[ Pebbles and Roses ]

I didn't know 1st birthday can be this fun!

2012-01-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

in planning !!
for the aunties that is >_<

Lil' nephew BIG 1st Birthday coming soon and e'one is all excited for it!
Kids , SUGAR , decorations , CAKES , clown , theme , CANDYs , games , COOKIES and lots and lots of picture with SUGAR!
Probably it's not a good idea to stuff all sugar for the kids but for a day that will be remember till he grow old and then get married and then have kids of his own , surely the 1st will always be the most significant celebration!

So far the mom has pretty much set for the theme and the baker also have pretty much need to grab and plan for the all sugary for the sweet tooth making everyone to be sugared and the un-official planner has also started gathering things here and there for the decorations!

I wishfully thinking of incorporating some of the inspiration that were google-d below for the party.

Bubble for the kids and grown up to play with!

Clown ! Hopefully Afi can secure this!

Will be preparing and do the Cookie Monster Pinata !
I just love the idea that kids will have fun hitting it and excited to see how my monster gonna look like ( definitively monsterly!

Would be fun if the Theme DIY hat sempat untuk dibuat!

Ballons!
( i am pretty much almost able to overcome my fear of ballons - just as long as it don't pop!)

Hidden candies in Pinata!

On top of all that , for 'THE BAKER' to grasp some inspiration in the baking sector.
Let's make cute cookies cuppies and colorful cakes to meet the theme!
Not forgetting cookies too.
Kakak like what they did , probably we need to go more with the theme!

and since this is our nephew 1st Sugar and Cakes ! ( if twiggies doesn't count ) , Danish will have 2 cakes.
A is the big cake where everyone will cut and eat.
B is the cake specially bake for Danish to smash and eat what ever he want and get all messy with it. Small in size and cream all over just like below.

Simple adorable and the picture of that moment would worth a millions! in everyone heart.

If i have the time and enough material , was thinking of making Danish his one of a kind cape , bib or simple Cookie Monster tee for the cake smashing.

Don't you just love how colorful and fun a birthday party can be!

Re-post : Travel Log Hong Kong Part 2

2012-01-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

Day 3 its was Ocean Park day.

Easy peasy , from Nathan road MTR to Admiralty MTR and took the bus to Ocean Park. It stops right at the entrance.
Well at first I tot of going to HK Disneyland but after few HK homework searching , Ocean park gave better option for no kids and young people like me.

But I didn’t ride all the rides , well just 1 ;-P

I really don’t have the courage and not an adrenalin junkie like my travel buddies , so what I did was snapping of their excitement and screaming shots.
If you ever go to Ocean Park do check out their Cable car. It was looooooooong , way up the hill over the cliff and you can see the beautiful beach of Repulse Bay.

It’s a whole day at Ocean Park and by night time , badan semua dh sakit2 and we really need meat to feed our body off we go googling and find a halal Pakistani restaurant for food.
Fine dining at a Pakistani restaurant at Tsim Sha Shui.
We really need the relaxation after 3days of walking and my legs really dh macam mau meletup but its all worth it!
After fueling up , off for last minute shopping at Temple Street.
Last day ( I so don’t want to go back) , a must see for tourist off to Flower Market and Yuen Po Bird Street Market.

Didn’t plan to shop anything but just to have a glimpse of what it is all about.
Funny the past 3 days in HK walking around , I don’t really see much of flowers everywhere but they have a Flower market and it was nice to walk on the street that were filled with potted of flower.

As for the Bird market , this charming Chinese-style garden is the favoured gathering place of Hong Kong's songbird owners, who carry their beloved pets around in intricately carved cages. All manner of beautiful birds can be seen here, as well as a selection of traditional bird-keeping paraphernalia.
After a day in Edward Street ( both market is located very near to Edward Street MTR) , off to Habour city mall again for another round of shopping.
Masuk LV again ( LV boutique ramai macam pasar ok) but didn’t get anything :P

Finally we found not so expensive Halal Indian Muslim shop , yummy and very near to Kowloon Mosque.
Dh last 2 days baru dpt jumpa halal food , just imagine we had to rely on McD Fillet for the first 2days – noon and night.
I don’t think I’ll be having any Fillet for a month.
4days 3 night in a nutshell for my HK holiday.
Would I visit HK again ? Oh yes!

Tips :

a) The best time to travel to Hong Kong is during its winter where the air is chilly and it is nice to walk around and not sweat.

b) Public transport in Hong Kong is convenient and easy if you want to get from point A to B. During my trip we relay mostly with their MTR or LRT as we call it here and also the bus. They have many connecting trains and subways and hoping off and on the bus was easy. Get the travelling pass , its cheaper and you can use it for both train and bus.

c) Halal food can easily be found if you stay somewhere nearer to the mosque. Do google and list where you can eat prior to your travelling.

d) Shopping is a must in Hong Kong. If its on sale shoes , clothes even beg is cheaper. Designer item some also cheaper compare to Malaysia and Singapore.

e) Travelling and finding your way from point A to B in Hong Kong is easy. We have planned our itenary of the places we want to go and visit and find our way there. There is even walking guide easily downloaded from the internet.

f) It is best that if you can stay in a hotel that is close by the train station. The hotel where i stayed is located about 30m-50m from the station.

Re-post : Travel Log Hong Kong

2012-01-04T12:53:00.001-08:00

This is a re-post of my travel log to Hong Kong couple of years ago.

Hope I can write here what I remember of what I did , visited and do during my 4days trip there.
Day 1 start with after checking in and have lunch in this Bali ( Indonesian) restaurant a block away from the hotel I stayed in , off to Harbour City to check out the malls and walking on the street of Tsim Sha Shui.

Lucky that it was sale season in HK , some of the boutique were on sale and surprisingly clothes are sold at a cheaper price compare here in KL and Singapore.
The people of HK (sales assistance, hotel staff and people on the street) are not as ‘sombong’ or not helpful as I think they would. I Didn’t have problem communicating although their main language is Cantonese.

After hours of touring the malls , off on foot to Arena Of Stars to catch the spectacular ‘Symphony of Light’.
Walking towards the Arena of Stars we did pass by the famous Penisular Hotel ( that have Tiffany right next door ). I didn’t notice what it were until I see lined of people with camera waiting in front of the fountain to capture pictures.
Not sure was they more interested of the fountain or someone famous might be having dinner in there.

Arena of Stars : HK version of Hollywood of fame. I only know a couple of HK movie star.
Symphony of Light : I was a bit disappointed of what the show was , I think they overly promote it because what I saw is just couple of laser beams and neon light buildings.
Overall , it was a nice scene to see HK island across the ocean with cold breeze.

Upon returning from Arena Of Stars , off we went to Temple Market with is just couple of blocks away from the hotel.
Temple Market is something similar to Petaling Street ( basically almost all street market that we went is like Petaling Street).

I got myself 2 satin robe that I’ve been looking for that only cost me about RM20 – RM25 ( HK 45) each.
HK printed Tshirts for my siblings and very nice embroidery painting.

Day 2 we took the bus to Repulse Bay and Stanley Market.
Another good thing about traveling to HK is their public transport system is very convenient , even for a first timer like me .. there is no problem to travel around.
Signage and direction was well shown everywhere and their train and busses connect to almost all attraction.
All you need to ease things up is to purchase their Octopus Card ( just like Touch & Go or Oyster card ) and you are set to go.
Repulse Bay and Stanley is located at HK island , so from Nathan Road station to Central Station off we took the bus that go to both of these location.
Repulse bay is an upmarket residential area and has a relaxed resort-like atmosphere. The residential area is way up the hill top ( condos and apartments) with beautiful view of the ocean.
I had a stroll on the beach with my jacket on! 1st time being all covered up on the beach.

Then , off to Stanley Market.
Stanley I would say an upmarket version of Petaling Street. You’ll also notice English cafes and coffee shop next to the beach where you can relax and wind down.
I manage to bought for myself white embroidery bed sheet at a very cheap price – RM83 ( HK 155).

Next in the agenda was to go up to the Peak.
By bus from Stanley , stop at to Admiralty Station on foot across Hong Kong Park we off to the Tram Station.

Since it was on Saturday my oh my the queue to take the tram was long.
Going up was so steep and you’ll get to see HK city in a nutshell.
It was a bit foggy so didn’t really manage to get clear good image of HK city from the peak.
We are tired mostly because of the waiting time to go up.

Going down from the Peak, we decided to go and watch the Symphony of Light again ( at Arena of Stars again) – this time to go and get a better view hoping we might be wrong.
Unfortunately, it is still the same, and this time we did manage to catch the HK signature boat (don’t know what it is called).

Back to the hotel to rest a while before checking out Mongkok area and the Ladies Market.
There is a lot of small shops along the way to Mongkok , there’s a mall that sells H&M (kaching!) nearby as well.
We went to the Ladies Market ( not sure why is it call Ladies coz the stuff were basically all the same) and here tshirts and beg were sold at a more cheaper price.

Cheaper that you have to bargain first because the first price they offer is double to what it should.
Tips : always start with a price at least half what the seller gave you.
HK printed tshirt cost about RM44 for 6 tshirts.

People come into your life for A REASON, A SEASON or A LIFETIME

2011-12-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

This were among the notes i love to read and reflect on myself.

People come into your life for A REASON, A SEASON or A LIFETIME.

A REASON

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die *sigh*. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand!
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on! =D

A SEASON

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real.
But only for a season.

LIFETIME

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

The Greens

2011-12-26T05:35:00.001-08:00

Do u know that how nothing feels better than home is that wherever you are, its best to have lil' bit of something that will make u feel not far from home.
In my case, living in a country that is far from any green u can get is to have some at the place where we reside at the moment.
Hubs did very well in findings the perfect home for us to stay here and mind you getting a place to sleep and breath is not easy.
To migrate here in a very short notice and with only 2 weeks of hotel accomodation that were provided, everyday after work he would go on his own viewing one house after another, dealing with property agents and finding the ways which was 40degree hot.
Alhamdullilah, after much trouble he found one perfect for us.
Mind you , the rent here is not cheap!

What i love with The Greens, i see green when i look out the balcony. I see green as i walk out in the neighbourhood and i feels good to have lil' bit of something of home - my case greens.

An evening walk in probably 18-20degree just around the neighbourhood is just divine.
I'll let the pictures tells the rest 😊

The street in front of our block.

The man made lake in our community - The Greens

The lake view

Everyone anyone strolling

We almost kidnapped this creature.

At the back of somebody apartments.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Another project in the making

2011-12-25T03:57:00.000-08:00

Less than 2 months away , we'll be preparing for another event in the family.
Nothing beats the feeling to be able to start on another gubahan hantaran project and this time non other for my sister.
I can't wait to start on this!

Some of the inspiration that i have in mind includes :

Lovely Hantaran inspired from Hafiz's and Sheren's.

Travel Log : Dubai - My Dubai Desert Safari Experience

2011-12-22T05:08:00.000-08:00

Among the attractions of Dubai is the famous Desert Safari adventure which practically involves you get to a) see and feel the desert b) experience sand dune in 4x4 c) camel riding , belly dance and even quad biking.

The are a lot of packages for the desert safari and which time you wanna go. The package normally include if not all of the above inclusive of dinner if you take the evening ride.

Hubs arrange for the evening ride for us and as we begin our journey , the driver pick us up at home btw.. i begin to imagine orange sandy desert in the middle of nowhere but as soon as we reach the destination ... ok basically its next to the highway. The journey would probably take about not more than an hour half to reach there.
One thing i notice for this Arab people is , the want everything easy and fuss free for them to go anywhere even outdoor. Not like what we have in Malaysia where you would drive up - take boat - trakking through the jungle.. for them not even close. Even camping picnic on the desert just next to the road side - you have the highway as your view. It was a pretty interesting sight on our journey back home from the desert because you will see all the Arab 4x4 park and there you go picnic. Cars would go Zoooommm........... next to them.
I wished i could have taken the pictures to see but anyway below would be close what i describe to.
Just imagine the road is only about 10-20 meters away.

Off we begin with the sand dune!

Sand Dune = roller coaster on the ground in 4x4 minus being held up in the air.
this will go probably 30-40mins then they will allow you some time to take picture , breath in the sand then off to the campsite.
Here where all other activities begin and dinner were serve.. ok buffet dinner to be exact.
Well here i got to experience having you dinner siting on a cushion on the sand , the arab style.

By this time we pretty famished and can't wait to get our butt in the car and back home.
Too long waiting and the dance pretty much you will get bored halfway.
Oh did i tell you , it was chilling cold by night. So during winter to the desert pack some warm clothes.

Overall did we enjoy it Yes.
But i somehow find what in the brochure says the experience somehow over-rated , well unless you want class the way.

What do i do ?

2011-12-22T04:11:00.000-08:00

My day everyday would be ...

9am : Woke up and bid hubs goodbye for work (which only the 1st week i'm here i get to open my eyes , and now more of "mmmmm...love you ...zZzzzZZzz )
..
..
..
..
11am : Woke up and check the phone , " oh still early! ZzzZzzzZzz "
12pm : Finally open my eyes and stare at the ceiling thinking what should i do today ? what to cook for dinner today ? what time should i mandi today..
12:30pm : Up and clean the kitchen , look what is in the fridge. Then clean the house and arrange what ever that needed to be arrange.
1:00pm : Had my 1st cup of hot Milo and checking on emails , blogs , FB etc
..
..
..
..
5pm : Start cooking.
..
..
..
7pm: Can't wait for hubs to be home.
730pm: Have dinner together
8pm: Watch TV together or movies or go out from the house..
..
..
..
..
1130pm : Hubs = ZzZzzZzz while the TV watching him
..
..
..
..
3am : I'm off to bed.

So living the life of temporarily ( i think ) unemployed goyang kaki lady of the house >_<

Oh something to share also , ever wonder how would the expenses be if you were to be here ?
Apple to Apple between living in Dubai and good ol' KL.

Roasted beef and potatoes

2011-12-17T07:19:00.001-08:00

Roasted beef and potatoes for a chilly saturday dinner.
Hubs is at work and living the life of temporarily full time 'goyang kaki' wife abroad is to finally got the time to cook.
Since its 17degree tonight i tot of serving a good hot roasted beef when he's bck for dinner.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Re-post : Travel Log Krabi 3

2011-12-17T02:24:00.000-08:00

After the whole day of kayaking and trekking out in the wild (i so feel like very outdoor-ish person now)..headed back to Ao Nang and hunting for a good massage.
Its pampering time now!
This time i'm looking for something soothing and something that is a bit up standard than the one we had the previous day.
A spa actually.

Aonang Princeville spa have a pretty interesting SPA package that we opted to get the Aloe Cool spa package that inclusive of :
1hr Aromatheraphy massage
30mins of Foot massage -- it was menicure/pedicure but we opted to change it
40mins of moistering facial (being out in the sun the whole day would , this is much needed)
15mins of sauna/jaccuzi
Herbal and muffin

We got 1500bath per person for the package about about RM150.
You get a private room for your session , clean towel and kain to cover and change.
Soothing sound of music accompany you during your massage.

Tapi , disebabkan perut dh lapar sgt and terasa lama sgt dibelai ... we just can wait to go off and eat after the facial.
Lucky for us , i guess they might have figure we are dead hungry ..they serve us with warm muffin yg sedap plak tu.
WE have our muffin and shoosh we go.

Day 1 dinner was to blend in with the local and finding the nicest cheap halal food.
Day 2 dinner is a romantic dinner at Ao Nang Seafood.
The ambient and how interesting that the restaurant is smack right at the beach where of course you have the sound of the waves as your romantic lullaby.
We eat ... we talk .. we smile.
i heart it!

So as for the final day , since we need to catch our flight back to MY later in the afternoon..we still manage to check out Nopparat Thara beach.
Ao Nang and Nopparat Beach are just side by side , Nopparat has more of the extravagant hotel i would say and less shop and stalls so its gives the tourist a more privacy and relaxed option compare Ao Nang.
It is still near to each other just separated by this small bridge.

I forgot to mention that the cheapest and easiet means of transportation there is just hire a tuk tuk to bring you from 1 point to another with a standard price of 20bath(RM2) per person.
Not to worry , it is standard that they won't cheat you with the price.
We basically almost always take the tuk tuk ( it is just trill riding it) through and back to our hotel to the town area.

The final massage on the last day - since nk cover 3 hari sana maknanye 3hari la kena massage.
Thai massage to relieve the pain for the kayaking.
This Thai massage was the best! if you do go to Krabi and staying in Ao Nang , find Jasmine massage.
Ganas tapi sedap and upon returning back to KL .. the next day my muscle should pain are all gone.
I was a wee bit scary also coz she really massage me ..massage me! i even had to tell her "Soft soft.. no hard.." twice!
She laugh at me saying that "Malaysian like hard".. "hard..hard".
I think she didn't notice how tiny i was..
Neverteless, i was really a good massage. She gave you loose pants that you can change into and wipe your feet before starting the massage.
Price ? 250bath for 1hr Thai massage.

Tips
1. Bargain for the package and don't settle for the 1st price they gave you..i even bargain for the SPA at Aonang Princeville.
2. There's a lot of muslim in Krabi so finding halal food is not a problem. If you want to try a lil' bit of adventure, no harm trying the food at the stalls along the street.
3. Check the weather forcast before travelling. We pack our rain coat ponco and bring it with us in case of the rain.
4. REcommended tour : kayaking if u have tried snorkelling before. IT more fun kayaking in magroves then just open sea.
5. Travel light , pack light clothes if going to the beach.

If you ask me , i would love to come and visit Krabi again.
This time Hong Island escapade !

Re-post : Travel Log Krabi 2

2011-12-17T02:22:00.001-08:00

The full day tour package have been booked via agent from the hotel itself.
At first i was contemplating whether to book via hotel or to go out at Ao Nang and check which travel agent that can offer with a good price.
Since homework had been done previously and also we have narrow down to 2 day tour option which is either .....
a) Kayaking at Bor Thor + Elephant trekking
b) Kayaking at Ao Thalane + Elephant trekking

My brother had went to Krabi previously and they took kayaking to Ao Thalan but because the tide was low some routes through the caves had to be cancelled.
I would love to have Bor Thor since it said to kayak and explore the caves but then again if the tide is low then we might not be able to paddle through the cave.
The safe option is Ao Thalan.
Surfing the net indicates that it will cost about 1500bath per person for full day which inclusive Transfers from hotel, Fruits, Water, lunch at Phutara , swimming at Phutara , Guige & Kayak and elephant trekking as well.
The price that we got 1300bath per person.

Journey from hotel to the kayak place is about 45 mins ride in a mini truck.
Habis muka memang berhabuk kena tanah merah , we also passed by the villages and surprisingly – several MOSQUES.
To find halal food was not a problem because in South Thailand they have quite a lot of Muslim. The food seller are mostly Muslim (wearing hijab as well).
I was excited to see when we went passed lady wearing their hijab or even mosque.

Anyway, after getting to the base camp; it was definitely an atmosphere change. The sea water smell of swamp.

They gave us a waterproof bag so that you can store in your camera , cause when u start paddling .. you dont want ur babies to get wet.
As for our backpack , the guide ask us to just leave it in the truck and he promise he will lock it safe until we are back again.

Who need a life jacket ?
Ok those who can't swim might need one because , lucky for us it was high tide and we can do paddle our way with no interuptions. The water is 2feet (or was it meter) deep.
I'm not wearing one coz i think i can still survive if the kayak turnover. At least i know how to float.
The wave is more calm, but when the guide show us that we need to go to point B across the sea from the jetty was like whoa!.
The first 5minutes i was padlling dengan gembira-nya and then pancit and we are not even 1/4 of the journey.
I really pity my partner coz heeheh he has to do most of the kayaking..even the guide say "me no good". o__O
When i first agreed to kayaking activities instead of island hoping for this Krabi trip, I really thought kayaking would be a brief stroll – but it’s really a serious exercise for your arms and shoulder.
Imagine it takes about 3.5 hours paddling not just any paddling in the open sea...but going through difficult terrain as well.
First is the open sea (oh the most difficult time i had paddling coz its tiring) then through caves (passing through caves actually) and then it’s like less than a meter wide gap between the mangrove forest – where you literally have to duck to avoid getting your head bumped.
I had to use my leg and paddle and hands to make sure i won't get hit by sharp pointy branches / tress and stagmite or the caves.

We even also got stuck in between the magrovees tress.
I'm pretty sure the monkey might have cause us ^__^.
There is this part where going through the mangroves , wild monkeys will come and visit you and even climb up to your canoe.
The guide had prepare us with bananas so that the monkey can come and have it. Oh boy i tell you , as soon we saw the first monkey at sight .. there's more coming.
It's like they can smell human approaching and attack the food.
These monkey won't harm you unless you provoke them , so when there's couple of this creature swim and came up to our canoe and believe it .. even walk over me and the best part sit siap duduk atas peha ( bulu all wet) and have her/his banana.
Geli sgt!!! tapi tak bole nk provoke kang habis muka kena calar.

So sometimes while paddling and we dont have any bananas anymore ...because of afraid that the monkey might jump and surprise you...our kayak hahah stuck in magroves.. or againts the direction we are suppose to go.
hihihiihhihi..

After a hard day of paddling – we go back to our pick up and reach Phutara.
I really tot that Phutara was actually like deep in the forest but instead it was like we were at someone backyard that have a small pond to it.

Krabi Phu Tara, We 're the ultimate relaxation in the tropical green garden of Krabi. A small and clear canal passing through the resort allows you to enjoyswimming and canoeing in the naturally fresh atmosphere, and is also the perfect place to relish a refreshment or snack."

Lunch was serve here , 4 dishes all yummy and halal :-)
Then off for a swim in the clear canal.

Despite earlier as i mention , i was like at someone backyard but it was nice to be able to jump and swim in a cool water after hours of paddling in sea under the hot sun.
I would say a good mix of activities.

Then off we go to the elephant camp for elephant trekking.
There are a few elephant camp that i notice when were on our way to Ao Thalane and back to Phutara , so i guess the elephant is widely found here in Krabi.
( Hope i won't get both my WWF cousin to be mad at me if these elephant going instict)
So when i first saw this huge creature ...... i got PANIC.
why ?
cause i am so afraid of height and to even sit on this elephant we had to climb it from a 1 storey high balcony and as the elephant walk and go down the baby hill i was holding as might i can to railing and seats.
Well i need at least 10minutes to get use to it ( to have the courage) and then enjoy the view.
It was pretty disappointed with the ride because the track that the camp have was not into the jungle but more of lalu jln parit just next to the street.Well there is only couple of instance where the track go in to the jungle tapi sikit je la.
I really feel sorry for the elephant at first because it must be heavy to carry two human plus the seat on their back although i understand that elephant use to be means of transportation during our encestor.
I didnt dare to even put my feet on the back of the elephant so i just kept it hanging to the side...someone rasa pity nk pijak.
Still , it was an interesting ride for me .. i get to see elephant poo poo and had tummy problem. Elephant is also smart enough that when they walk the'll make sure they won't step on their shits.
The guide is also good in a way it just let the elephant stop if it want to eat which i find it pleasing since we are using it for touring.

All of the activities for a full day of kayaking at Ao Thalan , swimming at Phutara and elephant trekking end about 4pm (local) and by 4.30pm we are back in the hotel.

..more to come in next entry.

Re-post : Travel Log Krabi

2011-12-17T02:18:00.000-08:00

Since i have not been writing much there past months , i feel that nothing beats then to re-port my previous entry from my other blog that is no longer active.

To begin with , i will post start with our Krabi Travel log.

Weather indicates it will be raining probably later during the day or towards the evening.

(Finger cross and hope not to rain!)

Krabi International Airport is a cute little airport that it takes less than a minute (ok probably 2) to exit the airport. One thing that you don't have to worry about , here in Krabi - the prices of transportation, day tour packages to food are well displayed where all you need is a skill of bargaining to get a better deal.

I didn't book for any transportation from he airport to the hotel in Ao Nang ( btw , Ao Nang is basically the most favorite tourist spot so if you are the type that would want to enjoy a nice beach holiday but still want to be in a place conveniently easy for you to find things , shop and have more choices then this is the best place for you) since based on the little homework that i did , it was cheaper to get transportation at the airport itself.

Shared van will cost you about 200bath = about RM20 and a private car about 300bath = RM30. We opted to get the shared van to the hotel but since we are the only one taking it , the cab driver was kind enough to sent us to the hotel in a private car with no extra cost.

Journey from the airport to Ao Nang is about 30-40minutes drive.

Oh we almost ( well i actually i ) panic during our journey to the airport.

I don't want to spill the beans yet ^__^ will share on a different entry.

Day 1

1st day agenda is to go to Railey Beach and Phra Nang beach since it was exclaimed to be the most beautiful beach in Krabi.

Both beach is located just to the south of Ao Nang. We didn't stop at Riley but since the boat stop at Riley (west) before going to Phra Nang , we get the look and feel of it from far.

As for Phra Nang , the beach is a hilly terrain with craggy limestone cliffs. There are no proper roads in this area which this gives a secluded feel to the place.

To go to both beaches from Ao Nang cost you about 160bath = RM16 for return per person.

You need to first purchase the boat ticket at the booth (located in front of Ao Nang beach) , they have proper booth to sell the ticket so you don't have to worry that you might be cheated for the price.

The last boat from Phra Nang is at 5.30pm so if you don't plan to spend the night there make sure to keep an eye on your boat.

My opinion both places are just normal - or probably because it was slightly raining season in Krabi , both has white sandy beaches but the water was not as clear as i expected.

Perhentian lagi jernih and cantik!

The beach is not that long where as you walk toward the cliff , at the bottom of the cliff lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok - local legend surrounds the cave and local fishermen leave offerings for good fortune.

Fret not , It is still a great beach to simply hang out. Mostly what we did was swimming in the rain, Oh Yes after cam whoring and it started to rain .. we jump right in the ocean.

Bila lagi nk mandi laut dlm hujan ^__^ it was fun!

It was raining heavily when we take our journey back to Ao Nang. Sitting in the long tail boat with the locals (since we took the last boat back to Ao Nang) so kena la tahan sejuk and badan kena hujan yg sgt lebat. Fun! and lucky for us the tide was low at that time so takde la berombak sgt.

About 10minutes you safely arrive to Ao Nang.

Only in our swimming attire we took the Tuk Tuk and went back to the hotel.

After prayers , we off to check out Ao Nang town for dinner and to blend in and absorb the environment just like the locals. Here along the street in front of the beach , you can easily get cheap food , souvenir and you can also shop for clothes - tshirt , sarong or hats if you happen to forgot packing your beach attire.

The look and feel just like Petaling Street.

Day 1 we want to find the nicest and halal food and cheap dinner.

I highly recommend here.

Cost per person about 41bath = RM4. Mcm makan kat 'abe'.

Then we search for desert , the famous 'Pancake'.

OMG!! you should and must try this , about 20-30bath depending on the flavour that you want.

After dinner , after walking we hunt for massage.

Yes , one of the reason for this holiday is to have massage EVERYDAY because you won't get that price here in KL.

Thai Massage will cost about 200-300bath for full body/hr.

There is also Aromatherapy massage , oil massage that prices also range within 250-350bath.

Cheap right.

Day 1 we tried Thai massage at this small massage shop just in front of Ao Nang Seafood , 200bath per person.

Day 2... to be continue.

I'm set to go!

2011-12-10T09:38:00.001-08:00

Will be leaving to meet husbter soon!!
Will *cough try to update once back to Dubai-land.

2011-11-24T05:30:00.001-08:00

the only thing i want is to be happy , respected and loved.

the only thing i get .. is being unheard and hurting.

I can hear the wedding 'bells' again !

2011-10-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

Coming soon a celebration (=

If you love cats then this might interest you

2011-10-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

My husband asked me today during our skyping moment , it has been a while since u post anything anymore in your blog.

Well literally yes coz i have run out what to write about.

( the effect of being jobless = lazy)

So since today i did manage to do some sort of family tree of the 20 cats at home , i have decided to share it so that this blog is still working and so that my husband don't miss too much of my writing as we are milessssssss apart now =(

I'm back in Malaysia for my classes and he alone in middle east.

We are so gonna rock this LDR and go through this together.

oh here's the pictures.

Fluffy : Generation 1

Kika : Generation 1

Hiro and Mollie : Generation 1

Hiro + Mollie = Pooja , Darren and BeeGees ( 2nd Generation)

Pooja + unknown cat = Dino , Amitabachan , Tutu and Mojo ( 3rd Generation)

Mojo + unknown kucing siam gangster = Oris , Luna and Kristal ( 4th Generation)

Tutu + Amitabachan kot = Scotty aka kecik , Harrods and Dubai ( 4th Generation)

On top of that , 3 cats that reside with me here.

Messi my husband Garfield

Louis , my puss the boot

Latest addition as i found this kitty lost for its mommy... Screamy the lucky one.

When people ask us , why we have so many... ( and generation 5 x2 is on its way ...which we would love if anyone would like to adopt any of the kitties ) ... the cats are from generations when we only had 4 in the house and then outgrown to 20 today (=

Celebrated Eid far from home

2011-09-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Being away in a totally different place , vibe , surrounding after 2 months of being married and celebrating Eidulfitri with non of either both families around .... one word it felt 'something missing'.

If normally the conversation between newlyweds when Raya coming is where should the 1st Raya be , back on my mind before i was thinking 1st day Raya with in law then 2nd day Raya at home in JB ..well that was before 'we are moving' news bombed on me on my wedding night. Well we have no other but to spend Raya berdua jauh2..sob sob.

What was the experience like ? well i gotta say , it makes u appreciate to have family around even more and the kemeriahan beraya ermm xde la rasa sgt ... maybe you will rasa lasted for the next 12 hours then it goes like normal day macam bukan Hari Raya je.

Since we have just moved in and have yet to settle much things yet at our new home here , we didn't plan to invite anyone just yet. Too soon for me to be prepping and cooking when barang2 still x lengkap. Lucky for us, we met wonderful Malaysian here that quickly be our new friends.

1st day of Raya , solat Hari Raya berjemaah at Matrade Center here in Dubai and jamuan Raya beramai. It felt odd when u dont really know anyone there , hubby with guys solat raya and i'm a bit shy to be start talking to stranger and making new friends.
After Jamuan Raya at Matrade we off back to home then our berdua bersalam maaf zahir batin (= and then skyping with family back at home. huhu sebak time ni tapi muke control.
We havent had internet installed yet that time so we only get to call wishing for Raya using phone data and time tu rasa memang tak puas. Then.... next off we go for our 1st Raya open house and had more rendang.

oh we did had our mini open house makan for Raya too...invited 7 people over to our new little home .. almost a week + after 1st Raya. We cooked ! and oh boy all the lauk finish (=

I would say this Raya we didn't have a lot of pictures like we used to years before .. and here's to more for the coming years!
First in the list would be picture me mintak ampun salam ngan suami hehehe .

My Wedding : 10 things if i can redo differently

2011-09-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

As promised the ever over due last post of my wedding.
( 3 months after hehehe )

No word can describe of how much i love every bits of my wedding. It is definitely the best day of my life.
Both two reception , all in a perfect day , i get the dream dresses i wanted , how i imagine i would look that day from the solemnization to the reception...surrounded by all the people i loved most and top it all up to today i still can believe i'm am now married to the guy of my dreams.

If i could have probably have some teeny bit of things if i ever got the chance to do it differently.
Well some sort of a time machine where u can pause , rewind and do over...haha.
I am not complaining and really i am happy for how beautiful my wedding has been .. only if i do over , this are perhaps the small details that might need re-work.
Let's look it this way , this would be a tips for those planning for their wedding that you might not think of or over look perhaps.

Have another group of professional photographer instead of just relying on one.
If budget is not a problem for you , and the second photographer should have different style that your other photographer so you will have the variety of pictures and moments that was capture.
Yes , 1 photog is good enough but i love looking all the pictures over and over and never really get tired of it so if only i have a second one that have different style to add more to the memories.
Having to hire either Anna Rina or Fad Manaf would probably be top on my list (=

Having said about the pictures , i love looking at them but if i could probably have :
1. A more 'out there' and 'fun' photo booth - probably made a frame and have more props instead of just the wordings i have made also yes to have someone with tripod to ease up in capturing the pictures. This way a more loosen up pictures ( not to formal and most importantly i can see that everyone had a great time with the photo booth!) oh yes and to have Polaroid or other means that once the pictures was snap , guest can alo keep a copy of the pictures.
2. Details and more details of the wedding. I want shoes , dresses , outfits , deco even to the very details of my loved ones and friends to be capture at the wedding reception but common style of Malaysia photographer are lacking in that =(
3. If only after the wedding we can probably have an outdoor shoot with me wearing my wedding dress and hubby with his suit anywhere ( i'm thinking beach haha ) or even to the next day. We were pretty worn out after the reception that i think to just settle it in door in the hotel would do justice but then after macam menyesal plak.
p/s : hunny can we arrange for outdoor wedding shot redo somewhere , Dubai perhaps ? =)
4. Not having a photo list . Well if i have printed the list and gave to the photographer so that all details will be captured and who should be in picture also.

Next , i think what important also is the bride need to make sure that she has enough sleep ( not like me who only had less than 3 hours of sleep ) so that you will have all the energy and your skin will glow more. A good makeup artist is also important. So make sure you get good sweet dreams of 5 hours sleep at least.

The decoration at home i wished i could have more time to do more. More in terms of setting the mood and theme. The decoration and props and everything use for the wedding are pretty much DIY but there are also some details that i left out due to time constraint , last last terasa malas nk buat and tak nanti copy cat idea lain so in the end i settle with the very basic that will vision out my wedding would be. Satisfied but hehehe i could have it all would be splendid ( ok now being greedy).

Talking about greedy , i love flowers and if only budget is not an issue i wish i could have many flowers i want for the wedding both home and hotel reception. The mini pelamin at home to be replace with real roses and white orchid and to have countless drapes of jasmine flowers even at the hotel reception. Flowers everywhere at the table centerpiece for every guest table.

Another important aspect is for the you the bride to must wear all your wedding shoes before the wedding day ( i have 3 for all my reception) so that you are comfortable and your shoe will not be the first thing you want to take it off. I didn't wear my Gold Glittery Steven Madden pumps not before heading to the mosque and i have to remove it once we are home for the photo session after everything. The Ted Baker hot pink killer heels well , it was ok but back in my mind while i was dancing the night i kept worrying that i might trip and fell but Alhamdullillah i didn't so yeay! and the last pair Nine West diamante killer heels was comfy but dress kain was so ketat i can only give small strides as i walk.

Having said about the kain , do your fitting at least 3 times if u plan to rent your wedding baju and insist to start fitting early and not the very last minute ( like 2 week before) with your wedding planner or mak andam. The baju should fit you well (mine it fit me well but on the wedding day i had problem to walk in a ketat kain) , no looses end e.g top to your butt ketat but then thigh below loose that make it look like fitting tak betol or chest area all fitted nicely but sampai kat shoulder and tangan especially celah ketiak ada loose trust me i've seen in pictures and always wonder why people tend to miss out that all detail. Always have a backup if your guts tells you that the wedding planner might give you trouble , discuss with your husband for plan B.

Lastly , after my wedding reception that day actually ... i then understand why people had solemnization and reception on separate days...because they can feel and have more days be the "Raja Sehari".
I think one day is not enough hehehe for me.
Kinda sad when the celebration is over and you'll miss the whole prep and bride gone crazy all over.
Oh well i know i can get all crazy planner again for my sister wedding plak ... jeng jeng jeng.

Hello from Dubai!

2011-09-14T05:47:00.001-07:00

Finally after almost 3 weeks here ... hence the missing >_< internet finally installed!
Feels like there is so much to share!

Sisterly L.o.v.e

2011-08-23T21:52:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Something to be inspired

2011-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

I think i have pretty much covered almost all for the wedding.
Well i do i have ONE more post to conclude all but before that , i would like to share a very inspirational video by Wardina that i feel something beautiful to be shared to us women.

Credit to Mia Suraya to have shared this in her blog .

Video - The Reception

2011-08-10T00:53:00.000-07:00

Enjoy !

Video by : CST production

Live performance : Ezura Entertainment

Stage decoration : Jendela Impian Mempelai , Johor Bahru

DiY Photobooth - How i do it ?

2011-08-05T01:17:00.000-07:00

I did it ! the Photo - booth.

When the guest arrives at the reception venue , they will be informed

" don't go just yet ! take a picture !! "

As you can see i placed the photobooth behind the registration booth.

See the black cloth hang on the wall.

Don't forget your signage! Well i think mine was tad too small or people don't come to notice the writing.

Write to us or pick a props!

Props ? just couple of ready made wording.

and the end results ?

* drumroll.....!

and this is what happen when your 'photo-booth' frame is too tiny >__<

If there is something to make it better ,
a) Camera - make sure your appointed person is familiar with the camera ( using flash / scene and creative to snap) , my sister camera too cangih they didnt know how to push and open the flash button but still creative pictures snaps!
b) Use a tripod - which i totally forgot to prepare
c) More fun props to use instead of just wording - the guest will enjoy more taking the pictures and be creative e.g sunnies , hats , big wordings etc.
d) Bigger and more out there signage - easier for people to read without need to squint their eyes.
e) More material for the cloth use as backdrop , i use about 1.5 meter or 2 meter.
f) Need to think alternative cheaper way if only can use polaroids..would be cooler!

Lesson learn for future photobooth projects = )

and a the winner of the bunch !
* i am being bias to have select my brother and his son >__<

Bride on Budget

2011-08-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

When i planned and prepare for my own wedding , i am a bride on budget.

On budget tapi dream big so how ?

Some says' the wedding look grand >_< Alhamdullilah but that was not my intention.
I never dream of having a grand wedding ,all i want is my dream wedding.
All you see from the wedding are part of the dream i have always vision it.
I am such a hopeless romantic ~ dush

To have my dream wedding , i have to la 'berpijak dibumi yang nyata' kenalah according to my budget.
Some i have to opt out doing myself and some .... i am very lucky to have a very understand person next to me that share my same dreams who is as fussy and want to get involve from day 1 till the end .... my husband.
I and we do a lot of homework , lots and lots or self searching before deciding which to go for.
Never regretted even a bit the time and energy i spent for my wedding.
I am happy to able to do so to fullfil my other dream ( suke sgt berangan jauh) , i dream that one day i can share this story to my daughter someday >_<

"Mommy masa mude remaja time 'hot' before kahwin , prepare and do all this [while showing wedding video footage / photo] on my own ".

*ok you can roll and laugh

Every penny that spent , mostly is from my own pocket - i tried as much as not depending to my mother.
(well the caterer and canopy for home is a gift from mommy to us , and i can't thank her enough for this , at to some the extend , some of the little little things - exra ribbons ... bekas ini itu ...my sister and mom ada tolong beli and tak nk i bayar balik).

If other Bride ada allocation from wang hantaran to cover majlis perkahwinan ( which most people say what it is meant for) , i don't and i don't complaint :-) Pesanan from Arwah Daddy is not to have any dowry for the girls. So how much high I want this and that , kena la do own reflection .... can i afford this ? can we afford this ?

In the end , what matter the most is despite on budget ... i get all i wanted for my wedding.
and that makes how happy i am from a bride to be , to the Bride and now and Ex - Bride.
and to add cherry to the top .. people remember >__<

oh continuation after the reception...

As she sat in front of him ,
Waiting ..
A letter awaits her..
A note " To my wife.."
Those 3 little words that bring tears in her eyes.
A gift from a man that nothing in the world to compare.

He then look and wait as she opened the white envelope.
Waiting...
A letter awaits her ...
A news he have been keeping from her for days.
and wait till this very moment ... to tell her that ,
God have granted his prayers.
A letter that bring tears of joy to her.

Alhamdullilah.
Rezeki and a chance for both of us to understand each other better and gain more experience di negara orang.

Official MUA

2011-08-04T21:47:00.000-07:00

MUA for all JB Majlis

Emie
017-7536067

Did i tell you how satisfied i am with his work!
He is well experience with bridal prep since he used to work with one of JB's top bridal house.
Now he's doing this freelance.
Easy to work with and i choose him because his past work is something that i look for.
Yang penting bukan bg muke nampak tepung gomak or macam makcik yang over.
Makeup yang tidak tengelamkan muke.
His concept , make up that will enhance you look and sesuai with you.

Of what a night to remember all about - The reception Story

2011-07-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

I arrive at the hotel close to 5pm and by 5:30pm the make-up should start.
Quickly i had a long relaxing hot shower in the Bridal Suite and rest myself that 30minutes before the MUA arrive and everyone ( photographers and Videographer ) started to arrive.
545pm the makeup begin and so with everything.

Mom , my bridesmaids , my sister and sis in law on the other hand were being taken care by another MUA that my sister in law had helped to arrange.

For the whole ceremony ....
I did not have to worry of how are things going in the ballroom , how is the arrangement of music ? the seating ? the photobooth ? all door gift placed accordingly at each table ? well i have my sister to handle this everything.

Delegation of task >_<

Probably the only thing missing is to clearly inform (since we didnt do any rehearsel for this) the moment the bride and groom lay eyes on each other and walk in via different entrance to the ballroom.
But nevertheless , we walked just nice with the length of the song ..hihihih

I love everything about the look , my MUA again did an awesome job!!

Never i felt so beautiful ever in my life than that night.

My husband was there at 1st to accompany me during the 1st hour of the makeup before we bid goodbye and only will see each other the moment we walk in the ballroom.
I want to see his face when he see me walk in after being all doll up.
And yes , THAT VERY MOMENT ... PRICELESS!

Guests started to arrive at 8pm.
I have my cousins , brother and close friends taking up the duties of being the usher-er , mendling the photobooth and registration booth and to welcome those who came.
My MOH is the co-ordinator for the night reception.
Slide- show of the pre-wedding photo-shoot were shown on both projector , while waiting for the whole ceremony to begin.

835pm we got the cue that we need to be ready at each door for our entrance.I will be walking in from the back door while my husband will be walking in from the front door to enter the ballroom and we will meet halfway. Something like a English wedding.

845pm , begin with announcement by the MC ( MC is non other than my sister and her boyfriend - bidang terjun ) , blessed with Selawat Ke Atas Nabi ( played from MP3 that i downloaded ) followed by "Just the Way You Are" perform live by Ezura.
My bridesmaid - 2 of my cousins and my sister walk in first and i followed behind. The lighting in the ballroom was dimmed down and smoke effect was use when they opened both of the door.
Special right!
The groom entered 1st and waited for me at the middle of the red carpet and then the door reveal for me to walk in. Then we both walk together to the VIP table.

What i love about my reception is , how i cater the whole reception to be personal for me.
I get what i always wanted from the mood , the feel and so much love in one Big Room.

I had two of my closest friends gave a personal and very dear speech for me , 3 sang so beautifully , my sister and brother and his former best man perform and sang for us despite no experience what so ever and my coolest mom ever giving her a mother love words of wisdom and wishes.

After appetizer , dinner and yummy dessert in between all above ... we had our special dance 1st as husband and wife and then group dance of everyone ( mostly conquered by my lovely cousins that came all the way from Sabah , aunties and friends ) dancing along 1 Kadazan song and Poco Poco dance.

What i wished for everyone had a good time at the wedding and will ever remember this wedding as much as i do and Alhamdullilah my dream came true >_<

At the end of the night , the faces from my husband , my mother and families both my in law and my relatives , my friends all had a good time , make me a very HAPPY bride and blessed with all the love i get.

Later that night ... a surprise that put me into tears.

to be continued....

p/s : below are the Flow of Majlis for the reception , for my future other event planning and hope to help others.

Footage and bits of details of the Solemization Ceremony

2011-07-25T00:58:00.000-07:00

I slept close to 4am the night before and woke up around 6am becoz my maid of honor bangun terkejut langsir putih bilik terbang2 she tot she was seeing something else.
Heeshh -___+

Then dengar bunyi bertedum , ok hujan cam ribut kuat pagi tu . oh no O-O ! in my mind "tent might terbang , habisla alas meja semua basah and the mini pelamin at the car porch ! terbang gak ke ? "
Alhamdullilah , around 630am the rain stop.

I tot i would go crazy but on the contrary i was rather calm.

I went down to look at things after i had my shower and while waiting for the MUA to arrive.

Ok all the tent and the pelamin all ok , ada lagi hehehehe just the chair cover , the carpet for the platform , some of the table cloth are soaking wet.
The moment mom saw me looking at things , she quickly say to " Hujan Rahmat , rezeki not to worry. Those yang basah basah nanti the caterer will come to reply. They will be here soon to help out. "
Actually after the whole wedding , baru la mom told me that she yang panic and not me >_<

7am , the MUA arrive and right on with the makeup. I told him i need to be ready by 9am since we need to be at the mosque by 945am the latest and not wanting to be late. For the solemnization look , he opt for a more natural and soft makeup. I love it.

8am approx both photographer and videographer arrives. They go right on with their work. I didn't know anything that been going on downstairs. I took my moment not to worry about anything and just enjoy being doll-up. I've delegates all the required task to my sister and brothers and my MOH. So i don't have to wory a thing.Well to be honest i was too nervous heehehe. Speechless! dup dap dup dap like seriously!..

9am , i all set and ready to go to the mosque. Went down had my breakfast with everyone yang dah sampai dirumah and we had a short doa selamat lead by my 'atuk sedara'. Then off we go to the mosque at 920am (journey from home to the mosque is only 5minutes away).

By the time we arrive , my husband and family is already there. Alhamdullilah , so tak ada la kelam kabut nanti. My close friends and relatives also one by one arrive just in time together.

We brought all the hantaran to the mosque to exchange. Senang coz later tak kelam kabut during the reception.

As we walked in the mosque , terkejut at first i tot tengah ada majlis nikah berlangsung before us so we had to wait. Tapi rupa rupanye ada 3 lagi pengantin yang akan nikah sekali same time with me.

Probably some would think like "not special" anymore since your solemnization were shared with other pengantin but at that time , i didn't even feel any close to that at all .. not even an inch. Probably i have also prepare this in mind that there is a possibilities there would be other pengantin as well. My family and my husband family is all ok with this arrangement coz yang penting kita dahulukan "hukum Syarak" , abaikan la yang lain lain. Takde pon yang kurang semua went very well , in time and tok kadi yang garang but very professional he manage to handle all 4 pengantin nikah well. No delay no hiccups and looking back at the video , it went beautifully.

In short , start with signing of borang2 per each couple , the dengan all 4 pengantin lelaki depan imam start with bacaan doa by tok kadi , lafaz Ijab Kabul by each pengantin , bacaan taklik by the groom , bacaan serahan tanggungjawab oleh Wali ke suami , bacaan tanggungjawab suami kepada isteri and serahan mas kahwin , bacaan tanggungjawab isteri taat kepada suami , exchange of wedding rings, upacara batal air wuduq, Adat Sakinah between mother of the bride and the bride ... and end with bersalaman with all the tetamu yang hadir.
I did at first not wanting to do the Adat Sakinah because takut nanti menangis tak bole handle tapi looking at mom she was all smiling and happy , i am happy too. >_<

The solemnization finished probably around 11.15am then the groom and family went to one of my uncle house for a short refreshment before arriving at my house for the home reception. I had a quick hair transformation and touch up of makeup just in time before the groom arrives at 1230pm.

1230pm the groom arrives disambut with paluan kompang and silat pengantin. Adat tol negeri Johor pon ada tapi i mintak 2 aje coz panas terik tengahari takut tak comfortable plak plus i plan that all the merenjis will finish before azan Zohor.

Merenjis by close relatives and then proceed for makan berdamai. The VIP table and Meja pengantin i opted to use only using round table.

I wanted a more relax casual feeling. During the jamuan makan , guest were entertained by Persembahan Kompang Malabar non other by cousins and relatives. The difference between kompang melayu and Malabar is , Malabar ada nyayian and tarian dia sambil berkompang.

Then we proceed with the pulut kuning cutting before heading off to bersalaman with guests and picture sessions.

Majlis at home all also went very well , no problem at all and i was not worried of anything .. just enjoying and appreciate every moment of it.

330pm of we go to the hotel to be ready for the night reception.

to be continue...

Tips : Material how many is needed ? Q & A

2011-07-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

At first i wanted to reply in the comment box but then my answer seem to be tad long to be in comment.
So easier if i posted an entry on this.

This is my two cent in search and getting the material to my wedding attire.
I think it is good for me to document this because this is the very same question i ask myself when i was doing my hunting for tailoring , to what kind of design etc..
So hope this helps!

Question : Should we buy our own material or let the designer or bridal choose this for us ?
Both also can , no problem.
First thing first set your budget and the style you want.
If you don't have any style in mind also not a problem , you can always ask the designer to sketch it for you.
Why i buy the material myself is because i already have a design in mind and based on my survey of comparing the price (my material + tailoring boutique VS both material+tailoring by boutique) , buying my own material is cheaper by RMxxx. Note : this comparison was not with Lagenda.
IF you want the designer to get the material with you , please let them know what is your budget. They will be able to advice you what type of material option you can choose.

How many meters of material to get if you plan to buy on your own ?

A kebaya like design like mine , top at least u need 2 meter but normally french beaded lace sold in panel.
Per panel is at least 2.5 meters. 2.5 is good especially if you want patching work.

Range price for french beaded lace from RM500 - RM1200 per panel. Lower budget do check out Korean / Japanese French lace.
The bottom part , at minimum my advice get 6meters so your designer would be able to add that bridal effect to your wedding dress.
Need longer trail ? go for 8 meters. Mine is.

The two crucial question that i have been searching for answer while doing mine >_<

The doorgift for our reception

2011-07-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

To decide what to give for all the reception , memang pening but lucky that my mommy is not cerewet bab nak bagi buah tangan...apa yang nk diberi ikhlas dari hati , cost semua hasil titik peluh sendiri Alhamdullilah and yang bekerja keras siapkan wrapping semua selain dari pengantin , Thank you to my dear friend Azi and suami yang siap bermalam di rumah nk tolong siapkan untuk resepsi di hotel and my family semua akhirnya berjaya settlekan semua wrapping untuk resepsi di rumah.

Tips / reminder : kalau berminat nak buat DIY , bekas kotak / pouch or paper bag would be easier especially kalau ada banyak barang sekali nk dijadikan berkat. Mudah untuk tetamu nk pegang and bawa.
My experience , lg senang kalau bagi bukan barang berkaca sebab nak store and simpan sementara tunggu majlis pening nk susun2 yang kaca sebab takut nanti pecah :)

Nikah and Majlis Resepsi Rumah

Eclairs chocolate wrapped in tea cup size glass

Telur pindang as bunga telur for tetamu merenjis

Eclairs chocolate in Spice Jar for rombongan pengantin lelaki

Majlis Resepsi di Msuites Hotel


tried to find the finish product picture tapi x jumpa so nway...	for VIP were given Ferrero Rocher in crystal bowl

Credit to my friend to have capture this : slide of chocolate cake and scented tea light in glass tea light candle holder.

2011-07-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

1 month as husband and wife >__<

Bridal boutique drama Part 2

2011-07-13T02:22:00.000-07:00

Bridal Drama 2

The expected results of the mini pelamin was not as what was discussed.
The moment they came and i saw the artificial flowers that they bring with them , the pelamin seat , even the color of the backdrop material ... i don't know what to say anymore and just Redha with what ever i have.
Imagine kuncup , comot , old and dusty for all the above.
-__-

The main reason why i decide to book and hire them is because , they offered the cheapest among all other Bridal that i went to for the the mini pelamin. My budget was nothing more than RM500 and yes that is the RM500 pelamin.
The design is what i asked for and save me in term of cost because they said the have it all and can do it , no problem. I insisted a simple where all the pink scallops was not suppose to be there , they still do it jugak.
Not only the product they use is kuncup , comot , old and dusty tapi the so called decorator also banyak fussy nye. I don't want the scallops , he/she lecture me that she need to maintain her status if people see and know that is her work do will say " too simple yang tak cantik " . This is an example of " not following what the client want".
Lucky that my sister , brother and cousin did beautifully with the lantern and drapes of ribbon and bunga melur to sort of camouflage the kuncup , comot , old and dusty mini pelamin.
Who ? ATT Bridal , Plaza Angsana Johor Bahru.
Would i recommend ? No.

Bridal Drama 3

We decide to only rent the bertandang baju so my months of flipping through magazines and popping in and out of bridal boutique ... we felt in love with dress at Kamarini Bridal Shah Alam. I first saw the baju in Pengantin and to have go and tried it , it was perfect for what we are looking for.. something silver-ish white to fit the theme of ala Formal Melayu Tradisional. As for the groom we opted for lengkap Songket Bertanjak in Silver.
The baju was not problem , it was beautiful but what happen on the actual day really should not be happening.
Here's the thing , the problem with some of these bridal is ... they really need to find and grab as many customer as they could without evaluating the man power they have.
Fitting was done twice , and i felt it was a rush in the fitting and we actually waited until they get our fit right.
Then came the makeup. At the first when i requested for K to makeup me , she told me other pengantin booked her already so they are giving me F. Then during the last fitting ( btw 3 days before the bertandang) they told me "oh tak sure lagi who will come because F got a fashion show to cover so maybe K will come".
At the actual day what happen was ( they have this pameran pengantin at MARA or something ) , makeup was supposed to start at 530pm ( event to begin 8pm) ... F only came at 645pm and makeup only started at 650pm. Imagine how myself and husband go frantic.
We called Kamarini many times , marah of how un-professional they are ( we have paid everything in full as they requested) and asked who should be coming ? She too didn't know that F was not there yet plus they had an event so she can't leave to take over. what ? Then how she sort out and get to have F there quick but all in all i was ready just in time before entering the hall at 845pm.
Nevertheless , F did a well job with the makeup ... but not as detail as what i experience with mine in JB. The makeup didn't last long which by 10ish it started to run down a bit.

Alhamdullilah all still in the end ok.

Who ? Kamarini Bridal , Shah Alam.

Would i recommend ? 50-50. They do have nice baju but i am not happy with their service.

* Bridal Drama 1 read it here

Our Wedding : The Videographer

2011-07-11T00:44:00.000-07:00

File sangat besar and so far only uploaded by them in their Facebook page , you can click here to view.

We hired CST production for Nikah and JB reception to capture the video for the whole ceremony.

Quality and commitment kerja by their junior photographer is beyond our expectation.

Very professional , punctual and during the whole reception tak putus cari idea and scene to capture the best for us .... and when we watched the wedding highlight for the 1st time , sengih melebar sampai lenguh!
The video was edited and arrange in a way what we expected!

Probably CST might say we both are very fussy couple haha!
A week before the wedding , my husband actually went to their office to sit down and chat so that they would have some idea what to plan for the wedding , basically the song , and how the flow of the vclip later to go according with the song that we selected.

Selecting what song for the wedding video highlight was not that hard , both of us agree there are no other song that is perfect than the song we first jatuh cinta together hihih so hubby had over to them the Mp3 - Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap ( which we also went and watch their 1st concert in Singapore last April!) , they spend the week to get the feel of the song and walla! they did an awesome job to came up with the product.

CST comment to us that they seronok capturing the video because there is so many things to capture coz lain sikit compare to other Malay wedding .. "with the Malabar kompang , silat pengantin , adat Sakinah for JB , the night reception where my good friends and siblings sing and perform at the reception , the speech , the dance ...and our entrance.

Alhamdullilah , i get what i want for my wedding and i can't thanked enough my husband who shared the same dream with me.

The wedding highlight video was played during the bertandang reception and relatives and everyone came , puji the video.
My mom loves the song we choose , she said kena , tapi my mother in law ( probably have different taste) prefer a less upbeat song hehehe tapi overall everyone still talk about the video till today.
>__<

Perancangan budget penting for what's not and what u want for your wedding.
Budget planning , ill try to document here.
The 1st preparation we did for the wedding was to get the right videographer and photographer for the wedding and for us as early as 6 months before the wedding.
The quality and video work have to be like what we want and expect and most important of all fit to our budget.
Remember the majlis yes memang 1 hari or 2 hari sahaja , at least you have this video to see over and over again and Insyallah bole tengok bila dh anak 11 orang ke kan ;-)
If you don't have the budget to allocate for videographer , do assign someone to capture the video for you.
My younger brother did the same for me , and i can't thank enough!
The next day after the my reception , me and my family sesambil buka pressie session...we watched the nikah ceremony again from what my brother had help to record it.

Still pictures from the Video Highlight by CST Production.

Details captured : The lantern at the car-porch

My brother as wali during lafaz taklik

Just before leaving the mosque

The reception

Performance by my dearest friends

Performance by sister and brother plus his wing man

During mommy speech that she mention to remember the detail during the wedding just like Daddy...

i love this especially to see how everyone had good time during the wedding!

Like CST Production page in FB and you can view the video.

Our Wedding : The Outfit

2011-07-07T04:26:00.000-07:00

My Solemnization outfit was an inspiration from this baby blue fitted dress worn by Kristen Dunst.
Tailor : Oscar from Butik Lagenda , Maju Junction.
Material : 4 meter of full beaded chiffon ( engagement hantaran).
* if i have 5 or 6 would able to have the same drama effect for the tail of the dress but nevertheless i am very satisfied with my solemnization baju.

This was during the 3rd - final fitting for the baju.

This is during the solemnization at Masjid Jamek Pasir Gudang.
Veil : 1 meter chiffon silk in off white with simple beading along the side of the veil.
Tailor : 100% the Bride ( tap on the shoulder).

and during the Majlis Merenjis at home...
Theme : Classic ( the Saloma hair )

The Reception - Msuites Hotel JB

Tailor : Oscar , Butik Lagenda Maju Junction
Design : The Bride but Oscar recommended for the long trail to add that 'WoW' for the whole outfit.
Material : 2.5 meter beaded lace ( heavy beading more on the border) in white and 8 meter of chiffon and satin silk in off white.
* i heart this baju very much , Oscar did a remarkable job in realizing the baju that i had in mind. He also did beautifully with the lace patch so the top will not seem too revealing. He patch it nicely , that at the back of the baju it gives a just enough sexiness yet classy appeal.

The story behind the design .. i heart this one design that i came across but it is way too expensive.
Heart broken because the cost to it out of my budget ( the tailor quote me coz i point out i want just like at the mannequin >RM2k - pengsan!!...plus lagi lagi when i tot i could do my baju in JB konon murah sikit tp sebab tukar tukar quote harga ( bridal boutique drama) .... i was really down that week and time tu berserah je la ..and almost i did want of the the upcoming Malaysia own designer to do it for me and just let him lay out what ever idea in his mind and terima je...tapi deep down that baju still haunt me..

my then fiance told me put aside the cost ( it is your wedding and you will only marry once ) and he would get that baju for me. We actually went to the boutique after bought the material on our own ( at least we can cut the cost for the material) and i gleefully cheering that i finally get the baju that i wanted but unfortunately the designer was not around plus the baju at the mannequin gone! i didn't manage to snap the design of the baju...heart broken again... i told my then fiance that lets go to Lagenda probably someone there can help.
Then came Oscar , initially i only intend to have my baju nikah for Oscar to do it... but after actually sitting and discuss over things with him... i know he could help me with my reception baju at much lower cost.. and not only that he know what i wanted all along.. i explain and sort of visioning out what i wanted...he sketch and walla!! that is the baju !!! the baju!! on his first sketch. easy peasy problem solved.
and oh boy! see how gleefully happy i was during the fitting!

At the reception , my mommy said the dress ada la slight touch of Kate's wedding dress... probably the lacey top over white trail dress >__<
I sent all for tailoring for all baju as early as 4 months before the wedding because nanti takut x sempat hihihi so that is Feb 2011!

2nd Fitting and 3rd / Final Fitting

Bertandang Reception Baju

Bride Outfit : Rented from Kamarini Bridal in Shah Alam , white heavy beaded ala ala Jawa cross long kebaya dress. Songket putih silver for kain and corset to match groom.

One thing for sure , you won't get the same satisfaction of wearing a rented although new baju with wedding dress that is made to measure with your size and our inspiration.
Also there is also a story with this Bridal Boutique drama ... haigh!
Later la to put note here.

all pictures beautifully captures by my friends and one by Ministry of Moment.

Our Wedding : Ezura Entertainment

2011-07-06T00:34:00.000-07:00

Gosh work much or lazy much ?
So let see what else i have yet blog this down , oh yea A LOT !
:-P dush!!dush!

Since this is available and shared by the band that WE had for both events ( well mother in law fell in love with Ezura at my reception that she insisted my husband to quickly booked her for the bertandang reception and walla! she's in two!) , Thank you to them to have this recorded!
Yay!!

I came across Ezura and her troops , ( which btw if you are interested , please do check them out here) while go-ogling for jazz band / wedding band for wedding in Malaysia. I almost give up since i have been searching high and low for one in JB that can sing jazz songs live / English songs selection - not typical karoke box with monitor tv / DJ entertainment that i find many.
I saw their You Tube! i was hooked! since this is what i wanted for and been looking for TAPI they are based in KL so i didn't ask her right away and still hoping for able to find one in JB .... but when the last hope of a 3 piece band that me and my gal friends audition for while at the same time busy gossiping and enjoying supper ... is way not at par with Ezura Entertainment.... the next day i emailed her and walla she's available for the date!

You can actually decide whether to have 2 / 3 or even a whole big band you name it , she has all down in her package ... good thing of how professional she is ... she have the price quotation detail out which especially for bride on the budget this is a super plus point.
Alhamdullilah , she did a very well job , everyone enjoyed and had a good time , no hiccups or problem..professionally and with her talent and beautiful voice ... i am a very happy customer >__<

i am very very happy with her work and her commitment to make my reception such a beautiful night to remember to us , our family and everyone. Oh! and she is really a friendly person too!

Not only that my mother in law wanted her for the bertandang reception , she told me too that there are among my friends that came for the reception had ask her if she is available for their reception / functions.

I requested for 2 new songs adding to her list of song during my reception and 1 new song for the bertandang reception. The rest of the song were selected based on the list of songs she has and planned accordingly to the flow of the reception.
( to be shared on a different post! )

As for my reception , i requested for 'Just The Way You Are' by Bruno Mars acoustic version to be the songs that we walk in to the ballroom and lay eyes on each other for the 1st time after all doll up.
Then during our 1st dance , i requested for 'The Way You Look Tonight' coz this song is so special to both of us. hahaha!! tapi masa ni memang i was super super malu coz suppose mid way people join us on the dance floor so kena la senyum senyum malu.

The last special song to me and family ( the song that i grew up learning to dance) Jambatan Tamparuli , and she nail it!

Bertandang reception , we requested for Selalu Denganmu - Tompi / Atilia to accompany us as we walk in to the reception hall.

So enjoy ( and bear me all blush ) in all the videos.
Probably you can see/capture some of the details of both receptions too!

I highly recommend her , check out their You Tube or http://ezura-entertainment.blogspot.com/

Honeymoon at Samui

2011-07-01T09:49:00.001-07:00

While this is still fresh , better i blog this 1st >_<
The honeymoon was book earlier i think 2 months kot before , we dont really had an idea where to since we still got 2 other holiday which i think we might need to pass on... So we tot since we both love to travel and never really got the chance to pamper and being spoilt , 5 star treatment it is! Oh boy we ry spoiled by the hotel :-)

We opted to Koh Samui since we both never been there before and somehow have heard it is a nice place to if u want to be spoiled and relax. We choose to go right after the bertandang reception too so we take it as a week to really relax after all wedding back to back mumbo jumbo and to appreciate togetherness.

The suite was huge with its own mini pool, we had it all to ourself, a mini patio that i called my private place, open air separate toilet and huge rain shower. The design and concept of the hall is like the Dalai Lama ruled Samui. Influence of east and appreciating of mother nature, lust greenary balance with water and stone giving Its guest a whole relaxing experience.

We didnt do much of any sighseeing activites like what we used to when we go travelling , this time around just enjoying good food and lazying around watching dvd in our 'i dont want yo go home' suite!

Day 1 when we arrive we were greeted by the hotel with welcome drinks at the lobby, u dont have to go to the front desk to do the check in instead they come to u. We were pretty much 5 star all the way. Refreshing berries ice crush drink with sugar cane to chilled towel while checking in at the lounge area. Very impressed!

They have tip top service ! U called for ice cubes pronto in less than 5 minutes they would brought in for u,while u were away for dinner ...they would prep the room for u with surprises of sweet candies every night in your room and burned aromatherapy oil so as u walk in u feel pretty much happy!
Not only that , they had this everyday activites where every night as the sun set, they will power off all light at the lobby and only lit up candles and mini light i think in the water in appreciation of a new day coming. Free kickboxing lesson also provided and movie night for the guests. Pretty much just stay in and be spoiled!

We would love to visit Gurich Samui again >_< and have it all over again.

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2011-06-30T01:11:00.001-07:00

I really tot at first i get to sleep early ( my target was 12am) prior to the big day tapi 3 days straight i slept almost close to 4am.

3days before , the whole family busy cleaning the house sebab cat cat mane yg perlu baru settle that weekend. My room feature wall painted in true 'Tuscan Sun' and they day i arrive , the hall upstairs and room was in total mess. So 3 days before - all cleaning and preparing for the room.

2days before, most of the prepping all begin.
Arrange of furniture for the hall, canopies for the home reception all set up, the pelamin for upacara merenjis by ATT Bridal ( will add separate entry on this) , then later the DiY lantern and other decoration all nicely done by my sister.

Huge tip: do delegates any task or assign people to do it for u coz trust me with so many things running in ur head and having list of things to do , you will others to help u with that. My sister and brother did wonderful job helping me!

Since i was already on house arrest starting that day, sebab i need to find emergency alas dulang , i got to sneakly curi curi to go out during that day. I get to de-stress myself and for a quick relaxing mani and padi.

1day before, oh boy it all rushing in all fast. The hantaran for him with the help of my very dear friend 'Spring theme' hantaran it is! Only then it strike me that , i have 2 events to settle that day! Delegate delegate! So i let my sister be in charge for the home reception while some tiny tiny bits of preparation for the night reception my MOH taking responsibilities on it - table num, guest list. We also did the hand bouquet our home and my bridesmaids bouquet ourself.
We really go full force to settle everything this tiny winy prep before maghrib coz more relatives and my close friends will be coming and then the pakai inai will start so i have to sty still for hours.
Pakai inai with ur friends and family around memang best, at that time it strike me 'terasa macam pengantin'!! And.... I cant do anyting for 5 freaking hour!! Ekksss!! I had my close friends to garukan hidung, suap me dinner , alihkan bantal ok kindda buli them. >_<
The inai design i wanted similar to what my mom had for hers' 31 years ago , simple and inai home made by aunty and not only that my aunty elder sister was also the one that prepare and wear the inai for my mom dulu.

1day before...

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5 days as a wife

2011-06-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

so much konon nak update as i count down to The Day , and now teruk terlajak.
How la you people manage to update 3..2..1 before the day... myself time tu x terlarat to even think what to write because of million other things in my head.

Alhamdullilah , all went smoothly and beautifully ( i hope everyone came agree).
Solemnization early Saturday morning at 10:30am then followed by Majlis Merenjis at home - a more traditional celebration in honor of my dad's family adat followed by a more relax personal reception at the hotel that incorporate from my mom's side of celebration.

I came to realize , was Thursday i think that ... i only have 2 days to settle for 2 majlis that will be help all in 1 day. Imagine that , tetiba macam slight panic attack. I did not realize this only till Thursday!! Don't know la why it never occur to me , but heheehe all went well.
I hope from today onward i get to write and document in here if not in all but pieces of the puzzle that hold up to all the reception and majlis.

So let's the story begin...

3

2011-06-14T02:20:00.000-07:00

1. All glue-ing , cutting , mixing , sewing , doing your own selves / with the help of people that cherish your wedding is now all done.
2. I've decide to change my concept both home and the hotel reception. Let see how it will turn out. Whatever in my inspiration board only couple of things are adapted.
3. I should start sleep earlier now.

Probably people don't understand why i want to do on my own most of the things for my wedding when some may see it is easy if i have other people do it for me. Why stressing yourself up especially you are the one getting married ?
Not only that , why do i take separate vendors for this and that where it would be cheaper if i just pick one and settle for it. Cheaper.

Uno , i am a person that love doing it own her own. That is just me.
Dos , if i feel that i might burden you or i don't feel that much excitement from you to help , i would not ask for your help.

Doing some of the things yourself - i do admit yes you will feel tired at times and wee bit stress ( being 300km distance apart from home doesn't help either) but at the end of the day if i manage to accomplish and do as what i want ... the satisfaction is beyond words.
I am a person that love to do a lil bit of craft .. I am more of 'personalization' kind of person rather than just go pick what ever have and be happy with it.
To have planned a diy wedding for my brother last year helped me to manage better for me.
If you ask me , what do i feel from all these? ... truthfully i am happy and i keep on thinking that i will miss this nanti. Well at least i have a story to share to Insyallah my children of the things i did for my wedding back then. There is always a positive thing right >_<

I do have help!
A dear friends that ever excited to help me always , I THANK YOU.
My family that tried really hard not to let me worry about things and even want to take away some things from me so i dont do it. Ok my sister would say if there is things that you don't need the boss ( you named me 'Bossy' haha kantoi ) to start giving out order so she try to do what she can - nk tengok apa yang dia kemas kat rumah tu.
He who always be with me all from day 1 to now.
and those who is happy i am happy! no sok sek sok sek that all counts >__<
I am grateful for everything so far.
- Wedding invitations , from words to concept to color.
- All door gifts both home and hotel reception.
- I actually manage to complete cutting , sewing and do a simple beading for my solemnization veil.
- Everything on my hantaran from my engagement and now for the solemnization to him.
- Flowers for table centerpiece.
- Diy photobooth for the hotel reception.
- Registration reception table will be decorated by my sister with the props that i have prepare.
- I manage to complete the corsages last night.
- Hopefully i can squeeze a bit of time doing the picture slideshow.
- and all planning , deciding and co-ordination we do it our own = we make the final decision.

I know there is more people that do almost everything on their own.
So here's to those who appreciate some 'personalization' to everything.

If you are still searching...

2011-06-11T12:14:00.001-07:00

...for your wedding baju design , this might gives u some inspiration.
Credits to Butik Lagenda.
If u still in need of a good designer that is still reasonably priced, i recommend Oscar.

P/s : sorry for bad low quality pictures.
Enjoy!

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9

2011-06-07T10:41:00.001-07:00

Almost settle everything , did the seating arrangement for night reception. Mom has arrange most for Nikah. Hotels arrangement almost , but only thing now my veil still got more beading works to do and slideshow havent really start yet.

On a different note , i am veryy happy , grateful to have good friends around me, good buddies that work hard to throw me an awesome night just for me!!
I heart them all and treasure the friendship no matter what goes up and down.

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11 days and this keep the Bride content ..

2011-06-06T02:43:00.000-07:00

2011-06-02T02:39:00.000-07:00

Probably the only thing i don't like about wedding...

When people don't quite understand the courtesy of reverting your RSVP..
When people think it is ok to bring the whole family when RSVP is written to only You & Wife/Husband/Partner..
When people undecided to come or not to come , just like that..
or worst one , you RSVPed your attendance but decide not to come the last minute.

If only some people were educated early enough in school or by their parents of being courtesy ..
Etiquette of attending a sit down RSVP wedding reception...
not just wedding dinner...attending a formal dinner reception...
or can u at least put your needs behind because this is the Bride & Groom big day.

Wedding Prep - Flowers and Tudung Nikah

2011-05-29T11:08:00.001-07:00

Settled for all the flowers needed at Floristika , Bangsar will be picking it up before heading back 3days before the very day.

Next , ...
Haven't really figure out how to wear and style for my Hijab for the solemnization but hopefully my vision will somehow turn how i want it. Aiming for something that look sweet , simple and comfortable coz baju nikahku sudahh ketat O_o eks!!
Inspired from :-
Theirs ...

And My bff ....

Target to complete ? 4 days top! Ekss!!

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Pre-Wedding / Engagement Photo Theme

2011-05-27T00:17:00.000-07:00

An idea for probably my sister another 2 or 3 years down the road...
Or to my cousins back in Sabah..
Back at our hometown , our kampung .. at Keningau ...
You can have this..

the scenery remind me of...Sungai Bunsit , Keningau where we would always go there for a swim whenever we back at Granny's.
Where we used to have family picnic or the must visited place for whoever arrives Keningau.
How special the place is to us , growing up.

or anyone that is still looking for a concept ....
source here.

Our Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Experience

2011-05-26T11:38:00.001-07:00

Initially we wanted a different concept for our prewed but because of not being able to find a place that able to offer the whole concept that we wanted, we knew we need a plan B.
The look that we wished to capture was sort of an English Britt theme, his sense of style is clearly Brit and and for the lady she just loves playing dress-up! One thing for sure we wanted something that represent us by being ourselves, picture that when we see it .. We know that is us as individual, as a couple.

Since plan A had to be scrap off a day before the shoot , Oh boy it worries! What if we cant find at least a place a venue that is nice enough to execute it? Klpac was one of the option BUT they want to charge for rm400 just to take picture outdoor! Oh crap so we cancelled.
My fiance who found and suggested Bukit Tinggi for the shoot. We talked to MoM and they agree. Settled!
My request when we were venue hunting was somewhere that is nice with a character of its own and have at least old building / unique architecture. Im glad to have a partner that understand me well :-)

It is good also to have good photographer that understand the concept that u want so they will be able to capture it. Few days before the photoshoot , we've told them in advance what we aimed for..the whole idea etc.. Tou' there was last minute change of plan but because the main concept was not that different they were able to capture it well. We told them we wanted something like from the movie 500 days of Summer coz that was the movie we 1st fell in love with each other( although some of my friends think thAt i was aiming for Twilight coz i had a crush on Edward and watched it many times haha!). Oh and The Notebook was another inspiration >_< These two are my most favourite.
( my blackbook The Notebook haha! I just cant get enough of romantic movies).

The day start early and our photographer requested for an early start so we can capture some scene as sun started to raise but because it was really hot that week we didnt manage to be that early. I did a simple makeup on my own, my brother tag alone with us so he can help to record some behind the scene action and we also bring along some props of our own for the 'park scene', for something like from the movie..and ballons! For someone that has little tolerence with belon haha i survived it!! (the trick is the ballons used had been rub or smear with special gel so it will not 'meletup' that easy).
We had 2 change of clothes and 3 different area for different scene and all took approx 5 hours.
And the end results ? We love it so much and we glad that we had booked MoM for this.

It is good to have a concept to begin with and it helps to warm up a little with ur photographer. A good photographer should be able to guide u with poses, where to shoot, where should look, where u should stand even if he ask u to move like little centimeter to left... and know what sort of natural light best to capture the best moment for u. We had 2 awesome guy for this photoshoot and we got variety of options from poses to candid moments and mood.
How much we enjoy it? , we still talked about it till today and secretly browsing the picture when no one was looking at the office :-p ok probably just me.

Notes and points ,
Do wear makeup for the shoot if u do want to look ur best.
Outfit best if its contrast with ur surrounding.
Yes ! Do ur homework on the concept , save and email or show it to ur photographer so they have some idea. And most important of All , have fun with it :-) it will show in the picture .

Some of the behind the scene photos ....

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29

2011-05-19T02:28:00.000-07:00

Should i or should i not bring and exchange hantaran kat masjid ?
If at home when rombongan tiba after majlis nikah ... how will the flow be ?
Selamat or not biar hantaran at the living hall when everyone busy entertaining people outside ?

Ok too excited viewing all the pictures from the pre-wedding so nanti dulu la fikir for the above.
>_<

30

2011-05-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

i just can't believe it is only 1 month away!
Feeling ? excited but slightly panic sebab mcm tetiba lost , feels like there is so much to do but i can't seem to think of any..things are all over the place..if people ask me if need any help pon..as i quickly go through the list in my head at that moment...all i can think of...things almost done so no need help much now.
Teet!! wrong again...still there is some little little need need sorting and doing.
My good friend the black book not helping also okk...probably because i was avoiding it so that i don't panic.
So padan muke for panic-ing now.
--__--

Run through summary so far....
I am glad that all cards is now ready and i need to start distributing!
All my wedding attire is now safely at home with me.
I got what i want for decoration items during the reception at night. A good hunt while on business trip to Bangkok last week. Now i can be at peace and no need to perah idea what to do with the decoration.
Yuhuu to that! and kudos to my vely goodie bff for finding it!
We did our pre-wedding photoshoot ysterday!and it was super fun!
All legal items and tok kadi , Alhamdullilah settle.

Oh the pre-wedding ?!
I just love it! >_<

By : Ministry of Moment

2011-04-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

Love , Dreams & Eternity

DiY Photobooth - What ? Where ? and How ?

2011-04-28T02:35:00.000-07:00

I am still a undecided and lil' bit confused of whether to have a DiY photo-booth for the night reception.
hmmm should i ??
The closer the wedding , this bride seem to move back and forth on the concept.

Don't you think it is super cool and pretty and sweet to have something like below at your wedding or to your friend / relative wedding ?

Right ?!

I have just bought polka dot soft pink and dark brown which i did think of using the fabric (either one kot) for this purposes.
but then where to hang ?
if i were to hang and have a photobooth....
a) it must be at an area that the guest will lalu and nampak and know what it is for...
b) since i want something that also allow my guests to write in my guestbook so must be place where the pintu masuk to the ballroom.
c) and where i want to place it also must not make people susah to pass-by.

While "wedding-gooling" i found a very useful tips from a bride.

Lessons learned for future brides:
1) Create a sign to direct guests to your photobooth, let your DJ know in advance to announce it, several times.
2) If you are doing it yourself, make sure to order too much fabric, it’s better than not enough.
3) If possible, have a handout to let guests know where they can see the images later.
I say all of these things because I didn’t do them. And while I really love the images we did get, most guests didn’t know about the photo booth since it was in a separate room at our venue. Signs are great. Make signs.

Then how do they hang it ?

a) Find a free space area where you can hang it.
b) Kain jgn la kedekut else jadi mcm gambar kat atas keluar frame.
c) Add some fun props - my case i want them to write something for the newly-wedd oh and ya loh maybe have to prepare some 'pre-ready just use me and snap easy peasy messages'.
d) Appoint someone with camera friendly hand to help you with snapping the picture!
e) Also important appoint someone friendly and can ajak your relatives / friends / stranger to take a photo + message.

Awww mcm best.. and don't seem like too much hasle to do right.

All i need is an area , fabric , camera , something to write on / written and a friendly smile!

don't seem to be a problem if based on the item above , but just to be sure of everything ...probably i would need to re-think because :
a) IF i could get a proper area
b) will this compliment to the whole reception
c) will the guest be cool enough to snap and write something for me.
d) will it work ??

erks!

Things to settle !

2011-04-27T00:56:00.000-07:00

Tik Tok! April almost come to an end and i can't believe how relax i have been over wedding this past couple of weeks - so not!!
Let see what i have done so far and what are the things pending to be settle for the next 2 weeks.

1. Legal stuff and confirmation for tok kadi - this week JB!
2. Night reception door gift - 50% completed and i need to settle all of this by this month including for VIP.
3. DiY corsages - 1st week May to complete.
4. Prepare and draft storyboard for picture / video slideshow.

Since i will be back home for the weekend , i will need to vision and plan for
a) how the bridal will look like and plan to do
b) home makeover - not entirely makeover probably new paint job and how to arrange the family hall upstairs.

My ideas for the room would be :

since i can't remember where did i get some of the picture...my credit is all of the owner.

When the bride talk about her invitation

2011-04-25T01:51:00.000-07:00

I felt guilty merajuk lebih to him over issue with the reception's wedding invitation for both sides - clashes of taste and opinion between the bride and her future mother in law.
The bride , Me.
Well , i was upset of how he decided to go separately instead of combining both reception in 1 card just because the design and how the card turn out somehow strongly disagree by the future mother in law .. after whole night of thinking and absorbing and understanding his situation to stay ground and in the middle of satisfying between a mother taste and his lover choice ... i take his offer and go ahead of having the card i wanted.

The plus point is i get the card i wanted with his help >__<
and not so good for him is i'm punishing him by not revealing or even share how the card will turn out / design and end product until i have on my hand.

Well , safe to say that the Nikah and home reception invitation collected and ready to be distributed.
Simple yet sweet , according to my wedding color theme and within what i have budgeted.
Let's see if the reception invitation will turn out better this time.

Honeymoon more..

2011-04-24T00:19:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging away while waiting for my sister to pick me up then off to hopefully final fitting for my nikah baju and reception baju then us siblings will spending our sunday riding ATV for fun.

We have safely secured - paid and settle for our honeymoon.
Much contemplating there since we actually have 2 holiday that yet to go - one airline tickets purchased but ground tour have yet to be decided and the other ground travel ready since we got it for free but airline have yet to book.
Initially we plan to travel to India and visit the golden triangle of India early of the year since that was the best time to visit India when the weather was cold but due to work commitment both of us had to postponed our trip.
Visiting India in June is not a good option especially for honeymoon since was informed by my vendor temperature can go up to 40 degree. So probably year end we will try to make it happen.

Second option was to visit China , we got 5days tour package for free. Having to have visit Beijing last year , best to go is during winter time so probably we will plan this for early next year and probably Shanghai , Tianjin , Guangzhou or Guilin.

In the end , since we never pampered ourself with a bit of luxury during our past travel , we decided 'luxury' somewhere in Asia for the honeymoon.
..and it's a beach holiday!
Will write more after the wedding.

Planning for honeymoon is.....

2011-04-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

Super fun!

2011-04-18T04:29:00.001-07:00

We are t.w.o m.o.n.t.h.s away

When you need to take care of YOU

2011-04-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

In beauty magazines, they would probably advice that u need at least 6 months to begin taking care of ur beauties especially ur skins, face, some body even hair.. I when my ticker is only 3months away only i take it more seriously.
Seriously would mean i MUST do for me.
Sleeping late at night dont really help and not taking any supplement also seems like not doing any good for me.
Added stress from preparing thesis 2 to be submitted finally last week - work + melayan perangai staff yg ended kite kena siapkan keje dia - finally aunty 'flow' come to visit with not so interesting gifts...imagine chocolate chips cookies on me.

Until couple of 'you need to go for facial' many times then only i finally do it , once so far.

I dont have issues with needing to loose some weight , i need to gain some ... Ok MORE >_<
That i dont really worry so much...but my skin especially my face yang not so healthy THAT i am more concern off.

My normal beauty regime will consist of cleanse - scrub at least twice a week, tone and moisturize which the product i have been using is what i hVe been using gentle for my skin, youthful is what i'm aiming for and mostly off rhe shelf brand. Little that i know my skin needed more.

3 months to go i notice i have more chocolate chips aka freckles and brown spots ...then Little red hat aka tiny tiny pimple start to appear .. oh no and it didn't end there.. Then start pulak i notice ada kulit mengelupas which i tot at first because of the extra scrubing.

I then start to invest a lil bit more and start to seek for a better product specifically to help me to have my 'sparkle' before the very day.
Youthful means paying attention to what your skin need - me hydration + repairing + spot correction so hence the products for day and night.
If my beauty regime before says "my skin need to breath at night" so that is why i dont wear any night cream before.. Teet!! Wrong i need to now everytime just before i sleep to protect and seal.

Let see if this will give good return back to me before the big day. So far i have feel some difference.

Did you know that what cause the biji biji just beneath ur eyes is because of facial wash because the skin below the eyes is more sensitive and thin compare the rest of your face that this cause the oil gland to sumbat.
I wad told to clean the eyes by wiping with makeup remover gently first even if u are not wearing make up then just rinse the eyes with tap water and no need facial cleanser. Avoid facial wash in the eyes area. This will help to reduce the appearance of the biji biji di bawah and on kelopak mata.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Wedding prep with mommy

2011-04-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Mommy is here for the weekend to hunt for things for the wedding.
Mission is to get all of the item below :
~~1. Living room langsir~~
2. Room langsir *
~~3. Organza bag for nikah guest gift change to decorated plastic pouch~~
4. Eclairs chocolate borong ( anyone got good idea where i can get less than RM12 per balang if i need 30-40balang).
5. Transparent box that kan fit my VIP gift Still couldn't find with the right side.
~~6. Cheap pinkish bercorak ribbon for gift wrapping.~~

Her Nikah Concept

2011-04-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

Seems like yesterday my engagement >__<
(he might think "he felt like lamaaanye engage")

Work has been crazy for the past weeks and studying while working doesn't help either.
Finally today dapat la breath sikit lepas submit finally my master project paper part 2...oh next presentation then end of the month exam plak...ok let's not go there yet -__-

Let's talk my wedding prep.
First of all , i am so happy that my ramblings of my wedding preps buat my girlfriends excited !
yang dh kahwin pon nak kahwin lagi - correction : celebrate X years anniversary ke and yang still single rasa lagi pressure..erkkss coz there is so many to prepare.
2 of my soul girlfriends only have i think less than 3months to plan to whole thing!!

they are superwoman!

like i said ... if i was in their shoe..i'll go Gaga crazy.

So , where am i so far...

I was thinking of getting all the below concept for my Nikah cum Reception at home nanti during the day.
I don't want elaborate decoration just something that look and feel sweet , fresh and romantic.

My Inspiration board - color , items , concept everything sum up below.

Some of the ideas of decoration and DiY i want to have for the day includes ( hopefully i have the power , help , resources and kerajinan to make it happen)...

Indoor - for my Solemnization

No mini pelamin and i just want fresh flower as background inspired by a recent engagement ceremony of a friend.
Have mini pillows to fill the corners where i will be seating.
Flower of choice - dusty roses , soft pink daisy , white daisy and

Outdoor - for my home reception

Soft colored shades of daisy as flower center piece recycling my brother wedding vase.
Add red apple as table center piece so guest can come and have an apple
Dusty pink table covers as theme

Hang the lantern along the patio and carporch
Draps of ribbon in between lantern
Decorating the mangoe tree with organza ribbons
Flower along the path way leading to the VIP main table

a girl that want her wedding to be sweet , memorable to her and everyone that share the very special moment in her life..

Daisy cost much cheaper than other type of flower and it can last long...and you can plant and it will grow even cucuk batang sahaja.
Lantern ribbons easy for me to buli my family to gantung gantung since Arwah daddy have design a very nice car porch that where you can see the kayu kayu of the bumbung.
I know that there is high chances that during the solemnization many people want to see so to maximize the hall space no need pelamin plus save budget since i will be only seating on it for maybe 1hour tops.

All pictures credits to Kudegraphy,MinistryofMoment , Chenta Weddings, Fad Manaf , Aida's Engagement and google images.

Late night rambling

2011-04-04T08:51:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it is now 2 months 2 weeks away. Felt like i'm still behind on things which i have not secure printing for all reception cards yet....and i think the layout for the night reception need to be change.
Booking for all important items all checked so far but i haven't settle my wedding legal arrangement lg.
Should i panic Now?!

When la can balik jb to settle this ?

--__--

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My baju are ready!

2011-03-23T01:34:00.001-07:00

Got a call today frm Oscar that both my baju 'dah siap'!
Excited for fitting which x tau lg bile ... And which my lil sis bridesmaid kain pon blom beli lg eerk !
So Shaleen if u reading this , we need to go shopping asap !

Hairy got merrier!

2011-03-15T02:16:00.000-07:00

I have not give much attention to how i want to wear / style my hair during my wedding reception.
So far the styles that i have in mind ... so far that i have not cross or delete ...

..for home reception during the day....
i wanted something that give me the effortless classic look that allow to play around with my wavy hair.

Soft curly neat low bun with flower to the side

again all soft neat curl in a bun


all hair pull to the back

...during the night reception
I wanted something playful , eye catching and adorable.

let see to that.

On another note, i have manage to nail all the reception gift for both reception so now i can happily sketch that off from my list! Getting the door gift right is somehow the most important to other than the food during the kenduri la of course ( which i don't have worry) because i do want people to appreciate and like what will be given. So i got the door gift that i wanted. Yeay there!! and i also got a good one to replace my plan B gift to something that i like too. Yeay again! I just don't want something that the guest would just throw away and instead they can use it for everyday usage.
Am super excited and can't wait to start wrapping!

* picture credit to theknot.com

My conversation with Mom today

2011-03-07T01:37:00.000-08:00

Mom : " Mum wil also scout 4 d door gifts n c kalau ada berkenan k.

Me : " Aik heheh the xxx with candies x best ke? bla.bla.bla

Mom : " Oh 2 me ok jua tapi though u yg x happy he he, xxx tu ok....stick to it k.

" Ya n 2 make sure tak mudah pecah bila tersentuh! U take care n always tidor cukup n do some

exercise 4 good circulation hehe".

Isn't mom is the sweetest

>__<

Looking for a house in Shah Alam ?

2011-03-03T19:20:00.000-08:00

this will be closed until further notice since Alhamdullilah i have a buyer now that in the process of proceeding to S&P

To date i've gone through buying a new property , selling and Insyallah we will be getting our new home from a seller. If you need any advice or query , i would glad to help and share my experience.

Just drop be a mail >-<

I bought the house years back when it is still under development and since the house has completed and ready to be occupy anytime ( neighbor semua busy renovating) i decided to sell it and giving way rezeki for other couple to own it.
I bet those that has been doing house searching would agree that price rumah now are wayyyyyyy high nowdays so owning a landed property are difficult nowdays ( lucky you if you earning 6digits figure 0_0 ).
Tell me , even a nice decent condo selling from 350k reaching up to 400k above and lagila landed property.
I decided to sell it since with the new job location , traveling from Shah Alam is not really helping me financially and have bought another property somewhere closer to the heart of KL recently ( cutting cost to pay loan repayment).

If any of you are looking for a home to build your family , trust me this is a perfect place to begin with especially for those working or looking for one in Shah Alam / Subang Jaya proximity. Even some of my friend are buying landed house in Klang that also cost almost 300k nowdays.

Here goes , New Development by Lebar Daun @Bukit Bandaraya Shah Alam sec U11.

Double Storey house with build up of 2200sf.

Size : 24x70

5 minutes away from Pusat Bandar Shah Alam , Concorde Shah Alam and UITM.

Just next to bukit Cahaya / Taman Pertanian.


Front of the house , car porch can fit 2 cars side by side.

Behind of the house facing luch green scenery.

View from front entrance to the dining area. Huge space!


This is the adv for the upcoming phase which with the same design like mine cost 490k now.

If you are interested , please don't hesitate to email to me shabanamaneesa@gmail.com
I'm selling it at a much lower cost than the newly develop phase which you will save a lot and no need to wait for another 2 years. I have couple of selected banks that are able to provide 90% loan for this house so you don't need to worry about financing.
Based on my experience , the price of property are going up as the years go so if you planning to own one better sooner than later right.

hint : that phone number is my agent number , bukan saya menjual bagi pihak sesiapa >-<

Wedding gift or what we call 'berkat'

2011-03-03T00:49:00.000-08:00

i'm having dilemma in choosing the wedding gift for nikah cum reception at home.
Plan A was to only have probably 400 invites for Nikah & home reception which the number now double up yeay! 800 invites.
-_-
why so many ? because mom don't want nanti ada sedara mara yang complaint didn't get jemputan to the wedding like during my brother wedding since the reception is mainly for friends and acquittance that is very limited.

i love love to give the guest for home reception Ikea spice jar with candies in them but this would outrun my budget for 800pax.
Still half the cost of wedding gift compare to my brother's wedding but because i have another reception with probably 3++ people coming later that night , i have to redo my budget calculation....

Asking my mom of her opinion , emailed to her with picture and prices list...

"Sha the list below does not tally with the attached picture...Nway, the one with the butterfly looks ok but the price may be a bit expensive...The bottle tak yah takut jatuh and pecah....This is for the relatives mainly...you tak nak include the Yassin? "

"errr.... probably not mommy.. nanti lari lagi budget"

Plan A picture source Wedding by Sher

Plan B picture by Marry Me Deco

Wedding baju in the making

2011-03-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

I bet some of you mesti ada folder filled with that baju that you like or that hairdo or that decor and stuff maybe even way before you actually ever think of getting married, just because you love every little thing about wedding.
Nah! at least flipping through women's maganizes with folded over corners pointing for you to mark the pages for easy referencing right ?

I used to do that when flipping for ideas for baju kurung , modern , nice material , style to attend weddings and function. First I folded the corner of specific pages , then konon more organized i made myself a sketch book where i kumpul all baju design in one book(potong and tampal--last last potong sumbat selit je dlm sketch book)...tapi in the end semua dibuang becoz style lama x bole nk buat utk 2 years after.. last year design are so outdated.
-__-

So when the time comes for me to decide my wedding baju - what i want to wear during my nikah ? what kind of style i want for my reception in jb ? how about KL reception ?
i go blank.
Like seriously.
......
Start la flipping magazine , google - save - delete , mark here and there ... blank.

My nikah baju , deciding it almost take me forever , when i have kinda 'like' a design ... in the end mesti bila tgk balik i cancel or delete. The material was given by him during engagement and when we choose the material i tought i already sedure a style in mind - a simple baju kurung modern which i taught senang la nak pakai balik lepas kahwin.
The material is a full beaded chiffon cukup untuk top and kain - senang so no need to do extra bead work konon nak cut cost. Then when it come to finalize if this is the style 'baju kurung modern' i want for my nikah outfit ... i hesitated.

When can u wear back baju kurung modern off white ? the style and cutting is everlast tapi in white ? maybe if i get invited to a white wedding where the guest are free to wear white.

I always love the idea that bride should wear white on their wedding day - no offence but that i see what makes brides extra special.

Kurung modern ? hmm i have many already.

Then i'm back to zero.
Cute.

Start balik googling and researching i began to notice that i kinda drawn to this one style. i search back my old folder 'berangan' baju and found that i already develop a like to long body fitted one dress that has this classic twist to it. Tapi tak terfikir memula that what if i have this design for my nikah baju.Always wanted one and finally getting one ! for my wedding. I created an idea board before finalizing the design to my potential dress maker.
and tada!!
i came with this !

I got the design i want but who shall i send it too that i trust can do good job for my dream dress.
I did my search in Shah Alam most bridal boutique , starting upah jahit alone 800 onwards but the tailor or designer are always not around in the boutique, so i need to set appointment to sit and discuss.
I also did think of having maybe a designer to do my baju tapi to think of it , better save a bit.
Who shall i send it to then?
Then came Oscar from Lagenda in mind after reading good review of his work.
Off i went and he was there. For me he is easy to work with , very friendly and the price quoted very reasonable. Adalah masa scouting and asking around for tailoring work in shah alam agak stress jugak coz sometimes sakit hati bila tanye price or estimated cost , the boutique assistant tak sure harga.. bila ckp full beaded kain oh there will be extra additional cost which they don't know. tup tup cost jadi 1k+.
I do understand bukan nak salahkan them but the tailor or designer is not in the house.
Tapi with Oscar , dari masuk boutique sampai we sit and discuss and he came out with the idea it was smooth and he make me feel comfortable to work with him so that is a plus for me.
So if you ladies have not found any tailor yet , do try check him out.
I did see some of the work he is currently working on - dresses and baju wedding in the making for other bride and i know Insyallah my baju will turn out well.
There is this one dusty pink full sulam dress very english old school sangat la cantik he is currently working on. Masa tu wished i could come earlier and saw the type of kain , i might nak the same type of material > < .

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T01:15:00.000-08:00

credit here

Most favourite trend

2011-02-21T23:19:00.000-08:00

I love blog-hopping for ideas and inspiration and not forgetting all the good tips b2b have shared!Very good right!

...and i came to notice there's a trend growing in brides in Malaysia.

Let see the top 5 most favourite trend for bride in Malaysia nowdays.

1. Candy buffet at your reception

Something like what whitelacetaleweddings has to offer.

picture credit from google.com

2. Pre wedding / post wedding theme photo-shoot

picture credit to ministry of moment

3. Save the date video that is so creative

...and costly too > <

4. A wedding dress designed by our very own talented designer.

all pictures credit of the designer , click on their name for link.

You name it , from a unique design just for you which most of the brides opted for their nikah baju to reception dress. I think less bride are opting on renting the the baju especially nikah.
I adore Qudyn's and Nik Erwan's creation and not forgetting that most ex bride to be have Rizman's for their wedding baju.
Notice the trademark of Rizman Ruzaini's creation on the skirt of Ayu Raudah ?

5. DIY photo-booth
which i am planning to one for my reception!
Some of the idea i'm looking is to incorporate this DIY photobooth theme to my DIY photo book too!
I so cannot wait.

What all of these trend have in common ?

Most brides are more and more inspire to have a more personal touch and more english - western concept to incorporate with our adat perkahwinan.

Beginning of 3 months away

2011-02-21T01:24:00.000-08:00

Alhamdullilah another checklist settle - The Kursus Kahwin.
So all i need now to wait is for the exact 3 months to come and for me to start on the legal stuff.

What 3 months away???

Almost every bride would say 3months before is the beginning to the bridezilla the making because well if you have not start any your booking or planning or coordinating etc…well i think you should be panic now.

Exception case for those have wedding planner to help you for your wedding..smart move :-)

Looking at my ticker i can’t believe how fast time just go by day by day and now i’m 3 months + away! Excited + slightly panic mode. 50% of the preparation are going according as plan.

Although i have planned for my brother wedding before but little by little being a wedding planner to your very own wedding consume it all from me! i got no no time to watch tv and always thinking of wedding idea this and that when i have like 5 minutes spare at work ...wedding is all i can think off ( ok with work stuff this and that) and how much thinking it make that i only have 1 checklist posted here ( ok guilty for neglegting!)

It consumes my time, my conversation with him is 95% wedding stuff ( i bet bridezilla is written all over my face or plastered on my forehead when he see me) my thoughts, my weekends .. erks!

I updated the checklist to now Nikah checklist - still a lot to do.
Nikah in the morning and a reception right after following adat perkahwinan of my dad side family.
Malabar wedding flow would normally be ....
Nikah --- bride's reception --- groom's reception with very little gap in between all in one day.
But i'm planning to have more personal touch to the wedding - family bergotong royong berkenduri for the preparation and i can't wait of how it would turn to be.
Butttttt what i was more excited is !!
My nikah baju !

It will be a long 1 piece dress , not much detailing except of how beautiful the material already is.
The material was given by him as part of our engagement hantaran - full beaded chiffon in off white.
I really hope it turn out to be just like what i wanted.
Tailored to Butik Lagenda , Maju Junction.

Click Me!

2011-02-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

Stuck and don't where to begin ?

or....

Seem's like you keep forgeting what needed ? what i miss ?

or....

you just that something to have all in one ?

Hey , this might help

>-<

Click Me!

Almost all you need from Uncle Google.com

Bridal boutique drama

2011-02-06T23:24:00.000-08:00

I almost cried , well air mata dh bertakung dh pon sebenarnye when i met with this among the famous bridal house in JB last Thursday.
It is really upsetting and disappointing when you feel you have settle things of finally choosing the vendor you want , bole la pulak they revise the price.
Lucky that i did not put any deposit for it.
I sit discuss with the staff twice! The 1st was to check out their work and based on the pictures , comments from friends and other vendor they do have an awesome work to make a plain simple rundown place to be your dream wedding. After hunting for a few , we decided to pick them since A* Bridal do offer wedding planning service.

2nd attempt of visiting them again , this time i draw my sketch of what i want it to be - no pelamin , just to decorate the main table with flowers and cover the stage backdrop with white cloth and maybe fairy light since they quoted based on some of the sample they did in the hall with pelamin berborder lengkap approx 2k+. Ok mine should be cheaper coz they only need to do the flower and some skirting etc.

3rd time i went with my mother , i can't believe my eyes they quoted me 6k! just for what i ask for.Choices of flower gerbera , white orchid and roses , skirting , plain backdrop to cover the stage.6K!
Just because my reception will be in a hotel does not mean that i willing and can spend that much for a simple decoration.
Fine , the assistant ask me to sit and discuss with the planner her/himself so maybe price will be much lower.
Then , as i told them before that i'm working in JB so i don't get to be back that often bole la suruh datang jumpa planner on weekdays! i can't do weekdays especially when just to discuss and getting the quotation right.

Not only that , i plan to also rent the reception attire from them.
Initially on my 2nd visit , i did asked what would the price be if i want to rent and make a new baju with my design and i will be the 1st to wear it.
The 1st assistant that co-ordinate with me for my 1st and 2nd visit quoted RM900 for new one to rent.
Trust me i did ask many times if that is the correct price because in KL it is way expensive. As for tailoring and i bring my own material about 1.5k+ depending on the design.

But since the assistant that co-ordinate with me have resign , this new assistant when i ask how much ( i asked the same question without giving out what was the price the other assistant told me) she quoted RM1.5k!!
then i told her , before it was RM900 - her answer was "Oh , 900 is only if you take package".
I was like " ok , if decoration recep pon i amik that would consider package la kan. "
She said " tak , you kena amik makeup , pelamin etc".
WTH!!
I don't know about other brides experience , especially in JB dah la susah nk cari a good one with other than style lama nye taste / ideas tapi ni kejap cakap harga lain and bila tanye lagi harga revise lagi.

Then i just stood up , ok i ask for my sketches and told her i will be in touch if i want to proceed.
There and then , i was about to cry - i cannot tahan.Cepat2 pack my black book and ajak my mom to jom balik.
Even my mom can see her daughter about to cry and understood my frustration.
My mom give a word and two and we left.
I decide to sketch A* Bridal from my list terus.

Then off we go to the 2nd Bridal house Jendela Impian, which is quite famous for quotation.

Tips : Jumpa planner terus , not through assistant coz kejap quoted harga lain then harga lain and now harga lain.

How to make your own string ball

2011-01-28T00:55:00.000-08:00

oh yea i found this , will see if i can do this!

(for someone yg takut belon , i have to brave myself to do this! yikes!!)

You can read it from here!

While i was searching for a theme and some DIY

2011-01-25T01:33:00.000-08:00

Geez i have not been updating

(slap forehead!)

I just love bloghopping , writing tips of what i can find from ex-brides and brides to be , useful inspiration link that i forgot to update mine. So what happen is when i find something that i like or something that give me the bumps of wanting to have that for my wedding ... i save the picture and then forget where i get it.. even i forgot that i did save that picture before!

I think i might have wedding madness fever!

So some of the pictures that i Google and stumble upon are mostly DIY efforts and inspiration coz i just love doing DiY thinggy for a wedding.It make the whole wedding even more special. We did that for my brother wedding reception at home. Some DIY are good because it save up the cost of having to have your decorator to do it. I decided to do it myself since benda2 kecik to decorate sana sini pon , bridal house charge me mahal.Disappointed ok.

To begin with , i'm looking for a theme for the Nikah ceremony cum reception.

Color has been set , but i'm looking something to tie the whole ambiance together.

Vintage Feel of having your book and wrap with brown paper as centerpiece.

But i can't do this for mine because we will serving dome set for the VIPs at home.

Outdoor decoration inspired from this !

We have this big mango tree at the side of the garden , i tot of adding that romantic of hanging ribbons like below.

I saw this too but i'm not so sure which and where should i have this.

I think all i need is a printer and ice cream stick and walla! a DiY fan...

tapi kang mesti makcik2 and pakcik kurang appreciate benda mcm ni.

I think most of the bride are doing something like a photo booth area.

Since i won't be having any bersanding for the reception at night , i might consider a special area for this.

Quirky fun photoshot idea

Oh hey , i think i might get something i'm looking for!

Something sweet , romantic and flowy!

My Little Black Book

2010-12-23T19:34:00.000-08:00

A Virgo woman can be described as charming, witty, realistic, honest, organized, dedicated, helpful, gentle and perfectionist. These are some of the strong points of a Virgo woman. However, she may also have some weaknesses. She may be restless, nervous and worried, dogmatic, cranky and irritable, etc., and at times, too critical.

source : here.

As some of the character may be a strong point to Virgo-ian but it may also serve as weakness to a b2b like me. As much as people can sometimes sees me as perfectionist , OCD ( yea my partner in life and crime calls me that and even my soon to be hubby too!! ) , very organized and can go kaput easily if out of control and dedicated - i am so lacking in that area ... having all those in me i somehow pity my soon to be hubby.

Imagine how i might be crazily fussy , work according to plan and if let say something not in my plan or as part as what i expected , he need to have all his shield up and armor ( asap!) because what comes next is totally unpredictable - bridezilla on the loose!

As much as i can say i am dedicated in planning my dream wedding

I have so many of my choices that i reviewed one by one to have the best for both of us from refraining to have a big hole in our pocket and to have what we both dream of...

With my almost organized skill that , this file would somehow make my soon to be hubby ran for his life ..

But this bride is happily tagging along her new best friend , i have it with me where ever i go even bringing it with me to my grandmother's in Sabah for Christmas break...

My dedication , organized and not so perfectionist , my new best friend !

My Little Black Book

Tips :

Delicious will ease you to organize your favorites and good thing about this is , you can access your tag / bookmark /favorites even you are not using your own computer. All you need is to log in and walla! it listed all your link in a page.
Have a book with you or as most bride to be like us ( hello B2B bloggers!!) to keep track , jot down , as reference for you.
Track your expenses and budget to not go over budget. This is especially useful when you will sponsor for your own wedding or you have a certain budget. I use the same template i have from my brother wedding and it has been very useful so we know how much we spent and how much the cost to everything. Psstt ~~ it also serve as a checklist.

Weekend 101 - The race begin

2010-12-22T01:14:00.001-08:00

The nikah date and both reception date is now confirmed , it is save to say that i can now turn to be a bridezilla!!
Having a wedding ticker doesn’t really help because ..
1. You see time is ticking and seem like there is still so much to do
2. You will get all panic of the things you need to do and settle that you often screams to your fiancé because you get all panic.
3. You can’t stop panic-ing. So the thing that do the trick for is to completely ignore the ticking bomb! ( dush! can’t really ignore it , can i)

So over the weekend , both of us and my mom we occupy our self searching high and low in JB for the venue reception and bridal shops. I would want my mom not to worry about the wedding prep and to have almost everything sorted out and planning to go as smooth sailing as possible.

The good thing about my our wedding is having a very.. very helpful fiance that help me along the way from planning , suggesting , doing the homework together and delegating task everything !! you name it.
I am so lucky to have him as my man ( aww hunny you meant the world to me!) He sorted out the video grapher and photographer for me. Both of us have our taste and Alhamdullilah we are very much alike in that area. He has been very helpful in torturing me with his ideas ( joking !) we exchange ideas and some of the venue in JB , he did the searching and emailing for quotation etc.
I am so blessed!

As for my mother , i am thankful to have a very understanding mother that understand this is the wedding her daughter want and are very helpful in a way when i need that stern adult observation when we go venue hunting , asking some of the details that i might miss out and throwing her opinion on things. She don’t mind whatever i want for the wedding as long as not to forget to jaga hati relatives.

The outcome of the weekend hunt is there’s 2 venue that i insanely love but unfortunately only 1 make the cut coz the other one out run my wedding budget.
Potential MUA for JB and potential pelamin for both at home and reception.

Here’s to JB brides out there , sewa baju for pengantin kat bridal house / boutique JB is way cheaper than in KL.
So if you are thinking of renting , no harm to survey around in JB just in case you found something to your liking – cut the cost in half! I might consider this but have not yet found the right baju yet.
I did a bit of suvey in KL , sepasang baju reception will cost around RM1500-RM1800 which include accessories but in JB , sepasang baju will cost around RM700-RM800.

Photographer oh! Photogprapher

2010-12-14T01:23:00.000-08:00

A huge camera freak that has now retired ..
( i seldom take any pictures now days - hmm..much be not goody camera)

* hunny i love you!!

So when it was time to select which photographer for our weddings , it is the ~~most~~ among important decision that bride need to do. Well , if you simply get someone just because of the very cheap price they offer or perhaps you happen just want to grab the promotion or freebies they are offering without doing your own studies if the picture are the one you looking for... well mungkin ada yang tergigit lidah menyesal kemudian hari.

I do know some might not consider this as long as there is a photographer that can point , shoot and capture your wedding with consideration to save cost.
I'm not saying that this is the wrong reason to do so - but there is a better way to do it.
I always remember that , the preparation for a wedding may take a year , months before the very day that drain your energy , mentally and some even emotionally not forgetting some damages to your pocket >< .
But as soon as the wedding day is over , jeng jeng jeng these pictures .. moments capture by your selected photographer is responsible to freeze these memories sampai ke tua kerepot.

So choose the photographer that you like and..... the key is .... within your budget.
My partner and i , we did our homework and we listed the photographer that available in the market .. example in JB and we view they profile , blog , FB to see and evaluate if their style is what we looking for.
Then from the shortlisted candidate , we then evaluate based on our budget.

...and i'm happy to say that we found the perfect one for us .... that is within our budget among these below.

First wedding hunting

2010-12-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

We really occupy ourself with wedding stuff hunting over the weekend.
Initially was to get the look and feel and to check out the prices and options that we have , which turn out more of "sakit dada" to both of us.
Why ? because with the demand of photographer based on the date of the wedding that we pick happen to be a hot date for other couples , we were advised to book your photographer / videopgrapher quick so that jangan menyesal kemudian hari.
Then when we was accompanying F-MIL for some bunga telur hunting ended we went to check out for my wedding ring and jewellery in Habib's. Guess what they are on SALE! that leave us serba salah should we or not get the ring first or not.
Next come the question to rent or not for reception baju for the bride and which tailor should i send for my nikah baju ? the price they quoted and the design that we are looking for .. ok i have to admit i was a wee bit stress. I don't even know was it too soon to make a booking now and send the baju now ?

Oh please help!

Checklist – part 1

2010-12-02T00:54:00.001-08:00

Initially this blog was created to document my preparation for my brother wedding that i DIY everything myself but i was so busy ~~malas~~ that i only updated for one entry.
(Slap own forehead!)
How i delay all the rest of the entry without realizing that i am also behind in planning my own...EHEM yes my wedding is only 6months away!!
What 6 months ??!
(Slap own forehead! and try not to panic)

Clearly i didn’t even prepare anything except for setting the date (hopefully won’t be change since i can’t take it if the wedding gonna be lesser than number 6 ). The first thing i did when i see the big “6” is finding out what are the things that i need to do and prepare.
I am such a procrastinator.

So , here is my checklist – part uno

6 months before wedding…
Set your wedding date	June 2011 for all.
Discuss with bb and mom on the concept of the wedding :	JB - Modern sweet romantic KL - Malay traditional
Scout out reception sites in your area until you find the perfect reception location :	JB – will need to do this month and start surveying. KL – booked and confirmed! (my future MIL & FIL is super efficient).
Set a budget	Hopefully everything will go smoothly and i have the budget i want without the need to trouble my mom.
Begin the guest list	will get it going after this..
Choose your wedding colors (if you haven't already), taking into account the existing decor of your ceremony and reception spaces	Nikah : will need to start thinking and discuss with mom. JB reception : soft pink + black + cream (haven’t finalize) KL reception : silver and baby blue
Brides: Start your wedding dress search. Begin by looking at pictures of wedding dresses online and in magazines.	Nikah : have the kain but haven’t figure out the design. JB : to buat or to sewa ? KL : will be renting but haven’t figure out concept.
Start investigating any family wedding customs or cultural traditions you might want to incorporate into your ceremony or reception.	Nikah : will be wearing henna JB : -maybe to have my dad’s family tradition of kompang style. -no bersanding. -a dance area for poco etc.. KL : merenjis and bersanding.
Envision your wedding invitations. Look at invite photos and decide who will make your wedding invitations	Planning for a 1 for all card to all majlis. DIY reserach require!
Research, interview, and get price lists from several wedding photographers in your area and local videographers	Bb : will discuss and decide which.. so far has gathered price listing from our favourite photographer.
Brides: Start thinking about what you want your bridesmaid dresses to look like. Search bridesmaid dress photos and make sure to get input from your girls	JB : ladies to walk in color concept. KL : my sister as maid of honor.
Kursus Kahwin	Bb : to book for 11th Dec 2011
Decide on hantaran items	7 berbalas 9 dulang. Item to be discuss.

Due date : end of December will all answer to the above.

p/s : Dear B2B and readers , if you happen to be an ex bride or same like me panicking bride that will be having your wedding in JB , i would appreciate your thoughts and recommendation of venue in JB where i can have for a serving all in package other than hotels. Something similar like Merak Kayangan or Dewan Felda concept by D’Saji.

His Ring - Research

2010-08-24T00:21:00.001-07:00

Article extracted from http://www.titanium-jewelry.com/why-palladium-rings.html

White gold ring 14k = 58% of pure GOLD alloy with while metal alloys like nickel and rhodium.
So if white gold 18k = 75% of pure gold alloy with while metal alloys like nickel and rhodium.
Palladium= precious metal cheaper than platinum and harder than white gold. Palladium has better shine than white gold and since it is harder than platinum and white gold not all jewelers sell palladium ring.
Platinum sterling = 95% sterling silver with 5% of platinum. Cheaper than platinum.
What with the comparison of metal for His ring ?
1. Muslim men is not allowed to wear gold so white gold and even suasa is not allowed.
*Suasa has a little mix of gold to it.
2. Platinum is the most common option for men ring but for a cheaper option Palladium is a good alternative.
3. Instead of just sterling silver , opt for platinum sterling to give that extra durability for the ring.

Story of Kakaknya Si Wedding Planner - The Photo Area

2010-05-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

Not having pelamin for my brother wedding , didn't mean that there will be no photo area.

To cut and save some budget for the wedding , we opted to have a DIY mini pelamin cum photo area.
Initially we decided to have it at the car porch area so if it rains , we have the roof as shelter and it will be right in front of the main canopy and main gate.
As people enter , walla the photo area is there.

The 1st concept was ,
1. Buy a cleopatra seat
2. Office carpet in grey to be place at the photo area
3. Lots and lots of off white chiffon server as backdrop
4. Pomander flower as backdrop deco
5. Fresh flower

But we decide to withdraw this since , the 2nd option was more cost caving.

The 2nd option ,
1. Use the pergola and transform it to Balinese style - we have a siting area.
2. Hang paper lantern at the garden area with ribbons for a fusion feel - standing area in case pergola can't fit to all people.

The preparation for the photo area aka mini pelamin was only prepared 3days before the reception at our home.
We do not hire any decorator , it is more of a family and friends effort poured all in to make it a beautiful event for my brother.
The pergola decorated by my uncle from Sabah , decorated by my baby brother gf , my BFF and my cousins.
I would prefer to have the pergola to be just simple white and let the purple pomander flower to give a touch of color but my cousin who is also a wedding planner want to add more color.
Nanti kalau ckp 'tak nk jugak' kecik hati pulak , so i agree to it.
Nampak macam semak ada purple purple dot (which is actually bunga purple).

The Pergola - transform for mini pelamin

Pomander flower centerpiece

Next is the garden area that we only need to enhance of mum's beautiful garden.
The wired we tied high above the garden so the lantern will give an illusion of floating on air.
Who tied the wire ? the groom >> wajib kena buli dulu.
Then on Sat night , my partner and my cousin help to hang the paper lantern that i bought it from K. Shaja wedding boutique and my sister lantern 'kubis gantung'.
heheeh...we call it kubis sebab the green one really look like one.

We love how the whole area transform and to be able to have 2 option of photo area , it ease up the guest and you enjoy yourself during the whole photo shoot.
It was in all what we call a Fusion Garden Wedding..almost ^__^

The whole us siblings and our posses ^__^

The only challenge was to inform the people to walk to the side of the house for picture session..but all seems good.
Seronok bila org naik and walk to the garden and seronok bergambar2 and siap amik gambar of the decoration.
Some even think that we hire a professional decorator for all , but it was all the family effort ^__^

Story of Kakaknya Si Wedding Planner - The brainstorming

2010-05-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to share this prior to the wedding but i have no time to type anything few weeks before the wedding , so i will give the 'AFTER WEDDING' report.

Let me humbly begin with the brainstorming of the whole concept of the wedding.
As Dad passed away early of the year , we have decided to have Kenduri Kesyukuran at the ease of our own home rather than the normal wedding celebration. Since it will only be at our own compound area , its easy that we only need to book the caterer and for the reception canopies.

Pretty much the whole process of a Kenduri Kesyukuran cum wedding is DIY by us (supervise by me) as we all decide to make a simple garden wedding.
The reception marquee will be line up in front of the house and we don't want any pelamin for during the reception but we opted to still have a photo area.
The color concept for the whole wedding is lilac to give a fresh,sweet and garden theme feeling.

How DIY is DIY for the wedding ?
1. Door gift - wrapped DIYly
2. The photo area - transformed the Pergola and the garden area to a Fusion Bali theme
( almost i think O__O )
3. PA system - my younger brother assemble a PA system using my late father speaker and sound system + my brother guitar amp.
4. All flower arrangement DIY by my aunties the night before the reception including for all VIPs and main table (makan beradap).
5. Cake was decorated DIY by my sister.
6. The newlywedd room decorate DIY by me where we painted the room,arrangement,curtain which pretty much a makeover.
7. Photographer - FOC by my hunny and sister and friend.
8. Extra wedding invitation - created , printed and cutely tied with little ribbons by me since the 500 cards that my brother order is not enough.

The Wedding Aturcara
1000am : Arrival of relatives and family friends
1030am : Arrival of the Newlywedd and the Bride's Family
1045am : Begin Kenduri Kesyukuran
1115am : Start of Jamuan Makan
1200pm : Welcoming speech by Groom family
1230pm : Cake Cutting
0100pm : Photo session
0500pm : End of majlis

I never been to any Wedding Kenduri Kesyukuran before so i have a wee bit of trouble deciding how the flow should be. There are tiny hiccups during the wedding day itself but i will share about it in the next entry.Panic juga the whole family.
Alhamdullilah , it all turn out and the flow of the whole majlis was ok.

Normally when the newly arrives , tak kisah la pihak mana but there would be either it will be welcome by the sound of paluan kompang or selawat ke atas Nabi by the guest and as for us , mum do not want to make to much of a celebration that we opted to play soft and relaxing sound of music as the Bride & Groom arrives.

In summary , the wedding is meant to be as simple as it can be but yet memorable to the whole family and especially to the Bride & Groom.
IF you ask me , of what we have brainstorm for the concept ... i would not want to change anything.

A teaser of all the hardwork and from what we have brainstorm for ,
i present to you ...

A MINI GARDEN WEDDING

April Madness

2010-04-11T22:04:00.001-07:00

So much of wanting to help organizing my brother wedding ...
feels like there is still so much to do!

..and so it begin..

2010-03-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

Two months away for a wedding!
Very 1st wedding in the family.

My brother wedding and moi acting as the unofficial wedding planner 'bidang terjun'.

As point of reference for ownself to make it easy for me to tracking (vendors list) , is the reason why this blog is created , and i also hope that i will help others in planning your wedding ( probably i would able to give good infos - point of reference - ideas - tips which is none for now ) and also probably my views or what i came across with of embarking journey of migrating of 'I' to 'US'.