Journal for Two

That Photo Booth-Guest Book Idea

2012-02-10T18:42:00.001+08:00

The reason why photobooths are fun and a highlight of any wedding is the fact that the hosts give a chance to the wedding guests to be in the spotlight as well. Guests would feel appreciated and will have a lot of fun posing for the camera.

There are many zany ways to have a photo booth at your wedding. You can have crazy props and cool backdrop. However, those may take more planning and more money. With a little creativity, having a photo booth-guest book idea will not break your budget.

INSPIRATION AND TRANSLATION

Take a leaf from my DIY wedding project, The Photo Booth-Guest Book idea. This couple from Wedding Bee was the inspiration behind my Photo Booth-Guest Book Project.

This couple's photobooth was set up indoor in one of the rooms provided by the hotel. Props like feather boas, moustache, crazy shades, and colorful wigs were used to help create cool photos and help guests to loosen up. The mini whiteboard was a last-minute addition but proved to be a hit among the guests. The white backdrop was a blanksheet of white seamless background paper purchased from a photo supply store.

My translation for my wedding for this Photo Booth-Guest Book idea was two whiteboards, markers, whiteboard eraser, a photographer, a laptop, wifi, and guests.

The tropical flowers at the hotel's garden acted as a perfect garden-beach wedding backdrop. Two whiteboards were used instead of one to shorten the message-writing time--while one whiteboard is being used to be photographed, another whiteboard can be used by the subsequent guests to pen a message.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Sinn Wee was the photographer at the photo booth. One thing that is cool about this idea is Sinn Wee instantly uploaded these photos on Facebook and tagged the guests on the Facebook album. That way, your guests will have a photo of themselves specially taken at your wedding and this serves as a keepsake your guests will keep for a very long time.

This Photo Booth-Guest Book idea also gets a cool point for the crazy poses and out-of-the-box messages from your guest. There were countless timeless candor captured and i love browsing these photos on my leisure time.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Another added advantage that this idea has over the traditional guestbook is you can put a name to the face of the guests. This is especially useful if you struggle to remember who Uncle Kassim and family is.

The cost breakdown for the wedding was only RM40 for two whiteboard markers that comes with whiteboard pens and erasers.

See the full gallery on Posterous

That Magic Moments Captured by Official Photographer (Detik Indah Photography)

2012-02-09T14:57:00.004+08:00

A good photo is a photo that tells a story by its composition, evokes emotion by its exposure and gives meaning by its subject...

I am a silent reader to Detik Indah blog, and equally a silent stalker on their Fanpage. So when we decided to tie the knot, Detik Indah is the ONLY wedding photographer that came to mind. I remember these were their images that made me really eager to have them as my Official Photographer:

See the full gallery on Posterous

THE SCENIC ROAD TAKEN

Detik Indah was fated to be my official photographer. No really, fate dealt a big black spade for us.
When we inquired for the quotation in June, Diwant, the principal photographer of Detik Indah Photography told me that they were unavailable on the 10.12.2011. We were so crestfallen. Think about it, we could have actually inquired for any Penang-based photographers, but we really wanted Detik Indah Photography. Our hearts and minds were really set on Detik Indah Photography, we did not even bother to look up for other photographers, KL or Penang-based.

Two months before the wedding, the spot became available again, and now at a special lowered price! Without any hesitation, we said yes!

Since Detik Indah Photography is a KL-based wedding photographer, we provided Diwant with his own personal room, not to mention a personalized Official Photographer sign to boot.

The Review

Photos: The dress. The moments. The environment. The small details that make a huge impact. Those decorations. Were all captured beautifully and beyond expectations. Kudos!

Customer Service: We are very happy with Diwant's fast turnaround time. In less than a week after our Penang reception, more than 70 of our official photos were timely uploaded on their facebook album This made it possible for us to share our special moments captured by our Official Photographers with our guests and those who could not attend our wedding. By the time of our wedding reception in KL, every family members and friends have already seen the professionally captured photos of our Penang reception,
making us happily retelling every fresh moments vividly with everyone.
Detik Indah even wrote a personal post about the wedding in their blog, and uploaded our slideshow in DetikIndahTV. We are very happy and truly honored to have such treatment given by Detik Indah
Photography.
Integrity: I'm happy to report that Detik Indah Photography are very easy to work with. Everytime i have a question, my SMSes to Diwant were replied as fast as I could typed. Diwant is also very helpful in dispensing advice. He is also one of the most frank and honest photographer--he doesn't overpromise and under delivers. There were moments of of my divaness and his frank photography advice and opinion brings me down to ground. Having integrity is important, Detik Indah did not give me last minute stress.

For more information about Detik Indah and their beautiful work, visit their Facebook page.

See the full gallery on Posterous

That Ombre Wedding Cake

2012-02-08T15:45:00.001+08:00

Trivia: Do you know that the bigger the piece of cake the bride and groom fed to each other, the larger the number of children they will have in the future?

One of the highlights for our wedding is our wedding cake.

See the full gallery on Posterous

A wedding is never complete without a wedding cake. It seems that the grander the wedding, the bigger the cake gets. The significant of the wedding cake is the cake-cutting ceremony. The bride gets to cut the cake aided by the groom. They would feed each other a piece of the cake from that first slice of the wedding cake. This symbolizes their commitment to one another and also the promise that they would provide for each other.

Judging by the cake slice we cut and fed each other, we will have a small number of children. Preferably two.

Back to the cake.

The Icing Road Taken

The selection of baker was the easiest. Melting Bites is my choice selection because i simply love their cakes. Every occasions we celebrate, it is their cakes we ordered from. The road to selecting our wedding cake began in November 2011. Our wedding cake was a three-tiered wedding cake, but purposely designed by Melting Bites to look like a five-tiered wedding cake. Rainbow cake is a popular butter cake and it has always been a praise-winner among guest. Since the wedding theme is blue and white, Melting Bites came up with the idea of an ombre blue cake, a spin off from rainbow cake.

The design of the cake was proposed by Melting Bites. Tired of the same wedding cake design she was requested to make, Mimi, the owner of Melting Bites, proposed several new designs she deemed suitable for the occasions. Out of the three designs she proposed, we chose this sexy wedding cake design.

Doesn't it look like a woman's sexy lingerie?

The Review

The wedding cake tasted as marvelous as it looked. The butter cream isn't as sugary sweet as most wedding cake i have tasted. A lot of the guests asked for seconds. My sister-in-law actually commented on Facebook that this is by far the best wedding cake she has ever tasted.

If you are in Penang and is looking for an affordable baker who does not compensate on the quality of your wedding cake, look no further. Melting Bites should be your prefered choice.

Melting BitesAddress:

	3838, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah (hadapan balai polis), 19600 Penang, Malaysia. Bayan Lepas, Malaysia

Contact Number: +60174759676

Email Address: meltingbites@yahoo.com

Blog: http://www.meltingbites.blogspot.com

Bored

2012-02-05T22:47:00.000+08:00

I'm so bored today. I have things to do, proposal to be done but I'm pretty stumped. I'm hungry too. Too lazy to cook or to eat out.
In the first two months of the wedding journey, i feel superbly dour today. I guess honeymoon period is over. And there is a way to relive the wedding! Hehe. I've created a new blog in another better platform. It is still in the works. Just started it this evening.

Once that site is up, I'll let you guys know ya?

Ala' Jamie

2012-01-30T00:34:00.003+08:00

In KL, a good wholesome meal can cost RM40 per couple. In a hawker's stall, expect RM10 for your meal, but the food can't hold a candle to Penang's hawker's delights.

In the spirit of living frugally and for the fact that eMMoe loves to cook, we prefer to cook our wholesome at home. Breakfast are normal cereals, lunch would probably be last night's dinner, or sometimes we eat out when time is of the essence, and dinner would be our proper meal.

Cooking is theureupatic.

Recipes are optional.

Ikea Meatball, Salmon, and potatoes with lingon beries.

Spaghetti ala moe.

Moe's dried beef curry.

Bubur pulut hitam ala me.

Beef soup with toasted bread.

Hubby's Low Key Celebration

2012-01-17T20:30:00.000+08:00

On hubster's birthday, the Talent Harvest team surprises hubster with a birthday cake in bed. The initial plan was to have a surprise dinner at In House at Publica. But Moe sprained his knees. so we have to bring the surpise to the house.

The next day was makan makan kat umah in-laws. Where i had the opportunity to see my in-laws bird nests' nests which was pretty awesome.

And yes, i have two boxes of bird nest for CNY reunion dinner :D

Shoes Shoes Shoes

2012-01-17T18:25:00.000+08:00

You see, one thing i like about one of our talent, Iz's photoshoot is the elevated amount of glam of his props. Everything was over the top. It was as though i had just walked into a backstage of a runway show.

Iz's pair of spiky Louboutin.

Fly high

Real taxidermist faret (i really dunno how to spell)

It's as though it is sleeping

Another real fur. Fur is murder!!!

Me and His Highness

When hip hop meets pop in a high fashion manner.

The gang for the photoshoot.

Moe the John Keats

2012-01-13T21:31:00.000+08:00

As i was cleaning the room, i found a sheet of paper. It was actually a song Moe wrote for the wedding. Nothing too romantic and I'm sure he can do better but here's the lyrics:

With you I don't know right from wrong
And i can't even sing this song
None can compare to you my love
Even if i searched lifelong my whole

Dear I'm not sure what i've done right
To get to have you in my life
Coz even in the darkest light
You're there to bring me light

I didn't get down on one knee
Did nothing traditionally
I could never be at peace
Till baby you said yes to me

To move a mountain i had tried
Failed i broke down and cried
How could i not say yes to you
When you were always by my side

Now we could brave the river Nile
Even walk a thousand miles
We could swim across the oceans and the seas
You make me laugh, I'll make you smile
Plan our lives both yours and mine
Hand in hand we'll touch the skies
Together, as we walk down this aisle

We've put or differences aside
All those fears we locked inside
It doesn't matter anymore
Coz today you are my bride

Now we could brave the river Nile
Even walk a million miles
And sail across the oceans and the seas
You make me laugh, I'll make you smile
Plan our lives both yours and mine
Hand-in-hand we'll soar the skies
Together,
As we walk down this aisle.

Ain't No Production Girl, Ain't No Model's Inc

2012-01-13T02:53:00.003+08:00

This is just from a day's observation.

I decided waking up at 5am on most days for call of duty isn't my cup of tea. Thank God I'm not working for a production house.

I also cannot be a model. I can't imagine having to kiss a guy over and over again from different angles, or be in the pool looking hot and wet and jovial when I'm in fact have to do number two.

If that's the case, I can't be an actress too.
So what can i do?

I like pushing papers. Give me proposals, executive summaries, contact reports, minutes, storyboards, checklists, planners, I'll do it!

So hubster, dump me more paperwork yang ko memang tak suka nak buat. You go out there and do your thang and I'll be at home doing my thang nekkid!

Born a writer, always will be.

Tippity tap tap.

Kyoto Protocol Counting Down for 8TV Anniversary

2012-01-08T17:14:00.000+08:00

Kyoto Protocol, 8TV's mascot (Pao Pao), and all 8TV hosts celebrating 8TV's 8th Anniversary on January 8th 2012.

Heboh satu kampung that Kyoto Protocol got the prime countdown spot when there were bigger names such as The Azenders and The Kartel Family.

With Zher from 8TV Quickie

With Michelle for an interview with Melodi.

One of the big star of the moment-Reza Salleh.

Update soon peeps. Gotta get back to work.

Leap of faith will be the best decision i've ever made

2012-01-06T12:29:00.004+08:00

Although we have been married for 27 days now, we only begin to really settling into the married life. Two weeks into the marriage we were still apart. I was still serving my remaining days in an MNC in Penang.

So what is next for us? This was the question i had for months before the wedding. Ultimately, i made the choice of leaving my comfort and security of MNC to work in a company my husband founded. Friends were supportive, but family took a lot of convincing.

Isn't it unhealthy to see your husband 24/7? Can this dream of growing a company organically possible? Can the company make enough to support a growing family unit?

What made me took this leap of faith?

Moe does not work in a 9-5 job. He leaves the house at nine and probably comes back at 3 am (like last night). If i work in another company, we just won't be seeing each other at all. At this stage of his company where demands for his service is higher than he can handle, i need to step in and help my husband, where i contribute to PR aspects of the company. We are newlyweds who had just ended the long distance relationship, therefore; cultivating our marriage, being supportive of one another, and have the same life goal is important.

My biggest obstacle so far is to change my perception about money and the value of a paycheck. I had to give up a fairly hefty paycheck that came with working in corporate America. But ironically, in return, I've been able to afford a better lifestyle. With the big paycheck, I had very little time for leisure, so to compensate I spent a lot of money buying things I didn't really need.

Being our own boss give us the flexibility to create our own hours, so I have much more time to spend on activities we enjoy.

Also, because I am so conscious of how much our business makes, I've learned to budget my money better. I cook rather than order out. I jog outdoors or swim rather than pay for a gym membership.

Basically, I make better use of my time and money.

P/S: House still needs a major deco work but at least the kitchen is functioning :)

2011, you've been great!

2012-01-02T11:08:00.001+08:00

I'm not ultra religious, but i know without the blessings given by Allah, 2011 wouldn't be a great year for me and mr.hubster.

I feel humbled to know we are in your grace, yang Maha Esa.

Here's the last photo for 2011.

Happy new year. Let us start 2012 with a renewed spirit.

I bid goodbye to corporate Amedika!

2011-12-30T14:07:00.002+08:00

I'm so gonna miss you, my cube!

Me leaving Altera is a bittersweet moment for me. This place thought me the American sense of entitlement and privilage. When i was a freshie, i pulled the long hours for peanuts. There were no work-life balance and i couldn't even afford to have a life outside of work. I can't even pay for a car.

In Altera, it gave me the first step in my life as a working adult. I bought my first car, i had stocks, i had flexibility in working hours, no punch card system, i saved on gym, i had good ol' pretty decent paycheck, and great benefits.

I had the opportunity to work with people across the engineering departments and across geographical radius. It also gave me the work-life balance i so sorely seek.

With springs in my steps, I'm bidding adieu and Thank you all for the friendship. I'm so proud to be an ALTERIAN.

Hubster, can we have a dual monitor for the soho?

Lots of hugs and kisses and signing off for the last time from my cube *sob sob*

Farewell

2011-12-29T10:16:00.000+08:00

So many fun times, such a big family. I'm going to miss you all.
Thank you for 3 years of my career as a technical writer in Altera.
More update soon.

Where We Became Man and Wife

2011-12-26T01:22:00.001+08:00

Alhamdullilah, we are now uinted as man and wife.

*Smile*

Commemorate the day i became married by adding a whimsical touch of a feather pen.

We officially became Mr. And Mrs. Moe Nasrul.
Update soon.

BFF's wedding

2011-12-03T14:41:00.003+08:00

Atikah, my best friend, the bride, and i, proudly-elected Maid-of-Honor, in her Bilik Pengantin before the solemnization.

I had never been anyone's Maid-of-Honor before. What fun way to end my own bachelorette-hood (is that even a word? Never mind, I'll write to Merriem-Webster to get this into the dictionary as the female equivalent of 'bachelorhood') by serving the honorary role of my own best friend's Maid of Honor.....wait for it.....a WEEK before my own wedding!

It was truly an honor to play the MOH for my best friend's wedding.

Atikah and I had been the best of friends since our Uni days in USM. We knew each other when we were in second year, first semester when we were both committee members of Persatuan Komunikasi (PERKOM). She and i basically have the same traits--committed and studious. We both just clicked in a molecule level :D

Traits aside, we also have the same relationship journey. Hubby and her met and became a couple in Feb 2006 (Tikah, correct me if I'm wrong), Moe and i also became a couple in Feb 2006 after four years of friendship. Atikah and i graduated in the same year and we both served our first job in KL. Coincidentally, we stayed at the same area in KL!

Soon after moving back to Penang, we both also, coincidentally, were ready to be married. I remember always talking and discussing about our plans for our Big Day, our frustrations with the boys who were always too cool to plan ahead, and going to visit vendors together.

We are the coincidental twins.

Fun times with my babe. Through the entire process, we also got closer to each other's family. I even call her parents Ibu and Bapak!

So i went to her house early on the day of 8am. Before heading to her place, i bought some mints because i knew she might need it to refresh her breath. While she was having her make up done, i helped her other siblings gettting the house ready, checking the post-nikah breakfast buffet station, answering phone calls and smses, and bringing her OP up to her house, and even picking up the lost kadhi.

This i did in between checking on her to see what she needed.

I tried to be her unofficial photographer as well, because I love details. These small details are what makes a wedding beautiful and alive. Sometimes we are afraid that our photographers, both official and unofficial, might missed these details. Those pretty little items we mull over the A-to-Z aisle thinking which one to buy, or those cupcake stickers we spent hours researching over the internet to see which font is suitable with the wedding theme. So i took photos of the items in her house and her reception at Dewan Masyarakat Penyayang.

Ok la at least i beat her OP to it by releasing her photos on FB upon her approval. Atikah also is using those photos in her blog.

There were so many moments during her wedding. Those sweet tender memories of me sitting with my dearest friend on the solemnization dais, my fussiness over her make up during her nikah (i saw dried glue on her faux lashes and asked the MUA to touch up...humph! Diva kan aku? :P), me fetching the kadhi dengan free hair asal bedal je, eating with her at the meja beradap, and other funny moments of me doing everything OTHER than what the bride has personally asked me to do (like bawak tissue and her IC!! Adoi!!!!)

She looked so gorgeous, radiant, and lovely on her wedding day. Bridal make up usually makes a bride look more mature for her age, but she looked stunningly younger.

Congratulations my dear Tikah and Mie. May you guys walk hand-in-hand to the gates of paradise. My doa and best wishes are to you both personally and professionally.

BFF's pre-wedding night

2011-12-02T15:01:00.000+08:00

Me posing-posing nak amik berkat gitew :P

It was such a fun night over at Atikah's house to see the house all decked up for the solemnization the next morning. Our pengantin pun dah berinai and looking so happy, not stressed at all, talking and layan-layan her friends.

Mimi and i came around 8:30pm to see what are the things that we can help out with. We helped out with her bridal bouquets--both for nikah and reception. When the clock hits 11, Atikah asked me, "Em, are you ok staying up until so late?"

She knows I'm the type who has to sleep early. Even if Bradley Cooper stands outside my door naked, i still choose my bed and pillow.

Boleh jer. Gila rah takkan wedding BFF kita nak balik awal?

By the time i reached home, it was 1230. Tak jauh pun umah, tak sampai seminit kot kalo drive.

Before i sleep, i was thinking, "Wow, all those days of dreaming and talking and visualizing how the day will be". That time, rasa macam llllaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmaaa lagi nak kawin.

And the day is today (for her la. Aku next week :P)

Indoor Photoshoot, Bachelorette Dinner, First Wedding Gift

2011-12-01T21:05:00.000+08:00

I'm on leave for two days and just been running around buat siapkan barang wedding and other bridal stuffs. Went to pathlab to get my blood test done. Seperti biasa, ada problems bleeding me, coz my veins are too fine. Had to come back today to have Ms Chew, the professional fine vein finder to bleed me. I went to pick up my indoor photos from Putree, sambil tu discuss a little bit about the pelamin. Pelamin satu panel, biasa la wedding kat rumah.

The result from the photoshoot was sweet. But i do look more mature in photos than Moe. Menyampah *lol*

Milia the MOH organized a sweet Bachelorette dinner sempena hari-hari terakhir bergelar a bachelorette. It was such a charming evening, having all my close colleagues i already called my second family putting in so much effort to hold a bachelorette dinner for me. Maklumlah, semua orang busy, yet they still find the time to plan, go buy groceries, cooked, and even buy wedding gifts.

Ok ladies, need to sambung download lagu. haha

T-Minus 10: Handover of Project eMMoe Union to Family Members and Those Who Cares

2011-11-29T20:30:00.002+08:00

It's another ten more days. I've started to let a lot of things go. Me am concentrating only on decoration and bridal.

I haven't been updating for a while. So bear with me readers as this might be a long one.

Bride to be's, when the wedding is only days away, there will be too many people trying to be involved in the most inconvenient of ways-- giving unsolicited opinions, frowns at your choices, gives too much suggestions that involves money, not creative and the list goes on. Too many cooks spoils the broth. Seperation of duties is a must.

You need to start handing over tasks. Because one the week before the wedding, you have to concentrate on being the BRIDE. Not the WEDDING PLANNER. You need to be in your zen mode. No more giving orders. This has got to be done two weeks before the wedding. Handover stage begins here. Know who can lead the entire wedding decisions, who can project manage the smaller ones, and everyone must know their roles for your wedding day.

Therefore, the project manager for my wedding is non-other than my Godfather, Pup. He is totally hands on and been on the field making decisions for me, meeting vendors with me to finalize everything, and be the 'bad cop' to those vendors that has been treating me with less respect because i am a young woman (jangan memain, ada tau vendors yg pijak kepala). Pup will lead the rehearsal and ensures everyone knows what to do during pre-wedding. Pup is also in charge of malay customs and religious affairs.

My aunty Rose, will be in charge of ground arrangement for the family arriving from Singapore and Moe's entourage to Penang. She will also takes charge of Tea Ceremony and Yam Seng ceremony. Favors pun she tapau buat.

Banku the ever helpful Banku, will be on call for any types of jobs needed to be done on that day.

Milia will be managing the helpers. Briefing them about their roles and responsibility. I only talk to her and she communicate to the rest.

These are the four main pillars of my wedding. Everyone else also has roles to play according to their schedule and availabilities.

The family loves the venue. And loved the fact that everything is done in one place--a family home away from home, akad nikah, and reception in one place. The only lowlight is parking, but i just dah takleh fikir dah. Biasalah kenduri rumah, kena park jauh and jalan jauh. It's a norm.

I love this the most: My chinese relatives and colleagues wearing malay attire!

Favors for Helpers and post-nikah breakfast

2011-11-23T07:20:00.003+08:00

When something is in trend, i rather run away from it. Either i want to be ahead (who doesn't?) or way behind to the point i can label it "vintage".

On Day 27 of the countdown, i was still scratching my head on what to give to my helpers and family members. I wanted to give something personalized, budget friendly, yet insanely creative.

Here's the result, a personalized water bottle with our names and dates on the water label (printed at home), with dove tags made from blue felt.

Milia, Sinn Wee, and i worked on the production of the personalized water bottle gifts for four hours. We managed to produced 100 bottles. Check out our limited edition, personalized mineral water gifts for helpers and family.

Production line after work while watching SEA Games.

The label

The dove tag

Check out the nutrition facts :)

Favors for VIPs and guests unfortunately is the same ol' cuppies and sweets. I wished i had thought of the mineral water bottle favors earlier--so that i could produce 400 bottles and made it a gift for everyone. But oh well... =(

Wedding Nightmares

2011-11-14T23:30:00.000+08:00

This brides has fears about what will happen on that day and ways to mitigate the issue.

Come back for more stories of the things this bride is having nightmares about.

Creating and Designing My Guestbook

2011-11-09T22:26:00.004+08:00

Hi all,

Sorry it took me a while to update this post. About the guestbook. Hampir siap. Tak habis lagi, but getting there.

In between work and other wedding errands, I am very slow in getting the book ready.

It is a simple book and mostly recycled items. Haha. First off, the sketch book was bought earlier this year, with the hopes to start sketching my dreams and memories, and it never came to fruition. The most i have done to cultivate my creative side was to use a Kirigami design to line the cover of the sketch book, and color it with silver marker.

It stopped there.

Seeing it lying down unused, i decided to turn it into my guestbook. I decided to make this guestbook into a coffee table book of the wedding planning itself. Since I dedicated almost the entire of 2011 to my wedding planning, it is better to have it documented in a picture book where guest sign on it.

That way, i can look back at this coffee table-sized photo journal cum guestbook, with wishes and congratulations inscribed in it.

So i went through my wedding facebook (Project eMMoe Union), wrote down my journey from attended my wedding course up until T-Minus 30 in captions, and selected photos to be printed, hantaq pi printing, and pasted those photos in each inserts

Like this.

As for the pens, i bought a set of 12 stabilo pens but only turned two pens into the above (feathered pens with ribbon). I have these feather appliques from last year when i was toying with the idea of selling cockades and feathers but tak menjadi. So i used these feathers for the guestbook pen.

This is the second photo you will see in the guest book. Here's the backstory behind it as well. The designs are actually my BM wedding invitation card punya design. Since i tak print BM invitation card, i used the design for my guestbook. Sekali with the doa pengantin. Because this book is about starting a new life journey, and it is kinda good to have the Doa Pengantin in the guestbook itself. Because everytime a reader opens this book, they will read the doa pengantin.

Gitu la. The thought process and the recycled items used for the guestbook. Hihi.

Page Boy and Flower Girl, just too adorable for words

2011-11-08T13:42:00.003+08:00

I had been on the lookout for page boy and flower girl attire. It was so perfect that Shidi and Tua Chee are free yesterday to purchase their attire.

Looking at this picture, you can't help but to adore the little kids that will make the wedding more beautiful. And you can't help but to know that you are creating moments for the little tots as well. One day, they will grow up and know that they first served their honorary role as the younger version of the couple at Aunty Mili and Uncle Moe's wedding.

What's more apt? Kyle is younger than Fatiha by four months. Moe is younger too. Haha.

Things are also falling into places. For bersanding ceremony, i think i will talk to Moe to wear a black suit so that he and Kyle will be sedondon. My dress is in white, and my peonies flower bouquet is the exact same color as Fatiha's flower.

We'll be sedondon with our little tots.

What else? Oh ya, the table decorations will also have red peonies. So that in a world of midnight blue and white, you will see a refreshing pop of maroon.

Ok la kot :)

Yay!!!!

2011-11-07T17:29:00.001+08:00

Suiting up Godson, Kyle :)

Wow! A lot can be done when there is a public holiday and taking an extra leave.

All the things from the recent post is done. Tuesday night was spent on addressing guests for the Operasi Memanggil, wednesday was the indoor photoshoot, Thursday was spent on Operasi Memanggil Orang BJ and Pup's side of the family. I took leave on Friday, so the bulk of the wedding stuffs commenced Friday.

In the afternoon, Moe and i went to photostat a couple of items before the marriage interview, went and renew both our driving license (sempat lagi..), went for marriage interview. There was a minor bump because there is a new ruling where you need to prepare your wali's IC and your parent's surat nikah. I have neither. But thank God Moe's documents are all set and he went ahead for the interview and passed with flying colors. Mine would have to wait till this Tuesday.

After the interview, i went for facial. At night, i prepared the hantaran stuffs for Moe to bring back with him for dulang measurements.

On saturday, Mummy, Kyle, Moe, and I went to Balik Pulau to memanggil Papa's side of the family. Pak Tam, my wali, gave me a copy of his IC, hang out with my cousins for a bit. Everyone was kinda awed when Moe said he works as a TV host etc and they all want to watch Moe's show late that evening. So Moe promised to make a shout out to the Balik Pulau folks. Not sure whether Moe did, coz i didn't watch. But he promised :)

Kyle was so cute and well behaved the entire evening. Cute sangat la that fella. Been teaching him numbers and colors. Hope he will learn it fast.

Sent Moe to the bus terminal around six. I prepared some stuffs for my hantaran to Moe. But most of the things needs to be bought a few days before the wedding itself.

Sunday was spent sending and picking up mum, printed and pasted all signages, went to Sungai Pinang to memanggil Papa's side of the family, my Sa Ku (third uncle), and went to TESCO with PM Sinn Wee to buy some stuffs for the Post-Nikah Breakfast. Sinn Wee asked whether i will have a briefing days before the wedding. He got nervous haha. I told him not to worry as i will have a briefing for everyone. Plus, Milia will also be the deputy PM when she can be released from her official MOH duties.

I wanted to continue with the signages but i was dead tired after TESCO trip.

I sent mum to work this morning, came back and continue with printing signages. Signages are sweet, simple, and perfectly gel together. What else? Oh ya! Went to BJ Complex with Tua Chee and family and get Kyle suited up for his role as page boy. Sungguh comei! After dinner, I'm gonna go meet my OP and family and get daughter Fatiha dolled up for her role as flower girl :)

Makan dulu! hungry like a cow.

Oh ya, i have been eating. Not good.

A Sneak Peek

2011-11-07T16:20:00.000+08:00

OP 1, Wan Nor Rashidi has released the sneak peek photos from our recent outdoor photography at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Sangat happy!~

Overwhelmed

2011-10-31T22:26:00.000+08:00

Hey all,

I feel overwhelmed today. 39 days to wedding and I feel that there is so many things to be done. My wedding checklist doesn't seem to end.

For this week, I need to finish memanggil--papa's side of the family, a few BJ neighbors, pup and mak's families. I need to also meet up with my friend mimi from melting bites to discuss wedding cake, hantaran and simple decorations for the reception.

Indoor photoshoot is this Wednesday. And I also need to go for facial. I also need to be prepared for the wedding interview this Friday.

I also need to bring Kyle for his tuxedo shopping. The little boy is getting real cute.

As much as I love to embark on this journey, to travel the roads with moe, I kinda feel sad that I'll be leaving my family. Because of wedding stuffs, it was my first time missing out on my mum's birthday celebration. And I haven't seen Kyle in two weeks. That's long for me ya now.

I'll also be missing hanging out with mum, bringing her to the wet market every Saturday morning, and drive her home from work on Sunday's and tapau food for the family.

I guess that's life. And this is not goodbye. The best is yet to come. Marriage is only a beginning :)

Ya Allah, please let me have a productive November where I can wrap up everything I need to wrap up before December comes.

Sent from my iPhone

Outdoor Photoshoot Part Deux

2011-10-30T02:29:00.000+08:00

Hi guys,

Sorry I am still on the topic of my outdoor photoshoot. I've been planning and meeting vendors so far. The outdoor photoshoot was the first fun stuff executed prior to the wedding. Allow me to talk a little bit about more about the photoshoot.

The shots looked amazing even before editing. I'm not a professional, and I don't have any bench mark. I really let my photographer, Shidi, a complete autonomy to be creative and call the shots. Same as my make up and hairdo. I just let Sabrina does her magic. We just had one round of trial of make up and hairdo.

What I love most about the outdoor photoshoot was the fact that it was completely done with the help of my friend's who are in the wedding industry. Shidi, one of the longest friends I know, has been a photographer and have clients as far as the US. Sabrina, my gorgeous former school mate, takes make up lessons from one of the best celebrity MUA in town. I believe in supporting my friend's in their endeavors. Sabrina and Shidi appreciated the support given. Both actually 'studied' for the outdoor photoshoot because they felt the pressure of disappointing me. I can't help but to feel touched. I can't believe they got so nervous. Nevertheless, they controlled their nerves well. It just didn't show during the photoshoot.

I really truly enjoyed the photoshoot. I think it shows in the photos. We were mostly goofing off. We can't hold a serious pose for long. Neither am I a fan of 'staged' portraits. So it really worked out to my liking.

But one thing I forgot was to request for a photo of me holding the bakul sia. Sayang sungguh tak snap gambar tu.

So my advice to bride-to-bes are to envision the types of photos you want and tell your photographer which angle you like most and which angle of you to avoid.

If you would like to have your pre-wedding portraits taken at Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the cost is rm50 an hour and admits five people (bride, groom, OP and two other friends).

Sent from my iPhone

Food Galore

2011-10-30T01:13:00.001+08:00

Carl's Junior

Bento set

Italian

Malay

Arabian

Dear self,
I'm so sorry. I know we have indoor photoshoot coming up soon. We're supposed to have our indoor photoshoot done Sunday, but due to the fact that the producer for Moe's show could not get anyone to host tonight's show, we have to reschedule to this Wednesday.
So it will give me some time to exercise and tone up a little. Just a little. The rest, I'll focus on good angles and Photoshop :D
But I know you were very happy to eat these over the past four days. Don't lie. I saw how happy you were eating away.
Dont worry. I'll get you back up the elliptical horse once the weekend is over.
Signing off,
Self

Lackluster Crowning Glory

2011-10-25T18:37:00.000+08:00

This is a photo of me, taken a month ago. My crowning glory at it's finest. There's shine, a little volume, and tangle free. However, the health of my hair is deteriorating. It's limp now. Almost lifeless.

Confession? I had a dye job last saturday before the photoshoot. It could be the brand switch (from Garnier to Loreal), it could be leaving the dye too long on my hair. I'm not sure, but my scalp was slightly burning during application.

I would like to try home remedy this time because I'm so inspired by the TV program "Backyard Medicine"--taking healthcare back into your own heads. Right on!

So do you have any ideas about ways to healthy crowning glory? I don't mind smelling like eggs or olive oil :)

Sent from my iPhone

Outdoor Photoshoot at Pinang Peranakan Mansion

2011-10-25T13:20:00.002+08:00

Looks like a scene from a period movie. Wan Nor Rashidi is hard at work.

As many of you know, I am half Chinese and half Malay. Moe is a NY-born Malay and grew up in Hawaii. To pay homage to our colorful rojak heritage, the theme of our Penang reception is "A Marriage of Two Cultures--Celebrating Differences and Cherishing Similarities".

The outdoor photograhpy is one of the elements that we are tying to the central wedding theme. Peranakan is a Chinese sub culture that is unique to our region. This sub culture is kept alive for centuries since the arrival of Puteri Hang Li Poh and her Chinese entourage. The entourage assimilated with the local Malays and adopted Malay culture into their everyday lives--thus the Peranakan culture is born.

This photoshoot is the first wedding photography. Shot entirely at Pinang Peranakan Mansion, this lavish and opulent Peranakan mansion is the perfect place to carry the wedding theme.

It was smooth sailing all the way. Shidi gave clear-cut instructions on what he wants out of the shoot. It was really fun because we were goofing around most of the time. I saw a few shots from Shidi's camera. There are a variation of settings--from vintage to vibrant hues.

Blissful weekend

2011-10-25T00:11:00.001+08:00

The big kahuna lunch, and our happy faces during Mak's b'day dinner at Equatorial.

Moe was in Penang for five days! Longest he could take time off to do wedding stuffs. I think he has finally rolled up his sleeves to get down and dirty with the wedding laundry list.

Despite the fact that we have an outdoor photoshoot on the weekend, he had such a big lunch. I can't help but to make him go on a guilt trip for it. *evil laugh*

At night, we had dinner with Mak and Pup to celebrate Mak's birthday. Look at the glorious food we had. I have food boner (so aroused looking at the food) just thinking about it.

Anyways, Moe accompanied me to the clinic today. I have backache and burning sensation when I urinate for two weeks already. Apparently I have early symptoms of kidney stones. If I don't get it treated early, I have high risk of developing kidney stones. So the doctor put me on antibiotics and ubat backache.
Expecting heavy wedding schedule and work deadline ahead!
Cheerio!

Up Next: Outdoor Photoshoot at Pinang Peranakan Mansion

2011-10-24T10:26:00.001+08:00

Bunga Pahar: A Work in Progress

2011-10-19T21:37:00.000+08:00

Hi all,

I don't have much today. Been shaving my bunga telur every night after work. Haha. Coupled with laziness and a back ache, my productivity is a little slow. I still have 15 sticks to go. Boo hoo me.

Anyways, mummy and che che have totally different taste. Mummy likes Moe's better (the purple satin pahar) but sis likes mine better (the blue butterfly).

I was going back and forth whether i should post the photo since i don't want to spoil the surprise for my guests. But at the same time, I would like to share this journey. So let's meet in the middle. Here is a combo photo of both bunga pahar. You cannot see the whole assemble, but you get the idea, right?

Moe is coming down tomorrow to settle his marriage papers. I'll be going to the craft shop near Sunshine Square to ask whether they can fix telur netting for my Bunga Telur and dentist tomorrow.

P/S: To the uninitiated, Bunga Telur and Bunga Pahar is actually the same thing. Bunga telur is one individual bunga telur, and bunga pahar is the whole assemble of bunga telur on a bekas pahar. Something like data and datum. I was confused too. Thanks Atikah for clearing it up for me :D

TP Celebrates the Launch of a Handbook....

2011-10-17T15:03:00.000+08:00

....by going for foot spa!~

Wen Ting, MC, Faizah, and i went for a foot spa in Nagore Road's Nail Talk after lunch last tuesday. Best!~ I never had pedi before so i might as well pay an extra RM25 for pedi since the foot spa is sponsored by boss.

This is a great way to say 'thank you' to the team :D

Me and Wen Ting camwhoring

After the foot spa, we walked along Nagore Road and headed towards one of the oldest bakery and one of the famous ones in Penang--Continental Bakery. I bought cream puffs and wholemeal kaya bun. Sedap!~ And i noticed that Ritz Bakery opened a new branch at Nagore road with awesome decor. Nak pi try la one of these days :D

Balik-balik, my mum masak udang besar and brocoli. Apa lagi? Makan la! My mum cooks awesome food at a short time. She just whips up anything in the kitchen and we all akan melahap dengan sedap.

When I'm married, I won't be able to eat mum's cooking daily. So sad :(

Kehangatan Semakin Dirasai

2011-10-17T10:35:00.001+08:00

All in a day's work

Chewah title :P

Saturday was spent working on my cheat sheet for the nikah interview (Moe and i will be going on Tuesday 25th October). Mak ai, banyak gila benda nak hafal! Terasa macam nak hafal for Pendidikan Islam SPM pulak, which i got a C4 for. Oh well....

Sunday was spent shopping for bekas pahar, netting for my bunga telur (mine wan does not come with bunga telur. Tu lah nak unik lagi. Hammek kau!), bought lulur kocok so that i can start body scrubbing at home, bought hantaran stuffs (one more to go~!), fetched my mum back from work, and went to MUA Sabrina's house for trial hairdo for Nikah. Alang-alang nak pi umah dia, i brought her deposit and my invitation card for her.

I created the bunga pahar last night--for both moe and mine. His satin purple bunga telur was less of a hassle and looks really pretty when it is put up as bunga pahar because of the lavender pearls jutting out. Looks very festive and to my surprise, tak la kg.com. It's sweet actually. The only thing needs fixing on that day is the satin flowers. I would need to tell Moe's sister to make sure that the satin flowers are in shape.

As for my bunga telur, there are two issues--No netting for eggs and stem is bigger than the holes in the bekas pahar. i think i'd just commission someone to fix the netting for me. Jenuh la nak buat sorang sorang. I need hot glue gun plak. Blerk. As for the stems, i already start 'shaving' the bottom part of it and paste masking tape to hold the look together. Tak nampak gawdy. Problem solved.

So this week is outdoor photoshoot. Let's hope we have a nice weather this Saturday.

Never Apologize for Vanity

2011-10-15T14:33:00.002+08:00

My First Pedi :*

"Hi. My name is Emily and i am vain"

This is what i will say if i attended my first session of Vainpot Anonymous--if there ever is one.

Before 2011, i couldn't care less about grooming. Because i thought being beautiful is about being natural. Deriving confidence from your hot bod is for losers. I am naturally pretty. No need to maintain wan. *ppfffffttttttt*

Kata-kata orang jeles :P

I was wrong. Because i may saved a lot of money from not being vain, but i don't feel good about myself either.

Preparing to be a bride changes my perspective on health and beauty. At 29, i only started indulging in activities i used to deem as money wasting like manicure, pedicure, facial, spa, massages. I started caring about how i wear my clothes, my hair, my shoes, my bags, and accessories.

I've shed all the weight and am still shedding. For the most of my adult life, this, at this moment of writing, i feel beautiful.

Here, i thank myself for taking care of me. So that i can care for people around me.

I thank you, me.

"There is no ugly women, only lazy ones"

Make up trials and tribulations

2011-10-12T23:36:00.030+08:00

Last Thursday, OP numero uno came to my house with his two cute daughters-Fatiha and Farhana. I haven't seen these cutie pies in ages and i was very happy to see them again. Fatiha is very well behaved, despite how her father described her as a little terror, and Farhana is already crawling.

We catched up a little bit, drank a cuppa, and headed to my MUA house for trial make up.

Fatiha. She looks a little berlemuih here

Farhana--the quiet and observant one

We were at Sabrina's house from 9 to 11:30pm, trying out various make up look and hairstyles. I have a look book for hair and make up (magazines cut outs of styles that i like and kept in a clear folder), but i was such a scatterbrained that day i forgot to bring it. But i as usual, I leave it to the professional. I did tell Sabrina that keep my make up simple and sweet. Because one thing that i am always afraid of is i turned up looking like someone else in pictures--be it for better or for worst. I have seen bridal photos of my friends that does not look anything like themselves at all. Either too polished or too garang/vogue/deer-in-the-headlight.

But after an hour and a half of painting my face, i love the results. It's just like i wanted--simple and natural. The thing is, i never wear pink eye shadows but she totally pulled it off for me.

Siap!~

We spent only about 30 minutes trying a hairstyle for the outdoor photoshoot. We'll be doing the inside out bun (as pictured). Sabrina suggested pink roses and baby breath for the hair.

Hair is also done

After the hair and the make up is done, off i went to wear my baju kebaya nyonya. The whole look just really fit. I was so happy to see major satisfaction look on Shidi and Sabrina's face.

And there you go ladies and gents. I just hope that on the outdoor photoshoot all my photos are going to turn out as slim as this. Seriously i don't look this slim in real live. *LOL*

Next session of trials and tribulations with this cekenit of an MUA is this Sunday afternoon. We're going to try hair and make up for Nikah.

Ok before i sign off, here is a laundry list for the photoshoot:
1. Call Pinang Peranakan Mansion to inquire whether do we need to purchase the ticket earlier or do they entertain walk-ins.
2. Buy roses and baby breaths.
3. ~~Shoes (beaded or normal? Sleep on it)--Pakai kasut milia jer~~

Here is the laundry list for this week:
1. PA System deposit
2. Tafsir~~, Telekung, and Sejadah~~
3.~~Facial~~
~~4.Interview questions cheat sheet~~
5.Wedding invi distribution (~~mummy's close friends~~ and Pup and Mak's side of the family)
~~6.Confirm fitting session with Amir Luqman 31st October~~

Wedding Planning for This Week

2011-10-03T23:03:00.002+08:00

Me and Atikah....'s baju :P

As previously posted, last weekend was another great family dinner. During the weekday, i accompanied the bridesmaid to pergi buat baju with my tailor. I also took my MOH dress for Atikah's wedding. While trying on the baju, I saw a midnight blue satin baju kurung moden hanging on the wall, and i thought it really look familiar. Sekali selak to see the sarung, nampak my songket. Sah this is Atikah's bridesmaid dress!. What a coincidence. I didn't know that she sent it there. The tailor told me that she was really excited when she came in to hantar the kain and told the tailor that it's for her friend's wedding.

I was so touched to hear that and am so proud to have her as one of my closest compatriots :)

Anyways, i passed the new quotation to my mum to pass to the canopy vendor but he still hasn't picked it up. Thank God. Because i am about to change my quotation again! I need to get the new quotation out by this week before i leave for KL again.

I think this is the reason why vendors do not want to see you too early. Because there are always last minute changes. Hehe.

For my canopies, i decided to have Arabian canopies without canopy decorations. Because of the Upacara Makan Beradab, we will have six canopies in total. Canopies are cheap. But decorations are not. So by saving on canopy decorations, i can hire Detik Indah for both Nikah and Reception.

There is a story behind it. I'll save it for another post.

Anyways, the venue itself is already beautifully decorated and themed. It wouldn't be too fugly to have canopies without decorations. This way, it can highlight my buffet station and the table decorations. If banyak sangat decorations pun will look too over the top and you don't know where to focus and admire.

And photography are meant to distort reality. Leave it to the professional to take beautiful shots of the wedding, focus on the rooms inside the house,the happy faces at the tables, people taking the food, and exceptionally shot angles of the canopies. Pandai kan? :P It's all about being creative and tak payah habis duit gila gila on deco.

I'll be also having a round table meja beradab to weave in the Chinese element in the Upacara Makan Beradab. For Chinese banquets, the bride and groom seats in a VIP round table.

~~What's important this week is to finalized guest list, slowly distribute wedding invi, and send the new quotation to the vendor.~~

My Family, My True Love

2011-10-03T22:05:00.001+08:00

Last weekend was really memorable for me. My family members (banku, ah ee, mum, milia, and Arif) made the effort to drive down to kl for a dinner with my future in-laws. Banku drove back and forth and even paid for our accommodation in KL. We stayed at a service apartment atop of Fahrenheit 88.


Banku, My Hero. Pictured here posing with his breakfast before the journey to KL.

We all had a quick nap and then got ready for the dinner. Moe chose to have dinner at Fahrenheit 88's Shogun Japanese Buffet Restaurant because the place is nostalgic for him. When the family was in Hawaii, they dined at Shogun frequently and this place hold a lot of memories, particularly when Moe stuffed himself and puked at the restaurant. Talked about gelojoh!


Sisters gossiping before the family dinner. I think in 30 years' time, me and Emilia will be like this too.


At Fahrenheit 88's Shogun Japanese Buffet. Pictured here are my in-laws and my mum.

Moe hugging his brother after putting on a small sketch for the family.

The dinner started at seven thirty. The Zulkifli Family was there, sans Moe as he was on the way. Funny thing was, Naim called Moe to ask where he was, and Moe was already walking in. They continued talking on the phone, cajoling each other and made everyone laughed looking at the brotherly camaraderie.

We all camwhored for a little while the elders went to take their food.


Banku looking at what Hana is playing on Moe's iPad.

The future Mr. and Mrs.

Moe, Myself, and future sis-in-law, Nasirah.


Future Mr. and Mrs with Nabilah


Naim, Nabilah, Nasirah, and Emilia. Comel sangat photo ni. Will probably have this printed and display di rumah ku :)


The twins and their partners. We realized that we might have the same taste in men after all. Moe and Arif's birthday is 5 days apart, both are Capricorns, and both are the eldest in their family.

The buffet spread at Shogun was amazing and everything was really delicious. Will probably make another trip to Shogun but this time with Moe only. Coz i want to stuff myself silly. Maybe post-wedding :P Not now. Photoshoot is in three weeks. Both outdoor and indoor.

One of the eight counters of buffet spread.

Moe paid for the dinner and it came to a whopping RM700. Mummy was soooo sakit hati and wanted to pay half. Moe said it's ok because he can afford it now and this is a special occasion. Plus, "it's your daughter that i want to impress", he said to mum. Such a sweet talker, kan? *smile*

After dinner, Naim, Moe, Arif, Emilia, myself, Ah Ee, and mum went to Pavillion to watch an MU footie match to cap off the night. We didn't talk about the wedding at all, even during dinner and the "after cuppa". We were really immersed in getting to know one another and exchanging stories about the families, and even plan for a trip to Phuket as a big family soon.

I love you bee. Thanks for the amazing dinner and although we only see each other for less than five hours, i was perhaps the happiest girl that day.

Nikah at Chymes...yay!

2011-09-26T15:41:00.001+08:00

Alhamdunillah, Akad Nikah will be at Chymes. Additional tables for guests, VIP, and meja beradab finalized, blue print of the reception is drawn, invitation card is collected and slowly distributed to colleagues and family. For the BM invitation card, Grace from work helped me to design the invi card. It is just something from her templateful of .eps files and i changed the colors and edit here and there. The cover and back looks something like this:

BM invitation card.

I also went to Putri to discuss about the pelamin and indoor photoshoot. Pelamin is the standard template ones. I'm so relief that i don't have to put more thoughts into pelamin and just leave it to the professionals to do the best. As for the indoor photoshoot, it is scheduled on the 30th October.

Oh Oh And i collected my Kebaya Nyonya!!~ Prettier than i expected. Good job Kim Fashion, the purveyor and conservator of Kebaya Nyonya. Suka!~

I'll be meeting the caterer next week and i will settle MOHs dress collection (for Atikah's wedding), BM invi card, discussion with OP, and canopy vendor this week. Not to mention heading to KL on Saturday.

The Nest, The Golden Goose, The Wheels, and The Bump

2011-09-19T21:10:00.003+08:00

What i learned the most from planning a wedding, is planning a life after wedding.
For my wedding, i was hands on, meticulously coordinating every detail and areas of the wedding, deciding where to save and where to splurge, all the while meeting engineers and discussing the updates for my work.

The same spirit i have when i was planning a wedding, I will carry forward to planning a life after wedding. The immediate item to tick off is The Nest. We are planning to move to a new place by the end of March. So Moe is engaging a realtor to look for a nest within our budget. We will be saving for the deposit after December. A lot of money will also be spent on getting appliances and household stuffs.

So when you spend a lot, make sure your money have a lot of sex and produce monies--in comes the Golden Goose.

We have been talking about investing as well. We have yet to hammer how much we should allocate our income for long term investment and short term investment and the variety of investment to breed our golden goose. We might also need to reassess our term and life insurance once we got married. Talk about convenience since my agent is my colleague.

I'm also looking for a good deal for second hand cars. I'm thinking i should own a family car, you know, like a CRV. Just be prepared when the little one comes along.

So if it takes us a year to plan our wedding, i think it will take us two years before the bump comes along.

I love kids, but i just don't think i am financially and emotionally prepared to welcome a baby. Parenthood is a serious commitment. Moe and i been in LDR for almost four years, and i would really want to spend a few years as husband and wife before transitioning to parenthood. I want to be ready. Not stumble through parenthood. Not before i fully understand what comes with motherhood, how ready Moe is for fatherhood.

Parenthood is a joint decision. If you decide to get pregnant and welcome motherhood when your husband is not, be prepared for having a neglectful dad, which in my case, i would rather do without.

These are the minor emotional and relationship aspects. I have a few I'm lazy to list out. Financially, I've seen too many of my friends struggled to raise children and cope daily with the rising cost of living and a stagnant salary. I'm not a big earner myself, and i really want to provide a better living for my kids. I grew up poor, in a single breadwinner household, lives in a ghetto (but my family is rich in love). My mum struggled to put us through school and now, because of my mother's sacrifice, I'm earning pretty decently for myself. I will disappoint not only myself but my mother if i don't get out of the low-to-middle-economic bracket.

Yes, of course i cannot be any more envious when most of my friends are expecting and some even have beautiful toddlers. I can't even argue if someone says the smile of their baby or the first word from their baby are proofs that it is all worth it. I just can't. Ultimately, it is their prerogative and i know you must have put a lot of thought to it. Everybody have different reasons.

I know my mother yearns to see me have a dragon baby (which is next year), but i know she will be proud as well to know that her daughter finally knows how to fly :)

T-Minus 80. The Seating Charts

2011-09-19T20:45:00.000+08:00

Something to visualize for the day.

Finalizing the additional tables, placement of buffet tables, wedding cake stand, meja beradab and VIP tables. Sending this image to Chymes PIC to discuss feasibility.

Happy nyer!!!!!!

My Laundry List Never Seems to End

2011-09-19T19:44:00.004+08:00

Lesson learned. Vendors, professional or not, been in the business for a century or a day, will have the tendency to cancel at the last minute. Seriously it was really annoying to have your appointment canceled at the eleventh hour.

Both my caterer and canopy vendors canceled at the last minute when i really need to finalize the count for the number of additional tables and canopies. Ish!

1. Meeting the caterer at Chymes to discuss placement of buffet and cooking station, and meja beradab.
~~2. Finalize additional tables for guests, VIP, and meja beradab.~~
~~3. Draw out the blue print for wedding.~~
~~4. Finalized Nikah--Chymes or mosque? Pup to meet Kadi.~~

~~5. Collection of invitation card.~~
~~6. Designing BM invitation card. To approach Grace.~~
~~7. Collection of my MOH dress for Atikah's wedding.~~
~~8. Putree bridal for pelamin discussion, indoor photoshoot recee~~

Spending Sunday Lying in After a Hectic Week of Wedding Planning

2011-09-11T17:47:00.004+08:00

The past two weeks has been about the upcoming nuptial. I actually expected Q3 to be the busiest (i can't say this enough). I remembered Sinn Wee, my colleague and one of the gang at work, told me that in Project Management, in any annual project, the first quarter of the year is all about planning, Q2 will be the slowest, and Q3 is the sprinting phase to finish the marathon in Q4.

During the raya break, i came up with the checklists, budget, and critical path schedule for the wedding, meeting and appointing caterer and videographer, and meeting between families, made my kebaya Nyonya for my pre-wedding photoshoot which will double up for hantaran from Moe, and went back to Balik Pulau to get my wali's signature for my borang permohonan perkahwinan.

Last week was the first week of work post-raya. And all my lunch time was used for going to Pejabat Agama Islam to ask about the procedure to get married outside of Qaryah (which is not settled, but will be settled), going to Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara to get my father's death cert, going to SSF to complete purchasing bunga telur (which is super cantik and it was on sale!), and getting the headcount for the impending KL trip. Weekend was spent making a mock up of miniature bunga manggar but hampeh buruk, so i abandon the idea.

This week will be about:
1. Meeting the caterer at Chymes to discuss placement of buffet and cooking station, and meja beradab. UPDATE: Postponed
2. Assess the need to have additional canopy and tables. UPDATE: Yes. Definitely. And thank god, Chymes can accommodate more than 8 tables!
3. Printing of invitation cards to be distributed to colleagues and friends. UPDATE: Done. Deposit paid. Card will be ready this week. Quotation also requested for the Malay invitation card.
4. Source for intivation card design and price for invitation card for family members. UPDATE: Quotation also requested for the Malay invitation card.
5. Booking of PA system. UPDATE: Done. Payment not yet.
6. Printing of photo of baju kurung for bridesmaids UPDATE: Done.
7. Book indoor photoshoot time and date with Putree bridal. UPDATE: Done. It's October 30th. 9am.
~~8. Coordinate KL trip with Banku and Pup.~~
9. Purchasing cloth for MOH and Best Man. UPDATE: Done.
10. Coordinate October 1st KL trip with Banku, Pup, future MIL and Moe UPDATED: Postponed

Bunga Manggar Theme Decoration

2011-09-10T17:48:00.000+08:00

I was thinking of making a unique DIY creative centerpieces for my Penang reception since the flowers of my choice (eustoma, roses, and hydrangeas cost a bomb and would be reserved for hantaran and meja beradab).

So I bought bunga manggar, styrofoam, etc and did two miniature bunga manggar. Jadi, but hampeh tak cantik.

I might do away with having centerpieces. Time and money is better spent at other items.

Sent from my iPhone

2011-09-07T21:38:00.000+08:00

On the third day of raya, it was the day where moe and my family members met for the first time. I can't tell you how nervous I was. I can't even introduce my family properly. Pup led my entourage to discuss about wedding hantaran, mas kahwin, langkah bendul, akad nikah date etc. It was such a wonderful memory to see moe and my family coming together, having dinner at sukhothai restaurant at BJCC. Moe's family invited my family to KL and a date has been set for October 1st.

What really surprised me was my uncle, Banku, not only paid for the family dinner at Sukhothai restaurant (which I went to paid for and he ran after me and tell me he is paying), sponsors around 1/4 of my wedding budget (I can't spell out how relief me and moe were), he is also sponsoring our hotel stay in kl in October.

Another was how supportive Mak and Pup are and helped me by leading my family, offered their house to moe's entourage during the penang wedding, and pup helped me to get my marriage application signed.

Mummy can't helped singing praises for moe's family--how well behaved the siblings are, how nice his parents are, and my mum felt happy that future MIL commended my mum's adversity and courage of being a single mother raising her four daughters.

I'm glad, blessed, and thankful that everyone get along and there were no hiccups in the wedding planning (with the exception of venue issues of crowd control and maximizing courtyard).

Sent from my iPhone

Crazy Wedding Planning Month

2011-09-07T21:35:00.001+08:00

As I expected, Q3 are the hectic months leading to my wedding. A thousand and one items were checked off my list.

Canopies dah book, paid deposit, but still yet to finalize the amount of tables. Chymes can have 8 tables at the courtyard, if you count out meja beradab. And I also need to ask the caterer whether or not they need a canopy for the buffet station.

One raya eve I met my caterer (hint: if you have been to pasar ramadhan at bayan baru masjid, the stall has the most traffic round the clock) to look at his packages and some Q&A. I adore their buffet station settings and the food is really delicious. In fact, I bought their food at pasar ramadhan twice and my family approves of them. Upon our meeting, I realized that I need to allocate area for meja beradab and VIP tables. Didn't I mention Chymes can accommodate eight tables at the courtyard? Converting three tables into VIP tables after zohor prayers is not an option. So yes, a meeting is needed with Chymes to discuss how to mitigate this space issue. Anyways, deposit is made for my caterer. So down with caterer and canopy--two major rocks after venue and pelamin (which was settled in Q1).
I met up with a videographer on first day of raya (yeah, I'm that crazy to use up every free time I can get on wedding planning!) for discussion about their package and some Q&A. The guy had worked on my friend's Malay wedding video and I love how the simple yet romantic and straightforward cinematic approach with the use of crane and glidetracks. It was the first Malay wedding video that they made and I was very impressed. In fact, Emilia is already thinking of hiring them for her save the date. Mengada betul haha. I haven't made my deposit yet Though. That would have to wait till month end.
On the third day of raya was the start of a soon-to-be beautiful journey which I will keep for another post.
Sunday was spent balik kampung to get my wali's signature and buying bunga telur from SSF since they are having a raya sale. Thank god for the sale coz for the bunga telur that I really like, it's rm3.80 a pop but after discount it's rm2.30. Worth it because it's beautiful. I wouldn't pay if it's rm3.80 and might go for a cheaper bunga telur so thank god it was on sale.
As for the wali part, I have to pat myself because I went to balik pulau with moe and naim, for the first time without mummy and my sisters. Buat pedoh je tried my best to create small talks with my late dad's brother. I didn't have time to visit my dad's grave but u make it a point to do so.
During the long raya break, I also created like 11 pages of checklist and what not--right down to the critical path schedule.
That's my one month full of wedding planning. I have until end of November to settle everything.
Pray to God that I have everything covered by then and there won't be nasty surprises about vendor ask to take this and that at the last minute.

Sent from my iPhone

I call this ashburn ellah

2011-08-29T02:47:00.000+08:00

Sila translate ash burn in Malay.

Sent from my iPhone

My fabulous hairstyle sob

2011-08-28T21:21:00.000+08:00

Have u ever had a hairstyle that you love so much that you just walked out from the saloon a very happy girl and when go back for a trim with a new stylist, giving the exact instruction of maintaining THAT hairstyle and the stylist totally ruin it? It happened to me today.

And I'm a one sad girl.

Of all the hairstyle I have had over the years, I love my end June--end august look.

I've grown to love that hairstyle. Among all the photos I have taken, I look best in that hairstyle. Think Jennifer Aniston in Horrible Bosses. Memang habis cun. Bak kata Bruno Mars, my bangs falls perfectly without me trying. And it was a minimum effort to maintain everyday, but gives maximum impact. Memang suka habis my hair.

I guess I'll have to grow out my new bangs and will make a trip to my stylist at A-Saloon, Miko, at Fahrenheit 88. Kena tunggu for another two months.

I'm a little anxious as my photoshoots are lined up in October. Takut tak sempat grow out.

As a tribute (just in case I can never have the same hairstyle again), here are my looks that I rocked with this hairstyle, from the moment keluar A-Saloon to the moment I have it trimmed today kat Penang.

Canopies--75% Settled

2011-08-24T22:58:00.003+08:00

I should have a Microsoft Project done for my wedding planning. It's almost like scheduling for a device handbook launch.

i can safely say that 75% is settled for the canopy. Deposit is paid. The remaining 25% can only be settled once i get confirmation on the caterer. I'll be meeting the caterer three days before raya.It's for the canopy for the caterer, buffet table, and meja beradab.

Oh i might be doing away with canopy ceiling cloth. Takpe, kita tak makan pandang atas. Hehe. Paling lekeh pun have one ceiling cloth for the meja beradab.

Simplify, men!

Next stop: Videography

The Bridesmaid Kit

2011-08-24T22:38:00.001+08:00

Clockwise from top left: the bridesmaid kit, Joyce, Wen Ting, and Atikah

I prepared my bridesmaid kit for the my bridesmaids. It contains kain for their baju kurung (midnight blue satin top and a brocade songket), my invitation card, and a personalized letter for each of them; thanking them for supporting me through and through and that where ever life takes us, we have this moment to remember and with hopes that this moment will always bring us back together.

Just a small token. But a big emotional gesture.

xoxo

Flower Photos...Because i Have Time =D

2011-08-24T22:29:00.000+08:00

I love the centerpiece arrangement. I wanted to use the idea of sand, seashells, and flowers for my hantaran. But fikir-fikir balik jenuh pulak orang yg nak kena angkat. Perhaps we can translate it to my centerpiece?

This may not be the best idea as i haven't surf much for stairway deco but this will do to give me an idea.

Ah....blue hydrangaes. How i love thee.

Sirih junjung menariks.

I like this one better as it has blue accent.

A romantic piece of reception table.

Birthday Friday

2011-08-23T19:01:00.000+08:00

Project 365: my bday present from moe

2011-08-22T20:33:00.001+08:00

Adding this to my collection =D

Chymes, canopy and Hasan

2011-08-22T20:22:00.001+08:00

Here's another wedding planning weekend update. Last Saturday moe and I went to chymes with our canopy guy. Yup, we need five canopies (one extra for the caterer), took a few photos of the place to figure out the arrangement for the wedding. We then went to komtar to rent Baju nikah (both for me and moe) from Hasan.

The Baju nikah that I rented is made of lace and beads. I think I really have a thing for lace and beads.
Hmmmmm.

Anyways, finally Baju nikah and canopy dah agak settle. Now is only the caterer and floral deco.
We cap off the night with breaking fast at straits quay and movie watching at Queensbay.

Here are some photos!

Moe and Sharif

Us making funny faces

Sausage!

Camwhore sementara nak tunggu Hangover II starts.

Introducing Adam Ooi Chin Hui

2011-08-20T12:16:00.001+08:00

Shhhh.... The angel is sleeping :)
The first born son in the TP family. Both baby and mum (and Godmothers) are healthy :)
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welcoming the Big 29

2011-08-19T09:57:00.001+08:00

29 birthday celebration is meaningful to me for a few reasons:

On my 28th birthday, i was not feeling that it was my year. And i vowed to make things turn around for me by 29. I'm happy to report that I feel i have moved a major mile in my vows.
I celebrated 29 with my twin sister. We celebrate it yearly but i don't know why i am extra thankful we have another chance of celebrating together. I love you Milia.
It's all about family. My loved ones celebrated our birthday-- the Altera Tech Pubs family, my family, and Mak and Pup. Tonight, it will be Moe and Banku.
It is my last birthday celebration as a singleton.
The most amazing birthday gift? Adam Ooi Chin Hui, koko's son, has reported for earthly duties an hour shy of 19th August. He made it on time to share the same birthdate as his aunties. This baby is gonna steal Kyle's limelight.

Project 365: Having a Swing at it

2011-08-16T20:29:00.001+08:00

My first golf lesson.

Entourage cloth: mission accomplished

2011-08-14T22:25:00.000+08:00

Moe brought me to jalan tar--the Mecca for everything traditional Malay wear and textile, including kain pengantin--to buy the bottom portion of the Baju kurung for my female entourage.

We settled for a beautiful brocade songket. I won't show the picture just yet just so I won't spoil the surprise for my wedding.

Moe got very excited with the wedding kain shopping and he would love to make his Baju melayu with Omar Ali.

You know, I'm glad that I have best friends who I could consult about Malay weddings. Without Atikah, I wouldn't know of the local wedding designers like lynda rahim, Omar Ali and the likes. I wouldn't even know the difference between bunga telur and bunga pahar. I would be dumbfounded about the Malay wedding protocols and the different customs within the Malay race.

I'm also grateful for Hijaz as he was always accommodative and accompany me for my wedding shopping. Even going all the way to sungai petani during ramadhan to shop for cloths.

Next week I'll be bringing my canopy guy to chimes for general consultation and measurements.

Three more months--I am excited!

Sent from my iPhone

Project 365: Supper with Moe

2011-08-13T15:17:00.000+08:00

Haven't seen my man in three weeks. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing him for the first time after after weeks apart.

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Training on a Friday Morning

2011-08-12T08:19:00.001+08:00

Embedded System.....

Wedding Canopies--Adoi Dilemma

2011-08-10T21:46:00.001+08:00

This is just too near a color to my wedding entourage. Karang camouflage effect pulak.


This is just too...Penang, I guess.

Baby blue is just too soft a color.

This one goes without saying--Arabian canopy with decorations. The only thing I'm still thinking of is whether or not i should get a blue-themed canopy as the vendors usually have the cobalt blue ones (which is a shade or two lighter than my midnight blue) or light blue (which i dunno, under certain camera lighting, might look to Pulau Pinang).

Worst come to worst, I will go with dark purple because it is at least the same color range. Something like this:

My SGGS junior, Jean Lee's wedding last week.

Or i can change the color from Midnight blue and cream to midnight blue and green. see how la. Have to discuss with Moe first.

It just does not matter anymore. In three months' time i have to wrap up wedding preparations.

In four month's time, I'll be married.

My entourage willl look like this, but with less skin la. Tok Kadi nampak ni, batal nak nikah kan me and Moe.


My senior, Sherene Cheah Milizia's wedding pictorial at 32@ the Mansion.

Something about Geogrians and the color blue. I guess we were devoid of blue all our high school life that made us lean towards blue our adult life.

Autumn breeze in summer.

2011-08-08T11:56:00.000+08:00

I've officially moved to building two last Monday. One thing I never thought was about how transitioning to a new team will affect me on an emotional level. Secondly, how moving into a new office requires me to 'acclimatize' to the new/old place.

Things are quieter here. Not many familiar faces and I pretty much miss the old place where everyone knows your name--you have people to say hi to en route to the pantry or the the toilet.

Meetings are with new people and I really have to relearn everything. Gone are device documentation where I pretty much know what was going on. Now it's new cores and new technological areas-- soft logic, interfaces etc.

Its the new girl syndrome. I know.

Well I just miss the old gang. But we must all move on to climb new mountain.

Sent from my iPhone

SSF, Melting bites and jakel on Sunday

2011-08-07T23:28:00.001+08:00

I had a fulfilling Sunday. I went to SSF look at bunga telur (bought a few samples that I adore), and in the afternoon, I was in sungai petani with Hijaz to purchase cloth for my entourage.

Yay!! Settled one big rock.
After breaking fast with Hijaz at Tajuddin Hussein, we went to Melting Bites to discuss about my hantaran and my floral decor. I decided to go with my trusted friend to keep the budget and rely on our creativity--which we are not lacking on.
We were treated to piping hot freshly-baked muffins too!!!

The beautiful Bunga telur on display at SSF Home Creation

Alamoda aka Jakel in Sungai Petani

Nyum! Free muffin at Melting Bites! Delicious!

Me and Hijaz digging in

Wedding planning weekend

2011-08-07T23:20:00.002+08:00

Moe was supposed to be in Penang to help me with wedding stuffs. We have nearly three months to go and yes I am stepping on the wedding gas pedal. Moe couldn't make it and thank goodness I have Hijaz to help me with wedding stuffs.

Saturday was spent meeting potential caterer and surveying prices for sampin, Baju melayu, and floral decorations.

We went to Gurney Plaza to break fast and we met Atikah and her fiancé Mie. It was great to spent the Saturday evening catching up for almost two hours with Atikah.

First half of Sunday was spent on going to ssf by myself to survey the price of bunga telur for the merenjis ceremony. I bought three samples and will discuss with moe about which to use for our merenjis ceremony

Project 365: Iftar with good friends

2011-08-07T09:40:00.000+08:00

Project 365: FlashBack Fun Fair

2011-08-03T14:12:00.001+08:00

A photo of me and Hijaz before taking one of the rides at the Queensbay Fun Fair last friday night.

The Day Before Ramadhan

2011-08-02T16:09:00.000+08:00

It was a beautiful sunday and not to mention that i was in Penang. Time to hang out with Hijaz!

We went to Gurney Plaza for lunch and also to Kim Fashion, the master Kebaya Nyonya maker to survey the Nyonya Kebaya. Man it was like a real House of Kebaya Nyonya. You can see the different types of embroidery--from the usual flowers to the more intricate peacock, gold fish, and dragon designs. Not to mention those made-to-order, one-of-a-kind, handsewn kebayas that fetched up to RM4,000 ringgit.

Those were really art pieces akin to Ferragamos and the likes. I want!!!!

Anyways, i cannot wear Emilia's Kebaya. The shoulder fits really well but the S-sized kebaya cannot accomodate my chest area. So apa mau buat? Memang saya punya kebaya kena tailor made la. Because M size kebayas kat kedai can fit my chest but not my shoulders.

I would need to get a tailor-made kebaya for my mum too. She is my priority. Therefore, i may need to abandoned the whole project Traditional Outdoor Photoshoot.

Anything for my mum.

Anyways, enjoy the photos taken the day before Ramadhan.

To my Muslim friends, Selamat Berpuasa!

Project 365: Officially Moved to Building 2

2011-08-01T10:21:00.000+08:00

Midst of packing.

Sunday Outing with Mami

2011-07-30T21:42:00.002+08:00

Yet another backdated post....wayyy back in May.

After conducted our site reccee for a possible photoshoot, Bna and I went for a evening tea at the beautiful flagship restaurant of Old Town in Georgetown. The place just scream old town opulence.

Site Recce--Outdoor Photoshoot

2011-07-30T21:05:00.001+08:00

This is a backdated post. I haven't been posting up about wedding planning lately, so here is a blog about me and mami Bna conducted site recce at Pinang Peranakan Mansion for my outdoor photography.

The mansion is really beautiful where everything peranakan is laid out in place. Every room is an amazing outdoor photography angle and I'm really spoilt for choice.

The price for an hour of photography cost RM50 for 5 person. I can have a photographer, a make-up artist, and another friend to accompany me during the photo shoot.

I spoke to Shidi, my outdoor photographer, and we'll be surveying this place again in October.

All in all, the budget for this outdoor photography is as follows:

1. Kebaya: RM600 to RM1000 (I am super aiming a peacock kebaya, but effing hell, RM1k is probably too steep! If I really am strapped for cash, I'll just borrow Emilia's kebaya hehe. Itu pun kalo aku boleh fit)
2. Accesories (shoes, kerongsang): RM200
3. Moe's suit: FOC (he has tons)
4. Pinang Peranakan Mansion fee RM100 (2 hours. An hour would be too rush).

Enjoy some photos we took when we were there!

Flies to Paradise

2011-07-30T20:28:00.001+08:00

My grand aunty (my grandmother's youngest sister, the cute granny in the wheelchair) passed away peacefully in the afternoon of July 28th at the age of 80. I thank God that i had the chance to see her (alive and very well, and happy all the time) two weeks ago.

My mother just flew back to Singapore to attend her funeral. My mother ah, this year jalan merata-rata.

My grand aunty led a colorful life. And she departs this world with many children and grand children whom will miss her, but will always remember her in their prayers, words, and memories.

For in there she will live forever.

Rest in peace, See Han Ee Poh.

Say hi to Ah Ma, Tua Ee Poh, and Ku Kong.

Project 365: 8TV Nite Live

2011-07-30T20:15:00.000+08:00

Followed Moe to his live show--8TV Nite Live

Project 365: Penang Heritage Day 2011

2011-07-30T09:22:00.000+08:00

Penjual roti

Project 365: Birthday @ Delicious

2011-07-25T09:55:00.000+08:00

Celebrated Caprice's birthday at Delicious, Dua Residency, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.

Amir Luqman--Kudos to You

2011-07-25T09:45:00.002+08:00

I had an appointment with fashion designer Amir Luqman last Monday night at 7pm for a general consultation. Due to the unpredictable KL traffic that made me stuck in the bumper-to-bumper, i was very late and i had to move the appointment to 8pm.

Coupled with the fact that i was unfamiliar with Plaza Damas, i arrived at 8:35pm.

Because i was late, i expected to see his assistant for the general consultation instead of Amir Luqman himself.

I was truly humbled and apologetic like mad when i saw Amir Luqman seating on his couch, playing with his phone, alone, to kill the time waiting for his client.

Despite him looking tired (i could only imagine him working hard to get his Miss Universe garments ready for Deborah and his upcoming press conference in days), he was very accommodating, gave sound advice on the choice of swatch i should use, and best of all, did not sour the already bad situation where his client was late.

I left after he took my measurements and did not have the time to stay and chat or even took photos.

One thing is for sure, i had utmost respect for Amir Luqman.

I have been to an appointment with a local bridal dress designer in Penang who are touted to be the next big thing in Penang, and he was not even there for my consultation with him. He had his assistant to replace him.

That was really unproffesional, if i would want to speak to your assistant, i might as well just walked in instead of making an appointment.

I had also an experience with a famous KL designer where appointment was made months ahead and when i called a day prior to the appointment, she was in Johor Bahru because she double booked herself and requested to push out our appointment.

I was in KL for nothing.

I also heard that she was pretty difficult to work with. Instead of moulding your dream dress to reality, she had a set template of designs and she wanted you to follow. So what is the point of paying a massive amount of money for your bridal dress when there are other bride-to-be that has the same dress as you?

The fact that Amir Luqman was there to honor his appointment with his client, despite the fact that it was only for a frivolous general consultation that his assistant could do, just to make sure that he himself personally meet his non-celebrity client, to provide sound advice on swatch of choice, and personally took my measurement, i have the utmost respect for him and foresee to work with him for any future endeavors where i may need made-to-measure.

Because the naked fact is, all designers have their own uniqueness and unique selling point, some even have a good PR campaign to push their names and drive their sales, but it all really boils down to how personal they get to their clients and how topnotch is their customer service.

Period.

Another Dinner Date

2011-07-24T22:11:00.000+08:00

Moe and myself are always on a diet to keep ourselves healthy and trim. But whenever we see each other, dieting is out of the window and we celebrate cheat day.

After his managerial duties at Cheer 2011, we went to One Utama where he got a haircut sponsored by Monsoon ID, I got my nails manicured and painted metallic purple, and had dinner at Chili's.

Never go for a dinner date hungry. Because when you do, you ordered way too much.

Flips, twirls, pyramids, silly smile!

2011-07-24T21:50:00.000+08:00

I was at Bukit Jalil to catch the Cheer 2011 finals and man i witnessed Bring It On before my very eyes. It was such an adrenaline rush to watch young girls and guys working as a rhythmic team, breaking into kicks and cheers. The girls were all decked up in their bright cheerleading outfits.

Outing with my weekend bag

Found a team that matches what i wore.

Iz at the backstage before his performance.

The all-batang cheerleading team. Believe me when i say not all of them are soft. This team just proves that cheerleading went beyond all-girl sports.

2011-07-22T21:44:00.000+08:00

Dato' Siti's first English single. I heard that her album is a total departure than the Siti we know--very Beyonce and Lady Gaga. Can't wait to have a listen :)

My New Weekend Bag

2011-07-21T21:30:00.001+08:00

Bought this Longchamp limited edition bag in Singapore. I was not supposed to shop when I was there, but man can you really resist a good bargain?

Favourite Photos of Singapore at Dusk to Night

2011-07-21T21:08:00.001+08:00

Me and Busuk

2011-07-21T20:35:00.001+08:00

Me and Kyle at Nex Shopping Centre, Seranggoon, Singapore.

Curly Wurly

2011-07-20T20:40:00.000+08:00

I curled my hair for a day. I like what i see.

Thankless

2011-07-20T20:09:00.001+08:00


Test board i borrowed for a knowledge sharing session with the team in June.

Let me grumble a little about my work.

As we put some steam on the co-authorship engine, we are transformed from merely editors to a semi-subject matter experts. One of the milestones i have achieved for this half of the year is going in-depth into JTAG and Clock Networks and PLLs; to the point of me bringing in a PCB board to my JTAG knowledge sharing session with my team mates and show them how it works.

Look, i am a communication graduate. I majored in entertainment magazines with honors in Tinseltown. Engineering, PCBs, protocols are total aliens to me.

Hence i am so proud of myself that i gained substantial knowledge about technologies.

But one think i hate most is some engineers complaint about our work. Here I am, trying to do my best in updating your chapter, read the product plans to understand what are the new features in your product, simplified your complicated diagrams, did the mapping of the internal product names to the marketing product name, and all you do is give negative feedback to my boss.

I do not only update your chapter. Apart from updating technical specs with your help, I also moonlight as an editor adhering to our publication guidelines, grammar check, sentence clarity and concise, and illustrator.

So sometimes, i missed out on updating a certain things.

Did someone just died because of my error? We are not doctors where wrongful diagnosis leads to a patient's death.

So this is just one small annoyance in my work life that made me miss three days of gym because i am an emotional eater.

Ish!

Kyle Can't Decide

2011-07-18T15:00:00.002+08:00

Wants to play, wants to watch TV, wants to sleep. Kyle can't decide.

Drove Across the Bridge for a Taste of Jom Pizza

2011-07-18T10:35:00.001+08:00

Taking a short break from spring cleaning, Hijaz and i drove down to Kulim to try out Jom Pizza situated opposite to TESCO Kulim yesterday afternoon.

We were lost and it took us almost two hours driving around the small charmed town of Kulim. We arrived at Jom Pizza at one pm and hung out at TESCO Kulim until Jom Pizza opens at three pm.

The pizzas are satisfactory, price is really affordable, and the ambiance is very inviting. We bought two boxes of Pizza home for the family.

It was a great weekend of spring cleaning, spending time with family, and impromptu lunch outside of Penang. Can we do it more often?

Life, i love you. God, thanks for blessing me with such a great life.

P/S: I did my nails over the weekend. Nice or not? :P

Splash of colors

Universal with Family

2011-07-17T20:43:00.000+08:00

Mum, Kyle, and I

Kyle and Finnegan's

2011-07-16T23:39:00.001+08:00

No joke. The first place that Kyle went to at Strait Quay was an Irish Pub. I joked with my uncle that we start Kyle early.

When we were in Universal Studio, Singapore, guess which attraction got Kyle's attention?

And you know what's another thing i noticed? Both are Finnegan's.

Blush of Pink

2011-07-16T22:56:00.002+08:00

Photos from my recent trip to Universal Studio, Singapore.

The Kiss--Augustus Rodin

2011-07-16T21:31:00.002+08:00

The passionate love of Francessa da Rimini and Paolo Malatesta was a theme, which Rodin had from the beginning decided was to be a part of The Gates of Hell. He had thought to present this romantic story in different aspects and The Kiss was probably conceived as a potrayal of their earthly passion. When he realized that this was unsuitable for the gates, Rodin removed the figures to make them an individual statue.

The form of the lovers emerge from the highlights and shadows of the statue, light and shade were used by Rodin to create an impression of actuality. He did with modeling that which his contemporaries, the French impressionist painters, were doing with pigment. He was a genius through and through, certainly one of the greatest sculptors. He simulated the effect of actual flesh but he also emphasized details to make clear the inner feelings of the figures. For example, the convulsive contraction of the toes of the man's right foot and the tenseness of his hand contrast with the woman's thigh. Such details reveal much of the passion, which inflames the lovers, but they reveal it with taste and refinement.

Emotional Treasure #2: Moe's First Surpise for Me

2011-07-16T21:05:00.002+08:00

I spent today cleaning my cabinet in my mum's room. Thank God I am in a spring cleaning mode as i found letters and cards of the lame me way-back-when. You know, those young adulthood days where you were obsessed with certain someone and you poured your heart and soul into letters which never get sent?

Yeah, those belonged to the thrash shoot now.

Here is a beloved treasure i found in my mum's cabinet that is worth a blog post. Moe's first surprise for me.

When we first dated, he was really talkative to the point where i had to ask him to give me 5 minute of silence in the car so that i can hear the air conditioner hums. He picked me up at night after my remark, went completely silent, and showed me these....

Isn't this adorable?

Oh by the way, it was a pink dolphin toy. It's in his room in KL.

Mega Sale!

2011-07-16T18:23:00.001+08:00

Bought a pair of new shoes. Nice to wear for short trips. Definately a no-no if you are expecting long hours of walking.

Coffee, Cigarette, and Cheesecake Gang

2011-07-15T13:35:00.001+08:00

Having cheesecake for tea break in the office. Especially made by Sinn Wee for Alex's birthday. Yum!

Emotional Treasures

2011-07-14T13:24:00.024+08:00

After coming back from Singapore for a short mid-year vacation, i had an epiphany and vowed not to be a hoarder anymore.

Everything that i kept for over twenty years, with the exception of letters, diaries (yes, i still have all of my diaries back when i was 13) must go.

Look what i found. It brought back memories of yesteryears, when everything was simpler and the world is for our taking!

I still kept my whole set of my SPM papers. I guess i will retake these papers and see how i fare now before i throw it away. You know, for closure sake.

Both of these are birthday cards from my best friend in SGGS, Eija.

Here's a letter i wrote for my tuition mate, Kerry. I feel so silly reading this again!

My first paycheck! I was paid RM5 per hour and it is a half day's work on weekdays. Even lunch hour i claim RM5 :D

My SPM result!

And this is the picture of the day

.................................

Zaman Spice Girls!

Clockwise from top: Anfaal, Myself, Shereen, Rina, and Anom.

Happy Birthday Koko!

2011-07-13T14:32:00.001+08:00

2011-07-12T16:26:00.003+08:00

I heart traveling

070711-Penang Heritage Day

2011-07-12T16:07:00.002+08:00

Mr. Merlion, what kinda creature are you?

2011-07-11T22:28:00.003+08:00

I gotta admit, i have never seen Merlion, or been to Esplanade.

And i was one of the lucky ones in my family that gets to go to Singapore every year until i was nine. My cantonese was immaculate then.

So i came to Singapore with Wonder Woman with a Mission--photo shoot with Mr. Merlion.

Well at least i came here and had a photo with Merlion when I'm a full grown nubile woman. At least i can take awesome shots like this with my iPhone:

And this shot:

Tak macam budak kecik ni, datang Singapore also tak tau nak appreciate kan?

Kyle and Tua Chee

My mum or Qistina said "Datin Ong Bee Kim"

This isn't a token visit, but I made it a point that i have to have a picture taken with Merlion this trip. Kata orang, if tak pernah tengok Merlion, then you have never been to Singapore.

Orang also say, if you have been to Merlion, you have seen all of Singapore.

I beg to differ. Singapore is one damn fun city-state to hang out in. Provided that you bring enough cash.

Or be like me, bawak 'dompet besar' :)

Wonder Woman

2011-07-08T14:59:00.000+08:00

Wonder Woman and i will conquer Singapore in a matter of....seconds :P

Superhero

2011-07-06T10:01:00.002+08:00

Journal for Two

That Photo Booth-Guest Book Idea

That Magic Moments Captured by Official Photographer (Detik Indah Photography)

A good photo is a photo that tells a story by its composition, evokes emotion by its exposure and gives meaning by its subject...

That Ombre Wedding Cake

Bored

Ala' Jamie

Hubby's Low Key Celebration

Shoes Shoes Shoes

Moe the John Keats

Ain't No Production Girl, Ain't No Model's Inc

Kyoto Protocol Counting Down for 8TV Anniversary

Leap of faith will be the best decision i've ever made

2011, you've been great!

I bid goodbye to corporate Amedika!

Farewell

Where We Became Man and Wife

BFF's wedding

BFF's pre-wedding night

Indoor Photoshoot, Bachelorette Dinner, First Wedding Gift

T-Minus 10: Handover of Project eMMoe Union to Family Members and Those Who Cares

Favors for Helpers and post-nikah breakfast

Wedding Nightmares

Creating and Designing My Guestbook

Page Boy and Flower Girl, just too adorable for words

Yay!!!!

A Sneak Peek

Overwhelmed

Outdoor Photoshoot Part Deux

Food Galore

Lackluster Crowning Glory

Outdoor Photoshoot at Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Blissful weekend

Up Next: Outdoor Photoshoot at Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Bunga Pahar: A Work in Progress

TP Celebrates the Launch of a Handbook....

Kehangatan Semakin Dirasai

Never Apologize for Vanity

Make up trials and tribulations

Wedding Planning for This Week

My Family, My True Love

Nikah at Chymes...yay!

The Nest, The Golden Goose, The Wheels, and The Bump

T-Minus 80. The Seating Charts

My Laundry List Never Seems to End

Spending Sunday Lying in After a Hectic Week of Wedding Planning

Bunga Manggar Theme Decoration

Crazy Wedding Planning Month

I call this ashburn ellah

My fabulous hairstyle *sob*

Canopies--75% Settled

The Bridesmaid Kit

Flower Photos...Because i Have Time =D

Birthday Friday

Project 365: my bday present from moe

Chymes, canopy and Hasan

Introducing Adam Ooi Chin Hui

welcoming the Big 29

Project 365: Having a Swing at it

Entourage cloth: mission accomplished

Project 365: Supper with Moe

Training on a Friday Morning

Wedding Canopies--Adoi Dilemma

Autumn breeze in summer.

SSF, Melting bites and jakel on Sunday

Wedding planning weekend

Project 365: Iftar with good friends

Project 365: FlashBack Fun Fair

The Day Before Ramadhan

Project 365: Officially Moved to Building 2

Sunday Outing with Mami

Site Recce--Outdoor Photoshoot

Flies to Paradise

Project 365: 8TV Nite Live

Project 365: Penang Heritage Day 2011

Project 365: Birthday @ Delicious

Amir Luqman--Kudos to You

Another Dinner Date

Flips, twirls, pyramids, silly smile!

My New Weekend Bag

My fabulous hairstyle sob