My 7 New Year Resolutions for 2014

It seems pretty outdated to jot down my new year resolution for 2014 but it's better to be late than never right? Anyway, Lunar New Year is coming soon so does that count? LOL.

When I first started this blog, my first post was vaguely about the new year resolution for 2013 as well (read it here: A New Year, A New Beginning). Never had I thought that I will continue blogging up till now. Well, I used to pen down my daily thoughts in a diary when I was little up till my Poly days. Electronic seems like a much better choice nowadays but I still like keeping it personal.

My husband and I have this practise whereby we write our goals for the new year on little pieces of paper, fold them and keep it in a bottle, and review them on the last day of the year. We have been doing it for years except for this year (had been pretty busy lately). I guess we will get around to doing it before this month ends.

Meanwhile, collectively, I have thought about my resolution for the new year;

Credit: Surviving College

Ok. I'm kidding. I quit drinking donkey years ago. And, I don't do drugs.

1. Build a Happy Marriage Life with my One and Only Husband
Still in the marriage bliss, I am definitely enjoying my marriage life; doing the laundry, preparing lunch box for my husband, housekeeping, and listening to his snores every night, etc. Yes, you are right. I'm kidding again. Do you think I will seriously enjoy these? LOL. Well, I would not say I hate it because my hubby is a rare gem. He help me with these chores without complaining and he does it better than me at times. Henceforth, as a reward, I shall shower him with lots of love, care and concern everyday. I think the immediate resolution is to be less short-tempered.

 

Credit: Pigroll

2. To Spend More Time and Attention to my Family
Believe it or not, after you get married, you tend to spend more time with your family. It was then I realised that while we are growing up, they are growing old. I know that I have not been the most perfect child but I hope to change that. Hopefully this year, I can organise some family outing like a short getaway or even a cosy bbq party.

3. To Complete my House Renovation
Basically no rush for this. I will like to have a simple renovation first involving flooring, ceilings and probably kitchen cabinet. Saving for the house renovation certainly takes time and we want to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.

Credit: DBS

No, we don't want any bank loans.

Having successfully paid for our recent wedding expenses with no debt or so whatever, we are certain that we can save fully for the house expenses. The tip is, do it slowly but surely. Buy only what you can afford.

4. To Excel in My Career
Well, who doesn't want this? Everyone wants this. The difference is that having a new job for the new year gives me more boost and motivation to perform better. I hope to have this momentum throughout my journey in 2014 and see where I end up eventually in this job.

5. To Continue Acquiring Customers for LCW
If you have been following me previously, LCW stands for Leah Creative Works. I am doing freelance designing under this company name. So far, my portfolio have earned 3 corporate customers; 1 by recommendation and 2 by affiliation. It's similar to a Creative Agency except that I simply help companies to design logos and any other marketing collaterals such as namecards, brochures, banner etc. I really hope to build up my portfolio gradually and do some marketing to acquire new customers but my recent project took so much of my energy that I wonder if I can keep up the pace as a sideline. Nevertheless, let's see till the end of this year.

Credit: Life of Elle Calgary

6. To Continue My Healthy Eating and Living
It has been a great 2013! I have achieved a habit of eating clean and living healthily, and stomach abs! I just need to keep up with the pace of exercising 2-3 times weekly and ensure I don't go for food binge often. Hubby said that I have become too skinny for his liking, so I probably will have to cut down on my running and do more workouts instead. I hope to be able to do pull-ups by end of the year!

7. To have a APULEAH Junior!
This is still undecided. We will hit 26 this year and I guess it's almost time we have a baby. Also, since we have been together for a good 9 years, what's there to find out more about each other? LOL.
Probably after we save up for our house renovation, we will consider to have a junior :D

That's all folks. I'm in the office and I better start working.

Leah A A

Yea, I started a New Job :)

My new job has been great so far. It is close to a month since I started working in this new job. Initially, it was pretty hard to accept the reality check when my honeymoon was over (still haven't blog about the honeymoon yet!). I had been on a holiday mood ever since October onwards, dreaming constantly for my wedding event and honeymoon...

Credits: Memecrunch

So back to the topic... I can clearly recall how I felt the day before I started work. It sucks: the uncertainty, whether I could fit in into the culture, can I make it on the job and so on. At one point, I even felt regretful leaving my previous company where I was already in the comfort zone. Seriously, changing job takes a huge part of one's courage to do so. Also, I felt deprived of sleep because I had to wake up at 5am to prepare breakfast and packed lunch for my hubby. Just the thought of losing that few minutes of sleep brings me more agony. LOL.

I am digressing again... My 1st day at work?

Credits: Quickmeme

Haha! That's because my bosses weren't around. There were only 3 of us were in the office and left 2 in the afternoon. And since there were no bosses around, we closed shop at 5pm! The second day was as good too and wow, my colleague left the office at 4pm on that day! LOL. I do feel guilty though for taking advantage but oh well, I had no laptop or work to do yet so that's ok right?

Alright more about the work itself. It's pretty awesome. The exact thing I am looking for in Marketing aspect. My job requires coordination with the Marketing team worldwide and that makes it feel fast-paced and exciting. Basically, my Marketing activities covers the ASEAN region and the best part is, I can make my own decisions since it's a 1-man show. Whoa! I look forward to deploying several Marketing techniques to promote the company's product and hopefully, I can apply this skills to my own sideline as well... NYEEEHEHEHEHE!

So far so good. I had reached my own targeted number of leads for January and just completed a wholesome presentation yesterday with the Management team.

Credits: Memegenerator

Leah A A

Mrs. Shaiful

32 Days since our wedding and I have been neglecting this blog. LOL.

Being a Mrs is great but it definitely took me some time to get adjusted to sharing space, and yes, some bad habits so as you know... Recalling those days when we had to part ways at the end of the day after our date, I am really thankful that I do not have to worry about him riding back to Tampines after a late night out. We still joke about it though, and it is always the same, "Alah... nanti I kena ride back to Tampines sey. You buatkan I kopi boleh?"  LOL.

Ever since our wedding, life had been great. From the wedding to our honeymoon and the few days we spent together before we started work, it had been perfect that I was so stressed out when reality kicks in, knowing that I would be starting my new job soon...

I wish I can be a HOUSEWIFE. Lol.

Will blog about my wedding, honeymoon and new job soon..

Us during NYE, 31/12/13 at Labrador Park.
Awesome day as it was our 9 years Anniversary of courtship too :)

Leah A A

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