Alycia's Korea Adventure

Alycia has just returned from a memorable 7-day trip to Seoul, South Korea, with her friend and colleague, L. This trip was special for Alycia and L, as L will be migrating overseas next month. As a likely farewell journey, the two made the most of every moment, exploring the beauty of South Korea together and capturing a collection of stunning memories.

L, who is Alycia’s age, took charge of the trip planning and did a fantastic job arranging a perfect itinerary. From the photos Alycia shared, I can see that the trip was a wonderful mix of sightseeing, hanbok photography, delicious food, and meaningful time together. They enjoyed authentic Korean BBQ, kimchi, and hearty dumplings. Each meal looked and tasted amazing,

Their adventure included a trip to the breathtaking Nami Island, famous for its stunning fall foliage. They took a shuttle bus and ferry to reach this serene haven, where the golden and crimson leaves of fall seemed like a scene from a painting.

Of course, Alycia couldn’t resist a little retail therapy. As expected, she brought back more denim—pants, jackets, you name it! Her wardrobe is already bursting at the seams (she’s a true clothes-shopping enthusiast!), and now there’s even more denim to make room for. I might need a crowbar to close her wardrobe doors at this rate!

And what was her souvenir for me? Three pail-loads of dirty laundry, mostly thick denim pants, denim jackets, and fall wear. It’s a “gift” that only a mother could appreciate! I told her that the next time she travels overseas, she has to settle all her dirty laundry herself, and not stress me up with them! 😑

Souvenirs from Korea for me! 😓 I told her that for her next trip - send all her dirty clothes to the laundry shop and pay for it herself!

How to Choose Bridesmaid Dresses That Flatter Different Body Types

Congratulations on being proposed! Now that the wedding date is set, there’s a long checklist of things to do before the wedding. You have to shop for the wedding gown of your dreams and bridesmaid dresses for your wedding party. Finding dresses that fit different body types and preferences can be challenging.  Choosing the right bridesmaid dresses is important so everyone feels comfortable, confident, and happy on your special day.

Here are a few tips for choosing bridesmaid dresses that flatter your besties:

1. Keep Your Dress Style in Mind

First and foremost, your bridesmaid dresses should be chosen with your wedding dress style in mind. If your wedding dress is whimsical, consider choosing bridesmaid dresses with flowy chiffon or tulle fabrics with ruffled sleeves. If your wedding dress is trendy and metallic accented, the dresses for your squad should be in the same hues.

2.  Different Styles For Different Frames

A-line or ball gown dresses are usually ever-reliable for flattering almost all types of body frames, but there are many other styles to choose from as well. If your bridesmaid is petite, fitted dresses with sweetheart necklines can create a flattering shape and subtle cleavage for her body type. 

For full-figured bridesmaids who do not want to draw attention to their bust, belly, hips, and legs, an empire waistline full-length dress with thick straps can help elongate the frame while being loose and flair from the waist down.

3.  Choose The Right Color

There are many options for bridesmaid dress colors, from sweet pastels to neutral colors. However, some colors may not be flattering for certain skin tones or dress styles. The way a color looks on your bridesmaid can be slightly different depending on her skin tone. Thus, brides need to consider the different complexions of their bridesmaids and find a dress hue that compliments everyone. One way of doing it is by incorporating different tints of the same color to maintain a matching look, while still considering the various skin tones in your bridal party. For instance, if you decide on pink, your bridesmaids can wear hot pink, pastel pink, and dusty pink based on what looks best on them.

4.  Fabric

The fabric you choose for your bridesmaid dresses should complement your wedding dress, blend well with your wedding colors, and be appropriate for the wedding season, time, and venue. For instance, for a fall outdoor wedding, a velvet maxi dress would be perfect. If you’re planning a daytime beach wedding in summer, you may want to choose something light and breathable like chiffon, silk, or tulle.  Fancyvestido has a great selection of beautiful bridesmaid dresses in different styles, fabrics, lengths, and colors, starting from $99.

Summing Up

Choosing the right bridesmaid dresses for your girls isn’t as stressful as it seems.  Remember to keep your dress style and budget in mind.  Whatever you choose, have fun with your besties, create beautiful memories, and enjoy the process! 

Trimming Haru's Razor Claws

Owning a spicy kitty like Haru means being on the receiving end of some pretty impressive scratches now and then, and I recently became a victim of her razor-sharp claws again! A few days ago, I was trying to keep up our tooth-wiping routine after her meal, which Haru barely tolerates. As usual, she was eager to escape, and in her struggle, her claws caught my arm, leaving me with a bloody, 12cm-long scratch. Ouch!

Getting her nails trimmed has always been a bit of a battle. Sherilyn, who usually helps me with these attempts, has been buried under her university assignments and dance rehearsals, and Cass was busy preparing for her exams and keeping up with her ice skating. This has left me on my own to manage Haru's nails, which are seemingly sharper each time I try!

A few weeks ago, I invested in a battery-operated pet nail clipper with LED light, hoping the extra light might make the process easier for both of us. Unfortunately, Haru isn’t interested in cooperating with any tool. I tried luring her with a bowl of kibbles while trying to snip away at her nails. This method let me trim a few nails at lightning speed, but once the kibbles were gone, she was off like a shot, with her claws still mostly untrimmed. The nail clipping turned into a two-part series and soon, it will be a three-part series.  I have to see who’s around tomorrow to help me finish it. I’m hoping an extra set of hands might make this less of a risky exercise.

Despite the scratches and the challenge, I know this is all part of being a pet parent. Trimming her nails may feel like a dangerous mission, but it's necessary to keep her comfortable and safe from any accidental scratches on herself, not just me. Here’s to hoping tomorrow brings a more successful nail-trimming session – wish me luck!

Blardy painful and it's starting to itch now.

Haru's favorite time of the day - mid-morning, where she does a brief sun-bathing at the corridor while I clean her litter box.

Top 5 Tiered Prom Dress Styles for 2024

A tiered dress or skirt is characterized by multiple layers of fabric arranged horizontally, creating a cascading and ruffled effect.  This layering adds volume and graceful movement to the garment. Each layer becomes wider as it descends, offering a voluminous and flouncy silhouette. The tiered style, which dates back to the 19th century and was popularized during the Victorian era, is elegant and is often associated with femininity and aesthetics.

Fashion is ever-evolving, where styles emerge and subtly sneak off. Some styles, such as the tiered dress and skirt, always seem to stay in fashion. This chic style has always been a fashion staple of many women and has been seen on catwalks, red carpets, and Harajuku street fashion.  Tiered dresses and skirts come in a wide array of designs and fabrics. Tiered fashion in gowns is a popular design, available in wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, and prom dresses. 

This article will discuss the top five tiered prom dress styles trending in 2024, perfect for prom and homecoming.

1.  Lace-Up Gold Off-the-Shoulder Corset Tiered Ball Gown

This stunning ball gown in glittering gold is a show-stopper. It features an off-shouldered neckline, a corset bodice with sequined embellishment, a pretty lace-up back, and a long tiered skirt made of tulle fabric.  This gown befits any formal occasion, such as prom and wedding.  In addition to gold, it comes in other gorgeous colors such as silver, hot pink, baby blue, and purple.

2.  Deep V-Neck Spaghetti Straps Fuchsia Ruffled Chiffon Prom Dress with Slit

This elegant A-line prom dress in sweet fuchsia is for you if you’re a fan of pink. It’s lovely and flattering, with a ruffled chiffon skirt and an alluring side slit for ease of walking. There’s a zipper at the back for ease of wearing and removing. It’s the perfect prom dress for a girl in bold fuchsia and other sweet colors such as baby blue, pastel yellow, white, and black.

3.  Tie Straps Light Blue Plunging Neck Layered Prom Dress with Appliques

Achieve a stunning princessy look with this tie-strap gown with a plunging neckline and maxi-layered skirt. The inner part of the gown has a mesh insert and lace bodice, eliminating the need to wear a bra. The tiered skirt is beautifully adorned with appliques, making this prom dress fit for a princess.

4.  Mermaid One Shoulder Lavender Sequin Appliques Ruffle Prom Dress

Another stunning show-stopper dress that flaunts your figure. The corset bodice with intricate applique and the one-shoulder neckline show off your shoulders. The ruffled tiered skirt makes it look like an elegant mermaid tail and the side slit makes walking and dancing easier. This gorgeous gown is complete with a built-in bra and a back zipper for a perfect fit

.

5.  Strapless Black Corset A-Line Layered Prom Dress with Slit

This classic strapless corset bodice gown with a multi-tiered skirt is simple yet elegant. It features a sweetheart neckline and a flowing silhouette with a dramatic slit.  It comes in other colors such as emerald green, teal, baby blue, hot pink, and dust pink.

Conclusion

With its effortless elegance, chic, and feminine flair, the tiered prom dress trend shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to capture the attention of young ladies preparing for one of the most important nights of their lives.  Fancyvestido carries an extensive range of beautiful prom dresses, perfect for this occasion and more.

Cass’s Exam Week

This week marks the start of Cass's final exams, a two-week period filled with intense focus and long study sessions. She is in Senior High 1 (equivalent to Form 4) in the Economics & Accounting stream. Each night, she studies late, and every morning, she’s up bright and early, ready to dive back into her books. To keep her energy levels up, she has a hearty breakfast of reheated leftovers from the night before and strong coffee to stay alert before heading to school. She’s convinced that a full stomach helps her concentrate better on exam questions—a solid strategy that’s fueling her focus.

Even amidst the stress of exams, Cass still makes time for her daily exercise routine at night, finding a way to keep her body active and her mind relaxed. Twice a week, she heads to the skating rink for class and training. For her, this is more than just practice; it’s a way to unwind and shake off the stress of exams. The rink is where she can channel her energy, and I think it’s fantastic she’s managed to strike this balance.

Now, there’s a bit of a twist during these exam weeks when Cass is home studying in the mornings: my radio time gets the mute treatment! If you’ve read my past posts, you’ll know that music is essential to my day—whether it's upbeat tunes or gentle bedtime sounds, it’s my constant companion. I’ll admit, I miss hearing it echo through the house, but knowing Cass is hard at work makes the silence worth it.

As Cass powers through this final stretch of exams, I’m glad she manages the pressure and still makes time for what she loves. And as soon as she’s done, you can bet the music will be back on, filling our home with my favorite songs!

Lunner for Cass on one of the days this week with all her favorite dishes. 

Low-carb meal for Cass.  She cooked the pesto omelet herself. Wrapped within the omelet is homemade pesto with cheese.

Unwelcomed Surprises: A Week in the Life of a Mom

This week has been another whirlwind of unexpected events for our family. It started with Alycia’s unplanned visit to SJMC to see her hand and microsurgery doctor. She had developed a cluster of blisters on her post-operated finger, though thankfully, they weren’t on the operated part of her finger but rather on the lower part. After examining the finger, the doctor referred her to a dermatologist, who reassured her that the issue wasn’t serious. She was prescribed a topical cream, and the cost of the bill was RM203, which, unfortunately, isn’t claimable from insurance.

Just when I thought we could put Alycia’s finger issue behind us, Sherilyn had a sudden allergic reaction after eating prawns. Sherilyn’s strange allergy to prawns has always puzzled us. Most of the time, she’s perfectly fine after eating them, but once in a while, she develops hives, as she did this week. We suspect she’s allergic to the chemicals used in certain prawns, as this reaction doesn’t always happen. 

That night, her dad had to rush her to the Accident & Emergency department at our neighborhood hospital, past midnight, to get anti-allergy medication and steroids intravenously. She now has to take oral steroids for a week, but being the resilient girl she is, Sherilyn went right back to university the next day.

Last year Sherilyn was warded in the same hospital for a night to treat a severe allergy after eating prawns.  After the latest hives incident, I told Sherilyn that she should steer clear of eating prawns to avoid another unwanted allergy flareup.

Reflecting on this year, it seems like life has been filled with one unwelcome surprise after another. From Alycia’s freak kitchen accident in June to these health scares, it feels like we’ve been on a rollercoaster. Yet, I’m grateful that nothing major has happened—aside from Alycia’s accident, which we’ve slowly overcome.

As the year draws to a close, I’m hopeful for smoother, more peaceful days ahead. The unpredictability of life has tested us, but it’s also made us stronger. 

Mutton rendang, mixed veggies, and Ayam Masak Merah from Catermate for our lunch and dinner on one of the days earlier this week.

Thai fish cakes and mutton rendang.

Nasi Minyak with fried shallots.

The All-Nighters of an Architecture Student

Sherilyn pulled yet another all-nighter yesterday, this time to finish several sketches of buildings for her architecture course. It amazes me how much drawing and crafting is required in this program—it’s almost as if she’s pursuing an art degree! Last night, she sat in darkness at the dining table, meticulously working on her LED light drawing board, sketching away until the early morning hours. When I woke up and turned the lights on, she moved to the wet kitchen, continuing to draw in the dark, relying on the soft glow of her LED board.

Again, with her eyes fixed on her sketching, her phone played continuous streams of Trevor Noah’s standup comedy shows, giving her a much-needed dose of entertainment and laughs to get through the grueling hours. 

I’m not even sure if she slept at all. Her bed looked neat when I checked, but I suspect she may have snuck in a short nap on the couch—poor girl. The pace of assignments in her course is relentless, notorious for back-to-back submissions, and it seems to push students to the edge of exhaustion. I sometimes wonder how sustainable this is for her health.

As much as I worry about the toll it’s taking on her, I can’t help but notice how it’s affecting me too. After each of these all-nighters, there’s always a mess left behind—pencil shavings, bits of paper, rattan, eraser shavings, and smudges on the tables and floors. While Sherilyn is off rushing to submit her assignments, I find myself cleaning up the aftermath, my hands growing rougher from all the scrubbing.

I truly hope all these sleepless nights don’t harm her health in the long run. The stress, the exhaustion, and the constant rush of deadlines—it’s a heavy load for anyone to carry. But for now, it’s part of her journey, and I’ll continue to support her the best I can, even if it means rougher hands and more cleaning up after her creative storms.

Sitting in the wet kitchen in darkness and the only light comes from the LED lights of her drawing board and the fire from the stove.

The Life of a First-Year Architecture Student

Sherilyn is back to her busy university routine, and it's been a whirlwind since she started her first year of architecture studies. In less than a month, she’s already deep into back-to-back assignments, and this week has been particularly intense. Several all-nighters were pulled to meet deadlines, but Tuesday was a whole new level of commitment—or rather, sleep deprivation.

That day, she sat at our dining table for almost 24 hours straight, working meticulously on a series of models made from rattan and hard cardboard. With her eyes fixed on her craft, her laptop played continuous streams of Josh Johnson’s standup comedy shows, giving her a much-needed distraction to get through the grueling hours. It was fascinating to watch how she balanced concentration on her work with the humor of Josh Johnson playing in the background. 

By the end of those long 24 hours with zero shut eye, Sherilyn finally completed her models and rushed off to university to submit her assignment, leaving behind what I dread the most—the aftermath. Unwashed dishes, a cluttered dining table, and dirty floors were left for me to tackle. But I suppose this is going to be the scene in our house for the next three years, at least until she graduates.

Despite the mess and the sleepless nights, I remind myself that these sacrifices will eventually pay off. Seeing Sherilyn work so hard toward her degree makes me proud, and I know that watching her succeed will make all of this worthwhile. I’ll keep cleaning up after her as long as it means she’s one step closer to reaching her goals and graduating with success.

Intricate designs - the top two models were cut from long strips of rattan sticks and glued together.

Drawing on an LED drawing pad in a dark room; Messy dining table. Everyone at home has to bear with a super messy table almost every day.

The Never-Ending Battle of Picking Up Hair: A Frustrated Mom’s Rant

If you're a mother with daughters, you're probably all too familiar with this infuriating and exasperating task: picking up hair from every corner of the house. No matter how many times I remind my daughters to clean up after themselves, it feels like their "selective forgetfulness" kicks in. Whether it's after brushing their hair or using a hair dryer, there are always strands left behind—on pillows, bedding, the floor, toilet seat, tables, and chairs. It drives me up the wall!

Every day, I find myself with a lint roller in hand, tediously rolling off hair from every surface. The frustration comes when I remind them to pick up their hair, and they nod and say "OK," but nothing changes. The next day, I see the same mess, and their excuse is always the same: "I forgot," or "I had to rush to school." I know it’s selective forgetfulness, and it’s frustrating beyond words.

As a mom who’s on the OCD side, it’s exhausting having to clean up after them constantly. I’m tired of rolling hair off every surface in the house, only to be greeted by the same mess the very next hour. How do other moms deal with this level of irresponsibility in their kids? How do you get them to take simple tasks like cleaning up their hair seriously? 😐

If you’ve figured out how to get your daughters to clean up after their own mess, I’d love to hear your secret. But for now, I’ll keep rolling away, hoping one day it clicks for them!

Why I Now Support My Daughters Getting the HPV Vaccine: A Change of Heart

Yesterday, I received a WhatsApp message from Alycia telling me that some healthcare personnel visited her university, offering free HPV vaccines to female students. Since she hadn't taken the HPV jab before, she decided to get it. Years ago, I advised Alycia and Sherilyn to skip the free HPV vaccines offered at school. At that time, the research I found didn’t convince me that it was necessary, and I felt uneasy about the possible side effects.

However, as time passed, and after further conversations with my gynecologist and conducting updated research, my perspective on the HPV vaccine shifted. I became more confident in its importance, particularly in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Earlier this year, Cass took the HPV vaccine, and now Alycia has as well.

What’s even more interesting is the recent change in HPV vaccine guidelines. Previously, the vaccine was administered in three doses, which deterred me initially. However, recent findings led the World Health Organization (WHO) to revise their HPV vaccine recommendations, supporting a single-dose regimen in many cases. The Pan-American Health Organization followed this guidance in September 2023, and by February 2024, 37 countries had adopted this new approach. This means that both Cass and Alycia only need one dose instead of three, a big win in terms of convenience and protection.

Alycia also mentioned that the free vaccines were sponsored by the National Cancer Society of Malaysia. This is a big deal because if we had to get the vaccine outside of this initiative, it could easily cost several thousand ringgit. I’ve also told Sherilyn that if the National Cancer Society visits her university to offer the free vaccine, she should take it too.

I’m grateful that my daughters now have access to this crucial protection without the burden of high costs. I feel more confident about this decision, and I’m relieved that they are on track to be protected against the risks of HPV. If you have daughters and are on the fence like I once was, I encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider and do your own research. The more informed we are, the better we can protect our loved ones.

My Favorite Healthy Dessert: Chia Seed Pudding

One of my go-to healthy desserts is chia seed pudding, which I enjoy every other day. It’s a simple, delicious, and nutritious way to satisfy my sweet tooth. My favorite version is made with coconut milk and palm sugar. With 3 to 4 tablespoons of soaked chia seeds, I mix in a squirt of trim coconut milk and drizzle it with Gula Melaka (palm sugar) syrup. On other days, I switch things up by adding soaked chia seeds to a bowl of skinny yogurt, which is sugar- and additive-free with a squirt of palm sugar syrup. For a creamier texture, I sometimes add a spoonful or two of Greek yogurt to the bowl of skinny yogurt. On days when I am too busy to enjoy my chia seed dessert, I will quickly stir in two tablespoons of soaked chia seeds into my morning beverage of organic almond milk with flax seeds meal.

Why Chia Seeds Are So Healthy

Chia seeds are a true superfood, packed with nutrients despite their tiny size. They are an excellent source of fiber, which helps prevent constipation by promoting regular bowel movements. The fiber also aids digestion and keeps you feeling full for longer, making chia seeds great for weight management. Additionally, chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, and they contain important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, essential for bone health. Plus, they’re a good source of plant-based protein.

This simple chia seed pudding is tasty and provides a powerful health boost, keeping my digestion smooth and my body energized. Whether paired with coconut milk or yogurt or added to my healthy beverage, chia seeds make a versatile and satisfying dessert!

Simple chia seeds pudding - soaked chia seeds with trim coconut milk and Gula Melaka syrup. Mix everything up and enjoy it chilled. This tastes like sago pudding with coconut milk and Gula Melaka syrup.

Sleepless Nights with Haru

Last night was another one of those nights where sleep evaded me, thanks to Haru. Though it doesn’t happen frequently, it does happen. 

In the wee hours of this morning, she persistently meowed outside my bedroom door. I tried to ignore it, but after several minutes of her insistent calls, I eventually caved in and opened the door to let her in.

Once inside, she made herself comfortable by jumping onto my bed. This has happened more than a few times now, and I’m still trying to figure out whether she’s just hungry or if her meowing is her way of checking to ensure I’m still alive and well. 

After settling on the bed, Haru began scratching at my blanket. I stopped her immediately, knowing exactly what she wanted—to crawl under the blanket to be nearer to me. It’s sweet, but I have reasons for being uncomfortable with this. As much as I love Haru, I’m allergic to her fur, and having her nestled under the covers with me would only worsen my allergies.

She seemed a bit disappointed when I didn’t let her under the blanket, but she stayed on the bed for a short while before eventually jumping off and walking out of the room. I felt a little guilty as she left, but I know I have to draw boundaries when it comes to sleep.  She walked away perhaps she was convinced that I was still alive 😺

As a cat owner, I adore Haru’s company and her little quirks, but when it comes to bedtime, I just can’t relax knowing she’s on the bed, especially under the blanket. I’ll always cherish our moments together, but for the sake of a good night’s sleep and my health, I’ll have to keep working on finding a balance!

My soul cat likes to sit on this stool near the bathroom and wait for me to come out.

The Benefits of Kinesiology Tape: Why It’s Used by Athletes and My Family

Kinesiology tape, commonly known as KT tape, has gained immense popularity, especially among athletes, including Olympians, who use it to alleviate pain and support muscle recovery. It has become such a staple in sports medicine that even in my household, KT tape is a permanent fixture on my daughters' bodies—almost like colorful tattoos.

Sherilyn uses it for her back injury from dance training, while Cass applies it to her ankle to support her during figure skating.  Recently, I’ve started using KT tape on my right hand in an attempt to manage the nagging pain from tennis elbow.

Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles.

Many Olympians and top athletes swear by KT tape because it helps reduce pain without hindering their performance. One of the primary benefits of KT tape is its ability to lift the skin slightly, which increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. By doing this, it also helps to alleviate pressure on muscles and joints, which can be especially useful for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit.

In my household, Sherilyn, Cass, and hubby use KT tape regularly. Sherilyn applies it to her back, an injury sustained from dance training a few years ago that still hasn’t fully healed. The KT tape provides her with enough support to continue her rigorous dance routines without aggravating the injury. Cass, on the other hand, uses KT tape on her ankle, which has seen persistent strain from figure skating classes. The tape gives her the stability she needs on the ice without compromising her performance. Hubby uses these tapes on his legs and right hand.  He plays basketball regularly and often has injuries on his legs. He, like me, also has a tennis elbow on his right hand.

Recently, I’ve joined my daughters and hubby in the KT tape trend. I’ve been dealing with tennis elbow, a stubbornly persistent condition. The pain makes even simple tasks, like lifting objects or folding a blanket, a challenge. Applying KT tape to my right hand has provided some relief, though it’s not a cure-all. However, the support it gives me has helped me manage everyday movements and reduce strain.

KT tapes sold in pharmacies are very expensive, about RM50 onwards for a roll of 5cm x 5m tape.  I buy these tapes at a fraction of the price online from Lazada, at around RM15 a roll. These tapes come in many bright and attractive colors, as well as nude. I prefer colorful ones as I love anything that's colorful.

KT tapes sold at one of the pharmacies @ Lazada, which are pretty expensive.

Cheaper KT tapes are sold by other sellers on Lazada. I bought these.

Cuddles, Laughter, and Fake Eyelashes

Whenever Sherilyn comes home, her first instinct is always the same—she goes on a mission to find our beloved cat, Haru. Without fail, she picks her up and gives her the biggest cuddle, kisses her, and squeezing her tight as though Haru were a plush toy. Poor Haru, being the independent and non-affectionate cat that she is, barely tolerates this for a minute before squeezing her way out of Sherilyn’s arms. Haru has never been a fan of extended cuddles, preferring her personal space and short moments of affection. But Sherilyn, filled with love and excitement after a long day, can never resist showering her with more attention than Haru can handle.

Last week, after Sherilyn's win at the Asia Open Dance Championship, where she secured the gold medal in the modern contemporary (solo) event for her age group, she came home in an exceptionally good mood. She removed her fake eyelashes from the competition and, still buzzing with happiness, decided to goof around with Haru. In her playful state, she attached the fake eyelashes to Haru’s eyes, and we both burst into laughter at the sight. Haru looked absolutely hilarious, but her expression clearly showed her confusion at being the center of this little joke. I felt bad for her after a few minutes and asked Sherilyn to quickly take the fake eyelashes off.

Despite our antics, Haru remains the heart of our home. Her calm presence and adorable loafing around the house bring us so much joy, even when we’re in a bad mood. There are days when I find myself feeling frustrated or upset about something, but Haru’s quiet charm and comforting aura instantly ease the tension. It’s as if she knows exactly how to diffuse my anger and calm my nerves.

Haru may not love long cuddles or too much fuss, but she brings a special kind of warmth into our lives.  We can’t help but spoil our little fur baby, even when it means accidentally subjecting her to a few minutes of fake eyelash drama! 😆

We love Haru so much, and it’s a joy to have her loafing around the house, being her quiet, intelligent self. She's the little glue that keeps our home filled with laughter and peace.

Still groggy from being woken up from her sleep, Haru didn't resist the silly fake eyelashes stuck to her eyes by her sister.

12 September 2024 ~ Random Updates

Apologies for the lack of updates over the past week! As usual, I've been swamped with writing assignments and running errands, and things have been even more hectic since Maria, our part-time helper, is expecting and hasn't been feeling well. She hasn't come in the past week, and with my mother-in-law back from England, there's been a hive of activities in the kitchen again. She loves cooking, which means even more work for me.  She cooks, and I clean up.

Unfortunately, all this extra workload isn’t doing my right hand any favors, as the pain from my Tennis Elbow has gotten worse. I first developed it back in April, after my trip to Bangkok with Alycia. It's been five months now with no sign of improvement. Every movement with my right-hand hurts so much that even lifting a blanket to fold it is a challenge. Getting out of bed is pure torture, and I've had to rely on my stomach muscles just to sit up. My bed for the past five months has been unkempt with an unfolded blanket. Even brushing my teeth a little harder hurts my right hand.

Alycia and Sherilyn, on the other hand, are thoroughly enjoying their semester breaks. Alycia just returned from Taiwan on Tuesday, and in a month, she’ll be off to South Korea with another friend. Sherilyn has been keeping herself busy with dancing and just finished competing in the Get The Beat dance competition yesterday, where she won gold in the Hip Hop category for her age group and Double Platinum in the Contemporary category. This Saturday, she’ll be competing in the Asia Open Dance Championship. She’s a bundle of energy, always on the go and thriving in competitions. I’m amazed by how much joy she finds in staying active and pushing herself.

Sherilyn at the Get The Beat dance competition on 11 Sept 2024. 

As for Cass, her school holidays begin this Saturday, which, to be honest, is a bit of bad news for me. She’s another one who can’t stay at home with nothing to do, so I expect she’ll be spending most of her week-long holiday at the skating rink, which I’m perfectly fine with. At least I’ll get some very, very much-needed peace at home!

Here are some of the pix that Alycia sent to me that she took in Taiwan with her university mates.

Traveling on the train from Taipei to Tainan.

Some of the streets in Taiwan look similar to those in Japan.

In Tainan

Two Heart-Stopping Scares, Courtesy of Haru!

Today, Haru, my mischievous fur baby, gave me not one but two heart-stopping scares! She’s not usually mischievous, but today, she took things to a whole new level. It was like she decided to put my patience and nerves to the ultimate test. Here’s what happened:

The first scare happened in the kitchen when Cass got home from school. We were reheating her lunch, and I had left a glass container with chicken on the counter. Little did I know that Haru was stealthily plotting her next move. As I turned my back to put the food in the microwave, Haru struck. With her ninja-like agility, she jumped up to the counter and snatched a big piece of chicken—bones and all!

Before I could even react, Haru darted under the island table, growling like a feral dog with her prize in her mouth. I panicked. Chicken bones can be dangerous for cats, and I was terrified she might swallow a sharp piece and hurt herself. I shouted at Haru, but she was determined to hold on to her stolen treasure and growled away simultaneously.

Cass wanted to pull Haru out from under the table, but I quickly stopped her. Haru, in her possessive state, might lash out, and the last thing I wanted was for her to bite Cass. While I was desperately trying to coax Haru out, I could hear the ominous sound of crackling bones as she began to chew on the chicken. My heart sank.

Thinking fast, I grabbed some chicken breast (her absolute favorite) and placed it in her bowl, hoping it would lure her out. Thankfully, it worked! Haru came out, and I swiftly took the dangerous chicken away and discarded it. Crisis averted! She eagerly gulped down the chicken breast, completely unaware of the chaos she had just caused. Honestly, Haru is crazy about chicken breasts. I had already given her some earlier, but when it comes to her favorite food, she doesn’t seem to know when to stop.

Later in the day, the second scare happened. I couldn’t find Haru anywhere in the house. Maria, our part-time maid, had stepped out briefly to throw the garbage in the refuse chamber, and I panicked, thinking Haru might have run out. Maria and I searched frantically, calling for her, shaking her can of kibbles, and knocking her bowl, all the usual tricks that would bring Haru running. But this time, there was no response.

For about five minutes, we were searching everywhere, and I was convinced Haru had either escaped or worse. My mind went wild with thoughts—had she climbed into the washing machine without me noticing and I had started the washing machine? Or could she have crawled into the garbage bag in search of chicken and been thrown out by Maria? My imagination was running in overdrive.

Just as I was about to lose hope, Haru finally emerged from her hiding place. Relief washed over me, but I couldn’t help but scold her for giving me such a fright. It’s a wonder how such a small creature can cause so much stress in a single day!

In one day, Haru gave me two massive scares. I truly hope these heart-stopping incidents won’t become a regular occurrence!

Naughty baby. Alycia bought this cat cap for Haru.  Did I tell you that Alycia is one of Haru's favorite humans besides her dad?  From someone terrified of cats and furry animals, Alycia has now overcome her phobia of cats. She loves Haru 💓

Sunday Feasts: A Meaty Lunch and a Family Reunion

Last Sunday was a day filled with delicious food and family gatherings. For lunch, we decided to try out a new spot called Meat Attic. The menu was packed with hearty, meaty options, so we went all out and ordered their house-made sausages, a ciabatta beef sandwich, premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth (which came with a hefty RM168 price tag), and roast pork fried rice. It was a truly indulgent, porky feast—definitely not the cheapest lunch, but worth every bite.

Later that evening, we gathered with hubby's relatives for dinner at Buddies Restaurant in Cheras. His uncle's family, who were visiting from England, were the guests of honor, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together. The entire Sunday was filled with great food and even better company, making it a day to remember.

Meat Attic - Roast premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth alongside sauerkraut and fries (RM168). It looks like a small portion in the photo but the ribs were pretty chunky. We couldn't finish it and doggy-bagged the leftovers.

Meat Attic - roast pork fried rice.

Meat Attic - Ciabatta sandwich with full-bodied and flaky thick-cut salt beef.

Meat Attic - housemade garlic sausage with sauerkraut. 

Meat Attic - scallop pasta.

Meat Attic - mashed potato

Meat Attic housemade sausages. Their sausages are nitrate-free and filler-free, from plumply juicy pork bratwursts to aromatic lamb merguez.

Buddies Restaurant - pan-fried prawns, sauteed assorted vegetables, braised eggplant with minced pork, clay pot braised pork belly with salted fish.

Steamed fish, fried rice, sauteed kangkung with belacan, and pork ribs.

Claypot lamb, cha siu, and another portion of claypot pork belly with salted fish for the boys.

Hubby with his cousins from England and another cousin who just returned from the USA.