flowers are not frivolous

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It’s bad enough that there are people who think fresh cut flowers are costly, they’re also seen as frivolous. They’re wrong, of course, on both counts. Fresh flowers serve a purpose far beyond aesthetics. They can brighten up rooms, uplift your mood and they can even purify the air in your house. Some flowers also have healing properties, so you can also up cycle bouquets into beauty and wellness products if you’re the crafty type. As for being costly, well, I found a flower delivery in Singapore offering cheap yet stylish bouquets. It’s A Better Florist!

As you can tell from their brand, they strive to offer better products and services to their customers and I think they’ve succeeded. Having the fastest service already makes them among the best flower delivery in Singapore and best florist in Singapore. Imagine getting your order just 90 minutes after checkout. Impressive, right? But for me, the main reason why I keep coming back to them is their simple and fuss-free philosophy. This doesn’t mean their products look cheap, it’s actually the opposite. Just look at these signature bouquets from their flower selection.

A Better Florist’s minimal and straightforward visuals translate to the arrangement and packaging of their products, as if telling the naysayers: flowers are not frivolous, they can be practical and economical. This makes them the best florist in Singapore, in my opinion. In keeping with their practical theme, they even include flower care instructions on their products so we can enjoy the freshness and scent of the flower for a longer period.

If you check out their roster of bouquets and baskets, you’ll notice each one is designed to suit a variety of occasions, from anniversaries to birthdays and national holidays. You can send get well soon hampers and fruit basket delivery to sick friends or colleagues, wreaths for grieving loved ones or  baby baskets for new moms. Their flower delivery in Singapore can also cater to business and corporations looking for flower arrangements for events or grand opening flowers.

If you’re in Hong Kong, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, then I’ve got good news! A Better Florist has recently started Hong Kong flower delivery and Abu Dhabi & Dubai flower delivery to send positive vibes to a wider audience. They’re succeeding in those cities, too, being tagged as best flower delivery in Hong Kong, best florist in Hong Kong  and best florist in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Even if you’re not a flower aficionado, those achievements speak of their impressive products and services. Prove those fastidious flower critics wrong and try out A Better Florist’s unpretentious blooms!

but this is not cosplay!

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Something happened yesterday which kind of sparked my interest to write this entry.

Disclaimer: This issue concerns a friend and her opinions. My entry is not to flame or shame her. She is purely entitled to her opinions as I am to mine.

It was after the Harajuku walk and we were dressed in our lolita outfits, walking around trying to get to our dinner venue. As we passed by an elevator in a mall, a lady exclaimed loudly that we were in cosplay outfits. My friend replied in a slightly annoyed tone: “No, it’s not.” I was amused by her reaction and said that well, not everyone understands the difference between cosplay and lolita fashion. She replied that it irritated her when people had to make comments out loud like that when it is obvious that they are completely ignorant.

Being into the fashion for a couple of years now, I couldn’t help but think back to the time when I was also hot blooded over the issue of people calling lolita fashion, cosplay. Why do people call it cosplay? Do you even know what cosplay means? We are not even trying to imitate a character or person so how can lolita fashion be cosplay? It’s even worse when people think lolita fashion is some kinky fashion coz it has something to do with the novel, Lolita. But that is a discussion for another day.

It just gets too complicated and tiring when almost every single person we meet is clueless about the fashion and we have to launch into this whole explanation on what it is. So I’ve decided to just ignore such comments. No point getting annoyed over it. It isn’t people’s fault that they are ignorant about the topic. I’m not going to waste my time getting all riled up unless someone passes some rude remark about my dressing.

Hmmm…but it wouldn’t hurt if you did some reading up on the fashion to educate yourself ya?

PS: On a separate note, I FORGOT TO TAKE A COORD SHOT. Now I gotta wait for the photographers to post their photos. Meh.

i went on a rollercoaster ride with Misako and Nissy?!

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I had a strange yet nice dream two nights ago. It involved members of AAA, Misako and Nissy in particular.

So it seemed AAA was having a concert and I was getting a cab from somewhere to go to the concert venue. Lo and behold, Misako and Nissy were in the queue just before me. Since we were probably all going to the same venue, how about we share a cab? I asked and Misako agreed, and we all boarded the cab.

While in the cab, Misako and I started talking (no idea in what language) but soon we were like old friends. Nissy was for some reason being all sullen and refused to join in the conversation. Misako told me that he’s like that and to ignore him. In the dream, I felt surprised and a tinge of disappointment as it was so unlike him on stage — always bouncing around with energy and being all chatty.

Anyway, soon we reached the concert venue. A couple of fans were already there and started running up to Misako, asking for pictures with her. I was kinda brushed aside but somehow she remembered me and got me to be in the picture too. The fans were all squealing and disturbing this outdoor band performance so we got shoo-ed away.

As we were walking off, Misako suddenly pulled out a concert ticket. Strangely, it had this coupon for a free ride on the rollercoaster at the concert venue. (Yea, strange…like what?! Is this a concert or funfair now??? And why the hell would Misako have a ticket when she is the artiste that will be performing???) She asked me if I’ll go sit the rollercoaster with her and Nissy. I felt so happy.

Soon the rollercoaster ride ended and it was time for her and Nissy to go get ready for the concert. We walked together to the hall. Just as she opened the door to the hall, I took a peek in and saw the other AAA members already there and getting ready. At that moment, Shin-chan came out and wanted to get something. I was so excited and said: “Hi, Shin-chan!” (This time I was sure I spoke in English as I knew he understood English.) At the same time, Shin-chan said: “Hi, I’m Shin!” Maybe he thought it polite to introduce himself since I was Misako’s friend.

And then I woke up. Argh. Would have loved to talk to Shin-chan more. That is like my real life dream too. Ah well.

Hmmm…sure as hell hope that Nissy is not all sullen in real life. That would really be a huge disappointment.

thoughts about me and lolita fashion

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Amidst all the flurry in the local lolita community for tomorrow’s big event, I couldn’t help but slow down and think about my own lolita journey — specifically wearing wigs.

I’ve never worn one. I just don’t have the guts to. Admittedly, wigs are great coz then I can probably have any hair colour I want without having to dye/bleach my own hair. Yay for pink ombre hair! I can have the braids I so love but can’t tie on my own hair. Again, I just don’t have the guts to take that first step. It’s really not about me. I’ld do it anyway…just that I don’t think I can handle the reaction from family members.

Here’s why. Lolita fashion is a part of me which I enjoy. I’ve never really seen it as strange but I can’t say the same for others. It is something out of the ordinary for them so I really don’t blame them if they make it a big deal. It’s just that sometimes I wish they would treat it as normal and not pay like super big attention to it.

Case in point, once I was hurrying out the door to a lolita meet. A family member stopped me for some pictures. Erm…nothing really wrong with that but I think the whole point was coz I was dressed DIFFERENTLY. Imagine if I was in a wig. Oh gosh, I feel like all the why questions would start flying out and honestly, I don’t want to launch into a lengthy explanation on why.

Sigh. I am weird like that and I guess it’ll take a long long time before I’m mentally ready to handle that. For now, I’ll just stick to my crappy hair.

i dreamt i talked to shin-chan

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There’s no fancy way of putting it, but simply, I dreamt I talked to Shin-chan from AAA. Not as a fan at a fan meet, but as a friend.

We were sitting in the back seat of a car, waiting for some friends or family? Not certain who we were waiting for. We were listening to some Japanese music. I recall Perfume and some other artistes. I suppose it was our first time talking to each other coz when I tried to make small talk, he seemed rather aloof. People would know that the true blue introvert of me doesn’t like to make awkward small talk. Anyway, I asked him which college was he in. He answered quite curtly like he was uncomfortable revealing a detail of his personal life. But then, I hit jackpot when I started commenting on how there must be a couple of Asian supermarkets around his college just like how mine did. That’s like a god-send for students coming from Asian countries. He started opening up a bit more when we talked about that. Weird though, I commented at some point that he was Taiwanese. LIKE WHY WOULD I SAY HE’S TAIWANESE??? I must have quite a few Taiwanese friends, that’s why.

And that was all. I know it was a rather blah dream but it was a good one. I am an introvert but I do crave to get to know people on a one-on-one personal level. And yes, I would love to talk to Shin-chan one day and get to know him as a friend.

back again

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Back again…well, kinda. Trying to go back to blogging while juggling mummy duties. It hasn’t been a whole lot easy. I tried a few times but failed, so I hope this is the last and successful attempt. At first it was just being mum to Emilee. Then my computer had to die on me. So I’m pretty much bound to what this new laptop has (which is practically starting from nothing) until I find a way to get my old files out from the old hard disk.

I’m still microblogging on Dayre and the updates there are more frequent than here coz I can do everything from my phone.

dear AAA

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Dear members of AAA,

The high touch (high five) session was a pleasant surprise during the fan meeting, but it went by so fast that I couldn’t really register everything. Frankly speaking, after Chiaki, it was all a blur. I wish there was more time to interact with each member because there’s just too much to say to you guys. But we all know that this is impossible hence, I decided to write what I wanted to say. Writing helps me articulate what I want to say so much better because knowing the introverted self I am, my mind would have drawn a blank and I would have been unable to utter anything anyway.

I am not the fan who knows every song lyric by heart. I am not the fan who can identify every song and match its title correctly. I am not the fan who would clamour for attention (although I sometimes wish I had the guts to do so). But I am the fan who has been following AAA since its debut. I am the fan who has seen AAA grow from just another dance/vocal group to artistes that are worthy to perform on an international stage. I am the fan who has seen the struggles and also the positive changes of the group.

AAA has definitely grown and improved musically and vocally through the years. I still remember the days when some members seemed to be merely background dancers. Now, everyone has solo parts in the songs.

Leader: You were the first member that caught my eye because I remember you were one of Ayu’s dancers in her concert.

Shin-Chan: You are my favourite member in the group. Even though you are my favourite, it was tough watching you perform at first. If ever there is to be an award for the member who has improved the most vocally, it would go to you. I’m so glad that you finally have solo lines in songs now. You may not be the strongest in vocals, but you definitely have other gifts. I am impressed by your command of English and your willingness to converse in English with us fans who are non-native speakers of Japanese. It was even more surprising to learn that you don’t drink by choice. Me too! It takes a lot to stand firm in what you believe in when everyone else around you is doing it. Respect!

Hidaka: Kamisama! Lol. I guess you’ve found your comfortable spot in the group (and also in fans’ hearts as the rap god.

Nissy: Gosh, you need to improve your English. But thanks for entertaining us with your funny antics. Lol.

Misako: You look so much healthier this time round compared to last year. Please take care!

Chiaki: You’re the cutest member of the group! ❤️

Shuta: I’ve always wondered about this…are you into the Korean look/style? Lol.

Thank you for coming back to Singapore! I really enjoyed myself at the concert and fan meet. I feel really blessed as I’ve always wanted to attend an AAA concert but thought it would just be a dream. I guess it’s really a dream come true. I’m looking forward to more great music from you guys. And of course, more concerts in Singapore in the future.

Regards,
Elisia

PS: There’s lots more great hawker food in Singapore other than chicken rice that you gotta try. Chilli crab, black and white carrot cake, hokkien mee (hokkien noodles), bak kut teh (pork ribs soup), bbq sambal stingray, orh luak (oyster omelette), sugar cane juice, that $1 ice-cream in bread, etc.

my first hospital stay

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I guess when life gets a little too comfortable, you’re being thrown some lemons to spice things up a little. But that’s how life never gets too boring because there are always challenges for you to navigate through.

At my last check up last Wednesday, I received the most horrible of news. I had gained weight which was good, but baby is still not growing well and putting on the necessary weight. In fact, baby’s weight is now slightly off the chart at 1.61kg when she should be 1.8kg. Doppler scans showed that everything else was fine except her waist measurement. More importantly, the amniotic fluid is a little low but still considered normal and the blood flow from the placenta is good. So, doctors really have no idea why baby is not growing well.

I have to go for weekly scans now to make sure the blood flow to baby does not drop. If any time the blood flow drops, they will induce labour. If not, they will still induce labour at 37 weeks just as a precaution to make sure that baby has a better chance of survival. So yup, baby can be out any time from now till the week of 9 November. The minute I heard that I could be delivering baby at 34 weeks (which is this week by the way), my mind went into a mess. Baby’s room is not even totally ready. I haven’t packed my hospital bag. Oh my goodness, there’s still so much outstanding stuff to do! I was just thanking my lucky stars that I had completed the last minute buying of clothes and bath tub just a week ago. But still!

If baby is to be out at 34 weeks, I needed to be given two steroid jabs to help with the development of baby’s lungs to cope with the outside world. Because I have gestational diabetes (GD), the steroid jabs could cause my blood sugar readings to spike which is a danger to both baby and me. Therefore, I was warded for observation. I think everyone is worried about how I’m taking to all this, but trust me, I have learnt to take things easy and take things as they come. There is no point in asking “why me?” If God has willed that I am to go through these challenges in life, then so be it. He has his reasons. Besides, like I said before, I think God has been really fair. While other mummies have to endure horrible morning sickness, pains and aches, I went through almost nothing. GD and this are my only challenges throughout my pregnancy.

[Cross posted entry on MUMMY TO BABY]