The Baby Walker Thrill Ride. Weeeeee!

Irfan has taken over Syihab's walker but it didn't seem to affect him because now all he can do is hitch a ride instead of walking.

He absolutely loves it.

   

Our Hari Raya 'Kueh'

Hari Raya is just in a few days and our weekends during the fasting month was filled with baking.

I love baking and I have been baking for almost 10 years. One thing that I can do and feel proud is baking.

There are 7 pastries/ biscuits this year. 2 made by my mom and 1 by my sis.

1. Kueh Suji
2. Kueh Makmur
3. Kueh Tart
4. M&M Biscuits
5. Golden Crunchy Cornflakes Cookies
6. Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
7. Kueh Sagu Keju Kering (cheese!)

I had to bake Kueh Suji and Kueh Keju TWICE because everyone (including me) just couldn't help but snacking and I am talking about finishing 1 big bottle of kueh!

Despite of it all, I definitely take it as a compliment. I would be worried if no one is tempted to eat and can't wait for Hari Raya. hehe

Anyways, SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO MY ALL MUSLIM READERS!

   

Naan and Smurfs

Fizah, Jhon and I met up for Iftar as joke because we usually don't meet up to break fast and we mock others who would enthusiastically plan to meet up with old acquaintances and iftar as a group.

Anyways, Fizah managed to find a good deal to have our Indian dinner by the pool like "atas" people at Riverwalk Tandoor in Landmark Village Hotel.

Food was not what you call top notched even though there were certain dishes like the Curry Chicken and Naan were delicious, the other dishes were ordinary to me.

How crazy was I about the Naan? I didn't realized that I had probably ate 4-5 whole pieces even after eating Briyani until Fizah pointed it out.

Then, there was this fruit punch which was our welcome drink that we were making a big fuss about.

Fizah and Jhon drank it first and they were crazy about it so I purposely saved it for last so that I can boast to them that I still have a full glass of punch while theirs were finished or finishing. This is what happened to us after drinking the fruit punch.

SUGAR RUSH!!!

After the sugar rush and mellowed down, we finally left the place and take pictures on our way out.

We headed to Bugis Village for a while to just walk around and kill time and apparently, there was a Smurf exhibition of decorated Smurfs figurines done by celebrities. I got to admit, some where rather nice and I suppose it also brings out the personality of each celebrities.

It was a fun night, especially that sugar rush moment. =D

   

Iftar with Fireworks

My mom and sis has been always been avid fans of fireworks but for some apparent reason, they only like to watch it on the actual day of National Day Parade instead of the rehearsal days. And when they do, they would leave the house late, had to beat the massive traffic and searched for a parking spot that is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Most of the times when I follow my family to watch fireworks, we usually can barely see them.

So this time, I asked them to follow me to watch fireworks. The only catch is that we have to leave the house early. Unfortunately, my sis was unable to follow us because she went to Johor with her in-laws so it was just mom, bro, sis-in-law, Shibly, Syihab, Jhon and I.

It was also the fasting month so mom cooked 'jemput-jemput bawang', brought hot coffee to break fast and we bought chicken rice before we went on our way.

We reached Marina Bay Sands about 5+pm and by that time, the place was already packed and immediately, we got mentally ready for what may seem a never ending quest of an empty parking lot.

But the Gods of Carpark seemed to shine on us because as soon as we turned in to enter the carpark, another entry (for lorries) opened and we got a parking spot in 1 minute.

Not only that, we also managed to get the spot that Jhon and I went previously so it was perfect.
Waiting time was undoubtedly somewhat nerve wrecking only because of the certain group of people who were stubborn and wanted to squeeze into the pathway we were in. Thanks to the 2 prams and 1 foldable chair, we managed to "secure" our spot. hehehee

We managed to watch the air and water shows and the sunset was simply beautiful.

Luckily, Syihab slept throughout the show until he was woken up by the 21 gun salute. We were ready for him to cry because of the blasts but he didn't cry at all and didn't even flinched! Shibly was a good boy too until he had a craving for an ice-cream.

When the fireworks started, everyone went wild and I was somewhat surprised that my bro was a screamer for fireworks and for once, the fireworks video was not overwhelmed with my shrill screaming. haha

By this time Shibly was sleeping but mom managed to wake him up so he managed to catch the last set of fireworks.

Overall, despite of the wait and irritating people, I was glad that everyone enjoyed the day because I knew my bro and sis-in-law was not keen at to follow because of the crowd but they absolutely it that they managed to finally get to get an awesome view.

But most importantly, my mom managed to watch fireworks; the main reason I asked everyone out.
=)

   

Let’s Go Into The Woods

On the first week of August, Jhon and I went to a local musical at the Esplanade theatre, Into the Woods.

There are 3 reasons why we went.

First, ever since our first official musical (school musicals that we participated when we were young does not count) of Lion King at Marina Bay Sands, we simply got addicted; the costumes, the songs and the performances. Fuh!

Secondly, Into the Woods is actually a story of all grimm tales combined; Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and others. How do they fit into one plot? Into the Woods tells it all.

Lastly, there was a time when Jhon and I had to take a long journey home but we didn’t want to fall asleep so I offered a story. A story of all grimm tales into one! Nothing like Into the Woods but all I can say is my story lasted for 1 hour and 5 minutes later, we were home. So we thought watching this is also signifies an internal joke.

By the way, the musical stars the best in Singapore theatre such as Selena Tan, Adrian Pang, Sebastian Tan, Emma Yong, Denise Tan, RJ Rosales, Robin Goh, George Chan, Lim Kay Siu and Sheila Francisco, together with Ria Jones from London’s West End.

By the end of their transmission, Jhon and I grinned at each other and sang snippets of the songs to each other. Music was fantastic albeit certain mellow dramatic songs and their acting were excellent. Who says there is no local talent? You just need to know where to look.

As soon as the entire musical ended, our butts were sore but we left Esplanade with a grin, mentally skipping back home and Jhon was singing snippets of “Agony” and “Into the woods”. In fact, he was still singing after a week. It was THAT good!

   

Words That Will NOT Get You Away With Trouble

People are expressive and can’t resist the temptations of a rant or debate. Sure, I have my rants that I post occasionally on Facebook, Twitter or here but when I say it, I mean it and I don’t try to cover my butt after saying a load of despicable things.

There is no crime on saying what you want BUT my pet peeve is when people try to justify or deem themselves forgivable after saying these words.

You just mocked an entire race and gender and expect those who happen to be one take no offence? I am a malay female and I think I am funny among several of my malay counterparts! So STFU! Oh, No offence!

Right, after bashing someone with all your might and you declare peace? Perhaps one day I shall throw cat poop and piss into your room and say “PEACE!”

What do you mean you DON’T MEAN TO BE DISRESPECTFUL? Your ignorance alone is disrespectful. I don’t mean to be disrespectful but I think you are an idiot.

See what I mean? They think they just write/say those sentences, people won’t get mad and forgive them. Oh sure, after you gave out rude, disrespectful rants, we have no right to counter back just because what you actually mean no offence, peace and full respect?

You know what? If you can’t take the heat, don’t say it at all.

   

Turning Paper into Optimus Prime

My nephew who is turning 4 in 2 months likes to request things that us grown up could not perform.

Recently, his best request would be.

To his utter disappointment, our answer is always no because we do know how to turn a blank piece of paper into a transformer. In fact, fixing his transformer toy from a robot to a car (and vice versa) is almost like fixing a rubix cube.

But a few weeks ago, I came across paper crafting and with all happiness; I printed the template and brought it home.

I asked my sis and bro the same question that Shibly likes to ask “Can you turn this into Optimus Prime?” and as they grinned, I flipped the paper that revealed an Optimus Prime template and smugly declared “I CAN!!”

Unfortunately, Shibly was sleeping but as soon as I was done with breaking my fast, I started with my craft.

Undoubtedly, it was an easy template but since it was my first time and too much excitement, I sort of ruined the tabs to slot. I am also not sure it was due to the type of paper I used but when I creased the paper, the ink ran off so the corners are imperfect.

But either way, I think it looks awesome!

And I can say that Optimus Prime just came back from fighting that’s why his paint on his edges seemed scraped off.

Shibly was intrigued by it when he woke up and saw that I was almost done.

Shibly: Mak Su, what are you doing?

Me: I am building Optimus Prime out of paper!

Shibly: Noooo.. Daddy says cannot!

Me: Yes I can! *smug face* (lol)

Shibly: *silence* after that, turn into a car okay?

*facepalm*

Anyways, thanks to Shibly, I’m hooked on paper crafting now.

   

Win Tickets to ITALIA!

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Thanks to NuffnangSG, I won tickets to watch Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 premiere gala due to my Cars Cars blog post.

Jhon couldn’t make it due to his bowling tournaments, so I asked Fizah out who happen to be a big fan of Cars. She squealed yes with delight which meant I made the right decision. Haha

We came by at The Cathay early as usual and managed to snap a few pictures before we redeemed our tickets.

The movie was expectantly wonderful with more actions scenes compared to other Disney's movies. It was also undoubtedly funny and adorable watching cars doing action scenes like using a grapple to climb structures. The storyline was quite intriguing and heartwarming too.

In the movie, McQueen and Mater had travel to several countries such as Japan, France, England and Italy.

Sighs, Italy, the land of pastas, pizzas and beautiful architecture.

That dream will may be a reality by joining this contest!

All you have to do is check in to all the 5 locations and you may win a pair of tickets for TRIP TO ITALY!

Not only that, you may also win movie premiums!

I think the contest is quite interesting and unique especially you don't have your own transport.

So if you want to have a mini amazing race of your own with a chance of winning airline tickets to Italy, JOIN NOW!!

   

The Cranberries Live in Singapore (With Videos!)

Ridiculous Thoughts, Promises, Linger, Zombie, Ode to My Family, Salvation, Animal Instinct, Just My Imagination, When You’re Gone and that is just a few of The Cranberries’ hits.

And nothing is better than listening to them live and in the flesh. Yes, The Cranberries had come to Singapore for a concert and on the first day of Ramadhan no less. Before you can judge me, you tell me, which is better. Being pious only once a year for a month or being realistic and true to faith at an even level throughout?

Anyways, we managed to get great seats and while waiting, Jhon and I said Hi-Hello to my good ol’ friend, Wati and her husband. It was the first time I saw her ever since she got pregnant and she looks so cute!

Undoubtedly, The Cranberries performance was spectacular! Dolores still owns her beautiful singing voice and looks great and the band was simply flawless.

The audience were where somewhat like Kylie Minoque’s concert. They only stood up to dance and sing to only the songs that they know. There were several of people staring at me as I went crazy rocking out and singing to Ridiculous Thoughts and Promises.

As usual, I stood, sang and rocked out the entire concert because I am an avid fan of their music. It is definitely the top 3 of the best concerts I have ever been to.

Jhon and I also managed to be home quite early than usual because thanks to Wati & Adi, they sent us home! It was so sweet of them.

To those who didn’t go to the concert, you missed a helluva of a show.

   

Saga Seeds with a Story

Whenever I see these beautiful red saga seeds, I will always think of an adventurous and unexpected exploration.

Fizah, Jhon and I have always been avid fans of trekking/trailing but the spots that we always go are MacRichie Reservoir or Southern Ridges Park. So we decided to venture to other parks and we chose the Western Park Connector.

The journey to the beginning to the route was already an interesting journey because you see, this is the first time any of us heading there. It was also a first for Jhon to take an LRT. He was a timid but excited boy that day.

The start of the trailing was rather exciting for us because it was a completely new route with different sceneries. We can’t what was in store for us. The "dirt" photo on the right is actually a race track for RC cars under the expressway bridge!

First encounter was a good one. We found a playground. Without skipping a beat, the inner child of me burst out to play. At first it was just me, climbing and when I needed help to climb back down, I got scared like a kitty cat and there was when Jhon came to my rescue. He got hooked and completed the “course” with me.

After what seems to be a never ending ZhengGhua route, we came to a forked road. Instead of turning left, we went straight and thus the beginning of a confusing and lost road ahead.

We kept going straight. No doubt our gut feelings were telling us that we were going to the wrong way but perhaps fascinated with the view, we ignored them. This is also the place I managed to sprain my right ankle. Luckily, it was not serious and managed to walk normally; I just can’t put all my weight on it.

We trudged on until we came upon a road with a road sign stating McRitchie Reservoir further ahead. WHAAT?? Thank God for smart phones, we used the map to know where we were. Do you know that if you are surrounded with greenery, all you see in the map is this?

So we traced back our steps and decided to turn right (instead of retrace until the spot we made the wrong turn) and that was when we realized that we have entered Bukit Timah (Singapore’s highest hill). Not only that, we managed to choose the most difficult route UP the hill and DOWN hill.

I sprained the same ankle again but on the other side and we were EXHAUSTED. One thing, we were not mentally ready to climb a steep hill and we were running out of water. WHY IS THERE IS NO WATER AT THE TOP OF THE HILL??! Jhon was so cranky and disappointed that he zoomed down leaving us behind for a good 20minutes. We didn’t even think of taking pictures although reaching the peak via a difficult route was an accomplishment.

After much agony going down the steep steps with nothing but rocks, we eventually made it to the other exit. We drank 6+ cans of H-TWO-O and rested as much as we can. At the resting spot, I saw the map and do you know what the route we walked??

We walked according to the red arrows when we should be walking according to the yellow arrows!!!

After that entire ordeal, we even considered to continue our initial trekking route!

After reenergizing and filling up our bottles, we continued with our walk and as soon as we reached the entrance towards the dairy farm, I saw beautiful red beads on the ground.

It was saga seeds! I absolutely love them because they look gorgeous and I have been ranting about them to Jhon. Naturally, I picked them up and I saw more and picked up more and more and more!!

Jhon was reluctant at first until he helped and he too went crazy even as I said enough and we should move on. It didn’t help that Fizah spotted even more still dangling from their trees. Poor Fizah wanted to pick some for herself but she has difficulty bending over because of her back. Don’t worry, I gave half of the saga seeds to her.

After spending probably 1+ hour picking and throwing sticks at trees so that the seeds will fall, we decided to postpone our Western trail and head back to the resting spot. Jhon washed up with a fresh spray of deodorant and a shirt and we sat around with our shoes taken off.

You would think we would go home right after that but nope. We headed to Bukit Panjang Plaza for a Swenson’s lunch and walked around at Daiso. We also conveniently managed to find bottles for the red saga seeds.

Now our memories are neatly placed in a bottle (1 for Fizah and 1 for me) and forever hold that story how we got semi-lost and ended up climbing Singapore’s highest hill.

THE END

   

Cars Cars!

Guess what?!?!!1

Cars Sequel will be showing soon in our theatres!

Aptly titled….

Here is their trailer!

This time, the movie focuses on Lightning McQueen and Mater’s crazy adventure revolving the first-ever World Grand Prix. It is hugely based on spies and undoubtedly crazy car racing. There will be trials and tribulations, explosive chases through Japan, Italy, France and England and action packed scenes. Not only that, there are new colourful cast of cars, boats, trains and airplanes! For more detailed synopsis, click here.

All this talk about this action packed spy movie makes me day dream about becoming a spy. How cool would that be?

Now, a spy is never a real spy without a spy name. What should I call myself? The first thing that came to my mind is the legendary World War I spy, the Mata Hari.

But I don’t think Hari Zura (Zura Day) or Mata Zura (Zura’s eyes) really makes sense when translated in Malay.

And then I came across the lovely Violette Szabo from French Resistance. Her history was like what came out from a book. She was a spy turned secret agent partly to avenge her husband, Etienne Szabo’s death at the Battle of El Alamein. Nothing calls love than avenging your husband’s death.

She eventually got caught, tortured and murdered at the age of 23 without divulging any secrets or betraying anyone. EPIC.

Thus, I shall name myself after her and call myself Zura Szabo.

I can extract information from anywhere and anyone with ease, knows how to handle weapons well, able to think on my feet, manipulative and flexible and fit enough to protect myself in any dire situations.

No doubt in my head, I imagine myself something like this.

In real life, I am more likely to look like this.

Catch Cars 2 movie starting from 25th August 2011 and join the official Disney Studios Singapore Facebook & Twitter page!

   

Azlinda & Ardie's Wedding

For their solemnisation, click here.

We came by early to eat breakfast at their place and had a head start helping with the ceremony. Dad also had a head start with his karaoke. I love him but he really can't sing. lol

I helped with filling up the basket with door gifts while other relatives help with the distributing.

I love their wedding cake and love Cinda's choice of clothes, especially the head gear of her first outfit.

Arrival of the groom.

Blessing the groom & bride.

Heading off to the groom's side.

Second outfit; red modern dress and cake cutting!

The wedding went smoothly although there were some minor hiccups which is normal.

After the wedding ended and while cleaning up, we managed to snatch the tiara on their wedding cake and played around with it.

Mommy, the sleeping queen.

Sister, the sweet princess.

Jhon, the tired prince.

Me, the awkward princess.

lol

Selamat Pengantin Baru to the couple!