Honeymoon Scrapz

Another project I did on the side. This time about my honeymoon to Italy and Paris. I used Maya Road suitcase chipboard album. It looks small but is actually quite big and can easily fit a 4x6 photo on each page. Papers are from Little Yellow Bicycle Love Letters. I like the diecut piece on the front cover.


A couple of pages from the inside. I used one photo a page and decorated it with clear stickers/rubons from LYB and also rubons from Hamblys.

This is the back cover. The last couple of photos/pages were taken in Paris.

Off to Hong Kong

Here's a couple of photos from Ion Orchard. Meanwhile, all of us are off to Hong Kong today. And to Disneyland too! Bryan is so excited.

Merry Christmas!

Have a Merry Christmas! From everyone in the Tan family. We've already had our family Christmas dinner. The kids had so much fun. Then they got to open their presents!

An Early Christmas

Hubbie bought me a bag for Christmas from Kate Spade. It's gorgeous. And just as gorgeous is the packaging it comes in. A big box tied up with a ribbon. And in a lovely Kate Spade paperbag. Thank you so much Hunnie!

Weekly Scrapz

I love this background paper and alpha stickers from Websters' Pages. Especially the chandelier. It also features Prima's flowers, jewels, canvas and felt branch. I added in music paper from Cosmo Cricket, tag from 7 gypsies, canvas brads from Making Memories and lace ribbon from Maya Road. I wanted to make layout with the feminine, soft touch. Which sometimes can be difficult with me having two boys in the family. Inspired by Pink Sketches #57.

And yet another layout from using October afternoon papers and tags. I keep every scrap of October Afternoon. I just love them so much. The journalling tags are from Webster's Pages and Little Yellow Bicycle. Flowers and jewels from Prima. Metal clip and ribbon from Making Memories. Inspired by 52 weeks sketch #50.

Last Minute Cut (& other stuff)

On the last weekend before Christmas we went out and did some last minute stuff. Bryan badly needed a haircut for coming new year. And we had some last minute presents to get. Toys R Us was quite crowded, I guess we weren't the only ones. We may do more shopping just before Christmas, to catch the last minute sales.

Looking Forward

It's almost the end of 2009 and about the time to take stock of things. It's been a pretty good year for me. My main accomplishment is taking the GDFM exams and passing them. While taking care of 2 children and holding down a full time job.

Other than that, I'm putting more effort into my scrapbooking this year and the layouts and mini-albums are turning out very well. It's very therapeutic and I highly recommend it to anyone who needs a creative outlet.

The only thing I would like to do more of is exercise. I've not stepped into the gym for almost 2 years. Although I've managed to get back to my pre-pregnancy size/clothes, I still have residual baggage in certain tummy areas. I just need to tone up a bit.

So next year, while I'm cruising along with my job and family, I am going to find some time to go to the gym. I want to be able to do a 5km run at least. That's going to be my main goal for next year.

I'm very proud of my two kids. Bryan has learned to read and write fairly well. And Gabriel has learned to walk and taking to solid food very well. Both are very good kids most of the time.

Next year is going to be an interesting year for Bryan. He's going to start Kindergarten. And it's going to be a bit more intense in school. He's also going to start taking the school bus home from school. So he needs to be a bit more independant too. I think he's growing up nicely and I don't think he'll have much problem.

Gabriel meanwhile will be learning to talk and maybe even start a weekly playgroup. Sigh... my boys are growing up too fast...

Hide & Seek?

What in the world is in there?

Christmas Ornaments

None of my Christmas tree photos look very nice. So I took some photos of the ornaments. This one is a special one. There is only one in the whole tree. The rest of the tree is covered with blue and silver ball ornaments. Highlighted with blue lights. And it's topped off with a white and blue angel.

Weekly Scrapz

I used up the rest of my October Afternoon Cherry Hill patterned papers, journalling cards and rubons for this layout. I also took a Maya Road chipboard pear and painted it with Distress Paint Shabby Shutters. Inspired by Pencil Lines #163.

Gabriel celebrated his one year old birthday in October. I finally got round to scrapping it. I used Sassasfras Me Likey patterned papers, stickers, monogram letters. And paper whimsies from Jungle Bungle. Inspired by 52 sketches #49.

Strawberries (and Cream)

Gabriel simply loves his strawberries. He'd insist on eating them himself. And make a complete mess of himself. He'd get strawberries on his shirt, it drips down to his pants. Not to mention his strawberry covered face and hands, where he has picked and mashed the strawberries to bits.

I'm generally a fairly neat person and I have to resist the urge to insist that I hold the strawberries and feed him bit by bit. So I snapped a few pictures instead. I had a major cleaning job to do once he was done. It's a good thing he doesn't mind cleaning up.

Christmas Activities

An evening of fellowship and carols. Followed by a buffet dinner and lovely log cake dessert. Bryan is trying to read the lyrics to the carols, which is so grown up of him.

Mini Golf

Bryan really wanted to play some mini golf, Lilliput at East Coast Playground @ Big Splash. This indoor mini golf is really fun. It's made to look like all the Singapore Attractions, eg. The Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Airport, Science Centre, etc. They even had a moving MRT incorporated into the golf course. Bryan enjoyed himself learning how to putt. He's not that bad either. It's something I'd recommend if you just want to have fun.

Weekly Scrapz

The 8th moon is also better known as Mooncake festival. Where under the full moon, the children light lanterns and go for a walk. They'll also play with sparklers, while the adults enjoy round lotus seed mooncakes and drink Chinese tea. This year, Bryan has a Barney paper lantern which he was really proud of. Layout done with October Afternoon Detour papers and My Mind's Eye chipboard. Kraft journalling tags by Maya Road. Inspired by 52 Sketches #48.

A lovely photo of Bryan and Daddy. Papers by October Afternoon various collections, tags by 7gypsies, Jenni Bowlin. Stitches by Hambly's, felt branches by Prima. Inspired by Pencil Lines Sketch #162.

Doraemon Wedding

One of my best friend, KQ got married over the weekend. She had a lovely blue Doraemon wedding. It was all really cute. The stage at the ballroom was decorated by me and Ming. There were altogether 44 or so Doraemon plush toys which we had to put on and around the stage. Everything else had a Doraemon print on it, including the chocolate take-away gifts and even the menu. The bride had on a gorgeous white gown with blue beading. Very unique. She looked simply radiant in it. I hope she enjoyed herself that night because I had a great time helping her out.

Having Fun

We had lunch at Suntec City and we wanted to take some photos with the kids at the huge fountain. They were definately having lots of fun!

Random Photo

I wonder how much this would cost to own... and all the stuff I could fit in there. Does it come with a lock?

The Christmas Season

The decorations are up for Christmas everywhere. Christmas songs are being played in malls. It's such a festive season. And my calender is filling up for December. We have stuff almost every weekend. But it's going to be fun!

Weekly Scrapz

Imaginisce Let's Roll patterned papers, rub-ons and chipboard. Journalling spot by Little Yellow Bicycle Say What.

Jenni Bowlin background paper and vintage journalling card, Jillibean Soup journalling spots. I also put in a small piece of the map of the F1 racetrack. I wanted to highlight the atmosphere around the track that night.

Walk Part 2

Gabriel can walk now. On his own, without help. He's rather unsteady but he does give it a go anyway. And sometimes when he is in the mood, it's quite fun. He still prefers to crawl though because he's very good at it.

New Project

I've noticed a lot of December album projects coming up online. But I wanted to do something that would last the year. And I wanted something more like a reflection journal. So I could record the important things and thoughts for the month/year in 2010. I used a Maya Road chipboard album. I altered the cover with Prima canvas sheet and flowers, jewels/pearls. I used distress crackle paint to paint the Maya Road mini chipboard scrolls and bird. It turned out very well. I liked the way it looked at the end.

For the inside, I am planning to use up the rest of my American Craft patterned paper. I like the Character papers for this journal. I'm also using Remarks stickers because the size is just perfect. There aren't many photos in here because I am using it more as a journal. But I'm keeping it as thin as I can so I can insert photos if I wanted to. It's still a work in progress though.

Singapore Skyline

Taken from the rooftop garden at Marina Barrage. The view would be spectacular during sunset. You'd see the skyline silhouetted against the setting sun.

Weekly Scrapz

This is just 2 in a series of photos hubbie took of Bryan jumping off a bed. He was having so much fun we just had to record it. I used mainly October Afternoon Detour patterned papers and journalling tags. The unique buttons are from Doodlebug Designs. And the rub on 'Joy' words are from Lilybee Designs. Inspired by 52 Sketches #46.

This is the only photo I have of Gabriel with his 4 teeth visible. I just had to scrap this one. I used October Afternoon Detour patterned papers and journalling tag. Flowers by Prima and the 'This Smile' rubon from Lilybee Designs. Inspired by Pink Sketches #54.

Ritz-Carlton

My dad was down for the weekend and he had a night in the Ritz-Carlton. So we went up to have a look at the room. The views were fantastic. Especially from the bath. It would be great to have a nice warm bath while enjoying the scenery. Even the lift lobby had a great view.

Flash Flood

I finally understand the meaning of 'flash flood'. Yesterday, there was a sudden huge downpour during lunch. And within just half an hour, the huge canal in between Bukit Timah Road and Dunearn Road filled up almost to the brim. And it overflowed at the lower lying areas. Right next to the clinic.

We watched as the main road became almost impassable to traffic. There was a major jam right outside the door. Apparently the waters were knee high at some parts of the flood. And we had some cancellations of appointments.

Then as suddenly as the water levels rose, once the rain petered out, the water levels dropped, and the road became passable once again. It must have been quite a deluge to actually overwhelm the canal system. I was a little worried that I may not be able to leave the clinic at all. By the end of the day, everything seemed back to normal except for a few stalled cars at the roadside.

The flood was all over the papers today. The photos were quite stunning. It reminded me of the times before the canal was widened, when Bukit Timah Road used to flood quite a bit. We always had to avoid that stretch of road whenever it rained heavily. I hope yesterday's flash flood is just a one time thing.

Gabriel and Bryan

Gabriel is quite different in character from Bryan. He can be very quiet and likes to watch people and things. But once in a while, he can get frustrated playing with a toy, especially when he is not feeling well. Then he shows his temper. He doesn't just start crying like Bryan used to do. He'll actually voice his frustration. And kick his legs or wave his hands in the air, like he's really angry. It's actually quite funny to see a 12 month old angry. But I can just foresee the tantrums he'll throw. So I'm quite firm with him when he gets angry, and I let him vent his frustration without giving in. And I stop coddling him. Hopefully he learns that showing his anger is not going to get him anywhere. But once he's feeling much better, I have my little angel back. It's hard to stay angry with him.

Weekly Scrapz

Pure Innocence - I used mainly October Afternoon Daydream papers. Embellished with Prima flowers, jewels, Jenni Bowlin stickers and pearl flowers. Journalled with MME and Webster's pages journalling cards. Inspired by 52 Sketches 52 Weeks #45.

Only Love - This was done using October Afternoon Detours papers and diecuts/journalling cards. There is also a small strip of Cosmo Cricket at the top. I wanted to do something a touch more feminine. So I added some Prima flowers, jewels and I hand cut out the rest. Some Hambly's stitches and clear stickers finished the layout. The journalling reads 'only love can make a memory, only love can make a moment last,'. This layout was done for Scrapxscrap challenge #18. It's great to see challenge blogs from all over the world. This one is from Japan! And also with (Create) November challenge in mind.

Haircut #2

We took Gabriel for his 2nd haircut. This time, the hairstylist suggested we sit Gabriel by himself. I have to say that I was very surprised. He managed it all by himself. We distracted him with everything we could think of, including a DVD of Thomas the tank engine. He didn't get upset at all. Not even when the hairstylist used the buzzer. So he had a fabulous cut this time.

Taking a Walk

Whenever we have the time in the evenings, and it's not raining, Bryan would want to go for a walk. Gabriel follows too. In his pram. It's great for the kids to get some fresh air. It keeps them from being too bored at home. And gets their appetites going for dinner after. Sometimes, Kandy, our little papillon tags along.

Weekly Scrapz

I've been really busy at work since the H1N1 vaccinations came in. We have to schedule the vaccinations and it's giving all of us a bit of a headache.


(Two) - About my 2 favourite boys and how much they mean to me. They basically changed my life. This is one of my favourite photos because both of them are in it together and looking like they are enjoying themselves. I used October Afternoon Weathervane's patterned papers, MME journalling card, Hambly's rubon and AC thickers. I layered the diecuts with 3D dots so it stands out. I used the sketch from 52 sketches #44 and changed the circles to embellishments. I also did this for Moments Recorded Challenge #19 and The Story Matters November Challenge.

Create* - This is for Bryan and one of his fabulous drawings. I used KI Memories diecut sheets and cut a circle out of it. Patterned papers, journalling card and diecut stickers from October Afternoon's Report Card collection. I also put in MT masking tape and AC thickers.

A Beary Xmas at Robinsons

At the Children's section at Robinsons' Centrepoint. Almost like the Christmas displays at Myer in Melbourne. Almost. But not quite.