What we did this Teacher's Day

This is getting crazy! It's September already? The last couple of months have been a whirlwind, what with shifting to our new crib and hosting parties every weekend; getting everyone readjusted; holidaying not once, but twice over a span of 2 months (which reminds me, I need to blog about that!), to scrambling to catch up with work and homeschooling! It's crazy I tell you and I am still trying to get things into full swing. However each time when I think I've succeeded at getting things into control, shit happens.

Oh well, I'm not here to rant, but to share with you what we have done for this Teacher's Day. I have been a private educator for the last two decades *horrors and sad to say, I have seen it all. The passion to celebrate teacher's day kindof stops right after you step into Secondary school. Ok, perhaps Secondary 1 is still fresh hence most would go back to their Primary school to visit their Chers. But, thereafter, the kids probably look forward to that day only because it is a holiday! Not saying they shouldn't, but well, I somehow feel that this day is loosing its meaning. In fact, sad to say, only the parents and those who were reminded by their parents, wished me a Happy Teacher's Day. I was showered with gifts no doubt, but they were all from the parents. Gone were the days where I had little ones making cards or flowers for me. The older ones were worse, no wishes and instead, made me do overtime via watsapp. -_-

Hey! Didn't I say I wasn't gonna rant?

In order to ensure that Big K understands the significance of this day, I involve her in making gifts for her teachers. Since she loves art and craft, I got her these to put together for her teachers. We started a month before as I knew it would be crazy for her to finish them all within a week. I wouldn't have the time to supervise too. It was nice to see how each pot blossomed. She painted those pots and fixed up most of those flowers. I only helped with the more intricate ones as well as flower arrangement.

Thankful for pre-cuts! I wouldn't have been able to cut them one by one!

Flower paradise!

These lovely calligraphy cards were generously shared by Daprayer. I adore her works! 

To all educators and ex educators, your dedication is amazing so here's to you A-Meh-Zing people, 

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY!

Big K turns 4 (Part 1 & 2)

So. Not too long ago, I was pregnant. Not too long ago, a little girl, affectionately known as Big K was born. And, not too long ago, she turned four! yup, just like that!

This year is a little tricky coz I don't have my own nest to throw a party even if I want to. Staying with the in-laws is also a tricky affair when it comes to decorating the place to make the little one feel special (actually it's to satisfy my crazy yearn to craft). It's even trickier when the whole place is cluttered with boxes. I decided. It's depressing enough to be in such a situation! Hence, I took a wall an planned to do a small deco. I am very particular when it comes to aesthetics and even though it was an extremely small space which I'm doing up, I make sure I plan. I bought the materials in advance and reused my letterings. Got in some felt snowflakes as well to add in to the mood. And Tadah! A Photo Booth! These days whenever I ask the kids for a photo, they'll automatically stand against the wall. 

I didn't have to ask what Big K wanted as a theme for her birthday. I knew. Every year, the theme is dictated by yours truly. Tiger Mom eh? With all the hype over Elsa, it was clear she wanted a Frozen- themed party. She loves Elsa but thankfully not to the extent of wanting every single thing around her to be Elsa. Phew. I ordered her cakes pretty late this time but was very glad to have found two bakers who did a good job with the cakes. 

I bought her this dress a month before and had to hide it from her. She adores it so much, she insist on wearing it almost every time we go out!

Part One of our birthday marathon. The first cake we had for celebration with the family was an ombre cake from The Cake Shop. Now, I did say that the cake was good, no doubts about it. They had real strawberries in it and the old folks commented that it wasn't too sweet. Yay! I scored. But what made me extremely upset was that I had to go all the way to Admiralty to collect on the morning of the celebration! (PS: I live in the East just so you know) You see, after confirming the order, I was not asked what time I would like to collect. Ok, my fault too for not informing. I am usually quite on top of such things but lately, too much is happening. That said, shouldn't the onus be not the seller rather the buyer? I mean, it's service right to at least inform the collection hours no? I happily assumed that I could collect it from the Funan branch during opening hours. They open their doors at 10am and I thought, Perfect. Coz celebrations was at 11am. The day before, I dropped them an email to confirm my collection and informed them that I'll be collecting at 10am. Alas, at 4pm that day, an email stating that the earliest I could collect from Funan was 11am came in. You could imagine my horror! Plus, I only managed to read that mail at about 6pm. After which I immediately called them up for help. They had my number, so why didn't they call me direct? I told them my function would be starting at 11am and hence I will collect at 10am. Which part of my email did they not comprehend? The event was the next day so things were kind of urgent isn't it? So, long story short, nothing could be done. I had to go down to their production house  at Admiralty, which opens at 830am, to collect. I was late for the function as a result as after collecting the cake, I had to run other errands as well. 

Our party packs. I'm quite anal when it comes to how things look and what went in. I really do not like junk and tacky packaging. I started strategising a month before and slowly got on to making the bags. I got the characters printed and cut. The paper bags were bought from Daiso. The names were also painstakingly cut out from self adhesive felt gotten from Daiso. I enlisted Big K's help on pasting the the pictures and the foam snow flakes as well as the names of her classmates. Through this activity, Big K was able to learn the spelling of her friend's name. Killing two birds with one stone! 

This snowflake cookie was one of the items in our party pack which was in line with the theme. Others include an art and craft set to make a Xmas Tree ornament ball, a sewing kit with characters like reindeer and snowman as well as a kit which "grows" snow. Pardon the screenshot. Am too lazy to do something about it!

Part 2 of the celebrations was in school. Yup, I had to order ANOTHER cake. This time, I got it from Megan's Cuppies. This, is worth a mention. It was a pullout number cake! Something I've always wanted! In case you don't know, to do a number cake, most bakeries would need a substantial weightage. With the number of little guests we have, I often have a problem. So I was delighted when Eliz from Megan's Cuppies said she could do one with 18 cupcakes! Woohoo!! The snowflake cookies and the cupcakes were both from this talented baker. You can "like" her on Facebook here.

It's really a party to remember albeit a small one. Kids these days are so lucky! All I got when I was young was a pandan cake from Bengawan Solo!

Review: Jane Means, the Gift Wrapping Guru

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to attend a gift wrapping workshop conducted by the renowned Jane Means. I was really excited as I'm really big on crafting and this would value add to my diapercake business (rhapNroll). If you haven't already known Jane, she is an author, a presenter and a designer who in her early days, made bespoke cards and wedding stationery which became very successful. She was commissioned to make a card for the Queen (which later went on display in Buckingham Palace Mews). By the late 90's, she decided to start her own gift wrapping training academy. I've never knew that there's a training academy for gift wrapping and to learn from the "Gift Wrap Guru" is indeed such an honour. Jane not only trains staff for Harrods, provided a luxury gift wrapping service for Dior, Ralph Lauren, Chanel just to name a few, she has also designed a signature style for YSL and has appeared live in the windows of Liberty London. Clients travel worldwide to attend her workshops in UK and Singapore. Clients travel worldwide to attend her workshops in the UK and Singapore.

Here's sharing some of the stuff I learnt at the workshop:

This simple gift wrap was done with cellophane paper bought from Diaso! Economical yet so pretty!

I've always battled with wrapping odd shaped items but Jane showed how easy it actually is. The trick is to use tension. Also, if you need to hide the design of your tin, wrap a dark colour tissue inside and a light coloured out. And look how a duo-tone pom pom added life to the entire piece. Pretty isn't it?

This was a fabric rose made using a wired ribbon. I didn't even know such things existed! She even prepared tutorial cards! How thoughtful! You can find the tutorial here. 

The beautiful flower added such a nice touch to the wrapping. It adds an instant luxury decoration to your gifts. A great alternative to bows. Tip: you could even spray on some fragrance to give it a special touch.

Dying to decorate your home or next party with some pom poms? did you know you could actually do it yourself!

A simple envelope created just with a few folds.

I've always encountered much difficulty when tying the perfect bow. Jane suggested that we place a little rose bud made of ric rac ribbon to cover up any unsightly knots. It instantly brightens the present don't you think? Back to tying the perfect bow. You can find a tutorial here, but Jane's advice is to pause and look and arrange before you tighten things. It's that easy!

At the end of it, I even received a certificate of completion! Talent unlocked!

The entire workshop was conducted with this as our backdrop. What a fabulous way to spend my Saturday! A real treat!

Was delighted to have made new friends: 

Front : Jane Means

Back ( Left) : Dominique, Pc, Me & Serene

The wrapping expert has a dedicated team and now designs her own ribbon collections. This is such an inspiration for all crafters! Her well recognised ribbons can be found online. She also has a team of experienced Ribbon Bloggers who regularly post DIY tutorials and craft ideas using the company's ribbons and craft products.

Jane Means recently also launched her global book ' 'Giftwrapped'  and has produced her DVD  'The Art of Gift Wrapping' . Psst: If you want a peak to her book, you can check it out here. 

So if you are inspired to start dressing up your gifts and creating a neatly swathed gift that looks stylish and presentable, get in touch with Jane and her team for the dates on her workshops or connect with her via the following social platforms: Pinterest, Twitter @janemeans; Jane Mean's blog and Instagram!

Disclaimer: I was invited to attend the above workshop. No monetary compensation is involved. All opinions are of my own.

Gong xi fa cai

I know. I'm late. hey, but i'm penning this down on the last day of Chinese New Year. Chup Gor Meh (15th day in Dialect) so technically, i'm not late right? Ok, excuses excuses. But definitely legit. You see, Small K developed a fever on Day 9. It spiked to 40 degrees celsius on Day 10! I was terribly guilty as I checked him at 730pm before putting him to bed. He was good. 37.4. But, 2 hours later when the hub came home and checked, the boy had shot up to 40!! We stripped him naked and sponged like mad. I didn't quite sleep that night. Waking up almost every hour to sponge him and check his temperature. Thankfully the fever subsided the  next day. However, on Day 12, a sudden rash surfaced. It was then i realised he was having Roseola. Roseola is a fairly mild and common viral illness that usually strikes children between 6 months and 3 years of age. It's caused by a kind of herpes virus, although not the type that's sexually transmitted. roseola usually starts with a sudden, relatively high fever. The fever typically lasts three to five days and may end abruptly, followed by the telltale rash. The rash may last for days or only hours. The rash is pink and may have small flat spots or raised bumps. These spots may have a lighter "halo" around them and will turn white if you press on them. The rash isn't itchy or uncomfortable, and contact with the rash itself doesn't spread the illness. It usually shows up on the trunk and neck, but can extend to the arms, legs, and face. My poor baby was a grouch and coupled with a whiny three year old, oh boy!!!

Anyhoots, here's a quick round up of Chinese New Year for us this year. It's special this year coz I've a new arm candy and I was really gearing myself up in terms of their clothings. 

 

The day before Chinese New Year.

Reunion outfit: 

On Me: Top from Love Bonito; Skorts from a Korean supplier

On Big K: "I'm a mini" tshirt from MiniRodini & Right Left tights from Hello Merch

On Small K: "daddy's little dude" romper from Carters & Socks from BabyStyleIcon

 

 

 

Day One

On Me: top and bottom from Zalora which incidentally has amazing service! I bought the wrong size and accidentally clicked on two for the same item but I was able to return them and exchange for the right size! No questions asked! I just had to pop by the post office and return. Postage borne by Zalora!; Shoes from Taobao

On Big K: Elmo Pillowcase dress from Etsy

On Small K: Dragon Romper from Taobao

 

  

Day Two. I decided to play matchy matchy. 

On Me: Top from Tracyeinny; Skinny Jeans which failed to make me skinny, from Uniqlo

On Big & Small K: Outfits from Elly. Shoes from Pediped and PUMA respectively. I've resisted on buying a cheongsam for Big K since birth. reason being, it's mostly worn only on special occasions. Mileage isn't too high. The cost of one isn't cheap too, but i caved in this year simply because it's too cute!

 

Check out the boy's new bib! Sud bo? It's one of his Chinese character by the way. Really hope this boy will be happy everyday. He's been bringing me so much joy every day. A very smiley baby whom I'm really thankful for. A miracle child who I can't wait to hug after work everyday. 

  

I just had to play matchy matchy again!

Tops and rompers from Hello Merch

Small K's dinosaur pants from Babystyleicon

 

 

Having two in tow this year is really different on all fronts. I used to be way ahead in decorations and crafting but this year, the above was all I did. A first DIY attempt at making paper pom poms and fans. Not bad eh? The decals were from Taobao. Bought it way in advance but pasted only the night before CNY! On crafting with Big K, I really did close to nothing. If you consider colouring an activity, then ok, I did heaps! 

 

Check out the many designs for red packets! The evolution is amazing. No wonder collecting red packets (sans the money that is), has been in vogue in the recent years.

 

 

Was excused for cooking on days one and two. but come day 3, I had to get something together lest the family starves. So the hubs and I decided on some unhealthy but delish noodles! A luxurious treat if I might add.  

 

Day 4

The kitchen was in full gear and I tried making Har Cheong Gai. Recipe taken off The Domestic Goddess Wannabe. I attempted to use the air fryer however, I failed miserably as the flour was still visible. Ultimately, I heated up some oil and shallow fried. The result, YUMMEH!

 

Day 5

Braised mushroom with dried oyster. A must-have in my family during Chinese New Year. This year, Empress Dowager made things difficult and decided not to cook reunion lunch, so we didn't have this. I decided to cook for my family instead. It's really a very simple dish to whip up. 

My recipe:

• 12 Dried mushroom soaked for an hour (i soaked overnight though)
• Moss (Fa Cai which is suppose to represent prosperity)
• 4-5 dried oysters
• 1 dried conch
•  a few Smashed garlic  
• Water/ Broth enough to cover the mushrooms

• Seasonings:
• 2 tablespoon of abalone sauce (oyster sauce also possible but i ran out of it)
• 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce
• if you want the colour to be darker, you may add dark soya sauce. But taste to ensure it's not too salty

Method:

• fry the garlic till it's fragrant, then add the mushroom
• after stir frying for a bit, add the abalone sauce
• add broth/ water + conch and boil
• transfer to a slow cooker and add the light soya sauce.
• You may use the regular pot to cook if you are not cooking overnight in a slow cooker like I did.
• This dish somehow tasted better overnight. 
• Approximately half and hour to an hour before you serve, add in the moss. If you like, you may add cornstarch solution to thicken the gravy.

 

Lastly, we managed to have our annual brunch with the Mahjong Kahki. Ok technically, only a few of them play mahjong. I, for one, am not. I guess I'm so over with that game after spending nights after nights losing at the table during my University days instead of studying! Am feeling very blessed for this bunch of friends. Many who were from my Secondary school and some whom I've known for 2 decades! The longest standing one, however, has to be the hubs whom I've known (but was absolutely disgusted with back then) since Secondary two! It's really quite a sight when we have to take the annual group photo. Terribly difficult to coordinate this year with the kiddos running around! Soon to come, we probably should have a shot separate for the kids! And a table for them at lunch as well! Wow! this family sure is growing!

So how was your Chinese New Year? Hope it had been a Meh-ry one!

Bun in the oven

Dear Friends, 

 

I've a very important announcement to make. This might come as a surprise to you. It's not easy to go through the nauseousness and sleepless nights again. Plus, with two kids already...but i'm gonna make it happen. Presenting..... my latest fruit of "labour", www.rhapnroll.blogspot.sg!

It's been more than 10 months of incubation, procrastination, nourishment and hard work. This is my 3rd baby and it's safely delivered via technological birth.

Suspense suspense... thx for all the congratulatory notes/ texts but I'm not pregnant again la guys! hahaha The lil man at hm is only 2mths+ n the old man, well, he's not even in SG half the time! I would be either crazy/ super efficient at manufacturing babies if this were to be true!

Why, u might ask?
I love torturing myself and making myself busier as if there hasn't been enough on my plate. I love crafting and it keeps me sane to be doing something totally unrelated to parenting. No seriously, it is to fund my kids' education. So on behalf of my two beautiful children, I thank you!

It would be lovely and i'll deeply appreciate if you could help support by LIKING and SHARING my FB page over at https://www.facebook.com/rhapnroll. Spread the rhapsody to your relatives and mommy friends! Please take your time to browse through my humble shop (www.rhapnroll.blogspot.sg) and start creating enduring memories by ordering from me TODAY or at least help spread the news to your friends before i unfriend you! (haha ok, kidding!)

xoxo

 

 

DIY Samsung S3 covers

Crafting and the arts have always been in my blood but since young, my mom has been hindering my pursuit in the Arts. She said that being an artist can never earn big bucks. Old school. There's a wee bit of resentment for who knows I might have been the next big thing. For a while, I hid this talent from many. Aquaintances and even close ones would be pleasantly surprised at my deft fingers and creative juices. With the arrival of Lil K, things left me with very little time to relish nature or paint a picture, let alone craft. However, recently after knowing a bunch of "crafty" mommies, the love for crafting has been rekindled. I don't know where these people get the energy to craft, bake or even blog. Seriously people, do you sleep? Of late, I've been inspired by  Jasmine. The photos on her blog are oh-so-inspiring and beautifully captured. And her DIY projects are always on my bookmarked list. And in case you aren't aware, this talented mommy won the Best lifestyle Blog at the recent Singapore Blog Awards! Anyhoots, I've been meaning to try out one of her DIYs -- customisable iphone covers. A very clever idea. All you need essentially are those transparent covers and some nice pattened papers. However, stingy me am unwilling to part with those pretty full size scrapbooking sheets thus I thought, Why not print them out according to the size I want? Genius. Well almost, coz printer ink aren't cheap either!

 

I was really inspired by the below chalkboard quotes and wanted to replicate something for the phone. I mean how hard can that be right? No need for printer ink, just my trusty black paper and white pen! Pure Genius again. Wrong. I did not take into consideration that I'm customising for a Samsung S3 which has curves unlike the Iphone5! It was an ardous task to cut the three holes for the camera, flash and speaker. To cut to size as another difficulty. I tried but the end result was far from satisfactory. Then I tried inserting it into the transparent cover and guess what? It wouldn't close. Too thick I suppose.

 

So in the end, I did THIS! Simply printed what I wanted on normal printing paper and snapped them onto the phone using the transparent cover! No need to even cater for the three menacing holes! The end result might not be all that posh but hey, from far, it does looks pretty good and now I'm able to motivate myself with these beautiful covers!

 

 

 Here's the instructions credits to http://scissorspaperstoneblog.com

 

 I told you I was a genius! Teehee. :)