The 2nd May 11th,

One year ago, I didn't know what life has planned for me in the days ahead. But I have faith in the man I said my vows to, that he will always be there, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, to make me the happiest girl ever.

My life has never been the same since, in a positive way of cos.

In this one year, I have seen more than I ever did in my past two decades of my life. I left my footprints in places I never thought I could ever go, I experienced things I've never done before and I became a much better self - learning and improving every single day.

There were dull moments, but it never lasted long, thankfully, for his talk-things-out personality. He played such a big role in what I am today, and I am so so glad to have him in my life.

He has so much going on at work so we didn't have much planned for this special day, just a mini breather at a quiet lake by ourselves. The morning didn't turn out too well with the rush and the business claiming not to have us on their reservation list, but he still managed to lighten up the mood along the way.

So there we were, kayaking at 9am and enjoying the peacefulness.

 Took a break in between and we started throwing stones in the water on this tiny "island". Simple, but so much fun and laughter!

To many more pretty years together! Xx

Selling: 2 Learn-to-Snowboard Package at Snow Valley Mountain Resort, California

Back from California, with a tailbone injury...... (thus, the selling post).

Was in Running Springs/ Big Bear Lake for Sking & Snowboarding. Unfortunately, on Day 2 after signing up for a Learn-to-Snowboard Package, I fell pretty hard and injured my tailbone even before I had the chance to go for the lesson. While I was screaming in pain at the First Aid Center, my husband informed the staff at the Learner Center and they kindly issued us a receipt (transferable) with 1 year validity.

Most likely, we will not head back to California (not that we don't love the place, but there are so many more places in the States that we have yet to explore!), so I'm hoping to sell these tickets, else $170 will go to waste.

Details:

Where: Snow Valley Mountain Resorts in California
The resort is located near Los Angeles, with just 1 hr 50mins drive (nearer than the more popularly known Snow Summit/ Bear Mountain). We chose this resort over this others as many reviewers raved about Snow Valley being a good place for learners and not overcrowded like the other resorts. This is indeed true. We almost had the whole place to ourselves during evening.

What: Learn-to-Snowboard Package for 2 pax
Suitable for first-time snowboarder, the package includes a lower mountain lift ticket, 1 1/2 hour beginner group lesson and rental equipment. Lesson times are 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. You are advised to reach an hour before the lesson to try out the equipment and change into your Snowboarding outfit.

Pricing: Selling at $120 (worth $170)

This is a weekend package worth US$85 each. You can go to their website to check out the pricing: http://www.snow-valley.com/learning_centers/learning_center.html

Below are the proof of receipt and name card of the lady who issued this to us. She mentioned that this is fully transferable.

Should you be interested, pls free feel to contact me via my email or comment below!
Contact: avee.hay@gmail.com

Till the next,

Right after Xiaoye got back from AZ, there isn't a moment of free time at all (not complaining tho). Prepped a simple, welcome-home steamboat, and that was the first proper and fulfilling meal I'd in 3 weeks. It felt so good! :)

Since this is my first & last Christmas here in Texas, I've got to make use of every opportunity I have to experience the festive atmosphere. We popped by The Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan, and indeed with their 1.5 million twinkling lights, ornaments and other activities, the entire place looks pretty impressive. Next up, we went to the Christmas Capital of Texas - Grapevine! I've always loved Grapevine - the architecture, the atmosphere, the vibe. But it was so so cold to stay outdoors, so we ended up with dinner at a Italian restaurant, talking and reminiscing the good ol' times. Love date nights!

Over the weekend, after a super yummy (even i couldn't resist) seafood feast at The Boiling Crab with the rest, we drive-thru Frisco Christmas in the Square. Not as fascinating as I imagined it to be. The highlight would be the lighting display synchronized with the radio station and the horse carriage ride.

And then, in the blink of an eye, it's Christmas Eve. I didn't even had the chance to countdown to X'mas like I used to. We hosted a simple party at our place. We had a mountain of food - Salad, Shepard's Pie, BBQ Pork, Garlic Chicken Soup, Baked Fish, Wingstop, Pizzas, Taiwanese Lu Ru Fan, Chiffon Cake, Lao Ban Tau Huey, Chocolate Fondue..... Needless to say, too much leftovers.

The Lu Rou Fan scored too many hearts, leaving the pizzas and Wingstop barely touched. 

Here's what I prepared..

 Mega bowl of salad which I ended up eating these few days.

 Red date pudding cupcake & fruits platter for chocolate fondue.

Glad that they managed to empty the Baked Fish, and everyone loves it!

Group pix! :)

Been up since 7.30am to plan for my trip which is happening tomorrow!! What was I doing for the past 3 weeks? And luggage is still empty as of now. Anyhoots, I'll be screaming Happy New Year from Las Vegas in 4 days' time!

Till the next,

xx 

Live the moment.

Whenever the new year starts to inch nearer, you will start seeing everyone coming up with new resolutions, or making some reflections. Does a new year really signifies a brand new start? How many of them who penned down their resolutions really work towards it? We tend to be always saying phrases like, "missing the good old times" or "can't wait for next week to arrive so I can bla bla bla" that we forgot about THE MOMENT. Well, it's now or history.

Anyway, 2013 has really really been an awesome year for me and I am extremely thankful for that. For now, I'm just gonna immerse myself in some reading in preparation for my year-end trip. Enjoying every bit of my life right now, although I've been stuck at home for the past 4 days cos' weather & road conditions were so bad outside. Sun's finally taking a peek tomorrow!

Solitude

December has never felt gloomier. Xiaoye is away in Arizona for 3 weeks and I'm left alone in this place I barely called home. What made it worst is the sickening weather, leaving me with no choice but to stay indoors. It can get really bad - freezing temperature that makes any uncovered areas of your body numb and visibility's so bad that driving on the road is so so scary. Quoting what one of our friends said, "The moment I step outside, I wanna go back home".

Where did the lively and merry atmosphere in December go? I'm so missing the happiest month of the year back in Singapore. Getting X'mas shopping done, gift exchanges with families, friends and colleagues and all that fun during each party.

Well, still, I gotta make the best out of the precious time I have here so I make a point to go out everyday! I especially love taking late afternoon walks with Cookie when weather's good, cos the view is beyond amazing. And people here are much friendlier in that sense that they will smile at you, chat a little and give excited Cookie a pat.

And oh, the most unbearable part of being alone is sleeping at night, so I kind of made Cookie sleeps with me! haha I know this is probably turn her into a spoilt brat, but that is later's problem.... Xiaoye will fix it when he's back. *buries face in guilt*

The little brat is such a domineering kid in bed. She practically leaves me with one small corner to sleep every night, giving me kicks in the face or rolling on top or under me in the middle of the night. Perhaps it's time to put her back to her couch to sleep cos she's getting smelly!

Saw the forecast that weather's turning bad from today on (sleets outside now!!), so I enjoyed the last bit of sunshine yesterday at a Korean cafe I've been meaning to try - Caffe Bene! Such a nice hideout, not too much of a crowd and a menu with just the sweet treats I love. Definitely heading back to try the waffles! ;)

Cinnamon Toast was pretty good, but a tad too sweet. Love how thick the toast is with a surprisingly cripsy crust. 

Not a fan of whipped cream, but this was so light & fluffy and it goes so well with the toast.

For the next couple of days until the sunshine is out again, I'll be stuck in my humble abode with some kaya-butter toast & Milo, and watch my Lily grows.