Baby's Diary

Teaching the Kids Piano

2011-12-14T00:25:00.000+08:00

I have always known that music is a great subject for any child to learn, but after further research on the benefits of learning music, I decided it was time to get the boys cracking. Rather than jump straight to music lessons, I thought I would start them with a home progam first. I figured with my own experience in piano and the help of a structured program, I was confident I could teach them at least the basics. Once they were ready to progress further, I could send them for formal lessons.

I bought a program called Piano Wizard which is a computer software program that teaches children to play piano using a midi keyboard. As usual, at the time when I was searching high and low for a midi keyboard, they were elusive at best and quite dear as well. After I bought my keyboard, I now see them available everywhere and only a fraction of the price I paid. How typical...

Anyway, I got started on the program, but my older son was not keen initially. Recently, he started to demonstrate an interest in learning, so perhaps it's time to dust off my keyboard and install the software onto my laptop again...

Beauty Tips for the Ignoramus

2011-11-14T00:42:00.000+08:00

I have never been very particular about my appearance. At least, not since I got over the whole insane teenage need to look good which didn't end after the teenage years were over. But I have to admit that while before, I looked kind of cool in a grunge way, I've gone from cool to just unkempt. So perhaps it's time to start doing something about it... Nothing major because I know I could never keep it up - minimalistic.

I think one of the reasons why I have never really liked the idea of putting on make up is that no matter how you do it, it never feels natural. Perhaps it was because I was using the wrong products? Well, for someone who doesn't spend any time at all with makeup except for formal occasions, I suppose it's not surprising that I don't know anything about it.

That's when websites like besteyelashenhancer.net come in really handy. If you can't make your own judgement on what products to use, then get the expert advice on it.

Technological Mobility

2011-10-23T01:45:00.000+08:00

As much as I love the iPad, its convenience and compact size, I still find myself returning to a PC to do most of my online work. I guess I just need a real keyboard and the weighted feeling of pressing down keys when I type. I think it also goes without saying that the number of typos I get from typing on the iPad drives me bonkers. So although the iPad is great to have around, I think I would still want something like the Asus Tablet PC for mobility.

With the QWERTY keyboard docking station, the Asus Tablet PC is not unlike those mini-PCs that were popular up until the tablets took over the market. And the availability of a physical keyboard means greater efficiency when working on articles. I find that I cannot type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts when I have to use the iPad keyboard.

Now all I need to be truly mobile is an online hard drive so my files can be with me wherever I go and whatever computer I logon to.

More Random Reflections in the Night

2011-09-22T02:24:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I gotta wonder at the sheer genius of thought that goes into some of things that are done here. For instance, why on Earth do we persist with satellite-dish-type tv antennas for our cable TV when we live in a part of the world that is afflicted with a Monsoon season? Whenever it rains, there's no TV. And when it's Monsoon season, it rains a lot so you can imagine the number of irate individuals in a household where TV entertainment is our no. 1 passtime.

Oh yes, don't bother telling me about how it's much healthier to be outside and that we should spend less time in front of the TV because we already know that.

Here I Go A-Wandering As I Wonder

2011-09-22T02:16:00.000+08:00

There's a question on my Mom brain that has been bugging me for a while. It's something I noticed back when I was a child growing up in my parents' home and now I've noticed it again. It's going to sound odd but here it is...

If you're a mother, have you noticed that since having a baby your urine odor has changed? I know, strange and weird question, but there it is.

When I was a child, I noticed this distinct smell to my mother's urine. Now that I am a mother, I have noticed the same smell in my urine and I'm wondering what it is. I have never smelt it before now. And no, it's not a urine infection or anything. It isn't altogether unpleasant, but just distinctive. Perhaps it's hormone-related?

Okay, now I'll go back to pondering other such meaningless thoughts in the middle of the night while my children sleep...

A Mother Whining

2011-09-22T02:11:00.000+08:00

I have been pondering lately about the things I have given up to be with the children so I could watch them grow - see their first smiles, take their first steps, hear their first words... It has been enormously rewarding, but I won't lie that it has all been a bed of roses because it hasn't. I won't say that I never looked back at my career and wondered where I would be today if I hadn't given it up. And some days I even wish I could just get away from the kids for a while, even if it meant having to wait at the doctor's for an ecg - yes, even that could infinitely be better than the ankle biting I get at home sometimes.

And of course there is the lack of appreciation. No one to pat you on the back for a job well done. Only criticisms whenever your children play up and misbehave. Oh yes, we're always responsible when that happens, but never the other way around - when they're good. And it isn't even that I want to claim credit for the days when they behave like angels. All I'm asking is why I have to be solely responsible for the days when they aren't?

Yes, there are days when I want want to be a child and just whinge and whine about everything, too...

iPlan Your Wedding

2011-09-03T21:26:00.000+08:00

In the past, wedding planners were supposed to help you keep on track with your wedding planning details. These days, there are wedding planning apps for that and they won't cost you an arm and a leg either. Some of
the best wedding planning apps are free, while others cost a couple of dollars - a drop in the ocean compared to the other wedding expenses most couples encounter.

Keep track of your guest list, your wedding budget, count down to the big day, checklist of things to do and more. There are even apps that will help you figure out what type of dress would best suit your style and body type; apps that help you add items to your guest registry simply by taking a photo of the barcode; and apps that serve as a wedding planner. Who needs a wedding planner when you have an app that can guide you to the perfect dress, jewellery and honeymoon package just by keying in your preferences and budget?

With so many readily available resources on hand, planning your own wedding has never been easier.

I Love Portable Heaters

2011-08-17T09:59:00.000+08:00

I don't like the cold. I don't like winter either. But I do like snow or, more specifically, I like skiing. I know - what a paradox. The only thing that got me through winter was my portable heater. I like portable heaters because it conserved more energy. Instead of having to warm the whole house up to the required temperature I needed to be comfortable, I could just use the portable heater to warm up my own space.

These days, if you have kids, you have to be careful about the type of portable heater you get. Some heaters can become hot to touch while in operation which makes it dangerous to have around when you have children. Something like an infrared heater with the "safe to touch for children and pets" feature is a good heater to have around. It allows you to heat up specific areas of the house so you don't waste energy.

Wreally Pretty

2011-08-07T17:32:00.000+08:00

A wreath used to signify the passing of a loved one. These days, however, it appears that wreaths are being used for other purposes as well - decorating homes and adding fragrance as well as being a gift for celebrating new life, such as the arrival of a new baby. Although the usage of wreaths have been extended, it is probably wise to ensure that the receiver of a wreath is not old-schooled because they could still take offence to the old significance of a wreath.

For some great wreath designs, you should take a look at ProFlowers wreaths - they have lots of wreath ideas.

A Laptop or a Desktop?

2011-07-17T17:11:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking about getting a new computer system ever since my old desktop suffered a BSOD. Should I go with mobility or get another desktop? The thing I have come to enjoy about a desktop is the fact that it is cheaper and you can get so many other add-ons. For example, my old desktop had logitech speakers and a 19 inch monitor and I could watch movies at night while the boys were asleep.

The biggest down side about the desktop has been lack of mobility. That meant that if I was working on the computer, I had to have the boys playing upstairs in the bedroom with me so I could keep half an eye on them. If I had a laptop, I could bring it downstairs where they could do more things instead of being cooped up in the room while I worked.

So what did I get in the end? The laptop. Mobility has won the day.

5th Wheel Insurance

2011-07-17T08:17:00.018+08:00

Ever wonder what 5th wheel insurance is? It's insurance for your RV. What's the benefit of getting RV insurance over regular auto insurance? Well, because it is specialised insurance that covers your RV, you can get covered for your personal belongings that were in your RV. It is also more convenient compared to regular auto insurance because you can cover both your car and your RV. Additionally, if you need to claim insurance, you will be handled by experts who understand about RVs. You can also get emergency coverage for food and lodgings if you happen to be away from home when you claim. Because such scenarios are uncommon with car insurance claims, most auto insurance don't provide it. These are just some of the additional benefits of getting specialised RV insurance instead of regular auto insurance. So if you have an RV, it makes sense to get 5th wheel insurance.

Adding Your Presence to Your Presents

2011-07-16T08:50:00.000+08:00

Being a sentimental sort of person, I have always been partial to personalised gifts because I believe they are more special than the ordinary run-of-the-mill gifts. Having that personal touch adds a uniqueness to the gift that separates it from the rest of the gifts we get in life. It becomes a gift you can look back on and remember fondly, "Ah, that was the present that Charlie gave me for our 5th wedding anniversary," or "That was the card that Gavin made for me for his fourth Mother's Day."

Especially for people who mean something to us, I think there is no better way to say, "I love you," than with a personal creation. And if you feel you don't have a single creative bone in your body, it's okay. Personal doesn't mean it has to be handmade by you. These days, it is easy to personalise a store-bought present and it doesn't have to cost you and arm and a leg either. And now you can Save on gifts at PersonalCreations.

Yummy Mummies Hit the Cat Walk

2011-07-16T08:42:00.000+08:00

When I was pregnant with Gavin, being pregnant meant wearing tent-like dresses and other frumpy clothes. Finding decent clothes that didn't make you look dowdy and like someone from the era of your grandmother was slim to none.

These days, it is a completely different story. The range of maternity clothing available is as hip and trendy as the new fashion lines for "regular" women. If anything, being pregnant is becoming a terrific new excuse to go out and get a whole new wardrobe. The best thing yet is that the new designs don't lose their usefulness after your delivery. Special fabrics and clever concepts allow them to be worn after delivery and even after regaining your pre-pregnant shape.

There has never been a better time to be pregnant.

A Spare Pair of Eyes

2011-07-06T22:44:00.001+08:00

When Gavin was a toddler, he broke a pair of my glasses. With Gavin being the gentler of my two boys, I guess it was only to be expected when Gareth mangled the arm of my glasses the other day since he is so much rougher than his brother. I think the only thing that saved this pair of glasses from total destruction ws the fact that it was a lot hardier than the first pair that Gavin broke and the fact that Gavin intercepted Gareth's experiments to determine just how much torque the arm of my glasses could take before breaking off completely.

Although I managed to bend the arm back into position, I figured it was probably a good time to start thinking about getting myself another pair of glasses as a spare. While I am at it, perhaps a pair of powered sun readers too. I have never bought myself a pair of powered sunglasses in the past because I used to wear contact lenses most of the time that it didn't make sense to have powered sunglasses that I never got the chance to wear. Now that I wear glasses almost all the time, perhaps it is time. I'm sure the eye protection it offers me in the sun is also beneficial for my eyes.

Better Connections

2011-06-23T01:59:00.000+08:00

I used to complain about the cell service in Australia but that was before I started living in a valley with even crappier mobile service. Thankfully, there is a way to solve the problem now. It's called a cell booster antenna. Yup, just add one of these nifty little devices to your mobile phone and you'll be able to over come the irritating problems that affect your network coverage. Concrete walls, electrical interference, poor network coverage, these will all be a thing of the past.

Father's Day Presents

2011-06-18T01:39:00.001+08:00

And it's father's day this weekend.

I made the mistake last week thinking it father's day because mother's day is the second Sunday of May. Having grown up in Australia where father's day is in September, I'm afraid I still haven't gotten used to the idea that father's day is now in June.

And now, instead of just one father's day gift, I have to think of three - one for my father, one for my father in law, and one for hubby because he's a father, too. I've always felt that the best fathers day gifts come from the heart with a personal touch. It doesn't have to bought or expensive, it just has to be meaningful. So I've gotten Gavin to work on few projects and he's come up with some lovely designs.

Hubby has always liked abstract paintings, so what better abstract painting than one created by his son?

The Good and the Bad - A Lesson in Life

2011-06-18T01:29:00.000+08:00

You can find anything on the internet these days. For example, if you lived in Texas and needed an attorney who specialises in workplace injuries, you could search google for Texas Workplace Injury Attorney and a whole list of attorneys will appear. What's more, on the internet, you can find out anything you want about the company or product you are looking at. There are independent review sites, personal opinions, blogs, etc. that you can search to find information on anything. In this age of information, we no longer have to settle for anything because we have the freedom of choice.

Sometimes I wonder whether that is a good thing or a bad thing. It's great when you're the customer because you can choose what suits you best. But if you're the supplier, retailer, or company, it's a tough fight to get customers who can also behave like spoilt brats because they have the power to choose. On the flip side, it means better service and better products which is also a good thing.

At the end of the day, I suppose it depends on how you want to look at it. Anything can be a good or a bad thing, or a good or a bad opportunity depending on whether your glass is half empty or half full. Or, as it has been written by Shakespeare - there is nothing good or bad, thinking makes it so. A wonderful lesson to teach our children for the life ahead of them.

Shopping for Flowers Online

2011-06-08T01:04:00.000+08:00

A friend's father passed away so hubby asked me to arrange to send some flowers. I searched for an online florist and made the necessary arrangements. A mutual friend then called me to ask which florist I'd used and I told her I did it online. Surprised she said she'd never thought of looking online for a florist. Well, I had never thought of looking anywhere else for a florist. If I had to find a florist to buy flowers, I wouldn't even know where to go. It occured to me that I've become to reliant on the convenience of purchasing online floral arrangements that I no longer know how to get flowers the conventional way.

Flowers are one of those items that you don't really need to see physically to make a purchase. There is no sizes to try on for fit and what you see is generally what you get. You can't really go wrong by remote order. Choose your bouquet, write out your message, add on some chocolates or balloons or anything else, key in the delivery address, login to your account, click a button and away it goes. What could be easier than that? In fact, I think ordinary brick and mortar florists that do not offer an online service are in danger of dying out because online orders are just so much more convenient.

Improving Healthcare Systems and Personnel

2011-05-21T00:25:00.000+08:00

Gone are the days when hospitals were all stark white and sterile with nurses in white uniforms. With the move to make healthcare more patient-oriented, hospitals have also relaxed their white uniform code and you can now see nurses wearing a variety of uniforms that are as bright as the cherokee nursing scrubs from Marcus. Even the walls are no longer painted white.

And that's the way it ought to be. How does a sick person get better when the environment they rest in is so cold and depressing? Recovery is as much mental as it is physical and having a "happy" environment to recover in can make all the difference. But nothing makes recovery easier than the gentle touch and kind words of a caring healthcare worker.

When I was last at Pantai Medical Center, the staff in the Emergency department were so kind and caring that I would have no second thoughts about where I would go again if I ever needed to be hospitalised. After some dreadful experiences with local doctors, I must say it was truly refreshing to see a doctor with such excellent bedside manner. I didn't realised how disillusioned I had become because I thought initially that she must be a nurse.

Of course, we do have great doctors, too - like Dr Wong (who was my obstetrician) and the childrens' paediatricians. But I have also seen my fair share of crappy doctors whose clinics I would never step into again even if my life depended upon it. That's why it is always a delight to see the right kind of people in the healthcare system.

Second Child Syndrome

2011-05-20T23:56:00.000+08:00

The first child is usually the luckiest. Being the first child into the family, parents are always excited to do everything in the best way possible. They get everything new (just because there was no predecessor), they have the biggest parties (because the fun and excitement of planning parties is still novel), and they get all the attention (because there's no one else to fight for it).

Unfortunately for the second child, life begins on an uneven keel. To start with, there is already a sibling. Then there are all the hand-me-downs (unless the second child is the opposite sex, in which case, more new things can be expected). Finally, because Mom and Dad have gotten over the excitement of throwing parties, the parties for the second child are usually more sedate.

In our case, there was always an intention to throw a proper birthday bash for Gareth's first birthday. Unfortunately for him, his great grandmother passed away within a week of his birthday and all those plans were shelved. We had to cancel the birthday invitations to friends, and instead of having a birthday party, we ended up with a funeral. Not only would it have been distasteful to continue with the party plans, no one was really in the mood to celebrate anyway.

My only consolation is that Gareth was too young to know any better. Most children don't really get the idea of a birthday party until their at least 3 anyway. It is usually the older siblings that have the most fun at the first and second birthday parties of the younger siblings. Nevertheless, I've decided that we would do something more to mark Gareth's second birthday. Even if he doesn't really get the idea of it right now, I'm sure he's going to look back at the photos in years to come and wonder why he didn't get the big do.

And now I know why parents stop bothering with their own birthdays. When you've got the kids birthday parties to organise, who needs to have a birthday party for themselves?

When Being Nice Gives You Trouble

2011-05-12T00:40:00.000+08:00

I had a car accident today. I backed up into another car. Here's the thing, I did look at the rearview mirror and I didn't see anything. He was turning into my road from T-junction and I assume he was coming fast because the damage to both our cars was a lot more than I would have expected if he had been stationary and I had just backed into him.

This is the worst part... I was reversing because I was trying to be nice and let a truck parallel park into an open bay. In the end, the stupid truck didn't even take the parking and I reversed for no reason! So just for trying to be helpful on the road, I landed myself with a RM100 out-of-pocket experience. Yeah, yeah, I didn't bother arguing with him because I had two kids in the car.

Sigh... Now I have to get my bumper fixed and boy is it bad. Or rather bad enough to hit the wallet but not bad enough to claim it. Sometimes I wonder why I pay car insurance for. I never claim it even when I do have an accident. Maybe I should start shopping around for a cheaper car insurance. I wonder if they have car insurance on wholesale like the life insurance quotes from Wholesale Insurance.

My First Tea Ceremony as a SIL

2011-05-10T00:08:00.000+08:00

Whoever said "diamonds are a girl's best friend" was obviously not thinking about mens diamond watches. Although most jewellery are generally worn by women, a tasteful diamond-studed watch on a man can look pretty good. Nothing on the bezel, just on the face. In fact, I'm not sure I'm all that into diamond bezels. It seems almost an overkill. If you wanted that many diamonds on your wrist, a far better option would be a tennis bracelet.

What other jewellery can you buy for a man who is not really into jewellery? I think a nice pair of cufflinks or a tie-pin wouldn't go astray. I'm not really too keen on gold chains and bracelets on guys.

Why are we talking about Men's jewellery? Well, it appears I am about to do my first bit of sister-in-law duty for a Chinese Tea Ceremony and we need to get something for the groom. Traditionally, I think gold is the favoured precious metal, but I've always been more of a practical person and believe that it is pointless getting something they would never use. But that's just me.

Mother's Day is Just Around the Corner

2011-05-06T08:59:00.000+08:00

With Mother's Day coming up, I thought I would look up something different to get for my mother this year. I stumbled across a site which was selling some really adorable new mothers gifts. Gosh I wish I were a new mother all over again so I could buy myself something!

Anyway, I think I'll send my mother chocolates this year. I always did like Definitely Chocolate...

Digital Carbon Copying

2011-05-06T08:44:00.000+08:00

After the recent breakdown of my desktop, I'm wondering if I should look at some data backup solutions just in case something like this happens again. My desktop had the dread BSOD (read: blue screen of death) and I couldn't get to the data on my hard disk. Lucky I managed to get in on Windows safe mode before it finally KO'd.

After such a close call, I've realised how vulnerable my system is. I can always get another computer - that's not a problem - but the thought of losing all my data is like having an identity wipe. Some of that stuff, like my photos of the kids, are stuff that can never be replaced. Yup, definitely time to do something about it.

Home Dec Fair

2011-05-06T08:37:00.000+08:00

Hubby and I went to the home dec fair last weekend to check out stuff for our new place. It's strange but I have not felt very excited at all. Perhaps because it has been such a long wait to finally get our own place that I am starting to get a little jaded. After all the setbacks and changes in plans that I'm wondering if something else will crop up and I'll have to wait again.

Anyway, we went to check out the water heaters, glass tops, stoves and door locks. There are some pretty cool door locks these days. Not only do you have the standard key lock, but they have card operated locks, fingerprint operated locks, and keycode locks. The only concern about these other locks is if the electronics fails.

We were also looking for a water pump because water pressure here is so low that hubby can't stand to take a shower in "trickling" water. There weren't many options, though. I'm wondering if we could get one of the water pumps at WeGotPumps.com.

Well, it's May now, so it is probably still a little early to get all this stuff for our place since we're not getting the keys until September. Yes, another five months...

Dressing Up for the Occasion

2011-04-26T00:24:00.000+08:00

Hubby and I were watching a Chinese romantic comedy with Donnie Yen. During the opening credits, Louis Koo is putting on his make up and getting ready. He plays a famous make-up artist who is pretending to be gay. I remarked to hubby, "Wow, I think he spends more time getting ready than me."

To which hubby replied, "That's because you don't spend any time getting ready."

Well, that's only true when I don't have a formal event to attend. I usually clean up pretty well. That is, until after Gareth. Recently, we had to attend a wedding and I discovered I had no shoes to match my outfit. It's been such a long time since I've had to dress up for a formal occasion that my high heels are all falling to bits. The weather here is very hard on the soles, so they tend to fall apart very easily.

The problem is my formal wardrobe is no longer functional because I've had to dispose of bits and pieces. The shoes that are now too tight because my feet have grown bigger after two pregnancies. The shoes that are wrecked because the rubber on the soles have vulcanised. The tops that I have had to put away because I'm now breastfeeding. The clothes that are too tight now because I haven't been able to completely regain my pre-pregnancy size.

Add to that, the fact that I haven't been shopping for anything formal because most of the clothes I wear these days are practical outfits that allow me to chase after my two boys - chasing after a toddler with high heels is NOT practical. Neither is wearing a skirt, or a dress, or anything too fancy.

And let's be really honest here - ever since having the boys, I haven't really been keen to dress up. I like being comfortable. I like wearing grunge. I love my Birkenstocks and Crocs. Although I probably should go shopping for shoes womens that are formal, I still want to find something that is comfortable and won't kill me if I haven't broken them in. And finding clothes that look good on me and still allow me to nurse Gareth discreetly are difficult to find.

But when your husband is telling you to go shopping for clothes, I think it's probably time to do something about my dress wardrobe, right?

Choose My Own Adventure...

2011-04-08T00:55:00.000+08:00

Even though I chose to give up dentistry and my career to look after the kids, there are some times, late at night when I'm lying in bed trying to get to sleep when I think back about the career I could have had. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no regrets for choosing the path that I chose and if I had to do it all again, I would do it exactly like this.

But sometimes, halfway between that state of consciousness and unconsciousness - the dreamlike state of being - I wish I could live my life like a "choose your own adventure series". I'd go back to the times in my life when I faced a massive life changing decision and wonder what my life might be like now if I had taken the other path.

If I hadn't chosen to quit dentistry, would I now be the owner of a high-tech dental surgery fiddling with one of those fancy point of care carts as I examine my patient and explain the treatment options? I wonder... And sometimes through those wonderings, I find myself writing little stories in my head not about me, but about another girl in a distant life who lived all these lives and did all these things. And when I dream about it, it feels as if I have been there before and done all that. Allowing myself to live through these fantasies helps to relieve some of that nagging sensation of "what might my life have been like?"

The best part of all is being able to come back to my life and my beautiful children feeling like I had the chance to have it all.

A True Fountain of Youth?

2011-03-31T19:06:00.000+08:00

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/10766061/ns/today-today_health/These days, if you can offer a product that can deliver the promise of making anyone younger or slimmer, you've got a winner on your hands. And that is exactly what hgh releasers claim to do. Do they actually do that? Well, one of the reasons why we age and become susceptible to all sorts of ailments is because of the decline of hgh being produced by our bodies. The theory is that if we can increase the level of hgh in our bodies, we will be blessed with all the wonders of youth again.

Sounds like a promise to attain the proverbial fountain of youth. Is it true, though, or simply marketing hype? As with most things in the world, there is some truth and some fluff. How much of each depends on which products you are looking at. Before you start buying into this fountain of youth, it's best that you do the research. And for that, you can begin with the article in MSNBC.

Reflections through the Ages

2011-03-31T16:17:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking about all the changes in the world around us as I have been growing up. There are so many things from my childhood that my children will never be familiar with just because the times have changed. Just take TV, for example. I remember when we were children, there were limited choices in the programs that we could watch. Beggars can't be chooses so we generally watched whatever we were allowed. These days, there are TV channels entirely dedicated to children's programs. Children these days are really spoilt for choice.

Another thing that changed when I was going through school were the use of electronic devices. Most students these days have their own personal computers, and laptops. Back when I was a student, we had a desk top and I shared it with the rest of the family.

With every generation there are more and more changes. My uncle once told me about how my aunt used to have to stay back late at the bank to make sure that all the money in her till was accounted for at the end of every day. Everyone had to count and recount to make sure the numbers were correct. These days, bi tools have removed that responsibility.

Then there is my grandfather's generation. For him, to have gone to University was such a big deal. Having a car meant something especially when you could count on one hand the number of cars driving around town. When I think about all the advances in our lives, I can't help but be amazed by how the world has changed through the ages.

Keeping the Relationship Alive After Having Children

2011-03-31T15:54:00.000+08:00

One of the common problems that arise when couples start a family is that they experience a decline in their intimacy. Having to tend to a baby who has no concept of day and night can be very exhausting. This can have negative repercussions on their relationship.

When you're single or newly in a relationship, many people take great pains to put their best face forward. Both sides readily make an effort to please their partners. Unfortunately, something changes when a couple has been together for too long, or when they get married. They begin to take each other for granted. There is a common assumption that "since we're married", there is no need to make an effort.

But relationships need work if they are going to last. One of the reasons why many couples stray is because of the excitement of someone new. When you compare the thrill and excitement and attention from a third party, especially in comparison to your partner who no longer makes an effort, it is not surprising why some individuals fall prey.

Just because you're married and have children doesn't mean that everything has to stop. You can still inject romance and spice into your relationship by role playing. Don't be afraid to try something new. One of the benefits of being married is that there are no longer any secrets. There is no need to be afraid to talk about what you want. You can talk about each other's fantasies and consider exploring them. Use props to add interest during intimacy. For instance, you can try new lingerie that you have never used before, like a bodystocking.

When you have children, you need to plan time to spend together, but you also need to be flexible and realise that sometimes plans will have to be broken, for instance, if one of your children gets sick. The important thing is to keep working on your relationship because relationships are not stagnant. They will continue to grow and change and if you don't make the effort, it is easy for couples to drift apart and lose touch with each other amidst the many other things you have to do.

Living in a Kid's World

2011-03-31T09:37:00.000+08:00

Recently, I was at the doctor's and I bumped into two Yummy Mummies and I found myself wondering how they managed to look so good after two children. Even pregnant they looked good! Is there like a secret art to looking glamourous while having kids?

Although I've never followed the fashion lines closely (because I'd like to think I'm rather original in my tastes when it comes to the sort of clothes I prefer to wear - at least I used to be...), I've always known the main fashion trends and what's hot right now. After being so involved with the kids and all things kids, I think I'm really out of touch with what's in the adult world. For example, until today, I didn't know what apple bottoms were.

Gasp! I hear? Well, it's kind of hard to find time to keep up to date with adult fashion trends when you're busy following the children's "in trends", looking after them and learning parenting 101. Perhaps it's time to start popping my head out into the adult world now and then so I don't feel totally out of touch when hubby and I have to attend functions without the kids...

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting to Move

2011-03-12T02:37:00.002+08:00

After years of talking about moving out and finally buying a place we're really intending on moving into, I find it most annoying that the seller is giving us the run-around and delaying all the paper work. I'm so impatient to move into our new place that this process is killing me. Since it is a shell, we will need to do some renovations to make it liveable and we can't even start planning that until they hand us the keys and they can't hand us the keys until the seller signs his paper work!

I want to be able to plan with the architect how we're going to design the interior so we can go to the home shows to make the most of the laminate flooring sale and whatever other specials they have. And at the rate we're going, it'll probably be Christmas before we step foot into our new place - grrrr!

Okay, whinge session is over...

Following Your Child's Dreams

2011-03-06T01:43:00.003+08:00

When I was growing up, I always thought engineer jobs were the coolest. I also wanted to be an engineer when I grew up. That was my dream until my Dad blew it out of the water. My parents had pretty fixed ideas on what they wanted my brother and I to be when we grew up and an engineer was not one of them.

The one thing that this experience taught me is that when my children come to me to share what they would like to do, I will not crush their dreams the way mine were crushed. Although I know my parents had my best interests at heart, I think it was very much a case of heart in the right place even if all else was wrong.

One of the most important lessons to remember when you become a parent is to remember what it was like to be young and full of hopes, dreams and aspirations. Before you crush your child's hopes, dreams and aspirations, make sure that you are speaking from bitterness and remorse from a single experience that doesn't necessarily hold true for everyone else. You may be older and have lived longer on this Earth than your child, but that doesn't mean you know everything and they know nothing.

At the end of the day, after bringing up your child in the best way that you know how, the only thing left that you can do is to be there to support them, encourage them and help them up again if they need it. You want your child to follow his own dreams, not yours.

Diet Pills and Breastfeeding Part 2

2011-02-25T02:23:00.003+08:00

In my ex-company, I used to handle the drug Xenical, which is a drug that inhibits fat absorption. It's been a long time since I've been in touch with drug information in that class so it was only after I read the alli diet pill reviews that I realise GSK has produced a half-dose version of Xenical which appears to be more readily available and accessible compared to Xenical. If I remember correctly, at the time I was leaving, Roche was already planning the release of a half-dose version in the form of Xenical lite.

Although these half dose drugs are readily available over the counter, they are still not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. This is because there are no studies on whether the drug passes through into the milk, although based on its mode of, this is unlikely. The other reason why breastfeeding women should avoid taking alli is because it impairs absorption of certain fat soluble vitamins which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Although this may be less of a concern if you are nursing a toddler who is already eating a variety of foods, the mother may end up deficient since nutrients are also absorbed from her body to produce the milk.

Is there a weight loss pill that is okay to take while breastfeeding? At the end of the day, the answer is still "no". Why? Because of concerns that it could pass into the milk and I don't think there is sufficient study on the usage of diet pills in breastfeeding mothers because no mother in her right mind would want to take something that could potentially harm her baby.

So the answer is, lose weight naturally, or wait until your child has weaned...

Eyebrow Tattoo Removal

2011-02-25T02:16:00.003+08:00

When I was getting married, I was talked into getting my eyebrows re-shaped by some special treatment called "eyebrow embroidery", which is really just a fancy way of saying "eyebrow tattoo". If I'd know back then that I was getting a tattoo, I'm sure I would not have done it. The pain was just not worth it.

But what's done is done and now I have to live with it. Unfortunately, the other thing no one told me was how much maintenance these damn tattoos were going to need. If I'd known, I would have made sure they kept to my original eyebrow shape as much as possible. Another mistake.

Eventually, I got fed up and wondered if there was such a thing as eyebrow tattoo removal. People get their tattoos removed all the time so how hard could it be? Apparently, quite hard. Not only is it painful, it requires several treatments. In fact, there's no guarantee it will work after all that.

So I've resorted to eyebrow maintenance every so often when I can be bothered or if there is a function.

Diet Pills and Breastfeeding

2011-02-25T02:07:00.003+08:00

Okay, there's something else I forgot to mention - I'm still nursing a toddler so I don't even know if there are safe diet pills that work for breastfeeding mothers or if it is even advisable to take diet pills if you're still breastfeeding. Although the breastfeeding sessions these days have seriously cut back, we're still nursing before nap time, bed time and throughout the night. We also have occasional day time nursing which I'm sure is more for comfort than for food.

Since my toddler has taken well to solids, I'm guessing that the same precautions against dieting and embarking on a strict weightloss program for new mothers probably doesn't really apply to me. Or at least, not so much. But is that enough to consider it safe to take a diet pill?

What are the concerns regarding diet pills and breastfeeding?

cross over into the milk and potential harm to baby
effects on nutrients in milk

As I said, since my toddler is already on solids and eating well, the latter is probably less of a worry. It is more the former that I need to consider. And clearly there are weight loss pills that all breastfeeding mothers must avoid. Those containing ephedra, for instance. And don't be fooled into thinking that herbal is safer. There are some herbal pills that contain ingredients that nurslings should not be consuming.

2011 Resolution in Action

2011-02-25T02:01:00.002+08:00

As February comes to a close, and with Chinese New Year (the fortnight of overeating) behind me, it's time to make good my New Year's resolution to trim that excess tummy flab... It's been a long time since I've considered a workout program or a diet for that matter. And although I generally prefer to go au naturale, being a busy mother with little time for exercise and constantly eating after the kids, I reckon a little bit of extra help will be necessary.

As it's been a while since I was last in the industry, I would probably do well to do some research on what's the best diet pills around these days...

New Year Resolution for 2011

2011-02-25T01:15:00.004+08:00

After my first child, after a month, my stomach was flat again. So naturally, I expected the same thing to happen after my second child. When it wasn't flat after a month, I told myself, "Give it time. It probably just needs a little longer." When the belly fat was still there months later, I became resigned to the fact that it was not going to go down on its own.

Most days, I'm usually too busy being a mother and taking care of the kids to really pay attention to how I look. I've also found that I am no longer bothered by the extra paunch the way I was in my younger days. It's like being a mother has taught me acceptance of my body, regardless of how it looks.

Or so I thought.

And then comes Chinese New Year and the fact that I don't look good in anything. Not even getting a size up or a few sizes up seems to make much of a difference. It's time to do something. My new year's resolution for 2011 as far as my personal image goes is to lose that tummy.

Keyboards and Digital Pianos

2011-02-18T00:28:00.002+08:00

Whenever I hear the brand name Yamaha, the first thing that comes to mind are pianos and music. Although I know that Yamaha also makes motorbikes, I had not idea they had yamaha generators. Then again, I suppose if they can make motorbikes, then why not? That said, I will always remember them best for being in the music industry.

Recently, I bought a keyboard for the kids to learn music on the Piano Wizard Music Academy. I ended up getting a cheap keyboard, however, in retrospect, I really wished I'd saved up for a Clarinova, or at the very least a Casio digital piano. Somehow, the feel of a keyboard just doesn't cut it. Maybe it's just a music bias of mine having played the piano since I was little, but I do think that if we are going to seriously consider letting the kids learn piano, we should at least get the key weight right.

I supposed that's what you get for jumping the gun. Now I'm going to end up like my Dad - always buying the cheaper option only to regret it and then buying the more expensive option later. Note to self: in future, when in doubt, just get the more expensive option. It'll cost less in the long run.

To Print or Not to Print?

2011-02-18T00:16:00.002+08:00

Recently, I've been trying to get the kids back into their flashcard program following Shichida's Speed Play exercise. I originally used flashcards made on the computer, but lately, I've been wondering if I should bite the bullet and print them out. It seems an awful waste of paper to print out so many flashcards that we'll only be using a few times before discarding which is why I haven't done it before. However, I do wonder if it works better if I have hardcopy flashcards as opposed to softcopy online flashcards.

And if I do decide to print them out, what am I going to use? It will cost a small fortune in laserjet toner cartridges if I'm planning to print them out. Not to mention how time consuming it will be to make the flashcards. Decisions, decisions...

Moving Up in Business

2011-01-28T01:09:00.003+08:00

Hubby's moving up with the business and thinking about getting personalised business office supplies for the company, including his own Chinese New Year cards and Ang Pow packets next year. It got me thinking about my early childhood education website and getting my own personalised stuff. I always wanted to print some t-shirts but never quite got that off the ground. Maybe this is the year for it now that we've been generating quite a good following of readers...

I was initially looking at getting them printed at Cafe Press, but hubby says it's a lot cheaper to print it at Sungei Wang. That place is a real nightmare to shop in, but it really does have all the things you need in there. Whenever you have an unusual purchase to make and you don't know where to find it, Sungei Wang is the place to look because you'll find all sorts of stores in there you never thought existed.

Why is it a nightmare to shop in? Well, it's just the fact that you can really get lost in there. The place is pretty symmetrical and everything looks the same. There are lots of little nooks and crannies so that by the time you've gone down them all, you won't remember where you started. That's probably the only reason why I don't really like going there. That and the fact that it's pretty smoky because the whole place is enclosed and there aren't any no-smoking requirements. It's also wheel unfriendly so strollers are out.

All things aside, I probably should check there first if I want to print my own supplies, though.

Skin Deep Thoughts

2011-01-20T00:50:00.000+08:00

Hubby says that the kids have my skin - the sensitive skin that flairs up easily whenever the mosquitoes bite. While it is true that my skin is sensitive - I can't wear a bandaid for too long or I will develop and allergic reaction to it, I need to use hypoallergenic products, and my skin is marked with a lot of scars that are impossible to get rid of, not to mention I have Epidermis Pilaris.

And yet, I sometimes wonder if my skin is really all that bad because when I was a teenager, I was quite lucky because I didn't suffer from bad acne. I got the occasional pimple - yes - which was easily resolved by what I felt was the best acne treatment I'd ever come across because it removed acne quickly and easily within a couple of days. I don't know if it was because the product was just that good or if my skin just wasn't that badly affected by acne. Hubby, on the other hand, had pretty good skin, but he had horrible acne.

So I wonder... why is it that my bad skin wasn't so prone to acne but hubby's good skin was?

Being Grateful...

2011-01-18T23:49:00.002+08:00

I love working at night. The sensation of being up when everyone else has gone to bed has always been a rather delightful one for me. But the thing about the night is that it also gets you thinking - thinking about all those past decisions. And if you let them, the thoughts can go swirling around and around only to land on the decisions that you regretted - things that you should have done differently. But for every regret, I remind myself that if I hadn't gone there, I would not be where I am today and I cannot regret that.

I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children - all of which would not be with me today if I had chosen differently in the past. As much as I disliked the amount of time I wasted flitting through careers - from dentistry to the dental industry to a pharmaceutical company overseeing various drugs for weight loss and acne products to a toothpaste company. I can't believe it took me that long to realise that I was always happiest tucked away in my own room writing. It was what I loved as a teenager and here I am writing again.

I guess I should be grateful that I eventually returned to my passion for most people do not. And that's one thing that the night allows you - for every dark memory about the past that you wished you could erase, there are plenty of great moments to be grateful for if you only allow yourself to see them.

Changing Perspectives

2011-01-18T23:18:00.002+08:00

When I was younger, I always wanted one of those old-style houses with the long serpentine driveway lined with cypress trees. That's why I love refurbished homes like Ripponlea. But as much as I love the old, I'm unfortunately a very modern person. I cannot live without technology - as I discovered after two nights in a picturesque little hotel in Cameron Highlands that had no TV, no internet, and absolutely nothing to do when the sun goes down. Even with our plans for our new place, the theme is modern and minimalistic. For as much as I love to look at old-style homes, I'm afraid my living style is just too modern.

Perhaps it was a good thing that we spent those few nights in Cameron Highlands so that I would realise the difference between appreciation and practicality. I'm sure if I'd gone old-style with our new place, I'd be regretting it. It's funny how an idea can seem so appealing until you immerse yourself within it.

Planning Home Decor for the New Place

2011-01-16T16:15:00.002+08:00

Although we're still waiting for the handover of our new place, it hasn't stopped hubby and I looking at home decor ideas we would like to implement for our new home. Last night, we checked out some a pretty cool place called Xtra which does kitchen cabinets and counters, and wardrobes. They had such clever ideas, although it came with a pretty hefty budget. RM100-150k for a kitchen is a little more than I had in mind...

We've pretty much agreed that we're going to go for modern and minimalistic, but I reckon we could still use pendant lighting fixtures for the dining and living areas. We figured that the minimalistic decor would be good when you've got a curious kid who likes to touch everything and put everything into his mouth, not to mention running around and bumping his head on every other things.

Hubby's also looking for a few zen-like paintings that we can hang up. I much prefer Thomas Kinkade myself, but even I have to agree that Thomas Kinkade is hardly "modern and minimalistic" - it's more like homey and earthy. The irony is that I like a lot of things that don't really go together... Ah, decisions, decisions. And so the process continues...

From a Big Bed to a Little Bed

2011-01-16T09:52:00.003+08:00

I've been trying to find a Thomas futon cover for Gavin to encourage him to start sleeping in his own bed. He used to like the one we had but lately he says Thomas looks scary. I couldn't figure out why until he said it was the eyes. Now I don't know what to get for him because I don't know which Thomases are okay and which ones look scary.

No matter how hard I try to convince him that it isn't scary, it's gotten so bad that Gavin doesn't even want to use the sheets with this Thomas on them. What a waste! Only my son can be so particular about such details... And when it comes to Gavin, "no" means "no" and there's just no way around it - short of threatening to remove all his privileges and punishing him for it which seems quite unfair when it isn't his fault that he's scared of this Thomas.

I guess I'll just have to take him shopping with me the next time I go looking for Thomas bedding...

Should I Get a Playstation 3?

2011-01-16T09:47:00.002+08:00

I've been looking into new and interesting ways to get the boys interested in music and have thought of getting a playstation 3 because they have that karaoke game which I remembered playing at my cousin's house. It was pretty fun. My niece enjoyed it so much that she learned the entire Abba album and can sing every song in there! That's a pretty mean feat for a five year old who doesn't even understand half the words she's singing. She once asked my cousin, "Mummy, why are they digging the dancing queen?" She thought they meant digging as in "digging a hole".

Gavin's been playing with the Wii and he loves it. He also loves singing into the microphone of his Vtech Smile and that's like a really crappy version of karaoke so I reckon he would love singing on the playstation 3, don't you?

Body Ideals

2011-01-03T20:48:00.002+08:00

If you look at the beauty magazines and the weight loss programs, most of the products advertised are usually aimed at women. I suppose the assumption is that the women are easier targets for this sort of thing. Lately, however, I've been noticing more products targetting men. For example, testoripped is a diet pill for men to help them lose weight and build muscle.

I guess that's why they can't target both men and women with a generic product because men and women want different things. Women just want to lose weight - period. Men don't just want to lose weight, they want to bulk up with muscle, too. The funny thing is, I think the men have got it right. Building muscle helps to keep the weight off in the long run because muscle burns more energy and increases the body's resting metabolic rate. So ideally, it is desirable to gain muscle mass while you lose fat mass.

But try telling that to some women... I knew a woman who cared more about what the weighing scales said than what her clothes felt like. I thought losing weight was about looking good. Does it matter if the scales haven't budged so long as you look trimmer and slimmer in your clothes? Apparently it does. She just couldn't get her head past the fact that the scales had to drop.

I wonder why that is? I know I'd rather looked toned than be skinny.

Baby Clothes are too Cute

2011-01-03T20:36:00.005+08:00

I love baby clothes. There is something irresistable about them. Maybe it's their doll-like size. Gareth started walking in earnest recently and we bought him a pair of soft-soled shoes because he was struggling to walk with the pair with the harder soles. I love how cute his shoes look sitting on the chair. Only a pair of shoes this size could look so cute.

Is there some way to keep him this size forever so I can continue to shop for baby clothes?

Mother of All Fashion Statements

2010-12-27T21:56:00.003+08:00

One of the things I do miss about living in a country with a cold season is the fashion. Yeah... so says the woman who wears shorts and a t-shirt for every occasion. Well, I did enjoy dressing up when I lived in Australia - especially in winter. There's just so much more you can do when you aren't swimming in your sweat because of the heat.

I think my all-time favourite clothing item for winter is a cool pair of womens boots. I loved boots - long knee-length boots which only a crazy person would wear in a tropical climate. I loved them before they became popular and every Mary, Jane, and Anne owned a pair. I'm not really a fashionista, but I am an individual. I hate wearing stuff that everyone has. I really dislike anything that is popular.

For example, I used to love my sparkle jeans. They were decorated with glitter and gold stars and they were way, way over the top, but I liked them. I've always had a penchant for shiny things. I loved them especially because no one had them. Fast forward a year or two and suddenly everyone was wearing decorated denim with sparkles, beads, and you name it. By that time, I didn't like my sparkle jeans any more.

And now, I don't dress to make a statement. I just dress to feel comfortable. Is that what motherhood does to you?

Home Decor Ideas

2010-12-26T10:26:00.003+08:00

Hubby and I have been talking about the decor for our new place. We know it's going to be simple because we don't want too many knick knacks for the kids to break or hurt themselves with. I think so long as there are little kids around, we have to keep it simple. We can always do the elaborate affair when the kids are older.

Simple themes that we've been thinking about are modern and minimalistic with simple colours and defined lines; or country outback with basic cabin furniture - rustic but not cluttered. Modern and minimalistic has always been more my style but I feel it seems a bit cold and urban. When I think of a family home, I always think warm, cosy, and country-style - the kind with grandma's Sunday lunch with a table cloth and wooden furnishings everywhere.

Of course, that may be the mental picture I see in my head, but everything about it screams child-unfriendly. Wooden furnishings with sharp corners need to be corners need corner protectors which are hardly fit the "look". Open fire places are definitely a hazard for little children and asking for trouble when you have a child as inquisitive and curious as Gareth who needs to touch and feel everything.

So I guess we'll go back to simple, modern and minimalistic... for now.

Planning a Thomas Birthday Party

2010-12-24T22:27:00.000+08:00

Gavin's birthday is just around the corner and I've been thinking of ways to make it more fun for him. Now that he is almost four, he can really appreciate a themed party with all the frills and trimmings. Still heavily into Thomas and Friends, I figured we could go all out this year - Thomas branded napkins, Thomas table cloth, Thomas paper plates, Thomas party hats, Thomas balloons and of course, where would a Thomas birthday party be without a Thomas birthday cake?

And turning four years old, he will finally be able to participate in simple games, like musical chairs, pin the coach to the train, and other activities like that. I used to love parties because of all these games. This is the part of parenthood I think I'll enjoy most - planning the birthday parties. Of course, I'm sure Gavin would be thrilled with that, too.

Making Money on the Side

2010-12-19T01:39:00.002+08:00

It seems these days that just about everyone has some sort of online business to make a side income. Even those working day jobs have something going on the side. Either everyone is just getting more technology savvy and taking advantage of an easy buck or it is a reflection of the economy and everyone needs the extra cash in whatever form it comes...

Hubby hasn't had to turn me out onto the streets to get a job yet, but it does help to earn a side income through blogging to help pay for those extra luxuries I want for the kids. One of the easiest ways to make an income is to be an affiliate for a program. All you need to do is recommend the website or product and the rest of the work is done by someone else - they handle the payment, they handle delivery of the product, they handle the problems and issues if there are any. For your recommendation, you earn a small fee.

One of the keys to being an affiliate is to make sure the programs you select are appropriate to your website. For example, if your website is about health, then it is advisable to be a health affiliate. Keep your focus tight and your subjects relevant - that's the key...

Creating a Musical Environment

2010-12-19T01:21:00.002+08:00

After looking at the Suzuki Music program, I've been trying to increase the children's exposure to music on a daily basis. The idea is to create total immersion so that means having quite a lot of music exposure. We don't really have a music system, but the computer doubles up pretty well. All I need are some good home audio speakers and we're set.

At least, that's stage one set. The next part is to play music regularly on the piano so they get exposure to the sound of an instrument and watching someone play it. And once I'm confident they can handle it, I'll try taking them to a musical performance. Now that will be interesting...

Planning the Interior Decore of our New Home

2010-12-12T17:26:00.002+08:00

Finally, the place of our own that we keep talking about but never seem to be moving into is finally within sight - as in, it is a real place that we will be moving into and no longer that vague dream that you have in the morning that you try to catch a hold of but always seems to elude you because you know it is time to wake up and face the real world again.

So I was looking at interior decor for the house when I came across an article for plantation shutters. Given the kind of weather we have here, I think plantation shutters would be a terrific way for us to keep the heat out and safe on energy costs. Even hubby is keen on the whole green living idea these days. It seems that having kids who have a future in this world has made him more aware of the environment and the need to preserve our energy resources for the next generation.

The only thing I've been trying to get around is that plantation shutters seem to give the place a very country feel - lots of wood. The look hubby and I had always envisaged for our future home was modern and minimalistic. Nothing to artsy and a minimum of sharp corners, since we have young children (one of whom is a real hazard in the house because he breaks anything and everything he comes within two feet of) and I am too young to have a heart attack.

So what other ways are there to block out the heat but is still in keeping with our modern and minimalistic decor?

How to Make Your Child Taller

2010-12-03T02:05:00.002+08:00

Did you know that if you wanted to boost your child's height you could do it by giving your child human growth hormone? If I recall correctly from my lectures in University, it was used to help increase the height of short children. HGH gives the child an artificial growth spurt that helps them to grow taller more quickly. Although it worked, one of the downsides to using HGH was that it also triggered the fusing of the growth plates in the long bones, thereby bringing an end to the pubertal growth phase. In other words, if you are going to consider using HGH in the hope of boosting your child's height, it should be given towards the estimated end of the growth phase so that you do not artificially bring about the end of puberty and lose out on the extra height that could have been gained through the regular growth phase.

As with all medical interventions, it is always best to talk to a doctor to weigh up all your options before making a decision.

Weightloss Program that Preserve Muscle Mass

2010-12-03T01:55:00.003+08:00

Preserving muscle and losing fat is probably one of the cardinal rules to losing weight and keeping it off. It may be obvious why we need to lose fat, but it is easily overlooked that muscle plays a big role in helping to keep that fat off.

Why?

At rest, one gram of muscle burns more energy than one gram of fat. In fact, I don't think one gram of fat does anything. By having more muscle, the body burns more energy at rest, while helps to keep the weight off after it has been painstakingly lost.

If you want to find out how you can lose fat but maintain muscle mass, you can check out:

www.tonalin-cla.net

Post-partum Weight Loss One Year After

2010-11-18T23:31:00.003+08:00

Gareth is nearly a year old and I have managed to get back to my original weight - almost! Unfortunately, there is one part that still looks dreadful - my stomach. I still have the orange peel effect and it looks like I've had liposuction, albeit not quite as bad.

After I had Gavin, Dr Wong said I would get back my skin elasticity if I exercised and worked my abdominal muscles. Indeed I did. Unfortunately, with two kids in tow, it has been a lot harder to workout after my second baby so perhaps that is why I still have this dreadful skin fold.

What is there to be done? Well, I've been wondering if the Abtronic x2 might help. Dr Wong did say that abdominal exercises would help. I just hope this effort isn't too little too late. Is it possible I've left it a little too long?

Days of Old

2010-11-12T09:03:00.002+08:00

Wow. I didn't realise you could buy radar detectors so easily these days. Then again, why should I be surprised? In the day of the internet, all it requires is hopping online and searching for an online shop with the best radar detector available and making your purchase.

Back in the day when hubby used to hang with the fast and furious crowd, I'll bet a radar detector would have come in handy. I'm willing to wager that his old gang probably have their own radar detectors. These days, I'm glad that hubby has gotten over the need for speed and settled into a more sensible family car.

Losing Weight

2010-11-12T08:29:00.003+08:00

Modern day lifestyle is really a magnet for weight gain - with food so readily available and so irresistibly alluring, it is no wonder the weight loss industry has sprouted up like garden weeds. In an ever growing industry that is launching new products all the time, it can be really hard for consumers to determine which diet pills really work.

What are some of the reasons why it can be so hard to find a diet pill that works for you?

1. Individual Variation - every person is different and what works for one person doesn't necessarily work quite as well for another.

2. Unregulated Industry - aside from the prescription products, most products are like supplements. They do not need to be approved for sale.

3. Quick Fix - much of the advertising for these products can be extremely misleading. They made big promises about being able to help you lose "x" kilos in "y" days without having to alter your diet or exercise when in reality it is advisable to use the product to supplement an existing weight loss program.

When you're looking to lose weight, it is important to look at the overall picture. Don't just select a product, select a plan. Do you research before buying a product. Once you've selected your program, commit to following it.

Time and Age...

2010-11-10T00:00:00.002+08:00

Wow, Christmas is just around the corner and I haven't even thought about my Christmas Cards! It is amazing how fast time flies the older you get. If I didn't know better, it feels almost as if it is speeding up faster and faster as the years go by.

I remember when a Summer holiday seemed like an eternity back when I was a child. Before the end of the holidays, I'd be aching to go back to school. Imagine that - being so bored of being on holidays that you actually want to go back to school. Then the older I grew, the shorter it seemed the holidays were getting. In reality, there was no difference in physical time. The difference was mental.

Well, at least I sent my mother's birthday present off early this year. One of the worst things about having your mother's birthday coincide with one of the biggest public holidays of the year is that if you forget to arrange her present early, you haven't a hope of getting it there on time. And the thing about mothers is that they always say they don't mind but they do... I wonder if I will get that way with the boys when I'm older?

The Wonder of Digital Cameras

2010-11-09T23:46:00.003+08:00

Now that I have 2 TB of RAM, I am free to go utterly snap happy with the digital cameras. I've always felt bad that I haven't been taking as many photos of Gareth as I have with Gavin. Now I'm trying to make up for it by taking new photos on a daily basis. The intention is to create a scrapbook of photos so that I can remember these precious, sweet, and wonderful days of their early years.

I can't believe how fast the time has flown with Gavin. It seems like only yesterday when he was as little as Gareth. Now he is an articulate little boy who will be off to kindergarten next year. Am I ready for it? Is any parent ever ready for it? Well, at least I will be equipped to capture it all on camera. One of the best parts of having a digital camera is being able to take as many photos as you like without having to worry about how much the film development is going to cost you. You never have to worry about missing a good shot because you can take as many as you like without "wasting" film.

Hubby says I am a junk collector. Well, I don't mind the label if it means having 2 TB of digital photos of my sons so I can literally watch a movie of photos of them growing up...

When I Grow Up, I Want to be Like Daddy

2010-11-05T00:28:00.003+08:00

Hubby is a lawyer by profession. I am a dentist. Or I was. Now I'm a Mum. We used to ask our older boy what he would like to be when he grows up. Inevitably, he always wanted to be a dentist, like me. So recently when he told me he wanted to be like Daddy, it took me by surprise.

I certainly feel he would make a good lawyer. Even at this age, his logic and reasoning ability is remarkable for one so young. Even I get stumped by him sometimes and I'm the parent - the person who is supposed to have the last say!

Of course, there are many different types of lawyers, but I reckon he wouldn't go too far wrong by becoming an offshore injury lawyer or something similar. I'm pretty sure he could put together a strong argument to win plenty of cases.

Protecting Our Children's Future

2010-11-05T00:22:00.002+08:00

Cancer seems to be a disease on the rise. These days it seems that most of the deaths I hear about are cancer related. It says a lot about our lifestyles and the things we take for granted. In the past, one could claim ignorance - not knowing about the dangers of certain products, like asbestos which led to Mesothelioma cancer. These days, we know better. Doesn't that mean we ought to do something about it? Change the way we live and go back to basics? If we don't start now, think about the future that we are leaving behind for our children.

It's funny how we never really think about the distant future until we have children and we fear for their futures...

Motherly Sacrifices

2010-11-05T00:16:00.003+08:00

After all the unhealthy junk I've been putting into my body, I have been meaning to try a colon cleanser to flush the toxins out of my system. The only reason why I haven't done so as yet is fear. I have heard stories about intense urgencies for the bathroom that I don't know if I could cope.

Let me explain... When you're a mother, your time is not your own. Even going to the toilet is not a liberty you have unless your child gives you leave. More often than not, the time when you need the bathroom is exactly when your child urgently needs to go so it will be about another 5 more minutes before you get your chance on the throne. If you're urgently needing the bathroom yourself, that's an accident waiting to happen.

So I guess this is another one of those luxuries Mum will have to forgo until the kids are older, along with the movie dates, the spa treatments, and the shopping holidays...

Yummy Mummy

2010-11-05T00:05:00.002+08:00

Is there such a thing as chest acne? Well, I can tell you from first hand experience that there is. Since it can easily be covered up most of the time, it isn't usually a problem. Well, that is until you try to wear a sexy evening gown with a plunging neckline.

So what's the solution to this problem? You could always cover up and forget about that dress you saw in the shop. After all, you're a mother now, why on Earth would you want to wear something like that? Because it's nice to feel beautiful every now and then. It certainly makes a refreshing change from milk-stained sweats.

Thankfully there is something you can do about it. Just click the link to find out more...

Beautiful Eyes

2010-11-04T23:58:00.003+08:00

Being a mother usually means never having enough hours in the day to get all the things you want done. If you even hope to get half of your "to do" list done, it usually means having to create extra hours in the day. Since we only really have 24 hours, that means eating into our sleeping hours to scrounge some extra hours.

Unfortunately, that often means that we end up looking like pandas the next day with dark circles under the eyes. Since getting more sleep is out of the question, how can we learn more about getting rid of those dark circles? Click the link to find out.

A New Home Finally?

2010-11-04T23:54:00.002+08:00

After being cramped in one room with a baby and a toddler who is rapidly moving out of toddlerhood, we are finally about to get a place of our own. Okay, maybe I shouldn't be writing about it so soon in case I jinx it but I can't help it. I'm excited and even my son is excited about it. He's been planning his Thomas room and thinking about all the things we need to get for our "new home". If that isn't excited, I don't know what is...

As for me, what would I like? Egyptian cotton linens for the beds, floor to ceiling bookcases, and my very own study! Nope, I don't ask for much...

Post-Partum Hair Loss

2010-11-04T23:50:00.002+08:00

One of the worst parts of the post-partum recovery has got to be the part about the hair loss. After weeks of thick, glossy hair and virtually no hairfall, it almost brought tears to my eyes to see chunks of my hair on the bathroom floor. Of course, this is all part and parcel of the changing hormones in our bodies and it is to be expected but it doesn't make it any easier.

However, though it is to be expected, we should not over look the fact that extra hair loss can also result from inadequate or poor nutrition - which can be the case when new mothers get too caught up with their babies and forget to take care of themselves. Aside from supplementing with vitamins, you can also get a shampoo for hair loss to help reduce the hair fall.

LipoFuze - the Answer to Post-Partum Weight Loss?

2010-11-04T23:36:00.003+08:00

The problem with post-pregnancy weight loss these days has a lot to do with the fact that many women take pregnancy as an excuse to indulge in whatever they want. It's the only time in a woman's life when she has every excuse to eat as much as she wants of all the sinfully rich desserts she craves for. It's the only time when she can proudly show off her bulging belly without fear of criticism.

Unfortunately, after the nine months of food indulgence is over, there is that dreadful problem of losing the weight. The fact that it took nine months to get to that size is quickly forgotten and there is an urgent need to find a quick fix solution ASAP. Rapid weight loss programs are never recommended but the weight loss pill LipoFuze claims it can help you lose 7 pounds in 7 days without the "nasty side effects". Not only does it help you lose weight rapidly, it claims that the weight loss is from fats, not water or muscle.

Sound too good to be true - click here to find out how it works.

Herbal Phentermine a Safer Option?

2010-10-28T07:02:00.003+08:00

I've never been keen to take pills for weight loss, but in a phentermine review, I read that Phentirmene, a herbal phentermine product, has been extremely effective for treating obese patients without all the usual side effects of phentermine. It has the same potency as prescription strength phentermine without the issue of becoming habit forming if taken for a long period of time. If you're considering taking a phentermine pill for weight loss, it is worthwhile looking into Phentirmene - the herbal alternative for Phentermine.

Colon Cleansing for Mothers

2010-10-28T01:07:00.002+08:00

These days, there are a lot of methods to select from if you want to cleanse colon. It can range from the "in house" treatments where you are required to attend a special clinic that cleanses your colon with special equipment, to colon cleansing tablets that you take. Some treatments require you to go on a special diet or to consume special foods to facilitate the process.

Given the kinds of food Mums end up eating (children's leftovers), getting our colon cleaned might actually be a treatment we should consider getting done on a regular basis. The benefits of colon cleansing include better digestion, higher energy levels, and better overall health which is exactly what mothers need to ensure we operate at maximum efficiency while we look after our little ones.

So the next time you're feeling a little run down and tired, perhaps try a colon cleanse to see how it affects you.

Why Singing is Good for You

2010-10-28T00:33:00.004+08:00

I'm the brunt of the jokes whenever the subject of karaoke machines comes up. I don't deny that I like to sing and that I volunteer myself a lot during karaoke nights out - seriously, what are you supposed to do but sing anyway? But to call me a mike hog, I think is going a bit too far...

Anyway, I digress... A karaoke machine might actually be a good investment for the home for several reasons:

it provides great family entertainment
it helps your children conquer the fear of performing in front of others
it teaches your children about music - the voicebox is a musical instrument, too!
it helps you release your pent up emotions of being a mother (or any other emotions that might be overwhelming you)

If you want to add more fun to it, there is a PlayStation competitive karaoke game called SingStar where you can compete against other players to see who is the ultimate karaoke champion in the family...

Mums - Take Care of Yourself!

2010-10-28T00:00:00.003+08:00

As a mother, I cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure you are taking multivitamins. It is extremely common for mothers to neglect themselves because they are often too caught up looking after the children to worry about themselves. It wasn't until I read comments from other SAHMs about how they found themselves in their sweatpants for most of the day, took showers every other day, and eat a peanut butter and jelly crust for lunch that I realised how widespread this lifestyle is.

We're losing sleep, but we're being called upon to do more than we did when we had more sleep! We're taking less care of ourselves and we're eating more poorly because our diets consists of kiddy left-overs - which, let's face it, is hardly a well-balanced diet.

It can be difficult to find time to look after ourselves, but at least it doesn't take much time to pop a multivite...

Time for a Detox?

2010-10-22T23:26:00.003+08:00

They say that getting a colon cleanse can be beneficial for health. It can also help you lose weight too. It's a good thing to do if your diet's been pretty bad. It'll help you clear out the toxins in your body which could be affecting your digestion. If you can't digest your food properly, that can lead to weight gain or so they say.

When you go for detox, they say that your skin will get worse before it gets better. This is because your pores will try to remove all the toxins which may cause breakouts. Once you've cleared the toxins in your system, you're skin should look better than before.

I've never really had a colon cleanse. I did do some detox programs in the past although I have to say that it's tough sticking to the recommended diet. I can't say I really noticed a big improvement bu then again, I didn't exactly follow the program to the letter so that might be the reason why.

Maybe it's time to try one...?

From Infancy to Toddlerhood...

2010-09-28T23:58:00.003+08:00

I think we really need to get one of those bathroom fans. Every time I give the boys a bath, I end up sweating so much that I need a shower right after I'm done cleaning them up. These days, especially since Gareth is now more mobile and just refuses to keep still, I find myself wrestling with him to get his diaper on. Back when Gavin was this age, I remember being able to slip a toy or interesting object in his hands and that would keep him busy until I was done. Gareth, on the other hand, can't keep still at all. Even if I hand him something to look at, he will be looking at the object while trying to turn over at the same time. If I try to hold him down, he screams. Diaper changes and getting dressed are definitely one part of this age that I don't miss.

Staying Positive After the Delivery

2010-09-21T07:41:00.002+08:00

Why have enemies when you can have relatives? I discovered that one over Chinese New Year when I saw my husband's aunt. The first thing she said to me was, "Wow! You're fat!" It followed by several more excited proclamations about how fat I was.

It was barely two months after I'd delivered my second son and I was having a little more trouble losing the post-partum weight compared to the first pregnancy. Of course I don't think I was really fat, but the month or two after you've delivered a baby is when you're most vulnerable to such comments. It's hard not to rush out to the nearly pharmacy and demand to know what the best diet pill for women on the market is.

So the rule after you have a baby is: stay away from anyone that could potentially make you feel bad about yourself. It's tough enough having to handle a new baby, deal with your over-abundant hormones and coping with the changes in life. You don't need to up the stress levels by having to take insults from tactless relatives, friends, acquaintances...

All I Want for Christmas...

2010-09-21T07:33:00.004+08:00

Did you know you can get ipad insurance? Really? Well, if only I had an ipad to insure! Hint, hint! I would say more but I wouldn't want to insult my good ol' faithful desktop that has been serving me well since the year we got married. Wow, has it really been that long? Yes, it's been four years. That's considered a long life in this era of rapidly changing technology.

No wonder the problems have been starting to crop up. It's all part of the wear and tear cycle. They say they don't make them like they used to, but I reckon four years is considered way past the age of the normal breakdown cycle. What's that equivalent to in human years - 90 years? I'm sure it would be something in that vicinity...

So does that mean I can get a new computer? Well, Christmas is coming up, and my birthday's just around the corner after that. Then there's the anniversary. It's not a hint or anything. I'm just saying...

More Reasons to Stay Healthy as a Parent

2010-09-21T07:26:00.004+08:00

I think you have to be a mother before you realise just how much energy it takes to keep up with the kids. And when you have two of them - that's twice the energy. The occasional day of a such hectic lifestyle might be manageable for most, but when you have to deal with it day after day after day, it's seriously worth considering taking some supplements to help give your flagging energy levels a boost or even to strengthen a compromised immunity. If there's anything children are also good for, besides exhausting you beyond function, it's bringing back the most potent germs available on the planet and unleashing them upon you as they put their sticky fingers on your mouth and sneeze into your face. Anything you can do to protect yourself from such an onslaught becomes a fundamental requirement for being a parent, I reckon.

Learning to Live in Harmony

2010-09-21T07:14:00.003+08:00

One of the things about living with the extended family that you learn is the art of zen living. Instead of arguing science, trying to point out facts, and throwing the harmony of an already precarious family dynamics into chaos, you learn to let it all slide. It doesn't matter whether she claims it is a power food that is a natural acne treatment, remedy for coughs, or that it heals all tummy upsets, if there is no reason why you should not to drink it, you just take it. Remember that she means well and that she has your best intentions at heart - even if you think she's a quack doctor. But hey, every family has to have one...

And breathe...

The Difference Between Siblings

2010-09-21T07:08:00.002+08:00

Just when you think you know everything there is to know about parenting, along comes your second child who blows you right out of the water. He may be the sibling to your older child but that's about where the similarities end. Adventurous, gregarious and bold, my second son has left me breathless from the moment he could move. With complete disregard for any personal safety, he is the polar opposite of my overly cautious and very kiasi (read: afraid to die) first son. He gives sleep aids a run for their money because by the time I'm through one day with him, I'm so tired, I have to fight to stay awake!

Don't Forget Mum

2010-09-21T07:02:00.003+08:00

Before I had kids, I was always very conscious about my health. I made sure I took my vitamins, I made sure I exercised regularly, and I made sure I ate well. Motherhood for me has been all about the kids. It wasn't until my SIL2 mentioned that my hair was breaking very easily that I realised I hadn't been eating very well at all. I eat all of my son's leftovers so I don't always eat very well so I started taking a one a day vitamin a few weeks back. Looks like it's helping because my hair's looking better.

On the aeroplane, when they run through the emergency instructions, they always tell you to tend to yourself first before your child. The reason is that if anything happens to you, you won't be able to help your child. Likewise, when you're a parent, you also need to take care of yourself, because if anything happens to you, you can't take care of your child either.

Space Saving Furniture Designs

2010-09-19T02:09:00.002+08:00

Recently, I saw a really cool video on some funky furniture designs for small homes. The designs are supposed to be space saving so you can turn any wall into a bed, or a table. It makes a small pad very versatile and certainly gives a new name to space saving. I'm sure they would give IKEA a run for their money, too. Plus, they showed their furniture to be very sturdy.

As cool as that furniture was, though, I think I would still opt for more contemporary sofas. Knowing the way we live, I'm still not convinced I could make those designs work for us. We just have so much junk that I'll bet we wouldn't be able to reposition any of the furniture once our stuff is in it.

Weather Fashion

2010-09-16T00:46:00.002+08:00

One of the great things about living in a tropical country is not having to think about what to wear in relation to the weather every morning. I can wear whatever I want just because I feel like it. It's a relief because I used to find it stressful living in a climate that was always unpredictable. Every morning, I'd have to turn on the TV to catch the weather report so I know what to wear.

That said, the one thing I did enjoy about the cooler weather is being able to dress up. There is only so many items of clothing you can play around with in the warm weather. When it's cold, you can have sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats, boots, and the list goes on. Over here, wearing those items just makes you look funny. I really miss dressing up...

The Motherhood Career

2010-09-16T00:37:00.002+08:00

There is a common misconception that being a stay-at-home-Mum is easy. I sometimes wonder what it is that they think I do? Sit around at home all day twiddling my thumbs? It certainly seems like that's what they think I do because I always get sent to be the errand girl.

Looking after the kids is hard work. Sometimes I find it even more challenging that the previous management jobs I used to have. My customers are tough - they get upset with no rhyme nor reason. My bosses are extremely demanding - expecting my time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no breaks - not even MC!

Don't get me wrong, I love looking after my kids. I wouldn't change this for the world. All I'm saying is that sometimes, just sometimes, it would be nice to be appreciated for what I do.

Pining for Our Own Place

2010-09-08T03:02:00.002+08:00

Time really flies the older you get. Wasn't it just yesterday when Gavin was born? Now I've got two little munchkins and the younger one is about to become bipedal.

Despite it being a temporary solution, we still haven't moved out of my IL's house - which is, in all honesty, quite pleasant to live in if it weren't for the fact that we're spilling out of the tiny space available to us. For all practicalities, it is fast coming to the end of its usefulness to us.

It's coming to the point where I no longer care whether the next place we move into is the house of our dreams or simply another temporary measure so long as it can accommodate the four of us in a manner that doesn't require our bedroom to quadruple as the study, playroom, TV room and bedroom all rolled into one. I don't mind using wholesale housewares, having a smaller bedroom or even having to walk from the car park to an apartment.

With Gareth being so mobile all the time, it's also driving me nuts having to always limit where he can go. There are so many breakables in this house that I can't simply pack away because it doesn't belong to me. Unlike Gavin at this age, Gareth seems hell-bent on getting into trouble with his little voyages of discovery. So yeah, it would be nice to be able to move out sooner rather than later.

It's Black Friday in 3 Months

2010-09-08T02:45:00.002+08:00

Wow... I can't believe it's only September but the ads for Black Friday are already starting to come up... Isn't it a bit early or are times so bad that all the retailers are gearing up for some massive sales?

These days, when I hear that there is a sale coming, the first thing I think of is what I need to get for the children. Sweet hubby keeps telling me that it's okay for me to occasionally spoil myself but I honestly can't think of anything that I want.

I don't do spas, I don't shop for handbags or shoes (or any other accessories for that matter), I don't really go clothes shopping until I desperately need new clothes - so what else is that to look for? Plus, it isn't really my style to fight the crowds just to get an item on sale. I'd rather pay full-price for an item so long as I don't have to queue up to get it.

Yeah, I know, that's not a really good attitude. But hey, I'm a busy Mum - time's precious!

Changes in Perspectives

2010-09-05T02:33:00.002+08:00

Before I became a mother, a car was simply a vehicle that got me from point A to point B. It didn't need to be fancy, it didn't need to have anything. As long as it could move, we were good. Now that I am a mother with a baby and young child in tow, a car is still a vehicle that gets me from point A to point B, but there's a difference...

I can live with a non-functioning air-conditioner, but my kids can't. I can live with a CD player that doesn't always want to work, but my kids can't. I can survive if the car breaks down while I'm out and about but now I cannot afford to break down with two kids in tow. If it's hard enough to handle two kids in the usual circumstances, it is a nightmare waiting to happen should you get stuck with two kids in a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere.

That's why rv insurance with roadside assistance is critical. Before it would have been a nice to have but these days it is essential. It is funny how circumstances can change so much once you've had kids.

Traveling with Kids

2010-09-05T02:25:00.002+08:00

When it comes to traveling with kids, it is always important to be prepared. Yup, sounds like the Scout's Motto but it's true. That isn't to say that you will never have a travel emergency when traveling without kids, but somehow things are usually more critical when you have a child along for the ride.

For example, an adult who needs the toilet can usually hold. An adult doesn't wait until the last possible minute to tell you he needs the toilet "NOW"! And if you don't find a toilet within the next 5 minutes, he'll pee in his pants. And if you didn't pack extra clothes in an easily accessible bag, there will be nothing for him to change into.

And if you think that adults get difficult when they're sick, try dealing with a sick baby who doesn't understand why he finds it so hard to breathe because his nose is congested and blocked; and his throat is painful because its inflamed. Try pacing the room half the night trying to get him back to sleep and then not daring to move him too much or you'll wake him up again.

So if you're planning to travel with your children, always make sure you cover all bases.

Diet Pill Considerations

2010-08-02T10:59:00.002+08:00

What are the best diet pills? What should one look for? Is it a combined action? The one that helps you lose the most weight? The one that helps you lose weight quickly? The safest?

I don't think that there is one "best" diet pill for everyone because every person is different as an individual. There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for the best diet pill. For instance, you have to be aware of any medical conditions that you have which could potentially interact with the pill in a negative way. You have to be aware of allergies that you have and the potential allergens in the diet pill that you might be allergic to.

Safety aside, you need to know what it is that is most important to you? Long-term weight loss or rapid weight loss? It is important to be aware the if you lose the weight too quickly there is always a risk of rebound weight gain. Whereas losing weight slowly and gradually has always had better long-term results.

What mode of action are you looking to lose weight through? An appetite suppressant? A fat burner? A fat inhibitor? All these depend on your lifestyle and activity levels. No one pill will be just right for everyone. It is important to know what your priorities are and any medical issues that you have before deciding which diet pill is the best one for you.

Random Thought of the Day

2010-08-02T10:19:00.002+08:00

Although I have always been anti-smoking, I have often wondered what the difference between smoking a cigar, like cigarillos, would be compared to smoking a cigarette. To listen to the cigar smokers talk, it sounds almost like the difference between someone who drinks classy wine compared to a person who drinks beer. Friends who have tried smoking cigars talk about the "flavour" of the cigar like it is a wine to be appreciated.

Personally, I'm not curious enough to want to try smoking a cigar, but I guess this is just one of those random passing thoughts...

Important Family Considerations

2010-08-02T10:07:00.002+08:00

Every so often, it is a good idea to look over your term life insurance plan and make any modifications as necessary. Speak to your insurance agent, financial advisor, spouse, and any other relevant parties before making any decisions. Situations in life change over time and the plan that you bought when you were single may no longer be appropriate when you're married with two kids. Obviously you will want your spouse and children included as a part of your insurance plan, even if it is simply to add their names in as beneficiaries. It is just like your will which should be updated periodically as situations and circumstances in your life change. Make sure all these important aspects of your life are up to date and relevant to keep your loved ones protected.

Making the Birth Announcement

2010-07-31T02:21:00.003+08:00

These days most birth announcements are made through sms. A lot has changed since the old days. Since snail mail isn't used for sending letters nearly as much as it used to be, receiving something through the regular post these days adds a special touch to it. So when it comes to announcing your child's arrival into the world, a rather momentous occasion, it is worth going the extra mile for that extra special touch.

What's the Deal with a Diet Pill?

2010-07-16T02:49:00.002+08:00

What is Phentermine 37.5? It is a diet pill that is supposed to be the equivalent to a prescription strength diet pill for suppressing appetite but without the nasty side effects. Diet pills can help, but there is never an alternative for diet and exercise. The addition of a diet pill is intended to promote and assist weight loss through the normal methods, but it can never replace the regular methods for weight loss. If you do not make the required lifestyle changes, you cannot expect to lose the weight and keep it off.

Taking something like this can help to elevate your moods and make it easier to cope with your regular dietary and exercise plan. It is intended to help you keep on track. It must be used in conjuction with a proper weight loss plan. It is not a stand alone magic pill that will do all the work for you. If you realise that, you will be able to maximise the benefits gained from supplementing your program with a diet pill.

If You Really Want to Lose Weight...

2010-07-16T02:34:00.002+08:00

I have always said that I believe the best way to lose weight is to exercise and eat a balanced diet. Follow this and you should lose weight slowly and gradually - the way it should be done if you want to avoid the dreaded rebound weight gain. And if you want to maintain the weight loss, then you need to make the lifestyle changes to keep the weight down.

Of course, in this day and age of instant gratification and rapid results, many of us can't help wanting to get a little extra help. Usually this means taking diet pills. My take is that if you need to take a diet pill, make sure you do your research thoroughly before you go out and buy one. With the availability of the internet, this shouldn't be difficult. Unfortunately, there is now an overwhelming amount of information out there on the net - not all useful, relevant or even accurate. Researching your diet pills has never been more challenging.

There are many review sites that talk about what works and what doesn't. They talk about stuff like the apidexin scam which is intended for people to want to find out if there is anything negative about a product they should be aware of. Personally, I still have my doubts about the efficacy of any of these products and have yet to see something that really works.

For instance, the diet pills that are supposed to curb appetite will only work if you listen to your body's cues for signaling fullness. If you are in a habit of overeating, then no diet pill that stops the hunger pangs is going to work.

Likewise, if you have diet pills that are supposed to reduce fat absorption, they will only work if you keep to a proper diet. Similar to the issue of "reduced fats", "low calorie", and other "diet foods", the tendency is to eat more to compensate for the reduce caloric intake. The rationale has always been, "well, it's low fat, so that means I can eat a little more". Sometimes the "little more" ends up being a lot more.

That's why I still believe that at the end of the day, the best way to lose weight is still diet and exercise.

Professional Development

2010-07-16T02:21:00.002+08:00

Sometimes at night I reflect upon my life and wonder how easily things might have turned out so differently from the way it is today. I think about the career choices I could have made and wonder if I missed out on something greater. I think about the job in Hong Kong that was supposed to open up the rest of the world for me. I think about the further education I contemplated taking - I even bought the materials to do my gmat prep in readiness for taking the gmat test. I never got very far in my preparation for the test because who pushes you to prepare for these tests if you aren't motivated enough to push yourself?

These days there are online courses that you can take to help you prepare. Perhaps that is the better way to go because there is more structure. Maybe that's why school or similar institutions are still the way to go for some individuals, because if left to our own devices, we'd never get anything done?

Having the structure of an online course allows you the benefits of home study without having to attend formal classes. You don't waste time traveling, but there is still a structure to follow. The other thing about an online course that you can't get from a book is an independent assessment for the writing segment.

Losing Weight and Gaining Muscle Mass

2010-07-09T23:40:00.002+08:00

Whenever you go on a diet and exercise plan to lose weight, the idea is to lose fat and maintain your muscle. Unfortunately, if you just diet, then you tend to also lose muscle mass.

What's the problem with losing muscle mass?

Well, muscle mass helps to increase your metabolic rate - the amount of energy your body uses when doing nothing. The greater your muscle mass, the higher your metabolic rate and the more energy you will burn. That translates to the ability to eat more without gaining weight.

So how do you maintain your muscle mass while losing weight? You exercise to build muscle, or at the very least, maintain your muscle mass.

Now there are weight loss products that boast the ability to help you burn fats while building muscle mass. One such product is called noxycut. Can these products actually deliver what they promise? Well, I am always skeptical when it comes to weight loss products and in this case, with good reason. The simple reason is that in order to lose weight, you have to have a caloric deficit. However, if you want to build muscle, you need to have a caloric surplus. So how can you lose weight and gain muscle mass at the same time?

So before you rush you and buy a product based on the promises of the manufacturer, I think it is important to do a little research on the product claims before swallowing everything.

Changes in Perspective

2010-07-09T23:28:00.004+08:00

A car has always been something to get me from A to B. I have never cared for fancy cars even though I dated guys who were mad about them and married an auto enthusiast. As long as I had a set of wheels, I was happy.

It wasn't until I had children that I really cared about what kind of car I drove. Even now, it is not so much the car that I care about but the safety of the car. The last thing I want is to break down in the middle of nowhere alone with two kids. And if we were to end up in an accident, I want to be sure that our car will offer us some decent protection in the collision.

I never used to pay attention to any of the signs that a car needs work. These days, I am sensitive to the funny sounds my car makes. I notice the lights in the dashboard warning me of problems. I can feel when the car is sluggish and realise that there might be a problem. These are all things I wouldn't have noticed before.

Another thing that I take care of now is the insurance. Car insurance used to be something I had to pay in case I got in trouble in a car accident and had to pay someone else. Now I look out for discount auto insurance and make sure I get all the important options. A car is no longer just something that gets me from point A to point B. It is a vehicle that holds my children and that makes it important to me.

Post-Partum Weight Loss Progress

2010-07-09T23:16:00.003+08:00

My second son is now 7 months old and I am only 1kg away from my pre-pregnant weight - or rather the weight I was at before I got pregnant for the second time. If I give myself a bit more time, I'm sure I could get rid of that extra kilo. The good news is that I managed to do this without having to starve myself or exercise like crazy. All I did was eat sensibly. The only workout I did was play with my children and carry them.

Okay, the latter might not sound like much but trust me, my little heavy weights are quite a workout in themselves. Not wanting to neglect my older son, I have been trying to carry him as much as possible. That usually means I often have one child in my arms at any given time. If I'm out alone with the two of them, I sometimes carry the both of them together. That's quite a fair bit of weight training. I've also carried the two of them simultaneously while climbing stairs - now that's a really tough workout!

Just how much more weight I can lose by following these daily activities, I'm not sure. Will I get back to my original pre-pregnant weight - the weight I was at before my first pregnancy - I don't know. I guess if the weight plateaus after a while, then I might start checking out diet supplement reviews. For the time being, I think I'm pretty happy with my progress.