Hi lovelies,

Last year I blogged about my 8 personal milestones of 2015 > HERE :)

Can't believe at a blink of an eye 2016 is coming to an end..

I hope you have fulfilled all your 2016 resolutions you set for yourself?

~

This year passed by exceptionally fast.. where did the time go?!?!

Below are some of my 2016 highlight! My personal #bestof2016! :)

It is another eventful year for me and I am very thankful for another great year! :) <3

1. #khswHome

We turned our empty home to a cosy home :) Oh ya.. Our house warming not over yet!
We still have quite a number of "groups" we yet to invite over..

Our New Zealand Honeymoon Trip in a Nutshell :)

Click below to view Video highlight of our trip:)

Youtube Video done by my hubby <3 <3 <3

A full trip highlight! With sky diving, Campervan, Fox Glacier Helihike.. etc
We had so much fun in New Zealand <3 left our heart and soul there!
Will share our NZ itinerary soon <3

See you on instagram @bigtreeandkoala for now <3 :)
Enjoy your weekend everyone! <3
If you are not tired of seeing our faces more often,
you can follow us on our Youtube: @Bigtreeandkoala too :) haha.. 

30th April 2016 #khswWedding

This #khswWedding Part One series I only upload the behind the scene pics..

pics before my hubby came over to my place to pick me.. too many pics.. have to split to afew posts if not it will take very long to load :)

To be honest..the night before our wedding, I cannot sleep at all.. I got no idea why..

too nervous? too excited? Too happy? I don't know.. I feel very amazed and surreal that the day I waited for so long is finally here.. I still remember when my hubby and I just started dating 9 years ago.. we felt that wedding was so far away.. back then I just get my O levels results and my hubby who is 3 years older than me just completed his National service.. 

I went to NanYang Poly after my O's while my hubby went to NUS after his National service.

After I graduate I worked in the bank while my hubby graduate one year after me..

When my hubby graduated from NUS I went to pursue my degree! Lol.. delay and delay..

Finally what seems so far away is happening!! haha..

Throwback to 30th April 2016..

at my hubby's place..

Different dialect groups will have different items for the Guo Da Li ceremony..
Traditionally is to follow the groom's dialect.. unless the bride is a Teochew.
Teochew is the "biggest" when it comes to Betrothal Gift Ceremony 过大礼, even the groom have to follow the bride's dialect if the bride is Teochew.

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Here's what we prepare for our Guo Da Li :)

Guo Da Li items for the Groom's side to prepare:

Here's a picture of me with the JNC slow juicer and fruits :)

I have always wanted a slow juicer.. because I want to include all my fav fruits to create a juice of my choice :) sad to say I can't put durian in.. hahaha

Above pic with the clean container before cleaning..

Operation
We let the IQ robot vacuum roam around while we do some packing. The robot operates rather quietly, emitting just a low humming noise. Whenever it touches an obstacles with its rubber protected bumper, it will right turn and continue vacuuming. No fear for curbs or stairs, as the IQ robot vacuum is equipped with proximity sensors. It will turn away when it reaches the edge of the stairs or curbs.

after 30 minutes of vacuuming...

We were shock to see this!! Because we thought our living room is already very clean!!

Didn't know our living room is still so dusty!! 

Cleaning up
Cleaning up is also very easy. Remove the container from the robot, empty the rubbish, wash the container and filter, let it dry and its done! Fully charge the robot and its good to go for next round of vacuuming! :)

Conclusion
The JNC IQ Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a value for money entry level robot vacuum cleaner. It is compact and very easy to use. It does a decent job in vacuuming and can last about 50 minutes.
As JNC IQ Robot Vacuum Cleaner is an entry level robot, it does not have those complex mapping system like those in Samsung or iRobot. Hence, there will be some areas where the JNC IQ Robot Vacuum Cleaner will miss out, and it does not automatically return to the docking station for charging when the battery is flat.

Due to our busy work schedule, we think it is good to have a JNC IQ Robot to do the Vacuum cleaning.. For home owners who are looking for a affordable and basic robot vacuum cleaner, JNC IQ Robot Vacuum Cleaner is a must buy!

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Moreover it is having promotion right now!!

Get yours now!!

3 in 1 JNC IQ Robot Vacuum Cleaner is having a CNY Special!
Retail price is $229! Now it is going at $93.60!

Limited time only!

Click here:  

http://www.buyhome.sg/item/JNC-CNY-SPECIAL-3-IN-1-JNC-IQ-ROBOT/431631496

Follow us on instagram : @bigtreeandkoala 

*** This is a sponsored post. 

Hello lovelies,
Here's your long awaited post on the BTO defects checklist! :) Sorry for the long wait! :)
We tried our very best to think of all the defects we can possibly think of to help you with your defects check :)
Feel free to input at the comment session below if you came across any defects that we missed out in this post so as to benefit other readers :) You are welcome to share this post on Facebook and other social media platforms with your friends/neighbours/love ones! 

We hope to help other new home owners like us with their defects check too! :)

Hello friends/readers,
Thank you for the overwhelming response for our BTO Door Opening Ritual Procedure post and all our other posts as well :)
We hope it is useful for you! :)

Today we are going to share with you another useful post, to help you with your Defects Check!

We break into 2 posts..
This post we will share with you the things to bring for your HDB BTO Defects Check.. 
Next post we will share with you the Defects Checklist!! 
Stay Tune for our next post!!
We really hope our blog posts will come into handy when you do your defects check!!

Please make our effort worthwhile by sharing this blog post with your friends/siblings! :) 
Feel free to spread the love! <3
Our instagram: @bigtreeandkoala :) 
Follow us for more instant update..

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Things to bring for BTO defects check:

It is quite hard to have no defects, but the problem is, most of the defects are not obvious. 
They are hidden, subtle and not visible to the eye. At one glance it is actually not easy to spot any defect.. Next blog post we will share with you the checklist and the defects we have at our new house :) Please give us sometime to consolidate :)

Tadah.. Please don't be a super hero and go to your new place empty handed..
Haha.. Here's the list of things to bring for your HDB defects check!!

1) Door Stopper / Door Holder
We ask the person from Uni-Arm to install for us.. I really think this is very very important!
Because it is very stuffy at our new place.. with the main door open it is so much better..
more windy..
You may contact the person from Uni-Arm via their facebook link - Click HERE 
Use facebook message! We highly recommend them.. good service :) They are the ones that install our door holder. Do check them out :)

2) Tapes and Markers
Tapes and Markers are essential to mark out the defective areas. I prefer masking tapes since they are easy to remove without leaving sticky residue and permanent markers to write on these masking tapes. I would recommend to get them in at least 2 colours for the markers ; Red for the major defects and black for the minor ones, so that the BSC contractors will know what areas to focus on rectifying first. On top of this, I also strongly advise numbering and taking down notes on the description of the defects so that miscommunication can be minimized.
Note: don't paste tapes on the window glass! The tape became very sticky after prolong exposure to the sun and we had a really hard time removing!! haha..

3)Torchlight and Stool or Ladder
Torchlight is really helpful! It helps to spot defects in those dark areas even in the day like toilets, walkway, kitchen and bomb shelter! In addition, stool or ladders are important for inspecting those high out of reach places. My hubby is quite tall.. so a stool is good enough.. for my height.. I can't reach the ceiling to paste tape!! even standing on a stool!! Lol..

4) Tapping rod or Coins
This is to check for hollow tiles.. Tapping rod gives off a distinct hollow sound when lightly knocked against the hollow tiles.. This is how a tapping rod looks like..

5) Cameras
You can use your phone or camera to take close up of the defects. 
Photos are use to document the defects so that we can make a comparison whether anything has been done. It also serves as evidence if there are any disputes. 

6) Chargers
They are used to test the electricity sockets to ensure they are functioning. Remember to check all sockets! I use handphone charger.. ensure it is charging.

7) Ruler or Cards
This is to use to check for gaps in the grout between tiles.. Some look like gaps from far, but after scratching, its actually stain..
We have many gaps in the grout.

8) Parents or Friends
You can ask your parents of friends to help you check the defects. You will be surprise that it will take at least 2 to 3 days to check everything, depending on how kiasu you are. Remember to bring friends who have an excellent eye for details and helpful, not those who only want to KPO and "see see look look" only.

9) Others
Cloth for cleaning, stain remover spray, water buckets to throw water (test the slope), number lock, fan, soap for washing hands, stools for resting, small table to put your belongings, mop/broom to clean floor for better check? since the floor is quite dusty.. very hard to check defects.. Sponge and CIF for scrubbing stains, garbage bag to throw away leaflets? don't be surprise.. you will get lots of leaflets! 

Please feel free to add a comment below to share with other new homeowners the things you think is essential to bring!

Some pointers above credits: 
http://allthingscozyandhomely.blogspot.com/2014/10/hdb-defect-checking-revisited.html?fbclid=IwAR2NV_wRAWrzU8IxOHRLBnYOhq35E52Io3TRAW1t07t1H3HRE8X7IUw-HwM

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That's all we have for you for now..
Don't forget to share this post with other new homeowners!
See you soon after I consolidate the Checklist for BTO defects check! :)
Follow us on instagram @bigtreeandkoala for more updates :)
See ya!!

Hello all,

After much procrastination, I decided to post Bigtreeandkoala first youtube video!

I really look very very awkward in the video! *Shy*

But we are lazy to retake.. because it is very hot at our new place.. with no fan.. :( and empty..
Oh ya..This is how our estate look (afew months ago) :) I love the colours of our estate :)

>.<

Below are our BTO posts if you missed out previously:

1. Application procedures for BTO Build To Order Flats

2.  My Home, SengKang Building Progress

3. BTO Door Opening Ritual Procedure

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Ep1 Home Tour Before Renovation

Our home is really empty now..We DID NOT opt for BTO tiles..

But somehow they still renovate our kitchen and toilets for us.. -_-"

I really hope many many years down the road.. when we look back at this video.. 
We will realize how far we have come :)

I look forward to see our nest after renovation! It is really not easy to have a home of our own.. lots of planning involved. But yet fun at the same time :) 

Will share more on our renovation soon! :)

~

Ok..enjoy seeing me awkward >.<
My hubby say he can't stop laughing whenever he watch this video >.<
He say I look very stern.. unlike my usual bubbly, hyper self..
Ok la.. Other than black friday sales.. I show you some entertainment ok?

Link to view youtube (click below):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waksOxAs6aI

~
Below is our floorplan before renovation :)

See you at Instagram @BigTreeAndKoala for now :)

More pics and updates there :) Hope you enjoy my debut video :)
Practice makes perfect! Will do better next time ;)
Till the next! Enjoy your weekend! :)

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The Artisan Apron not only make pretty cupcakes..

they make super beautiful cakes as well.. below are some of my favourite!!

So beautiful!!

aww.. can I have this for my birthday next year? >.< So beautiful..

The flower is edible!! How amazing..

OMG!..I love this too..house party/picnic with edible flowers..

Cupcakes in a bouquet..

Wedding cake! Super Chio!

For more information/photos, you may visit:

Website: http://www.theartisansapron.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartisansapron/

Instagram: TheArtisansApron

Feel free to drop them an email, or message if you have some special request :)

They are very friendly and nice people :)

<3

Hello all,
My husband and I are getting married in another 5 months time..
and we have a couple of friends getting married before and after us..
~
Which brings us to today's topic on "Xi Chong Xi"

(喜冲喜)

this is a superstitious Chinese believe saying 4 months before your wedding and 4 months after your wedding, you are NOT supposed to attend other people's wedding..

In direct translation, "Xi Chong Xi" means two auspicious occasion clashing together..
and there is a "saying" if you attend people's wedding 4 months before or 4 months after your wedding, bad things will happen to both couples..
and the **couple who have their wedding last will be more affected..

~
I don't know how true is that.. (What is the logic behind that? hmm..)
Although I am not the "PanTang (Superstitious)" type,
but because wedding is a once in a lifetime thing.. and I don't want bad thing to happen to my friend or myself.. that's why I have been thinking about this topic day and night..
To believe or not to believe..
Haha.. there is no right or wrong answer!

~
In my opinion it is a two way thing.. 
you might not mind, but who knows your friend mind? 
Because his/her own happiness is at stake also..?
I do have a friend who have her wedding before me, but she say her grandparents and parents mind.. so we are not attending each other's wedding.. although we really wish to!

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As time goes by, people add their own bits and pieces to their "rules".
Some people believe that is it good luck to be invited, leading to another chinese saying of "Shuang Xi Lin Men (双喜临门)," which means double happiness arriving at the door.

~
Some say only cannot attend "bai shi (白士)" which means funeral or wakes 4 months before and after your wedding.

As a new generation couple.. we are confused.. >.<
Please share with us and other readers about your view!
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I welcome you to share your views with me in this chatbox below :)
meanwhile see you in instagram : Bigtreeandkoala

Dress Code:

Smart Casual, they are very strict with that.. make sure no slippers, flipflops, athletic apparel, torn clothing and even backpacks are not permitted! Gentlemen are requested to wear long trousers, closed shoes and sleeved tops.

Address:

21/100 South Sathon Road

Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

BanYan Tree Bangkok, 61st level

Tel:

+66-02-679-1200

For reservation (Click) :

http://www.banyantree.com/en/ap-thailand-bangkok/vertigo-and-moon-bar

Will share with you another fine dining @ Lebua State Tower, Bangkok soon :)

See you at Instagram: @bigtreeandkoala for now :)

<3

Wat Pho, Wat Arun Travel guide

Hi lovelies,
My husband and I went to explore Wat Pho and Wat Arun December last year :)
and we would like to share with you some humble tips..
Feel free to share this post with your friends :)

What to wear to Wat Pho and Wat Arun:
For ladies, I would suggest you to bring along a long sleeve cardigan and wear a "light material" long pants and do remember to bring along a cap. Visiting Shrine requires all female to wear long pants/skirt, and wear clothes that covers your shoulder..if not you must rent a "sarong" to cover your legs.. For guys they are not so strick, a polo/T-shirt with three quarter pants is alright..

How to get there:
One of the cheapest and easiest way to reach Wat Pho is via the boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. The nearest BTS Skytrain station is Saphan Taksin Station. The Sathorn Pier is just 3 minutes walking distance from Saphan Taksin Station.

How much is the boat tickets:
We brought the one day river pass, which allows us to take unlimited number of boat rides..
It is 150 Baht per person.. there is only one booth selling the tickets.
The single way ticket is only around 10-25 baht (take the boat with orange flag (cheaper), because different flag there is different rate, if I am not wrong the blue flag is the tourist boat with tour guide, it will cost around 40baht per single trip), the single trip ticket is sold on the boat itself.
Here's a pic of our one day river pass..