Simplified-Chinese-Betrothal

During my Chinese engagement party (过大礼), my boyfriend came to my home with the gifts to ask for my hand from my parents. Few older relatives from his family came with him to represent sincerity and respect towards my family regarding this marriage.

When they arrived,  my family accepted some the wedding goodies to show we have accepted the marriage proposal. In addition, my parents prepared some gifts as their blessings for us-the couple. My parents also gave Ang Baos to his relatives who helped to deliver the gifts.  My family cooked a feast to celebrate this joyful occasion, my mum prepared her famous Nonya Chicken Curry and Wuxiang.

Betrothal Basket - the essential icon for Chinese Engagement Ceremony
It can be purchased, borrowed or rented in Singapore.

We have simplified some of our Chinese engagement gifts so as to make it more practical for our lifestyle. We are sharing our Guodali list to encourage more Chinese couples to keep the Guodali tradition. Traditions do not have to be cumbersome or inflexible. It can be modernized while retaining it's original good meaning.

Gifts from the Groom's family.
They are presented inside the Chinese Betrothal Basket.

Bethrothal Gifts (Guo Da Li) Prepared by Groom’s family

• 8 - 24 cans of pig trotters (replaced Roasted Piglet, since we do not know how to cut it)

• 12 - 22 oranges (Oranges sounds like Gold in dialect)

• 2 bottles of red wine (we prefer to drink red wines than hard liquor)

• Boxes of wedding cakes (As the wedding cakes will be given to the relatives with the wedding invitation card, the total number of boxes required depending on the number of the relatives and families)
  Please refer to my post on Chinese Wedding Pastries for more details

• 2 Ang Baos

• A set of Gold Jewelleries that consists of 4 items (bracelet, ring, necklace and a pair of earrings)

Gifts from the Bride's family.
To be put in the Chinese Betrothal Basket and return to the Groom's family.

Hui Li (Return Ceremony) Prepared by Bride’s family

• Portion of the pig trotters, oranges, 1 Angbao and some boxes wedding cakes (to show the Bride has accepted this marriage proposal)

• 2 bottles of honey (wish that the couple's love will forever be healthy and sweet)

• Sweet food like Red Dates, Lotus Seeds and Longan (hope the couple's new life together will be sweet)

• Pants for the groom (pants sounds like good fortune in Cantonese)

• Red Bed sheet (wish the new family grow in numbers)

• Sewing box complete with needles, thread and scissors (wish the Bride to nurture the family)

• Ruler (wish the new family manage their new life together with prudence)

• Mirror and comb (wish the Bride and her family to be well-groomed and presentable)

Please note that all items are given in even numbers for auspicious sake.

Christmas Greetings

My Warmest Christmas wishes to you and your family!
May this Christmas be bright and the New Year begin with joy and prosperity!

Giving Receiving

I was invited to help out in a charity project from Mustardseed Outreach Program. It is a non-religious/political welfare group formed by a bunch of compassionate people. The purpose of this project is to friend-friend the folks in a one-room flat at Aljunied. The committee got Angbaos and oranges to prep the residents for the Lunar New Year. We wore red to add to the festive cheer!

Based on feedback, other welfare organization do provide groceries to this block regularly. Most living here are lonely elderly or needy. Some hardly walk out of their home due to illness or pain on their legs. What's in need is emotional support. Everyone need friends to yak with. Hence, Mustardseed Outreach Program's focus is to spend time with them, listen to their stories and show that we care.

We were grouped in threes. My team members were encouraging, jovial and caring. Most of the residents welcomed our friendship! On the average, we spend about 20 min per household. We took down notes so the future volunteers who meet them will have a better picture. As much as possible, we arrange volunteers who are familiar with the residents to follow up. 

My team members and I received Angbao and Kopi-powder from the residents instead.

While we were caught up in the giving and caring mode... A friendly resident passed a bag of potent Vietnamese coffee powder to us. Then another kind elderly loving lady insisted on giving us Angbao! Kinda awkward leh... We are supposed to bless them not receive from them!

We wondered why she gave us Angbao. Maybe we come across as kiddos, or maybe it's the Chinese custom to return kindness. After 5 min of pushing, the gentle lady said "If you don't keep this Angbao, next time don't visit me!" With that, we surrendered.

I am touched by their warmth, positivity and contentment with life. The two of them may not have much, yet they recognise the joy of giving. Why deprive them of this simple joy? It can be hurtful to reject their kindness too. I thanked them for warming my heart this Lunar New Year! Sincerely wish more will have the wisdom to give as well as receive.

PS, the Angbao received was donated to the Mustardseed Outreach Program.

Boxing Day Resolution

Sharing with you the diet-free resolution that was found in Boxing day!

After 3 days of partying with family and friends. Boxing day is wonderful day to rest, reflect on the past and resolute goals for the new year.

As I was thinking how many resolutions could I have, how achievable should it be, what are the past resolutions that was not realistic, what are those that could be recycled (eg: dieting), how does it benefit the future... I began to wonder how effective resolutions are and why should I be stressed at all.

Most of us tend to focus on either dwelling on the past or setting goals for the future; that we neglect "now".

But "now" is most precious!
Now paints a colorful past! Now sets the tone for the future!

As we are busy worrying, lamenting or dreaming; time is slipping away... we forget that "now" the best time to live, to appreciate our loved ones, to enjoy their imperfections and smell the dinner that our kitchen is cooking... hmmm heavenly! The sizzling omelette in my wok reminds me that I'm hungry now. Ops! Distraction* Ignore resolutions. Open prezzies first so that I can settle my tummy. :P

Calendar Clock ~ Christmas gift

As I peel the wrappers, as I check out my lovely gifts... I grow to appreciate the wonderful people around me, the tireless fan above, the home that shelters, the crimson sunset, the peace... I thank God for this time... This beautiful moment that I get to taste the myriad flavours of living.

Now, I unfold a new meaning to Boxing day - A day to celebrate our "present" and count
our blessings.

Carpe-diem!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Women

Christmas is an awesome reason to shower appreciation for our family, friends, partner, business associates and clients.

As much as we love to give, it can be tough to choose a presentable, creative yet thoughtful gift, especially when it is to be given to the opposite gender. Fret not. Christmas shopping can be easy, fun and fruitful! Let these suggestions enlighten you; and expand the possibilities beyond chocolates, towels and coffee-mugs!

1. Baking/ Cooking
Bake ginger bread man cookies, mix her favourite salad or roast a beef! Women love men who can cook. Cooking/baking will not make you less manly, but more caring. It is certainly cheaper than eating out, yet you win more points than buying her Christmas meal/cookies. There are many tried and tested recipes on internet. Download a recipe of her favourite dish, shop for ingredients and start cooking. If she is game, sign up for cooking classes and have fun bonding together!

2. Pampering Treats
Massages, manicure, pedicure, hair cut, grooming services are one of the essential recreation of modern ladies. These perk-me ups make women feel refreshed, rejuvenated and rejoiced! When she looks good, she feels good too! Buy a spa package/ vouchers from a reliable Spa for her cloud 9 experience.

3. Hand bags
Women have few hand bags to match their varied wardrobe and different occasions. Get her a hand bag that suits her lifestyle. If you are unsure, consult her closed ones who are aware of her style and endowed with a good sense of fashion.

4. Music CDs
Christmas songs to get her into the festive mood. She could play it during her Christmas parties too!

5. ... ... (Fill in the blanks)
City girls know what they like. Women feel respected when asked for her personal opinions. Casually ask her what is her wish-list and you may see some light on what she wants. For those with a certain budget, this question might help: "if you have won $XX cash voucher in Takashimaya, what would you redeem?"

Christmas celebrates the gift of living. Enjoy the process of choosing gifts for the beloved ladies, wow her and relish wonderful time together!

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Gift Ideas For Men

1. Games
Board games, drinking games, console games; or even a treat to a game of archery is fun!

2. Gadgets
If hand phones or flat screen TV is beyond your budget/relationship with him. Consider accessories for his toys... It could be a pair of speakers, iPad sleeves or car pillows. These will spice up his high-tech experience.

3. Watches
The most popular accessory for males.

4. Leathers
High quality wallet/brief case/ shoes/ belts make a practical, presentable and professional gift for him.

5. Tees
Every man owns at least one Tee-shirt, a quality sports tees does not show sweat stains and dry fast. Dry fast sports tees are especially essential for the sporty men or men who live in tropics like Singapore.

Hope these ideas help you to choose the most appropriate, useful and impressive presents.

Happy Christmas Shopping!