The REAL CurHat Sue

Wedding Kak Hanis @ Kg. Masjid Tikam Batu, Sungai Petani, Kedah (November 2011)

2011-11-26T09:35:00.005+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

My family and I planned to visit my cousin's family at Pulau Pinang @ Penang for the Awal Muharram holidays. In conjunction of the long weekend, there were definitely wedding invitations. I was lucky because I received invitations from my ex-classmates at my law school, AIKOL, IIUM. Kak Hanis & Fauzi in particular. Both weddings were in Sungai Petani & Baling, Kedah respectively, although the route was further up than our original destination in Penang, but how nearer can I be to attend their weddings right?

Breathtaking view of green paddy fields enhanced with the blue sky as the backdrop.

Initially I planned to attend Fauzi's wedding which was scheduled to end at 6 pm, however when I arrived at Sungai Petani it was already almost 4pm and Kak Hanis's wedding scheduled to end at 5 pm. We were supposed to arrive earlier but what to do, the highways were jammed from time to time and unfortunately we encountered some accidents on the way. Oh yes not to forget we also passed by 2 convoys of 20 Mercedes Kompressor and 15 Ferraris. And they were all Singaporeans. Dang.

Oh yes coming back to my story, since we were at Sungai Petani at almost 4pm, we decided to find Kak Hanis's house first. Crazy story was, I did not confirm to attend both their weddings, and I didn't have their maps also their phone numbers, so I just counted on my luck to arrive based on my own research. Alhamdulillah we reached Kak Hanis's place, located at a humble village and welcomed by her mother. We tried not to be awkward since apparently Kak Hanis and her beloved hubby were not at the wedding, they were already snapping photos for their bridal album at Pantai Merdeka, a nearby beach.

These were my meals there :

Newly cooked, hot fried chicken! Yum!

After stuffing our faces, we asked for directions to meet Kak Hanis. I got her phone number and she asked us to wait. While waiting in our car, we bought a cup of fresh coconut juice at a nearby stall at only RM 1.60 and we confirmed it was one of the best coconut juice we ever had, the coconut meat so thick, and juice so naturally sweet. Too bad I didn't manage to snap a photo.

Meanwhile Kak Hanis phoned back and asked to meet us halfway. We did and yay! Alhamdulillah we managed to meet the newlyweds. =) At a very awkward background, we snapped photos to freeze the memory hahah. =D

The happy couple in purple. =)

By that time, it was 5 plus which made it impossible Fauzi's wedding before 6 pm. So we cancelled the trip to Banting but alhamdulillah Fauzi knew I tried to attend his wedding. As for Kak Hanis, I am happy I did manage to show up at her wedding because well both Fauzi & Kak Hanis are not close to me, I cannot even recall if I ever spoke to Fauzi but I am happy when those who never spoken to me at uni added me on FB so somehow the friendships start there. Now they have included me to attend their weddings, of course I feel honoured and touched and will try my best if I could attend. Well I was pretty much a lone ranger at uni, but Kak Hanis was a really great soul to me. Never she said no whenever I ask for favours from her especially on assignments, notes etc. She is always so helpful, and I believe if she always helped me who is not close to her, definitely to others she has helped more. She is also very cheerful and funny her husband is lucky to have her. She has resigned from being a lawyer at Ampang to be with her husband at Taiping, which is better because closer to her family in Kedah as well. Maybe I will not bump into her much like I did at the courts before, but I will always pray the best for her and will never forget her insha Allah. =)

Oh yes and here is a random pic of the old-school Bunga Straw (Straw Flowers) which were popular many many years ago still found relevant at the Sungai Perak R&R Restroom. Nice. =)

Christmas Decor & Farewell to Iqi @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (November 2011)

2011-11-16T20:30:00.003+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

As much as I am a Muslim, I always respect the celebrations of other religions. Since I was a kid, I was fascinated of Santa Claus and the Christmas decorations. Only since in Malaysia, Islam is the official religion, somehow I wish, the Christmas decorations to not overshadow the Eid decor at shopping malls especially. I was quite sad to see, on the 2nd day of Aidilfitri (yes I was at KLCC on 2nd day of Eid) all the Eid decor were gone. And the concourse area was empty. I mean if the admin put so much effort on putting up the decor, what's up with the rush to remove them? Well I think I better save on the KLCC admin part *sigh*

Anyways, again, Pavilion successfully mesmerized shoppers and visitors with their fabulous Christmas decor. Which was kind of a fantasy Toy Land. Oh yes Pavilion too, for Merdeka (National Day), just to put a gigantic Jalur Gemilang flag on the front boulevard, not impressive. Be more patriotic please Pavilion especially you are now the IT shopping mall.

Kids & adults alike were really happy to see this.

Gigantic Cake with Lollipops.

My most favourite! A giant size Hello Kitty! Can I bring it home? =D

The centre of attraction : Carousel which you can actually ride sponsored by Hong Leong Bank.

Zahia with a Christmas Fairy with a Harajuku twist. =D

Finally it was time for me to say goodbye to my beloved good friend here. We bid our farewell, I promised to be there for her family if they need me during her absence and we hugged. Twice. I wish all the best for her in Colombia and I hope I will manage to save enough money to visit her there hehe insha Allah. The last time I checked, I am grateful to see her safe and sound, surrounded by great, cheerful colleagues alhamdulillah. Just to share with you guys, a photo of her at one of the oil plants in Villavicencio, Colombia.

May Allah protect you dearest friend. =')

Again, as always, thanks for reading people =)

XOXO,

Sue

Jom Makan! @ Mochi, Tokyo Street, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (November 2011)

2011-11-16T20:00:00.001+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Before we leave Tokyo Street, I though of trying one of the desserts they sell there. I was attracted to Mochi, one of the cake shops there.

Mochi Sweets. Japanese Luxury Deli. Katanya~

Awww aren't they just cute? I love their subtle pastel colours. They reminded me of the fusion of macaroons and taro. And look how soft they look, really tempted me to gently rub them on my cheeks hahaha. Ok stop it Suraya, you are scaring people. =D

I remember tasting them at my Okasan's (mother in Japanese. That's what I address my pet mother in Japan as well) kitchen. The taste is mostly similar to one another, very subtle, yet you can enjoy them differently though the flavours are not very distinct.

I can't really recall the flavours but they have a variety, as you can see here, Cream Chocolate (RM 3.50 each) & Black Chocolate (RM 4.00 each). Some other flavours I recall are Chocolate Mousse, Caramel Macchiato, Red Bean and even Sakura.

A sample of their box set. I just bought 3 pieces of it. I took the recommended Blueberry Cream, Mango Yogurt and another one that I was not attracted but she said that was really nice. Ahhh sorry guys forgot which flavour.

For full listing of their flavours please click here.

Anyways the Filipino staff there are helpful in recommending the flavours to me. I asked them what are the ingredients and she said that these frozen chewy dessert are made from sticky rice filled with yummy cream inside.

Just when I thought I could share it with Iqi, the staff told me about the eating instructions on the paper pack. Ok let's start "Simply store in a refrigerator and consume on the day of purchase. Do not refreeze after thawing." She told me since it is frozen therefore the cream are not melted to be eaten at its best yet, so again the instruction asked to defrost first. "Defrost time : 20 minutes in the Summer (duh in Malaysia it's always summer.), 40 minutes in the Winter (at Cameron Highlands maybe). It is most enjoyable when sticky rice skin becomes soft."

Since Zahia & I had to depart soon, she did not manage to try them. I brought them home, ate them with my family. Well they are nice since it reminded me of my Okasan's kitchen as I have mentioned. As for Deena, she loves them, especially on how adorable they look. =) Oh yes you can go to Mochi's branch at Gardens @ Mid Valley as well. =)

Thanks for reading guys!

XOXO,

Sue

Jom Jalan! @ Tokyo Street, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang, KL (November 2011)

2011-11-16T19:40:00.001+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

After having an awesome lunch at La Bodega, we practically roamed everywhere at Bukit Bintang till Changkat and came back to Pavilion. Apparently both Zahia and I are not much of shopping buffs and we cannot afford almost everything at Pavilion unless if we have really prepared mentally & financially to shop hahaha.

Nevertheless, at one of the top most floors, there is this cool, quite new place (opened in July 2011) called Tokyo Street. Fast & Furious! Drift! Drift! Ok I don't know I just have to sing that. =D The first time I went there was with my family, so it was my second time there and the first for Iqi.

Basically Tokyo Street is quite a spacious area which locates a number of dainty shops that offer Japanese brands & products. Gifts, household products, home decors, eateries to even spas and saloons using Japanese products. The central area was designed according to the traditional wooden Japanese shops, and the ambience is filled with Japanese pop music therefore you will literally feel like you are in Nippon-koku. =) I was lucky enough to experienced a homestay programme in Osaka when I was 16, and visited Tokyo at the end of the programme so yes Japan was incredible back then, should be more amazing now, so as for now, I cannot visit it again yet, so Tokyo Street is pretty amazing as an alternative since they have almost everything imported from Japan whether it is something you like to own or to eat. Oh not only that, they also conduct programmes from time to time such as Origami lessons, Harajuku fashion show and other programmes relevant to Japan.

Check out the Japanese architecture. Cool huh? =)

Iqi in front of Toy Garden.

Best Buds. =)

Zakka Bits & Pieces. Not surprisingly, many Japanese products, you don't really need them (except for the technology area) but they just look too cute and adorable you feel like owning them. =D

Shizusan Tableware & Gifts. Mental note, to buy one of the teapots here for Ummi's collection insha Allah.

Yes! Finally a shop at Pavilion where we can buy something (or more!) Daiso the RM 5 shop. =D

Some things are not worth to buy at RM 5 per item, some are just worth it to buy at RM 5. Today I bought a cute, glittery pink notebook for my collection and some fake eyelashes for me to try on my clients. I love Japanese style make-up. =)

Oh Japan here is one cute store that caught my eye because it sells cute gifts here.

Serviettes with adorable Sakura or Cherry Blossom print with an adorable Japanese girl cartoon wearing Kimono. MADE IN CHINA. =D

This thing Iqi held reminded me of Russian dolls which I try to collect as well but selective ones. And the ones which do not cost too high.

Bride & Groom! =)

I fell in love with this! A small pouch with gorgeous Matryoshka dolls print suitable to keep your make-up products or stationeries but only this tiny was RM 99. So I snapped a photo to satisfy myself. =D

Yumiku here is one of the bigger shops here. It sells mostly gifts and snacks. I can see Hello Kitty there! LOVE HELLO KITTY! =)

Sanrio products yay!

A Hello Kitty & Dear Daniel notebook =) Ok I am not sure whether Dear Daniel is her boyfriend or her brother. =D

Awwwwww~ Aren't these just to die for?? =) My favourite Little Twin Stars & Melody's journals.

Assorted snacks imported from Japan.

Capsule Station. I remember when I was younger I used to waste money on these kinds of machines just to get their mostly collectible yet crappy toys haha.

At ActionCity and there was Iqi with the infamous Domo! Arkkk! =)

And I assume these were The Beatles? Cute! =)

They sell unique, cool knick knacks such as mini figurines of cartoon characters, assorted colours of iPhone cords to these just too adorable To-Fu Oyako notebooks. Love the images and colours but I noticed the expressions of the Tofu were mostly depressed or problematic haha.

Oh yes! If you are a photography lover and you just love to add Lomo Cameras in your collection, you should never miss to visit The Click Shop.

Lomo Cameras from every model & colour imaginable maybe. I am not a camera freak but I fell in love with the so cool designs especially one shocking pink one and another chili red one. I saw that the prices were about RM 200- RM 300 depending on the model so I guess they are not so expensive after all.

Oh yes I mentioned that you can enjoy Japanese cuisine here. Well yes because at Tokyo Street you may enjoy from the street food or snacks to the finer tradtional Japanese dishes.

Santouka Hokkaido Ramen. I love eating the Ramen (Japanese noodles) when I was in Japan but here naaahh I opt not to because as usual I have doubts with its halal status and especially I have so many more other options than Ramen here. =D

Suki-Ya Eat All You Can Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu whatever that means. So people who can eat a lot at a buffet (like me but unfortunately not here) you should try this place I guess.

As it says there, Moist & Creamy Japanese Nama Roll.

Maybe will try this in the future, Kindori Japanese Ice Cream. Says there, fresh and natural fruity indulgence. Yum.

Cafe Takahashi. This place sells a fusion menu, Japanese and Italian. Those mock dishes sure looked tempting!

Japanese Crepes from Shimino.

Ah yes, Bubble Milk Tea is the in thing these days. Healthy and delicious. Ochado here had the longest queue I saw that day in Tokyo Street (apart from Daiso hehe) so maybe will try their Bubble Milk Tea one day insha Allah.

And yes guys, what better way to end this post other than having Iqi posing in front the infamous pop culture icon of Japan - The Ultraman! =D

Thanks for reading guys! =)

XOXO,
Sue

Jom Makan! Authentic Spanish Cuisine @ La Bodega Tapas Y Vinos, Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang, KL (November 2011)

2011-11-16T15:27:00.199+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

After numerous times of procrastinating and rescheduling for the past years, FINALLY, my best friend in kindergarten Tadika Fatima, Jalan Ampang, Zahia Aqilah aka Iqi & I managed to meet up after so long! And thanks to her departure to Colombia which made the do or just don't point for us to rendezvous.

I offered to treat her for lunch and we promised to meet at Pavilion KL and will decide where to eat later. After so long of not meeting in person, just catching up via Facebook, it was truly amazing and comforting to know that we still communicate the same way. You know how most people when they haven't met for a long time, there is the inevitable feeling of insecurity thinking of "How is this friend going to act or react?" or "Before she shows off, it's better for me to present myself as having the more impressive kind of life." You know that kind. An movie example would be Adam Sandler's Grown Ups, where one of them totally lied about his accomplishments after meeting his old friends when the truth was his whole life was in the middle of numerous terrible crisis. Nevertheless, for me, if you are a true friend, no matter when you meet again, or how amazing your career track record has been, a friend should always remain as a friend. Not to impress, not to show off, or not to have the need of becoming the superior or better one in life. You accept your friend for who they are, and you be true for who you really are.

So yes, both of us confessed how relieve we are to know we still accept each other the same way, and how much we both miss each other. *pause for AwwwwW~ =D* Both of us were nervous that either of us could have changed. =D

Yes actually Iqi was leaving for Colombia since now she is employed by Schlumberger (woot woot!) and initially she was told to be based in China, but due to certain turn of events, she was directed to the land of Drug Lords (yikes!). Iqi now is learning Spanish for her future conveniece and since she never tried Spanish food before though she learnt the names of the dishes, thus she chose La Bodega for our lunch.

Personally, I never tried La Bodega though I have seen some of my friends tried their food especially at the first branch in Bangsar. Apparently La Bodega @ Pavilion KL is their largest outlet to date but still it is designed with a healthy respect for the traditional warm and cosy "La Bodega" ambience that thousands of KL-ites have come to know and love.

There are enough zones to accommodate parties, both large and small whilst still being able to provide that warm, welcoming, informal service to which their legion of regular customers have become accustomed to. The music program has also been updated to feature a whole new repertoire of Mediterranean, Cuban and South American vibes to complement regular live performances at weekends featuring the best of local and international funky Latin jazz, salsa and samba artists.

Source : La Bodega's Website

Zahia Aqilah the Engineer =)

Now let's talk about food!

Both of us ordered their Healthy Power Smoothies. Each at RM 18.

In the menu the nutrients of each smoothie are explained.

Mine was Peach Melba (Calorie Buster). RM 18.

Banana. Peach and Orange. This juice helps lower cholesterol and high blood pressure aiming at achieving optimum health. The potassium and magnesium count in bananas contribute to reduce high blood pressure , while oranges are full of bioflavonoids and carotenoids, which fight off cancer and other heart diseases. Peaches are ideal for weight loss.

It is so obvious why I ordered this right? It is so obvious I will fall over anything right? =D But why not since we will consume quite a hearty meal, so a yummy, tangy supposed to bust calorie smoothie will not harm anyone right? =D

Iqi's was the Melon-Berry Crush. RM 18

This pretty, summery drink is refreshing and rehydrating. Strawberries are thought to have calming properties.

It is refreshing indeed but I prefer mine.

We ordered two dishes so let's check out our starters first. We chose from the Tapas Y Raciones Calientes which means Hot Tapas & Raciones. All this while I thought Tapas is actually a name of their food, but actually it simply means Small. While Raciones means Large. They both simply refer to the portions of serving. Duhhh~ Anyways they have a long list of Tapas Y Raciones which consist of mainly seafood and some are made from chicken.

Gambas "Paco Alcalde". RM 24.

Prawns in an 'Andalusian style' spicy garlic and tomato sauce. Served with fresh, warm bread.

Squeezed the lemon a bit to add more zest, and we enjoyed the bread dipped in the delicious prawn sauce. The size of the prawns are fine and they were succulent, and the tomato gravy somehow some way, I know it was tomato but it reminded me of our Malay dish of Sambal Tumis Udang only it was less spicier because no chili was involved. Glad to order this.

La Prawn hehe.

Now moving on to the main dish.

Paella Valenciana Mixta (Serves 2 People). RM 60.

Spanish Rice cooked with prawns, chicken, mussels, and clams in a paella with saffron, peppers and peas.

At first I had doubts looking at the huge platter filled with wet rice. I was nervous of how it would taste like I chewed slowly when I first consumed it. Pronounced as Pa-e-ya, I see it as the Spanish version of Fried Rice because that's what it reminded me only wetter and less spicier. However my anxiety was not for long since the wetness seeped through the heat and eventually you can actually see the form of the rice. Oh yes as for the chicken chunks, I did not consume them because I had doubts of its halal status so I just put those on the side.

Iqi and I were delighted of the amount of prawns, mussles and clams I mean come on it should be it was 60 bucks for a dish. Well actually though it says it serves for two, we had our extra servings more than twice and still it was not finished, obviously for Asian tummies, it serves for four. I even asked Iqi to take away the left over or else it would be such a waste. Oh yes interesting part that the name is Valenciana, actually most non-Spaniards see Paella as a Spanish national dish whereas Spaniards commonly see it as a regional Valenciana dish. You know it is like to see Nasi Dagang or Kepok Lekor as Malaysia's national dishes when us Malaysians see it as the IT dishes of Terengganu. Ok yes you got it you got it. =D

Before I say goodbye, here is a tiny souvenir from La Bodega, which I added to Ummi's tens of years collection of match boxes. =)

See you again in the next entry insha Allah, thank you for reading! =)

XOXO,
Sue

Naima & Ammar's Concert cum Aunty Lin's 60th Birthday Celebration @ Kelab Shah Alam (November 2011)

2011-11-15T14:58:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Tonight we went to my niece and nephew's kindergarten concert and graduation ceremony. Well both Naima & Ammar are too young to 'graduate' from kindergarten however we will not miss their concert for anything of course. They both go to Seri Cahaya kindergarten in Shah Alam and we were astonished by the massive crowd of kids performing, just to discover later that they have a few branches at Section 13, 9, and 7 to name a few so we are sure the big bucks the owners are making haha.

The hall was packed with excited parents & family members.

I was impressed with the usage of many pro cameras for a kids' event. See kids are indeed importante. =)

My adorable Naima in the middle wearing a cute shocking pink halter neck top. I was happy to see how committed she was during the concert singing along with all her heart. =)

Younger generation of Malaysians waving the Jalur Gemilang. Never failed to move me. =D

And oh yes the youngest among the tots that night. Our little rascal Ammar, he was really running around aimlessly on the stage we thought like "Oh my he really doesn't care! Pulling his antics anywhere hahaha!" only to know later THAT was what he supposed to do as Goofy. LOL.

Ok some of the shows did not mean much to use so we snap photos. =D

Oh yes, next door at one of the private rooms, a karaoke session among middle-aged ladies was going on. In one of my posts before I mentioned that my aunt is the President of a ladies' club named Kelab Mawarku. So coincidentally, it was Aunty Lin's big 60th birthday therefore her friends planned to surprise her with a celebration. Funny thing was my aunt invited us along and saying that she knew there was a surprise celebration for her. Hahaha so much for a surprise! =D

Aunty Lin in the purple top.

Since it was a ladies' only affair so they were really having fun singing on the karaoke. The Ustazah in the group, and as much as she leads all the religious occasions they conduct, this time she really sang all she can. Ok actually she was the one with the best voice among the group too luckily. =D

And yes there's the 'surprise' birthday cake. Nana & I cannot stop chuckling when Aunty Lin acted all surprise when the lights were dimmed and the cake was brought into the room. LOL.

Group photo. =)

Sisters. It touched me when Aunty Lin always wanted Ummi to be next to her during the group photo session although Ummi refused at first since she is not a club member. I am happy to know that my aunt loves my mother alhamdulillah. =)

Deena, she loves karaoke. And she was excited to sing her heart out. Unfortunately the other ladies especially the Ustazah was busy covering up for others, she only managed to sing one Sixth Sense's song. And yes a Kenny Remy Martin number by both of us haha.

I just love to snap silly pics of Nana I cannot help it. =D

Oh yes in between of the karaokeing and noshing on the very dry and coarse fried beehoon (Kelab Shah Alam, come one, your club is to be the IT club in Shah Alam. poor quality of the food that night), the kids' mother Kak Erin BBMed Nana saying it was Naima's class performance that very minute. So we practically ran (ok jogged) back to the hall and we did catch her Arab dance at the very end of it. We stood in front of the stage and she was excited to see we managed to catch her performance. Best thing was when she ran down the stage, she straight away HUGGED ME TIGHTLY much to Deena's amusement. LOL. Ahhhh that feeling of being the chosen aunt (she used to hate us, now she always so manja with me) is the best hehe! =D

Jom Makan! Ice Cream @ Baskin Robbins, Sunway Giza, Kota Damansara (November 2011)

2011-11-13T22:16:00.001+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

We are done with dinner so it is now dessert time! Haha Mieza & I are not much of sweet-tooth persons but once in awhile would be no problem. I was craving for Baskin' Robbins ice cream but desserts without a friend would not be fun, thus when Mieza said she was craving to try it I was definitely on! =D

Since Sunway Giza was really nearby Mieza's crib so we just head for a BR branch there. For those who never went to Sunway Giza, I like the concept which is a roofed but open air and environmental friendly shopping mall (but mostly locates interesting eating joints & restaurants). Why did I say environmental friendly? Because it does not use any air-conditioner but instead use giant fans on the ceiling which are pretty cool looking as well.

As usual, even on the ads, Baskin Robbins is famous for their ice cream cakes delicacies. Actually for my birthdays when I was younger, Ayah never bought BR's ice cream cakes but we did have ice cream cakes from Haagen Dazs and those were incredibly tasty, I bet BR's should taste just as good if not better. Anyways, I just love the fun looking designs! =)

This should look really tempting for chocolate lovers out there.

Yup, this was our order. We shared of course or else we could have puked anytime. Ok Suraya such a distasteful choice of word on this supposed to be yummy entry.

2 scoops Sundae to share. Praline & Cream & Raspberry Cheesecake. It was simmered with Hot Fudge & Chocolate Sprinkles. RM 12 if not mistaken. Oh I hate it if I am not sure of the exact price.

I really like the guy who served us, he's very suggestive. I love cherries and I was quite offended when he said, don't get the cherries because they taste awful. I was stubborn so he gave me at the end, and truthfully the cherries tasted like MEDICINE. YUCK.

Mieza enoying her ice cream.

Baskin Robbins ice cream are great, those 2 flavours we ordered are my most favourites. Oh yes one of the staff there on that night got a pretty scolding from his supervisor/manager/owner about the ice cream cakes. He was being loudly given instructions and corrections in front of the customers. I mean I understand the superior's intention to serve the customers the best way possible, but please, if you want to be that loud, not in front of the customers please. It disturbed the customers' experience there.

Jom Makan! Malaysian Street Food @ Restoran Jom Cari Makan, The Strand Kota Damansara (November 2011)

2011-11-13T11:59:00.003+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

After returning from Ewa's wedding in Batu Pahat and joyriding around Melaka, it was finally time for me to send Famiza home. Before that, a dinner together of course was not to be missed. We chose to eat at Jom Cari Makan (translated as Let's Find Food) and we saw that mostly they offer halal Chinese food.

Mieza =)

We shared Ginger Beef Noodle. I lost the receipt if I am not mistaken it was about
RM 6.00.

The portion was HUGE so we ordered only 1 and shared.

The taste was good, and the hot & steamy gravy refreshed us after a long drive.

I love Dim Sum. We ordered 2 sets and 1 set is RM 3.50 consisting of 3 pieces.

Mieza ordered the ones with Prawns.

Mine was with crabmeat or chicken oh I cannot recall. We sampled each other's Dim Sum and they tasted nice especially when dipped in the sauce.

Our disappointment (huge) was when we ordered the Satay. Trust me, NEVER in my life I did not eat all the Satay I ordered coz I love Satay so much (except if I was really full but not to the failed taste of it). It was expensive but found at some places these days where each stick is RM 0.80.

The chicken meat was grilled perfectly but the sweetness to it made it bad. The peanut sauce was also a disappointment. Quoting Mieza "No kick in it." We left many sticks uneaten and Mieza took them home with them because we did not want to waste.

So basically, when you come to this restaurant, order the Chinese (those are acceptably good) but not the Satay to avoid disappointment.

When There's Good Lighting We Snap Photos @ Pine Tree Hotel, Batu Pahat, Johor (November 2011)

2011-11-13T10:15:00.006+08:00

We obviously spent quite some time at the hotel's bathroom. =D

The Story of The Friend Who Always Fails to Attend Weddings & Ewa's Wedding @ Pine Tree Hotel, Batu Pahat, Johor. (November 2011)

2011-11-13T10:14:00.048+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

FYI I am the offender of friend-who-always-fails-to-attend-friends-wedding. Yes guilty as charged. I always receive invitations even from only friends on Facebook especially when I have a full account. As much as I am honoured for the invitations, sometimes I have bridal make-up jobs which clashes with the invitations, and well most of the time I always have excuses (valid I hope) such as family gatherings and other work for not appearing at these weddings or engagement parties. Yes! I know it's bad! Schoolmates even reminded me (intimidated me) by saying that there's a huge possibility for other friends not to attend my wedding since I don't attend theirs. *sigh*

Am I anti-social? Well not really, it's just that I always feel I have very few trustworthy friends, and fewer friends whom I feel comfortable in my own skin. So sometimes I just drag on the idea of attending one's wedding. For example, I have promised my friend, we're not so close, but she's good to me, in Johor Bharu. I have PROMISED her I will attend her wedding, and she was ecstatic. But on the very day itself, my friend who was supposed to accompany me to JB, he fell sick, like very high fever he claimed, so automatically Ummi did not allow me to drive 5 hours to JB and 5 hours back to KL on the same day. I tried all my resources trying to find a replacement, but it was the infamous date of 20.11.2011 where all my other friends were attending other weddings as well. By 1 pm, it was impossible for me to leave for JB right? In the end, I ended up accompanying Ummi visiting Dr. Nooraini since Ummi was having terrible coughs. Somehow, some way, I always end up at clinics and hospitals lately. Now I just have guilt for not attending that friend's wedding, though my best friend Mira said it was totally understandable, but I really feel like crap. So now I just Like that friend's newly wed photos on Facebook without commenting anything. I feel terrible. I am pathetic.

However yes, the lovely couple above in the photo, the bride was my schoolmate at MRSM Kuala Kubu Bharu. Her name is Sharifah Shahira but friends call her Ewa. Her wedding was held 3 hours from KL, somehow I managed to attend with another schoolmate, Famiza. Ewa was not close to me at all, we only bonded for a short while during a camp at school but just until that. Nevertheless when she invited me, somehow I was positive I could and will attend. And alhamdulillah I did. (yay!)

Ewa had a combined wedding ceremony with her elder sister, and since they choose an English theme, both of them looked so so gorgeous, quite Grace Kelly-ish. Honestly I couldn't keep my eyes off of her when I met her that day. Her make-up was flawless, and her upper and lower lashes were so suitable with her eyes. I especially love the hair-do with headband (I just love headbands). Just lovely. Best of all, Ewa's expression when she saw me the ever bubbly her shouted "Sue! You came!" and that was worth the drive. Well at least, I feel like I have redeemed myself A BIT for attending her wedding. But then again failed on 20112011. *sigh* I will do better insha Allah for more invitations which I could afford to attend.

As for Ewa and her husband, may your marriage be blessed in this life and in the Hereafter amin. =)

Jom Makan! Italian Traditional Ice Cream @ Gelatomio, Pavilion KL (November 2011)

2011-11-11T23:08:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

While having a day out at Pavilion KL, we passed by this ice cream joint right in front of Cotton On. It sells the Italian version of sweet, icy treats or better known as Gelato which has been very popular in Malaysia for the past few years since there are a few brands of Gelato joints as well. However we never encountered this label Gelatomio (I was instantaneously attracted to its adorable blue bear logo) so Nana decided to try. As for me, I took a raincheck.

The branches of Gelatomio in Malaysia.

Gelato is currently more popular than the traditional fatty ice cream because it is claimed to be healthier but still yummy. Here at Gelatomio, that their ingredients are fresh and natural, and best of all up to 99% fat free (really?). Then on their website informed that the up to 99% fat free are the water based flavours while the rest which are cream based are up to 96% fat free. You can get the entire list of 65 flavours from their website.

Some facts I obtained from their official website,

Our Gelato

Made from 100% NATURALl ingredients.

No preservatives, no artificial flavorings, no colorings, no gelatin, no animal fat related emulsifiers.

The milk based ice cream average 94% fat-free while the water based ice cream is 99% fat free.

Gelatomio is Halal-certified.

There is no compromise in our product quality, even 5 star hotels & restaurants in Malaysia recognises and support our product

Also available in 473ml pints in supermarkets: Cold Storage, I-Setan, Hock Choon, Village Grocer, Mercato and Jaya 33

Sounds good right? =)

Oh yes something new in Malaysia that Gelatomio offers is Gelato on the Rock. Nana told me there's an ice cream brand in Australia called Cold Rock where you can mix all the toppings you want with your selected ice cream on cold rock. So Gelatomio here is offering the exact same thing.

A demo of Cold Rock gelato in the making.

Deena however did not order the cold rock gelato. She ordered 2 scoops on a cone (can't exactly remember the flavours) with chocolate cereal at RM 8++.

The flavours were rich, creamy texture and good to cool you down on a hot day. =)

One point I like to highlight is, although the staff was a Chinese girl, she was aware that we are Muslims, voluntarily informed us that a few flavours and surprisingly including Tiramisu are made from alcohol such as rum and liquour. That shows the staff is concerned with the society members' religious do's and don'ts. Much appreciated, and we hope more food & beverage staff to be like her. =)

Jom Makan! Arabian Food @ Restoran Zam Zam, Section 9, Shah Alam . (November 2011)

2011-11-03T21:26:00.007+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Due to an unexpected turn of events, or specifically, Deena accidentally, absentmindedly dropped her BB on the floor while browsing at the Dior make-up counter at Mid Valley, resulting for her screen to be blank. Therefore we just had to go to the shop at Plaza Shah Alam where she bought her BB to repair it immediately. Which cost her quite a bomb for something so unnecessary to spend on like replacing her broken LCD screen.

So since we were already in Shah Alam, we craved for Middle Eastern food so we tried the currently quite famous Arabian restaurant in Shah Alam; Restoran Zam Zam.

Where to find it :
1, Jalan Tengku, Kompleks Oasis 9,
Ampuan Zabedah G/G, Section 9, Shah Alam, Selangor.

The restaurant is spacious with typical Arabian interior decor (I personally think that most Arabian restaurants in Malaysia, they try to have a classy Middle East kind of a decor but I still find it quite tacky and not very tasteful and elegant). Nevertheless Zam Zam is popular among companies and couples to conduct formal functions including Arabian themed weddings (they offer wedding packages) since the restaurant have 2 stories and very spacious.

Nana's obvious disappointed expression on her BB.

Our cousins in Shah Alam tried the food here, but said that it's not very satisfying as compared to other Arab restaurants in KL. They said they've had better. So let's see...

Both Nana & I ordered Lamb Kabsa. RM 15.00
We were craving to eat lamb after so long and felt that the portion of lamb was generous and the meat was succulent and juicy. However we opine that the rice was tad too oily. Yes we had better but not too bad.

As for the drinks, Nana ordered Peach Barbican. RM 4.00

I just ordered Ice Lemon Tea. RM 5.00

Ummi wanted to drink Coffee and they served Arabian Coffee. Ummi insisted for her to just drink normal coffee, and they said they don't have that but only 3 in 1 Nescafe. RM 5.00. So yes maybe on drink selections, the basic like Coffee and Tea there is no harm to have the usual ones as well. As for the service, they are attentive and polite so I appreciate that. =)

Jom Makan! Asian Desserts @ Sweet Chat Cafe, Mid Valley Mega Mall, Bangsar. (November 2011)

2011-11-03T13:46:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Yes we're still at Mid Valley Mega Mall. Had our brunch at Manhattan Fish Market. Then did some window shopping (not much shopping hehe) and now our thirsty Malaysian throats are just dying for some cool, desserts. =)

Welcome to Sweet Chat Cafe, which offers mainly local main course like Nasi Lemak & Nasi Kunyit as well as Noodles and some western delicacies. However their desserts are for us to look forward to eating the most.

It's just a tiny joint at one of the walkways at the mall, but still cosy.

Sweet Chat Cafe.

Deena is always busy with her BB. And something will happen later that day... sorry Nana! =D

Deena ordered this, Durian Cendol. RM 7.50

Sago Cendol with a rich twist. A generous dollop of Durian to top off this cool refresher.

Believe me, we really thought it was only Durian Ice Cream on top of it like done at most Kopitiams but here at Sweet Chat it was really a massive dollop of fresh Durian on top of it! TALK ABOUT YUM! =)

The taste was good, refreshing, but personally Ummi & I we prefer the of the Mamak/Indian Muslim Cendol better as served at stalls under the trees at our Malaysian roadsides. =)

As for me, I chose this, Red Ruby. RM 6.50

A favourite dessert of mine, this Royal Thai dessert is made of sweet ice shavings generously sprinkled with crunchy water chestnut morsels and topped with fresh jackfruit slices. I love the fresh ingredients, and the subtle sweetness.

It's me aha. =)

To sum it up, we love the cosiness of this place, the generous amount of the desserts with good prices. Also the staff of this cafe belongs to The Chicken Rice Shop company, majority of them are Bangladeshis were friendly and served us at a good pace.

Jom Makan! American Style Seafood @ Manhattan Fish Market, Mid Valley Mega Mall, Bangsar. (November 2011)

2011-11-03T13:05:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Are you craving for some American style seafood? Let's hit The Manhattan Fish Market then! (or as Anwar Hadi calls it "Merket Ikan Man Hattan" LOL!)

As usual the star of The REAL CurHat Sue, my baby sis Deena. =) Yes I'm not that camera friendly myself. =)

We saw the promotion here, seems pretty good so we were attracted.

Ummi & Nana selecting a promotional set.

The interior decor is very American diner-like. As you can see it's all about fish. We have tried Manhattan Fish Market before at their other outlets, but at Mid Valley it's our first time here.

I love the semi oval red seats & purple lights.

Smile Nana. =)

OF-FISH-CIALLY THE BEST SEAFOOD IN TOWN!
Will it prove its tagline? And we shall see. =)

Yup this was the value set that we chose. Best Seafood for Two
(but will be sufficient for Three too we bet) at only RM 49.90 for the scrumptious looking courses.

My drink. This is not a part of the Best Seafood For Two set.

Citrus Mint. RM 7.90
Cooled my day down with this crushed ice in refreshing lemon juice drink with a dash of cool mint.

It was certainly yummy for me! SUPER REFRESHING! =)

Totally love the pretty colour & texture. =)

Still not a part of the set.

Clam Chowder. RM 7.90
Hot, Creamy, Delicious with a generous amount of clam.

And now we shall start with the Best Seafood for Two Set at RM 49.90 (inclusive of 2 fizzies, we chose 1 Pepsi & 1 Ice Lemon Tea).

I will put the normal price for each ala carte as well to figure out how much we have saved.

Garden Salad with Honey Mustard. RM 8.90
Crunchy garden greens drizzled with our own choice of Thousand Island Sauce, Cajun Honey Mustard or Italian dressings.

We may add Tuna (RM 3.90), Grilled Salmon (RM 4.90) or Scampi Shrimps (RM 5.90)

I'm not much of a vege person since I was a kid, but this salad was surely fresh & crunchy as promised. As for the honey mustard, well I HATE MUSTARD and think that mustard will ruin any meal but surprisingly the honey mustard is delish! =D

Ummi lookin' so serious. =D

Well actually she was so into watching the Fishing video shown, a collection of deep sea fishing experiences from all over South East Asia.

Moving on, now it's time to try the Quad Delights. RM 15.90
Fried calamari, fried country mushrooms & fried shrimps served with coleslaw & raisins - great for sharing.

It's meant for 2 but since there was the 3 of us, we got 1 each from the 3 selections alhamdulillah. Although they are fried food, they don't feel oily so it's really nice to be eaten with the dips. The raisins in the coleslaw also sweetens the onions but very subtly.

Finally there's me haha! Enjoying my portion of Quad Delights. =)

Now the heavier course, Manhattan Baked Dory in Garden Herbs. RM 18.90
Baked Dory in wholesome Garden Herbs, served on a bed of garlic, Herb Rice with scrumptious broccoli and carrots.

The Herb Rice was okay but the best element of this dish was definitely the Baked Dory Fish with Garlic condiments. So fresh, so tender, so so so delicious. =)

And here is our final main course, Shrimp My Olio. RM 17.90
Sauteed Shrimps & Spaghetti swirled in garlic, coriander and olive oil dusted with zesty chili flakes.

The taste was nice but although I know it's Olio, but for me it's tad too dry. Nevertheless I love the Shrimps because of their tender meat and the size was quite big and also the amount was quite generous. If I'm not mistaken 3 for each of us.
Yup that's it! I can't really recall the price of a soft drink & Ice Lemon Tea but the total without them so far was RM 61.60. Say the drinks were about RM 10-15, then we have saved around RM 20-25.

Great buy wasn't it? The food was great, portions were generous, and the affordable set for 2 was just good enough for 3 so I seriously recommend for you to try the promotional sets. =)

However, the minus point was, the staff were polite but they were not very attentive. More standing around then checking on the customers' tables. Particularly the young girl whom attended our table did not even know the Soup of the Day when we asked her & we had to ask for our Clam Chowder twice because they seemed to have forgotten about it. Hence, the management must do a better job so the customers will be happy because food-wise, they taste is only slightly lower than Bubba Gump's however price-wise they win & their shrimps are much bigger than Bubba Gump's when shrimps are the signature food for Bubba Gump. =)

Jom Makan! Sarawakian Food @ Hadeeja Kek Lapis Segar, Ukay Perdana. (November 2011)

2011-11-01T10:09:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Recently my family & I have been craving for Sarawakian food (Go Seghawak!) which is quite rare to be found in KL. We know a few spots including one hawker stall in Wangsa Maju, however we have been wanting to try the food at the restaurant of the Sarawakian singer, Deja Moss. For those of you who are non-Malaysians, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and is located at East Malaysia, the Borneo nearby Indonesia to be exact. A beautiful, tropical region, infamous for its barely touched flora and fauna and its jungle is the habitat for the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia. I visited its capital Kuching once when I was 11, fell in love with it (especially the mesmerizing Cultural Village) and hoping to visit it again in the future insha Allah. I especially hope to explore its jungle and caves at their National Park and visit the long houses belong to the numerous tribes of Sarawak, insha Allah. =)

Ok let's start with the address of this dainty restaurant & cafe :

Hadeeja Kek Lapis Segar

No.1 - G, Jalan UP 1/2,

Taman Ukay Perdana, Ukay Perdana,

68000, Ampang, Selangor.

Business Hours: 10am - 10pm

Tuesday till Sunday.

Closed on Mondays.

It might be quite tricky to find this cafe at first but just focus on the sign of the street and soon insha Allah you will find it. I read that before there was some black magic done to this shop, and indeed I could remember a few years back we tried to search for the restaurant twice, we could not find it at all. Alhamdulillah now she has overcame that problem, and to the culprit, please, any attempt of dimming the candle of others won't make your shine any brighter.

Deja's husband caught in sight. =D

The restaurant, as I said is dainty. It's small but comfortable. I love its white interior, which makes it feel clean and tidy, but not to the extent that it gives a too hygienic feeling like a clinic.

Ok my camera did not do any justice to the real atmosphere. Actually it was white and lovely, and as you can see there's a couch there for you to sit and read magazines.

You can see that the wall art pieces are photos of the Sarawakian Kek Lapis. Hadeeja's specialty dish is the traditional, very hard to make, Sarawakian layer cake, the Kek Lapis Sarawak. Oh yes Hadeeja Kek Lapis Segar means Hadeeja's Fresh Layer Cakes. To be noted, one fact I love about this restaurant is that it uses Bahasa Melayu (Malay) 100% from its signboard to the menu. I truly respect that this premise does not feel intimidated at all for not using English as most businesses these days.

What I like most about the decor, is the English style table setting with white eating utensils. It feels just lovely. =)

Alright now let's start with the dining. Tell you what, I forgot my notepad I had written the details on their tissue. =D

Ummi & I ordered Asam Boi Juice. RM 3.00
Taste pretty good.

Nana ordered Soya (Soy Bean Milk). RM 3.00

We were happy to try this famous traditional Sarawakian dish named Umai.

RM 8 (for 1 person), RM 12 (for 2 persons)

Fresh fishes & seafood. Mixed well with onions and lime juice. For us it tasted like Kerabu Sotong or Thai Squid Salad. Quite nice.

As for my main dish, I ordered Mee Kolok Istimewa (Special Mee Kolok) RM 11.90
As for the plain one it is RM 8.90.

This Sarawakian special noodles taste exactly like instant noodles drenched in Soy Sauce. I quite like it because this week I have been craving for Maggi Goreng but felt too guilty to prepare it myself. =D

The noodles are garnished with beef strips, vegetables and fried onion.

Since it's the special edition of the noodles, it comes with Sup Tulang (Literally Bones Soup) which tastes as good as Ummi's Sup Tulang. The beef was tender and the hot soup is delish.

As for Ummi & Nana, both of them ordered Laksa Sarawak. The prices are the same as Mee Kolok, it also comes as Laksa Sarawak (the plain type) and Laksa Sarawak Istimewa which comes with Udang Galah (Giant Freshwater Prawn) however it was out of stock on that day, thus just the ordinary prawns.

Ummi & Deena, as avid Laksa lovers, commented that the gravy tasted quite strange, not bad, but just a new experience to their taste buds. The gravy, which is especially flown from Sarawak only, was herbal which makes it different from other Laksa. They love Laksa Penang, Laksa Nyonya, Laksa Johor, but unfortunately Laksa Sarawak did not make it in the list.

Nevertheless they quite like the Sambal (Chili Paste) that comes together with the Laksa and said even the Sambal tasted different, unique, but nice.

Oh yes also to be known, Hadeeja also provides hamper & hantaran (bridal gifts) making service. The boxes and its handicraft is very Sarawakian which makes them so exclusive looking and the rate starts from RM 150 if I'm not mistaken.

Since the name is Hadeeja Kek Lapis Segar, it would be wrong if we didn't try their famous Sarawakian Kek Lapis. I have tried them during Eid before and honestly they taste so good. I don't know why sweet tooth people really made a hype about cupcakes & macaroons, as for me I personally think Sarawakian Kek Lapis is da bomb since the designs are so intricate, the colours are mesmerizing and the taste is just delicious!

Hadeeja's Kek Lapis is quite pricey compared to others but as Deja Moss explained before their quality is insha Allah the best. The butter that they used might be among the best ones in the market, and all other ingredients are from high quality ingredients thus explain the awesome taste.

Too many choices to choose from? Do not fret, because they provide fresh & moist samples for us to try before we order.

AREN'T THESE JUST TOO PREETTYYY? =)
A plate of Assorted Kek Lapis Sarawak (12 pieces, 3 flavours) RM 12
Oh I love ALL the flavours here. From left if the Mixed Fruits, top is Masam Manis (Sweet & Sour) while on the right is Oreo (I especially love this one!)

To sum our visit here, we like the attentive & polite service from their staff. As for the food, well firstly the Sarawakian Layer Cakes are NOT TO BE MISSED. THEY'RE JUST AMAZING. However as Peninsula folks, the Mee Kolok & Laksa Sarawak are not really our favourites but to try would be nice once in a while. However the looks of their Mee Jawa, Mee Goreng & Nasi Goreng Istimewa are surely tempting, so insha Allah we will come again for those. =)

Jom Makan! American Burgers @ TGI Friday's, 1 Utama Shopping Centre. (October 2011)

2011-10-31T20:02:00.004+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Welcome to another edition of Jom Makan! Remember that Deena is craving for some greasy, generous portion of definitely high in calorie in cholesterol American burger? Yup today we went to satisfy that craving (and will not eat, shall not, eat burgers for a long time I suppose).

Please take note that you will be seeing a lot of Deena in this post, because apparently, according to her, her outfit matched the TGIF's theme red & white colours. Also she's having a good make-up day. As for me, I'm having a fat, unattractive looking everyday so I definitely cropped out all my photos hehe. =)

Oh yes TGIF's definitely brings lots of memories to Deena since my parents held her 18th birthday party at one of the TGIF's and it was a really fun party there with her friends. Yes yes, birthday girl bullied to sing on the chair was definitely done, but Nana was more than happy to be the centre of attention as usual. =)

The Halloween promotion. We were not in costumes but we were indeed as famished as witches hunting for fresh blood of the young.

Check out the ambience which suits the Halloween mood. We went on the day of Halloween itself so all the waiters & waitresses were wearing creepy costumes & make-up to be in the mood.

Spiders, bats, cobwebs all over. I just couldn't help to think of the cleaning afterwards hahaha I'm so boring. =D

Ok before we order, please help yourselves with more Deena & Ummi. Alhamdulillah Ummi is on meds and recovering slowly but surely insha Allah. Her appetite is getting better only she prefers sour-ish food these days but she's still weak especially in the evenings, thus we can only go out for a short while only most of the time.

Finally! Let's order =)

We don't feel like eating Mexican today, both of us are definitely going for their burgers. When I say both, it's that although Ummi's appetite is improving but she can never finish her food. She always shares of what we're having so it's so much better especially when the portion is huge like at TGIF's.

Green Apple Slush. RM 10.50

Since it's Halloween I just felt ordering a green beverage was the most suitable drink to order. =D It consists of green apple & lemon lime soda. It was tangy, refreshing, fizzy but nice. I love the look. I think it looks eerily pretty. Such paradox works for me. =)

Nana ordered Mango Juice. RM 9.50.

For starters we ordered Boneless Wings. RM 14.90.

Succulent crispy pieces of chicken breast basted in TGIF's traditional spicy buffalo sauce. I always like starters like these combined with celery sticks and dipping. Just like the starters we always order at Chili's.

Uhuh more Nana..

She just had to do this. It's Halloween people! =D

And now is the amazing (slightly embarrassing) time for..

WOMEN VS FOOD!!!

ROUND 1 : My order was the TGIF's infamous specialty, the Tennessee Burger. RM 25.90

Expertly seasoned and fire grilled to order. TGIF's juicy 7-oz. (yes guilty as charged!) burger is glazed w Tennessee Sauce and stacked with 2 strips of crispy beef bacon and Jack cheese on a toasted bun. Served with a side of Tennessee Sauce, the classic fixings and crispy fries.

I dared to order this because previously my bestie Mira told me that this burger is awesome, and I tried it first time by sharing with her. I totally fell in love with the Tennessee Sauce (yes that black sauce) which feels sweet but the sweetness is so subtle which makes the burger tastes perfect. I am the kind of gal that hates sweetness on food but dessert but this is just the right kind of complimentary sweetness to the burger. Another thing Nana & I noticed was, the crispy fries are real delish here at TGIF's. Ah yes, I tried to share this burger with Ummi & Nana, tried to eat slowly, but the last few bites, I surrendered.

ROUND 1 : FOOD WON AGAINST WOMAN.

ROUND 2 : Nana ordered Barbecue Burger. RM 22.90

It's down-home with a twist - TGIF's chargrilled patty covered in melted Colby cheese, topped with thin Cajun-battered onion rings and served with Friday's barbecue sauce.

Uhum I think from the looks I might feel guiltier if I ordered this. =D

I tasted some of this from Nana but it didn't bring any significant sensation to my taste buds. Probably because me too, is having such an incredible burger. However I think the onion rings add the extra crunch in this.

Now let's see the results of this second battle of WOMAN VS FOOD...

And it did happen! Tell the world that

DEENA WON AGAINST FOOD!!!

It's a victory! Woohoo for women who love to eat like us!! =D

And we left TGIF's happily, trying to put the guilt behind our minds but we felt greater because indeed we experienced AMAZING BURGERS & great service by the very attentive staff. See you again, but not too soon, TGI Friday's. =)

Jom Makan! Chinese Food @ Sakura Kristal Cafe & Restaurant, Taman Melawati, KL. (October 2011)

2011-10-31T17:17:00.008+08:00

Assalamualaikum,

Howdy readers? =)

It's been a truly long time since I last did lifestyle blogging (eat+travel+shop). I kept ranting about my pathetic far from my beloved boyfriend situations. Thee-hee. To sum up my life recently, I passed my Ethics Exam at first attempt alhamdulillah, Ummi had 3 surgeries and is currently visiting a number of doctors, I am taking leave from my chambering to accompany her at home and for doctors' appointments. Therefore currently I am just focusing on Rakan IJN, freelance make-up service, Abaya Suraya online boutique, also a new addition is Courier Service especially for Hajj pilgrims from Makkah al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia to any destination in Malaysia. =) Will update that in the future insha Allah. Nana is also back from Geelong, Australia for her Summer holidays, to accompany Ummi, so I am definitely having fun having her around. Always. As for my chambering, I might continue another 4 months or start all over again. I am not sure on that yet, but i am thankful for my rezk in business alhamdulillah. Oh yes my boyfriend has performed his Hajj this year, so alhamdulillah I am very happy for him. =)

Alright I'll stop it right there about my life. Who cares really right? =D Now let's proceed with a Jom Makan! entry. I warn you, if I am in the mood to blog enough, there will be more ok? =)

Well recently, it was our monthly eat out with Ayah. Haha sometimes we have 2-3 meals per month ok it's not like only 12 times a year excluding Eid. =D Eating out with Ayah is always fun, I always look forward to having them. As for Deena, she's so looking forward to eating some sort of American Burger at Delicious, Dua Residency but somehow rather, Ayah had already chose the venue for us and apparently already set his mind of the dishes he liked to order. =)

Ayah chose Sakura Kristal, Taman Melawati which is very nearby to home. This restaurant has been there for years but believe us, this was the first time for Nana & I trying out this place. We had tried the Sakura Kristal at AEON Setiawangsa, but at the main branch, it's our first time.

The address : No.301, Jalan Bandar 11, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-4108 5897

The selections. Mainly they sell Asian especially local Chinese/Nyonya food, Western and Fusion.

It's cosy and clean. Great for hang outs with friends and family. It's open air atmosphere thus very convenient for you smokers to smoke a ciggie or two.

Ok obviously I got the first few pics from their website. =D Here's a bird's eye view of the whole place. The place is huge, and I noted some familiar faces from my school, SMK Taman Melawati.

Ayah sensed that Nana was not quite in the mood because she was hoping for Delicious. (Well who doesn't love Delicious right? =)) Ayah said "Here! This is your Delicious Nana!" Ouch hehe Nana made a face. =D Ayah trying to coax Nana, tried his best to convince that he knew the best dishes on the menu. He wanted to order the dumplings but it was finished. Ayah even made a funny response knowing that there was no dumpling. Oh Ayah. =D

Ok now let's start with the food review. Let's start with the drinks.

Honey Sour Plum Calamansi. RM 5.00
Tangy. Subtle sweetness. Balanced. Awesomely refreshing!
I am so going to order it again. =)

Nana ordered Oreo Milk Shake. RM 9.00

Creamy, crunchy and super yummy!

Yup since there was no way for us to try Ayah's favourite Fried Dumplings, we ordered Crispy Wanton instead. RM 10
The pastry was light and crispy, while the insides were so hot and so tender. Yum.

Ayah decided for us to eat plain rice with several Chinese dishes.

Claypot Beancurd Deluxe. RM 15

My most favourite dish of the night! It's so hot, and when the warm liquid goes down my throat, it felt so soothing. The texture of the egg tofu was very tender due to the hot gravy. I also like the vegetables in the soup.

Crispy Lemon Chicken. RM 16

Option is to choose Mango Sauce instead of Lemon Sauce.

Seafood Nyonya Squid. RM 20

Tasty. The sauce was the typical sauce simmering the Portuguese Grilled Fish. I tasted familiar because it reminded me the sauce strangely used on each and every dish at the Sekinchan Ikan Bakar. Weird experience there. Not to mention the shockingly over-priced menu there.

Sakura Butter Sauce Prawns (Market Price/ In our bill it was RM 33)

The most generous garnishing of fried, grated butter on a Butter Prawn dish I have ever tried in any restaurant. The butter was perfectly fried till it's so light, fluffy and crispy. The golden colour was a delight to the eyes and the size of the prawns were acceptable, 5-6 pieces of them in a plate. Too bad Ummi wasn't there with us because she was the one who was craving for this. Ayah wanted to order another set for us to take away for her, but we decided it's much better for her to enjoy them hot at the restaurant some other time insha Allah.

My plate. And I haven't eaten rice for a few days and now it's ruined. Guilty as charged. Oh it's a guilty pleasure anyways. =D

As for the dessert, I am not much of a sweet tooth but Ayah always orders dessert to complete every eat out. Ayah can't eat sweets much so mostly it's for Deena to enjoy it. =)

Banana Split. RM 8

A happy gal with her dessert. =)

Service Rate : Good service. The particular young waiter whom attended our table was very polite, fast and efficient. A good experience. Will definitely come again. =)

Dari Dapur Deenalicious! Seafood Aglio Olio Spaghetti ala Deena (October 2011)

2011-10-31T13:12:00.002+08:00

Assalamualaikum Readers,

Can you believe it? After an incredible long hiatus on food & recipes, I am sharing a recipe again. =D

Actually my sister is back so she's like the cook in our family. She loves to cook more than I do, and she's more like the expert for Western food in our family since she lives in Australia.

Today we cooked

Seafood Aglio Olio Spaghetti Ala Deena.

Ingredients :

3 stalks of Angel Hair Spaghetti

2 tablespoons of Olive Oil

6 Bird's Eye Chili (Us Malays will always need Cili Padi to spice things up!)

4 cloves of Garlic (chopped)

1 Red & 1 Green Capsicums (sliced)

Seafood according to preference

Black Pepper

Basil Flakes

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Methods :

1. Pound the Bird's Eye Chili with some salt.

2. At the same time boil the spaghetti until it is nicely cooked.

3. Heat up the Olive Oil.

4. Stir fry the Bird's Eye Chili & chopped Garlic until they become brownish.

5. Stir fry the seafood, as shown here we chose to have squids and prawns.

6. Put in the capsicums and mix them well.

7. Then stir fry the already boiled spaghetti.

8. To add more flavour, add Black Pepper & Basil Flakes.

9. Serve them hot, add grated Parmesan Cheese on top of it.

Now it's ready to be eaten & enjoyed. =)

Malaysia 4 - Arsenal 0. Eh Silap. Arsenal 4 - Malaysia 0.

2011-07-14T06:31:00.007+08:00

Salam,

The friendly match last night witnessed the defeat of Malaysia to Arsenal with 4-0. Well I guess our boys were just nervous to play against their favourite players maybe.

It's ok, when you lost a footie match, please don't teach your kids to do this. If you do this to ASTRO for not broadcasting the match, then I guess it'll be fine.

Insha Allah they will work harder and be ready with better strategies for the upcoming Olympics & World Cup qualifying rounds. And Liverpool & Chelsea are coming for more friendly matches, again, I will forever support Team Malaysia.

Just I heard that the Arsenal supporters boo-ed our players for losing, na-ahh that's not nice too. Support Arsenal all you want since you're fanatics or whatever, but please don't do that to our local boys. As to Team Malaysia, please take all that positively and prove them wrong in the future.

Nevertheless, what captured my attention the most was this. Still is in fact. From last night's match. Perhaps they are exchange students or from International Schools here. However, see, even they were proud to wear our national jerseys.

As always,

GO HARIMAU MALAYA! =)

And I'm off for my Ethics Exam..please pray I will pass. =)

1st Attempt.

2011-07-13T18:42:00.013+08:00

Salam people,

Hey I just saw 2 more followers just followed my blog. It really embarrassed me every time, because I rarely update my blog (only update when I am in the mood) but there are still kind people out there who have the pity on me to make my blog look a little more popular haha. As Kak Senduk says it "Sedeyhhhhhhhhh~" Hehe. He/She is my MOST FAVOURITE BLOGGER EVER!! Super awesome blog thanks to TonTon for introducing the wonderful world of Kak Senduk to me and the rest of my girl friends.

www.meriahuoll.blogspot.com

Enter only if YOU DARE! =D

I don't have anything specific to update, just kind of tired (ok that's a lie, more like lazy) from reading the Bar Council Ethics & Professional Standards Course reference which is 304 pages thin. I do enjoy reading it, honestly, but reading it for an exam (specifically tomorrow, 14th July 2011) can be quite daunting. However when I went to the replacement 1st session lecture today (I was a latecomer by 2 minutes last month at the first one so had to replace the session I missed) I briefly spoke to another pupil whom had taken the exam and he said it was easy, nothing academic nor substantive, purely practical but make sure I have gone through my reference and Legal Profession Act 1976 (LPA). It's either he's brilliant or lucky, but I have to do my reading definitely.

Ok this is not a book in Russian. I just snapped the photo of my Bar Council Ethics & Professional Standard Course textbook using Chobeeb's Photo Booth and obviously it gives the mirror image.

A common scene from the Ethics Lecture.

So yes, got to get back to studying. Why did I use first attempt? Because it's a very common scenario for pupils to fail this 3 hours written examination and it's common for pupils to repeat. I just hope I don't have to repeat or else I have to go to the same lecture from 8am-5pm again. So I pray that I will pass on my first attempt.

Ah yes, I was googling images for first attempt to inject some excitement to this entry, and all I was presented were these images which are apparently from a Tamil film namely

Siddu Plus Two First Attempt.

Urmmm..I totally have no idea what the title means, but whatever it is, the hero seems like a very lucky guy. LOL.

I'mmmmm Sidduuuuuuuu and I'mmmm a Babe Magnettttttt!!!!!

Ok people, yup yup, enough break here. YES ALL THE BEST TO MALAYSIA WHO'S GOING TO BE AGAINST ARSENAL for a friendly match tonight. Here's the list of players from Arsenal for tonight:

Wojciech Szczesny
Vito Mannone
Sebastien Squillaci
Johan Djourou
Kieran Gibbs
Carl Jenkinson
Laurent Koscielny
Andrey Arshavin
Marouane Chamakh
Ryo Miyaichi
Armand Traore
Thomas Vermaelen
Bacary Sagna
Theo Walcott
Alex Song
Jack Wilshere
Tomas Rosicky
Denilson
Aaron Ramsey
Emmanuel Frimpong
Samir Nasri
Carlos Vela
Robin van Persie

Ahaha actually I don't care much about their players, I am rooting for Malaysia always and I hope if we win this match, it will make our team to be more fierce for the Olympics & World Cup qualifications. We have beaten Taiwan & Indonesia, insha Allah HARIMAU MALAYA MAKE US PROUD!

Ok ok ok study study..hopefully I pass people. And I hope the Grand Luncheon (an attempt for us to familiarize with dining etiquette) right after the exam at Royal Selangor Club, Dataran Merdeka will be ohhhhsemmm~ I chose the Chicken Meal. Ok ok bubbyyee!!

By the way, ABAYA SURAYA is having a contest which offers prizes worth almost RM 3,500 so please log on to www.abayasuraya.blogspot.com for you to enter. =)

Regret.

2011-06-03T16:16:00.022+08:00

Salam,

Firstly, it's the 1st day of Rejab, Allah's month. So we SHALL take advantage on it fully and to be followed by Sya'ban and Ramadhan insha Allah.

Lately I am overwhelmed with work. I love my work, both legal & my small business Abaya Suraya. I love both. People call lawyers as liars, well screw those people because it's a fact that we help people. One day those people WILL PHONE A LAWYER to help them on their needs be it about conveyancing, banking, sue their ex-husband or just simply when their kid gets into a fight at a club. Whatever. Just don't despise lawyers too much. =D YOU WILL CALL ME. =D

Oh yes, coming back, I love my job. Today I FINALLY manage to get the strata title for my client for her condo, a middle-aged couple who's been waiting for ages to get their title for the property. Alhamdulillah had to make an appeal as well as apart of the mixed up of our firm's name with his previous firm, had to sort that out. Turun naik pejabat sana sini, but alhamdulillah done. So no regret on that. As for yesterday, just knew a close relative had a credit card debt, unsettled and was summoned to Court. Insisted for him to attend, and he admitted his wrong and agreed to pay, settled that and no regret on that. Have a queue of parcels to be posted to my customers, and great new suppliers sending me their products to be updated for the Ramadhan/Eid collection. As for make-up jobs, I have 3 Bridal make-up jobs including Night make-up jobs on different clients to be done from 9am to perhaps 9 pm non-stop at Rebung Restaurant & Saloma Bistro tomorrow. No more boyfriend to accompany me (my ex used to carry the stuff for me and waited for hours, for free, out of being a great boyfriend of course. However no more boyfriend in Malaysia, so I am the independent woman it is). So alhamdulillah my financial flow is fine, kaching kaching, so should be no regret.

So what am I regretting? I love being a workaholic, and being the good daughter (I try) since Ummi is suffering defect of hearing on her left ear lately thus for the past month I accompanied her to a private ENT in Bangsar which costs about RM 300++ per session, which took place about only 5 minutes each, we felt that the doctor was preventing to do anything just to get us visit him again, and we went there for about 4 times and it cost Ummi about RM 1K (the last time we sounded quite pissed so no charge) and Ummi is now referred to Hospital Ampang. It's always like this, from private treatment to government treatment, which results into longer queues. I pity Ummi. =( Yes but being the good daughter, makes Ummi appreciates me more, because I take leave to bring her and wait for her there. However I hate it when Ummi thanks me that, I am the eldest daughter, the only daughter in fact here, so it is my responsibility from Allah. Again no regret.

On love life, I have a wonderful boyfriend of 3 years who loves me to bits and pieces. Alhamdulillah. I know he loves me more than I love him, and he admits that too. The only down fall is, he's far, currently in Najran, Saudi Arabia. I like long distance relationship for a reason to, I don't have to be prone to temptation of being an unmarried couple by going out and be lovey-dovey qabla nikah. I am trying my best to keep this relationship 100% healthy in its whole sense. Be blessed by Allah that's what I hope.

So what on this effing World am I regretting? Well this year, I keep dreaming an ex from school. The one I cruelly dumped (such a cruel word) ok I ended the relationship to be with this wonderful foreign guy from IIUM. Fell in love at the library, how original is that, that Sunsilk shampoo ad even captured that duhh). This ex from school, I was with him for a few months at school and had a second chance when he was with another girl maybe when we were both 19, and we both dumped our beaus at that time to get back together because we thought we were the love of our lives. And one guy from school told me he had a girlfriend back then which made me pissed off. So all slander now we're back together. How sweet. Until I ruined everything because he was far in aviation school pursuing his childhood ambition to become a pilot, and I went to the foreign guy. Who by all means is wonderful in every sense as well but then when he was back to his homeland for the break I had a fling with another guy, Malaysian this time and fell in love with that guy. This guy seriously had issues so Ummi hated him. Nevertheless, in short I was a BITCH. Well in my defense, I was on the position of being young and desired (budget hot la Suraya..) and I thought as long as I was not married, I was in the legitimate position to choose. So I did, and hurt people.

Was a bitch? Oh what's up with the past tense? Simply because..I am no longer a biatch anymore. Honestly! When I broke off with the foreign guy after 2 years, we broke off because loss of trust (my fault again) and we disrespect each other's political views (yes I am passionate about the ups and downs of politics and more importantly very patriotic). I went for Hajj with a broken heart. SMSed the foreign guy for the last time as an attempt to patch up things back, but no reply. I was devastated. Nevertheless miracles do happen, my current boyfriend found me. I can say I found him but I prefer to portray it as he found me hehe. And he's beyond words more wonderful than anything, his akhlaq is what captured my heart the most. The best thing is that he doesn't know that he's that wonderful. On looks, he's not as dashing as all my ex-boyfriends mentioned, but he's goodlooking too, well at least other people say so. As for me, I don't care about looks anymore. I just know he respects me and loves me, and I am a Hajjah now, I vow not to hurt the feelings of anymore innocent man no longer. I just want to be grateful by the gifts Allah has given me. Only when I returned from Hajj the foreign guy said he just received my SMS, and he brought me for dinner, where he attempted to be back with me, but I just had to say no, this new guy, stole my heart. Honestly only Allah, my family & best friends knew how I suffered the previous heartbreak. I never thought I'd love again but I just do.

So we've been together for 3 years now alhamdulillah, long distance, he'll do anything for me, help me with my business, pamper me with anything I crave for, visited me once in Ramadhan for a month last year, and most importantly he never even tried to touch me not even hold my hands. Maybe that is from upbringing in Makkah, but people they can lose their original morals when they're far from hometown and family, but he did not do such things at all. He still goes for solat Tarawikh here, and most importantly, he respects me, and that is the particular thing which makes me loves him the most. When he respects me and himself, I respect myself more.

Only lately this year, I keep dreaming of my ex from school. I always dream two, him and the younger guy whom I dated briefly. It's still a bewilderment to me, on how such short relationships still haunt me about 6-8 years later. I am only human, I do not have the answers to that. However I dream of the former more, and each and every dream is so surreal it scares me. You know, waking up weeping not knowing whether I still have feelings for him or not. Even if I have, I don't want to care about that, because I am with a new good man, who's loyal with me, who taught me about loyalty, and I just don't want to ruin anybody's lives again. I'm so through with that.

As an attempt to solve this metaphysic realm which affects me, I messaged him on FB saying that I keep dreaming of him. (he's not on my friends list, well he phoned me long time ago saying all those break offs between me and him, has settled and he's fine and we're on good terms as not enemies, which I thanked him profusely). I told him, if there's still hatred he has in me, please I beg him to forgive me, I don't know whether these dreams keep coming to me because of my past sins. No reply. He added me on FB though. I panicked. I really don't want him to read my self-centred status updates which is updated literally every minute due to boredom most of the time., though he still can if he opens my account since it's public. I panicked, to approve or not. I asked for Ummi's opinion. She said just approve (ok he's favourite bakal-menantu-tak-jadi linked with me is this pilot guy, the foreign guy and the engineer from UTP guy) so I approved.

Oh. He's recently engaged. Ok. I felt an itsy-bitsy pang of jealousy but why should I? I am with a great guy and though we're not engaged yet but that's by choice. I will freak out if I get married before or at the age of 25. I always aim 27 the earliest because I want to have a stable career. I love being a career woman and marriage is not my biggest fancy for the time being. I even remember when this ex told me when we turn 21, we'll get engaged, I gulped because I felt that was awfully young. And when him and the foreign guy, gave me promise rings, I felt lucky, loved and also freaked out. I am romantic, but career comes first before marriage, as long as I am still single. So I was being positive, I was happy for him. And his sweet, wonderful fiancee I bet, she's a lucky girl to have him, and I bet he's luckier to have her too, because I was evil. Yup. So with bona fide (good intention in legal terms) I messaged him (thinking we're sort of friends) congratulating him like I'm the happiest person in the world, and sharing my story about my boyfriend now. About how in a tremendously freaky way, my current boyfriend has the maximum similarities with him. Hardworking like an ant, busy like a bee, ok cut the crap Suraya, nice to everybody, loving, will do anything for me, especially that, sometimes awkward, not good at making jokes, but has a virtuous heart. I even absentmindedly told him on the FB message that, Allah has given me a 3rd chance to be with you by being with him (current boyfriend). Yes. I meant that.

I even told him do not forget to invite my family and I to attend his wedding, you know an all-happy, a little too excited ex-girlfriend since the ex has moved on for the betterment of his life. That's virtuous right??? Nothing evil or inflicted with Mala Fide (legal term for Bad Intention)Thus I expected a reply of him being happy for me too! But no! And I felt downnnnnnnnnnnn..and humiliated. I thought we're friends for God's sake though not the best of friends. Apparently he just added me to show off he's engaged. *sigh*

Utter humiliation for me. Maybe this is how he still feels. *change the sex please*

So I regret contacting him, pouring my heart out at that time. TRULY FELT EMBARRASSED. So I deleted him because I thought there's no point to have him, because he doesn't treat me like a friend at all. I blocked him and his fiancee for a certain while, I don't know why I did that, but I just did. Nevertheless, apart from that, I do feel lonely my boyfriend is so far away, I wish I could go to places with him, but even if he's here, I prefer not to go on dates with him, not too many until we're hitched insha Allah.

So I keep getting these dreams of him. I don't know why I don't dream of the foreign guy whom I loved madly and even admitted to the pilot when he phoned me that that foreign ex was the love of my life. Bushet semua tu! *Usin from Hantu Kak Limah* *sigh* Because after watching Ayat-Ayat Cinta (again) the film educated me that love of our life is only Allah. And our parents. And husbands, soleh husbands, meaning not boyfriends but husbands. Afterwards, that's how I cope up of not to love a man out of wedlock too deeply. If I get married with him alhamdulillah, if not, then next! Yes I am that kind now. We don't live in movies especially Bollywood movies where we'll hurt our parents' feelings just because we love someone from the different sex / or same sex in today's scenario, and not to be blessed and jeopardize our future. Somehow Allah will punish us. I believe that.

It's just lately, even last night I dreamt of him again. I have no secrets with Ummi and I told her about it. Ummi as usual will make me feel worse reminding me of dumping a good, wonderful man like him. She doesn't get it, I am with my boyfriend now who makes me super happy and contented, but she keeps bringing that up. She's just afraid I will move to Saudi and there's only my sister and I. I understand but my bf is a good man too insha Allah. Well I cry sometimes, thinking of this ex who's getting married..somehow I feel torn. I won't pull any antic of mine and damage his life with his fiancee (or perhaps they are married now I don't know). I don't even know if I miss him or not, because we've separated 5 years back. So he's a changed person, as how I surprised myself for being loyal in a long-term long distance relationship now. People change. It happens without us realizing. I don't know him now.

Right?

I wish him well, I don't know if ONLY NOW I have regret for dumping him. I just don't know. At times I wish I am married, going to Masjidil Haram everyday, performs solat before the Kaabah everyday, that will be the ultimate bliss. Maybe I am just jealous he's moved on. I don't know. And I don't know how to end this post perfectly. I am just clueless. I want him to be happy. He deserves it because I have hurt him twice. He's a good soul. And I don't know why I feel like I belong to be in the dumpsters. I really don't know how to end this. I am just typing. I don't know. I pray him well. I pray for him to be happy. Ok I am rambling. bye.

Salam.

Final note, to always remember. Allah is indeed my first love. Not men. Because HE's always with me no matter how bad I am. HE's the ultimate forgiver. And HE knows what's best for me. Hopefully my Rejab, Sya'ban & Ramadhan will be at its best this time amin.

ps* Ok i think this is funny though! Hehe not applicable to us Muslims of course =D Cheerios! *held my head up high and SMILE* =)

500 Days of Summer inspired me to update my blog! FINALLY!

2011-06-01T16:19:00.012+08:00

Salam lovelies!

*sigh* ok that's a happy sigh. I was postponing, delaying and ultimately procrastinating to update The REAL CurHat Sue due to work commitments, Abaya Suraya blog updates commitments, or just due to mere laziness. Bad Suraya bad.

When was the last time I update this personal blog of mine? Well I fret to even have a peek at the last date tee hee. Nevertheless I miss updating it. I annoy people by updating my FB status updates frequently and I treat it like a mini-blog. Luckily for others that I do not own a Twitter account =D

So many great, wonderful things happened in my life alhamdulillah. Be it career-wise, love-life, family and social. Been to many places, witnessed so many things but not updated on my blog. Basically the last time I updated about my traveling was to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Well basically after that I visited Bali in April 2010 (Indonesia), Melbourne & Geelong twice in July & November 2010 (Australia), Pattaya in December 2010 (Thailand) and the latest to Padang (Indonesia) on this April of 2011. And of course not to forget roaming up and down of Peninsula Malaysia! And oh yes I am now a chambering student and I finally own an iPhone 4 named Latipah as well as my highly desired MacBook Air named Chobeeb. I'm using it now and I just thank my lucky stars for getting it at a bargain price of RM 3000 only (2 times installment from Abang Sham hehe). Hope I could everything in retrospect in the future.

Inche Chobeeb

Oh yes for all the random events in my life, photos snapped but time is my foe. So no updates on my blog. Sadly. However oh yes how this wonderful movie of 500 Days of Summer inspired me? Well, firstly I may say that it's the #1 movie for me for the 1st half 0f 2011. I watched it on TV, Star Movies quite recently. It's out of this world!!!

Ok here's the centrepiece:

Tom is an architect by training, a romantic by nature and a “perfectly adequate” greeting-card writer by trade (“Today you’re a man. Mazel tov on your Bar Mitzvah!”). He meets Summer—the sexy, quirky dream girl who doesn’t believe in love—when she takes a job in his office. This is Day 1 of their 500 days together, and if the set up sounds predictable, veteran music-video director Marc Webb does much to turn this tale on its head. For starters, Webb tells the story out of llinear sequence, with Summer dumping Tom over pancakes in the first ten minutes. The rest of the film reveals how they got to that point, and its aftermath, each segment beginning with the number of the day the couple is on—a delicious clue as to whether what follows will involve awkward courtship, playful flirtation, shower sex or the breaking of common household objects. With a soundtrack that includes the Smiths, Belle and Sebastian and current punks Black Lips, there’s a lot to love here: crisp dialogue, drunken karaoke, a bar fight, ironic voiceover, a split-screen fantasy sequence and a dance number set to Hall and Oates that’s nothing short of glorious. Leads Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel sizzle onscreen, with fine support from Geoffrey Arend and Matthew Gray Gubler as Tom’s well-intentioned, inept-at-love friends and Chloe Moretz as his wise-beyond-her-years sister. 500 Days of Summer is a slickly made anti-romantic comedy that happens to have plenty of romance and lots of comedy.

—Benjamin Friedland, West Coast Premiere.

Some of the pretty images from the movie:

So yes! It's crazy, it's wild but all draped in the fashion & persona of the 1950s/1960s which was to die for!! And best of all, as highlighted in the centrepiece above, the delivery of this movie was it just skips to the future and flashes back to the past in no particular order, but wonderfully, the viewers GET IT! =D

Get the preppy 500 Days of Summer look.

So yes, to make things short, I am going to just update my blog in no particular order of the dates or events. It could be current or very backdated, updated after the latest event. Well I may not be the director of 500 Days of Summer, but I am the director of my blog, and if you still bother to read my blog, then I thank you. And I hope you love it, just the way I love that fantastic, fantastic, fantastic movie. *standing ovation* =)

A cheeky image which is so relevant to the movie hehe.

Just sharing, the leather and Swarovski crystals bangle my sayang gave me, which I wear everyday without fail. Lost it, found it back, love it to bits and pieces. I can have a 500 days of you anytime. *blush* =)

Have a great day readers! =)

Jom Makan! @ Delifrance Bistro, Carrefour Wangsa Maju. (6th April 2010)

2011-03-06T17:21:00.008+08:00

Salam,

Was having tea with Ummi & Nana. As usual Delifrance pastry is undeniably delicious. This time around we had fruit & meat tarts if I am not mistaken.

Fruit tarts - Grapes, Pineapple, Kiwi & Peach.

Chicken & Tuna.

Rakan IJN's 4th AGM @ Institut Jantung Negara, Jalan Tun Razak, KL (6th April 2010)

2011-03-06T17:05:00.009+08:00

Salam,

Was being Rakan IJN's secretary for the first time for their meeting..and straight away with the Annual General Meeting. My sister Nana was voted and appointed as the Honorary Assistant Secretary. Although there were some suggestions that since she was leaving for Australia soon I should be appointed straight away, however Mr. Bala & the President were adamant to appoint her first due to her never-ending commitment to Rakan. True that! I was so happy for her. =)

Besides that has fun with the drama during the meeting and enjoyed the great food which was not very heart friendly hehe.

Sue tengah acah-acah best nampak macam busy.

Yay! A new notebook for my collection! Just love notebooks =)

Can you believe it? Nasi Bryani with fried chicken & mutton curry. Yes a healthy way indeed to take care of our hearts. =D

Visiting our sick niece Naima @ Sunway Medical Centre (5th April 2010)

2011-03-06T16:14:00.014+08:00

Salam,

Our beautiful and mischievous niece Naima was sick again, so spent some time with her without much enthusiasm on her part. Oh yes around this time, she still didn't like her aunts quite as much as now. =D

Nana with a surprise gift to cheer her up.

See how much she didn't like us? Yes she hates the camera too.

One-Eye Naima. No Freemasonry intention here haha.

Doting father, Abang Sham.

Naima. Beautiful but kerek. =D

Being her Bibik accompanying her to do some colouring activity.

Photography Make-up on Tom MyStarz LG for Utusan Mega Cover @ Utusan Malaysia (25th March 2010)

2010-10-07T10:21:00.009+08:00

Coordinator : Raja Intan Diana Raja Azaham

Photographer : Djohan Shahrin

Make-up & Hairstyling : Suraya Anuar (www.abayasuraya.blogspot.com)

Comments : The first time I did the cover for Hits. This Champion for the Vocals category of World Championship of Performing Arts 2009 in Los Angeles came 2 hours late then scheduled but she was a tonnes of energy in a small package so it was fun working with her altogether with the reporter & photographer. She liked my work on her she contacted me again to do her make-up for a live performance. =)

My First Bulky Crocs (And hopefully to be the last).

2010-10-07T10:19:00.011+08:00

Salam,

Just inserting a post about my most strangely adorable (actually it fits the paradox of pretty ugly) pair of footwear to date. My first (and hopefully to be my last!) pair of soft buttery pink, bulky Crocs. To be short, I used to criticise those who thought this was a trendy fashion statement, however I had to surrender when I was looking the most eye-popping (easy to find amongst hundreds of pair of black, brown shoes) as well as comfortable and durable to be worn for my Hajj in the end of 2008.

I purchased them at the small kiosk of Crocs at Bintang Walk, Bukit Bintang. As my effort to make them look more stylish, I adorned them with Gibbets.

The colour is nicer, poor quality of photos.

Check out my gibbets y'all! Yeah I am a Bling-Bling Supergirl. =D

Nana modelling my Crocs. Haha this pic looks uglier since it was dark then. To use flash was to change the colour entirely.

With my beloved Ummi at Mina. My crocs said 'Peek-a-boo!'

My New Flats from Vincci (26th March 2010)

2010-09-27T08:38:00.004+08:00

Salam,

Just snapping the new flats I bought from Vincci, KLCC at a great discounted price of RM 99 for both..so trying to have their images while they are still clean and new. By the time I publish this, I have sent them to the cobbler already to repair. Yes I am the champion for TERRIBLY backdated blogger. =D

Mama Intan's Birthday Celebration @ Pizza Hut, Wangsa Maju, KL (25th March 2010)

2010-05-14T09:49:00.012+08:00

Salam,

Today one birthday celebration was not enough because Ummi, Nana and I had to celebrate another important person's birthday, fondly knwon as Mama Intan. Mama Intan is the daughter of Tok Mama and Tok Ayah and she shared the same birthday as Ayah. Tok Mama's family is not actually blood-related to us but we've been family friends for so many years we are practically family.

So this evening we rushed at KLCC to purchase some small gifts from Famous Amos as well as a bouquet of flowers for her. I promised to treat her family and mine at the Pizza Hut closest to their home. Basically we had normal makan-makan and since pizzas only weren't enough so I had to buy some KFC nextdoor as well. =D

The mischievous but lovable Hakim, Mama Intan's youngest child.

Family =)

The birthday Mama =)

Pizzas obviously. =)