Double Storey??

Boo Hoooooo ... sakit hatinya ... we recently discovered that we could have built a double storey 4 bedroom house which costs only AU$2-3k more than what we paid for our existing single storey home. Very sien, come to think of it :( So greedy hor?? Human nature loh but but but, if it's AU$20-30k more then it's ok, out of our reach but only a few grand more woh ... boo hoo hooo! I am pretty sure at the time when we looked at sooo many builders' display homes, nothing was within our budget, well, the ones (double storey) that were affordable had only 3 rooms. I have a feeling, these affordable double storeys are only available recently.

If anyone is looking to build an affordable double storey home in Sydney, check out Westminster Homes ... don't regret like us!! There is no way we could start over and build another one as the lands in our estate are all SOLD OUT. Land is expensive in Sydney, usually costs much, much more than the house itself - to buy another plot within budget is quite unlikely. Furthermore, we would need to sell our current home first before we could build a new one. We'll have to rent while waiting for the home to be completed - not a feasible idea :(

I might write a summary of the estimate costs to build a home in Sydney when I am free, next time). The prices you see on the builders' websites/brochures are only for the shell ... err I mean the house without finishings ie only cement floors, no landscaping, no lawn, no driveway, no fences ... just a shell. You need to add a further AU$20k-$50k for the finishings which you have to hire other contractors to do. There are a few builders that offer the complete package right up to the finishings but of course, that has already been taken into account in their prices.

P/S This is NOT a sponsored post ... hehehe just needed to rant a little :P

Unpacking

The weather is finally getting a lil cooler! This whole week the day temps are at a high of between 21-23C and at night a low of about 10-11C. Love it!!

We've finally began to unpack ... yes unpack after 1 yr 1 mth of moving into the house! Kiwi G managed to sort out the almost reaching the ceiling stack of boxes in the garage last nite. Still lots to do. Since we couldn't get anything done on the landscaping yet (Kiwi G changed his mind and wants to wait till the back fence is up before doing anything - and man, those back people do not seem to be in a hurry to move into their new home ... so rich!!! Could just let the new house sit empty like that. We also didn't see them come by, else we'd ask if they'd be okay if we go ahead to erect the fence first).

Anyway, we are trying our best to unpack and arrange things in order inside the house.

Bills and papers are still lying everywhere in the study room ... that'll be done just before I file my tax return, hahaha!! No choice, have to gather all the supporting docs.

Rojak post

Sooo lazy to blog. Didn't even log onto PPP for quite awhile.

• Weight gain! Up 1kg ie 54kg now, boohoo!! Why? Coz I caved in and ate like a pig again hahaha.
  
  
  
• Bought two pairs of new Baby Gap PJs for Bee on eBay Australia (coz Australia doesn't sell GAP clothing mainstream) and I love them so much (so soft and good for the cooler temp especially nearing winter), I am obsessed in looking for more on eBay Australia. Funny that, the ones I bought were made in Malaysia :P
  
  
  
• Wanted to update my DIY blog but can't find the time and mood :D Undecided whether to integrate my DIY blog with this one, since I think it is pointless to keep separate blogs (I don't get many opps from PPP anyway) but then again, it's more tidier to keep them separately .. hmmm I'll see how it goes
  
  
  
• Wish to change this blog's layout but haven't got the chance to sit down and put on my thinking cap ... unless maybe if I resort to using a free blogskin made by others. Also need to delete all Bee related posts since I've already got a separate blog for her.

It's now 9.47pm ... time to hit the sack

Of shopping malls

Still feeling a bit lazy to blog :P I have checked out the new shopping complex near my home. I was disappointed. I expected something bigger with more shops. Will snap photos next time. Meanwhile, it's back to the usual shopping mall that we frequent almost every week ... the good news is that the left wing of mall is under expansion ... gonna be BIGGER, buahahaha!! I am crazy, I like mega huge new shopping malls. Why? Because it makes me feel like home in KL again!

We don't frequent the shopping malls in the city anymore (QVB, Martin's Place, Pitt St, George St, etc) ... the tolls and parking fees are definitely not worth the trip! Plus, I HATE the crowds! Anyway, been there, done that often in the past when we were renting in Kingsford (going to the city was near, convenient and easy from there).

Ever since we moved to Hornsby in 2004, we started going to suburban Westfield shopping malls eventhough there is already a Westfield just across the road from our rented apartment in Hornsby itself (5 minutes walking distance only), hahaha!! Call us crazy!

So far, I find Westfield Parramatta the biggest Westfield that I've been to. We also like Castle Towers.

There is another mega huge shopping complex being built in another suburb about 10-15 minutes drive from our estate. I think it's prolly as big as Mid Valley City. Can't wait!

Different topic - I rang home to wish my Mom a belated bday. She told me one of the neighbour's grand daughter could walk at 9 months and can call "PoPo" (Grandma) already now at 11 months. Aiyooooh so envious lah :P

Weight loss update: 53kg - I could wear my casual khaki-like pants already ... could zip up hehehe, BUT could not sit down in them coz it'll risk bursting the seams, hahaha!! Have to work hard some more.

Just been busy

Just been busy. Need to catch up on the blogs I read frequently. If anyone's statcounter shows I had been visiting and yet left no comments on blogs or sometimes shows that I visit any particular blogs multiple times a day, that's because I had to go tend to my princess or make sure she is okay, half way through reading and had to come back several times to continue reading as well as leave comments later.

Sometimes I also forgot what I had intended to blog about ... old age ... reaching the hill soon! I am one of the new generation old mommy ... duh, hope it makes sense.

Big Money Opps

By now, most bloggers might have heard of PayPerPost’s new segmentation system which awards bloggers with high traffic blogs who gets the chance to take up opportunities paying as much as US$1000 for a single post!

Personally, I think the segmentation system benefits not only advertisers but good popular blogs as well. Advertisers has the option to set some criterias such as the minimum page rank and Alexa ranking that blogs must meet before bloggers may take their opportunities. Thus it enables advertisers to offer qualified blogs more attractive payments. While this is no doubt good news to bloggers with mighty and high traffic blogs, will those with lower ranking blogs see it as a big blow as they could only watch higher paying opportunities go by? I guess instead of seeing it in a negative way, one could strive harder on writing quality contents to boost their blogs popularity and ranking.

Eventhough my blog is not one of those high and mighty ones, there are opportunities from PayPerPost that I could take up every now and then. Whether your blog has low or high traffic, PayPerPost rewards all bloggers alike. I am just grateful to be given the chance to make some pocket money by blogging about anything under the sun.

PayPerPost strictly requires a disclosure for sponsored posts which I think is only fair as I would like visitors to my blog know for sure if a particular blog entry is sponsored and that I am getting paid for it.

PayPerPost also charges only 35% service fee unlike ReviewMe that charges a 100% markup. This simply means that qualified blogs would be able to get higher paying opportunities from PayPerPost more often and get to keep most of the money.

Garden Edging

Garden Edging
March 27, 2007

Haven’t got the chance to check out the new shopping complex yet. We decided to go to two landscaping supply places and to Flower Power, a plant nursery instead. I guess when something is just so near your home, we take it for granted that it’ll always be there and there is no rush to it.

We looked at some pavers for garden edging, calculated the costs, hmm figured that the cheapest method would be the typical brick-like pavers. But the only place we could get that type of pavers that best match our house roof and brick colours would be from Bunnings Warehouse. Each paver costs AU$0.84. We bought 10pcs of pavers and a bag of ready mix concrete. Kiwi G wanted to try it on a small area to see if he would be confident enough to handle the big job (front and backyard) all by himself. Will post in detail in my DIY blog if we are successful.

Mold

PPP: Mold
March 27, 2007

I didn’t know mold could cause health problems until a friend in the USA told me how her three children often fell sick because of mold in their house. They had to thoroughly clean the house and did a bit of renovation to rid the mold. That was a lot of stress to them.

If anyone wishes to avoid the stress and trouble that my friend had to experience, one could contact the New Jersey Mold Removal that does mold inspections, mold remediations and mold testings so one could get rid of existing molds in the house or just to be sure there is no mold hiding in the house which could lead to poor health for the kids and us too.

New complex opened!

Kmart near our home has opened and we weren’t even aware of it until we drove to the supermarket last evening (because I haven't had the chance to read the local free newspaper that was delivered to our house) and I saw the “Now Open” words on the humongous balloon at the roof top!

The new shopping centre was closed at the time (about 7pm when we went to check it out after leaving Coles supermarket). From the main road, we could see other stores such as the Curves health fitness club, a Chinese restaurant (already opened for business .. I walked in and had a look at the food on the trays .. yummm) and a grocery store busy stocking up (probably Greek). Couldn’t really peek what’s inside the complex. Saw a nail salon, Sport Stop, Noni-B, shoe shop and couldn’t see what else. Have to check it out. Yay yay yay, a new place to lepak.

Well, well, looks like there is now a good reason to take evening strolls on Thursdays eh? hahah (coz malls in Australia close by 5pm on other days and by 9pm only on Thursdays). Will try to capture photos of this place as I am sure it would be easier to imagine with some visuals but probably during cooler months though. We don’t like to go outdoors much due to the current hot sticky weather eventhough it is now Autumn.

This morning we went to have a look at a lawn nursery. I think we've made up our minds which type of grass to get ie one that requires less frequent mowing *LOL*. We learned so much about the different types of grass ever since we've been getting ready to lay the lawn. We also took notice of the neighbourhood's grasses which helped us narrow our choices.

After that we went to our usual shopping mall and the Asian grocer. By the time we got home it was already 4pm ... no point in checking out the new shopping complex near our place. Maybe tomorrow? Anyway, it was super hot today ... 33C where we are!! Gave me a headache. Tomorrow's temp is forecasted to be 21C ... phew!

Vonage VoIP Forum

I never knew there is such a large and informative site dedicated to Vonage VoIP product and services until I heard of Vonage VoIP Forum through PayPerPost. I browsed through the user friendly and easy to navigate Vonage VoIP Forum website and am certainly overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available. It has all the latest news (easy to read updates on the main page itself), reviews and every detail on Vonage VoIP Phone Service as well as an active forum catering for many topics. This is a must visit website for anyone who is new to Vonage VoIP Phone Service or considering signing up (there are links that lead you to sign up too - current promotion one month free of phone service upon sign up).

Spider Nest

Spider Nest
March 23, 2007

Photos - WARNING ... not advisable to look if you've just eaten.

I think I have finally found the source of spiders in the rumpus area of our home. I saw two tiny black baby spiders running on the hood of the baby rocker that was placed near the rumpus window. Bee was holding on to it to pull herself standing like she does most of the time.

I took a tissue, killed them and flushed them down the toilet. As Bee was again playing with the rocker, I decided to check it thoroughly to ensure there are no more spiders! Lo and behold, I found a spider nest on the folds of the hood!!! Gross!!

I took the rocker into the garage and killed another baby spider running on it. I left the nest there until Kiwi G came home so that he could see for himself.

So far, I have not seen any spiders in the rumpus anymore. Not sure if I got rid of the source or maybe it just so happen that the spiders didn't come visiting yet!

Cisco Business Solutions

PPP: Cisco Business Solutions
March 23, 2007

It is important for companies these days to improve and grow with technology otherwise, they may be left behind and possibly lose potential businesses. But with so many new things coming into the market, it could be a little difficult to source the best solutions to meet a company’s requirement.

This is where Cisco could help in various key areas such as wifi – its secure and reliable wireless networking and mobility solutions that enables companies of all sizes to increase productivity, workgroup collaboration and responsiveness by providing excess to employees at work, at home or on the road.

Sometimes it could be impossible to gather key management staff to attend meetings to resolve important issues that requires immediate action especially if key personnels are located in different branches throughout the country or globally. Cisco’s video conferencing enables meetings to be held without the need for staff to be gathered physically at any one place. This will help save time, travelling cost and most importantly, urgent corporate issues and decisions can be made instantly.

Other excellent services provided by Cisco are voip, secure networking and data centre

Long time no write

Long time no write

March 23, 2007

Wow, it's been awhile since I PPP-ed *LOL* Just been too lazy and all I wanted to do during my breaks (Bee's nap times) is to clear other stuff or think about napping myself but never did all the time. "What? Got free easy money also don't want? Dropping from the sky wor!"... hehehe that's what most people must be telling me. And no, I am not rich.

Well let's see if I could get into the mood of PPP from now on.

Target buying frenzy

Stella McCartney's designer range caused a buying frenzy at Target stores in Australia, tsk tsk! Full story from the Sydney Morning Herald. I've never taken note of Stella McCartney's clothing style - will need to see for myself next time I visit any Target store (next weekend maybe) and see what the hype is all about eventhough I'm not a fan of designer labels.

Feeling burnt

Just one of those days when I'm feeling burnt ... soooo tired, hehehe. No lah, not preggo, no plans yet. Been taking naps for the past two days after Kiwi G came home from work and he looked after Bee as well as took her out for walks - the weather has been cloudy and cooler lately.

Need to pay my 2005/06 tax soon! 3 more months and it'll be time to lodge the 2006/07 tax return - too quick!! Everything taxed, taxed, taxed including interests earned from bank's Term Deposit (FD as known in Msia) savings as if the bank's monthly charges of AU$6 per standard savings account isn't enough already :(

Oh and congratulations to Gene !! Very well deserved. Way to go, girl!

Free Cellphone deals

Cell phone, who hasn’t got one nowadays? From being a luxury item, it is now a necessity in life. Shopping for one at shop fronts can be a real headache often requiring much time checking out different outlets. With Wirefly, we can shop for cell phones at the comfort of our own home at anytime we like ... with a bag of chips and a can of coke nearby, no one will complain!

Wirefly’s free cell phone deals are worth checking out such as the Free Motorazr + $50 cash back and a bonus free Bluetooth headset with service activation. Other great deals on offer include the sleek T-Mobile V3+, Motorola RAZR V3 Black , LG Red Chocolate, Motorola RAZR V3m Pink and many more!

Not only are the prices unbeatable, they also offer free Fedex shipping and free return shipping. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee statement, it gives us all the more reason to shop there.

Their listing of top ten most popular free phones on its website helps make it easier to decide which phone to consider and eliminates the need to browse through each individual phone if one does not have that much time to spare.

Wirefly being the internet’s #1 one stop shop for cell phone deals, you can easily find the best phone plans that suits you. With a click of a mouse, you can check out the best Service Plans or Family Plans that suits you or perhaps you might prefer the prepaid plans which is also available on their website.

They have a wide range of accessories to choose from and you can even purchase ringtones there.

Wirefly has it all. Browsing through their online store makes me feel like a little kid walking into a candy store! Everything is so tempting with their excellent prices and free shipping + returns! I think I would need more than just one bag of chips and a can of coke to look through the many amazing deals on Wirefly.

Instant HarMee

Instant HarMee
March 08, 2007

Wow I never knew HarMee is available as instant HarMee these days! What a find, I saw it at the local Asian grocer last weekend. Of course I grabbed two packs without hesitation (encouraged by Kiwi G as he knows how much I love HarMee).

Each pack cost AU$2.60 and has 5 individual packets which makes it AU0.52 per individual packet. This is cheaper than Maggi's curry flavoured noodle!

I tried a packet already and I give it a thumbs up! The noodle is almost like any other instant noodle texture. The magic is in the flavouring. It does taste almost like the authentic HarMee soup, spicy and savoury, slurp, slurp!! Now, what next, instant nasi lemak that comes with instant sambal ikan bilis? I am waiting ...

My earnings

When I started this blog in year 2005, I have absolutely no idea that one day it would be possible to make some money by blogging about anything under the sun especially our own day to day life! Thanks to PayPerPost (PPP) for such golden opportunity. I haven’t earned much due to time constraint. In fact I have taken only four opportunities thus far (since my blog was approved back in Jan 29?). I have earned US$11 which has been paid into my Paypal account, a far cry from what I read on other blogs.

I can’t say I could do much with this small sum at this time but perhaps by the end of this year, the earnings would hopefully accumulate to a more substantial amount as I continue to take on opportunities. I could then use the money to make several people happy with Christmas presents! This will include getting my little girl, Phoebe to place gifts under those charitable Christmas trees usually located in shopping malls!

And of course, PPP has an option for us to donate some of our earnings to two charities which I MUST do so by end of this year. I must say, when I first signed on to PPP, I was very surprised yet happy to see the “donate to charity” option in PPP. It is nice to see such initiative by a large company!

Unpacked my clothes

Unpacked my Clothes

March 07, 2007

After close to a year, I have finally freed my clothes from the six suitcases! I can't believe all six suitcases contained my clothes alone! i don't need to buy new clothes for the next ten years - that is if the impossible happens ie my body doesn't expand sideways, hahaha! Photos below show the pile of clothes in the bedroom while I was sorting them out. Thick winter clothing occupies the most space!

The ugly old tallboy has been moved into the walk-in-robe as we have bought a new one.

Free AntiVirus Software

These days it is difficult to avoid spams and nasty emails that contain Trojan viruses designed to steal information from computers. We cannot possibly read through each email in detail in order to find out what’s safe and what’s not. This includes visiting webpages too. Yes I have had viruses infecting my PC while surfing onto webpages which were designed to spread viruses (I didn't know any better and I was Googling for information only)! Thank goodness there is Norton Antivirus to clean my computer of the viruses and to filter/quarantine nasty email viruses!

The best thing is, you can download free Norton Antivirus. Here is a screenshot of how it works. PC Mag and CNET have given good reviews on it too. It is worth checking out lots of other software freebies from this site, such as Ad Aware, Google Picasa, Gallery Player, etc.

Autumn Rain

Autumn Rain

March 06, 2007

For the past two evenings, it's been raining cats and dogs with bolts of thunder! My lil one was twice shocked by the thunder. They were really loud and the flash lightning was constant as if Angels were taking photographs of earth from the sky above! Spectacular yet frightening! I remember those days back in Hornsby before we had Bee. We just stood at our apartment bedroom window and looked at the lightning fireworks in the sky!

Autumn began on 1 March and the news said we can expect a wetter than usual Autumn this year, which is good!! The days has not been that much cooler. It usually doesn't get nice and cool till around May.

My weight loss is going good ... from 58kg the last time I blogged, it's now down to 56kg yay .... lots more to go. I told Kiwi G, when (as if I could make it???) I reach 50kg, I'd have a bag of chips ALL to myself, no sharing, hahaha!!

Beautiful Bulgaria

I have often marvelled at the beauty of Europe! One such country is beautiful Bulgaria. Everything about Bulgaria is so picture perfect. It would be a dream come true not only to visit Bulgaria but also to own one or two Bansko properties as holiday homes or even for investment! Bansko is absolutely breathtaking, it is located in the mountain range with the most popular ski resort in Bulgaria! Everyday would be like living a fairytale there! Bansko will definitely be in my wishlist for countries to visit!


Credits: Beautiful ski photo from Bulgarian Venture

Just been Busy

Very busy since the last weekend (shopping for landscaping materials and plants) as we're getting enthusiastic about how to landscape our frontyard, backyard and the side of the house as well as the kind of plants we will be getting. Lots of work but it'll be therapeutic.

Bee turns 9 months today. Didn't even snap a piccy. Have also got a new blog for Bee several days ago but didn't have time to do anything with it until today. Have not decided which theme to use, ie the popular Blix theme or should I go with Connections theme? Not sure, time will decide. Am using Wordpress, hosted on Bluehost.com Will update on Bee's 9 months in the new blog instead, when I have the time.

Actually Kiwi G is the one who is doing all the tweaking and customizing of templates as well as setup the webhosting a/c for me, haha. I know nothing about PHP (too dumb dumb to understand). I'll announce the new blog's domain once it has some contents - right now it's just a shell, *malu* to show lah.

Today

Wah I really had NongShim noodles for dinner this evening, kosong (no adding of egg, fish balls, etc) some more!

Our new replacement Tallboy (original one was defective) arrived this afternoon. The delivery guy didn't have a trolley! I had to help him carry them (old and new Tallboys) some more!

So how did I managed to help him with Bee around? Strapped her to the stroller and play her current favourite Baby Macdonald Einstein DVD.

After the delivery guy left and seeing that Bee was still happily watching the DVD (she giggled and smiled at the puppetries), I swept and mopped the floor. Mopped the floors, Mopped the floors, Mopped the floors, finally ... my feet feels so much nicer walking on clean floors :)

Bills, bills, bills

Bills due this month (in AU$):

• Water for the period 1 Nov 06 - 2 Feb 07 (3 months)
  
  [compulsory charges (water service, sewerage, recycled water, river management) even if you don't use a single drop of water = $147.71]
  
  (actual water meter usage = $38.45)
  
  Total payable = $186.15
  
  
• Council charges for 3rd quarter = $276
  
  
• Electricity 8 Nov 06 - 14 Feb 06 = $272.28
  
  
• Phone bill = $25 (this is excluding ADSL $69.95 bill to come soon)
  

Grand Total of all bills payable this month = $759.43


That leaves us with Maggi Mee or Nongshim Noodles for the rest of the month ... the positive side is, the noodles are curry flavoured!

There is the gas bill which has yet to come, usually around +/-$130

Kmart here soon

I can't remember if I have mentioned this before; Kmart will be opening in a few months time ... VERY NEAR our home ... about 30 mins leisurely walk or 5 mins drive away. It's a project by Mirvac. There'll be other smaller shops to check out too, once the mall is opened.

Aiyoyo, how am I going to save money with such temptation within walking distance?? We don't often shop at Kmart (we actually prefer BigW - got most of our baby needs, beddings, household stuff, etc there) but it's great for bargains like baby clothings & household stuff during sale or weekly specials.

Happy Hearts Day!

and to all *silent visitors* of this blog - love you too!

Oooops ... and of course to ....

my two darlings; Kiwi G and lil Bee *muakz*

Friend's Wedding

Hurray! A dear friend got married today! We are very happy for him and his sweet wife. We are always happy to see a good friend getting married. The church ceremony was held at St Peter's Presbyterian Church Blues Point Road, North Sydney followed by a reception at Waters'Edge, Walsh Bay, Sydney - this place has excellent views of the Harbour.

Our lil Bee was very well behaved, non temperamental as usual. She got so tired towards the end of the reception at Walsh Bay that she slept through the blasting music for the dances. Photo here is of the guests dancing the choo choo train.

Sorry, unable to post pics of the bride and groom (didn't obtain their permission). Cheers to the bride and groom, a fantastic and beautiful couple!

Thankfully lil Bee decided only to poo poo till we got home at about 5pm!

Losing Weight

Felt like a long time since I posted Bee's photos. Haven't been taking still pics, only videos. This post is not about Bee, it's about me :P

I've been trying to lose weight and so far so good. I ballooned up to 76kg just before Bee was born. Worse still, I was already overweight when I conceived ie 56kg. It means I put on a whopping 20kg during my pregnancy. Terror or not?? *Bows*

After delivering Bee, my weight automatically dropped 10kg! So I was 66kg after being discharged from the hospital. I didn't really work hard on dieting (still ate like a pig) ... the weight slowly dropped to 61kg and from there onwards, I started watching what I eat (try my best not to snack at night but still do now and then, hahaha). As a result of that, I dropped another 3kg.

Now I am 58kg ... still a lot more to lose. I'm a short person, whenever I hit over 50kg, I get high cholesterol. My healthy weight (according to Body Mass Index) would be around 40-45kg.

This explains why you don't see my pig face on this blog for such a long time, hahaha!

HTML & Digital Kits

I try not to talk about HTML lest others think I *berlagak* but since Angeleyes asked me this in one of her comments to my DIY blog post:

"G, I love the way you do your template... so pro!
How and where you get them???? Can share share???"

I thought I'd answer it here just in case anyone else is interested. Angeleyes, hope you don't mind me quoting your question :) and by the way, I'm not pro lah. Play play only.

Hope the answer will not disappoint. I create my own images, buttons, backgrounds, etc (with Adobe Photoshop CS) and write my own html source code using Notepad - so basically, I am afraid I did not get my templates from elsewhere. Believe me, if I had gotten them as readymade templates, I would of course credit the source! My templates usually consist of two column tables and if you want a third column, just add it in. Once you know how to write your source code (or if you wish to use the same tables as mine, just view my source code & copy it but remember to replace the images with your own), play around with Blogger's Tag. Blogger has a section that describes the function of each Tag. Just pick and apply whichever Tag that you fancy.

For javascripts, css, stylesheets, etc, my favourite places to obtain them are:

Dynamic Drive

The JavaScript Source

For HTML tutorial or reference, here are some good sites to visit:

Web Monkey

HTML Clinic

Then there are free Blogskins all over the internet which saves you all the trouble. I don't have any site in mind but I believe you will get thousands of such sites by Googling.

I might as well talk about the Scrapbook Layouts I often did for Bee's pics too. Some may have noticed, I often credit the source where I got the digital kits from, whether it is free or paid for. It is not to *berlagak* but just so that anyone who is interested in the digital kits would know where to get it themselves. It is also good "netiquette" and respect for intellectual property rights to give credit. Without those wonderful, gifted designers, we would not have such beautiful digital kits to put together as LO's (Lay Outs). I must admit, initially when I saw other bloggers with beautiful LOs of their babies, I thought they designed everything themselves. Then I thought they used a programme that easily puts everything together within a few clicks but no, no, I was totally wrong.

It wasn't until Anna mentioned about Two Peas In A Bucket that I realized how it is done. I have known about Two Peas a long, long time ago but they weren't offering digital scrapbooking kits back then. Anyway, long story cut short, Two Peas offers free digital kits, more than enough to keep you busy for hours!

Another website I downloaded freebies as well as made some purchases from is The Digichick - however, you are required to create an account with them before you are able to download the free stuff. Account creation is free of charge.

Then of course, after downloading the kits, you need to create your own layout, crop here and there, resize, flip, etc using a drawing software such as Corel or Adobe.

To get ideas of LO's you can check out the Galleries of those websites, but be sure not to copy other people's ideas 100%, it is just not ethical.

Unfortunately I haven't had time to check out more sites that offers great free digital kits. Scrapbooking Top 50 has the most comprehensive listing of scrapbooking websites worldwide! Worth checking out the sites for freebies if you have the time.

Oh my goodness, I sure could blabber on and on. Please feel free to ask if I have left out anything.

Backyard

I've uploaded two photos of our bare backyard to my DIY On A Budget blog if anyone's interested to have a view :)

Thanks, blogger friends

Thanks Shannon, for tagging me with the 70 Questions Tag but I think no one would be interested to read about me, haha ... so please kindly pardon me for being a bad sport. Also, thanks Anna, for mentioning this blog in your recent Tag. I honestly did not expect anyone to have any interest in my blog as it is not popular that's for sure. So, thank you girls!

I think I have mentioned before that when I first started this blog, I really did not expect to have anyone visiting to read my boring entries. I remember clearly, MamaBok was the first person to put in a comment on my blog and of course, hers was the first parenting blog I've ever read! When I got pregnant, my interest in parenting blogs grew but I couldn't remember how I began blog hopping from one mommy's blog to another. Due to time constraint, I could only read several blogs (mostly listed on my side bar) at a time. It is so nice to know that there are people who read my blog out of genuine interest, regardless of popularity eventhough I had no intention of blogging for an audience.

There are actually so many things I would like to change about this blog (the layout especially, now that I blog mostly about Bee) but circumstances just doesn't permit me to do it at the moment. I've pondered many times if I should take blogging about my Bee seriously ie getting a webhost and domain but then again, it's not like I haven't got my hands full already.

Online Coupons

Everytime before I go shopping whether online or at the mall, I would be sure to be on the lookout for any online coupons first!

CouponChief.com is a superb one stop site to get discount coupons from so many merchants! For those who love to shop at Amazon, don’t forget to check out its coupons here.

Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, maybe a bling bling or two from Diamond.com would be nice!

I'll miss CNY!

I'll miss CNY

January 30, 2007

CNY is just around the corner, Feb 18! I miss celebrating it with my family and friends back home soooo much. All the food, the packet drinks, kuaci, mandarins (eat until cirit birit), *wolf meat* hahaha, etc etc. I hope when Bee gets older (maybe 3-4 years old?) I would definitely take her back to KL just to experience how CNY is celebrated. My parents have already sent by mail, Bee's first Ang Pow, got *Ten Lollar* inside woh, hehehe. I don't think my ILs would be giving Bee any as they didn't even give Kiwi G any Ang Pow all his life :P It's just not their practice to give Ang Pows.

I know I will get very jealous and homesick when almost every blogger in Malaysia will blog about their CNY day and worse still, show pics of the glorious fooooood!! Help me!!

We *might* (unconfirmed) make a trip back to KL sometime August this year. Why August and not during CNY - my older sister & her family in UK, requested that we meet up in KL in Aug, as that would be the only time her kids would be free (school holidays).

However, I don't foresee the possibility of meeting up with any KL bloggers due to my very tight schedule (appointments overload, sorry) every single time we went back.

Hotel Reservations

Ever since we got married, Kiwi G and I made it a point to travel out of Australia annually for holidays. Last year was probably the only year we did not travel overseas due to the birth of our baby. Now that Bee is much older, we are planning to travel again this year (fingers crossed)!

With our busy schedule these days, we could not afford to spend too much time visiting different travel agents’ offices to sought the best prices for our travels. We heard of an excellent website Hotel Reservations and decided to check it out.

I am impressed with the services provided, Hotel Reservations is a great one stop site to make ALL our holiday bookings from flights, cars rentals, vacation rentals, vacation packages and much more. The best thing is that their prices are competitive and we can save up to 70% off. It will certainly save us from having to spend a lot of time doing extensive research from one travel agent to another.

We especially love air fare finder. A few clicks (enter yourpreferred travel date and time) and it shows you the best fare and different airlines you could choose from – all within seconds!

To save even more time in booking, their Vacation Packages section organizes everything, from Flights to Hotels to Car Rentals! All within the click of a mouse.

They even have Special Internet Rates (which means even bigger savings!) for Group Bookings!

What I love most is that all their reservations are worldwide! It makes it so much easier to plan our holiday itinerary. Bookings can be made 24/7 online or by phone (they even provide a telephone number for international callers). Payments can be made online by credit card. Travel arrangements / bookings no longer seem so tedious anymore. Time to plan for our next holidays!

AU$10 for complaining

I didn't know that when you actually write a complaint about a product faulty packaging (in this case, the packet of cereal inside the box), they really took it seriously and responded within a week! I have blurred the product name for privacy purpose.

Not only that, they included a AU$10 voucher card & a shopping list as an apology. That's nice. The card can be used at Woolworths supermarket or Big W store (that's where we often buy diapers for Bee).

Lastly, it wasn't us who wrote the complaint nor bought the cereal. SIL lah, who else.

How to - new template?

I don't know how to edit .xml source code (new version of blogger templates), other than changing the fonts and colours for my DIY On A Budget blog. I also wanted to add in background and other images. Reason I wish to use the new version is the "Labels" listed on the side bar other than showing at the bottom of each post. With the classic templates, "Labels" is not enabled (I manually put the code in on this blog) on the side bar. I tried to take the shortcut by Googling for free blogger templates but most of them were made for the classic templates and still have not got the "Labels" listed on the side bar - maybe later there'll be many of them. Last solution is for me to copy this same template and modify it but that means adding the labels to the side bar manually which is possible but a bit troublesome for a lazy bum like me. Any tips, please feel free to post, thanks in advance.

Eh ...

Eh, what're these?

-___-

O_O

- O -

> o <

@_@

Cucumbers we got from our back and right neighbours yesterday. The short one is Lebanese cucumber. I forgot what the long one is called. The back neighbour gave us some and then our right neighbour happened to be in his backyard and gave us some too over the fence. Both neighbours plant a variety of vegies (lettuce, pumpkin, lemon, chilli, etc) in their backyards. A good hobby. Our garden bed is filled with weeds at the moment, haha. Photos next time.

Anyway, these are the typical cucumbers available from the supermarkets. Can't get the light green cucumber over here, never seen any.

Tahu Goreng?

Inspired by Mamabok's blog entry about tahu goreng.

I had trouble cutting the cucumber into strips with a knife. The cucumbers sold here are either lebanese or .. forgot what the other is called. The cucumbers are dark green and I find them not as crunchy as the Asian light green ones.

I thought I'd try this satay sauce. Not bad for AU$1.95 a jar! I hope I can find Rojak sauce (if there is such product on the market in Oz). I know there is Indo Rojak brand around but I don't think I wanna try Indo brand, yet.

Oh about the Sling ... alamak not comfortable to use on a hot day, haha ... sweated profusely just exiting the mall to the covered carpark. As usual, we got stares in the mall. Good thing it is always Kiwi G who wears it :D The lil monster now wants to face outward instead of inward when being carried in the sling which means she has to twist her body in an uncomfortable manner. Looks like the happy sling days are numbered. We'll need to get an umbrella stroller soon as the existing stroller is a bit bulky and tedious to carry around.

Asian Stores

Today we discovered a huge Asian Mart called G&L Supermarket with almost everything you would find back home in Msia. I was soooo happy! The price is also cheaper than all the Asian stores I have been to thus far.
Upstairs is a Chinese cafe run by the same management ... didn't have time to check it out, but surely will!

There is also a Chinese bakery right beside the supermarket and wow wow wow, fresh & cheap Chinese bakery. Don't need to go to Chinatown to get good stuff anymore. Now we only need to drive 5 minutes to get all the freshly baked yummies.

There is also another Asian Mart near to G&L but it was closed at the time. We'll have to check it out some other day.

We bought some goodies from G&L (who could resist?) but didn't take photos of them, very lazy ... had to feed baby and all.

Anyway, below are some photos of what we bought at Randwick Oriental (another Asian Mart) in Kingsford a few weeks ago.


The Curry Laksa for noodles is nice, almost like the real hawker taste.
I think I've blogged about the Vegetable Curry Mix before, it's pretty good too - very easy to cook, dump all vegies, pour the powdered mixture in the packet and bring to the boil.



Yee Mee (yum yum yum), this one I have not seen it available at Asian stores in Sydney for years until recently. It's now even available at Coles Supermarket Asian aisle. And wow the Ipoh White Kopi (sorry I forgot what the price was) ... slurp slurp.


I've tried many brands of spicy instant noodles ie Indo and Thai which are widely available here but I didn't take a liking to any. Then came Maggi Curry flavoured instant noodles sold at Coles (too bad there is no Cintan brand sold anywhere). Wow, that's the best at the time until we recently discovered this "Nong Shim" brand noodles that is sooo spicy, we absolutely love it. No more having to rely on Maggi mild (really mild) curry taste instant noodles.

I usually buy Singlong or Glory (picture above) brand sambal paste. It's the real thing. Sometimes I fry some ikan bilis and onions then add this paste and some sugar ... you get the real sambal, haha! Eat it with nasi lemak ... it's da bomb!



Lastly, this is the BEST I have tasted thus far ... really authentic red red red super yummy and spicy curry paste! Absolutely great for curry chicken! Once we finish this brand of curry paste, I'll be sure to try Prima Taste's curry as it looked very nice and red in Mamabok's blog!

Blinds Installed

Finally, we had timber venetian blinds installed on all windows throughout the house. No more garbage bags as curtains! We ordered the blinds(supply & install) during the half yearly stocktake sale and got a good 40% off the usual price, otherwise we would never be able to afford real timber blinds. Below are examples of what the blinds look like.

View from the backyard. Notice the bare soil. Next to do is the lawn.

Amazing Parents

Many times I tend to forget how blessed my life is. It takes some things to make me realize what a whiner, lazy and ungrateful person I am.

I admire people with lots of drive, never give up attitude and do the almost impossible. If any physically normal person feels she/he could not cope with a newborn, maybe this will change the way they look at parenting. Please click here to view the video "Amazing Parents" (don't forget to turn on the speakers). It is a segment from our local daily TV show, "Today Tonight". I think the first parent in the video is simply AMAZING but so are the others.

Portuguese Tarts

We sometimes buy Portuguese Tarts from Michel's Pattiserrie (a franchise you find in almost every shopping mall in Australia).

The taste is pretty good but nothing extraordinary. The price is a whopping AU$2.90 each ... it's just normal small size. So expensive?? What to do, that's the nearest place we could get it from (5 minutes drive from home). Serves me right for not having baking skills!

House Update

While we've been busy with Sweetpie, we've never actually stopped working on our house. Just too lazy to update on this blog. Money continues to flow like river every month - unfortunately it only flows one way ie OUT. Here are a few before and after photos.

The lounge room - before

For 6 years, we had only this 2 seater second hand sofa

The lounge room - after

We wanted leather as it would be easy to clean but contemplated whether to go for cream colour. At last, we decided to get dark chocolate colour as it is more childproof. To reward ourselves, we picked a set with two reclinable single seaters, hehehe.

The rumpus area - before & after
Also bought a proper 6 seater dining table and a Chaise sofa set.

Phoebe's room - now

We've decided to move Phoebe to her own room only after we have timber venetian blinds installed on all windows. As the blinds are all custom made, there is a waiting period of 4-6 weeks. Right now, we use black garbage bags (how elegant is that?) as curtains all over the house. Meanwhile, her room is in a mess at the moment, sorry bebe!

Our new bed - before & after

We decided to purchase a King size ensemble after much brain storming. We thought we'd reward ourselves after having slept on a small double size bed for the last 6 years (poor Kiwi G's feet dangled at the end of the bed, hahaha)! The photo of the double size bed was taken without the ensemble, just the mattress.

The quilt cover on the King size bed was chosen by Kiwi G when I sent him on a shopping spree shortly after I was discharged from the hospital. I didn't request for pink - it was his choice as he knows I like pink and pastels.

Poor Kiwi doesn't get to enjoy the bed as much yet as he has been sleeping at the guest room on the old Double size bed since late June because he needs uninterrupted sleep in order to stay awake at work!

Census

Received the Census form (I think it is known as Banci Rumah in Malaysia? Not sure).

I haven't read through everything yet but while flipping the pages, this certainly caught my attention:

"... in 2001, there were approximately 350,000 more single females aged 18 years or over than single males aged 18 years or over"

A&W

Discovered A&W near our place today! It's a rare discovery because you don't get A&W outlets everywhere like in KL. The only other A&W outlet I have heard of is located at Miranda (in South Sydney I think). The same goes for Nando's. It isn't available everywhere in Sydney (FYI I don't think there is Coffee Bean in Sydney either, but Starbucks, yes). Anyway, we decided to check out A&W. Sorry no photos, I have yet to get into the habit of snapping photos of eateries with the digicam or phone camera.

This A&W outlet is a bit different, it is actually called A&W/Long John Silver (opened in March 2005). The menu is limited, it has burgers and fish & chips but no coney dog or fried chicken (how can??).

I just had to order Root Beer Float but it's not called a float. It is called Spider Root ie your choice of Root Beer or any soft drink with a scoop of ice cream, served in a transparent plastic cup. Price = AU$3.75. Next we ordered fish & chips, not bad, good value for money at AU$4.95. I hope they'll offer coney dog and nuggets on their menu someday. It's good to be able to drink Root Beer Float again - the last time I had one was in KL back in Nov 2002. Kiwi G has never tasted A&W Root Beer Float or eaten A&W food until he first step foot in KL 7 years ago. He finds that Root Beer tastes like medicine *LOL*

www.bookcrossing.com

I'm a loser, I have never heard of BookCrossing until recently when someone wrote me. From the brief reading I had on that website, it seems that one can register a book they wish to release in the wild, as in place it at public places for others to hunt. Finders are not keepers though, read here - finders are expected to do the same. I don't think I'll be participating as I am not an avid reader (I know, loser me!). For KL-ites, some books are still up for hunt at Melia Hotel, Times Square & Cititel Midvalley and Starbucks, The Curve. For a complete hunting list in Malaysia, Click Here

Happy book hunting, bookworms!!

This n That

Completed the left side fence of our house on 2nd May

This is Colorbond fencing.
Most houses use this kind of fencing with cream colour being the most common choice.

Thanks to all who complimented on Kiwi G's confinement lady role. The truth is, I doubt he has any idea what Chinese confinement means as he was brought up in a totally different culture where anything goes. Other than to be around me and baby 24/7 as well as having to do more work around the exterior of the house, I won't be expecting him to make me any herbal or "pou" or "jor yuit" food as both of us have no idea how to make any, hahaha.

Many friends back in KL asked why don't I employ a "jor yuit lady". Well, if I am rich enough to fly one from KL, hahaha for there is no such thing as "jor yuit lady" for hire here. For those who are unaware, there is also no such thing as Indo and Pinay maids for hire here too. I don't think the Aussie Govt issues work permit for foreign maids employment. That is why daycare centres are making a killing by charging AU$50-AU$100 per day for each child and that's only for day time. You drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. I think this is the very reason why most medium to low income earner Moms here have no choice but to quit their jobs to care for their child especially if they have more than one. It is cheaper than sending them to daycare centres.

So there you go, Malaysians, count your blessings. You pay about RM400-RM800 a month, for a live in domestic helper who not only cooks and cleans but takes care of your child while you're at work too! RM400 - RM800 is only about AU$143 - AU$287 ... which can't even cover one week's daycare fees for one child over here! Seriously, if Indo and Pinay domestic helpers are available for hire here, say for AU$400 -AU$800 a month, I think most daycare centres would be out of business in no time and most families would not have to depend on a single income.

There you go again, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. I haven't even touched on the subject of taxation yet ... if I explain how the tax system works here especially for medical, your savings in the bank, bank charges, etc, Malaysians would stop complaining I think, hehehe (don't be too naive to think that medical is really free).

Having said all these, it's just my point of view. You may see a totally different perspective from a rich Msian in Sydney.

Okay, off topic, now let's talk about my pregnancy cravings. Do I have any? Yes but sadly, as you all know, one can't get mee siam, makcik nasi lemak, mamak food, pan mee, claypot yee mee, etc, etc over here (I am a useless cook, like most Msians, I have never tried cooking until I got married). So it is totally pointless to have cravings, hahaha. I pity Kiwi G whenever he asked what I crave for, only to be told he would not be able to get the foods here. In a way, it's prolly a good thing for him too, else he might have to drive out middle of the night just to get me mamak food, haha. Unfortunately I am not a big fan of western food ... whenever I see potato, pies, roast chicken, meat and more meat, alamak, very sien lah! I am a "kuih muih, Malay, Indian, Msian Chinese, Mamak & Nyonya food" person. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I so wish I could just go to any kopitiam for breakfast then and there. Sigh ... here ... all you get are cafes offering you pies, sandwiches, breads, buns, croissants, etc. Dah Muak!!

My older brother at first suggested that I give birth in KL so that baby could enjoy dual citizenship. I've thought about that much earlier but dropped the idea as it is a bit complicated considering that I would really like baby to maintain its auto NZ PR status once baby is born an Aussie. If baby is born in KL, I'm not sure what dual citizenship baby would get, will it be Msian+Kiwi or Msian+Aussie? This is because Kiwi G is a Kiwi. If baby gets Msian+Kiwi citizenship, it'd be a hassle having to apply Aussie PR for baby and to keep renewing it every few years. Actually I'm not even sure if dual citizenship is granted for babies born in Malaysia, of non Malaysian fathers. Neither of us have any plans to give up our citizenships as we're not quite decided whether to live in Oz for good. Maintaining our own citizenships would allow us to easily kidnap each other to NZ or KL for long term under spouses visas. We're keeping our doors open for now ie Oz, NZ or KL. So once baby is born, we'll have quite an international family, a Kiwi Daddy, Msian Mommy and Aussie Baby.

Update

Photos alas! I am skipping photos of the complete process of each job (else there'd be too many - overload). Here is the summary:

BEFORE: The entire completed house is handed over without any floorings. You are looking at concrete floors of one bedroom

AFTER: We decided to hire some tradesmen to install and supply laminated floors to all four bedrooms

We decided to hire tiling contractors to tile the the rest of the house ie kitchen, meals, family, rumpus and the living room. Boxes of tiles on the concrete floors.

DRIVEWAY: We decided to go for stencilled concrete driveway and chose burgundy colour to match the roof. Excavation work to level the driveway and to remove 10 tonnes of excess soil

Truck pouring concrete onto the driveway

After a lenghty process of laying the patterned stencils onto the wet concrete ... tadaaa ... hours later this is what it looks like

Still lots of work to be done .. we have not begun to touch the backyard yet and to lay the lawn on the bare soil at the front and sides of the house. That'll come later after the fences are up, I hope. The interior of the house is bare ... no furniture & curtains/blinds yet! We are hoping to grab a few bargains during the Australia wide stocktake sale in June (if our bank a/c hasn't run dry by then, haha!!).

Now that we have got the major & important works done already, we're concentrating on preparing for our baby .. just a month and a bit more to go. Only set up the baby cot last night. My stomach's feeling so tight lately ... like a full blown balloon. I tire easily too - even scooping styrofoam beans into bean bags was like hard laborious work. I am so not used to having such little stamina and energy and a BIG stomach. I am pretty nervous about labour especially if it's a natural birth *GULP*, we'll see. It has to happen somehow.

Our lives will be changed forever - that's another nervous feeling, hehehe as we've both enjoyed our freedom so very much over the years. But I know, we can resume our freedom once baby/children grow up and what's even more fun is that they'll be able to join us in our travels. Gee, don't I plan too far ahead??! Well, every reality begins with a dream, hehehe.

Update

We finally have our laminated floating floors (fake wooden floors) installed in all bedrooms last Saturday. Feels good not to have concrete floors in the house anymore! Photos to follow much later.

Had been so busy and still am. Trying to unpack and sort things out. I strife to practice the Japanese 5S system in my household (more explanation here). I was very impressed with the 5S philosophy many moons ago when I had the privilege to be part of the implementation team at one of the manufacturing companies I have worked in my early days (the company was also going through the process of achieving ISO 9002 certification of which it succeeded). But ... 5S for household? I must be a freak but we'll see - things are often easier said than done, haha.

Meanwhile our driveway, patio and retaining walls are under construction this week (before & after photos later).

Neighbours are nice and friendly. It's a complete contrast to neighbours in apartment dwellings (maybe because apartment dwellings consists of mostly renters and not owners). Already our Greek neighbours to our right and our Indian neighbours to our back have invited us for BBQs later. I must say, the Indian neighbours are very friendly and hilarious. The Greeks are a very good looking young couple with two daughters. The Mrs is one hot babe - I hope I could be as fantastically presentable like her even after having children. Haven't had a chance to meet and say hi to the Chinese neighbours on the other side of the street at the back (a big double storey Mirvac home ... if I am not mistaken, it is this model they went for (don't be fooled by the house price, it's misleading. I mean, it is correct but lots of things are not included such as floorings, landscaping, driveway, etc, etc which will add up to at least AU$30-40k and you need to buy your own LAND to build a house that wide in our estate, which costs around AU$270k-AU$300k for 450 sqm).

Okay back to sorting.