Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
With my deepest regret, I am closing all my businesses. Not because I lose interest in them, but because I just felt like I'm made for something else.
If it is meant to be, something would be brewing. Otherwise, I'll just be me!
Many personal friends asked why. Just like how I decide to get engaged with a man I just knew for 13 months, and to be married to him 22 months later, I guess I can tell that it is better for me to just close all my businesses and focus on something else that more worthy. (Not that my business is unworthy of my time...)
I've been building my registered business for about 4 years, falling behind, was about 2 yrs as an unregistered business. So that is a total of 6 long years.
As much as I love crocheting, doing it for business was just hard on me. It made me lose my passion and creativity. It made me do what I don't like doing.
Oh well anyhoos... Closing my business means I'll have more time in my hands to plan something nice.. We'll see what 2015 brings us, ya?
Till I see you again!
(Oh watch for the Part 2 review of Delphin sometime next week or so!)
Wassalam,
Jun
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
Our 2nd Anniversary... (Also Review of Delphin S1 -Part 1)
Assalammua'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. December is flying past to welcome January it seems. The week went by with me struggling to catch up..
Alhamdulillah, we turned 2 last week. We bought each other the best machine we can get - the Dephin!
Pretty isn't it. The carbon fibre look was not why we bought it though. It was its purpose, and versatility of function in this one compact machine.
We basically bumped into Delphin by accident. We simply dropped by a baby fair at Expo before we head down to a Minion Party one day.. And someone just stopped us and said, "You Singaporean?" Of which I was startled and said a stammering yes. Then he signalled this lady to give us something.
Very drama huh? But it is for real!
"This is free for you, ma'am! One for every Singaporean who come by."
We were lost, really we were. As with every Singaporean we were just happy we got something free for doing nothing. We have no idea what brand station we walked into.
Then she said there will be a cleaning demo done for us - again for free! - at our home, with an option to either clean our bed (mattress) or sofa set. Husband said ok for any Sunday. And we quickly said ok for the next day demo.
We never gave thought about what it was until the next day waiting for the demo to start. We discussed like what we would say if they pushed to sell, and what signals to give if we wanna say no and everything they is to think of.
So 3pm came, and the doorbell rang. A man called Patrick Tan greeting me with a weird name, I corrected him to just call me Jun, and our day became bright. He was so friendly, happy and knowledgeable. He didn't jump straight at us with something to sell. Instead he introduced himself properly, and then proceeded to introduce us to the company. After we warmed up with his presence, he went to work, and said, "So let me start my duty, to clean your mattress, I think we can do your bed in the room."
And we led him in, cleared the bed. While he set up his machine, we chatted more about stuff under the sun. We were ushered to sit in the room as he go through the machine with us, and its feature.
I honestly thought, "ah.. another vacuum machine that is better than the other!" For the next 10 minutes, it was just that.
Then it changed. I thought I was being the lady I am, jumping to buy what seemed good, but I woke myself up, and looked at my husband. I could see he is also impressed. We were basically very impressed with the fact that we left the fan on at its highest speed, and not feel dusty like with other vacuums (first of all, other vacuum demos would usually request us to off the fan during a demo). Patrick saw us switching on the fan, he didn't stop us, instead he thank us as he was feeling warm. It was on oscillation too! No dusty feeling, no stuffiness. Instead I felt like the air seemed cleaner.
He proceeded to show us more. He used his machine at its lowest speed, and he was almost whispering but we could all hear him loud and clear. This machine can be silent, have lower suction power, but still works (it seems). Then he switched it to higher power (it has this volume like dial that can go low power to high power), and it was still not very loud - it was acceptable. I was carrying a baby, and my baby didn't get startled. Neither did my 2-Tee squeak. Amazing point 1.
Then he started showing us the suction power with a cloth filter, after a few swipes, the suction is not as good as the first time. Proven, and agreed. We had Brand X and it did just that! Only works on Day 1 like magic after that it was noise and no work!
This machine doesn't have any additional filter - only its patented L-Lamella, and water. No dust bag, no cloth filter - which equates to minimal maintenance (and low to no cost of maintenance!). And he showed the same thing, swiping double the times as he did previously, and showed us that the suction remained as powerful as the first time because of that filter element.
Now this machine, can also be an air purifier! (Ah! No wonder I felt the air cleaner!) He took out the vacuum cord from the suction hole, added Dettol and you can sanitize the air as it purifies the air it sucks in, add in organic mint and you get aroma therapy as it purifies the air. Amazing Point 2.
Just in time! We were just looking for an air purifier to welcome the next doze of haze and the praying phase of the neighbor downstairs.
Then he switched the floor broom to a power broom, and said, "this is to clean your mattress" He had already shown us the massive dust picked up on our bed using the floor broom... I couldn't believe there's more to pick up.. He plug them in, and placed in on our bed, and with that he said, "A normal vacuum.." then he tilt the handle down... and said, "Now, a power broom!"
We were vibrating! That thing was beating my bed.. Like the old fashioned way of mother/father caning the mattress to clean and sun our mattress!! And believe it or not, he picked so much more stuff off our bed with that thing!! Amazing Point 3!!
After he was done with our bed, he said he would like to do the same for my parents' bed seeing they are of old age.. And we agreed.
But he was getting tired, and so requested for a rest which of course we obligated. We all need to sit down, cool off, rest and really, it is time to decide what to do with this machine! I handed him a glass of ice water and we were all sitting down to know more about this machine!
I was more interested to find out the cost of this machine so I can just quickly find out if it is visible for us to own it. My husband was more into its cleaning service contract. And so Patrick laid out the prices for us to see. Pricey it was! Indeed, very pricey... But putting together an air purifier, an awesome vacuum cleaner, and a dust mite exterminator... that would actually cost more, no? So husband and I looked at each other, as much as we wanted to we cannot afford this machine Patrick showed us.
And so we bluntly told him, we cannot afford so, and told him the max we are willing to go. He sorted things out, and told us they have an older machine, and it cost about half the price he showed us, and asked if we are okay. After much hesitation, and weighing out everything we had to, we agreed, and he went out to check on the availability and got us one machine delivered.
As we finished off all the paperwork, he proceeded to continue with my parents' bed.The water was clear tap water when he start off.. It went really dark after he was done. We were there watching, so he can't be cheating. And he advised us to do our parents' bed every week for the first month before gradually decrease the frequency.
Our machine arrived just as we were finishing with my parents' bed. And Patrick went on to pull out every part of this machine we just owned. Every part of it and where it goes and what it does (even after his intensive demo!).
He then told us to call him up for another round of demo with our own machine to better understand our machine and its capabilities. We haven't arranged an appointment but we have surely used our machine almost right after he left.
I love the machine so much because now we are both motivated to clean our house together. My husband has been using and helping me clean our room 200% more folds than ever before with this awesome thing!
Just last week, I used it again, to clear the dust on the ceiling. Believe it or not, this little shorty didn't require any stools or steps to reach the ceilings! AWESOME!
It was smooth and most importantly, it did what it was meant to do, which is to CLEAN!
And here, I am about to share the amount of dirt we picked up just from our bed, our room floor, the living room and the corridor to our parents' room.
I've never imagined so much dirt, even with previous vacuums, I never seen so much although I felt the house was dustier after I was done vacuuming. With this one, it picks up all dust ever imagined and leave our home with clean air. I am serious!
And yes, the above picture was one my husband send in to me - and yes, my husband cleans the house now...
This is one of the bestest anniversary gift we have gotten ourselves.
And oh! We went USS on our actual anniversary. Wanna read about it? I am drafting them all up - it requires so much planning as we were out in USS for almost 12 long hours!! It was so much fun!! And the photos are everywhere, so bear a little while more okay?
For the after sales service review, do read it here.
2yrs on, a post review here.
Until next time,
Wassalam,
Jun
Alhamdulillah, we turned 2 last week. We bought each other the best machine we can get - the Dephin!
We basically bumped into Delphin by accident. We simply dropped by a baby fair at Expo before we head down to a Minion Party one day.. And someone just stopped us and said, "You Singaporean?" Of which I was startled and said a stammering yes. Then he signalled this lady to give us something.
Very drama huh? But it is for real!
"This is free for you, ma'am! One for every Singaporean who come by."
We were lost, really we were. As with every Singaporean we were just happy we got something free for doing nothing. We have no idea what brand station we walked into.
Then she said there will be a cleaning demo done for us - again for free! - at our home, with an option to either clean our bed (mattress) or sofa set. Husband said ok for any Sunday. And we quickly said ok for the next day demo.
We never gave thought about what it was until the next day waiting for the demo to start. We discussed like what we would say if they pushed to sell, and what signals to give if we wanna say no and everything they is to think of.
So 3pm came, and the doorbell rang. A man called Patrick Tan greeting me with a weird name, I corrected him to just call me Jun, and our day became bright. He was so friendly, happy and knowledgeable. He didn't jump straight at us with something to sell. Instead he introduced himself properly, and then proceeded to introduce us to the company. After we warmed up with his presence, he went to work, and said, "So let me start my duty, to clean your mattress, I think we can do your bed in the room."
And we led him in, cleared the bed. While he set up his machine, we chatted more about stuff under the sun. We were ushered to sit in the room as he go through the machine with us, and its feature.
I honestly thought, "ah.. another vacuum machine that is better than the other!" For the next 10 minutes, it was just that.
Then it changed. I thought I was being the lady I am, jumping to buy what seemed good, but I woke myself up, and looked at my husband. I could see he is also impressed. We were basically very impressed with the fact that we left the fan on at its highest speed, and not feel dusty like with other vacuums (first of all, other vacuum demos would usually request us to off the fan during a demo). Patrick saw us switching on the fan, he didn't stop us, instead he thank us as he was feeling warm. It was on oscillation too! No dusty feeling, no stuffiness. Instead I felt like the air seemed cleaner.
He proceeded to show us more. He used his machine at its lowest speed, and he was almost whispering but we could all hear him loud and clear. This machine can be silent, have lower suction power, but still works (it seems). Then he switched it to higher power (it has this volume like dial that can go low power to high power), and it was still not very loud - it was acceptable. I was carrying a baby, and my baby didn't get startled. Neither did my 2-Tee squeak. Amazing point 1.
Then he started showing us the suction power with a cloth filter, after a few swipes, the suction is not as good as the first time. Proven, and agreed. We had Brand X and it did just that! Only works on Day 1 like magic after that it was noise and no work!
This machine doesn't have any additional filter - only its patented L-Lamella, and water. No dust bag, no cloth filter - which equates to minimal maintenance (and low to no cost of maintenance!). And he showed the same thing, swiping double the times as he did previously, and showed us that the suction remained as powerful as the first time because of that filter element.
Now this machine, can also be an air purifier! (Ah! No wonder I felt the air cleaner!) He took out the vacuum cord from the suction hole, added Dettol and you can sanitize the air as it purifies the air it sucks in, add in organic mint and you get aroma therapy as it purifies the air. Amazing Point 2.
Just in time! We were just looking for an air purifier to welcome the next doze of haze and the praying phase of the neighbor downstairs.
Then he switched the floor broom to a power broom, and said, "this is to clean your mattress" He had already shown us the massive dust picked up on our bed using the floor broom... I couldn't believe there's more to pick up.. He plug them in, and placed in on our bed, and with that he said, "A normal vacuum.." then he tilt the handle down... and said, "Now, a power broom!"
We were vibrating! That thing was beating my bed.. Like the old fashioned way of mother/father caning the mattress to clean and sun our mattress!! And believe it or not, he picked so much more stuff off our bed with that thing!! Amazing Point 3!!
After he was done with our bed, he said he would like to do the same for my parents' bed seeing they are of old age.. And we agreed.
But he was getting tired, and so requested for a rest which of course we obligated. We all need to sit down, cool off, rest and really, it is time to decide what to do with this machine! I handed him a glass of ice water and we were all sitting down to know more about this machine!
I was more interested to find out the cost of this machine so I can just quickly find out if it is visible for us to own it. My husband was more into its cleaning service contract. And so Patrick laid out the prices for us to see. Pricey it was! Indeed, very pricey... But putting together an air purifier, an awesome vacuum cleaner, and a dust mite exterminator... that would actually cost more, no? So husband and I looked at each other, as much as we wanted to we cannot afford this machine Patrick showed us.
And so we bluntly told him, we cannot afford so, and told him the max we are willing to go. He sorted things out, and told us they have an older machine, and it cost about half the price he showed us, and asked if we are okay. After much hesitation, and weighing out everything we had to, we agreed, and he went out to check on the availability and got us one machine delivered.
As we finished off all the paperwork, he proceeded to continue with my parents' bed.The water was clear tap water when he start off.. It went really dark after he was done. We were there watching, so he can't be cheating. And he advised us to do our parents' bed every week for the first month before gradually decrease the frequency.
Our machine arrived just as we were finishing with my parents' bed. And Patrick went on to pull out every part of this machine we just owned. Every part of it and where it goes and what it does (even after his intensive demo!).
He then told us to call him up for another round of demo with our own machine to better understand our machine and its capabilities. We haven't arranged an appointment but we have surely used our machine almost right after he left.
I love the machine so much because now we are both motivated to clean our house together. My husband has been using and helping me clean our room 200% more folds than ever before with this awesome thing!
Just last week, I used it again, to clear the dust on the ceiling. Believe it or not, this little shorty didn't require any stools or steps to reach the ceilings! AWESOME!
It was smooth and most importantly, it did what it was meant to do, which is to CLEAN!
And here, I am about to share the amount of dirt we picked up just from our bed, our room floor, the living room and the corridor to our parents' room.
And yes, the above picture was one my husband send in to me - and yes, my husband cleans the house now...
This is one of the bestest anniversary gift we have gotten ourselves.
And oh! We went USS on our actual anniversary. Wanna read about it? I am drafting them all up - it requires so much planning as we were out in USS for almost 12 long hours!! It was so much fun!! And the photos are everywhere, so bear a little while more okay?
For the after sales service review, do read it here.
2yrs on, a post review here.
Until next time,
Wassalam,
Jun
Friday, December 26, 2014
Happy Boxing Day!
Assalamu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog!!
Welcome back! And happy Boxing Day! You know I always miss working with Arup whenever it is Christmas Season, the gift exchange, the long compulsary holiday (leave).. A good way to end the year and to welcome the new one..
But as with many things in life, you gotta give to receive. So I had that part of good thing removed from me, but I have many more bad things removed as well, so as to welcome more good things in life.
Anyways, today.... I just feel like reflecting on many life lessons of 2014.. with just 5days of it remaining to continue teaching me...
As with every year, I sometimes forget all the good (along with the bad) things that had happened and find myself digging through my blog archieve to relive those moments so I learn what I need to (And this by the way is why I blog my life - because I forget too easily).
2) Appeared on TV - Suria (Can you guys remember which show and what I did?)
2) Started babysitting Baby M on weekends
2) First Korban at Muar with husband
2) My first viral post "The Shame Game" is crawling really close to 6000 views!
2) Our anniversary well spent at USS (it is was our first time spending the whole day (more than 10hrs) at USS, enjoying 90% of all the rides!
2) To earn and be appreciated to write my opinion and reviews honestly.
3) To be pregnant, to feel labour and be the mother to my husband's children.
4) Remain debt free
5) Travel with my family (parents included) again.
6) Remain happy as much as possible.
7) Maintain friendship with girlfriends.
I pray everyday for #3. I come to realize and accept that perhaps it is not time yet, and the fact that we probably just not quite ready yet (no matter how ready we actually felt we are). InsyaAllah, if it is meant to be, I will be... And if we are not, I can always mother other children...
Afterall I've only been debt free for 2years... perhaps now I have to strike rich on my savings, then perhaps, baby dust will start falling all over me... Maybe maybe...
I am never giving up.. But pls don't ask when my turn is... For we have been yearning for that time every second of everyday... it hurts... It really does..
Wassalam,
Jun
Welcome back! And happy Boxing Day! You know I always miss working with Arup whenever it is Christmas Season, the gift exchange, the long compulsary holiday (leave).. A good way to end the year and to welcome the new one..
But as with many things in life, you gotta give to receive. So I had that part of good thing removed from me, but I have many more bad things removed as well, so as to welcome more good things in life.
Anyways, today.... I just feel like reflecting on many life lessons of 2014.. with just 5days of it remaining to continue teaching me...
As with every year, I sometimes forget all the good (along with the bad) things that had happened and find myself digging through my blog archieve to relive those moments so I learn what I need to (And this by the way is why I blog my life - because I forget too easily).
2014 Highlights of Jun's LIFE
January
1) Did a polaroid photobooth for a friend's wedding (So tiring, and apparently the last we ever did a photobooth)2) Appeared on TV - Suria (Can you guys remember which show and what I did?)
February
1) My first proper write up had over 400 views - "Say No to Bridezilla", the follow up "More about planning a wedding" fell short with just over 100 viewsMarch
1) We became sponsors but to an event I don't feel like mentioning ever again...April
1) We did product photography and had soooo much fun! Love the service of Abg Mail from Vision Original Production!June
1) I got chicken pox a second time!2) Started babysitting Baby M on weekends
Oct
1) First Vacation with my parents and BFF to Port Dickson2) First Korban at Muar with husband
Nov
1) Birthdays - as usual2) My first viral post "The Shame Game" is crawling really close to 6000 views!
Dec
1) More reviews and debatable posts to creep behind my first viral post.2) Our anniversary well spent at USS (it is was our first time spending the whole day (more than 10hrs) at USS, enjoying 90% of all the rides!
My new year resolution
1) To write better, and have my post go viral hitting over 10000 views.2) To earn and be appreciated to write my opinion and reviews honestly.
3) To be pregnant, to feel labour and be the mother to my husband's children.
4) Remain debt free
5) Travel with my family (parents included) again.
6) Remain happy as much as possible.
7) Maintain friendship with girlfriends.
I pray everyday for #3. I come to realize and accept that perhaps it is not time yet, and the fact that we probably just not quite ready yet (no matter how ready we actually felt we are). InsyaAllah, if it is meant to be, I will be... And if we are not, I can always mother other children...
Afterall I've only been debt free for 2years... perhaps now I have to strike rich on my savings, then perhaps, baby dust will start falling all over me... Maybe maybe...
I am never giving up.. But pls don't ask when my turn is... For we have been yearning for that time every second of everyday... it hurts... It really does..
Wassalam,
Jun
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Mother knows and always wants the best
Assalammualaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
It was to my delight that the post, The Shame Game , had received over 5000 views and was shared multiple times via FB. So much that I started hopping from status to status to see what they like about it the most.
One of the first few that caught my attention was from W. Of which she shared with this words, "Dear Husband, read this up from this lady Jun bout parenting..hehe..i agreed so much with all that she commented about and can relate to it.And we discuss this yest too kan bout d girls sleeping on their own.Definitely there will come a time that they themselves are more than ready to sleep on their own n by d time that moment came,u know i will be one sad emo Mummy coz d girls dah grown up..aargh.."
I know that feeling alright. When your little ones just decide not to sleep with you anymore.. Oh an emotional turmoil it will be, for sure!
But AZ's shared status caught my attention the most for she shared her struggles handling 2 pairs of twins (yes two pairs of two = 4!) and she garnered so many positive comments from many awesome mothers sharing their struggles.
I had to comment along for this deserves a follow-up blog post!
So here I am, and here's AZ's status:
I feel her. I really do. Breastfeeding is not something that every single mother is gifted to do. Some sacrifice easy, some don't. What remains the same is the fact that no mother ever want to give her second best to her children, she only wants the best.. But sometimes, it is not of choice.
And trust me, when you get stressed up, you will end up stressing baby up... And a stressed baby is not going to be fun. My mother always tells my sisters or anyone who is breastfeeding, to calm down first especially if they are tired and baby wont stop crying, she would console the mother first then hold the baby. She always said to the mothers, "Calm down, think of good things, recite dua, or zikir... Breathe, smile then try feed."
It usually works, and when mothers couldn't calm down, my mother always says it is okay, make some formula, and let me feed baby. (Often because my mother is the calmer one).
And when mothers come midway, saying they have calmed down and ready to feed, she let them. My mother may not be educated, but these kindda things, only mothers understood. She must have faced similar hard times, just without support she needed, so she offered hers when she could.
I know her struggles because I learn to listen to her, I hear her struggles to give us the best. Back then, she wasn't allowed to sleep when baby sleeps in the day. So imagine that.. almost 24hrs of no sleep. Yet, she never complained. And when she became a grandmother, she took care of both her daughter and grandchild. Allowing both to rest, while she do most of the work. Such sacrifices, only MOTHERS will understand.
Formulas may not be as good as breast milk, but it better than no milk at all, no? What? You gonna leave baby hungry until your breast produce milk? No right? Even back in the old days, I think mothers would find alternatives, seeking other mothers to breastfeed her child, or milk the cow or goat. Is it bad? No, I don't think so. Mothers wants the best, even if she can't, she would still die trying so her child gets the best there is.
And as I browsed down AZ's friends who left a comment, I discovered many other issues that mothers themselves shaming other mothers..
One of which was V-birth or C-sect. Oh come on, mothers... Then it was medicated labour or non-medicated labour... Oh, seriously...
I mean really... Which ever way the child is delivered, you think the pain and trouble is any lesser? And that a mother is less of a mother if she cannot go all natural? Really? Then I think many awesome mothers won't come to exist because then all mothers might end up dead.. Seriously people...
Tell me you are joking, and I'd tell you IT IS NOT FUNNY!
Let's be practical, enduring pain is energy draining. NOT all MOTHERS have very high tolerance to pain, and if she tried her best and is about to pass out, oh pls let her have the epidural if she wish. And if a mother says she is okay, (even when she is dying trying to give life to this little baby inside her), then trust her.
You see, there is no right or wrong way to parenting. Every baby is different, every child grows differently, every mother think differently. Listen to your own self, your own baby, and insyaAllah... You'll be doing fine.
HE knows best. Trust HIM.
Here are all the comments AZ received. I love all of the comments, and salute all you awesome mothers...
You see, moms.... you are never alone... Real mothers won't shame another, we support each other..
With this, I wish all mothers best of health and may your conscience always remain clear, for you know what? Mothers knows best.
You are seriously, the best mother your children deserve.
I would have written more, but my time is limited (as always when the week is short!).
So until next time,
Wassalam,
Jun
PS: If you would like me to open another discussion that is beneficial to all moms, pls do drop me a comment below or email me at junaidah_myusof@yahoo.com
It was to my delight that the post, The Shame Game , had received over 5000 views and was shared multiple times via FB. So much that I started hopping from status to status to see what they like about it the most.
One of the first few that caught my attention was from W. Of which she shared with this words, "Dear Husband, read this up from this lady Jun bout parenting..hehe..i agreed so much with all that she commented about and can relate to it.And we discuss this yest too kan bout d girls sleeping on their own.Definitely there will come a time that they themselves are more than ready to sleep on their own n by d time that moment came,u know i will be one sad emo Mummy coz d girls dah grown up..aargh.."
I know that feeling alright. When your little ones just decide not to sleep with you anymore.. Oh an emotional turmoil it will be, for sure!
But AZ's shared status caught my attention the most for she shared her struggles handling 2 pairs of twins (yes two pairs of two = 4!) and she garnered so many positive comments from many awesome mothers sharing their struggles.
I had to comment along for this deserves a follow-up blog post!
So here I am, and here's AZ's status:
I feel her. I really do. Breastfeeding is not something that every single mother is gifted to do. Some sacrifice easy, some don't. What remains the same is the fact that no mother ever want to give her second best to her children, she only wants the best.. But sometimes, it is not of choice.
And trust me, when you get stressed up, you will end up stressing baby up... And a stressed baby is not going to be fun. My mother always tells my sisters or anyone who is breastfeeding, to calm down first especially if they are tired and baby wont stop crying, she would console the mother first then hold the baby. She always said to the mothers, "Calm down, think of good things, recite dua, or zikir... Breathe, smile then try feed."
It usually works, and when mothers couldn't calm down, my mother always says it is okay, make some formula, and let me feed baby. (Often because my mother is the calmer one).
And when mothers come midway, saying they have calmed down and ready to feed, she let them. My mother may not be educated, but these kindda things, only mothers understood. She must have faced similar hard times, just without support she needed, so she offered hers when she could.
I know her struggles because I learn to listen to her, I hear her struggles to give us the best. Back then, she wasn't allowed to sleep when baby sleeps in the day. So imagine that.. almost 24hrs of no sleep. Yet, she never complained. And when she became a grandmother, she took care of both her daughter and grandchild. Allowing both to rest, while she do most of the work. Such sacrifices, only MOTHERS will understand.
Formulas may not be as good as breast milk, but it better than no milk at all, no? What? You gonna leave baby hungry until your breast produce milk? No right? Even back in the old days, I think mothers would find alternatives, seeking other mothers to breastfeed her child, or milk the cow or goat. Is it bad? No, I don't think so. Mothers wants the best, even if she can't, she would still die trying so her child gets the best there is.
And as I browsed down AZ's friends who left a comment, I discovered many other issues that mothers themselves shaming other mothers..
One of which was V-birth or C-sect. Oh come on, mothers... Then it was medicated labour or non-medicated labour... Oh, seriously...
I mean really... Which ever way the child is delivered, you think the pain and trouble is any lesser? And that a mother is less of a mother if she cannot go all natural? Really? Then I think many awesome mothers won't come to exist because then all mothers might end up dead.. Seriously people...
Tell me you are joking, and I'd tell you IT IS NOT FUNNY!
Let's be practical, enduring pain is energy draining. NOT all MOTHERS have very high tolerance to pain, and if she tried her best and is about to pass out, oh pls let her have the epidural if she wish. And if a mother says she is okay, (even when she is dying trying to give life to this little baby inside her), then trust her.
You see, there is no right or wrong way to parenting. Every baby is different, every child grows differently, every mother think differently. Listen to your own self, your own baby, and insyaAllah... You'll be doing fine.
HE knows best. Trust HIM.
Here are all the comments AZ received. I love all of the comments, and salute all you awesome mothers...
With this, I wish all mothers best of health and may your conscience always remain clear, for you know what? Mothers knows best.
You are seriously, the best mother your children deserve.
I would have written more, but my time is limited (as always when the week is short!).
So until next time,
Wassalam,
Jun
PS: If you would like me to open another discussion that is beneficial to all moms, pls do drop me a comment below or email me at junaidah_myusof@yahoo.com
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Baby M's first concert
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
Alhamdulillah, we had a fabulous weekend shopping for next week's Minion Party, I went a lil over buying Baby M a yellow top, overall dungaree, and even boots to complete the minion look. And I had my yellow top, overall dungaree skirt, and just need a black pants to complete the look. Whilst husband just had his yellow polo, he'll pair it up with his jeans.
Men aren't so hyped up about dressing up eh, but him wanting to be part of the party and wearing yellow, is so much appreciated. And for that I love my husband a tad more. ;)
Alhamdulillah, we had a fabulous weekend shopping for next week's Minion Party, I went a lil over buying Baby M a yellow top, overall dungaree, and even boots to complete the minion look. And I had my yellow top, overall dungaree skirt, and just need a black pants to complete the look. Whilst husband just had his yellow polo, he'll pair it up with his jeans.
Men aren't so hyped up about dressing up eh, but him wanting to be part of the party and wearing yellow, is so much appreciated. And for that I love my husband a tad more. ;)
Oh, back to Baby M's first concert... Well,we didn't quite plan to bring her to a concert this young. However, luck was on us when, we entered a Starhub contest to win tickets to watch Hi-5 with intentions to bring her along should we win the contest.
And so we won! 4 VIP tickets to Hi-5 concert. I had to browse a few youtube videos of Hi-5 because it has been forever since I watched them, the last I watched it was still the original first five crews, with Steve Harding, Nathan, Kellie, Charlie and Cathlyn!
I was beaming when I saw these four tickets finally in my hands.. Four fantastic VIP tickets, people!! Sitting in the second row from the front right smack in the centre!! How awesome!!
This is just my second concert (The fist being Michael Flatley's Lord of The Dance in May 2005!).
This is just my second concert (The fist being Michael Flatley's Lord of The Dance in May 2005!).
So excuse my excitement!
So I started planning and packing what Baby M needs, and her backpack weighs a good 3kg, I think. Her milk, her food, her extra clothes (just in case), diapers... We didn't bring along a stroller, so we had our Ibelibaby hip carrier, amazing, I can walk forever with them and baby. It doesnt strain my shoulders, as most of the weight is transferred to my hips.
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| The 4 VIP tickets to Hi-5 Concert! |
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| And yes! We get to Meet and Greet the crew too!! |
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| The view from our seat.. Oh the show's about to start!! |
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| Before everyone else start filling up we were busy keeping our phones silent and keeping children occupied and ready. |
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| Even husband is excited for this concert! |
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| And yes, Baby M managed her sleep while the show was ongoing and woke up a few songs after the 20minute break. |
The crew were amazingly friendly and very warm! A moment I will never forget, getting myself stand next to Tanika Andersons, and well greeted by Mary Lascaris. And Baby M is just mermerized by Dayen Zheng's beauty or maybe just her blonde hair. You can see that in the photo below, taken by the official photographer for the Hi-5 concert.
Overall we truly enjoyed the concert, I think I enjoyed it more than Baby M singing along with the actions and all. LOL!
It was FUN! And if time and finances allow, we will be bringing Baby M to many more concerts in future!
Were you there too? What's your thoughts?
I hope you had a great weekend and a greater week ahead!
Wassalam,
Jun
Friday, December 12, 2014
Mommy vs Commuter
Assalammualaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog!
Once again, we are here.. With the weekend here.. I guess it is apt enough for me to write about the pet peeves when travelling on public with baby, stroller, and lots more in hand.
Here we go... Ready or not....
Well, okay, let's be nice and put a scenario running shall we?
So as always, I fetched Baby M at the platform, sometimes on NEL, sometimes on CCL. And with all babies, we had a stroller, diaper bag (which easily fetch ard 3kg) and everything necessary. All nice and pretty, we set out to get ourselves home. Having had to change between NEL to CCL to EW line, of course we always had to take the elevator, and during peak hours, we always have to swim along with thousand others who are rushing home from work or wherever they are coming from. And here are the kindda people we always bump into.
Move aside (yeah, just a baby step, that's it!) OH yes.. one little baby step, oh yeah, that'll do.
And then "OUCH!" scream one "blind/deaf" commuter, and I was surprised! "Oh now you can see me!" Well sorry!
As with other babies, sometimes Baby M has her wailing days, where she just feel like bursting out of the blue, often because I was a tad late in giving her what she wanted -snacks maybe or just water.
And then, there's this bunch who sometimes come at you like "oh why baby cry?" "so kesian" "maybe she want to be carried"
Oh ya that last statement.. Hmm ok, if I do choose to carry her, would you be giving me space? Would everyone be happy if the train jerks and I lost my balance and along with baby, I go tumbling down? Would you like that?
Look, I am alone. And baby in pram is the safest place a baby can be. The pram brakes works well, and if it is sliding, I can stretch my hands across to hold it with another hand holding the railing, and baby will still be safely secured in her pram. So, I don't mind a crying baby in the pram as long as she is not bleeding, not in pain, and just in need of some entertainment, and entertaining her would be my job. If you'd like to help, make a funny face.
And keep your hands off baby please. Baby touching you doesn't give you rights to hold/touch her especially not her face. (NOT that I have experience these touchy ones, but I've seen other babies get that a lot. Maybe because Baby M mostly touches men, and men always refrain from touching babies for some reason)
The worst of any kind. If you had read my previous post about the people who moved just an inch to make way for the double stroller, you'd get me.
The elevator is actually meant for the handicapped, the wheel-bounded, the unwell or someone who had their hands too full. I understand you taking the lift if you have both your hands occupied with paperbags, I understand when you have a toddler holding onto your shirt, and another in the back pocket and carrying a baby. I understand if you'r pregnant, and I understand if you were in a corner holding on to the railing (must be light-headed). And definitely get it if you're with a stroller or wheelchair or the motorized handicap "bike"or if you're with an elderly.
What I don't get it is those who are empty handed, young, happy, smiley, and they occupy the elevator like it is full even if it is just the two of them. And these very people can actually have the patience to wait 10 minutes for the elevator. Wouldn't the escalator be faster for you guys? 10 minutes can get you 2 storeys without ever waiting!
And mind you! These very people would actually rush in the elevator even when there are 5 mommies with strollers side by side with them. Shouldn't they give way to us? I mean you have the option to take the escalator! We don't! I mean we can, but it'd be dangerous - plus require more work holding on to the weight.
Like with the "blind" commuter, these people are pretty much the same. I dunno how their brain works but apparently, a stroller can and will fit just by moving a small baby inch step to the side.
And like the "blind" commuter, their sight comes to life when their toes got rolled over by our mighty pram wheels.
If you noticed, fellow moms would make way for another pram so they can fit in, but not the empty handed healthy person next to her.
Speaking of toilets, I so hate malls or any place that doesn't have a special mom and baby toilet. I had only been to one with has a baby "holder" so mom can go at peace. For some reason, I forgot where this place is... But it has two adult toilet bowls, a huge vanity area, baby "holder", and a nappy change pad/table. The place is huge, and can possibly fit two moms and their children (with strollers) without feeling cramped up. And it is really clean too!
So, what's your pet peeves when travelling on public with baby (and stroller)?
Next up : Baby M"s first Concert!
Meanwhile, have a happy great WEEKEND!
Wassalam,
Jun
Once again, we are here.. With the weekend here.. I guess it is apt enough for me to write about the pet peeves when travelling on public with baby, stroller, and lots more in hand.
Here we go... Ready or not....
Well, okay, let's be nice and put a scenario running shall we?
So as always, I fetched Baby M at the platform, sometimes on NEL, sometimes on CCL. And with all babies, we had a stroller, diaper bag (which easily fetch ard 3kg) and everything necessary. All nice and pretty, we set out to get ourselves home. Having had to change between NEL to CCL to EW line, of course we always had to take the elevator, and during peak hours, we always have to swim along with thousand others who are rushing home from work or wherever they are coming from. And here are the kindda people we always bump into.
"Blind" Commuters
These ones can be "deaf" too. We are entering the train right, so they are people standing near the door, be it the elevator door or the train door. And so I said, "Excuse me!!" And these people well they either don't see you or underestimate the size of our stroller. So I said, "Move aside please"Move aside (yeah, just a baby step, that's it!) OH yes.. one little baby step, oh yeah, that'll do.
And then "OUCH!" scream one "blind/deaf" commuter, and I was surprised! "Oh now you can see me!" Well sorry!
Overly concerned Commuters
As with other babies, sometimes Baby M has her wailing days, where she just feel like bursting out of the blue, often because I was a tad late in giving her what she wanted -snacks maybe or just water.
And then, there's this bunch who sometimes come at you like "oh why baby cry?" "so kesian" "maybe she want to be carried"
Oh ya that last statement.. Hmm ok, if I do choose to carry her, would you be giving me space? Would everyone be happy if the train jerks and I lost my balance and along with baby, I go tumbling down? Would you like that?
Look, I am alone. And baby in pram is the safest place a baby can be. The pram brakes works well, and if it is sliding, I can stretch my hands across to hold it with another hand holding the railing, and baby will still be safely secured in her pram. So, I don't mind a crying baby in the pram as long as she is not bleeding, not in pain, and just in need of some entertainment, and entertaining her would be my job. If you'd like to help, make a funny face.
And keep your hands off baby please. Baby touching you doesn't give you rights to hold/touch her especially not her face. (NOT that I have experience these touchy ones, but I've seen other babies get that a lot. Maybe because Baby M mostly touches men, and men always refrain from touching babies for some reason)
"Handicapped" and in dire need to use the elevator
The worst of any kind. If you had read my previous post about the people who moved just an inch to make way for the double stroller, you'd get me.
The elevator is actually meant for the handicapped, the wheel-bounded, the unwell or someone who had their hands too full. I understand you taking the lift if you have both your hands occupied with paperbags, I understand when you have a toddler holding onto your shirt, and another in the back pocket and carrying a baby. I understand if you'r pregnant, and I understand if you were in a corner holding on to the railing (must be light-headed). And definitely get it if you're with a stroller or wheelchair or the motorized handicap "bike"or if you're with an elderly.
What I don't get it is those who are empty handed, young, happy, smiley, and they occupy the elevator like it is full even if it is just the two of them. And these very people can actually have the patience to wait 10 minutes for the elevator. Wouldn't the escalator be faster for you guys? 10 minutes can get you 2 storeys without ever waiting!
And mind you! These very people would actually rush in the elevator even when there are 5 mommies with strollers side by side with them. Shouldn't they give way to us? I mean you have the option to take the escalator! We don't! I mean we can, but it'd be dangerous - plus require more work holding on to the weight.
Like with the "blind" commuter, these people are pretty much the same. I dunno how their brain works but apparently, a stroller can and will fit just by moving a small baby inch step to the side.
And like the "blind" commuter, their sight comes to life when their toes got rolled over by our mighty pram wheels.
If you noticed, fellow moms would make way for another pram so they can fit in, but not the empty handed healthy person next to her.
Toilets
I seriously hope SMRT would look at making a make-shift nursing/diaper change room at their platforms, it is really not nice changing diapers while others stare at you for embarrassing your baby, with fingers on nose sort of face. Actually a cushioned seat with curtain to go around would do good already. no need for water or anything (maybe wet tissues would be nice) but just something so we can change diapers in discreet.
Speaking of toilets, I so hate malls or any place that doesn't have a special mom and baby toilet. I had only been to one with has a baby "holder" so mom can go at peace. For some reason, I forgot where this place is... But it has two adult toilet bowls, a huge vanity area, baby "holder", and a nappy change pad/table. The place is huge, and can possibly fit two moms and their children (with strollers) without feeling cramped up. And it is really clean too!
So, what's your pet peeves when travelling on public with baby (and stroller)?
Next up : Baby M"s first Concert!
Meanwhile, have a happy great WEEKEND!
Wassalam,
Jun
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Strollers, strollers, strollers!
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog!
Over the past 6months, or to be precise 16 weekends, I have personally test driven 6 strollers (probably more) but I significantly remember these few namely : Seebaby, Capella, Combi, Quinny Buzz, Brittax Double Stroller and Gelite Ace.
All 6 probably has all different pros and cons and possibly to used to different situations to heighten their pros.
Let's start with...
Very lightweight, easy close, easy open. Pretty sturdy.. BUT it cannot recline 180°. SO, in other words, it is great for toddlers who can sit on their own, preferably if they are stable enough to stand actually. STILL, it is not really that good for sleeping little ones, it couldn't recline, so those little ones who tend to soften their muscles when they sleep (which is actually 99% of all babies! hah!), this isn't for them, my Baby M always always slide down right till she can't anymore and it doesn't look comfortable at all, of which Baby M often confirms by squirming and crying after 5-10minutes of dozing off.
Next..
This is awesome, it can recline to 180° which makes it usable right from newborn (with newborn inserts) up till toddlers (I forgot the max weight, maybe 20kg). The huge canopy which can pretty much cover baby up is also something I like, however, it doesnt work with Baby M, she'd swing her arms and open the canopy the moment to try to bring it down so the sun doesn't get to her. LOL!
Another favorite thing is that the handles can turn so baby faces you. Very good when baby is asleep, or when baby gets too wary of the overwhelming surrounding. BUT, I pretty much move everywhere I didnt want to go with its handles reversed. Maybe just the need to lock some wheels or some sort.
I like the easy close easy open, PLUS it can close to an even smaller one - but I struggled trying. It is less sturdy though, I often feel like I'd break it to pieces if I try to pivot it on its back wheels. Well it didn't la, so it is sturdy just maybe feel shaky to me - which makes it transform into a rocking chair when baby sleeps. ;)
Awesome if you need to travel on bus because you can close it and has a sling strap to carry by the shoulders.
Next...
This is my favorite. I can close and open this one with baby in my arms without much struggle. It is really easy! And.. it has almost everything that is on Capella, except it can't close a second time (to a smaller piece), and no sling strap to carry by the shoulders.
However, this one I can pretty much handle with just one hand, and carry both stroller and baby without having one of them slipping off my hands.
Next...
Oh I love this... Especially useful when commuters are just too blind to see me with baby strollers and baby bag, and many other things that I have in hand because oh they feel the pain when I roll over their toes, and then just flash a baby and a smile "ooppss... sorry..!!" while my heart whispers "I said Excuse me, you chose not to hear, and so ooopppsss... sorry I did it on purpose!"
And this is also a great stroller if you had to go over the grass, sand and whatever hurdles you may face at the park. it is such a breeze rolling over the water pipes, and the bumbs and kerbs. The huge wheels make it almost impossible to trip or topple over.
The only downside is it is BULKY. So this I will buy only if my house is walkable to anywhere and everywhere without the need to close the stroller at any point. And if I have a room just for strollers.
Although it has a travel system where I can use my car seat, it doesnt really work for Baby M because she felt like we didn't get out of the car. AND if you haven't know yet, well.. Baby M HATES the car rides. She'd cry and fuss. The longest we got her occupied in the car ride was 45minutes.
I also love how the brakes work, step on one side it brakes, step on the other it releases. Cool eh..
Next...
I only got like less than an hour dealing with this. BUT it seems awesome if you have a baby and a toddler, or two toddlers. Again, with strollers this big, I still don't see how commuters can't see us. I was holding the lift for my friend who is pushing this with her two kids in them. The lift wasnt exactly full, BUT the three guys basically just moved one baby step when they see her. I was like "Hey, you think we can fit after you move such a small baby step?" I felt like snatching the stroller and pushed it on their open toes.. BUT my friend was too nice for me to do that PLUS I don't want her children to see me get all fired up. (Chey!)
And yes, I often thought the one sitting under would freak out, but it is actually pretty ok, well we cheated, her son was not buckled (only because we know it is a smooth ride, AND we were in a shopping mall, walking pretty much slowly. Her son seeemed to be having a good time standing and almost climbing out to see where we are going, and he didnt fall out or anything like that. His sister was sleeping so comfortably "upstairs".
And finally...
This one wins me because of their roomy huge basket/bag underneath. I can almost pack a whole drawer in that space! This one pretty much is like the Quinny Buzz, The seat can face inwards, outwards, recline fully to sitting upright, it does it all. PLUS it has 4 wheels, two huge ones at the back and two moderately sized ones at the front. easy to lock, and the brakes at the handle, so no fuss in trying to step on the paddles at the wheels somewhere especially when it is a crowded space with no room to bend over or what-so-ever. Canopy is huge and so loved.
And as with the Quinny, this one is bulky and doesn't stand upright when closed. So space was just a sensitive issue. We made it stand anyway, with it resting on our bed on one side. I wished it closes standing, then we can talk space for a bit.
This one is like a transformer, which pretty much wins my heart, because i can close it, switch the seat to the other way, and make it a rocker, i can recline its front wheel and make it like a toddler chair. Probably all I need ever, just the space issue, but I guess when it is so functional and versatile, we can always talk eh..
The other downside is this won't allow me taxi rides unless I have company so someone can hold baby while I detach the seat close the pram, and arrange it to fit the bonnet. BUT definitely one I'd look for if I'm out for a long long walk around without the need to take the bus or taxi.
At the end of the day, in Singapore, you would probably really need two prams, one which is truly lightweight, easy to operate and small for those travels by the bus and taxi and one huge one for the long walk/mrt rides, ready to face "war".
MOM vs Commuters.
Pet Peeves coming up in next entry next week.
For now, this is it. Do share your favorite stroller stories too ya!
Wassalam,
Jun
Over the past 6months, or to be precise 16 weekends, I have personally test driven 6 strollers (probably more) but I significantly remember these few namely : Seebaby, Capella, Combi, Quinny Buzz, Brittax Double Stroller and Gelite Ace.
All 6 probably has all different pros and cons and possibly to used to different situations to heighten their pros.
Let's start with...
Seebaby
Next..
Capella
This is awesome, it can recline to 180° which makes it usable right from newborn (with newborn inserts) up till toddlers (I forgot the max weight, maybe 20kg). The huge canopy which can pretty much cover baby up is also something I like, however, it doesnt work with Baby M, she'd swing her arms and open the canopy the moment to try to bring it down so the sun doesn't get to her. LOL!
Another favorite thing is that the handles can turn so baby faces you. Very good when baby is asleep, or when baby gets too wary of the overwhelming surrounding. BUT, I pretty much move everywhere I didnt want to go with its handles reversed. Maybe just the need to lock some wheels or some sort.
I like the easy close easy open, PLUS it can close to an even smaller one - but I struggled trying. It is less sturdy though, I often feel like I'd break it to pieces if I try to pivot it on its back wheels. Well it didn't la, so it is sturdy just maybe feel shaky to me - which makes it transform into a rocking chair when baby sleeps. ;)
Awesome if you need to travel on bus because you can close it and has a sling strap to carry by the shoulders.
Next...
Combi
However, this one I can pretty much handle with just one hand, and carry both stroller and baby without having one of them slipping off my hands.
Next...
Quinny Buzz
Oh I love this... Especially useful when commuters are just too blind to see me with baby strollers and baby bag, and many other things that I have in hand because oh they feel the pain when I roll over their toes, and then just flash a baby and a smile "ooppss... sorry..!!" while my heart whispers "I said Excuse me, you chose not to hear, and so ooopppsss... sorry I did it on purpose!"
And this is also a great stroller if you had to go over the grass, sand and whatever hurdles you may face at the park. it is such a breeze rolling over the water pipes, and the bumbs and kerbs. The huge wheels make it almost impossible to trip or topple over.
The only downside is it is BULKY. So this I will buy only if my house is walkable to anywhere and everywhere without the need to close the stroller at any point. And if I have a room just for strollers.
Although it has a travel system where I can use my car seat, it doesnt really work for Baby M because she felt like we didn't get out of the car. AND if you haven't know yet, well.. Baby M HATES the car rides. She'd cry and fuss. The longest we got her occupied in the car ride was 45minutes.
I also love how the brakes work, step on one side it brakes, step on the other it releases. Cool eh..
Next...
Brittax Double Stroller
And yes, I often thought the one sitting under would freak out, but it is actually pretty ok, well we cheated, her son was not buckled (only because we know it is a smooth ride, AND we were in a shopping mall, walking pretty much slowly. Her son seeemed to be having a good time standing and almost climbing out to see where we are going, and he didnt fall out or anything like that. His sister was sleeping so comfortably "upstairs".
And finally...
Gelite Ace
This one wins me because of their roomy huge basket/bag underneath. I can almost pack a whole drawer in that space! This one pretty much is like the Quinny Buzz, The seat can face inwards, outwards, recline fully to sitting upright, it does it all. PLUS it has 4 wheels, two huge ones at the back and two moderately sized ones at the front. easy to lock, and the brakes at the handle, so no fuss in trying to step on the paddles at the wheels somewhere especially when it is a crowded space with no room to bend over or what-so-ever. Canopy is huge and so loved.
And as with the Quinny, this one is bulky and doesn't stand upright when closed. So space was just a sensitive issue. We made it stand anyway, with it resting on our bed on one side. I wished it closes standing, then we can talk space for a bit.
This one is like a transformer, which pretty much wins my heart, because i can close it, switch the seat to the other way, and make it a rocker, i can recline its front wheel and make it like a toddler chair. Probably all I need ever, just the space issue, but I guess when it is so functional and versatile, we can always talk eh..
The other downside is this won't allow me taxi rides unless I have company so someone can hold baby while I detach the seat close the pram, and arrange it to fit the bonnet. BUT definitely one I'd look for if I'm out for a long long walk around without the need to take the bus or taxi.
At the end of the day, in Singapore, you would probably really need two prams, one which is truly lightweight, easy to operate and small for those travels by the bus and taxi and one huge one for the long walk/mrt rides, ready to face "war".
MOM vs Commuters.
Pet Peeves coming up in next entry next week.
For now, this is it. Do share your favorite stroller stories too ya!
Wassalam,
Jun
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Celebrating 20years of Friendship
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog..
Some people just misuse and award the BBF title away too quickly, which resulted in easy breakage of such relationship. Thing is, having a BBF doesnt mean you own them. Heck, even being married doesnt mean you own your spouse. They are still individuals, who have their own minds. Respect them when they want to be alone, or if they want to confide in someone else. You see, when you have a BFF, that friendship is almost unbreakable, even when you don't meet for 5yrs, it doesnt deteriorate, and doesn't make the friendship any less valuable, instead, it makes our friendship better, we don't judge, we don't assume. We just simply resume our friendship by catching up. I have a BFF, almost 20yrs now, we don't meet everyday, we don't tell each other every little detail of our lifes, we don't hang on the phone for hours at any one time, but we still know that we will be there for each other. We still love, no matter how much lesser time we have for each other. We just knew that we are together, we get real opinions of the real situation, we get slapped if we needed it, and we get a hug when everyone has their back on us. That's what friendship is all about.
I never knew I would have a BFF... But this is my story.. our story.. of two of us... a bestfriend in secrecy, and in public... And I share it today because....
I never knew I would have a BFF... But this is my story.. our story.. of two of us... a bestfriend in secrecy, and in public... And I share it today because....
Today, marks my bestfriend's birthday, and next week we will be celebrating 2 decades of our precious friendship. Time to rewind back to 1995....
I was tranferred from South View Primary to Clementi Town Primary at that time. So I was new whilst everyone else had already had friends from last year's class.. And this girl, was the first one to say hi to me. It was brief, but it made me feel at ease and more welcomed.
She was bigger sized than me and had a big wide smile and had her hair tied in two ponytails with ribbons on them. And she still is that cute, fond, caring and friendly little girl I used to know.
We never really was THAT close in school, but I knew this friendship is going to long way and will be very different. I wasn't wrong on that one. We meet every morning to walk to school together, then go on our separate ways once we step in school - I dunno why.. But that was what it was everyday for us.
We had people talking ill of our friendship, we ended up not talking for some time, but when we bump into each other again, we instantly forget and make fresh of our friendship, picking up from where we left.
I knew, she is going to be there for me, not caring what others speak of me, and I felt the same way for her. Whatever people say to me about her makes no sense, and 99% of the time I'd just end up asking her to her face, and laugh about it.
In 1997,
Then we went to separate secondary school, like every teen, we got busy with our new friends, our new school, our new everything. We probably didn't meet until we were almost done with our O levels. Maybe met by chance a few times every now and then but we didn't really stop to really catch up through our teenage years.
However, that distance never allowed us to forget each other, at the back of our mind, we always had each other. And when we meet, we just never failed to picked up from where we left.
However, that distance never allowed us to forget each other, at the back of our mind, we always had each other. And when we meet, we just never failed to picked up from where we left.
In 2000,
So secondary school life was over, and I got into poly. I had no idea what happened to her, except the fact that she is retaking her Os or doing something private.
We were pretty distant by this time - I think. We only meet in the bus, chatted awhile, catch up awhile then resume our new school, new friends thing all over again.
We were pretty distant by this time - I think. We only meet in the bus, chatted awhile, catch up awhile then resume our new school, new friends thing all over again.
Somehow, we keep catching each other through many years.. We probably didnt meet for like 4-5 years at one time, but it didn't make us forget our friendship, we never could forget each other.
Probably in 2008... plus minus.. anyways...
One day, we just made time, and we sat by the shore, watch the sea hit the rocks, and lay back to watch the stars.. It became our routine... Every other night, or at least once a week, we meet up to watch the stars. On some night, we didnt speak a word... Yet, we left for home feeling so much better. On some days, we couldn't stop talking.
You know such friendship is too precious, and it became kind of unbreakable. We gave each other so much space, that it didn't became any kind of burden or by any obligation to meet up and spend time. It became something more like we meet because we want to, because our hearts says it's time to meet. And if one of us couldn't make it we didnt question why, we respect it. And even if a second later, we found out we ended up meeting someone else, we never find it a need for any kind of explanation. We loved and still will love each other so much that there is no room for any arguments.
You know such friendship is too precious, and it became kind of unbreakable. We gave each other so much space, that it didn't became any kind of burden or by any obligation to meet up and spend time. It became something more like we meet because we want to, because our hearts says it's time to meet. And if one of us couldn't make it we didnt question why, we respect it. And even if a second later, we found out we ended up meeting someone else, we never find it a need for any kind of explanation. We loved and still will love each other so much that there is no room for any arguments.
We scold, yes. We nag, yes. But hate we never will, and assuming and blaming we never could.
You, my darling, my bestest best friend, mean too much to me. And I will always always have you in my heart no matter what... no matter how little time we have together, no matter how crazy we are, how irritable we are to each other, you will always always be the one I love to bits...
May our friendship grow forever and passed down to our children of tomorrow...
May our friendship grow forever and passed down to our children of tomorrow...
We may not be the typical bff who watch movies, do parties, and all those stuff, but I know we are going to make it just by watching the stars, and not say a word.. For the silence we shared, often speaks a thousand messages. I love you...
Anddd.. welcome to the big 3!
May many more beautiful years come to us and our families.
Lots of hugs kisses and love,
Your bestfriend,
Jun
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Nasi Ambeng at HMC - Review
Assalammua'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
Yes, I am sure you have noticed. I now have ads by Nuffnang on my blog. WHY? Like every other Singaporeans, I guess we have to make the best out of everything. Love and love alone doesn't bring a meal to fill the tummy, ya!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank many of you for continuously reading my blog and kept coming to revisit. As time passes by, with more readers, I will be bringing in more variety to write about.
In the meantime, all of you can still continue to buzz me on interesting topics that you want me to write about too. Speaking of which... I had a friend who had asked me for my ratings on Hajjah Mariam Cafe's Nasi Ambeng.
Nasi Ambeng is actually a Javanese dish, which consists of white fragrant rice, a main meat dish (beef/mutton rendang OR chicken (either masak merah or lemak cili api), begedil (almost like a potato wedge), serunding (fried coconut flesh), acar timun and sambal goreng. There may be differences in what is served depending on where it is made (I guess). I mean Javanese are everywhere, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, so different countries have different taste buds, and it usually follows (mutates - because we keep improvising!) what is more in trend with the respective taste buds. The special thing about Nasi Ambeng is that it will have to be served on a tray and shared with 2-4 people. This usually initiates the people to bond and interact through food.
It is located at WestGate, Jurong East #B2-08 at the Gourmet Paradise.
Well food is awesome!! I must say because I don't usually touch anything that has too many going on, on my plate. Anyhoos, I gobbled half of it the first time I had it with my husband. Well I was distracted a lot by Baby M at that point of time. And I cannot deny that it was nice.
So we went a second time with my parents, and ordered 2 sets for 2 as they ran out big trays to accomodate all 4 of us on one tray. So we decided to take on one with chicken (masak lemak cili padi) and one with beef rendang.
We basically went silent and got busy eating. Well, until parents said, "take some from ours, we couldnt finish" only to realise our tray is almost empty! So we took my parents' share and continued eating. It was just so nice. The food is awesome.. I had to say because I wasn't exactly very hungry this time round.
I had to give it a 4 out of 5 for the food. The first Nasi Ambeng I had eaten, and probably many more to explore - since I can eat this one, I can probably eat other Nasi Ambeng just the same, yes?
The space has constraints. It is small, and people keep streaming in, so there is no chance for it to be empty unless everything is sold. AND you can't sit before you order your food. It is only fair I guess, so that those who sat have already had food ordered and noone would be stranded with food in hand but nowhere to sit. BUT it eliminates "chopping" the place so your friends who are late can sit and order when they arrive - which I think is good, but having had people who are habitually late, or when we need a family dine out and having them coming from different places makes us end up dining late, and hungry people makes angry people.
The queue I had to say, during non-peak hours - like between 3-6pm - we already had to queue for a good 20 minutes. So I am guessing if you come during the peak hours, just be ready to queue for 1hr or so.
And with many people streaming endlessly, don't sit while waiting for your order to be ready, pls stand there at the counter, because they will forget you.. I mean I would forget you with that many people streaming in with orders after orders.
With space constraint, this makes it a non-friendly place for wheelchair bound individuals or those with prams - i know not many are okay with "parking" their baby pram at the side while eating, and it is definitely a no go if baby is asleep, I mean I wont be "parking" my baby in her pram to eat because she is sleeping, and neither would I carry her disturbing her sleep just to eat.
But hey, food is worth it. So I'd be coming again!
Happy gobbling!
Wassalam,
Jun
Yes, I am sure you have noticed. I now have ads by Nuffnang on my blog. WHY? Like every other Singaporeans, I guess we have to make the best out of everything. Love and love alone doesn't bring a meal to fill the tummy, ya!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank many of you for continuously reading my blog and kept coming to revisit. As time passes by, with more readers, I will be bringing in more variety to write about.
In the meantime, all of you can still continue to buzz me on interesting topics that you want me to write about too. Speaking of which... I had a friend who had asked me for my ratings on Hajjah Mariam Cafe's Nasi Ambeng.
So, what is Nasi Ambeng??
Nasi Ambeng is actually a Javanese dish, which consists of white fragrant rice, a main meat dish (beef/mutton rendang OR chicken (either masak merah or lemak cili api), begedil (almost like a potato wedge), serunding (fried coconut flesh), acar timun and sambal goreng. There may be differences in what is served depending on where it is made (I guess). I mean Javanese are everywhere, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, so different countries have different taste buds, and it usually follows (mutates - because we keep improvising!) what is more in trend with the respective taste buds. The special thing about Nasi Ambeng is that it will have to be served on a tray and shared with 2-4 people. This usually initiates the people to bond and interact through food.
So where is Hajjah Mariam Cafe?
It is located at WestGate, Jurong East #B2-08 at the Gourmet Paradise.
The pros:
Well food is awesome!! I must say because I don't usually touch anything that has too many going on, on my plate. Anyhoos, I gobbled half of it the first time I had it with my husband. Well I was distracted a lot by Baby M at that point of time. And I cannot deny that it was nice.
So we went a second time with my parents, and ordered 2 sets for 2 as they ran out big trays to accomodate all 4 of us on one tray. So we decided to take on one with chicken (masak lemak cili padi) and one with beef rendang.
We basically went silent and got busy eating. Well, until parents said, "take some from ours, we couldnt finish" only to realise our tray is almost empty! So we took my parents' share and continued eating. It was just so nice. The food is awesome.. I had to say because I wasn't exactly very hungry this time round.
I had to give it a 4 out of 5 for the food. The first Nasi Ambeng I had eaten, and probably many more to explore - since I can eat this one, I can probably eat other Nasi Ambeng just the same, yes?
The Cons:
The space has constraints. It is small, and people keep streaming in, so there is no chance for it to be empty unless everything is sold. AND you can't sit before you order your food. It is only fair I guess, so that those who sat have already had food ordered and noone would be stranded with food in hand but nowhere to sit. BUT it eliminates "chopping" the place so your friends who are late can sit and order when they arrive - which I think is good, but having had people who are habitually late, or when we need a family dine out and having them coming from different places makes us end up dining late, and hungry people makes angry people.
The queue I had to say, during non-peak hours - like between 3-6pm - we already had to queue for a good 20 minutes. So I am guessing if you come during the peak hours, just be ready to queue for 1hr or so.
And with many people streaming endlessly, don't sit while waiting for your order to be ready, pls stand there at the counter, because they will forget you.. I mean I would forget you with that many people streaming in with orders after orders.
With space constraint, this makes it a non-friendly place for wheelchair bound individuals or those with prams - i know not many are okay with "parking" their baby pram at the side while eating, and it is definitely a no go if baby is asleep, I mean I wont be "parking" my baby in her pram to eat because she is sleeping, and neither would I carry her disturbing her sleep just to eat.
But hey, food is worth it. So I'd be coming again!
Happy gobbling!
Wassalam,
Jun
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Travelling with Aging Parents
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
It is the time of year again to start planning the family vacation for next year.. As I won't be bringing baby M out travelling just as yet - so she won't need to miss her daily dosage of "secret ingredient" from her Mama, I'd be travelling a lot with my parents until my own baby comes or something along the lines of the likes.
Believe it or not, this years trip to Port Dickson was my parents first family vacation in their long long life. As I had probably mentions a zillion times, my parents has always been travelling to visit relatives (we have relatives in Indonesia & Malaysia mainly), for religious purposes (pilgrimage), or just following some friends (I remember they went to Batam and Pulau Pinang). Often, they'd say they didn't get to do some things they wanted because of time constraints, so it wasn't really considered a vacation to me. A vacation should be something they enjoy, where they relax, no worries, creating memories.. not something that they have to rush around and cater to some itenary of some sort)
And so they were excited about that Port Dickson trip which I had planned is silence, only telling them a weekend ahead. It went well, and I can see that they are happy with the surprise. So next year, we wanted to go Langkawi (yes again!). This time we wanna rent a car and drive around covering places we either didnt get to go, or places where we decided to skip the last time we went there.
And so I'd like to share some the things that you need to consider when travelling with aging parents:
Believe it or not, this would be one of the first questions they ask. My dad especially, as he CANNOT miss rice intake PLUS he loves spicy food, so rice and chilli - check that!
Do check if they need to collect their supplements a week early to accomodate your travelling date. You wouldnt want them to skip a day without their medicines. And if they have weak hearts and what not, do a check with the doctor, any tip would be helpful.
Them being elderly, what seemed cool to us may be freezing to them. So check the temperature, and keep a sweater on standby if need be.
Aging parents need our help and assistance whether they say it or not. Do consider their weak knees and back. Do check if there are many flights of stairs to climb, check if the place can offer a wheelchair to rent or any other less tiring options. If you're travelling by car, consider the no of stops, they aren't that capable to hold the nature's call for too long when it comes. Are the toilets elderly friendly?
Whilst my parents prefer to be indoors and just relax, some parents prefer to get out and do some activity, if so, do find out if the hotel has activities that they can participate in while you're there. My parents like to see sceneries and relive their kampung days, in our last PD trip, my mom was so excited when we were at the Ostrich farm, because she get to tell and share with me and my BFF what some plants are, and my dad is so happy to feed the ostrich and it reminds him of our pet goose from many decades ago.
So, Langkawi is NEXT! Wanna bring my parents see lots of historical places, surely it will bring back some memories that they forget to tell me, no?
And so, I have been planning, and saw two resorts/hotels that I really really like. I want to relive the "kampun feel". So I wanted a villa kind, the kind that really resembles the old kampung houses... And I found (and end up being in a dilemma as to which to choose!), the BON TON RESORT & HOTEL TERATAK SIREH LAGENDA. I love their concept.
So, I was just wondering, have any of you been there before? How is the stay, the service and everything related? Or you have something else to recommend with the kampung feel concept?
Maybe Bintan for 2016.. hehe..
Feel free to comment ya! Thanks in advanced!
Wassalam,
Jun
It is the time of year again to start planning the family vacation for next year.. As I won't be bringing baby M out travelling just as yet - so she won't need to miss her daily dosage of "secret ingredient" from her Mama, I'd be travelling a lot with my parents until my own baby comes or something along the lines of the likes.
Believe it or not, this years trip to Port Dickson was my parents first family vacation in their long long life. As I had probably mentions a zillion times, my parents has always been travelling to visit relatives (we have relatives in Indonesia & Malaysia mainly), for religious purposes (pilgrimage), or just following some friends (I remember they went to Batam and Pulau Pinang). Often, they'd say they didn't get to do some things they wanted because of time constraints, so it wasn't really considered a vacation to me. A vacation should be something they enjoy, where they relax, no worries, creating memories.. not something that they have to rush around and cater to some itenary of some sort)
And so they were excited about that Port Dickson trip which I had planned is silence, only telling them a weekend ahead. It went well, and I can see that they are happy with the surprise. So next year, we wanted to go Langkawi (yes again!). This time we wanna rent a car and drive around covering places we either didnt get to go, or places where we decided to skip the last time we went there.
And so I'd like to share some the things that you need to consider when travelling with aging parents:
Food
Believe it or not, this would be one of the first questions they ask. My dad especially, as he CANNOT miss rice intake PLUS he loves spicy food, so rice and chilli - check that!
Medicines
Do check if they need to collect their supplements a week early to accomodate your travelling date. You wouldnt want them to skip a day without their medicines. And if they have weak hearts and what not, do a check with the doctor, any tip would be helpful.
Weather
Them being elderly, what seemed cool to us may be freezing to them. So check the temperature, and keep a sweater on standby if need be.
Accessibility
Aging parents need our help and assistance whether they say it or not. Do consider their weak knees and back. Do check if there are many flights of stairs to climb, check if the place can offer a wheelchair to rent or any other less tiring options. If you're travelling by car, consider the no of stops, they aren't that capable to hold the nature's call for too long when it comes. Are the toilets elderly friendly?
Activity
Whilst my parents prefer to be indoors and just relax, some parents prefer to get out and do some activity, if so, do find out if the hotel has activities that they can participate in while you're there. My parents like to see sceneries and relive their kampung days, in our last PD trip, my mom was so excited when we were at the Ostrich farm, because she get to tell and share with me and my BFF what some plants are, and my dad is so happy to feed the ostrich and it reminds him of our pet goose from many decades ago.
So what's next?
So, Langkawi is NEXT! Wanna bring my parents see lots of historical places, surely it will bring back some memories that they forget to tell me, no?
And so, I have been planning, and saw two resorts/hotels that I really really like. I want to relive the "kampun feel". So I wanted a villa kind, the kind that really resembles the old kampung houses... And I found (and end up being in a dilemma as to which to choose!), the BON TON RESORT & HOTEL TERATAK SIREH LAGENDA. I love their concept.
So, I was just wondering, have any of you been there before? How is the stay, the service and everything related? Or you have something else to recommend with the kampung feel concept?
Maybe Bintan for 2016.. hehe..
Feel free to comment ya! Thanks in advanced!
Wassalam,
Jun
Friday, November 14, 2014
Pets are not just mere animals...
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog. I am humbled, honored and grateful that my last post had received over 800 views in such a short time, and it comes with multiple personal messages to say thanks and to emphasize and share their own shaming experience. Alhamdulillah..
I had always hope that my write up will ease my readers, to take away the feeling of being alone, and to share and relate with them true life experience that would be beneficial for everyone.
If you missed that post, it is here. I'll probably just add on to the post if there are more to add on to the list, so come along, drop me a comment. For all you know, your comment might be quoted and added on. *winks*
So, it's almost weekend, and through the week, I read many passings of pets and it saddened me. Not really on the passing although it did bring it memories of my own pets passing long ago, but more for the comments that came along with it.
You see...
These pets are not mere animals! They are family. Especially for home pets like dogs and cats for they are very much involved in your everyday activity. They come to you and communicate in a language only you would understand just by looking at its tail, the sound of its meow/bark, the twinkle in the eyes or simply the way it walks.
Cats and dogs alike. They can be everywhere in the house! They can sit at the fenced up window ledge just while you make your coffee. They spring up to your keyboard just when you are getting busy typing an essay that is due tomorrow morning. They jumped on your face before the alarm goes off at 6am. They sidesway your legs as you were watching tv. They leaped on your lap as you are about to eat dinner.
How can owners not grieve when these pets are no longer around? How can owners just simply put behind all these memories and just move on? How can owners be over and done with the grief over just one day? How can you expect these owners to just be okay and not cry when they see old photos of their pets? How can you expect them to just be back to how they were before they own these pets?
Everything of their everyday life reminds them of these pets who had just passed. So don't....
If you don't know what to say, just don't say a word at all.. The grief is real, as real as it would be with a human.
Then I came across people who underestimate these pets' needs. Often we see people who always think that the smaller the pet, the less maintenance, or the lesser space it'd need.
I don't believe in that. I believe in reading about these animals you want to adopt and keep as pets first. What they eat, how they live, how they play, how they express, what common illness to look out for, what vet to go to, how much would the monthly expence be. ALL these needs looking into when you are considering a pet. Don't adopt just because you "LOVE" them.
Everyone needs personal space, just like us, humans.
Their personal space pretty much occupy the whole house, if you ask me. Just like how we would need all that space. However, we can always guide them of their territorial space - where they can be alone and do what they want, I'd say about 10 square metres or so. It'd be like us in our own room, where we do our alone time doing what we wanna do.
My personal opinion would be that both would need a backyard space on top of that with grass and what not. That to me is like having a toilet for us human. Plus, I believe those grass are actually medicine for them (well for cats, I know it is - not too sure about dogs), they know when they need them.
These animals are small alright, but they need a large space. For syrians, naturally because they are indeed large, they'd need at least 3000 square cm base space, that'd come to about 75cm x 40cm minimum. So go larger if you can!
My 2-Tee, a Normal Winter White, lives in her 45cm x 50cm cage which comes to over 2000 square cm base space.
And for ROBO, although they are the smallest, BUT they do need much more space for they are typically very active. I'd say a 1m x 50cm deep kindda base would do good.
AGAIN, go bigger if you can.
As for other rodents, I don't have much knowledge, but I guess double up what a hamster need for their size is definitely more than just double the size of a hamster, or maybe they can occupy the whole room. I know some people who actually let their Chinchillas have one room of their apartment.
Different animal eat different food - obviously. So, what kind of food is healthy for them?
Research, and find out. Doesn't mean you cat loves Salmon, it is good for her. Likewise for hamsters, doesnt mean it loves sunflower seed, it is good for them. Go do some research okay? And choose the healthier choice, snacks should remain snacks, given once a week or once forthnightly. I mean would you feed you children salted fries everyday? Definitely not!
As for drinks, pls do change their water every 3 days at least. Best is to change it daily.
Everyone needs to exercise. Find out a good exercise regime for your pet. It really doesnt mean your pets need to hit the gym per se. Some pets exercise through play. Some just need minor adjustments to the house to initiate them to move their butts.
Oh no, something is just not right! Do you have a vet list? Have you asked fellow pet owners about their services and charges? Are you ready? Do you know what to expect?
As much as we hope our pets are always healthy, they are still living things that may get sick. Be ready for it. And know where to head down to when it hits.
Do know that vets can be expensive, but it may deem necessary to save your pets' life. Don't compromise on it. Most pets are capable of hiding their pain and sickness, so when you start noticing it, it may be pretty bad already..
With all that said, I hope more people will consider thoroughly before getting a pet, because it is not very nice seeing people get a pet only to "give it away" because they don't have time or means to care for it.
Well, that is about I want to cover today. If you think I missed some points that is important, do drop me a comment.
For those who have just lost your pet, do know they are at a better place. And take your time.
Wassalam,
Jun
I had always hope that my write up will ease my readers, to take away the feeling of being alone, and to share and relate with them true life experience that would be beneficial for everyone.
If you missed that post, it is here. I'll probably just add on to the post if there are more to add on to the list, so come along, drop me a comment. For all you know, your comment might be quoted and added on. *winks*
So, it's almost weekend, and through the week, I read many passings of pets and it saddened me. Not really on the passing although it did bring it memories of my own pets passing long ago, but more for the comments that came along with it.
You see...
Pets are FAMILY
These pets are not mere animals! They are family. Especially for home pets like dogs and cats for they are very much involved in your everyday activity. They come to you and communicate in a language only you would understand just by looking at its tail, the sound of its meow/bark, the twinkle in the eyes or simply the way it walks.
There for you
As strange as it may sounds, these pets are always there for you. When you cry, maybe your dog end up snuggling next to you, or maybe he'd lick your tears. Or maybe your cat end up purring next you as if she is consoling you, and maybe nudge your chin up.
Always excited at your arrival
Like kids, these pets get excited when you appear at the door. They greet you. Okay, fine! Maybe they are just hungry. Can I say the same for a little baby or toddler? These pets, they have feelings too. They are excited that you are there to spend time with them.
Ok maybe not so much for cats especially when they get older, they mind their own business most of the time. Trust me, they'd have you in their mind first thing they get a little nervous or scared. I know, cats are a little egoistic, they don't usually show they are scared, they'd just walk to you with that arrogant face and curl to sit near you, close enough for security I'd say.
Ok maybe not so much for cats especially when they get older, they mind their own business most of the time. Trust me, they'd have you in their mind first thing they get a little nervous or scared. I know, cats are a little egoistic, they don't usually show they are scared, they'd just walk to you with that arrogant face and curl to sit near you, close enough for security I'd say.
When they get sick
It can make a hole in your pocket, but that worry and that skipping heartbeat is worth the penny. Just like how a baby get sick and you won't give a second thought about rushing to the hospital and foot a $200 bill.
Everywhere in the house
Cats and dogs alike. They can be everywhere in the house! They can sit at the fenced up window ledge just while you make your coffee. They spring up to your keyboard just when you are getting busy typing an essay that is due tomorrow morning. They jumped on your face before the alarm goes off at 6am. They sidesway your legs as you were watching tv. They leaped on your lap as you are about to eat dinner.
And when they are gone...
How can owners not grieve when these pets are no longer around? How can owners just simply put behind all these memories and just move on? How can owners be over and done with the grief over just one day? How can you expect these owners to just be okay and not cry when they see old photos of their pets? How can you expect them to just be back to how they were before they own these pets?
Everything of their everyday life reminds them of these pets who had just passed. So don't....
If you don't know what to say, just don't say a word at all.. The grief is real, as real as it would be with a human.
Then I came across people who underestimate these pets' needs. Often we see people who always think that the smaller the pet, the less maintenance, or the lesser space it'd need.
I don't believe in that. I believe in reading about these animals you want to adopt and keep as pets first. What they eat, how they live, how they play, how they express, what common illness to look out for, what vet to go to, how much would the monthly expence be. ALL these needs looking into when you are considering a pet. Don't adopt just because you "LOVE" them.
Personal Space
Everyone needs personal space, just like us, humans.
Cats/Dogs
Their personal space pretty much occupy the whole house, if you ask me. Just like how we would need all that space. However, we can always guide them of their territorial space - where they can be alone and do what they want, I'd say about 10 square metres or so. It'd be like us in our own room, where we do our alone time doing what we wanna do.
My personal opinion would be that both would need a backyard space on top of that with grass and what not. That to me is like having a toilet for us human. Plus, I believe those grass are actually medicine for them (well for cats, I know it is - not too sure about dogs), they know when they need them.
Hamsters
These animals are small alright, but they need a large space. For syrians, naturally because they are indeed large, they'd need at least 3000 square cm base space, that'd come to about 75cm x 40cm minimum. So go larger if you can!
My 2-Tee, a Normal Winter White, lives in her 45cm x 50cm cage which comes to over 2000 square cm base space.
And for ROBO, although they are the smallest, BUT they do need much more space for they are typically very active. I'd say a 1m x 50cm deep kindda base would do good.
AGAIN, go bigger if you can.
As for other rodents, I don't have much knowledge, but I guess double up what a hamster need for their size is definitely more than just double the size of a hamster, or maybe they can occupy the whole room. I know some people who actually let their Chinchillas have one room of their apartment.
FOOD
Different animal eat different food - obviously. So, what kind of food is healthy for them?
Research, and find out. Doesn't mean you cat loves Salmon, it is good for her. Likewise for hamsters, doesnt mean it loves sunflower seed, it is good for them. Go do some research okay? And choose the healthier choice, snacks should remain snacks, given once a week or once forthnightly. I mean would you feed you children salted fries everyday? Definitely not!
As for drinks, pls do change their water every 3 days at least. Best is to change it daily.
Exercise
Everyone needs to exercise. Find out a good exercise regime for your pet. It really doesnt mean your pets need to hit the gym per se. Some pets exercise through play. Some just need minor adjustments to the house to initiate them to move their butts.
Vet
Oh no, something is just not right! Do you have a vet list? Have you asked fellow pet owners about their services and charges? Are you ready? Do you know what to expect?
As much as we hope our pets are always healthy, they are still living things that may get sick. Be ready for it. And know where to head down to when it hits.
Do know that vets can be expensive, but it may deem necessary to save your pets' life. Don't compromise on it. Most pets are capable of hiding their pain and sickness, so when you start noticing it, it may be pretty bad already..
With all that said, I hope more people will consider thoroughly before getting a pet, because it is not very nice seeing people get a pet only to "give it away" because they don't have time or means to care for it.
Well, that is about I want to cover today. If you think I missed some points that is important, do drop me a comment.
For those who have just lost your pet, do know they are at a better place. And take your time.
Wassalam,
Jun
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
The Shame Game
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog! I hope your weekend was great and your Monday wasn't that blue...
I just read an article and this write up is definitely inspired by 5-Mom-Shaming write up by Stephanie Barnhart.
In the above article she mentioned 5 top mom shaming topics, and I couldn't agree more. Not that I am a mother of my own children yet, but watching and hearing mothers shaming mothers raises my eyebrow. Not to mentioned those comments that comes from people who never had children or never had the chance to raise a baby before. Horrendous.
The only point I couldn't relate is point 3, the other 4 I can totally relate or at least pull out one name who suffered as a victim.
I shall just highlight the 4 points that I can relate to, and probably pull and quote a few mothers I know.
We all know breast milk is the best for babies. Unfortunately, not all mothers are gifted to have endless supply of breast milk, or had an easy, comforting, relaxing moment breastfeeding. Some went through indescribable moments just trying to get baby to latch on, some just couldn't get the supply to last, some just couldn't.
So, the next time you see a mommy bottle feeding, DO NOT ever judge. Just because you had a breast full of milk when you gave birth and breastfed till baby was 24months, it doesn't mean all mommies have that benefit, AND it is NEVER her choice to not have breast milk to feed her baby.
The term for this would be, I believe, is Baby Led Weaning (BLW). More about it here. I never had special baby food, according to my mom, apart from the porridge. Everything else is basically what everyone else is eating.
It is of course completely fine if you want a special baby meal, with only organic ingredients, mashing up everything, even when baby has teeth.
It is your baby, do it your style, but there is really no need to shaft all mommies to do it your way. Trust me, every baby is different, as different as their individual mommies. So when someone whipped out a non-organic snack, don't freak out. You may just kindly say, my baby don't eat that. End it there. No need to preach and lecture about how organic is the better choice.
We know about the first impressions, but you don't need to call me sloppy on my lazy days! Oh come on, as a mom, you'd definitely have days where you stayed in you PJs the whole day. Only to shower for 1 min when baby sleeps, because miraculously baby will wake up when you leave their side (even when they are fast asleep!)
When you see a mom with crumpled stained shirt, maternity jeans and slippers, say hi. And whisper, "you looked great, MOM!"
What's with you mommies condemning mommies, eh?
The debate is always on, and will always be there... Honestly, don't. Just don't. Do what is good for your family, and just quit judging just because someone chose to quit their awesome paying job to stay home, or if someone chose to pay the babysitter to be at work. You don't know.
Besides, we all have days when we wish we can switch places. That in itself is enough to prove that we are all mothers, just the same.
These four points are awesome as is, but I'd just like to add a few more of my very own pet peeves plus a few rantings from other moms alike.
This! Sometimes people go extreme and said I abused my baby when I force feed my baby. I wasn't exactly forcing her like putting her down pinching her nose or anything close to that, by the way! I was merely making her eat what she needs to eat. As in I would distract her, talk to her, occasionally giving her a stern stare or shout a little, just so she would take in another bite.
Thing is, you people don't know how hungry my baby is. Besides, she does chew and eat her food properly, just that she hates being spoon fed for some odd reason. She just hate the idea of having to stop doing what she is doing to open up her mouth and take in the food.
"Oh how could you? What if baby falls, when he tries climbing the seats?" are just some of what Mommy R hears almost every time she lets her son play on his own, and watching him climb seats, stairs and what not. Obviously, she wouldn't allow her son to fall and cut his head open! People often underestimate what her son is capable of doing. He falls and gets up in an instant, and I find that a good trait to have as a boy. When he falls, he knows it's painful, and would be more careful the next time. He learns to get up and move on when mommy didn't see him fall.
Every mommy's heart would drop and die a little everytime their baby fall. Trust me, our heart did drop and die! Just that some things just had to be done. Babies need to fall and learn, so he/she would be more careful.
This would probably be one of Mama M's pet peeves. To leave your baby in someone else's care, so you can rest or do something like work, have some private time alone, or just date to dine.
I don't know and never could understand why people shame these moms, haven't you moms ever feel the dying need to just have a breather sometimes?
Besides, it is not like we leave our babies in any strangers' care. We evaluate the caretakers, we find time to know these people, and we ensure they follow our instructions, so what is so bad about leaving your baby in someone else's care. Ain't it the same like when you send your child to school?
So, you had a snow white theme for your baby's first, and planning on a frozen theme on her second. Good for you and baby!
Unfortunately, not all families celebrate birthdays, and some families just don't have that luxury to spend a fortune for a day called "birthday".
So what if baby doesn't have a birthday party coming up yet?
I got this sometimes, just because I accept hand-me-downs, it doesn't mean I cant afford them or love my baby any less. It just means I am being practical. My baby is 9months, and she is quickly outgrowing a lot of her rompers, dresses and socks.
There is really nothing wrong with hand me downs!
Another one of Mommy R's pet peeves. When people intervene after you "scold" baby and she cried her lungs out. Of course our heart wails along with baby, but we gotta discipline them and teach them that bad behaviour won't get them anywhere, they gotta learn how to behave.
I also recalled Sis Neny mentioned about baby Sofie crying because she simply feels emotional. And letting her cry is the only right thing to do. I mean how would you feel if you were told to smile when you just simply feel like crying. Sometimes, we all just need to sit and cry, for no reason at all.
As mothers we all just need to be there, and let baby come up to us to say she's sorry or for her to just say, "Mommy, I need a hug". And if child stubbornly wants to whine and demand, it is better to just ignore and not acknowledge so she'd learn that mothers are in control, not baby.
"Ah? You don't have baby room uh? Baby play in living room? Baby follow you into the kitchen?" "so messy, and dirty, how baby play?" these are probably just some nasty things I hear. Not for myself but for some of my friends, and I feel obligated to sometimes back them up.
With a baby at home, how often do you really actually have time to clean up and tidy things up? When baby naps, most mothers are just so tired and end up sleeping along or just putting up their legs and watch some tv for awhile. And before mommy realise, baby is up again. And so one baby nap, mommy decide to do some laundry, trust me, 90% of the time you wont get to complete that cycle. Chances are, you'd need another nap break to hang laundry dry, and another nap break to fold them nice. So we end up cleaning, tidying and sanitizing once a week - and that is already a victory! It gets done when daddy is around to distract them all to play in one quiet corner or get gramps to bring them out to a walk around the park.
Good job, Mommy!
So now that baby is back, her books are back out, and so does all her toys. welcome to reality! Life repeats like that....
Some people are against co-sleeping with baby, saying it doesn't allow baby to be independent and that it would be harder for baby to sleep on her own later on. To me, it depends on the baby themselves. When they are ready, they will tell you so. And when they do, you mommies and daddies would be the one crying softly because there are no more tiny hands and feet on your face while you sleep anymore.
Honestly, I think there is nothing wrong with co-sleeping with your child. I co-slept with my mom until I was 7 or 8. I just decided to sleep on my own one day, and there was no problem with that. My bond with my mom is beyond words. She could tell even when I didnt say a word. Be it me having a problem, or me having a fever, she can tell. And I had to say it is because I co-slept with her, we build a bond, an unbreakable one to say the least.
With all that said, I am sure there are many more shame game between mothers going on, and I urge you to share if you'd like to. I'd be more than happy to hear from you, so I can learn!
Do note that all comments will be going through a screening process, so don't panic and resend your comments if you don't see it. It typically takes a few days for me to read and publish it.
To all mothers, you are doing just great, regardless what style you chose to raise your children. You are the best mothers your children can have- remember that!
If you like this entry, you might want to follow through this follow-up entry here.
Wassalam.
Jun
I just read an article and this write up is definitely inspired by 5-Mom-Shaming write up by Stephanie Barnhart.
In the above article she mentioned 5 top mom shaming topics, and I couldn't agree more. Not that I am a mother of my own children yet, but watching and hearing mothers shaming mothers raises my eyebrow. Not to mentioned those comments that comes from people who never had children or never had the chance to raise a baby before. Horrendous.
The only point I couldn't relate is point 3, the other 4 I can totally relate or at least pull out one name who suffered as a victim.
I shall just highlight the 4 points that I can relate to, and probably pull and quote a few mothers I know.
Breastfeeding:
We all know breast milk is the best for babies. Unfortunately, not all mothers are gifted to have endless supply of breast milk, or had an easy, comforting, relaxing moment breastfeeding. Some went through indescribable moments just trying to get baby to latch on, some just couldn't get the supply to last, some just couldn't.
So, the next time you see a mommy bottle feeding, DO NOT ever judge. Just because you had a breast full of milk when you gave birth and breastfed till baby was 24months, it doesn't mean all mommies have that benefit, AND it is NEVER her choice to not have breast milk to feed her baby.
Organic Snacks:
We know you want the best, but there is also nothing wrong with feeding non-organic. If there is something wrong with non-organic, I would have died. My mom fed me asam pedas and belacan before I turned 1. She basically feed me anything she is eating, not like feed me a spoonful of those spicy food, but just a good small lick of them, just a taste of it.The term for this would be, I believe, is Baby Led Weaning (BLW). More about it here. I never had special baby food, according to my mom, apart from the porridge. Everything else is basically what everyone else is eating.
It is of course completely fine if you want a special baby meal, with only organic ingredients, mashing up everything, even when baby has teeth.
It is your baby, do it your style, but there is really no need to shaft all mommies to do it your way. Trust me, every baby is different, as different as their individual mommies. So when someone whipped out a non-organic snack, don't freak out. You may just kindly say, my baby don't eat that. End it there. No need to preach and lecture about how organic is the better choice.
Mom jeans and other fashion fails:
We know about the first impressions, but you don't need to call me sloppy on my lazy days! Oh come on, as a mom, you'd definitely have days where you stayed in you PJs the whole day. Only to shower for 1 min when baby sleeps, because miraculously baby will wake up when you leave their side (even when they are fast asleep!)
When you see a mom with crumpled stained shirt, maternity jeans and slippers, say hi. And whisper, "you looked great, MOM!"
What's with you mommies condemning mommies, eh?
Working moms vs stay-at-home moms:
The debate is always on, and will always be there... Honestly, don't. Just don't. Do what is good for your family, and just quit judging just because someone chose to quit their awesome paying job to stay home, or if someone chose to pay the babysitter to be at work. You don't know.
Besides, we all have days when we wish we can switch places. That in itself is enough to prove that we are all mothers, just the same.
These four points are awesome as is, but I'd just like to add a few more of my very own pet peeves plus a few rantings from other moms alike.
Waking a sleeping baby:
I am always judged when I wake my sleeping baby. Thing is, no one knows how monstrous this cute little baby becomes when she had way too much of day sleep. Besides, I know my baby more than you do, and I am the one who is going to face her at night - the time when everyone in the household needs sleep the most.Force feeding baby:
This! Sometimes people go extreme and said I abused my baby when I force feed my baby. I wasn't exactly forcing her like putting her down pinching her nose or anything close to that, by the way! I was merely making her eat what she needs to eat. As in I would distract her, talk to her, occasionally giving her a stern stare or shout a little, just so she would take in another bite.
Thing is, you people don't know how hungry my baby is. Besides, she does chew and eat her food properly, just that she hates being spoon fed for some odd reason. She just hate the idea of having to stop doing what she is doing to open up her mouth and take in the food.
Letting/leaving baby to play alone:
"Oh how could you? What if baby falls, when he tries climbing the seats?" are just some of what Mommy R hears almost every time she lets her son play on his own, and watching him climb seats, stairs and what not. Obviously, she wouldn't allow her son to fall and cut his head open! People often underestimate what her son is capable of doing. He falls and gets up in an instant, and I find that a good trait to have as a boy. When he falls, he knows it's painful, and would be more careful the next time. He learns to get up and move on when mommy didn't see him fall.
Every mommy's heart would drop and die a little everytime their baby fall. Trust me, our heart did drop and die! Just that some things just had to be done. Babies need to fall and learn, so he/she would be more careful.
Leaving baby in someone else's care:
This would probably be one of Mama M's pet peeves. To leave your baby in someone else's care, so you can rest or do something like work, have some private time alone, or just date to dine.
I don't know and never could understand why people shame these moms, haven't you moms ever feel the dying need to just have a breather sometimes?
Besides, it is not like we leave our babies in any strangers' care. We evaluate the caretakers, we find time to know these people, and we ensure they follow our instructions, so what is so bad about leaving your baby in someone else's care. Ain't it the same like when you send your child to school?
Birthday parties:
So, you had a snow white theme for your baby's first, and planning on a frozen theme on her second. Good for you and baby!
Unfortunately, not all families celebrate birthdays, and some families just don't have that luxury to spend a fortune for a day called "birthday".
So what if baby doesn't have a birthday party coming up yet?
Hand me downs:
I got this sometimes, just because I accept hand-me-downs, it doesn't mean I cant afford them or love my baby any less. It just means I am being practical. My baby is 9months, and she is quickly outgrowing a lot of her rompers, dresses and socks.
There is really nothing wrong with hand me downs!
Letting baby cry:
Another one of Mommy R's pet peeves. When people intervene after you "scold" baby and she cried her lungs out. Of course our heart wails along with baby, but we gotta discipline them and teach them that bad behaviour won't get them anywhere, they gotta learn how to behave.
I also recalled Sis Neny mentioned about baby Sofie crying because she simply feels emotional. And letting her cry is the only right thing to do. I mean how would you feel if you were told to smile when you just simply feel like crying. Sometimes, we all just need to sit and cry, for no reason at all.
As mothers we all just need to be there, and let baby come up to us to say she's sorry or for her to just say, "Mommy, I need a hug". And if child stubbornly wants to whine and demand, it is better to just ignore and not acknowledge so she'd learn that mothers are in control, not baby.
Messy baby room / non-existing baby room:
"Ah? You don't have baby room uh? Baby play in living room? Baby follow you into the kitchen?" "so messy, and dirty, how baby play?" these are probably just some nasty things I hear. Not for myself but for some of my friends, and I feel obligated to sometimes back them up.
With a baby at home, how often do you really actually have time to clean up and tidy things up? When baby naps, most mothers are just so tired and end up sleeping along or just putting up their legs and watch some tv for awhile. And before mommy realise, baby is up again. And so one baby nap, mommy decide to do some laundry, trust me, 90% of the time you wont get to complete that cycle. Chances are, you'd need another nap break to hang laundry dry, and another nap break to fold them nice. So we end up cleaning, tidying and sanitizing once a week - and that is already a victory! It gets done when daddy is around to distract them all to play in one quiet corner or get gramps to bring them out to a walk around the park.
Good job, Mommy!
So now that baby is back, her books are back out, and so does all her toys. welcome to reality! Life repeats like that....
Co-sleeping with baby:
Some people are against co-sleeping with baby, saying it doesn't allow baby to be independent and that it would be harder for baby to sleep on her own later on. To me, it depends on the baby themselves. When they are ready, they will tell you so. And when they do, you mommies and daddies would be the one crying softly because there are no more tiny hands and feet on your face while you sleep anymore.
Honestly, I think there is nothing wrong with co-sleeping with your child. I co-slept with my mom until I was 7 or 8. I just decided to sleep on my own one day, and there was no problem with that. My bond with my mom is beyond words. She could tell even when I didnt say a word. Be it me having a problem, or me having a fever, she can tell. And I had to say it is because I co-slept with her, we build a bond, an unbreakable one to say the least.
With all that said, I am sure there are many more shame game between mothers going on, and I urge you to share if you'd like to. I'd be more than happy to hear from you, so I can learn!
Do note that all comments will be going through a screening process, so don't panic and resend your comments if you don't see it. It typically takes a few days for me to read and publish it.
To all mothers, you are doing just great, regardless what style you chose to raise your children. You are the best mothers your children can have- remember that!
If you like this entry, you might want to follow through this follow-up entry here.
Wassalam.
Jun
Friday, November 07, 2014
Happy Birthday!
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, followers and readers of this blog... How has your week been? Mine has been exceptionally colourful!
WHY?
Well.. It is November! And November is a month of BIRTHDAYS...
Almost every other day in November is someone's birthday.. Let's just start with dates...
1st - Husband's friend (and I forget to wish him.. :p Sorry Dato' A!)
2nd - MINE, a friend called Mak Toyol aka Yana, and DDF's Puteri Congeniality!
We celebrated solemnly.. going for a wedding... then dinner at Le Steak by Chef Amri. And then my Aprilia braders came by my place to celebrate with pizzas and flashback chit chats till 1am. Those good ol'times...
4th - Mama H & Mama M (and two more historic men)
5th - Husband's!
We celebrated by starting our day at Birdpark. Then to HMC for Nasi Ambeng.. Then to Aiman for family food.
6th - I know a few people who celebrates their birthday today, but well.. not important to me I guess?
7th - Husband's friend's fiance's, Nana Laa, Husband's friend, Salleh, a former colleague, Fauzi, and an old pri sch mate (i forget his name, but i never forget his bday because he keep harping it on us that his bday is 7-11)
9th - Husband's friend Adi, Husband's friend Remy,
Short break
15th - former collegue, Abg Zul
16th - former colleague - Along
17th - Zue! My lady rider!
19th - former colleage - Suzanna
26th - MY BFF!
29th - Ummie Yam
Yeah.. we really should be a huge big November Party...
And now I forget what I want to initally post about.. Argh.. Nevermind...
Happy Happy Birthday all November Babies!
Wassalam,
Jun
WHY?
Well.. It is November! And November is a month of BIRTHDAYS...
Almost every other day in November is someone's birthday.. Let's just start with dates...
1st - Husband's friend (and I forget to wish him.. :p Sorry Dato' A!)
2nd - MINE, a friend called Mak Toyol aka Yana, and DDF's Puteri Congeniality!
We celebrated solemnly.. going for a wedding... then dinner at Le Steak by Chef Amri. And then my Aprilia braders came by my place to celebrate with pizzas and flashback chit chats till 1am. Those good ol'times...
4th - Mama H & Mama M (and two more historic men)
5th - Husband's!
We celebrated by starting our day at Birdpark. Then to HMC for Nasi Ambeng.. Then to Aiman for family food.
6th - I know a few people who celebrates their birthday today, but well.. not important to me I guess?
7th - Husband's friend's fiance's, Nana Laa, Husband's friend, Salleh, a former colleague, Fauzi, and an old pri sch mate (i forget his name, but i never forget his bday because he keep harping it on us that his bday is 7-11)
9th - Husband's friend Adi, Husband's friend Remy,
Short break
15th - former collegue, Abg Zul
16th - former colleague - Along
17th - Zue! My lady rider!
19th - former colleage - Suzanna
26th - MY BFF!
29th - Ummie Yam
Yeah.. we really should be a huge big November Party...
And now I forget what I want to initally post about.. Argh.. Nevermind...
Happy Happy Birthday all November Babies!
Wassalam,
Jun
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
My checklist when I am hijab shopping
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, readers and followers of this blog.
I received a few questions on what I see when I am getting a new hijab or when I go hijab shopping.
A lot of my friends know I can get anal and be very fussy about the hijab I want. Usually my first questions would be these:
I received a few questions on what I see when I am getting a new hijab or when I go hijab shopping.
A lot of my friends know I can get anal and be very fussy about the hijab I want. Usually my first questions would be these:
- Is it sheer?
- What material is it made of?
- What are the dimensions (for shawls)?
- Do I need to wear a ninja inner?
- How simplified can the styling be?
- Price
Sheer:
I never buy anything sheer since I wore my hijab, unless I am willing to wear double layers to ensure full coverage. I only own one sheer top, but it is white, and I have a cooling white full sleeve inner to go with it so I am okay. So that is very important.
Material:
This is very important to me. I am a cotton person, and I feel safe with cotton anytime any day anywhere. I strike of chiffon (for its sheerness), jersey/spandex (for it usually grabs and reveals the shape of where the cloth lands), satin (for it is usually slippery) and wool (too thick).
Many people around me dislike cotton reciting it is warm, and thick. I beg to differ. Cotton is a material that keeps you warm when cold, and usually is an okay material for me even on a hot day. Maybe because I am petite and hardly sweat or feel warm, I am not sure.
Many people around me dislike cotton reciting it is warm, and thick. I beg to differ. Cotton is a material that keeps you warm when cold, and usually is an okay material for me even on a hot day. Maybe because I am petite and hardly sweat or feel warm, I am not sure.
Dimensions:
For shawls, I now tend to go for something that is at least 2m long and 60cm wide. It is easier for me to gain full coverage with little effort. And it gives me room if I wanna up my style a little and go fancy with folds and such. After wearing big huge wide shawls, I now struggle to gain coverage with my smaller shawls (most of which was my first shawls when I started wearing the hijab). Wearing them now makes me worry and just uncomfortable because I feel like there is not enough coverage. I end up checking constantly, to see if my neck is exposed, if my chest was exposed, so much so I feel tired at the end of day.
Ninja Inner:
I used to have plenty of ninja inners and have no issues wearing them. I started feeling uncomfortable wearing them after a few sisters and brothers shared their opinions on hijabis wearing ninja inners. Firstly, it pretty much looked like a nun when I have my ninja on with my hoodie top or hoodie hijab. Secondly, I am revealing the shape of my neck and shoulders when I wear a ninja inner and hoodie. With that I stopped wearing one, I gave away most of my ninjas, and kept just one for no reason. Maybe just to remind me.
Another thing about ninja inner is that it is kind of troublesome for me to put on a ninja, then put on my hijab, and some ninja inners are slippery, which makes it a need to me to put on another inner underneath the ninja. It makes my laundry pile up too quickly. So I totally avoid having to go thru the whole hassle of ninja inners.
Another thing about ninja inner is that it is kind of troublesome for me to put on a ninja, then put on my hijab, and some ninja inners are slippery, which makes it a need to me to put on another inner underneath the ninja. It makes my laundry pile up too quickly. So I totally avoid having to go thru the whole hassle of ninja inners.
Simplicity of Style:
The art of hijab is to keep it simple so we keep the gaze of men away from us. So the simplicity of style in a hijab is important to me. I often ask, would I be attracting eyes to look at my hijab? Is it to much bling? Is the design having too much going on? If any of it says yes, I usually put it down for something simpler. No doubt, I have a few hijabs that is colourful, striking, and well nice.. But those I wore it with a plain jubah, so it gets pretty much toned down. So that is another question I will always ask myself, what clothes am I pairing this hijab with? Will it be too much, or will be get toned down?
This point made me chose De Divas Fashion's Cotton Plain Hoodie. Its simplicity caught my attention left and right.
This point made me chose De Divas Fashion's Cotton Plain Hoodie. Its simplicity caught my attention left and right.
Price:
How much is too much? Subjective, ya.. So up to you. What's your budget like?
My big wide shawls can cost between $20-35. And to me, it is money well spent. I am sure you can find something of a cheaper range though. It is just that will all my restriction of checklist, this price seems an okay range.
So ya... that's my checklist, what's yours?
Wassalam,
Jun
My big wide shawls can cost between $20-35. And to me, it is money well spent. I am sure you can find something of a cheaper range though. It is just that will all my restriction of checklist, this price seems an okay range.
So ya... that's my checklist, what's yours?
Wassalam,
Jun
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Review for De Divas Fashion - Plain Cotton Hoodie
Assalammu'alaikum family, friends, reader and followers of this blog.
Once again, another review to write! Alhamdulillah..
I have been watching De Divas Fashion, just waiting for a good time to jump and order their hot pancakes. One of which was what Kak Dila Jazzy is always talking about the hoodie.
I was skeptical at first, worrying about the coverage it can offer, the hassle of wearing one and such like that. You all know how particular I am with my hijab, I always go for super wide and big shawl, with material that is not see-through or too easily torn with frequent use of pinning, not slippery, etc etc.
I have a long check list whenever I wanna get a new hijab, but seeing her donning it, I find it fully covers, than I heard it can transform to a mini telekong, then I saw how easy and nice other people dons them. And so I finally succumb and PMed Kak Dila, asking her the price.
When she told me, I was in disbelief! I was expecting quite a high price so I can ditch the idea and stick to my wide shawls, but it was half the price I pay for most of my big wide shawls. I immediately told her I wanna have two colors. It was out of stock, and I said ok to the Plain Jersey Hoodie (again Jersey isn't my favorite and I usually avoid them). Somehow, I got too busy and caught up and didn't pay for my items on time, after several attempts of reminders.
And then Allah showed me why. The Plain Cotton Hoodie was going to be restocked - that's why! So I quickly told Kak Dila I'm sorry and that I want the plain cotton and drop my Jersey order and quickly paid.
It took just 2 days for it to reach me, I tried it on immediately, and it is sooo super comfortable!
See the inset picture, that is how it looks like when I wear it down as the mini telekung. The convenience of a 2-in-1.
Then I tweaked the way I style it to imitate Kak Dila's style.
The side up brings a bit of style eh.. And look at the massive coverage I get in front! And I get the same coverage at the back too.
The best thing that made me return to buy some more is the fact that it is comfortable and it gives warmth in the office with the aircon blasting my head off. PLUS, it works find as a telekung as well, that leaves me more space in my luggage when I want/need to travel.
And so I now own, a light grey, dusty pink, chocolate and butter. My mom took a Forest Green and she love it! However, due to her big size, she prefer to wear it down, and it doesn't turn into a mini telekung for her, but it is comfortable nonetheless for her. Most instant hijabs, will fall short for her, but because this was really huge, it felt nice on her, she just drapes it around her neck area for that flowy look and pin it at her shoulder with a brooch and it will look perfect!
This definitely wins all my instant hijab, for it is fun to style - the other instant hijabs I have, has got no room to style - as in it has to be worn as is. So this is definite definitely fun to try and give it your own signature way of styling.
Another plus point? It can be at the living room and all you need to do is reach to it, put it over and it covers well for those rush to cover aurah when the door bell rings. It does fine without an inner (doesnt slip off easily), and if I wear it down it covers my hands so it can do even when I am wearing just a tee underneath. So I shall put this as a must-have for Awesome Muslimahs!
With very smooth and understanding liasing with Kak Dila, I shall rate De Divas Fashion an awesome 4/5.
They do have apparels too, so do check them out!
Have fun shopping!
Wassalam,
Jun
Once again, another review to write! Alhamdulillah..
I have been watching De Divas Fashion, just waiting for a good time to jump and order their hot pancakes. One of which was what Kak Dila Jazzy is always talking about the hoodie.
I was skeptical at first, worrying about the coverage it can offer, the hassle of wearing one and such like that. You all know how particular I am with my hijab, I always go for super wide and big shawl, with material that is not see-through or too easily torn with frequent use of pinning, not slippery, etc etc.
I have a long check list whenever I wanna get a new hijab, but seeing her donning it, I find it fully covers, than I heard it can transform to a mini telekong, then I saw how easy and nice other people dons them. And so I finally succumb and PMed Kak Dila, asking her the price.
When she told me, I was in disbelief! I was expecting quite a high price so I can ditch the idea and stick to my wide shawls, but it was half the price I pay for most of my big wide shawls. I immediately told her I wanna have two colors. It was out of stock, and I said ok to the Plain Jersey Hoodie (again Jersey isn't my favorite and I usually avoid them). Somehow, I got too busy and caught up and didn't pay for my items on time, after several attempts of reminders.
And then Allah showed me why. The Plain Cotton Hoodie was going to be restocked - that's why! So I quickly told Kak Dila I'm sorry and that I want the plain cotton and drop my Jersey order and quickly paid.
It took just 2 days for it to reach me, I tried it on immediately, and it is sooo super comfortable!
Then I tweaked the way I style it to imitate Kak Dila's style.
The best thing that made me return to buy some more is the fact that it is comfortable and it gives warmth in the office with the aircon blasting my head off. PLUS, it works find as a telekung as well, that leaves me more space in my luggage when I want/need to travel.
And so I now own, a light grey, dusty pink, chocolate and butter. My mom took a Forest Green and she love it! However, due to her big size, she prefer to wear it down, and it doesn't turn into a mini telekung for her, but it is comfortable nonetheless for her. Most instant hijabs, will fall short for her, but because this was really huge, it felt nice on her, she just drapes it around her neck area for that flowy look and pin it at her shoulder with a brooch and it will look perfect!
This definitely wins all my instant hijab, for it is fun to style - the other instant hijabs I have, has got no room to style - as in it has to be worn as is. So this is definite definitely fun to try and give it your own signature way of styling.
Another plus point? It can be at the living room and all you need to do is reach to it, put it over and it covers well for those rush to cover aurah when the door bell rings. It does fine without an inner (doesnt slip off easily), and if I wear it down it covers my hands so it can do even when I am wearing just a tee underneath. So I shall put this as a must-have for Awesome Muslimahs!
With very smooth and understanding liasing with Kak Dila, I shall rate De Divas Fashion an awesome 4/5.
They do have apparels too, so do check them out!
Have fun shopping!
Wassalam,
Jun
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