Let me start by saying how grateful I am for all the sponsors and help that I received on the day. I would never be able to pull this off on my own. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

In the four long years of writing and editing, it was hard for me to see the end of the road. I couldn’t see that the book would one day be completed, let alone having a launch party. But it did happen and it’s been one month before I finally had the time to organise my thoughts and (tons of) photos into a blog post.

The Chill Mom: How to go from anxious expectant mother to relaxed, confident mum book launch party was held at Bove at Suntec City. I knew that it’s THE place I wanted my book party to be when I visited the store for the first time. It has everything and more for mothers and babies. The store is neat, everything’s clearly organised and there’s even a staff wishing you well as you exit the store, even when you’ve bought nothing.

I’ve never been big on celebrations, even birthdays, so it blew my mind that my guests had taken their time to grace the event and for that, I’m forever grateful. Also, how cool is that big wooden backdrop that NUTOX, my favourite skincare brand, had kindly prepared for me? I was so tempted to bring it home after the event.

And balloons! Nothing says party as much as balloons. They are great for keeping the young ones entertained too.

I jokingly asked Nick if he would give a speech at the book launch and he had more than delivered. After being together for 14 years, married for 8 of those years, we don’t flatter each other on the daily. So it was very nice to hear his thoughts about me and the book, even though I put him up to it.

Thanks, dearie for that heartwarming introduction. I love you to the moon and back.

Another proud moment and may I say, brilliant idea of mine, was to get Lauren to do the reading at the book launch. I wanted the book launch to be a family event, where everyone was included because they are the reason I wrote the book. The reason I do anything at all. I’m so glad that Lauren was psyched to do the reading.

Lauren, mummy is so proud of you.

I’m so happy when my friend and Singapore sleep expert, Zoe Chu agreed to speak at my book launch. She has recently published a book too. In fact, Zoe’s the one who introduced me to my book distributor. Thank you, Zoe, for being my confidant and ranting partner especially during these last few months of book launch madness.

I originally planned for Georgia to present the bouquet of flowers (in the spirit of getting everyone involved), but she bailed on me. Lauren was more than happy to take the limelight again.

This is Sabrina, the winner of my swag bag giveaway contest, which Bloom and Grow Asia has kindly sponsored their cool Skiphop Pronto Changing Station and Skiphop Double Bottle Bag to add to our Kipling tote full of other baby goodies!

And now, let me introduce you to my friends. These people are the first group of friends we have when Nick and I moved here from Australia. Viv, Cherie and I have babies around the same time, so you can imagine the kind of conversation we have in our group chat.

That’s Minoli, a talented writer and an all-rounder great mum whom I knew through work. She’s the one who wrote this feature piece of me on Asian Money Guide.

I met Chloe, Audrey, Charlene and Fiona at media events and somehow we hit it off. They are a cool bunch of women-entrepreneur, each with their own businesses and making their marks in Singapore.

I met Doris during my Zouk days and we’ve been friends since!

It felt surreal during the book signing. My mind was going back and forth between a validated “So this is what book signing feels like” to doubtful “Is this how it’s done?” & “What should I sign?”. Luckily for me, Lauren and Georgia were right there making sure I didn’t screw it up.

Also, a huge thank you to Tollyjoy for sponsoring these baby essentials hamper for the lucky draw.

My friend, Mei-Ling whose kids are already teenager won the hamper! Time for another one?? Haha.

Mummy bloggers turned friends. Thank you for being so supportive, ladies!

Jaime is my dear friend for more than 21 years! Yes, we know each other since we were babies. *wink*. Also, how pretty is this 4 feet tall balloon from Party Fairy?

These are my best clients ever. Well, they are more like friends to me now (even though I’m not sure if the feelings are mutual). LOL. The NUTOX team has been very supportive towards my book launch. I’m so lucky to be their ambassador in Singapore because NUTOX not only has great products, these people are a joy to work with.

Kenneth here is also an author. His book, Mother Industrialist, shares the story of fifteen successful mumpreneurs. Very inspiring!

Good to see that the kids were enjoying themselves too. I originally planned for a jumping castle for the kids but it costs more than $300 for a 2-hour event (min hire is 4 hours), so I guess you can have plenty of cakes for $300!

The whole event felt kind of like my wedding, but without a partner to take some of the heat/attention of. I had the best time but it passed in a whirlwind. I didn’t have time to really appreciate the beautiful set-up. Dee from Tassels & Twine took my breath away when she styled Lauren’s 4th birthday a couple of years ago. So I know I can rely on them to turn my book launch party into a sophisticated affair.

Y’all know that I have absolutely no idea when it comes to decorating and aesthetics right? All I had to do was letting Dee know how many tables to decorate, the amount of food we have and voila, she came up with this white theme with a little touch of rustic to maintain simplicity and to match the book.

Tassels & Twine offers my readers 10% off their dessert table/ styling packages when you quote THE CHILL MOM.

Oh my god, I didn’t get to see and taste any of the delectable cakes and desserts Sweetest Moments had specially prepared for my book launch. I saw the cupcakes with “THE CHILL MOM BOOK LAUNCH PARTY” alphabets for the first time when I received my photos. So if you ever going to throw a book party or any party, make sure your guests arrive hours after you’ve set up.

The cupcakes were quickly snapped up, so here’s an incomplete photo proof that it existed.

I also had no idea that there were mochis at the event. But none were left by the end of the party, so I guess it must have tasted pretty good.

I still can’t get over the cake. I had imagined the cake to look like a book, standing upright, possibly with the words “The Chill Mom” on it, if I’m lucky. What I didn’t expect is this insane creation that resembled my books stacked on top of one another, with a smaller opened book right on top, so you can clearly see printed front and back book cover clearly. It’s hi-definition printing and it’s edible.

The details are amazing. I was so taken away by the book (can you see the paper lines?), I actually didn’t notice the cute baby girl and baby boy figurines around it until we got home.

I was secretly wishing that we didn’t have to cut the cake.

With my dear dress sponsor turned friend, Mary, the founder of Mary Had A Little Lamb and Glitter Glam boutique.

Glad to see a single man with no kids reading my book too. Thanks for coming, Zhi Cong.

On the way out the door, the guests grabbed these yummy thank-you popcorn and goodies bags filled with products from all the brands who sponsored the party, most of whom have supported my blog for a very long time. They were Tollyjoy, Bove, Nutox, Bloom & Grow and Aptamil. A huge thanks to all these brands for making the event possible!

Buy your copy of The Chill Mom: How to go from anxious expectant mother to relaxed, confident mum here or here for e-copy and make sure to tag your pics #thechillmombook on social media! I’m going to be giving away another swag bag (that includes the brands who supported the party and much more) to someone in the hashtag.