I read somewhere from an online article that pregnant ladies will develop this 'glow' in their 2nd or perhaps 3rd trimester. I doubt it but one thing I'm glad that my hair fall problem is not severe like some mother-to-be. My hair is already thin since born, so I don't need those extra shedding.

I didn't really grow much except for my cheeks and my boobies (obviously it is due to milk production for the baby). I had to change my outfit size from S to M which for me, is still acceptable. I developed pimples especially on the chin during my 1st trimester but it wasn't that bad and soon it diminishes when I enter my 2nd and 3rd stage of pregnancy.

So far it has been a smooth ride, alhamdulillah. Except some slight discomfort at the abdomen, constipation problem (major!), slightly back pain, peeing more often than before (sometimes it's only a 5 minutes gap), trouble in sleeping cause the baby keeps kicking. Yeap, that's all I guess. And I noticed that I walked like a snail. I mean snail could be faster than me.

I've seen some pregnant women who's stomach is as big as a giant egg walk as though they're competing in a marathon. How do you ladies did that? I'm halfway panting here within a few steps from my car door. I wish I'd have requested for a maternity parking at the office. Okay, that part. The reason why didn't I get myself a maternity parking. I hate exercising which I know that is important for mother-to-be cause I love to sleep. So the only solution I can think of is walking to and fro from my car to my cube, twice a day. Or perhaps a brisk walk to our in-house mini mart. While weekends, instead of spending my time walking at the park, I'd rather walk at the mall, doing some window shopping or perhaps get myself 1 or 2 unnecessary stuff. Hahaha. Brilliant idea isn't it.

When I got married, I've always wanted to be one of those hot mama-to-be when I'm pregnant. I didn't want to be a pregnant lady who wears only baggy clothes, slippers and carry nothing on her hands. Let's use Marion Counter as our benchmark. Minus the Louis Vuitton bag, Chanel purse, Louboutin shoes that she always wear for her family outing. Can't afford those although I work my entire life.

So when I got into my 2nd trimester, the urge of beautifying myself was so intense that I started to purchase myself new makeup stuff. One of them is this Maybelline V face duo stick. It works wonder. Not only they practical but also easy to pack in my handbag. It is not oily and lasted the whole day unless you wipe them off.

Features one contouring shade on one end and a shimmering highlighting shade on the other, these retractable “bullets” are angled for precise application and the cream base delivers a natural, blendable finish. This product gives a precise contoured look fit for daily wear.

It comes in 2 colors. medium or light. You can purchase it via Hermo Malaysia.

With our all year round hot weather in Malaysia, a good sunscreen is important in our daily skin care regime. Not just that, make sure that most of the products you used are made from natural ingredient. Zaman sekarang, everyone is so health conscious. So semua orang nak beli produk yang natural.

Suncreen is important because it protects your skin from the harmful rays of UVA and UVB that could lead to skin cancer, freckles, sunburn, over a time period due to long exposure to this elements.

I have sensitive skin and prone to breakouts if I use the wrong skin care. But surprisingly, this sunscreen doesn't give me all that. Instead it helps make my skin more refine and my pores are getting smaller. My skin doesn't feel sticky or oily after application. So I don't need to apply any foundation, just some dash of blusher and lipstick. It also doesn't leave this off white effect on your skin. Unlike certain sunscreen, after application, you can see that you skin tone is 1 or 2 tone lighter than the original.

What's good about Koqipop sunscreen?
1. It moisturizes your skin
2. Instant whitening and glowing effect
3. Covers up scars and freckles
4. Contains SPF 50++ that will protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB

I've been using it only a week plus yet I've seen some slight improvement on my skin. Imagine if continuous usage. I love the small packaging that could fit in your handbag. Light enough to put in your pocket too. Easy to carry around and it smells so good too.

For more info, visit byalexablue_instantshawl page today.

*Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

When I found out that I was pregnant at 6 weeks, the first thing that came to my mind was 'Okay, who's gonna take care of this kid when I'm away at work?' Yeap, even as early as 6 weeks, this question came to my mind. I hate last minute planning because I prefer a Plan A that comes with Plan B and Plan C. Call me psycho but that's how I am. Planning revolves around me.

Getting a REALLY GOOD child care center today are hard, let alone a nanny itself. Getting an old aunty to take care of an infant, you worry that they might be too old to attend to your child (although they have more experience in handling a baby). If you find the younger ones with a 2 year old kid to take of your baby, your child might not get the attention needed. Taking care of an infant requires a lot of your time because feeding time can be very often compare to a child who is on solid food.



Secondly, not everyone has the patience to take care of a baby. Even if you send to a professional child care center, an employee will need to attend to at least 3 babies per individual. It might sound reasonable. But the cost of a child care center is also not cheap. You want a good one, then you need to forget about the monthly allowance you kept to buy the latest Chanel handbag. I'm talking about the medium income wage earner here.

Thirdly, when the kid is big enough to feed himself, sit, walk all by himself, it gives you some slight sense of relieve because you know that they know when they're hungry or when they're full. Slightly independent stage. Unlike babies, they don't know how to hold their own milk bottle which sometimes can cause choke and death. Nanny or caretaker can't watch them 24/7 can they?


So I spoke to my mum on this and she suggested that she'll take care of the baby until he's like 1 year old, then we'll send to a nursery where the cost is slightly cheaper compare to the cost of an infant. They varies according to age. Plus I wanted to send my kid to a good nursery where I know he will not just sleep and eat. At least, there are some activities for his motor skills, learning other languages, learning about basic courtesy or perhaps a swimming class would be great. I'm a kiasu mother-to-be, yes, I am.

I've never really agree to send my kid to their grand parents as we know they can be spoil in certain ways but when I access the pros and the cons of sending my kid to a child care center at a very young age, it's better for the baby to be at stage where he can be slightly independent. Plus, I've witness how my parents took care of my sister, I know that my kid can be discipline from young. I want my kid to have a good foundation like sleeping time, potty trained, disciplined eating time, someone to read bedtime stories, someone to teach basic courtesy. A more systematic kind of discipline.

With both husband and wife working and with the ever demanding increase in cost of living, we can no longer rely on single income. The basic needs of a household can only be fulfilled with both spouse working. You no longer have the privilege to let your spouse be the only sole bread winner.

So sometimes, it's okay to get help from your parents or family members, if they don't mind. Discuss and get their consent before agreeing to anything.At least you know your kid is in a good hands.

You can pretty much relate pregnancy with wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles and what comes with it. You don't have to wait after giving birth to your baby. Getting sleepless night during pregnancy is enough to make sure look like someone has punched you in the face the night before.

2nd trimester is definitely a slight challenging phase. Your baby starts to learn how to do somersault routine and other acrobatic moves in your belly. Not knowing when is daylight and night, they think your bedtime is their sunrise. Can't blame them cause it's always 'night time' in their world.

I've always been conscious about the way I look especially my skin. I hate plain H2O, hence my skin has that uneven tone, freckles built over time, dull skin, breakouts. Let alone fruits. I started to eat healthily, like really healthy, as I enter my 2nd trimester. I had to cause my blood count went lower every time during check ups, I have bad constipation problem for the past few weeks. So I changed my routine and it works. I can now poo happily but still, my skin needs the extra nutrient from a good skin care apart from the food I consume.

I waited patiently to invest in a good serum cause I know serum plays an important role in prepping your skin before applying your moisturiser or make ups. I have never spent more than a RM100 on skin care except for this time around.

Been eyeing on this brand for the longest time ever since I was in college but never had the $$$ to get it. But since I have a generous husband who spoil me on certain things in life, I can't say no. Hahaha.

It was on 50% discount during the MyCyberSale, I can't resist but to get it!. I love the texture that doesn't leave oily and sticky feeling. My skin is definitely smoother but it doesn't help to tackle the freckles much. But I know it's not easy to remove freckles permanently.

So what is this product all about?
Elixir 7.9, with 7 plants and 9 anti-aging patents, delivers all its concentrated power to your skin with one single drop. To be used every day, morning and evening, under your usual day cream to greatly increase its rejuvenating effectiveness or, as a 1-month intensive treatment 2 to 3 times per year, when your skin needs it.

Paraben-free formula, tested under dermatological supervision.
Suitable for all women and all skin types.

PROVEN PERFORMANCE

Elixir 7.9 has been tested and approved by nearly 200 women during 1 month.
They noted visible rejuvenating effects on their skin:
- Smooths wrinkles,
- Refined skin texture,
- Boosted radiance,
- Intensified and revitalized skin.

Further details of this product on Hermo Malaysia

*Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

Recently my interest in grooming myself came back.

I started to put on makeups on a daily basis. Even to the office. Knowing me as someone who don't bothers to put on even a simple lip tint or lipstick, let alone putting on foundations, I made it. WITH medium coverage foundation TOO. Surprised myself too.

So I took the advantage of the recent Malaysia Cyber Sale to get myself a bottle of good serum. I'm turning 32 this year, so my obvious concern are wrinkles. Not that I have them yet. While searching for one, I kind of stumbled accross this foundation from Innisfree. I'm crazy over this brand, not sure why. I've purchased a few range of their skin care product and I kind of like them. I don't buy foundations online because the risk of purchasing the wrong shade of your skin is high but I gambled it anyway.

I don't have fair skin anymore like I used to back when I was in my 20s. Mainly because I was exposed to outdoor activities a lot during those time and not bother to apply sunblocks. Cause I though being tan was cool. I developed freckles on my cheek bones as a result of that.

This foundation comes in 3 shades.Light Beige, True Beige and Natural Beige. I took the True Beige one. This version is recommended to those who has oily skin and if your skin texture is thin and sensitive. It's not a full coverage foundation. If you love natural makeup and want to keep the flaws and freckles on your face medium covered, then go for this. I love the fact that it didn't leave my skin oily after a few hours of application. But it comes ONLY in 15ml tube so it won't be enough for hardcore makeup users. I use them mainly to cover my dark circles (pregnancy makes you develop dark circles -__-). I didn't notice my dark circles until a colleague of mine pointed them out. Uurrgghh.

Innisfree Smart Foundation Water Balancing SPF30 PA++ contains Jeju mineral and green tea ingredients that makes the skin look healthy and alive. Get them today from Hermo Malaysia

**Results from the use of Beauty product above may vary depending upon the individual and will depend on multiple factors, including your age, gender, skin type and condition, use of other products used, health history, lifestyle, diet and others

So where did we stay in Taiping?

Juan been telling me about this hotel that we should stay. Which is by the lake with 2 views you can choose, the back lane view or the lake view. If it's peak season and with luck, you might get the lake view. We got ourselves a housing estate view. Boleh la kan.

It was supposed to be a surprise for Juan but knowing me who can't keep surprises to herself, I had to tell him 2 days before. Nak rahsiakan nama hotel pun tak jadi.

I booked through Bookings.com and it was on promo, RM168 inc 6% tax and breakfast for 2.

What I expected? By the name itself, I expected that the hotel will be as exclusive as Gurney Hotel but in reality, it looks more of a 3 star rated hotel but t's clean and quite spacious. But the walkway to our room were not well lit with only wall lights instead of ceiling lights. Breakfast was good (because they served real Koko Krunch, not those bought from food supplier). I tend to go for cereal first every time during my hotel stay. I just love cereals. My favorite part of this hotel is the bathroom. It has this retro touch with black and white tiles. It looked more of a 70s and 80s kind of bathroom. The bed was spacious but there were no closet. It's just a railing with hangers for you to hang your clothes.

When you were young, you dream of someone as handsome as Brad Pitt to be the love of your life until you enter adulthood. Snap!!! By then you realize that handsome can't help you with the house chore, washing the dishes, do the laundry, cleaning your baby's poop. Well, looks are just fantasy we put our mind into. In real life, that doesn't help much especially in marriage.

Looks can change by time. Those man you see handsome will grow old someday and so will you. And then what? Plastic surgery to get back the shape you used to have? Don't think so.

Me and Juan spent our last weekend in Taiping. I've been to Taiping before, years ago but never really explore the place. Just a short getaway before the baby pops out. I needed a break and Juan just recovered from a 'bad' week. He was down with fever and swollen ankle. So I thought it would be a great thing to do. Since we can't travel long distance, this will do too. Just a 1 hour drive from Penang.

It was nice of Juan to bring me out for a brisk walk at the famous lake garden, an iconic place for Taiping residence. Clean, with LOTSA hawker food, children playing at the playground. But try to avoid night and late evening walks. The place can be a little dark with mosquitoes.

Small gesture like this makes me think of how bless I am to be married to a man who has so much patience, helpful (although sometimes he can be annoying), respectful and gave me some sense of freedom to do the things that I like. So I wouldn't be worried much to have someone to help me with the baby once she's/he's out. It takes 2 to make a marriage work, honestly. With both husband and wife working nowadays, the role of a husband does not stop at work place. It now extended to household too and women are not contained in the kitchen, it extend to the outside world. Both parties has their own role and responsibilities and it gets tougher with a baby on tow.

Which husband doesn't make his wife crawl up the ceiling at times? Well, those are the ups and downs that comes in a package when you're married. No marriage is perfect, if there is, I will find it first, don't worry. You want to grow old together NOT half way through the journey. My dad always advise us that PATIENCE is what it takes to make a marriage work. Cause I always wonder how can my dad married to a woman who always nag 24/7. My mum always has something to bring up even smallest thing like cutting the onion in an irregular sizes. Horror I tell you.

Find man who can accept you at your best and even at your worst. With this kind of man, you don't have to worry of waking up without your make up on. The one thing I kept thinking about was 'Will my husband still love me when I'm sick?' Sick in the sense that he still loves you even when you're laying down on your death bed. That was before I got married. But now, I know that my husband will always be there through sickness and health, anytime of the day. Just as my father was there for my mother:-)

Looks VS A Man Who Can Do Housework. You choose.