I will need to continue this and I am going to really try making it down to a ‘friendlier’ weight. It’s tough when your husband tells you to exercise and that you look fat. Obviously the whole ‘round is a shape’ or ‘there is more for you to love’ will not work here *super fails* *sigh*

11. Get highlights

Update: Done! I looked awesome *huhuhuhu* Problem is I gotta do it again cos the colours are uneven now. Perhaps before my 31st birthday and CNY… hmmm… what colour should I get?

12. Perm my hair

Update: So the perm thing obviously didn’t work. After getting short-ish hair, I went crazy and cut it even shorter, around my ears or so. I liked the lightness of my head, the easy maintenance and the whole different look I had … but then I got kind of sick of looking like a chubby boy and decided to grow out my hair again. I really want a good perm next year, so this is super going to be

on my list in 2013.

13. Remember to be more grateful for the things in my life – try writing one grateful thing a day

Update: Did not manage to write down my daily grateful thing but like I have mentioned, have been more thankful and observant of God’s blessings. Will continue to be grateful daily {and hopefully will be able to write the one grateful thing a day}.

14. Go to Europe and ROCK it {slight snag encountered but am positive it will be okay}.

Update: What can I say, Europe was EPIC!!! It wasn’t all that I had hoped it would be to be honest but it was just awesome to be at all these different places, smelling the different smells, looking at things that once belonged on postcards or documentaries and meeting new people and trying new food and drinks. This exploring and adventuring is addictive. I believe this wanderlust in me will never go away. Am daydreaming about my next trip to Europe already!

15. Remember to document the Europe trip well

Update: I tried my best to document the trip. I took about 4,000 photos {which I have yet to editor sort} and hope that it is good enough for the both of us to piece together the things we did and the places we visited. Did manage to keep some bits and bobs which will come in handy when I decide and finally do a mini album of our trip *smiles*

16. Go for at least two local holidays {Cameron Highlands? Langkawi? Malacca? Thistle PD?}

Update: Awesome possum! I managed to go to Thistle PD, Awanmulan in Jelebu, Seremban {I just got back from there a few hours ago} and Malacca {stopped by for a makan session before going back to KL}. B and I have decided to do a couple of these short holidays at least twice a year next year too! *woot woot*

17. Brush up on my photography skills 

Update: I don’t think I managed to write a post about this gorgeous new toy of mine which is a shame. Another shame would be how I did not use the new toy often. 2013 will see that change fur sure!

18. Try my best to get rid of the procrastination problem

Update: I am still trying!!! *snickers* but procrastination is a serious habit to break. Some days are of course better than others. Will remain on my list till I see some improvements in my time management.

19. Get into the habit of handwriting letters / post cards to friends overseas

Update: YAY!!! Not only did I handwrite the letters, I also started doodling again. In part through

the encouragement of GW, a new colleague of mine. But yar, more handwritten and personalised letters to be part of 2013. There is just such awesomeness in handwritten/drawn/doddled letters or pictures, don’t you think?

20. Organise my photos {soft & hard copies}

Update: The photos has exploded ~ both hard copies and soft. The good news, I have a new hard disk which means more space to save my stuff and I also developed some hard copies of my wedding photos and have sent them out to Philip and the Eatons. A few more packs of photos to send in 2013 ~ yay!

21. Arrange my new reading/craft room

Update: The room is in a mess due to the numerous things that both B and I own. Have been arranging my arts and crafts supplies but I really really need new space or better storage space! Here’s to having a cleaner, bigger {hopefully} and more organised reading/craft room.

22. Endeavour to cook at least once a month

Update: I don’t think I managed to cook at least once a month, but I can safely say that I did cook more this year than in my entire life. I have almost perfected my stew and Bolognese sauce. I definitely want to try new recipes in 2013. Let’s hope it tastes good. *woot woot*

23. Try making 12 cakes / cookies this year

Update: Ok. This one is an epic FAILS! With so many things going on, baking was something that I really could not take on. Perhaps next year though this is quite tough to gauge since I don’t have the right baking tools and would need to go to my mum’s place to borrow her stuff…. Let’s see how it goes. I might however reduce the amount to 6 instead *huhuhu*

24. Start creating art {mini albums included ~ hehehe} 

Update: Have managed to create art thanks to “Hearts & Crafts”. More inspiration to come in 2013 ~ confirmed!

25. Start creating mini albums for: the Trip to Philippines and Vietnam, Project Love Nest, Project Happily Ever After

Update: LOL! Another utter scuff moment. No mini albums yet, but I managed to sort out things into bags so that it will be easier to get the memorabilia when I want to do the mini albums.

26. Look for more fulfilling careers

Update: Life has always given me many twists and turns but none like PC, a public relations consultancy that I am now working in. I have been working with them for close to 6 months already and at times my stint at the hovel hardly seems real. Anyways, I wanted to leave PC about 3-4 months into my time there but then I realised that maybe it wasn't the place that was the problem, it could in fact be me. I lie, there are some things in the company that are just like ‘wth’ but I reckoned that running away from things that I am not happy about would only make me a quitter and a quitter I am not. So I changed my mindset, decided to fully focus on my clients and to just try my best. I think this was one of the best things I have done for myself this year. To take a risk and join PC and to have the courage to look inward, change and to ultimately decide to stay instead of taking the easy way out and leave the company. Here’s to a good 2013 at PC with less cray cray demanding clients.

27. Backup all my files on the external hard drive

Update: The backing up of files is a never ending process. I have a new hard disk coming and I think I need to re-file everything in a more organised manner soon…ish! LOL!!!

28. Try a 30/31 day photo challenge {see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here}

29. Try snapping a photo a day {this is one awesome project}

Update: Managed to do a couple of these photo challenges. Not easy and I failed for some months but to do one. Will definitely try again this coming year *happy snapping!*

30. Sell all the things I don't quite need

Update: Have been pretty good at this. I have sold more books this year and have sold some stationery and etc. via “Hearts & Crafts”.  There are still so many things to sell or give away.

31. Organise my craft items

Update: Have sorta organised my craft items but it was done hurriedly so it may not be like super awesome. Will hopefully have more space for my craft stuff soon.

32. Delete toxic people from my life

Update: Either I have become more tolerant or toxic people have just become a dying breed. Either ways, I might go through FB and delete some toxic or unpleasant people on my FB.

33. Bring Belle the beagle out for more walks

Update: Ma has been awesome bringing Belle for walks but have instead tried to teach her new tricks. There is this whole conundrum now as my dad wants to give Belle away. Belle to be honest has become to spoilt that she doesn’t listen to them and barks heaps and tries to eat everything that she can get a hold off. Anyways, I don’t know what the future will hold for Belle and us but I know one thing for sure is that I love her and want her to be happy above all else.

34. Learn more about marketing online, social media and branding

Update: Learning never stops. Have to read up on my tech stuff now too!!!

35. Stop comparing myself to others

Update: There are moments when I love my life and am super confident and then there are days when I compare myself with others for the most ridiculous of things and get upset for nothing. Nevertheless, I feel a mass improvement now so the comparing is less *yipeee*

36. Read at least 20 books this year

Update: I honestly don’t know if I managed to read 20 books but I think I hit about 15 or so. I gotta sit down and do a real count. Still a good effort I think. Here’s to 20 books in 2013 *woot woot*

37. Catalogue all my books

Update: GULP! Zilch. Nada. Let’s move along. I don’t quite think this is necessary {not in the near future anyways} .

38. Stop buying new books {unless I really really need it!} *snickers*

Update: How can I resist books? It’s not right. But yar… I did buy quite a number of books but mostly all cheaper or on sale. Books and I will always have this thing together ~ LOL!

39. Try my hardest to fit some form of exercising into my week {walking in shopping centres count}

Update: I need to walk more or to do some exercising that involves me actually physically exerting myself for a couple of minutes. A good thing though, B and I participated in the Terry Fox Run 2012 along with quite a number of the consultancy I work for.

40. Put at least 15% of my salary into the FD account

Update: LOL! I obviously wasn’t thinking right when I wrote this. I have not been able to do this but I think it something I need to inculcate in myself in 2013 if I intend to go on nice holidays or to furnish my home.

41. Start creating my photobooks

Update: Photobooks!!! *gulp* I have a few more to use thanks to my itchy hopeful fingers who bought several Groupon vouchers. Here’s to making more photosbooks for the New Year.

42. Try to do a facial monthly

43. Buff my nails at least once in three weeks

Update: I can’t remember the last time I went for a facial though I did buff my nails last month I really need to work on this beautifying thing. I need to maintain my youthfulness *snickers*

44. Limit my ice blended coffees

Update: BLEH! For the whole year, I did limit my ice blended coffees but come Christmas time, well it is the time when I drink the most Starbucks beverages. The Christmas drinks are just yums. 

45. Drink more water and tea

Update: Have started drinking milk and oats in the mornings for breakfast. I kinda like milk *smiles* but may need more tea. Drinking more water never hurt anyone as well *snickers*

46. Eat more fish, fruit and vegetables

Update: I am not very good with this. Had several new fruit this year though. Perhaps I will need to relook my diet for next year if I truly do intend to go down to a ‘friendlier’ weight.

47. Downsize my wardrobe

48. Go through my shoe collection and discard old shoes

Update: This is an on-going process as I unearth more old things. Definitely an on-going project in 2013.

49. Catalogue my Eeyore collection

Update: huhuhuhu… a pet project that never took of. Perhaps in 2013?

50. Do at least two MAD (Making A Difference) projects {visiting an orphanage, volunteering at a soup kitchen and etc.}

Update: I have not done any projects but have been donating money to random people whom I think need it. Will try my best to do two MAD projects next year.

51. Search and try new restaurants and cafes.

Update: Have been trying new places every now and then but its not quite cheap to eat out in PJ/KL. So instead, I have been trying new dishes in old places *snickers* Will love to continue exploring for new places to eat in 2013.

52. Just be me!

Update: I have definitely smiled more, laughed more, sung out loud more, told more stories and jokes and just enjoyed being clumsy, slightly geeky me. I have become more snug in my own skin and have come to accept myself as I am. I also see myself learning new things and evolving to be a better version of myself *hoorah*

Note: All photos from DW's pinterest collection

Our Wedding on Signature Weddings

Project Happpily Ever After has been picked up
on Signature Weddings wedsite!!!

*happy happy joy joy*

You can see some of our shots {and read a little about our wedding}.

Enjoy and hope you like the photos {more pics soon, k}.

Seen @ Signature Weddings site

I DO!!!

He said "I Do!" and so did I. 

Am finally married. 

*woot woot*

presenting the newlyweds.

{more updates on the wedding soon}.

* Yes. that's how I look like  ~ grin grin*

Project Happily Ever After

I coined the title "Project Happily Ever After" on

November 23rd 2011 for the preparations for my wedding.

To me it was a whimsical name which held hope

and promise for the wedding of my dreams.

I wanted to write about "Project Happily Ever After" for many months now, yet there was either never a good time {as it always is}, there were just too many things getting in the way, I felt like crying, screaming, or breaking something, or I just didn't feel like writing. Now that the big day is less than 20 days away, I feel as if it is time to write it all down, spit it all out.

For as long as I can remember I wanted to get married. It was a very sure thing. One of the only sure things in life for me to be honest. I wanted a fairy tale, colour coordinated wedding with all the prettiest things. The wedding would go smoothly, everyone would fall in love with my dress, decorations and every little detail and call my wedding unforgettable, memorable, wonderful. 

Well as life would have had it, my wedding is none of that. There have been mistakes and hurdles every step of the way. From the invitation list, to the invitation itself, the decoration for the house, the do's and don'ts have marriage, the dress, the thank you card, the RSVPs and the list goes on... even the honeymoon has not been spared. It's been quite awful to be honest and squabbles, nagging, sharp words, angry stares, grumbling, annoyance, cold shoulders and etc. is nothing new around here these days. Am I bridezilla I wonder... probably I am... because in my mind and my heart I have always wanted this fairy tale wedding. And what I have is far from that. So I become this horrid person who gets angry and who worries for no good reason.

To be honest, I really do want to enjoy this whole wedding planning process. I want colour binders. And clever lists. I want to live it. Feel it. Breathe it. And I do just that {or most of it} but the reality of things leaves such a horrible bittersweet taste in my mouth. 

For someone who loves weddings like I do, who stalks wedsites and such, my wedding is far from the way I want it to be. It's not like how I read about in books nor is it pretty like in Marta Stewart or all those bridal magazines. You might think me ungrateful or dramatic... but it is the truth.

  

Yet... yet out of all this gloom and horridness, there is a silver glittery lining that makes the unpleasantness okay. It sparkles like a beacon of hope. A sign that everything will be alright if I trust. If I believe. If I hope. This silver glittery lining is the knowledge that I am never alone. That God is always by my side, helping me through the ups and the downs that I have faced. His hand is always there, guiding me, loving me, helping me in ways that I cannot fathom. Then there is also the understanding and acceptance that the fairy tale wedding of yesteryear that I had built so meticulously in my mind was just that. A fairy tale. It was pretty on the outside but empty on the inside. But now, the inside is full of love and joy at starting a new beginning with someone I love. It is brimming over with hope and promises of a new days ahead. 

It is really a sign of surrender to God and to my perfect fairy tale wedding. For upon surrendering can I fully appreciate the wonder of what a marriage really is. It is about a new start. A new chapter. A new relationship between myself and B. It is a joining of two hearts into one. It is a union and a promise before God. A pledge of eternal love. It is the start of a 'we' and a departure from 'me'. It is about what comes after the glitz, prettiness and colours of the wedding. 

The wedding is like a pretty present, wrapped up and decked out in all its prettiness. Yet, at the end of the day, the wrapping is taken off. Sometimes we will take several pretty pictures to put up on Facebook or Pinterest or our blogs. After that we will slowly undo the wrapping to reuse as scrap material for an arts and crafts project. Or we may just rip through the wrapping and ball up the bits of paper and ribbon and dunk it in a bin. So at the end of the day, you might get some pretty pictures and some bits and bobs for your next project but what really counts after all the unwrapping is what lies underneath it.. the gift, in this case marriage. And my dear readers, that is what is most important... the marriage. 

My marriage with B.

How we live our days under the sun and moon as husband and wife. The memories we will make, the smiles, tears, opportunities, challenges, laughter, joy and tenderness shared. It is the one thing that keeps me going. The fact that at the end of the day, I will be married to B my best friend. I want people to say about this marriage that it stood the test of time, that it was unforgettable, memorable, wonderful. 

Don't get me wrong. I still am irked with quite a number of things but in true DW fashion, I will soldier on and make it happen and really at the end of the day if I am honest with myself, it doesn't really matter. God will strengthen me and give me all that I need. Amen.

 *smiles smiles*. 

So my dear friends and blog readers, I hope that you will say a quick prayer for me and B that our marriage will be a happy and blessed one and that our wedding will fall smoothly into place with pretty details on the side.

Amidst the glitter and the magic ~ 

I found your heart and you found mine.

All images seen @ DW's pinterest collection

A crazy bride rant

I have been MIA on my blog and it communicating with my penpals and with some of my friends as well and I feel so crappy because I have so many things to blog about... but Project Happily Ever After is seriously time consuming and stressful!!! I have not completed anything a 100%. The invitation list is kinda spiraling a little out of control. The food and canopy for the reception after the church wedding and tea ceremony have not been booked. The flow of the wedding has not been done. Weight has not been lost. Pimples are popping up like mushrooms after the rain. People are driving me crazy with their demands and their antics and their words. And I am ranting like a crazy bride. GAH!!!! 

Panic mode on.

Yet out of this craziness... there are smiles. 

There is excitement. There is genuine happiness.

I just recieved awesome news, my host family from Temora and 

my friend whom I met from my student exchange days from Switzerland, Philip is coming for my wedding!!!

*happy happy joy joy*

I am so excited.

Must focus.

Must get things in order pronto!

Panic mode has to be switched off.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Leave it in God's hands.

Amen.

Must Resist!!!

I have not talked much about Project Happilly Ever After and I have

talked even less about the Princess Project. The reason being

is that both are not going as smoothly as I hoped it would.

Project Happily Ever After has hit some bumps along the way.

Bump Bump Bump! From the guest list to the invitation {the horror!},

to the pre-wedding photography, to the wedding favor, and etc.

Then there is the awful realisation that everything involves $$$.

Lots of it. Everything you touch is $$$. *gulp*

There are still a couple {I use this lightly} of loose ends to tie up.

A couple more calls and arrangements to make.

A couple more envelopes to stamp...

and the list goes on.

So ya... btw, everyone I meet now asks the same question...

"How is the wedding preparations?" and I know they mean well

but really. Do they really care or want to know? Not sure.

Right moving swiftly along...
The Princess Project is not going well as mentioned above.
My skin is super sensitive. For some reason I break into
fits of sneezing {violently I might add}which leads to me having
red ugly eyes and an awful headache. My hair is... strange.
And most of all I look like a sausage *sniffs*

Seen @ Meow Cheese

I need help. 

Must resist the food.

Must resist the desserts.

Must get butt out of bed to exercise.

Must exfoliate and mositurise.

Pronto.

OKAY!

Enough whinging.

I am going to have a cookie glass of water.

*snickers snickers*

Rome wasn't built in a day...

and I wish my wedding was another 

couple of months away...

maybe I can loose some weight then...

maybe.

maybe not.

perhaps.

hopefully.

*hahaha*

Such a random post.

Ok. I am honestly freaked.

I look like a sausage *sighs*

Gonna play Zuma now or

drink my sorrows away with water.

Toodles {sorry am emo-ing!}.

naked nails

It was supposed to be pretty straightforward. I leave work slightly early - take a cab to my nail salon and get my manicure and pedicure done for my pre-wedding photo session on Thursday.

but NO!

My nails are not done.

Firstly something came up at work, so I left slightly late. Then I couldn't get a cab and when I finally got a patient nice cab man to send me to Taman Tun for my nail appointment, I get stuck in a jam. And then it rains. And the meter for the cab is running. And running. And then  the nail salon calls me and tells me that if I don't reach in 5 minutes I have to reschedule ~ I am in fact very far away. Very very far away!!! 

So, I don't have an appointment, 

can't get my nails done and am stuck in a jam. 

I feel down and angry and sad and annoyed.

I want to laugh at the situation. I want to scream.

But instead, I called Drama Dave and we go to Decanter for a drink.

I feel better after the very ladies vodka.

But my nails un-coloured ~ they feel strangely cheated and naked after I promised them a pampering spa session. I reckon I gotta go find myself a nail salon tomorrow during lunch to get my nails done. Pray I manage to get them done.

Am now frantically getting my props ready for my pre-wedding shoot while trying not to think about the wedding invitations that have yet to be done and the guest list which is 300-ish people too many! 

Ahhh... thoughts of eloping did cross my mind several times over the course of these two weeks but as my best friends remind me, it will be all worth it at the end of the day. I will try to remember this in the next 2 months or so. *tick tock tick tock* the so called 'big day' is just round the corner ~ egad!

Thank God for B who keeps me sane and who puts up with the craziness. 

I am so glad that he is back... things are back to normal.

Off to bed I go *smiles* I hear rain and thunder.

Sweet dreams all.

Btw, it's B's birthday today. No big celebration.
Just a quiet dinner at his home, Gossip Girl series on the telly.
And slices of black forest cake and a catch up session.
*I love you Boo, Happy Birthday*

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

1st Party @ the Love Nest

"And Lord we want to lift your name on high

And Lord we want to thank you for the works

You’ve done in our lives

And Lord we trust in Your unfailing love

For you alone are God eternal

Throughout earth and heaven above".

{One of my favourite songs}

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

The weekend was aweseome-busy-tiring-blessed.

B & I had our first 'open house / party' at the Love Nest on Saturday and invited our relatives and friends over. For the first batch {since the Love Nest is quite compact in size}, we had B's relatives over - we had a 'happy house warming' cake and a birthday cake for B whose birthday is next week. After that, I had my friends over. 

It was good to get everyone together and I am so thankful for the lovely presents that we recieved ~ the 500 bucks Ikea card is just so awesome as I can finally start putting up the soft touches to the Love Nest with photoframes and the like *smiles smiles*, so thanks guys ~ both B and I appreciate it and let's share the wine soon while we toast to our first holiday away in what 11 years? Lastly we ended the day with poker night at ours {pizza, poker and all kinds of drinks!} with the guys ~ I love winning at poker though my hands were pretty good. So, there we were... from 8:30am {woke up scrambling to get the house spick and span} till 2am {watching videos after a night of poker}. The only thing I regret was not taking enough pics but its hard playing hostess and taking pics at the same time ~ maybe I shall remember next time.

Sunday dawned upon me wayyyy to early. I went to church, had lunch and then B and I went to get our wedding bands at Diamond & Platinum. I had initially wanted a rose gold number with a small row of diamonds but then the rose gold ring next to my white gold engagement ring didn't quite jive, so we opted for white gold wedding bands but the designs that were simillar to the rose gold ones that we wanted. I love the ring already and can't wait to wear it *super silly grin* After ring/bling shopping, B and I had our first Christmas Starbucks of the 2011 and we bought each other Starbucks tumblers ~ mine a Christmas number with pretty snowflakes and B a Starbucks lookalike {photos to be uploaded soon...ish}. Was a little annoyed at the girl who served us as she didn't inform me of the new redemption mechanism for the 2012 diaries and because of that, I lost 3 stamps ~ bleh! 

Next we had two weddings in a row. A ROM (Registration of Marriage) and another wedding reception at a local country club. It was good meeting up with friends. So at the end of the day which was 11:30pm, B and I were both pooped and due to the lack of sleep since the weekend I am now having the flues and feel jaglaggish or how I imagine jaglag to feel like. Plus my new lenses on my specs make me feel as if I am floating. Am going to give it another week to get used to and if my then I still am not used to it, I will be going to back to the shop to get it sorted.

On an awesome note, my dad who had a minor operation about a week ago just got word from the doctor that he is cancer-free and that everything is going A-okay! *Praise & Thank You God for your goodness and mercy and for hearing my prayer* He has some back problems but not much can be done for that since it is mostly due to getting older. {getting older kinda sucks at times}. So, while I mop up my leaky nose and try to get pull myself together for the day ahead, I wish all of you a happy Tuesday. It's a short week for me as I am off for a short island holiday with my friends while B goes to Vietnam with his friends. One of the first times in a long long long time since we are going for a holiday without each other but I am sure the days will pass by in a blur and in no time it will be Christmas and then our Wedding Day *woot woot* {saying it aloud makes me feel antsy as we don't have everything sorted just yet ~ working on it really!}.

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

Cakes, Cakes & More Cakes

Seen @ Mad About Cake

Seen @ Candy and Cakes

Seen @ Copper Top Cakes

Seen @ St George Food

I should be thinking about Project Happily Ever After

and I have been thinking about it to be honest. 

And since my 30th birthday {yes I am not a youth anymore}

falls in the day of my Chinese wedding, I still need to think

about what cake I should be getting. 

So yes, there will be two cakes...

my birthday cake & a wedding cake.

Some of the wedding cakes that I have seen are just
so pretty!!! *swoon* 

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

But after looking at these pretties, I thought about the

cost involved {as I tend to do these days} to make

these beautiful pieces of art and decided that

perhaps I should go with something classic and simple.

So here are some of the designs that I have shortlisted:

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection 

* Sorry but I have forgotten where these images are from*

I will probably be going for a two tier cake. Not too large.

Just nice. With some pretty flowers. Simple. Pink & White.

I have emailed a few people for a quote. Am hoping

for something reasonably cheap!! *hehehehe*

One can always hope.

A full Saturday

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

It's been a busy Saturday. Very family and Belle filled. B is at an event today so I have been doing my own thing today.When he isn't around, I miss him *smiles*

I woke up at 7:30am today and spent quite a bit of time today to go through some Project Happily Ever After stuff, watched 2010 Poker World Championship Tournament, surfed the interweb, played Zuma, bought heaps of pretty ribbons, played with Belle and went for a walk with her and my mum, chatted with my family and went to my aunties house. I did a bit of daydreaming as well and pinning @ Pinterest.

Just wanted to say that Project Happily Ever After is moving along, slowly but surely. Today really has been a  full day ~ hadn't had one of these in awhile. Hope all of you guys are having an awesome Saturday. 

P.S: I super love this quote about Happiness. It makes me smile. 

Deepavali Wednesday

Today is Deepavali or Diwali the celebration of lights for our Hindu brothers and sisters. As such, it is a public holiday here in Malaysia today {yes another one *woot woot*} ~ I think we have the most public holidays in the world and I ain't complaining! 

So instead of sleeping early last night, I had a long Mexican dinner with an old friend, Di from college {the few that I had} and chatted about this and that... mostly about men and their weird ways. I later brought her to see the Love Nest which is not a 100% completed but is more or less 'there'. B also had some friends of ours over at the Love Nest, so Di and I continued our conversation in the craft room/study/library {must be more diligent in taking photos and posting them up}. Di and I chatted until about 1am and then she left and I joined in the poker game that was already in session ~ and yes, I play poker and I kinda like it and also thank God that B and I both won *woot woot* 

After poker, we kinda hung around some more to just chat and stuff. B reckons that our friends like hanging out at our place and I guess I feel that too. So far we have received only good comments about our Love Nest though my ex boss told me that it the kitchen was 'kinda boring'. Well, with the limited budget that we have, I think we have a lovely kitchen and a cosy Love Nest which is growing on me each time I stay there... I just am perplexed about how I am going to fit everything I own into Love Nest. 

Anyways, we slept at about 3am-ish and work up late. It was just awesome lying on the comforters and just reading. It was like lying on fluffy clouds! B was awesome as he cooked me lunch. We had an omelette with cheese and sausages ~ yums while watching Supernatural Season 3. It was satisfying and so carefree. Then while B tidied and cleaned up the Love Nest, I snuggled up under the sheets and continued reading ~ am reading Yann Martel's new book "Virgil and Beatrice" {I have read some reviews and sadly it ain't quite a promising read but I will give it a go nonetheless + I did buy it anyways so too late to turn back the clock on this one}.

Seen @ Hit The Road Jacq

The rest of the day passed by in a blur of sleeping, watching 'Captain America', talking, laughing, grocery shopping and dog pampering and then what do you know, the day is almost over. I should have done more stuff. Like planning for Project Happily Ever After, or cleaned my room or something but I didn't ~ shame on me! But anyways, the good part of it all is that there is only 2 more days till the weekend! *smiles smiles smiles* Hope all of you had a good Wednesday. I had a good lazy one with a wonderful man and my family ~ I am indeed blessed. 

I know it is also quite late but to all my friends and readers who celebrate the Festival of Lights, Happy Deepavali.

Ultimate Proposal - Josh & Katrina

I wept silly tears of joy when I saw this wedding proposal.

It made me think of my own engagement.

*snickers grin grin*

Watch Josh & Katrina's ultimate proposal here.

Come to think of it, my proposal

would make a pretty good video too.

Seen @ DW's Pinterest Collection

Reflection: Our Wedding

I have finally become aware that my wedding, the BIG day a.k.a Project Happily Ever After is about 4 months or so away…I realised that I have not done much at all and am I start to freakout.

The Princess Project is going… Well nowhere but I have been trying. Staying away from goodies like Famous Amos Chocolate Chip Cookies {I love love them}, ice cream {okay I had a couple over the past year but have consumed lso much lesser than before}, slurpees, cakes {ok… fine! I had couple of these two}, nasi lemak {cut down by heaps}, rice {the odd spoonful here and there} and practically no supper and breakfasts of cornflakes {Special K and Nestle Fitness} and low fat milk with the odd couple of coco pops thrown in for flavor. But I have been good {or trying my best to be}… I guess I have to really rev it up A LOT!!!

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Then there is the gigantic List {5 pages of A3 paper} that I have developed and am working on ~ adding things, moving deadlines, removing things and then adding them again… {you get the idea}.

This List is an ever-changing document with “things to do” for my church and Chinese wedding.

It’s a mammoth List – literally! It makes my eyes hurt just by looking at it. But it’s a good way to keep track of the things I need to do and follow-up on. But every time I look at it I feel panicky and start getting a little crazy mad. The whole, so many things to do so little time ~ egad!

Ok. Let’s get back to the whole intention of my post. To reflect on my wedding ~ not the scary bits that are freaking me out but more about the “wedding” it its self. So here goes…

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

I sometimes wonder what people would say about the choices that B and I have made for the wedding. Be it the menu for the Chinese restaurant, the wedding invitation design, even my guest list. I wonder what they will say about my dress, or the type of wine we will survive or the photos that I am praying will turn our super awesome. I feel sometimes pressured. Pressured to prepare a wedding that is truly fitting for a wedding stalker enthusiast like me. It doesn’t help that part of my job at work is to plan events which I do so quite well I have to say {so far no major ‘poop hits the fan moments’}. Hence the pressure to coordinate, execute and ultimately have an awesomely perfect wedding.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

But I think with all this planning, stalking  visiting pretty wedding websites and flipping through mountains {literally mountains} of bridal magazines, I tend to forgot the important elements about B’s and my wedding. Weddings should really be about the couple and their celebration of love ~ the happiness that they have together which will be doubled once they are married. It is the feeling of finally belonging to someone, to have someone with you for always through thick and thin, through the ups and downs and everything in between. It is about the magic and the happily ever after.

A beautiful wedding is not about what your relatives want. Nor should it be the price you paid for you photographer or that you did a destination pre-wedding photo shoot. It is not about the hotel you booked and the 100 tables you will hosting for your dinner. It is not about the imported bridal bouquet or the ambience lighting in the church.

It is not about the designer gown and the Cartier or Tiffany wedding bands. It is not about forcing the groom to consume large amounts of alcohol to get him wasted on his wedding day. It is not about the luxury bridal car nor the designer weddings shoes you have on. It is not showing off or parading the loads of money you have.There will be people commenting about everything and anything no matter how perfect your wedding is.

But we have to remind ourselves about the true meaning of marriage and being together.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

A wonderful wedding should at the end of the day, {regardless of scale, grandeur and perfectness} be a happy and joyous celebration. A celebration where you see the bride and groom surrounded by family and friends with smiles on their faces and laughter in their eyes. You see hugs and your hear happy chatter and merry laughter.   

I sometimes get carried away when I see “perfect weddings”. I become envious and WISH I had this, that I could afford that and etc.But then when I think about it I realise that at the end of the day, the one thing I want is to be happy and to have a memorably wonderful celebration with people who love me and care for me.

Filled with God’s tender presence, family, friends, laughter, love and happiness. At the end of the day, it really is B’s and my special day.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Dear God, 

Help me to remember the real essence 

of what a wedding should be like 

amidst all the preparations and crazy 

busy days to come. 

May you watch over B & I 

so that whatever choices that we make 

will only strengthen the bond 

and love we have for each other. Amen.

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

Colour Inspiration #4 ~ Sophisticated Glam

Seen @ The Inspired Bride

Isn't this such a divine and rich colour palette to work with?
Such sophisticated and glamorous colours.
You know at one time I had wanted a colour scheme such as this... but...
being practical and a recent convert to being a lover of all pinks,
I decided on the more traditional colours *smiles smiles*
Loving these beautiful colours still though.
How about you?

Photo Pick #7: Pretty Wedding Pic

Seen @ Love In October

A pretty pinky red heels.

A beautiful lacy cream dress.

A bunch of colourful flowers.

A vintage blue car.

A couple in love {or I hope they are}.

Sweet. Sweet. Loves.

*smiles smiles*

Emo Crazy Busy

The last couple of weeks/months have just been emo crazy busy with work related stuff and other odds and ends. There have been so many times that I logged on to blogger and just opened a new post and wanted to pour out my heart or to post inspiring photos or just something really... but the tiredness I feel, the writer’s block that crops up and the sheer lack of willpower due to me being emo crazy busy, has resulted in little wisps of cobwebs forming on this Little Piece of Heaven *sniff sniff*  {I have however, still made the time to do my pinning *huhuhuhu*}

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection

I do aspire to make amends and fill this site with lovely lovely posts but even as I type this post at the office, I wonder if it will happen though I am sure hoping that it will! Time management/procrastination seems to be the root cause of a lot of things. That and the fact that we have heaps of impromptu dinners and outings, errands, work, an adorably needy dog, piles of enticing books and addictive TV series! *snickers*

In the future posts, I am going to try my darnest to upload photos of my trip to Hanoi {this happened yonks ago}, my trip to the Philippines where I had my brother’s wedding, fun times I have had with my friends and B; writing and posting photos of our Love Nest which has come a long long way; updates on Project Happily Ever After and just more inspiring stuff I have found while web surfing.

On another note, the sales of my books on The Knick Knack Box has been awesome ~ thank you God and all those avid bookreaders out there. I hope you are indulging in your books now and loving them!

There is really so many things to do and so little time but am trying to love every minute of every day!

Btw, it’s my mother’s birthday today. “Happy Birthday Ma!”.

Here's to good health, happiness and a good life

which you deserve. Love you!!!

Seen @ DW's pinterest collection