My Life

Hi all, wondering if anyone is following me up on blog. I am not those popular blogger who gets paid to blog a post or whatsoever, but perhaps, my blog can help some readers in finding more information I hope?

Earlier, I had mentioned that I would post more photos and details on some other hotels which we shortlisted.

And this time, I shall post Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar.

Amara Hotel Tanjong Pagar Ballroom

We met the coordinator at about 3pm. He brought us to the ballroom and showed us around. The ballroom in Amara is really spacious. It can easily hold up to 42 tables and minimum 25.

Imagine the space around you when you have only 25 tables.

Can you see how big it is?

The ballroom looks dull and there isn't much bright colours in default. As it is from the photo, the ceiling isn't as high due to the "fairy lights" on the ceiling. As we were too early, we couldn't see the full set up and decor of the ballroom. Therefore, it wouldn't be fair if I say that the ballroom is so-so.

We were looking at the 2017 price for wedding banquet. Xiong made a comparison and he realized that the price increase from 2016 to 2017 is a difference of $80.

And the perks:

Weekend Lunch: $1,088++
Weekend Dinner: $1,188++
Weekend Platinum Lunch & Dinner: $1,288++

It comes with

8 Course Chinese menu
Free flow of Chinese tea and soft drinks
A bottle of champagne for toasting
1 complimentary bottle of wine for every guarantee table
1 complimentary barrel of 20 liter
Waiver of corkage charged and duty-paid hard liquor
Choice of wedding favors for all guests and specially designed signature scroll
Wedding invitation cars for 70% guaranteed attendance (not inclusive of printing)
1 night stay in Bridal Suite and breakfast for 2 at Element Restaurant
Pre-snack delivered to Bridal suite
Parking coupon 20%
Food tasting
Complimentary usage of basic sound system and LCD projector with screen

Most of the items given were standard package. Of course, I believed that you can always fight (ask gently) for more free perks and upgrades like that if you confirm with them.

Overall, we didn't choose them because the price increase from 2016 to 2017 is way too high and the ballroom was too spacious. As we were considering to invite only about 20 tables, our tables would be too far apart and kids will be running rampant around.

If we have a larger guests, we might consider Amara Hotel.

Wedding Post: Amara Hotel 2017

by Elvina on 9:59 PM

Hi all, wondering if anyone is following me up on blog. I am not those popular blogger who gets paid to blog a post or whatsoever, but perha...

Hi guys, I think I had abandoned my blog almost entirely :X These days I have been busy with looking for wedding locations and visiting Interior Design for our new home.

People around us might that that we are kiasu as we had not received our house keys and booking wedding dinner in 1 year advance etc. But who knows, there are many hotels which were already fully booked on auspicious date on 7th Jan 2017.

Anyway, Xiong and I are planning our wedding on 5th Jan 2017. This date has been confirmed and we had already paid a $5,000 deposit with the hotel. We had viewed a few hotels and which some of it were Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Hotel and Marina Bay Sands.

We went to the wedding fair at M Hotel and we thought that we loved it a lot.

M Hotel Banquet Suite

The ballroom

It is a paid wedding fair ($38) but love and I got to go in for free as we are the 1st 50 couples to register (Yeah!!). The ballroom is really pretty: there is no blockage of pillar, romantic decor and the food was really delicious. It is a cosy ballroom as it can hold a minimum 25 to 32 tables. This is the Banquet suite at level 10.

The ceiling height is about 4m and I am sure the photos will look good.

The stage is in the center with 2 projectors at the side and L shape march in. Gotta note that the LOVE at the stage was from IM Perfections. You have to pay for it.

Menu at the VIP table.

What's more special was that there is a menu placed at each of the table of my guest on the VIP table. Like most hotel does, the waiter will serve the potion individually to my guests on the VIP table.

They have other vendors at the ballroom as well: Event stylist from IM-Perfections, Coolgurt, vendors for wedding shoes and hand bouquet etc.

Coolgurt

Why we like M Hotel:

I get the whole level 10 for my guest, be at at the reception, or solemnization ceremony or our wedding dinner. It all at level 10. I bet my guests wouldn't be lost.
The changing room is just next to the banquet. During our 2nd march in, we need not go up to our hotel to change. The changing room is spacious and there are seats for us to rest.
The ballroom ceiling height is about 4m and it will look good in photos.
Their ballroom is able to cater from 25 to 32 tables, and it would be the right size for us.
The food was delicious and they do serve shark fin.

Our coordinator is Fiona and she is really nice. Someone who we are able to talk to and able to accommodate to our request. A very nice and friendly lady.

But what's more important, at the wedding fair, their perks are practical that we felt that it should be adequate.

1 night stay at the bridal suite
1 night stay for helper (Very seldom do you get a night stay for helper)
Free flow wine, beer soft drinks and Chinese tea
Free corkage (Feel free to bring in anything you like)
Standard complimentary printing of invitation
Free use of solemnization room.
1 complimentary table when there is 25 tables booked.

Of course like all couples do, we will try to squeeze more of what we will be paying for. Some couples might ask for 2nd night stay, discount, more parking complimentary etc, whatever you think you can fight for.

Price for weekday in

2016 Banquet Suite Weekday: $1,068++
2016 Banquet Suite Saturday: $1,208 ++
2016 Banquet Suite weekend: $1,188++
2017 Banquet Suite Weekday: $1,088++
2017 Banquet Suite Saturday: $1,228++
2017 Banquet Suite Weekend: $1,208++

In case you were thinking how the Anson Room look like.. you may view the below.

Located at level 2, Anson Room is smaller, cosy and poised. The ceiling height is lower but the decor is decent enough. As compared to Banquet Suite,

Anson Room

Sorry for the poor quality but this is the best I could take.

You can choose 3 decors in case you didn't like the one which is displayed in the picture. Though the ceiling is lower, it doesn't stop us from liking the ballroom. It is a small intimate event afterall.

The price for Anson Room is also cheaper:

2016 Anson Room Weekday: $838++
2016 Anson Room Saturday: $988+
2016 Anson Room Weekend: $988++
2017 Anson Room Weekday : $858++
2017 Anson Room Saturday : $1,008++
2017 Anson Room Weekend: $1,008++

If you had noticed, the price increase per table from 2016 to 2017 is a mere $20. Compared to other hotels, M Hotel offers a more competitive prices for couples.

Also, they are able to accommodate us in terms of payment. Other hotels require couple to pay 50% of the total amount 3 months before the banquet and the balance when the wedding ended. Every hotel differs. M Hotel allows couple to make an upfront full payment after the wedding banquet or during check out.

Afterall, love and I felt comfortable with M Hotel which therefore, love and I decided to hold our wedding banquet there :)

Shall blog on other hotels too. Stay tune!

Wedding Post: M Hotel (Banquet Suite and Anson Room)

by Elvina on 9:01 PM

Hi guys, I think I had abandoned my blog almost entirely :X These days I have been busy with looking for wedding locations and visiting Int...

Adding another achievement to my life, i had completed my Pro Gel course at J Studio. I am happy that i have completed something which I wanted to do years ago. I never thought that painting nails would be my passion in my teen to adult life.

I was a nail biter, just like my sis and we used to bite our nails whenever we saw the white line growing above the fingertip. It was until in my mid teens, when I saw people selling stickers for nails, i was so awe by it and since then, i stopped the habit of biting nails and was determined to grow them. In my sec school life, I was a netball-er from Sec 1 to 2. During Sec 3, i dragged going to my CCA as i had to cut them short whenever I went for lessons. At times, I was caught having long nails by my own form teacher. I like having designs on my nail but wasn't as crazy that i paint them to school. I was a good student after all.

By the age of 20, I have about 20-30 bottles of nail polish at home. Used to paint them in my poly school days and my colour would be black or navy blue or purple and other odd colours. Tried my first gelish at age 22? And the feeling was awesome as i was able to afford to go for a mani service.

And now, i am learning for a passion and hopefully, a freelance one too.

I used to harp to my friends that i had always wanted to learn the skill of the manicure. They told me it was getting common now,but its just something i wanted to do. It would be definitely cost me some money but if i feel right, perhaps , just let me try it. Love was very disapproving that i would spend my money on my passion but in the end , he just say: go for it then. He doesn't agree but he was supportive. That's how he reacts.

So I googled and chanced upon J Studio. I was so mesmerized by her designs and that after looking at her course, I decided to contact her. She is a very nice lady and a serious manicurist haha.

She took sometime to explain to me on the different courses which is offered and recommended me what I would be suitable for. After giving much thoughts, I had decided to go for the Pro Gel course.

The whole journey was a satisfying one. Whenever I learnt a new pattern or skill, I am so excited and would like to draw another one with similar pattern.

Over the 3-4 months, I had learnt 20 designs with basic nail care etc.

Gel extension

The designs I had learnt below:

French Mani and single colour.

The 20 designs

Right now, I am still practicing on my skills. Thanks to my friends, they are willing to lend me a helping hand.

But most importantly, I would like to thanks my teacher, Jess Puan, who helped me achieve my dreams :) She taught me how to draw, the technique, the way to hold the brush, the amount of gel to pick up and etc.. Can't thank her enough!

Thanks Jess!!

Completed a Manicure Course !!

by Elvina on 2:37 PM

Adding another achievement to my life, i had completed my Pro Gel course at J Studio. I am happy that i have completed something which I wan...

Coming to an end of Dec 2015, I have gotten busier, fatter and happier?

Perhaps not so much on the 'happy' part because I am getting older, but some things should be worth celebrating!

And Ahem.... I am getting married in 2017 January. My love and I had the dates already but sadly, it will fall on a Thursday. It will definitely be a small event and only those people who I care will be invited. Shall slowly reveal and blog on more wedding stuffs next year.

And oh well, my mum and I are back from Port Dickson ! What a short trip!

Port Dickson is about 4-5 hours drive from Singapore. The whole ride has been smooth. Everyone was trying to grab some rest as all of us woke up to an early morning. We gathered at Punggol at 6.30am waiting for the coach to arrive.

Stop by some place to have our breakfast

Going to Seremban for lunch

Couldn't take more photos as I was trying to nap throughout the journey. The after effect from going home late night on TGIF. We roamed the shopping mall for about an hour, got our stuffs from supermarket and head to the coach again.

The resort is about 1.5 hours from the shopping mall...

In case you are wondering where we stayed... we had our 3 days 2 nights at

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

Can you see that the cabins were the outline of a hibiscus? For your info, hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia.

There are more than 400 cabins in the resort. And near the cabins, a hotel is built nearby which allow us to take the lift up to level 7 to take the scenic view. But, part of the hotel is still under construction.

The lobby is spacious. From time to time, there will be some performance there.

The hotel reception is far from all the cabins. One will have to call for a buggy to fetch hotel guests to and fro from your accommodation. However, their service is superb as the waiting time for the buggy is only 10-15 minutes. When it rains, it was a hassle as they did not have a lot of buggy or manpower to fetch all hotel guests back,. But all these doesn't matter as you are supposed to take your time slow in a resort.

The 8 of us can sit on a buggy comfortably. With this, they can easily fetch 2-3 room guests to their room.

I was so excited about their room, as I heard that they had a indoor jacuzzi. How often do you see an indoor jacuzzi in Singapore? You will only get them if you are willing to pay $1,000+ and above.

Entering the room... I was shocked.

2 large beds which can be shared by 6 people easily. I have so much space to open my luggage and putting other barang barang. We were given 4 complimentary soft drinks as welcome drink. If you are intending to go there, please note that you can have them for free. But of course, the soft drinks are not refillable haha.

Taken from another angle

The transparent glass which most adults were afraid to walk over. But it is definitely safe to walk and lie on haha. The seawater is somehow green. Imagine it is in blue, I could stay there a little longer.

1 cubicle and 1 showering area. There were no locks, so .. no peeping please.

And moving on further outdoor..

Ta-da, your very own jacuzzi! The clear water which makes you very much wanted to jump up in it.

Can you resist?

Another view of it!

While looking at the pool, you can see your neighbors as well.

Say hi to them!

While facing in front, you can see the rest of the cabins.

If you are staying the right location, you may even get to see sunrise in the morning!

Can you see how pretty it is?

Dinner came too soon and we went out for dinner.

The Thai food was so delicious! It is about 30 minutes from the resort.

The next day, we didn't have much activities going on, ended up soaking ourselves in the pool.

The 2 aunties resting and chatting, listening to hokkien songs and shaking legs.

The group of us who went together to the resort.

Last but not least.. the sunset view..

Lexis Hibiscus is a place worth going if you love the sea and nature or when you would like to avoid crowded area. There's nothing much to do there except relaxing yourself in the room or cycling around the resort. They do rent bicycle to guests at a cost of RM10 for half an hour.

Of course, such luxury stay-cation doesn't come cheap though they are slightly cheaper than hotel rates in Singapore. One night in the cabin cost about SGD 500 and above. They are a new resort and accordingly to the tour guide, they started operation only in April 2015.

Do click below to view more on the gallery:

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

12th Mile, Jalan Pantai

Pasir Panjang 17250,

Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Tel: +606 - 6600 2626

Email: reservations@lexishibiscuspd.com

Please buy 0181 for 4D. Wish you all huat arh!

Thanks for reading and see ya!

Signing off here!

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson [Short Intro]

by Elvina on 9:32 PM

Coming to an end of Dec 2015, I have gotten busier, fatter and happier? Perhaps not so much on the 'happy' part because I am getti...

So many things to blog yet so little time to write them.

How i wish I can write them all out in a single day..

Random thoughts

by Elvina on 9:39 PM

So many things to blog yet so little time to write them. How i wish I can write them all out in a single day..

I was so busy that I couldn't find time to blog some events in my life.

My niece had turned 1 in October and we were really happy to see that she is growing up well. She has the "princess temper" and will throw tantrum whenever she did not get what she wants. Hope she will grow up to be fine lady soon.

To celebrate her 1 year birthday, my sis booked a cafe at Tanjong Katong for a mini gathering at With a Pinch of Salt. The cafe is painted with pastel blue strips, animated pictures and it gives a very cosy feeling. Children will like it a lot. It is able to house about 30 + people and the food is good.

Cute isn't it?

Cute right? Its all pastel pink. My sis made contact with some bakery and customised her cake.

This 2-tier cake cost about $200 plus and it weights 4 kg. My sis had it delivered to our house in the morning and we were to bring the cake to the cafe. It could not fit in our fridge and the base was too big. In the end, we kept it in my room, with the air conditioned on, in case the cream melts.

It started at 3pm and we were there on time. There were a couple (my sis friends) who were there early.

Slowly, all the guests streamed in.

My cousins,

Our in-laws

The cafe was totally filled up and there were not enough table and chairs for all of us . I was walking around most of the time and found a spot to stand comfortably. The foods were replenished from time to time to ensure that it was enough for all of us.

I have to say that the foods were well cooked and delicious.

Baby was feeling frustrated the whole day. Not sure why but it could be that she is not used to the crowd.

After an hour or so, it time for cake cutting. We have to act fast because some of the guests had to leave early and also, the cafe had another event at 6pm.

The family of 3. My sis, brother-in-law and baby Eng.

Jie Fu and his family~

Our families.

I was trying to put as much photos as i can in a collage to save space and efforts editing hahaha.

The party ended at 5 plus and all of were us packing up. Sister distributed the party snacks to the kids before they left. And in a blink of eye, the party is over.

This 1 year span of time taught me how to be an aunt, especially with kids, they are so fragile, innocent and precious. I have no kids of my own but I am really happy to seeing her being born and bringing happiness to the family. Everybody doted her like she is our own and we would give her the best. This is just what makes us human and I am glad that we encompasses love and affectation.

Hope Baby Eng will grow up to be a happy being.

She definitely loves how my dad carries her to sleep each time she lies on his shoulder.

If you are living in the east and would like to hold a mini gathering for your kids birthday, With a
Pinch of Salt will be a good place for host. I am not affiliated to them but I feel that good place should be shared with readers.