You'ld think it's easy to forgive...

"The Weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong"

Mahatma Gandhi

OMG!!!! Who's that?

http://soletosouldance.blogspot.com/2010/04/faculty.html

*Proud Wife Moment*
Hubster's getting his very own MTV slot starting this 14th August!
Go to Sole to Soul's site for more info!

Hardwork and a change of lifestyle does help!

My friend, Aini or Baby (That's what I call her. I've known her for awhile and we've been housemates for 2 years; yet, I can never recall her fullname) recently shared her story on how she lost an amazing 10kg of weight. No, it is not through those meal replacements like Herbalife nor through crazy diets. She did it through a period of time with a change of lifestyle and hard work (in other word, EXERCISE!). She didn't just stick to one particular exercise (which can be such a bore). Instead, she mixes things up just to spice things up. However, just like everyone else, she did hit a point in time when her weight loss staggered a little. She got worried but luckily, with support from her surroundings and determination, she didn't give up and kept on going. Till Voila! She lost 10kg and look at her now! Oh-some right? It is not about being skinny, it is about being healthy! Baby, I am so proud of you! You are such an inspiration! Looking forward to follow your footsteps after confinement. XOXo!

By the way, read her story at http://ohnoaini.wordpress.com/

Well, she's got a point there....

It has got to be the fiesty attitude but regardless how disappointed I was of Rihanna falling back for Chris Brown after all the crap, you've gotta give her credit for saying something which actually makes sense. 

In her recent instagram post, she quote: " I hate when ex's say.. "I'm here if you need me." Where the f*** were you when we were together and I needed you?" 

Well, she's got a point there....

Managing Pregnancy Hormones

We always hear about “pregnancy glow” but how true that the glow will come? Looking at myself in front of the mirror, I do not see any glow. All I could see was a tired woman with blotchy skin and puffy eyes (especially after throwing up a lot due to acid reflux, lack of sleep and the fatigue).

 

When I first find out that I’m pregnant, I decided to invest on Kiehl’s Skin Clearing range for a less chemically processed skincare. With my pregnancy hormones, my skin got even worse. Which made me go back to what works best on my skin, which is Biotherm’s Aquasource. Due to my pregnancy hormones which causes the changes in the condition of my skin, my theraphist Christine (the person who does my facial at Biotherm One Utama) recommended that I use the Purefect Skin range instead and also use the Source Therapie for the best condition of the skin. 

She also added I have to ensure that my skin is always clean at all times. If I wear any powder, make up or sunscreen, I will need to add one more step which is to double cleanse my face (wash my face with an oil cleanser first before the normal cleanser). Which is why I then invested on Shu Uemura’s Ultim8. Shu Uemura has the best oil cleanser I’ve ever known. It really cleans your skin and removes all of your make up or sunscreen without over drying your skin. But it is important for you to consult the person there so that they can guide you to the type of oil cleanser that suits your skin. My favorite person in Shu Uemura One Utama is Joanne Yeoh who did my make up for both my engagement and my wedding reception. 

Shu Uemura Ultim8 Oil Cleanser RM150 (150ml) and RM300 (450ml)

Christine also recommended that I splurge a little and spend some time once or twice a week to apply a deep cleansing mask and also a hydrating mask. Why up to 2 mask? Deep cleansing mask is used to clean your skin however; it can dry out your skin. Hence, the hydrating mask is applied to replenish the moisture. That way your skin won’t overwork and stay balanced without the need to produce additional oil sebum. 

Kiehl's Rare Eart Deep Pore Cleansing Masque at RM100.

I have absolutely no idea how much this cost cause I always get it free from Biotherm.

I still do get breakouts once a while but it is at a very controllable rate and it only happens when I didn't clean my face for more than a day. That happens quite a lot lately as throwing up can be very tiring and  after all that, all I want to do is just sleep (and maybe eat cake.. LOL! but seriously, nowadays, I just want to sleep).

Sure, it may seem a little pricey.. Okok.. May be more than a little but I believe that it is also very important for us to take care of our own vanity even when we are pregnant and will be expecting a baby soon. Giving birth and confinement is also a rebirthing period for the mother. When we step out from the hospital carrying our little bundle of joy, we are no longer the same person as we used to be before this. We are mothers with new roles and a new body. Pregnancy will cause us to change inside out and we’re given to chance for a whole 44 days to adjust to our new role and boost us up in our first step to get in shape through our strict confinement regime. 

By the way, for this month, Biotherm is having an offer for their Purefect Range. If you purchase they Raya Blockbuster set (RM505), you will get RM500 worth of free products (which includes a 60-mins Purefect Skin Facial). Talk about good bargain eh? I’m just waiting for my payday to get it.

1st Anniversary Mini Getaway

28th June 2012 was the day I tied the knot to my hubster, En Ezry bin Ibrahim. It was indeed a joyous ceremony. Honestly, things happened pretty fast. I remembered the preparation and feeling very nervous. I was pretty stressed out considering that there were a few hiccups here and there (plus my uncle's wife actually made a comment about me gaining weight-read all about it here). That day, I started having rashes all over my body to a point that they considered of drugging me. They decided not to do so because they were afraid that I will not be awake during the solemnization. After all that, everything happen so fast. Before I know it, there I was getting ready. Then, I was ready. Then, I was asked to walk down the stairs. Then, there were a few of "huh?"s and "owh ok" moment. And then, Voi-la! Hi! I'm Mrs Ezry. 

Below is our solemnization video by TrueMoment:

Solemnization: 28th June 2012

"In the Ocean" wedding reception: 30th June 2012
Picture by Qippy Photography

"In the Ocean" wedding reception: 30th June 2012
Picture by Qippy Photography

Last year, my parents treated us with a Romantic Rendezvous Package at Mandarin Oriental. We had such a good and memorable experience that Hubster decided to make it our annual tradition to go there every year for our anniversary. He got the exact same package for us. 

Romantic Rendezvous Package includes:

• Welcome flavoured tea upon arrival
• Daily breakfast for two at Mosaic or in-room American breakfast
• Dinner for two at the Mandarin Grill
• Champagne or non alcoholic sparkling juice, chocolate and strawberries
• One butler drawn bath with aromatherapy oil
• Complimentary turn down amenities
• Welcome Mandarin Oriental gift amenities for two person
• One Deluxe hand bouquet upon check-in
• Complimentary upgrade to next category upon check-in, subject to availability (Not applicable for Suite rooms)
• MO Lifestyle Programme, enjoy great savings at Suria KLCC participating boutiques
• A dinner for two (2) adults at Mandarin Grill per stay

We checked in on the 27th June 2013. That is a day earlier because hubster was travelling to Pulau Redang with Sole to Soul Dance Studio on the 29th June 2013. We decided to have a little family time on that day before having a whole entire day to ourselves. We started with lunch with his parents then we met up with my parents, nieces and nephew, Mummyang, Emma, Aaron Steve and his children (Aby and Azrai). My mom and Mummyang brought the kids to Aquaria while Hubster, Steve and I head to our room because Princess Aby was fast asleep.

Welcome Bouquet and a short welcome note.

Sparkling Drink, Chocolate, Strawberries and Chocolate Dip. Last year they gave us a whole box of chocolate. This time around, it was only 6 pieces on a serving dish.

Princess Aby fast asleep on our honeymoon bed. LOL!

She woke up smiling when she saw all the pretty flower petals around her.

That evening, Hubster and Steve brought the kids down for a short swim.

I think from the picture here, you can only spot Steve considering that he is the only Mat Salleh there. LOL!

While they were having a swim, MO staff came over to the room to surprise us with a card, a piece of cake and another bouquet of flowers. They even had a camera ready. It is so unfortunate that Hubster was not around. I feel so bad but really can't deny that it was a very sweet gesture.

Anniversary Gift from Mandarin Oriental (MO)

My sister works in Khazanah Nasional Berhad which is located at KLCC. Her friend had this privilege card together with coupons to get discounts. My mom decided to treat everyone dinner at the Chinese Restaurant. Aaina Caring Nina who is working in the same office as my sister joined us for dinner too.

Appetizer

Ginseng Soup with Scallops and Red Dates

The next few dishes came at almost all at once. We were very hungry that we just dug in without taking any pictures. LOL!

Dessert: Sesame Pudding with Mango Sorbet

In conclusion, I would say that the food was awesome. However, I prefer the normal Chinese Fried Rice that the kids had than their Scallop Fried Rice.

Princess Aby didn't want to walk.

Re-enactment of Ju-On? LOL! Just kidding Emma.

Not so candid picture of me. That's Aaina Caring Nina next to me. She's trying to avoid the camera thinking that she looks messy after work. Well, I personally think that she looks sexy.

Children's Table

Princess Aby enjoying her noodles.

After dinner, Aaina Caring Nina, Hubster and I hung out at MO's Lounge on the Park where we had the most expensive Teh Tarik and cup of Earl Grey Tea. LOL! RM24 for a pot of Earl Grey Tea! But lounging there includes a super comfortable chair, titbits and live music which is pretty worth it especially considering that it is a once in a blue moon kind of thing.

Earl Grey Tea

Hubster's Berry Mocktail. According to hi, it is like super Ohsome!

Us! Picture taken by Aaina Caring Nina.

The next morning, we started our day with Breakfast in Bed while watching Nottinghill. Quite romantic don't you think? Surreal but Nice...

My Breakfast. If it were really up to me, I'ld get their Salmon Egg Benedict. However, it is not safe to eat half cooked food during pregnancy which is why I opted for these instead.

Hubster's heart Breakfast

We took our time before Hubster head for Friday prayers while I head to Chanel's Les BEIGE event at KLCC.

Bought my mom's Chanel moisturizer and got a free Chanel Les Beige MakeOver which turned to some sort of a maternity shot.

After that, Hubster and I had tea at Harrods Cafe. The set cost is RM180! Talk about OVERPRICED! It was our first and last time there. We thought that the cakes would be larger. But then again, we must always have in mind that pictures are only for illustration purpose. LOL!

Harrods Tea Set

As usual, our selection for flavoured tea will always be Earl Grey Tea.

After tea, we decided to take a short trip down to the pool and swam about 10 laps before relaxing in a buttler drawn aroma therapy bath.

Butler drawn bath with aromatherapy oil

We then headed to Mandarin Grill for Dinner. Last year, we had the luxury of choice to choose 2 items from their menu (1 main dish and a choice of either Starter or Dessert) and was treated with a few sweet treats after (if I'm not mistaken there were macaroons and choclates). Hubster ordered this wagyu steak which cost almost RM400. The steak was really awesome that he was really looking forward to it. To our surprise, we were restricted to take their dinner set (a 4-course meal). Courses were increase but the choices were very limited. Well, I guess you lose some, you win some.

Hubster

Me!

Our meal started with a little treat from the chef:

For starter, we chose their Cream Dory Salad which is very yummy-licious:

Then, they served seafood in Chinese Herbal Broth. If you ask me, the seafood was very fresh and succulent. However, I didn't quite fancy the broth.

We both ordered their grilled lamb for our main dish. Hubster had his medium well. Mine was very much well-done.

For dessert, we were served a warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. We didn't get the chance to take a picture of the cake because Hubster was on the line with his aunt and my phone was running out of battery. Our dinner ended with flavored tea and a few pieces of chocolates.

Us at Mandarin Grill.

Fooling around before heading to bed. Well, can't exactly head to bed straight kan with all that food kan..

The next day, we took our own sweet time for a slow and late breakfast at Mosaic before heading back to our room to pack our stuff. We had such a great experience spending quality time together there. Thank you Hubster for the lovely treat! XoXo! Looking forward to more milestones to come. Next stop, Raya 2013 before the arrival of Lil Chica. Lets hope for the best and I pray that Allah SWT will bless our family forever and always.

Captured by Hubster with the 2 bouquet of flowers from MO

The Tragic News

If you had read my first post on my pregnancy , you might have known that I had chosen to go to Dr Delaila Ahmad of Sime Darby Medical Center or previously known as Subang Jaya Medical Center. Many recommended Dr Siti and said that Dr Delaila was a very fierce doctor. Well, after hearing stories of my cousin having to queue for Dr Siti right after Subuh prayers and my sister had quite a good experience with Dr Delaila, we chose Dr Delaila instead. We kept a positive mind for our first visit and was glad that our experience with her is not all that bad. In fact, we were very pleased with her and grew to like her even more visit after visit. She was always straight to the facts but still joked a little here and there. There were only these 2 times when we saw her fierceness. 1st was the time when I gained 4 kg sometime during my 2nd trimester. The 2nd time was when the pharmacist messed up her prescription. She was really furious at that time. Other than that, our experience was very pleasant with her. We were pretty excited to share our first birthing experience with her especially after finding out that she practice some of the hypnobirthing method like waiting for the cord to stop pulsating before cutting it and giving the parents 1 hour of bonding time with the baby right after delivery. 

Dr Delaila Ahmad

Earlier today, I planned on updating w post on my mini wedding anniversary getaway but we got the most unfortunate news this morning about a female doctor losing a thumb to robbery. We really hoped it wasn't her. I called the hopital to check whether it is Dr Delaila but the operator wouldn't tell. All she could tell us is Dr Delaila is on a long leave and they are not sure when she will come back. They are in the midst of calling her patients to reassign them to other doctors. Sigh! This is indeed a very devastating news. A doctor makes a living with their hands and fingers and Dr Delaila's job as someone who helps mothers deliver newborn is a very noble job. I can't imagine what she is going through at this moment. I'm sure many are cursing the robber at the moment. We are currently in the waiting list for 2 other doctors and hoping for the best. We redha with whatever Rezeki Allah S.W.T. will grant Lil Chica. Please pray for the best for Lil Chica ok and to Dr Delaila, our prayers are with you.

Reference: 

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/07/16/Doctor-loses-thumb-robber.aspx
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=547383428631786&set=a.495722160464580.1073741825.100000804012059&type=1&ref=nf
http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Columnists/One-Mans-Meat/Profile/Articles/2013/07/22/Too-close-for-comfort.aspx
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/776146

Sia's I'm in Here

I'm in here, can anybody see me?
Can anybody help?

I'm in here, a prisoner of history,
Can anybody help?

Can't you hear my call?
Are you coming to get me now?
I've been waiting for,
You to come rescue me,
I need you to hold,
All of the sadness I can not,
Living inside of me.

I'm in here, I'm trying to tell you something,
Can anybody help?

I'm in here, I'm calling out but you can't hear,
Can anybody help?

Can't you hear my call?
Are you coming to get me now?
I've been waiting for,
You to come rescue me,
I need you to hold,
All of the sadness I can not,
Living inside of me.

I'm crying out, I'm breaking down,
I am fearing it all,
Stuck inside these walls,
Tell me there is hope for me
Is anybody out there listening?

Can't you hear my call?
Are you coming to get me now?
I've been waiting for,
You to come rescue me,
I need you to hold,
All of the sadness I can not,
Living inside of me.

Can't you hear my call?
Are you coming to get me now?
I've been waiting for,
You to come rescue me,
I need you to hold,
All of the sadness I can not,
Living inside of me.

I'm in here, can anybody see me?
Can anybody help?

2 cents of rambling

It makes me wonder how people think sometimes. Sometimes, i wonder whether it's just me who is thinking too much. I'm not really the kind of person who expects a lot from people. Most often, I will always give my best depending on my budget (both effort and financial wise). I strongly believe that you deserve what you give in. If you don't make that much effort for me, why should I make any effort for you kind of thing. If your efforts are not appreciated, maybe you are putting it at the wrong place. Then again, that is just my 2 cents. May not mean anything to you.

Something to Share: Seven Choices for Success and Significance

From: Shaikh, Mohammed Azhar
Sent: Tuesday, July 02, 2013 7:08 PM
Subject: Seven Choices for Success and Significance

What is success? Only you can define it in your own life. In my own life, I have attempted to define both Success and Significance. To me, Success is secular. Significance is spiritual. It doesn't matter how you define your own spirituality. Spiritual matters are always finer, deeper, and longer lasting than secular matters. Success focuses on three F’s: • Fans • Fame • Fortune Success is focused on tasks, even goals. Significance also focuses on three Fs: • Faith • Family • Friends But, significance focuses on purpose. Why am I here? What do I do with the talents, experiences and skills that I have? How can I make the world a better place? How do I plant seeds of greatness in the lives of those around me? How do I make an impact in the circles of influence where I find or place myself? To choose success and significance, you must be a strategic thinker who: • Has a clear vision of what you want to accomplish • Develops a solid strategy that answers three questions:

- Who or what are we today? - Who do we want to become? - How do we get there?

• Employs practical systems to achieve your goals • Commits to consistent execution because in consistency, success emerges. When implementing your strategic plan for success, it really comes down to three "Ds": Decide what you want most to achieve Determine the first step to getting what you want Do the first thing that will start you moving toward your goal. Using these seven keys, you can choose success and significance. But keep this in mind: success is not a matter of luck, not an accident of birth, not a reward for virtue. The most successful people I know are the ones who have something to do, somewhere to be and someone to love. No one is responsible for your success or your joy. You must search for it and be in a continual state of earning it. To merely succeed is not an end in itself. You must use your success to impact other people...to impact the world...to Live Life from the Inside Out. It all starts with the choices you make—they determine the person you will become.

Thanks & Regards,

Mohammed Azhar Shaikh