While waiting till I'm Officially Married...

It's finally here. In a few hours time, or to be specific, at 8pm, I will be someone's wife. Status: Married.
I know I should be relaxing now but I just can't help it, doing nothing makes me feel even more nervous. So while waiting, why not I blog down those memorable moments I had this week.

It was no doubt the most hectic week for me, especially at work. Well, as you know, I have resigned from MAJ and my last physical day in the company is on the 28th November although my official last day is on the 3rd December. The company had graciously granted me my marriage leave and on top of that, I was also entitled to the company's marriage cash benefits of $200 cash!

Leaving the company doesn't equates to holiday mood in the office, unlike the usual situations. In fact, there were more work for me! I had to do handover to the new Exec (and guess what? My own sister is replacing me! HAHAHA!), plan for the events this week and also next week, plus my wedding preparations. Gosh, my table was like a tornado pass by. So I was filled with anger and frustration this week as which BTB in the world will have so much things to do up till the last minute?? I was really feeling exhausted.

But... I didn't know that there was a little surprise for me...

It happened during the company's DND, which is on the 28th November (my last day of service). Being part of the committee, I was as usual, busy with all the preps and coordinating the audio/video system. The event program was delayed with latecomers but the whole program went smooth sailing afterwhich. And suddenly, in the middle of the whole evening, my supervisor made an announcement...

"Can I get all the committee members up to the stage right now? Committee, please gather up on stage."

I was puzzled. It was not part of the programme. I look at the other committee members and they looked as clueless as me. So as all of us line up on stage, I got a feeling that Diana wanted to sabotage us as a group since we had always teased her in the office. Then, she grab my hand and started saying...

"As most of you know, Amillia is leaving us and today marks her last day at work. She is also getting married this weekend and we would like to give her a surprise by doing a hen's night today. " (something like this, I can't remember the exact words.)

One second, someone brought a chair up to the stage. I was told to be seated, someone wore for me a tiara veil and I was given a princess wand. The musician started strumming his guitar and singing a sweet song (don't know the title) specially dedicated for me. And few individuals went up to the stage to give me flowers, gifts, dance and chocolates. It happened so quick. I was lost for words. I couldn't describe the feeling I had at that instant. I was just overwhelmed with happiness and was touched by the arrangement my colleagues had done to make it a memorable night for me. And finally, I cried.

Gosh, it was so embarrassing. But no words could describe what I feel. Even as I typed now, I could still tear due to the overloaded of sweetness. I love MAJ so much!! Thank you for making the evening so wonderful. You are the best!

These 3 gentlemen are my BODs. The centre one is my COO. Isn't his outfit cute?

Alright, time check, I should really stop blogging now. Maybe when I have the time, I will upload more pictures of our DnD. My nerves are returning. I should stop NOW!. Ok Bye.

Leah A A

Bridal Spa Appointment Booked!

Thank god it is still 30 days away to the wedding because my freaking left eye is swollen right at this moment!! LOL. I cannot imagine walking down the aisle with 1 swollen eye. Damn. That would be so U-G-L-Y. As usual, those who see me with the swollen eye starts commenting "Eh, you watch porn is it?" or "Did you secretly watch some naked guy on the web last night?". 

Credits: Naruto Forums

Hahaha... come on, where did this myth comes from by the way?

Funny thing is, I got this swollen eye on my MC day last Tuesday. And I took MC not because of my eye, but for my rashes that suddenly appears out of nowhere when I was halfway through work on Monday. At the same time, I have been experience nauseous feeling and frequent headaches so I thought it would be good to just see the doctor for this (and yea, I booked a spa appointment with my girls so the day is a perfect day to take mc yo! LOL). And the verdict? It feels like I'm being punished, all the weird sickness starts attacking me on my MC day itself. I'm suffering from swollen eye, gastric pain, random rashes and backache. Bleah.

So swollen eye never mind. How did I ever got that backache? Well... we booked this spa call Jazz something from Groupon, located at Novena Square 2. We were so looking forward to the self-proclaimed "Balinese" massage and yea, it is cheap! I tell you...cheap stuff doesn't mean good stuff. And I mean it. Out of all the spa appointments that I have booked so far, this is so far the worst ever. I felt abused by the masseur and my whole body aches like crazy even up till today (2 days already!). 

Credits: Surgoshan

And please, it's not even Balinese. It's a PRC massage. >_<

Despite the bad experience, I have no choice but to still search for my bridal spa appointment because that is traditionally a norm for Malay BTB to do before their wedding. Initially, I thought of just going for a simple massage and scrub that is available from Groupon to save cost. And I think again...

Credits: Ghetto Red Hot

Yesssss... Hell no! No way am I going to roll on the bed with backaches just few days away from my wedding. That would be a living hell. HAHA.

I started my research on Malay bridal spa and requested for quotes from a few that I have found;

SPA JELITA

- $399 for bridal blush

- $499 for desert Queen secrets

CITRA AYU BRIDAL BEAUTY & SPA

AURA ROYALIS

For our one time trial of Bridal Bliss cost $128 for 2.5hrs

It consist of 1.Lulur Wangi 2.Mandian Wap Pengantin 3.Flowerbath Soak 4.Royalis Signature Body Massage

WAYAN RETREAT

1 day Wedding bliss is $288, includes Urut / Lulur / yogurt wrap/ hair scalp treatment/ milk bath/ traditional facial. The duration will be 150 hours.

SPA BY NORFASARIE

ROYAL INDULGENCE - 120mins /$130 Consist of choice of lulur, jacuzzi milk bath and a luxurious massage

ROYAL SPA GETAWAY - 3hours/$235 Consist of choice of lulur, Jaccuzi milk bath, luxurious massage and langsing wrap

Not wanting a spa that is too costly, I was considering between Spa by Norfasarie (I am surprised that they are quite affordable considering the spa is owned by our local artiste!) and Aura Royalis. Facial spa is definitely out of option as I fear that there may be breakouts few days after the session. My mom suggested to go with Norfa's package since there is this milk bath which supposedly will make your skin fairer. And there it is, my spa is booked for 27th November, 12pm. Whee!

Leah A A

Ranting That I Am Tired :(

It's less than 2 months away and I am feeling so tired. It's like a race that never ends. It's coming near but yet, it feels so far away.

Credits: Ditch The Tiara

Get what I meant? LOL

Technically, we have 6 weeks left towards our wedding -- minus the weekdays as things rarely get done on weekdays, minus 1 weekend each week since my fiance always work OT during the weekend -- we are left with 6 DAYS! And having said that, minus the sleeping hours, resting time and so on and so on....Goodness! Loads and loads of things are swirling in my brain that I could hardly gather my thoughts. I have never thought that wedding planning is this tiring. Having worked in the event companies previously, event planning has become something of an ordinary for me (not bragging, but it's true!). How irony is that planning for other people's event is much more effortless as compared to your own event?

Both of us are tired. Tired as we are, we gotta keep going right? Keeping our checklist in check constantly, I would proudly say that we are... 70% almost there!

• ... continued from previous list
• Wedding cards printed and collected
• Distribution of wedding cards (3 weeks before event date)
• Buy all the wedding exchange gifts for both male and female side
• Bridal room painting works and furnishing
• Collect our pre-wedding photoshoot album
• Fitting of bridal outfit
• Body and facial spa
• Buy my corset
• Buy his capal 
• and so the list carry on...

So you see, there is no definite affirmation that you have covered everything. Things will pop up suddenly at the very last minute and tadah... your list gets longer and longer. In fact, the most exhausting part of the task list was the journey to and fro from Singapore to Larkin to get our wedding cards printed. As the supplier is still trading using the traditional way (no internet access or emails like seriously!) of business dealings, we had to make trips down to Larkin many times so as to just to approve the artwork before they get them mass printed. Yes, mind you, the journey is not the same as from Yishun to Tampines okay? Mmm, maybe the distance is the same? But you have to consider the custom clearance, traffic jam and all that nonsense.

See what I meant? Handwritten amendment,
black and white, fax dealing...Stone age sia..

We always look this happy in the morning...

... and when the mid-day comes...

Credits: LBC

Nevertheless, thank god that we have collected the wedding cards and I am so looking forward to distributing them so that I can have one more thing strike off my list. 

This is the Facebook invite that I have sent out to gather the RSVP and address so that I can distribute my wedding cards. Designed by me. Nice or not?

Leah A A

Eating Clean and Training Mean is Addictive

Ever since my last Phuket holiday this year, I dreamed of that perfect body every single day - the "washboard-like" tummy where no solid layers of fats will appear whenever I sit or squat. I get very self-conscious whenever my belly fats starts folding like nobody's business. Urgh. Well, it's not as if I haven't been working out, I did go running once a week but my belly fats seemed so stubborn.

Credits: Brimtime

From then on, exercising 2-3 times weekly had been my goal and I had achieved this momentum. But the result was still not satisfying -- my belly fats just didn't want to go away! Desperate, I turn to motivational pages on instagram and did a research on the web. I have always believe that one should just eat what they feel like eating in life as long as it is in moderation, and of course, to exercise regularly. My research seems to prove otherwise. That is when, I discovered the beauty of +EatingClean TrainingDirty.

Eating clean really works wonder. My favourite reference for creating healthy meal is Videomeals where I pick some ideas here and there and make it my own. My progress has been successful. Many have commented that I have lost weight and wondered if I went on a strict diet. STOP!

Get it, no? Lol. Well, I'm not a dietician so I can't really be 100% sure that the meals I have created are 100% healthy. But one thing for sure, it do helps when you pay attention to the food items you are selecting which will end up in your body. My secret is to cut down on carbohydrate. When I start to realise that rice will turn to sugar and then, to fats (carbo killer), I freaked out. Talking about rice, I suddenly miss my mom's cooking. When was the last time I had home-cooked rice with dishes???

Below are some of my own creations. Be creative!

Tuna Salad: Lettuce, Chilli Tuna, Fully-Boiled Eggs

Chicken Breast, Sauteed Mushroom and Noodles

Almond and Banana Soya Milkshake with Peanut Butter
1 cup of Almond Soya Milk
1 Banana
1 teaspoon of Peanut Butter

Pre-Workout: Oven Baked Banana with Peanut Butter
Post-Workout: Eff Tofu, Sauteed Mushroom and Shitake Mushroom Chicken Breast

It's really addictive. I feel guilty on my cheat days and make it a point to workout twice as much. Nevertheless, it's a healthy addiction isn't it?

Leah A A

We hate Cheaters!

I am so appalled to hear cases whereby wedding planners run off with the BTB & GTB money. Like seriously, what could possibly be going through their mind that they could do something so evil so as to run away with the hard-earned money that the BTB/GTB painstakingly tried to raise for the wedding cost? I totally feel the pain as my fiance and I struggle to save up for our marriage within a period of less than 2 years.

This was exactly what happened to a GTB last weekend. Poor Groom. $15k gone just like that. And the evil, black-hearted wedding planner company is called ENCHANTED WEDDING. Yea, from the name itself, I guess there is a hidden meaning to it "being enchanted until you don't know what's going on".

So what happened was... the caterer back out the last minute ON THE WEDDING DAY itself and left the event in a total mess! Decoration was incomplete and beyond acceptance, no food for the guest... basically, nothing! Poor family spent their time crying while calling their guests (and please, some of them have already arrived) to tell them that the wedding has been called off. This is a special day for them, why did these two motherfuckers (sorry for my language) ruin everything for them just because of greed? Total turn off! And these two motherfuckers are EjayReyzal and Hafyza Azmi. Please beware of them!

Here are two links to their cheating escapade;

1. Happily Never After: http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20130107-393860.html
2. enchanted wedding...terkena enchanted: http://www.kahwin-khronicles.com/2013/01/kakak-kahwin-khronicles-does-not-approve.html

Oh and please be careful of ATIRA WEDDINGS/ LOVE WEDDINGS as well. Sama jugak! Prangai Enchanted! Please do a thorough research on your wedding planner before engaging them, no joke babes!

This incident worsen my already existing nerve-wrecking pre-wedding jitters. My mind is already in a rojak state thinking of all the outstanding items and adding on, the fear of something could go wrong at the very last minute on my wedding day. I really pray that my wedding will go as planned smoothly with no hiccups, insyaallah...

Leah A A

I'm Finally Free!!!

Yea yea yea!

I got the job that I so much wanted! And the benefits are good too! I am so over the moon, finally having this feeling after having job search for the longest time!

And the best part, I can start work after my wedding. Whee :)

Masyallah... Syukur Alhamdulliah

Leah A A

Wedding Guestbook Ideas

I have been pondering over the ideas for my guestsbook, deciding between the need to make it lavish or make it simple. After all, it's the thought that counts right?

And lucky for me, my dear friend is sponsoring my wedding guestbook section! Thanks <3
That is really so sweet of uuuuuu :)

So before she had offered, I have pondered over ideas on the guestsbook as I had wanted something different, not merely signing on a scrapbook that may be left in the closet after the event. GOOGLE was my best friend again. Some of the ideas were;

A) Photobooth (Polaroid or Digital Cam with Portable Photo Printer)

B) Vintage

C) Wedding Tree

D) Jengga

E) Envelopes with Notes Inserts on a huge cardboard

So collectively, here are my thoughts - get something that can be displayed in our future nest, something that can constantly remind us of the well wishes from our loved ones and friends. 

A photobooth may be fun but the photos will end up in the scrapbook. Also, the attention should be focused on the Bride and Groom right? Not the photobooth right? HEH ;p

Jengga may be abit too messy. And the Envelope thingy, it may get dusty over time. Ha!

And there, I am left with 2 options. I really love the vintage and wedding tree. So I told Shaz to go ahead with the wedding tree. I might combined an element of vintage into the whole theme... (where the hell do i get that typewriter? I used to have it man!)... well, it's time to start planning, and survey for some things vintage.

YAY.

Leah A A

Interview Tomorrow!

It's been a long time since I had a job interview. And I'm having one tomorrow.

Anxiety level? TO THE MAX!

Having failed in many interviews before, it is no surprise I will get jitterbugs and start wondering if there is something wrong with me. Surely there is something wrong?

I'm an introvert kind of person. I hate being in a social circle, especially among people that I have just met. I am not that "social butterfly" as people call them and that is so weird considering that every Marketing personnel should generally be a "social butterfly".

Having said that, I tried practicing for tomorrow's interview and got frustrated. Why does it seem easy for others and not me... Being depressed at the thought of staying in the current company with no further career progression, I turned to my best friend "GOOGLE" for some advise...

I love this article: It's Worth a Try: An Introvert's Guide to Surviving a Job Interview
It gives you the pump and energy that turns the table around, and makes you, the introvert, leads the conversation. I mean, definitely I am not going to try it because it seems too extreme but I like the fact that the writer "made the interviewers her bitch". LOL.

What a good but weird piece of advise! There are some good pointers though, for example, listening to music that makes you stronger and feel full of confidence before the interview. I'm going to try this tomorrow :)

Leah A A

Wedding Posts, Wedding Posts, Wedding Posts

This few months, my blog will be flooded with wedding related posts.

From frustration, to excitement, and back to frustration... Little did I know that wedding preparation could cause this kind of roller coaster cum ROJAK feelings. The wedding stress is coming on to both of us and we have so much disagreement that is so frequent, unlike those dating times when we were carefree and easy.

Going all out now, we have 3 MONTHS to our big day. I thought my last post mentioned only 5 months previously??? And I still haven't make my wedding cards! Faint!!!

Shopping Spree at IKEA and Courts
And so, we went for a shopping spree at IKEA Tampines and Courts last weekend to buy some items for our bridal room, which needs quite an amount of work for touching up. We managed to buy toilet mirror, shelvings, bed linen, mattress protector and comforter. All that cost about $400. Gosh! I wonder how parents can buy these household items and still have spare cash and savings for their daily expenses. I'm super B.R.O.K.E.
 
Funny thing is, we spend about 2 hours to decide on the bed items. LOL. Thread counts, bed size, quilt size, blah blah blah... so difficult to match these things! Seriously, I looking forward to sleep on the bed linen we have purchased. I think it was 700 threadcount? *oooh.... so soft...<dreams dreams>*

JB Visit and Home Recce
Last Monday we went to JB again to visit the wedding card shop. To our much horror, it was CLOSED! Well, it was partly my fault for overlooking their off days that was stated on their namecard. Many shops were not opened on Monday. I guess they are avoiding the Monday Blues. LOL. I felt so guilty that my in-laws had made a wasted trip. We are going again this weekend (just the 2 of us) and I pray so much that there will be no massive jam :(

And so, we proceeded back to SG to take a look at our BTO progression. Fortunately, a nice contractor brought us to an available unit of a different block for us to view the house layout. It felt surreal. Wow.

But the house is god damn small! I think, after placing all the furniture in, you probably have to climb over the furniture to get from one place to another. The MBR is the same size as the common room. So what is the point of calling it MBR? With such sizes for new BTOs, I feel grateful that I did not ballot for a 5Rm flat. Seriously, a resale flat is much more worth it...

Wedding Cake Discussion
We met with our wedding cake patisserie to discuss on the design and do some tasting. It was delicious but too sweet for me. Well, that's because I do not have a sweet tooth. But hey, one thing to strike off my "to-do-list"! YAY! And so, we have settled on the design and color theme for the cake. I believe its going to be awesome and I cannot wait to see the final product.

Honeymoon Accomodation
I'm happy that we have booked for our stay too! It is that accommodation which I fell in love with at first sight. He likes it too for the fact that the room provides PS3. -_-

With stay booked, and flight booked, we now have to place booking for car hire and probably, get a discounted pass for various attractions. I dreamt that I went on a skydive in my sleep yesterday. LOL. Egg-cited!!!

So these are the things that were covered in 2 weeks. This craziness will continue till our honeymoon is over. It's really tiring and I don't understand why is it so easy to plan events for companies or anybody else, as compared to planning for your own event.

Leah AA

Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Excitement!

Really love this shot. It looks as if we were mesmerized by each other, probably be good for a wedding advertorial. LOL.

So yesterday, we went to make our photo selection with our photographer. He captured more than 250 beautiful moments and we painstakingly had to select 32 only for our album. Can you imagine that? 32 POSES ONLY! How to???!!!

I couldn't exactly remember how many rounds did we take a look at the pictures but all in all, we spent 4 hours just selecting photos. Goodness! So tiring.

I think we made a good vendor choice for this photoshoot. Although the experience left me with sandfly bites all over my body, the photos turn out great even without editing. I cannot wait to get my hands on the final product but we still have to wait for 1 month, to view the edited photos, and another 3 weeks to collect the final product.

*excited mode*

Leah A A

Wedding Bells Getting Closer!!!

Less than 5 months away and still counting... I am so excited! Well yea, excited partly because of the wedding but the main reason for my excitement is in fact, I will be OFFICIALLY MARRIED!

Haha. Sounds dumb isn't it? I really can't believe it that I will be sharing my bed with someone soon. There goes my freedom to roll and stretch, as he invade my private space :(

LOL.

Time pass real fast. Little did we know, we are left with 5 months to prepare for the wedding. We used to think, "Nvm, we still have a long way to go..." and in a blink, the date comes nearer and nearer, faster than we had expected.  With most of the time spent on work, it has left us with little time to plan for the wedding. But thank goodness, we manage to get these things going nevertheless...

Our Checklist;
- Decor - done
- Catering - done
- Bridal Costumer - done
- Event  Photography - done
- Wedding Favor (my side) - done
- Void Deck Booking (my side) - done
- Henna Booking - done
- Gift Exchange Decor - done

and there are many things UN-DONE! yikes!

Upcoming Events;
- Selection of pre-wedding photos
- Ordering invitation cards
- Wedding cake design discussion
- Buying gifts exchange
- MANY MORE >_<

How? How? How?

*Panick mode*

Leah A A

A Holiday to De-Stress! 30 May to 2 June 2013

Though it's kinda late to post this, I just feel like it :)

Within a month, we decided inpromptually (not too sure on the spelling) to go for a short holiday trip. And not long after, off we go on Tiger Airways to a destination that is so familiar, PHUKET! Thanks to our old Casio Exilim Pinkish Camera that was long dead and revived again, we manage to savour and capture some of our memories from this vacation.

Of course, a typical aeroplane shot is always on the list for all travellers. Just the picture alone says it all "we are sooo going on a trip people!". LOL.

Tiger is not deniably the cheapest budget airline as compared to the rest. BUT, the seat is too small and cramp for a person like me, whom never fail to cross and tuck in my legs as though I am sitting on the floor. Habit dies hard. Well, cheap  ticket so I gotta suck it in. That's the price I paid for -_-

We landed in 1.5 hours or so and got ourselves a taxi to Patong beach. That easily cost us 700baht (S$28) but if you gotta compare with Singapore taxis, it's definitely worth it. I love road drives and can always fall asleep in it, especially in SG. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply then as I was too excited. So again, we camwhore in the taxi. LOL.

 

With generally good review, we had booked a Junior Suite at Patong Pearl Resortel. It cost $193 for 4D3N per room and even has a private jacuzzi equipped at the balcony. Although there are noticeable dirts and insects in the jacuzzi bathtub, it can easily be washed away and cleaned so we didn't mind that much. I give it a 7/10 as I did not like the tile flooring. It kinda cheapen the look I feel.

 

 

 

 

The only special thing that I did was to try out parasailing. I had wanted to try it out on the 1st day but had no guts to do so. All thoughts running through my mind "what if i die? what if i drop into the water and drown? or break my neck? or would the ropes snap?". But I just have to do it  instead of wondering how it feels to be up there, your life hanging on the ropes of the the parachute and nothing else. So I picked up my courage and did it on my second day.

 

How was it? I felt nothing. LOL. It's as good as taking the Sentosa Skyride and there is nothing scary at all. NOTHING AT ALL. So my fiance recorded the whole video but unfortunately, the video gets deleted as I sent my phone for repair last week. Here are some pictures of me getting prepped up for the ride...

 

 

We spent the days pigging out on Thai delicacies, dishes and seafood from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner and supper. The feeling of doing nothing stressful and simply lazying by the beach and swimming pool is the perfect feeling in the world that I never want to forget. We are not the shopping kind so we did not have a budget to worry as we splurge on food food food. Oh, we did catch a Fast and Furious 6 in their cinema, after a long 20 minutes commercial and standing up to the National Anthem (fiance almost had a fit as he was snoring away while I woke him up urgently). Our nights were spent in the bar, playing pool games and puffing sheesha away. Not forgetting, the beach club called "Seduction" was awesome! We finally found a club that has no nonsense sleazy kind of thing. It was purely a dance club that you can find along Clarke Quay and the crowd was great too! Kudos to the Australian Management for bringing in that hippie breakdance group, and that party rocking DJs.

 

Though Phuket is not the best trip or destination in Thailand as I still prefer Koh Pha Ngan (besides, the beaches are getting horribly dirty as well), it is still a wonderful vacation to de-stress with my super duper lovey fiance. Here are the rest of the pictures for your viewing pleasure...