Thanks Emily!

I received my WLE yesterday and it was a pleasant surprise, a beautiful crocheted bag with stunning blooms on both sides! A bookmark and two whole yarns!! Nigel was equally astonished as he also received a paper bag of goodies. He is now a busy carpentar and one lucky boy.

"Thank you Auntie Emily! This is for you." Nigel grinning ear to ear.


The busy carpentar with his new toy.


Look at this gorgeous bag!


Blooms on both sides. My photo is not doing this beautiful bag any justice!





Emily! You're so talented! Thanks Again!!

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June's Progress

Have finally gathered enough guts to sew a little blouse with sleeves (I have yet to complete the hemming, bit I couldn't wait to show it off.). This is pretty encouraging as I'm already thinking of investing in a good sewing machine - Singer or Brother brand? Anybody with good advice on what type of sewing machine to get. My current one is like 15 years old and it's still functioning but I'm so tempted by the new models and their out-of-this-world feature!.


I made a little clutch from some fabric samples and tested out the magnetic clasp I bought recently.

The tote I brought along to our Kuantan trip.
Didn't like how this turned out. Something wrong with the proportion, I admit!!!

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Our Holiday in Kuantan

A last minute plan to redeem Nigel's school holidays got us all packed and ready for a weekend holiday in Kuantan. He had to skip one day of school last Friday as we wanted to leave early so that he'll get to spend more time on the beach. The drive was only 2 1/2 hours away....Yippee!

Kuantan is the state capital of Pahang, the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated near Kuantan River mouth and facing the South China Sea.

Known as a tropical getaway, one of its major economic activities is tourism. Domestically it is famous for the production of handicrafts, batik and keropok lekor. Serving as the administrative and commercial capital of Pahang, trade and commerce largely supports the economy of the town.

Timber industry and fishing industry also play vital roles in the local economy.

Here's where we stayed...

Swiss-Garden Resort & Spa Kuantan Pahang Malaysia is a beach resort located on the pristine shoreline of eastern Peninsular Malaysia. Idyllic and charming, this coconut-swaying paradise fronts the azure waters of the South China Sea. With luxurious accommodations, excellent facilities, attentive service and true Malaysian hospitality, every guest of ours can expect to be treated like royalty.

http://www.swissgardenkuantan.com/index.html


Dad taking a nap. This is his version of a holiday!

Checking out the facilities and the menu!


This is my version of a holiday. A craft book (my latest addition to my sewing book collection), my new tote bag and a coconut drink by the beach. Yes!

Spending some Father and Son time together. A very nice father's day treat.


Sipping coconut. They're exceptionaly sweeter here.
Laughing at dad's failed attempt to make a sand castle. He's had many good laughs.
Showing off his muscle power!

The little crab that Nigel caught.

White sandy beaches. This part of the beach was wonderfully clean and the fine sand was filled with tiny shells, kermits and baby sand crabs.



Well, this is Nigel's version of a great holiday. Sand, Sea and a Bathtub!


The lobster dinner wasn't too good. I think we went to the wrong restaurant! But still the picture have to be posted. It's Nigel's first lobster. He had more fun with the shell than the food.
Here it is possible to take a river cruise from the small jetty.

A little stroll by the riverside. Mom is using one of the totes I made during the church carnival.

I think Nigel will remember this holiday. The one he went with his grandparents on the beach!
Bubbles everywhere!
The tired little boy on his dad's shoulders. Still pestering his dad to take him fishing.

A few locals fishing by the riverside.
A lousy shot ! I really need to get meself a good camera.

The next day and still in his pajama top. He was so impatient he didn't care what he wore.

Me and my twigs! I forgot the toothpaste, comb and my scrunchie. So the twigs will do.
The little wagon that followed him around to everywhere he went.


Baking mud pies and of course, macaroni and cheese!


My mom really enjoys spending time with Nigel. They both really love the sea!
See his reluctance to leave. We're already planning another holiday here. This time we'll bring Auntie Meli and Uncle Richard, Uncle Meow and Victoria!

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The School Holidays

As the school holidays come to a near end, I've finally learnt a lesson - Always do your holiday bookings a term or two before the actual break. I've tried calling at least 10 resorts and even tried booking online holidays and I've had my poor Nigel hoping and pleading for a holiday somewhere...anywhere with a bathtub, swimming pool and sand! Now, is the whole entire nation on holiday as well? Everywhere is fully booked! What was I thinking? So, there's not much to report on these school holidays except for small day trips and shopping in town. Of course, Meli's parcel came in time to cheer Nigel up. Thanks for the gifts and Nigel loves his dinosaur PJs. I guess we'll be going back to the usual grind. I'm definitely planning a getaway soon.

Nigel taking a break and fooling around with one of my crocheted cupcakes! Aren't they yummy.
This four year old deserves a holiday. He's just four and he's got homework!


On the way for a day trip to Bentong. I've always heard of the town Bentong but never of this beautiful waterfall we were about to discover.This waterfall is located approximately 8 kilometers out of town. It is a scenic place very popular with the locals and tourists alike. The waterfall is easily accessible by road. But mind you, it looks like the heavy rains did some damage to the terrains around. Lot's of fallen tree branches and works in progress along the roads leading into the waterfall. Nigel thinks we're at the Jurassic Park.
Fooling around with his Uncle Meow.
Welcome to the Chamang waterfall. This signage reminds us of the dangers, so we were extra careful. (Ok, and I lost a bet with my parents - I thought Chamang was spelt Chemang! Ice-cream was on me!!)

The water is clear and the surroundings were surprisingly clean. I'm not an outdoor person because I simply hate the fact that by just being there we're contaminating nature. I do see lots of families getting ready for lunch and I'm already looking at the forthcoming mess that will be left behind. How could they lug a whole gas tank (full size) up to the sides of the waterfall for cooking? I thought the idea of camping is to be simple and to travel light. We were there for a short time, and like little children we just have to dip our feets into the cool waters.
Here's Nigel collecting stones for me. Awww... he knows I like these little gestures.

Just the two of us.


Popo and Kung-kung had nice seats on the viewing deck. I think the steps are just too uneven for them to climb down.
With Meow lugging his camera equipment, we managed a family portrait by the waterfall.
A nice shot of the waterfall. My grandparents are thinking about planning for a day trip here with the whole family on their anniversary (We'll be a very big crowd end of this year - everyone will be home for Shen-ni's wedding!)

A fantastic shot by Meow. Lot's of dragonflies and butterflies at the waterfall.


We had lunch at a restaurant in Bentong town.

Homemade Ice-cream ala Bentong style. A must have eventhough the shop did not have any electricity on that day. Here, you can try local ice-cream flavours such as Durian and Corn!

Smiling ear to ear and demanding for Durian ice-cream!