Amelia's Nest

Health Check for My Son

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:13:00 +0000

I'm amazed how Singapore government works for the betterment and interest of it's citizens and residents. One thing that is so obvious to me is the way they monitor the health and wellness of each kids. Last year the Health Promotion Board went to my kids school for eye check-up and good thing they have perfect vision.

And now this year as my son is in Primary 1 got a letter from him informing about the schedule of heath checks which includes height, weight, vision and audio tests as well as vaccination. Yes, vaccination. They have this for the kids and I know they monitor this as they requested us to hand them the baby book that contains the vaccination-history of my son. This is a big relief to me, as a mum we want things for our kids especially the health and wellness of our children.

Kudos to Ministry of Education and Health Promotion Board for this initiative! Way to go!!

12 Hours in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

I went to Manila last Saturday night, April 13 without any plans of going there. I went there because I was pushed by a circumstance. An event that was not within my control. After I received a not so good news last Saturday night I quickly booked a ticket without thinking how much it cost and of course the risk of flying without any plans or whatever. I just need to finish the task that I've started since I have invested on it. So 11PM off I head to the airport. And good thing flying in Changi airport was hassle and stress free. My flight got delayed for 30 minutes and so I waited finally we boarded by 1:30AM Sunday and the plane took off by 2AM. The flight duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes and thank God all was well. I arrived Manila via Terminal 3 at around 5:30AM. My mother and uncle picked me up at Terminal 3 as I took Cebu Pacific.

As usual and I was greeted by my ever supportive family. My aunt prepared breakfast and we had it together. I miss that to be honest. And it's good thing that I got the chance to go back even with that situation. Nonetheless I enjoyed it and is grateful. I did that things that I needed to do like two hours full body massage, manicure and pedicure and some shopping. This is just a sideline to the real reason why I went back home. After breakfast I immediately bought my return ticket and and geese it's way to expensive for a budget airline but it is what it is so I have to deal with that, close one eye and go on.

On my way back to Singapore I headed to Terminal 2, 3 hours before my scheduled flight in anticipation for all the queue and scrutiny of immigration officers. I took AirPhil - PAL Express, the low-cost airline of Philippine Airline. I guess I need to give commendation to the crew of PAL from the check-in counter down to the flight attendants. They are very nice and cheerful. It helps lessen the stress seeing those smiles and nice words uttered to passengers like me. Even though AirPhil is a budget airline they still provide complimentary drinks like water, tea or coffee plus nuts and biscuits. With Philippine Airlines printed on their tissues and cups, still holds the branding thing. Also the flight attendant's uniform are very nice and professional looking, with class I guess. I left Manila by 8:30PM and arrived Singapore pass 12AM Monday, 15th of April with a delighted heart.

This is one of the reasons why I love living in Singapore, the proximity to Manila is not that far-off compared to other cities and country that you need to travel for more than twelve hours or so. In any event we can just go back easily without any issues. So far this was the quickest stay in Manila that I ever did and I guess I can add this to my adventures. Flying in and out of Manila on the same day considering that this is seven hours flight in total. What an adventure!

I just love it

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:30:00 +0000

"But that's the glory of foreign travel, as far as I am concerned. I don't want to know what people are talking about. I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything. Suddenly you are five years old again. You can't read anything, you have only the most rudimentary sense of how things work, you can't even reliably cross a street without endangering your life. Your whole existence becomes a series of interesting guesses.

...Is there anything, apart from a really good chocolate cream pie and receiving a large unexpected cheque in the post, to beat finding yourself at large in a foreign city on a fair spring evening, loafing along unfamiliar streets in the long shadows of a lazy sunset, pausing to gaze in shop windows or at some church or lovely square or tranquil stretch of quayside, hesitating at street corners to decide whether that cheerful and homy restaurant you will remember fondly for years is likely to lie down this street or that one? I just love it. I could spend my life arriving each evening in a new city"

― Bill Bryson, Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe, 1993

Feeling Empty and Low

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I've seen people come and go in all the companies that I have worked with. Be it due to voluntary or involuntary reasons. The closest people that I have worked with in my current company, that I have make friends with, half of them are all gone. Familiar names and voices were no longer heard or seen in mails, meetings and conference calls. I miss those people that I know in there capacity has made an impact in my career and perhaps in my personal life.

But I guess I still can't seem to get away with the feeling of emptiness when a close colleagues leave the organization or the company. Have you ever experience in your life that when you have started to trust and make friends and build the confidence in that relationship and all of a sudden they all gone, one by one? Have you ever felt the feeling of the usual people all left and you were the only one who remained? Have your ever felt the feeling of helplessness as you feel more confident surrounded by these awesome individuals? Maybe it is what it is and just need to accept the reality that people will just leave and need to move-on. But be thankful that once in your life you got the chance to know and worked with this awesome individual in your lifetime. Life is just like that, as they say don't expect too much and don't draw too close.

NBA in Action

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

It's my first time in the USA and of course I'll make the most out of the given privileged. Luckily I have relatives to the place where I was sent by my company. My aunt gave me a real-nice treat, she bought a ticket for NBA game. As she knows I look forward on that and it's on my list to do. I'm more than happy to be seated in a general seat but to my surprise she bought the court-side and what's even more nicer was that we were near to Sacramento's dug-out. Cool and sweet!

during the half-time

We watched at Sleep Train Arena at Down-Town Sacramento last December 07, 2012. And it's definitely and totally different when you're there on the site compared to just watching the game on television. The excitement, thrill and fun were all there. We watched the Kings vs. Magic and surprisingly Kings won the game! Even my aunt and uncle were surprised and they both say, "not bad at all, at least this time we won". And we are all laughing!

just right at the dug-out

So NBA you're out in my list now!

At the Vineyard

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000

A side trip to Placerville in El Dorado in the state of California for a wine tasting and vineyard visit was totally an experience of a lifetime. We arrived at the place a little late that's why we ended up visiting only one vineyard, at the Fenton Herriott, but it's all worth it. We tasted 7 types of wine - six red's and one white's. This is not a typical wine tasting that you normally have when you go to a wine shop or bar. These wines are locally produced with a very limited stocks. Since am planning to visit my relative down San Francisco and Roseville I decided to buy three bottles of red wine as a gift - two Merlots and one Syrah. I wanted to bring some back home but my luggage are full already (you know why, kids stuff!).

At The Fenton Herriott Vineyards

Going to different places and experiencing new things are few of the things that I look forward and get excited upon since young 'til now. And I guess it will remain 'til I get old. Old that I can't go to places anymore.

my glass of Merlot

"I believe that the responsibility of the winemaker is to take that fruit
and get it into the bottle
as the most natural and purest expression of that vineyard,
of the grape varietal or blend, and of the vintage."

- Robert M. Parker, Jr. -

Aglio e Oglio

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:36:00 +0000

The first time This is one of pasta dish that I wanted to cook for my family. I started to cook last Dec 28 when a friend and her parents visited us. I must admit it's a little bland that's according to my fav critics my mum and husband. So I did adjust the taste and all. I again attempted to cook and prepare this dish for our new year's eve celebration and it turned out to be good. My mum and husband loved it! And yes I nailed it!

Spaghetti Aglio e oglio peperocino or spaghetti with garlic, olive oil and chilli peppers is a traditional Italian dish originated from Abruzzo region and is very famous in that area (source wikipedia). This is very easy to prepare and I personally love this dish. You can have steak, chicken chop or seafood such as shrimps, scallops, or squid as topping. And garnish with parley or parmesan cheese. Bon Appetito!

Christmas is just around the corner!

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Christmas day is few days away and kids are pretty excited. You know kids! I think the most happiest group of people during Christmas are the youngsters, I mean kids. As all if not most of the attention is given to them. As just we Christians do to Jesus. Christmas is about Jesus, the coming of our saviour. The one who saves us from our sins. I'm starting to share this belief to my kids. Coz they may think that Christmas is just opening of gifts, dinners and parties.

Our home is filled with decorations, kids were excited when finally we are putting the decors. Just as I prepare the house for the event as so is my heart & soul. Of course won't mention here how I prepare myself for that since it's too personal. Going back, my kids love it, our simple decorations at home. We maybe away from our relatives but we make our way to celebrate it. My mom is here to share the occasion with us and kids are happy and we are all happy. Honestly we miss the celebration back in the Philippines. It's different down there since the whole gang are all present. Hopefully next year we may celebrate Christmas there. Will see how it goes!

For now I would like to share our simple decorations at home. Merry Christmas to all!

Away from Home for Now

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Being away from home due to work. My kids have been so nice to understand the fact that their parents need to be away for a couple of days. And they are fine with that. But being a mom of two is a tough one. I'm a type that makes sure things are being done properly and on time. Like kids food, bath time, study time, play time, and etc. Thanks to Skype I can I have a little visibility on them & the communication is consistent. Good thing I have a very supportive husband that I can depend to in time like this. And my mother is always there to assist. Otherwise it will be very complicated. I normally have a couple of days for the business travels but right now it's couple of weeks and hopefully not couple of months and it's in the USA. Yes I'm on the other side of the world.

Traveling for more than 24 hours is a little tiring for me. Good thing I have three colleagues traveling with me otherwise it will be a very boring and exhaustive travel. Imagine we left Singapore 9am of Saturday and we arrive in Sacramento 10pm same day...hahahah! There is 16hours difference between Singapore time and Pacific Time. So from Singapore we need to transit to Tokyo to Los Angeles and to Sacramento. And I was stunned with this pile of luggage bags near the conveyor belt. It's something new to my eyes and seems to be appropriate for the location, huh.

It's my first time in the States. And so far she's been good to me. The weather is fine, though there's a little adjustment on that but I'm doing good. I guess am making the most out of this travel.

Fruits & Veggie Juicing : My Favorite blend

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:25:00 +0000

It's been two weeks that R and I started drinking fresh juice. Combine fruits and vegetables in our juice like celery, carrots, green & red apple, orange, strawberries, and etc.

But my favorite juice blend is orange, carrots and strawberries. It's very tasty and has good combination. Very good source of vitamin C! You can also try to combine orange, carrots and papaya. It's so cool to drink all natural and fresh fruit juice!

Phuket Family Getaway - The Place

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Last October 6-8, 2012 the whole family went to Phuket for our yearly vacation. This time R's mom went with us together with his mom's sister. I can say that we are beach buffs. Being in Asia which God has blessed with so many good spots and abundant natural resources is our advantage. Not to mention living in a tropical area makes blessed by just experiencing the sun all year round.

I planned the vacation last May and good that I was able to get a great hotel to stay. Very family oriented and privy kinda place. It's worth all the money I should say. Even R was impressed (knowing that his has a high standards in things) with the quality of service, room and over-all experience in that hotel resort.

We stayed in Serenity Resorts & Residences for 3days-2nights and it's fabulous! The place is one hour drive from the airport and 30minutes away from Patong. It may not be close to night-life or central but I don't care. We went there to relax and take a little breather from our life here in Singapore. The food is great and wifi is free. And even to their service shuttle they have wifi, cool huh? That makes my life very convinient as I still need to answer mails as I'm middle of my project. Work? Huh, well that's life.

They have a place for the kids to stay complete with toys, paint materials, Wii and even bottled water is complementary. You can also ask for someoen that can stay with tem while doing your spa or something.

The place is also equipped with gym and it's pretty nice. R likes the gym and is well maintained.

It's really amazing. I love our stay and so far that's the place that I can give a five-star over-all rating.

Harry Potter - The Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:13:00 +0000

I must admit I'm one of those who has fantasy on magic and wizadry but don 't get me wrong I don't believe in magic and what have you. But having the thought - what if things can be done in a stroke of a wand, a bottle of potion that can change people or spell that can do anything. What kind of world we have if that will be the case?

But nonetheless, I can also say that am one big Harry Potter fan. A child in me I guess. And so before the exhibition ends here in Singapore I together with my kids and R headed to Arts & Science Museum in Marina Bay Sands last September 22, 2012 to catch the Harry Potter exhibition. My son and I got the chance to be sorted by the sorting hat. My brave son was sorted to Ravenclaw and me to Gryffindor...yes am really a Gryffindor! Hahaha!!

souvenir

The place was just so magical. They showcase the clothes, wands, costumes, plates, cups, chairs almost everything that they used in the movie. And of course we didn't left the place without any souvenir. We bought the fridge magnet and cup. We also bought the photo that was taken before we enter the exhibition. I can say it's too pricey but what to do.

My kids enjoy the tour and I'm still in awe with the details and intricacies of the exhibition. Amazing!

It's Been A Year

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 19:15:00 +0000

Last September 18, 2011 was a critical day for us. A day that we fell in-love with our place. The day that we need to decide on whether to take it or just let it go. The day that marks a new start of our life here in Singapore.


Our new place..

That was the day when R and I went to view our current house. Our property agent showed us a lot of units but none of them pass our standards..hahha! But seriously, each of us has our preference and our current house matches our taste and preference that's why after a discussion over a cup of coffee and bread in Starbucks Compasspoint Mall, R and I decided to submit our intention and proceed with the necessary documentation to purchase the property.


Playground near our place...lovely to see the kids playing while you're typing on your laptop!

It's just nice to look back and see how much time and effort we have put-in on this endeavor. And it's so much fun to know that none of this was really planned. But everything fall into place.And it's been a year that that decision was made!

Something from India

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Sat, 15 Sep 2012 14:49:00 +0000

When traveling, one thing that we normal do is to get something that will remind us from that place. So even we had a full day of meeting in India, I still managed to get out and do some quick shopping. Thanks to my colleague who is so all willing to tour us around and tell us where to get the best one.

As India is well known for their fabrics, tea and spices I bought something for myself and house. Bought a tunic for myself, 4 throw-pillow case, spices, green tea, masala tea, massage oil, ref-magnet and lavander essence. But wasn't able to buy a painting but I guess there will be next time, huh.

Nice way to end a full day

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:06:00 +0000

Today we had a full day meeting and discussion. Coupled with personal interactions and engagement. And nothing beats soaking in a bath tub with hot water and some fragrant shower gel. While playing a very sweet and groovy kind of music. Ahhh, love this quite moment and relaxation. It's me time! Definitely, it's a nice way to end a full day!

Here in India

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 19:10:00 +0000

Last year me and my family went to Bali, Indonesia for a vacation. My kids love it and of course I like it as well! Right now am on a business trip in Chennai, India for couple of days. Actually I just reached the hotel. Hopefully I have a nice experience here. And wishing that next year it will be Naples/Rome, Italy with dearest. It will be my version of Eat.Pray.Love; mine will be Family.Work.Love.... Ah, wishfully thinking!

But for now I'll settle for this place. Bye for now!

On Being Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Part of ensuring that employees have work-life-balance, HP has this program calles HP Wellness Challenge. Wherein employees can participate and form a team and challenge other teams to score higher. Each participants received a pedometer that will help them record the number of steps each day. It was recommended to at least has 10,000 steps each day and 30 ' minutes of exercise to stay fit.

Am a little happy with my progress but still aiming for a little higher. Good luck to me and my team mates!

Constant Struggle

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:21:00 +0000

It has been a constant struggle for me to update and write something here in my wall. Perhaps I lost words to describe the things that I have. Perhaps words has lost it's interest on me. Or perhaps I couldn't even find the perfect word to illustrate the things that I wanted to convey.

As I am in constant struggle to write something here. In contrary, life has blessed me with a lot of things. Things that I can't even image if I am worthy of those. The past few months has been the most rewarding situation for me both in professional and family life. God has constantly showers me with His unconditional love. And I can't ask for more.

...It's been a while

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:56:00 +0000

It's been a while since I post something here. And how I wish I can be more active in blogging just like before. With the schedule that I have right now I guess I just need to exert much effort. But right now am busy watching the parade/celebration of 47th Singapore National Day. To all Singaporeans, happy national day!! You have gone far and congratulations!!!

A Rest After a Big Work

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:14:00 +0000

Nothing compares from having a rest after a big work done in the office, school or what-have you. It gives a much needed rest from being drained and physical exhaustion. And making ourselves refreshed and ready to start a new.

For me, it's always been a my practice since college to rest my mind for a while a long examination, project, and etc. I go out of town to refresh my mind and rest my body from all stress and work associated to it. And up until now, I made it a point to take a day or two of vacation. It's necessary for my over-all well being. As Pyschology graduate I was made aware that we need to rest our mind, our brain from functioning to the limit. So that when we are asked to enter into another task our mind is fresh and with bright ideas. Much ready as we expect it to be.

Banana Bread

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Last Friday night, I decided to make it a try. And coincidentally this is one of husband's favorite bread. This is very easy to make. Just simply follow the measurements and procedure properly and you'll be able to have a moist banana bread. Try it it's fun.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
2-3 bananas, mashed 1 cup sugar
2 pieces raw eggs
1/2 cup cooking oil or 1/3 cup melted butter
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda

Direction:

Mash the bananas in a bowl, set aside
Combine and mix all the dry ingredients starting with the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl.
Add the other ingredients (eggs, mashed bananas, cooking oil, vanilla essence) then mix well with the dry ingredients incorporate with the rest of the other ingredients.
Grease the loaf pan and pour-in the mixture.
Preheat oven at 220 degrees Celsius then bake the mixture for 45 minutes
Remove from the pan, slice and serve in a plate.

One Kung Fu Panda Party

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:46:00 +0000

I didn't notice that I wasn't able to post this. It's been like what many months ago. But anyway, it's always my pleasure sharing my adventures as a mother here. Last July 2011, my son turned 5 years old. Time flies really soon. We celebrated this with Kung Fu Panda theme as requested by the birthday boy. It's his favorite cartoon character at that time. I said so as kids interest changes very quickly. That's what I noticed (moms, can you relate?).

Although am a working mother, I make it sure that all this things especially for my kids are well taken cared of. I always give my best to make it special on their special day. As such, I prepared the give-aways with a panda stickers, panda notepad and lots of candies and personalized the bag.

I cooked food and the party-menu consist of spaghetti, grilled shrimp, tacos, chicken pochero, chicken lollipop, ham & cheese sandwich. Also prepared our chocolate-fountain with some dips ike marshmallows, strawberries, banana and bread sticks.

Party Table

A celebration won't be complete without the star, the birthday cake. I baked colourful-fondant chocolate cake and yin-yang chocolate cup cakes.

Again, thank you very much for all those who came, for the time and effort in making our son happy. Your awesome! Until next time.

Bali Getaway : The Arrival

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

welcome drinks

I almost forgot to write something about our trip to Bali, Indonesia. Yeah, my family went there last October 2011 and stayed there for 4days-3nights. I booked our hotel at Grand Mirage Resort and Thalasso Spa complete with buffet breakfast. My mother also went with us.

toiletries

Left Changi Airport Singapore at 9:20AM last October 15, 2011and arrived at Denpasar Airport Bali around 12:00PM. Checked in at Grand Mirage Resort located at Nusa Dua. We were greeted with nice and pleasant staff of the hotel. The hotel is child-friendly place. It's a beach-front type with a lot of amenities. We had our lunch at their banquet. The food was fine and they tried their best to satisfy each customer's expectations.

One of the things that I normally do when reaching the room is to check the toilet. I don't know why but maybe this is the place where I can clearly see the place if it's really clean. And I found this little thing with the toiletries arranged so nicely!

I was surprised to saw a note that my 5.3years old son (at that time) wrote upon reaching the room...priceless!

The place was very cool and relaxing. I wish we could have stayed longer! Wishful thinking..wink wink!

view from our room

beach front walk-way

For our dinner, we had it at Warung Bali. The restaurant is just infront of the resort. We ordered the beef rendang and seafood platter. It's quite nice! Balinese food is one of the best in Asia I should say.

facade of warung bali

Around 9PM, hubby and I went to Kuta to check on some items and visit Hard Rock Hotel and Rock Shop.As I am trying to complete my collection but I guess this will take sometime to finish, wish to complete!

I truly love sun, sea and sand!

The most thrilling TV series

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

I have come across this television-series that puts me to a non-stop watching-mode. Initially I thought this is just an ordinary series that I will lose interest after couple of episodes but to my surprise I watched the entire series in no less than 5days. Right now they are on first series with twelve episodes. The second one will be release sometime September this year as what’s stated in the news. I’m talking about is The HOMELAND. So far this is the most thrilling tv-series that I have ever come-close to. And I won’t mind watching it all over again. I love the lead-star Nicolas Browdy, played by Damian Lewis and Carrie Mathison played by Claire Danes.

The story was about Nicolas Browdy becoming prisoner of war; his journey and mission. I was in awe with Damian Lewis’ portrayal of the role; his acting prowess was very much convincing. Matching this with Claire Danes’ acting maturity and her role was a perfect combination. No wonder they both won an award from the 69^th Golden Globe Awards for TV series, best actor and best actress respectively. I can’t wait for the next series. Looking forward for that!

Bali Getaway : A Painting from Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Amelia) — Wed, 02 May 2012 06:47:00 +0000

This is our souvenir painting from our recent family trip in Bali, Indonesia last October 2011. Actually we are looking at a piece with authentic Balinese image but since we don't like the nature as it's very common we choose something that is different.

My son choose this painting and we are planning to hang it inside their room as it's very colorful, happy and vibrant. But it's a bit big we decided to hang it in the dining area. It's like Picasso kind of painting!