Birthdays! How far you'd go to throw a party?!

That’s me when I am trying to crack for ideas what to blog. Subsequently pick up my phone and start browsing pictures in phone. I’ve realized quite a lot to blog about but it involves other people kids (i.e kids birthday that we attended for the past weeks) but I do not want to blog and publish other people kids pictures without their parents’ consent so below are some “edited” versions of the pictures.

Since I’ve started with this post about  “birthdays” – let’s talk about birthday celebration then.

How did you last celebrate your birthday?

Extravaganza party with loads of pink and bling?

Or still rocking crazy skimpy outfits with cheap booze and head banging music?

Somewhat more sophisticated way by just a romantic dinner with your other half?

Still single, so a dress to kill dinner follow up by late night party with your BFFs?

Maybe you think you are too old, so ordered take away food and stuff your face with fries accompany with some chic flick movies at home?

With the revolution of “birthday celebration” over the decades, from what I’ve been through personally, things had gotten quite interesting as you aged/more birthdays you celebrated/attended.

I vaguely remembered my most memorable birthday was when I celebrated my 9^th birthday. Being the first grandchild to the family and only child to my parents, I had the privileged to throw something “huge” and “fancy” that year because I was so “smart” I scored pretty good in school that year. In return I asked for a big birthday bash from my parents and they kept their promise. I came from a huge family, so huge party means all of my family were invited (though we pretty see each other on a weekly basis for dinner) and because it was a huge and fancy party, my mom and grandma worked extra hard to put loads of food on the table. From fried mee hoon to curry chicken, to fried nuggets to fruits and jelly. It was indeed very fancy compare to the simple birthday celebration I had before this! 

That was one memorable birthday party I had during my kid days. Because things got harder for the family to pass by each day. Either we were struggling financially or we were busy growing up and apart from each other.

Fast forward to youth age (damn I sound so old), I had couple of celebrations with closed friends and boyfriends (ahem). There were great memories as well because alcohol was introduced. A fair share of alcohol always makes things better. 

I received many birthday gifts before and really expensive ones too. Designer bags, clothes, good food which used to be so important for birthdays. However as I aged, things took a 360 change. Presents are just icing on the cake. I value more whether I'm surrounded with family and my good mates. Enjoying every moment of it is more important than all the material satisfaction. I didn't have a birthday cake this year! But I'm not complaining. I have my #rascaltoddler celebrating with me and my favourite food to celebrate: Hotpot!

海底捞@ Singapore!

One thing for sure beside the good food, the best service from the waitress team. Also embarrassing signboard to celebrate your birthday. But I'm loving it

Ok, I take back my words, I did have a "cake"

We went to Singapore for a short trip but due to the weather and problem with our autocard, we didn't get to see around much. Just window shopping and food. And the next day we had to head back to Mr Hubs base and off we go on seperate ways to our home.

Not trying to be sentimental at this age to start appreciating family and time being with them, I guess mainly because being a mom now, I tend to put all my effort into planning a big birthday parties for her instead of myself. Hmm, how motherhood change me. My desire to host my own parties has been replaced by theme birthdays for my #rascaltoddler.

We did Peppa Pig for her 1st birthday 

Sorry, picture abit blurry cos I just snapshot from FB album

As per the caption, super hard work lehh

Decoration went all out even on every little details

And how can we not have goodie bag prepared in accordance with the theme!

Even hired photographer to captured every moment. I don't think she remembered or even know what's going on, but I cannot stop myself not throwing her first party such extravagant way. It was our first birthday! So special for me too! And I was pretty satisfied with the outcome. Just so worth it.

Another year went by, we had her 2nd birthday. And this one we were at Mr Hubs hometown, so I could not really go all full planning because this was all planned by him. We had a Pinky Princess theme party!

Please excuse my exposes belly!

Rainbow cake top with some simple decoration. #rascaltoddler already started obsessed with clay so we decided to get the clay gift box as the goodie bag for the kids! 

We got some jelly and chocolates as well. I don't remember if there are sweets, so it's a little bit unhealthy. But #rascaltoddler never likes eating such stuff so she was happily enjoying her time with her favourite kor kor 

As parents, we decided to throw only big parties on alternate years. Coming 3rd birthday, with her growing up abit more and her likings for certain cartoon character has been very obvious lately, I'm wondering if we should throw an extraordinarily one this year or, something simple for her?!

Still has not really think about it. But with our travel plans coming up soon, we may have to skip a big one till another birthday. We will see!

Being monster mom, it is always going to be a themed birthday. 

So far, her obvious likings for characters down to top 3:-

I'm the culprit that introduce this series to her. Pororo, the little penguin and Friends. Originally from Korea. Not just because the mother, myself a KPop frenzy, but I personally watch this cartoon during pregnancy and I quite like the teachings and message behind every episodes. She loves Pororo and knows all the characters. We are still very crazy about the characters that so far we have some of their merchandise! And visiting Pororo Land soon. Super excited to see her reaction when we see the real Pororo! 

But as she grows and being a TV addict (like her mom), she suddenly falls in love with the super heroes that always save the day but never kill the villain (Disney Junior cartoons! Of cos no killing)

The PJ masks! She watches the episode from TV on a repeat mode. Got her the set of toys but she never really into playing those stuffs. Yet, if we are in a car seat where she always have her screen time on YouTube, she prefers this over Pororo....hmmmm

The last is her latest favourite among all I think. And my nightmare too!

Yes, I cannot believe I'm saying this. It's Frozen. Her love for Anna and Elsa and Let It Go is over the top of everything  else. If I'm to throw this theme party, I guess I need some moment to myself. Cry and sulk at one corner.

WHY??!!!!

Ok, let me put this straight. Not I butt itchy introduce this to her. I never! 

But the first time I think karma is a B was when I accidentally bought her Frozen socks from Denmark H&M. All the while I thought it was other Disney princesses! 

Then her favourite musical sing a very short part of the Let It Go chorus and she pick up this small part right away! She was never into princess-sy stuffs so I guess let's do some experiment.

I showed her Beauty & The Beast, she never even stay still for 5 minutes to watch it. I was like super joyful! Then I showed her Frozen DVD..she was hooked from the start!!!!!

And we never go back anymore.

It's too late.

She has her Anna &a Elsa soft toys. Then she wanted that slipper. Since these gonna stuck for quite some time, I got her pjs and is her favourite pjs now. Cannot imagine our coming Disneyland trip! She must be in awe when the real life duo appear in front of her. I think she will be more excited seeing them compare to Mickey and Minnie.

Waaaaaa...

No.....

Seriously?

LOL! Ok, it is still under discussion on the theme party..we will see!

Star Cruise Libra : our first cruise! (Part 4)

Obviously it was not a nightmare, so I was like a walking zombie in the morning, while packing for the check out yet trying to keep the mood alive. Since the rings won't be back, no matter how much tears, let's not kill the entire trip because of this.

(Courtesy from 30quotes.com)

As much as I want to forget this trip, I still would like to pass on some final tips about the cruise for you, though. On the last day, the reception counter will be opened from 6 am onwards for you to proceed checkout and clear your bills. This is to cater the massive number of patrons on board hence, either you get up early and join the queue or, what I chose was to do an express checkout!  Just bring your Access Card and your valid credit card the day before the last day, the reception will accumulate your spendings so far and ask for an addition 25-30% deposit on top of your already spent amount. They will swipe your card and any excess will be refund to you 15-25 days later. Through your credit card bank of course.

If you don't mind to swipe extra beforehand, I will strongly suggest you opt for this express checkout to save your time and all the hassle. Of course, you must keep track of your spending so that you can check your bill easily.

Nevertheless, after they swipe your card a night before, you can still receive the final bill in the morning of the last day for confirmation if your spending is correct. If there is discrepancies, you can always check again with the reception.

Passport can be collected from the concierge after your breakfast and upon settlement of your bill. Simple as that!

Final pictures on board from the gala dinner. The only ones I have in my phone though.

We left the cruise and rush to the parking because we were super hot from the scorching sun. Thank god only my rings were lost, the car was safely park in the parking. So parking so quite safe though at your own risk. LOL!

Then we moved on to find our hotel for our last night in Penang. Yes, even the #ilostmyrings story, I still have another night to go before I am able to crawl to my comfortable bed and cry again. Sigh.

Our hotel is quite near the port with a very small entrance. You may missed it on your first round, so be prepared to drive around the alley for another round to spot the entrance. We opted something new and cheap with breakfast :Reunion Heritage Hotel from booking.com

If you are coming with friends and young couple, this is quite a nice option. But I have a #rascaltoddler with me and my mom, so deluxe suite is located upstairs with a super steep stairs, so this is quite difficult for us. This hotel is refurbished from an old kapitan terrace building in Penang. No lifts! Obviously!

I got a few pictures from the Google Image below. As I say, this will be perfect for friends or young couple. The room is very nice as well. 

The entrance. Obviously small. There is public parking which needs parking coupon from local Council and coupon only available from certain vendors or convenience store around. But you can always refer to the hotel as they have quite an excellent customer service I must say!

But being the hotel guest, you are allow to park for free at the car wash opposite the hotel. My car needed a wash so with a simple polish and neo clean for the interior it only cost me RM55. Excellent so though it's free my service fe the car wash was even better because I engaged their service! Lol! 

The steep stair case that I meant

 This is exactly how our room looks like! 

So, with an energy that never last kind or #rascaltoddler the stairs inside the room was a damn exciting toy to explore but gave both my mom and me a heart attack!

The room came with a small kitchen area that have sink and mini fridge. What this picture didn't capture was the cup and saucer provided for you coffee and tea. It was like an antique chinas! Love it!


The bathroom is the highlight for me. Everything is very antique look!

After refreshing ourselves, we went out for food hunt! How can you no way local food if you come to Penang, you tell me!

But Penang basically is a very busy island itself and parking space is scarce. So, here the tips for you if you are to visit Penang via self drive. Get a hotel that provide you free parking facility! After the drive from KL to Penang, I bet you do not want to drive around Penang looking for parking space when you do your food hunt!? Right?! Easy lah, use Grab or Uber lor!

Coincidentally, it was still a fasting month when I visited so Uber had this promo for all your rides for the day. We just took the foldable stroller with us and hop onto Uber for our food hunt.

Damn convenient because we just need to hop on and off without worrying where to park our car and best, with the promo, all our rides for that day were free!!!! Yes, FREE!!

Went to queue for the best cendol lor at Jalan Penang/ Jalan Besar. Just Waze can sampai already. Some say not nice some say nice. I just kind of like it, so queue la

Then we took the Uber to this Upside Down Museum, since we still have a couple hours to kill before our energy totally depleted for the day! LOL.

It cost about RM24 for Malaysian and kids below 4 is free. You are required to take off your shoes and placed in the locker. Don't worry about not able to take pictures because it says "museum". The place provide service to take pictures from your phone for free. And they took many many many for you. Here's all I have in phone. Some are duplicates though! Pardon my fat legs lar, I didn't expect to take pictures lehh so I dress as little as the public permits for fat people because the weather was so hot!

This is one of the picture she listen and join us doing crazy stuff! 

Spider melody

Sorry if my fats cause an eye sore to you. ROFL

That's a wrap for this super long delayed post about our first cruise guys. Hope you do read from Part 1 to this part. Obviously very long winded from me. 

My last verdict, despite #ilostmyrings story which indirectly caused the trip to cost me a bomb, this cruise is pretty fun experience for first timer. Will I try another cruise again? I think I will but definitely not choose a cheap cruise. You'll get what you paid for so if you are expecting a super good cruise, you should expect to pay a premium price. Though it will take me another few years to join a new cruise mainly because need to wait my #rascaltoddler to grow up abit for her to join more activities on board, and should definitely book another cruise with elders in the family. All food and activities are already planned for, so it is such a fun family vacation I must say.

Hope my tips and reviews give you some insight of this cruise. It is not a bad choice after all!

Pen off for now! 

Star Cruise Libra - our first cruise! (Part 3) & #ilostmyrings

Image courtesy from Google Image

Tears tears go away

You remind me of my pain

You remind me of my past

You remind me of my rings

(Poem originated from https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/tears-tears-go-away - with my own twist)

Now comes to Part 3 / Day 3 of the trip also #ilostmyrings day

Chinese breakfast on Day 2 was disappointing so we were smart enough not to repeat mistakes twice. And since dinner from western menu was superb that night, we decided to go for western breakfast. The buffet spread did not have much variety but they cooked their egg to perfection. There will be an egg order chit for you on the table so you can choose type of egg you would like to have and have it as many as you want. Not Asian enough so I didn't take picture of my breakfast la. 

Vaguely remembered, we went to the pool just me and my girl having a blast with the cooling water. No, she had a blast while I eyed her like an eagle. I'm usually not superstitious but not sure why that morning I had this weird feeling. Unfortunately there was no designated kids pool. On the pool deck there were 2 adult pool which was 1 meter & 1.5/2 meters depth. Both pool have a higher beam which the water level only at your ankle level for adults. That's where younger kids can play. But there is no safety rail from this area into the deeper pool. So you can imagine with an active toddler who loves water play so much, all my energy was drained eyeing and catching her.

Picture courtesy from Star Cruise Libra

There the lighter blue beam in the pool. 

There is a Jacuzzi under the tent you see in the pictures where it can only fit for not more than 5 adults. I didn't get to enjoy that Jacuzzi because it will be nightmare to bring that toddler along. I had hard time trying to drag her out from the pool. Only her favourite cartoon Pororo can bribe her!

Poor toddler is too young to join most of the activities on board. But I really reckon to family with bigger kids. The service is not complimentary but for kids, you can enroll them into the kids club once you on board for the first day. It is a paid service for RM150-RM200 if I am not wrong, your kids had a complete activities for ALL days! The activities includes games and cooking classes. They even organize a pajamas party on the last night for the kids! Jealous much!

If you have younger kids like me, the only activity you can do is going into the nursery. You can leave your kids there (if your kids are independent enough) for a fee of RM20 per hour and there was a nice teacher Joy (a young nice lady) playing with your kids. But my toddler was too young to be independent, so I end up sit inside the nursery for an hour. FML

Dora was playing on the tv

The nursery

Unfortunately there was no other kids of her age in the nursery, so she end up playing only with Teacher Joy, did some coloring artwork and nibble on some snacks from Teacher Joy.

I need my caffeine fix after that, so we had a couple of selfies while waiting for my mom and friend back from their Krabi tour.

From my laughter damn obvious I have yet to find out that #ilostmyrings

Only after like 5 minutes before ready to our Gala dinner, the saddest day of my life happened. I didn't remember I've ever cried so bad. So bad that I felt very dizzy I could not stand still. Then I realised the more I cry mostly affected were the people around me. I didn't care how much it cost to call my Husband, I still called him anyway. He was more shocked than me thinking not so much about my missing rings but if something bad had happened to us. Or precisely his daughter. Then it hit me so bad that yes, though the precious memories these rings have with me but I think it will be million times worse if something bad happened to one of us. It will be worst day of my entire life. So I calmed down..still went down and joined the dinner.

The rest was history though I did have some pictures from the sport camera with me, but quality was so bad basically it's blur and bad lightings. Pardon me as the entire night passed by vaguely. I did not enjoy any moment of it hoping it was a nightmare and it will go away when I wake up later.

Sigh.

I remembered crying myself to sleep that night.

Vaguely remembered I woke up and found my rings in my pocket.

Sigh.

Of course it didn't happened.

So if you ask me how was the dinner, I can tell you nothing.