lust after

I love this buckled leather heels from Karl!  A bit too avant-garde to be school pick-up appropriate, but these shoes would look amazing with skinny jeans or legging, day or night.

2012 in words and photos

I guess it's not too late to post this favorites pictures from the last year.  As you know I am not making any resolutions for the new year.  But I am hoping for just three little things :  good health, "something" for my mother that hopefully will be done by this year, and if the situation and condition are allowed a little work for myself out of my mama's job.

Here are the highlights of my 2012 in words:

Between March and April we spent five full weeks on big road trips.  We drove from Western Australia across to Tasmania. Our accommodation varied from B & B, a friend's house, a little cottage, a relative's house, a little shack near the beach and just with our two tents out in the bush. There's something about the joys of a road trip.  Hopping in and out of the car for new experiences, witnessing amazing scenery, and getting a chance to try lots of new food.  Most of the times was pretty good and smooth, but we also had some rough times.  Still we enjoyed our journey and I can't wait for another road trip!

In July I went back to my home town while my husband and the boys went back to his home town.  While I was enjoying a bit of retail therapy, pampering myself,  eating yummy good food and caught up with my friends, they encountered a little farm life style and father and son quality time.

Darwin was our next destination in August! It was also my brother-in-law's 50th birthday, so we had a big celebration at the very nice resort!   It was my second time to Darwin after more than ten years ago.  It was awesome time, we caught up with all our cousins and relatives who also came to wish my brother-in-law a happy 50th!

During school holidays in October, we paid a visit to Sydney where my husband has been working for couple months. I took the Boys to Taronga zoo, Luna park, museums, Sydney tower and did the sky walk during the afternoon while hubby was working.  I also met my cousin who I haven't seen for very long time, more than ten years!  Last time we took the boys to Sydney was when they were 5 years old.

Then came December, a month that just passed, we spent two weeks  altogether for Christmas and New Year in Jakarta and Jogjakarta.  This time I had managed to arrange a trip for us to Kota Tua or Old Batavia.  We had bike riding around the old Batavia, which was fun and very interesting.  Some of the buildings are ruined and I guess haunted.  The old café Batavia is still there and still amazed me! Going to Jogjakarta by train was a fun experience for my boys.  We had pretty good time exploring the culture of Jogjakarta, and of course the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples are a must to do while in Jogjakarta!

I'd like to begin the new year with good spirit, regular exercise, clean eating, stay healthy and happy! :)

love or loathe?

Yay it's Friday! So in love with you Friday!  Put your feed up after that long hard work and enjoy the rest of the week-end :)

This Alexander McQueen Runway Platform will sure brighten up your Friday night out! But I am not sure if you can dance let alone walk comfortably on it :) I actually don't really know how you can walk on this heelless sandals?

Happy Friday everyone!

xoxo

on the fourth finger

" Where's your wedding ring? Why don't you put it on?"

"You don't wear your wedding ring, why?"

  

Those two sentences have become very familiar to me.  Some of my acquaintances  often asked me the same question whenever they see me without my wedding band.  At first, I would always answer politely that I forgot to put it on as I was in the hurry, or just completely forgot.  But sometimes this repeated question can be a little annoying and tiring.

So, what if I don't have my wedding ring  on my finger? "Oh, because people will think that you're not married and you can cheat" or " You don't put it on so you can flirt with the boys when you go out clubbing?"   *with a smirk smile* ..........

That what ring is for? So public will know that you are married and you can't cheat.  If you have no ring you can flirt and sleep with anyone you like? Sad and poor judgment my friend.  Ring or no ring if a woman decides to cheat on her man it can happen anywhere anytime.  A wedding band is not guaranteed that you won't cheat on your partner.  A ring is a symbol of commitment yes, but not a symbol of fidelity.  My husband never wears his ring because of the safety of his work, does it mean he can sleep with other woman? Does it mean he can cheat on me? If the measurement of marriage only based  on this subject, I think it's pretty lame.

Marriage is a lifetime commitment, that you promise to respect and love each other until death apart both of you.  It doesn't mean that you can't do what you want without your better-half tagging along behind you, or you can't go out having fun with your girlfriends anymore because you are a married woman.   Your faithfulness should not be define whether you have diamond ring wrap on your finger or not.  Infidelity often comes from fear, fear of insecurities about attractiveness, a need for approval or a problem in a relationship. Not because there's  no ring on your fourth finger!

I'm married and I left my ring near the kitchen sink ( as I have to cook dinner  before I go out ) and forgot to put it on.  At the moment  I am enjoying nice dinner and drink with my girlfriends.  When I'm done having a bit of fun  I will come home to my lovely kids and sleep next to my snoring husband.

xoxo

heel to kill

Hello Spring!

It's my first entry in September and....since I am a bit busy here I will just keep it short and sparkle :)

What do you think of this Christian Louboutin 8 inch heel everyone?  It's a yay or nay???  It's ballet flat with a heel to the extreme!

xx

eat often travel well

My husband and I are pretty much love traveling.  Interstate and international we love to explore and experience new places.  It's easier when it's only two of us, but it doesn't hold us back now that we have children.  My twins are good traveler since they were babies.  Maybe because they were exposed to it since they were 3 weeks old!

Traveling with toddler/baby is bit tricky than now that they are 8 years old.  At least no more nappy changing in every stop, mind you I have double of everything :) My T1 is very observant  in the surrounding when we travel by car. He can occupy himself by reading or drawing, while the other one sometimes can be a lit bit handful.  All he wants to do either playing games on his DS or Ipad, or watching movie.  Which is alright, but as parents we would love to encourage him to look out of the window not only buried his head on games for hours.  I prefer him reading than playing on his games, which of course have to begin with argument and sulk.

Couple months ago, we traveled by car interstates for 5 weeks full.  Took us three nights 4 day from Western Australia to South Australia.  For those three nights we camped.  The Boys entertained themselves pretty good, from reading, playing on their games and watching movies then counting how many cows on the farm that we passed,  how many trucks, and singing.  We stayed one night in Victoria at our relative's place on our way to Tasmania.  Left Port Melbourne around 6 in the evening the next day on the Spirit of Tasmania to be arrived in Davenport at 7am in the morning, rain, dark, and very cold!

I can say that we covered almost 80% of Tasmania, from East to West, North to South.  Our accommodation varied from rented house, B & B, caravan park, and out in the bush!  Not to mention camping on Bruny Island and got beaten by heavy pouring rain and thunderstorm and gusty wind.  I was amazed that our tents were still intact and we didn't get wet at all! My T2 didn't even noticed all the drama, as when we talked about it he was confused and said he didn't hear anything.  Almighty!

Bruny Island Cruise

We cook most of the time while we're traveling around Tasmania.  Except at the wedding reception and twice dinner out, for those 5 weeks I cooked more often than when we were at home! Food wise, we tried to cook simple thing such as pasta, rice, curry and BBQ. I am not big on camping but I have to admit that I enjoyed it.  

The caravan parks and/or camping grounds are pretty good, the showers and toilets are clean and we didn't even have to queue, the kitchen is also useable and has everything you need mostly.

My survival kits for traveling with children are:

• Food including healthy snacks and bad snacks (lollies, when you have no other choice and/or run out of patience and entertainment)

• Books

• Travel diary, my kids love to write what's on during our travel.

• Games, such as card games or any other board games that easy to pack/bring.

• Crayons, drawing books/coloring books.

• And my last survival kit is the DVD. ( especially if you just longing for some peace and quite or adult conversations! )

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer

so daring, so gwyneth

Not normally a big fans of Mrs. Paltrow I hate to say that I love her in this daring cutaway dress by Anthony Vaccarella.  

Gwyneth will be on the cover on newly re-designed Harper's Bazaar magazine March issue, wearing this smoking piece and also the funky jumpsuit from Yves Saint Laurent which I also adore!

I am hoping and looking forward to the high street version of this look though!

platform sandals: it's a yay or nay?

It's Tony Bianco Giuseppe Zanotti platform sandals, love or hate it? It's a nice color but with heel-less like that, how do you walk? I would feel pretty dangerous if I have to wear this!

love the look ms.diaz!

Showing off her new bob Miss. Diaz looks adorable in white Valentino mini dress.  I love her style, if it was me I would add a dash of red lippy to pop a bit of color.  
Oh....and I wish I had those amazing legs too!

the red sole

I'm a shoe lover and a big fans of red bottom shoes father Mr. Louboutin.  Unfortunately I only can admire his magnificent work  through internet or window shopping :)

His new spring/summer 2012 collection apparently is inspired by Bollywood.  Bollywood is informal word for Indian Hollywood. It's reported that Louboutin opened in India with their flagship store in New Delhi.  Errrr.....this make me a bit cringe as India is a third world country with high poverty.  Rather than buying a pair of $2500 red sole I'm pretty sure the people in India would rather spend it on food, medical equipment, and education am I right?

Anyway....these heels are amazingly gorgeous!

 

Wearing this Mexibeads and dance La Bamba!

I love the details!

put this on with...

 this Judith Leiber's Elephant purse!

Are you drooling? I AM!  I wish I was Mrs. Louboutin :)

dear valentine

Though Valentine's day is not a real big thing in Australia as in USA, still people celebrate it, every where in the shops they have those pink and red love heart themes, and also here comes the romantic comedy Valentine's Day the movie to hit cinemas started yesterday.  I know it's not even Valentine's Day yet:p

I went to see the movie last night with bunch of girlfriends, it's soo...romantic, isn't it...:) Well  it's really a chick-flick romantic comedy, unless you are just boyfriends + girfriends, newly weds, or just a new comer to the relationship, or you're gay.... but I don't think any male species especially the ones who like to think that they are a 'real man' or 'macho' would like to spend 124 minutes watching McDreamy, McSteamy, and Bradley Cooper strut their charm in this romcom.

Yes, the movie has a crazy star studded cast list containing Patrick Dempsey aka McDreamy and Eric Dane aka McSteamy in Grey's Anatomy series, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba, Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Taylor Lautner, Shirley Maclane.

Valentine's Day is more less a bit the same movie as Love Actually, only this one takes place on valentine's day instead of Christmas.  I like the movie, not because it has Bradley Cooper and Patrick Dempsey, oh...and Eric Dane but I think it's refreshing and funny enough.

The movie begins with Ashton Kucher who owns a flower shop in LA asked his girlfriend Jessica Alba to marry him on Valentine's Day.  She said yes but later return the ring as she loves her high career more than him ( damn her! I would like to swap place with her, if I was still single :p ) Meanwhile, Jennifer Garner is up set because her heart surgery Patrick Dempsey boyfriend has to fly to San Fransisco on Valentine's Day but he actually just goes back to his wife who lives in LA too.  And Anne Hathaway has to juggle between secretary/receptionist job and telephone sex work.  I think Anne is very funny in this  movie.

Okay  I'm not going to elaborate every details of the movie here.  Grab your girlfriends or drag your man and go hit the cinema!

As from me I would like to say happy valentine's day everyone!  Hope you will be filled with chocolates and strawberries and a bubbly and the most important thing that you are surrounded with your love ones.

is it a bag or...?

Because I'm shallow (and vein) tonight after I've done all my chores in the kitchen department and put the Boys to bed (whether they sleep or not, at least they are in their bedroom and out of my view), checked my Facebook, and get bored so I started to Google...every thing and anything.  And to my delight I found this pictures that caught my eyes.

It's the newest Louis Vuitton accessory for spring designed by Marc Jacob.  It's a Louis Vuitton trash bag or it called the Raindrop Besace bag inspired by a trash bag!  It has leather straps and the good news is that it's waterproof.  The bag can be yours for $1960.

According to the idiot fashionistas  and the looniest (that love anything and everything LV) it's a fabulous handbag!  No offence to the looniest I like LV too, but even though I have too much money  I won't buy this bin-bag and carry it in public, because it's totally NUT!

twilight fever

Even if you haven't read the book or seen the first film, even if you're not a teenage girl, even if you're not even female, it's pretty impossible not to be aware of this vampire franchise. It's everywhere. I'm probably the only one who don't have any interest in this vampire thing, but since all my girlfriends are talking about Edward and Bella so my curiosity is increased by an inch and I have started to read articles or any reviews about the movie.

As the movie New Moon premieres all over the world and Twi-fans go mental with excitement, there was an interesting article published about how Bella is a crappy role model for all the teenage girls and grown women who are obsessed with Twilight.

I saw my niece who has read all the books and seen the first film and I asked her if she thought this was true.

She said: "Oh totally, Bella spends thousands of pages of the book whining "Oh Edward, you're too gorgeous and why would you want a girl like me and my life isn't worth living without you and blah blah blah. She's never happy and she's chronically insecure and needy."

Sounds like fairly typical teenage girly, victimy angst. Young girls have a way of over-dramatizing things, don't they?

Giving up your soul for a man? Dude. That does not sound very cool. In fact, it sounds a lot like those bloody Disney Princesses (don't get me started...oh wait, I'm already started).

Is Bella a modern Disney character? Is she just like Cinderella and Snow White and Sleeping Beauty? Sad, lonely, victimy damsels-in distress who need to be 'saved' by a handsome prince? Is Edward just the handsome prince except that instead of the white horse, he has fangs and some super powers?

I'm not a fan of being saved by love. Or rescued by a man. Never have been. What an awful and unrealistic pressure to put on men and what a powerless position for any woman to put herself in the idea that your life is crap and not worth living without a man.

I think love (in all its forms) is a wonderful thing. An amazing thing. Something to be sought, nurtured and treasured. A life without it would be sad. But is romantic love the answer to all life's problems?

Is that a pop culture message that can be absorbed by girls and teens subconsciously so that as adults, they keep waiting for Prince Charming Edward The Perfect Guy to show up and 'save' them?

What is also fascinating is how many grown women are being influenced by the Bella/Edward relationship.

My girlfriend told me (half) jokingly complained that author Stephanie Meyer "..very nearly ruined my marriage before it had barely begun. Honestly, Twilight should come with a warning label: May Cause Unforeseen Disappointment with One’s Love Life."

Is Twilight the modern Mills and Boon? And is Bella a crappy role model or should everyone take a breath and chill and relax because it's just a character?

a touch of panic

Almost about three weeks ago I found lumps on my right breast. When I visited my GP she wanted me to have an ultrasound scan. While I was waiting at the ultra sound scan place I was very nervous. And it became worse when the sonographer checked on me and found even more lumps on my left breast. Worsen, she asked me to wait right there, half-naked, for her to consult the doctor. I didn't know how to explain how scared I was at that time. It terrifies me in almost indescribable ways. I felt half wanting to throw up and couldn't breath, I was so panic. It felt forever I was waiting for her to come back to the room. Thank God when she did came back it was clear that what I have are cyst or benign, meaning it is not cancerous. But because some of them are hiding under my breast tissue so the ultra sound scanner can not really detect 100% what they are, so they suggested me to have a biopsy.
From there I had another appointment with my GP and although she was sure that they are all benign she wanted me to have another scan and possible a biopsy to make sure it wasn't something dangerous at the special breast clinic hospital. She just wanted to confirm that they are 100% benign.

On the day I had to go for a biopsy I almost fainted and couldn't breath at the car park. I was still so scared about the result. Lucky, Daniel came along with me. Prior to my biopsy I had asked my friend who had a similar situation like me before, and she said whatever I do just don't look at the needle because I'll freak out as it is a very big needle. So I did what she said. Only Daniel knew how horrible big the needle was. The doctor who did the biopsy was a very nice woman, she comforted me that she was sure every thing was ok. She calmed me down who at this stage already in tears and panic attack. The whole procedure probably took about half and hour and it was mostly painless, except for the first needle prick when she numbed the area.

When my result came it was a big relief for me. It was like I can breathe and live my life normal again. It was such a roller coaster emotional weeks during my entire life so far. I still have to go for a scan regularly once every six months just for precaution. My doctor says breast cancer if it detects early it can be cured. It is important for women from any age (even as young as 17 years old) to check themselves regularly, though what is caused breast cancer mostly are genetic and hormones. Plus a healthy diet is also recommended.

I often read or hear about people get breast cancer, but never that I thought it would be came near to me. I know I do not have breast cancer. But the moment I found lumps on my breast I felt my whole world was collapsed. I was very scared and stressed. I couldn't help my mind thinking of the worse case going to happen. This was when it was kind of hit me that so far I have taken my life for granted. I didn't appreciate what I have in my life as I should. I was a bitter and cold person who only thought of myself, I was selfish and often gave hard time to my husband and children. I had no sympathy or care to others. In general I was a real bitch. I felt this was a big slap from God. I know you may think it's ridiculous and nonsense what's God gotta do between being a bitch and lumps in your breast? But I still believe in God, I believe in karma, and I just felt this way.

To this day I feel I am bit a better person inside and outside. I probably still the old me, still bitching and gossiping, but I know in my heart I have had forgiven and forgotten those who dislike me or hurt my feeling intentionally or unintentionally, and I appreciate life more than ever. I cherish the time I can spend with my two lovely Boys, I can accept them as whatever they are. I would never going to compare them with other kids and wanting them to be like them. I know they are not perfect, they can't speak accurately and properly, they don't use their manner, but at least I know they are raised in a happy, casual, informal, and relaxing atmosphere which are what Daniel and I like . The most important thing is that they grow up as a content, balanced, and healthy children.

I didn't want to write about this before. Because first I thought it was a bit personal to blog about my breast in internet. And then I'm thinking this is my blog, right, so I should be able to write about anything and everything I want, in my risk of course. Also by writing this I can re-read again and again later as a reminder . What had happened to me this time help me putting my life in to a different perspective. That being happy and good health are the two major thing. That family and true friends are always there for you, no matter what.

p!nk rocks!

Daniel and I wanted to see Pink desperately since last year. So, this time we were so excited that we could get tickets. Though, Daniel was a bit nervous as he might go offshore and would miss out again. But it seems this year we are lucky enough, he didn't have to go offshore until two days after Pink!

 

The concert started with Pink rising from below the stage, she was suspended high above the crowd hanging onto the hands of a male trapeze who proceeded to let go as she flipped 180 again and again and again. The audience were just stunned with their eyes remained glued to the ceiling. Pink is a real deal and no wonder the fans, who ranged from mums to teens were on their feet clapping and singing along to hits such as "Don't Let Me Get Me", " You and Your Hand", "So What".

The stage set was dazzling, it was a blend of carnival and circus theme. Pink, she just kept changing outfit from the sexy red tight dress into a leotard and later changed to just simply red t-shirt and jeans, which I think it was gorgeous and so casual.

"Get the Party Started" was the climactic end with more acrobatics during which she was suspended from an aerial ribbon before being lowered below the stage and rising up soaking wet! Ohh....and yes, she also rocked out a songs from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" which are my two favorite songs ever!

So, even though my neck and feet hurt like a bitch for almost one and a half hour standing but it worth! She will return to play more shows in Perth on August, don't miss it if you love P!NK.

when a woman thinks with her heart

Below was the article from The Australian newspaper about a month ago. She used to be our family dentist for almost seven years. She was very good in doing her job as a dentist and professional. She was a soft spoken young woman too and pretty good with the children.

I don't really care about her love story with the Mr. Millionaire, I do think she is silly by doing all these sort of things and probably she is just being a stupid lover who can't get over the ex- and the revenge she was planning is back fire on her. But the most important thing is her use of methamphetamine/ice which she admitted it. Can you imagine your teeth being fixed by an ice user? Let alone for the children.... Thanks God nothing happened to my Boys!

 

Millionaire's Lover Plotted Revenge

Article from: The Australian

A JILTED lover of Perth playboy and multi-millionaire Tim Roberts gave her assistant a map of Mr Roberts's home, some sedatives and $1000 and told her she wanted the former Multiplex heir's housekeeper drugged and her legs broken because she suspected the two were having an affair.

In a case described as having "more ingredients than a Hollywood soap opera", Laurel Cetinic-Doral, Mr Roberts's former girlfriend, is accused of breaking into his Cottesloe home, stealing his mobile phone and computer and attempting to pervert the course of justice by asking people to help her with an alibi. She has pleaded not guilty.

Yesterday, in Perth's District Court, Ms Cetinic-Doral, a South Perth dentist, was also accused of sending an explicit photo of one of Mr Roberts's lovers, Nicole Patterson, to another girlfriend, Brittany Oddy, on the stolen phone with the caption "Nicky's big tits".
In 2007, Mr Roberts sold his shares in Multiplex, the company his late father, John, founded. The shares, worth more than $1.1billion, were shared between himself, his brother, Andrew, and his sister, Denby Macgregor.

Testifying before a jury yesterday, Ms Cetinic-Doral's dental nurse at the time, Natalie Franchi, said her boss had struggled with the end of her six-year relationship with Mr Roberts.

Ms Franchi told the court that initially her boss, who was also "quite a good friend", wanted Mr Roberts's housekeeper's legs broken so she would be unable to work. "She was suspicious Tim Roberts and his housekeeper were sleeping together," Ms Franchi said.
"I didn't think she liked her very much ... (she) wanted to break her legs so she couldn't work for him. (It) progressed to duct taping over the mouth ... drugging her (the housekeeper) and breaking her legs." Ms Franchi told Ms Cetinic-Doral not to do anything herself and that there were "people who could do it for her".

Following this conversation, Ms Cetinic-Doral gave Ms Franchi an envelope containing a hand-drawn map of Mr Roberts's home, two Diazepam tablets and $1000 cash.
Ms Franchi said her boss later asked if the envelope had been passed on and she told her that it was out of her control. She agreed under cross-examination by defence lawyer Tom Hall that she was a methamphetamine user at the time, and that she had burned the map and spent the money at Perth's Royal Show.

It was also revealed yesterday that two women Mr Roberts was seeing at the same time in 2007 both thought they were in a monogamous relationship.
Both Ms Patterson and Ms Oddy took the stand yesterday and testified that on July 12, 2007, they received phone calls from a woman claiming to be one of Mr Roberts's lovers.
Ms Oddy, 25, was told she was speaking to Ms Patterson when in fact she was talking to Ms Cetinic-Doral.
Ms Oddy was told to "stay away" from Mr Roberts and she later received a text message from Mr Roberts's phone telling her: "You ungrateful bitch, after everything I have done for you."
Ms Patterson, 36, said she received photos in her letterbox of Mr Roberts with strippers taken when he was at a bucks party on the Abrolhos Islands, 400km northwest of Perth.
The court heard earlier that on the same day, Mr Roberts got a text message saying: "You weenie peanie f..k wanker. If you didn't have money I would not have given you the time of day, you loser."

Ms Franchi said Ms Centinic-Doral got into the house in the beachside suburb of Cottesloe by doing a "commando-style" roll under the garage door.

treasures of the perth hills

Couple weeks ago we went to the Kalamanda Village Market which is held only on the first Saturday of every month. I’ve been longing to check the market since long time ago, but always every Saturday we had the boys swimming lesson. Thanks God this week the swimming lesson is on mid-term holiday for 2 weeks. The market was jammed packed with sellers and people wandering around. It has lots of arts and crafts things, food, plants, antiques, and lots more.

Kalamanda is situated in Perth hills. I love this little suburb which is to me is more like a little mixed English and France country town. It’s so leafy hills with cute nice looking houses and one of the suburb nearby has an unique name that I like, Gooseberry Hill village. I wish we could have a house in Gooseberry Hill now. But Kalamanda and Gooseberry Hill are very closed by and they have this kind of French looking little shops and restaurants with a French names too. Like, La Provence it’s an exquisite French home-wares, also sells beauty and bath products from the South of France. Le Paris Brest has a delicious lunch with cute settings that you can enjoy your coffee with yummy patisserie by day in alfresco or becomes ‘cafe du soir’ - exquisite a la carte dining at night. If you are a pizza fans, you can enjoy the wood fired pizzas in the cosy Embers pizza restaurant. Also there’s a Thai on the Hill Restaurant which serve authentic Thai cuisine at the top of the hill.

How can’t I fall in love with Kalamanda?? This unique Perth hill suburb has a different character than any other suburb. If you love old English country houses then you should love Kalamanda and Gooseberry Hills villages. And it’s not that far away from Perth too, it’s about 20 minutes drive only. During the year, the Perth Hills area hosts many enjoyable activities like Spring Flower Show, Gooseberry Hill Arts & Crafts Exhibition, Wine Show, and many more.

So, if you don’t have plan for this week-end why don’t you go up to the hills and check it out. You can stroll along the streets and enjoy the windows shopping (or the real shopping) and have lunch or coffee at one of those nice restaurants or cafes. Or if you want to have a mini-get away from a hectic life in the city, you can stay a night ( or more) at one of those very gorgeous lodge or b&b. The Possum Creek Lodge and Rosebridge House are recommended.