Faces of Malaysia

The Stock is in Da House..

2012-01-19T04:26:00.000-08:00

Well.. I haven't got my time of the month yet, so decided to get the Kit.

The line is faint, but it is there. Insyaallah there'll be another baby in November :)

Lazy Tips for Bathroom

2012-01-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

I got a very mouldy bathroom.. Haven't got time to scrub 'em squicky clean..

So.. Last weekend, bought myself a bottle of Clorox and then just spray them evenly in the bathroom..

So, here we are after a weekend away.. Squicky clean bathroom.. Can you believe that the middle part is the cleanest before this. That's why I didn't splash Clorox on them.. And the lefthand side floor is the dirtiest.. Seems the cleanest loock dirtiest after the clorox treatment haha :)

Rats Repellent Odor

2012-01-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

Since I wasn't always at my Bukit Payung home, few rats had been making it their homes.. Can observed that via their droppings and such. They had even built nest in my house. My mom managed to catch and kill one.

Anyway, since then I had spring cleaned my house, putting foods up high and such. It seems to be working but the rats got clever and managed to climb up and eat my maggie mees. Hahaha so I resorted to store all things in my fridge.

I don't like killing things so I am very happy to discover this rat odor deterrent during my visit to KL last few month in a Japanese store Daiso at Pavillion KL where everything is priced at RM5.

The thing is actually round.. Sorta like a chalk cookie shape thing. The smell is sharply pungeant and if we inhaled it a bit.. Your nose will sting.. For a whole block it woud cover a 1 meter area but for me, I just use half cz I observed that the rat would use my landphone/streamyx wire to come in. Really hope it work!

Kimi's First Day in Primary School @ 3 Jan 2012

2012-01-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know that its the 9th today and so my entry's a bit late but I was aiming for a day to reminsce more so I can write more on Kimi's special day.

Anyway, Kimi's have been in preschool since he was five. First, we sent him to Tadika Perpaduan just to built on his social skill and when he's 6 to a better school so he can learn more be it Maths, English, Tae Kwon Do and such.

For the standard one, hubby and I briefed him on every single thing we can think off. Kimi thrives on details and knowing how things work so I think we guide him through. You can see from the pic that he was apprehensive but resigned to the fact that he has to adapt. Yeah, that's my boy :)

I think he felt pleasure when we gave him money to spend on recess. Just RM2 per day cz usually we (hubby usually) would cook him a simple breakfast. Fried egg sandwich is optimal. He loves eggs since very little and won't mind eating 'em everyday :)

So for recess, he indulged in getting the RM1 nugget package and a cold drink (50 cent). I walked him tru the purchase the first day and he aced it afterwards. Bit worrying as he only bought nuggets til now. Hahaha.. He won't eat veggies but I am not so worried as usually my dad will pick him up and the lunch is served at my mom's (more eggs I believe).. Anyway, the balance of 50 cent would be the handmade tube ice lolly at the gate after school ended. I tried one and it was delish.

So, now it is the second week of school. I can instinctively feel he is growing up already.. Hmmm.. Don't know, I felt both :) and :(

Mission Accomplished: Gym cum Play Area

2012-01-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

It was actually quite a jiffy .. Less than 2 hours that I am able to clear the clutter for the first living room.. Am not able to clear all, but most is accomplished.

Put the boys' toys here as well, they had been cluttering the living room. At first the boys are apprehensive but thet surely warmed up to idea.. As seen it this pic :)

Mission: Exercise Room

2012-01-04T03:29:00.000-08:00

Again, short n sweet. I aim to use my main living room as an exercise room.

Got a new sofa for the family but I don't want to buy a new sofa for a living room that for most of the time won't have anyone using them.

We got a spacious verandah that haven't been utilised at all. Had a plant pot besides that which would be converted into a small koi pond. Thinking of sourcing for a natural cengal branches sofa. Sorta like a living sclupture as well. That would be our different style of formal living room once it realised.

Bicara Tentang Tanah

2011-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

Malam ni khusus borak2 pasal tanah.. Keluar abih geran lama koyak rabak tahun 1963.. Kagum gak tgk geran bersejarah cam tu...

Ingat nak buat sesuatu.. Takde le besar sgt pun but harap ia menjadi kenyataan someday soon.

Decluttering the Living Room

2011-12-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

Have to say that tonight is a very productive night. Am able to sweep, store, moped the living room in preparation to my two boys staying over my weekday home next week.

Have to say that I have soo many things that I should be able to get rid off but can't. Really would appreciate the existence of a recycling center, a book collection centre, some sort of salvation army as well as car boot sales in Malaysia. Well, I guess I had to utilise web to get rid some of my novels and books, mags I no longer requires.

Can say that we are the garbage generations. Soo many things that we able to buy but of low quality and thus not longlasting. We throw them out and buy a new one again. And the cycle continues. Gotta change quick!

Me n Family :)

2011-12-20T17:08:00.000-08:00

Thought I'm gonna post a mushy entry today about me n ma family :)

I was a bit tomboyish and career oriented when I started in my current career. I met hubby during my tenure as contract staffs during my CUF days. He was a friend's friend and he wasn't my taste during that time. Quite a mushy mushy guy.

I don't know how it happened but it must be jodoh. I rejected him once when he asked to be steady since I was lightly involved with a married expat guy then (haha really stupid of me).. But he persevered. With some of his dirty tricks (haha.. I won't bother you with 'em).. We become a couple and finally tie the knot on 29.5.2004. Looking back it is kinda fast.. Around 2 years since I met him.. Around a year plus after we become a couple.. That's why people said if its your destiny, it would meant to be cz I do not actively seeking a spouse.. I was resigned to the fact I would become a single career lady.

Fast forward to 2011.. Time flies, we have been married 7 years.. Got two lovely boys - Kimi whom will be starting Std 1 next year and Haikal who is currently 2+. The unique fact is that in our 7 years of marriage, we never stay together as I work elsewhere. He is based in Kerteh while I worked in KL in the first 5 years and now 3 years plus in K.Trg.

Alhamdulillah I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who tolerated all my bad points hahaha :P .. And become a whole function to me.. Friend, hubby, lover, brother, criticiser, financial consultants etc etc.. As well as two lovely boys whom I haven't been able to be there 24-7 but whom always missed me and treasure the time when we are together.

Thank you God for the blessing.. I am unworthy but I pray for us to be continuously blessed here and the afterworld.. Aminn..

Decluttering Again...

2011-11-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Its amazing the thing I managed to chuck out.. Still a long way to go but I believe I had started seeing progress.. 3 years of accumulation..

Most of em are papers.. Newspaper, journals and assignments from my EMBA days (dun't need them anymore cz I got my harddisks now).. Also had some old shoes I don't feel like throwing away (but now am chucking them out like there's no tomorrow except one good pair).. Got some bags as well, dun't think I have the heart to throw em yet but I think that I need to invest in one good one.. Perhaps a leather bag so that I won't buy one again in a loooooooong while. Even the one I bought in Bintulu (around before puasa perhaps in June) had started fraying.. I am not a bag person so I am quite tough with my bags.. Hmmm... Definitely need to buy one at least from Cosmopal.. Even tho they don't have the branding yet, they are genuine leather..

Even you can see there one pack of slimming pils.. I don't even remembered their existance and they had expired around a year ago.. Yikes! I just remember I did bought another one before these Ayurslim pills I bought last weekend.. Double Yikes!!! Better be reminded next time Ojah.. NO MORE WASTAGE!!!!!

The Best Nasi Kerabu in Terengganu Town

2011-11-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

I had a meeting this morning and the host graciously bought us this loveliest Nasi Kerabu in town for breakfast.

Complete with the blue colour rice, ulam-ulaman (Malay Salad), generous splash of budu (anchovies sauce).. Sambal (chillies) with daging bakar (grilled meat), ayam panggang (grilled chicken) and salted eggs.. All combined to make the most delicious nasi kerabu... Yummyyyy..

Where to find it? Well, from the Bulatan Batu Bersurat, choose the 12 o'clock exit, go straight until you reach the first traffic light.. A few meters after the traffic light you will observed lines of cars parked and the nasi kerabu stall would be on your right.. Hmmm yummyyyyyyyyy :)

Decluttering Time Again

2011-11-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

I'm a hoarder, have to admit this. Over the years I surprised myself of how much junk I accumulated. I supposed these are my treasures before but not anymore.

At least I think I managed to clear 30% of the clutter. This week I think I want to clear off the store room. I shudder at the amount of garbage I created.

Really Malaysia should have its own version of car boot sales or salvation army for used cheap items, cz a person's junk could be another's treasure.

My Edible Garden

2011-11-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

Weekends is here again, and I am back in my home, Kerteh. So this morning, I am monitoring again my edible garden to see their weekly progress.

I am fortunate to have ground compound for things to grow. Well, with a small family and most of them don't like veggies except me.. Buying vegies sometimes resulted in waste (but I use it as organic fertelizer to my decorative plants - just chuck 'em whole into the flowerpots)..

But I digress.. So just see there, I got a few things growing up quite nicely there. A few bird chillies (got it from mum in law).. See! We didn't use any cz there a few of them rotting of the plant).. I use some of it (just by splitting it open and let the seed to the ground).. Some halia (galangal if I am not mistaken).. Just bought a packet of em for a recipe and only using 5%.. So the other I just buried to this plot...

A few bendi (ladyfingers) is also germinating there.. I love bendis.. Bought seed from the Serbajadi brand, was sceptical at first when planting them (had only around 10 seeds in the packet) but the seeds had shown progress just a week after I buried them (very lightly to the earth surface)..

So, I bought another packet of seeds from Serbajadi.. Van Gogh Sunflower.. I love Sunflowers too! Hoping for the same progress too! Wish me luck :)

Flooding!!!

2011-11-23T06:42:00.000-08:00

Well, have to say that this year monsoon season is fierce.. No wonder when I heard in the news stating that the meteorological dept predicted that the rain this time round would be 60% more than usual.

See the pic there water in front of my house, it has just been 3 days but water had risen since the 1st day. I hope it won't get worse cz if it raised by a few inches more, I am afraid that my house would be flooded as well though it has been safe for the three years plus I have been here.

Tomorrow is my day back to Kerteh, hope everything would be ok for my 3 days weekend (awal muharram is on Sunday :))..

Will take back my old Sportage, certainly a more reliable ride during this wet season esp. if I need to drive trough this watery road.

YES! Malaysia Won the Football SEA Games Against Indonesia....

2011-11-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

Yesssss!! Have to share this.. After 120 mins tie 1-1 goal.. Both team had to undergo the penalty shot.. It was full of suspense and both teams are tied up till the end but Malaysia had the final goal!

Salute to the Malaysian team.. After the hardwork, the stress, the mandrum (soi called witch crafts haha).. the jeering of playing in the enemy host country, the managed to emerged victorious!

Go go Harimau Malaya!!!!!

Monsoon 2011 is Here!

2011-11-21T02:43:00.000-08:00

Around 3 o'clock this morning, I was waken from a deep slumber by the hard hitting rain.. Sudden but really heavy, well.. Rain mean more comfy sleep for me so I was in deep slumber again soon after that haha :)

Anyway, this morning when I open my door to go for work, I was very surprised to see the amount of water in front of my door.. Just a few hours of rain and this is the result?!? Usually it would take a couple of days of continuos rain previously before my frontyard become a wading pool like that. Anyway, when I read the news it seems that the meteorology department had issued a yellow alert warning for heavy rain in the east coast Malaysia including my state, Terengganu from today til end of the week with high probability of flooding. Yikes! Sound so dire indeed, but logical. Even for a half night of rain, some part of the roads had half of it covered with water esp. those with inadequate drainage (as most in Terengganu are)..

Anyway, I think it would be a good interesting coincidence for the Terengganu's Monsoon Cup to held this weekend, around 25 - 27 November 2011.. Usually the event has been blessed (or unblessed) with sunny days and occasional very light drizzle, but if the weather continue, the race would be heaps interesting with heavy rain, choppy waters with height of almost 3 meters (source the meteorological report just now).. Seems very interesting, ain't it?

Well, have to say, another interesting event is Sukan SEA tonight, the football match between Malaysia and Indonesia, it would be a fierce fight but definitely interesting. I will be in front of my telly cheering "Go! Go! Harimau Malaya!!!!!!!"

Bliss at a Messy Home

2011-11-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Just a sweet and simple entry this afternoon. Have to say with two small boys and one big one, being tidy is a challenge. Even if I managed to put things in order, in the next couple of hours it would be messy again.

Though for me it is an eyesore, seems the boys don't mind. Think I have to accept this things, don't worry to much over these small things, treat picking up is a form of exercise (I need to burning of calories anyway).. And let everybody enjoy a happy though messy day :)

DeCluttering

2011-11-16T04:52:00.000-08:00

Decluttering ni Oprah la buat glamer nih.. Senang cakap clutter tu semak.. Decluttering tu cam buang semak2 la.. So that's what I am doing now.. Buang segala semak samun yang accumulated sejak aku dok sini..

I am getting better at it skrg.. Aku rasa cz dah matured kut and exposed to more things.. Cam gambar tu dari berkotak2 aku managed to squeeze into two main A4 size kotak.. Banyak benda aku buang termasukla losyen and syampoo yang lama2 tuu.. Huhuhuuuu...

Aku kena sort betui2 cz I dun want to bring clutter in my new home. Yang paling aku musykil is nak buang baju kat mana.. Banyak baju sangat la plak.. Hurmmm.. Aku rasa semua org patut pakai uniform jek.. Baru takyah beli baju dah..

Failing the Kiyosaki Principal

2011-11-15T03:53:00.000-08:00

Haha.. Told you I had just finished Kiyosaki's bestseller "Rich Dad Poor Dad".. Among its mantra is buy assets not liabilities.. And teach financial IQ to everybody including children which in this regard, if they want something, let them earn it..

Well, seems like I'm violating most of his principal.. In this case, indulging the kids desire of having a ride on car.. Heheh.. Its definitely not an asset.. So by Kiyosaki's definition I am definitely a middle class.. As I spend, but on liabilities..

Kiyosaki preaches that from your income, you must pay yourselves first by buying assets.. Then from the assets gain, then I could buy these liabilities.. So, I fail that too..

And as it seems I would be buying new sofas, beds and fridge sometime in December, I would be a major failure. More liabilities that would chip more on my income, preventing me from getting more assets and better passive income.

Hahaha.. Sorry for getting so much on the financial.. But worry not, still got something up my sleeves to placate Kiyosaki ;)

Polyland Accomodation Wakaf Che Yeh

2011-11-14T01:56:00.000-08:00

Today I have a meeting up till lunchtime. Thought it was only for a day before I was notified there's another meeting tomorrow. I don't feel like driving so I am bringing in my clerk to be a driver. Since his allocation is small, so this time I am trying out budget accomodation.. And the best thing is that the hotel I choose, Polyland is righy smack dab in the middle of Wakaf Che Yeh - Kelantan night to wee morning night market hehehe :)

Thruthfully I am getting bored of Riverview KB, for official function it is ok but it is also a bit dull. You know, for two rooms here, we pay around RM156 only (aka RM78 per room).. Heaps cheaper than a room in Riverview (about RM172 single stay).. Well, Riverview have breakfast, and larger room but Polyland is not bad as well.. Cheap if you pay it on your own, Astro.. WIFI.. And round the night shopping..

Hmmm heaven.. So if you want to learn more.. Just go to http://polylandinn.com. In the meantime, have to go back to my light read "Rich Dad Poor Dad"... Yeah2.. I am slow in getting it but better late than never eh :)

Terrapuri Merang

2011-11-10T03:54:00.000-08:00

Today I have the good fortune to visit Terrapuri Merang, the owner is Mr. Alex of the reknowed Ping Anchorage Travel Agent of Terengganu. I first read about Terrapuri in MAS's Going Places magazine when I was on flight to London last month. So I am very keen to see with my own eyes the beauty of Terrapuri. What I like most of its feature is its water fountain shown here nearby its pool area. It is actually comprises of floor grinder used in yesteryears. Hahaha.. What a coincidence cz me and hubby was thinking of doing exactly the same thing..

A closer look at the lesung.. had a few of these lying around mom-in-law's house, we were thinking of charting off to make it our own mini water features :)

Terrapuri stems from its owner's passion towards preserving Terengganu old homes. Rather than let it rots down Mr Alex had been purchasing old houses since 18 years ago and then started to think of the niche boutique hotel concept which is how Terrapuri comes to being. It is a bit sad hearing that Malay's do not appreciate their heritage while outside countries such as Germany is keen to getting these heritage treasures and set it up in their museum.. so kudos to Mr. Alex for his initiative!

The bed.. big and comfy.. I think it is best for honeymooners.. there is no TV available in the room but there's one in the community area.. Terrapuri wants you to totally relax without outside distraction and just enjoy the slow pace and beauty of life..

Terrapuri is near to the island of Redang, Perhentian and Lang Tengah.. so if you just want a quick appreciation of simple life, perhaps just stay a day at Terrapuri before going off for the islands, the jetty for the ferry ride is just a few minutes away.

Terrapuri is offering a promotion rate up till March 2012.. so you'll enjoy RM200 off from its usual rate of RM599 till then. Apart from accomodation, Terrapuri are also able to offer Malay Traditional Massage (RM100).. spas.. firefly excursion.. cycling tour to nearby kampungs or villages.. islands hopping.. and lots more... Love to grab these??? Just go to it's official website www.terrapuri.com or www.pinganchorage.com for more info :)

Burst Watertank on the way to Genting

2011-11-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, have to say that this is the first time it happen to us in our numerous time going up to Genting.

Perhaps it is due partly the first hour going up to Genting Sempah due to the clogging of the highway. As tomorrow is Hari Raya AidilAdha, most of the KL residents are off to balik kampung (back to the hometowns or villages). Most of the East coasters (Kelantan and Terengganu) really celebrate Hari Raya so I believe the bulk of the traffic are theirs.

So we are here stuck with a burst water tank (thank god its only the plastic tank).. And also, there some local guys waiting for chances to make money to repair them.. Hurmmmm.. Still.. Have to wait for the spare part to arrive first.. Hurmmm...

"Kebun saya" - My Orchard

2011-11-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

About two years ago me and hubby are fortunate in getting around 1 acres of land nearby our home. We were excited in getting it planted with fruit trees mainly rambutans, durians and papayas.

As most of our project, it is a hangat-hangat tahi ayam or hot while it's new dream.

Here it is currently, the ones with the wooden gate. Well, have to say that a quater of the land had successfully planted with banana trees though with the bushes, you can't see much hahahaha... It is also quite nearby the LPT (Lebuhraya Pantai Timur - East Coast Highway) as you can see from the bridge there.

Anyway, as hubby got another of his parcel of land with RISDA's approval for replanting of rubber tree, we might plant another half acres with rubber trees.

Another quarter - I am thinking of our weekend home.. Just a small chalet style house, been thinking of adding some small wading pool in front for the kiddies. The water we will get free cz it is nearby to a waterfall and most of the water here are sourced from there. So, you can be ensure that the small pool is fresh water.. Freely flowing and cool.. Hmmmm...

Around that chalet, I would planted varieties of fruit trees.. So that we could come round plucking fresh fruit as well for the kiddies to enjoy themselves climbing trees. During the weekends that we won't be in, perhaps just to let it as daily rent for those interested to also enjoy the slow pace of life.

Hubby is always thinking of retiring there, enjoying the simple things in live, for us to just enjoy the serenity.. Rubbertapping as a form of exercise and hobby hahaha :P

Hurmmm.. Anyway, in the meantime it would still remain as bushes. Hope we can realise this dream someday.

Tembaga de Crafts - Terengganu Authentic Copper Brassware Manufacturer

2011-11-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit Tembaga de Crafts, a brassware manufacturer in Terengganu.

Brassware crafting is fast becoming a dying Malaysia artcraft today. In Terengganu, the manufacturer that had use 100% traditional way to do brassware aka handmade brassware is Wanisma, nicely located near the Primula Beach Resort, Kuala Terengganu .. I must say it is still the best hotel in downtown Terengganu. Wanisma's brassware are beautiful, no doubt.

Anyway, Tembaga de Craft or TDC is the new way of crafting brassware. With an improve way of preparing the brass cast developed by SIRIM (a Malaysia government agency focusing of quality and standard), about 50% brassware process are able to be improved while the remaining 50% are still handmade.

I quite like their products that lean more towards modern and cute. For example this tepak sireh or beetlenut holder, it is cuter and more compact than the traditional tepak sireh making it a more suitable decoration for modern home. They also do lots of other handicrafts including souvenior items such as letter opener with traditional handle as well as cast of penyu or turtle, the national emblem of Terengganu.

The owner stated that their problem is competition with Thailand who are able to mass produce brass item. I actually able to buy a brass tepak sireh from Pasar Payang (Handicraft Marketay in downtown Terengganu and got it for around RM80.. But authentic Terengganu ones would cost around RM130 or more. But observing TDC's product, I have to say that theirs were more beautiful as well as more findly crafted.

Well, should you like some of the brass items and like to order some authentic Terengganu item, please contact the owner, Mr. Shahril, his email tembaga_decraft_tdc@yahoo.co.uk.

Johan Perusahaan Batu Permata - Precious Stone Dealer

2011-10-30T01:55:00.000-07:00

Last week, just a day before Deepavali I was on the road again. This time to visit five more factory but I am only going to highlight two. Why? Well, I feel sorry for some of these entreprenuers as usually the older generation here, they know their business but not many are IT savvy. So, I would prefer to highlight them in my blog entry so they get the attention they deserved. I have visited these places, and believe me, I won't promote them if I do not believe they deserve it.

Anyway, Mr. Johon is my first highlight cz I believe he is among the few akek stone seller (penjual batu akek) that had graduated into his own akek jewellery store. Here, you can find him operating in one of the units of his local shoplot building in Kampun Bintang, about 10 km away from Setiu town (from Kuala Terengganu direction).

He is a knowledgable fellow, quite young looking considering his age. I thought the small child there with him is his son, but he surprised us stating that the boy is one of his grandchildren. Hehehehe.. supposed dealing with stone with supposedly "supernatural power" give him that young elixer hahaha..

His tool is pretty basic, just using some small machines and manual direction.. therefore you can say it is handmade haha.. Dunno why, during my dealings with overseas buyers, they value anything labelled "handmade" but not here in our own beloved Malaysia. Anyway, please enjoy some of the pics I snapped during my visit.

The man himself, Mr. Johan with the previous lady regent of Kelantan, Tg. Anis. He was always welcomed to display his precious stones and diamond during her reign.

Some of the old tools found at the caves where they usually search for the precious stones, these was found during excavation in the hills of Besut and Setiu. Sometimes, the Terengganu museum also asked to display his collections.

My loot of the day. It is cheappppp!! The purple one is said to have healing property.. amethyst as well as the delima aka red ruby. I had one of these when I was a child, hoping to give it to one of mine, one day.

Some of his collection of precious stone. Those he said with power is the black ones and the speckled ones. Not cute in my opinion but I believe my dad would love this.

Well, if you are interested to get your hand on these authentic chrystal, just call him. Details as follows:-

En. Johan bin Mustaffa
JOHAN PERUSAHAAN BATU PERMATA
Jalan Pusara, Kampung Bintang
22030, Setiu, Terengganu
HP: 012 - 988 9539 / 013 - 975 9381.

Apart from local permata, he also sell precious stones from nearby countries such as Vietnam and Mynmar. Also availables are keris, antique blades and tools and well as crystal bonsai.