30th day of Ramadhan

As I bid farewell to humble Ramadhan
I welcome with Salam the month of Syawal
Its a month to celebrate, a month of happiness
Its a month of apologies, A month of forgiveness
For I am only human. I am one of God's creations
Full of imperfections. Ready for improvements
I may not say it right, excuse me
I may not be the best, pardon me
I may not conduct myself the finest, forgive me
To all my family and friends, fellow Muslims near and far.
Have a safe journey when you’re driving; bicycle, motor or by car
Wherever your kampung or hometown it may be,
I pledge you please come back home safely
Well wishes from Adura Sayangness and Mr Boyfy
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

29th day of Ramadhan

The spirit of Raya meluap-luap di dada (sorry but i dont have a better idiom to use to express my feelings). So freaking excited especially having to bake all those cakes and i can barely wait to give out duit Raya and kuih raya for my relatives. Its just enchanting.

My mood for work had been killed by the smell of freshly baked cookies, kuah kacang and rendang mama had just cooked. Yum-yum. Believe me, Mama make the best kuah kacang and rendang i've ever tasted in Malaysia's history. Maybe not, but i'm with my mom. Boo-you! And since my cousins came to Penang for Raya, i was more excited, felt like a kid, like old times. But i bet i won't be getting any duit raya including from my parents. It'd be a Jackpot if they hand to me a green packet filled with money.

The pretty flowers in the basket Mr Boyfy's mom gave me

My bag was ready to go, my green packets, make-up box. Everything was there. But i forgot to stop by the local florist to get roses,oh no! Flowers for my family who are not celebrating together on this beautiful Syawal. My late-grandparents and relatives. I wanted the best for them so i bought for dozens of Roses; Red,Pink and Yellow with White pom-poms. I don't really favor the boring flowers so why not spend a little bit more for some pretty stuff. I bet my late Pah Ramlah, Pah Yang Tek and aunts would love it. And yes it turned out beautiful. No one could agree more.

Wish i could bath in all this flowers. Next time, k :)

Friends, please dont just spend your Eid Mubarak with those with you, but remember those who left us, family and friends. Celebrate with them with a visit or Al-Fatihah,both would be best.

Love, AduraSayangness

27th Day of Ramadhan

Happy Birthday to Miss Sayangness!!!

Yes, i am 24 this year and i'm happy, happy, happy. Thanks to those who wished well for me, dear family, Mr Boyfy and friends. Thanks for remembering. Its an effort i admire cos remembering birthdays are tough, you know. Anyways, just to kill the time, here's my 2008 wishlist. Hopefully someone read my mind good. *hopeful*

10. I want to always smell good, I need more perfumes for my collection.

9.I cant get enough of self-indulgement and definitely loving the Body care from Body Shop.

8. Spa? Again? Yes, since i've been working overtime for the Raya preparation and my body is definitely aching.

7. I cant't get the right handbag the other day, so i'm hoping i get a better one soon even if its not Coach, i'm good. Im not that particular you know.

6. Im loving Kitchenaid's Pink Mixer, which has multiple functions and with this item, you're doing charity for the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Yes, its limited edition.

5. I definitely need a new and BIGGER oven. and this one, look superbly gorgeous. kan? kan? so please papa please!!!

4. I've been meaning to have this Pink Vaio like forever, not but Papa told me i don't really need one. But i think i might need it sooner than ever.

3. Jewelleries. I need to be iced, well this is my biggest dream. To get a diamond ring. Dont ask me why but i never had something so certain as a gift and i dont mean a wedding/engagement ring but if i'm lucky who knows.

2. A wedding? Who doesnt want to be wed? At the age of 24, my number 2 is getting married. Maybe not this year,maybe 2009? 2010?




1. Lastly, i wish for LOVE. Lots and lots of love. From my parents, siblings, Mr.Boyfy, family, friends, and everyone too. Lots of Sayangness.

Milan here i come

After blog-hopping, i found a quiz that ET blogged on and boy, she's Miss Dublin after all. But being the anxious me, i wanted to know where i belong to. I rubbed my eyes too. But envy me ET (not!). I am suppose to be a Milanese. Yerrite, that i can dream on!

You Belong in Milan

Stylish and sophisticated, you want to enjoy a truly European life - away from tourists! Milan fits you perfectly. Great shopping, high quality food, lots of culture... with very little hype.

What European City Do You Belong In?

26th day of Ramadhan

It started very early morning. To be precise i didn't sleep as I've been busy baking (sleeping in between baking, shikes). It was me and the brother, heading off to Melaka to pick up dearest sis for her holiday breaks. (Sorry sis, been awhile that i haven't blogged about you) So kind-hearted siblings she has that we drove all the way for her sake, well not entirely as i wanted to celebrate my birthday. After mean karaoke sessions in the car with Edros, we spotted a white baby zooming up the highway and we actually caught a video of it, speeding but i i do, then i'll get summon letters as well for racing (rephrasing, in a better way: to catch the car in action)

Beautiful white baby audi

As we reached Lendu (that's where Uitm Melaka is) and got Elly on board, we headed to the hotel. This time, we were staying at Equatorial Hotel. Booked by me with courtesty of Papa. Thank you so muchhhh, Pa!!

From the balcony

Beautiful room, with not so beautiful view. What the heck? At least i see the Straits of Malacca, thats enticing enough. Its a great place to stay, smack in the midst of the city and walking distance to Dataran Pahlawan and Mahkota Parade. There's also 7Eleven nearby just in case you need to grab something late night. I had the getaway package which was inclusive of a deluxe room with 2 comfy single beds, a great bathtub and MYR138 of F&B (MYR150 if you're a HSBC credit card holder). So that'll pay off for the 5 of us to Sahur at the restaurant. Such a great deal!

I miss my sister

Since it was the month of Ramadhan, we were all fasting except dear Edros. He said, he's a musafir, therefore he's allowed to not be fasting but correct me if i'm wrong. To past the time while waiting for break fast, we toured the very famous (stated by dear sis) Dataran Pahlawan. Not a bad place after all. More like Ampang Point, KL or Gurney Plaza in Penang. They had Big Apple so, a dozen of those please!

choosing his catch

We headed off to the ever-famous Umbai. A place of seafood heaven. Definitely a heaven on earth. Fresh seafood for sale! Pick your choice of fish, squids, prawns or crabs and they'll have it cooked or grilled for you. Yummy-licious food all the way. Just makes me drool blogging about it.

The food, that's only half of it and i ate the other half

Mal was there too for my bday dinner

So after dinner, we came back to the hotel and chatted away till after Sahur. I didn't get any birthday cake this year but even without the cake i had so much fun and Mal, too, stayed with us and it was such a great birthday since i celebrated it with close people, people i love most. Just wished that i had my 306 girls with me too.

Again, Happy Birthday to ME!!

Love, AduraSayangness

23rd day of Ramadhan

Today is going to be busy at the bank. Why? The government workers will get their pay and Hari Raya bonus and i need to exchange some cash for the green packets, Duit Raya. This year marks the first year i'll be giving out money after 24years of collecting them. I thought that its not fair since i'm not married. Only married people should give right? But i just thought its a way to sadaqah. It's not a fuss right? I can spend lots on unimportant stuff so i don't think its going to burn a hole in my not-so-skinny jeans.

Adam can't stop smiling

Then on the way back to the office, there was a bazaar at Dewan Budaya, USM. We stopped and Adam got his first cartoonised-portrait. I thought it was cute, Adam in an F1 car. Well, today, again, i will be as busy as the other days as i'll continue on baking and baking and skipping work of course not.

Samperit ala Sayangness

22nd day of Ramadhan

I would like to wish my beloved Papa, the one and only Zubir bin Din

Happy 58th Birthday!!!

May you have many many more birthdays in years to come surrounded by your lovely family, and i pray for your great health and wealth and endless love and happiness. May Allah bless you and may He grant all my wishes for you. InsyaAllah. I love you, Pa.

Much love and kisses, Yong.

Believe it or not, Papa turned 58 this year and i'm not shy to reveal his age as he definitely does not look like one. Bravo, Pa. I wonder whats his secret ingredient to stay so youthful. At least i won't be spending a fortune on the anti-wrinkle regime. Hopefully it runs in the genes, yes?!

So, this year Mama made reservations at the Equatorial Hotel for the Berbuka Puasa buffet dinner. Besides the Zubirs, there'll be Acu, Kak Yati and Danish, Kak Muhaini, and Kak Siti. Just after being seated, i wanted to take a look at whats offered at the hotel. Yummy yum yum. It was all uber-delicious.

There was Nasi Kambing (Lamb rice), Pastas, Roti Jala, Samosa, Koay Teow Thng, Roast Chicken, Kebabs, Satays, Dim Sums, Rice and lots of dishes, Rojak, Gado-gado and fo desserts they have the Chocolate fondue, Ice-cream bars, and endless rows of desserts. But i was just not in the mood to queue at the desert bar ONLY. Believe me it was tempting but i just had a few, not like the usual rituals of endles queue-ing for deserts. No, im definitely not on a diet!

The birthday song

So after dinner and singing Happy birthday to you, Papa cut his lovely dark chocolate cake, i had to get back home. Why so soon? I was fully committed to my Kuih Samperit. Yes, i found the recipe in some old and yellowed recipe book of Mama somewhere in the drawers. Phew!

Papa and his gift from K.Muhaini, Edros & I

Again, Happy birthday Pa but i just have to go now. See ya!

21st Day of Ramadhan

Flour.Check.

Sugar.Check.

Eggs. Check.

What's left is the recipe for Kuih Samperit. I know Mama had made Samperit once. So i believe that she has the recipe somewhere. Samperit in the Zubir's is very famous and usually the jar will be left with bits and pieces before the Prayers for Eid Mubarak. So i thought making them myself jars and jars would be better this year. With Iqmal around, 1 jar wont be enough and Elly is coming back home. So i'd better make an extra batch for each cookie especially the Samperit. So i was in search of the recipe, but i would not skip a day of my cookie-marathon.

Today i made myself 5 jars (250 pieces) of Dates cookie. Its actually something i've invented and hopefully it tastes good. I got the idea since it was Ramadhan and dates are so 'in fashion' and dates however contains a great deal of vitamins and all things good, so why not make a cookie out of it, right? It might not look pretty but it tastes so good. Take your pick.

Enjoy and Selamat Berpuasa!

20th Day of Ramadhan

Fasting by language can be understood as refrain. From the syara' aspect the term means self abstain from food or drink to a certain term.

Allah s.w.t's commandment “ Dear religious persons, fasting was compelled upon ye like it have been obligated onto followers who before you, may you become persons have piety. “ (QS Al-Baqarah : 183)

What fasting means?
Fasting means abstaining oneself from eating and drink and from doing all that can annul fasting from the emerging of dawn until sunset. Muslims are also required to abstain from cheat, bad talks or vain, and from argue or fight. This is because fasting make one patient, honest and compromise within itself. Indirectly, fasting also helps inculcate good and kind attitudes. And all that is expected to be protracted to following months, and not only during the fasting month.

Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali in his book Ihya al-'Ulumuddin had already divided fasting into 3 forms:
1.Public Fasting (shaum al-'public): refrain from matters that annuls fasting like eating and drink.
2.Particular person Fasting (shaum al specific): comply fasting from senses and our whole body from creating sins.
3. Special people Fasting, super specific (shaum al khawasi al khawas): comply fasting 'conscience', namely not thinking of extremely question of worldliness

Division of the above let Muslims to think and study in which category where will they intend to stay

Laws of Fasting
Fasting in the month of Ramadhan makes the third principles of Islamic. This Islamic law was given to Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. on the 10 Syaaban 2nd year of Hijr. Therefore it is obligatory to make by all Muslims. Other compulsory fasting is the kifarah fasting and vow fasting.
Following days are best for Muslim people to fast:
• Fast six day in the month Syawal
• Fast on the Arafah Day, 9 Zulhijjah
• Fast on the Asyura Day, 10 Muharam
• Fasting on Monday And Thursday
• Fast on the Mid-Month, 13,14,15 every month

Fasting Prerequisites

Muslims that fulfill the requirements hereunder compulsory to fast to month of Ramadhan:

• Intelligent / rational

• Puberty (adult)

• Afford / no sickness.

Fasting's Validity Condition

While the fasting condition accepted in Islam (valid) is:

• Muslims

• Mumayyiz (know distinguish for better for worse)

• Holy from menstruation and puerperal

• Perfect his mind's mind on that day

• In time permit fasting, that is not within illegal fast.

Rules of Fasting

There are two, namely:

• To intend his nocturnal

• Imsak (refrain from matters cancel fast start emerge dawn to setting sun).

Principles of Fasting

Following matters are advisable when fasting:

• Eat post-midnight meal and delaying it

• Speed up breaking of fast and its optional to break fast with dates or sweet things or water

• Serve breaking fast Muslims

• To increase religious worship and make good.

Acts that Void Fasting

The following matters will void fasting, if happen:

• Eat and drink intentionally

• Vomit intentionally

• Intercourse

• Menstrual or puerperal

• Mad (insane)

• Faint or stone all day.

• Smoking clean fish day.

• Apostasy (out from Muslim)

• Include something into open cavity

People Permissible to Break Fast

to the following group are permissible (should) to break fast:

• Sick person

• Person in whose wayfarer (travel)

• Weak old people

• Pregnant mothers and breastfeeding mother.

19th Day of Ramadhan

Sharing is caring and since in the spirit of Aidilfitri (Eid Mubarak), songs that boosts the festivity mood is best played over and over again till you can hear your ears shout "That's enough!". Well, as a fan of Siti Nurhaliza, (i cant believe i'm admitting it) i love Raya songs sang by her. So if you're not a fan of hers, sorry!

For now, lets enjoy while i bake my lovely biscuits. Today's biscuit is the ever-famous Nuts about chocolate.

Roxstar

Something i got off ET dimitrie's blog, she plays drums and i'll play the guitar.

You Should Play the Guitar

You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn.You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed.You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book.It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you.Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play.You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star.

Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious

Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity

Seriously, am i that rebellious and tenacious? Wow, but i think the independent part is true as i've learnt to cook and bake on my own and definitely not from others. So, perhaps most of it is true. What can i say? I'm a future ROCK STAR!!!

P/s: ET, jom buat band laaaa... Hehe. We need more ppl la kot if not we're just some acoustic band!

18th Day of Ramadhan

Half past the month of Ramadhan comes the Raya spirit. Blame me for all this but i do. And come to think about Raya, the song Airmata Syawal by Dato Siti Nurhaliza. so hit me deep.

Al-Fatihah to my late friends, cousins, uncles and aunts, grandfathers and grandmothers. You're deeply missed and fondly in our hearts.

17th day of Ramadhan

It was cookies day!

And i rummaged my kitchen with packets of flour, sugar, sticks of butter, bottles of vanilla essence and many others. Today, i planned on making a starry-licious almond cookie. And here's my product and a painful back and hurt sole me. Yet, im happily baking still.

Starry-licious Almond cookie

Such darlings, kan? When i cook, usually its from the finest ingredient and definitely made/baked with love. Full of it. Why do you think i'm nicknamed Miss Sayangness?

Enjoy!

16th day of Ramadhan

Today was suppose to be the Cookie-Baking day but it turned out to be Nasi Minyak making day since we'll have Kak Elin and her gang for buaka puasa. For me, i like having a group of people around for buka puasa, just boosts the spirit of togetherness and sharing. Yadi yada. So there goes my first nasi minyak which was a huge success and it was my parents favourite.

Nasi Minyak Sayangness

So tomorrow i'll be baking the Kurma cookie, i dont know how it'll turn out, and how it'll taste but lets just tawakal. Plus, I cant even think about the stress i'll be going through but im just uber-excited to bake. For the love of food, this food goddess is baking for charity. I'm not selling any of the cookies but intended to give out as a change to Duit Raya. And there'll be a few to be distributed to the Orphanage i've mentioned before. Perhaps some duit raya for them too :)

15th day of Ramadhan

It was Monday and Monday blues clues was on air. MasyaAllah, it was a slow Monday and even though i was bloghopping, again, time never seemed to pass by. Slow and very slow, so what else but you know you love me. XOXO Gossip Girl. Still couldnt kill Mr boredom so brother and i went so some retail therapy and it clearly cured. Wow.

My Grilled Chicken Salad

Buka puasa was at Nandos but this time no 1/4 chicken but the Grilled Chicken Salad and some soup please. Poio indeed but tamak as well. But at least i finished half of both. After dinner, we lepak-ed at Coffee Bean for the lovely Mocha Latte for Edros and Cranberry Raspberry Snapple for Little Miss Sayangness, thank you!

14th day of Ramadhan

Early Sunday morning. It was as mellow as can be. Late last night, i slept walk and followed Edros for sahur. We had Mcdonald for sahur cos the food at the hotel buffet sux. The only thing i can eat was the croissant and strawberry jam. Whatevs.

So it was the last day to shop and i went to KLCC. I was the last one to get ready. Believe it or not? Cos I'm always the one waiting for him, and when it comes to my turn he whined. So at KLCC, again, it was the hunt for stuffs. We were like on some TV game, shop-till-you-drop kinda thing. But seriously i was aimless. Aimless on what to shop.

For once in my life, i had nothing to buy. Well not nothing but i bought a new pair of trainers. Definitely after Raya im hitting the gym! Yerrite. I wanted the Coach bag, but the strap was too thick, so pass. Lucky for Papa that i turned down his offer but i wouldnt want to buy something worth a few grants and leave it in the dust bag, right?

So well, to kill time i went escourting Mama to Gucci, Ferragamo, Dunhill, Aigner and a few others in search of Papa's birthday gift. Believe me people, its no fun when you enter a designer shop and they'll be looking at you with this "what on earth are you doing here?" kinda look.

I felt like laughing as well cause they're paid to sell these things which i believe they might not even know the name or the money to buy, right? You'd be smiling if you happened to be in my shoes before. Im not showing off as if i can afford these thing but please, at least respect your customers. One crazy example was the Tiffany&Co, (yes, I'm being forward here) if you happen to enter the one at Pavillion, you'll be welcome as cold as ice. Not the diamonds the way they look at you. Goodness! Lets have a hapy entry shall we?

So we got Papa this clutch bag from Dunhill and was greeted so warm by the Dunhill team especially by this pretty Indo chick named Erin. Clap clap to them. They even serve tea for you but since we were fasting so, again pass.

Greedy Me

Break fast was at Marche. Yes, from KLCC to Curve for the sake of some Marche buffet. Great, great buffet. Salmon curry, Grilled seafood, pasta, roti jala, panna cotta, ice creams, pizzas, steack, lamb chops, salads, soups, you name it! Yum yum humpty dum.

Men and Love

Bila lelaki benar-benar jatuh cinta dan setia pada kekasihnya dengan ikhlas, perubahan sikapnya amat mengejutkan. Hati lelaki yang dianggap keras selama ini, tiba-tiba secara semulajadi menjadi selembut kapas apabila sudah jatuh cinta dengan relanya. Bahkan lelaki yang mabuk cinta sanggup berkorban dan buat apa sahaja untuk kekasihnya.Sekeras manapun hati lelaki ia akan mengalirkan air mata apabila hatinya dilukai. untuk melihat lelaki menangis amatlah payah.

Diantara tanda-tanda lelaki yang jatuh cinta dengan hebat ialah:

1. Dia bersungguh-sungguh melakukan sesuatu untuk kekasihnya dengan rela bukan kerana terpaksa

2. Dia sentiasa ingin menghiburkan kekasihnya dan berubah menjadi orang yang kuat bercakap

3. Dia banyak menasihati kekasihnya kerana dia amat menyayangi kekasihnya

4. Dia berusaha mengongkong kebebasan kekasihnya kerana perasaan cemburunya yang meluap-luap

5. Dia sentiasa takut kehilangan kekasihnya

6. Dia sentiasa mengawasi pergerakan kekasihnya kerana dia sentiasa berasa curiga

7. Dia tidak suka ada lelaki lain rapat dengan kekasihnya

8. Dia mudah merasa cemburu dan sensitif apabila kekasihnya tidak menumpukan sepenuh

perhatian kepadanya

9. Adakalanya dia seperti seorang anak kecil yang meminta perhatian kerana dia mahu kekasihnya melayannya lebih dari orang lain

10. Dia menjadi orang yang paling rajin dan sanggup membantu kekasihnya melakukan apa saja

11. Dia pandai merajuk hati kerana ingin dipujuk oleh kekasihnya

12. Dia akan mengelabah apabila kekasihnya berjauhan daripadanya terlalu lama

13. Dia sentiasa mempastikan keselamatan kekasihnya

14. Dia mementingkan kekasihnya daripada dirinya sendiri

15. Dia kerap bertanya adakah kekasihnya mencintainya kerana dia merasa kasihnya lebih kuat daripada kekasihnya

16. Dia tidak akan melayan perempuan lain yang tidak ada urusan penting dengannya

17. Dia cuba meluangkan lebih banyak masa dengan kekasihnya walaupun terpaksa menunggu kekasihnya dengan sabar

18. Dia membanggakan kekasihnya di depan orang lain

19. Kalau ditinggalkan oleh kekasihnya, ia akan berasa serik dan tidak percaya dengan cinta

perempuan lain namun dia sentiasa mengharap kekasihnya kembali kepadanya

20. Apabila timbul orang ketiga, dia akan hilang akal dan sanggup berbuat apa saja untuk merebut kembali kekasihnya

21. Dia menganggap kekasihnya sebagai orang yang paling dipercayainya dan sanggup menyerahkan harta walaupun nyawanya sendiri

22. Dia tidak akan berlaku curang kepada kekasihnya namun jikalau dia berbuat demikian itu bererti hatinya belum 100 peratus mencintai kekasihnya

23. Bukan semua lelaki sanggup menitiskan airmata hanya untuk seorang perempuan

HARGAILAH MEREKA

13th Day of Ramadhan

I started my day early for some shopping. The Zubirs (yes that's my family) entourage at Pavillion. Am so loving it. No hot sun. No dreaded walks. Just perfect!

Traditional Performance at Pavilion

We started with charles&kieth, a shoe boutique. Dead cheap shoes . Well not so, but its definitely worth buying with the crazy comfy soles, who would resist it? The shoes ranges from MYR80 over and i got another gladiator sandals. But the best part was, i came back with mommy dearest and got ourselves more shoes. Yippie!!!

Then we went to Topshop, Pull and Bear, Gap, Guess and madness it was for the five of us (Edros, Elly, Iqmal, and i). It was like a shop-till you-drop competition. Everyone grabbed everything including Papa. Funny buy, he got himself this cardigan from Topshop. Wow, i know. Funny, i think. But he's my daddy cool. While shopping, I've come to realise that Iqmal is now a teenager, he wanted to choose his attire rather than wearing what Mama or anyone chooses for him. Welcome to the club, Mal!

We ended up entering every single shop available, minus the not so interesting ones, of course. Was there from 10 to 5pm. With aching legs and i had to rush for my reunion buka puasa with my YPM friends at Nelayan. Thank God, i made it on time after a 30minute foot reflexology in our hotel room.

The Yellow canaries

Upon arrival, i was so thrilled to meet my loves, Attie and Nad. Nad, we're so sehati-sejiwa. Both of us wore yellow. Maybe the colour for this season but it was cute. Nelayan was so packed with people and i dare you not to drop a sweat with the endless queues for buffets, the delicious food and heat from the steamboat. Look at myself, it was mad alright! My tudung was rebellious as well. (Nelayan had good food but it is best to go during the non-peak season, you'll end up with nothing much but a bad review)

Standing[L-R]: Mummy Ain and Elly

Seated[L-R]: Sue, Nad, Attie, Me and Wani

One by one, my friends starts to show and i was really happy to see each one of them. The thing is they didnt know bout my little surprise and when they knew bout the cupcakes, each of the took back 3boxes per person. That's how lucky they got and how unlucky of those who didnt make it. Overall, endless chats with Attie, Nad, Elly, Sue, Ain and Wani made me come to realise how much i missed college life. Well, let's do more of this okay friends?

BFF's

P/s: Ain i hope your baby loves the choc cupcakes and Sue, hope the cupcakes cheered you up! and to the BFF's, lets wait till ET and Sya and 306 will be reunited again :)

12th Day of Ramadhan

:)
After Sahur, frosting the chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache (yes, more chocolate!), i thought i should rest a while before leaving for KL. We were supposed to leave around 8 but ended up at 11. Yup, this time you can blame me for being such a slow-mo. Well, what's there to rush?

Elly was to arrive by 5 but she was a slow-mo too. Maybe its the fasting month, so everyone's such a slow-mo. I ended up baby-sitting my two little brothers before heading to Pavillion for dinner. Bored of Madam Kwan i was, not really but i was saving a spot in my delicate tummy for Hartamas' Lala and rice. Yum-yum!

Adam the clown

We had a light buka puasa at the Food Republic. I shared with him a nicely grilled chicken and sausage with mashed potato and steamed vege. I skipped drinks for dessert. The infamous Fruit Jelly Cocktail on Shaved ice. Something like Ice Kacang but they replaced the colourful syrups and the nuts, raisins, jellies and all with jellies and fruit cocktail. I love it. Sweer and sour at the same time. Elly had Carbonara, Brushetta and Mushroom soup. I hate her for the genes she has.

Iqmal and Elly

P/S: Can't wait for tomorrow!

11th Day of Ramadhan

The day finally came. I'm going to KL tomorrow for some shopping as well as meeting up with you-guessed-who. The thing is, i have a surprise for my dear friends. The ones who'll be there on Saturday at Nelayan. What? Well, its CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES in a box with coloured ribbons. So like a wedding/party favor because i'll be baking for Mr Boyfy and family, why not i make it for my friends too right? Nad and Attie had been longing for it after all. Right? (Yes, ET next batch for you and Sya, ok?)

And another thing, i tried to make my own Cucur Keria which turned out so pretty and taste pretty as well. Even though i end up reaching home late but surprisingly managed to get the first batch in time for Buka Puasa. YAY!

Sadly, i was too caught up with day-dreaming to snap a picture of it. Hopefully, either one of them have one so i can share it here.

10th Day of Ramadhan

It was time to eat out today for breakfast and some shopping therapy to fit in as well. We headed to Queensbay (where else?) and the one ended up shopping was Mr brother. Thank you. But i had fun seeing this boy, who had a twin. They were so cheeky!!! To their parents, sorry but i cant help from snapping a pic.

Then for break fast, we had yummy-licious Ikan Siakap Masak Stim, Omelette, Kailan Ikan Masin, and Fried Calamari. Seriously, it was beyond word. Terribly satisfying.

Selamat Berbuka Puasa

9th Day of Ramadhan

Yesterday after work was thrilled to get my parcel. I was practically jumping. In the parcel was a high-heeled gladiator shoes. Yummy i know! Well, after a long thought of buying glads for myself, the flats and knee-wrapping ones won't do me good as (1) i'll be in my jeans/pants all covered and (2) well, i'm Malaysian truly Asian, so i'm on the average height and i'm curvy (i'm not going to use the term fat and short as i'm not, sorry hehe ;) So that's a big NO!. Dont expect me to pay for a shoe and wear it at home.

So as anyone would, i wore it for work and matched it with my bag. Well, with my top ala avant garde i just had to wear with that 3 1/2 inch high. Believe me, its just another excuse. [Notice the picture for Her Sayangness]

I got home early to cook spaghetti bolognaise a la sayangness. Full of love, loaded with tomatoes, minced beef, celeries, olives and mushrooms. Yummy, trust me. And for the dessert, i made Caramel to pair it with my italian heart throb. Takkan i nak serve Kuih Keria with Spaghetti? Too fusion. Bon apetit!

Project Runway Season 5

OMG! Its already season 5???

Well, unfortunately yes and i terribly pity my colleagues to bear with me while i watch Project Runway and Gossip Girls Season 2 back to back now. Sorry dearests. But fret not, its not gonna be as bad as watching Spa Q and Sindarella, or it will be.

Ok gots to go people... or i'll be cut!

8th Day of Ramadhan

Im counting days, like a wife waiting for her travelling soldier. NOT! (i'm humming Dixie Chicks' Travelling Soldier song). Well, actually i was counting the days till my birthday. Yay! Well not to an additional year but YAY for no reason. I'm always excited when it comes to birthdays, believe me i'd go a looong way to prepare for someone's birthday or just any occasion (family, Mr Boyfy and friends). I'll bake cakes, cupcakes, surprise with a party with mostly home-made food, call the whole gang, you know everything. From planning to execution, i'll do it on my own with help from little elves. (Believe me, if i need to, i'll be that SUPERWOMAN you need me to be.)

I once hoped that someone, like me would do the same, but it fell apart. I dont know if i hoped to high. Because sometimes a surprise won't surprise me at all as i'd be able to feel the aura. But there were also a few instances that occured to me which i really didn't see it coming. Was it what they did was effortless than i did like lets-eat-out-and-buy-a-cake kinda thing? Ever since, i've never been counting on people so much to do so to me. Not that i need a birthday bash at the Hamptons, a party with clowns and pinata or even a party with dozens of people i'm not close with. I dont need that. Nevertheless, i love my family for their birthday presents, and i love my friends who will always remember my birthday from afar and never fails to make me smile with their SMSs or calls better still send a package.

I dont know why i'm blogging on this. Definitely not asking for sympathy but just a heartfelt. Im sure there's others who thinks the same way i as i did. If you know what i mean. But from my point of view (which may not be as important as the Financial Minister's on pertol price) , everyone wants to be special and appreciated on their special day. So please start caring for others cos i know how it feels, maybe you too. Nevertheless, i've always put in mind that i'm special regardless with or without a party.

Gazillion apologies to friends and families who i may have forgotten their special day but maybe you could leave me your birthdate with me?

I may as well wish my beloved cousin Mastina Masood for blowing 24 candles this year. Happy Birthday LOVE!

7th day of Ramadhan

Like the other days it was raining and raining. And today marked the first week of Ramadhan. I had nothing much to do but reviewing Gossip Girl Season 1 before the new season hits our shores (i dont know how long it'll take to hit our shores). But let's just hope since Mynn's entry on Chuck Bass made me anxious to watch the 2nd season and what they'll be wearing!

Papa asked if i wanted to go see a new and bigger oven for me. I didnt even help out in the kitchen. Mama was making Kuih Lopis. We're having that for dessert. It is made from pulut, covered with grated coconut and served with gula melaka. Utterly delicious!

Since it was raining, I was not in the mood for anything but being a couch potato but it changed by mid-day. I hit the salon for some hair treatment and trimmings as well. Talk a bit, read magazines and almost slept through the long treatment and I ended up being late for buka puasa. Gosh!

Kuih Lopis

However, i was thinking that i would not have the Monday blues. I usually dont have problems with Mondays but...

Fasting + rainy mornings = dont want to go to work!

So that means everyday, not just Monday right? I just feel lke staying in, doing nothing. Not like i have anything to do at home. Well, there's tonnes like spring cleaning my room, and re-organise my wardrobe and the room as well. Ok, there's a lot to do but can i be excused now before i start sleeping?

6th day of Ramadhan

My lil cousins Danish and Darwish

It was a Saturday and as i've expected it to be, it rained the whole day. I invited my Uncle Acu for Buka puasa at Zubir's Residence. We were serving Nasi Tomato and Kuah durian as the dessert.

Ayam Masak Merah

I made the Ayam Masak Merah. Tried on a new recipe which left me blushing after compliments. Well, fair enough for the 'Food Goddess' as what Edros had named me. I take it to be good though. Haha. Pray you'll get a wife as great as your sis, bro!

Well, at the same time i did call ET who was doing some shopping with Ada and yes, im jealous as i need retail therapy too. Do I? I'm not sure but it seems i have all the reasons to shop. Maybe i should slow down too. Like the rain, maybe?

Our place was flooded after it rained for 1 1/2 days. Seriously it was, i even took pictures of it (but its stucked in my dearly phone). After 18years staying there, that was the first time the place got flooded. Thank God it was not that bad but it was bad to make its debut on my entry.

5th Day of Ramadhan

It was Friday. The first Friday of the month and boy was i tired today. It was a weird and hot day. I suspect that the sun finally wanted to show of her shiny sunshine after all the cold rainy days. Not that i hate the rain, i love it as long it doesnt make my shoes wet. But rainy days in the month of Ramadhan makes me (and whoeever that agrees with me) cold and hungry at the same time. Sabar,sabar. I'm sure my tummy and my patience broke up a while ago, a week maybe. So they might not agree with each other.

The picture of Kuih Lompat Tikam to cure my desire

I had to make myself occupied by browsing through over gazillions sites to find the recipe for Kuih Badak Berendam or Lompat Tikam and other local delicacies as they weren't available at any Souq Ramadhan there is in Penang. I'm sure my Dubliners and whereever but Malaysia friends and family are going to hate me for this but im sorry but 'badak berendam' is going extinct now! So please SAVE THE KUIH TRADISIONAL!

Happiness/less?

I was blog-hopping throught a bestie of mine and saw that she had a question. What is happiness? What made me? Will it last? How i got it and all sorts of question. Indirectly Ada, i'm replying to you. Im not a psychologist, you know that but im definitely human and your friend you've known for almost 24 years now.

So what is happiness? From my search i found that happiness brings different meanings. For someone it might be excitement, passion, exhilaration, fulfillment, freedom, feeling fully alive with inspiration and joy and for another it might be more peaceful, content, capable, hopeful, satisfied, and comfortable feeling. Whatever you call it, it just feels good. Happiness is what you feel when you're NOT feeling; self doubt, depressed, hateful, fearful, worried, unsatisfied, bored, grief, shame, guilt, discontent, anxious, annoyed, angry, irritated, stressed, frustrated, upset, down, sad, envious or jealous.

It depends on which age group we're in too. Are we the baby boomers who thinks being healthy is happiness? Or are we the Gen Xers who needs the extra holidays with the family? Or are we the Gen Yers who need the extra moolah for shopping? It all depends too.

However, happiness is not pleasure although they can appear similar. Pleasure is enjoyment of an outside stimuli. You might find pleasure in buying a new car, or in going on vacation, or having friends over for dinner, or being with the one we love. Pleasure requires an external stimuli for you to experience it. Happiness does not. Some people who seem to have nothing are very happy. Some people who seem to have everything are not. Some jet-setters seem happy while some moral crusaders have become miserable old grouches. Happiness seems very unpredictable, inconsistent, irrational.

Happiness is a belief about yourself and the outside world. You can be doing something you normally experience as pleasurable but not be happy too! Pleasure is born from the external world, happiness is born from the internal workings of our own minds. Happiness is not merely a life lived by accumulating moments of pleasure. On the contrary, happiness is a long lasting enduring enjoyment of life, it is being in love with living.

It is your reward for achieving a good character and personal rational values in life. Some important values are a productive career, romance, friendship and hobbies. Achieving these values requires rationality and takes effort and skill. Two types of skills you can use are thinking skills and valuing skills. Once you learn to have confidence in your own mind and once you discover the virtues that make it possible for you to achieve your values and that make your life worth living, then you will experience the result - an earned pride and a genuine self-esteem. And of course happiness.

If you ask me, in my life i may have found happiness myself. Its always there but like life it has its ups and downs. Its normal to me to be happy and sad in different phases of my life. In my past entries, i may have written my happiness and unhappiness. Well it happens in all of us. At least to me, i may not be Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham or Blair Waldorf with the whole entourage. I'm definitely just your girl next door but im happy as i am.

Even though i'm lonely at times, without a best friend/sister to tag along with me for shopping, i am happy. Why? Because i have them whenever i go. They're always supporting me in anything i do (Friends, you know who you are, near and far). From relationship problems, to setting up my cupcake booth to anything at all i have my friends to depend on. Although once upon a time i used to hate the fact that i have lesser friends around me nowadays. At least, i have REAL friends.

Happiness is also defined through love. I have found happiness in Mr Boyfy. Even though the normal/ritual disagreements make me sick but he'll always know how to get by and make me smile. He knows when to kiss my forehead, when to hold my hand. He knows when to call back, when to have deep conversations. He knows when im angry, sad and he knows when im happy and hungry. He knows that i love him and i know it too. He knows it and he knows it all. Thats enough for me to be happy.

Happiness is also defined through my family. I'm happy that we're all together in anything, supporting each other's back through thick and thin even though its not as obvious as it should be. I know there's always my family. Happiness was also seen when my brother and i graduated. I saw it in my parent's eyes and thats the best thing ever happened to me. For once, I felt i made them proud. Its pure happiness.

I found happiness when we were in Mekah performing Umrah.

I found happiness when i decided to conceal myself with Hijab.

I found happiness.

But my life is not a 100m sprint. Its a marathon. I'll have to go through as much happiness as well as unhappiness. Till then, let me dream sweet tonight. XOXO

Deep Sleepy Dreamy..

Last night after "buka puasa" with Fani the cousin, we were very full so a walk around Queensbay was the best thing to do. We went in a few shops and I only grabbed one item this time holding back La Senza purchases. I bought Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist from Body Shop.

I know, i know i bought a lot from the SALE last few month, and im sure its a year's stock but i could not resist the new item. I just love organic products or those with herbs and natural ingredients like Body Shop, Kiehl and L'occitane. I just cant wait to try it. Blame me for pampering myself too much but i cant help it. Who else would pamper me if not myself right? (Care to Fish spa, ET?)

So here's why i cant resist buying this deep sleep dreamy pillow& body mist. Its soothing i must say and i slept like a baby. Sweet dreams.

Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow & Body Mist

Best if you want to:
Get your beauty rest with this quick-drying, super-snoozer mist that balances the senses and soothes the mind all night long.

How it works:
Special encapsulation technology allows bursts of active fragrance to be released throughout the night as your body moves.
Jujube date is considered to promote deeper sleep, while Community Trade camomile calms and helps to maintain a restful sleep.
Geranium, juniper and patchouli oils soothe and promote tranquility.

4th Day Ramadhan

In the month of Ramadhan, it is advised to share with others in a way of al-Sadaqat, or donation. It is the least we could do in a society. Here's some reasons why we should do it, not only for the month of Ramadhan. Masya-Allah!

AL SADAQAT AL JARIYAH - THE ACTIONS WHICH OUTLIVES YOU

1. Berikan al-Quran pada seseorang, dan setiap dibaca, anda mendapatkan hasanah

Give a copy of Quran to someone and each time they read from it, you will gain hasanaat

2. Sumbangkan kerusi roda ke hospital dan setiap orang sakit menggunakannya, anda dapat hasanah

Donate a wheel chair to a hospital and each time a sick person uses it, you will gain hasanaat

3. Berbahagi bacaan yang berfaedah dengan seseorang

Share constructive reading material with someone

4. Bantu Pendidikan seorang anak

Help in educating a child

5. Ajarkan seseorang sebuah do'a. Pada setiap bacaan do'a itu, anda dapat hasanah

Teach someone to recite a doa . With each recitation, you will gain hasanaat

6. Berbahagi CD Quran atau Do'a

Share a doa or Quran CD

7. Libatkan dalam pembangunan sesebuah masjid tenaga atau harta

Participate in the building of a mosque thru wealth or strength

8. Letakkan pendingin air di tempat umum

Place a water cooler in a public place

9. Tanam sebuah pohon. Setiap seseorang atau binatang berlindung dibawahnya, anda dapat hasanah

Plant a tree. Each time any person or an animal sits under its shade or eats from the tree, you will gain hasanaat

10. Bagikan email ini dengan orang lain. Jika seseorang menjalankan salah satu
dari hal diatas, Anda dapat hasanah sampai hari Qiamat.

Share this with someone. If one person applies any of the above you will receive your hasanaat until the Day of Judgment

3rd day of Ramadhan

I was reminiscing moments i had in the Holy land of Mekah and Madinah. The sultry voices of those whom recites the Quran fills in the air and nothing else. You would be attrated to do the same when you're there. So much love and passion and obedience to Allah s.w.t. I missed everything i left back in Mekah and Madinah. And here's a small piece of it. The famous imam Sodais reciting Surah Yassin for prayers . MasyaAllah!

Like only a woman can

Its just one of the songs i want to be played on my wedding. Better still if he sings it to me. Weird kan? Hopefully he agrees. Haha. Pardon me for being hopelessly romantic.

I wasn't perfect,

I've done a lot of stupid things

Still no angel

I wasn't looking for forgiveness

I wasn't laid up by my pride

Just shocked by her attention

Did someone sign me up for love?

I didn't want it

But now I can't live without it

She changed my life

She cleaned me up

She found my heart

Like only a woman can

She pulls me up

When she knows I'm sad

She knows her man

Like only a woman can

She's kinda perfect

She's kinda everything I'm not

Yes, she's an angel

It's amazing how she's patient

Even more at times I'm not

She's my conscience

But who decided I'd be hers?

I want to hate them

Cause now I can't live without her

2nd Day Ramadhan

It was funny when it was time to "buka puasa". The first of the month, excited like anyone would. It marked the first day of Ramadhan. We were all seated at the dining table excluding little Adam whom "puasa yang-yok,pagi-pagi bukak periuk". We missed haing Elly around for buka puasa as there'll be the extra chaos coming out from her (hope she's not reading this entry as she'll be teary-eyed).

When we heard the call for prayers, its time to 'buka puasa'. Everything seemed so delicious when you're out at the Souq Ramadhan (bazaar selling food for 'buka puasa') but sometimes we get too greedy and buy anything nice to eat. Its such waste when there's too many on the table.

But having Iqmal the big-eater, food was never enough. So i told him to stop before he was half-full, its the Prophet's sunnah to stop whenever you're half-full, i told. Then he said "I'm not full" Then, Edros said "I know, but stop when you're half full!" Iqmal with an innocent face, then replied "Im not even close to half full" And all of us bursted laughing. He had a plate of rice with all sorts of dishes, cakes and jellies and he's not even close to half-full. Typical Iqmal!

Uber-lovely

I was bloghopping early this morning when i found this, a video of Charlotte Ronson's Spring 2008 collection campaign in one of my usual faves. The whole video looked like a very sweet love story to me, a lovely yet perfect love story. A girl and a boy, falling in love with each other, every day, anytime. How romantic is that for starters? Then with the background song from the sultry, raspy voice of the French first lady Carla Bruni, adds a romantic and magical feel to it. Talking about romantic, here's one.

Lets Get Reunited!!!

Calling all friends of DBS/YPM, Lets get reunited!!

A reunion you wouldn't want to miss....

A Berbuka puasa session with good ol' friends

When??? 13th September 2008

Where??? Restoran Nelayan Titiwangsa

Time??? 6pm

Price??? RM45 per pax

Whats on the menu??? Please visit http://www.nelayan.com.my/menu_buffet.html

Kindly drop your name here with me or please contact Dirah or Attie to reserve your seats or further enquiries. Please reserve your seats by 7th August 2008.Thank you.

Cant wait to see you!!!!!

Rahsia solat/ Secrets of Solat

Inilah dia rahsia as-solat, sebagai peringatan bagi yang dah tahu atau panduan bagi yang baru tahu......

Niat Sembahyang
Sebenarnya memeliharakan taubat kita dari dunia dan akhirat.

Berdiri Betul
Fadilatnya, ketika mati dapat meluaskan tempat kita di dalam kubur.

Takbir-ratul Ihram
Fadilatnya, sebagai pelita yang menerangi kita di dalam kubur.

Fatihah
Sebagai pakaian yang indah-indah di dalam kubur.

Ruqu'
Sebagai tikar kita di dalam kubur.

I'tidal
Akan memberi minuman air dari telaga al-kautsar ketika didalam kubur.

Sujud
Memagar kita ketika menyeberangi titian SIRATUL-MUSTAQIM.

Duduk antara 2 Sujud
Akan menaung panji-panji nabi kita didalam kubur

Duduk antara 2 Sujud (akhir)
Menjadi kenderaan ketika kita dipadang Mahsyar.

Tahhiyat Akhir
Sebagai penjawab bagi soalan yang dikemukakan oleh Munkar & Nankir di dalam kubur.

Selawat Nabi

Sebagai pendinding api neraka di dalam kubur.

Salam

Memelihara kita di dalam kubur.

Tertib

Akan pertemuan kita dengan Allah S. W. T.

Dari Abdullah bin 'Amr R. A., Rasulullah S.A.W.bersabda 'Senarai di atas adalah salah satu sebab mengapa orang Yahudi /Kafir tidak sukakan angka 13 dan juga Hari Jumaat. Itulah sebab mengapa mereka mencipta cerita yang begitu seram sekali iaitu ' FRIDAY the 13th ' jika ada di kalangan kamu yang perasan!!!'

'Sampaikanlah pesanku biarpun satu ayat...' Sebaik-baik m anu sia itu adalah mereka yang memberi manfaat kepada manusia lain... Wassalam.

1st Day Ramadhan

I promised myself to add in as many entries with Islamic values. Therefore, I'll try to get as much articles and advices as well as my long awaited entry on my Umrah. It's just to share and cherish the month of Ramadhan with fellow Muslims.

Happy reading!