[Review] Pregnancy - Maternity Photoshoot

I highly encouraged mummies to do a pregnancy or maternity photoshoot once in a lifetime. 

I thoroughly enjoyed mine and was glad we went ahead to do it.

Like some of the mothers-to-be, I don't exactly feel the best during pregnancy period. Sore breasts, flabby arms due to the lack of exercises, puffy-looking legs, thigh growing more than half the size gave me great deterrence to go for one till my husband and sister managed to convince me otherwise. I vaguely recalled them telling me to do it as it was a 'YOLO' kind of thing - these slangs are getting into me. I only knew about what it stands for a couple of months back. Age is definitely catching up. 

Enjoy the pictures taken during Week 34 of my pregnancy.

These photos are taken by Alphone from AT Photography. 

He is such a delight to work with and we are engaging him for Baby Tyler's shoot too!

If not for the fact that I am afraid of waters, I would have loved to try out the underwater photography that he had done for other mummies.

The hair and make-up artiste which he had introduced was also fantastic. Her skills were so good that I felt a little upset why we haven't known her sooner to engage her for our wedding previously.

For photography enquiries:-

Photographer: Alphone Tea

Visit his Facebook: AT Photography / Memories Photography

Visit his instagram: @alphonetea

This is based on my personal review and I highly recommend my friends and readers to him for photography service. 

Check it out!

My Weight Loss Success Story - How I lost over 20kg?

There are many inspiring weight loss stories in Singapore and everyone has a different story to tell on how it had driven them and how they had achieved it. So here's mine.

Since young, I was never the girl with acceptable weight and am a permanent member of Trim and Fit (TAF) Club in schools. My god, the word TAF Club rings so much memories. The irony of being overweight or even severely overweight is that I am extremely active in school. I was a netball girl for many years and had always achieve Gold awards for fitness tests. But I guess, I love eating/snacking too much and I was a confident person so it didn't bother me. The one thing that troubled me the most is getting to fit into the nice clothes every time I visit a shopping mall or my favourite Forever21 outlets. 

I went ahead to try various weight loss methods from consuming slimming pills (of many brands), diet supplements/food to even signing up packages with slimming centres. Did it work? Yes and no. Yes, it was temporary. No, my weight return fast the moment I cease any of the above methods. I mean seriously these are short term solutions and I don't think it was possible to sustain with these methods for long. You might have health complications and it is expensive $$$.
Sustainability = 0/10

Finally, I got my 'wake-up call' but in the most demeaning manner.

About 2.5 years ago, I met someone and he commented that I was 'fat and ugly'. He simply felt ashamed being with me in public. It is definitely humiliating but highly effective in my context. I was overwhelmed by a wave of emotions. Sad. Insulted. Doubtful of myself. Lose of confidence. Disapproved. Angry and most importantly Determined.

So here's my Before and After pictures from 2012 to 2014 which I've never shared before:

Initial weight (2012): 84kg

Weight before pregnancy (2014): 61kg

Believe me when I say this losing weight journey hasn't been easy and I truly understand the struggles of many people whom had tried and still trying but it was most definitely fulfilling.

Number 1: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

I couldn't emphasize this even more and I have to admit, I was quite obsessed with it. Here's the truth. Exercising boost your metabolism, speeds up burning fat processes which you will be able to burn existing and excess calories and lose weight effectively. Sustainability: 10/10

Here's my regime for a week:
3-4 days of 1.5 hours of jogging
1 day of Zumba class
1 day of Yoga lesson (provided I can make it for class)

Benefits:
Maintenance of Metabolism
There were months I had to stop exercising due to the major haze that happened in Singapore or when I fell really ill but I did not gain any weight from there.
Good for the Soul
It clears the mind and help with anxiety you get from work/relationship, depression and fights insomnia.
A Healthier and Happier YOU!
Exercising actually release happy chemicals into your brain. It sparks Endorphins and Dopamine production that hacks into your brain and make you a happy person. How great is that!

Number 2: Your Food Intake

A healthy diet is definitely one of the key methods to losing weight. 
But I don't really go about counting my calories and carbs intake as I still love my food and wasn't willing to give in on that until I fell in love with this.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to 'Overnight Oats'. Must-Try!
A fuss-free healthy breakfast. Unleash the creativity in you and prepare your very own overnight oats meshed up with fruits and flavors of your liking.
It all started with my BFF posting her overnight oats on instagram and I couldn't help but text her for the recipes. Then I became a google overnight oats chef and finding all sorts of recipes online.

Benefits:
It Taste Really Good and Feel Full Longer
High in fibre, low in calories and still taste delicious. I was addicted to this for breakfast.
Saves Time - No Cooking Required!
It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare. 

Instagram-Worthy
Okay, this is not necessary a direct benefit to losing weight. But you feel happier after posting it.
#overnightoats #healthyliving #healthyfood #fooddiy 

Weight loss methods differs for every individual. Find one that will best fit your schedule and body.

The key takeaway from this experience is that I have a much healthier body and I've gained a lot more confidence with myself than ever before. And no matter what weight you have or how you look like, always remember 'Confidence is beauty'.

Confession: My husband did not know me when I was at my whopping 80+kg and when he saw the pictures from my past in facebook, he was in disbelief. The only comments he often give is he is a lucky man to have met and got married with me when I was at my best and I'm glad I went through this journey.

Disclaimer: I've gained more than 10 over kg since after I knew I was pregnant. In time to come, I hope I will be able to blog about my post-partum weight loss journey :)

8 Pregnancy Essentials - Things You Need During Pregnancy

I didn't have many friends with the experience to share on the pregnancy essentials I must-have. Majority of the things I discover is through online means like forums and parenting/pregnancy articles written by mummies all over the world. So i've decided to write on a piece on the things you need during pregnancy (if they happen to chance on this) and hopefully it will help them in great lengths.

1) Stretch Mark Cream

Though your stomach doesn't stretch that much during your first trimester but it is highly recommended to start using it as soon as you know. Bring out the Singapore 'kiasuism' in you and head down to the pharmacies and grab one. 

There are a few popular ones in the market and to name a few:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, Clarins, Elancyl and Bio Oil

I started using Palmer's cocoa butter and am not a big fan. It's greasy and with the increased sense of smell during my first trimester, the butter was repugnant for me. 

My favourite is the Bio Oil which you can easily get it at Watsons. I saw lots of review online and is highly recommended by mums. I've used almost 9 bottles of the 120ml Bio Oil as I enter my 8th month of pregnancy and almost no stretch mark! Okay, I use the word 'almost' as I kinda deserved some of the marks on my left and right side of the belly. It was simply too itchy and I just had to get to it.

Recommendation: Try to buy during their pack-of-3 sale in Watsons.

2) Maternity fashion - Do it in style

Work your fashion with Maxi Dresses.

I had different colours and design of maxi dresses which had last me throughout my pregnancy. Buy those with stretchy material. You will enjoy huge savings plus you can continue to wear it after birth.

Inspirations (click on the links)
Beach Wear: Lin Pei Fen & Elizabeth Olsen (not pregnant but I love the boho style)
The Glamour: Jessica Alba

Casual: Rachel Bilson

3) Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners

Don't be surprise. Even when our periods take a break, this is one feminine care you wouldn't want to miss. Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy (so far all my mummy friends have it). There are different types of discharge; some may last throughout the pregnancy, some are signs that you had to see your gynae soon. With sanitary pad, you could avoid staining your underwear and could easily distinguish the colour of the discharge to determine your situation.

Must-have!

4) Pregnancy Multivitamins
Your doctor would have recommended you to take it upon your first consultation. Supplements like
- folic acid and iron (found in prenatal vitamins); for antenatal care to reduce risk of low weight birth, anemia and iron deficiency
- calcium; for your developing baby
- vitamin D; for baby's bone growth
- fish oils; high DHA supplement for baby
As much as I've hated taking pills especially on a daily basis, I diligently took mine just to make sure he can be a healthy baby when he's born.

5) Shampoo and Body Wash
Did you experience serious hair fall issue or felt nausea to scents that were pleasant to you in the past and no longer smell the same way?
I did for both and my sense of smell heightened to an extend where I felt nausea every time I come close to my body wash (was using J&J Body Wash and Dettol). I was also feeling depressed by the amount of hair fall I had during my first trimester. Went to ask around and did a whole lot of research and bought two amazing products that hopefully still remain useful during postpartum.

Shampoo: Rene Furterer - Forticea
Highly recommended by my BFF and it works!

Body Wash: Dove
Recommended by my doctor to prevent dry skin.

6) Comfortable Footwear
I love my heels but good comfortable shoes for pregnancy is another must-have. Actually for some woman, it is okay to wear heels as it doesn't hurt the development of your baby and that is also if they are not as clumsy as me. I have a high tendency of spraining my ankle when I wear heels and  prone to falling easily. So I had to shelf away more than 15 pairs of heels (I don't think my husband is aware how many pairs I actually have) and wear mainly slippers and flats. I kinda enjoy it since the belly is growing bigger and having a bit of swollen feet doesn't help further. On a brighter side, it's only about 10 months and I'll be able to wear anything I want again without having to fear too much about this and that.

7) Maternity/Nursing Bras
I was up by almost 2 cup size by my second trimester. Breasts changes throughout the pregnancy and I was feeling uncomfortable wearing wired bras. I started looking out for pregnancy bras and managed to find the really pretty ones from Spring Maternity at Baby Fair held in Expo this year. They were comfortable and I was satisfied with my loots.

Recommendation: 
I also managed to get a few bra extensions from Qoo10 just in case it continues to grow (which it did) and it really came in handy.

8) Pillows/Cushions
Somehow we require all kinds of support during pregnancy. Support from your bosses to understand that you're having a tough time coping with pregnancy symptoms which can be overwhelming. Support from your partner, family and friends to cope with the mood swings and preparation for baby's arrival. As our body undergoes a godzillion changes, we also require extremely good support for our body: Back support cushions required in office. Maternity support pillows that aids sleeping.

Funny story: I even brought my back support cushion to catch the Avengers as it's just too uncomfortable to be in those movie seats for 2.5hours.


There. Finally managed to complete this list. I hope you find it helpful.
Enjoy your pregnancy!

5 Symptoms of Pregnancy - Early Signs

Every woman will encounter different symptoms of pregnancy and I have been reminded a thousand times, every pregnancy for every woman is different.

If you google 'pregnancy symptoms', there is easily more than 30 types of signs that a woman may encounter and I just want to highlight this, some of which are easily misled as pre-menstrual ones as they are really similar.

Actually, if you understand and knows your body well enough, you should be able to detect based on the tell-tale-signs and of course these signs are in addition to missing your period as an obvious indicator if you have regular periods like mine.

Here's my top 5:

1. Extreme Fatigue

All I want to do is 'SLEEP'! 

And the thing is you can never get enough of it. 

I recalled sleeping almost 20 hours (not sleep coma) on a weekend which is uncommon for me and I still felt completely exhausted. My hubs (then bf) was confused with why I was constantly tired and dragging me out of bed seems like the hardest thing.

2. Body Rashes / Skin dryness

Skin allergy has never been an issue for me. So I was quite shocked to experience skin dryness which was extremely irritating as I am constantly feel itchiness all over my body. Not knowing it was one of the signs for pregnancy, I had gone to 3 doctors for consultation on my condition and despite  using the moisturisers/aqueous cream they had prescribed, it never goes away. I resorted to using J&J Baby Lotion and it did improve a little but it was only till my second trimester that it kinda went away. This discomfort did not stay away from me for long as it returns during my third trimester :(

3. Muscle Aches (Back and Leg)

I consider myself a regular fitness woman before pregnancy. 

I run almost 3-4 times a week plus 1 zumba class  and if time allows, 1 yoga lesson all in a week. I was not at all prepared for muscle aches as an aftermath of shopping in Tokyo. 

4. Vaginal Dryness

I have to admit, I had only found out about this after I knew I was pregnant. So guess who told me I had it :p

5. Growth in Appetite

I am someone who is conscious with my food intake especially after going through a  successful weight lose of over 20kg in approximately 2-year. Rules like 'no snacking' is something I strictly abide to but for some strange reasons, I was not able to curb it.
I feel like I have to eat all the time! Otherwise, I would feel nausea.
Eating vs Nausea - We have a clear winner.

What's yours?

My Life - Pregnancy Before Marriage

The concept of pregnancy before marriage aka shotgun marriage, the used-to-be somewhat taboo topic is becoming a norm in society.

I was a rather calm soul (and so I thought) when it happened but no matter how common this is becoming, I came to realise I had underestimated the series of cause and effect of the so-called shotgun marriage. 

Many many questions rushed through my mind the moment I look at the positively-looking pregnancy kit in my office toilet:

Should I keep the baby? (This was never a question for me but I would presume it had happened to many out there.)

Should I tell him?

What should we do after that?

How would he react? Etc. 

Being the logical me, I had all the answers at the back of my mind. I was determined to keep my baby irregardless of the answers I get. Because it's a life and he's mine and I was sure that with my capability and independence, I am able to bring him up on my own. This is of course thinking about the worse case scenario.

I popped the question to him the very same day I knew about it. It was at the same void deck we hang around at almost every night. I remembered it was a little awkward. He took a few steps back and his breathing was getting harder. He looked flustered in a confusing manner. But I was glad. It didn't take him too long to smile back and gave me a huge bear hug. I guess we were happy that common grounds are made. 

Trust me, it is considerably easy to make the decision but going through the process is a tough bitch.

Making choices

Like what my hubs often reminded me of, life is about making choices. And within the shortest period of time one could have, we had made a choice to spend a lifetime together. Is it because of our baby? Probably. But we trusted each other that everything will eventually work out. It is by far the toughest choice we've made but it will get easier and it really did.

Breaking The News

Guess what, it is never just between the two of you. 

Family. Friends. Colleagues. And surprisingly social media (SM) = the whole damn world who follows you. I'm not the most active person on SM platforms but I am aware of how this has become part of the 'person' you have to announce/tell it to for such breaking news. 

My Personal Advice: Try to contain certain news. Not because you are not proud of it but you could make use of the time (explaining to others) for better use like dealing with First Trimester or Getting Married.

Actually I find myself extremely lucky. Majority of our family and friends are supportive, not agreeable to the action itself but very supportive. We had the most embracing family members around and couldn't be more grateful that they had made this pregnancy-marriage journey a little easier by being simply embracing.

Any regrets? This is a common question I get from some of my friends after they had personally seen how tough it was to be in our shoes and I hope I will be driven enough to cover the snippets of my experiences in this blog and share it with everyone. 

My answer is no, but of course we could have done it in a better way that could our lives a little easier.

It is a choice and we live with it, move on to make it a better journey.