You know you're suffering from wedding-preparation-stress when you start having bad dreams about your wedding...
It was an hour or two before the wedding banquet. I was busy getting myself dolled up to meet the guests and be the centre of attraction. It is afterall my big day and I am supposed to look my best, from head to toes...and fingers....And that was when I found out to my horror that I had forgotten all about my fingers and toes! I forgot to go for manicure and pedicure session! Bear in mind that these are the very hands that every guest will see as they offer their congratulations. And for me, nothing can hit me more strongly than a less than perfect look. I got all panicky and started on my hunt for anybody who was willing to do it for me. >>>>fast forward>>>>
Right before the banquet began, we were getting ready for our first march-in when someone called out:"Ok, time to start, where's the emcees?" *gasp* I had forgotten all about it! I had forgotten to arrange for an emcee for the night's events! >>>>
Thankfully, the dream ended at that. I can't imagine what worse things could have happened. As you would have guessed, the first thought that came to my mind the next morning when I awoke was: ok, we need to confirm our emcees for the day. And I need to set a reminder for manicure and pedicure session. Later in the day and in the days that followed, I started getting paranoid and kept thinking of the things that I might forget to do. The list just got longer and longer. Finally, I decided. I should write down all the things that needs to be done and the dealine for them, just so the dream will never have a chance to come true. So there, I hope we haven't left out any other things.
I laugh when I think about the dream I had, but imagine if it was real...*shudder*... Anyway, it has become the joke at friends' gatherings, lunch with colleagues, and now all of you can have some entertainment.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
A quick update - Sofa, so good...
I'm getting Michelle to help me update this blog soon... :)
Just a quick update, we got our sofa set from Avanni yesterday. Simmon was the person who served us. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Not pushy, patient with us too. It was quite surprising he remembered us. When we got there he was serving another customer and his colleague was just starting to assist us. Once he finished with his customer in a short while, he came over and took over from his colleague as he recognised us and even remembered we were there before 3-4 weeks ago looking at sofas!
In the end we decided to get a tan color 3 seater sofa with an ottoman. With the ottoman, we can use it as a 2 seater on the wall on the bomb shelter during times when there are many guests. The ottoman also can be joined to the front of either side of the 3 seater to become an L-shaped sofa. The ottoman is just so useful! The total cost eventually for the 3 seater with ottoman works out to be S$1179. While looking for our coffee table at Avanni, we chanced upon a fabric ottoman with its cushion on top removed.
I remarked that we needed a low table for the relax corner and we looked high and low but never found one the right size nor height. That fabric ottoman without the cushion was just the right height and size. Simmon came up with the idea to put a piece of glass on top of the ottoman so that it can be used as a table; the cushion on top could be put on the platform and serve as a throw cushion.
On other occasions when there was need, the glass top could be removed and we have another ottoman to use. This flexibility was attractive to us, as well as the design and look of it. The glass sticks to the fabric somewhat and it doesn't really move much but still it is moveable and may be a danger to children. So we will have to think of ways to secure the glass and yet for it to be flexible enough to be removed for the table to work as an ottoman and for the fabric cover to be removed and washed from time to time.
Simmon gave us the idea of finding someone to do for us an perspex or acrylic cover which can be bended to conform to the contour of the ottoman and mount the glass on top of it. As they can't do that at the factory, it's a little project that I will have to take up.
Below is our idea for the living room area not done to scale:
In the end we walked out of Avanni with the sofa we wanted and the low table for the relax corner. We decided to look at other places for the coffee table as we didn't find a design we like.
Funny how things work out heh.
Just a quick update, we got our sofa set from Avanni yesterday. Simmon was the person who served us. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Not pushy, patient with us too. It was quite surprising he remembered us. When we got there he was serving another customer and his colleague was just starting to assist us. Once he finished with his customer in a short while, he came over and took over from his colleague as he recognised us and even remembered we were there before 3-4 weeks ago looking at sofas!
In the end we decided to get a tan color 3 seater sofa with an ottoman. With the ottoman, we can use it as a 2 seater on the wall on the bomb shelter during times when there are many guests. The ottoman also can be joined to the front of either side of the 3 seater to become an L-shaped sofa. The ottoman is just so useful! The total cost eventually for the 3 seater with ottoman works out to be S$1179. While looking for our coffee table at Avanni, we chanced upon a fabric ottoman with its cushion on top removed.
I remarked that we needed a low table for the relax corner and we looked high and low but never found one the right size nor height. That fabric ottoman without the cushion was just the right height and size. Simmon came up with the idea to put a piece of glass on top of the ottoman so that it can be used as a table; the cushion on top could be put on the platform and serve as a throw cushion.
On other occasions when there was need, the glass top could be removed and we have another ottoman to use. This flexibility was attractive to us, as well as the design and look of it. The glass sticks to the fabric somewhat and it doesn't really move much but still it is moveable and may be a danger to children. So we will have to think of ways to secure the glass and yet for it to be flexible enough to be removed for the table to work as an ottoman and for the fabric cover to be removed and washed from time to time.
Simmon gave us the idea of finding someone to do for us an perspex or acrylic cover which can be bended to conform to the contour of the ottoman and mount the glass on top of it. As they can't do that at the factory, it's a little project that I will have to take up.
Below is our idea for the living room area not done to scale:
In the end we walked out of Avanni with the sofa we wanted and the low table for the relax corner. We decided to look at other places for the coffee table as we didn't find a design we like.
Funny how things work out heh.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Shopping list added
A shopping list has been added to the blog.
- Anyone wanting to find out details about items we purchased can email me :)
- Anyone who wants to give me lobangs or ideas on where to get the items cheap and good and email me or leave a comment too. :)
- Anyone who wants to sponsor items can let me know too haha...
Still got lots to buy and more money to spend...
Well, until next post, cheers!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
More photos of our flat - before renovation
A look at our living room area, from the left to the right, the dimly lit passage leads to the bedrooms.
This is how is looks when turning into the passage, the furthest room at the end of the passage is the master bedroom, there are 2 bedrooms to the left and a common bathroom to the right of the passage.
A look at the common bathroom which comes equipped with the sink and toilet bowl (left photo) and shower screen and shower head (right).
Above is a look at the two spare bedrooms, we plan to make one the guest room with rather fun decorations and furniture, a rather different theme from what we plan for the rest of the house.
A look at the master bedroom: left photo, we are going to place the bed against this wall, to the right of the photo is a window looking out to the dining and kitchen area; right photo, the other wall where the wardrobe will be built.
The master bedroom toilet comes with a vanity top (left) and a big mirror (right) near to the right of the entrance.
So there you have it, a brief look at our new flat before renovation. So far, our contractor has put up the kitchen base on which the kitchen cabinets will be built. The electrical wiring is currently in progress, after which the false ceiling can be put up.
We are literally watching our dream home put together bit by bit!
A little bit about our new flat
Hey time for another update, it is so exciting for us because the renovation for our new flat is finallly under way! It seemed a long journey from when we joined the balloting exercise in July 2007, getting our keys in early December 2007, getting the HDB to fix the defects in late January, and up til now, finally activating the utilities and renovation.
Still a long way to go, I feel like covering our search process for the contractor but I figure I will just put up some pictures of the flat first, before renovation is done.
Sorry if the pics look abit messed up, its this blogger picture manager... not the friendliest or smartest of all... Still, for a closer look, please click on the image.
From left to right: a look into the kitchen from the kitchen entrance; a closer look at the inner kitchen wall;
Looking out of the kitchen entrance, we see the main door to the left of the photo and the door to the CD (civil defence or bomb) shelter.
Next up, again starting with the photo on the left: A look at the dining area between the kitchen entrance and the main door; a look at the dining area standing at the main door with the kitchen entrance to the right of the photo.
For more photos, see the next post...
Still a long way to go, I feel like covering our search process for the contractor but I figure I will just put up some pictures of the flat first, before renovation is done.
Sorry if the pics look abit messed up, its this blogger picture manager... not the friendliest or smartest of all... Still, for a closer look, please click on the image.
From left to right: a look into the kitchen from the kitchen entrance; a closer look at the inner kitchen wall;
Looking out of the kitchen entrance, we see the main door to the left of the photo and the door to the CD (civil defence or bomb) shelter.
Next up, again starting with the photo on the left: A look at the dining area between the kitchen entrance and the main door; a look at the dining area standing at the main door with the kitchen entrance to the right of the photo.
For more photos, see the next post...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Update Post - AD photography
Actual day photography
We started looking for actual day photographers some 2-3 weeks ago. Went to Lightbox and Visio Workz (both recommended by friends) and also got quotes for their packages from several others.
We were quite impressed with Lightbox for Kwang's (he's the boss and chief photographer) good natured disposition, clear and honest presentation and of course nice end products. His video product (which was a collaboration with Mirage) got me wanting videography since I felt it was valuable to capture these moments on video. Keeping these in mind and as the benchmark, we went on to the next one week later.
Visio Workz also had a rather high standard of end products. Chris also presented herself quite well. What we felt uncomfortable with was that we could not speak to the photographer until we confirmed the package. On advice from friends, we know that it is important for us to feel comfortable with our photographer on the actual day. The price quoted by Visio Workz was actually cheaper.
After looking through the other quotations given to us by email. We concluded that the range of AD photography/videography packages ranged from 1.5k from the lower ranged to 5k on the upper end.
After much deliberation, Michelle and I kind of decided on the first, Lightbox since we felt comfortable with Kwang's attitude and professionalism. Their price may not be the cheapest (about 2k eventually) but I think they can deliver a good end product.
Getting the final quote in a few days, and then after that, hopefully we can settle yet another matter...
We started looking for actual day photographers some 2-3 weeks ago. Went to Lightbox and Visio Workz (both recommended by friends) and also got quotes for their packages from several others.
We were quite impressed with Lightbox for Kwang's (he's the boss and chief photographer) good natured disposition, clear and honest presentation and of course nice end products. His video product (which was a collaboration with Mirage) got me wanting videography since I felt it was valuable to capture these moments on video. Keeping these in mind and as the benchmark, we went on to the next one week later.
Visio Workz also had a rather high standard of end products. Chris also presented herself quite well. What we felt uncomfortable with was that we could not speak to the photographer until we confirmed the package. On advice from friends, we know that it is important for us to feel comfortable with our photographer on the actual day. The price quoted by Visio Workz was actually cheaper.
After looking through the other quotations given to us by email. We concluded that the range of AD photography/videography packages ranged from 1.5k from the lower ranged to 5k on the upper end.
After much deliberation, Michelle and I kind of decided on the first, Lightbox since we felt comfortable with Kwang's attitude and professionalism. Their price may not be the cheapest (about 2k eventually) but I think they can deliver a good end product.
Getting the final quote in a few days, and then after that, hopefully we can settle yet another matter...
Our Wedding Blog
Michelle, my baby and I are getting married in November of this year.
There is so much to do. Looking back, there is so much we have done too. Here is a recap...
The Proposal
There is so much to do. Looking back, there is so much we have done too. Here is a recap...
The Proposal
- Inspired by Cyril Takayama, a very successful French/Japanese magician, I had the idea of using magic to propose to Michelle. I looked through all the tricks that are available on youtube and the internet and learnt how they do it through fundamental trick tuitorials and then self discovery. Practising for several weeks, I set up my own routine and was ready.
. - My routine consisted of the following:
- Voodoo ash trick: I make ash mysteriously appear on my tightly closed palm by tapping the top of my palm with a cigarette (in my case I used a twig).
- Restoring an empty soda can: This one has a really amazing effect and I personally liked it alot. I take out an opened, empty crushed soda can, and with magic, I can make it restore to its uncrushed state, fill itself up with soda again with the lid restored too.
- Card tricks. I was training a Cyril routine which involves alot of classic tricks but eventually I scrapped this because I didnt think it was suitable to do outdoors (planning to propose at Botanic Gardens). Here is a video that inspired me to learn this routine anyway (Click Here). I do the Hershey's Kiss routine instead, only I do it twice. First I let Michelle pick a card, then I make the card continuously appear on top of the deck even after thorough shuffling. And mysteriously, the card she picked has a hershey's kiss picture on it. Then I magically pop a real hershey's kiss out into Michelle's hands and have her eat it. Then I repeat the trick again. This time using my prop Hershey's Kiss. This prop will contain the ring which I will use to propose. In addition, you know how Hershey's Kiss has a tail where you use to open up the wrapper? I stuck more than ten of these together end to end and stuck the end of the long tail to the ring, the other end exposed outside the kiss as normal. The trick was to let Michelle keep pulling the tail and watch it grow longer and longer until she reaches the ring!
. - I went out to get the ring when during the last few days of the great Singapore Sale. I went and get the biggest, most worthwhile ring I can get my hands on and afford from GoldHeart Jewellery. Thanks to Ariel, my diamond "Sifu" I learnt how to pick a ring, more on this in a later post.
. - So when the day came 14th July 07, we went to Botanic gardens. First stop was the food center toilet. I had to get ready my props, in my pockets and in proper places in my bag! Once ready we went to our usual spot for picnicing. I had previously told Michelle I was learning magic as a hobby and would do a show for her. So I set up my phone to video mode and capture the routine, which I said would be useful for me to review my mistakes (yes, I actually have a video of my proposal!). The first trick didnt go too well because of the poor placement of my prop. She saw through that one... The second trick with the can went quite well actually. To this day, she still cannot figure it out and wants me to do it for her again! The last and most important trick went semi-well. I couldn't do the real hersheys and have her eat it because it was all melted and went gooey (ycuk!). She saw through most of the card tricks (guess I need more practice with my sleigh of hand) but didnt suspect the ring in the prop.
. - When the ring was finally unveiled, I got to one knee and proposed. She was touched and perhaps alittle shocked I think. We spoke and spent more romantic times at the picnic, before she had to go meet her family for the Fireworks Festival at the Esplanade. I didn't follow.
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Overall, I think my proposal was quite a success, I know I put alot of effort into it. Hope it was a pleasant surprise for her and I'm glad we have a video of this precious moment to look back at.
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