Jalabiya & Me

For me, it was time of the year where you decide what to make for the festive. The dates were getting earlier and maybe I have become the type who had learned so much of doing things last minute.

I need a good seamstress.

Again like every year, for 4 years now, the main outfit will be the jalabiya. Lovee has never liked "baju kurung" but agreed that it would be the 2nd simplest outfit, he gave up on Punjabi suits. He claimed that just by looking at people wearing them, both girls and boys, he gets restless and hot. No doubt, sometimes the material can be so irritating.

And so I was looking at my old pictures of me wearing jalabiyas, I really need a new design and colors.

My old faces

Not too bad with Baju kurong what!



Not bad with punjabi suits either at all but still hot!

I'm still universal , I would wear anything whenever I can. But jalabiyas has been the most comfortable, simple and  easiest to wear and match. I love it. This year I'm looking for a fashion of which is a little different and daring.

 This is gorgeous! I would just need to add sheer sleeves maybe for the cover ups.

I've collected these pretty pieces, going to Bandung soon ( I hoped hard) to get pretty fabrics otherwise Arab street which is going to be very expensive. Printing these designs out and find a perfect seamstress.

Any recommendations anybody?





Upon My Word!

Choose A Cake

This whole week was cake searching week for me. Ask the cake decorators if they were creative enough to such designs, asked for quotations and most importantly , ask the bride if she was happy with it . I felt that I'm getting married all over again but in a totally different theme.

All this for you,Yannie. Thank you for making me your bridesmaid a.k.a maid.

Her choice of color is red. unique and pretty. The cake would be going with a cream, gold and brown theme. I swear it's not easy choosing a cake design. It is also a little hard when you have a million options to choose.

I have narrowed down some preferred designs and really hope to get my readers opinion on your choice. You may just leave me a note at the chatter box. (no id required)

Click on the pictures to emlarge.

Let's see the cupcakes or small cakes choices. I personally feel that this is convenient as at the end of the ceremony, you may easily give it away to guests. No cutting and no mess. Though it's a pretty common trend now, we could use our creativity to create something different.

These are either cupcakes and small cakes. No.4 would be my personal favorite as it would look like small little presents when you gave them away. Pretty unique and practical. 

These would be more of a glamorous side and very very uncommon. The rhinestones would make your cakes glitters and noticeable even from far. Simple but extremely elegant.

 These are the traditional wedding cakes. I choose No 1 !! I like the drawings on the cake. Little birds and butterflies.These are hard coated icing.It has to be hard as it need to sit at the podium for hours. Heavy and hard to handle but it's classic and traditional.

The whimsical cakes are highly unique and will definitely make a statement at your wedding. Most called it Topsy Turvys. If statement you are looking for , this is definitely it!

The gift boxes cakes. I love these as it really does not look like cakes! Who would guess that these are cakes. They look more like you gifts stacked altogether.

The pillow cakes are one of a kind. Huge and extravagant! Costly I must say but we can always ask the decorators to shrink the size. 

That was all my findings after a week. I had hard time choosing and now you have to help me make a decision.

My personal favourites are :

 

  

See! I'm as fickle as the bride.

If you are wondering if all my findings are local. No they are not. Not many talented Singaporean bakers but I do know a few. My advise when looking for a wedding cake would be , get your favorite design and then ask your local cake decorator if he/she is able to create it and get a quotation. In my multiply contacts, there are a lot of decorators would are able to test their creativity and I've seen a lot of good results.

Finally help me! Vote for a cake.

Upon My Word!

Where Nabin's @

That day we thought, let have something different. We went on.

The way I 'd described the place to him after me last visit with my girlfriends, had made him curious.

We went to Nabin's. It was introduced to me like a so called "Arab's Club". Not quite for me.

It was more of a true cozy arabic theme, chillin' the luxurious way. 

I lurrrrrrrrrrve it!

Having the light and delicious potato boat ( We wished it was more of a potato cruise instead! ) and my favorite glass of Mango Yogurt Milkshake.

The place was private, cozy and huge!

 

  He definitely could do without it. It has a great kick taste with a "special" blend.

We huggle, snuggle and smooched!

The performing stage. No metal music here Mr.

A very very spacious and comfortable setting.

 And then we may want to hold a private party here. oohhh... Belly costumes only.. 

Well then.. After all that we went back to basics. A private time well spent. We then socialise.

With My Cat!

At Cafe Le Caire of course. My little baby was waiting for me to feed her.. 

Moral of the story is : 

You may be curious and always wants to try new things but at the end of the day , you would need to remember your roots.

Upon My Word!

The Fear by Lily Allen

Some have asked what song is these playing on my blog, well it's The Fear by Lily Allen. 

I love the lyrics so much! It's a real life happening.

Something for me to share. <3

I want to be rich and I want lots of money
I don’t care about clever I don’t care about funny
I want loads of clothes and f***loads of diamonds
I heard people die while they are trying to find them

I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless
‘Cuz everyone knows that’s how you get famous
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner

 I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear

Life’s about film stars and less about mothers
It’s all about fast cars and cussing each other
But it doesn’t matter cause I’m packing plastic
and that’s what makes my life so f***ing fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption
and its not my fault it’s how I’m program to function
I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror
I’m on the right track yeah I’m on to a winner

 I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
‘Cuz I’m being taken over by The Fear

Forget about guns and forget ammunition
Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission
Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner
Now everything is cool as long as I’m getting thinner

I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore
I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore
When we think it will all become clear
‘Cause I’m being taken over by fear

Enjoy the song, understand the lyrics.

Upon My Word!

Bake Basics

I was reading my Baking Basics and did a little homework on measurements and directions while working today ( there was not much calls J ). It’s amazing how the smallest little step could be the most important one.

And so I did realize that all my equipments which I had bought every now and then, since aged 17 were either missing ,as I moved around a lot since I that time ( not easy to be an orphan ) or taken or rust in time.

As I wanted to get serious with my passion, I came out with…

A very long shopping list.

It’s for my new kitchen in training. New baking try-outs. And the re-invention of the cookie classics.

For Bake Ware

4 Baking Trays ( make sure it won’t bend or warp during baking )

8x8 inch Cake Tin ( loose base preferably )

12 holes Fairy Cakes Tin – I can try making cupcakes

2 Muffin tins / Sillicone ( flexible/heatproof )

10x15 inch (25x38cm) Swiss Roll Tin

Spring form tin ( for cheesecakes )

Tart Tin ( several sizes )

Everyday Essentials

Balloon Whisk

Scone Cutter & any other cute ones

Measuring jug ( wonder where’s my old one )

Stainless Steel Mixing bowl – 3 different sizes

Pastry Brush

Long Wooden Rolling Pin ( to knock your head )

Skewer (to test the cakes )

2 x Wire Rack ( to cool myself off )

The shopping list is getting more and more intense for me. As of now I’m sure you should know what I need all these for. For my hobby cum job to be cum homework.

Well, I’m not finished yet, there’s still some more.

Added Extras

Baking Beans ( these are ceramic beans for pastries )

Palette knife ( to kill the cream )

A good Food Mixer – Could I afford these??

Icing/Piping bags and nozzles for decorating.

Phew!

Who said baking was easy and cheap?

It’s not simple , it’s definitely not affordable for some. I would say that it would be crazy for me to buy all at 1 time with a coconut budget. And even just a 2 weeks culinary course cost $3500. It takes me a year to save up!!

Nonetheless, baking is my passion. Giving something that I have baked to someone I love is a real generosity.

I would do everything to make it right.

I prayed that this would really bring me somewhere I always wanted to be – Happy

Upon My Word!

Super Bored-NESS!!

It's really a boring day for me today. 

I woke up 12pm on which the alarm had snooze since 10.30am , had lunch. It was a delicious Macaroni Lamb soup which my mum-in-law had cooked. Then watched TV - I see crap , turned on my Facebook and played Bejeweled - got bored. My husband went to work at 4pm in which he will come back only at 2am and then continued my movie marathon till now when I decided to write about my dreadful un-exiting day.

This is one of the days I feel like I want to just stay in my room , watch unconditionally sad romantic movies and cry, wondering if life would be any better. 

I have those days where its really mundane. But I didn't! Instead I watched a horror movie : Drag Me to Hell and an old time favorite : School of Rock. I'm still waiting for Eena who is frying her nibbles now to watch another movie with me - Couples Retreat. I waited for her since 5pm! Like Hyder ( my husband ), she starts her day really late too. Only when the moon is glowing then their eyes are gleaming, Like Draculas or Vampires. :)

I thank god for not giving me any urge to go out today as it is Chinese New Year and I expected most places or shopping areas are close and also it's Valentine's Day. Though I do not celebrate this event (but had always love to give away small prezzies to friends only), it would still be sickening to see all these couples with flowers, balloons and presents walking around. Especially when I'm walking out alone!

Ok! I'll stop now!!! 

Going to watch Couples Retreat as that woman just came in and said play on now.

(I'm going back to the mode where I wonder if life could be better) - Again!

Upon My Word!

Re-Union Dinner

The usual group of us gathered at the usual hang out. All just to have our re-union dinner. Having a multi-cultural group of friends we tend to celebrate all occasions. And with all these we hoped to be united forever. 

'

Little that we know that it's our "Tauke Leong" who gave us a treat. 

The Menu:

 

 Lamb

 

Beef , Prawns and Chicken Salad

And fish!

Together served with Rice and egg muffin - We were full!

 Pig-out session

Thank you Tauke Leong. May you have a prosperous and wonderful new year. Please don't pig-out!

To all Chinese mates:

Gong Xi Fa Cai! And a happy happy new year!

Upon My word!

Bake! Cuppa Gold-Flakes!

It has been 2 months already since I'm working on my own Bake! shop. 

A venture I always wanted to do since I was young and a hobby and business altogether as I reach 30 years old. I do not have magical baking hands but I had this interest since my teens and I had received a lot of compliments of my baking results. I'm still learning though and hopefully to earn that certificate pretty soon. 

I've been working on the flash website and I'm still doing a lot of editing and picture takings for the website. I'm so excited and I hope my readers would be excited for me too. More details would be shared, maybe later when the website is almost done. 

Besides the point, today I made our all-time favorite Honey Cornflakes which I named Cuppa Gold-flakes. I love this cornflakes in a  cup so much that every time I go visiting during the festive seasons, I would look out for it and personally gave my verdict and started to create my own trial and error to perfect the taste and texture.

These are specially made for my Chinese friends who are celebrating their festive this weekend. And thank you for your orders. Though I'm not official yet, I would still take the random orders to keep my joy of baking going. 

These are made of cornflakes, honey and chopped almonds. Simple & delicious.

I made a lot more extras for nibblers at home as as you know it , the bottle was half empty 10 mins after i put it all in. Luckily, I did hide 2 trays in the oven.

And these are my Cuppa Gold-Flakes. Ready to be eaten and sent out! 

Baking was fun.

Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy New Year to all my Chinese friends and colleagues.

Upon My Word!

Wild Wild Suprise

Last Saturday , I went down to Wild Wild Wet with Love. We used to be regular patrons there but ever since we parted for work, WWW was neglected. February is my birthday month and birthday babies gets to go in for free! Why not use the privilege?

And so we woke up at noon and reach Downtown East about 2pm for lunch. When the sun was really high up, it was a great day for me to catch up on my tanning sessions. I love tanning as it give my body a glow and even tones. 

Here I am all oiled up!

I wasn't that tan though but I just love the process of doing it. I never liked being fair. 

Hyder had his swim he had been longing for. He kept asking me to go but I had always rejected it. But since I'm on leave, might as well fulfil his wish before he's going to have a haircut for his reservist in March.

He was playing with his waterproof vcam till the cam suddenly went bonkers. There goes my $799 ..

I did not exactly swim that day. All I did was lazing around with the air float enjoying the hot sun. I lazed at Tsunami and the Syiok River. And lastly was the waterfall jacuzzi.. Awesome!

Never ever go to the beach or swimming without Pringles. It's the best thing to have compared to sandwiches or fatty "nasi lemak".

At around 5.30, we ended our lazing pool session. I really hate having to take my shower at the Bikini Bay where most of the places are wet. Thank god there was not too many people, I manage to get a dry changing area. But make up was still done in the car. I didn't want to risk it at Bikini Bay.

Me, all dolled up by the time we reach ECP. Love brought me to Peninsular to get his latest collection of Gamma Ray DVD. He was so happy to get it , he get so careful with it. 

We then had our dinner at Komalas. I used to like eating there, Bhatura is my favourite meal. But the standard of food totally drop at Komalas. They gave us a microwaved hot Idly and Vadai which get totally cold after 5 min on the table. And Hyder had ordered Naan which comes from an instant Naan box. And the Bhatura dough was not that fluffy anymore. 

Dissapointment to Komalas!

And of course i suggested to go to the nearest shopping mall which is Raffles. Quite a number of sales gooing on but I did not buy anything as money was recently splurged in Bangkok.

But I could not resist buying chocolates from Cocoa Trees. And I enjoyed the scenery of good food.

Love on the other hand, was more excited about the letter "H"

Lastly, we always ended our day at the Cafe. So after Raffles, we proceed to the cafe as usual. As I sat down, I was surprised by Syafiq and Love with a birthday cake. I was shocked! My birthday ended 5 days ago and because I did not follow the tradition of cutting the cake at the cafe this year, they relive it for me. How Sweet!

There I was shamelessly blowing of the 28th candle! Didnt realize I got so old!

And then a 2nd surprse came. Fadli and Ziana came popping from the back giving me the adorable present!
An Aldo watch with changeable straps. i adore it!

It was nice cake sharing and it was my first time cutting a Mango cake for my birthday. Strange but nice.
Thank you Love and Syafiq for the unexpected surprise.

And so I went back collating all the present I got!

The ones I received and thank you all for your thoughts! I celebrate my birthday for the whole month and so I'm still open for more presents. :)

Don't be shy to give cause I would not be shy to receive. Hahahaha.

Upon My Word!