Bub & Me: Bring Your Kids to Work Day! @ Mummy's Office!

On Wednesday Lil Pumpkin followed me to the office for the day. An unofficial "Bring Your Kids to Work Day" of sorts since my organisation doesn't have the culture of hosting such an event. However, thankfully I've an amazing boss who is a family man and values work-life balance, and understands when we have to bring the kids to work sometimes.

This is the first time I've had Lil Pumpkin at work for almost the whole day actually, although she has been to my office a number of times before, and her preschool was actually located at another end of my workplace.

It's the school holidays now in Singapore so Lil Pumpkin doesn't have any classes in her primary school, although she still has her enrichment classes for Maths {see Comparison of Popular Maths Enrichment Classes}, Chinese, gymnastics and CrossFit. When she was younger, my mum used to help take care of her during the hols but now that she's older and easier to care for, Lil Pumpkin follows the boy to the clinic {she's a "Vet for a Day", everyday!! haha} and wherever he goes while I'm at work. It's more convenient since the boy doesn't have to make trips to so many different places and her enrichment classes are near his clinic. 

She still goes to my mum's place once in a while though, especially if her cousins are there :)

Wanted to give the boy a break to go for a back massage after his morning shift as he sprained it during aerial yoga {the teacher was too hardcore..} so he dropped Lil Pumpkin and me at the office in the morning.

Lil Pumpkin made good use of my "makeshift bed" {aka thick exercise mat} hehe and actually slept most of the morning away until lunch-time. When she woke up, we went for a sumptuous Western grill lunch and I was pretty surprised that she finished most of her steak!! 

Ever since she was a baby... I always loved seeing her eat well and full hehe.

Brought her around a bit and it's nice showing her snippets of what I do, who I work with and why Mummy is away most of the day. It's always hard shaking off the working mum's guilt and nothing much has changed ever since I wrote "What's A FTWM's Worth?" 2 years ago.

Every other day I feel guilty about not spending enough time with Lil Pumpkin, every other day I worry that I'm missing out on her childhood milestones.. But yet every other day I feel at peace with my choice and am grateful to be able to share hubby's burden, help with the household finances, give Lil Pumpkin some luxuries in life, show her that women can succeed professionally, and also have a little "me-time" with stimulating adult conversations.

I always think that I have a rather uninteresting office job but nonetheless, I'm really happy to have shared my day with Lil Pumpkin. She was a really good girl in not disturbing me when I had to concentrate at work by doing her holiday homework, reading and working on her latest craze - crossword puzzles & word searches haha.

Thank you for keeping Mummy company at work that day, my darling! I hope to have more of such days with you again soon ♥

Do you bring your kids to work?

How does it benefit you and your kids?

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When Life Gives You Lemons

{source}

Helllllooooo! I'm back from my unexpected blog break! And yes, that means that my hand injury is mostly recovered too. It certainly took much longer than I reckoned but really, thanks to all who texted, emailed {I'll reply soon!} and left me messages of encouragement on Facebook and Instagram. You guys are really awesome! Muakz!

2014 really didn't end well for us. I can't remember the last time we had such epic bad luck and with my work comp crashing, hand injury and hubby's car accident all in the span of 2 weeks, it certainly felt that way.

Injury on my left hand & our poor car! Thank goodness hubby was safe!

A few of you already know how my hand injury happened, but basically I cut my hand on glass. It wasn't a very big cut, but kinda deep. I went to A&E to get it stitched but the doctor just decided to use Epiglu to glue the wound together. It did not hold and the wound opened up so a few days after, I went to see another doctor and she used Epiglu again. Just a few days after that, I had to go back again since it got infected {!!} and my hand got all swollen and the wound was filled with pus. They just cleaned up the wound, gave me antibiotics and told me to come back the next few days to change the dressing but I decided to see another doctor and she said A&E should have stitched it right from the beginning!

The third doctor stitched it up for me but since so many days have passed, she said that it probably won't heal as nicely :( My colleagues and even my boss said don't worry, just get another tattoo there! Ha. Ha. Very funny guys. When I was at Dr Kang's for my laser and IPL treatment last week, he also said the same thing :P However, he also told me not to worry too much, as he'll help me with the ugly scar if it gets to that. Phew!

On top of going in and out of the doctors' almost daily for the past 3 weeks to get my wound properly healed, I still haven't gotten my new work computer yet and our car is still in the repair shop. Overall, everything was very draining mentally, emotionally and physically so I felt pretty down last few weeks. And certainly felt like screaming "WHY ME? WHY US? WHY NOOOWWWWW during the holiday period!!??" Very drama mama, but you've to forgive me for that.

A friend told me that there's a Chinese belief that little cases of bad luck actually block a bigger disaster. Maybe these incidents were clearing some bad luck and bringing in a fabulous 2015. That's a positive way to look at it.

It's hard to find any good reason why all these happened but there's certainly much to be thankful for, especially with worst things that were happening around the world. Taking the blog break and taking things slow at work made more time for things that mattered the most to me. Family, friends, health, home. I really shouldn't need injuries and accidents to make me appreciate the things that I have, but they did and maybe that's the reason why the bad incidents happened.

It is with this thankful heart that I'm going into 2015, to be present and more conscientious to focus on the things and people that really matter to me, and to eliminate those that don't.

Here's to a better and brighter 2015 for all of us!! xox

Feeling Grateful on Tues with Essentially Jess and Mum in the Making. 

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Singapore Cheongsams :: Lark and Peony Workwear

It's great that the cuts for modern cheongsams nowadays make it so easy for daily wear downtown, to tea with friends or dates with my dear hubby. I'm slowly trying to include more pieces in my wardrobe.. and perhaps wear them more often as my "signature style" hahaha

However, I find that some designs and prints are a little too casual for work, especially meetings with important clients and the higher-ups. And this is why I la-la-la-loved the new workwear collection from Lark and Peony the moment I saw it.

Established since 2012, this online boutique is pretty popular among my friends who love modern cheongsams and hence one of the first few shops I included in my list of places to buy cheongsams in Singapore. Modern cheongsams from Lark and Peony use beautiful quality fabrics mainly from Japan, Australia, USA and other parts of Asia. Designed for the modern woman who is aware of the trends but stays true to her individual style, they aim to revive the nostalgic love of cheongsams among contemporary dressers by weaving modernity, comfort and sensibility into every piece.

Like many of their collections named after women of historical importance, Lark and Peony's work-wear collection is named after Princess Pingyang {平阳公主}, the daughter of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty. She helped him to seize power and eventually take over the throne from Sui Dynasty by organizing an "Army of the Lady" {娘子軍}. She was righteous, capable and ambitious.. exactly like how Lark and Peony envision their customers wearing these work-appropriate cheongsams to be.

The Princess Pingyang collection is available in 5 colours {S$188 each}, and I got my hands on the Princess in Aubergine, and the yet-to-be-released Princess in Royal Blue {I made that up by the way since the name is not confirmed yet heh}.

The Princess Pingyang cheongsams are not your typical sleeveless-modern-cheongsams-with-pleated-skirts. It is really versatile and I can think of at least 4 ways of wearing it with its foldable high mandarin collar {has inside prints}, and detachable belt inspired by the Japanese obi {don't worry, it's not as difficult to wear!}.

The short puff sleeves are great at hiding my tofu arms haha and when the boy first saw me in it, he said "wow, you look so slim!!" Not to mention my gal friends, but some of my guy friends who are usually bo-chup oblivious to new dresses or hairstyles {"you mean you've cut your hair??!"} have noticed the cheongsam and complimented me on it as well #winning #ineedtogetmore

I think this is mostly due to broad belt that hides my tummy, and the stretchy polyester material that fits my body and curves like a glove. Not too tightly like a bodycon dress though. It really is soooo comfortable and one of the best parts is that it is crease-free!! Absolutely no ironing is required {HUGE bonus points there} and it looks great even after sitting at the desk for the whole day i.e. no unflattering crease lines 

The Princess in Aubergine comes in a rich purple with colourful belt that complements it beautifully. Absolutely stunning.

I also like the Princess in Royal Blue because of its elegant colour and the belt with seikaiha {blue sea wave, 青海波} prints. It's a traditional Japanese motif consisting of concentric circles that have been overlapped to only show the top portion of each circle. The seikiha pattern represents the boundless ocean and is a symbol of good luck. Junie, the designer behind Lark and Peony, is currently residing in Tokyo so you can find a lot of Japanese-inspired designs in her cheongsams.

Actually whenever I see the seikiha, it also reminds me of the famous ukiyo-e {浮世絵} woodblock print - The Great Wave {kanagawa oki nami ura, 神奈川沖浪裏}, by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. It is his most famous piece, and one of my favourite Japanese artwork.

I did not edit any colours from these photos {taken both indoors and outdoors} so what you see on your screen, is really what you get #nofilter

If there is one thing that I'm not that fond of, it is the 2 stitch lines in the front of the dress. It seems to end rather awkwardly at the bust-line so that the boobs look slightly pointy {to me anyway, it's not obvious to others unless they stare haha}. I'm no seamstress nor clothes designer, so I'm not sure if it's even possible to make it "less awkward".. but maybe if it tapered towards the side of the dress or ended slightly higher?? Just a minor detail though, and doesn't spoil the whole outfit.

There are usually 10 pieces per Lark and Peony design to preserve the artfulness and exclusivity of each design so the chances of you bumping into someone else wearing the same dress as you is pretty slim. The downside is that their cheongsams get snapped up pretty quickly and they do not usually reproduce a piece that has been archived.

The whole Princess Pingyang collection will be released in the coming weeks so sign up for a membership account with them on the Lark and Peony website so that you don't miss any news! A little birdie told me that a new vintage collection will be out soon too ;)

Sizes S - XL are available and for your reference, I'm wearing a size M for both dresses. If you're between sizes, it should be safe for you to choose the smaller size for the Princess Pingyang collection as the fabric stretches well and should give you a better fit. Free registered delivery to Singapore addresses, and international shipping is available.

Check out more on their "modern cheongsams" and "classic cuts" here. For more tips from a busy working mama, read these posts.

Update: I loved this range so much I bought their Princess in Crimson with Shippo Prints released in Jan 2015. It's so gorgeous!

* Disclosure: This is a review for Lark and Peony. All opinions are my own.

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My 30 Candles | New Curls & Swirls Short Bob Hairstyle

I'm turning 30 in less than a month. Somehow, I'm really feeling anxious excited about my upcoming birthday. I mean, I usually tend to get pretty excited about birthdays but this is even MORE SO! Like maybe a gazillion times more haha.

I felt like I needed to rock a new hairstyle for my birthday and headed down to Berne's salon. I didn't really research much on my new look, just that I wanted soft, flirty curls. I liked my look for our family photoshoot at the beach last year {see my blog header photo} when the photographer, Ada, helped to curl my hair and wanted a more permanent version of that.

I permed my hair many years back and that left it pretty frizzy and dry, so I didn't dared to try it again until now.. when I read that the technology is much better, and I've got a trusted hairstylist to take care of my crowning glory. After some discussion and a wash with a new, too-chatty salon assistant {I'm not much of a small-talk person, hence I like Berne who doesn't chat endlessly}, Berne worked his magic again {thank you!} and came out with this after 2.5 hours.

The boy really likes it as well because it suits my laissez-faire attitude where I don't spend much time styling my hair so even if it looks unkempt, it still looks good. Messy-chic hair, he calls it :P Perfect when I need to rush out to work in the morning!

Like my previous short bob, Berne left the front parts slightly longer and asymmetrical to make it more interesting, and also permed my fringe a bit because I didn't want that too flat. He also taught me some simple tips on styling it with wax while it's still slightly damp to give the curls some definition.

Coco Chanel said, "A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life." That really is exactly how I feel whenever I get a haircut~! Now, bring on my thirties!! :P

Do you prefer curled or straight hair? Would you try this hairstyle? :)

Note: This is not a sponsored or paid post. All views expressed are my own.

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Want to give your dearest mums a special treat?  I've a special Mother's Day Cake Giveaway happening on my Facebook page from 9am today until Mon 5 May 2014 {2359hrs}. Hop on over to win The Icing Room's new "Garden of Love" signature strawberry shortcake creation {S$30.80}! The heart-shaped light genoise sponge cake is layered with smooth Chantilly strawberry cream and topped with garden-fresh strawberries and blueberries. Absolutely divine!

Another irresistible treat shown in the pic above is “Love Always” {$32.80}, a moist chocolate Chantilly cake that is given a luscious coat of red velvet chocolate and paired with the refreshing sweetness of tropical fruits. A melange of berries, pistachio nuts and chocolate flowers add more flourish to delight mummy. Both cakes are available only from 25 April to 11 May 2014.

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New Look | Loving My Short Bob Haircut!!

So I've been feeling a little restless of late. The kind of restlessness that makes you want to do SOMETHING and make sure that things CHANGE for the better. No more waiting, no more what ifs, just freaking if-it-makes-you-happy-just-do-it. I might have my Northern Territory trip to thank for that because it made me realise just how useless procrastination and worrying is when there's so much freedom and beauty to appreciate in this world. And no time should be wasted discovering them.

Yeah, and what better way to change then to start with a new hairstyle and look!! Out with the dull, long hair and in with a chic short bob! :P

I've been thinking about it for a while but hum-hawed about it because it takes forevvveeer for my hair to grow out. It took about 3 years for my hair to reach that current length from a bob. And I actually do like my hair long because there's so many more styling options!! However, I'm not like one of those ANTM gals to cry over getting her hair chopped off, so I just decided to do it and booked an appointment with Berne, my usual hairstylist, last week.

Here's Berne working his magic. I get invites for hair sponsorships sometimes but I always turn them down because I can't imagine trusting anyone else with my hair. I mean, unless Berne dies *touch wood* or moves out of the country, I won't change hair stylist to cut my hair. I've mentioned before that he's meticulous {it took 3 hours just to get this bob!} and listens to what I want, yet recommends without being too pushy. Plus he never hard-sells anything and he doesn't chat endlessly. For me, going to the hair salon is a time for me to relax, so I really don't like to make too much small talk.

In case you're wondering, Berne doesn't even know I blog so he's not doing all this for publicity. It's just the way he is.

Ta-dah!! Finished slightly asymmetrical short bob :) I permed the ends and my fringe slightly so that I don't have to blow-dry my hair to get the proper "round" shape. I'm too lazy busy to blow-dry and shape my hair everyday before work so this is really an easy alternative.  

To spice things up a bit, Berne cut my right side slightly longer than my right side. Also, since my hair is really, really thick, a lot of layering was done and he actually shaved the back of my head hair slightly to slope downwards.

Love love love it! :) My friends who've seen it think it's so awesome and "so me" too haha. Think I'll be having this hair-do for quite a while.. until something else comes along and catches my fancy ;p

Degree Hair Studio
Far East Plaza #05-87, 14 Scotts Road
Tel: 6732 3320
Mon - Fri: 11am - 9pm
Sat: 11am - 8.30pm
Sun: 11am - 8pm

What do you think makes a great hairstylist? Do you like long or short hair?

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored or paid post. All views expressed are my own.

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Today is Children's Day in Singapore! I've a special Children's Day Weekend Giveaway happening on my Facebook page from 9am today until Mon 7 October 2013 {2359hrs}. Hop on over to win the new Asian Gastronomic Voyage Family Buffet Package {for 2 Adults + 2 Kids worth S$74++} at Street 50 Restaurant + Bar, Bay Hotel Singapore! They serve an incredible array of delights from countries such as Vietnam, Hong Kong, Korea, China, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.

Also, the International Giveaway for S$25 Mama Shoppe Credits is still ongoing so don't miss out on that either!! :) Go ahead and discover the wide range of beautifully-patterned, matchy-matchy clothes for the whole family!

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Letter to my girl #9 | "Mum, Why do You Work?"

Dear Lil Pumpkin,

Sometimes in the morning, you'll start crying and hold my hand tightly, telling me not to go to work. It doesn't happen often, but every time it does, my heart aches a little and I wish I didn't have to go. So I sit by your side a little longer, hug you a little harder, hope hard that you won't hold this against me and pray that you'll understand that I'm doing this for the best of all of us.

Sometimes you'll even ask, "Mum, why do you work?" I usually give a simple answer, "to make money and buy you presents" but my Lil Pumpkin, it is more than that.

I work so that your daddy isn't burdened with all our financial problems. I work so that I make full use of the knowledge gained from years of schooling. I work so that I can help take care of your grandparents. I work so that we can let you experience life to the fullest. I work so that we can live a little more comfortably, with a little less worry. And also, I work because of who I am.

Mummy believes that individuality does not end after motherhood. Working helps me to maintain my own identity, so that I have the control and financial ability to continue with my own passions and interests, without feeling guilty about spending your daddy's money. One day, you will grow up and have a family of your own, and won't need me as much. If my world revolves around you and only you, what will happen to me then? I don't want to be clingy and not let you live your own life.

Also, I want you to understand that with sacrifices & hard work comes rewards. Yes, I do miss being able to wake up late with you in bed, or going to the zoo on weekdays, or witnessing many of your "firsts", but we are also able to travel to many exciting places, have the weekly art classes that you love, and experience other things we might not have been able to afford to otherwise. And when Mummy is with you, I make sure we spend quality time together because I value the limited time we have.

I love you my dear. If I didn't feel that you would be safe and happy being in preschool or at your grandma's place while I work, or if I didn't have a good job that advocates work-life balance, I would never leave you. Things may change in the future, and I may stay at home to take care of you full-time, but for now, know that I do love you despite me not being with you 24/7.

Love always,
Mummy

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Primary School Parent Jitters

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about Lil Pumpkin entering formal schooling, even though it's still 3 years away.

The Ministry of Education {MOE} announced its Kindergarten Curriculum Framework in Singapore yesterday so that parents and educators will understand what the kids need to know and should be able to do by the end of Kindergarten 2 {K2} before they enter primary school. It all seems pretty "basic" with things like counting up to 10 and recognising their own name since preschool education isn't mandatory, but from what I'm hearing from some of the current primary-school kids' parents, if we just follow the framework, it's not enough. A friend of mine just quit her full-time, high-flying job to be with her kid who just started Primary 1 to supervise her studies better. Of course, it's probably not just for her kid's academic well-being, but it was a big factor.

I do worry if I'm not doing enough to prepare Lil Pumpkin for the big change. Will she have the academic skills to cope with primary school? Or will she be stressed and overwhelmed then subsequently hate school? The worst is if she will feel that she's stupid :( I don't remember ever feeling stressed in primary school, and I had some of the happiest memories there... so much so when I knew I was having a daughter, I couldn't wait for her to start school in my alma mater and have the happy experience I had!

Honestly, I'm quite a relaxed parent. Some might even say "slack". Compared to some other parents, I don't really do much with Lil Pumpkin academic-wise. I don't drill her daily on 1.2.3s or A,B,Cs. I don't buy assessment books and I certainly don't enroll her in 1001 classes. The only real academic enrichment class she's having is for Chinese since she isn't exposed much to it at home, and given our skills in it something best left to professionals.

I still believe a child should have her childhood - to play, to relax and to discover the world they entered not long ago. Learning isn't just in the classroom but through everyday life. We may not study science books, but we'd bring her to the zoo and nature walks. We may not drill the A,B,Cs, but we'd read with her. We may not practise drawing shapes, but we will do arts & crafts with her.

But really, is this enough? It doesn't seem so. I'm struggling to find a balance as I feel that I have to step up my game and have focused study plans with Lil Pumpkin so that she will ease into primary school with minimal "culture shock", yet I don't want to be forced to go with the flow and be a kiasu {local term for "be afraid of losing out"} parent that pushes the kid so hard that she forgoes the joy of childhood.

Add on that, a working mother's guilt of not being around much to do everything with her. Sigh. What am I to do?

*****

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ハローキティ｜Hello Kitty: Sweet Pink Kitty-chan Nails

My love for Hello Kitty has been resparked {has it ever waned?? ;p} since our recent Japan travels. Yes, I'm getting into all things pink / kawaii / girly / cutesy again!!! ^^V I really wanted to have Hello Kitty on my nails but there's some important meetings going on at work now, so the design couldn't be too "loud" or distracting.

Mal at GardenNails Nail Salon helped me to create something demure and pink, with just a hint of Hello Kitty and her signature bow. Love! The nail jewels centered in the middle of all my nails added elegance to the otherwise simple design as well.

See? Not all Hello Kitty nailart has to be over-the-top and unsuitable for the workplace! You can check out the other nailart inspirations on my Pinterest board. I will usually research and inform Mal what I want before I go down for the appointment so that she has time to prepare, or you can just leave it up to Mal's creativity on the day itself :)

As usual, for my special blog readers and friends, if you get your nails done at GardeNails and quote "Sakura", you will receive a free China Glaze Holiday Berry Cuticle Oil {worth S$12}. Apply it daily to keep cuticles and nails moisturized. It can also be applied right over dry nail polish on nails.

These are the special pricing just before Chinese New Year. Really affordable so hurry up to make your bookings because places are limited!

GardeNails Nail Salon
2A Hong San Walk B1-01 {Choa Chu Kang, near Keat Hong LRT}

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gardenailssalon

* Disclosure: Sweet Pink Hello Kitty manicure was provided by GardeNails Nails Salon for review. No monetary compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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For little girls: Pretty Peplum Dress

Peplum dresses are not a familiar silhouette for girls-wear, but it is such a stylish shape and back in vogue with the ladies now. Peplums basically have an extra material sewn on to tops, pants or skirts to give an illusion of curves on the wearer.

The Pretty Peplum Dress from My Red Riding Hood is a sweet way for our little princesses to jump onto the peplum dress rage now with their fashionista mummies!

It's made of soft cotton and has slight ruffles at the waist. Perfect for our sunny Singapore weather with its sleeveless polka dot top and short skirt.

Lil Pumpkin looks so cute dressed up as a little OL in the Pretty Peplum Dress and her Hello Kitty spectacles! If we ever have a Take Your Child to Work day in my organisation, I'm definitely letting her wear this ;p

My Red Riding Hood has other stylish kids clothes and accessories for trendy little girls and boys. Take advantage of the 15% off all collections {except Mother Garden toys} for Sakura Haruka friends & readers with this discount code: SAKURA15. International delivery available, and check their website & Facebook page for more details.

Want to read more My Red Riding Hood reviews? Check them out here. 

* Disclosure: Pretty Peplum Dress was provided by My Red Riding Hood for review. All other accessories belong to me. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

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I'm one of the top 10 finalists for Best Family Blog in Singapore Blog Awards 2012.

Appreciate if you can support & vote for me here.

Overseas voters welcome too {put your own ID number in NRIC/FIN no. field}.
Thank you!

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Tips from a Busy Working Mama | 5 Office Fashion Must-Haves

I've been working for about 4 years and I love observing what other ladies wear in the office. Lunch times are my favourite when I can just sit there, sip on my bubble tea and people watch. I think that there's actually a few fashion pieces that should be in every working lady's wardrobe and here are 5 of my office must-haves. Of course, you can give it your own style and personality to suit your individuality.

1. Jackets {blazers or cardigans}
Basically, something that you can throw on to make your outfit seem more formal during the day, and take off after-hours for a fun look. You don't need to go for boring black jackets, but maybe try something cropped {like a bolero} or chic nautical stripes. Keep a formal one in the office for those impromptu business meetings with big bosses and clients.

2. Knee length skirts
Really, I don't care what Ally McBeal says but mini skirts don't belong in the office, unless you work in a bar. If you don't like skirts, you can always go for tapered pants.

3. Flat shoes
Sure, high heels can instantly dress-up an outfit, but seriously, can your feet take the beating 5 days a week? You might be at your desk a lot, but remember to factor in meetings, site visits, lunch hours, walking around the office etc. Flat doesn't mean lazy and there are a lot of comfortable, pretty flats out there to match all types of office wear. However, make sure you get properly soled flats with arch support. I prefer to invest in quality leather flats that are stylish, yet comfortable and last a long time.

4. Statement pieces
 Like a stylish watch, or a vintage brooch, or a bright quilted handbag, or that simple silver cuff bracelet... have statement pieces that will make your officewear pop. You don't need many; remember quality over quantity.

5. Little black dresses
To digress a little, funerals in Singapore are not quite informal. As long as you wear mourning colours like white, black or blue... you are set. In Japan however, you are expected to dress formally in suits or dresses {if you aren't in the funeral kimonos}. I bought my first black working dress in Japan when I started work just in case I needed to attend a funeral. Not joking. Black dresses are easy to wear, and style with different accessories. Choose those with interesting cuts, details and texture.

What office fashion must-haves do you recommend?

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Make Every Life Moment Shine ☆ キラキラ ☆

I work 5 days a week, while the boy works even the weekends. Most weekdays, the only time we get to spend with Lil Pumpkin is at night, so we really treasure the family times.

Children grow up so fast, and as much as we want to be there to watch Lil Pumpkin's every milestone, it is impossible. As working parents, it is a sacrifice we have to make... but one we know will benefit all of us especially when we have such a high standard of living here. Food, education, electricity, home mortgages, car installments all need to be paid. Plus, we are setting an example for our daughter - life is not all about play, and nothing comes without a cost.

Whatever moments we have with her, we try to live life to the fullest and impart our knowledge and love to our daughter through every day simple living. Be it through quiet reading times,  playing in the waters with her daddy, having a fun baking session with me or taking the time to hug & talk to her... it doesn't need to cost a lot of money or take a lot of effort. 

Life is not about waiting for the "special occasions" or those "Hallmark moments". It may go by all too soon to even recognise that it was special. Today will never come again. Use your fine porcelain, wear those pretty shoes & pearls you've been saving and don't wait for storms to pass, learn to dance in the rain!

Every woman knows that there is no one shoe {or bag, or shirt, or dress} fits all for every moment, but since wearing the Casio Sheen SHE 5020D-7A for the past few weeks, I think that actually, it is an accessory suitable for all of life's occasions based on the different styling! I wear it daily and its classic elegance fits right into my lifestyle a young modern woman, a sophisticated working mother, graceful wife and chic domestic goddess. I love its beauty and it is a daily reminder to make every life moment shine!

What roles are you juggling daily? Do you have a daily reminder to live life to the fullest?

Most of the activities we do with our darling daughter are here, and do check out my list of Kid-Friendly Places in Singapore. Contact me if you have further ideas or recommendations!

View more updates and pictures of my Casio Sheen Shining Journey on my facebook page, twitter & instagram feeds.

* Disclosure: Casio Sheen SHE-5020D-7A was provided by Casio Singapore for the blogging campaign, thanks to omy.sg. All other clothes & accessories belong to me. No monetary compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.

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