A Little Nudge

Sometimes little random occurences give us a little nudge that reminds us to take note of certain things, things that are important in life. I pay conscious attention to these fateful prompts, no matter how small.

I was watching the latest episode of Brothers & Sisters online earlier this evening entitled 'Leap Of Faith'. A phrase in a dialogue between Luc and Sarah went 'nothing is certain in life, we just have to have faith'. How very true. We often go through the motions in life much like on autopilot, letting our rational mind rule. I find it necessary to remind myself every now and then that one sometimes needs to go with one's gut feel. Be emotional. Throw caution to the wind. Of course, it is easier said than done. But acknowledging it is one positive step taken. It's like a wakeup call.

Now to put it into practice more often ... that's the challenge.

Photo of canang shot in Bali, Indonesia.

Refreshed

I just spent a few days in Bali with my family and am refreshed. This is our first holiday without Dad. I suppose life goes on. We had a good time chilling at fab resorts, indulging in good food and shopping to our hearts' content. I am sure that through it all though, there were moments where we spared a thought for my father. Bali was one of his favourite holiday destinations, he would have enjoyed our little break too.

4 days is never really enough time in Bali for me. I could stay for a week, more even. This is my sixth time there and I never tire of the relaxing atmosphere and laid-back vibe, of course the friendliness of the people I come across too.

Can't wait to go back again in a few months! This time for a wedding but have definitely built in an extra few days into the itinerary for more R&R.

Photo shot at Maya Ubud Resort & Spa in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie

I always take snapshots of our partners during the bridal fairs that we co-organise, with this I mean vendors who are part of the weddingsmalaysia family. For me, it is a record of sorts. A record of those of us who partcipated in a successful event. An event that we all enjoyed being a part of.

Yesterday was no different at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie's wedding fair. This is the 2nd year running we've worked together with Emily and her team and the hard work paid off handsomely with a good turnout of quality couples.

Some industry colleagues have commented on photos that I've put up on Facebook. I am no professional but I gather some are pretty ok. I guess one does learn a thing or two when hanging out with photographers every now and then.

Here I am with photographers Joshua, Ke Wynn and Paul.

Home-Cooked

The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration is coming to a close. Feasting has been on the agenda. Eating out has been much fun. But somehow, it is the home-cooked meal that is most meaningful.

My mum is a pretty good cook. She cooks fast and furious. She always over provides; that's her style. Food must always be in abundance for any celebration. It's a Chinese-thing I suppose.

But perhaps the best part of eating at home is the chance to be a bit more laid back, taking time to connect with family and friends, enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Here's to a year ahead of these!

Photo of mum's cooking to celebrate Chap Goh Mei.

Incentive

I visit Penang a couple of times a year, mostly on work. But what makes such working trips so enjoyable, other than being in the company of my friends in the wedding industry in Penang that is, haha, is the food I get to indulge in. The food alone is incentive enough to make my way up there.

I am lucky that friends and colleagues enthusiastically show me round to the best places to sample the best fare, the haunts which only the locals know of. I am a creature of habit and I always tend to re-visit the same restaurants over and over, but my friends have of late been introducing me to hidden gems that are new to me. But alas, my sense of direction ain't that great.

This last trip of mine, just a few days ago, yielded wonderful results when it comes to food. Having the opportunity to try new delicacies is always welcome.

Photo taken at Genting Restaurant in Island Glades, Penang, Malaysia.

Chymes

C Hun, Desmond and Suan Bee are friends of mine from the wedding industry. Together with Kevan, they've recently realised their dream of opening a boutique bed and breakfast. It's called Chymes and is located in Tanjung Bungah, Penang.

I had the good fortune of being invited to stay whilst I was up in Penang for an event this past weekend. I run out of adjectives to describe the place ..... cosy, intimate, creative, chic, quirky, homely. I like the deft touches like the cookies, the mint pillow, the lamps, the rainshower. There are some rough edges but what's there to complain, they've only just opened, so there's much time for further improvements. I for one am looking forward to the path towards the beach!

I could sit the whole day working on the verandah and it would be bliss.

Photo of C Hun, Kevan, Desmond and Suan Bee in The Living Room at Chymes.

More CNY Makan

Auntie Mary, Uncle KC and Lynette hosted a dinner party on the 7th day of Chinese New Year last Saturday. Auntie Mary is a great cook and my cousin Lynette is a Martha in the making with her decor and food presentation attempts! See what I mean in the photo.

Most of the Wong extended family get-togethers revolve around food. We are blessed to have so many good chefs in the family. I suppose some of their skills are inherited from my grandparents who were both wonderful cooks.

Suffice to say, we bond over food!

Photo of a watermelon peacock by Lynette.