Archive for May, 2008
Filed Under Women
You know, in the days of my grandmother and possibly, my great grandmother, there were no such thing as pampering sessions comprising of spa, massage, facial etc…the works! They work hard in the field and at home. No such luxury in their life.
These days, things are slightly different. Ladies who work hard at work or at home, can often get a little piece of luxury. Taking a break or going for a foot massage or even a pedicure is quite common these days. I know I am one who is guilty as sin! What’s more, if you live anywhere remotely near my part of the world, the ladies don’t even have to lift a finger, they have domestic helpers. The only stress they have is making sure these helpers execute their orders to near perfection. Otherwise, it would be pure torture for these ladies to have to pick up after their inefficient maids. See how has my era has differ greatly from that of my grandmother’s?
It’s no wonder plenty of spa resorts have mushroomed recently. Not to mention, many flock from the rural area to their dream of a city life by becoming apprentices at beauty schools and massage therapy schools. It’s a great way to escape the threchery of having to work a long and hard labour in a small town with insignificant compensation. A trend I’ve observed lately especially among young women. Many have embarked on the beauty industry and all I can say is, from a women’s perspective, the more choices of pampering institutes we have, the better 
Filed Under Home
Let me narrow this discussion to renovating or decorating a new home as opposed to a re-decoration. I always thought my hubby and I were the really queer lot. You see, when we moved into our new home, we decided to take our time furnishing our home and decorating it. We were after all in no hurry at that time (even now). We only bought what we felt comfortable with and not buying for the sake of having to finish up our house within 3 months. We figured that, first of all, we have to look at our bedroom furniture for eternity for instance and the last thing we want to do is get something that we will regret after staring at it for less than 2 week. Not forgetting, we need comfortable bedding too.
Secondly, if we had completed the renovation and decoration before we moved in then, we would have nothing else to do when we eventually move in and having your own home doesn’t seem as fun as we imagined it would be. Yes, we want to feel like its an endless personal project..LOL…Seriously, our main concern was of course ensuring that we like what we have done and to achieve that, we have to take our time, check out various designs, get the best price etc…We want to be satisfied to say the least. Even to this date, we have very minimum living room furniture.
For the longest time, I felt that we were totally too queer until I met a new friend who shared with me that she too has the same sentiments when decorating and renovating her new pad. WOW!! I finally felt like I belonged somewhere and not feel so isolated for always thinking that I am alone in my thoughts. As it turned out, my friend has tastefully decorated her new home and I loved her bedroom furniture. I must say that at least “our” strategy works!
Of course, if I had met her sooner, I’d recommend her to http://www.thefurniturewarehouse.net/. With their ever beautiful Tricia Furniture to the grand Highland Design Furniture, her choices would’ve increased two-fold. However, remember I was just telling you about how we love to gradually decorate our home? Well, she won’t be missing much, now would she? *wink*
Filed Under Home, Rants
Let me rant just a little bit here. I live in a townhouse and my neighbour lives directly upstairs from me. They are lovely people, do not get me wrong and no, I do not have a gun to my head as I am typing this. They really are!
However, I have a problem whenever they spend their time in the living room. You see, I always spend my time in my living room and theirs is just directly above mine. Whenever they are there, the air-conditioner will be turned on and I have a problem with their ac compressor - it is just freaking loud!! The noise penetrates to my living room and whenever I am watching tv, I hear this whhhhiiirrriinnggg sound coming from upstairs. It can be totally annoying at times.
Thank goodness they spend most of their time in the bedroom which gives me much reprieve to watch my favourite movies in peace. Otherwise, I’ll get a headache!
Filed Under Home
Almost every home I’ve visited will have a plaster ceiling fixed. To me, it looks a little ’show-room-esq’ if the entire house has been renovated with it. I would much rather have something like that done to hide ugly beams that sticks out of no where for example but not quite for decorative purpose. However, these days, the plaster ceiling contractors have thriving business as almost everyone with a new home or have purchased a home, would have their ceiling done up.
Normally, with these type of ceilings, ‘down’ lights are used instead of lamps. While that will make the entire house look modern and neat, there are downsides to having these type of ceiling. Unless you live in a country with cool and dry climate, the plaster will serve as a heat absorber. This will make your house feel warmer than usual and will be even more apparent if you live in a country that is hot and humid. Of course, there is always the air-conditioner but then, there will be another disadvantage which I shall not elaborate further cos you would know what I am talking about, wouldn’t you?
If you are still thinking about getting one fixed in your home, it does looks pretty but there are practical disadvantages attached to it as well. I guess one would have to weigh the pros and cons before starting the extensive renovation.
Filed Under Thoughts
You know, the saying “Better safe than sorry” can never be too appropriate in light of what’s happening lately around the world. Natural disaster striking the Asian continents. Some even gone on to superstitious beliefs as to the reasons surrounding the catastrophe. I’m not much of such an extreme believer although, I tend to agree that things happen for a reason - good or bad. Sometimes, there is just now way of predicting or even trying to save yourself cos when your time is up, it’s up.
However, having said that, you may not be in the capacity to turn your fate around but you can offer some protection for your dependents or even lessen the burden for them in having to fork out large amount of money for hospital bills. Insurance is highly recommended these days. Whether a simple term life insurance to something more specific like a travel health insurance. You really will never know when disaster may strike. Take for instance, the 26 elderly tourists who were stranded in China due to the earthquake that struck a little more than week ago. Thankfully, these 26 people landed safely but am sure it was a harrowing experience for them.
As for the victims of these tragedies, I offer you my prayers. I mourn your loss. True, I can never know what it feels like, therefore I am in no position to say anything more. For the rescuers, I pray that you will be in good health and will continue to look for survivors and thank you for doing the job that many of us won’t have the stomach to handle. May God bless each and everyone of you in the line of duty.
Filed Under Thoughts
Just 2 weekends ago, we went for a well deserved short get-away, just the 3 of us. Truly a much needed break even if it was only for 2 days. Nevertheless, it was refreshing indeed to be able to relax, enjoy and take in the day as it comes.
The best part of all was that we didn’t have to venture far for our long awaited break. Some where out in the nearby country side certainly was sufficient. That is what you’d call a practical vacation. Not Disneyland or Six Flags but a quiet stay at a country ranch nearby with nature being our best friend and most importantly, fresh air.
Much like a Branson getaway. There are plenty of things to do when you go on a Branson holiday. Activities such as visits to the museums will surely be a family delight while the dad can enjoy a round of golf. Or the dad could go on a cave exploration with the kids while the mom indulge in a little (or alot) of retail therapy.
One other thing I would truly enjoy a Branson holiday is the many choices of accommodation they offer. From fancy hotels to cabins in the mountains. Needless to say, if you choose a Branson package, you are guaranteed an all inclusive, wholesome time away with your family.
For more information, feel free to browse their site at http://www.bransongetaways.com/ or you can call them, toll free at +18003358411.
Filed Under Home
I was watching my favourite sport last night on my trusty 21 inch old fashion tv and it suddenly dawned on me that…my tv is REALLY old fashion.
I believe it is about time we get one of those sophisticated technologically advanced LCD tvs and HDMI switches. Even my in laws has one (courtesy of the hubs of course). I supposed its justified getting them one and not for our home is that they needed it more than we do. The tv is on for more than 18 hours a day so I guess if you average the usage and amount spent…seems to me a pretty darn good deal. However, I still want one. Hopefully, I’d get my wish eh..on my coming birthday *wink*.