Possibly

This sums up my January 2013. Was called at a very short notice for a chit-chat interview for a department that is relating to my masters and to what I do, 

I am exhausted (but deep down excited) after rounds of writing test; 2 essays in 30 minutes and the week after was 3 essays in an hour. I'd like to elaborate more, but I'll do that when the overwhelming feelings are gone .......

or perhaps when they have finally given me 'the' call.

The Bad Their Bad

Of Miso Soup and New Year!

January 2013. Amazing how time flown so swiftly last year and we are now embarking to another 365 days of journey. 

Thank you Allah for another year. 

I anticipated New Year within a low key ambience; the whole family decided to celebrate at home. Nothing extravagant but it wasn't dull as well. We decided to cook at home (my parents hate dining out for dinner) so they requested to us to make something for them. We don't want the typical BBQ, laksa or even beriyani to the least, we decided  to cook something that we have never cooked before.

Sister No. 3 suggested Japanese.

Hmmm.

The only thing that I could think of making for Japanese are

tenpayaki (masak nasi and goreng ayam je)

shashimi (potong je salmon tu)

So tak nak kalah budak tu, she decided to call one of her best friend (cum our neighbour who has lived in Japan many years ago)for recipes. 

Menu:

1. Okonomiyaki 

2. Salmon shashimi
3. California Temaki
4. Miso soup


I cringed when I looked at the receipt of the ingredients that were bought by my sisters. Japanese's ingredients are expensive. But you cant't deny those are good healthy stuff.

Anyhow, some pics to feast your eyes!

 While making the Okonomiyaki!

The end product!

Can't have enough of those!

The usual temaki

The feel good Miso soup


Oh, it was filling and we surely had a good time cooking those food. We end the night by watching fireworks at Publika and glad that it wasn't as pack and crowded like what we thought.

Akemashiteomedetogozaimasu!

Everything Chocolate

I am not a really a dessert person, but I just had to try this. Lately, KL has been raving about this place called Dip & Dip. And I am in DEEP shit. Haha.

Dip and dip is a franchise from the Middle East and the one in Telawi, Bangsar is the first one in KL. 

It's basically a cafe that sells EVERYTHING chocolate. Even the cafe smells chocalatey too. If you're a crazy choc addict, you can submit yourself here for some good chocolate loving. I had mine during my menses, the chocolate actually softened my moodswings.

Oh, they have coffee too. 

To those husbands and boyfriends who don't fancy chocolate, you can actually teman your wife or girlfriend have their chocolate while you have your coffee. Don't sulk ya.

The menu is divided into three sections; Sweet sweet, cold drinks and hot drinks. They have everything in chocolate like crepe, pancake, waffle, fondant, brownies, marshmallow dip, dip sticks fondue, hot chocolate, chocolate shots, milkshake and the list goes on. They even have unusual dessert such as fettuccine crepe, kebab and dip & dip pizza. Talk about chocolaty goodness invention!

What Sheena and I had:

Sheena's brownie crepe. A good RM 25. A thin layer of brownie between the crepe with white, milk and dark chocolate sauce. Very very sweet for me. But Sheena being the greatest sweet-tooth-chocoholic person that I have known in my life managed to finish this. 

Banana crepe. Banana stuffing crepe with milk and white chocolate. Small and simple. This was just nice, I think I will  order just this the next time I come. RM 20. 

Fettuccine milk chocolate with vanilla ice cream. It is actually a piece of crepe that was shredded into the shape of fettuccine. It was quite interesting as you eat it like a normal pasta.  Sheena's sister ordered this for a good RM 20.

Drinks? I wanted to try the milkshake but Sheena gave me the glare. Uh-huh.. Ok ok.. one iced water please. 

All in all, I would say that I will come back for second or third but this is something you would not eat everyday or every week. Unless if you are an ultimate chocoholic then I should rest my case. Teehee.

It's a bit high on the pricing side but then again, this is not your everyday meal. They can only accept cash. 

Try and go during the the rainy days at night. Feeling-feeling London gitu. 

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!

Paradigm Shift

Everyday feels like Friday this week. Kerja, cuti, kerja, cuti.. how nice if we can have this every week!

Anyway, what have I been doing these past few days?

1. Third sister's 23rd birthday, so I made her favourite tomyam steam boat with peanut butter sauce!

Not to miss Mom's scrumptious laksa Johor during Deepavali. Oh gosh, I really need to learn this. It's just so good! Can't get this anywhere else.

Not just that, I am always at my in laws for makan-makan. I've learned to cook new dishes and boy, my husband's family is making me fat (in a good way I mean!). My parents came for lunch yesterday and they have been fed well as well. Alhamdulillah. Bugis-Padang food. Burp. It's good to know that my mak and mama, ayah and dad are getting along fine.

One of my MIL signature dish that she learned from her bugis MIL; Udang galah masak darat which is also hubby's favourite.

2. I had been hanging out a lot with my two younger sisters and sometimes it makes me so sad that they are not 'young' anymore. There are times when husband and I just want to go out and have coffee, they will be like:

"Along nak gi mana? Can we follow?" 

and my respond would be like 

" No way kiddo, tomorrow is school night". 

" Along! We're in college already laaa!"

And yes they are. I always forgot that they are above 18 and not little girls anymore. I can actually carry any adult conversation with them. From health to boys men to food to world issues to travel etc etc. 

My third and fourth wheeler. 

Always tagging along whenever I'm on my coffee date with hubby. Selagi boleh.

3. With all the eating and lazing around during public holidays, I made an effort to ... work out. This time it's a no joke as I  myself feel (like finally!) the importance of being healthy and fit. Sigh. Whether I like it or not, I just have to do this, even I'm at the  slowest pace. So, this whole week has been productive with work-out and health activities.

My two health-junky buddies persuaded me to join them for hiking at FRIM. Hiking???? On public holiday where we are supposed to sleep? Gosh.

"Nak jadi Milf or Makcik? You choose!"

 Those were their words when any of us starts giving excuses and just lazy! So, off we went and I actually love it!  

 Putting aside we had soto daging after 3 km of hiking, I think it's totally worth it. 

I survived a session of bootcamp by the Metcon X group! Oh gosh. Can't believe it right? A friend, Amirah (she's also another health-junky - read her blog as she shares her experiences and sentiments on keeping fit, clean eating and being motivated)introduced this group to me. There are many other bootcamp group in Klang Valley but because of Amirah and her persistence and consistence (as well as her hot bod!), I gave this a try! 

I had fun. It was nervewrecking at first but this is something  that I should consider. I was nervous because I was scared they would force me to do something that I couldn't do, but it was alright. I was one of the slowest but  I survived! 

Thanks babe. 

Last but not least, I was introduced to an super awesome product by Hai O, Biozone Food Purifier which still amazes me at times but also reminds me to be more cautious on the things I will eat in the future. Sigh to those lost years. 

All in all, everything falls into places and Alhamdulillah for the rezeki that has been handed to us. 

It's a paradigm shift, a whole different ballgame altogether.

Anyway, signing off now. Wifey duties! Toodles!

End of the Year Promo!

End of the year promo promo!

COME COME COME!

Buy a set of PB ... 

and...... you'll receive a box of health collagen drink for FREE! 

Bella Vitta is just so great. I've been drinking it (my THIRD box now) and I felt a lot of changes in myself especially on MY HAIR. You know I've been complaining about hair loss and all, but I don't really have to worry now right? I have Bella Vitta as a booster for my hair growth. And it did and still doing wonders to my hair! 

Some of the benefits:

BellaVita™ Attests That Beauty Comes From Within You And This Is Evident Through The Following Potential Benefits:

• Protect Body Cells Against Free Radicals & UV Damage
• Delay Aging Process & Preserves Biological Age.
• Reduces Wrinkles & Pigmentation
• Improves Skin Elasticity & Youthfulness
• Prevents Blood Clots – Stroke
• Prevents Cardiovascular Disease – Heart Attack
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Lower Cholesterol Levels
• Prevents Osteoporosis
• Help Soothe Asthma
• Relieves Sinusitis Symptoms
• Promotes Collagen Regeneration
• Strengthens Nails & Hair.
• Maintain Good Digestion
• Helps Constipation
• Exerts a Protective Activity Against Cancer.
• Reduce Weight & Water Retention.
• Detoxify Toxins
• Promotes Restful Sleep
• Increase Energy & Stamina
• Increase Sexual Desire
• Balance Hormones.
• Prevents PMS & Symptoms of Menopause.
• Demonstrates Strong Antibacterial, Antifungal & Anti-Viral Properties Studies.

(taken from BellaVitta website)

You know what they say right...

with Bella Vitta a day, it keeps the doctors away! 

So come guys, get it FREE from me while stocks last! You know what to do. 

Rashida Rafar

013-2033763

rashida.rafar@gmail.com

Different Folks Different Strokes

I was fortunate to watch the Qurban inside the house, not having to hover around under the hot sun because my in law's house is just next to the surau. And to make things more interesting, the cow went amuk and ran inside our compound, so the Qurban people had no choice but performed the Qurban there. Alhamdulillah.

Was at my MIL's house in the morning, and knowing my MIL, she's a great cook and just love to spoil her family with food, food and more food. She told us 'ala ini cincai-cincai aje', well, which part of this is cincai la Mama? Every Raya food is there from lontong to kuah kacang to rendang to mee kari to ketupat palas to nasi impit to ayam masak merah etc etc. 

Oh boy. I have a lot to do and to learn man. *looking at husband*

My Aidiladha did not just end there. We went back to Johor at night, started our journey at about 9-ish pm. It was very unusual for me (and a first time again) because my family rarely (more like NEVER) starts the journey very late at night. My dad would be like  "after Subuh, we shoot" kinda person and yes, we will arrived at our destination way before noon. Less stressful perhaps? On the other hand, Mr. Z's family is totally the opposite but I was appalled that I didn't see any sign of stress in them. Different folks, different strokes I guess.

Arrived Benut at 2 am. I  was sleeping the whole journey I did not see or hear a thing. Tahu-tahu dah sampai. As I opened my eyes, I saw that we were in this huge beautiful compound with many trees and fairy lights all over. There's a gazebo parked beside the house and it was decorated with fairy lights as well. The compound of the house was huge; I think it can parked more than 10 cars kot and the house? All I can say was WOW. The exterior was a bit fusion; classic meets modern Bali style with fancy woods, stones and bricks but the interior is modern. This is the first kampung house that I've been which is fully air-conditioned. Love every sense of it and all I can say is that the house is very very very COSY. 

 Sorry no pictures. Too excited and jakun sampai lupa nak snap. Next time?

But I managed to snap this instead!

Mr. Z's family is from a Bugis ancestry, so here I am presenting to you their famous wajib dish; Burasak which is made out of rice and coconut milk. Lots of coconut milk. I can feel the ooze of fat running inside my body mannnn! You either eat with rendang or sambal goreng but I discovered another way of eating it; with asam pedas lobak masin ikan parang.  

 Chilled freshly made pineapple juice and sugar coated butter toast on a very hot day. Such simple snacks but memorable to your palate. Oh gosh, where can I find this in KL?