Tiffany & Co. is My New-Found Best Friend!

Recently, I made a trip to Tiffany & Co. at Ngee Ann City with Hubby and two guy friends - one of them was looking for a birthday gift for his girlfriend. I was the only female in the group and hence had the delightful time trying out the jewellery there for the men to see. I tried on countless of stuff and had fallen in love with one ring - the Tiffany Atlas® Numerical ring!!! It's an eighteen karat white gold with three diamonds, carat total weight.18, color grade G-H, clarity grade VVS-VS, at a whopping cost of S$2,300 (which I thought was quite an OK price).

Hubby loved the ring too and said that he would buy me the ring as a gift once our baby boy is born (that's hopefully in Jun 07). But, being practical me, I told him to save the money for our baby. Spending money on our little bundle of joy transcends the joy of possessing even the most gorgeous ring in the world.........

But, look, how beautiful the ring is! And to think that I never had anything from Tiffany & Co.!! :(

Signs of Pregnancy

Some of my friends are trying to get pregnant and had asked me for signs of pregnancy. For their benefit, I have listed some of the signs here. Good luck, gals! :)

Usually, one would see/feel changes to her body around Week 4. Week 1 is actually the week of your menstrual period but still counts towards the 40-week pregnancy. This is because the expected delivery date is calculated from the first day of your last period.

Anyway, during Week 4, Mom will experience symptoms of PMS such as fatigue, tingling or aching breasts, nausea, cramps and even some spotting. At this point, if you try doing a home pregnancy test, the result may not be accurate.

Week 5 - same as Week 4, but could be slightly heightened. Please avoid eating soft cheeses, unasteurised milk and juices, raw/undercooked meats, raw eggs, and raw shellfish, as they van cause illnesses which may cause birth defects.

Week 6 - Mom will feel extreme fatigue as her body adjusts to the demands of the pregnancy. Tender and aching breasts as well as nausea and vomitting (morning sickness) will make it even worse! Now is a good time to for a home pregnancy test. Once, result is positive, you should schedule your first prenatal visit where your doctor will take your medical history and perform a complete physical examination.

Medical history:
a) Menstrual history - whether your cycles are regular and the date of your last mentrual period
b) Information on any previous pregnancies, miscarriages/stillbirths, abortions, problems with your reproductive organs
c) Family health history such as heart disease/genetic defects
d) Serious illnesses, surgeries that you have had

Physical examination:
a) A urine test to confirm pregnancy
b) Weight and blood pressure management
c) A urine test to check your sugar and protein levels as well as if there is any sign of bacteria
d) A blood test for blood typing and to make sure that you are not iron-deficient and are immune to German measels - at this visit, doctor might perform a blood test on your hubby, as well.

In any case, women who are planning to get pregnant should start consuming folic acid (before and throughout the pregnancy). Folate-rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and fortified breads and cereals. Since folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin you can lose this vitamin in cooking water, so steam or cook vegetables with a small amount of water to preserve the folate. Other ways is to purchase folic acid/prenatal vitamins and nutrients from the pharmacies. Happy trying!

My New Photo Site

I have decided to post my photos at spaces instead cos' I find it troublesome to upload photos here. Anyway, the url is: http://tantynr.spaces.live.com/

The Baby is a .............. BOY!

To those who had read my earlier post on 12 Jan, where I dreamt about having a baby boy - it's been confirmed. I'll be having a baby boy about four months from now! I went for a scan at KKH on 30 Jan and both Hubby and I saw our beautiful baby, kicking and punching (me). That was the first time Hubby came in for the scan and he cried. It was really a beautiful moment.

Anyway we have decided on a name for our baby boy - Aryan Mikael. (Aryan means of outmost strength in Arabic while Mikael is the name of one of God's angels - the one who brings prosperity)

Our baby at 20 weeks (5 mths)

The First Kick

Last night I had the most exciting experience of my (close to) 28 years! I was lying in bed and I felt a movement in my stomach, like a bubble rising up. The second time, the "bubble" was much stronger - it was a kick. My baby was kicking me! I screamed for Hubby and he put his ear on my tummy, only to be given a strong kick right on his ear!! We both scream in unison, surprised.... After that, Baby gave a few more softer kicks all the way till I fall asleep. But that's not before, sentimental me cried and cried, from joy, of course.

I can't wait for my next scan on the 30th, so I'll know what Baby's gender is...

I Dreamt... of a Baby Boy

Last night or rather this morning (we slept late as we had Lenny's friends, Ian, Su, Nisa, Hafiz and Mr J, over for a game of Bingo!) I had a dream. In the dream I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! One part of the dream, I was trying to breastfeed him for the first time and it was really a poignant moment as both baby and I did something so personal, together, for the first time. I woke up feeling so jovial and the happiness stuck with me throughout the day. :)

In case any of you are wondering, I do not know the gender of my baby yet. Hopefully, I'll know at my next scan on 30 Jan. But whatever the gender is, I am thankful for this wonderful chance to be a mother.

Satay Not Power

Earlier tonight, Mr J drove Hubby and I to Lau Pa Sat for satay. It was upon my suggestion as I saw a food review on TV about the duck satay that one of the stalls there sells. When we reached there, we discovered that the reviewed stall was closed.

There were many touters around trying to convince us to patronise their stalls. In the end we settled for "Power Satay" as the stall also served duck satay (our main reason for going there in the first place).

Mr J took charge of the ordering - 10 sticks each of duck, beef, tripe and 15 sticks of mutton. When the satays came, we were excited. They look quite presentable, delicious even, but there's where the good points end.

Firstly, the sauce lacked spices and peanuts. It also seemed that it wasnt freshly made. Secondly, the duck tasted bland. Thirdly, the beef was over marinated and didnt have any "beef" taste. Fourthly, the tripe was too dry and tasted like plastic.

The consolations were that the mutton was quite delicious and the hawker actually gave us some rice cakes (lontong), free of charge.

Needless to say we were very disappointed with the food and I for one was in quite a foul mood as I didn’t get the delicious satay that I craved for. My anger was further fuelled by Mr J’s ongoing complaining about a certain female travel companion who went with him on his recent trip. I get it, and I don’t know why he doesn’t get it – that woman is a bitch. So, enuf said.

The Wicker Man? More Like The Weaker Man!

I am a sucker for horror movies and the trailer for The Wicker Man said that it was the first horror movie of 2007. And I thought to myself, hey, I have to catch this especially since Nicholas Cage is starring in it and I so love that man. Boy, did I make a terrible mistake!

Nick's character, Edward Malus (he's Male, geddit?)'s ex-fiancée, Willow wrote to tell him that her little daughter Rowan has gone missing. Gung-ho Edward goes to SummersIsle to search for the missing girl. The movie starts going downhill after Edward reaches the mysterious island, for the following characters:

a) Willow (Kate Beahan) with her grotesquely collagen-pumped and bee-stung lips -- gross!

© 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

b) Sister Rose (Molly Parker in a full-on annoying mode) who teaches all the little girls on the island.

© 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

c) The many scary twins on this island - both young and old. The worst of the lot is a pair of elderly twins who speak in unison.

d) Nick in a bear costume -- eeeeeewwww!

In my book, The Wicker Man would have crashed and burned if not for Edward physically abusing Sister Honey (Leelee Sobieski) and another character whose name now eludes me. That scene at least gave me some comfort as I did feel like physically abusing someone after watching the show!

© 2006 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

So please take my advice and give this Wicker show a miss....

Hari Raya Haji 2006

Hari Raya Haji for the year 2006 fell on the last day of 2006 - 31 Dec. First stop for us that day was to Hubby's grandma's place in Pasir Ris. We met up with my father in law and bro in law there. After that we went to my parents'. As my Aunt is staying with my parents, Hari Raya Haji was quite a big affair with lots of delicious food! We had two types of laksa, rojak bandung, fried satay, lontong and nasi padang!

Foodie Delights

And as usual, as at all festivities, all my cousins were there. So, I got to see my nieces and nephews! Here's a photo of me (centre); Anis (left) and Danish (right). Just look at how chubby Danish is (drools).... Those cheeks.... Arghhhh..... By the way, I cant carry him for long cos' he's 20kgs!!! Sleepy-eyed Hubby also wanted a photo with the cutie pies so there's one of him with them, too.

Italia Regalo Per Mia Bambino

Mr J is finally back from his 2-week trip to Italy with a bad sinus and minus 250 euros and S$1k+ camera (which were stolen on his first day in Italy!). Anyway I am glad he's back cos' I do miss having him around.

Hubby and I met up with him on the same day he came back (last Fri) and we went to Carnivore at Vivo City to watch The GoodFellas performed. After that, we went to supper with the gang to Simpang Bedok. Mr J was so delighted cos' he missed local fare.

Although, Mr J didnt get me anything from Italy, he got the cutest prezzie for mia bambino!

Farewell 2006, Hello 2007!

2006 has been an OK year for me. I said OK cos' it was a mixture of great and not-so-great happenings. Some of the highlights of 2006 that had been great for me included being pregnant, getting the $600 Progress Package, my KL trips (in Jul with Mr J for work and in Dec), my sis being back in the Lion City, getting to know and spending time with new friends and starting my Tanty's Kitchen blog.

The not-so-great happenings were Hubby getting the slip disc, Mr J getting knocked down by a car, Mr J getting mugged on the first day of his Italy trip and others that I don't wish to recall. Let those stay in the past where they can't hurt me....

At the start of the new year, it's usual to make new resolutions. And I for one am a sucker for being usual; common; ordinary (you get the pcture), so here are my resolutions in no particular order:

1. Lose weight after birth (as soon as possible) and stay trim
2. Spend as much time with Baby and Hubby
3. Get a good job which pays well after confinement
4. Spend more time my bro. He's growing up so fast and yet I barely know what's happening in his life.
5. Save enough money to go for a holiday - maybe visit my sis in Brisbane
6. Get Hubby to quit smoking cos' second hand smoke is BAD for Baby
7. Be more patient with Hubby even when he's nonsensical
8. Keep in touch with both old and new friends - I have been neglecting some of my old friends, like Su and Zu and I am terribly ashamed of that.
9. Spend only on neccessities and indulge only once in a blue moon - I need to save up for Baby's future (and that's never too early!)
10. Just be contented with what I have and be happy with what life has to offer

Ok, I'll let you know next year (2008) how many of the above resolutions I kept (haha).... To all of you, have a great healthy, happy, successful 2007!

A Perfect Xmas Murder

Date of murder: 23 Dec 06 (Sat)
Time of murder: Between 6pm – 10pm
Venue: Residential flat in Chai Chee Road

The Victim

Before















After















The Suspects


























































































The Murderer(s)

A Different Xmas and New Year

This year's Xmas will be different. Come to think of it, the coming new year will also be different - for two reasons.

Reason #1: I am pregnant so I cant be partying and celebrating during Xmas and New Year's eve. But of course, sometime in June 2007, I'll be a proud mother of a baby!

Reason #2: For the first time, in a long time, my best buddy, J will not be around to celebrate Xmas and New Year with me! He's away in Italy, having the best time in his life and I am stuck here.... And I miss him. However, Hubby is on MC for the next few weeks so I wont miss J so much.

Well, to everyone who is reading this, Happy Holidays and best wishes for 2007! :)

Conwoman Alert!

I just got back from my KL trip this morning, when Hubby told me that he was visited by a Filipino family on Sun evening (Hubby didnt go on the KL trip cos he was still suffering from his slip disc and couldnt walk properly, plus he's on MC so cant leave the house!).

Although the Filipinos are our neighbours from the 14th floor (we stay on the 15th), we do not really know them (although Hubby claimed that he had seen them in the lifts previously). Anyway, they asked Hubby whether his wife (me) is pregnant. To which, Hubby said, "Yes". The Filipino lady then said that a pregnant woman, claiming to be staying at our unit went to their house on Sat night and wanted to borrow money to see the doctor. The pregnant woman also said that her "hubby" was working in the afternoon shift and hence she couldnt get the money from "him". The pregnant conwoman took $40 not only from the Filipino family but also from an Indian family on the same floor!

My surprised Hubby told the Filipinos that I was away in KL and will only be back today and showed our wedding photo. After looking at the photo, the Filipinos realised that they had been duped cos' the conwoman looked more Malay-ish and didnt look like me at all. The family said that they were going to make a police report.

I am so angry that someone would use my identity and address to con my neighbours! How dare that woman!! I hope she didnt dupe anyone else and I certainly hope no one else comes forward to try to claim money from us!!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh..................

Moral of the story: Get to know thy neighours so thy wont be conned!

One Nite@ ChinaOne

Last Thursday (7 Dec), we went to China One at Clarke Quay to watch The GoodFellas. We were joined by Mr J, my sis, Lenny (who's back for the hols from QUT), her bf, Bil, Nana (also on hols) and Farid, who made their virgin visits there. As usual The GoodFellas rocked! Here's some pics taken that night, courtesy of Mr J and his brand new, expensive camera!

The GoodFellas Rocking the Crowd

Group Shots

Hari Raya Aildilfitri 2006 Open House

Finally, Mr J passed me his camera which contained all my Hari Raya pics.... If you must know, I dont have a digital camera cos' I left mine in a cab on the way to the zoo, last year!! It was really a sad episode and I cried buckets over that beloved camera. I reported my loss to the cab company but till this day, there wasnt any response. I had so much faith in people... I thought they will be honest and return me my camera, but alas not everyone's like me - if you must know, I returned a brand new O2 phone, a Motorola phone, a wallet (full of cash) and many other expensive items that I found in the taxis (always bearing in mind that one good deed begets another. But this never seemed to happen!)

Anyway, I am digressing again.... Here's my Hari Raya Open House pics.

Of Family & Friends





Celebrating Papa Taha (my father in law)'s 60th Birthday

Of Cute, Yummylicious Kids

Of Delicious Food

Baby Scans at 12 weeks!

I went for another scan yesterday at KKH. My baby has grown double its size since the last scan, 2 weeks ago! And what was even more exciting is that I got to see my baby move his/her hands and legs during the scan! That was one of the most exhilarating time of my life! To put it aptly, like in MasterCard's ads, "Priceless". :)

Anyway, here's the scan pics..........