Masters Knoxfield Free Sample Pot !!

With Project Paint No.52 underway, a free sample pot is always welcomed! That was why I was giddy with excitement when hubby showed me the above Masters brochure early on in the week. 

Masters was giving out Valspar Diamond 500ml sample pot of paint on Saturday and a Crescent 8m tape measure on Sunday.

The catch - be the first 500 customers to present the voucher!

Despite wanting a sample pot that is free, I wasn't kiasu enough to wake up at 6am and head to Masters although the thought did cross my mind. Only for a second though. But hubby and I decided we wanted to sleep in (it is after all the start of our long weekend holiday, lol, 3 day weekend) and head to Good Food & Wine Show.

After the Show, we had plenty of time on hand with nothing else to do. Guess what? We decided to head on to Masters near home and try our 'luck' to score a sample pot. Suffice to say, we made it just in time as there were only a few more left.

Besides purchasing a vase and two plants, we bought three $30 shelves each to better organise our garden shed! Definitely a bargain. I know because I have been eyeing shelves for the past few months. Also have a few more items on my mind to look out for with the upcoming EOFY (End of Financial Year) sales.

And this is why I love this awesome part of Aussie - the specials!

The only setback - we were told the sample pot was more suited for indoor use AFTER we picked a colour, dark grey! I would have picked a lighter, prettier colour had I known it was for indoor usage.

Anyhow, I am still going to try painting the fence under the carport with our free sampel pot and see how it goes. Fingers crossed!!

20 Random Thoughts in October 2014

1. Appliances hunting isn't fun.

2. Sometimes, being limited by one's resources limits one's ability to do great things.

3. Disappointed at Painter #1 but perhaps, it had to happened the way it did so that Painter #2 could come in the picture and do the job for a price we could afford.

4. I have sooooo many brilliant ideas but am limited by myself and the hole in my pocket.

5. I am blessed with lovely in laws whose generosity touched me at a time where certain relatives were being too pushy with their opinions (I acknowledge and know they have the best of intentions but the way they convey their opinions hardly reflects so) about certain decisions Mr. C and I have made about our humble abode.

6. Finally made it to Lifegroup. Mr. C was trying to wrangle his way out the whole day in such an endearing manner that I couldn't be mad. 

7. I think he secretly enjoyed himself. 

8. Too many drafts waiting to be completed and published reminds me that I need to blog more often. And just as I finished typing that, I know my blogging days will never be as frequent as it used to be.

9. Continuing from Point 8, which in a way is a good thing. I blog more when I am emotional. It's my outlet to rant and release my frustrations and dwell on my Eeyoreness. However, I have grown a fair bit in the past 5 years and I think it is safe to say that I am at a relatively happy place. It's not always rosey and sunshine but I learn to lay my worries at God's capable shoulders and trust that He will see me through the storms.

10. And these days, Mr. C and I rarely argue. Don't get me wrong, we are still very much into each other as when we first started out 14 years ago. But the feelings we have has matured into a comfortable relationship filled with affection and understanding of one another (IMO, this is going to sound conceited but I truly believe it's because I had a paradigm shift and was the bigger person to change my expectations among other things first which is probably a story for another day if I remember to tell it).

11. Had a good time out with Miss H over dumplings last night followed by a visit to the cinemas to watch 'This Is Where I Leave You'. The story unfold of each sibling's struggles are very real in the world today where people struggle to conceive, forget the reasons they married in the first place, do despicable things they never thought they would and so on. 

12. Happy for Colleague JW officially saying his 'I dos' to EJ today although Mr. C and I couldn't be there to witness the happy occasion at Old Treasury Building.

13. Should lose 10kg (I know, I have been saying this like forever) but wondering how to do so since I can't (and am unwilling) to swear off all glorious chocolates, chips and ice-cream.

14. Wishes I had more $$$ so I can fulfill friends/families birthday wishes.

15. A bit down I can't ride a hot air balloon to celebrate my 30th as planned (just because I am unwilling to pay full price of $380+ and am waiting for Groupon/Scoopon specials at half price) but am going SkyDiving instead.

16. Initially wanted to start my 30's with a remarkable celebration to commemorate the importance but due to certain situation, I am willing to forgo and just have a nice meal with Mr. C and in laws.

17. So much I want to do, so little time to pursue every single one of them. However, am glad I managed to strike off a couple from my sort of bucket list.

18. Really wish to go to France and/or Greece (and also Taiwan) next year but am wondering if it will eventuate.

19. Not exactly looking forward but reckon next year's the year to start Mr. C junior project. Sounds a bit selfish perhaps but we've been happy with just the two of us despite tying the knot end 2010. It's hard considering when we don't have our parents here in Kangarooland nor do I have my close girl friends. :( And don't forget, the world isn't exactly becoming a better place to bring a child into.

20. November is going to be awesome. I can feel it. I'll be 30 though people keep thinking I am starting out as a student (not sure if this is good for my work reputation) and are surprised when they hear my age, we are moving for the last time (unless we hit the lottery and move somewhere bigger) and well, just because it's my birthday. Lol. And even if November remains normal and not extraordinary, it's ok. Life goes on and I just have nothing major to gripe about. :)

RIP Dear Aunt Sharon

Today is a sad day and yet sort of a happy day.

Mr. C and I grieve the lost of a gentle and giving lady. Coming to Melbourne, we have had the privilege to be better acquainted with Aunty Sharon (my paternal grandaunt). We would catch up every once in awhile over Yum Cha (known as Dim Sum in Malaysia). 

When I first read the news of Aunty Sharon's passing last Thursday via a text message, I didn't know that it would affect me this much. My mind would wander at work, at home or wherever and tears would threatened. I would tense and hold it in and wait for the teary moment to pass.

Despite this melancholy, we are happy she is at a better place - free from the pain and suffering caused by cancer. And this is what I find comforting in being a Christian. Knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in Heaven with Uncle James and Jesus consoles the grieving heart. 

And one day, we will meet again.

Mr. C and I took leave from work, picked up two grandaunts and headed to Springvale Botanical Gardens for the funeral service in the morning. It was simple, short and to the point. The cemetery grounds were beautiful and felt more like a garden, living up to its namesake.

After lunch, we celebrated the life of Aunty Sharon at Edge Church in Doncaster East. From her children's eulogy, it confirms Aunty Sharon's gentle nature and unwillingness to be a burden. I gather it must be hard for them to not have detected the cancer earlier, them being doctors and all. Many just assumed she was tired from all the excitement and boisterous energy of her grandchildren.

Colourful Brighton Beach House

One of Melbourne's popular icon or must visit place would definitely be the Brighton Bath House aka Brighton Beach House aka Brighton Boat House. 

After a quick research, the right description would be BRIGHTON BATHING BOXES!

Many couples (mainly Malaysians that I know of) choose this place for one of their pre-wedding shoot location as it is picturesque and quirky - 82 colourful, vibrant bathing houses all lined up in a row by the beach.

Mr. C and I brought our two friends there two Saturdays ago. One year ago, we met this two adventurous ladies. One of them was my ex-KPMG colleague's sister-in-law. What makes them special or unique? Well, these gutsy ladies resigned from their steady jobs as lawyers in Malaysia to make their way into unexplored territory in Australia via work travel visa!

I mean, coming from Malaysia and coupled with Asian background, taking a gap year and/or resigning a job without securing another is a no no. What more to mention, resigning a stable job to go off to uncharted waters for a year of fun and a sea full of uncertainties. 

But they did it and with their parents blessings! Well, sort of and lots of trepidation. One girl's mother wasn't too keen but she just had to seize this opportunity!

The bathing houses are located just beside St Kilda Beach. Not exactly side by side, however, about 5-10 minutes driving distance along the Boulevard.

Location extracted from HERE just for you.

"Dendy Street Beach, Brighton is the home of the Brighton bathing boxes, a popular Bayside icon and cultural asset. It is approximately 13 km south of the City of Melbourne and is accessible by road, rail, bus and sea.

The nearest road intersection is Dendy Street and the Esplanade, Brighton (Melway Greater Melbourne map reference 67 C12/76 C1). Bayside City Council provide a user pay car park."

Pardon the gloomy looking pictures but it was a cloudy day and the skies threatened to cry! We were fortunate except for the strong gusts of wind...

And just like that, a year flew past. This was the end of their awesome journey in Aussie. As I type this, they have already gone home to Malaysia for good, back to all that is familiar and yet, not so anymore.

I really wish them all the very best readjusting back to 'reality' and my fervent wish for them is that the experience wasn't just all fun and games but that they brought home important, life changing experiences that helps them in their next journey in life. Who knows? Be a change in the Malaysian community. All it takes is a spark to spread the fire.

Futsal Thursday Nights at Springers Leisure Centre

{backdated}

Mr. C plays futsal (indoor soccer) on Thursday evenings at Springers Leisure Centre. 

What I find amazing is every week without fail, Mr. C will ask if I would like to follow him and watch his team play. Even knowing that my answer would 95% of the time be a resounding 'No', he still asks. Not just once on Thursday itself but multiple times throughout a day.

Yes, it can be annoying to a degree but his perseverence just astounds me. And even when I've said, 'no' once in the morning, he might try his luck again on the way home without missing a beat, without being upset with my rejection, without being impatient and asked me hopefully to follow him for futsal.

Sometimes, I'll give in to his hopeful, sad puppy look. Like last night.

The team has come a long way from when it first started last year. At the beginning, it was a mismatch of team members. Some did not know how to play or had never played much but join for the week just to help Mr. C out in filling the numbers to make a team.

However, as the weeks and months passed, he slowly gained a few keen joiners to the team who actually do play futsal as a hobby and passion bringing their skills to the table. Josh, my former Form 4 & 5 classmate was one of them. Then, there is JL, the hubby of my uni mate, Kitt. Both Malaysians who had migrated to Melbourne. 

Then, there is Vboy, a Vietnamese born in Melbourne whom Mr. C met at Springers itself. Somehow they got to talking and he must like Mr. C's friendly demeanor because he joined the team. Gyuri (a nickname) another Aussie (the guy in no.3 jersey in Picture 3 above who shoved his butt in front of my camera just as I clicked the shutter button). Mr. C met him from his Tuesday night futsal matches near home. Once again, it must be Mr. C's pleasant outlook because they got to talking and Gyuri played a couple of matches with Mr. C's team on Thursday nights and eventually became another solid member.

A, PRC colleague has been part of the team from day one. A man of few words, couple of months down the track, he was looking to quit the team. As mentioned earlier, before Josh, JL, Vboy and Gyuri joined, many of the earlier team members were just there as a favour to Mr. C and couldn't really play. Every week, the team was losing consistantly.

I think I will be an Asian mother in future when I have kids 'cos I'll always jokingly tell Mr. C not to come home if he didn't' win the match hoping to spur or motivate him to play better and perhaps score a victory for the team. It is a good thing that Mr. C ignored my joke as they just didn't make it week after week.

But the past season, they have been playing well and it's only a matter of time before they win a medal.

So, lesson learnt, no matter what you do and in everything that you do, persevere and keep forging on. Don't blame life or God or someone or something else when things fail. Failure is part and parcel of life. Everyone goes through failures. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. It's not a cliche, it's the truth. 

And once you are done sulking about your mishaps, pick yourself up and try again. Keep trying till you succeed. With all the attempts, you are bound to succeed. Chin up and keep on going! :)

Home karaoke

It's been awhile since I sang at karaoke. Firstly, I don't have karaoke kaki here and secondly, it's not as cheap as it is back home. 

So, I sing... at home! I sing to YouTube ktv version. Improves my mandarine somewhat. Lol.

With my Jay... oh, Jay. *swoons*

 

 

Friday at Suez Delights in Clayton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instagram : Thursday bribe

{backdated}

#1 - A beautiful sunny morning greeted me in the morning on the way to work.

#2 - A rainbow shine across the sky as Mr. C drove us home from work.

#3 - My bribe from Mr. C to follow him for Thursday Futsal; 
Mocha and Yum Strawberry Baked Cheesecake at Rowville Shopping Centre's Coffee Club

#4 - Books, 'lil furry friend, canvas photo of us and $10 clock

10 tips on how NOT to put on weight

Ever since my wedding, I've been slowly gaining weight. This year, I kept telling myself that I need to lose weight and that I will especially as I'll be a bridesmaids again (for the second time) in September. 

I still cringe every time I look back at Miss Lawyer's wedding last year. For one, the bridesmaid hairstyle and make up I had wasn't flattering. :( And secondly, I don't think I look that pretty in the dress. Not saying it's the dress' fault but more of me not being happy with my body shape.

Putting on weight is so much easier than losing weight. Because you eat away and just pile on the weight slowly and surely and before you know it, you're a fatty. Not you. Me, that is. :(

And when you do decide to do something about losing those few gained weight, it feels like it takes forever and oh-so-much effort. I watched My Kitchen Rules 2/3 of the week early on in the year and gained 2kgs. I got sick in March and last those 2kgs.

But since then, I've gained them back and I've been at my heaviest. Shocked me to the core to see my weight on the scales. Told myself I've got to really do something about this and I have. Shall leave it for another post.

Thinking about all this and based on my own experience, I've come up with a list on 8 tips of how NOT to put on weight!! Lols.

#1 Don't sit on the couch like a couch potato after meals. Do house chores. 

#2 Don't eat chocolates, chips or ice-cream or anything unhealthy that is loaded with carbs and sugar. Well, don't eat every single day of the week lah.

#3 Don't be a bum, get your ass moving and go for a jog or a swim or a Zumba class or Body Combat! Health is wealth!

#4 Don't eat more than you need. Eat to live and not live to eat.

#5 Don't be picky with your food. Eat your fruits and veges even if your mother doesn't make you do so!

#6 Don't be a girl who has sugar cravings and erm.. PMS?

#7 Don't have friends so you won't have anyone to meet over yummy meals.

#8 Don't have money to enjoy the delicious food out there?

#9 Don't bake or cook as it will lead you to have second helpings for sure!

#10 Don't EAT! lol

Haha.. Ok. I was kind of struggling towards the end. Hence, the silliness. Lols. But hey, true isn't it? Hope it was helpful! :)

Australia's Got Talent Auditions 2013

{backdated}

Saturday saw Mr. C, Jim, YC and I with a loooooong queue of other Melburnians along Little Bourke Street making our way for Australia's Got Talent Auditions 2013. Oh no! We were not there to audition for the show but rather, we were there to see people audition for the show. 

Yup, you got it, we were just kehpoh-ing (hokkien words meaning sticky noses) as audience.

Initially, I thought we were not going to make it into the theatre as it seemed like there were just SO many bodies in front of us. Tickets are free and you can get it from Applause Store. Last year, silly me applied for tickets to watch 'Can of Worms', an Australian talk show that has fascinating and often than naught, controversial topics.

I received an email notifying that I had received my free entrance tickets only to realised that it was based in Sydney. Regretfully hitting the reply button stating that I can't make it from Melbourne. Lol.

Anyways, back to the auditions...

 

 

Cutting the loooong story short, we waited... and waited... and waited. Auditions were supposed to start at 7pm. We started waiting in line close to 6pm. There was an hour delay with the first recording before ours and we only got comfortably into our seats about 8pm.

Whilst we waited, we stared into the skies, at the other crazy people in line, took selfies and photos of each other, uploaded on Instragram and even had time to play Candy Crush!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, we made it into Her Majesty's Theatre. We've been here once before to watch famed Aussie actor, Geoffrey Rush in 'A funny thing happened on the way to the forum'. Mr. C tickled himself watching that musical and still feels amused thinking back to the play.

The last time, we sat downstairs with a fairly good view. This time, we sat upstairs. Seats at ground level were reserved for family and friends of those auditioning.

 

 

 

 

As we sat ourselves down, a group in cheerleader outfits were flipping about the stage. I reckon to see if the space was conducive for their routine. Lights were tested. The 'X' buttons were tested. The audience were tested. Lol.

What we audience back home that watch the show on television miss out is the funny-behind-the-scenes-guy, Dave Eastgate. He was there to entertain the audience that night in between acts. Before the show, he warmed us up and provided some housekeeping rules. No toilet breaks till after each routine is completed. 

Our cheers, boos and ahhhs were pre-recorded before any routine started. 

Judges were (seated) from left Kyle Sandilands, Aussie radio & TV personality infamous for his derogatory and offensive comments, Geri Halliwell aka Ginger of Spice Girls, Timomatic, 3rd placed contestant in the 5th season of Australia's Got Talent and finally, Dawn French, a British actress, write and comedian.

 

Dave with the mike and headband and right, seated Dawn French being 'touched' up

Nigerian born Australian, Timotic in grey jacket

The funny but a tad too funny in a rude way, Dave Eastgate

Geri who seemed more toned down from her Ginger Spice days and a tad too skinny

We stayed till the end, after midnight. All in all, the auditions were only average. None that screamed 'winner', unfortunately. However, it wasn't all bad. It definitely was an experience and to be able to see what goes on behind the scenes. 

Maybe next year, I'll go watch 'X Factor'. Lol. Or some other reality shows. Wanted to try out 'Deal or No Deal' but that is held during weekdays. Too bad. 

It was an experience but I doubt I would go again, unless my future kids want to.