Summer Ball 2012 Preparation

Every June our Rugby Football Club always organizes a Summer Ball.
It is a yearly event most members look  forward to.
A night to remember of merrymaking, good food, good company, good wine and lots of partying.

I too, always look forward to this event and getting ready makes me feel excited.
It always reminds me of the National Conferences during my Pharmaceutical days where it is a formal party of the year and everyone has the opportunity to dress-to-impress with the strict dress code.
The Summer Ball has exactly a similar aura to it.

Even though  it is still about 3 weeks away I still cannot help but  get ready.
We have a busy schedule ahead for this month  (trips, birthday parties,) so I think it is necessary to shop in advance for the very important dress although it is just really an excuse not to contain my excitement.
I have been shopping for my dress since Wednesday this week.
I first found  a full length white maxi dress from Jump Apparel with a fishtail skirt. It was beautiful and it clung to  my body perfectly although I was not sure with the white colour.
Next I found a red satin  knee length one shoulder dress. The only problem was that there was no size for me.
It was also the same dilemma I had when I saw a Ben de Lisi little black dress.
A  bandeau dress with a big bow in front and full pleated skirt.
It was extra gorgeous as it was on a 70%  reduction from its retail price of £145 but then again, there was no size for me.
Friday came and I still went out checking for that elusive dress.
Little Girl was not particularly up to it and was crying the whole time we were out although I was almost tempted to purchase a Jessica Howard dress that I saw.

So today I asked Dearest Husband to accompany me to  Bicester Village  because of its Coast outlet.
I have always loved Coast dresses for occasions and have previously mentioned it in one of my posts.
As Little Girl was with her daddy I had all the time to check all the dresses and tried them without any bored toddler to worry after.

After 2 hours of fitting on several dresses I was faced with a predicament every girl usually experiences when it comes to shopping. I could not decide which dress to purchase.
Here are the said dresses:

A royal  blue bandeau dress.  The colour and the fit were  almost perfect.
Although it was a UK size 10 the chest area was a bit tight so I could not imagine risking the rest of the night just because I am uncomfortable dress.

Yellow figure hugging dress. The fit was just perfectly comfortable but the colour and the style does not seem appropriate to the occasion.

It breaks my heart not to choose this dress as I do love it!

Bardot Multi Stripe Dress described as a statement piece and a must have in one's wardrobe.

It has a contemporary bust detail and full pleated skirt. It is also fully lined with a concealed zip.

The picture above do  not really give full justice to the beauty of the dress as it is obviously wrinkled.
I must have to admit though that it is truly beautiful.
Everybody that I've asked for their opinion were all telling me to go for this dress.
They all said it complemented my colour and body shape perfectly.  And it suits well to the occasion.
And priced originally  at £220 but reduced to £65 I could not help but  chose this one in the end.
I hope you will all agree with me.

Now that I have finally managed to get myself a dress and booked the salon for my hairdo I could not help but get more excited.
Anyway, let me share with you some photos from last year's Summer Ball:

I'm wearing a strapless, short dress by Teeze Me.

With girlfriends when everybody is still sober

And when the alcohol kicked in and dominated the night

Bobby Davro as special guest of the night

Bobby Davro as special guest of the night

Summer Ball is still a few weeks and a new pair of shoes away.
In the meantime I have to get on with my  Fifty Shades trilogy. I will blog on this for book review.

Have a very good night everyone and happy weekend too.
Hope everyone in the UK will have a fantastic Jubilee weekend celebrations.
Good night.

Motherhood Exhibition

It was my first time to attend this Motherhood Exhibition, which runs from 31 May to 3 June 2012 (11 am to 9 pm in Singapore Expo Hall 6B) and I was very lucky that my friend's sister accompanied me to this fair.
To avoid the weekend crowd, we both took a half day leave and visited the exhibition.  At every corner, there were pregnant bumps, babies in carriers, and parents with strollers on a Friday afternoon!  Oh boy! how glad I am to have gone on a weekday.

Initially, I was looking for some classical CDs or maybe a Belly Buds in promotion.  Unfortunately, I didn't see any Belly Buds but I was able to buy my Baby Classical Violin (2 CDs) at S$ 14.00

And because I am soooo scared to have a stretch marks! I also bought this Bio-Oil for S$15.00!
I heard so many good things about Bio-Oil and of course Mummy Nors recommended this to me.
So let's see if this one will work...

There is a gigantic booth offering Huggies disposable diapers and I got this Newborn Disposable Diapers for 3 for S$15.00 and I have my free Medela feeding bottle! (I was actually tempted to buy the Charlie Banana eco-diapers but my friend advised me not to, so will try this first..)

So, what did I buy to make our trip worth the money and time?

• Nursing Bra for S$22.00 each (this is cheaper and nicer compared to the Marks & Spencer Nursing bra)
• Tommy Tippee Electronic Sterilizer, Closer to Nature 260 ml BPA Free Bottles, Insulated Twin bottle carrier, Electric Bottle & Food warmer, Teats, Pacifier, and Disposable Breast Pads all for only S$169.00

• Medela Calma (since I have my free Medela bottle!) for only S$26.24.00 (U.P.S$32.80)

Calma was developed using evidence-based research on babies' natural feeding behavior so you can enjoy your breastfeeding bond longer.

With Calma, the milk will only flow if your baby works and creates vacuum to remove the milk. This enables the feeding behavior learned at the breast to be used with Calma.

My friend Audrey bought a lot of Diapers, Baby Bjorn carrier, Educational CDs and more.
I think expecting Moms and already Moms may find visiting this Motherhood fair worthwhile.  I am so looking forward to visit another fair like this!

XOXO,
9 to 6 Mom

A Sneak Peek: Pregnancy Photos

A dear friend of mine from High School who works for a pharmaceutical company in the Philippines emailed to ask me for a favor about two months ago.  She needed a pregnant model for a prenatal vitamin they are launching and she thought I would be the only one up for the job.  Apparently she thought I look good pregnant, which I thought was funny.  I always hid from the camera when I was pregnant the first time around so I never did have a lot of pictures during my first pregnancy.  I resisted this challenge for quite some time as I had to build up some courage to get in front of the camera.  Of course, I was also waiting for a bump to finally show, thus the wait.  Well I finally did it! Here's some pictures that came out of the shoot.

The photographer was also a good friend of mine which made it easier for me to agree to do it.  I think she did a wonderful job considering I was an amateur model.  She also took photos for my DD's holiday pictures in the past.  Since these turned out so great, I am planning on hiring her again for a family portrait when the baby comes out in the Fall.

It made me feel sad that I never did this when I was pregnant with Mads, but happy that I will have these pictures to reminisce with the new baby when he is older.  I don't think I will ever see myself pregnant again after this one so it's nice to have something to look back to.

About my Pregnancy

Just to share with you about my pregnancy (first 10 Questions from The Pregnancy Journal)

1. Was your pregnancy planned or surprise?

M: Planned pregnancy for me but surprise for my husband.

2.  When did you begin to think about having this baby?

M: Last year (August) when my Dr friend visited me in Singapore he told me that I was getting old so I better get pregnant ASAP.

3.  When did you suspect you were pregnant?

M:  After our Port Dickson Holidays (New Year)

4.  When your pregnancy was confirmed, how did you react?

M: Happy and scared!

5.  How long did it take you to become pregnant?  Did it seem quick or slow?

M:  Took me  3 months to work on this, well I feel its slow but others think it was really quick..thanks to What To Expect Fertility App

6.  What is the best thing about being pregnant?

M:  Everybody is giving you an extra TLC, you are not allowed to work a lot, they give you a Free Seat most of the time, and I feel confident & good without make-up.

7.  What challenges do you foresee with  this pregnancy?

M: My OB said that I am high risk for preeclampsia, I hope I will not have one when I reached my 3rd trimester.

8.  Who were the first to know you were pregnant and what were their reactions?

M: My husband, my Mom, Dad, Sisters and few very close friends.

9.  What was the first thing you bought specifically for this baby?

M: nothing at this moment but I already have a crib from Pali (gift from my ex-boss), few clothes from my sister who lives in Dubai.

10. What hopes and dreams do you have for your baby?

M:   I hope my little angel will be beautiful inside and out, without ever feeling that he is better than everybody else, will have faith in his self, will work hard to achieve his own goals and dreams and love his family...

The Pregnancy Journal: A Day-to-Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregnancy by A. Christine Harris (available at amazon.com)

The Gorgeous Week That Was

What a beautiful weather we've been enjoying this past week!
Since Monday, Britain has been basking in the beautiful sunshine.
 An average of 25C all  day long  (as sometimes it can be sunny yet windy or it suddenly gets cold towards the later part of the afternoon, but not this time though).
The evenings on the otherhand,  are  just very warm. Little Girl's bedroom  night temperature is around 27C so it really makes her so uncomfortable. I have to leave our windows open whole day and night.
It is such a pure delight to see people all dressed up in their summer clothes -  for a while I thought we were in the Philippines!
We've been out and about since Monday and Little Girl still manages to jump and splash  in her paddling pool after a long day out  while Mummy watches over her with a glass of port wine. Just fantastic!

Here are some of our outfits of the day:
(We  couldn't manage any photos on the weekdays as Mummy is lousy on the camera unfortunately.
 We  have to wait on weekends to exploit Dearest Husband, lol!)

I'm wearing a jumpsuit and gladiator sandals from Tesco's f&F clothing.
Rado Original Diastar watch  I've got for about 20 years now    
 Accessories from SM  Davao
Little Girl on her Strawberry on Faire kids summer dress and Lelli Kelly sandals

I'm wearing shorts and white top from H&M  

Michael Kors logo jet set travel tote  

Hush Puppies brown wedge

 Little Girl on a  Rocha.Little Rocha white shirt  

Zara pink shorts 

 Lelli Kelly sandals

I've promised myself  I am  going to take a break from shopping especially as we are going to Paris and I am getting myself  a new phone which is not in the plan/budget.
 Unfortunately, I happened to drop by Gap and managed to get Little Girl these:

Butterfly Pink Jelly Sandals and baseball hat from GAP

and this gorgeous grey dress from H&M at £5. 

Mother-in-law came round Friday morning and left 2 dozens of Dahlia seedlings.
I was especially thankful as:  1,  Dahlia's one of my favourites, 2;  saves me plenty of money from buying them  from the garden centres instead and 3;  saves me time from growing them.
It came from my father-in-law's cousin.
I had time to plant them this afternoon. I just could not believe that I was in the garden till about half past 8pm.
The weather was just truly fantastic.

Dahlias at borders

And at pots

In about a month or two, they will start flowering, just can't wait. They are lovely! I will update you on this.

I had a good look around my garden and realized  if only we have a regular normal weather,  imagine what the sunshine can do more given the progress it can  in just a week's time.
.

The petunias from last week's planting

I also noticed the Lillies buds are already coming out. In a week or 2 it will start flowering. Hmm,  they are so lovely.

Our weather forecast says sunshine will be with us until tomorrow and back to wet and gloom on Tuesday, oh no!!!!  I hope it will turn around before Jubilee celebrations next week.
We are going to the Rugby Club and the theme is 1950's. I have no idea how to arrive on a 1950's outfits but I still have a week to plan.
In the meantime, I find it urgent to help Little Girl do the  Father's Day cards for her dad, 2 grandads and great grandad. That is more urgent and important.
Anyway, I got to sleep now.
I just consumed a bottle of port wine while watching Desperate Housewives. It said we are only 2 episodes away from its finale. Think I will be crying!!

Good night everyone.

Retail Therapy

I haven't shopped at the mall in a long time.  Ever since I found a better way of getting my shopping needs with a click of a button, I've been hooked.  I can't stay too long on dressing rooms to try clothes on as my DD gets bored and always decides it's time to hide from mom because I'm too busy fitting to look for her.  Since trying on was the only convenience of shopping for clothes and I don't get to enjoy it, I prefer buying items online even when it comes with the hassle of having to mail it back in case of returns.  The downside? I end up keeping items I don't particularly love.

So I did mention I went out shopping as a way to celebrate my happy news.  The problem with me is, I can't just go buy one item when I am at a department store.  I tend to look around for things that I might need in the future...and buy things I don't really need just because.  On Wednesday, I ended up buying a new pair of sunglasses.  I own about 7 already...but not in this brand.  So there's an excuse. Hahaha

Chloe aviators in black with gray gradient

Then another pair of Crocs mary janes that my DD surprisingly liked, it was in black thus my surprise when she would not take it off.  She already owns a purple Crocs in keely mary janes and I have already ordered the same style in pink in her next size online.  She tells me this one she will wear for school so she does not get her pink ones dirty.  Good point.

Crocs mary jane Genna in black

Then another cute bright summer dress.  My DD only likes to wear dresses these days.  I have to fight with her tooth and nail to get her to wear leggings underneath every skirt each time.

Freckle and Kitty dress

That night, I realized I forgot to buy a few things that I actually need.  I make a mental note of going to Marshall's the next day to purchase some pajamas for summer.  With my expanding belly, I no longer fit on my sweat pants so I have been walking around the house in a tank top and underwear.  I bought these ones that caught my eye. 

Carole Hochman sleepwear, they run about $80 and got them for $16.99

Aria sleepwear in dainty pink, from $48 to $18.99

I purchased these two because of the delicate details such as lacing and button enclosures on top.  I figured it will work well in my entire pregnancy and also with breastfeeding in mind.  It will be easier to pull out breast than having to pull up entire shirt while holding baby in one arm.  I have tons of nursing tops to go out but none for sleeping.  If I like these, I will come back to get some more.  They were a great bargain! 

Of course it would be so untypical of me if I don't venture towards a few isles down and see what else I can snag before heading out.  I saw this table cloth cover that would just be perfect with the place mats that I own.  

Ralph Lauren table cover, originally $54 down to $24.99

I ended up buying the longer length, I kept them anyway because my MIL (mother in law) is coming in a few months and she is good with the sewing machine.  I think I can use the extra fabric to cover my side tables.  I like this fabric.  It is does not have the feel and look of plastic but it is stain resistant, water repellant and wipe clean only.  That's what you get when you have 100% polyester. With kids, you want everything in your household that has those exact words.


Madison was not with me when I went shopping this time, maybe it would have been better for my budget if she was.  More time means more spending.  I saw these really cute note cards.  I could not resist them.  Especially when I found a box with Mad's initial on it.  I could always use them for Thank you cards later. 

Laura Ashley "M" note cards and Papyrus cards

Then next to it, I saw this really cute wall art deco stickers that I know my DD would just love.  I bought it with the intention of decorating her play room with it but of course, she has other ideas!

They are reusable stickers so they come off easy in case she changes her mind

She insists that the fairies will keep her company at night if it's right next to her bed

My Happy Darling daughter

I also bought a few bottles of assorted candy sprinkles for the candy pops I intend to keep making, and walked over to the nearest shop to buy throw pillow covers to complement my new table cover.  I think it would be a tad too much to post all that I purchased.  That sums it all.  There is a reason why I try to avoid shopping in a one stop shop department store.  I literally feel like I only have one day to shop and do not know when to stop :P


Have a great weekend everybody!

My Own Piece of Good News

I am so happy to learn of madsaboutu's very good news.
I can empathize with her on the shock, uncertainty and disbelief.
I am so glad there was a light at the end of her short tunnel.
And I am very proud of her coming through this trial,  better and stronger.

I too have my  own share of good news. In fact I received it last Tuesday.
The long year of agony of not knowing what's going on  with your body is a pure physical and mental torture. Wouldn't it be better if somebody can put a name on your suffering?
Undergoing through  all sorts of  medical tests and seeing different medical practitioners with them  all having the same verdict of positivity regarding my medical concern was not helping at all.
How can they all say I am perfectly all right when I am suffering each day?

My medical concern is regarding my back. It began about 14 months ago.
The pain and stiffness I thought at first was just muscular and yet  carried on for weeks, then months produced panic and anxiety.
You could not blame me when I am having a difficulty in  breathing, numbness in my whole left arm, waking up to pins and needles  in the middle of the night, pain radiating to my chest, squeezing pain in the neck that produces headache , weird sensations like something is strongly pounding on my back, and the soreness and   pain   especially on very cold days.
It left me with sleepless nights. Am I having a heart attack? (when  confronted with chest pains)? Or is it a stroke? (pins and needles and numbness days).

 All my tests came back negative (xrays and blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis,anemia, thyroid problems and even ovarianl cancer were all ruled out.
I had also a 24 ECG as I complained of severe palpitations in connection with all the pounding thing on my back that radiate to the chest area.).
So I've seen and done physical therapy sessions for more than a dozen both from the NHS and private. Still no help.
I've done my own share too, improving posture, stretching exercises, heat pack and stopped breastfeeding when Little Girl was 17 months
I did not want to really because I wanted to carry on till she's 2 years old. But my mother was insistent. Looking back, I can say breastfeeding played a great role in my back pain although I have no regrets.
I fed my Little Girl every 2 hours until she was 9 months old.
And in those 17 months I breastfed her, I was literally BREASTfeeding her as she was never on a bottle. Not even one single feed even if I was away from her.
Plus, as she gets heavier, the more my back coped with her weight.
Additionally, there were plenty of times that I was forced to feed her while laying down on bed which made me curl up to adjust to her. And you know the rest, posture again.

Finally this year, it was advised I had to go through MRI scan - for  my peace of mind as my thorough physical and neurological exams all came out fine.
All my reflexes are perfect even up to the  tip of my smallest limb.
And this is the only test left we have not done yet so far.
So I agreed. I was assured that even after having this test, there is no probability of surgery or worse, cancer (as this is my biggest paranoia).

Yet the paranoid in me could not sleep.
What if they would discover a tumuor?  Would it be cancerous?
How would I cope? How would my family cope?
Would I die young?  What will happen to Little Girl?
So I spent nights researching about spine cancer. The more I read about it the more I realized that the only symptom I have is back pain.
But even this  still could not assure me.
So came the MRI scan day. I had  not slept even a single minute the night before.
 Reading again on all the  internet forums regarding the procedure is just a  bad idea.
I went to the hospital so tensed I have to press the buzzer halfway through.
It wasn't because I am claustrophobic. It was because of the noise.
I was asked to come back when I'm ready and my GP gave me low dose benzodiazepine to calm my nerves.
I am so proud to say that I did my MRI scan again a fortnight ago without taking the said drug.
I managed laying  still in that  very noisy big cylinder for 25 minutes!!

And the results day arrived. It was last Tuesday.
I thought I'm going to faint while in the waiting area. All the negative things are going through my mind.
When we were ushered inside, I could not wait to tell the physician of my fears.
I just wanted her to tell me the news straight away, good or bad. Fortunately, it was all good news.
She said they could not find anything on the scan. She even showed us the digital images of my scan.
My spine is perfect. All the surrounding nerves and all the discs are in correct position.
I have an ideal spine every patient of hers  dreams of. Wow, I was just so relieved!!!
I was told I just have to carry on with my stretching exercises which admittedly in the last weeks slowly diminished most of my symptoms.

So afterwards, I needed to celebrate. So celebrate we did!
Together with my parents-in-law, we went to The Virgins and Castles Pub in Kenilworth.
Filipino cuisine is in their menu as the owner is a Filipino. I had caldereta (braised beef in tomato sauce with potatoes and carrots). It was just yum!

Good night everyone.