Victoria's Secret at OU!

I'm so ketinggalan zaman ok. One of my besties told me that VS is now open at OU! She bought Bombshell Body Mist and it smell so nice.

So, since my parfume dah nak habis. Might as well stock up with the new VS range. I picked Secret Angel cause it's not that sweet smelling. It has character which i thought suites me.

I bought the set (consists of Body Mist, Lotion and Shower Gel). Plus i got a kinda silver clutch bag. Bole la kan.

Going Sentiment over Sentimental Circus

I must say, this whimsical character from San-X is totally adorable. Right now, it is available at KLCC (Kinokuniya & Isetan) and The Garden (i think?).

I love the mini memo pads. Maybe i'll just collect them first. There's an online shop that sells these cuties. It's called Modes4u. The price of items are quite reasonable but the postage fees are outrages.

Kawaii...!

SK II

Finally, after all these years, got my hands on SK II products! It was a gift from my hubby (thank you so much dear!).

It's day 6 already. So far by the looks of it, my skin is a bit clear. By the feel of it, totally smooth and supple. I feel pampered. The best thing about SK II, my skin is not oily. Love it!

I will make another review on this product next time. It's too early to give a comprehensive review since i'm still new.

Best Birthday Ever

I know i'm kinda overdue about this entry but it's never too late. This year, i celebrate my birthday with my besties!

We booked a deluxe room at Royale Bintang The Curve. We talked, take pictures, sing our heart out, exchange gifts, eat and had loads of fun!

Pray, Save and Help Gaza

My heart is breaking for Palestine.

I was browing thru my Facebook and saw a friend posted a compiled footage of the attack on Gaza. Usually i cant watch or see pictures of casualties. But this was different.

I didnt get all eerie seeing a man carrying a small child from the rubble. Eventhough all that was left was his/her badly injured head and hair. It just bought tears to my eyes. My feeling was mixed. I felt sad but at the same time hatred.

What happen in Gaza or in some parts of the world is not all about religion. It's about humanity. I cant believe that some people in Malaysia couldnt care less what's going on in Gaza since they are not religion-related.

I hope these people open up their eyes widely and look at the footages and pictures of the attack on innocent civillians. If this happens to your family, what would you do?

I plead to all Malaysian and the rest of the world,

Ya Allah, please save our brothers and sisters in Gaza.

Blueberry Cream Cheese Muffin

When Nigella Lawson said - 'When i'm in the kitchen, i'm happy' - boy, was she true. After some turmoil going on in my life, i thought i must bake to get me going physically. Of course one must solat and doa to Allah for strength.

So i head to the store (Hero) and bought some of baking supply. Just to keep me occupied for a few days. On saturday, i'll be baking a cake to celebrate Girls Night Out with my BFFs.

Recipe from Rima of Bisousatoi. Made these lovely cause i still have some blueberries left in the fridge. Best served warm with Darjeeling tea. Superb!

The Hardest Words To Say Is Thank You

Ok, today i'm gonna ramble bout manners (adab). This posting is not to pin point any individual, just as a reference so we dont make the same mistakes again.

Let start by saying Thank You (Terima Kasih). Why, susah sangat ke nak sebut. The words are too precious for people nowdays.

You open a door for people, they just swift by you without saying Thank You. As if the word Thank You will make them lose money.

Another good example, when someone takes care of your kids, instead of saying Thank You, you will question why is your kids is like this and that. People sacrifice their time to look after your kids while you are in lala land. If that person was my son/daughter, i will surely give a good slap on the face.

Enough said, so next time, if someone were to do good or bad to you, all you have to do is say Thank You.

Thank You

Banana Chocolate Cake

I did it! Finally, I baked this cake. Plus i added Vanilla Bean to this cake and it taste so heaven. It will be another permanent cake for us now!

Part 3 - Primary School Registration

Just heard a news from a friend. Semalam ada parent from my area serang JPWPKL. Minta tukar sekolah. Just because kena gertak sikit, terus JPWPKL tukar sekolah.

Yg kita ni datang dgn cara baik kena layanan buruk. Memang tak adil betul. So, if nak berurusan with them, must be an Incredible Hulk dulu. This is not the right way. Not even close to be islamic.

Since today is Friday and am sure those people working in JPWPKL takkan layan calls, so i email to the Ketua Unit Sekolah Rendah. On Monday, will call the Jabatan, tak pun tebalkan muka lg and datang sana. Serang!

To be continued...

What will it be?!?

Help! I'm in a dilema. I cant decide. This is so unfair.

You guys might be wondering what on earth am i blabbering about. You see, end of this month, there is a very important day in history. To pay tribute on that day, i wanted to bake a very special cake.

Here are the options:
1 . Triple Chocolate Caramel Cake with Chocolate Ganache

2. Devil Food Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Chocolate Ganache

3.Banana Chocolate Chunk Cake with Dulce de Leche Cream Cheese Frosting

Oh, if you guys are wondering what's us so historic about that day, it's my birthday! Hehe.

I think i'll just bake all 3. Pengsan!

Bihun Tauco Mat Gebu

For dinner, i really dont know what to cook. It was 6.30pm when i decided to visit Mat Gebu's blog. And there it was, an eye opener when Mat Gebu posted the recipe.

Going thru the ingredients, i know i have all of it in my kitchen. Sungguh berinspirasi untuk masak. Taste wise - sedap!

Part 2 - Primary School Registration

Here we go again.

Today we went to JPWPKL at Jalan Duta. Dgn harapan yg tinggi, semoga dapat la my son transfer to the school which is nearer to my home.

After our morning hassle, we reached our destination at 11.00am. Got our queue number and waited. The lady officer in charge (Officer#1) was attending a chinese gentleman who wants to register his son/ daughter to government school. I noticed that the gentleman was not well verse in Bahasa. And then came another lady officer (Officer#2) and burst out a rude question, she asked which country did the gentleman receive his formal education. The gentleman answered in Malaysia. Dgn nada yg sombong, she told him that if he was schooling in Malaysia, he should understand what is written in that paper.

I cant believe what i just heard, unbelievable! Come on lady, you are a government officer. Kerajaan dok sibuk terapkan everyone to amalkan nilai2 yg murni. What happened here langsung tak murni. Plus you are a muslim! We were taught to respect other people, tak kira bangsa, agama or darjat. Malu malu.

Then it was our turn. I prayed that Officer#2 will not be there to attend us. But to our dismay, she was there. Blahhhh. So, we apply for a transfer but Officer#1 told us to wait till next year if we wanted to transfer. We then tried to our luck how we can get it done immediately. Officer#1 told us, we have wait next year, if there's a place, a transfer would be possible. But as for now, my son need to attend the appointed school. And to make things worst, Officer#2 told us, even if your house is just beside the school, you wont get a transfer if the school quota is full.

Oh my, now i'm very doubtful about how the allocation are being made. Do we have to be a VIP to get to a prefered school? I mean i am applying for a transfer simply because it's nearer.

Dengan tangan yang kosong kami pulang kehampaan. Oh well, we believe there's a rainbow after a rain, right (ayat nak sedapkan hati). All we need to do is relax and wait next year.

Since i'm not satisfied with what Officer#2 had just said to us, i lodged a complain thru JPWPKL's portal. Typical me but hey, we have our rights, right?

To be continued...

November Rain

It's time of the year, here in Malaysia where we will experience the 'Musim Tengkujuh'. Meaning rain rain and more rain. Resulting to flood.

With this kinda weather, our tummy will be rumbling to heat up the body. So, it's time to hit the net and look for an easy and quick recipe.

I decided to make pizza since i still have a pack if shredded mozarella cheese in the fridge. It's pizza time!

Triple S Quiche - Smoked Salmon and Spinach

Behold people! This entry will cause you to salivate abnormaly. Hehe. I know i am. While typing this entry, my quiche has just been taken out from the oven, to leave it warm. The whole house smells milky an cheesy. Feels like you're in a cafe.

Salivating already? No? Huhu. Taste wise, absolutely succulent. I had 2 pieces in one go. My mom, who dislike anything with cheese, finished a piece. Tu dia, sedap ke sedap.

The only glitch was, i did not saute the spinach with the onion. Just the onion. Sgt la absent minded sometimes.

Anyway, i totally love it. Ok, i'm gonna have another piece or two :)

Part 1 - Primary School Registration

*Update: Post Title

Firstly, i am not rambling or complaining about education system in Malaysia because simply, i'm not qualified. I am just a concern parent who wants the best for my kids. And i know parents out there will know how it feels.

Next year, my son will start his Primary years. I really didnt know that we need to register by end of April 2012 for 2013 session. When we realised it, it was too late. Jadi kena cop la as Pendaftaran Lewat yg tak selewat mana pun.

However, my son got a place but not in the prefered school list. Seriously, there are two huge primary schools in my area and judging from the residents statistics, there are not that many children addressed in this area. (my area is kinda vintage, you'll see more elderly people than youngster). How can this happen?!?

One of the reason, the main reason is one of the primary school in my area is a prestige school. So, you'll see that people not within this area akan sibuk2 hantar anak diaorang ni to this school. Ok, like i said before, every parent wants the best for their kids, i dont blame them.

But tolong la JPWPKL, kasi priority to residents within the school area. I've been living in this area since i was 2 years old. Otai la katakan. I cant help to feel sorry for my son. Me being a neglect parent, tak amik port bout school registration.

So, what did i do? Sit and wait for a miracle to happen? No sir! It's time to act! Here are my initiatives to ensure that my son goes to the school within our area:

- Call Unit Sekolah Rendah of JPNWPKL. I asked if i can make an appeal. The officer told me that it's not possible right now. She advised me to wait till the first day of school, and apply for a transfer. Ok, so in the mean time, i have to wait till next year.

- Call the school, asked if there's still a place for Standard 1. If yes, am gonna go to JPWPKL and apply for a transfer immediately. If no place, will have to follow step one. *Update: the school's advise same as Jabatan above. But am still going to Jabatan for an appeal.

- Register my daughter for Standard 1 Year 2015 at the prefered school. Wait for the acceptence letter. Then apply for a transfer for my son. A more firm reason to transfer. But still my son will need to complete Year 1.

With the actions listed above, i've got to think a very good and firm reason for the transfer:

- The school us very very very near to my house. Kira jalan kaki pun bole. Only around 800 meters. The other school is about 3 km from my house.

- My daughter will be schooling there in year 2015.

To be continued...

Eid Adha - Lapis Legit Rainbow

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha!

It has been a busy week for me. Preparing for raya that is. I was being ambitious to cook for eid. Nasi Minyak, Ayam Masak Merah, Laksa Penang, Monte Carlo Cookies, Sugee Cake and Lapis Legit Rainbow. Pheww, amik ko.

As usual, my mom will cook Rendang and Ketupat Palas. Eve of raya was like Hell's Kitchen minus Mr Ramsey. Meriah!

About this cake - Lapis Legit Rainbow. First time nampak Rima of Bisousatoi (my unofficial sifu) baked this cake for her daughter to bring to school on teacher's day. Very eye-catching cake. I told myself, i'm gonna bake this cake for raya.

With all my strength and guts, i managed to bake this cake in 4 hours. Tu dia, sampai termasak tangan ni dok keluar masuk oven. But it was worth it. The cake was stunning. The taste was superb. And everybody compliment on how lovely and delicious the cake was.

So all my effort to bake this cake really pays off. I was happy everyone love it. By the end of the day, tinggal 1/4 je. Tu pun my mom save it for my opah. From now on, i hereby declare, this cake will be our official cake for Eids to come.

P/S: this is what's left of the cake. Syukur la sempat snap.

About Friendship...Priceless

My entry for today goes to my very best dearest friend. I just call her Sue. Known her since high school. Has a very friendly and jovial personality. Basically, she's friendly to everybody.

After we finished high school, we got closed. Along with some other friends. But Sue is the kinda friend that sticks around no matter what.

Since i've decided to be a SAHM, we shared lots of stories. We even have the same interests though not our sizes. Hehe

We havent hang out lately, so sue decided we meet up today at OU. At first i hesitate since i have tons of things to do in the morning while the kids are at school. But my instinct wanted so much to go. And i went.

Once we were there, sue wanted to go to a shop to check out new arrivals. Sue is into fashion. She is so up-to-date. You should see her collection of shoes and bags. Unlike myself. Huhu

The shop was Charles and Keith. I've never set my foot in that shop. It's so hype and trendy. I feel kinda intimadated. But with sue, she dont care bout it. She just storm in a shop if something catches her eyes.

Once inside Charles and Keith, sue said to me this - Choose a bag you like in this shop, i will pay for it as an advanced birthday gift.

I wad stunned and speechless. Looked at her and laughed. I said, you're kidding huh. Sue was serious bout it. All of a sudden, i felt bashful. My cheecks went all red. I really didnt expect this. No one has ever did this to me. I felt like a little girl who's bout to choose any barbie doll she likes.

I was deeply touched. It was not about the gift or the brand. It's bout how sue really makes my day. It was one of the best moment in my life. And i want to blog about it, so i can remember a friend who truly cares for me, no matter what.

Sue, thank you for being there when i needed the most. You are my star.

Happy Birthday Dear Brother

For this special day. I baked Classic Cheesecake. And also Pavlova which i didnt manage to snap cause by the end of the day, i was too tired.

Toothache...ouchhh!

Today i managed to make Tiramisu and Hokkaido Chiffon Cake. I just wanted to finish the whip cream that i've bought last week.

With those sweet treats i made, i got myself a bad toothache. I was having my dinner when suddendly a sharp and intense pain hit the effected tooth. Really, i feel like dying. It's even worst than labor pain (betul ke ni?)

Took painkiller and antibiotic. A cold pack on my cheek. And applied Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief. In 15 minutes, i was back on my feet. Alhamdulillah

So next time, dont make two desserts in one day! Bad for the teeth. Hehe

For Mama...Sugee Cake

Ever since i started baking, my dear mama would asked me to bake cakes according to her liking. Carrot cake, Butter cake, Sugee cake to name a few. Which differ from my taste, i love cakes with cheese cause it balance out the sweetness of the cake. My mama on the other hand, do not consume cheese.

So today i decided to bake for her this Sugee Cake. It's a bit dry though but the taste is very pleasing. I use Rose essense instead of Buttercream essense.

To Mama, enjoy the cake!

The Hunt For a Bag Has Ended...Banane Taipei

A few weeks back, my one and only bag, has come to an end. After serving for nearly 2 years! It was a present from my SIL when she visited Vietnam. I love the dark teal color and the design.

I'm not the kind of women who likes to collect bags and shoes. I get kinda confused when i owned more than two bags. I just like to stick to one. And i'll use it until it's final day.

The disadvantage of owning just one bag is finding a new bag to replace the old one. Yes, i'm fussy about bag. It's not just about making a fashion statement but it has to be practical as well.

During my working days, i will only buy a black bag. Cause it goes with any color. So tak payah pening2 nak mix match gitu gini. But now, i love colors. It doesnt matter whether the color of the bag coordinates or not with my clothes, as long as i feel comfortable.

Enough said about my not-so-passion about bags. While blog hopping, i came across Shea Rasol entry about Banane Taipei. Boy, i was stunned. I immediately fell in love with the bag.

I browsed the website via Shea's blog and rambang mata cause the bags comes in one design with many colors. My kinda style. Tak pening lagi. Bliss!

I prepared a proposal to my Finance Minister (hubby dearest) and got a green light from him. Yipee!

Now, all i need is to find an authorised dealer here in Malaysia (yeah right) and i'm on my way to own this lovelies. Btw, you can contact Shea if you are interested to get one. The only problem is, which color to choose. Haih...

Image below from www.bananetaipei.com

Hair Loss

I used to have thick black hair during my teenage years. I can't even wear a barrette back then due to the volume of my hair.

Those were the days. Now i'm a woman who experiencing hair loss. And coming to the age of 40 (in a few years), it gets even worse.

So starting today, i'll apply some tradisional remedies for my thinning hair. Let see, i'll use coconut oil, aloe vera, coconut milk, hibiscus leaves, lime, tamarind juice, egg whites etc........ and the list goes on.

Wish me luck!

Bayu Cinta Ette (Luna)

Hehehe, pepandai je nak tukar tajuk sinetron from Indonesia ni. But those who follows this tv series, pasti terpegun dgn mamat hero, Bayu, played by Chicco Jerikho. I know i did.

Takde la hensem bangat but there is something peculiar about him. Entah le nak cakap. Maybe his puppy dog eyes or his dimple. Or maybe he has the characteristic as my other half. Just look at these pictures and you'll understand.

p/s: mata ku saje yg rambang namun hanya kamu (hubby) yg bertahta di hati. Sweet tak?

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...Cake

Rainbow Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Superb recipe from Ricke Indriani.

I've been wanting to bake this cake for months. Wanted to bake for my daughter's birthday. Delay delay cause of my limited baking utilities. And 15 eggs! Gulp!

The opportunity came when the school organised a birthday celebration for May till December babies. So both of my children are included.

This cake needs to be baked at once. Meaning if you want 7 layers, u need 7 baking pans. And a huge oven.

With my limited resources, i baked this cake one at a time. Hence, my cake deflates a bit. All and all, the taste is great. Love it. Plus with cream cheese frosting, you can never go wrong.

*Photo update

Bagan Lalang, a hidden sanctuary.

My dear husband, has his own ways to muse me. His actions are somewhat unpredictable but leaves a very special memoirs in my heart.

For example, last weekend. It was saturday. He came home and told me to pack our stuff for a night. Curious but too tired to asked him why, i just packed our clothes and needs.

On our weekend mysterious journey, he said we are going to the beach. Since we were heading south, i pictured we're gonna spend our weekends in Port Dickson.

Before we could reach Nilai, my hubby exits Bangi. I cant hide my anxiety, i burst out the question. He said we're going to Bagan Lalang.

Not a favourite spot among Malaysian, who prefers Port Dickson as their weekend gateaway, Bagan Lalang offers a more serene and subtle environment.

Bagan Lalang marks its name due to Sepang Gold Coast or Golden Palm Tree Spa Resort. A 5 star resort. Villa rates starts at RM1000 per nite! One day, when the time comes.

Here are some scene captured using iphone.

On Photography

I wish i had a DSLR. Oh how i wish. But i just have to make do with what i have now. My handphone camera...

However, thanks to programming and technology. I now can snap picture and edit the photo like a pro. I just download an application called iQuikDoF.

So here are some of the photos i edit:

Japanese Chocolate Marble Cheese Cake

I love love love Japanese Cheese Cake compared to the normal dense cheese cake. As soft as cotton, this light cake is a addictive. I think i baked it almost every month.

The marble effects really turn this pale and plain looking cake into an art.

Raised Donuts

Donuts. I just heart them. I can munch on them everyday. Hence my weight problem. Hehe.

This time, i'm using the donut recipe from Joy the Baker. It's has more texture and easy to make. Plus it's delightful.

I use normal dark and white chocolate for the glaze. The kind of chocolate you can buy at bakery store. One of these day, i will get my hands on Valrhona Jivara and Manjari chocolate buttons. Sure sedap cause price pun sedap (pokai).

Nutella Layer Cake

I've been craving this Layer Cake for months. And i simply need to bake it. And i did. With my so-so oven (dear hubby, i really need a good oven, Bosch perhaps? Hehe).

The taste was out of this world. Heaven ok, ada Nutella ye. But the texture was too moist and soft. I used the 505gm tin of condensed milk instead of the 397gm. Duhhh?!? And again blame it on the oven. Huhu.

Will try to bake this cake again. Cake lembik pun, gone in 3 days! Laku.

P/S: Now i can buy Vanilla Bean Paste at Hero Supermarket TTDI. Price us RM45.90. Next project, Lapis Legit Rainbow!

Pain au lait

Pain au lait or Delicious Milk Bread is simply yummy. My daughter ate more than 5 pieces. I use the usual coarsed sugar for the garnish. If only i had Demarara Sugar. Haihh.

But all and all, this bread is great. Try it out and you'll know what i mean.