What Happened To Me?

Long hiatus....like a bear hibernating in winter.

I was just basically overwhelmed by the humdrum of life that have consumed most of my energy. Left me mostly 'battery flat' on most days. I guess transiting to a change in routine, an explosion of emotions of someone trying to cope with the change of routine, environment and life in general, is bigger than what I thought. And the new routine involves constant Whatsapping after 3pm to update my whereabouts and activities. 

If I could hide in a corner.... 

But I am still grateful for the 5 good things, though a challenging start to 2017:

1. A responsible first-born who would volunteer to coach her sister in homework before I get home from work, or if I need to catch a catnap on a weekend
2. A supportive mum who helps me look after the girls till I get home from work (and I think it is really not easy for her too). 
3. A caring hubby who would takeover if I need some me-time, and solve all the difficult P4 math problem sums that drives me up the wall. 
4. An understanding boss and a great team that recently have to deal with my outbursts and crazy antics (I guess those are my best destressors).
5. Helpful friends who chipped in, helped to babysit, introduced a good part-time helper, gave me moral support and encouraged me with kind words. 

I recognise some self-help needed, to pace out, build resilience and get back to the real me. I can see things getting better now as we move into the 2nd month. 

So let's press on! (with a cup noodle energiser!)

Leica D-Lux vs iPhone 7 Plus(Camera)

Been playing around with my iPhone 7 Plus camera. It is probably one of the best phone camera that can give a very good bokeh effect (the out-of-focus effect for the things that you do not want to focus on in the photo). This is possible with the dual-camera setup. I am beginning to regret (just a tinge) for investing in my Leica D-Lux. Don't be mistaken, I still love my Leica very much as it gives me photos with great depth and good balance, and more functionality in terms of playing with light and colours. But the ease of the iPhone 7 Plus camera really works for me on lazy days.

The 'Portrait' mode on the iPhone 7 Plus camera helps you find the optimal distance for shooting and automatically focuses on your subject, blurring out the background. The camera will 'tell' you to 'move further away' by displaying the message on the screen. It is idiot-proof.  Just a little touch-up to the photo by playing with the exposure, brightness and saturation will get the results you want.  Simple!

Some recent photos taken using the iPhone 7 Plus:

Beer By The River
iPhone 7 Plus, Portrait Mode

Digestive Biscuits
iPhone 7 Plus, Portrait Mode

Rainbows Everywhere
iPhone 7 Plus, Portrait Mode

Magic Toadstool
iPhone 7 Plus, Portrait Mode

Let's compare photos from my Leica D-Lux:

Coffee Art
Leica D-Lux

Oyster On Ice
Leica D-Lux

Ribs
Leica D-Lux

I am still not very skillful with the Leica D-Lux, so the pictures above may not do justice to the camera. But for starters who like the bokeh effect, I would definitely recommend the iPhone 7 Plus. It is probably the only reason why one should upgrade from a 6 Plus to a 7 Plus.

Back to Work!

Today is the 1st day of work after the confinement for 5 weeks. Really sounds like I just gave birth to number 3 but no. 5 weeks of paid leave sounds like a good deal to many but trust me, when you are grounded, it ain't no fun at all. 

How did it all become a 5-week confinement? What was meant to be a 1-week hospitalization leave became extended, very. Well I guess, I am not as hardy as I imagined myself to be. Actually, the LEEP is not a major surgery. In fact, it is a fairly common procedure, and pretty straightforward too. I can still recall my doctor explaining the complications of LEEP to me, and I told her, should be fine. I read up extensively on the web, and almost all the websites tell you it is nothing major. However, my doctor did emphasize then, that I may feel, look normal, as if I have fully recovered, but inside of me has not healed so don't take it lightly. But this did not seem to register very much with me.

This is what exactly happened to me, like her prophecy came true. So my wound wouldn't heal, gets dislodged when I moved too much. Seriously, I don't even know what is too much because I am just in the house all the time. Okay, sometimes, I get so bored, I will potter around, cook simple meals, pack some stuff here and there. But I soon realize, those movements are way too much. So, there was a period of time when I am just on the bed 24/7. I ate, read, checked emails, everything on the bed. The only time I got down from the bed was when I needed the bathroom. 

Going to the bathroom was another nightmare. It had became so stressful every time I go because I always have to pray that there wouldn't be any signs of bleeding, otherwise, I have to start the healing cycle all over again - meaning, I have to go for a partial procedure that hurts so bad, makes me puke after, and leaves me feeling super crampy and weak for half a day. These are things nobody tells you officially on medical webpages. 

Now, I am so glad that it is all over, and is still grateful that I detected the abnormal cells early, even though I have to go through the crappy weeks, it is still better than letting the cells become more seriously abnormal. So, sisters out there, do your PAP test regularly if you haven't done so. These abnormal cells can be there and yet no symptoms. For me, there is always a possibility that it will come back so I just have to be vigilant. 

And I am so ready to go back to work because I am seriously deprived of intelligent human interactions (and dressing up, of course).

#OOTD

Travelled Back in Time

I was in hiatus for 5 weeks. Yet it felt like I have traveled back in time for 9 years, back to the time when motherhood first began for me. When you are stuck at home, with only the four walls staring back straight at you, your thoughts kind of straighten out. I think it's His way of asking me to slow things down a bit and reflect, deeply. I mean, really, how much time can you be on Facebook, Instagram and online shopping?!

I embarked on the photo book project for my two girls, hoping that they would each receive the momento from me when they turn 21. It will capture their lives for the last 20 years before they reach independence. As I ran through all the photos, on my external hard drive, on my phone, on my Facebook and random hardcopies that I have printed before, the memories just gushed through my head. It was emotional to recall all the 'first', the difficult periods, to see those transformation and growth. How did time pass so quickly? As I put together the pictures, selecting key milestones, and experiences, it became painfully real that they are never gonna look like or be like how they used to be, like babies. I missed them!

It also became very clear to me how much we have experienced together and I was glad I started on this now, before dementia hits me. It was quite tedious trying to remember events that have happened so long ago. Thanks to technology and date stamp, these evidences left me some clues to piece things correctly chronologically.  It was also a blessing that a friend lent me her Canon Selphy Air Printer, so that I could print out the pics retrieved from the different sources and document the girls' growth. 

I am relieved to have completed the photo book to date, and will promise to keep up with it for the years to come, till my girls are ready to receive this book from me. Shhhh....it is a secret. Please do not tell them.

Totally

Totally

I chose one who loved me.

Totally.

But my heart felt,

Empty.

I chose one whom I loved.

Totally.

But my heart still felt,

Empty.

I met one who loved me.

And I loved.

Totally.

But.

Christmas is Here For You!

Photo credit: The Outnet

I love gifting. Nothing is more satisfying than choosing the perfect gift for your loved ones. Same goes for the gifts for the office colleagues, friends and the kiddos. The list goes on and gets longer each year. For me, the biggest headache is always getting the gifts for the men in the house - Dad, Bro and Hub. I spend the most time researching and thinking what would be good for them. I think I haven't got it yet BUT I found some pretty interesting things this year that made it to my 'can be considered' list. For the ladies, I always feel there are choices, aplenty! Thing is, are they suitable, within the budget, too cliche, practical or not? I am not a very practical gifter, love pretty things but I learnt over the years that most people are practical and would prefer a gift that can be put to good use. 

Gone are the days that I would trot to the malls to get the gifts, will avoid it as much as possible as I realized there is no way I can carry the gifts or shop longer than 3 hours without feeling like I am going to faint right there. So 90% of the gifts that I bought or are buying come from just clicking my fingers. Online shopping! It is my favourite mode of shopping cos I really can't keep up with the walking anymore. So I found some pretty good ideas to stop myself from buying another Crabtree Evelyn set or Starbucks cup.

Photo credit: Sephora

1. Sephora.com

If you are looking for new cult brands of makeup, skincare, bodycare products for the ladies, this place beats Crabtree/Bodyshop/L'occitance anytime. Found some really affordable gifts (under $20, yes!) that are worth considering especially if you need to get a whole lot for the whole gin gang:

Too Faced Ornaments Series (Melted Fushcia Deluxe/Mascara/Lip Plumper) - $19 each

To Be Calm Aroma Candles (assorted) - $17 each

Glasshouse Fragrance Scented candle - $18.95 each

This Works Deep Sleep Xmas 16 - $17 each

Sephora offers free delivery for purchases $40 and above.

2. Tangs.com

Photo credit: Royal Selangor

Tangs online has been a real blessing to me. It offers a wide range of products for both genders, works with niche boutiques to offer a one-stop service and offers quick delivery and good customer service. Check out cute Singaporean-inspired gifts under The Little Drom Store and The Farm Store, smartphone projectors from Luckies of London, Star Wars figurines from Royal Selangor that will wow any hardcore Star Wars fan, and Cra-Z-Art kits for the kids on the list.

Tangs offers free delivery for purchases $100 and above.

3. Naiise.com/kikki.k.com/thepaperbunny.com

If you are looking for lifestyle pieces, paper products or stationery for that friend of yours who favour pretty little things, try these websites. Also a great place to get the gift wraps, tags, ribbons and labels to doll up your presents. I managed to get some gift wraps from The Paper Bunny, good in quality and are going for a steal now at $5 for 3 sheets.  

Photo credit: Pinterest

4. Overseas websites 

I shop quite a lot on overseas websites like shopbop.com, eastdane.com and outnet.com. I find some of their products cheaper and if you wait for their markdown events, you could get some very good deals. Shopbop and East Dane are actually partner sites so you could share the shopping bag to make it USD100 to get free express shipping to Singapore. Browse through the gift section, and you will be amazed by a wide selection of gifts that can be found. I shortlisted the Kate Spade New York tumbler (USD18, Shopbop), a Pacman Retro Arcade Gift (USD25, East Dane),  a DVF cardholder (GBP16.04, The Outnet), just to name a few.

Before I sign off, just a few words of caution on online shopping. Do give yourself ample time for shipping, there's always a risk of delayed shipment or lost package so some buffer is good. Do check reviews for pricing and quality as much as possible. I won't guarantee that the prices online are always the cheapest but I will weigh between having to go down to the physical store versus the convenience of home delivery and getting everything I need at one stop, not to mention the savings from the exorbitant parking and ERP charges for those of us who drive. Many websites offer first-time shoppers or member subscription a welcome discount, usually 10-15% so do remember to sign up to qualify for that extra bit of savings. And with that, Happy Christmas Shopping, Ho! Ho! Ho!

  

Travelogue - Greece: The Island of Santorini

Sunset at Fira #santorini #greece #leicadlux #nofilter

A photo posted by CS (@mamathediva) on Sep 8, 2016 at 1:52am PDT

Santorini - The Island of Romance

To many, the mention of Santorini sends images of blue seas, white stone houses, romance, beautiful sunsets and beaches. I had high expectations before I arrived at this much-talked about island of romance. Boy, I was disappointed. Maybe Crete wowed me so much that in comparison, Santorini paled. The other downside of the island - super packed with tourists and it is seriously challenging to take a nice picturesque photo of any part of the scenery without any tourist in the picture. Santorini is also a very small island so the choices of activities are pretty limited.

What I do like about Santorini is the wide selection of luxurious resorts that staying in the resort beats going out squeezing with the other tourists. The economy of this island is largely driven by tourism so much so that people are renting out their own houses to tourists and they end up putting up at smaller rented apartments.

Let's start with the accommodation we chose for Santorini.  This place topped all the other places we stayed in Greece although it was very hard to locate. The luxury house is called Afoura Houses and it is situated up a very narrow single lane side road. Don't be shocked by the listed price on Tripadvisor. Google around for third party sites to get deals for the accommodation and you probably can get it at a fraction of the listed price. I love the rustic feel of the room, raw terracotta flooring, aged heavy wooden doors, wrought-iron grilled windows, superior bedding that allows your body to sink into lullaby and plenty of storage. Also, this place is located in the centre of Santorini hence it is easy to get to different parts of the island. Love love love this place.

Santorini is a small island - most people would visit Fira, Oia, Amoudi Bay, beaches and wineries. I am no exception. 

Wineries

Santorini has a small but flourishing wine industry, and produces its own species of grapes that are unique to Santorini. For our holidays, it is a ritual to visit breweries, wineries and distilleries. Over the years, I have picked up quite a fair bit of knowledge on the production of alcohol and that was also how we got interested in home brewing. We visited 3 wineries in Santorini - Venetsanos Winery, Koutsoyannopoulous Wine Museum and Domaine Sigalas. 

Venetsanos Winery

Venetsanos has a very small 'museum' section to talk about its history. The first industrial winery in Santorini, it was built with the concept of gravity loading. The winery was built from the top to the bottom and allowed wine to flow to the port, overcoming the terrains that inhibited fast transportation in the olden days of Santorini. Conceptualised by George Venatsanos, first owner of the winery, this place was recently reopened by his nephews. This place overlooks the sea and is a great venue for weddings. We chose the 6-wine tasting platter and added additional order of a seafood platter. As Santorini is a popular holiday destination by many Western Europeans and Chinese, prices here are steeper than Crete.

Koutsoyannopoulous Wine Museum

In contrast to Venetsanos, Koutsoyannopoulous has an extensive museum section that provided very indepth information, exhibits and displays of the history of this winery. You will be provided with a headset that allows visitors to choose their preferred language. The headset will provide the information when you touch every exhibit point. The museum tour is then followed by the wine tasting session where a staff of the winery will share more information about each wine. 

Domaine Sigalas

We visited Domaine not entirely for its wines but we read good reviews on a dish made with fava beans. So we are here, rather famished from a long drive in the day. It is a cosy winery that does not have a museum. Most people who visit are here to try their wines and get a bite. The food served are more appetizer-type of portion but they go well with the tasting. I ordered the Fried Guyere Cheese with Strawberry Compote. Very complex in taste, and I can't decide if it is an appetizer or dessert. Nonetheless, it was a lovely dish. Hub ordered the Fava Santorini - it is fava bean mousse topped with chopped onions and peppercorn. I am not a fan of legumes but this dish went well with me. It is quite filling too. Indeed, it was a dish worth driving for. 

Beaches

Greece is famous for its beaches so regardless of island, you will be spoilt for choice when beach hopping. However, Santorini is not exactly well know for its beaches compared to the other islands, mainly due to the fact that it was a volcanic island, thus the beaches are mainly filled up with black volcanic sand  At this stage of the holiday, I was already very tanned and was quite reluctant to sunbathe anymore. Nonetheless, we decided on two beaches to at least get a flavour of the Santorini beaches. 

Perissa Beach

Typical of a Santorinian beach, the beach is mainly made up of black volcanic sand that can get very hot from noon onwards. The view at the beach is quite different from that of Crete's where you can see far into the horizon, clear waters and bright blue skies. In Santorini, there is a misty feel and the beaches kind of disappear into a mystical realm where the skies and the sea join in a blurry faraway land. Perissa Beach is flanked by many restaurants and pubs, and the typical deal is to get 2 mojitos, and two sunbeds are yours for the rest of the day. Not a good idea to lie on a mat over the sand as the sand is coarse and hot. 

Vlychada Beach 

A rather small stretch of beach, pretty quiet as compared to Perissa. The interesting thing about the beach is the rock formation behind the beach that you can see as you sunbathe. You might catch some surfers doing their stunts as the waves can get quite high. 

Fira

Fira is the main town of Santorini. Here, you spend your day shopping, eating, chilling out, having a gelato, or grabbing fresh bread from the bakeries. Vibrant place to hang out and soak in the atmosphere. 

Oia 

Oia is THE PLACE where you see the images when you google 'Santorini'. White cave houses on a slope overseeing the blue waters. Oia is a small town with many shops, cafes, restaurants and luxury resorts, all perched on the slope. You can spend the afternoon strolling, stopping by ever so often to snap a picture or two. By dusk, grab a good spot at a restaurant to enjoy the sunset. It is one of the most mesmerising sunset I have ever seen. The huge orange ball of fire slowly 'descending' into the waters. A sky painted in hues of orange, yellow and blue, interspersed into each other. Oia is an expensive place to shop so I won't recommend any shopping to be done here. When the sun sets, and the sky darkens, get a spot to watch the lighted houses glittering by the slope. Equally captivating!

Amoudi Bay 

Besides the row of taverns that will greet you when you arrive, there is actually a spot for deep sea swimming if you are game enough. I am not a water-baby so I was quite contented chilling at a tavern watching the sunset and having seafood. You could also rent a boat out with some friends and enjoy the sea and view.

Some of guides that you read online will say that you could walk from Fira to Oia to Amoudi Bay. From Oia to Amoudi Bay and back, there are also donkeys (which happens to be one of their mode of transport) that take you up the slope. We rented a car so we skipped the walking. Given the weather, it is actually pretty nice if you don't mind the walk.

Well, you can probably sense I didn't do as much in Santorini as compared to Crete. And if you have read my post on Crete, you would agree that it looked better than Santorini, right? Nonetheless, there are a few places I would recommend if you visit Santorini:

1. Brusco Wine Coffee Deli - nice place to have breakfast, serves food made with natural and organic ingredients. One of the earliest place to open for breakfast if you are an early bird like me.
2. Good Heart Restaurant - This is a very nice place to have lunch or dinner. They serve a variety of food, generous portions, good service and delicious food. The setting is like a little hut, very rustic but clean and comfortable. 
3. Taverna Katina - Located at Amoudi Bay, this is a great place serving fresh seafood grilled upon order. Get a front table (only for dinner) and enjoy the sunset with freshly grilled seafood and beer.