(image found at SociallySuperlative)

Today, I decided its time to give my thick long hair a good trim. Looking at myself in the mirror yesterday I swear I could see Janis Joplin (Bless her soul I do love her voice) singing next to me and we looked like twins with our thick one length hair. I couldn’t even style my hair at all. Finally I stirred up my guts and went to my 2nd least favorite people – THE HAIRSTYLIST. I get nervous when I sit there and having to watch them with scrutiny as they cut my hair. I had to explain and point out how important it is that they cut my curly fussy hair very very well. Luckily the stylist understood me and I think he was the same guy who gave me that awesome Penelope Cruz cut 2 years ago.  He did what I instructed – maintain the length but trim it with layers. Result – Lighter hair and I can see my face

However I do not like it when they suggest to go for REBONDING! The moment he saw my hair he asked if Im interested to do that process of killing my curls and make it straight. I told him a number of times I dont like rebonding and I love my curls the way it is as it gives me choices of hair styles anytime. Straight hair for me makes me look stern and harsh and flat whereas my curls I can style it wavy or as it is and I look fine with it. Why is it that they always suggest us curly haired people to straighten our locks eh? Do our medusa locks look very threatening to their shears? Nevertheless I hold no grudges to him as he was just being a hairstylist but just when I found him again I was told that its his last month working there AND the saloon is closing down too ..

Just when I found a hair saloon I’m finally content with, I end up having to find another one that can do a good job in understanding my fussy misbehaving but lovable locks!!!

HELP!!

Im such a terrible blogger I know so I apologise. Right now I feel so tired I could do with a major physical overhaul of ME!

Its been such a busy week for me and Ive never felt this busy in my whole entire life. I remember when I first left home and moved out of the country to join my husband (then boyfriend) I have never felt so excited with the personal space I was getting in a new environment. He kept telling me to go out and make new friends whereas for me I was sort of stubborn and couldnt be arsed in making any thinking I’ll get by as I already have my own set of closest friends back at home so why bother making a new network here, right?

WRONG!!! Eventually I got bored of going out on my own and missing out on some ladies get together. This year Ive made new friends well I have known one of them for almost 2 years now but I feel that, since she is now pregnant and no longer working, I got to know her quite well now. The other two I only got to know them this year but for some reason (call me a nuthead) I felt theres a connection amongst us as we can talk things on random mode all 4 of us without going blank if you know what I mean. As an appreciation and in the spirit of Christmas I decided to give them some gifts as my way of saying thank you. Call me a bit of sentimental one but its very touching to know that one of them actually toast a drink for me for introducing her to the other rest.

SO LADIES, A TOAST TO OUR FRIENDSHIP AND AN EVERLASTING ONE TOO!!

Yep this year I noticed thats what Ive been doing extending the bridge of friendship near or far and its amazing!!  So I am thankful for that.

And now Ive got my own free time but still got TONS to do but I’ll get to do my blog reading again from time to time. I miss my reading my blogs

Having my younger sister in town with her boyfriend was sort of taxing too. Dont get me wrong I love my younger sister a whole lot but man! just the idea of going out does sap away my energy and bless her for understanding her elder sister’s efforts of meeting up. Her boyfriend is an absolute teddybear and I’m glad I got to know him and meeting him for the first time. At least all my doubts about the fella are all gone now and I can lift this over protective barrier I put on my sister and cast it away for good. Im surprise to know they’ve got plans to get married next year which I think is TOO FAST considering its only less than a year they’ve gone out as a couple but have known each other for a year now. I think its wise to really get to know each other properly first but I shant say a word. They’re both grown ups and Im not going to be a nagging duck at my sister.

Right my husband is playing Christmas songs right now which is very un-grinchly of him maybe its the Christmas tree and the gifts underneath the tree has finally made him in the mood?

Toodles all, Have a great weekend !!

Being away from my family and from home only means that I will miss out on ALOT of events and today’s one of them.

TODAY 23rd November 2009, my youngest sister gave birth to her second child. A healthy 3kg baby boy. I am so happy for her and so relieved that she had a safe delivery although the doctor had to break her water for what reason I dont know unless some experienced mothers explain to me why or gynaecologist give me the A-Z of pregnancy and delivery. In the end she had to have Caesarean but nevertheless she is fine, I’m now waiting in anticipation to see the latest photo of the new addition in my family this cute bundle of joy whom I heard has chubby rosy cheeks.

As much as I want to be there I can only celebrate the joy all the way over here.

Hope your day started out great and it continues throughout the week !!

Two blogs in one day ..now thats progress from my side Anyway …

As I was getting ready to go out and start my day facing the hordes of shoppers and mad traffic plus pollution, the security phone rang and I wondered what it was all about. A letter arrived he said and so I said let the despatch man up. In my mind what letter could it be? Could it be Ayumi’s package ? I got excited but I was even more surprised when it was more than a letter …the despatch had a bouquet of roses for me which got me more curiouser ..holy cow! Do I have a secret admirer? How the hell do they know where I lived  or maybe it was my husband surprising me but then a thought crossed my mind, ‘What the hell did he do wrong?!’  Secretly, I was hoping for some food or biscuits

My 3 stalks of roses, so pretty!

And when I looked in the cute pink bag all I could do was squeal with happiness at the cuteness of the plush toy. When I checked the card I just had to dial the number of the sender and let HER hear my squeal of happiness in full blast. Sorry Kak Zar I hope I didnt make you temporarily deaf ^_^

Mashimaro, isnt he so cute!

Anyone who knows me, family & friends, know how much I love anything that just looks cute to me and this marshmallow rabbit looking baby oozes so much cuteness!!  SO CUTE!!! I wonder what other half will think when he sees this My wife the little girl at heart ..

Music CD from Ayumi-san

Also today I received a package from my good friend,  Ayumi. Recently we have been exchanging music cds containing songs we like to listen to and this cd contains more Japanese songs that she shares with me. Arigato gozaimasu Ayumi san for your letter and the music cd, I look forward to listening to your choice of songs. I CANT WAIT!!! I recognise some of the names on the cd like Angela Aki and Exile.

Ah such a good day! Even the heat and the sudden change of weather doesn’t affect my mood and wipe away the Cheshire Cat grin on my face!

Splendid!! Yes people, I love snail mails and surprises!

Nothing much has been happening in my world except I have been busy entertaining my eldest sister & her family while they’re here. I had absolutely so much fun with her boys actually. Every time we meet we never fail to start our day out at STARBUCKS first!! Cafe Soy Latte for me!! With the Starbucks redemption plan here I get greedy redeeming for a tall Cafe Soy Latte. I like any goodies that comes from Starbucks.

Anyway Ive been taking some random shots of the food and thought I post it here

Fusili Pasta with eggplants and french beans

Cooking and eating  this I realise how much it  is missing a key ingredient and that’s CHEESE!

Spaghetti Bolognaise

At least one man is lucky to have his cheese and beef! *hmph*

Spicy Ramen Noodles at Yo Sushi

Im not a big fan of ramen noodles but when I tried this, I just LOVE it!! The spicy broth just tantalises the taste buds..MMMMMMMM!

Ice Kacang / ABC

A nice cooling dessert for a very hot day! Ice Kacang filled with red beans, black jelly, corn and green jelly topped with evaporated milk.

Yesterday while having my Soy Cafe Latte with Ice (normally I like it hot but it was so frickin humid & hot yesterday) one of my favorite magazines was having some sort of promotion. Just by signing up online we received some goodies and they’re so cute

CLEO Goodies

Every month there are 2 magazines I never fail to buy and that’s CLEO Malaysia and Malaysian Women’s Weekly. Now I have also added SHAPE Malaysia. Finally a fitness magazine that caters to the Asian needs in this part of the world in terms of recipes and F&B for weight watchers or fitness buffs.

I’ve bought CLEO Magazine since I was still living back at home. It was either Cleo Singapore or Cleo Magazine, either of them, nevertheless what I like about CLEO are the contents which are very informative! Photos of products are always provided and the price of the products too. Reviews of products are very good and I always use their reviews as a guideline before I decide to buy it or get a sample if given.I love reading their Beauty Peek segment especially Beauty School, their Hot Reads segment and Fashion Spy segment. If you need to know where to find the products / outfits you can always depend on their list of Where To Shop. Yes, I absolutely love Cleo for what it has to offer to the hip beauty & fashion trendsetters, travelling Xenas, hair stylissimos.

What magazines do you like to read and buy every month?

Finally, today Michael Jackson will be laid to rest peacefully, away from this mad world.

I did a blog about Michael together with Farrah two weeks ago (I cant believe its been two weeks already and yet it has not sunk in to me yet!) but I thought today would be a perfect day to blog this personally for him as he is laid to rest and where the whole world including me can finally accept the fact that he is gone, say good bye to him and now he can rest after many years of hard work and contributions.

I was watching MTV’s Final Tribute to him earlier and I asked my husband about why is he being given this ultimate tribute considering there are many other legendary entertainers that passed away before him but never been given a massive homage as this (for e.g. James Brown, Luther Vandross, Isaac Hayes and more). Then it clicked on me that he has been an entertainer for many people of different generations. For me, my generation or era would be the 80s then there’s the 90s and now the 2000’s. Michael had produced music of all genres following the change of times. For the many people he has touched with his music, his voice ..he absolutely deserve this ULTIMATE tribute & standing ovation !!

My husband teased me when he said I answered my own question ..hmph!

Watching all those videos, hearing all his songs ..it still hasn’t sunk in to me that he is no longer with us in this world. I am not a fanatic MJ fan but I grew up listening to almost all of his songs.I love listening to his music, fascinated with his dance, love hearing his voice when he sings in different tones.

Regardless of what he is thought of or seen of, may people will remember him as a human being. Tormented in life, misunderstood but strong in facing the trials and tribulations. Like the famous phrase quoted,

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones

But Words Will Never Hurt Me

And that was how Michael faced his life everyday. Its a sad day to lose this man but I guess his time has come to bid farewell to everyone from all corners of the world.

Rest In Peace – Michael Jackson

We all love YOU

We all miss YOU

But

We will never forget YOU

My favorite Starbucks

To start off my day, I head to Starbucks to have my favorite tipple of the day – Cafe Latte with Soymillk and of course the newspaper.

Last Friday, like any ordinary day, I decided to go out but this time armed with my camera as I was in the mood of taking photos. Just when I was in that mood, I got attacked by a bout of clumsy-itis! I swear I must’ve spilled quite a bit of blood. As I was about to leave home, I was closing the back door when little did I realise the door hit and scraped the back of my heel leaving me in absolute pain. The moment I saw the skin peeled off, I knew that its going to bleed but never did I realise it would bleed that much! So most of the time I wanted to take some photos, I was distracted with checking on my wound. Trust me I have been changing the plasters like 10 times throughout the whole day and it never stopped bleeding ..makes me wonder how many blood vessels are there at the back of the heel? By the time it was around 3pm did it finally decided to turn the blood tap off and by then, too, I was ready to pack up and go home.

Basically MISSION : SHUTTERBUG was not a success however I did take some random shots so enjoy :-

A day out

Pavillion

Pavillion

The Pavillion – One of the latest & major shopping centre

The one word that can create HAVOC Agreed?

My day was complete when I had my lunch at a sushi restaurant.

To make my day out at the mall worth the bleeding too I decided to splurge on some products for my skin.

My new infantry

My personalised bookmark

I also had this bookmark made and chose Hello Kitty because I like anything cute!

How I miss having Beef Stroganoff for dinner. I did not realise that its almost 3 months since I stopped eating beef. Fortunately for my husband I cant bear to make him eat what I have to eat for the  time being so I always cook two meals for dinner. I cooked beef stroganoff for him and for myself, a simple Stir fried Fish & Vegetable with Seaweed Tofu

Hubby's Dinner - Lucky man!

My Dinner

And how was your weekend ?

Today is a day which everyone arond the world will never forget.

The deaths of two legendary icons

When I first heard and saw Michael Jackson, it was back in 1982 and I saw the video of Billie Jean. That was the 1st song I have heard of him and that started my love for his music BUT it wasn’t until I met my husband, did I learn more of his music from the time he had left The Jacksons.

He has produced SO MANY hits after hits but my most favorite would be ROCK WITH YOU. It should’ve been Billie Jean but its Rock with you that I actually liked to listen to. I absolutely love his versatility in experimenting different type of music genres throughout his singing career.

I will always remember him as THE MAN WHO WILL NEVER GROW OLD ..like Peter Pan! Sure he is weird, he has led a tumultous life but he was still a human being and despite it ALL, to me, he will always be MICHAEL JACKSON – THE MOONWALKER. He has other nick names dubbed to him but I will always remember him as the Moonwalker from the video Smooth Criminal.

At the age of 50, Michael have left the world behind with many great songs that links to many memories to billions of people who have listened to him ..old and young! He is an inspiration to many artists and paved through a path for these artists in their journey towards their own entertainment career.

Michael, thank you for all the memories that your songs have given me throughout my growing years. Your music will live on forever and you will never be forgotten.You are an icon, a legend, immortalised in our hearts and mind.

Dearest Michael, May you rest in peace

Another icon that has passed away today is Farrah Fawcett. I only remembered her as one of Charlie’s Angels P.I, Jill Munroe. I used to watch that series alot back then. Then I watched her in this series called Poor Little Rich Girl. She’s a talented actress but what made me remember her was her tousled hairstyle. She is a 70s icon. I always looked up to Farrah for fashion inspiration, it was weird throughout those days but now look, the 70s fashion has made a come back and even the shaggy tousled hairstyle.

Farrah Fawcett, May you rest in peace

What was your favorite Michael Jackson song ?

For English to Japanese translation please go to Babelfish

For the single ladies, this would be a really nice thing to make, to give  and to share, for all the mothers this would be a lovely activity to do with the children albeit the mess. I was going through all the photos I have been saving on my computer hard drive and found these photos. Brings me back to fond memories of the days gone by ^_^ I thought I share it with you, its a famous biscuit made especially during our Muslim festival of Aidilfitri or Eid-El-Fitr. To us, Malays, its not Aidilfitri if we CANT FIND this biscuit at anyone’s home or at our home ..well that is my point of view but its true! This lovely fluffy buttery morsel is what we call KUIH MOR (in my country we call it by that name, Malaysia calls it Kuih Makmur but its filled with peanuts if Im not mistaken)! It is absolutely easy to make. I used to remember making these maybe 10 days before Aidilfitri with my mom and my sister. It is fun if FUN is part of it while rolling the dough-talking and laughing while making, its not fun when you’re being nagged or being told off because its too big or too small or get it done fast, pronto and you just feel like you’re being placed in front of a conveyor belt rolling them and putting them in its tray like a robot. My mom makes it very nice BUT when my elder sister makes it, all I can say is, I kept popping one again and again into my mouth as it is sooooo buttery delish, I dont know how she does it but its ADDICTIVE!  When she came to visit me last time,  she made 2 containers for me and greedy as I am it was all gone straight into my belly less than a month! Anyway, try it out and hope you’ll enjoy making them!

Here are the ingredients

1 kg of Plain Flour

1 tin (455gm) of Ghee Butter (its clarified butter used mostly in Indian cooking)

The Key Ingredients

Knead the dough till it becomes like this sort of batter

Roll them up into small balls like these and pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes

Et Voila! The baked and sugar coated Kuih Mor!!

Happy Baking and, like me, HAPPY EATING ^_^

I’ve taught my good friend, Ayumi, how to make them and she did it perfectly well and she would have them with a nice cup of hot tea!! Good idea Ayumi, maybe I ought to try having it with hot tea too, next time ^_^

Updated:-

If you cant find Ghee, another subsitute I would advise is Golden Churn Butter which my mom uses when she makes her own batches of these round delicious morsels! I am sure you can use other butter too but we have never tried them before.

Wishing all a very good weekend!!