I miss the good ol' blogging days. When we were all obsessed with doing up our 'blogskins', and busy 'linking up' our friends and acquaintances on our blogs. The more friends we linked up, the more popular we felt. Oh tak eh? #dontbluff
I remember those days, when making an acquaintance or a friend out of someone you just met, you didn't ask them if they had Facebook or Instagram. No, you asked them if they had a BLOG.
Cause back then, reading was the shizzz. Reading about people's lives. No matter what broken language they blogged in; it was still reading. And we actually liked it.
I remember when asking "eh kau baca blog _ _ _ _ _?" was an opening line of a new topic. And it would've brought on a whole new interesting conversation.
I remember commenting on my friends' blogs and having them comment on mine. It was the only way we could keep up to date with each other's lives (apart from Friendster), and it was fun. Receiving comments was fun.
And we encouraged each other when either of us were lagging in their posts. We ENCOURAGED each other to write long-winded posts cause we wanted to read them.
And now... what do we do?
When we see a long-winded Facebook status, we comment "eh siak ah, dekni tulis composition pe?"
When we see a long-winded Instagram caption, we comment "eh malas pe aku nak baca dekni membebel?"
Whatever happened to us eh?
Let's bring it back, guys :(
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Sunday, 1 March 2015
My thoughts on 50 Shades of Grey
I like this story. I don't necessarily like the movie (I thought the flow of the movie wasn't all that smooth), and I don't necessarily like the writing style of the book either (lots of Anna's inner monologue; irritating), but I do like the story.
Not just like ah actually. I think I love it.
I can't help it. The story is so filled with revelations of Christian Grey's psyche, and I have to admit; the pseudo psychologist in me is more than intrigued.
There's so much more than meets the eye, and it irks me when it's dismissed as "porn" or "just about the sex", because it's not. It's so much more than that, and if you give it a chance, you'll realize that.
After reading the first two books NON-STOP (the pseudo psychologist in me would not let me put them down) and the synopsis of the third book, below is my take on the story.
Grey was neglected and mistreated as a young child. Grey's mother was a whore (his own words), who probably forgot to feed him a lot and didn't really care about his wellbeing (probable reason as to why he said he knows what it's like to be profoundly hungry). Being a whore, his mother's pimp was always hanging around the house, and this pimp mistreated Grey. He used Grey as an ashtray when he couldn't find one by putting his cigarettes out on the poor 3-4 year old child, and judging from Grey's flashbacks of his childhood, the pimp abused him as well when he was angry at Grey's mother for some reason or other.
And then Grey's mother killed herself. And 4-year-old Grey was stuck in the house with his mother's body for 4 days before they were found.
How can that not have a traumatic effect on a child?
Needless to say, Grey grew up with a lot of unexpressed anger and resentment, probably towards his mother for being unable to protect him from being mistreated, and also towards himself, probably hating himself for being born into a situation that he was unable to control - this could be the reason he "exercised control on all things, Miss Steele" when he got older.
As a youngster, of course Grey didn't know how to deal with his unexpressed anger towards his mother and situation, and ended up getting into a lot of fights at school, using his schoolmates as outlets for his anger. He didn't know any better.
Then at 15, a friend of his adoptive mother's introduced him to the BDSM lifestyle, and this is where Grey learned of a new outlet for his anger. For others practicing this lifestyle, it was probably just a sexual lifestyle that they preferred for whatever reasons, but for Grey, this lifestyle was not only pleasurable for him, but it also became his coping mechanism. While unable to control his situation as a young child, as an adult, he was able to control his submissives, which probably gave him what he needed to cope with his issues.
Grey also revealed later that his submissives all resemble his mother; apparently with long brown hair and fair skin. So he liked to beat ladies who resemble his mother. I guess that was his way of "punishing" "her" for the years of neglect and abuse she had directly or indirectly put him through as a child.
And then he meets Ana. Ana, who takes her time with the contract and makes sure to question herself whether SHE is/will be okay with whatever he intends to put her through in their contractual relationship, who makes it known when she doesn't agree with something, and doesn't simply go along with whatever he orders or instructs her to do, which frustrates and interests him at the same time. She was like a breath of fresh air for him, and she opened his eyes, making him realize that he may not be able to control everything in his life, but that that's alright.
There's a part at the end of the first book/movie where Anna requests that Grey shows her the worst punishment he could give her. He does, and she's hurt. Hurt that he could do such a thing to her. That's why she cried and left. She wanted to see if he could bring himself to hurt HER, and he DID. And that's what hurt her the most. You have to remember that girls are kinda like that, aren't we? Sometimes we CABAR (dare) our men to do certain things, testing them to see how far they would go. It's not always a healthy thing, but it is a fact that girls do that.
It's a sweet story. A story about a man's insight into himself and his issues. All that sex is a look into his psyche, and a look into why he is the way that he is. And it's fascinating (the way that he is, not the sex). Pseudo psychologist in me approves to the moon and back.
So for those of you who have not watched the movie or read the book, you can do either one, but I would suggest reading the books cause those are available NOW and you don't have to wait a year for the sequels. You get a look into Anna's psyche as well, though that's not as interesting ah, except for the last part of the first book. After the first book, you get a larger glimpse into the mind of Christian Grey, and it's fascinating, really.
Gosh.
I'm a nerd, aren't I?
Not just like ah actually. I think I love it.
I can't help it. The story is so filled with revelations of Christian Grey's psyche, and I have to admit; the pseudo psychologist in me is more than intrigued.
There's so much more than meets the eye, and it irks me when it's dismissed as "porn" or "just about the sex", because it's not. It's so much more than that, and if you give it a chance, you'll realize that.
After reading the first two books NON-STOP (the pseudo psychologist in me would not let me put them down) and the synopsis of the third book, below is my take on the story.
Grey was neglected and mistreated as a young child. Grey's mother was a whore (his own words), who probably forgot to feed him a lot and didn't really care about his wellbeing (probable reason as to why he said he knows what it's like to be profoundly hungry). Being a whore, his mother's pimp was always hanging around the house, and this pimp mistreated Grey. He used Grey as an ashtray when he couldn't find one by putting his cigarettes out on the poor 3-4 year old child, and judging from Grey's flashbacks of his childhood, the pimp abused him as well when he was angry at Grey's mother for some reason or other.
And then Grey's mother killed herself. And 4-year-old Grey was stuck in the house with his mother's body for 4 days before they were found.
How can that not have a traumatic effect on a child?
Needless to say, Grey grew up with a lot of unexpressed anger and resentment, probably towards his mother for being unable to protect him from being mistreated, and also towards himself, probably hating himself for being born into a situation that he was unable to control - this could be the reason he "exercised control on all things, Miss Steele" when he got older.
As a youngster, of course Grey didn't know how to deal with his unexpressed anger towards his mother and situation, and ended up getting into a lot of fights at school, using his schoolmates as outlets for his anger. He didn't know any better.
Then at 15, a friend of his adoptive mother's introduced him to the BDSM lifestyle, and this is where Grey learned of a new outlet for his anger. For others practicing this lifestyle, it was probably just a sexual lifestyle that they preferred for whatever reasons, but for Grey, this lifestyle was not only pleasurable for him, but it also became his coping mechanism. While unable to control his situation as a young child, as an adult, he was able to control his submissives, which probably gave him what he needed to cope with his issues.
Grey also revealed later that his submissives all resemble his mother; apparently with long brown hair and fair skin. So he liked to beat ladies who resemble his mother. I guess that was his way of "punishing" "her" for the years of neglect and abuse she had directly or indirectly put him through as a child.
And then he meets Ana. Ana, who takes her time with the contract and makes sure to question herself whether SHE is/will be okay with whatever he intends to put her through in their contractual relationship, who makes it known when she doesn't agree with something, and doesn't simply go along with whatever he orders or instructs her to do, which frustrates and interests him at the same time. She was like a breath of fresh air for him, and she opened his eyes, making him realize that he may not be able to control everything in his life, but that that's alright.
There's a part at the end of the first book/movie where Anna requests that Grey shows her the worst punishment he could give her. He does, and she's hurt. Hurt that he could do such a thing to her. That's why she cried and left. She wanted to see if he could bring himself to hurt HER, and he DID. And that's what hurt her the most. You have to remember that girls are kinda like that, aren't we? Sometimes we CABAR (dare) our men to do certain things, testing them to see how far they would go. It's not always a healthy thing, but it is a fact that girls do that.
It's a sweet story. A story about a man's insight into himself and his issues. All that sex is a look into his psyche, and a look into why he is the way that he is. And it's fascinating (the way that he is, not the sex). Pseudo psychologist in me approves to the moon and back.
So for those of you who have not watched the movie or read the book, you can do either one, but I would suggest reading the books cause those are available NOW and you don't have to wait a year for the sequels. You get a look into Anna's psyche as well, though that's not as interesting ah, except for the last part of the first book. After the first book, you get a larger glimpse into the mind of Christian Grey, and it's fascinating, really.
Gosh.
I'm a nerd, aren't I?
Monday, 23 February 2015
Insomnia
You know that feeling you get when you WANT to sleep, but your body (or mind) is not allowing you to?
Exactly how I'm feeling right now.
I mean come on, I'm already in bed, room temperature is perfect, and I'm huddled under my blanket without feeling warm. So why then, dear brain of mine, do you refuse to switch off?!
Why is it that at this time, you decide to think about the Backstreet Boys concert you're not able to go to?
Or about that dress you used to love wearing but can't anymore cause you've gained weight?
Or about WANTING to lose weight?
Or about WORK, of all things?
Or about your reflections on life?
You had ALL DAY to think about all these, brain. ALL DAY. And yet you decide to invade my sleeping time. Not cool.
And then when you finally feel yourself drifting off to sleep, the SMALLEST THING can jolt you awake again.
Like the itchiness of your finger.
The way your Tshirt rests on your neck.
The smell of your deodorant.
Brain, have mercy on your owner please.
Thursday, 19 February 2015
BOOKED: ISHQ X SAP
I'm happy to report that we got the bridal on the top of my list!
Our appointment was set for 18th Feb, so we went down to Oxley Bizhub yesterday at 7pm and placed our deposit to secure the date!
How can anything top the amazing makeup by ISHQ?! And the designer dresses!
I rela. I RELAAAAAAA!
And not forgetting the ah-may-zingggggg photography by Sham:
SO FRESH. SO BEAUTIFUL. SO RELAAAAAAAA HATI I BOOK YOU ALLS!
Our appointment was set for 18th Feb, so we went down to Oxley Bizhub yesterday at 7pm and placed our deposit to secure the date!
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| Such wow. Much happy. |
The package we'd decided on was The Premium; a collaboration between ISHQ by Nora Zee and Shamsydar Ani Photography, which consisted of:
ISHQ by Nora Zee
3 pairs of bridal outfits
3 makeup looks
3 hair or hijap styling
10 hours of service
+ additional charges apply for designer outfits
Shamsydar Ani Photography
12 hours of photography service
300 4R printed images
1 slot in album
Personalised name and date stamps
16" by 24" framed canvas
High resolution images in thumbdrive
For both these services, I have to say I think it's quite a steal! And I'm so happy that we've managed to book 2 services in one day.
.
.
.
So, I think some people are probably wondering how Kak Nora is..... hahaha.
After hearing all the stories from various friends who know friends who either regretted taking up ISHQ for whatever reason, or found her 'sombong', I was actually really nervous when I went into the room.
Thankfully, we were greeted by Sham (the photographer) herself, and she was soooooo warm and friendly! Absolutely loved talking to her. She gave us tips on how the bertandang could be, and suggested we go for an outdoor photoshoot after the sanding. No qualms on her part about it being too dark (as I've heard from some photographers), and she even suggested we 'chase the sunset'. Loveeeeeeeee that idea!
Then Kak Nora came to us to collect payment, and that's when I got to meet THE Nora Zee. THE Nora Zee that everyone's been talking about.
I thought she was pleasant enough; self-deprecating humor (which I love!), perfect English and quite smiley, even though not as smiley and warm as Sham. Oh well, everyone's different la.
But as for Said, he told me later on that she sounded quite stuck up, and he felt quite turned off by her at one point. And he, not realizing that Sham is our would-be photographer, asked if Sham could be our mak andam instead, haha! So cute ah. But that's a testament to how warm and friendly Sham was.
Then Kak Nora came to us to collect payment, and that's when I got to meet THE Nora Zee. THE Nora Zee that everyone's been talking about.
I thought she was pleasant enough; self-deprecating humor (which I love!), perfect English and quite smiley, even though not as smiley and warm as Sham. Oh well, everyone's different la.
But as for Said, he told me later on that she sounded quite stuck up, and he felt quite turned off by her at one point. And he, not realizing that Sham is our would-be photographer, asked if Sham could be our mak andam instead, haha! So cute ah. But that's a testament to how warm and friendly Sham was.
Anyway... Something did happen during the discussion that kinda irritated me a little.
You see, all this while, in my kanchiongness, I'd been asking how much the deposit was. I'd asked Sham via email, and Dahlia (one of ISHQ's orang kuat) via Facebook, and BOTH told me the deposit is 20% of the package price.
So based on that, we'd both readied that 20%.
But when we got there, they told us they prefer a payment of $600 each (photography and bridal), which is more than what we'd prepared. So I was quite taken aback ah. Tibe2 nak suruh aku bayar extra $200 each eh when all this while you've said something else.
Long story short, I asked if we could stick with the 20% (nicely and laughingly of course) as I'd already asked 2-3 times prior to the appointment and everyone said it's 20% of the package price.
Thankfully, they agreed! Yay! They even decided to take $800 instead of the initial $860. Alhamdulillah.
And Alhamdulillah, that we've managed to secure my most wanted bridal and photography for our big day!
I mean, thisssssssssss:
You see, all this while, in my kanchiongness, I'd been asking how much the deposit was. I'd asked Sham via email, and Dahlia (one of ISHQ's orang kuat) via Facebook, and BOTH told me the deposit is 20% of the package price.
So based on that, we'd both readied that 20%.
But when we got there, they told us they prefer a payment of $600 each (photography and bridal), which is more than what we'd prepared. So I was quite taken aback ah. Tibe2 nak suruh aku bayar extra $200 each eh when all this while you've said something else.
Long story short, I asked if we could stick with the 20% (nicely and laughingly of course) as I'd already asked 2-3 times prior to the appointment and everyone said it's 20% of the package price.
Thankfully, they agreed! Yay! They even decided to take $800 instead of the initial $860. Alhamdulillah.
And Alhamdulillah, that we've managed to secure my most wanted bridal and photography for our big day!
I mean, thisssssssssss:
How can anything top the amazing makeup by ISHQ?! And the designer dresses!
I rela. I RELAAAAAAA!
And not forgetting the ah-may-zingggggg photography by Sham:
SO FRESH. SO BEAUTIFUL. SO RELAAAAAAAA HATI I BOOK YOU ALLS!
Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Pre-Wedding Shoot?
Back when Said and I were still in the early stages of our relationship, we'd gone for a mini photoshoot.
When I said photoshoot, what I meant was: we grabbed a tripod, my trusty Canon Powershot S100, and headed off to HORT PARK to photograph ourselves.
That's right! We shiok sendiri at Hort Park with a tripod and our camera timer and came up with these!
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Kelakar kannnnn when you imagine us in front of an unmanned camera on a tripod and suddenly hugging each other or laughing spontaneously at nothing or chasing each other on those wooden thingies hahahahahha (actually macam kesian ah kena amek gambar sendiri)
Apart from the crappy editing, none of my friends realized that these shots were self-taken until I told them.
So I was thinking, macam nak recreate something like this for our pre-wedding photoshoot je...
At least we don't have to spend a bomb and that money can be used elsewhere, like honeymoon ke.. churros live station at the wedding ke..
And we'd definitely have a ball!
When I said photoshoot, what I meant was: we grabbed a tripod, my trusty Canon Powershot S100, and headed off to HORT PARK to photograph ourselves.
That's right! We shiok sendiri at Hort Park with a tripod and our camera timer and came up with these!
Apart from the crappy editing, none of my friends realized that these shots were self-taken until I told them.
So I was thinking, macam nak recreate something like this for our pre-wedding photoshoot je...
At least we don't have to spend a bomb and that money can be used elsewhere, like honeymoon ke.. churros live station at the wedding ke..
And we'd definitely have a ball!
So something to think about la eh!
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
Save the date!
15.10.16
15th October 2016
15th October 2016
Any idea what date this is?
Well.
It's our...
It's our...
.
.
.
WEDDING DATE!
Yes! We've finally decided on a date! *throws confetti in the air*
(after almost 4 months, but who cares)
(after almost 4 months, but who cares)
Some people have asked me if there's any significance to the date, to which I've answered the truth... which is NO.
Honestly it was just because it's after pay day (lol), and because my intended mak andam is already taken up on 29/30 Oct 2016. And also because I didn't want to wait for the third week of the month to get married hahahahahaha gatalllllll
We've also decided that our event will be a ONE DAY EVENT. Itinerary belom plan la, but most likely it will be something like this - Nikah: Morning. Sanding: Afternoon (both sides).
Honestly it was just because it's after pay day (lol), and because my intended mak andam is already taken up on 29/30 Oct 2016. And also because I didn't want to wait for the third week of the month to get married hahahahahaha gatalllllll
We've also decided that our event will be a ONE DAY EVENT. Itinerary belom plan la, but most likely it will be something like this - Nikah: Morning. Sanding: Afternoon (both sides).
InsyaAllah.
So yes! February is turning out to be pretty awesome, because we have decided on 2 important things, and I can now go ahead with my bookings. Feels good to finally know what I'm working towards.
So yes! February is turning out to be pretty awesome, because we have decided on 2 important things, and I can now go ahead with my bookings. Feels good to finally know what I'm working towards.
613 days till #themisaiwedding, hooray!
Or, to be exact..
Or, to be exact..
20 months, 4 days, 16 hours, 22 minutes and 50 seconds to go!
Monday, 2 February 2015
Falling in love with: ANGGUN by Mastura
I mean, how gorgeous are these right?
I kennuttttt.
Too gorgeous already.
Yes some people may say the decor is too simple, but maybe that's why I like it leh!
Yes some people may say the decor is too simple, but maybe that's why I like it leh!
Clean, understated, sleek. Elegant. Totally NOT cluttered by jewels and bulu2 ruffle2 and whatnot. Right up my alley.
And what's the best part?
They offer full packages too. With / without venue.
So if I do engage them, I can have everything under one roof yall!
So if I do engage them, I can have everything under one roof yall!
Mum and I have an appointment with them this Friday afternoon. InsyaAllah they have something to suit my budget. They're really the only company I berkenan their decor AND food (I've tasted their food at the boy's friend's wedding once), and I really, really hope they're the one.
Of course I'm trying not to be so hopeful, but insyaAllah. Only Friday's appointment will tell.
In the meantime, I'll just stare at their decor's gorgeousnesssssss until Friday rolls around
Sunday, 1 February 2015
Location Scouting #1: Lagun Sari
Just came back from Lagun Sari's 'Golden Age Wedding Fair' this afternoon, and boy do I feel drained.
Bukan drained pasal ape. Drained pasal stress trying to fend off the wedding planner! Hahaha, but more of that later.
I liked this fair because it was free entry, free lunch and entertainment, goodie bags and a tour of the place, which was good because I had always wanted to survey their different floors but never had the chance to.
So the parentals and I arrived, signed in, sat down and... immediately went to the buffet hahaha
What did they have for us?
I have to be honest k. The only things I liked from their menu was their Nasi Minyak and their Ayam Masak Merah. Everything else was just..... =X
The Sambal Goreng Gelodok had too much hati (liver, is it?) in it, the Rendang tasted too much of a certain spice, the Mee Hoon Goreng Mamak tasted like FLOUR, and the Chicken Curry had too much santan or whatever in it.
Disappointing actually.
So after our meal, we waited about 5-10 minutes for someone to attend to us (we understand the consultants are busy with other clients so we didn't mind), and then the GM introduced us to a Cik S.
Now, I'm not going to ruin anyone's rice bowl, and certainly not Cik S's, so I'm not going to mention any full names here (just in case my opinions matter hahaha).
Cik S was nice enough; he asked which of the packages I was interested in, and then went on to explain what would be included in my chosen package. He also included some other things that were not written in the actual list of items, heh heh.
As you can see, the list is pretty comprehensive. Apart from food and decor, they also provide your berkat, bunga rampai, bunga pahar, sireh dara/junjung, invitations, wedding cake, gubahan trays, DJ (for 500 pax and above), and even half-hourly shuttle buses to and fro Eunos MRT beb!
Cik S even threw in free Nasi Putih, kompang, wedding car, photobooth, and on top of that, CINCIN KAHWIN LA SIA. 1 PAIR LA SIA. GOLD LA SIA.
And all for the price of... $13xxx.
Bukan drained pasal ape. Drained pasal stress trying to fend off the wedding planner! Hahaha, but more of that later.
I liked this fair because it was free entry, free lunch and entertainment, goodie bags and a tour of the place, which was good because I had always wanted to survey their different floors but never had the chance to.
So the parentals and I arrived, signed in, sat down and... immediately went to the buffet hahaha
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| Of course we tried everything! |
- Nasi Minyak
- Ayam Masak Merah
- Sambal Goreng Gelodok
- Rendang
- Mee Hoon Goreng Mamak
- Roti Jala w/ Chicken Curry
- Pengat Pisang (dessert)
I have to be honest k. The only things I liked from their menu was their Nasi Minyak and their Ayam Masak Merah. Everything else was just..... =X
The Sambal Goreng Gelodok had too much hati (liver, is it?) in it, the Rendang tasted too much of a certain spice, the Mee Hoon Goreng Mamak tasted like FLOUR, and the Chicken Curry had too much santan or whatever in it.
Disappointing actually.
So after our meal, we waited about 5-10 minutes for someone to attend to us (we understand the consultants are busy with other clients so we didn't mind), and then the GM introduced us to a Cik S.
Now, I'm not going to ruin anyone's rice bowl, and certainly not Cik S's, so I'm not going to mention any full names here (just in case my opinions matter hahaha).
Cik S was nice enough; he asked which of the packages I was interested in, and then went on to explain what would be included in my chosen package. He also included some other things that were not written in the actual list of items, heh heh.
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| I've blurred out the prices. Kalau nak tahu, text me separately ya? |
As you can see, the list is pretty comprehensive. Apart from food and decor, they also provide your berkat, bunga rampai, bunga pahar, sireh dara/junjung, invitations, wedding cake, gubahan trays, DJ (for 500 pax and above), and even half-hourly shuttle buses to and fro Eunos MRT beb!
Cik S even threw in free Nasi Putih, kompang, wedding car, photobooth, and on top of that, CINCIN KAHWIN LA SIA. 1 PAIR LA SIA. GOLD LA SIA.
And all for the price of... $13xxx.
Macam unbelievable eh? I know, right?
So naturally, my parents fell in love la. Especially my dad. Senang, they kata. Tak payah fikir pape.
So naturally, my parents fell in love la. Especially my dad. Senang, they kata. Tak payah fikir pape.
But I wasn't really convinced, cause so far my impression of them was a) their food sucked, b) the band playing kinda sucked so it pissed me off abit cause tak sedap didengar, c) the decor I saw was not exactly my thing (lots of ruffles, bling-bling and colour scheme tak kena).
Nothing exactly screamed 'DREAM WEDDING' to me, you know?
So I asked Cik S to show me the upstairs rooms, cause I wanted to see what the other rooms' decorations were like before I made a decision.
Cik S advised us to take the room on the topmost floor (3rd). I didn't manage to take a picture of that room as there was an event happening there, so I grabbed some photos from their website.
This one in the PICTURE is also not bad. The flowers and pelamin are quite alright, but sadly, when I was there, it was not this decor that I saw. The one I saw was more bling2 and teddy bears, and jewels all over. But, ok la.
So after the short tour, we went back downstairs to view the cards and gubahan trays on display. By the time we reached the invitation part of the display, my dad was SMITTEN.
Everything to him was lawa.
Everything to him was perfect.
And it was at this point that he started telling me to just take it up hahaha.
But I still could NOT make up my mind.
We sat down at the table again, and Cik S started being.... pushy. Sorry, there's no other word for it. He kept saying that everything's already included and that we didn't need to worry about anything anymore, and even asked me straight for my IC so he could sign us up. At one point, he GRABBED my dad's arm (in a friendly manner) to ask for MY DAD's IC.
Pakcik, you scary or what?
My mum sensed my hesitation, and tried to ask for some extra time to mull things over. Ask for a few days, Cik S say cannot. Ask for until the next day, Cik S say cannot. Ask for until later today, ALSO CIK S SAY CANNOT. How lidat, la Cik S?
I cannot, CANNOT make a decision this way. I understand that probably the promotions were only available for that day, but respect la siket Cik that I need time to think it over.
When I told him I needed time to think things over, he retorted, "Buat ape nak fikir2 lagi! Semua da ade da! Takyah fikir2 lagi! Semua cik da kasi untok awak je! IC?" whilst holding out his hand.
Wahlao, pakcik, you will NOT bully me into making a decision eh!
I asked him some questions about wanting fresh flowers as part of my decor and having my own mak andam instead of taking up theirs. He brushed off my wanting fresh flowers with the reason that it's a waste of money to have fresh flowers cause they will die anyway :( He also said that I could of course take up my own mak andam, but reiterates that I shouldn't do that as the mak andam they provide is only $2000, and my own one is a waste of my money. Whatever I want, mesti he say is a waste of money seh.
After a few minutes, I asked him politely if we could have some time to ourselves to think about it first. And luckily, he obliged and went to sit with a makcik and pakcik at another table (who handed him their IC later btw haha!)
So.. after discussion maha discussion with my parents, where I simply could not bring myself to say yes no matter how many times my dad told me to, and tried to persuade me to. He even offered to pay first!
But... no la. When something's not right, it just ain't right. You can feel it.
I'd spent a big chunk of my life doing things I didn't want to just to make the people around me happy, or because people say it's the right choice, and I will not do it again, cause I know the end result is simply regret. No more.
It's my money, it's my wedding. I have every right to want certain things. Things that Lagun Sari cannot give me.
So we left.
And I know that my dad is a bit upset at having to go all the way there only for me to turn it down. I know he thinks I'm passing up an amazing opportunity.
But when it's not right, it's not right. No amount of forcing can make it right. Plus, it's only the first vendor we've looked at leh! Cannot anyhow make decision la.
We did leave with something nice!
They handed us goodie bags and we got to take pictures at their photobooth!
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| The decor on the first floor |
So I asked Cik S to show me the upstairs rooms, cause I wanted to see what the other rooms' decorations were like before I made a decision.
Cik S advised us to take the room on the topmost floor (3rd). I didn't manage to take a picture of that room as there was an event happening there, so I grabbed some photos from their website.
This floor is honestly not bad. Nice pastel colours, but different la from what I had envisioned.
I BELIEVE the below picture is of the 2nd floor. Once again, taken off their website.
So after the short tour, we went back downstairs to view the cards and gubahan trays on display. By the time we reached the invitation part of the display, my dad was SMITTEN.
Everything to him was lawa.
Everything to him was perfect.
And it was at this point that he started telling me to just take it up hahaha.
But I still could NOT make up my mind.
We sat down at the table again, and Cik S started being.... pushy. Sorry, there's no other word for it. He kept saying that everything's already included and that we didn't need to worry about anything anymore, and even asked me straight for my IC so he could sign us up. At one point, he GRABBED my dad's arm (in a friendly manner) to ask for MY DAD's IC.
Pakcik, you scary or what?
My mum sensed my hesitation, and tried to ask for some extra time to mull things over. Ask for a few days, Cik S say cannot. Ask for until the next day, Cik S say cannot. Ask for until later today, ALSO CIK S SAY CANNOT. How lidat, la Cik S?
I cannot, CANNOT make a decision this way. I understand that probably the promotions were only available for that day, but respect la siket Cik that I need time to think it over.
When I told him I needed time to think things over, he retorted, "Buat ape nak fikir2 lagi! Semua da ade da! Takyah fikir2 lagi! Semua cik da kasi untok awak je! IC?" whilst holding out his hand.
Wahlao, pakcik, you will NOT bully me into making a decision eh!
I asked him some questions about wanting fresh flowers as part of my decor and having my own mak andam instead of taking up theirs. He brushed off my wanting fresh flowers with the reason that it's a waste of money to have fresh flowers cause they will die anyway :( He also said that I could of course take up my own mak andam, but reiterates that I shouldn't do that as the mak andam they provide is only $2000, and my own one is a waste of my money. Whatever I want, mesti he say is a waste of money seh.
After a few minutes, I asked him politely if we could have some time to ourselves to think about it first. And luckily, he obliged and went to sit with a makcik and pakcik at another table (who handed him their IC later btw haha!)
So.. after discussion maha discussion with my parents, where I simply could not bring myself to say yes no matter how many times my dad told me to, and tried to persuade me to. He even offered to pay first!
But... no la. When something's not right, it just ain't right. You can feel it.
I'd spent a big chunk of my life doing things I didn't want to just to make the people around me happy, or because people say it's the right choice, and I will not do it again, cause I know the end result is simply regret. No more.
It's my money, it's my wedding. I have every right to want certain things. Things that Lagun Sari cannot give me.
So we left.
And I know that my dad is a bit upset at having to go all the way there only for me to turn it down. I know he thinks I'm passing up an amazing opportunity.
But when it's not right, it's not right. No amount of forcing can make it right. Plus, it's only the first vendor we've looked at leh! Cannot anyhow make decision la.
We did leave with something nice!
They handed us goodie bags and we got to take pictures at their photobooth!
So, according to the sign my dad's holding, in the end we really did come only for the food hahahaha
Thursday, 22 January 2015
Of a bridesmaid and a (possible) bride (zilla)
I always thought I'd want my own "army" of bridesmaids to "iring" me on my big day.
To be there for me and calm me down if I were freaking out about anything wedding-related, to help me with my DIY projects (if any), to plan a Bachelorette party for me, to do fun stuff with me during my big day.
But now.. after having seen and heard a lot of stories about bridesmaids, bridezillas and the likes, I don't really know if I actually want all that anymore.
(Disclaimer: Not that any of my brides were actually bridezillas to me eh. Don't anyhow assume k! Lol)
Like I said, I've heard tons of stories.
Ade yang pasal the bride(zilla) "ordering" her bridesmaids to come early for hair and makeup, and then on the day itself, takde angin takde ribut, springing it on them that "hair and makeup you all bayar sendiri k", leaving them gobsmacked and digging around for money to pay the hair and makeup person on the spot cause they weren't prepared. I'm sure most bridesmaids wouldn't mind la, but at least ask them first if they're okay with it cause some people may simply not have the budget and may choose to do their own makeup to save money.
Ade yang pasal the brides expecting bridesmaids to do stuff for them, because "I'm the BRIDE and I am QUEEN", not caring that the bridesmaids might have their own lives to lead, and having their own stuff to deal with.
And ade jugak yang pasal the bride SULKING & throwing tantrums when the bridesmaids aren't able to help as much due to certain reasons, or if things don't really go according to plan. Which leads me to the below tweets sent by a friend...
LOL! I actually found it quite funny and SPOT ON, if I must say.
It's true isn't it, that your girls are becoming your bridesmaids out of goodwill? And sure it's definitely an honour to be CHOSEN, but it's also important to remember that they're not exactly paid to be at your beck and call, and thus, you cannot EXPECT them to be.
Which is why I can't really decide if I want to have bridesmaids or not for my wedding. Of course, I'd love to have my best girls with me throughout the day lending me support, but you know the whole process of having to choose which girls make the cut and all....
On top of that, I'd feel really bad asking the girls to pay for their own outfits and stuff, and so I'd probably end up sponsoring their outfits. I didn't mind doing it for my brides, but I'm just worried about asking them to do it for me, you know? You know how sometimes you're willing to do something for someone, but you don't know whether other people would be willing to do the same for you?
POKOKNYA.... actually I think I can be quite cerewet so I'm afraid I might just turn into a bridezilla despite my best intentions not to la hahahahaha
I'm afraid I might put my friends in a position to feel resentful towards me for having to do things for me that they didn't feel 100% for. I don't believe in feeling like they owe me the world just cause I'm the bride for that one day, cause that just ain't right. They are my friends, first and foremost, and you don't treat your friends that way.
I've seen firsthand how some weddings can ruin friendships, and I treasure all my friends too much to risk losing them over my wedding :(
Baik pulak eh aku. #lol
To be there for me and calm me down if I were freaking out about anything wedding-related, to help me with my DIY projects (if any), to plan a Bachelorette party for me, to do fun stuff with me during my big day.
But now.. after having seen and heard a lot of stories about bridesmaids, bridezillas and the likes, I don't really know if I actually want all that anymore.
(Disclaimer: Not that any of my brides were actually bridezillas to me eh. Don't anyhow assume k! Lol)
Like I said, I've heard tons of stories.
Ade yang pasal the bride(zilla) "ordering" her bridesmaids to come early for hair and makeup, and then on the day itself, takde angin takde ribut, springing it on them that "hair and makeup you all bayar sendiri k", leaving them gobsmacked and digging around for money to pay the hair and makeup person on the spot cause they weren't prepared. I'm sure most bridesmaids wouldn't mind la, but at least ask them first if they're okay with it cause some people may simply not have the budget and may choose to do their own makeup to save money.
Ade yang pasal the brides expecting bridesmaids to do stuff for them, because "I'm the BRIDE and I am QUEEN", not caring that the bridesmaids might have their own lives to lead, and having their own stuff to deal with.
And ade jugak yang pasal the bride SULKING & throwing tantrums when the bridesmaids aren't able to help as much due to certain reasons, or if things don't really go according to plan. Which leads me to the below tweets sent by a friend...
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| Sungguh pedas, no? LOL |
LOL! I actually found it quite funny and SPOT ON, if I must say.
It's true isn't it, that your girls are becoming your bridesmaids out of goodwill? And sure it's definitely an honour to be CHOSEN, but it's also important to remember that they're not exactly paid to be at your beck and call, and thus, you cannot EXPECT them to be.
Which is why I can't really decide if I want to have bridesmaids or not for my wedding. Of course, I'd love to have my best girls with me throughout the day lending me support, but you know the whole process of having to choose which girls make the cut and all....
On top of that, I'd feel really bad asking the girls to pay for their own outfits and stuff, and so I'd probably end up sponsoring their outfits. I didn't mind doing it for my brides, but I'm just worried about asking them to do it for me, you know? You know how sometimes you're willing to do something for someone, but you don't know whether other people would be willing to do the same for you?
POKOKNYA.... actually I think I can be quite cerewet so I'm afraid I might just turn into a bridezilla despite my best intentions not to la hahahahaha
I'm afraid I might put my friends in a position to feel resentful towards me for having to do things for me that they didn't feel 100% for. I don't believe in feeling like they owe me the world just cause I'm the bride for that one day, cause that just ain't right. They are my friends, first and foremost, and you don't treat your friends that way.
I've seen firsthand how some weddings can ruin friendships, and I treasure all my friends too much to risk losing them over my wedding :(
Baik pulak eh aku. #lol
Wednesday, 21 January 2015
Of negativity
I'd promised myself I wouldn't taint this blog with negative posts, but memandangkan this is MY blog and cause I'm a tad angsty today, I'm breaking my own promise. #sorrynotsorry
You see, I have friends.
No, salah. I have "friends". People who call themselves my friends but secretly (or not) make fun of me because of the content of this blog. People who take digs at me cause I'm talking about planning my wedding but haven't booked anything yet. People who poke fun at the fact that aku buat list of things I need to do for the wedding these next few months.
To these people, I say this to you.
Enjoy your lives. Every single minute of it. If you feel that your lives are made better by putting me down and laughing at me, good for you. Good that you feel that you're perfect enough. But so be it. I'm in no position to tell you how to behave. Just like how you're in no position to dictate the content of this blog. Your life is your life.
I just know that I don't want to be a part of it.
I'm turning 27 this year, and I've reached a point where I want to stay away from situations that make me unhappy. Surround yourself with positivity, they say.
If you feel that you're better than me, good for you. I'm not competing with anyone here. But I AM trying to be a better person. And I'm trying to stay away from anything I don't like. If I don't like it, I don't like it. And right now, I don't like the way you're behaving with me. So I'm staying away.
Trying to avoid negativity? Then don't create it.
You see, I have friends.
No, salah. I have "friends". People who call themselves my friends but secretly (or not) make fun of me because of the content of this blog. People who take digs at me cause I'm talking about planning my wedding but haven't booked anything yet. People who poke fun at the fact that aku buat list of things I need to do for the wedding these next few months.
To these people, I say this to you.
Enjoy your lives. Every single minute of it. If you feel that your lives are made better by putting me down and laughing at me, good for you. Good that you feel that you're perfect enough. But so be it. I'm in no position to tell you how to behave. Just like how you're in no position to dictate the content of this blog. Your life is your life.
I just know that I don't want to be a part of it.
I'm turning 27 this year, and I've reached a point where I want to stay away from situations that make me unhappy. Surround yourself with positivity, they say.
If you feel that you're better than me, good for you. I'm not competing with anyone here. But I AM trying to be a better person. And I'm trying to stay away from anything I don't like. If I don't like it, I don't like it. And right now, I don't like the way you're behaving with me. So I'm staying away.
Trying to avoid negativity? Then don't create it.
Monday, 19 January 2015
Funny
Kelakar tau bila people start to get offended that you didn't invite them to your engagement. Hahaha.
Engagement tau guys, belom wedding lagi.
I feel bad that I don't feel bad leh. LOL. I guess I've gone past the point where I actually give a damn about the opinions of people whom I deem insignificant.
My family and I meet this person like what.. once a year? We are not even related by blood. So why does this person feel that he/she is entitled to an invitation eh? If it were a wedding, sure I'd most definitely have invited him/her, but dude, it's just an engagement. Buat kat rumah jer. Takde la khemah-khemah or kerusi meja pat bawah block. Mak andam pon is my own friend, not like it's anyone like Nora Zee or what. I had to keep to 100 guests which includes my family members like my aunties and uncles; that's already half of the guest list already.
Aiyah.. I guess all I'm trying to say is... CHILL LA SIA. Nanti kite kahwin, aku invite la hahahaha
People are so funny tau. Invite banyak org, people will talk like "kenapa banyak sgt invite orang? nak tunjuk-tunjuk ke?" Invite siket org, "eh kenape tak invite so and so? sedih seh! u tak mampu ke?"
Ehwah ehwahhhh mulot nye. kena belacan baru tau!
LOL. To each his own la kan.
Engagement tau guys, belom wedding lagi.
I feel bad that I don't feel bad leh. LOL. I guess I've gone past the point where I actually give a damn about the opinions of people whom I deem insignificant.
My family and I meet this person like what.. once a year? We are not even related by blood. So why does this person feel that he/she is entitled to an invitation eh? If it were a wedding, sure I'd most definitely have invited him/her, but dude, it's just an engagement. Buat kat rumah jer. Takde la khemah-khemah or kerusi meja pat bawah block. Mak andam pon is my own friend, not like it's anyone like Nora Zee or what. I had to keep to 100 guests which includes my family members like my aunties and uncles; that's already half of the guest list already.
Aiyah.. I guess all I'm trying to say is... CHILL LA SIA. Nanti kite kahwin, aku invite la hahahaha
People are so funny tau. Invite banyak org, people will talk like "kenapa banyak sgt invite orang? nak tunjuk-tunjuk ke?" Invite siket org, "eh kenape tak invite so and so? sedih seh! u tak mampu ke?"
Ehwah ehwahhhh mulot nye. kena belacan baru tau!
LOL. To each his own la kan.
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
About time I be honest about what I want
So today...
I went a bit crazy on the vendor researching and quotation-asking. Lol.
Don't ask me why. I suddenly felt the strongest urge to search for a vendor that could provide me with an all-in package for a reasonable price. I figured it'd be easier and more economical.
I was reading a fellow BTB's blog yesterday, and it really made me more determined to not spend so much on just one day. Yes, it is an extremely important day in our lives, but our MARRIAGE is more important. Not wedding, but MARRIAGE. I don't want to spend so much on just one day and then have no money for honeymoon, no money for house, no money to eat.
Do you know what I want?
I want a short sanding at NIGHT at a gorgeous park / beach location (with shelter) with fairy lights and beautiful stars dotting a velvety dark blue sky. I want something different from the usual lunch reception. I want my guests to have fun and be entertained by music videos, montages, and good music (live or not). It doesn't have to be grand. I want my wedding to be within my budget, and yet beautiful. Memorable.
Do you know what I DON'T want?
I don't want a wedding where I have to pay an arm and a leg for. I don't want anything typical. I don't want a wedding where I have to listen to a million and one aunties' "advice" on how things should be. I don't want a wedding that is bounded by "tradition". I don't want to show off my newly acquired status and wedding to 1000 guests.
If I had it my way, I'd be extremely happy with a wedding dinner under the moonlit sky with my closest friends and family.
But only time (and future discussions with the boy and our parents) will tell whether my dreams will become a reality.
I went a bit crazy on the vendor researching and quotation-asking. Lol.
Don't ask me why. I suddenly felt the strongest urge to search for a vendor that could provide me with an all-in package for a reasonable price. I figured it'd be easier and more economical.
I was reading a fellow BTB's blog yesterday, and it really made me more determined to not spend so much on just one day. Yes, it is an extremely important day in our lives, but our MARRIAGE is more important. Not wedding, but MARRIAGE. I don't want to spend so much on just one day and then have no money for honeymoon, no money for house, no money to eat.
Do you know what I want?
I want a short sanding at NIGHT at a gorgeous park / beach location (with shelter) with fairy lights and beautiful stars dotting a velvety dark blue sky. I want something different from the usual lunch reception. I want my guests to have fun and be entertained by music videos, montages, and good music (live or not). It doesn't have to be grand. I want my wedding to be within my budget, and yet beautiful. Memorable.
Do you know what I DON'T want?
I don't want a wedding where I have to pay an arm and a leg for. I don't want anything typical. I don't want a wedding where I have to listen to a million and one aunties' "advice" on how things should be. I don't want a wedding that is bounded by "tradition". I don't want to show off my newly acquired status and wedding to 1000 guests.
If I had it my way, I'd be extremely happy with a wedding dinner under the moonlit sky with my closest friends and family.
But only time (and future discussions with the boy and our parents) will tell whether my dreams will become a reality.
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
When #misai bertunang
When #misai bertunang....
It was 18th October 2014.
It was colourful.
It was mostly DIY-ed.It was full of DELICIOUS food and desserts.
It was FILLED TO THE BRIM with loved ones.
It was pretty awesome, hehe.
Wanna know/see/read more? Click here: The Engagement
Please be warned that it's a photo-heavy post. So don't click the link if you're not into pretty pictures and just wanna read long, boring word posts heh heh
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
Terror.
At this moment, terror is gripping my heart. Gripping my heart so tightly I feel like it may burst at any time. No matter where I turn, terror refuses to let go.
Why is this part of my life so difficult? Why have these past 2 years been so trying?
Everytime I come to terms with a setback, another setback comes and punches me in the gut.
This is by far the most difficult period in my life. Thinking I was one step closer to achieving my goals, and then realizing I may never be able to.
And to think of all the people I'd be letting down in the process; my parents, my fiance, and worst of all, myself.
No way out of this.
I need peace, but can't achieve it. I need hope, but can't see it.
The worst is knowing that I'm all alone in this. No one understands it because no one is going through it.
I need strength, but can't feel it.
MakeMimiSkinny: Starting Out
Today was my first day back working out, and it was NOT FUN. I'd spent the whole day sleeping thanks to the flu meds I took last night (quite amazing how a tiny yellow pill can knock one out for more than 12 hours) and in the evening when I felt better, I told myself, NO MORE SLACKING OFF.
It's times like this I really want to kick myself for letting myself go (again), and making me have to start all over again from scratch.
My stamina's shot to hell, my fats jiggle in an unsightly manner, and my exercise clothes don't fit me no more...... :(
I'm starting a brand new workout - Focus T25 by Shaun T - which I got (downloaded) recently. Comes with a workout calendar, so you don't need to plan out your workouts, cause it's all done for you already. It's 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week (ideally Mondays to Fridays), so this leaves my weekends FREEEEEEE to merayap! Perfect!
My stamina's shot to hell, my fats jiggle in an unsightly manner, and my exercise clothes don't fit me no more...... :(
I'm starting a brand new workout - Focus T25 by Shaun T - which I got (downloaded) recently. Comes with a workout calendar, so you don't need to plan out your workouts, cause it's all done for you already. It's 25 minutes a day, 5 days a week (ideally Mondays to Fridays), so this leaves my weekends FREEEEEEE to merayap! Perfect!
Ok la, except that there's a short stretch on Sundays, but that can be easily done in the mornings before I shower :P
Today's workout was Alpha Cardio.
I have to admit this ah - I was a teensy bit complacent, cause prior to this, I had done Shaun T's Insanity, and had done pretty OK la kan. Those workouts were 30 to 45 minutes each, and so with these new workouts being 25 minutes, I thought they'd be easier.
Mati la seh.
I think it wasn't so much how crazy tough the workouts were, but rather how crazy unfit I was after 2 months of slacking off ah.
I almost blacked out multiple times (no joke). Had to stop 2120839183 times to catch my breath and regain my vision (which was slowly becoming black hahahah).
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| Focus T25 - Alpha Cardio |
After the workout, I made myself my delish Protein Shake, and a cup of chocolate milk. And that was dinner! Hahaha nak jaga calorie intake, geng
Also cooked my lunch for tomorrow. Better to be prepared, if not tomorrow I will surely eat nonsense I tell you
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| My trusty Happy Call doing most of my job for me |
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| Chicken Stir-Fry with capsicums, portobello mushrooms, red chillies |
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
#themisaiwedding : baby steps into wedding planning
Almost 2 months have gone by since the #misai4eva engagement, and judging from the lack of wedding posts, I'm sure whoever's reading this blog can see that ABSOLUTELY NOTHING has been done with regards to the wedding hahahaha
Eh chill la babe, still got 22 months to go whaaaaaattt. So kancheong spider for what.
Ah ye la, that's exactly what I was thinking!
Until a babe of mine told me that 2016 brides-to-be were already menggelabar tgh nak booking for all the most sought-after vendors in the industry.
And here the boy and I were, just enjoying our newly-coined status macam without a care in the world gitu. We've only just set the wedding month, not even the wedding date, and korang da gi booking eh! Seram pe hahahaha
Okay la, I've got to hand it to you ladies (and gents) for being so well-prepared (and I'm sure most of these brides that I'm talking about are having their weddings in early 2016, which is why bookings would have to be made already), and I know how lega you guys must be feeling after securing all your most-wanted vendors. I know I would be too!
So in an attempt to become more organised, and to kickstart our wedding planning, I finally sat down today (at work, LOL) to perfect my very own wedding excel spreadsheet. HAHA #nakjugak. Belom ke tahap booking-booking la, now plan first. Next year (after we've started saving properly) then can talk.
So now, my plan for the following 3-4 months:
1. SET OUR WEDDING DATE / DAY
Sebab takde gunanya aku plan plan plan nak booking dekni, nak booking dektu, tapi date belom choose. Just set the date first, and after that everything will go smoothly, insyaAllah.
2. DECIDE TO HAVE A 1 OR 2 DAY EVENT
Witnessing some of my friends' weddings highlighted the pros and cons of holding either a 1 day or 2 day event.
1-day
Pros:
- Nikah, sanding all in one day
- Everything will be settled within that 1 day, and there's no need to worry about the next day anymore.
- Less $$$ spent on photography, videography, andaman services, car, etc as services are only needed for that 1 day. Extra charges are usually incurred for 2 day events or extra hours.
Cons:
- May be a bit rushing, especially for the groom's side, as after the nikah, they would need to hurry back to their venue to prepare for the arrival of their guests.
- Planning and execution has to be done to a T; any delay could cause chaos on both sides in terms of arrival of bride/groom at each side, etc.
- Could be tiring.
2-day
Pros:
- After nikah, can relek-relek, and prepare for sanding the next day (if your sanding is the next day).
- If your side's sanding is on the same day, but your guy's side is on the next day, there's not much of a rush to get ready and travel to and fro.
- Your wedding takes up a whole weekend #weddingweekend
Cons:
- Your wedding takes up a whole weekend. Could be tiring, time-consuming, draggy. (But then again, what wedding isn't tiring, right?)
- More $$$ spent on photography, videography, andaman services, car, etc.
3. SET A BUDGET
Budget is so, so important. No money, no talk geng. I've set a blanket budget of about $30k just in case (better to have extra la). I'll be paying for most of my wedding myself, mind you. Catering, andam, decor, photography + videography, invites, car, etc. So this means..........working like a slave again for the next 2 years. Having a budget makes sure I don't over-spend (as I tend to) and that I don't spend on unnecessary items.
4. SET THE NUMBER OF GUESTS
I guess this point also ties in with our budget. Nak buat kecik-kecik intimate cosy wedding with only close friends and family, or nak buat besar-besar grand-grand and jemput everyone including our parents' old neighbours yang tak jumpe since 20 years ago?
In my opinion, budget plays a big role in determining this aspect of our wedding. Sure, if I had an unlimited supply of moolah I would probably buat besar-besar grand-grand and invite 1000 to 2000 people - probably just because I can. Every girl has a dream wedding in mind, and more often than not, for those dream weddings to be turned into reality, high cost is involved.
At the moment, the parentals and I are not really that keen in having a huge wedding due to budget constraints and priorities, so we're thinking... 600 to 700 guests?
For me, I'm quite skeptical about having to work like a slave for 2 years just for that 1 or 2 days of celebration. Money doesn't come easily for me (this has been evident this past year), and I'd rather have a nice cosy, intimate wedding with the people who are important to me rather than to spend unnecessarily on people who are not, and whom I couldn't give a damn about (haha). Harsh truth, but yes.
5. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME MAK ANDAM
So far, I've enquired with as many as ONE mak andam LOL. And that is ISHQ by Nora Zee. But I will be enquiring with others such as Peti Solek & TWB just in case my super fickle self changes my mind. Right now, I'm inching more towards Nora Zee, but in the next 5 months, who knows?
6. GET A GENERAL IDEA OF THE DECOR I WANT
Facebook. Instagram. Blogs. Anywhere I can. Because I should have a general idea of the type of look and feel that I want for my wedding. I don't need to have an exact theme in mind; just a general idea will do. Right now, my general idea is..... FRESH FLOWERS. Haha, tu je. Oh, and tiffany chairs. Accessories. Fairy lights. NO GREEN PLANTS (I can see this at work already lor).
7. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME DECOR COMPANY
Only a number of the decor companies I've surveyed seem to be able to suit my "taste". Others were either too neon, too garish, too green with plants, too bling2, too old-fashioned, etc. One of the decor companies I felt suit my taste was Kasai Sayang, but will also be enquiring with others like Daun Dco, Jentayu, Elly Weddings, Bonito by Bob in the following months.
8. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME CATERER
I simply love Aish Catering's food. Everything else seems to pale in comparison ever since I got hooked onto their absolutely delectable Ayam Masak Merah and Sambal Goreng Pengantin. They served ah-may-zinggg food at our engagement (yes both sides, mine and his) and I honestly believe that my guests' tummies will be well taken care of should I leave the catering to them. So, I'm inching towards them right now. But like I said, I'm fickle. We'll see how I feel again mid-2015.
9. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHER
This one I have to admit I'm quite particular about. I've shortlisted a few, namely NAF IMGS, Fandy Razak, pink elephant labs. All three very different with very distinct personal styles, so this may be a tough one to decide on (for me at least). Of course must also think about budget la eh.
10. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME VIDEOGRAPHER
Being a semi-perfectionist, if my budget allowed it, I would go for CST Productions cause they. are. amazing.
11. CHOOSE MAK ANDAM / DECOR COMPANY / CATERER / PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER
Very important! Must make the right choice. MUST. So lots and lots of research have to be done.
12. SET A TIME PERIOD TO START MAKING APPOINTMENTS / DEPOSITS WITH VENDORS
Right now, the boy and I are geared towards mid-2015. We both feel that we need to get some savings in first before doing anything (of course la). So for this, we'll see how it goes la eh. Kalau rezeki lebih, of course we may bring forward the appointment-setting time frame.
So that's about it la eh. Basically our game plan for the next 3-4 months would be to do lots and lots of research, and make our decisions by mid-2015. In the meantime, a savings game plan would have to concocted and executed as well, but will leave that for another post la.
We have a long journey of planning ahead, and I'm excited! Yes, while some people bemoan having to plan, I am one of those gila people who just LOVE to do it! I go crazy for excel spreadsheets, quotation requests, quotation collations, comparisons, etc. I just hope the boy loves planning as much as I do ah haha!
Eh chill la babe, still got 22 months to go whaaaaaattt. So kancheong spider for what.
Ah ye la, that's exactly what I was thinking!
Until a babe of mine told me that 2016 brides-to-be were already menggelabar tgh nak booking for all the most sought-after vendors in the industry.
And here the boy and I were, just enjoying our newly-coined status macam without a care in the world gitu. We've only just set the wedding month, not even the wedding date, and korang da gi booking eh! Seram pe hahahaha
Okay la, I've got to hand it to you ladies (and gents) for being so well-prepared (and I'm sure most of these brides that I'm talking about are having their weddings in early 2016, which is why bookings would have to be made already), and I know how lega you guys must be feeling after securing all your most-wanted vendors. I know I would be too!
So in an attempt to become more organised, and to kickstart our wedding planning, I finally sat down today (at work, LOL) to perfect my very own wedding excel spreadsheet. HAHA #nakjugak. Belom ke tahap booking-booking la, now plan first. Next year (after we've started saving properly) then can talk.
So now, my plan for the following 3-4 months:
1. SET OUR WEDDING DATE / DAY
Sebab takde gunanya aku plan plan plan nak booking dekni, nak booking dektu, tapi date belom choose. Just set the date first, and after that everything will go smoothly, insyaAllah.
2. DECIDE TO HAVE A 1 OR 2 DAY EVENT
Witnessing some of my friends' weddings highlighted the pros and cons of holding either a 1 day or 2 day event.
1-day
Pros:
- Nikah, sanding all in one day
- Everything will be settled within that 1 day, and there's no need to worry about the next day anymore.
- Less $$$ spent on photography, videography, andaman services, car, etc as services are only needed for that 1 day. Extra charges are usually incurred for 2 day events or extra hours.
Cons:
- May be a bit rushing, especially for the groom's side, as after the nikah, they would need to hurry back to their venue to prepare for the arrival of their guests.
- Planning and execution has to be done to a T; any delay could cause chaos on both sides in terms of arrival of bride/groom at each side, etc.
- Could be tiring.
2-day
Pros:
- After nikah, can relek-relek, and prepare for sanding the next day (if your sanding is the next day).
- If your side's sanding is on the same day, but your guy's side is on the next day, there's not much of a rush to get ready and travel to and fro.
- Your wedding takes up a whole weekend #weddingweekend
Cons:
- Your wedding takes up a whole weekend. Could be tiring, time-consuming, draggy. (But then again, what wedding isn't tiring, right?)
- More $$$ spent on photography, videography, andaman services, car, etc.
3. SET A BUDGET
Budget is so, so important. No money, no talk geng. I've set a blanket budget of about $30k just in case (better to have extra la). I'll be paying for most of my wedding myself, mind you. Catering, andam, decor, photography + videography, invites, car, etc. So this means..........working like a slave again for the next 2 years. Having a budget makes sure I don't over-spend (as I tend to) and that I don't spend on unnecessary items.
4. SET THE NUMBER OF GUESTS
I guess this point also ties in with our budget. Nak buat kecik-kecik intimate cosy wedding with only close friends and family, or nak buat besar-besar grand-grand and jemput everyone including our parents' old neighbours yang tak jumpe since 20 years ago?
In my opinion, budget plays a big role in determining this aspect of our wedding. Sure, if I had an unlimited supply of moolah I would probably buat besar-besar grand-grand and invite 1000 to 2000 people - probably just because I can. Every girl has a dream wedding in mind, and more often than not, for those dream weddings to be turned into reality, high cost is involved.
At the moment, the parentals and I are not really that keen in having a huge wedding due to budget constraints and priorities, so we're thinking... 600 to 700 guests?
For me, I'm quite skeptical about having to work like a slave for 2 years just for that 1 or 2 days of celebration. Money doesn't come easily for me (this has been evident this past year), and I'd rather have a nice cosy, intimate wedding with the people who are important to me rather than to spend unnecessarily on people who are not, and whom I couldn't give a damn about (haha). Harsh truth, but yes.
5. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME MAK ANDAM
So far, I've enquired with as many as ONE mak andam LOL. And that is ISHQ by Nora Zee. But I will be enquiring with others such as Peti Solek & TWB just in case my super fickle self changes my mind. Right now, I'm inching more towards Nora Zee, but in the next 5 months, who knows?
6. GET A GENERAL IDEA OF THE DECOR I WANT
Facebook. Instagram. Blogs. Anywhere I can. Because I should have a general idea of the type of look and feel that I want for my wedding. I don't need to have an exact theme in mind; just a general idea will do. Right now, my general idea is..... FRESH FLOWERS. Haha, tu je. Oh, and tiffany chairs. Accessories. Fairy lights. NO GREEN PLANTS (I can see this at work already lor).
7. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME DECOR COMPANY
Only a number of the decor companies I've surveyed seem to be able to suit my "taste". Others were either too neon, too garish, too green with plants, too bling2, too old-fashioned, etc. One of the decor companies I felt suit my taste was Kasai Sayang, but will also be enquiring with others like Daun Dco, Jentayu, Elly Weddings, Bonito by Bob in the following months.
8. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME CATERER
I simply love Aish Catering's food. Everything else seems to pale in comparison ever since I got hooked onto their absolutely delectable Ayam Masak Merah and Sambal Goreng Pengantin. They served ah-may-zinggg food at our engagement (yes both sides, mine and his) and I honestly believe that my guests' tummies will be well taken care of should I leave the catering to them. So, I'm inching towards them right now. But like I said, I'm fickle. We'll see how I feel again mid-2015.
9. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHER
This one I have to admit I'm quite particular about. I've shortlisted a few, namely NAF IMGS, Fandy Razak, pink elephant labs. All three very different with very distinct personal styles, so this may be a tough one to decide on (for me at least). Of course must also think about budget la eh.
10. LOOK FOR AN AWESOME VIDEOGRAPHER
Being a semi-perfectionist, if my budget allowed it, I would go for CST Productions cause they. are. amazing.
11. CHOOSE MAK ANDAM / DECOR COMPANY / CATERER / PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER
Very important! Must make the right choice. MUST. So lots and lots of research have to be done.
12. SET A TIME PERIOD TO START MAKING APPOINTMENTS / DEPOSITS WITH VENDORS
Right now, the boy and I are geared towards mid-2015. We both feel that we need to get some savings in first before doing anything (of course la). So for this, we'll see how it goes la eh. Kalau rezeki lebih, of course we may bring forward the appointment-setting time frame.
So that's about it la eh. Basically our game plan for the next 3-4 months would be to do lots and lots of research, and make our decisions by mid-2015. In the meantime, a savings game plan would have to concocted and executed as well, but will leave that for another post la.
We have a long journey of planning ahead, and I'm excited! Yes, while some people bemoan having to plan, I am one of those gila people who just LOVE to do it! I go crazy for excel spreadsheets, quotation requests, quotation collations, comparisons, etc. I just hope the boy loves planning as much as I do ah haha!
Monday, 1 December 2014
Soliloquy of a haircut
I can't really explain the reasons behind my sudden decision to cut my hair. After all, I've always been known to love my hair fiercely - to defend it when others demanded that it be cut and to despise anything bad that ever happens to it; be it a badly cut fringe, or a strange person with a curling iron.
So what exactly inspired this decision to hack my hair off to half of its length?
Like I said, it's difficult to explain. I tell people it's because I want to grow it out healthier, or to buang suay. Or to try out a new hairstyle after many years of having almost the exact same one (give or take a cut fringe or two).
But somehow, every time I've said those reasons out loud to people, they've felt like lies. White lies. Or cover ups. And I think my lack of conviction showed, cause people began to question me more. Like they weren't satisfied with my answers and demanded better ones. Only I didn't have any.
It's just a haircut.
It's funny; to feel so strangely about a haircut, and to look into the reasons behind it with such tenacity.
Yeah, it is just a haircut. But I think to me, it is also an expression of my finally being able to accept myself as I am, to let go of all the security blankets that shielded me from truly loving myself. To let go of things that I thought made me "pretty" and be completely okay with it.
I used to think that I only looked pretty with long hair, because I had a chubby face and would look like crap with short hair that accentuated said chubby face. Whenever I had a bad hair day, I would feel like shit about myself, as if my hair was an extension of myself.
People would tell me "Oh, you have such nice hair! You should never cut it!" and I'd feel so proud of myself.
But what's the point of having "nice" hair just to show it off? To feel good on the outside but not on the inside? To the extent that when a bad hair day came upon me, I'd shun looking at myself in the mirror. When I did, I'd look away in disgust, and question myself as to why my hair wasn't as nice as the girls I was following (stalking) on Instagram. Like as if my self-worth depended on the state of my hair. PFFT
So, to put it nicely - cutting my hair is my way of telling myself and others out there, that it's okay to do things that may not be "socially acceptable". I've had people tell me I look chubby with short hair, I look funny with short hair, that I should've never cut my hair cause it was nice the way it is, that I'd regret cutting my hair, blah blah blah. But whatever. I did it cause I felt like doing it, and I'm perfectly okay with it, despite several moments of self-doubt.
I think what I needed most was to be able to do something I wanted, and be okay with the "consequences".
So what exactly inspired this decision to hack my hair off to half of its length?
Like I said, it's difficult to explain. I tell people it's because I want to grow it out healthier, or to buang suay. Or to try out a new hairstyle after many years of having almost the exact same one (give or take a cut fringe or two).
But somehow, every time I've said those reasons out loud to people, they've felt like lies. White lies. Or cover ups. And I think my lack of conviction showed, cause people began to question me more. Like they weren't satisfied with my answers and demanded better ones. Only I didn't have any.
It's just a haircut.
It's funny; to feel so strangely about a haircut, and to look into the reasons behind it with such tenacity.
Yeah, it is just a haircut. But I think to me, it is also an expression of my finally being able to accept myself as I am, to let go of all the security blankets that shielded me from truly loving myself. To let go of things that I thought made me "pretty" and be completely okay with it.
I used to think that I only looked pretty with long hair, because I had a chubby face and would look like crap with short hair that accentuated said chubby face. Whenever I had a bad hair day, I would feel like shit about myself, as if my hair was an extension of myself.
People would tell me "Oh, you have such nice hair! You should never cut it!" and I'd feel so proud of myself.
But what's the point of having "nice" hair just to show it off? To feel good on the outside but not on the inside? To the extent that when a bad hair day came upon me, I'd shun looking at myself in the mirror. When I did, I'd look away in disgust, and question myself as to why my hair wasn't as nice as the girls I was following (stalking) on Instagram. Like as if my self-worth depended on the state of my hair. PFFT
So, to put it nicely - cutting my hair is my way of telling myself and others out there, that it's okay to do things that may not be "socially acceptable". I've had people tell me I look chubby with short hair, I look funny with short hair, that I should've never cut my hair cause it was nice the way it is, that I'd regret cutting my hair, blah blah blah. But whatever. I did it cause I felt like doing it, and I'm perfectly okay with it, despite several moments of self-doubt.
I think what I needed most was to be able to do something I wanted, and be okay with the "consequences".
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
How the cookie crumbles
The boy's left me for a week in Phuket with his work buds, so I've decided that I'm going to do random things throughout this week to keep myself busy until it's time for ME to leave for MY trip to Batam on the day HE comes back to SG! Muahahahaha, ahhhh miss me more, miss me more!
(Padehal perginya tu dua hari aje. Saturday head to Batam, Sunday come back to SG. TSK)
I didn't want to be left thinking about how he's enjoying his time there in Phuket while I'm stuck here slaving away, so today I decided to.......
BAKE ME SOME SOFTBATCH CREAMCHEESE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!
Naaaaa, gi bake sendiri sana:
ENJOY!
(Padehal perginya tu dua hari aje. Saturday head to Batam, Sunday come back to SG. TSK)
I didn't want to be left thinking about how he's enjoying his time there in Phuket while I'm stuck here slaving away, so today I decided to.......
BAKE ME SOME SOFTBATCH CREAMCHEESE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES!
And, voila!
.
.
.
.
 |
| Yes they were exactly like this after getting baked haha |
A bit anti-climax eh bile your cookies end up looking exactly the same as they did before they went into the oven? Lol
But seriously, I think that's how they were meant to look? I guess the cornstarch and creamcheese kinda created some sort of reaction that made the batter different from others.
Nevertheless, the cookies were AHHMEHHZINNNNNNN!
Crumbly on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside... just my cup of... eh no, plate of cookies.
Wanna try?
Naaaaa, gi bake sendiri sana:
Asteroid's Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (use cream cheese in a block or spreadable, don't use fat-free, light or whipped)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (I used 1 cup chips and 1 1/4 cups chunks)
DIRECTIONS:
To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, cream cheese (measure it by smooshing it into a 1/4-cup measure), sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use an electric hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
Add chocolate chips and chunks, and beat momentarily to incorporate, or fold in by hand.
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping mounds (I made 28). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking. Do not bake with warm dough because cookies will spread and bake thinner and flatter.
Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat or spray with cooking spray and place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center. Do not bake longer than 10 minutes as cookies will firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked with dough that had been chilled overnight, allowed to come to room temp for 15 minutes, and were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark. They have chewy edges with soft, pillowy centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup cream cheese, softened (use cream cheese in a block or spreadable, don't use fat-free, light or whipped)
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt, optional and to taste
2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (I used 1 cup chips and 1 1/4 cups chunks)
DIRECTIONS:
To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter, cream cheese (measure it by smooshing it into a 1/4-cup measure), sugars, egg, vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed until well-creamed, light and fluffy, about 5 minutes (or use an electric hand mixer and beat for at least 7 minutes).
Stop, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, optional salt, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.
Add chocolate chips and chunks, and beat momentarily to incorporate, or fold in by hand.
Using a medium 2-inch cookie scoop, form heaping mounds (I made 28). Place mounds on a large plate, flatten mounds slightly with your palm, cover with plasticwrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, before baking. Do not bake with warm dough because cookies will spread and bake thinner and flatter.
Preheat oven to 350F, line a baking sheet with a Silpat Non-Stick Baking Mat or spray with cooking spray and place mounds on baking sheet, spaced at least 2 inches apart (I bake 8 cookies per sheet). Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until edges have set and tops are just beginning to set, even if slightly undercooked, pale and glossy in the center. Do not bake longer than 10 minutes as cookies will firm up as they cool (The cookies shown in the photos were baked with dough that had been chilled overnight, allowed to come to room temp for 15 minutes, and were baked for 8 minutes, with trays rotated at the 4-minute mark. They have chewy edges with soft, pillowy centers). Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing and transferring to a rack to finish cooling.
Cookies will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Alternatively, unbaked cookie dough can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, so consider baking only as many cookies as desired and save the remaining dough to be baked in the future when desired.
ENJOY!
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Irrits tahap MAKSIMA
My crowning glory, my glorious brown locks, which was finally free of chemicals and heat damage, has been ravaged by a curling-iron wielding PERSON with the stubborn-ness of a permanent marker stain on cotton, and I am devastated. From its former soft and frizz-less state, it has turned into a ball of frizzy ends and strange kinks in various places.
So note to self: NEVER let anyone you don't trust curl your hair until it SMOKES. And if she swats your hand away and says no, no, no when you try to stop her, you grab the curling iron from her hand and push her away. Cause this person will only do more damage than good. And if she sprays your hair with hairspray BEFORE curling your hair, BLOODY KICK HER.
KTHXBAI
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Kisah (almost) 3 pagi
Timecheck: 2.29am
What am I doing: Studying
Why am I doing this now: Because tomorrow evening is my 3rd and 2nd last exam of this semester, and I'm only up to Chapter 3 of 6 chapters in total.
Faaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkkkk
What am I doing: Studying
Why am I doing this now: Because tomorrow evening is my 3rd and 2nd last exam of this semester, and I'm only up to Chapter 3 of 6 chapters in total.
Faaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrkkkkkkkkkkkk
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