Hubby's Labral Tear & Calcium Deposits Shoulder Surgery

Lil Pumpkin and I were in Hong Kong with my parents for a short getaway last weekend and on the day we touched down, the boy went into surgery to fix a suspected posterior labral tear & remove calcium deposits in his left shoulder.

There was a nagging pain in his shoulder for the past year or so and a few months ago, he went to get it checked out with a specialist. Calcium deposits showed up in his MRI scan and the specialist recommended just physiotherapy.

But after a few sessions and when the pain seemed to worsen, the specialist ran other tests and suspected a posterior labral tear, which couldn't be confirmed unless they opened his shoulder up. So, the boy opted for surgery to fix that and to remove the calcium deposits too.

Might as well get it fixed fast so that he can finally recover properly and move on from his injury. 

The boy's surgery was from about 8.30am to 10am on Wednesday, and by lunch time he was back in his room and awake, albeit a little groggy.

There a slight numbness and tingling in his left hand, which the nurses said was common and caused by the nerve block which he was given to block the surgery pain. It slowly subsided, and since he was given a loooooot of pain killers, he wasn't in much pain too, just some discomfort ( ◞･౪･)

I took leave that day as well to keep him company and Lil Pumpkin popped by with my parents after lunch to see her beloved daddy...

Oh those two lovebirds... Lil Pumpkin missed her daddy so, and he missed her lots too ❤

My parents help to take care of Lil Pumpkin while the boy stayed over for the night to rest and recuperate. On Thursday, I had to go back to work but went down to have lunch with the boy and help him to discharge.

My strongman looks like the surgery barely affected him haha... he has to wear the sling for at least 2 weeks I think and the specialist said that recovery should take at least 2 months?

That's good, just in time for our family holiday to Japan!!! ( ᐛ )و

The boy said that his labrum tear was likely due to his time in CrossFit when he pushed himself and did lots of overhead snatches and handstands even when it hurt him.

CrossFit has a bad rep for the high amount of injuries caused. But I always think that like any other sports, if you know your limits, and you have a good foundation of the techniques and skills, you can always take care and train hard, without pushing yourself to the point of getting terribly injured.

However, the hard truth about CrossFit is that it is not always easy to just listen to your body & gut feeling, and just stop. It's hard to say "no" when everything about the community, the environment just gives you an adrenaline rush that makes you want to push harder, go further, do it faster. The camaraderie and energy in a CrossFit box is nothing short of contagious.

All you have to do is to step into one to know what I mean.

That rush and love for exercising is far from a bad thing, but the no-quit atmosphere gets problematic {maybe even dangerous} especially when every workout makes you want to push to the edge of every set, every rep, until there’s nothing left in the tank.

The boy has said a few times that he's glad that when I started training regularly, I built my foundation and techniques under good trainers and now I have Superman to monitor my progress and help me exercise through my back injury {not caused by training by the way, but because I have scoliosis and went for a major back operation when I was 15...}. Even when I was doing CrossFit on the side of my gym training, Superman would watch out for me and constantly remind me to not push beyond my limits and mind my injuries... and also chide me when I went too far #oops

If the boy had good trainers when he started weight-lifting 20 odd years ago, maybe he wouldn't have so many sports-related injuries or even go for 2 hernia operations in 2011 and 2014, and now a shoulder operation...

Anyway, I'm not dissing CrossFit as I love doing its WODs too and I still think my hubby is a knowledgeable and experienced athlete. I know that he learns and grows from his mistakes, and admire him for his never-say-die spirit.. Even when he's down from his injuries, he's still doing other forms of exercise like yoga to keep fit and active (/^▽^)/

Thank you all for your well wishes and messages of concern for my hubby. Please continue to pray for his speedy recovery and hopefully, he will not have to go for any more operations anytime soon!

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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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Happy 14th Anniversary to Us ♥

Today the boy and I celebrate our 14th anniversary together ♥ And even after 14 years, he never fails to surprise me when I least expect it *grins* 

He hadn't bought me flowers for the longest time {and even on Vday it was Lil Pumpkin who bought a flower for him to give to me!! haha.. more on that later..} but secretly bought a bouquet of my fave red roses for our anniversary, and even enlisted Lil Pumpkin's help to make me an anniversary card. Awww!

Seriously guys, you gotta learn this one. No expensive Hallmark card will ever beat the thoughtfully hand-written and hand-drawn card of your own children (⌒▽⌒)☆ It definitely made my heart swoon and eyes tear a little..

Inside was this sweet message,

"Happy Anniversary dear! We think that you are cute and awesome! We hope you like the card from us. The reason we make this card is that you are very special to me and daddy. I wish you a nice anniversary with daddy. I ♥ you."

Not sure whose idea it was too {but I'm betting on Lil Pumpkin!} but there was a Love Meter and they circled the highest section for "Love a Lot!" ~ヾ(＾∇＾) #toocute

Thanks hubby for making our anniversary feel special after all these years even though we're still going about our daily work and parenting duties today. I love and appreciate all that you've done for me and the family, even if I don't say it as often as I should.

Happy anniversary to us, dear Poogeo ♥

Other anniversary posts:

Happy 9th Anniversary!

 Happy 10th Anniversary - Short Story of How We Met

11 Things You Didn't Know about Hubby & Me

12 Things I Learnt after 12 Years As A Couple

Happy 13th Anniversary to Us!

Happy 14th Anniversary - Surprise Flowers & Card

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Our Pre-Wedding Studio & Outdoors Memories

As we celebrate our 8th marriage anniversary tomorrow, it's that time of the year when I start to reminisce about our wedding and everything leading up to it (*^▽^*) I was looking through some of our pre-wedding shots and realised I never shared them on the blog here.

Well, mainly because I started Sakura Haruka about 3 years after it happened haha.

I hate to sound like it was a long, long time ago {hah!} but back then when we got married, we didn't want too much of a hassle {or spend an exorbitant amount of money} and signed up with a one-stop bridal studio to take care of most things.

No rushing to look for a famed wedding gown designer, or artisan florist, or award-winning photographer {although we got a pretty good one for our actual day}. If I'm not wrong, the bulk of our wedding expenditure went to our venue for our bridal ceremony & dinner banquet at Four Seasons Hotel... which was my dream wedding venue for various reasons ♥ #thankshubbyformakingmyweddingdreamcometrue

The photos here are very "typical" bridal studio indoors / outdoors shots & poses. They may also seem a little dated especially since nowadays pre-wedding shots are so creatively themed and taken.

Kinda cheesy, but I still like and treasure them ~ヾ(＾∇＾)

Ahhhhh memories~ The white wedding gown with the giant red bow was a custom-made piece for me. Can you guess where I got the inspiration for the red bow from?? haha..

Anyway that and the red gown were both actual dresses I wore on our wedding day ♥ I don't think I shared our wedding day photos here on the blog much before too.. might do that in a later post (⁎⚈᷀᷁▿⚈᷀᷁⁎)

Do you often look back at your wedding photos?

Where did you go for your pre-wedding / engagement shots?

P.S. If you haven't read them yet, here's more about the man behind me, 11 things you may not know about hubby and me, and 12 things I learnt from our years together as a couple.

P.P.S. Last day to use my Agape Babies one-stop shopping discount code!

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The Man Behind Me ♥

They say behind every successful man, is a great woman. I don't know how hubby thinks about that, but I do know that behind me.. or rather, beside me, is a great man that makes me want to be a better person. And it's not just because he loves me so much.

The boy is inspirational in his work as a vet. 

He's the type that will answer calls and texts from clients and friends with pets, even outside office-hours. And no, he doesn't charge them. He's the type that will spend hours looking up for alternative remedies to the animals' ailments that can be more effective, and less costly for the owners. He's the type that continues to improve himself by taking up yearly courses and training. He's the type of vet that will scold the owners, if he knows they aren't taking care of their pets properly. Please don't go and tell him bullsh*t, he knows. He's the type that will take time off paid work to volunteer his services for the stray animals. And no, he will not euthanise healthy animals, even if you pay him heaps.

Everybody can see that he's an awesome vet, but it's what people don't see, what happens in our daily lives, that I find to be even more inspirational.

Like how he'd open up the clinic to our friends' kids if they are interested in how he works {for some reason a lot of kids want to be vets haha}. Or how he took the time to correspond with MOM {even though he hates dealing with bureaucratic stuff} on behalf of a kopitiam uncle we knew because he had some work problems but didn't know how to talk to them.

Or how he knows the drink stall guy near his workplace by name and gave him an angpao {money gift} when he knew the guy was going back to India to marry. You know now when I go to the drink stall too, I don't even have to make an order or open my mouth, the guy sees me and knows what drink I like to order {Kopi-C Kosong Peng, thanks.. and has it ready by the time I reach his counter. And I have not even been going to the drink stall frequently, only 3-4 times but this happened the last 2 times as I think he saw me with hubby and knows I am the wife.

The boy touches people so deeply with his kind and generous actions & words, that they feel this way and want to treat his own family members so well too as to "repay" him.  That's amazing, isn't it? But the boy does not think much of what he does. To him, these are just the basic things that people should do, 理所当然的行为.

But how many people would take the time to educate other people's kids about their work? How many will say "come, you deserve better, let me help you write to MOM"? How many would usually be so generous to give angpaos to non-family members and friends?

It is not only these instances of course, and there are many more that I can think of. 

This Saturday we will celebrate our 8th marriage anniversary together. I say this every year, but I still can never say this enough.. how truly blessed I am to be his wife and to have him by my side for the rest of my life. Someone to hold me, someone to support me, someone to stay with me even during my darkest moments, and someone that inspires me to be the best that I can be at work, at home, as a person. 

Thank you for loving me. I love you too my dear. Happy 8th Marriage Anniversary to us! ♥

P.S. If you haven't read them yet, here's 11 things you may not know about hubby and me, and 12 things I learnt from our years together as a couple.

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Bub & Me: Vet for A Day @ Clinic For Pets

Quite some time back Lil Pumpkin attended the 'Doctor for a Day' programme at Mount Elizabeth Novena where children can get a taste of what it's like to be a doctor. It was about an hour's program and she went around tending to patients and responding to various make-believe medical scenarios in the hospital.

I thought it was a very good experience made even more real with the white doctor coat she was wearing so when I saw a Vet costume on sale at ELC, I couldn't help but get the set for her to wear when she goes to her daddy's vet clinic to have her own fun "Vet for A Day" experiences haha.

In case you didn't already know, my mother-in-law is a vet too and Clinic for Pets, the vet clinic that the boy works at is a family business. My mother-in-law opened it in 1980 and its been around for almost as long as the boy.. 36 years!!

Ever since he was a small boy, the boy has been helping out in the clinic too and that's where he first got his inspiration to be a vet. Keeping up with tradition and also out of necessity sometimes due to our busy schedules, the boy has also been bringing Lil Pumpkin to work and she's at the clinic once a week. 

When he has time, the boy will teach Lil Pumpkin about the animals and even give her hands-on experiences in helping him check the animals and preparing for the surgeries. She loves this special time she has with her daddy and has told us on a few occasions that she'd want to be a vet when she grows up too. Of course on these occasions, we took the opportunity to tell her that she would have to study very, very hard then and make sure she performs academically :P

Personally, I think it's wonderful if she can carry on this family business but even if she doesn't, I still like that she's learning how to care for and be kind to animals from her daddy. Nowadays, we often hear many stories about animal abuse and abandonment.. if we can raise one little human being to prevent this and spread the word about loving the animals properly, it would not be one too many.

Bringing Lil Pumpkin to work is beneficial to her in so many ways. She gets to see first-hand the ups and downs of her daddy's job {being a vet doesn't mean just playing with animals - sometimes they have to clean poo & vomit too!}, his responsibilities and learn the value of hard work and persistence. Yup, she understands that money doesn't drop from trees haha.

Lil Pumpkin also gets to build her confidence and communicate with people from all kinds of backgrounds as she sits in her daddy's consultations and hangs out the clinic staff & neighbouring shopkeepers {if the clinic gets too busy my MIL will bring her out to eat and play}. When she gets assigned small, tasks like folding towels, walking the animals or packing the medicine, it exposes her to new way of working, thinking and moving.

For the boy, having Lil Pumpkin in the clinic also motivates him to work harder and set a good example so it really is a win-win situation.

Unfortunately, I can't bring Lil Pumpkin to work with me as we don't have that culture in my organisation but she has been to my office more than a few times in the past when the boy sent / dropped me off at work. I've actually suggested to our HR to have "Bring Our Kids to Work Days" but so far, they haven't given it the green light yet haha.

Do you bring your kids to work?

How does it benefit you and your kids?

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Happy 13th Anniversary to Us ♥ + WIN Abbott Grow Hampers

Today is our 13th anniversary together ♥

It seems like a lifetime ago when the boy and I first met at University. From the very beginning, whenever I talk about my relationship with hubby, I always gush about the same things - how loving he is, how he always gives in to me, how supportive he is of my dreams and goals, how he takes care of me and the family etc.

Even after all these years, he hasn't changed and remained the man I fell in love with. For that, I'm really grateful and thankful.

Today, we sent Lil Pumpkin to school in the morning and the boy went to work. Since Lil Pumpkin has early dismissal today, we managed to have a rare weekday family lunch together at one of my fave French restaurants near her school. Good news! She told us she had full marks for her spelling today (⌒▽⌒)☆

After that we came home for a Lil Pumpkin's nap. I joined her for a bit then folded the laundry and finished up this blog post. When she wakes up, Lil Pumpkin will have her Chinese enrichment class while the boy and I will eat 麻辣香锅 for dinner while waiting for her as per our usual Wednesdays. We'll buy chicken rice for her dinner and the boy will drop us back home before he goes for his late evening CrossFit class. During that time, Lil Pumpkin will have her dinner then I'll bathe her and get her ready for school the next day. The boy will be back just before Lil Pumpkin sleeps and read her a bed-time story.

Unlike our early anniversary celebrations that had lots of pomp and planning, after 13 years and 1 kid together, today will be just a simple day filled with our usual work commitments, parenting duties, household chores, and chatting about the new fitness toys & gear we want to get heh.

I wouldn't have it any other way though. Happy anniversary to us, dear Poogeo ♥

P.S. If you like, have a read at 12 Years Together As A Couple and 11 Things You Didn't Know About Hubby and Me.

Other anniversary posts:

Happy 9th Anniversary!

 Happy 10th Anniversary - Short Story of How We Met

11 Things You Didn't Know about Hubby & Me

12 Things I Learnt after 12 Years As A Couple

Happy 13th Anniversary to Us!

Happy 14th Anniversary - Surprise Flowers & Card

*****

Last week, Singapore Zoo’s first baby giraffe in 28 years was officially adopted and named ‘Jubilee’ by Abbott GROW! Born on 31 August 2015, male calf Jubilee is the first offspring of mother Roni and father Growie who arrived at Singapore Zoo in 2005, from Israel and the Netherlands respectively. Since his birth last year, Jubilee has been proudly and fondly referred to as the zoo’s tallest ‘SG50 baby’, having been born during Singapore’s jubilee year haha

To celebrate our 13th anniversary and the happy news about Jubilee with you, I'm hosting an Abbott GROW Hamper giveaway! Lil Pumpkin has been drinking Abbott GROW, a nutrient-dense growing-up milk specially formulated in partnership with the Health Promotion Board, for the past couple of years to help her grow into a strong, well-developed kid and I'm glad there's this opportunity to share it with you now ੧(❛▿❛✿)੭

I think most kids in Singapore are like Lil Pumpkin - constantly on the go attending school, enrichment classes, playing outdoors etc. What helps them to keep up with their physical and mental demands is a strong nutritional foundation for a healthy body! Besides eating healthy & balanced meals, milk should remain an integral part of their diet to support their growing needs and if the kids don't really like fresh milk yet, growing-up milk is an essential alternative.

For my own special friends & blog readers, I've TWO Abbott Grow Hampers {worth S$50} to give away!! Each prize includes:

• 1 x GROW Premium Water Bottle
• 2 x GROW Dinosaur 3D Puzzles 
• 2 x GROW Discount Vouchers 
• 1 x GROW Grab & Go School Kit {whiteboard, marker, stickers etc.}
• 1 x GROW Ready-To-Drink in Vanilla {6x180ml packets}
• 1 x GROW 3+ w/ Immunigrow 900g tin OR GROW School 6+ w/ Immunigrow 900g tin

Giveaway Method: Random Draw

1. Be a Sakura Haruka Facebook page fan

2. Subscribe to my upcoming newsletter. Make sure the email add you used to subscribe is working as I'll be using that to contact the winner. Remember to confirm the subscription and check your junk folder in case the confirmation email goes there.

3. Like & Share this Facebook photo and tag 3 friends. Make sure your post is public!

4. Leave me a blog comment telling me your best tips for kids to grow up loving Maths + FB name you used to like the page + name you used to subscribe to the newsletter. For those unsure of how to comment, choose "Name/URL" option then add your name and comment.

Bonus entry:
1. Follow me on Instagram {@AiSakuraHaruka}
2. Repost this photo on IG & tag @AiSakuraHaruka #ASHxAbbottGrowGiveaway + your FB name. Make sure your post is public!

TWO random winners will be chosen. Just complete all 4 simple steps + bonus entry {if you like}!

Details:
* Open to Singapore residents only.
* Ends Sunday, 13 March 2016 2359hrs {Singapore time} 
* Incomplete or inappropriate entries will be deemed invalid and will not be included.
* Winner will be announced by Wednesday 16 March 2016 on this blog post and notified via email with further instructions on how to collect prize. Winner have 2 days to reply, or the prize will be redrawn.
* Water bottle & puzzles designs may differ, depending on stock availability.
* Winner has to choose either GROW 3+ w/ Immunigrow 900g tin OR GROW School 6+ w/ Immunigrow 900g tin
* Sakura Haruka is not responsible for any prizes lost, damaged or misplaced in delivery.

UPDATE: The giveaway has ended. The winners are Toh Lay Hoon & Theresa Tay. Stay tuned for more blog giveaways on Sakura Haruka! Check out my current readers promos too. Thanks for your support!

* Disclosure: Abbott Grow Hampers were provided by Abbott Singapore for giveaway.

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"What does a Veterinarian do?" | His First Vet Talk

Most of you probably know that the boy is a vet and for the past few years since she started preschool, Lil Pumpkin's school has been trying to get him in to give a talk about his job as a vet to the kids but their schedules always clashed. It's nice that at least one of us has an interesting job... (*≧∀≦*)

He finally managed to squeeze time in for them a while back. I took some time off work to give him support too ✿ヾ╲(｡◕‿◕｡)╱✿

Lil Pumpkin was so pleased as both of us thought that it was going to be for her K2 class but actually, the boy was supposed to give a talk to the K1 class as they are currently learning about animals and how to take care of them properly.

Oh well. Next time then!!

The preschool has a pet rabbit which they brought into the class to help with the talk. Quite a sweet-heart.

The boy wore his cutest scrubs haha and brought along some basic equipment to explain what he does in a day, what type of animals he looks after and what he does for a typical check-up. The children were all interested and kids being kids, asked sooooo many questions.

He gave an actual "check-up" to the school rabbit but it was quite timid and kept running around so the boy just did it while it was inside the cage. He also let the kids have a go at touching and handling his vet equipment.

When you first meet the boy, you might think he is an introvert but he's actually a people's person like his mum. I could tell the kids liked him a lot and it's probably because the boy's very genuine when he engages with people. He is non-judgmental, does not talk down to anyone and listens intently.

But I think next time, he should try to break down the big words even more and make his talk even simpler for the young kids to understand.

A gift from K1 kids at @lovelilpumpkin school after I gave a short talk about vet's work. Thank you! I think I should do more of this!

A photo posted by nothing to see over here (@i_am_dr_dru) on Jul 9, 2015 at 10:26pm PDT

The kids even drew him a huuuuuge "thank you" card. So sweet!!!

The boy said that he enjoyed the experience a lot too and won't mind giving more talks to small kids to educate them about what he takes to be a vet. It's not easy, and it's not all rosy, but it's definitely a very meaningful vocation especially when you get to save lives. 

Well done dear! I think you did a brilliant job with your first vet talk （　◜◡‾）凸 （‾◡◝　）

Have you give a talk to kids before?

Any tips to engage and keep it interesting?

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Happy 7th Marriage Anniversary!! + Win Glitter Glam Vouchers

Dear Poogeo,

Today is our 7th marriage anniversary!!! Sometimes we get too busy or distracted and hardly have time for a proper conversation. Here's some things I wanted to tell you before I forget...

We've been together for 12 years but today is the day we made a lifelong commitment to one another to become husband and wife ♥ I still remember the first day we met in your dorm living room. It's such a long time back, but it also feels like it just happened yesterday.

They say opposites attract and maybe so. I'm quite the extrovert, while you are more of the introvert. I like details and planning, while you like to wing it {and it sometimes drives me crazy!}. I live to eat while you eat to live. I'm the night owl while you're a morning bird. If I had a free day to do whatever I want, I'd probably just want to sleep in bed.. while your dream day would be to work out in the gym (*＾▽＾)／

It's not bad really, as I think if we were too similar life would be pretty boring! And as we get older, our different tastes and characteristics have somehow rubbed off on each other so that we kinda become "same-same" haha.

I sometimes look back fondly to the time when life was much simpler and it was just us living in Australia. Now, there's so much more responsibilities, stress and chores to take care of which I know makes both of us weary. But unlike me, you often trudge on faithfully with little complaints and much positivity.

This is really something I need to learn from you. 

I know I don't say it often enough but thank you. Our relationship hasn't always been easy, but it's been so worthwhile. I've grown and learnt so much from you, and it gives me great comfort knowing that you're there taking care of me and the family.

You're an awesome hubby. Sorry I can't be the best wife, but I hope you'll always be there for me, no matter where life brings us or if I piss you off too much, which I know I do sometimes for being such a grouch or unreasonable and impatient person. 

Lil Pumpkin is so blessed to have you as her daddy too, and I really want you to know that. I know sometimes you feel bad for not giving her enough time, or when you are harsh towards her.. but also remember that not every dad will drop his kid off at school every morning, ferry his kid to her different enrichment classes, take time off work to bring his kid to the playgrounds, read to his kid or help his kid with her school work almost every night.

I'm really happy that you are mine. Happy 7th anniversary, dear!! ♥♥♥

Love always,
Chubbinity

*****

P.S. You can find out why we call each other "Poogeo" and "Chubbinity" in my post here for 11 Things You Didn't Know about Hubby & Me (☆‿☆)

Nothing planned today and it is usual work-day for us... however, we'll be having a little celebratory staycation this weekend that I'm really looking forward to seeing how we enjoyed the one at Fullerton Hotel so much!!

Even prepared Lil Pumpkin and my outfits a month ago for our late anniversary dinner on Saturday night haha.

It's the Meadow Leaves Printed Dress from our fave store for matchy-matchy mummy-daughter outfits, Glitter Glam. From their latest collection, I saw it on their display window when I was walking past their store one day and immediately fell in love with the soft pastel colours and printed leaves design that reminds me of autumn!!

This A-line dress is really soft and light and although there's no inner lining, it's not translucent at all. Looks really gorgeous on its own, or when I want to be "twinning" with Lil Pumpkin. It has an adult top in the same print as well but you know, I always prefer dresses heh.

To help me celebrate our anniversary with my readers and friends, Glitter Glam has kindly offered prizes for a special 7th Anniversary Giveaway!! How awesome is that!! I would really love for you use this opportunity to get to know this local brand and understand why I adore it so much.

If you don't want to take a chance, there's also a special discount code,

Promo: Quote "sakura7" for 20% off ALL all Glitter Glam & Mary Had A Little Lamb regular-priced clothes & accessories from their online store. Valid for all purchases from 1 - 13 Sep 2015 only. Free shipping to Singapore addresses and overseas shipping available.

While you're on their website, sign up for their mailing list to also immediately enjoy 10% off regular-priced items for your first purchase.

Just for my special blog readers and friends only, I have SEVEN Glitter Glam vouchers worth S$70 each to give away! You can use it to purchase any regular-priced item in the Glitter Glam or Mary Had A Little Lamb collection at their Harbourfront boutique!

They have new arrivals every other week and there's sure to be something to suit your style whether it's for work, play-time or casual nights out. Glitter Glam clothing is available in sizes S - XL, while Mary Had A Little Lamb fits little girls aged 1 - 9 years old.

There will be 2 fun ways to enter and win. You can choose to enter via a random draw on Facebook or Instagram, or do both for extra chances! 。(⌒∇⌒。)

Giveaway Method 1: Facebook Draw

This is good for those that have private Instagram accounts. To enter, simply,

1. Be a Sakura Haruka Facebook page fan

2. Be a Glitter Glam Facebook page fan

3. Subscribe to my upcoming newsletter. Make sure the email add you used to subscribe is working as I'll be using that to contact the winner. Remember to confirm the subscription and check your junk folder in case the confirmation email goes there.

4. Like & Share this Facebook photo and tag 3 friends. Make sure your post is public!

5. Leave me a blog comment telling me what's your dream anniversary gift + FB name you used to like the page + name you used to subscribe to the newsletter. For those unsure of how to comment, choose "Name/URL" option then add your name and comment.

FOUR random winners will be chosen. Just complete all 5 simple steps!

Giveaway Method 2: Instagram Draw

For those that don't like Facebook haha. To enter, simply,

1. Follow me on Instagram {@AiSakuraHaruka}

2. Follow Glitter Glam on Instagram {@GlitterGlamSG}

3. Repost this photo on IG. Make sure your post is public!

4. Tag @AiSakuraHaruka #ASHxGlitterGlamgiveaway #GlitterGlamSG + 3 friends

THREE random winners will be chosen. Just complete all 4 simple steps! 


UPDATE: The winners are Tammy Tng, Kong Meifong, Adelyn Khoo, Elizabeth De Cruz, Casy Ang (@angcasy), Jaime (@preciouz) and June Lee (@juneleety) . Stay tuned for more blog giveaways on Sakura Haruka! Check out my current readers promos too. Thanks for your support!
 
Details:
* Open to Singapore residents only.
* Ends Sunday, 30 August 2015 2359hrs {Singapore time} 
* Incomplete or inappropriate entries will be deemed invalid and will not be included.
* Winners will be announced by Wednesday, 2 Sep 2015 on this blog post and notified via email with further instructions on how to redeem the prize. Winners have 2 days to reply, or the prize will be redrawn.
* Participants can enter in both draws, but can win only once.
* Prize vouchers are valid only for regular-priced clothes at Glitter Glam Harbourfront Centre #02-110.
* Chosen items are subject to stock availability.

Disclosure: Glitter Glam provided the vouchers for giveaway. All other opinions are my own.

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Blessed & Home ❀

After 2+ weeks in Japan, we are finally home. I came back feeling all lethargic & nauseous and thought maybe it's my body way of telling me I should stay longer in Japan but I remembered I felt like that just before we left too so it probably wasn't so.

The last few days in Japan were cold with strong winds and low temperatures around 6 °C. It kinda felt like winter and really wouldn't be so bad, except that we weren't expecting to be dressed for winter and had just light Spring clothes with us! We did end up buying some more long sleeves and sweaters due to the sudden weather change though... if only it stayed as warm as it was when we first reached Tokyo!

Lil Pumpkin was thankfully kept warm and snug with her pink, padded Joules jacket that has served her well for the past 2+ years. I'm so glad that she did not fall ill at all during this whole trip.. phew~!

We were back on Friday and over the weekend I spent most of my time sleeping to recover {missed Jerome / Juria's Points of Departure exhibition talk!} and felt better enough to make it to work today. Had heaps and heaps of work emails to go through and I'm glad to have them sorted. Next I'll have to tackle the blog emails oops.

Seriously suffered some post-holiday and Monday blues today and I wish every day was spent having Ohanami picnics under the beautiful Sakura trees instead of being stuck in the office grind. However, hard work just makes holidays and rest days even more meaningful and rewarding.

That's something I'd really like Lil Pumpkin to learn and understand - nothing worth having comes easy, and nothing good lasts forever.

We went to admire Sakura in Japan, and we managed to do it in 7 cities for the past 2+ weeks. Extremely thankful for that. It was truly a memorable trip and I'm feeling so blessed to have my family with me to enjoy it, despite some unforeseen circumstances that have occurred.

Will be sharing more posts and photos in the coming weeks of our Japan 2015 travels so stay tuned xox

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