Twice or Thrice?

Oh travelling. 

One thing I truly miss doing in my life is to travel. During my postgrad studies in 2009-2010 and when Europe was just a train away, I was given opportunities (and very grateful to be given such opportunities! Alhamdulillah) to go around the continent with not so much money spent.

Looking at my current situation, lack of time and financial aid just for travelling, I would have to put it on hold.

*cricket sound*

But but but...I just have to disagree.

(Imagining hubby's reaction: "Hah melawan la tu melaaawannn")

Life can be dull and stagnant at times, and I think the best way to get out of that rut is to see the world. Sometimes, no matter how motivated, driven or aligned we can be, everyone of us goes through a period in our life when we are stuck in a rut. It can be as of many reasons, but the feeling is just the same; bored, stuck and complacent and it can happen without warning even to the optimistic people. Besides, we've worked so hard, I think all of us need at least some break. Or a treat!

Therefore to eliminate those 'rutty' feelings, I feel that we should just go out and travel. Anywhere! Inside or outside of the country, rich or poor places, first class or third class, it doesn't matter, as long as you go.

So...

2012 is coming to an end, and hello 2013. When a brand new year is about to  begin, one of your resolutions and goals is ...

... to travel as much as you can. 

It can be as frequent as every month or maybe 4 to 6 times in a year, but I'm going to be realistic here, hence, I think I'll just do twice (or three)
 times a year? I think that's just good enough.

That is, before the baby comes. Tee hee. 

If your job requires you to travel every now and then, you are lucky and can exit my blog please. Ok kidding.

Travelling needs money. Duh, anyone knows that, but if you want it so much, you just gotta make it work. And I believe when you put your heart to it, it WILL work. 

*Thinking about PB bonus and Free PB Trips*

So, after days and days of discussion, (arguments!) and consideration, both Mr. Z and I decide to do this, only if time and money permits. 

Two (or three) destinations a year. Can we do this?

Seaside, cities, villages, mountains, deserts..you name it, I want it.

So where would it be?

Let's berangan!

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand, just next door  and truth to be told, I've never been to any parts of Thailand. I guess it is always wise to start with the capital city.

2. Casablanca, Morocco

"I thought you fell in love with me watching Casablance, holding hands 'neath the paddle fans in Rick's Candle lit cafe, hiding in the shadows from the spies. Moroccan moonlight in your eyes..."

An exotic gateway to Africa; its mountains, desert and coast ; to their souq (the Marrakech!), food and culture. I know I'll be happy snapping away my PEN!

3. Redang Island

Before I berangan even more about going to Maldives or Mauritius, let me admit to you that I have never been to our very own Redang Island. Can you believe it? So, that will be one of my stop next year.

4. Almalfi Coast, Italy

Everything I read about the Amalfi Coast suggested sugar and spice, everything nice.  Not just the coastal area, but the nearby village, Positano has it all.  Tall houses climbing the hillside, beautiful beaches on the waterfront, and small winding streets full of shops all beckoned me to pay a visit. Soon babe soon.

5. Agra, India

Which other love story is so grand that you have someone built a monumental palace for you after you die? None other than the emperor Shah Jahan did for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. I would like to witness the place where the great love story was depicted. Can you imagine me in my Salwa Kameez and hubby in his kurta in front  of the Taj Mahal as the background? 

Any of these three places are good enough for me. So bring it on 2013, I shall wait!

So, what's your top three wish list travel destination for next year? Share please!

London 2012 Opening Ceremony

I wish I'm in London right now! The opening ceremony for Olympics 2012 was MAGNIFICENT!

It's so 'London' and the things we saw during the ceremony were the things that we could relate to..everytime. Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Mr. Bean, James Bond, West End, Mallory Towers, NHS, Enid Blyton and most of the elements are celebrated the contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation, revolution as well as not forgetting the exuberance of the British people. It was really reflected on London 2012 games based on sports, youth transformation and inspiration. Directed by Danny Boyle (he directed Slumdog Millionaire) and the opening ceremony was named 'Isle of Wonder'. No wonder.
You can never expect nothing less from London. The best I have seen so far.
Oh how I miss that place.

Here are some of my favourites during the Opening ceremony of London 2012.

A performer acting as the chimney man during the Industrial Revolution.

Marry Poppin(s) rocking the stage!

Legendary David Beckham piloting a speedboat carrying the Olympic flame to make his way to the London 2012 ceremony.

The Green Pleasant Land before transformed into Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution. Can you even imagine London back then?

Favourite. Sir Rowan Atkinson was himself as Mr. Bean who brought out great laughter during the opening ceremony.

The Big Ben and The Parliament House being projected with the Union Jack.

The great achievement of NHS 

A giant puppet of British villain characters, Lord Voldermort and the Queen of Hearts. This performance honours Britain's greatest achievements for children's literature.


SPECTACULAR innit?


When can I go there again? 2013 perhaps?
With the Green Leaders Group? And my PB gang? Plus a husband of my own! Excited pulok.

Tree House

I want to have a tree house like this overlooking the river to watch the sunset away. 

I Love My PB Bustier. Why?

PB Business? Have you heard about it?

Hah, meh sini ceq nak habaq ok sikit.

Just a week ago, I decided to do a business. Selling what? 

CORSETS!

Yeah, you got that right baybeh. Corsets as in the undergarment for ladies. Bustier is another word that you can call it. But the corsets that I'm selling, it's not just ANY corsets ok, it's PB corsets. Premium Beautiful corsets.
Ring a bell? Ye, brand ni bukan calang-calang.

So why I decided to do this business?

 

1. Healthier body and happier me!

I've been wearing this corset on and off, since ... I can't remember la. But now, I am wearing it all the time because I need an extra 'boost' to help my body to be in good shape before my wedding. Most of the people that I know and that have been wearing PB all the time (the discipline users!)actually have lost a lot of weight and have cut down to many inches. From a UK 14 to UK 8. My mom is an example. She was a UK 16, now wearing a UK 12. She has been wearing PB since 2008, and she lost a lot of weight and can fit into most of her old dresses and jeans. As for me, since I just started wearing it back just a month ago (yang bukan 'on and off') I feel a bit different comparing to dulu. In terms of weight, I weighed myself today and saw... 2.5 kg lighter. Wow. That was fast. In less than 10 days. The best part is that I could fit into my old baju kurungs that I used to wear during Uni days. More choices of clothes to wear to work then!

Target: To be fit and have a body like Kate Beckinsale. She's not that skinny you see, she was curvaceous. I saw in her real life while I was taking a stroll in Bond Street in 2010. An epitome of a babe. 

PB + Detox + Exercise (twice-thrice a week) and eat well? Insya Allah boleh.

Buttt waiittt, it doesn't end there! I got back my period! My menstrual cycle has been crazzyy for the last couple of months! I haven't been getting it for more than 5 months, and it was worrying. But after wearing PB for less than two weeks, tadaaaa. Amik ko. Nak sangat bendera Jepun kan? But it's very important for women to be concern about their menstrual cycle especially when you want to get married and plan to get babies.

Say NO to irregular periods!

The other perks?

How about making an extra income for yourself? Cukup ke the salary bulanan kita tu?

My answer would be: NO. TAK CUKUP. TIPU KALAU CUKUP.

2. The Mools.

Love is more important than money. 

Ye ke? 

Ok ok, it is true that we must have a balance and yada yada, but let's say you are married 'I love you and I would die if I don't have you by my side', but hutang keliling pinggang? How is that going to work out for you? Memang la cintan, paham.. but if asyik stress pasal duit je, and start blaming each other for this and that. Susah kan? Or both of you work so hard, balik lambat and all, but the salary is just enough to pay the bills, debts and food. Basic food. KFC, Chillis, Sushi King and Nasi Padang Sari Ratu can say sayonara. Would it be nice at least ONCE IN A WHILE to splurge yourself (with hubby and kids)for a good dinner at Tony Romas or Delicious? *ohh now craving for that smoked salmon caesar salad*

If you can't afford to at least buy yourself a nice dinner, how about shopping dude? How?? A girl can never have enough pair of shoes and handbags. Don't la talk about Chanel or LV, Charles and Keith which the handbags and shoes cost 100 times cheaper than those LVs and Chanels pun, terkebil-kebil. I know I couldn't afford it if I  depend on just my salary.

Weddings? *fainting now* It's cost me a fortune. I'm in the midst of preparing my big day and hell yeah it is tormenting. I am not yet tormented, but I will be soon if I'm not careful. Everything needs money in wedding preparation. I'm not going to lie to you and say it's cheap. It's bloody not.  Money don't grow on trees everyday. Money grows on my tree once a month for me (my salary lahh) and I can only use some to service my wedding expenses, and the rest? Debts and commitments. Sigh. It's sucks to be an adult right? 

But then again, there are bigger things in life that we need to think about. Have you ever think about buying a house? Have savings? ASB or Public mutual? Health care? (they don't come in cheap!) Your kids welfare? Insurance? Sign. The list can go on and on and on... 

Let's not focus on just materials guys. How about your parents? You know, there are just  moments when I sit back and 'berangan' about being rich and successful, the first thing I think about is my parents. My parents have given me so so much. It's priceless, even money cannot buy. My parents have sacrificed a lot for me and siblings to the extent when I want to pay them back, I don't even know where to start. The feelings would be so nice to at least give them an amount of money every month without having to calculate our salary *garu kepala* (or without having to be calculative because what we earn every month is just not enough). Chanel and LV are not really my biggest priority (though it would be so niceeee to own them), but to help my parents with their bills and debts as well as to treat them holidays locally and abroad or Umrah, ohh.. how wonderful would it be. Nak nangis pulak.

So, basically, these are the two main reasons why I'm taking part in this business; health and financial reasons. There are other perks that you will obtain along the way while you're doing this like meeting new people, expanding your network, surrounding yourself with positive people and it can also be a hobby to you. Some may question, ada ke masa? Nanti tak terjaga your own career la bla bla bla, but seriously dude, if there's a will, there will always be a way. I was skeptical at first before I joined this, but now, it's the first thing I think about when I start my day. It's just amazing. Seriously guys, it doesn't take much at all.

Oh, and the girls in my group are 90% professionals working in top notch companies in KL, so don't play-play. Ada yang Petronas, ada Bank Negara, ada Ernst and Young and ada yang business sendiri. So, if they can do it, why can't we?

Let's join me for in this fantabulous journey. You will never know until you try. 

Come and contact me at 6013-2033763.

Or email me at rashida.rafar@gmail.com

Style Icon 2: Rizalman Ibrahim

A lot of people have asked me before on who's my favourite designer..truthfully, I can't answer that question as my knowledge about the fashion world is limited. Don't get me wrong, I love fashion, I love clothes and accessories, handbags and what not, but to be an expertise on that area and for me to give fashion advices to people, nope..I'm still not there.

So, favourite fashion people? For me, it is not Vera Wang or even Alexander McQueen. I can't relate to their designs. (See, I told you I'm not there). But what I love to see everyday, it's the designs by one of our prominent local designer, Rizalman Ibrahim. Fabulousity by Rizalman. He is fabulous!

The thing is about me, I don't fancy too much frills, laces, beads, colours, etc. Too much of everything is not good. I love simplicity, fresh and clean. I love traditional and modern to be combined, but not over the top combination, and I find that quality in Rizalman's creations.  

To me, Rizalman's creations are epics. He's a real couturier. Not everyone who sells and designs clothes are couturier. Bukan calang-calang orang boleh di label as couterier. This label is an establishment and I think Rizalman has already established himself  as Malaysian couterier since long ago before any other new local fashion designers were even born. One of the first in line of the greatest Malaysian fashion designers alongside Bernard Chandran, Zhang Toi, Radzuan Radziwill and many more.

I shall not elaborate more and let the pictures do the talking. Pictures are taken from Rizalman's blog, which is full of his stories and insights on fashion designing, life, travel and living and also his son. Such delighful tales. Oh, did I tell you Rizalman does interior designing as well?

Some of my favourites:

                        I like this one the most!

Thus, this will be put under my wish list. *cough*

Babysteps?

Why babysteps?

Hah, ni ceq nak habaq ni. Ceq dah pi Kursus K! Excited!

Ok ok but hold your breathe dulu. No, not yet. The big day is not yet confirmed, neither is our E-day. The reason why we enrolled ourselves for the course is because we want to get some insights on the importance of marriage.  Not wedding. MARRIAGE as that is our main focus. Apart from that, we need this as we thought that by attending the course, it may can 'push' us towards the real thing. Ye ke? We shall see. Insya Allah.

A lot of people went to the course because they wanted to avoid the changes that will be made to the course, a longer one to the extend of it will be during weekdays. I'm not sure of the content of the new syllabus, but a birdie told me it is more on hands-on practices rather than just listening to the talks. But, that's just news. I'm not really sure what's the deal though. 

Anyhow, those who are not planning for marriage yet can also attend this course. No harm kan just to listen and learn something from it. Lagipun, it is compulsory for every Muslim to have the course certificate. It is one of the requirement for your marriage registration. So, it's good to get it done fast.

I went with my other half, and few friends. It was actually fun and interesting, not even a regret of having to spend my limited holidays to attend the course. There were lots of enlightening and insightful facts that  most of us are not aware of. Especially on the process of marriage (the registration and preparation) as well as on talak (divorce). It was sad to hear that the divorce rates are increasing among young couples, and many of their reasons are petty and unacceptable. 

Other than that, the course focused on stress management, life after 'the wedding', financial planning and sexual relationship between man and wife. I must say, THAT was the most interesting part. We giggled laughed like hooligans of course. The speakers are from various backgrounds and they were seriously funny in delivering the talks. Competent too. 

Do i learned anything from attending the course? I did especially on communication between our partner. Right after the course, we reflected on our relationship and questioned ourselves why sometimes it is hard to communicate with each other? Why is it there are still sulking, shouting, sighing, etc? Is it because we are lack of patience? Or understanding? Hah, hang kena pi sana and dengar ape depa nak habaq dalam kursus tu.. 

All in all, Kursus Kahwin Mont Kiara is definitely worth to go to. The place is clean and the ambience is so relax and chill; it is so easy to find parking especially on Sunday, we can just park straight in front of the building. Food was provided for us; tea on Saturday, breakfast and tea on Sunday. You need to get your own lunch, but I don't think that's like a big deal for any of you since mamak Bestari is just a poop away. Tee hee.

Mr. and I. Insya Allah Amin. Pray for us ya?

Babysteps. For now.

All I Need

R&B mode: OFF

Don't tear me down
For all i need
Make my heart a better place
Give me something I can believe
Don't tear it down
What's left of me
Make my heart a better place

OST The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 19 (When they were dancing during 'Miss Mystic Fall Beauty Pageant')

If I were to sing in a band, I would love to sing this song, with the violin, cello and all the strings right behind me :)

********

All I need want right now :

1. A better heater. The heating system in my Selly Oak house can't be depended at all. It's cold inside the house that I have to wear gloves and snow cap to keep me extra warm. Thank God I have my hot water bottle to heat me up. That thing does wonders!

2. A car. An old small car is enough for me. I need to get cartons and boxes to pack my stuff. It's REALLY cold to walk 2km up the hill to Sainsburys and PC World just to get the empty cartons and boxes. Walking is one thing, carrying it back home is another. Sigh. Oh, the snow doesn't help either.

3. Moolah. Lots of it. Boxing day is around the corner. 
4. Where are my Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Brothers and Sisters, The Vampire Diaries, etc etc? Why aren't they putting it on air for this week? I'm bored and cold. Apart from packing, watching all those series actually  made my day.
5. My parents. You know why.
6. My sisters and Aiman. I don't mind the bickering.
7. Mr. Zaim. You know why.
8. Aromatherapy massage. 2 hours. I'm knackered and cranky.
9. A job that is guaranteed. So, when I go back home, I won't have to worry about money and surviving.
10. A husband. Saya L.O.A. Ok thanks byee. LOL.

Wish List 4 - THE Organizer

Call me crazy or whatsoever, but I want all of these organizers. One thing about me people should know about, I am an all time crazy freak about notebooks and organizers. I have two organizers (small and big) and I write the same things in both of them. Call me redundant but I don’t care. There’s nothing better than writing in your own organizer, your list, things-to-do, traveling plans, financial budget and many more. Even my Blackberry comes second for this matter. To me, my organizer is my Personal ‘Digital’ Assistant. Can I have this for my 2011 agendas?

I wannnnttt!!!

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather in Hot Red


Louis Vuitton Epi Leather in Purple


Louis Vuitton Nomade Leather in Tan




My favourite!: By Smythson - Soho Diary with slide closure, Damson collection. Look at that colour. The more I am semangat to jot things down! I'll bring it everywhere I go, even in the toilet!

The smaller size - Panama Diary with slide closure, Damson collection

Bijou Soho Diary with slide closure, Damson collection

Panama Diary with slide closure, Lizardskin

Go to http://www.smythson.com to see more from this brand. Rambang mata!

Aren't they the greatest? So practical. Pfft.

Yeah I know, I know.. there's a tint of superficiality in liking this type of organizers because there are other cheaper brands and more practical (and cheaper!) than these gorgeous Symthson and Louis Vuitton.

Girls just love beautiful things, don't they?

Jellowww Pumps

jadorefashionblog:

Furniture company Kartell has teamed up with Moschino to design a pair of jelly flats. The flats, which come in a rainbow of colours, were designed to look like a single ribbon wrapped around the wearers foot and tied in a bow. And for you eco-fashion enthusiasts, the shoes are made of 100% recyclable non-toxic thermoplastic.
Love it love it! And it's affordable!!!

Wish List 3 - Neverfull

The thing is about me, I don't like blogs that has no pictures. I'm a sucker for visual images, hence my major in Multimodal Analysis. (Ok, poyo). So, minta maaf banyak-banyak ye to those who are suckers for more words. Unfortunately, it ain't me. I think I expressed better with pictures!

Oh by the way, which one suits me best?

LV Neverfull Damier

or

LV Neverfull Damier Azur

Ok, berangan aje. Kalau duit jatuh dari langit, I'll buy for you people ok?

Over and out.

Wish List 2 - Lumix GF1

I broke my favourite-up-and-tilt camera (the small Nikon) and I need a new one. Girls and camera can’t be seperated. It is not a necessity for us, it is necessary!

So, here’s the one that I want. Isn’t she a babe? *Sighs*

A dear friend of mine already bought one and my dad has it as well for his work; so far, the reviews are .. groovy-satisfying!

I WANNNTTT ONEEEE..

So, which baby? Sexy-siren Red or Classy silverish White?

Wish List 1 - Iphone 4

Be a dear and buy me this please.

Oh My Chanel!

Chanel's Rai$ing Handbag Prices

If you had your eye on a Chanel handbag, buy it now because prices are about to go up!

Experts say the French fashion house has plans to increase their pricing on classic style handbags as much as 20%. The Chanel gurus blame the rising demand and the difficult manufacturing process for the price hike.

Kind of a bad time to be raising prices, especially when the luxury market is slowly showing some improvements.

Thoughts???

Read more: Chanel's Rai$ing Handbag Prices | CocoPerez.comhttp://cocoperez.com/2010-07-20-chanels-raiing-handbag-prices#ixzz0uYQjfNow
Where celebrity meets fashion!

AREN'T THEY GORGEOUS? 

Chanel is already bloody expensive and they decided to raise the price up?

But, it's Chanel anyways. One can never manufactured a low range Chanel. It won't be Chanel then.

Ok, bimbo moment.