Review : Antenatal Class with Jenlia

In my opinion,  antenatal class is extremely important especially for first time parents as we do not know what to expect. It is better to learn from the expert than go around listening to hear-says from other people because their "advises" could be wrong - although they meant well I am sure. 

Truthfully, we didn't do any research on which classes to attend. We selected Jenlia based on good recommendation from friends who had attended their class and naturally because their classes are conducted in SDMC where I am going to give birth at. 

Jenlia charges RM350 per couple and there are 4 classes which are conducted on Fridays (7:30pm) and Saturdays (2:30pm). Each session lasts about 3 hours. The educators are qualified midwives who had garnered their experience from UK. Both me and Bear had thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and we found them very useful. 

Here are my thoughts on the sessions: 

Session 1

Recognizing derivations from normal progression in pregnancy.

Preparation for parenthood.

Relaxation technique.

Antenatal exercise. 

--> This session was pretty easy-going and light. It is a very basic class on what to expect and what to look out for during your pregnancy and into the first few months with the arrival of the new baby. I have forgotten how to do the antenatal exercise actually. 

Session 2
Importance of early breastfeeding. 
Steps to successful breastfeeding.
Care of self post-csect.
Signs of labor.
Admission procedures.

--> I totally love this session especially on the topic of breastfeeding because I know it is not easy. It is good to be mentally prepared and learn the correct techniques to ensure that I won't give up too easily when the time comes to breastfeed. Also, knowing what are the signs of labor and admission procedures keeps us on our toes to look out for symptoms and not panic when the time comes when the baby bear arrives. 

 Session 3

Tour of labor suite.

Husband's role during labor and delivery.

Preparation for normal labor and delivery.

Normal labor and delivery process.

Pain management.

Breathing techniques.

--> Touring of the labor suite was very interesting. Looking at the suite, my fear of giving birth somewhat was lifted off a little because it looks pretty cozy. It doesn't feel cold and scary like in the operating theater. Secondly was on pain management. I have pretty made up my mind that epidural is the way to go the minute I can use it to completely take away the pain (yes, I am wussy like that). We were thought on how to handle labor and the actual birth, when to push, what to expect, and what is the role of the husband (not to stand there and look pretty ok). We were also shown a video of an actual child birth using epidural - and seriously, this session overall really calmed me down a lot. There is not so much fear of childbirth anymore. I also forgot the breathing techniques.. I hope my husband still remembers them. 

Session 4
Care and support for mothers during puerperium .
The newborn - what to expect in the first few months.
Meeting the needs of your newborn.

--> Informative on post-birth care for the mothers and basic 101 care for a newborn like bathing, swaddling, sleeping position etc.

The subject matter which are being thought are very basic and is only an overview, which is good enough as a headstart. Typically, you are encourage to join an antenatal class about 2 months before your due date. 

Love;

Mummy Geri

101 : Skin Care

Believe or not, I never knew what's with the fuss of people going through the tedious process of skincare and forking out tons of money for the products/facial. I guess all along I've been blessed with extremely good skin (good genes) and I've never bothered to take care of them until ... I was bambu by my colleague. -__-

She was going on and on about having wrinkly and age-spots face when I am older if I don't take care of them now etc etc. And I will lose my "face-glow" whatever that means. O_o"

My facial regime is facial cleanser (any brand that is cheap from Watson/Guardian). That's all. I am very quite suaku and I don't even know what's a toner for. Ok, you may proceed to snicker.

Over a short lunch period session, I was given a crash-course on basic skincare. And I've been religiously following my new regime ever since. Now for those who has relatively good skin, you need not splash on expensive products, (so-called) mediocre products are good enough in my opinion. Trust me when I said my skin was sensitive to Estee Lauder's moisturiser (itch like mad!). So girls, expensive need not mean it is suitable for your skin.

Just my two cents' worth of advice la. *shrug*

For those suaku like me, I shall share my simple and basic skincare tips.

(1) Cleanser - Garnier (less than RM20)

I've been using Garnier for the longest time ever. I love their lemon-y scent and to me it does the job perfectly well, so no need to change brands. 

(2) Toner - Neutrogena (RM19)

I have never ever used a toner before and my colleague gave me the wtf look. The lecture which I got from her was not pleasant at all. I even asked whether if I need to wash it off -_-" (I really thought I need to la!!). She recommended this brand, cheap and good in her words. To me, so long as it doesn't memedihkan my face then it's ok for me. So far so good la.

(3) Sunblock - Vaseline spf 30 (less than RM20)

This is useful not only when you go to the beach. So I learnt that you have to apply as base before putting on your full-on makeup. Apparently no matter where you go, you will get UV rays hence will destroy your face. Or something like that la. I was recommended to use Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Sunblock, but the orange-y smell of Vaseline (yes by now, you would realise I am a sucker for nice smelling products) is too tempting to not buy! I only go through this step in the day time, at night you may skip this step .. unless if you think that flouresant lights in the room or the moon emits UV rays la 0_o

In case if you wanna know, this brand is pretty good in the sense that it is not sticky and doesn't smell sunblock~y if you know what I mean. [p/s: actually what's the correct spf you should get?]

(4) Moisturiser - Odbo Aqua Moisturiser (bought from Korea at RM80)
Yes yes I know I said I won't but expensive stuff but this one was back in 2010 during my honeymoon in Korea that I tangan gatal went and buy with my husband's money *impulse buying* sekali bought two tubes some more hehehe ~ I like it that the moisturiser will dissolve into water-like liquid once you apply on your face. Can't stand sticky products! urgh ~

(5) Eye Cream - Odbo (bought from Korea .. forgot the pricing)
I only use this in the night because I damn malas :p Apparently will help reduce under-eye bags la.. but in my case, it is pretty severe so I don't know if it will work or not. *I blame you TVB!!!!*

To recap:
Morning - Cleanse, Tone, Sunblock, Moisturise, Make-up
Evening - Make-up Remover, Cleanse, Tone
Night - Moisturise, Eye Cream

And that's my new facial regime at this point in time. Surprisingly it doesn't take too long. I know I know there is the facial scrub and mask which I skip. Cut me some slack, I'm a newbie! -_- Too many things and steps for me to remember!

Love;
Mrs Lee

101 Guide : Applying Japan Visa

Now don't start rolling your eyes. Japan visa is one of the most troublesome to obtain ok! Granted that you don't have to pay and the validity is for 3 months. Thank God I asked the travel agency way in advance so we won't be caught offguard.

For those kiamsap like me who booked via PYO Travel, you would need to do everything by yourself. Below are the requirement which you would need to apply for a visa to enter Japan for the purpose of a holiday:

1. An original visa application duly complete. Tips: If you are unsure of how to fill-up certain section, it is best to leave it and filled it up at the embassy with the personnel's guidance.
   
   
2. Original passport with validity of 6 months. Yes, you are suppose to bring the original for them to sight.
   
   
3. One passport size photograph - NOT JUST ANY NORMAL PASSPORT PICTURE OK! It has to be (4.5cmx4.5cm) with white background which is taken within 6 months from the application of visa. Tips: Remember to tell the photo studio that this is specifically for Japan Visa, and they will know what to do.
   
   
4. An original company letter stating your position, period of services, purpose of journey, length of stay, and guarantee of expenses. [For those who are not working, you are required to write a self-explanatory letter about your trip to Japan]. Yes, you may proceed to roll your eyes now. Tips: For those who are working, you may refer to your HR, they would be able to assist. 
   
   
5. Personal saving account / FD / current account statement with mininum credit RM7,000 (CTC by the bank) and must show the applicant's name, account number, and current balance. Yes, you may roll your eyes again. How the hell can the average Joe provide these kinda balances??!!?!?!
   
   
6. Copy of marriage certificate to show the relationship between the main applicant and the person accompanying him/her.
   
   
7. Confirmed flight booking / itinerary from your travel agent or airlines company. Tips: For those following tour, use the tour itinerary. 

All documents must be arranged in that order. Collection of the visa would be 3 working days.  

And if you think that is not bad enough : The embassy of Japan has the right to request for additional documents or call for an interview!! 0_o

That being said.. I CAN'T WAIT FOR MY JAPAN TRIP ON THE 30TH OF JAN~!!! weEEeEeE~

The Travel-Junkie;

Mrs Lee

How to Plan for a Baby Shower in Malaysia

The proud daddy and mummy to be :)



Yes, if you notice the title .. I have explicitly stated in Malaysia. Why? Because it is so darn hard to plan for a baby shower here!! There are not enough of resources and information that is relevant and available in Malaysia unlike those overseas countries!! :(

But being the resourceful person that I am *ahem*, I refuse to give up and somehow I managed to pull together a simple and splendid baby shower for a good friend of mine. First for the group. Kau tim everything within a week (cos there was a last minute change of venue - initially was suppose to be a BBQ session in my condo but because of the rainy days, the plan was scrapped off at the last minute). 

And of course, being the nice person that I am, I shall share on tips, pointers, and a how-to guideline on planning for that perfect baby shower without breaking your wallet. *heart*

(1) Theme / Decor:

Initially, I was thinking of hiring those professional party planner to do up a simple decor for the venue. Alas, the pricing was from RM1,000 onwards which is waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy over the budget. So, I opted to DIY instead.

The theme that I had in mind was Yellow Rubber Duckie and trust me I was searching high-and-low for those damn ducks. And it was so darn expensive - around RM20 for a pair. Ridiculous! Refusing to give up, I stumbled upon a toy shop in Old Town PJ (a treasure trove for cheap toys, wholesale arts & crafts items, and junk food) and bought these duckies at a discounted price of RM2.00 each (retailing at RM2.50 each) :p

Direction: The shop is located in the same row as BSL Supermarket in Old Town. Drive further down, you will see a shop on your left selling toys called Hew Sun. Alternatively, you may drive further down along the road and look for a shop named Lin Wah (they sell cheaper).



Quack! Quack!

Of course, the yellow rubber duckies in itself is rather plain, so I bought pink ribbons (cos the baby is a girlie) and tied them to the duckies. To further decorate the place, I bought a few mini carriages and pink glitter butterflies to be put around as centerpieces. The carriages cost RM2.50 each, and a packet of 10 butterflies cost RM9.50.

My pretty carriages decked in pink butterflies.

Direction: The shop is next to McDonalds in Old Town.

Note: For those who has the budget, you may contact and engage in the professional assistance of Razzle Dazzle Party Box or Parties - Party Planner.

(2) Favours / Gifts:

Was thinking on what favors that is cute and affordable to give out to the guests and as I was googling, I chanced upon a site which sells relatively cheap favours - House of Favors. Their service is pretty efficient too so you need not worry about reliability. I bought these cute acrylic pacifiers for RM7.20 for a pack of 12. They come in pink or blue colours. The pacifiers can also double up as decor pieces as well.

Cute blue acrylic pacificiers *heart*

(3) Customized Cakes / Cupcakes / Cookies:

Did you know that cupcakes are so darn expensive over here?? For standard customisation of a box of 20-30 pieces of cupcakes, please be prepared to fork out at lease RM90-100. Yes, you may gasps now. Fortunately for me, in my true blue kiamsap-ness nature, I somehow managed to find one which serves decent pricing and yummy customised cakes/cupcakes/cookies. They are Babycakes by Good Eats and is based in Shah Alam. Really nice and accomodating people. Will definitely purchase more from them in future. :)

For a minimum order of 25 pieces of customised cupcakes (without fondant), it cost just RM1.50 a piece! What a bargain!! And I get to choose two flavors - I chose orange and vanilla. Yums~! Taste-wise, the cupcakes were delicious! :)

Taste as good as it looks :) *ngom* *ngom*

Aside from that, I also ordered customised cookies for each of the guests. The cookies are SO CUTE!! The cookies are individually packed and comes with a customised tag too! Minimum order is 20 pieces for RM2.50 per piece. If you want to insert sticks (like a lollipop), it costs RM3.00 per piece. This makes GREAT gifts and favors for any occasion. I asked for baby rompers and milk bottles. Noticed that the rompers are customised with the parents' initials? So cuteeeeeee ~~!!

Cuteness overload~~!!!

(4)  Poster aka "Guest Book":

Got this awesome idea (in my opinion) from my own wedding not too long ago. Instead of a guest book which will be kept under the bed to collect dust, why not do a poster where the guest can sign their names and write congratulatory messages? That way, the parents can put up the poster and post as a memento.

The poster was of course DIY by yours truly. Pretty simple - just buy the frame from IKEA at RM19.90, and buy a small baby clothes (you may be creative and use a baby bip, napkin, rompers, dress etc) and "frame" it up! I bought the cute baby-top for RM10.00 in a small kiosk in Plaza Damas. Simple, cute, and unique. :)

Nice, eh?

(5) Venue:

This was the toughest because it will ultimately make or break our budget. Plus, for a small pax of 20 people, it was really difficult to find a venue where we could book the entire place. After much toiling searching, I remember driving pass this quaint English-like cafe in Plaza Damas when I go for my Kim Gary lunches during the weekdays.

The said cafe is none other than Elise Coffee & Tea House in Plaza Damas. Quickly called the owner up, and thankfully the venue is available on the date. And the major plus point is I can take the entire venue as it fits comfortably 20-22 pax. Secondly, the pricing is very reasonable! I only need to spend a minimum of RM600.00 only! Unbelievable! :D

What did i tell you about being cosy and English? :)

The buffet costs RM38 per person and it consists of 9 dishes. The array is fantastic and tastes pretty good too:

1. Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
2. Mushroom and Shrimp Spaghetti
3. Pan-Fried Lamb Shoulder
4. Mash Pumpkin
5. Stuffed Roast Chicken
6. Mini Sandwiches
7. Salad with Apple Cider Dressing
8. Tiramisu & Chocolate Mousse (as dessert)
9. Lemongrass (drinks)

Yummylicious

The desserts are kept chilled in a chiller. Presentation wise, it looked really really yummy! It taste yummy too actually. :)

Here are the simple decor that I DIY earlier, just put them randomly to make the already quaint and pretty venue to look more "baby-friendly". Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the outcome. It matches with the settings of the cafe. Coincidentally, the cafe has also Christmas-y decor which has been put up. It suited the occasion perfectly! 

(6) Games:

Don't forget the games too ya! It makes the baby shower so much more fun and it brings everyone closer together. I've googled for them and came up with 4 simple games; (i) Don't Forget Daddy! (basically it's a game on how well do you know the Daddy), (ii) Finish up the Nursery Rhymes, (iii) Baby Animals, and (iv) Baby Shower Charades. All of the games threw us into fits of giggles. :)

Nursery Rhyme  -Failed!

Baby Animals - Failed!

And there is the 101 guideline on how to plan for a baby shower.
Good job Geri! *pats self at the back*

The Group *hugs*

Love;
Mrs Lee

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Ever since the demise of Bluey aka my fighting fish, I have moved on to buying a new pet - pets to be exact! They are a pair of terrapins!! :) Yup, it was another act of random~ness again. I think my maternal instinct is kicking in.

Gotta say, Bear is more kan cheong than me, he kena con spent a total of RM130 on a new bigger aquarium, rocks, and wood to "decorate" the tank. He was afraid that if we don't create a higher platform for the terrapins, they will inevitably drown and die. -.-"

What you looking at ??

Dear all, may I introduce Donatello (Donna) and Raphael (Rapha) to you. They are our latest addition to the the family. Yes, name inspired from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.:)

Honestly I can't tell which is Donna which is Rapha

Hopefully they can last more than 6 months though. Terrapins has long life right?? :s

Love;

Mrs Lee  

Post- Brazilian Waxing (1 Week)

I noticed that there is not much information with regards to post-Brazilian waxing on the net. Trust me, the after-care is important as you don’t want to end up with a bad infection or over-population of zits with pus down there *urgh*

So I have no choice but to take the “wait-and-see approach” and try to settle whatever issues that comes along the way using what I would like to call the “trial-and-error method”. Of course, for first-timers like me, it is important to highlight your concerns to the therapist upfront so she can recommend products or educate you on how to handle any impending breakouts (yikes!) - after all they are the experts.

Because I am nice (as usual), I shall share with you on these tried-and-tested approaches on post-Brazilian care. Note that this is merely my own experience (it may or may not work on some individuals) and I will do a separate review post on Honeypot’s after-care products.


DID YOU KNOW?

1. After the Brazilian, I tend to head to the toilet more frequent. It is so strange! Probably it’s just a coincidence. Or the massages (don’t think dirty ok!) when I apply the Goodbye Forever! spray. *shrug*
   
   
2. Speaking about toilets, I finally understand why we have pubes under there! It is to “direct” the pee into the toilet bowl. Seriously! Without them, you have to aim properly or risk dripping/spraying it on the seat or along your thighs 0_o”. Ok... I shall stop being disgusting and stop here about the pee. Kindly forgive me on my bluntness. :)

I'VE WAXED IT OFF ... NOW WHAT??

Itchiness:

I’m not going to lie, in the first 1-3 days after waxing it was itchy down there (especially the labia area). Not because I don’t wash or I've contracted syphilis ok! It is because the hair was yanked out from the roots; hence some irritation is bound to occur. This is the same when you wax any part of your body for that matter. For me, the itchiness can be uncomfortable but bearable. Don’t worry too much because after Day 3, the itch will miraculously disappear but if it still persist you better go see a gynecologist it could be crabs

Scratch ... scratch!

What to do?

1. Scratch.
   
2. Keep your area moist hydrated. Aloe Vera gel helps as it has soothing and has natural antiseptic properties. Alternatively, after going to the toilet you can use a damp tissue and dab your area. This will actually give an immediate relieve.
3. Exfoliate the area gently everyday – this is to remove build-up dead skin cells which may clog up your pores. I have read that some al-cheapo people use facial/body scrubs. For me, I am using a product that contains Salicylic Acid (which is a gentle exfoliant).

WARNING: Not advisable to use powder as it will dry up the area and clog up the pores.

Bumps / Zits / Ingrown Hairs:There are tiny bumps around the area (looks like white heads). Apart from it looking like a skin of a steam chicken, it doesn't affect me in any other way. The bumps are actually new hair that are about to grow out from the follicle. It is advisable to take extreme care at about this time to prevent any ingrown hairs. Thank God so far I don’t have any ingrown hairs! Oh, and these ingrown hairs if infected will create zits!

Ingrown hairs are nasty – the characteristic sign is a small bump which may be reddened, itchy, or painful. Ingrown hair happens especially after shaving because the end of the hair is sharp. When the hair grows, the sharp end can re-enter the skin instead of growing upward. Although waxing remove hair from below the surface of the skin, the hair can curl back on itself as it grows. More prominent for Brazilian waxing as our pubes down there is curly. Don’t worry once the hair grows longer, the ingrown problem will be solved albeit it being very very uncomfortable.

Upclose on ingrown hairs - I know it's kinda disgusting.

Notice that the hair grows "sideways" because the

sharp ends pierced into the skin? The red bumps are infection.

What to do?

1. Wear loose-fitting clothing – it helps not only to prevent ingrown hair but also to minimize the itchiness as well.
   
2. Prevention is better than cure. Again exfoliate using products containing Salicylic Acid. Rub gently to free the hair. Do not scrub too hard as this will get the skin more irritated. I have been exfoliating diligently everyday since waxing and will continue to do so two weeks after the Brazilian (as advised by the experts in Honeypot).
3. Moisturize!! Please moisturize the area after exfoliating to ensure that the skin is not too dry.
   
4. Tweezing. For the gung-ho ones, you may pluck them out once you see the hairs growing out.*shudders*

It is already past one week since my first Brazilian and still no sight of ingrown hairs (hallelujah!!) and the itch is gone. The area is still smooth like a baby’s bottom except for a few short hairs. Let’s see what happens after 1-month. :)

Love;
Mrs Lee

Brazilian Waxing 101

Source: Google

Believe it or not after months of considering, thinking, and chickening out time and again ... I am going for my first ever virgin Brazilian waxing tomorrow! (I can hear gasps coming out from your mouth) Yes, I think I am crazy too. And trust me, I am scared and nervous but at the same time very very excited!!! I think Bear is sexcited too

For those virgins like me, here is a compilation on what I have gathered after weeks of research on the net:

What is Brazilian Waxing?

Er... I'm sorry but which planet are you from? In layman terms, Brazilian waxing simply means removing all of the hairs down under. In case you don't know, removing all includes the front, the labia, and the butt cleavage all waxed off. *sexy!* (yes... your butt has hairs too)

Bikini waxing on the other hand is to remove hairs on the sides of the bikini line. The hairs will be neatly trimmed. Some people may opt for this as a start to gauge on how painful it is before going for a full-on Brazilian.

I am confuse! Where is the Bikini Line? 0_o"

Valid question. Wear your swimsuit/bikinis .. you see the hairs sticking out at the sides? Those area is the bikini line *gross*

How do you prepare yourself prior to a Brazilian Waxing?

1. For first timers, it is CRUCIAL that you look for a reputable, hygienic, and professional wax boutique. Make sure that the therapist do not double-dip their spatulas!!! Please don't be stingy on the $$ and compromise on these aspects. Your nether region is your most sensitive and sacred area - treat it like your little sis!
   
2. When you book an appointment, do let them know that it is your first time so that they will take the time to explain to you and recommend a more experienced therapist for you.
   
3. Try not to go 1 week before or after your period because it is more painful due to hormonal changes. If you must, go after your period. And for goodness sake, do not go during your period - please have some respect for your therapist!
   
4. You are advised to exfoliate and scrub your nether region 1 day prior to the waxing appointment. This is to remove dead skin and for the wax to adhere better.
   
5. If you shave, it is best if you wait out for about 2 weeks for the hair to grow so that the wax is able to grip the hair properly.
   
6. If pain is your major concern, you can pop 2 Panadols prior to the waxing. Personally, I don't think it is necessary unless if you are a wuss ~ hehe
   
7. Finally, on the day of the waxing .. please wash up before going ok. You don't want flies flying out from down there when you strip down. Personal hygiene ladies! And lastly, calm yourself down and try to enjoy the process .. it is not as bad as you think it is!

Why would I pay and subject myself to such a torture?

1. Vain Pot. I am not ashamed to admit it - I am vain! And in my quest for vanity, I think it is high time that I remove those unwanted hairs in my nether region. Unfortunately for me, I am quite a hairy person (for a Chinese) and waxing is the way to go.
   
2. Sexay. Come on girls, we all know that it is extremely sexy to be "bushless" down there. There is a certain sex-appeal to it.
   
3. Curiosity. Yes, I am darn curios on how would it feel like doing a Brazilian, on whether if it is painful, and how does it look like without the hairs.
   
4. Cleanliness. Men circumcise for hygiene purposes. Women do Brazilian for hygiene purposes. It is true - without the hairs it is so much more easier to clean and care for your nether region. Especially when you are having your period. Sorry don't mean to be gross.

So who will I give my Brazilian virginity to?

Source: Klue

Yes, after researching I have selected Honeypot Wax Boutique. Honeypot is relatively new in Malaysia (they are quite established in Singapore). They opened their doors in May 2010 with its first outlet in Bangsar Shopping Centre. Last week, a second outlet was opened in One Utama Old Wing.

Why Honeypot?

1. I've got a good deal from Groupon for a 50% discount on Brazilian Waxing in Honeypot
2. They have (almost) perfected the art of Brazilian waxing with their revolutionary in-house Cherry Pie Hot Wax which is developed in Australia for an almost painless experience.
   
   
3. Extremely good reviews and the therapists are gentle and quick to ensure that the experience is as comfortable as possible.
   
4. Hygiene and cleanliness is their utmost priority with a no double-dipping policy.
   
5. Pricing-wise Honeypot is the most reasonable in relation to those who are in the market currently.
   
6. The place is extremely chic and classy decked in pink and black giving you a sexy and boudoir feel to it.

Can't wait!!

Stay tune for the next post on my experience!

Love;

Mrs Lee