September 1, 2013

Top 10 Highlights of August 2013

Dominique Parenting and Kids, Thoughts Monday Listicles

Personalizing the Reusable bag

I can’t believe that it is already September. The months really passes much faster in the 2nd half of the year. During the past month of August I have been trying to finish up all the outstanding items which had accumulated from the previous months. Unfortunately there is still quite a bit to get done before I can strike out all that is on that list.

In August I have been cutting down the time spent online and on the promotion of this blog. I have been focusing more on the kids as they will be having their final year examinations in October. They are also looking forward to the end of year trip to Disneyland which we promised them if they do well in school.

Here are some highlights of August.

Doing Art & Craft at the mall

1. During one of the weekends the kids participated in a stenciling activity and created their own personalized recyclable tote bag.

Riding in the go kart

2. They had a spin in the Go karts we rented at West Coast Park. It had been awhile since we brought them there and they were thrilled to pedal around in the park. Tiger girl had fun too being driven around.

Golden Plated Tea Set

3. We brought the kids to the Peranakan Museum during one of the weekends. It was the first time visiting this museum for us and it was certainly an eye opener for all.

Cupcakes

4. I saw these really cool looking cupcakes in my Facebook stream one day and decided to try making my own version of slippers/ high heel cupcakes. I’m lucky that I have many friends who are more then eager to eat my creations as they know that I am still on a weight lost challenge.

Tiger girl playing doctor

5. Playing doctor is something which Tiger girl is currently into. She loves taking out her stethoscope and using it to diagnose what is wrong with her patients like Doc McStuffins.

Yummy Laksa

6. I’m been indulging in some of our local delicacies like Laksa . This is a meal which one cannot afford to eat too often as it is really high in calories as it does have coconut milk inside.

Sushi

7. Other foods which I have been eating a lot the past month was Sushi. The kids and I love Japanese food so it is one of the must visit restaurants if we get the chance too. Unfortunately the portions served in many Japanese restaurants have really shrunk a lot. I’m seriously thinking of attending Japanese cooking classes if I do get the opportunity so I can cook a greater variety of Japanese dishes at home for the family.

8. August is an important month for me as it is the month where I celebrate my birthday. This year I turn 35 and we didn’t have any cake. I had 4 separate celebrations with the family and relatives instead.

Tiger girl on the phone

9. There are many things which one can and should talk to your kids about. I came up with a list of 10 Things to talk to your kids which I feel is a great summary of all the topics which one as a parent should cover.

Spider lily

10. Now and then one needs to refocus so that one is able to keep on track and on target to reach the goals that were set. I feel that this month I have been doing refocusing to remove all the unwanted stuff in my life.

How was your August?

The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge

Book Cover

The 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge: One Question a Week. One Incredible Marriage. by Jeff & Lora Helton is a book which all marriage couples should work on together. In the book Jeff & Lora take one through the year by focusing on a question a week which the couple has to focus on.

There are 50 chapters for 50 questions (including a bonus section on special dates like Thanksgiving, Valentines etc ) which focuses on the question of the week.

In the start of the book this question is asked.

How will you use this 50 Fridays Marriage Challenge each week?

Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom as quoted together with a explanation and prompt questions in the chapter.

From the leading questions the following topics are explored.

-growing in intimacy;
– developing shared hobbies;
– improving spiritual intimacy in marriage
– understanding the different ways of giving and receiving love;
– becoming better listeners;
– making bucket lists;
– discussing finances and remembering how we decided on marriage

My thoughts

Reading through the book got me asking myself questions which I feel that I should too be asking myself about my own marriage. Even though we have been married for 12 years there are still many aspects of our marriage which we can still work on. We have been praying for each other but haven’t really sat down and prayed together as a couple.

It was really timely that I had receive this book to read. I have been thinking a lot of how to have a closer walk with GOD and within our marriage. This is one area which has been lacking and needs to be worked on. This is certainly a book all married couples should read together.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine.This post has a compensation level of 3. Please visit Dominique’s Disclosure page for more information.