Beautiful & Bright

Blog Link : The Junetastic Brides

2011-12-11T11:39:00.007+08:00

Dear Bride to Be's,

Check out this new blog, written by 3 BFF bride-to-be, about their June 2012 Wedding Preparations. One of them happens to be a good friend and colleague of mine. Click on the photo above to be redirected to the blog.

There is always a lot to discover from each other, from the dress to the dais. I hope that this blog will also help you with yours! :)

P/S : If you wish to have me share out your wedding blog, do drop me a line at btflbright@gmail.com. If your blog seems in sync with my genre, perhaps I could review and link you up! ;)

My brother's engagement hantaran

2011-10-02T21:41:00.004+08:00

Before I write further, let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who still follows this blog. I appreciate that as time goes by there is still an increase in my followers list, which means that I owe you, my respected reader, more posts and updates.

My brother just got engaged last Saturday, and I was happy to make the hantarans for him. The colour, i shall say is the most challenging, as he wanted blue. I am not much of a blue fan anymore, especially when it comes to that turqoise and striking blue which made a hit last few years. I think its sooo yesterday (no pun intended :))

After I made some research, I suggested to my brother to have a more of an aquamarine blue. He agreed, and so here we are. I bought the artificial flowers from SSF, because personally I think that their flowers are more realistic. And the end results is a combination of aquamarine, green, white and silver. Not bad huh?

Well as usual, I hope this colour combination inspires you nonetheless. Please ignore the messy background of my makeshift "craft room". Heheh.

Chocolates

Sirih and Rings

Fruits

Kain telekung

Set of fabric for akad nikah attire

Mini muffin

2011-01-25T12:15:00.002+08:00

I found this adorable mini muffin at Giant, in Megamall Kuantan. It was made by a bakeryin Shah Alam, and is neatly packaged inside a cute ziplocked bag. There is around 20 pieces inside.

Dont you think it would make a nice cute doorgift? Wrap it up inside a fancy pouch or sachet perhaps and its ready to go.

I would prefer food as doorgift these days, because it goes into the tummy and makes me happy, instead of some useless ornaments which will only collect dust in the end of the day.

Hope this inspires you today :)

Color of 2011 : Honeysuckle

2010-12-21T13:30:00.003+08:00

Oh, hey there.

I miss this blog. Very much, to be honest. Each time I am here I sort of had an inspiration to update and post again, but alas I did not manage to find time.

Anyway, i feel like sharing some good news with my loyal readers/followers, so here is an announcement:

I am now a mother to beautiful baby girl, Engku Salsabila :) I gave birth to her on the 7th October 2010, via c-section. She is now 2 months old, and growing so fast, I do not want to blink!

Ok enough with my story….

Now, 2011, is around the corner. And do you know that Pantone has announced that the official colour of 2011 is……

Inspirations, inspirations cometh!

Feel the excitement already? Here are some ideas to boost your inspiration :

Simple Centerpieces Ideas

2010-07-06T12:43:00.005+08:00

Centerpieces could help set a nice vibe to a wedding, because of its presence. It does not mean that you have to splurge on fancy ones, simple but sweet ones will do. For our traditional weddings, having a simple ones could be really be a saviour, as we get to decorate all the guest tables with less budget but with high impact. Just make sure you have the time to DIY, and do not forget, its never wrong to delegate wisely.

These are some of my favourites :)

From Ashley Brockinton Photography

From Project Wedding

From Martha Stewart Weddings

From Martha Stewart Weddings

An opalescent pallete, also from Martha Stewart Weddings

Hello again, and how about black on a bouquet?

2010-06-15T16:47:00.002+08:00

Hey ladies (and gentlemen), I am back. I do not want to bore you with my excuses for absence again, so let this be the comeback for now.

I found this photo quite sometime ago, and because I am such a lover of creamy and pink hues, I adore this beautiful piece. Some of us do not like black for weddings, but to me, I think it looks gorgeous when paired with a sweet colour like this.

Too bad I forgot where I got this from, so to the owner or anyone, please let me know if you find out the source, so that I can give credits respectively.

Aaahh..i could stare at this bouquet for quite sometime :)

On another note, I have brought up my personal blog via Blogspot again (before it was Wordpress). So to those of you interested to know me more,drop by for a visit ;)

Until then ;)

90 Days For Mum Campaign

2010-04-14T11:12:00.004+08:00

Help spread the word, and maybe sign off too :) Malaysian Mommy deserves more than 2months Maternity Leave, for the sake of them and especially for the baby.

Click here to sign the petition and be a part of the campaign. Collection of signatures in support of this petition will end on 6th June 2010.

Excerpt from the letter to our Prime Minister:

The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) has launched a campaign on March 8 to collect one million signatures in support of its proposal to provide longer maternity leave for women employees in the country.

Its general secretary, J. Solomon, said the campaign, in conjunction with the International Women’s day celebration, was aimed at getting the government to amend the Employment Act 1955 to increase the maternity leave from 60 days to 90 days in line with the practice in other Asean countries.

He said Nube would also invite trade unionists, representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and womens’ organisations, medical professionals, academicians, relevant government agencies and the media for various programmes during the campaign period.

He said Nube believed that an increased entitlement would be the greatest gift to Malaysia’s 5.1 million women employees from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who had been sympathetic to the weaker and underprivileged groups in promoting his 1Malaysia concept.
Statutory maternity leave in Southeast Asia:

Singapore – 112 days (16 weeks)Thailand – 90 days (3 months)Cambodia – 90 daysIndonesia – 90 daysMalaysia – 60 days

Some Southeast Asian countries even provide breastfeeding and child care protection. For example a mother in Singapore gets up to 12 months leave to breastfeed and care for her newborn. In Cambodia, companies are obliged to grant a new mother a 30-minute break twice daily to breastfeed her child. Those with more than 100 women workers have to provide nursing rooms and day care centers, with the cost of childcare borne by the company. Indonesian employers meanwhile are required to provide a suitable place for breastfeeding mothers to nurse their children during work hours.

These are but some of the instances of protection for women workers afforded under the ILO convention.

Malaysia, unfortunately, is lagging far behind and there is a pressing need to amend the relevant provision in the Employment Act 1955.

The 60-day paid maternity leave is simply not enough for most Malaysian women.
Why? A women who goes through the delivery of a child suffers not just physically but emotionally and mental too.

Selamat Berhujung Minggu

2010-04-09T17:35:00.004+08:00

Yeay,its another weekend :) Hope you all have a nice and a beautiful one. Here is another great advice to share.

Our Time!

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways ,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

By Georges Carlin

Twilight Inspired Pre-Wed

2010-04-06T10:14:00.004+08:00

via Every Last Detail Blog

Have you ever thought of incorporating movie themes into your pre-wed/post-wed shoots?

If yes,this is another brilliant theme for you to consider. Twilight Movie! (i am drooling when i thought of Robert Pattinson,haha).

If you are giving movie themes a thought, make sure you discuss it thoroughly with your photographer. I believe this involves a lot of editing, so you may want to consider an artsy photographer too.

Find out more about the above shoot, here.

Baby Breath Bouquet

2010-04-02T11:14:00.003+08:00

via Snippet and Ink

Just how sweet is this?

Never thought that a simple bunch of baby breath can bring out so much life on a bride bouquet. For a hint of elegance, consider tying the bunch with an embellished ribbon (e.g sequined,brooched,etc)

Perfect for the minimalist bride, or maybe for nikah ceremony.

Post Wedding Bazaar Gathering

2010-03-31T17:01:00.007+08:00

I think i am infected by the lazy bug and the busy bug, all at the same time. Anyway hope this entry is not stale yet, eventhough its not really hawt out of the oven. Heheh. Plus i think many other bloggers have posted the hip-happening Wedding Bazaar Gathering post already.

Anyway these are what hubby's lenses captured on the day. We arrived at 2.30pm (thanks to the bad traffic in KL) from Kuantan, right after my second prenatal checkup (gigih kan?) haha. Left at around 5.30pm, gosh, time flew so fast. Lepas tu boleh pergi shopping KLCC lagi :)

It was exciting, and the crowd was H to the UGE!

Ok girls, feast your eyes ;)

Anil's dress, right at the main entrance. I love it, looks nicer when you see it live. Material memang superb.

With Cik Ika of Perjalanan 30 Mei. Ain't she a beauty?

With Anil lah, siapa lagi :) Anil is a very bubbly person, just like how she blogs.

With Aim and Ida Yusof, brides to be.

With Azi a.k.a Nariko. Very sweet person ;)

Ok that's me. Gosh, i have put on a lot of weight ;S

Can't resist buying our first baby cloth, with Kedai Panas.Too cute!

Finally met Qis, who just got married. She is tall! And sweet too :) Ok that was me in storytelling mode :P

In a nutshell, congratulations to all committee members because the event was great! I did not find time to say hi to some of others (also because i can't recognize some), but anyway hope there is another chance next time, Insya Allah :)

Wedding Bazaar Gathering

2010-03-18T09:53:00.007+08:00

Sedikit terlambat untuk post ini, tapi masih ada masa untuk pendaftaran! :) Everyone is invited!

Venue : Daisy Hall, The Zon All Suites Residence, Kuala Lumpur (behind KLCC Mosque)

Date : 27 March 2010

Time : 2-6pm

Fees : RM25 per person

Registration deadline: Friday, 19 March 2010 (hurry!)

How to register: Email to Puan Diahlicious (malaygirl83@gmail.com)

Agenda & Activities:

-Hi-tea (light meals)-doorgift-games-(for guys,girls,unmarried couples&married couples)-wedding talk&discussions-parade of wedding dresses by some famous designers(ex brides')-wedding albums review-booth for wedding stuff and casual stuff(wedding cards,dresses&accessories,doorgifts,mini dais,lanterns,feminine care)-workshops and tips

This is a great opportunity to meet up! See you there! :)

Baby Blanket Materials

2010-03-15T17:43:00.002+08:00

As far as my counting goes, yesterday was the day this little miracle inside my tummy turned 2 months. Gosh, another 7 months to go, and that is not so long y’all!

I have not made any baby stuff shopping yet, but hubby and I have started surveying for the baby gears already.

I am planning to make a project for my first baby, and most likely I am going to start making a baby blanket. Because I do not know the gender yet, I have decided to use a universal colour (not pink, not blue). The thing is I am not sure where to buy the materials that makes a good blanket. I want a comfy fabric, I read fleece is a good choice, but again, I really need some recommendations of where to get such fabrics.

Do I have to go to the big textile houses to get it? Meaning, do I have to go to the center of KL where the good textile houses are? Now that could be a problem, coz I am really not a big fan of crowds at this point of time :-S

If only there is an online shop for this…hurmm..

Anyway, just sharing, here is a great website for those of you planning to do a baby project (tak kisahlah, for your baby or as a gift :)

Click here!

Something like this would be nice :)

B&B Heart This #3

2010-03-09T13:57:00.001+08:00

{click to enlarge}

1 ) How about a treat for your loyal and hardworking ‘pengapit’, bridesmaids or even your assistance team? Not necessary be fancy gifts, a snack pack will do enough justice to help them go through the hectic day. From Martha Stewart Weddings.
2 ) A candy bar is the new trend, via Chic Maps by Nikki.
3) Drape-like cake design. I love the flowers :). Found here at BlogWishpot
4) A doily motive hantaran tray, from Eliza Elies Gifts.

My new adventure.

2010-03-01T17:42:00.005+08:00

Wow,is it already the 1st of March? Where did the first two months go?

Time flies so fast, and i apologize for the lack of updates recently. To be honest i have stopped browsing the Internet for a while, mainly because these days i could not stand looking at the monitor screen too long (however my job requires me to do so, so i everyday i pray that i do not go crazy over that).

Remember the vacation i went last month? Oh well, with it came good news.

A bun is finally cooking in the oven :)

Do pray for me ok? Morning sickness (more to all day nauseating) has just settled in, but thank God i think i have found a way to manage it (which involves eating). Huhu. I am just hitting the 2nd month, so its kind of a rollercoaster ride right now. But an awesome one :)

Meanwhile, do not worry lovely brides, i will try my best to come up with more inspirations for you.

Till then, much love!

Photobooths for a change?

2010-02-17T14:31:00.002+08:00

Hey lovely readers, I am back! The vacation was fun and interesting, but now it is time to go back to business.

How was yours? Hope you had a great holiday too!

Anyway, here are my heartiest congratulations to White Lace Tale, Amy Missunderstood and Alena for their wedding last weekends. I am yearning to look at the photos, the wedding must have been beautiful, considering the huge amount of planning and time spent for the wedding preparation.

I read in Amy’s blog that she was planning to have a photobooth at her wedding. I think that is a great idea! I hope she could share with us about the success. Her guests must have been delighted to pose in the booth.

Here are a few ideas for wedding photobooths. It does not necessarily need to be romantic and formal, some brides may also prefer going quirky and fun.

I am not sure where to get photobooth rental in the country, but instead of having that, you may set up one small corner at your reception for this purpose. Discuss with your photographer for the options, he/she may agree to go with this and arrange for a session. Or maybe, you can ask for help from a family member or friend (who is photo savvy) to do it!

Of course, like guestbooks, these photobooths need some promoting to the guests. So make sure that your guests are aware of this booth. This may be new to Malaysian weddings, but I believe in time, it will gain its popularity! It’s up to you to start the trend :)

Remember, being on a budget does not mean you cannot have this. You just have to be creative to improvise and make do ;)

{via Project Wedding}

{via Chic Maps}

{via The Design Grove}

Selamat Berhujung Minggu...

2010-02-05T13:27:00.005+08:00

{Pulau Redang, April 2009}

There is another vacation coming next week, and i can't wait for it! B&B will be on a hiatus until i come back the week after.

Meanwhile, have a blastful weekend y'all!

“Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that
families work.” ~ Author Unknown

Help, i need cooking ideas!

2010-02-04T14:37:00.010+08:00

Of all the things i love to do since living together with hubby, one of the best is of course , cooking. Regardless of his notion that i am making him fat, we are both still happy with the food that i put on the table :)

{source: Google image search}

With that i found myself spending most of my waking minute cracking my head, thinking of what to cook for dinner, especially during weekdays. I always look forward to cook dinner, but after work sometimes i am just too tired to do complicated cookings.

Recently i am trying to cook something simple, light yet satisfying for dinner, but at the same time satisfies our Malaysian taste buds. Besides the usual ayam bakar, maggi goreng, roti cicah kari, sup ayam, sardine sandwiches,pasta..........anyone can share with me anything else?

Housekeeping, my favourite pastime (or not ;P)

2010-02-03T15:59:00.005+08:00

I am taking a break from researching wedding stuff this week, so here is something about home making that is quite useful :)

I could become a freak when it comes to house cleaning/keeping, hubby says i have a MONKish side (as in the TV Series, MONK). Go figure :P

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING TIPS

There’s no question that the sheer amount of stuff in our lives has increased in the past couple of generations. We’ve far more space than most of our grandparents had, and still it takes dedicated effort just to keep our objects from taking over.

The following tips are designed by the writer who absolutely adores her nest but would like to have it uncluttered in the fastest and “funnest” way.

Tip 1:
It is easier said than done, but you must schedule time to work the clutter. Put it on your ‘to do’ list or on a calendar. And reward yourself when the chore is done.

Tip 2:
Before going to bed, do a quick sweep-through, straightening up whatever that looks out of place.

Tip 3:
When you cook, clean as you go. Wipe stains and messes off countertops right away.

Tip 4:
Organise your storeroom. Organise everything by function, such as sports gear, gardening equipment, etc. Use hanging rocks and shelves to put things in order.

Tip 5:
Do you know that clothes pulled from the washing machine and hung immediately may not need ironing? Once dry, hang them up in your closet. Or even fold them for the drawers. Remember the moment you leave them lying around, clutter builds up and would take hours to be settled rather than the quick 5 minutes had you worked on it immediately.

Tip 6:
Colour-code your wardrobe. Crammed closets look chaotic. Hang clothes in order, from light to dark, for an upscale-store feel. Alternatively, you can also hang clothes based on their category e.g. work wear, casuals etc.

Tip 7:
Need a new refrigerator? Chances are you need to spring clean your refrigerator. Pick one shelf at a time. Clean out the items that are almost empty or are past their expiry date.

Tip 8:
Do not tidy the house all in ago. Commit to one drawer or cabinet a day. The same goes for cleaning. Clean one section of the house a day.

Tip 9:
Fridge magnets. Using these are the fastest way to give your kitchen a messy look. Unless you have a serious collection please put them all away.

Tip 10:
Start an at-home filing system. Prepare a file for all of your house papers and bills. Then separate these sections (with tabs) into areas such as ‘credit card,’ ‘electricity’ or ‘grocery bills’ for a directory of your stuff.

Tip 11:
Get the kids and hubby involved. That way they know that unless they keep it neat, they would have to go through the hassle of putting things together again.

Tip 12:
As a magazine and catalogue junkie I never have the heart to throw them out. SO I make sure that the latest copies are kept on the coffee table and other in a plastic box with rollers. Alternatively, invest in some chic looking chest that can double up as storage and also as extra chairs for the guests.

Tip 13:
Reduce the number of cleaning tools that you have. Invest in multipurpose cleaners that work the floor, bathrooms and the kitchen tops. Microfibre cloths are a must have in any home. They use static electricity to attract dirt, dust and hair while tackling dirt and grease as well. Plus, they can be tossed in the washer and reused.

Tip 14:
If you have the space, make sure you have two or three laundry baskets, one for whites, one for colours, and one for the baby clothes. That will save you sorting time.

Tip 15:
The only necessary appliances on kitchen counters are the ones that you use. Stash anything else in cabinets or cupboards.

Tip 16:
For the Imelda Marcos wannabe, sort out your shoes by using a camera and some glue (or sticky tape). Simply snap a picture of your shoes and stick the photo against the shoebox.

Tip 17:
A domestically challenged writer advocates her”10 Minute Tidy” whereby she sets the kitchen timer and has all her household members scramble to unclutter the house or room as much as they can for 10 minutes. When the buzzer rings, everyone is done with his or her chores (a pretty good workout to work out some good sweat).

Tip 18:
Work around the room in one direction. This way, there won’t be any time wasted in criss-crossing the room, or vacuuming that same spot twice.

Tip 19:
When in doubt, throw it out. If it’s broken, fix it or toss it. If it’s ripped, have it mended. Don’t put it anywhere just “for now” and keep it in a perpetual holding pattern.

Tip 20:
I love decorating my home and that means that I would have an abundant collection of decorative items. Categorising the items for seasonal display helps declutter and to create a Zen environment. Rotating items keeps the decor fresh and surroundings less cluttered.

Tip 21:
Pretty baskets are ideal for organizing papers, magazines and television guides. Even your makeup sets.

Tip 22:
Don’t keep buying things. Stop and think, do I really need this and have I got somewhere to keep this?

Tip 23:
Hang up coats and put shoes away immediately when you come in the door. Hang keys on a key rack near the entrance.

Tip 24:
Listening to cheery, upbeat music when you’re organizing can get you moving, and keep you alert.

Tip 25:
In the worse case scenario, employ professionals to help you out. They will be “heartless” enough to have everything flying out of the house in no time.

Don’t let clutter discourage you. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Start small and be happy with whatever you accomplish. That is what counts to making your nest a haven.

{sourced from : My company's intranet}

Selamat Berhujung Minggu

2010-01-29T17:20:00.003+08:00

I am a bit under the weather these past few days. Working hard to recover from a flu bug i caught somewhere. Hopefully this weekend gives me the chance to get enough rest to recover, insya Allah.

Anyway, have a fun weekend! :)

p/s : To Ms Fuchsia, Selamat Pengantin Baru!!, and to many other brides who are tying the knot this weekend too!

Superlove Dresses

2010-01-25T14:15:00.004+08:00

A simple, yet gorgeous dress. I think it conveys a girl-next-door and good girly vibe.Perhaps style it up with a sash that matches your theme colour.

Browse for more, here.

Oh, Pakcik Aiskrim!

2010-01-20T17:11:00.003+08:00

Last weekend, hubby and I enjoyed a dose of homemade ice-cream, sold by the classic pakcik aiskrim on a humble motorcycle with an enticing bell.

It has been a while since we had them, the combined flavour of corn, yam, strawberry and chocolate is delicious and reminds me of my childhood. Too bad the pakcik does not sprinkle grind peanuts on it, if not it would have been super-delicious ;)

Which, made me think of, how about having a small counter of this traditional home made icecream at your wedding reception? We have heard of murtabak, cendol, kuey tiau, and teh tarik counters, but I have not heard of this yet.

Oh, kids would love this! I bet the adults would too ;) And I think those pakcik ice-cream would not mind for an arrangement.

If you have tried this, please share your experience. Would love to hear about it! :)

Ilham Tema #1 – Eco-Chic

2010-01-18T21:43:00.003+08:00

Because I always go gaga over too many beautiful wedding things, I have decided to just adore it in inspiration boards.

And because most of my readers are Malaysian brides, I have created an inspiration board that incorporates our traditions, and at the same time, injects fresh, new and modern ideas.

I will try to create more inspiration boards over the time, so for the first one, here it is, a nature inspired wedding theme.

{click to enlarge}

Top most left to right: Sanding outfit via c33ram00n, Parasol dais deco from Suryo Decor Jakarta, Apples as cake stands by KiccaCakes UK
Second row left to right: Kraft paper bags with matching tags from Martha Stewart Weddings, Invitation cards from Our Wedding Plus, Pelamin from Nas Great Idea, Lily of the Valley bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Nikah shoes via Bridal Buds, Cascading Hand Bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings
Third row left to right: Bertandang outfit via Rujak Manis, Sirih Junjung by Kerja Kahwin, Bunga Pahar via Babybutterflycat, Topiary centerpiece/placecards from BeauCoup favours

Selamat Berhujung Minggu...

2010-01-15T17:52:00.004+08:00

..and i am leaving you with a few beautiful advice to share, which has already became one of my personal favourites.

{Reblogged via aku dan dia}

Ketika Cinta Bertasbih

1. KETIKA MENCARI CALON

Janganlah mencari isteri, tapi carilah ibu bagi anak-anak kita.Janganlah mencari suami, tapi carilah ayah bagi anak-anak kita.

2. KETIKA MELAMAR

Anda bukan sedang meminta kepada orang tua/wali si gadis,tetapi meminta kepada Allah melalui orang tua/wali si gadis.

3. KETIKA AKAD NIKAH

Anda berdua bukan menikah di hadapan penghulu,tetapi menikah di hadapan Allah

4. KETIKA RESEPSI PERNIKAHAN

Catat dan hitung semua tamu yang datang untuk mendoa'kan anda, kerana anda harus berfikir untuk mengundang mereka semua dan meminta maaf apabila anda berfikir untuk BERCERAI kerana menyia-nyiakan do'a mereka

5. KETIKA MALAM PERTAMA

Bersyukur dan bersabarlah. Anda adalah sepasang anak manusia dan bukan sepasang malaikat

6. SELAMA MENEMPUH HIDUP BERKELUARGA

Sedarilah bahawa jalan yang akan dilalui tidak melalui jalan bertabur bunga, tapi juga semak belukar yang penuh onak dan duri.

7. KETIKA BIDUK RUMAH TANGGA GOYANG

Jangan saling berlepas tangan, tapi sebaliknya justru semakin erat berpegang tangan

8. KETIKA BELUM MEMILIKI ANAK

Cintailah isteri atau suami anda 100%

9. KETIKA TELAH MEMILIKI ANAK

Jangan bagi cinta anda kepada (suami) isteri dan anak anda,tetapi cintailah isteri atau suami anda 100% dan cintai anak-anak anda masing-masing 100%.

10.KETIKA EKONOMI KELUARGA MERUDUM

Yakinlah bahawa pintu rezeki akan terbuka lebar berbanding lurus dengan tingkatnya ketaatan suami dan isteri.

11.KETIKA EKONOMI BERKEMBANG

Jangan lupa akan jasa pasangan hidup yang setia mendampingi kita semasa menderita

12.KETIKA ANDA ADALAH SUAMI

Boleh bermanja-manja kepada isteri tetapi jangan lupa untukbangkit secara bertanggung jawab apabila isteri memerlukan pertolongan anda.

13.KETIKA ANDA ADALAH ISTERI

Tetaplah berjalan dengan gemalai dan lemah lembut, tetapi selalu berhasil menyelesaikan semua pekerjaan.

14.KETIKA MENDIDIK ANAK

Jangan pernah berpikir bahawa orang tua yang baik adalah orang tua yang tidak pernah marah kepada anak,kerana orang tua yang baik adalah orang tua yang jujur kepada anak

15.KETIKA ANAK BERMASALAH

Yakinilah bahawa tidak ada seorang anak pun yang tidak mahu bekerjasama dengan orang tua, yang ada adalah anak yang merasa tidak didengar oleh orang tuanya

16.KETIKA INGIN AMAN DAN HARMONIS

Gunakanlah formula 7 K : 1 Ketaqwaan2 Kasih sayang3 Kesetiaan4 Komunikasi dialog 5 Keterbukaan 6Kejujuran 7Kesabaran

B&B Heart This #2

2010-01-08T16:19:00.005+08:00

{click to enlarge}

A simple and sweet carnation centerpiece, here via Project Wedding.
Cupcake toppers made from paper punch, from Martha Stewart Weddings.
A modern twist of round paper lanterns, on a heritage of Malay wedding dais, by ADL Weddings.
Avant Garde concept, chic and sublime, by Zaifie Zainal Creations Bridal Gallery.

A Melancholic Farewell

2009-12-31T17:49:00.007+08:00

I am suddenly feeling melancholic when i realized that 2009 is ending in a few more hours.This year was truly a blissful and beautiful year, with so much blessings from the One. For that, i am grateful and content.

2 milestones was hit this year, we got married and we bought a place to call home. Friends got married, given birth. Some rises to the challenge, pursue their studies, some got their heart broken, yet they stand up strong again.And my family came home from overseas, for good.

The day we sealed the deal, 17 April 2009.

Our first holiday together, Pulau Redang, 21 April 2009.

Another one bites the dust, 10 October 2009.

And another one took the vow, 11 December 2009.

A place to call home, 17 December 2009.

Here is a toast to 2010, and may there be many more blessings and beautiful endings to come.Insya Allah.

Happy New Year everyone! ;)

DIY : Guestbook Cards

2009-12-29T11:32:00.005+08:00

This entry is a response to fuchsia, who asked me to elaborate more on the guestbook cards that I made for my friend last October.

To be honest, it was not so complicated, but it does require some patience. Anyway, if you do it bit by bit I am sure it’s going to be fun ;)

First things first, the materials:

Cards and papers

My friend and I was actually looking up and down for the right material to use for the cards, until we finally decided to purchase one set of pink hued 12x12 inches card stock from a craft shop in The Curve, Mutiara Damansara. I think the shop name is Papier Love. One thing I like about card stocks is that it is thicker, and the one we bought has small polka dots texture on it. It was imported, so it was costly, around RM50 per packet (there was around 16 pieces of cards inside). These card stocks can easily be found in craft stores.

So, depending on your budget, you may use these imported stock cards, or just resort to normal A4 size cards, available in most stationery shop. It's a lot cheaper and I think if you keep searching you could find good ones. Like for example, in a big stationery shop like Czip Lee (KL).

Next, for the pretty prints, we bought 2 pieces of AEIOU brand card papers (it is intended for card making), something similar to the one I want to use for my scrapbook. We chose the one with a wedding theme, and my plan was to cut the prints out in smaller pieces and stick on the cards. It’s an A3 size, so we had plenty. Besides the card papers, I also cut out motifs and prints from extra wrapping papers which I have in my collection. I think most of all know that AEIOU has a lot of nice designs, and it is Malaysian made, so you can find it easily :)

For the tools, these are helpful:

Scissors
Paper puncher (I used a flora motif, which I bought for my wedding)
Glue
Paper cutter
Long ruler
Double sided tape (thick type)

Next, the methods:

1) Since the card stock is 12x12 inches, cut it out into smaller size, namely 6x3 inches. I used a paper cutter to achieve a neat cut.

2) Meanwhile, some help will be great, to cut out the cute prints from the card papers. How many, is up to you and how many cards you have.

3) Now its time to let your creative juices flow. Glue the cute prints on the card, or punch it with your paper puncher. The card punched out can also be reused on another card. Make sure you make enough space for writing.

Tips: To create a floating effect of the cute prints, use a thick double sided tape instead of glue. I used this method for larger prints. 4) Done! :)

As for the display idea, it was inspired from the image below, from Martha Stewart Weddings.

I bought a shallow vase from Hinode Shop (RM5), fill it with some faux petals (bride’s own) and made some gerbera flower arrangements to decorate the table. I bought a mason jar from Giant (RM4.90), tie it with a ribbon and it became the penholder.

After the wedding, perhaps you can stick the cards into a sticky album, or you may punch the corners and bind it together.

So, that’s about it. Selamat mencuba :)

7 Muharram 1431…

2009-12-23T17:30:00.005+08:00

photography by mr hubby

…and it has been 7 days living together with hubby, in our brand new home. We started the new year with a good hijrah, and may there be much more good things to come this year, Insya Allah.

I have been so occupied with the moving, and now settling down and getting back to blogging.

This is a short entry but I will be back with more inspirations later.

Just taking this opportunity to wish brides Selamat Pengantin Baru, if there are any of you brides getting hitched this Christmas holidays :)

And Happy Holidays too!

B&B ♥ This #1

2009-12-11T17:35:00.004+08:00

Chiavari Chairs for Rental, from The Wedding Heaven (Malaysia). Image credited to Kahalaweddings
DIY your wedding cake stand, found here.
A simple and sweet calla lily hand bouquet, inspired from here.
Matchbox favours for a change, find out how to DIY it, here.

Pomander Balls

2009-12-07T14:28:00.006+08:00

Hola people.I am back :)

I apologize for the lack of updates for the past few weeks, but the sure thing is because I am so stressed out with work, and with our home relocation (read home, not house). You can read about it more in my personal blog, here.

I have plenty of materials and ideas to blog about but time is really envying me. But we’ll take it slow, shall we?

POMANDER BALLS

Flower pomander balls has became a hit among bride-to-be’s nowadays, with some of you going DIY, renting or just buying it for your keepsake. Most of it are used for decorations (pelamin, bilik pengantin or just around the home).

I used these cute balls as a replacement of hand bouquet for my flower girls, but honestly it had cost me a bomb. Yeah, maybe because I used fresh flowers and it was pretty much the last minute, I had to resort to the only source I could find.

If you think you want to give your flower girls pomander balls to hold, how about opting for something that is permanent and can be turned into a decoration later?

Image from Wedding by Colour

Image from Perfect Wedding Day

My suggestion: Faux flower pomander balls from Lovely Lace

Compared to fresh flowers, these babies can turn out to be a beautiful keepsake because obviously it does not dry out ;) Plus it just costs RM 22.90 per ball and I consider it a generous price. You may also drop some fragrance oil on it and your entourage will smell good baby!

Ok there is no need to tell where Lovely Lace is, it is everywhere! So if you want it, go get it ;)

DIY : My Wedding Hantaran

2009-11-03T12:05:00.005+08:00

Here is quite a delayed entry (like,6 months kot?),but i still want to share ;)

Many brides have chosen to go DIY these days,and i am happy to be in the same boat.For my own wedding, i did go diy on my own hantaran,and i am very happy with the accomplishment. Hantarans always lasts 1-2 days after nikah,and that makes me feel very "sayang" to let it go.So,brides,that is the point of having a good, no, GREAT photographer to capture your wedding details.

I chose Red,Silver and White theme for my hantaran.I did not plan to have fresh flowers,because of time and budget constraints.So,i bought artificial roses from a local wedding craft store and some other items from SSF.I took my own time doing it,going bit by bit,every weekend.Roughly it was around 2-3 months prior to the wedding.

All of these are made by me,except for the Sirih Junjung by JEZ Wedding.Thank God it blended in with the theme too.

Just my 2 cents : If you are going DIY,please try not to procrastinate until the "injury time".The last thing a bride wants is to worry about things that can be done ahead of time ;)

Kain Baju Melayu in Fuchsia,and a set of matching buttons

The wedding band (suasa putih,with sapphire stones)

Cupcakes by De Heart (excluding box)

Sirih Junjung by JEZ Wedding

Wallet and a cufflink set from my parents

Sneakers

(some aunty went weird about not having a shiny black leather shoes,but we chose to go practical,heheh.)

Tafsir Quran with silver case

Perfume Set

A DSLR (wish i have this in red :P)

There is one kind of a good feeling when you are able to look back to your big day and be happy and content about how it went. Of course flaws are inevitable,like people say,kita hanya merancang tapi Allah yang menentukan,right? My advice,plan,pray and be happy :)

Wood Dulang Hantaran

2009-10-29T18:02:00.003+08:00

Oops, nearly 2 weeks ey, since i posted my last entry? Bummer.Too busy with work (which honestly is not a blast) and i couldn't seem to find time to update.

Anywayss...

Here's yet another good alternative for dulang hantaran,made from au naturel wood.Hubby and I was in East Coast Mall in Kuantan town last weekend,and there was a Batik and Crafts fair.One of the booths was selling these :

Cantik kan? Hubby loves it very much he decided to buy one for me to use for serving guests someday :) It is not as heavy as it looks,seriously, its of a just nice weight to carry your hantaran items.Prices ranges from RM25-RM35 per tray.

I am not sure where else can these be found,but i grabbed the contact details of the supplier,in case some of you are interested:

Generasi Kraf

Khairil Anuar Abdul Ghani

012-9217502

Lot 942 Bengkel,Jalan Simpang Lubuk Kawah,

Simpang Lubuk Kawah,

28000, Temerloh,PAHANG

Footnote: Thanks again for the supports and comments expressed in my previous entry.It was very uplifting ;)

Hey Anonymous!

2009-10-20T08:32:00.004+08:00

Oh wow,B&B's got its first hater ;)I am in a positive mood today,so to Mr/Ms Anonymous i hope you are happy that i am announcing your comment to the world.

Oh yeah,my English is not perfect,i know that,but at least i am not shy to try and make mistakes right? I am sorry if i "insult" you because i am not very good in English like you kan?

Melayu memang boleh,tapi akan jadi tak boleh,kalau asyik bersifat dengki sesama sendiri kan?

Good luck to you too Anonymous! ;)

Real Wedding: How my dear friend carried a Coral theme beautifully :)

2009-10-16T11:03:00.005+08:00

This was the wedding of one of my dear friends,Amira,who asked me to help out with her guestbook.

Reception was held in Dewan Merak Kayangan,Jalan Semarak,Kuala Lumpur on 11th October 2009. Wedding outfit and makeup was from the same bridal service as mine, JEZ Wedding.

I was so overwhelmed with joy watching her on the dais,with her beautiful coral themed dress and getting blessed from her parents and the other elders.

She really did nail the Coral theme colour.It was magnificent!

Congratulations Mira and Man,we pray for a lifetime of joy and happiness in your marriage,Insya Allah.

Feast your eyes people. And by the way, the photographer service has their own style too, checkout more at The Photolicious:

And here is my guestbook project completed, for her. I did everything including the gerbera flower arrangements ;P. Glad that the bride loved it.

Picture 1st is courtesy of The Photolicious, and 2nd is by hubby.

Sophisticated Wedding defined.

2009-10-08T17:23:00.004+08:00

This wedding made me feel warm and chic inside.Its subdued and sophisticated "tone" made it a beautiful wedding nonetheless.

And i lurve their idea for favours!

See more here in Snippet and Ink.

p/s: Don't you just love the photographer's style too?

Lanterns and Luminarias

2009-10-02T13:32:00.008+08:00

Has been a while since i posted about weddings is it?

Its the wedding mood these days anyway, since i have received many invitations for October weddings.Will try to make it,insya Allah :) The most anticipated is of course the wedding of one of my best girls, Mira, whom i am helping out with the guestbook.I will update on the progress later,but now i would like to share this brilliant idea from Martha Stewart Weddings:

DOILY LUMINARIAS (can i call it Doily Lanterns?)

I think this is an absolutely brilliant idea to have on your guestbook table, main table or on your table centerpieces.But do take caution on the candles.

Find the how-to here.

As for the materials, Marry Me and Ole Ole Manis is selling the oh-so-affordable kraft paper bags, and you can find doilies from most of the wedding craft suppliers these days.

If you love this, you maybe loving this too,except that it uses festive lights like the one we use to hang during Raya:

Footnote : All images are credited to Martha Stewart Weddings

Wishing all my readers a very happy Aidilfitri 1430H

2009-09-17T16:13:00.004+08:00

{click to enlarge}

Saturday Cooks: Inspired by AFC

2009-09-14T11:52:00.004+08:00

It has been a while since i cooked, perhaps due to the Ramadhan month. I recalled cooking just a few times.As for the other days, most of my iftar are either prepacked from office cafe, eating out or from Pasar Ramadhan indulgences.

I kind of missed cooking, so on Saturday, i decided to try out the recipe i got from watching Asian Food Channel (its one of my favourite.Heheh).

This is what we had for iftar on Saturday:

Stir fried peria (bittergourd) with tempe and ikan bilis. Recipe taken from here.

Jamie Oliver's Indian-spices rice

Ingredients:
Mustard seeds (biji sawi)
Other variations of spices (e.g buah pelaga,jintan,or halba campuran)
Curry leaves
Lemon peels
Lemon juice
Oil
Coriander leaves(daun ketumbar)
Cooked rice (preferably hot)
Salt to taste

Method:
1.In a pan, heat oil and sautee (tumis) the spices until fragrant.
2. Toss in the curry leaves.Sautee until fragrant.
3.Toss in the lemon peels and sautee a while.
4. Mix the dressing above into the rice. Mix generously and season with lemon juice and salt.
5.Chop the coriander leaves and mix it with the rice.
6. Serve with veges and curry (we had it with chicken korma)

This is a dessert i made on Sunday, after watching French Food at Home at AFC.This was hubby's idea actually, to improvise the recipe from TV. The original recipe uses oranges, but because we had lemons and a pineapple, we used them instead. It turns out delicious! We had it with some Mocha Almond Fudge ice cream too.

Pineapples with caramelized Lemon Zest

Ingredients
Sugar
Lemon zest/peel (cut into thin strips) - preboiled 3 rounds to eliminate the bitterness

Water
Fresh pineapple (cut into small bite sizes

Any type of nuts for the crunch factor

Method:
1. Make the caramel by cooking the sugar in a bit of water until amber.
2. Toss in the lemon zest.
3. Drizzle over pineapples.
4. Garnish with nuts, and perhaps some ice cream/whipped cream.

Oh my tummy is growling already.Hang in there tummy.

Happy trying y'all ;)

Kad Perakuan Nikah

2009-09-11T09:45:00.006+08:00

Received our Kad Perakuan Nikah already :) A nice addition to our wallets.Plus,easier to justify if we are caught berdua-duaan.Haha.

At JAWI we were charged RM28 for a pair of cards. It is not really compulsory to have it, but its pretty easy compared to squeezing the A4 sized sijil nikah copy in your purse,right?

Baby bumps congratulations

2009-09-03T11:41:00.007+08:00

It seems like most people/bloggers whom i am familiar with, and got married this year,is now in a nesting mode. Many of them are pregnant with their first child, and here is a hearty Congratulations from me :)

My turn has not come yet,but me and hubby for sure is looking forward when the right time comes.Insya Allah.

A colleague of mine sent this beautiful article me (he is a new father-to-be himself), and i love to share it with you all.

Suatu hari seorang bayi siap untuk dilahirkan ke dunia...
Dia bertanya kepada Tuhan : " Para malaikat disini mengatakan bahawa besok Engkau akan mengirimkan saya kedunia, tetapi bagaimana cara saya hidup disana; saya begitu kecil dan lemah ?"
Dan Tuhan menjawab: "Aku telah memilih satu malaikat untukmu. Ia akan menjaga dan mengasihimu ."
Bayi bertanya lagi: "Tetapi disini; didalam syurga ini, apa yang saya lakukan hanyalah bernyanyi, bermain dan tertawa...Inikan sudah cukup bagi saya untuk berbahagia."
"Malaikatmu akan bernyanyi dan tersenyum untukmu setiap hari. Dan kamu akan merasakan kehangatan cintanya dan menjadi lebih berbahagia"
"Dan bagaimana bisa saya mengerti disaat orang-orang berbicara kepada saya jika saya tidak mengerti bahasa mereka ?"
"Malaikatmu akan berbicara kepadamu dengan bahasa yang paling indah yang pernah kamu dengar; dan dengan penuh kesabaran dan perhatian. Dia akan mengajar kepadamu cara berbicara."
"Dan apa yang akan saya lakukan saat saya ingin berbicara kepadaMu ?"
"Malaikatmu akan mengajarkan bagaimana cara kamu berdoa"
"Saya mendengar bahawa di Bumi banyak orang jahat. Siapa yang akan melindungi saya ?
"Malaikatmu akan melindungimu; walaupun hal tersebut mungkin akan mengancam jiwanya"
"Tapi, saya pasti akan merasa sedih kerana tidak melihatMu lagi"
"Malaikatmu akan menceritakan kepadamu tentang Aku, dan akan mengajarkan bagaimana agar kamu bisa kembali kepadaKu; walaupun sesungguhnya Aku akan sentiasa disisimu"
Disaat itu, Syurga begitu tenang dan heningnya sehingga suara dari Bumi dapat terdengar, dan sang bayi bertanya perlahan
"Tuhan, jika saya harus pergi sekarang, bisakah Kamu memberitahuku nama malaikat tersebut ?"
"Kamu akan memanggil malaikatmu itu: "IBU "
Ingatlah sentiasa kasih sayang dan pengorbanan ibu. Berbakti, berdoa dan cintailah dia sepanjang masa..... Dialah sesatunya harta yang tiada galang gantinya dunia akhirat....
Dan untuk para ibu, ingatlah kisah ini dikala kamu hilang sabar dengan karenah anak-anak yang sedang embesar...sesungguh nya Syurga itu dibawah telapak kakimu...
Sucikanlah 4 hal dengan 4 perkara :
1) Wajahmu dengan linangan air mata keinsafan,
2) Lidahmu basah dengan berzikir kepada Penciptamu,
3) Hatimu takut dan gementar kepada kehebatan Rabbmu, dan dosa-dosa yang silam
4) Di sulami dengan taubat kepada Dzat yang Memiliki mu."

To my friends, Sarah,Khairi,Shahrul and to fellow bloggers Nariko,Ms Tepung,Anna,Hidayu,Aimie Bahirah, i wish you the best on your (or your wife's) miracle journey :)

The Big Bridal Sale : 5-6 Sept 2009

2009-09-01T16:30:00.004+08:00

Dear lovely readers (especially the bride to be's), please do not miss this :)

Another event by Weddings by Eternal

Do update in your blogs if you happen to go.We (or me) the previous brides would like to know what we missed.Hihi.

Starting Scrapbooking

2009-08-26T16:06:00.006+08:00

I have been eyeing scrapbooks lately, but honestly i have not found the right time to start doing it.Plus the materials for the project is quite expensive, because most of it are imported from overseas. For hardcores, there are a few techniques to master, but personally i think its only a matter of creativity.

I have found a few websites regarding this hobby, which of course related to Malaysia. I also found a few online shops selling the materials.You can find it in my Craft Connections links on the right hand side of this blog.

A few weeks ago, i was out with my girlfriend Mira to search for her guestbook materials. It ended up not her buying, but me. We went to Czip Lee Plus in Jalan Telawi,Bangsar to look at the products from Smida Paper (a Malaysian online shop for crafts). Because i was so in love with the cute stickers and whatnots, i bought myself a set of Wedding Stickers for my own wedding scrapbook ;) It costs me RM15.90 for a set.Huhu.

After that, we went to Midvalley, again, i bought myself two pieces of cute papers from Moof (also Malaysian).Moof has not yet produced scrapbooking materials, but they are more to card making. I hope they can start producing malaysian made scrapbook materials, so that we do not have to burn holes in our pockets anymore.

After giving a thought, i think for the mo' i can improvise the materials for my wedding scrapbook. There are a lot of leftover ribbons, embellishments,etc from my wedding preparation last time, so i think i can make use of it.

I hope this project completes, eventhough it may take a while :)

If you are interested in scrapbooking too, don't forget to browse to the sites i linked ok? Seriously, it will make you jumping to start making your own!

Lunch Potluck : Crispy Roast Potatoes

2009-08-21T15:27:00.002+08:00

We had a lunch potluck at office today,so for my pot, i made some crispy roast potatoes. It was my first time doing it, and it turned out so easy and yummy! (puji diri sendiri :P) Serve when hot to enjoy the crispiness.

Recipe was taken here from Nigella.com.

Ramadhan is coming tomorrow, so i would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very Happy Ramadhan. I apologize for any wrongdoings if i made any.

It is my first time fasting with hubby, which i believe is the same case like some of my readers :) I look forward to cracking my head for buka puasa and sahur :P

Let us make the best out of this holy month, with more remembrance to the Maker and improving ourselves to a better Muslim.

Happy Ramadhan everyone!

Looking for Gamelan music for your wedding?

2009-08-18T17:07:00.009+08:00

Here is a suggestion...

GAMELAN RITMASARI

Hubby found this Gamelan group when he was scouting around for our reception entertainment.I do not wish to disclose the rates here, but if you are interested you can contact them via these details:

En Zulkefli Ibrahim
019-6625872
www.face-pic.com/ritmasari
gamelan_ritmasari@yahoo.com.my

They are having promotions now. So hurry! :)

Saturday Cooks: First BBQ Night

2009-08-10T13:55:00.008+08:00

This was our first attempt at BBQing. I managed to persuade hubby to have it last Saturday. At first i was planning to have around 30 guests, but after considering the last minute planning, i decided just to invite closer friends only. Which, end up only few of us (6 person to be exact).

Because it was our first time, the BBQ grill is the first purchase too. Bought it in Carrefour for RM35, and it was quite easy to use. Only that it is of a small size, but enough for a meal of 6 person.

I was impressed with hubby's skill at handling the flames too. Maybe that is a skill gained from being a mountain climber & camper "tegar" back then in UTP. Hehe.

Menu of the evening :

BBQ chicken, prawn kebab and squid. Sorry dears, no piccas for the kebab and squid. Too busy, i forgot to snap it.

Garlic Bread with homemade garlic butter. Here is a sharing for the garlic butter recipe. I got this from a TV show, few years ago. Never failed me ;)

Fresh lemon juice
Butter (butter peeps,not margarine!)
Fresh parsley - chopped finely
Garlic - blend
Mix all ingredients together. Of course, portion of each ingredients depends on your preference, and your serving pax.
Smack it on baguettes or any bread. Toast 'em!

Green Salad with homemade Honey Lemon dressing (this was not really "laku", because most of my guests are not a vege eater.Heheh). No pics too...huhu..Recipe for honey lemon dressing, can be found in Jamie Oliver.com

For dessert, Bread Pudding with Choc Sauce, and some fresh pineapples.Bread pudding recipe was grabbed from the Internet too ;)

I bought some fresh strawberries from Carrefour too, therefore we had Choc Dipped Strawberries from the choc sauce leftover,on Sunday.Sexy food :P

I have a feeling that we will be doing this again someday, so now maybe its time for me to hint to hubby to get a better BBQ grill.Hehehe.....

Birdcage Veils Anyone?

2009-08-07T11:09:00.010+08:00

Yes,its called birdcage veils. I just came to know that today.But, i was in love with this veil long before.

Never found it being worn in Malaysian weddings yet (maybe i havent came across it), but i think it is beautiful to try.

Image sourced from here

If you are having a modern theme for your reception, maybe you can explore on having this kind of veil. Or if you are bold enough, you can even wear it with a traditional-contemporary dress that most brides prefer nowadays.The most important thing is, discuss your preference with your tailor/wedding dress consultant thoroughly.

I have not found any of these on sale in Malaysian market. Anyone knows?

Alternatively, go for DIY. I found one here in Once Wed. If you are really into this veils, you should give it a try! I think you can find the veil material from a fabric store.

Good luck! :)

The most adorable wedding so far.

2009-08-04T13:30:00.002+08:00

I am so in ♥ with this wedding concept.

So very adorable!

I am speechless.

See it here in Snippet and Ink.

Saturday Cooks : Grilled Chicken Chop with Vege & Avocado Dessert

2009-08-03T14:05:00.003+08:00

As mentioned in the previous post, here are the results of my grilling day last Saturday.

Honestly this is the first time i made Chicken Chops,so there are still some areas for improvements,especially on the grilling method. It turned out a bit oily, maybe because of the mixture of olive oil and the chicken juice.

Anyway i love to share the recipe, which i get from The Star Kuali. Click for the recipe. Its tangy and full of flavour from the combination of Black Pepper and Worchestershire Sauce.I used Lea and Perrins.

GRILLED BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN CHOP

For dessert (which we actually had prior to the main course..heheh), i made use of the Avocadoes that MIL bought from Indo. It is also the first time for me, tasting avocadoes. The flavour is not fruity at all, instead it has a nutty, kind of creamy taste.

Using this recipe (also from The Star Kuali) as a base, i improvised a bit.I added a tablespoon of Van Houten chocolate powder, hence the colour. I then garnished with shavings of Beryl's chocolate. Result is a creamy,chocolatey dessert i love! (who does not love chocolate anyway?)

CREAMY AVOCADO DESSERT

Have your try and good luck! :)

Real Wedding : Our Majlis Bertandang

2009-07-31T12:42:00.007+08:00

Next,some pics from Majlis Bertandang or Menyambut Menantu.We chose to go traditional this time, and things are kept light,except for the bold accessories that is. I think i looked exactly like my mum during her wedding day back in 1982,but she wore a blue songket instead.

Date : Sunday,19 July 2009 (25 Rabiulakhir 1430H)

Venue : Dewan Taman Melewar,Gombak

Bridal Attire,Decorations,Accesories,Makeup,Hand Bouquet : JEZ Wedding Made Easy, Wangsa Maju
Photography: The Photographer Kuantan Crew

Sorry, not much details on the vendor coz mostly are arranged by Emri's family. I chose not to be involved too much with their side preparations as it is their opportunity to plan their own family event.

I ♥ presents

2009-07-30T16:48:00.006+08:00

My aunty Cik Yani dropped by our house yesterday and i was least expecting that i will be receiving a belated wedding present. She is from KL and was on a business trip to Kuantan. Too bad she could not stay long.

Anyway here is the gift. And to my utter excitement,she really reads my mind.

♥ ♥ ♥ love

GRILLA Grilling Pan and also a pair of KONCIS tongs from IKEA, which is what i have been longing for (in my effort of cooking healthy,which is still not really a huge success ;P)

Thank you Cik Yani and family, i am so grilling this weekend :)

Pameran Pengantin Malaysia 2009

2009-07-29T09:42:00.004+08:00

Pameran PengantinMalaysia 2009

Level 3, Hall 2 & 3,Mid ValleyExhibition Hall

7 - 9 August 2009

organized by Urban Vibe Events

p/s: Quite tied up with work this week, although many thoughts and ideas came for my blogging. Soon ya :) Toodles.

Some updates on my guestbook project

2009-07-20T11:24:00.004+08:00

Mira's wedding is coming up soon (in like 2 months plus) and i am now finalizing the guestbook concept for her reception.

I suggested to her of having a card-based guestbook station,instead of having the normal "book" for her guests to drop some lines. She agreed :)

So of course my all time reference is Martha Stewart (pics below are from the site), and we are most likely going for this concept:

All the cards will be compiled in the end of the day, and will definitely make a cute and valuable (not to mention space-saving) keepsake.

Can't wait to go shopping for the cardstocks. Mira bila ko free nih? Heheh.

Real Wedding : Our Bersanding Episode

2009-07-17T14:18:00.014+08:00

Some shots from our Majlis Bersanding (Bride's Reception).Many thanks to Parkroyal Hotel crews for making our wedding dream come true :) Definitely a recommended place for events, and marvellous food too!

Date: Saturday,18 April 2009 (24 Rabiulakhir 1430H)

Venue : Grand Orchid Ballroom, Parkroyal Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Bridal Attire,Dais,Decorations,Accesories,Makeup,Hand Bouquet : JEZ Wedding Made Easy, Wangsa Maju

Fresh Flower Deco : Wishing Tree Florist, Kuala Lumpur

Cake : Made by my uncle's sister in-law

Table Signage and Guestbook table deco : Me :)

Flower Girl attires : Flowergirl at One Utama Boutique

Entertainment (Combo,Bagpipes and Percussions) & Videography : Jabatan Penjara Kajang

Doorgifts and Chocs : SSF, Beryls & Dini Gifts

Catering : Parkroyal Hotel KL

Photography: The Photographer Kuantan Crew

Real Wedding: Our Nikah Ceremony :)

2009-07-16T10:56:00.010+08:00

Finally after a long wait, our wedding photos have finally arrived.I am starting to organize and resizing pics now, but today i can only post the Nikah ceremony first. More to come later ;)

Here is another round of thank yous to my family,friends, and everyone who helped us before,during and after the event. And also to our lovely guests for their thoughtful wishes and gifts.

Alhamdulillah.

Date:Friday,17 April 2009 (23 Rabiulakhir 1430H)

Venue: Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, Jalan Duta,Kuala Lumpur
Bridal Attire and Accesories: My own

Shoes,Hand Bouquet and Makeup: JEZ Wedding Made Easy,Wangsa Maju

Cake : Sponsored by my aunty

Photography : The Photographer,Kuantan Crew (Shasmanizam,Sarahana and Sheikh Hafiz)
Catering : Sponsored by a close friend of my parents

Real Wedding: Cousin Azrinoor

2009-07-15T13:59:00.004+08:00

Here are some shots from my cousin's wedding last weekend.Not much of nice pics coz i just used my SE k810. Hubby was not around coz he had to join a bicycle expedition,if not of course i will get better pics from his beloved Pentax and Fish Eyed lens.Huhu.

Nikah Ceremony : A mosque near Kampung Melayu Ampang
Reception : Dewan Gemalasari, RISDA, Jalan Ampang
Bridal Attire and Makeup : Athi'z Collection, Setiawangsa (attires are from Man Kajang, and the owner (Kak Mimi) is one of Man Kajang's preferred makeup artist. Rate affordable,ok?)

Hantaran and Nikah hand bouquet was a last minute endeavour,but thank God we made it on time. Lesson learned, please don't make things last minute ok brides?

Nevertheless, the wedding went on smoothly and fun. I had extra fun coz i get to karaoke. Aha.

Congratulations dear cousin. Let's add more headcount to the family now :P

Oh ya, not to forget, here is my first ever hand bouquet. Also many thanks to Ino's bestfriend, Fiza. It's the effort of us both. Hehe. Ok lah kan tu? Gotta practice more :P

"Take away love, and our earth is a tomb."--Robert Browning

Busy with a wedding

2009-07-11T11:10:00.004+08:00

I am a bit busy this weekend.

Cousing is getting married, and its my turn to help her with the last minute preparations.

Last night we went fresh flower shopping and i was going crazy with the selections and of course,the cheap price! Too bad my home is in Kuantan, which is like few hundreds km away.If not i have bought it for the house too ;P

I also made my first ever hand bouquet (bidan terjun ni), but i think its quite OK for beginners.Hihi.

No pics for the moment coz i did not bring the data cable. Yikes.

Will update more soon ya!

Saturday Cooks : For the In-Laws

2009-07-06T15:26:00.008+08:00

MIL and FIL was in town last weekend, and i was scratching my head on what to cook for dinner.I remembered mama's all time favourite homemade spaghetti sauce.So i decided to go for it. Since they are not keen to eating beef, i used chicken instead.

Homemade Pasta Sauce, serve with any type of Pasta

Ingredients:
Olive oil
Onions
Garlic
Chili paste (if you like it hot)
Tomato Puree
Minced Chicken/Minced Beef - precooked
Mushrooms
A bit of sugar and salt
Oregano and Parmesan Cheese for garnishing

Steps:
1)Blend the onions and garlic into a smooth paste.
2)Heat oil and sautee the onion and garlic paste. When it browns a bit,put in the chili paste too.
3)Put in the meat of your choice.
4)Put in the tomato puree.
5)When it heats up,put in the mushrooms.
6)Season with sugar and salt,to taste.
7)Garnish with oregano and parmesan when serving

Note: Sorry for not specifying the quantities of the ingredients.I have a bad habit of cooking without measurements.So,what you can do is estimate the quantity based on how many people eating.

Simple,but i think it they like it.Heheh. And hubby had lots of helpings,which indicates that he also loves it.

Bapak also bought some fresh fish from the fisherman market.So me and mak also grilled the fish as another option for dinner.

If you come to Kuantan and you love seafood, let me know. I'd love to recommend some nice spots ;)

Seksanya hendak kahwin

2009-07-01T09:30:00.002+08:00

I apologize for the lack of updates recently,due to being away from home since last Sunday. I am on training in Kuala Lumpur until Friday,and unfortunately my personal internet modem is not working in the hotel. Bummer :(

Anyway,i was reading Mingguan Malaysia in the plane when this article caught my eyes.I think it is a good read, and there is a few lessons to be learned.

Seksanya hendak kahwin
Oleh Hafizahril Hamid

PERKAHWINAN bagi kebanyakan pasangan adalah sesuatu yang suci, indah dan abadi. Dari ketika menjalani proses percintaan hinggalah selesai upacara akad nikah adalah sesuatu yang biasa bagi setiap pasangan untuk melihat pasangan mereka sebagai pilihan terbaik.

Segala yang dilakukan akan dilihat sebagai sempurna di mata pasangan masing-masing. Namun di sebalik semua kesempurnaan ini satu-satunya masalah yang akan menghantui orang lelaki setelah mendapat persetujuan daripada keluarga pihak perempuan untuk 'menyunting bunga di taman' ialah wang hantaran.

Mungkin ada pihak yang merasakan perkara ini bukan satu bebanan bersesuaian dengan status dan pendapatan yang diperolehi. Apatah lagi bagi pihak keluarga perempuan ia umpama satu "hak eksklusif" dalam menetapkan berapa jumlah wang hantaran sebelum anak gadis mereka berpindah tangan kepada bakal suami.

Namun kita tidak boleh menafikan bahawa isu wang hantaran ini sering menghantui pasangan sebelum berkahwin. Soal wang hantaran jika munasabah bukanlah satu persoalan tetapi ia akan menjadi sesuatu yang membebankan jika keterlaluan. Maka akan kedengaranlah pandangan dan kritikan pedas masyarakat "nak jual anak ke".

Isu tentang wang hantaran ini bukanlah sesuatu yang baru dan harga yang ditetapkan semakin meningkat bersesuaian dengan keadaan dan realiti semasa kehidupan.

Dalam membicarakan hal ini penulis teringat gurauan yang diluahkan oleh seorang sahabat yang berpengalaman dalam menguruskan perkahwinan bahawa ia umpama membeli tiket kapal terbang.

Kebiasaannya harga tiket agak murah dan mampu dimiliki tetapi yang membuat harganya lebih mahal ialah pembayaran tambahan akibat terpaksa membayar cukai airport, pengurusan dan surcaj. Ini yang membuatkan penumpang terpaksa memilih dan berkira sebelum membuat keputusan.

Situasi ini yang terpaksa dihadapi oleh para pengantin lelaki apabila terpaksa membayar wang hantaran yang mahal padahal wang mas kahwinnya hanya berapa sangat.

Oleh itu ramailah lelaki yang terpaksa kahwin lewat akibat terpaksa mengumpul wang dan mengikat perut sebelum dapat melampiaskan hajat yang tersimpan sejak sekian lama.

Dari segi hukumnya pembayaran wang hantaran bukanlah sesuatu yang perlu namun kerana menghormati adat dan tradisi kita sebagai orang Melayu maka perkara seperti hantaran dan persandingan lebih menjadi perhatian.

Dan secara umumnya wang hantaran ini diberikan kepada pihak pengantin perempuan sebagai tanda pemberian ikhlas yang kemudiannya boleh digunakan untuk mengurus kerja-kerja persandingan.

Apatah lagi urusan persandingan dari pakaian pengantin hinggalah makan minum jemputan melibatkan perbelanjaan yang agak besar memandangkan tradisi menanggah dan tolong menolong ketika majlis perkahwinan semakin pupus.

Maka perbelanjaan perkahwinan yang agak besar ini bersesuaian dengan kemeriahan yang dialami ketika majlis pernikahan dan persandingan berlangsung. Secara puratanya kadar wang hantaran pada masa sekarang ialah sekitar RM8,000 hingga RM10,000. Dan berdasarkan keadaan ekonomi dan kemakmuran negara ini ia mungkin dianggap munasabah.

Namun jika dikira semula termasuklah perbelanjaan kenduri di kedua-dua belah pihak, jumlah meningkat sehingga sekitar RM12,000 hingga RM20,000. Pastinya jumlah itu dianggap agak membebankan dan ramai lelaki terpaksa mengeluh sebelum berkahwin.

Bagi kebanyakan eksekutif muda yang berpendapatan sekitar RM1,800 hingga RM2,500, untuk menyimpan wang hantaran seperti yang disebutkan di atas mungkin tiada masalah tetapi ia pastinya mengambil masa sekitar dua hingga lima tahun.

Ditambah pula dengan bebanan dan kos hidup di ibu kota yang semakin meningkat akhirnya ramai lelaki terpaksa kahwin lewat malah ia dilihat semakin menjadi trend kebelakangan ini.
Maka jalan terbaik dalam menyelesaikan keserabutan ini ialah dengan membuat pinjaman bank.
Pinjaman

Hendak disalahkan pihak bank tidak boleh kerana ia adalah sebahagian dari hukum perdagangan untuk mencari keuntungan. Mereka ini senantiasa melihat peluang dalam kekusutan. Sebarang peluang yang boleh menguntungkan pastinya tidak akan mampu ditolak oleh perusahaan perbankan.

Oleh itu hendak atau tidak kebanyakan lelaki yang mahu berkahwin terpaksa membuat pinjaman dan turut terbukti bagi pihak bank bahawa bentuk perniagaan ini sangat menguntungkan.

Yang menjadi kebimbangan, apabila ia menjadi satu ikutan sehingga hantaran perkahwinan semakin meningkat di luar kebiasaan dan mencecah ratusan ribu.

Bagi mereka yang mampu mungkin tidak ada masalah dan ia dianggap sebagai pemberian ikhlas. Tetapi bagi mereka yang berpendapatan rendah dan sederhana adalah sukar untuk memenuhi permintaan pihak pengantin perempuan jika wang hantarannya mencecah puluhan ribu ringgit.

Jika kita perhatikan beberapa ketetapan dan alasan sering digunakan dalam menetapkan wang hantaran ini. Seperti yang dikatakan tadi penetapan wang hantaran kebanyakannya merupakan hak eksklusif keluarga pengantin perempuan.

Walaupun mungkin beberapa perbincangan dilakukan dalam menetapkan wang hantaran antara pihak kedua-dua bakal mempelai namun keputusan akhir akan tetap diputuskan oleh pihak perempuan. Maka pada kebiasaannya harga wang hantaran ditetapkan atas beberapa kriteria.
Kriteria pertama terletak kepada pengaruh keluarga pengantin perempuan. Jika pihak perempuan "mata duitan" maka mahallah duit hantaran yang perlu dikeluarkan. Kita tidak boleh menafikan terdapat segelintir ahli masyarakat yang masih berfikiran begini semata-mata untuk meraih keuntungan hasil dari perkahwinan yang akan berlangsung. Sikap sebegini pastinya akan membuatkan masyarakat memandang serong terhadap pihak keluarga serta merosakkan jalinan institusi kekeluargaan itu sendiri.

Kriteria kedua ialah tahap akademik pengantin wanita itu sendiri. Semakin tinggi tahap pendidikan wanita tersebut semakin mahal wang hantarannya.

Kriteria ketiga ialah paras rupa wanita yang bakal disunting. Walaupun perkara ini agak subjektif kerana kecantikan seseorang wanita dinilai berbeza oleh lelaki berdasarkan cita rasa dan kehendak peribadi namun ia merupakan antara kriteria penting dalam penetapan wang hantaran. Semakin cantik dan 'bergetah' seseorang wanita itu semakin tinggilah harga yang perlu dibayar.

Kriteria terakhir dalam hal ini ialah jenis pekerjaan dan pendapatan bulanan yang diterima. Pastinya pekerjaan seperti doktor, akauntan dan jurutera dibayar gaji yang mahal, oleh itu jumlah wang hantaran turut meningkat.

Berdasarkan kriteria di atas adalah jelas kenapa harga wang hantaran agak sukar dikompromi oleh pihak perempuan. Paling jelas harga wang hantaran termahal ini selalunya didominasi oleh golongan artis.

Ini mungkin berkait dengan soal kecantikan yang dimiliki selain dari pendapatan tinggi dan populariti yang diperoleh.

Sebelum ini, penyanyi Juliana Banos yang berkahwin dengan Pengarah Urusan Mutiara Motor Sdn Bhd, Mokhtar Ahmad pada 16 Disember 2005, dinobat sebagai antara artis yang menerima wang hantaran tertinggi di negara ini, iaitu RM77,888.77.

Itu tidak termasuk dua bentuk cincin berlian jenama Cartier dan Carat Club yang bernilai lebih RM10,000, beg tangan dan dua pasang kasut jenama Louis Vuitton (LV) serta set wangian.
Penyanyi ternama negara, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza pula menerima wang hantaran dari suaminya Datuk Seri Muhammad Khalid Jiwa sebanyak RM30,000 dan mas kahwin RM22,222.

Satu lagi insiden juga melibatkan antara wang hantaran tertinggi di negara ini tetapi tidak kekal lama membabitkan bekas model, Puteri Shahanaz Hazlin Hamdan yang berkahwin dengan ahli perniagaan, Datuk Roslan Hashim.

Puteri Shahanaz menerima wang hantaran RM444,444.44 dan mas kahwin RM22,222.22.
Selain itu, Puteri Shahanaz turut menerima 22 hantaran termasuk kereta BMW 320i berharga RM250,000; set barangan kemas (RM150,000); jam tangan Rolex (RM25,000); cincin (RM20,000) serta beg tangan, kasut, wangian dan kosmetik jenama terkenal.

Gilang gemilang

Pasangan tersebut diijabkabulkan di rumah pengantin perempuan di Lorong Tok Sira 3 pada September 2006 manakala majlis persandingan diadakan di Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Roslan yang ketika itu merupakan Pengerusi Eksekutif Ghaz Properties Sdn Bhd, berkata beliau membelanjakan RM3.5 juta bagi memastikan majlis persandingan berlangsung penuh gilang-gemilang.

Bagaimanapun kebahagiaan yang diharapkan tidak kekal lama apabila setahun kemudian pasangan ini bercerai pada 4 Oktober 2007.

Puteri Shahanaz memohon cerai fasakh dan Roslan bersetuju membayar tuntutan mutaah RM100,000 secara ansuran, iaitu RM5,000 sebulan kepada Puteri Shahanaz. Roslan turut bersetuju membayar nafkah RM1,500 sebulan kepada anak tunggal mereka, Putera Airil Imran.

Kisah di atas ini pastinya memberi pengajaran bahawa wang hantaran yang tinggi dan majlis perkahwinan yang keterlaluan gahnya bukanlah penentu kepada kebahagiaan berlanjutan sehingga ke akhir hayat. Ditambah pula dengan pelbagai jumlah wang hantaran dengan nombor menarik beserta dengan tarikh perkahwinan yang lain daripada lain, ia seolah-olah telah menjadi trend yang mempengaruhi masyarakat.

Secara peribadi hantaran perkahwinan tidaklah perlu terlalu menekan sehingga menjadi beban kepada pasangan pengantin. Ada yang berpandangan supaya wang hantaran ini perlu dikongsi antara kedua mempelai bagi mengelakkan bebanan keterlaluan kepada pengantin lelaki. Mungkin ada baiknya saranan sebegini namun jika wang hantaran ditetapkan lebih rendah ia pastinya lebih melegakan semua pihak.

Perlu difahami wang hantaran ini ditetapkan bagi keperluan pihak perempuan mengendali majlis persandingan sebelah mereka. Semakin meriah majlis perkahwinan semakin tinggilah wang hantaran yang perlu dikeluarkan.

Oleh itu cara terbaik untuk mengatasi masalah wang hantaran tinggi ini ialah dengan kembali kepada ajaran agama.

Hantaran dimaksudkan sebagai hadiah daripada suami kepada isteri dan juga hadiah daripada isteri kepada suami, iaitu saling bertukar hadiah sebagai tanda setuju dengan perkahwinan itu. Hantaran tidak wajib tetapi mengikut hukum adat hukumnya harus.

Manakala mas kahwin disebut sebagai mahar adalah hak/harta isteri yang wajib suami serahkan kepada isteri untuk menghalalkan pernikahan antara keduanya.

Maka Islam sendiri menerangkan apa yang perlu diutamakan dalam sesebuah perkahwinan iaitu mas kahwin dan bukannya wang hantaran. Tetapi kerana kepercayaan masyarakat kita yang terlalu berpegang pada adat maka kita lebih mengutamakan wang hantaran yang tinggi daripada kesempurnaan majlis akad nikah.

Stigma inilah yang perlu diubah oleh masyarakat. Bukan bermaksud untuk menidakkan kepentingan wang hantaran perkahwinan ini namun ia perlulah sekadar termampu dan paling penting keikhlasan.

Ia perlu dilaksanakan mengikut kemampuan dan tidak membazir semata-mata mahu menunjuk-nunjuk kepada orang keliling. Perbuatan sebegini hanya menambahkan lagi dosa kita.

Wang hantaran sememangnya menjadi tanggungjawab pihak lelaki untuk dipenuhi dan jika dilihat dari sudut kebaikannya, ia umpama persediaan awal seseorang bakal suami untuk menanggung tanggungjawab sebelum memulakan kehidupan berkeluarga.

Pastinya usaha mengumpul wang hantaran ini mampu mengajar tanggungjawab sebenar si lelaki sebelum bergelar suami yang bakal menanggung isteri dan bakal anak-anak.

Satu lagi ia pasti turut mengajar mereka bahawa bukan senang hendak berkahwin dan melamar anak dara orang.

Oleh itu jika pada masa depan mungkin terlintas di hati hendak menambah isteri lagi, mungkin mereka akan berfikir lima enam kali, betapa peritnya satu ketika dulu 'mengikat perut' hendak mengumpul wang dan berhutang sebelum akhirnya mampu berkahwin.

Real Wedding : Say it in Pink and Green

2009-06-26T15:24:00.006+08:00

Date : 7 June 2009

Venue : Bride's home, Kg Tok Sira, Kuantan,PAHANG

I find this wedding colour rather bold but bravo to the bride for going for it. I just love the pink hues!

This is the wedding of Nelly, an ex-colleague.Congratulations Nelly and Faiz, welcome to the club and semoga jodoh berpanjangan dunia akhirat ;)

p/s: I also heart the floral bouquet, made especially by the bride's mother.Instead of fresh flowers,she used ribbons and clear,crystal like flowers (dunno what exactly they call it.Heheh)

"You're nothing short of my everything." --Ralph Block

Rubber Stamps Wedding Signature

2009-06-25T11:37:00.009+08:00

Thinking of DIY-ing your paperbag?I found this simple and easy way of doing it from this blog by Laydiefa.

Besides using a fancy or patterned papers, how about doing it with a plain one, and personalize it with your own wedding signature? Rubberstamps or stamp-pads are a great way of having your own wedding signature. Head to your local stationery rubber stamping shop and have them do one for you. You can use monograms, floral designs, wedding images,practically anything to your liking. Once you are done with your paperbag, you can just stamp it on and voila, a personalized wedding favour for your guests to remember.

from Martha Stewart Weddings

Don't limit its use on paperbags only, try to incorporate it other wedding items (e.g invitations,guestbook,napkins,table seats) to create a unique wedding worth remembering ;)

Some ideas for your rubberstamps :

from Oriental Trading

from Etsy

from Create and Craft

For Kuantan/Pahang Brides...

2009-06-22T13:35:00.008+08:00

If you are looking for something elegant and contemporary, try D'Nora Collections. I think her line is featured in Pengantin July 2009. Her boutique is located in Kompleks Teruntum,1st floor.

I hired her for my Engagement Ceremony and i was satisfied. Especially with the makeup :)

Browse here for more.

My Engagement 19 July 2008

A friend's wedding in Indera Mahkota, 8 Aug 2008

Contact details :

D’ Nora Collection (MA0009468-V)
No. 1-40 & 1-45, 1st Floor, Kompleks Teruntum,
Jalan Mahkota, 25000 Kuantan,
Pahang Darul Makmur.
Tel: 09-5569171 / 09-5171500
H/P : 013-9596964 / 013-9599171
Email : enquiry@dnoracollection.com

Kitchenwares to fall in love with.

2009-06-21T10:26:00.008+08:00

At this point,i am pretty much satisfied of what i have in the kitchen.Being an experimenter (is there such word?) in the kitchen, i find tools are of the essentials.

Honestly i can say that most of my kitchenwares are hand-me-downs,from dear mama,but nevertheless they are still quite useful.When papa and mama left for Holland i managed to salvage many items from the kitchen,which will end up being thrown or given away if i did not do so.

A big portion of our wedding gift is also kitchenwares or electrical items.Thanks to my beloved guests it adds nicely to my collection :) One of my favourites is the Philips Mini Blender,which does wonders when cooking in a small portion. Saves my time very much and because its petite,its not difficult to clean and store.

By the way, i am also eyeing these kitchenware range from Nigella Lawson. I noticed that she is using her own tools in her shows,and i always wonder where it comes from. After googling and surfing her site now i know that she has her own range. Nigella is a practical person in the kitchen and that is what i love about her.

My favs from Nigella's range:

Juice Squeezer

Chopping Board with Tray

Mezzaluna Herb Chopper

Serving Hands

Find out more in Nigella's official Website,here.

Real Wedding : A Gold Affair

2009-06-18T11:09:00.005+08:00

Date : 30 May 2009
Venue : Bride's Home, Presint 10, Putrajaya

This was the wedding of an old friend from school, back when i was living in TTDI,KL. Seriously it has been very long since we met and thanks to facebook we all are back in touch. Besides a wedding, it became a mini reunion for many of us.Congratulations Shahnaz and hubby, may your love cherishes forever :)

"My night has become a sunny dawn because of you."--Ibn Abbad

I have been honoured..

2009-06-17T14:16:00.008+08:00

...by the next bride, and also a close friend, Mira..

...to prepare and design the guestbook for her upcoming wedding in October.

I am flattered :)

By the way, she finalized her colour theme already, and what's more suitable than this sweet and innocent combination (although she is not so innocent anymore :P)

Coral and White

Just some ideas for Mira from my humble findings.Some of it are not really coral,but i think they can complement the colour well :

Invitations (not sure where from,lemme know if you know ok?)

Photography and Wedding Setting from Anne Ruthmann

Bridesmaid Attirefrom Bali Kebaya

Guestbook (maybe we can change the brown to white) from Creative Bridal Solutions

Pelamin (Wedding Dais) from Nas Great Idea

So i will be starting the project with this concept in mind. Will try my best :)

An apple a day keeps the doctor away....

2009-06-09T12:01:00.004+08:00

IKEA Charm Apple Slicer

...no more laziness as a the usual excuse of not having an apple as part of my daily diet.

This tool really saves my time and i am so loving it!

Get it at IKEA, but i forgot how much it cost.But i am sure its not more than RM10.

Udaimatunnur by BPS

2009-06-07T21:19:00.005+08:00

I'd recommend this boutique, especially to a modern,muslimah and high-street budget bride :

Udaimatunnur by Butik Pengantin Syahirah

Fell in love with the designs, and most of all how the designer makes the tudung to complement the dress nicely. You dont have to go for the hassle of searching or altering the dress to fit your muslimah image, or searching for the right tudung.It's just designed for you!

Some information of the boutique:

Contact Details:

No 5, Jalan Bunga Kertas 1B/2, Bukit Beruntung (Bukit Sentosa), Rawang

03-60215946.

Price range:

RM2150 to RM6000 for bridal attire rentals

p/s : Please correct me if i am wrong about the details.

Guestbooks Galore

2009-06-04T13:54:00.009+08:00

I was browsing through my wedding guestbook and once again felt so touched by the sweet, thoughtful and cute wedding wishes.

Guestbooks are one of the important "memory-keeping" elements one bride can inject into her wedding, besides photography and videography. Being able to see your beloved guests putting down their personal touch really makes it a valuable keepsake.

During my wedding preparation i was able to find many types of guestbooks, from designer to high street to budget savvy.But again,it depends on your budget. If you have an extra penny, invest on a luscious and bejewelled guestbook like this one from Luxurious Wedding Style Report

or this one from My Dream Wedding

Or maybe a traditional and simple one like this, from Wedding Things?

Or a framed guestbook like this, from Advantage Bridal?

This is a unique piece of guestbook, makes you feel like in a fairytale :), from Eye Catching Creations

If you feel like DIY (like i did), simply look for a nice notebook and adore it with your own decorations. Use monograms,for example. For mine, i just tied a ribbon, stick on some floral embellishments and a stocking butterfly. I used a notebook that just cost me RM15.

I also noticed that some hantaran designer/crafter can actually make a guestbook, based on your preferences. In Kuantan town, a wedding shop called Small Garden can do this. It is located near SSF Kuantan if you want to check it out.

So scout around brides, you will find the one that captures your heart!

Real Wedding : Malaysian Fusion

2009-06-01T10:59:00.004+08:00

I know,i know. The name sounds corny but read this :

Bride : Chinese + Punjabi
Groom : Chinese + Indian
Guests : Malay, Chinese,Indian,Punjabi

Hence,the name :)

Here is the wedding lunch of my fellow colleague, Padma (the groom), held in Swan Seafood Restaurant in Kuantan town. Great food.If you drop by, you should try.

Its our first time attending a Chinese style wedding, so its quite the experience. I just learned "Yam Seng", the Chinese version of a toast for the bride,groom and family.

All the best wishes to Padma and Tara.

Real Wedding : A Tiffany Weekend

2009-05-31T19:15:00.006+08:00

Date: 30 May 2009

Venue: Kelab Gold Perkhidmatan Awam, Mont Kiara

Here's some shots from a friends wedding yesterday. I named it "A Tiffany Weekend". Congratulations to the bride and groom, Anis and Ideal. May your love cherishes forever :)

Coming Up : 30 May 2009

2009-05-28T10:45:00.006+08:00

A Tiffany Weekend

Sunday Cooks

2009-05-26T13:21:00.007+08:00

Of course, on the weekends, cooking is my favourite pastime.Its worth cooking nowadays, since i have Mr Husband to help me with the eating part. Hehe :) So this is what came out of the kitchen last Sunday....

...for lunch

Chicken Korma

Not so bad for my first time. Hubby gave me thumbs up,so that made my day :)

Stir Fried Kangkung with Shrimps

...for dinner

Potato Chips

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Meatballs

ala Bergedel, but it still has the western taste :P

Romantic Shakespeare Sonnets

2009-05-24T11:10:00.004+08:00

Oh how lovely, to wake up in the morning, checked my mail and received one update from Martha Stewart Wedding Ideas of the Day.

Shakespeare Sonnets printed on a paper and wrapped on a favour box. What a lovely alternative instead of a plain one.

This sure gives a romantic impression.

Try putting it in your wedding invitations, save the dates, or perhaps just a part of your centerpiece decoration. Your guests will definitely feel the romance and love around.

Perhaps some Damask?

2009-05-22T15:40:00.006+08:00

I find this very inspiring, especially for modern brides. You hardly hear or find this concept being used in traditional Malay weddings, but its worth the try. Opt for black and white damask, and a hint of brighter colour. Fuchsia, or olive green, perhaps?

I found some decorations for this concept in SSF. So if you decide to go for this pattern, you can head down to the nearest branch, for the decorations.

Make sure you discuss this with your wedding consultant/planner/mak andam, if you hire any, and be very clear of your preferences.

Just when i thought of grabbing a McD for dinner....

2009-05-22T11:18:00.003+08:00

...i found enough ingredients in the kitchen to create a healthier alternative.

Smacked between 2 wholemeal breads, a classic omellete with a toss of curry leaves and tomatoes. And a dollop of chilli sauce for a spicy touch.

Simple yet satisfying :)

Welcome welcome

2009-05-21T18:22:00.004+08:00

Oh look, i have another blog :)

Here is my attempt on sharing the things that i have came to adore in my life. Hopefully i can keep it alive.

I also hope that this blog will be an inspiration to my readers, especially to the bride to be and those who shares the same interest with me.

This is just a hello entry, so look forward for more soon.

p/s: I am still trying to improve the look of the blog ;)