Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6

 May the light of love shine upon you, and may your life be filled with blessings. Here’s to wishing you a warm and blessed Christmas, and may you start the New Year on a beautiful note.

We would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Love you All!! 

Is Seoul a stroller friendly place?

If you ever travel to Seoul with toddlers and plan to bring a stroller, buy a super lightweight stroller. Forget about the twin stroller or the bulky buggy stroller. Thank God we didn't bring our Quinny stroller there. Looking for an elevator in Seoul is like digging for gold. If you ever seen one signboard with the word Elevator, "Congratulations! You have found the gold mine!" 

After a long walk from morning to night, your legs are definitely so sore that you do not want to carry the baby stroller with the baby necessities up the stairs. Unfortunately, not all malls or metro come with elevator. Sometimes we have to walk from one end to another end and yet we still couldn't find an elevator. Then, we had to walk all the way back to the right exit and go out by stairs. Furthermore, most of the restaurants or coffee shop are located either at 2nd floor or lower ground floor that you have to use stairs. All I can say is everywhere in Seoul are built with stairs. =/

I was in my 27th weeks pregnancy, with a 2yo and 4yo in hand. Usually I will carry my 2yo down/up the stairs while holding my 4yo's hand. My hubby will carry the stroller together with his backpack filled with all the baby necessities (diapers, bottles, milk, flask, spare clothes etc).

 

You're not allowed to push your stroller up the escalator for safety purpose and yet not all exits are equipped with elevator.

 It was a huge relief for us whenever we see the signboard with the word ELEVATOR.

 Our life saver!! Especially when child is fast asleep in the stroller. We saw a Malaysian family encountered the same situation as well. Her older child was already sleeping in the stroller and they couldn't find the elevator. And the mother was quite hesitated to disturb her son's beauty sleep.

 

They provided this facility for people with wheelchair, but the instructions were all written in Korean and we couldn't understand how to operate it. We've tried many times to press the buttons up and down but nothing happens. We actually saw a Thailand couple carried the father who was in the wheelchair all the way up the stairs.

While waiting for the train, always look for this sign at the waiting door. There is a dedicated space in the train for you to park your stroller/wheelchair. In fact, we hardly see Koreans pushing strollers around with their kids. Most of them babywear their child.

This was our experience traveling in Seoul with a stroller. It was difficult and troublesome at times, sometimes we just think of ditching the stroller away. But, it comes in handy when the kids need to nap and we get to free our hands by hanging our bags/shopping bags on the stroller. If everywhere in Seoul does not come with stairs and are equipped with elevator, this will definitely be an awesome place to travel to. I just fall in love with the cold weather here. And all the lovely kimchi stew and lotte biscuits. =D

Airbnb Family Studio stay at Seoul for 4 guests

This is actually our first time booking accommodation during our recent trip to Busan and Seoul via Airbnb. At first we are not so keen with Airbnb because for a first timer, we are pretty cautious if this whole thing is reliable. What if we reached there and the host is not contactable? What if the host is a scammer? We've read too much about scammers all around...

After much research, we decided to try and book the room with the most reviews.

My first experience with Airbnb:

• Booking is just a click away
• After confirmation and accepted by the host, payment was charged to your card.
• The host response was quick and fast, he can communicate in English so it's already a bonus. We received his SMS/Whatsapp immediately after the confirmation
• Few days before our arrival, the host contacted us and checked on our arrival time/check in time and also if we need any advice about Seoul
• On the day of our arrival, he guided us steps by steps how to walk to his studio from the Seoul Station. 
• Check in was all successful and went on smoothly without any hassle/trouble

Here's the room that we booked (Family studio 5Min. Seoul Station)
If it's your first time booking via Airbnb, GOOD NEWS! Sign up HERE and you will get some discounts on your booking.

Overall, we are pretty satisfied with our stay here. The room is not spacious, but fits perfectly for four of us. All we need is the two queen size bed! The floor comes with heater and this is a lifesaver especially during winter and your clothes can even dry due to the heat. You don't have to over-packed your luggage with lots of clothes, just bring a few and wash them here. Laundry detergent is also provided. Spare your bag's space for shopping!

Booking a studio unit that offers facilities like a home is so convenient especially when you travel with kids. I cooked porridge for the kids everyday and washed their clothes, especially the gloves and socks. if you need any groceries shopping, Lotte Mart is just 5 mins walk away which is located directly inside Seoul Station. That was how convenient this studio unit is.

The only cons about this guesthouse is that there is no Lift. The unit is two floors up, so we have to carry the stroller / luggages / baby and our shopping bags up the stairs.

 The view of the room from the entrance.

 A nice sofa with coffee table for you to lazy out after a long day of walk outside.

 

 Coffee table is well equipped with tourist maps and guides for foreigners.

 A small dining table with two chairs. If only there are 4 chairs available. I actually have difficulties feeding my two kids at the same time and three of us cramp in two chairs.

 Cooking facilities which comes in handy when you need to cook for your kids. Check the expiry date of the salt/pepper/seasonings before you use them. The salt/seasonings were expired few months before.

 Microwave/rice cooker/coffee machine/toaster are also available.

  We didn't have time for TV, but the free wifi is definitely a lifesaver. How can one survive in this world these days without internet. =D

 Towels are provided on the TV cabinet. But we actually used our own towel, the towels look a little old and well-used. If you don't mind, it's ok to use it.

 Bathroom is well equipped with toiletries. Basically, you don't have to bring anything!

And finally, a big Seoul town map sticked on the wall, good for foreigners like us!

If we were to go to Seoul again, we will definitely stay here again. It's only 5-10 mins walk to Seoul Station and there are few restaurants to dine in at the station itself. There is also a Lotte Mart connected to the station, my all-time favorite groceries shopping mart.  Jay (the host) promised to give me good discounts for our next trip. Haha. 

See you soon Seoul! I miss you already ..... =)

Christmas & Anniversary came early !!

First of all, thank you to Mr Hb for a super early Christmas and Anniversary gift! Such a lovely present.

You wouldn't believe me that the last time I bought a watch for myself was in year 2007. I've not changed my DKNY watch since then. It was a lovely watch. I adore it much. I don't have any plans to change to a new watch until it's totally not usable anymore.

One day, the little boy took my watch from the table and wanted to hand it over to me. He ran to me and said, " Mommy, your watch!". The moment I saw him holding my watch, I quickly ran to him so that I can grab my watch asap. Unfortunately, his grip wasn't stable back then (he was only 1yr plus) and pomp! My beautiful watch was lying on the floor, face down. It stopped working since then.

Actually it wasn't the first time my watch laid flat on the ground, so I wouldn't scold him for that. The watch just decided to stop working after that last fall. We sent for repair and it would cost us about RM300+ to change the whole mechanism. Thinking of that amount of money, we can almost buy a new watch. So, we decided to just drop the plan.

I've not been wearing any watch for many months. I felt my left hand is so empty. Today, my better half told me he will get me a new watch. We looked around looking for a more affordable watch, but it's rather unbelievable, watches these days are so expensive! I almost bought a RM13 watch from Padini. But, looking at the plastic-rubbery-not so elegant look, I decided not to own a watch. =/

The hubby insisted and there you go ..... a lovely Christmas & Anniversary gift! Such a lovely box. Christmas is in the air!

Usually I'm more keen on leather watches, but this year, I decided to try something new. A stainless steel watch! A rose-tone stainless steel watch from Fossil! I think the Roman numerals are cool and artistic. Furthermore, I like watches embellished with sparkling crystals. Surprisingly, the stainless steel strap doesn't make me look old at all. It could be the overall design of the watch's interior that makes the whole body looks stunning and elegant. Today, I totally changed my perception on stainless-steel watches.

I just couldn't wait to wear this beautiful piece in our coming trip .. =D

The pictures below are free gifts from FOSSIL. A new diary and some Christmas ornaments. 

Huang Chang Chicken Rice Restaurant @ Malacca

Ever since we found out about this restaurant, we hardly step into any chicken rice balls restaurants in Jonker street. We prefer the chicken rice balls here, less hectic, less traffic... I wouldn't say less queue because if you're there during the weekends and peak hours a.k.a lunch time, you need to queue up as well. We arrived Malacca about 11am and we had our early breakfast here, the chicken rice balls. There was no queue at all but the restaurant is almost full house. Service is good, fast and efficient. Most importantly, it's so much cheaper compare to the ones at Jonker.

HUANG CHANG CHICKEN RICE RESTAURANT
BB-376, Taman Melaka Baru,
Batu Berendam, 75350 Melaka, Malaysia
Business Hours : 7.15am – 3.00pm
Closed on Thursdays

Tel : 06-3170299

 

The crowd as early as 11am. If possible, be there early and you don't have to queue. 

Our brunch for the day, 25 chicken rice balls + half chicken + 2 barley drinks for only RM20!! 

So cheap! Our tummy were so full and satisfied ... Happy tummy for the day!

Potty Training Part II

It has been good for the past few weeks ever since we congratulated the boy for being potty trained. He's adapting well not to wear diapers during the day time, except for his afternoon nap/night time. Even though sometimes we have "accidents" that he peed on the floor, but it's okay. Once in a blue moon we did have major poo accidents that he just poo-ed in his underwear. =/

Anyway, I just have to keep reminding him from time to time, every 20-30 mins if he wants to pee/poo. Sometimes he might get too focused on his toys and he forgot he's no longer on diaper, therefore I just need to keep reminding him or most of the times, I will bring him to pee every 30 mins, or maximum 45 mins. If he had a big bottle of water, then he needs to go every 15 mins. We're doing great this way.

Today, he can run to me and grab his underwear and says "Pee Pee wants to come out already". He can hold his pee, unlike last time he will just shoot whenever he feels the urge ! Haha!!

Today, at 2 years 5 months, mommy is super proud that you are getting more expert in potty trained and you did a great job boy! =D

Little Ones

Lately, my FB news feed is flooded with many babies making their royal entrance into the world, friends changing status from mrs to mama as they discover the little miracle growing inside of them, babies taking baby steps one at a time and hitting the milestones like a champ... Looking at all these pictures, my heart leap for joy. I'm happy for them. Giving birth to a baby is the greatest gift one could ever have. I wouldn't trade anything in this world for this... I like children. I like kids. I like babies.

Today, I thank God for the two greatest blessings in my life! I'm so so blessed to be blessed with two blessed healthy children. They are the best gifts ever! Looking back from the day they were born till today, I just couldn't stop thanking God for His protection over my children. Thank you Jesus!!

An evening stroll at Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Oh well, I didn't expect Batu Ferringhi beach at Penang has so much to offer. From parasailing to horse riding to jet ski to swimming and building sandcastles. Obviously, we had dressed the kids in the wrong attire. We didn't expect the beach is sandy and clean and most importantly, no sand flies. We thought of making a trip to the beach just for some cool sea breeze and enjoy the sea view at Starbucks, but the kids were both so excited when they saw the sandy beach. The big sister couldn't resist the temptation and asked if she can sit on the sand and make some sandcastles. How can I say No to that little face.....

While the people in KL were still combating with the hazy air, we were in Penang enjoying a clear blue sky and freshly brewed air from the sea. The sea breeze was just so awesome, refreshing, relaxing and amazing!

 Horse riding on the beach... 

 

Daddy-children moment...  

 

The Starbucks here is so relaxing, with a beautiful seaview!

Then, it was time for dinner, we decided to just quickly grab some food nearby and then make a trip home. The hubby chose Tarbush as dinner for the day! It was my first experience at Tarbush. At first I wasn't that keen, but after tasted their briyani and grilled chicken, I will be back for the second time! Their food is delish!!

So guys! Make a trip to Batu Ferringhi beach if you long for a short and relaxing holiday. I just love the beach .... Hopefully the next trip here, our resort for the day is Hard Rock Hotel. =D

NextDirect.com is awesome!

Shopping online is so addictive! I wish I'm staying in the States now. The baby clothes are so so pretty and cheap! How I wish they offer free shipping like Nextdirect.com. Shipping alone from the States to Msia already cost about RM80-RM150 depends on how heavy is your parcel. Not worth at all. But thank God, I have my bestie who helps me to shop every year from the States and brings back in her luggage! Thank you so much Grace! 

Anyway, I love Nextdirect.com. They offer free shipping all the way from UK to Malaysia if you purchase RM110 and above. This amount is easily achievable and imagine, they send your parcel through DHL that comes with tracking! Furthermore, their hotline number is always active and their customer service is so good and efficient. I called few times to their customer service and when they said they will call you back the next day to check on your payment status, they really did! Shopping at nextdirect.com is really awesome and easy! 

NEXT has been my all time favorite baby clothes. Thank you NEXT for offering free shipping! I hope this free shipping lasts forever .......... And I will be your loyal customer. =D

 Here's my second purchase from nextdirect.com. I ordered this item online on last Friday and received the coming Monday. How awesome is this.

 Couldn't wait for our coming trip in December!! Say hello to snow and winter!! Yippie!!!

 Such a nice jacket! This piece indeed is a love at first sight. The sizes ran out fast and thank God, they restocked again after few days. I have to order a unisex winter jacket so that little brother can wear in future if we ever go to winter wonderland again. Cost saving in mind.

 The inner jacket with some fleece on the neck and bottom to keep your child warm and cosy. 

Look at my little Eskimo! Isn't she cute... I bet she will be cuter if this jacket is in pinky rabbit. :p Again, we have to make a wise selection so that unisex color can be worn by the brother in future and we don't have to spend additional money unnecessary. 

I guess there will be a third purchase from nextdirect.com again since I haven't found any nice jacket for the little boy. Hopefully they have new designs coming out in November. Again, thank you NEXT for the free shipping...

Coffee Chiffon Cake

I wanted to bake orange chiffon cake but I was a little lazy to squeeze out the orange juice, hence.. I looked for an easier version of chiffon cake, Coffee chiffon cake that uses instant coffee mix, 3in1.

All I can say that this recipe is great! The chiffon cake turn out to be so spongy and fluffy and yummm!

 

Baking in the oven!

 

After removed from the oven, I turned it upside down and once cooled, I removed the container and here you go!! 

 

The taste was so good, and baby boy loves it!

Here's the recipe from Table for 2

Ingredients:

A)
5 egg yolks
85 gm corn oil
115 ml hot milk
1 1/2 Tbsp instant Nescafe Gold
120gm sugar
150gm flour
1 tsp baking powder

B)
5 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
90gm sugar

Method:

1. Dissolve coffee powder in hot milk. Leave to cool down.
2. Preheat oven to 180C.
3. Combine milk with the rest of ingredients (A) until it becomes a smooth paste.
4. Beat egg whites until frothy. Add in cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks.
5. Add in sugar bit by bit and beat egg whites until stiff.
6. Put in 1/4 of egg whites into (3) and fold to combine.
7. Repeat step 6.
8. Pour (7) into remaining egg whites and fold to combine well.
9. Pour batter into clean ungreased tube pan. Lightly shake pan left and right to level the cake.
10. Bake at 170C for 40 minutes.
11. Immediately remove from oven and turn cake upside down on table. (cake will sink if not done fast)
12. Leave cake to cool completely before dislodging from pan using a flat knife. Cut with a sharp knife.

Happy 4th Birthday Sweetie!

To mommy's little chatterbox.. Have a blessed fourth Birthday!! We pray that God will bless you abundantly and fills your heart with more love and wisdom.

How time flies ... today you are Four! I wish if we can just stop the clock from ticking and keep you as a baby forever. Forever our baby girl. I remember how tiny you were when you were born, you led out the first cry and then the doctor placed you on my chest. As a first time mom, I just couldn't stop checking on you every seconds and made sure you were alright. Time passed too fast... you have grown up to be such a big girl now. You are independent, you do things on your own, you take care of your little brother when mommy is busy .. you have so many strength inside of you and I just couldn't thank God enough for blessing us with you, our most wonderful gift on earth!

We treasure every moments with you ..you have indeed brought us so much tears, joys and laughter in this family.

We pray that you will grow up knowing and loving your father in Heaven, be filled with all the wisdom, understanding and knowledge that He has and with this, I can just rest assured that you will grow up well in your life.. because God will do the rest. =)

Happy Birthday my dearest daughter! We love you always and forever.. and you will forever be our dearest baby girl!