Bugaboo Cameleon 3 (2015 classic) vs. Uppababy Vista 2015

We own three of everything for Brevi, and this is NOT IN ANY WAY meant to come off as showing off, as it wasn’t by choice. (so no judgemental moms pls.) Because we aren’t merely “visiting” Korea and the US but actually staying there for weeks to months at a time, we felt it was necessary to buy separate baby items for each countries to save ourselves the trouble of lugging everything around. It sucked buying three of everything, but it also meant I have the opportunity to try out the other close competitor products that I couldn’t narrow down in my baby item search. This review is for baby strollers, which is every mother’s most talked about baby item! note: this isn’t a tech review, you can find specs of these strollers at youtube channels and other websites. It’s just an honest review of the pros I saw in each stroller after having used it for a year.

From the popular and the highly rated strollers in all three countries (listed at the bottom of post), we narrowed down our choice to Bugaboo Cameleon 3 (for Singapore) and Uppababy Vista 2015 (for America) because of their SMOOTHEST push. I am pretty petite, at only 100lbs, so it was important for me that this presumed heaviest deluxe stroller had an extremely easy push, preferably with one hand.  We bought, tried and tested both strollers on our own baby for over a year before writing this review and I can confidently say that YES, both are extremely smooth, and as most reviews state, they are extremely well made! it’s funny that I CANNOT bother pushing a market cart anymore after I’ve been spoiled by the stroller’s easy push around the market and just throwing everything down the underseat basket.

side note: For Korea and for easy transit between airports, we got an umbrella stroller (Emotion by Babyhome, more on umbrella strollers in another post!) because there was no way we are taking deluxe strollers on flights.

Few (more) tips when choosing a photographer (Wedding/Maternity)

I thought I’d share with you my views (and lesson learned) on hiring a ‘popular’ photographer.

So at five months into my pregnancy (when my belly was still not so big), I flew to the states for my husband’s company party and to visit my lovely family. Because I only get see them once a year, I thought it’d be a great idea to hire a photographer and do a semi maternity/family/baby shower shoot for a small gathering with few friends and family at our house.

9 things I miss back home in California

I’m back home in California for a vacay, for my husband’s yearly work party and to see the lovely fam. It’s been exactly one year since I’ve been away. Gawd, how much I’ve missed being here! It’s been only few days since I’ve been back and I’ve been so relaxed and happy that i do not want to leave. Thought I’d jot down some of the joys of living in California (and states in general) in comparison to other countries, mainly Asia where I lived.

My parents home in Anaheim Hills, Cali!

1. Big and Spacious Home

You don’t have to be a big baller to live well in Cali. As an average (or upper? due to a comment that not all middle-income family can live like this-_- we never considered ourselves rich but I guess the definition is subjective) middle-income family, you can have six rooms with attached bathrooms, a huge kitchen with an island, three (or four) car garages, a private patio with a beautiful view, and a private pool at this beautiful 5000 sq ft home in a gated-community. How much I missed the space. I miss having a closet the size of my current room, having a huge island in the kitchen for cooking, and the quietness of the suburban life. Though this life is not for everyone- certain types would actually prefer the busy and excitement-filled city life like Manhattan.

Safe, quiet neighborhood of Suburban homes

2. Safe and Private communities

I guess one stereotype that Asians have of America is that we’re constantly living in fear of being shot (?). I’ve gotten plenty of questions by both Singaporeans and Koreans if it’s “scary” to live in America. Not at all. I actually feel safer in my suburban home in the US than in condos of Singapore or Korea, as there is only a wall distance between you and your neighbors. Unless you live inside a major city (which is only a car-distance away) or live in a bad neighborhood, the cities in US are generally very safe. Us OC’ers only lock our cars once we enter some parts of downtown LA and other ghettos, but that’s okay because we are usually safe in our cars until we enter indoors.

3. Cheap Cars

Yes, it’s possible to get a nice bmw for USD $50,000. Little high-schoolers are able to drive around in Lexus,’ BMWs, and Benz because the cheapest grades start at USD $30,000. Better yet, if you lease your car, you can walk away with any of the three at no downpayment and around $500/month. Not to mention the way cheaper Hyundais, Hondas, and Toyotas. I never knew cars were such a luxury item until I moved to Singapore..  it’s been a pain getting around town without a car in a public transportation system and taxi because it’s hard to catch one (not to mention rude drivers occasionally) and public transit is used and abused. I know I should promote public transit as a planner, but it’s a bit unfortunate watching people squeezing in and out and looking stressed and depressed during rush hour. Public transportation is only appreciated if general residents actually have the choice of riding a private car or a public transit, like Korea or New York. My biggest complaint living in Singapore but I guess unless you’re filthy rich, it’s a waste of money to get a car. I guess car only system in LA has its cons- you have to drive or find a ride to get a carton of milk at a supermarket.

4. Credit Cards (and perhaps the US credit system)

So I’m the type that has to pay off my balances in full every month. And yet, I hold several cards, of them being: Chase preferred, Amex Gold, Amex Cash, and my favorite department store cards Nordstroms and Bloomingdales.  This is because American companies offers the best benefits: my cash is 5% on supermarkets and gasoline at NO Maximum cash back amount per year, Amex Gold offers the best pt per dollar system that can be used on Amazon (my favorite) and many other purchases, best benefits at signup (50,000 free air miles just for signing up), etc.  There are not much restrictions or regulations, as I’ve seen with Asian credits (cash back only up to $800/year, 10,000 free miles, at best).  The signup is awesome perhaps due to the amazing credit system in the US that tracks down everyone’s past payment history- the signup for credit is SUPER easy, as in, you write your name, address, social security #, your household income, submit online, and voila! you’re done. Typically, you are approved right away and the card is sent to you in less than 3~5 business days.  In Singapore and in Asia in general, there were so many instructions and requirements just for the debit card alone, where you are using your own money.  So imagine the stress and regulations of signing up for a credit card. In Korea, it’s even worse- you have to go through several passwords and codes to even buy a product online.

5. Central Air Conditioning

Agreed it may be wasteful, but American houses mostly have central air conditioning system, where if you just set your AC to “auto,” it automatically turns on the air when it gets a bit hot througout the whole house.  No more turning on individual A/Cs looking like an eye sore attached in every room. Upscale condos in Korea and Singapore have built in A/C, but you usually have a remote to turn them on and off individually. and fans… man, never seen so many fans in my life till I moved to Singapore. It’s one of the hottest countries and yet residents there bear the heat with just a fan. My sister who visited for a bit was so surprised to hear that locals eat at restaurants without air conditioning in southeast asian weather. Props to them, we’ve been really spoiled in America.

6. Return Policies in Stores

Nordstroms’ return policy is that there is no return policy. You can return anything, opened and without a receipt, anytime, most of them time.  You can return used makeup that you don’t like at Sephora, if you aren’t satisfied with your product. Not the case in most of the countries in Asia. I hear Korea’s getting a bit better, but Singapore usually has a 14 day only, exchange only, or no return policies at even many of the top international stores. Not to mention, if you buy something online from an online store, you can’t return them at the physical store like you do in America. You also have to pay return shipping. America is shopper’s heaven, with quality products at cheap prices and their awesome sales that go up to 70%. Thus the reason why I wait until I go back for all the shopping.

7. Best facilities and Equal living?

Due to land restraint, Asian countries typically require thousands of dollars in membership to use golf courses and park facilities that usually mimic a low-end park areas offered to residents in America… for free.  America’s a heaven for the low-income. Unless you are Paris Hilton rich, no one can really tell your wealth or status, though it’s easily spotted in Asia.  The places you go, things that you own, things you eat are generally same for people of all income.  For example, a doctor can own a medium sized home and drive a 3 series BMW. A waitress at a restaurant can own a 7-series BMW and eat at normal restaurants. In Asia, you probably can’t drive a BMW as a restaurant waitress, and you probably eat mostly instant boonshik in Korea or local stall food if you’re a Singaporean. If you’re the type to want to flaunt your wealth and you’re not too rich, America is not for you bc it won’t show.

8. Weather

California is known for its beautiful weather. It is sunny, breezy, and not humid.  I can snowboard at the mountains in the winter, fish at a lake during summer, and do whichever activities I please without having all four seasons. This is perhaps the reason why you’ll find the prettiest flowers for wedding bouquets in California, in comparison to the limited selection in Asia. The greenery here is just beautiful. I’m attaching my wedding bouquet again because I absolutely loved it. 🙂

9. Abundance of Organic Groceries

There are local farmers market everywhere, and there are huge organic supermarkets in close proximity, such as Trader Joes, Wholefoods, Mothers, etc. that sell Organic produce and products for cheap. I really miss eating healthy for cheap.

9. Living in Your Own World

You really live in your own world in America. If you want to live like a Korean, you move to Koreatown. You can probably speak no English and live fine in those areas.  Same goes for any other ethnicities. There is no one to judge, no one to really mind your business. You just go about living the way you please, with whatever groups you please. All kinds of people exist here. In Asia, I see most people trying to “fit in” with everyone else, and those that aren’t are harshly judged and criticized.

There are many great things about living in Asia as well. That’s probably the reason why there are people that move back after having spent years here. It can get boring, monotonous, and too quiet for any person in their 20s. But I’ve just had a newly found appreciation for California now that I’m living abroad… and I really realize you really don’t know what you’re missing until it’s been taken away. As my friends say, I’m such a Cali girl, and I can’t wait till I settle back here someday. ❤

Be My Bridesmaid?

One of the things I wish I had done in my wedding planning process was to ask my bridesmaids in a creative manner. Having been asked to be a bridesmaid twice, one being face-to-face and another a personal email, I did the same for mine thinking this is the way it’s done. I had no idea that there were so many cute ideas up on the internet! (the negative side of marrying early) I know there’s no “right” way to ask my bridesmaids, but now that I have time to look back I think it would’ve been a cute and memorable experience to make it creative.

I can’t think of what I would’ve personally done because it’s already done and over with, but something cute and personal for sure bc I love things like these, especially if it’s for good friends 🙂

I had a lot of close friends I wanted to have as my bridesmaids, and there were a few that I didn’t get to. It wasn’t because I wasn’t closer to them or that they were a bad friend, few were actually the opposite: They were more understanding than others and that they aren’t the type to be catty/hurt about it if they weren’t included. Last thing I wanted was hurt feelings and unnecessary tension, bc you all know those type of friends. I wanted to keep my BM number at 6 for Korean and American celebration mostly due to cost, because I’m having two celebrations and therefore all the costs are doubled. For those that were at my actual Korean ceremony which is the most important day for David and I, I wanted to get them their dress, hair and makeup and doing that for six girls including their bouquets and meals for them and their “extra 1’s,” the cost really adds up for 6 bridesmaids.  and don’t forget the costs of THANK YOU presents and dinners, which may be more expensive than the actual wedding cost for BMs. For my American reception BM’s, I got them another 6 dresses and thank you presents even for holding my bridal shower because I felt bad that I couldn’t get them makeup/hair for the American reception.  

Here’s my advice on choosing BM’s now that it’s over:

-choose them wisely! choose only the friends you think will be of great help to you throughout the process. It’s also their job to decline if they don’t think they can due to work and school or they are just not the type of person to help, but some just don’t or maybe they just don’t know. It’s hard knowing what kind of people they really are until these big events hit (same goes for selfish brides), but don’t be too disappointed… life goes on.

–Don’t be cheap and at least get them something upfront! I wanted to get dress, hair/makeup for my bridesmaids for my Korean ceremony and I’m so glad I did. You don’t have to buy an expensive dress or an expensive artist, it’s the thought that counts. If you can’t afford it, then cut your BM number or tell them in advance which goes to my next point…

-budget well and be clear upfront so there are no misunderstandings! I told my BM’s upfront that for those that can’t make it to Korea, I won’t be able to provide makeup/hair for them (only dresses and bouquets). I didn’t care who came to my ceremony and didn’t, I left it up to them to decide bc I didn’t want to pressure anyone to fly to Korea. I’d hate to get pressured to fly somewhere if it’s well over 8 hour flight and feel bad at the same time if I don’t make it, and I didn’t want anyone to feel guilty either.  If you want your friends to be part of it but can’t afford to do a lot of things for them, tell them honestly! Good friends understand as long as you’re being clear and tell them upfront from the beginning what you can and can’t do for them and if they’re still willing to accept being your bridesmaid.

-know what to expect and what not to expect. don’t expect your bm’s to be your florist, wedding planners, online shoppers, etc when it’s something you can do yourself. If you really need help, shoot out couple emails for help and ask for favors. Good friends(bm’s) will check in with you couple times a month to see how you’re doing.  If you are asking for a huge favor that costs a lot of time, effort, and/or money (bc you can’t hire professionals), make sure to thank them! As long as you do your part and are cordial, the true friends will really be there for you and stand up for you and really really go out of their way, as some of mine have been. Those that weren’t, just think of it as that’s just how they are as humans and that’s just much how they’ll get out of your friendship later.

Going through your wedding process really makes you realize who your true friends are. I was so thankful to learn throughout the process that some really really are there for you and go out of their way. My husband and I talk about our bridal party and feel our friendship with a few strengthened so much more. I can’t wait till they get married or have babies (my one bm that got married in dec 😉 ) so that I can return the favor 100 times more! Same goes for those that contributed so much when they weren’t even in the bridal party. It’s hard to find genuine friends, make sure to return the favor.

California Reception Decor Sneak Peak

Reception in California went really well and the weather turned out great, with no rain as I had hoped.  The decorations I spent hours putting together turned out exactly the way I’ve envisioned and I can’t wait to see the professional pictures of the details once it’s sent to me. I enjoyed the overall planning process and I feel lucky that I’ve had the chance to experience both wonderful wedding customs in both worlds.  I feel blessed to have had wonderful friends, family and my two dogs celebrate this special day with us. 🙂 More details to be updated later!

Here are some pictures that my baby cousin took with my 5dmarkIII (prof pics to come later):