Valente SmellyBottom

Lilypie Third Birthday tickers

Saturday, April 7, 2012

hello world - introducing.. THE MAGIC BRUSH!

Wow has it been nearly a year since I last blogged? That's how incredibly crazy my year has been!

The reason for coming out of hiatus was to share the good news that my app storybook is finally out after waiting forever! It's a collaboration between Yulian (my former designer at Unicef East Timor) and I. I did the easy part - i adapted a classic Chinese tale of The Magic Brush, while Yuli did all the hard work - resulting in a beautifully illustrated app.

I love that I can record my voice over the story, which thrills Val to bits. He's been requesting to see it everyday since I downloaded it, and this is after, having lost quite a bit of interests in the ebooks i've downloaded onto my iPhone since he discovered YouTube!

We wanted to do Asian Tales cos there are too many Cinderella, and Snow White stories out there. Thought parents might appreciate some Chinese/Asian classics - whether they are Asian or from other cultures. Here're some clips from the app!




If you're keen to download this, please click here.

I'm also embarking on an exciting journey now at work - more updates on that front soon.

Plus, there might be a chance of collaborating to write a book for kids in school! So much to do, so little time!

Oh, and yes, for those who knew I was struggling to finish up my Masters in international & community development (long distance) from Deakin University (Australia)...... *drum roll*** I finally finished last October!

So yeah, that's the reason why I hardly had time to blog...

More to come soon! xoxoxo

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Challenge Mar/April 2011

Our latest issue...what can I say... it's been a crazy year since we took on this contract. Satisfying but very exhausting. A product we're proud of but it does take a lot out of us. We're entering into our second year and are in the midst of doing an even crazier May/June issue!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

still alive

yes, yes, am still alive despite not blogging for the longest time.
let's just say, Life's been pretty unpredictable and I'm right now in the vortex of great change. Mostly good change, I guess. Change is afoot. I will blog more soon. Meanwhile, be happy.

Friday, December 31, 2010

My wish for all in 2011

Peace for people and of mind
Poverty to be diminished
Prayers to be said more faithfully
Purpose in life to be clearer
Playful nature to endure
Pleasure in work to be sustained
Perseverance to achieve our dreams
Presence of mind and body for those we love

God bless you....

XOXOXOXO from B+V

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

A great way to wrap up the year

We met last Sunday at YM's house for a Boxing Day lunch - so glad she had the gumption and energy to organise it! Thanks old pal!

What a great time we had with the simple stuff we did: chatting and catching up, acquainting with each others' kids, giving gifts, gorging selves, singing carols with lyrics from an iPhone, and just merrymaking.

Thanks YM for the great party!

old old pals
Not the complete brood... most of them have three kids!

cake cutting
Kirsten asks: Why are we cutting cake? YM: Because it's Jesus' birthday

sher, kids & May
Two amazing (and famous) mommy bloggers together

boxing day @ may's
The monkey who refused to pose nicely the entirely day

another old friend....
Old pal Jason (yes another Jason - Val was mighty confused!): talented musician, dedicated father of 3, wonderful husband of a wonderful woman

IMG_2375a
So old, we could be fossils... and Val hamming it up

Monday, December 13, 2010

somewhere out there

@Lim Chu Kang

Isn't it nice to still find a spot of 'kampong' and ruggedness in Singapore? :-) i love exploring places i used to haunt, this time with the boy in tow...