Everything Virgin - 1st Business Trip, 1st SQ Experience

Well, it's not really the first - first business trip since I did go to some "ulu" place in JB to meet a contractor when I was working in events line previously for some setup briefing. But that was a day trip so I wouldn't really call it a business trip :)

And so, I went to Jakarta for a business trip last week. I had to part with my husband for 4 days. Trust me, it wasn't that easy to leave your husband behind even for 4 days when you are so used to seeing each other everyday. I had missed him a lot.

Nevertheless, the trip went pretty well. In fact, I did enjoyed myself with my great bunch of colleagues - the trip was more like a "mini" retreat cum staycation for me rather than a business trip. Hehe. And what's more, I got a chance to fly SQ! The SQ flight experience was awesome and I was like a noob, trying to operate the in-flight entertainment. I was so fascinated by the latest movies they had and wished that I could watch them all or probably download them into my USB drive... yea right, pfft!

My "Virgin" experience in taking SQ :)

We took a cab to our hotel. And goodness gracious, we have not even reach the entrance of Jakarta and the traffic was already heavily jammed. Luckily, me being me, I can fall asleep almost everywhere. So I slept through the 1 hour journey to the hotel. Hehe.

Working in the hotel room really calls for a high level of discipline! I couldn't resist the urge to jump onto my bed and watch TV when I should be working. I really don't understand how my colleague could do just that. Anyway, besides the casual meeting with partners everyday and also the event day, we spent our time feasting on buffet spread, slack in lounges, workout in the gym and chilled in the hotel bar. And the good thing is - everything can be charged to the ROOM! FANTASTIC! I was high on ecstatic when I could order hot chocolate every other time for tea breaks, a privilege which I don't get often in Singapore. Love it, love it, love it!

This Mozarella cheesticks are super delicious!

Some Lebanese Beef dish.
Didn't really fancy it but the beef is tender and tasty.

My colleague practising her yoga antics.

Had lunch by myself.
A super juicy burger with real potato fries.

Performance by local band. Pretty Awesome!

Bon Voyage!

Leah A A

Review: Chantique TBG (MUA)

[Outdated post really]

So we engaged Chantique TBG for our bridal outfit and makeup. I am in love with their makeup and outfit since Day 1 when I started looking for a bridal company. Their outfits are all so gorgeous and it's proven from how they transform a few my friends whom engaged them.

I had the ideal look I wanted. Something different from my pre-wedding photoshoot and I also didn't want a all too natural look. I mean, why look natural on your wedding when I go natural every other day? Furthermore, I had gone for the natural look on my engagement day 2 years ago.

Now of course as a BTB, you tend to get feedbacks from other BTBs (yang macam paham) that the bridal companies they have chosen are better than yours. Seriously, i can't stand those that likes to bring down others, trying to influence others that the choices they make should be the rightful one. Gross.
Who cares, keep your opinion to yourself. That's your wedding, and this is my wedding. I trust my judgement and I had never regretted choosing Chantique TBG :P

Selecting of the outfit (1 month before)
The experience I had in setting the date for outfit selection was not that pleasant. We were informed that after us, they were expecting another appointment and hence, indirectly telling us we have 1 hour to select our outfit. 1 HOUR??!! For my pre-wedding photoshoot, we took 3 HOURS to try on 6 outfit. So how can we select 3 outfit in 1 hour? I was quite unpleased with this arrangement but oh well, let's go with the flow.

Apparently, their way of working is slightly different. We simply have to tell them what kind of look and color that we wanted and Abang Zul brings out the different outfit that he thinks will suits you. I was unsure about this. I mean, what if there are other nicer clothes in the stores and I don't get to see them? *fussy mode*. However, Abang Zul did a great job. And also, we had done our homework well in describing to him the outfits that we so wanted which made it even easier.

Outfit Fitting (2 weeks before)
I have lost so much weight and I was sure that my gowns requires tremendous lots of alteration. Indeed, I was right. And much to my delight, I was assigned Kak Ruby as my MUA. Yes ar! I saw her works on my friend before and I was really happy that I got Kak Ruby (we can't choose the MUA by the way).

Kak Ruby is such a nice person to work with. She was very understanding and has her own principle that her works shows her pride and skills. Hence, she will make sure you look beautiful since it will reflect back on her. My gowns went for alteration twice and she did not even complain. Also, I was quite particular of my hairdo as I know I have little hair and she was so nice in trying to accomodate to all my request :)

Nikah (Solemnization)
I love this look so much! I love my hair extension too! Haha. I really think I look different and I love my outfit very much. Kak Ruby spent 3 hours doing my makeup and styling my outfit and the results turned out well!

Sanding (Wedding Ceremony)
We go PURPLE for our sanding and I had chosen white for my western gown. Why White again, many asked? Well, as I have mentioned, it's my wedding. I choose the colors I want and it's every girl's dream to dress in white wedding gown in front of others :p anyway, other colors don't look too good on me I think.

There was a slight hiccup during the wedding as my side had delivered the groom's outfit to my husband side late. I was so worried but thankful Kak Ruby was with me, assuring that everything will go smoothly as long as we have faith in Him. True enough,  I had the perfect wedding. Now, perfect at least in my eyes :)

Many said I look like live Barbie with this outfit. LOL.

We received lots of compliments on our outfit and makeup from friends and relatives. Nothing could describe how much I like Chantique TBG in making it a memorable wedding for us.

Leah A A

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