Amara Sanctuary

This is the 4th staycation I had in Sentosa. When I used to work here more than 10 years ago, there was less than 5 accomodation choices and with RWS itself developed, tourists and locals alike are spoilt for choices. My first 3 stays were at Festive Hotel (with bff and we've got an upgrade cause the TV wasn't working), Hotel Michael (a birthday staycay with sis with upgrade to a suite) and Siloso Beach Resort (with the lil family).

I did not expect Amara to have a huge lobby cos it's totally hidden by the main road. The reason that I avoided Amara was that it included those colonial houses which is nothing but creepy to me. But I must say now that it is one of the prettiest resort here in Sentosa. Only 5min walk to the beach! That's so important to M. Pretty sure that M was the happiest yesterday cos he had his sandplay, pool and bubble bath!

Upon check-in with friendly Nadia, she actually created conversation and asked if there's any occasion we are celebrating for our stay. Merely mentioned that since the husb has his special day off we decided to spend the night here. She then offered us a complimentary cake which was totally uncalled for. This was my first ever experience that the hotel offered a complimentary cake without the need of requesting. She also provided us with options on whether to have the room with garden view at level 4 or a ground level room with a balcony. Decided to go for the balcony so that we could take advantage of the fresh air.

Amara is about 350m away from Imbiah station which was quite a walk but we stumbled upon the path to RWS and so we skipped the rail. Had dinner and bought some Krispy Kreme for breakfast and made our way back before Maghrib. Cause knowing Sentosa, although the path would be lighted, it would still be very dim and wouldn't want to risk of M asking us to carry him back. And me being paranoid of stumbling into a snake (since I saw one at our house bus stop)!

I love the Sky Pool. The size was quite just nice and the view just love.

This part can berangan a bit as if not in Sentosa.

Anything infinity would be love.

So much greenery and that adorable sight and sound of the mummy and baby peacock early in the morning.

Could not find the proper Amara sign except one near the main road so had no photo point.

This would do for memory keepsakes.

Such pretty lacy cover for the tissue roll with customised ribbon.

Loves anything customised.

And the complimentary cake.

Had the first bite and the coffee tasted strong so hubs finished it off.

Dear hubs, so where shall the next staycation be? 🏝

Amara Sanctuary... to be continued

Totally enjoying our stay so far! Bet M will be so upset to leave tmr. 

Here's a sneak and will share more pics soon! 

His first close encounter with peacock.

Islandlife rocks! 

It's YOUR day!

Hope the husb wld enjoy himself tmr before we gear up for Aidil Adha.

Such sweet gesture this time to show appreciation. Hope he'll feel motivated and of course nothing beats the feeling of being appreciated. 

And a thoughtful gift with word of thanks. 

May he find that deep patience, perseverance and motivation in him to keep doing what he's been doing. 💪

Goodiessssssss 😊

So sis just returned from her wkend rd trip. Didn't expect her to buy so many stuff for us especially M and me! Just look at the toys!

She even bought him Tees and for that, gotten free tiny firetruck.

And not forgetting even his shower yogurt!

Am so happy and delighted and happy and super happy that she bought me stuff from my favourite Kaison! Thankfully, the outlet there got most choices which I sent her. It was kind of impromptu cos I was actually researching for our trip but found out that there's one near her hotel!

Thanks to my patience, sis asked what I wanted and of course I had already saved the images and sent her instantly after her tak perlu qn! She got the cushion covers and the bedsheet which weren't available in Tebrau. Besides that, she gotten me night Tees which I alr planned to grab on our trip in next mth. And that cute jumper, can't wait to put it on! 🌈 

I ❤ my sis! 🤣

The wheels on the bus

M used to mime to songs probably cos he was shy. But now, he can sing his songs completely. That also began with him singing when no one was ard like me being in the kitchen or just not looking at him.

It's getting awkward for the husb to carry him up the bus and into mrt gantries, so I guess it's time for him to have his own Ez link. I'm not that sure on why he's supposed to tap when it's actually free. Probably LTA cld track the no. of pax more accurately. And this is his new card.

Cute much?

Inspire me pls

Just as I mentioned that 3littlepicks has regular discounts, they're celebrating 30k followers and offering up to 50% off! Now that we've told the siblings the date, it's time for me to start cracking my head for some simple partyware. Wish I cld be more creative but am not an artsy person. 🙄

Won't be having much time cos the trip's just right before the party so gonna have to settle way before. I wld want to make it an annual thing to grab stuff from Typo Difference for M's birthday regardless of party or not. Their tote bags are only $2 and I feel it's quite worth it and meaningful to give it as goodie bags. So what theme shall it be this year?

Home decor - My fave pieces

Honestly, I am bad in decorating the house. We had no idea on what theme to do back then. All we wanted was something simple and without much maintenance needed. So, there was not much decoratives added except for those practical Seiko wooden clocks in every part of the house. 😂 And our very first frames were antique gold given by the parents. They had bought them aeons ago in JB but did not find the time to drill another 3 holes on their wall. I hesitated initially to bring the frames over because I still had no inspiration on how to deco the home and of course, wld not want to begin with permanent holes in the wall. But the husb actually liked the frames and they became our first deco.

And here's part of the home deco story. Realised that with the convenience of online shopping, I'm able to purchase international pieces from all over the world. 😍

Born in colour tissue box. Charcoal pack from Kinokuniya at KLCC. One of the posters from Captain Zed. Wood banner from Poppetry Shop, UK (I liaised with her directly on IG)

  

Cactus Hook from Wood Rabbit, Korea at 3littlepicks

Had to be my fave online shop for party stuff, home deco and alot more.

I even bought water bottle from them. They have quite regular discounts so gotta keep a lookout and they never fail to include small gifts (I've gotten cutesy memo pads and a pen) with every purchase.

One of the posters from byCaptainzed , Malaysia.

This was easily purchased by DMing the ankel over at IG.

He was responsive and he actually forgotten to send out my order. To make up for the delay, he added 2 extra posters. And when he told me my order was sent out, I received them promptly the next day. I ordered the frames, very reasonably priced and better quality than Ikea's from qoo10.

Cushion covers from Kaison, Tebrau City, JB.

They had really pretty canvas prints but mostly out of stock. 

I regretted not buying fairy lights in BKK cos didn't know that the one we bought from Geylang wldn't last another year. So got these rainbow cotton balls from Ode to love . Nicely packed and easy to track purchase. Had to DIY but the husb did it.

One of my faves. Classic phone from monoyono and the Topiary bush with vase from Prop Up Store .

The curly lamb was a souvenir all the way from New Zealand.

Well, nothing lasts forever so there ought to be changes to the home deco. Will try to change every Syawal for fresher look! 🤗 However, I'm rather pleased with the deco stuff. For now. But I'm already thinking of those #pingganviral at Central market, KL! 🙊

A long weeeeeek ahead!

Oh dear it's going to be a really long week cos the husb had to work this wkend! Tsk. BUT! He'll be having the shortest workweek after that without having to apply leave. 🤗 And it's gg to be Aidil Adha too next weekend. Oh yummy food! I better tell mom to cook my fave nasi. Talking about nasi, still don't understand my cravings post preg (rather so late to be calling that since it's been years) is worse than preg days. Now pms cravings made me imagine chilli crab (still!), chicken noodle and some other random rarely eaten food. Add some huge servings of emo and I'd be cranky and sensitive in a sec.

This photo of Mexican Sailing Ship was taken on our nightwalk from the Family Day.

Bismillah to the brand new week!

May it be smooth sailing 😀

What a weekend! 🤓

Such long weekend cos we had two long days. Yesterday met the parents early noon to go for a wedding at Jurong East before going for Mich's housewarming at Canberra. Been waiting since forever to crash there although she'd shown me pics of her fresh nest. Since I got her to self collect her Macaron Drawer Kafe, I can't go to her house empty handed. So i went to Prop Up store at Big Box to grab her a fat glass jar. Sadly, there's no box available so gift wrapping was tough. The lady probably not that experienced in wrapping, rolled the jar into a candy like gift. 😒 While I'm thankful that there's complimentary gift wrapping provided, I had a hard time carrying the jar fearing it might roll easily. Had no choice but to ask Mich to quickly unwrap once I passed to her.

Went to the library today for M's books. He ran and tumbled on the floor. Got angry at me while I tried to pick him up. Got stared by the librarian for that scene. I damn well know that it's a library but I can't forced him to shut and cool down instantly. Or is she expecting me to drag him out by the neck. Unsure of her expectation but I just stared back at her and walked out.

Headed to town finally today for a brief shopping date! But nowadays no date la more like running errands. Bought daily specs from Owndays at $68 as we used the voucher from the lucky draw. A portion was used to get M's new shoes from Skechers. Tsk. Another not so happy experience. Was greeted at the entrance and we headed straight to the kids' section. Saw a few choices but the one we wanted doesn't come in his size. She recommended another design and we took about less than 10mins before deciding on another design. Before making payment, i swear that I saw her rolling her eyes (at us presumably) but towards her colleague. I caught her red handed! Then I hesitated to close the deal but went ahead. I'd forgive her cos she must have had a long bad day standing for long hours. Fine. That's after sis said to me that all retail staff like that la and after complaining umpteen times to the husb that I saw her rolling her eyes. 😏 Just not going to go back there ever again.

Well, what else matters cos I had retail therapy this weekend! Here goes!

My new daily specs that doesn't differ much in design with the 3 year old one.

My $500 Burberry specs lasted about 1 year cos the frames was irritating my cheeks. Still using my Raybans for occasional specs and this cheaper Owndays is not only for my shortsightedness but acts as a safety goggle from M as well as cooking splashes. 🤓

Husb bought this pretty weird looking unicorn from Butter studio made of macarons.

The backview.

Irresistably cute made in Korea socks!

Be thankful! Always

Woke up to the news of train breakdowns. Could not imagine the stress they had to face early in the day. Me? Being thankful that I do not have to face such situations regularly. When I first got married, I was warned by husb that I had to be prepared to work for another 30 years. But, plans changed when M came along.

Quotes. It's so easy to write and read them but when you need to apply, seems so tough. It's human nature that you tend to compare your life to others, feeling dissatisfied with what you have. All you wanted was what the other person is having even when that person doesn't have what you've got. I too need constant reminders to always be thankful with the blessings I've received.

Life is temporary. You may be feeling so down and out but please hang in there, cos you'll get up and about, soon. It takes alot of strength and you'll know when to get up once you've got no more tears to shed. Everyday, everyone's facing their own set of challenges. And never the same as yours.

I was told that I was fat and losing so much hair (I still am by the way). It sure hurts so bad. Till today, I was thankful that I could find the courage to build myself up and make me whole again with the support from the people around me. So blessed to be surrounded with so much love. And I believe too that Allah was just teaching me one of the most meaningful life lessons. Alhamdulillah.

Share other's happiness, lighten their sadness. Never laugh at them because you'll never know what life's gonna throw at you.

Emo friday. 

But hey! The sun's shining!! Time to do some laundry. 😂

Presents!

Before I forget what I've gotten him, thought I should save it here. Besides the staycation, got him new shoes cos he had repaired his old one and wore them for more than 5 years.

And these are the gifts we got from the tour.

Thanks to cousin for telling me to redeem the tote bag. The luggage tags were distributed upon departure. The green bag was the mystery gift for $30 spend with your boarding pass. We also redeemed 2 more items; organizer pouch set of 4 and a foldable bag. Eventually we gave almost everything away to the family except for Max. 🤣

Halfway there!

Adoi. No gd ar always counting down to the weekends! 😏 But it's midweek now!

It's only Aug but cannot wait for Sep so that I cld drag the husb to eat at Gardens by the Bay, Esplanade. But now I think even the foodplace at the park near Mom's will do. Aaaa chilli crab!

PMS alert. Cravings worse than pregnant. In fact last time, i'd probably craved for simple and easy food except for the husb who'd wanted soursop and he didn't get them until M was out. 🤣

15 days till...

Our next staycation! Quite excited for this one cos it'd be a first one for us in this hotel. Hope it won't turn out creepy. Yesterday was the day that I went out with M together with my old colleague turned neighbour. Just cos there was electrical cut off in the afternoon. So we took the opportunity to enjoy the 1 for 1 at Swensens. Then we got excited seeing so many new eateries at the mall. Even when the new wing has yet to open.

Gotta start my homework of planning itinerary and event. Kalahkan orang yg kerja ke eh. The ways to keep myself occupied besides the routine of chores.

I love how balloons and flowers and pretty simple deco adds that bit of extra joy to a celebration! 😍

That's it?

Weekend's over in a flash! Happy but oh so tired from the staycation. Not that I wasn't able to enjoy the room or the view but I just cldn't slp well with aircon. Actually, M was enjoying himself with the cartoon all the time we were in the room and all the way till almost midnight. Kasi chance la cos at home no tv in bedroom. So was alr sleepy while waiting for him to doze. But I had to wake up at 1ish and cld not return to slp all the way till 3+am. Well but i took the chance to enjoy the busy runway view. Yes, still busy at that hour.

Crowne Plaza has to be one of our fave staycation choice. It brings us so close to oversea trip feeling but minus the flight. The room's spacious and bathroom comes with bathtub - a definite pluspoint for M. Food is so conveniently available and there's even supermarket in case of emergencies. And this was our 3rd stay but the 1st with only 3 of us. Dun mind booking it again.

Gotta be two long weeks before a really short week comes. When I mean long, it's gg to be 5day work week for the husb and next wk worst, he had to sacrifice Sunday for an event and the sis gg away for short trip so it'd be another 'weekday' for me and M.

Picture taken at t4 arrival

M is undergoing another behavioural phase. Sometimes I find it too overwhelming and when I cld alr adapt to his new phase, he decides to bring on a totally new one. But I can't help to think that I am being hard on myself and him at times. How do I even grow more patience? With the help of the husb of course who's selflessly lighten my load in the evenings, nights and wee hours. And I should probably start to hang my hp in the day.

Gotta start freaking out for M's Birthday but feeling so half hearted or yet to have the inspiration and mood to begin unlike previous years. Monday blues ar. 🙄

Happy birthday!

Happy birthday to my everything!

Thank you for giving me the chance to celebrate with you since your 29th. 

😘

T4 Open house

So we went to T4 Open House today! After leaving the luggage at concierge, we had lunch at Pastamania. Headed to the coach stand and the shuttle buses were so consistently regular that we did not have to wait long. Everything was so smooth and the flow was flawless.  We completed the quizzes and survey but we did not win any prizes. However, thanks to cousin for informing us to grab the tote bag. Glad that we bumped into them! 😁

We've been aiming to get the above plane named Max. It was so lucky for the little one to have gotten it eventually when a kind young guy with a huge backpack seated in front of us in the return shuttle presented him with it. Before getting off the bus, he asked if he likes planes. 

Then he stopped me by the bus bay and said he has something to give to the little one. It was Max. We thanked him sincerely (hope he knows) and he said it's alright cos it was free anyway and it was heavy for him as he's travelling to Msia. Such sweet guy. May he be blessed wherever he goes. 

Alhamdulillah the little one has been receiving and meeting kind strangers who have given him biscuits and now this. Hope he'll grow up to be kind and giving as well. Insha Allah.

Time to freeze myself to slp and enjoy the runway view of landing planes.

Looking forward!

Happy that the parents slept over during National Day till the lil one cried cos didn't want the Obek to go home yet. Even happier and unexpected of the parents to have bought presents for the husb (and even a cake!) along with bro bringing on the feast. Not only the husb got all the presies, parents even bought me a new thick and comfy and tested by the lil one Sejadah! Family is everything but of cos with a handful of precious friends as well. In the end I did not have to cook much cos the husb wanted to have pizza instead. So anxious when the pizza guy did not turn up almost 2 hrs after order taken. All is well eventually.

Excited for the weekend to come cos we'll be heading to the airport! But not to board the plane. Can't wait for the upcoming 2 staycations (Yay!) and the trip in Sep!

Picture taken when we were stranded at Samui airport and this was the waiting lounge where free food was made available. Memories. 

This should be archived!

https://youtu.be/gns-wUkONXg

🎓

Start the week with Bismillah

We can say Monday Blues or Alhamdulillah for a brand new week! Becos tmr generally most of you hardworking people will have half day to pull through. Otherwise, it'd be that TGIF feeling again! 🎉 But for me, I'll have today to crack my head on what to cook for tomorrow and Wed. After which, can look forward to the husb's birthday weekend! So many events to look forward to for these two months and then a dry period in Oct. And I'm secretly wishing that the big family gathering will take place end of year!

Friends for keeps!

The day I've been looking forward to almost coming to an end. But I'm thankful that my Saturday started early and I've achieved fully of what's planned or not. Made epok-epok yesterday, my first time preparing it from scratch with just a watsapp msg guide from Mom. So glad that she's just a msg away now. So fried them epok-epok this morning for breakfast and brought some to Mom's.

Then met the psbf before taking the slow bus to the other psbf's house for her belated birthday celebration. Her celebration yet she played host to our yummy cooked with love lunch. When she asked what we wanted to have, I instantly requested for Chelok! And Chelok I got! Plus that bonus of sambal belacan, I had a hard time trying not to empty the big bowl of rice.  ❤

Just look at the spread! Macam at restoran pun kalah. Shiok la. I predict that our future meets up will be all home cooked from now on. Yums. Happy too that psbf accompanied me to my bus stop so that we cld catch up more. So grateful that this friendship lasted all this while and praying that we will forever be friends. Friends for keeps since we were 7! 

Koh Samui - 2nd to 5th Jan 2017

Thankfully and one of our many firsts from this trip, we managed to claim for the  >7hr delay. Of course, we would not wish to go through it all over again but sure it was an adventure. That helpless feeling you'd get cos ur really stuck and not sure of the next plane out. Thankfully, their hospitality ensured that we have enough food to go by. Never felt so glad to be home after that trip.

And nope. Not gonna use expedia anymore. Used to rely on Misa Travel but now that they've closed, gotta book and research directly with airlines and hotels.

Here's more pics of the trip!

The delayed supposedly BKK airways plane. For the first time (again!), saw pax alighting before we cld board.

The cute tram that transferred us to the immigration. Airport was so basic and small.

The grandfather rock. One of the island's attraction.

Stumbled upon this mall but just by looking at the spelling error, told husb to skip it. Totally. 😁