..

40 Winks!

2012-01-01T21:00:00.003+08:00

Scenes from a Lazy Afternoon yesterday!

DH & DC

X-ing into NEw Year

2012-01-01T20:52:00.005+08:00

Bringing forward my first of many WIPs into the year 2012 - "Vierlanden 1826"

A pretty busy day today - breakfast in TTDI for tosei, puttu mayam and idli with DH and DS 1 & 2, followed by some grocery shopping at Giant Hypermart and 2 hours of reflexology. So dinner was not homecooked though the restaurant was called "Homst"!..

A cut-out from the front page of the STAR newspaper today to usher in 2012!

Progress on 'Vierlanden 1826'

Hazeeq's 8th Birthday

2011-12-31T19:50:00.004+08:00

It's Hazeeq's 8th birthday today. He had a luncheon party planned by his mum and dad at the "Arabic Food" restaurant in TTDI Jaya by his grand parents, uncles, aunties and cousins. We - DH and 2 of my DS - also joined in the merriment.DS no. 2 had classes to attend today but I brought back some birthday cake for him to taste.

The birthday cake was a moist choc cake - delicious!

Looking More Like Her Daddy!

2011-12-19T09:50:00.002+08:00

All dressed and ready to go to TOny Romas at Sunway Pyramid - Sun. 18 Dec'11 - 11.00am.

More Pics - Sleeping Beauty!

2011-12-19T09:43:00.004+08:00

Baby at play

2011-12-19T09:42:00.001+08:00

That's daddy!

Baby Sleepy too!

2011-12-16T08:00:00.003+08:00

On Virgil!

2011-12-16T07:55:00.004+08:00

Huh! what are you saying?....make sure master's DB is doing his assignment properly!

Sleeping Poses of Nemo!

2011-12-16T07:52:00.004+08:00

Nemo's favourite past-time!

Close-ups Birthday Exchange Gifts

2011-12-16T07:49:00.002+08:00

Here are the close-ups of Sabariah's gifts to me.

More Pics on Birthday exchange - NNC

2011-12-14T14:24:00.003+08:00

Sorry the pictures don't seem to be in the proper order.These are supposed to come in the posting below.

Anyway happy viewing!.

NNC Birthday Exchange 2011

2011-12-14T14:05:00.005+08:00

My exchange partner, Sabariah dropped off my birthday present yesterday evening at my place but somehow we did not get to see each other.I was just back from office and was waiting for her to come. She called when she arrived but when I answered her call, there was no answer from her end. Apparently she was already in my compund but I was not aware of it as I had left my handphone on my kitchen table and was running to answer her call . By the time I looked out from the kitchen door, she was driving off. I called her and again there was no answer. She did try to call me again and still I could not hear any response from her side. So I called her instead and when I managed to speak to her, it was only for a few seconds before the line was cut. I wonder if it was my phone's fault or hers. It could have been mine cos later at night it was beeping due to low battery power and had to be recharged.

Anyway, all that been said - I have put up pictures of her presents to me.

Sabariah gave me a mirror which she bought from her recent trip to Japan, the bag was from Thailand and the round container from Myanmar. The swarovski bead and pearl chain was handmade item and she also include an aida fabric and some embroidery thread. Thanks Sabariah was a wonderful present!

BABY IRDINA!

2011-10-28T14:10:00.005+08:00

Here is a photo of my first grand-daughter, Nurirdinah Safiyyah. Born 20 October 2011 at 10.20pm.

Nemo!

2011-10-13T09:42:00.001+08:00

The hero in my house - my son's cat!

More Pics on NNC Anniversary Meet!

2011-10-13T09:39:00.003+08:00

Late Posting - 2011 NNC Anniversay Meet

2011-10-13T09:34:00.002+08:00

Properties!

2011-04-18T13:02:00.005+08:00

Last Sunday DH, DS and myself went to Bt Jelutong, Shah Alam to see some bungalows under construction. There were some new developments by Sime Darby (www.simedarbyproperty.com)available for booking at the selling price of around RM5.2 million for a corner lot with extra land. The bungalows are beautiful but at that price! We wanted to have a look at the show house but it was closed on that day. Today I just received a call from the salesman saying that we could view it next weekend if we want to as it will be opened by then. Hmmm...may just go and see it if I have the time. Hello! Any ultra wealthy person out there who wants to buy me a house...this house?!!:)

Take a look at the photos - this is just one type. There are other types available but this one caught my eye. It is 3 storeys high and has a lift as well.

A New Graduate!

2010-07-11T16:28:00.004+08:00

Pictures from last year. He will be 7 years old this year ( on 31 Dec'10). Hazeeq, the +1 boy in my family - such a big boy now. To think that I took care of him when he was 4 months old...how times flies!He has even gone for Umrah in Mekah this year!

Tea Time!

2010-07-11T16:06:00.003+08:00

A couple of weeks ago two of my sisters and their entourage (kids, in-laws,...) flew to London/Paris for a much deserved vacation.They did what I would have done - shop till you drop . Only thing off putting was the exchange rate. That's the tea I got to remind me that once a upon a time i too had a ball of a time there - a number of times actually! They also bought some tee shirts, key chain, half a snow ball of Shakespear's birthplace in 'Stratford - upon - Avon ' fridge magnet.The tees went to my boys and DIL. The rest to moi. Oh yes I also got a Harrod's tote.

Weihenburg Contest Sampler Progress

2010-07-11T15:49:00.004+08:00

Many months after I started on this contest sampler, this is how far i have gotten. November'10 seemed like many months to complete and I thought I could do it in a few months, give or take some lazy moments. Alas, the lazy moments seem to win over the urge to complete it in time. This is it for now, hopefully it will not take long to showcase the next progress!.

Contests

2010-04-17T19:58:00.003+08:00

Two contests that I know of that is still on:

1. Win silk threads from Dinky Dyes. Details on their website:www.dinkydyes.com

2. Sampler contest. You get to stitch a sampler with your own colour of choice. Design will be provided. But to enter the contest you need to join the weihenburg group at this website if you are interested - www.weihenburg-samplers@yahoogroups.com

Here is a peek at my progress. For now I am going to stitch up the design and hopefully will be up to it to add some beads to spruce it up a little. The deadline is 25 November 2010.

Materials used: Belfast linen - 32 count - grey, DMC thread nos. 99, 815, red variegated thread (Ondori)and a multicoured thread - no name - from Diane, USA ( from NNC's birthday exchange).

NNC 3rd Anniversary Meet

2010-03-31T22:14:00.003+08:00

Date ; 27 March '10
Venue : Sabariah's house in Setia Alam, Klang.

We had a blast during the anniversary exchange. There were door gifts for all of us. Nik won the special door - a book gift from Diane, USA. I received a pink and white beaded necklace from Janet for the anniversay exchange. She in turn received mine - blue crochet bag and a cross stich chart. Coincidence! The exchange of gifts were for those members of NNC who wanted to participate - no matter if they are not able to attend the meet. I also took the opportunity to give my blue pincushion exchange partner - Paul - his gift of a pincushion and 3 blue stashes. I received my blue pincushion gifts from Usha instead. See the big crocheted pin cushion adorned with beads. Lovely isn't it. Oh did I forget to mention. We all had to make a felt flower to be included in out anniversary gifts. You can see the flowers made by the members. Put together on Zarina' quilt, they look so pretty.

Wedding Door Gift

2010-03-31T22:09:00.002+08:00

This the door gift which was given to guests at the wedding in Singgahsana Hotel. It is a blue glass adorned with some diamante. We put in some sweets into the glass container as extras.

Bersanding - 13 March '10

2010-03-31T21:59:00.003+08:00

The Bersanding Ceremony (sitting on the dais)
Venue: Felda Jelai Satu , Negeri Sembilan

Here you see the Groom all dressed in green ready to meet the bride.

The newly weds with me and DH and my uncle and aunty (Pak Uda and Mak Uda) from Alor gajah, Melaka.

My side of the family.

The bride's family.

Some of the cousins - DH's side of the family.

Malam Berinai - 12 March '10

2010-03-31T21:50:00.003+08:00

Sorry the events don't seem to follow in order of date.

Malam Berinai - Henna Night - after the Akad Nikah (solemnization of marriage) & after Isya' prayers. Well the bride had already put the henna on her hands and feet a couple of days before this night. The night was celebrated and enjoyed by all with a small bersanding ceremony to bless the newly weds.

Old Friends and Recent Friends

2010-03-31T21:35:00.005+08:00

More photos at my son's wedding.

My Sixth Form classmates - Sabrina and Wan Saripah. And me makes three! Why didn't Ailis take a photo with us?...

My friends from the Needlework and Crafts Group.

The Wedding Reception

2010-03-31T21:13:00.003+08:00

Venue: Singgahsana Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Date: 20 March'10

We spent 2 nights at the hotel The first nite was on the eve of my son's wedding so that we can wake up early and see to the final wedding preparations by the hotel's wedding planner.That meant 'not enough of beauty sleep' and more of jitters...HAppily things went quite smoothly. We all enjoyed and the guests were thoroughly happy about the food served.

The guests of honour were naturally the in-laws entourage from Jelai, Negeri Sembilan and the orpahns from baitul Izzah from Pinggiran Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

The usherers for the wedding were my nieces and nephews and close friends.

The wedding cake is a dummy cake. The newly weds were give a small cake at the side of the tiers to cut. Here you see the cake during the rehearsal at 10.00am on the day of the wedding.

The dashing newly-weds starting the procession from the Hotel lift lobby. The flower girl (Nik Nazirah) and flower boy (Fitri) are my niece and nephew. The best man is my youngest boy - Aiman - who wanted so much to be seen in his new jacket suit like his brother. Accompanying them is also the bridesmaid who is my niece -Nik Naziah.

Some of the Usherers:

My nephews - Nazreen (left) and Irfan (right).

Usherers/ Guests

Wedding Reception - Groom's Side

2010-03-16T23:32:00.005+08:00

We will hold our side of the reception for friends and family this Saturday, 20 March 2010.

Time & Venue: As per Invitation Card.

The wedding Card

SEE YOU ALL THERE!

The Hantaran

2010-03-16T23:06:00.007+08:00

The groom sent 7 trays of gifts to the bride's family. They in turn returned the gesture with 9 trays of gifts.The gifts were all decorated by my son and me and I must say that we were pleased with the results.

Voila! Here are the gifts. The seventh tray is the one with the Telekung - sorry I didn't upload it individually but you can see it in the pictures below.

Here is the White Telekung in the square wire basket.

Oops! Pardon the mess. This picture was taken in the hotel room.

The Mas Kahwin (RM200.00), the Wang Hantaran ( RM10,000.00 in the form of Cheques) and the Ring (Platinum with a tiny diamond) - were all in one tray.

The bride's Handbag, Blouse and Slacks (hidden).

A basketful of chocolates and sweets.

Fruit Basket.

Perfume

Shoes - sneakers - something that they both decided would be more practical.

My Son's Wedding

2010-03-16T22:57:00.005+08:00

Date : Thursday, 12 March 2010
Akad Nikah
Venue : Mosque @ Jelai Satu, Negeri Sembilan
Time : After Maghrib prayers - 8.00pm

That's me in blue with some members of the entourage.

This is the 'Akad Nikah' performed by the Bride's father.

This is Khairi, my son - the handsomely anxious Groom!

This is Halizawati - the demure Bride, all dressed in white - like the groom too.

WIP - Vierlanden's 1826

2010-01-02T20:32:00.004+08:00

Today I picked up an old WIP. I have decided to revive my stitching of this fantastically large sampler all done in a multi- coloured theme. It was supposed to be a SAL with a few members on the NNC stitching group but apparently only Charlene managed to complete it yonls ago! The rest of us - well .....hmm...

Hazeeq Turns Six

2010-01-02T20:09:00.005+08:00

Six years ago I baby-sat a 4 month old baby boy till he was 4 years old and whom I came to dote. On 31 December 2009, he turned 6 years old. His mum and dad threw a birthday party at the hall of the condo where I live. Also on 12 December 2009, Hazeeq underwent circumcision. He was very brave about it on the eve of his circumcision - not knowing the reality of the procedure. But ask him about it now and he will tell you that it was quite traumatic ( I was told he screamed throughout and had to be held by his dad and another person). Thank goodness it's over and done with. This year Hazeeq starts primary one. Here is a picture of his graduation at the religious school as a six year old.

Quaker Patchwork - My Finish

2010-01-02T20:01:00.003+08:00

This is my finished portion of the Quaker Patchwork from the Weihenberg stitching group. Since I has seriously miscalculated the size of the fabric,this is as much of the pattern that the fabric could take in. I did some modifications to the right hand edge to give it some 'closure' and all in all I am happy with the results. Sorry my scanner could not take in the edge so you will not be able to see it. Anyway i was so pleased at the design and colours used. So pretty!Happy dance!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-01-02T20:00:00.002+08:00

Here' wishing to One and All, a

"HAPPY NEW YEAR"

WIP - Quaker Patchwork Sampler

2009-12-19T11:22:00.004+08:00

I have been working on the Patchwork Sampler from the Weihenberg Group whenever I had the time after work to do so. This is my progress so far. I am afraid we will not see the full sampler as my fabric is not big enough for it due to a serious miscalculation on my part.

Birthday Present From Diane

2009-12-19T10:57:00.005+08:00

This morning I collected my birthday present from the post office. My secret birthday exchange partner in the NNC Group was Diane from The USA.Oh how I love receiving presents.

See all the wonderful things she sent to me - A lovely birthday card, a wooden treasure chest which opens to reveal a pair of pink scissors, a clover thread cutter, DMC tapestry needles, Mill Hill beads kit, mother of pearl thread heart shaped keep, Dinky Dyes Silk Threads and a stitched pincuhion perched atop a shaker stand. Thanks sooo much Diane. The postage cost her a bomb but the presents are worth much more.

Birthday Gift

2009-12-14T13:50:00.006+08:00

Today's my Birthday - this old gurl is well past half a century. My 2 older boys gave the family a dinner treat at Bubba Gump, Sunway Pyramid. It was enjoyable and the food portions were huge, for my standards. I ordered Baramundi sandwich which was a disappointment and I told the cook about it. So they gave a discount on our tab. The burgers oredered by DH and DS were however delicious - so were the shrimp sandwich and fish and chips. But I must say baramundi is not a fish for cooking MAt Salleh style. BTW baramundi is ikan siakap.

Last nite at midnight, my youngest DS gave a slice of iced cake which he bought. So I had the pleasure of gorging it all by myself. DH was already asleep!

Ah yes. See all the lovely things Margaret sent to me for my birthday - 2 pieces of fabric, note pad and pen fride magnet from Lady Jane Ltd and a pretty card.They came in a zippered plastic bag all neatly tucked into a gift box.
Thanks again Margaret and to all my friends, sons and family who sent me birthday greetings and gave me birthday presents/treats.

Vampire Diaries

2009-12-13T20:02:00.001+08:00

For all of you who are following this show:

Episode 11 will be out on Jan. 14, 2010.

Hellooo! Soooo long to wait.

Can't wait to see dashing Damon in action.

Quaker Patchwork Sampler

2009-12-13T19:53:00.006+08:00

After months of 'cross stitch' block I decided to pick up my needles and stitch again. If it had not been for the Round Robbin that I participated, I was like going mental about wanting to do any stitching. Instead I engrossed myself playing online games, staying till late at night just trying to complete them. Finally I am out of that doldrum and decided to do this Quaker Patchwork Sampler from the Weihenberg Group. I love the colours even though they are more towards the greys and greens. Sadly I miscalculated the size of the fabric required ( I don't what I was thinking when I measured it!!) and so have decided to stitch as much of the pattern as the fabric allows. So this is how far I have progressed.

Hairpin Lace Scarf

2009-12-13T19:46:00.003+08:00

During the Needles and Craft Group meet at Bangsar Village on 7 Nov'09, Radha gave me a surprise gift of hairpin lace scarf. I was attempting hairpin lace and asked her on the group's board about joining the strips together. Little did I know that she would do one for me. That's Radha - she loves to present gifts. Thank you so much Radha. Love it and it came in handy during the cold and rainy weeks.

Cheats Recipe - Chicken Kuzi

2009-10-20T12:16:00.004+08:00

Here comes my agak-agak only cheats recipe for Chicken Kuzi.Please do your own estimation to the best of your ability.

Ingredients:
Chicken - cut accordingly
Chili giling/boh (Dried chillies ground to a paste)
Garlic
Ginger
Red Onions
Bombay Onions (Quartered)
Fried shallots
Serai (lemon grass)
Halba (fenugreek)
Tomato Puree
Evaporated milk
Kayu Manis (cinnamon bark)
Buah pelaga (cardamoms)
Serbuk jintan putih (cumin)
Daun limau perut (kaffir lime leaves)
Salt & Sugar to taste
Ghee & Cooking oil

Method:
Blend onions, garlic and ginger.
Heat oil in pan and fry chicken pieces till half cooked.
Take out chicken pieces and put aside.
Heat ghee and oil combined.
Fry halba (fenugreek), cinnamon,buah pelaga.
Add blended ingredients.
When fragrant add chilli paste and fry .
Add chicken, tomato puree, cumin, fried shallots,milk, lemon grass and water.
Stir and salt and sugar to taste.
Dish out when chicken is cooked and the consistency of the gravy is thickened to the way you want it.
Serve with nasi gembuli and salad.

SORRY FOLKS NO PHOTOS! Try it out, put up photos of it in your blog and send me the link to your blog. If anyone can improve on this recipe please feel free to put your comments.

ENJOY!

Little bags

2009-10-04T21:06:00.006+08:00

I crochetted 2 bags - the supposedly pink one a couple of months back and the greenish/brown one yesterday. They look brownish after scanning. Actually the top ones has shades of pink, light blue and medium brown while the bottom ones a of medium brown/yellow/green shades.The pictures just doesn't seem to do justice to them. Anyway I was bored and was not in a mood to do any cross stitch, so I used whatever little wool (Minlon yarn) I had and voila! - a small bag measuring 6 inches by 8 inches. Something very handy to bring along when I go to Giant hypermart to buy the odd groceries. Even the pink flowers on the green bag has turned out a different colour.Oh Yes, now I am without any yarn left. I wanted to get some at Mydin today, but they didn't carry the colours/shades that I wanted.So sad....:(

Alynn's RR

2009-10-03T10:11:00.002+08:00

This is Alynn's RR which will be returned to the owner in due course.Alynn, I will have to find one Saturday when the post office will be opened or maybe I shall pass it to you at one of the bees whichever is earlier. Patience ya!

My RR Has Come Home To Roost

2009-10-03T10:05:00.002+08:00

My RR has come home after having visited Alynn and Margaret. That's Alynn's contribution on the bottom left and Margaret's is above hers. Thanks gurls. They are lovely. Now I have to find another chart to fit into the blank spot.

Nasi Gembuli

2009-09-29T17:18:00.006+08:00

Hari Raya fell on Sun. 20 Sept'09, the start of the Muslim calendar month of Syawal. One whole month of feasting if you are game for it.

Ok I have been asked time and time again for the recipe for 'Nasi Gembuli'. Believe me if it sounds strange to you, it still does to me. I learnt this from my Indonesian maid many years ago and have been serving it for most feasting accassions at my house. So here it is if anyone out there is interested in trying. I will not be putting exact measurements to the ingredients because I am one of those who goes by "agak-agak" method (approximation). Sorry folks no pictures to show.

The ingredients are:

Beras (rice)
Oil for frying
Santan - mixture of thick and thin coconut milk. (Agak- agak lah-too much thick santan and it will be too rich)
Salt to taste
Onions, sliced
Garlic, sliced
Ginger, julienned
Fresh kunyit (tumeric) - julienned
Serai (lemongrass)- bruised
Pandan leaves,daun limau perut (Kaffir lime leaves) and Daun kunyit

Method:

Heat up the electric rice cooker. (Sorry I don't do convention method).
Add oil and fry onions, garlic and ginger till fragrant.
Add rice and stir to mix in all the ingredients.
Add santan and enough water to the rice (Measurement based on how much rice you use).
Add salt to taste. Then add in the daun limau perut, serai, daun kunyit, daun pandan and fresh kunyit.
Cook rice.
When cooked serve rice with curry or ayam kuzi and salad.

Delicious!

Best cooked using Basmathi Rice.

The recipe for ayam kuzi will be coming soon. Meanwhile you can experiment with your own curry to go with nasi gembuli. ENJOY!

.

Fasting & Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

2009-09-15T10:45:00.004+08:00

Ramadhan is almost over. The days seem to pass in a flash. Seems like it was just yesterday that I was strolling past the food stalls at the Ramadhan bazaar in Kelana Jaya when I bumped into Tini and Paul busy buying nasi kerabu. That was actually at the start of Ramadhan. In 4 days time it will be Syawal and the celebration of Aidil Fitri will begin. I have yet to make preparations for Hari Raya. Looks like it will a 'last minute' thingy again in the hunt for raya cookies and maybe a 'baju raya' for the first day. Insyallah. God willing, we should have a modest Raya.

Malaysia's Independence Day Today

2009-08-31T10:46:00.002+08:00

..........................

HAPPY MERDEKA DAY!

Alynn's RR

2009-08-31T10:26:00.006+08:00

I am in the midst of stitching my square of the round robin for Alynn.

Quartet Round Robin

2009-08-31T10:11:00.003+08:00

There were to be 4 members participating in this round robin - hence the name 'Quartet RR" - but now Jan has opted out of it, so there are just the 3 of us to carry on (that's Margaret, Alynn and I).

Themes:
Margaret - teacups
Alynn - Cottage
Myself - Sampler

This is Margaret's RR which I received from Jan Koenig of the USA. I have stitched my teacup for Margaret. Next I will be sending it to Alynn to stitch the next square.
Round Robinn in the NNC Group.

Here are the Jars

2009-08-17T19:57:00.005+08:00

Jars exposed for the jar exchange on NNC.
The line-up from left to right: Mel's, mine, Alynn's, Janet's and Paul's Jars.

Mel's jar went to Alynn
Mine went to Paul
Alynn's went to Janet
Janet's went me
Paul's went to Mel

Mel will send to Paul his jar as he was not able to attend the bee.

Jar Exchange All Wrapped Up

2009-08-16T10:10:00.002+08:00

Here are the Jars under 'wraps' - photo from Margaret's album.

I hope to put up a picture of the opened packages soon.

Stitching Bee

2009-08-15T19:16:00.005+08:00

Stitching Bee
Venue: Starbucks, BBV II
Present:Anna,Alynn & DD,Rose,Veronica,Janet,Janet's DD,Janet's Niece,Margaret, Margaret's DD,Jackie, Lily,Mel,Sabariah,June...Hope I DIDN'T MISS OUT ANYBODY.

Absent : Nik (got exams today - poor thing!), Paul, Usha

Agenda:

- Chatter, Natter, Lotsa Laughter
- Show of projects/WIPs
- Browse MW's new cross stitch books - so European and so expensive
- Sale of old CS&C Mags by yours truly. Alynn and Janet bought 5 so they each got one issue free, MW bought 2 issues - thanks a bunch gurls.
- Snack on cupcakes from Alynn and carrot cake from Anna
-Did Jar exchange: 5 members took part. I got Janet's, Mel got Paul's, Paul got mine, Alynn got Mel's (much to my envy cos there were lots of yummy buttons) and Janet got Alynn's jar.

PS: Mel gave me some buttons too.

- MW distributed Diane's gift of DMC threads to all present. Thanks alot Diane, they are lovely - variegated, silk, metallic and rayon.

Sorry no pictures of us enjoying ourselves thoroughly but you can feast your eyes on the floss and button!

Bee ended at 2pm.

Can't wait for the next meet....

? Answered

2009-08-15T19:12:00.004+08:00

The photos below are purses and bag for August babes at the stitching bee today. The maroon purse for Anna, cream purse for Sabariah, yellow/blue purse for Alynn and the bag (which is actually a colour combo of blues and pinks and yellows which didn't show up well by the scanner)is for Margaret.

'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' Gurls.

??

2009-08-14T21:06:00.004+08:00

I will let you know what these are for (incl.the previous post).

?

2009-08-14T20:59:00.001+08:00

Much Ado About Nothing

2009-08-07T12:55:00.004+08:00

Well! It's been along time since I did any posting. I haven't had the time to do so and also I wanted to take some photos of some finished crochet bags but sadly two of them have have been given away as gifts. Now I really regret for not taking a photo of the bags.

I am looking forward to the stitching bee that will be held on 15 Aug.'09 at BVII - usual time and place. This time around, Nik cannot make it to the bee as she has some departmental exams to sit on that day. Paul will be absent too but he is going to pass over some gifts that he has made for some lucky people.......well I don't know for whom either! We will have to wait and see won't we?.....

See you all at the bee!.

Goodbye Michael!

2009-07-08T08:25:00.005+08:00

I watched last night part of the footage of the memorial for Michael Jackson at the Forest Lawn Cemetary (we were only shown people getting out of then into the car)and the Staples Centre, Los Angeles. The world has lost the greatest pop idol
on this planet, this universe!.. and I must say like Princess Diana's death, MJ's death had a huge following on TV and even more so on the internet, hence the biggest so far. These were the two people so loved by the whole world but was much loved by God to take them so early in their life.

Goodbye MJ. You were my idol and I do soooo.. love your songs.

Semoga ALlah mencucuri rahmat keatas roh Mikael dan menempat beliau di golongan orang yang salih. Al Fatihah!

Nazrin's Wedding

2009-06-28T22:58:00.003+08:00

Groom: Mohd Nazrin Bin Rizal (my nephew)
Bride: Khadijah Binti Izzati

Akad Nikah - 25 June'09

Wedding reception at Bride's house - 27 June'09

Wedding reception on Groom's side (our side) - June'09

Photo was taken at the groom's house. No bersanding and "merenjis" but the newly weds sat down ceremoniously to witness the 'Silat"

Death of Michael Jackson - the Greatest Pop Icon Ever

2009-06-28T22:54:00.004+08:00

From Yahoo News:

AFP - Sunday, June 28LOS ANGELES (AFP) - - The family of Michael Jackson ordered a second autopsy of the tragic pop icon as associates told of mounting anger over "unanswered questions" surrounding the superstar's death.

Jackson's family members were huddled at their compound in Los Angeles, where they have gathered since the most famous member of their clan died suddenly on Thursday at age 50 after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest.

Los Angeles police on Saturday conducted a second interview with doctor Conrad Murray, the only person with him when he collapsed. A spokeswoman for the cardiologist said he "clarified some inconsistencies" over the death.

But the spokeswoman, Miranda Sevcik, added: "Investigators say the doctor is in no way a suspect and remains a witness to this tragedy."

Frustrated by the lack of hard information, the family requested a second autopsy on Jackson's body which was being kept at an undisclosed location, officials and local media reports said.

Late Saturday the Los Angeles Times reported the autopsy had been completed but there was no word on the findings.

"We don't like what's going on," family patriarch Joe Jackson told People magazine. The Jacksons later issued a statement to fans describing the death as "one of the darkest moments of our lives."

The Los Angeles Coroner's office said Friday a preliminary autopsy on Jackson was inconclusive and a final cause of death would not be known until exhaustive toxicology tests are completed in "six to eight weeks."

Joe Jackson separately told Fox News that Michael Jackson's three children -- whom the pop star fiercely protected -- were in "fantastic" spirits at the musical clan's compound.

Veteran US politician and activist Reverend Jesse Jackson -- who is not related to the family -- told ABC television's Good Morning America he had spent Friday counseling the family.

And he revealed that family members were angered by lingering questions surrounding Jackson's death and were focusing their attention on the role of Murray, whom the singer had tapped just last month.

"They (the family) are suspicious of this doctor and they have real reason to be because any other doctor would say 'Here's what happened in the last hour of his life and I was there. I gave him some medicine,'" Jesse Jackson said.

"He owes it to the family and to the public to say, 'These were the last hours of Michael's life and here's what happened.' That's a reasonable expectation."

Friends and associates of Jackson took to the airwaves to voice anger over the role of advisers and physicians that surrounded the star.

New age guru and Jackson confidante Deepak Chopra -- a qualified cardiologist -- told CNN bluntly: "I think drugs killed him."

Anger was also beginning to be seen amongst fans who have gathered around the globe in their thousands to pay tribute to Jackson in what have been largely joyous celebrations of his life.

On the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, fans queued again on Saturday for the right to file past Jackson's star set in the sidewalk.

Deborah Canton, 46, sobbed inconsolably as she slammed the "evil people" who she accused of driving Jackson to his death.

"The guy would never hurt a fly but all of these evil people would do everything to destroy him just to get his money," she said. "I don't think he wanted to live anymore."

In New York large crowds formed outside the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, where Jackson launched his career in 1969.

Meanwhile revelers at Britain's Glastonbury music festival sported T-shirts with slogans like "Michael Jackson RIP" and "I was at Glasto when Jacko died", while graffiti paying tribute to "The King of Pop" adorned tents.

Jackson's death has sent fans scrambling to stock up on his music, and British chart officials said a compilation album was likely to go to the top of the charts on Sunday.

While Jackson ruled the charts and dazzled audiences with dance moves like the "moonwalk" in the 1980s, his once-stellar career was overshadowed by his startling physical transformation and multiple allegations of child abuse.

He lived as a virtual recluse following his 2005 acquittal on charges of child molestation and plotting to kidnap his young accuser.

Lazy Saturday

2009-06-20T12:37:00.004+08:00

Just trying to tweak my blog.I've been at it for a few hours and I can't seem to get things right!.....I give up.

Bookmark Exchange

2009-06-14T17:12:00.004+08:00

Well what do you know. My secret partner was none other than our Paul. Voila! Paul did 3 bookmarks - one of it was handrawn while the other two were stitched. One had a tatted pattern and the other had a blackwork design which happens to look very familiar Paul! Paul also gave me 2 balls of yarn. Thank you so much. Now I can crochet more bags.

So here are the goodies.

Stitching Bee

2009-06-14T16:57:00.004+08:00

NNC Stitching Bee was held at Starbucks, Bangsar Village II on Saturday, 13 June'09. Those who turned up - be it early or late - Margaret, Alynn & her 3-year old DD, Usha & her DD, Nik, Valerie, Josephine, Paul, Anne, Shanny and her 2-year ols DS, Owen and of course yours truly.

Valerie brought us little chocolate cup cakes and Shanny gave us chocolates from Swiss Land. Nik gave a green crocheted bag ala the Victorian eram and Paul who happened to be my secret partner for the bookmark exchange passed his handiwork to me. I will post the pic after this.

Well I brought some yarn and crochet needle with the intention to crochet but I did not. I returned Paul's crochet needle to him - the metallic green which I used for my first pink '3-stranded yarn' crochet bag. Incidentally I have given this bag to my future DIL. Thanks Paul for the loan of your needle.

I left around 12.40pm as I had a wedding to attend in Dato Keramat. In fact Usah left a tad earlier than I did as she too ahd a wedding to attend and had to go back home first to Klang to change to her saree for the reception.

Anyway, I was gld to meet up with everyone again. It has been a while since the last stitching bee .....hmmm when was that? And Shanny who is back in Malaysia from Swiss Land for a short stint - well it has been something like 2 years since we met her.

No pics of the meet. My camera is not able to upload images to the PC. Oh sorry ! sorry! I have a photo of the bag Nik gave me. Here it is.

More Photos - Khairi's Engagement

2009-06-08T21:15:00.004+08:00

Photos, not necessarily in this order:

Enjoying the lunch prepared by the girl's family
Arrival for the engagement
The tent in front of the house.
The guys posing.

Khairi's Engagement

2009-06-08T20:28:00.004+08:00

6 June 2009

Eldest DS's engagement to Halizawati of Felda Jelai Satu, Nergeri Sembilan.

We stayed in Gemas on Friday 5 June'09 at Tropicana Hotel, Johore which is a half hour's drive to Felda Jelai.The whole jouirney took us 2 hours from Kelana Jaya to Gemas. The hotel is situated right smack in Gemas town, occupying 2 floors on a few shoplots which was converted to a little hotel. The rooms are cheap and clean. The reviews on the internet were true. Rooms come with breakfast which I must say was not bad at all compared to some 3 -5 star hotels. Along the way we saw a stall by selling durians at RM1 per kilogram. We decided to buy some tomorrow on our way back home but sadly we could not find it at all.I was really looking forward to eating durians - the best fruit in the world!

Back to the engagement. We came prepared with 5 trays of gifts for the fiancee. The trays were prepared by Khairi(DH) and myself on Friday night at the hotel. I must say that I am utterly pleased with the result.After the ceremonial putting of the ring on Haliza's finger by me and the lunch taht ensued, we gathered once again in the house for the exchange of gifts. The girl's side gave in return 7 trays. all equally well decorated.

After the Zohor prayers at the nearby mosque we all left for home happy but exhausted. The afternoon heat made us all so tired but thankfully my DH was up to driving.

Home Sweet Home.

Card Exchange - NNC Group

2009-05-21T20:16:00.003+08:00

I received my card from the sifu herself, Ying. See the beautiful card and the embellishment. The flowers and the stamped cards (cute hedgehogs) will definitely come in handy for making new cards.Thanks Ying for the lovely gifts. No need to be apologetic for sending them late.However I was so thrilled to receive it when one of my office staff told me that there was a package for me.I would love to take part in any future card exchanges in the NNC Group.

American Idol Crowned Today

2009-05-21T11:46:00.003+08:00

BooHoo! The crown went to Kris Allen. No Matter what Adam's still better.This is what happens when the votes are opened to every Tom, Dick & Harry!

Adam Lambert & Kris Allen

2009-05-20T20:06:00.002+08:00

Bottom picture - Adam
Top picture - Kris

American Idol - Finale Today

2009-05-20T19:53:00.002+08:00

I vote for Adam Lambert.

See the results tomorrow morning!

Idol Finale Next Week

2009-05-14T19:55:00.005+08:00

Idols Finale in 2 parts next week.

Today the results show had Gokey, a 29-year-old church music director from Milwaukee booted out'Following his elimination, Gokey sang an encore of “You Are So Beautiful,” the Joe Cocker-popularised ballad he had performed the night before to praise from the judges'. The finalists next week are Lambert, a 27-year-old theater actor from San Diego and 23 year old Chris Allen from Conway, AR.

Another Crochet Bag - Smaller

2009-05-12T20:16:00.006+08:00

If you look closely you can the pink 'Baby Girl' embellishment on the bag.

My friend, Jesveen just gave birth on the 27th April'09 to a bouncing baby girl. I went over to her place for a casual visit and of course to see the long awaited baby(her first after many years of never giving up)but she was at her mum's place instead. That's for not calling up first. I wanted to surprise her mah! Anyway I bought a couple of baby things. So I guess I'll go and see her next Saturday.

I spent the afternoon watching TV, not inspired enough to do cross stitch but itching to do crochet. Well I got an excuse then to crochet another bag but this time smaller than my blue bag.I wished I had bought some green wool from Mydin. I saw some lovely shades of green on Nik's blog(see Za's blog on my bloglist) and I wanted to mix blue and green or maybe make a bag in shades of maroon, pink and green.Teacher Mel must be so pleased that this student of hers is suddenly going maniacal on crochet bags! I must go and find some new designs.

Mothers Day - Late Posting

2009-05-12T18:43:00.007+08:00

Last Saturday was Mothers Day and to celebrate it, my eldest DS treated the family (including his fiancee)to a sumptious Thai dinner at Sri Thai in Petaling Jaya. We've been to this restaurant a few times but the crowd was never like this. I supposed being Mothers Day,it was one of the occasions when finding a table meant waiting for one to be put up and slotted in between the rest. On other days you could easily get tables.We had mixed Tom Yam, chicken cooked in dried chillies and cashews, beef stir fry with ginger and spring onions, claypot tofu and kerabu mangga (Thai mango salad).Well, no matter what, dinner was delicious. Thank you Khairi for making it a special day!

Idols Results show today

2009-05-07T17:41:00.001+08:00

The only girl left in the show, Allison Iraheta, was booted out.

The finalists left in contest are Lambert, a 27-year-old theater actor from San Diego; Gokey, a 29-year-old church music director from Milwaukee; and Allen, a 23-year-old college student from Conway, Ark.

1st May 2009- LABOUR DAY

2009-05-02T11:27:00.004+08:00

1st May 2009
LABOUR DAY
DADDY'S BIRTHDAY

Celebrations today, 2nd May'09 - Agenda: Doa Selamat, Baca Yassin and Tahlil and discuss preparations for DS'(Khairi) engagement on 6 June'09.
Venue : My Place
Present :All 7 siblings and their families.

American Idols Results Show

2009-04-30T20:35:00.003+08:00

Today saw the exit of Matt Giraud. The competition was stiff . What do you expect. The last five - all of them sooooo talented. Well FOUR more to go!

Blue Bag

2009-04-30T20:25:00.003+08:00

This is the smaller blue bag I finished crocheting last night. I worked on it most nights after coming back from work. As usual I changed colours to suit my mood. Fed up with one shade I would dig in my paperbag of yarn for another shade of blue. I almost put in a light purple too but backed out.

Anyway one side of the bag has a ribbon flower. It doesn't look pretty cos the ribbon was being blown about by the fan. On the other side you can see a blue button - I didn't have any magnetic clasp. Teacher Mel only gave us one set. But I must say I am happy with the blue button. Mel the button was from you - your generous contribution during the NNC Anniversary meet this year.

Crochet Bag

2009-04-25T20:44:00.003+08:00

The bag that I crocheted under the tutelage of Mel. Thanks Mel I enjoyed crocheting this bag. Three of us -Nik, Paul and Myself - started on this last Saturday 18 April'09 at our stitching bee organised by Nik of our NNC Group. Mel provided us with the pattern to the bag and the magnetic clasps. However I must say by the time I finished the bag, my body, hands and especially my fingers hurt like hell.I took a week to complete the bag.

If you notice the beads hanging on the 3 strands of yarn - well that is the mark of the last stitch. Instead of weaving them inside the bag after tying off, I hung beads instead and just let them hang as is. The red flower is a ribbon brooch from the Kedai Bunga - the shop that sells all those ribbon flowers, etc for craft decor.

American Idol - 2 booted out

2009-04-23T17:34:00.002+08:00

This week 2 finalists were booted out since Matt was saved from elimniation by the judges last week.So Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai were dismissed after having received the lowest number of votes.

NNC Card Exchange 2009

2009-04-19T16:52:00.005+08:00

I don't know whether it was time to post the card to our partner but I thought I saw 15 April as the mailing date. I panicked and sent mine off to Radha the weekend before 15 April'09 and I believe when she said that she ahd received it, the card must have reached her yesterday. So here it is the card that made it's way to Alor Star, Kedah in the NNC Card Exchange.I stitched the design that says"Hi" to meet the criteria of a stitched card. I did try punching holes on a piece of card and drew stitches to make faux stitches but it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. So I threw it away. How I wish I owned a sewing machine. The embellishments was bought from the 'Kedai Bunga' in Nilai.The patterned paper was a freebie design from a card blogging site.Yeah I looked through so many blogs till I've forgotten from which blog site I got the freebie from.

Well Radha this is for you. AND not forgetting the Organiser of this exchange. - a big THANK YOU to YING

Idol Results Show 16 April'09

2009-04-16T21:42:00.004+08:00

Matt Giraud (that's him 3rd from left)was to get the boot today in the results show but he was saved. Bad news - 2 contestants will be eliminated next week.So still seven to go!

American Idol Season 8

2009-04-10T23:23:00.002+08:00

Idols results show yesterday, 9 April - Scott MacIntyre, the first ever blind contestant to get to the top 8 was booted out. That's him in the grey floral shirt. Another down, 7 more to go. Guest on the show was "Kelly (Calamari) Pickler"

Blog Candy

2009-04-10T21:09:00.003+08:00

Anyone care for some blog candy. Pop over to Carole's blog for a blogoversary candy for a chance to win the above. You've got till the 14th April. So hurry up over there...

Neat Blogger's Trick

2009-04-04T19:44:00.003+08:00

Wanna try something. Go to :

http://www.bloggertricks.com

Copy the code onto your address bar and see what happens. Make sure the page your are trying this out has images.

Enjoy!

Past April Fool's Day & American Idol Who got The Boot!

2009-04-02T16:24:00.005+08:00

April Fool was yesterday. Thank goodness my office staff were too busy to think up some April Fool pranks. The day thus passed without much event.

Today on American Idol Season 8 results show, Megan Joy (2nd from the right) got the boot! - one more down, eight to go.

Merisik Ring

2009-03-30T00:29:00.003+08:00

Nah! tengoklah. This is the ring for merisik.

Gemas Railway Station

2009-03-30T00:16:00.003+08:00

The coffee shop at the Gemas railway station. That's me in the black tudung. Seated at the same table is my eldest sister and my dad. The guy in white shirt in the foreground is my DH.

The guy in blue in the background is my BIL. This is me in front enjoying a glass of black coffee and kuih bahulu (sponge cake).

There! - my dad, sis and BIL.

I wa fascinated by this little station - like one of those small stations in England
. After all it was built during British times.

Gemas Railway station, a quaint station lost in time - nostalgic.

Malaysia Joins In On Earth Hour - Saturday, 28th March 2009

2009-03-29T23:43:00.004+08:00

Pictures extracted from Yahoo Malaysia - read more on this article by Bernama.

What I did on Saturday, 28 Mar.'09

2009-03-29T23:18:00.004+08:00

1. Merisik

We went to Felda Jelai for the sole purpose of 'Merisik' - put forth our intentions to choose a bride for my eldest son. The intended bride's home is in a Felda scheme in Jelai, Negri Sembilan. It was my first time going into such an area, very far inland and in a kampung environment. Sorry no pictures taken of the place.But I do have a few pictures of the nearest town - Gemas - a place I once went to when I was but a little girl. Yeah, yeah,... eons ago! Pictures of Gemas will be up later.

2. Earth Hour

We switched off all lights at 8.30pm Malaysian time for one hour to honour this moment.

Gudi Kolden's Many Years Sampler

2009-03-21T21:31:00.005+08:00

WIP on The Many Years Sampler by Gudi Kolden. See it at her blog. I know it is moving ever so slow. Well It's either a case of too tired or too lazy and most of the time both! However it remains to be one of my favourites.

SAL Isabelle Vautier Part 2

2009-03-21T21:23:00.005+08:00

WIP on the Grand Marquoir Part 2 by Isabelle Vautier.

2nd Bracelet

2009-03-08T18:52:00.001+08:00

I crocheted another bracelet last night. it didn't take me long to complete it since it was the second time around doing it. This time, however, I have used white, blue, green beads and some stray brown and black ones too. I had to use the needle threader to string the beads as they were too small to do so with the needle or rather the thread was too thick to thread the beads through the needle........get my drift? For my 1st bracelet I used grey and purple glass beads but they were not visible except that they shone slightly in the sunlight. My office mates did notice the bracelet and didn't believe that I made them. However one of them did ask me how to do it. So i gave her some of my leftover yarn and she bought some crochet needles and I told her to practice the stitches first and get the hang of it. Anyway i am happy with my bracelets. So now where can I find some light coloured threads instead?

Grand Marquoir - Isabelle H. Vautier

2009-03-04T21:08:00.000+08:00

Part one of this big sampler - "Grand Marquoir" by Isabelle Vautier, a SAL for all to do. Follow this sampler on her site. Every two months a part will be revealed. However there was a slight delay for the 2nd part as Isabelle just gave birth to a cute bouncing baby girl. All in all the sampler comes in 6 parts measuring 250 x 376 points . I am stitching it on my only available leftover of 32 count linen using DMC 815.

Crochet Bracelet

2009-03-03T22:14:00.000+08:00

I was reading Paul's blog and I came across this bracelet that he made (his apple pie caught my curiosity at first). Suddenly I had that crazy desire to want to do one too. So I went to this website that he mentioned : Future Girl and crocheted a bracelet. I didn't have any light coloured beads that could go throught the only crochet thread that I had so i had to make do with some grey and purple glass beads on maroon thread. Sadly the beads cannot be seen clearly in this photo. But all in all I am happy that I managed to do it. I think I may go out and get me some white crochet thread and definitly some reasonably sized light coloured beads that can be strung through whatever needles I have.

Oh Paul if you are reading this ........bring on the apple pie mate! I love apple pies and strawberries and raspberry cheesecake and...............

2009-02-25T21:24:00.000+08:00

Presents from Malaysian Stitchers Group

2009-02-25T19:52:00.000+08:00

These were supposed to come last year but there was a delay. The Malaysian Stitchers' Group organised a contest to encourage active participation and all those who were active on the board during that period of time were automatically hauled in. A lucky draw was done by the moderator for this contest and I happened to be the lucky winner. I remeber some of the members asking me to share photos of the prize when I received it. So here it is sent all the way from our organizer Zarina with the assistance from Aida. Thank you.

First post

2009-02-15T21:54:00.001+08:00

Hi! Hi! 1st blog post. Just changed from Yahoo to this. I wanted a change and friends have advised me to use blogspot. So here it is.

NNC 2nd Anniversary Meet - 7/2/09 at Nik's place.

Will probably put in more photos in future and also some write up. But for now here is a photo of the shrink plastic which was demonstrated by Mel at the meet. This little piece is now hanging by my PC in the office. See I have added some beads and a little rose.