making small spaces a vast paradise

The world's Life Improvement Store, IKEA launched a new ad on One Room Paradise.

Catchy tune and great ideas. I would love a projector if I have a garden so that I can have movie nights in the garden. And if and when we have children, we can have children's party or sleepover with movie under the stars. :D Randomness.

let's fly away on the train

Such a cute and lovely ad from Virgin Trains. Tried to share this when I first saw it on the telly but it wasn't on the WWW. I guess I must have just missed it.

I think the ad is also paired perfectly with the song "Volare" - fly in Italian.

I've taken Virgin trains in the past from Glasgow to London and think it was a really great journey - easy, quick, relaxing and lovely West Coast views. I've not tried the train journey from Edinburgh to London, perhaps the last one was about ten years ago, one of these days maybe.

cesar love them back(TM) campaign

Cesar UK should feel really proud of their new ad. I know I am.

It's such a simple and lovely ad.

Won't be surprise if the ownership of Westies (West Highland Terriers) increases after this ad.

counting down to Christmas - 2 sleep to go!

So Christmas is just a sniff away. It wasn't as easy as I thought when you have other things happening or as they say, "life getting into the way".

For the second last posting on this year's Christmas countdown, I've chosen John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Happy Xmas (War is Over). Click on the link to read about the background to this song on Wikipedia.

Although not necessary the same level as Vietnam War, the wars in the past few years; and the on-going wars around us, continuously begs the question "is it worth it"?

And as another year comes to an end, you can't help wondering...

So this is Christmas and what have you done,
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so this is Christmas, I hope you have fun,
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fears.

And so this is Christmas for weak and for strong,
The rich and the poor ones, the road is so long.

And so happy Christmas for black and for white
For the yellow and red ones let's stop all the fights.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

And so this is Christmas and what have we done
Another year over, a new one just begun.

And so happy Christmas we hope you have fun
The near and the dear ones, the old and the young.

A very merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one without any fear.

War is over if you want it, war is over now.

Only if you want it to.

counting down to Christmas - 6 sleeps to go

Okay, so I'm bending the rules and it is not a Christmas song.

But how can you not love this?! I guess my excuse is that this song was vying to be Christmas 2011 number 1. And I believe it did achieve that.

Wherever You Are sung beautifully by Military Wives Choir was released today as a single. A beautiful song written by Paul Mealor inspired by the letters and poems between ladies and their men out on the battlefield. The song was well conducted passionately by Gareth Malone. And more importantly let's not forget the beautiful voices that made the song inspiring and moving.

counting down to Christmas - 11 sleeps to go!

Today is a very busy day of office Christmas celebrations for many since next Friday is the last day before Christmas, that is if you don't work on Christmas Eve Monday.

So for myself it is no difference from others.

For those who are not aware, I work in Edinburgh which is about 1 hour 15 mins commute one-way on a good day, to as bad as 1 hour 30 mins on a bad day, not considering an extremely bad day could be longer than that but those days are rare.

So anyways, I will having my Client team Christmas lunch next door to the office then proceed with my own company Christmas Dinner / party / disco in a famous football stadium in Glasgow.

Therefore, travelling to work tomorrow should be rather interesting. Train from where I live via Glasgow to Edinburgh and then a bus ride to work or I might be lucky enough to get a ride from a colleague depending on my arrival time in Edinburgh. All in all public transport will take me roughly 2 hours to get to work, costs about £13-£15 depending on if I'm taking the bus or not.

So as I prepare for my oinkety oink day, I thought the following song would be rather apt. I mean as cheesy as it sounds and I'm sure it will be played at the party / disco. Plus I love that the video reminds me our, TheOtherHalf and I, annual trip to Dobbies where they see these lovely Christmas towns.

Hope you have a good celebration if you are partying too! I know I will have a few drinks as I wind down from the past seriously stressful weeks.

Enjoy!

counting down to Christmas - 13 sleeps to go!

There is something about Christmas that seems to be about love. The one where jewellers trying to tell you to buy sparkly and expensive things to show your love. The one where it seems folks expecting to propose or be proposed.

Of course Christmas is a time where you spend time with your loved one, be it your family or a particular someone. However, not everyone necessarily have the same privilege. Some may even prefer to spend time on their own, to rest and recharge.

And thus comes to my post today about Coldplay's Christmas Lights. I love the tune in the song and the chorus. Unfortunately the song has a sad tone to it, at least the beginning of it and then slowly moving on to a song of hope.

It is a lovely video too. :)

Looking forward to quiet evening walks admiring the lights, those Christmas lights, lights from the street, and lights from the home. I hope you will enjoy the lights too and may all your troubles soon be gone.

Oh Christmas lights
Light up the street
Light up the fireworks in me
May all your troubles soon be gone
Those Christmas lights keep shining on

counting down to Christmas - 14 sleeps to go!

One of my favourite and in my humble opinion classic Christmas ad is the Irn-Bru's Snowman ad.

Also, since 2012 is the 30th Anniversary of The Snowman animated film, I am looking forward to watching The Snowman and The Snowdog on Christmas day on Channel 4. *beams*

If you need any The Snowman teacher and school resources, as well as The Snowman colouring in outlines, visit here.

counting down to Christmas - 19 sleeps to go

The past few days have been extremely cold. Whilst the temperature may be a bit very slightly warmer than yesterday's -4c(!) it has been a very wet morning with still icy pavements.

Times like this, you think, "it is extremely cold out there" and as the weather gets only colder and when the snowing / blizzard-ing starts again, the song "Baby It's Cold Outside" comes to mind.

Coupled with a nice warm fire keeping cosy indoors, I often enjoy the snowing sights outside of the window. But this is not happening now. Perhaps when it does happen, I do hope that I will be with TheOtherHalf and we can have freshly popped popcorn. I can just hear him say, "this is so Amerrrrrican". ^^

Enjoy Michael Buble and Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Baby It's Cold Outside" and "Let It Snow" in medley.

counting down to Christmas - 24 sleeps to go

December!

Let's start the December countdown with a nice non-direct Christmassy ad from IKEA.

Bring on the party season and the chance of playin' with your friends and family.

Have fun!

counting down to Christmas - 25 sleeps to go

We are finally almost in December!

Last year, I bought TheOtherHalf a Mr. Men Christmas advent calendar for the first time. And thought it would be something nice to give to him whilst counting down to spending time together for the holidays.

I remember a text he sent me last year. It was so funny and went something like this...
TOH: Mmm. Mr Bump 2nite. xx
Me: Hehe. So cute la u. Don't fat all at one go ok? xx
TOH: Did u mean fat or eat. Hehe. xx
Me: Oops. Eat I mean eat. LOLS. xx

Miss him so much! Definitely looking forward to spending time with him this holidays.

counting down to Christmas - 28 sleeps to go

In our household, you'll be impressed that our Christmas dinner is actually prepared by TheOtherHalf.

As much as I will start with some sort of preparation, he will end up with most of the work.

Now, before you think I pushed this stressful responsibility to him, I don't make him do it. I am very lucky that - the way he wants to be a part of everything.

So I'm left with the (some what) supervision of Christmas dinner, while he stresses himself out on it. Which incidentally, I find it rather amusing. I know, it does sound rather mean.

And every year he give me this "I'm so proud and lucky to have you in my life" feeling.

Love you lots... xx

counting down to Christmas - 29 sleeps to go

In recent years John Lewis ads have been rather good. Their approach to storyline ads captures the attention of many.

And their 2012 Christmas ad is without exception. I was reading an article recently over the weekend (can't remember the source of it now), apparently this ad had brought in about £92m (up to this weekend past) since the ad was out. I'm not sure how the value was quantify but it seems that John Lewis is doing the right thing.

I do love this ad with all its fuzzy and warm feeling. Can't wait for Christmas!

counting down to Christmas - 31 sleeps to go

Last year I found out that Sanda's a Scotsman!

Santa's A Scotsman by Santa Quest

Santa's A Scotsman

It's Christmas time in Scotland, and my kid said to me.....
Just one question Daddy, before I go to sleep....
How will Santa find me, so I said... wherever he may roam,
Santa will find you because he's coming home

Don't You Know
Santa's A Scotsman
He's Loved Everywhere he goes
He moved form Glasgow to Lapland...following Rudolf's nose

Don't you know
Santa's A Scotsman... Come on make a fuss
Too many pies not enough exercise....of course he's one of us.

He only works one day a year and then he takes a break,
He'll have a nip of whisky and a bit of Christmas cake
He likes a pudding supper and when he arrives tonight
He'll come in through the window 'cos the chimney is too tight.

You can listen to it here as well.

Or the other versions of where Santa came from within the British Isles.

Personally, I think Santa's a Scotsman is the best version of the lot. ;)

And I cannae believe that it was out since 2006 and I've not heard it before!

counting down to Christmas - 35 days

Thought I share with you another Christmas ad that I like very much. It's not the same level as Debenham's ad but it is still a very nice one.

Hopefully one day it is possible to spend Christmas back in KL.

Btw, I know my least favourite Christmas ad this year is the Marks & Spencer one. I think it is the worst by their so many years Christmas advert in terms of storyline. I'm sure there are others who disagree.

counting down to Christmas - 38 days

Christmas countdown has definitely started, at least a few weeks ago.

Shops started stocking Christmas stuff even before the Halloween stuff were out!

Anyways, to get into the Christmas spirit, I thought I'll share with you this year's favourite Christmas ad so far - Debenhams' Christmas Made Fabulous.

I know last year's countdown was a super fail. Hopefully this year will be better.

you fill up my senses

I like the new Talk Talk ad.

Perhaps I'm bias towards John Denver.

advent.2011.#1:fairytale.of.new.york

Since it is the 1st of December, that means another 24 days to Christmas, why not countdown to Christmas with my favourite Christmas songs. One a day, let's see how far I can go with this.

Let's kick it off with Fairytale of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl is one of my all time favourite Christmas song since I first heard it in 2001. I like how clever this song was written, the differnt tempo and style. The crudeness of it, yet, there is something about this song in the beautiful city of New York.

Bittersweetness they say...

It is different no doubt.



Click here for lyrics.

the.sowing.and.being.sowed.

Last weekend, TheOtherHalf and I caught the latest movie Inception.


I’m sure if you Googled Inception, there will be many blogs, articles, reviews and comments about this movie. For certain, I find this a very good movie, this year by far.

To me a good movie is one that you walk out of the cinema or after watching it, thinking, questioning, reasoning and discussing about it. Whether or not you agree with what was in the movie, or the person you are having this discussion with, be it your own mind or another person; it doesn’t really matter.

Inception was one of those movies.


And Inception without a doubt is one of those movies you’ll prolly have to watch another time or more to truly understand it. This is because we will still continue to question and reason what the story is, what the character represents or what the outcome is or should be.

Yes, the special effects were amazing and the accompanying music selection was complementary. And who would doubt the concept of the movie? Just amazing isn’t it?!


Also, don't you think that the part where Cobb and Ariadne sits at the sidewalk cafe and it started 'bursting' is so Sony paint advert? (Which by the way was real and made in Glasgow, the flats has since been torn down.)

If you argue it from the point of view that ‘it’s all in the mind’, yes, I would agree that a lot of quotes regarding the mind reminds us of it.

If you argue that the dream is more real in the dream than after you wake up, that rings true if you like chasing dreams in your sleep.


There are so many interpretation on the movie and I am not here to summarise it all, for each their own after all.

Recently I read a review by film critic, Devin Faraci, Never Wake Up: The Meaning and Secret of Inception. It was a well written and interesting analysis on the film. Whether or not how true it is all about director-writer Christopher Nolan’s perception of film making, a lot of things in the movie does seem to explain what Devin thinks. And as far as my theory of a good movie is, a review with almost 500 feedbacks and increasing proves that this is a good movie.

Of course, would anyone ever thought that Inception was just a story that Christopher Nolan conceived, without really thinking about any hidden meaning; but one that he wanted to leave viewers providing a variety of opinion and interpretation on it?


On this note, perhps we should just enjoy reliving Inception with this well created video clip featuring Edith Piaf's mesmerising voice on Non, Je ne regrette rien.

All pictures from Inception website.

the.proper.birthday.post

Right. Yesterday’s post was rubbish, if I say so myself.

It was unfair to just plonk in a post just for the sake of it when my brain was a mush from doing cost plans all day.

Anyways, my 30th birthday was better than envisaged, which IMHO is always good. Life's little bonuses, I would like to think of it as.


My birthday started with the arrival of cards and abundance of wishes on Facebook. My two Aberdonian men gave me pop up cards which I love to bits.

My BFF Ryan made an appearance by travelling over to visit me plus treating me to dinner at Sarti the night before.

For my birthday, I baked some banana split cupcakes inspired by Cupcake Project, after doing a test batch. My earlier desire to have black forest cupcakes, which is one of my favourite cakes and thus become the birthday cake of tradition if it is not blueberry cake, turned out to be disappointing during the test batch and I also quickly realise that not everyone like cherries. I still have to try baking it again one of these days.

My colleagues at work sprung a surprise and presented me with a chocolate tray bake with candle, birthday banners, two birthday songs, and a birthday card. Oh and how can I forget about the balloons!

My close friend Chuah and his mate Chee Meng provided excellent company to Japanese food at Nanakusa on Sauchiehall Street.

Then I went home to a lovely bottle of cherry beer.

Although I had greater plans months ago about a potential picnic, a dinner night out at the swanky Living Room on St. Vincent Street, and even a World Cup themed BBQ at one point, didn't turn out as plan; my birthday yesterday was one of the better ones I had for a long time.

I wished that TheOtherHalf was around to celebrate it with me (hopefully in the near future when we are not living apart) and my friends. And somehow I felt a bit nostalgic thinking about my family and missing them - my grandparents, parents plus stepmom, my sisters, my half brother and my wee niece; you may even say that I had a wee bit of homesickness (not something that happens often).

Still, I am thankful for the abundance of well wishes and love showered to me. It reminds me of how blessed I am.