Thank You...

Yes, I know I have been MIA for over a month now (>.<) Sorry! My schedule had been extremely hectic.... submissions.... moving house..... my cousin's wedding..... accompanying my cousins all over Singapore & finally packing and redesigning my room. *Exhausted*

First thing first.... I GRADUATE LE!!~~ Yeah Yeah~ Some of you must be thinking "Eh... graduate le, how come no pic de" 不要那么紧张！My Graduation Ceremony is in March 2011 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, shall take TONS of pics. Can't wait to see my Melbourne Friends again, I miss them. For some people, enrolling into a University and getting a Degree is as easy as ABC but this is not the case for me. I have to thank so many people who have helped me along the way. So many....

Still remember when I was in Secondary School, I told mommy I don't want to study anymore, I was even prepared to give up on my O Levels. My relationship with my mom got so bad, she had to move out of the house just to get away from me. How I got from there to now is nothing short of a Miracle. Getting a degree is nothing to rave about, now a days, almost everyone is a degree holder. Nonetheless this certificate means alot to me. For the first time, I attained an achievement without any big dramas or disappointments for my parents.

For everyone who had guide me along the way, I will always remember the time, effort, patience and care you have given me. From my tuition teachers who went the extra mile, making sure I attend the tuition lessons and completing my assignments, to my poly friends who were willing to spend the time to teach me even thou they too are having exam the next day or in a few hours time, to all the Church Aunties and my Godmother who prayed for me when I was nervous and unsure about my future, to my Uni friends who will stay awake throughout the night to help me with my work and even offer to help me pack my house when I was moving back to Singapore, to No.5 who is always there (24/7) when I needed encouragement and support, to Kobe & Barbie who never fails to brighten up my day. Most importantly, my parents who never gave up on me. They support me mentally, physically and financially. I am surrounded by so many people who loves and care about me, what more can I ask for. Every single one of you helped to create this miracle for me. Thank you so very very very very much.

I am a very lucky girl indeed.

Make Your Own Shoe

How many of you are shoe fanatics?!?   I AM!!!! I LOVE shoes! Heels in exact! Every now and then, there is a HUGE urge to buy shoes! When you happen to come to Melbourne, try bumping into me in one of the shoe stores located in the city, its not that hard. The best way to describe my desire and desperation for shoes would be a predator searching for a prey. Thats how badly I want it. What happens when you cannot find any designs you like? You might feel abit disappointed, sad, maybe even a little upset. Now, there is a solution to this problem! Plus its a 100% satisfaction guarantee! 

All you have to do is....  Design your own shoes at Shoes Of Prey!  

There are 7 main styles to choose from:

- Gladiator

- Ankle Boots

- Round Toe

- Platform

- Wedge

- Pointed Toe

- Ballet Flats

Once you have chosen the style of choice, you can than proceed to customize specific parts:

- Toes 

- Backs

- Decorations

- Heels (1.5 - 4.5 Inches) 

When you are please with your design, start experimenting with the different textiles available. There are 8 types of materials to choose from: 

- Patent Leather

Nude Patent Leather Pump

- Shiny Soft Leather

Silver Ballet Shoe

- Genuine Fish Skin

Fish Skin Peeptoes

- Hair

Leopard Ballet Flats

- Suede

Silk and Suede Ankle Boot

- Italian Silk

Italian Silk Ruffles

- Soft Leather

Soft Leather Closed Toe 

- Genuine Snake Skin

Snake Skin Ballet Flats

Shoes of Prey is founded by Michael, Mike and Jodie. Their main office is located in New South Wales, Australia. If you are not staying in Australia, DO NOT FRET! Shoes of Prey does worldwide delivery! How awesome is this! Head over to www.shoesofprey.com to design the shoe of your dream right now!

My Dogs and I

I miss my babies (the doggies) so so much! Its more unbearable to be away from them than from home. When I miss my parents or siblings they are just a phone call away. As for my babies, Qbi, Kobe and Barbie, you can't see their reaction even when you scream or squeal or make weird noises just to get their attention. Some of you think its stupid to talk to dogs on the phone right!?! If you think about it, it is the same as talking to a baby on the phone! But you still do it don't you! Don't try to deny it~ I know you do LOL!

People who doesn't know Qbi, Kobe and Barbie, here are some pictures of them. I love looking at their pictures time and again (feel like an old lady when I do that), their growth and changes over the years never fail to put a smile on my face. Love them to bits!!

Qbi

Breed: Shetland x Jap Spitz

Sex: Female

Took this picture a few days after I brought her home

She loves to pose when she was a puppy. Qbi always have a way of making herself look elegant.  A weird description for a shetland right! Hahaha Even when she walks, her butt sways from left to right, super cute. Whenever I bring her out for walks, many people would mistake her for a cat as she looks similar to a boston cat from the back.

  

I was NOT abusing her!!!!! 

She happily walked into the cupboard when I opened the doors! All I did was ask her to stay and took a picture of it wahahaha! She was slightly less than a year old when this photo was taken. Feel like snuggling her right now!!!

This is Qbi when she was a year old.

Look at her thick coat, her fur is so soft and smooth even the groomers love touching her hahaha.

A two years old Qbi

Somehow a meat lump grew on her face. @.@ You have no idea how sad I was looking at her like this. I brought her to the vet 3 times and they kept convincing me that the lump will dry and fall off by itself. 

Three years old

It was a very hot and sunny day, her thick beautiful coat made the temperature even more unbearable for her. So she ended up resting under the water taps, cooling herself off in the small puddle of water.

This picture was taken on the same day. 

My round chubby baby had such a great time. 

Precious and Me

How I wish she is with me now. XOXO

This is Qbi at four years old!

She is so fat!! Daddy please do NOT overfeed her!! 

When I came to Melbourne, the realization that I will be away from her for almost 1/3 of her life made me cry. Given a choice, I want to share everyday of my life with her. Qbi is so brilliant and sweet, she rarely breaks any rules around the house. 

Kobe

Breed: Cavalier x Shih Tzu

Sex: Male

A two months old Kobe

This picture was taken 1 or 2 days after we brought him home. He has beautiful markings doesn't he. Kobe boy is super smart! He is a fast learner and tends to be very cautious towards things or people he is not familiar with. Luckily, we have Barbie around to give him assurance and courage because she is absolutely different from Kobe. 

Since he was a puppy, everytime he pee or poo on the synthetic grass tray, we will give him praises. Kobe enjoys the affection so much, sometimes he will walk onto the grass patch and jump off it or try to force out 2 drops of pee, assuming that we will praise him and let him come out from the play pen. 

In this picture he was around half a year old. 

We had to put them in a pet hotel for 2 months during school holidays. When the carer emailed us a picture of them (not shown here), we were shocked!! Kobe was loosing his dark patches. So we had to email the carer, stating "Are you sure this is our dog?!? Was there a mix up?!?!" Although we recognized Kobe's eyes from the picture, it was still very hard to believe.  

Around 10 months old

This is Kobe the caveman wahahaha.

It was difficult to bring them to a groomer in Melbourne without a car. Which is why I had to constantly trim the fur around his paws and eyes. Since we were going to bring him back to Singapore in a few weeks time, we let his coat grow and got a professional groomer to perfect his look instead. 

Barbie

Breed: Cavalier x Toy Poodle

Sex: Female

2 months old 

Barbie was brought home a few days later than Kobe. It was important for us that both of them grew up together so as to form a strong bond. When we were bringing Barbie home in a cab, they were growling and fighting. I was so afraid Kobe and Barbie would not get along with each other. Later on, we found out that they are the perfect match. 

Qbi was my first dog, I learnt alot from her. It is always important to have more than one dog. They need company from their own species too. You can see the difference in character and temperament between a dog who lives alone and a dog who has another dog to play with. A dog with another companion is much happier, more energetic and lively. Plus its super cute when you see them snuggling together.

Kobe and Barbie around six months old

Barbie when she was around seven months old. Yes..... She LOVES food, especially human food. 

Fixated on the bowl of curry.

Thats her favourite squeaky toy.

Around 10 months old

This was how Barbie looked like a few weeks prior to flying back to Singapore. At least she doesn't look as bad as Kobe boy! LOL LOL

Like I said earlier, Barbie is the exact opposite of Kobe. She is blur, fearless and cute. Barbie does not always pee where she should. If you don't bring her to the synthetic grass patch to pee every few hours, she will collect it in her bladder and finally wet the carpet when she can no longer hold it in. Her super long legs make her an extremely fast SPRINTER. One moment she is next to you and before you realise it, she is already zooming half way across the house, knocking into walls and doors. Barbie is a dare devil, the only thing that intimidates her just a little, are balloons hahaha. 

2nd day after Barbie and Kobe reach Singapore

The well-groomed Kobe and Barbie, a few days after they reach Singapore

This is Barbie at around 11 months old. Hahahaha 

Over here she is advertising for Wee-Wee Diapers. Was planning to use it while bringing her out in the car. Just in case. Its Barbie, she never fails to surprise us.

Kobe & Barbie's Naughty Moments: 

This is what I saw when I came home from school one day. 

Yep, thats their poopies on the floor.

I wanted to scold them but their expressions were so hilarious. 

I believe what they were trying to tell me is: "We are so sorry for being naughty, please accept our sincere apology"

They have many different sleeping positions. Let me document some of them! 

Can you spot the Tiny Kobe Boy?

Barbie sleeping so soundly in her bed

I was so relieved when the two of the became inseparable

Hope Kobe did not have an aching neck when he woke up

Bawahahaha... yeah they were sleeping. How cute is this.

Aw.. they were so tiny back then

Don't ask me how he manage to fall asleep like this... but he did

They look so cute like this, I had to take a picture

I woke up with Barbie sleeping beside me like this

We changed their shipping crates into their beds

Easter Day:

We had a small Easter Party on Easter Day. All of us had to wear something "animal" on ourselves. Barbie and Kobe were dressed up too!

Barbie the Bunny

Kobe the Cow

Everyone took turns playing with them. Near the end of the party, they were EXHAUSTED. LOL LOL

Kobe retreat to his stroller and took a nap.

We never have any problem with Kobe and human food. Such a good boy

Barbie just collapse in the middle of the living room and fell into a deep sleep. We tried to disturb her sleep but she did not even flinch.

We accessories her

Rolled the ball onto her

Me snuggling her

Touching her tiny nose

Lying my head on her

NOTHING we do manage to disturb her sleep even a LITTLE. Although Barbie always break house rules, its difficult to get angry at her. She does stupid things and give you the "Huh What did I do" expression all the time. Its hilarious. She is like the baby of the pack.

When I have had a bad day in school, coming home to them makes me feel so much better.

Cake Boss - Carlo's Bake Shop

Promised a post on "Cake Boss'! This post is easy, all I have to do is post a dozen pictures and you people judge for yourself. If I were to judge, I'd say they make the most INSANE cakes!

Oki let me give you guys an idea of who they are. Carlo's Bake Shop is a family orientated business owned by Buddy Valastro. Buddy learnt the techniques and tricks from his father, who in turn learnt his skills from his father. Count how many generations that is. Today, Buddy is one of the most successful cake artist in United States. The bakery is packed with his mother, four older sisters, three brothers-in-laws and the rest of the crew. They are a very vocal family, tons of screaming and shouting. Despite all these, you can see their love for each other, their passion, determination and drive for what they do.

Roulette Cake:

People who loves the Casino would simply adore this!!! They included chips as well, ain't you fascinated?! There's more! The roulette wheel really spins! The cake is created using pound cake, fondant, modelling chocolate and gum paste. They are all edible, even the roulette wheel! How awesome is that!

Mammal Cake:

This cake was designed and made for The American Museum of National History for the opening of their "Extreme Mammals" exhibit. The Indricotherium (that mammal that looks like a rhino) is edible too!

Dragon Cake:

What does it remind you of? Dragon Boat! The Metro Athletics Dragon Boat Team (MAD) ordered this cake for their 2009 racing season.

Leaning Tower of Pisa Cake:

Wedding Cake. How original is this! Somehow it feels even more romantic than the typical wedding cake designs.

Grucci Fireworks Cake:

Donna Grucci and Felix Grucci Jr. of Grucci Fireworks ordered a cake for the Grucci patriarch's birthday memorial. Look at the size and the details in this cake. Its INSANE right!! Tell me one bakery in Singapore that can make cakes CLOSE to this. 

Fire Truck Cake:

The Harrison Fire Department requested a cake as a thank you gift for the retired firefighters at he NJ Firemen's Retirement Home. The cake had working lights, siren and smoke created from water vapor. Crazy isn't it!! Its feels more like a toy than a cake. LOL

Wedding Cake with Birds:

A vintage wedding cake. Do you see the transparent cage near the bottom of the cake. Two white doves will be placed into the cage just before the wedding. During the wedding ceremony, the love couple will release the doves from the enclosure. Aw.... so beautiful. Once again, everything on this cake (except for the cage) is edible.

Race Car Cake:

The Retail Bakers Association of America (RBA) requested a cake for the annual American Retail Bakery Exposition in Charlotte, N.C. This is the largest cake Buddy and his crew has ever made. Can you see the two tiny head near the back of the car. Those are real human ok, not figurines!! Look how big the cake is! You can drive in it. 

Aquarium Cake:

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J., requested a cake for their fifth birthday celebration. So Buddy and his crew got creative. They made a hammerhead shark, a tiger shark, a sea turtle and a stingray along with many coral fishes such as clown fish. Even the corals are edible. This cake looks so beautiful, how will anyone bear to eat it! Two large aquariums are incorporated at the back of the cake with live salt water fish swimming in it. This is not a cake, its art. Wish I could find a close up picture of this cake. You should look at the details on it. Definitely my all time favourite!

Altamura Wedding Cake:

Another Wedding Cake that I absolutely adores! This is a seven tier cake made of vanilla sponge cake, buttercream, white fondant, and royal icing. Buddy is so skilled and talented! Cake piping is one of the most difficult skill to master in cake art. Look at the amount of details on this cake. How I wish it is MINE!!!

Wedding Cake:

A six tiered piped wedding cake for Bride's Magazine Cake. Exhibits Buddy's extraordinary piping skills. If he was careless and make just one mistake with the royal icing, he will have to redo the cake all over again. Thats how challenging this cake is.

Couture Fashionista Cake:
Girls... Prepare to drool!

How adorable is this!!! Think I will go ecstatic if I receive such a cake for my birthday!! Girls, You have the same wish as me don't you!

As you can see, the list goes on and on and on. He makes fantastic cakes! I wish there are good quality pictures to show you guys the full extent of their attention to details. So if you people plan to go to New Jersey for a holiday, remember to go to Carlo's Cake Shop! Their customers claim the cakes and pastries taste heavenly.