Gifts Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is just around the corner. This year the day coincides with the first day of Chinese New Year.The latter is an important occasion for all Chinese to be with their families and loved ones. Many couples may choose not to celebrate on the day itself as priority is given to their families.

There are many ideas of gifts for her:

A simple box of chocolates and a card would just touch her heart; provided she's not on a diet. Or else after she finishes the box of chocolates, no doubt she would feel the warmth in her heart, but she would also put on an extra 5 pounds at her hips. lol

 

A dozen or more beautiful roses would bring a broad  smile on most girl's face (also on my face); unless she's not a flower-lover..

                                                             

If you want to show how much you love her (and don't mind paying more), jewellery would be nice.  Diamonds, gold and gemstones are many girls' (mine too) best friends.


Those who want to be more romantic, could consider lingerie.

 Too late to get gifts? Since this Valentine's Day is also the first day of Chinese New Year, why not give her a red packet (with cash or cheque) instead?

Here's wishing everyone a prosperous Chinese New Year and a romantic Valentine's Day!!

                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                       

Spring Cleaning - Once a Year

When I was young, I used to look forward to Chinese New Year celebration as there were lots of goodies to eat (normally I won't get to eat that much of junk food); receiving ang paos and seeing my relatives (whom I don't get to meet for 364 days). Spring cleaning were usually done by the adults.

Ever since adulthood, the duty of spring cleaning and preparation for the new year had fallen onto my hands. Clearing of unwanted stuff accumulated throughout the year is actually quite a headache. Getting each curtain down to wash was a bigger headache. Imagine I had to climb the ladder to get the curtains (piece by piece) down, machine washed, hang it to dry, iron it before climbing up the ladder to put it up. We have at least five big windows in the house and each has day and night curtains. Thank goodness I had just completed hanging the last piece of curtain back.

For groceries, I had to make a few trips to the supermarket to buy soft drinks, mandarin oranges, tit-bits and finger food. Fortunately, for the past few years, my family has decided to dine out for our reunion dinner (or lunch to avoid crowd). So that makes less to stock up.

Then, two days ago I'd decided I wanted to do some light decoration for the house. I'm not that good at craft work. So I just folded some butterflies and fans using red packets.

(The lantern and the two fireworks were purchased, of course).

I thought it look quite alright..