My Baby Bump :)

* Last month of pregnancy pics

I cannot believe how quick time has flown, by next month we will be parents, not only for a short time but for the rest of our lives. I’m not sure you can truly ever be ready for the changes in lifestyle dynamics with a baby on board but I am looking forward to the challenges and joys of parenthood.

As this is my final month of pregnancy, I thought I would share my little journey. I must admit, I went into it not realising how many obstetrician appointments, pre-natal classes, blood tests, monitoring glucose levels and strict dieting I would have to endure due to gestational diabetes, but its all been worth it. Being pregnant really does make you appreciate the wonders of what a woman’s body is capable of.

The most wonderful feeling is when you can feel your baby move inside you, it truly is a sensation like no other!

A beautiful quote I read today: “A mother holds your hand for a while, and your heart forever.” Happy Mothers Day to all the beautiful mums out there for this Sunday!

– Shirlene Lai Allison xo

 

Top 5 Travel Hot Spots

I admit… I have always had the travel bug and aim to see as much of this unique planet as I can in this life time. I’m sure there are a few of you out there with this itch too, its contagious! 

Sharing is caring, so here are my top 5 travel hot spots…….

* Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort & Spa

Magical. This part of the island is isolated away from the touristic area, you need a boat to get there. Once you are there, you are seriously in paradise, surrounded by the resorts private beach, an infinity pool with pool bar and overlooking the spectacular Andaman Sea.

* Villaggio Mall, Doha – State of Qatar

Unique. It is the shopping destination for luxury brands, all located in a mall that imitates an Italian village, running right through the mall is a canal with floating gondolas, street lamps, an ice skating rink and the illusion of blue skies on the ceiling. Check it out if you ever get the chance!

* Yasawa Island, Fiji

Paradise. This beautiful island is situated about 8 hours by boat from the mainland of Fiji. Swimming with wild manta rays is something I will never forget and having no electricity and sleeping in open air bungalows for the week was the best thing for the mind & soul.

* Sofitel Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam

All class. If its customer service you are looking for, this 5 star luxury hotel has it all, by that, I mean, every single staff member has been trained to greet you by your name and have the doors open for you on arrival and exit. That is a total of 364 rooms worth of guests to memorise! I also appreciated the personalised handwritten welcome letter from the manager in our room on arrival. Talk about attention to detail.

* Avignon, South of France

Magnificent. If it is history, art and architecture you are looking for, then this charming part of France is worth the visit. Famous for its annual performing arts festival, medieval fortress and the Palais des Papes.

Hope this has made you want to pack your suitcases to see more of the world!

– Shirlene Lai Allison xo

Super Man

(l to r) Uncle Paul in his early days training his brother Jimmy and celebrating a birthday in the family.

 

My first post was always going to be about my Uncle Paul, Dad’s younger brother.

He has inspired me to make the most of life and most importantly, to appreciate the small things that we all take for granted.

In his early thirties, Uncle Paul had a young family, a business to run and was an extremely athletic man who suffered from a brain tumor. Having undergone surgery to this area was always going to be risky business, which led to a neurological disorder which has impaired both his physical and mental capabilities. 

For the past 14 years, he has lived with this condition, unable to do the most basic human things that we all take for granted. It was especially hard on my wedding day, knowing that if Uncle Paul was well he would have been there. As kids, he would take me and my sister out when our parents were busy working, that will never be forgotten.

In the words of his son, Steven Lay (18) who is a talented golfer and has just commenced his first year of uni:

“I don’t often dwell on the past, because there is nothing you can change or do about it, however if someone in the future invented a time machine of some sort, I’d make sure that dad didn’t go to surgery”

“My dad will always be my father figure. No matter what, he is my inspiration, my drive, my will to succeed. Although dad isn’t one who can walk, talk, teach me how to shave, give me lectures on studying or there to say goodnight as I was growing up, I know he would have if he could. I love my dad and there are no ifs, or buts about it. The life of Steven Lay hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but it’s the life chosen for me.”

On that note… Before you decide to complain about having a bad day, it is never going to be as tough as what others are going through on a day to day basis. See yourself as lucky.

– Shirlene Lai Allison xo