Routine- tips to change your lifestyle

Assalamualaikum and how are you? We are fine on this hot summer. It is 31 degrees at 9 pm!

Have you taken your breakfast? And where did you have it? When I was in Malaysia and still working, I usually have it at home or sometimes I spent at outside with my friends. During weekend, Juma and I would bring the kids to mamak join or Mc Donald for breakfast. Worst come to worst, he would packed some food for us. The idea is not to cook at home. Usually we will have roti canai (paratha) or tosei or nasi lemak. The drink will be teh tarik or any ice drink.

And this is the routine that I brought together with me to Australia. My husband, who love me endlessly, went along with it. Every weekend, since I reached Perth, he would bring me to Canning Vale market where we can purchase nasi lemak at AUD 3.50 and a cup of coffee at AUD4.00. The nasi lemak tasted awful, cold as it just came out from the fridge; totally opposite from the way it suppose to taste like. The coffee was good but with AUD 4.00, I could get more than only a cup of coffee.

It hit me hard at that time, to revalue our expenses, to adapt with the changes and to give up few routines. From then on, we stopped having breakfast at outside, we dine out once in a month, plan our groceries expenses and buy second hand stuff at garage sale, instead of buying new things at mall. 

Malaysia, my home country is having hard time in terms of financial wise. The citizens are urge to cut their expenses. I believe it is not hard to do it as long as you are willing to change your lifestyle. Here are some tips: 

1. Food: pack food for your lunch. It is cheaper to buy raw material and cook by yourself then to eat out. And it is way healthier. 

2. Food: stop going to fine dining places. Yes, stop! They charge more than they should, in the name of service. It is delicious? Cook by yourself! It is not difficult plus it is gonna be fun!

3. Clothes and shoes: stop buying branded clothes. Many affordable labels offer high quality product at reasonable price. 

4. Clothes and shoes: if you have children, pass down their older sibling's clothes to the younger, if the condition is still fine. It's fine to wear mint condition clothes. Nothing to be ashamed of. So does clothes. You can pass it around with your friends or siblings too. Sharing is caring. 

5. Clothes and shoes: if you have too many clothes, do spring cleaning and donate the ones that you can't use it anymore. Or the one that you seldom use. Somebody's trash is other's treasure. 

6. Travelling: if your office could be access by public transport, it is wise to use it rather than to use your own transport. You can save on fuel and parking fees. I understand that the public transportation always crowded, but you can always start your journey early. Plan your journey. 

7. Travelling: You can do car pool as well. I've done this before and it is fun! There's always somebody to chat with while being stuck in the traffic jam. Plus cost saving! 

8. Leisure: Instead of bringing your family to shopping malls during weekend, why don't you bring them for picnic? Parks usually offer lots of free parking lot and bring home cook meal for picnic. But make sure you clean up the area after finish. Or make little gathering with your friends, like pot luck. Take turn to organise. 

9. Car: Buy car according to our budget. It is an essential item, however, people nowadays take it wrongly. They 'dress up' their car that towards the end, they left no money for food and other important things. Prioritize your needs. It becomes a culture to change car whenever they finish pay up the loan. Free yourself from loan! Look, if you drive to work, most of the time your car will be park at the car park. It means that most of the time in a day you don't need it. So live with what you have. Unless the car gives you such a big trouble; e.g the cost of maintenance is high, your family expanding, don't change your car. It will save up lots of your income. 

10. Party/ wedding/ Aqiqah: As saying said, you get married once in your life time. Make it a memorable one. But many take this saying wrongly. They thought it should be an extravagant wedding to match the word memorable. With this, the cost of the wedding bomb up, more than they afford. The dais, the gifts, the wedding outfit, the doorgift, the food and the list goes on and on. I'm afraid that the memory that you get from your wedding is working extra hard to earn extra money for the event. Or climbing the bank stairs while applying for bank loan. This can be avoid if you know how to match your wedding budget with your own budget. Be realistic. Stop thinking about others think. Think of your future, think of the money that you can save to give your new family a better life. Same goes to your kid's birthday party or aqiqah event. It's fine to spend some money to celebrate your love ones as long as it is not wasting. 

There are many more ways to save up our money to make our future brighter. Just remember, our live is not at the up always, At a time, we will be at down. So this is the time for you to save up to cushion yourself when you at the bottom. 

Hello 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

How did you spend your first day of 2014? 

It was a simple day; relax and intimate family day. 

We eat, we laugh, we play and we rest. 

As most of the malls are closed today, hubby and I decided to stay at home. Although we thought of spending the day at beach, but we changed our mind due to the weather. However, the weather was lovely during the day, but it is pretty cold now, at night. 

Our family hardly have our breakfast at outside. I had a burger in the morning and the kids and hubby had toast bread. And we headed to the Macca's playground. I could tell that Maleec and Aaron really had a good time playing there. They made friends, they ran all over places and had ice cream too. 

As for lunch, we had barbecue at our alfresco. hubby marinated steaks and chicken. We had corns and sausages too. It was nice. Very nice. 

We spent our late afternoon snoring on bed. Everybody on a bed! And now I'm like a zombie; can't get to sleep. Top of all, I'm bless with what I have today, and NOW! Alhamdullillah!

It isn't complete the new year without flashing back on what happened on the past year, and speaking out loud on new resolutions and hope. But to me, I am bless with what I have now and hope nothing but the best in everything. 

Is your behaviour in your DNA?

Salam all.. How's your day today? If you are a mother, happy mother's day to you. 

My kids didn't wish me 'happy mother's day'. I also didn't receive a wishing card written in their ugly hand writing nor a necklace made from paper plate as mother' day present to me. I don't mind. As long as they are happy and healthy, I'm bless. 

A simple butter cake for my mom

But lately, I feel so tired with their naughtiness. **I guess whoever reading this and happen to be supplement dealer, will be jump from their chair and start to promote their product. 

Aaron is a hyper active child. He can't stop working, from the time he wakes up till he asleep. The only time to see him in peace is while he is sleeping, which is hardly happen. He wouldn't play with the toys we bought him, but he will play with our 'toys'. He will take my cooking utensils and pretend to be cooking. He will take  him little plastic knife and starts digging the soil, mimicking the way I take off the grass weed. He will sweep the floor and bring in the sand from outside to inside of the house. He will take the clean clothes and pretending as if he is folding them. And many more. The above I mentioned is the mild one. Sometimes he can be extreme, like mixing soy sauce and milk (as if he is making fruit juice), playing with cups and teapot, touching my precious tablet and soaking his pillow in the water. From my mother-in-law's mouth, he acts exactly like his father, Juma, when he was little. Is it a coincidence?

Playing with my wallet

Wearing my slippers, pretending to be sweeping the floor

Maleec on the other hand, wouldn't play with weird stuff. He will play with his toys. He will watch television and wouldn't let you watch it. He will throws his tantrum whenever he didn't get what he wanted. He will yell at me whenever his father is home. And all those behaviour, sounds like mine, only when I was small. Yes, I admit it, it isn't nice, but hey! I was a baby at that time. 

Maleec is making mess on the floor while watching television and Aaron... well.. he is testing his superhero power, I assume

About eating behaviour, Aaron is more like Juma. He will eat anything, in anyway, as long as it will make his tummy full. But Maleec is different. He is such a picky eater, like me. He choose what he will eat according to his mood. He doesn't like to try on new menu, as he loves to stick with what he is comfortable with. It takes such a patience for us to wait for him eating noddle. He will pick A noodle, wiggling it to remove anything stick to it (e.g egg, beansprout), pull it high paralax to his eyes as the second check, before entering it into his mouth. And it happens to each noodle in his plate. And my mother told me, it is the same step I took while eating noddle, when I was small! 

Picky eater is enjoying his fried noddle

My question is, do we inherit our behaviour? I thought it is from the lifestyle, from what the kids see the surrounding and in my case, it is on what they see their parents. I don't eat noddle at that kind of way, anymore. Juma is doesn't make mess, in fact it is the other way round He is a clean and tidy person. So where is these behaviours from? 

Your Life is in My Hand

Assalamualaikum. How are you today? For me, nothing much different with yesterday. My husband is still in Bangkok, Hans Isaac is still not able to marry Neelofa, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have their own wine label and Sulu terrorists are still in Sabah. 

 Few days ago, Malaysia been surprised with the news of a singer who beat her husband till death. She is the main suspect of the case, along with her two nephews. From the media, I learned that she and her nephews tied her estranged husband and beat him till death. This i to stop the husband from requesting to see their child. They are in the midst of divorce. Today, through a gossip column, a friend of the singer claims that she is the last person that the singer spoke to before she been detained by police. The friend told the media that the case is a self defense case as the husband attacked her first. The husband crashed into the house and started to beat her in front of her nephews. The nephews didn't help her until she was dropped to the floor. Both of her nephews managed to stop her husband from beating her and they used belt to tie him up. 

My question is, what is the reason can a person kill another person that they love or loved? This is not the first case we hear about a person kill their partner. How about the child kill their parents? From love to hate, what could trigger the action of killing your love ones?

From the story above and if the friend's story is the truth, the singer is not only defending her child, she also defending herself. Why she has to do the dirty work where as she can call for police's help? Perhaps the law is not securing her life and her child that she has to do what is beyond human right. 

Life is like a wheel, sometimes you are up and sometimes you are down. When we are at up, we should not forget that we might be down, too.  In making decision, we have to use our brain, not only by listening our heart. Think the consequences of the action that you plan to take. Don't do kit just because you think that is the short cut of getting out from the trouble. Think before you act. 

But the question again, how could you ended the life of the person you love? The life that we are leading is very stressful and full of surprises. We will be surprise with a person's capability to do many things that we are not think of. For example, a husband loves the wife unconditionally could kill the wife while she is nurturing their baby simply because the wife is nagging at the husband on his absence during the child delivery. 

So, be careful with your words and action. Don't think about yourself only, but think about others too. If you are tired, what make you think your partner is not tired as well. Try to avoid unnecessary argument as small matter could lead to big mistake. 

As the story I told above, if happen to be the court decided that the singer is at fault of killing her husband, their children is not only losing the father, bit also the mother. 

To my dear friends, I'm not perfect. I easily get angry especially with my kids and husband due to housework and many other reasons. But we have to think rationally on our action as we have to be responsible on that. This post is a reminder to me to always put my mind above my heart. 

Good night!

Negara Kita, Bangsa Kita, Agama Kita, Hanya Kita Yang Mampu ertahankannya, Bukannya Bangsa Lain, Sebab Mereka Tak Pernah Kisah

* I'm Malay and a Muslim and I'll do anything to protect Malays and Muslims, anywhere.

In early February 2013, a group of Filipinos landed into Malaysia at Lahad Datu, Sabah. They are fully armed and claimed they are the army of Sulu Sutanate. They are in Sabah of a mission to conquer Sabah. They believe that Sabah belongs to Sulu people and Malaysia took it away from them. To those who don't know where is Sabah, who are Sulu people and their connection with Malaysia, please do your homework before further reading. You need the information to relate to this entry. Thank you. 

Malaysia is being defend by the police under Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM). Why put the police, but not the soldiers? This is because it is not a war. They are intruders and not representing any country. Even the Philippines government is fully support the Malaysian government. Malaysian government gave the intruders a time frame for negotiation and to surrender however they chose war. 

The intruders attacked Malaysian police that cause 2 commandos died in Lahad Datu on last Saturday. The news shocked me hard. I was so devastated with the news because the commandos are my people. They are Muslims and Malays. They are the people who fight for my country, belief and race till the end of their life. They leave their family, wife and kids, and battle their life for our safety. 

From Facebook information, I learned that one of the commandos' kids are same age as Maleec and Aaron. His wife is younger than me. I can't imagine her life without her husband, their children without their father. I hugged Juma tightly last night, afraid that I might lose him, as how she lose her husband. I know it sounds so emotional and cheesy, but seriously, she can hug her husband no more. The kids can't play with their father anymore. Yet, there are some Malaysians making jokes about the lost. Shame on you! But who are they? They are the people that shouldn't be called as Malaysian. 

I understand that some people are so obsess with the upcoming General Election. Many young Chinese and Indians are so eager to vote for Opposition to take over the government as they wish that they could rule the country, not Malay and Muslim. FYI, the Opposition supporters who are mainly non-Malay and non-Muslim. Those non-Malay and non-Muslim Malaysians think that it is totally unfair that the Prime Minister of Malaysia has to be a Malay and Muslim. They think that they should have the equal right to challenge for that important post. Which I think it shouldn't happen. Reasons being that Malaysia's native people is Malay, therefore till the end of the world, Malays should rule MALAYsia. The Chinese and Indians are free to go back to their origin country, e,g China, India, using their grandfather's tongkang which were use to come to Malaysia. 

But don't politicize the Lahad Datu issue. Don't politicize the country's safety. This is not an issue for you to make up stories and rumors.

Look at the current situation. I can't see and hear any names of Indian or Chinese in the battle field. Who is there fighting for Malaysia to in peace? Of course they are my people; Malays and Muslims! The Chinese and Indians are here, in Malaysia, taking advantage on the country economy growth and barking all over the country and world, asking for equal right. 

From my social network account, I hardy see any comments from Chinese and Indians expressing their condolence or even feel sorry for the warriors' families. What I see and read is that it is a politic conspiracy or the Malaysian government tries to hide the information from the Malaysians and many other petty things. The Indians and Chinese hardly show their support to the Malaysian police and soldiers. 

Thus, to Indian and Chinese, I think you are not  only unfit to rule the country, but you are unfit to be in Malaysia. Many of you are proud that you had stayed overseas and give bullshits ideas on how to rule the country like the other country. With that, I suggest you to give away your MyKad and apply the citizenship of other country that you are so proud of. 

Shame on you who are not proud of your country, of your wira! Shame on you!

Leave Her For Me!

Are you married? I am. Are you afraid that other woman (e) might steal your husband away from you? I do. Is my self confident towards my husband is low? No. But why I must be afraid that he might leave me for other woman? Because I'm living in the year that people will do anything to meet their desire. My husband is a stable man in terms of his career, mature and that is what young ladies are looking for. He is not rich but he is in his mid of career and it could cushion those short minded woman. 

Lt's take a look at women who happen to be celebrities, that stole other's husband. 

1. Faezah Elai

The actress denied the rumors that she is in the relationship with a drama director, Heykal. Faezah worked in few drama series directed by Heykal and told the media that the relationship is nothing but professional. The director also gave statement to the media that his marriage is in trouble but it has nothing to do ith Faezah. However, the couple 'surprise' the media with their engagement news after the director divorced his wife. Heykal married Faezah shortly. Faezah and the ex-wife had twitter war, but shame on Faezah. The not-so-pretty-and-talented actress put herself at the very low level when she frighten the ex-wife that she will reveals unnecessary pictures of her if the ex-wife continue tweeting about Faezah. 

Faezah and Heykal welcome their first daughter in early 2013. 

During their solemnization

Heykal's ex-wife, Jaja Nadzir

2. Siti Nurhaliza

Indeed, she did that! Khalid Jiwa was still married to Tengku Zawiyah when he started courting Siti Nurhaliza. Siti Nurhaliza allegedly said that she isn't the third person of Khalid Jiwa and wife's separation. However, from the sources we knew that Siti Nurhaliza told Khalid to choose between she or Tengku Zawiyah. And of course Khalid chose the young, beautiful, rich and famous singer and left the wife. The wife was the one that helped him financially when he started his business. The wife that made him from nobody to somebody. Unfortunately, he prefers Siti Nurhaliza and choose to forget the memories including the deeds that the ex-wife did to him. 

So long, Tengku Zawiyah. 

On their reception

Tengku Zawiyah found new happiness

3. Memey Suhaiza

Malaysia been shocked with the news on the upcoming actress, Memey Suhaiza and a married actor, Norman Hakim have been arrested for close-proximity (khalwat) in Norman's office. Norman who was still married to singer-actress, Abby Abadi at that time. Abby was heavily pregnant of their third child when the incident happened. Abby was furious with the news, attacked Norman at the shooting locaion. Abby wasn't alone as she brought several reporters as the witness of the incident. They finally divorced. Norman and Memey got hitched and have a daughter together. Abby made peace with Memey when she invited Memey and Norman to her house for iftar. Abby also visited Memey and the baby, shortly after Memey welcomed her daughter. Alhamdullillah!

During their reception

Abby and her new image 

4. Watie Sadali

The problem actress was having an affair with her co-star, Joey. Joey who was still married at that time, neglected his wife and children while was in love with Watie. Joey chose to leave his family and marry Watie.  Joey's ex-wife gave a piece of advise to the artiste to stop having affairs with other's husband.

During their reception

There are more celebrities who have talent and bright future, but choose to destroy other's happiness to build theirs. Hopefully we don't be selfish at a point and may Allah prevent this from happening to my family. Amin. 

Price versus Quality, who win?

Assalammualaikum...

I got the idea of the topic today while I washed my dishes. As usual, I'll share my experience and towards the end, you'll know which side I take. 

When I was in Kuwait, I had no trouble in making decision on what products to use because generally the quality is equal. But when I returned to Malaysia, I realize that the quality is varies as it goes with the price. For example, the dishwasher liquid. If I shop in Tesco or Carrefour or Giant hypermarket, I can get their in-house brand of dishwasher liquid half of the price of Glo/ Palmolive/ Axion. However, the quality is very low. The dish is not well-clean, especially if the plate was oily. You have to use a lot to make it clean. And it needs lots of water to wash the liquid off from the dish. The smell is not pleasant as well. It also makes you hand skin dry. I use the hypermarket brand before and I just couldn't stand it. I stashed it away and bought a good quality dishwasher liquid which is easier to use and clean up. It also protect my skin from getting dry. The price is nothing compare to the quality it gives you. 

Maleec never milk using milk bottle as he got it directly from me. However, Aaron is not as lucky as Maleec and he is still using formula milk. I didn't have much idea about formula milk and milk bottle. So, I asked lots of questions to the nurses while Aaron was still in the hospital due to jaundice. The nurses told me to find NUK brand as for the milk bottle. And I bought it. I use that brand till Aaron reached one year old where I bought unbranded milk bottle. I could see the different quite immediately. The NUK bottle milk comes with its own teat design. To tell you the truth, Aaron never experience colic while using NUK bottle milk. The NUK teat replicates mom's nipple and it wouldn't confuse the baby. Plus, it is long lasting too! Comparing the NUK milk bottle, I found it is hard to clean the unbranded ones. The milk seems to be plastering at the wall of the bottle and I have to pour in hot water to dissolve it. The teat that comes with the unbranded milk bottle is low quality and usually I'll just throw it away and replace it with NUK's teat. I think if I'm going to get a new milk bottle for Aaron for the next time, I'm going back to NUK brand. Period!

Now, let's talk about shoes. I don't mind wearing unbranded shoes but I've learned to curb my expectation on it. I love leather shoes and I invest on buying some of the high end brand such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Bally and Bruno Magli. But for fancy shoes, which I wear sometimes, not for walking but juts parading, I use Vincci brand (Malaysia brand), and some I bought in Bangkok, Thailand. It is unfair to compare the quality as the price gap is big. Blister is the biggest problem when we talk about shoes. To avoid facing it, I use the leather shoes for walking. Leather is good for walking as it mold according to your feet and it allows you feet to breathe. But leather shoes is not cheap. It will be more expensive it is from designer brands. 

Do you like chocolate? Do you have a particular brand or product that become your favorite? I love After Eight. It is minty. I love any flavor of Toblerone. When I was pregnant with Maleec, Toblerone chocolate was one of the items that must have in my fridge. And I've taste unbranded chocolate. From the taste, we could tell the quantity and quality of the cocoa in the chocolate. 

In my opinion, to anything that we consume, the quality has to become the priority rather that the price. After a thorough calculation, you will be surprise to learn that the low quality but cheap item is expensive in another way. Look at the damage that it brings to you. However, we can't deny the demand of the cheap products as not everybody afford to buy the expensive ones. 

Happy spending!

Maid: Angel or Devil (Part2)

Assalamualaikum..

Let's talk about house maid again. A little bit background info about my history with maid. I've been staying with maid since I was in primary school, when my parents left to work. I also experience hiring two maids to take care of my children. Here's the list of my bad experience with them:

1. Stealing

My first maid went back to Indonesia with my jewelries! I've hide my jewelries in a place that I assume nobody would ever think of. But she is smarter than me and she found it. I didn't check her luggage when she was leaving my house since I trusted her. At that moment too, she was upset with her lost as her youngest daughter died. But the heartless bitch ran away with my gold bracelets, necklaces and so forth!

My mother's maid stole my parents belonging. How we got to know about it? When we went to her house, we saw the painting that my father drew was hanging on her house's wall, the brother was wearing my father's shirt and many more. Why can't you ask?

2. Abuse

My brother been abused physically and verbally by the maid. I saw it and told my mother. She admitted it and apologized, But again, she did it again and again! Damn her!

3. Neglect the children
I saw with my own eyes that my maid pushed Maleec away when he went near the maid. It's normal for young kids to hold you now and then, but the maid just pushed him away. I was so sad with her behavior towards my son but I didn't say anything. Why? If I say something that she might not like, perhaps she will take the revenge on my kids when I isn't around. Therefore I just keep quiet.

I saw my maid was busy talking on the phone with her boyfriend and hold my 4 months baby with a single hand. At this point, I told her to put down the phone and pay attention to the baby. She gave me unsatisfied look!

Maleec was asking for more food and my maid just walked away from him without attending his need.

4. Busy body
My mother's maid can't wait to bring us to the playground in the evening. Why? That's the place where she met her friends, who were maids as well. They will gossiping about the domestic issues in each house. In the end, everybody in the neighborhood knows what's happening in my house.

My aunt's would eagerly come back from the playground when she heard a bad rumors about neighbor to bitch around with my aunt. I just can't see the point why you have to busy body about people's life. But later, I found the answer: the maid feels it is the only way to connect with their employee. Sad!

My maid will tell me every single detail on what happened in my in-laws' house when I was away at work. Even she ear dropping my father-in-law's conversation with his wife and children. Too much information!

5. Not appropriate attire and behavior
My maid was lying on the floor in the middle of my living hall, with her a skimpy, tiny blouse, exposing her tummy (not so flat!) while my husband was around! Need I say more?

6. Demanding
My maid only wants to wear the same products that I'm using.

My maid was choosy with food and I had to prepare special food to her sometimes as she didn't eat certain food, e.g shrimp, squid! Who's the maid now?

My maid demanded to have holiday on each weekend. Reason: she wants to go to Chow Kit to eat Indonesian cuisine! Halo! You have no holiday until you work for 3 years! And what is so tiring about your work? You don't have to cook. You barely clean up my house. And you have to look after my baby, but most of the time, my mother-in-law was the one looking after him!

7. Lack of capacity
My maid doesn't know how to cook, clean up the house, communicate with the kids; yet she demands for better salary! Wow!

8. Hygiene
My maid always need to be remind to trim her fingernails. She also needs to be remind to wash her hand after she did housework, before attending the kids.

I know some people are lucky to have a good maid. But I had a bad experience with them. I don't think they are fit to handle my children. And I wouldn't take the risk again to hire maid.

Maid: Angel or Devil (Part 1)

I quit my job because I need to take care of my kids. Not that they are sick or need special attention compare to other kids, but because they are my children. Some people suggest me to send my children to the nursery, child care center or hire a nanny to take care of them while I work. Those are brilliant ideas, just that, it doesn't work for me.

When I had Maleec, my first son, I took some times off from work. When he is big enough in my opinion, I went back to work. I left Maleec with my in-laws when I went to work. When I was about to have Aaron, my second son, Juma and I had a discussion and we made decision to hire a maid. Initially, the maid will be taking care of the kids at my in-laws; house when Juma and I are working. We had a maid. She arrived few months earlier before the arrival of Aaron.

She did her work well. But I didn't get along well with her. To me, I hate a nosy people. She is that type. She will talk about what happened in my in-laws' house once she got into my car. I hate to know too details about the domestic issues of my in-laws' family as it will effect my relationship with them (it did!).

Besides, she also knows how to demand. Once, I bought her a shampoo. Instead saying 'thank you', she told me that the shampoo doesn't suit her hair. In my opinion, if she wants to use certain type of product, it is not my responsibility to meet her request. Like it or not, that's what I bought for her use and if she has favorite products, she is welcome to buy it using her own money.

She too seems not so eager to work long time with her due to her problem with her kids back in Indonesia. Happens to be, her ex-husband loves gambling and use all her belonging to gamble. She was afraid that her ex-husband will take her kids and harm them.

When Aaron arrived, she did take care of me and Aaron very well. I praise her on her job while I was in confinement period. She cooked healthy dishes to me, she massaged my whole body and took care of Aaron like her own son.

Unfortunately, her youngest daughter died and she has to return to Indonesia. We gave her 2 weeks break but she didn't return. She went back to Indonesia with my gold jewelries! Since then, I better be more careful!

But again, I have no choice but to find another maid. At this time, I was looking for a younger maid with less responsibilities. And I found one. She is totally opposite of the first maid I had. She never leaves prayers, she wears hijab and she didn't talk much. But, she has a phone and 24 seven she is with her phone. I knew she has a boyfriend and I think everybody has their own right to be in love.

The maid didn't know the limit and most of the was on the phone. Her work quality is poor. She didn't know lots of housework and not willing to learn. Or in short, she is a lazy bug!

I've talked to her, warned her and even scolded her. But no improvement. Her poor hygiene always leaves me in trouble. Just imagine, that hand with long finger nails is the one that feed up my kids. Me, a Malay, use my fingers, instead of spoon and fork, to eat. Maleec been hospitalized once because of the Hepatitis A. In fact, he spent a night in ICU because of that problem. I know who's the culprit: my maid!

Oneday, while I was at work, my mother-in-law called me up and told me that my maid ran away! She left Aaron in the middle of the living room in my in-laws' house and ran away without her belonging! Sayonara my maid! I don't need you anymore and you just make my life lots easier!

Ever since the incident, my mother-in-law refuses to have any maid in her house. Therefore she took care of the kids by herself while me and Juma working. But she isn't feel well. And Juma and I made decision to not sending them to childcare or hiring new maid, but me to leave my job!

I can't be at work, worrying about my kids' at home. Some people install surveillance camera and connect to their phone, to see what's happening in the house. But I rather not to take the risk. I love them so much though they always drive me crazy. I can't think if anything happen to them because of the babysitter or the maid, I could forgive myself. Juma and I are not rich, but what we have is enough for us to live. That's why I can leave my job and take care of the kids.

Look at this video (though I haven't and wouldn't watch it!). I love my kids and I will do everything I can to prevent them to be harm . They are sick people out there and who knows it is your maid!

Prevention is always better than cure.

Sleeping beauty

Women love to dress up for work and party. But do you dress up to go to bed?

I always neglect in dressing up for my sleep. Not that I don't fancy sexy nightwear, but I prefer the comfy ones (read as big t-shirt, short, a pair of ankle length socks). Not that my husband never complain, but I'm use to wearing those for bed.

But no harm to change,right? So let's get some idea what should I look like in bed? The attire, I mean!

1. Camisole and women boxer

H&M

Sexy: Can show off my butt cheeks
Comfy: It is 2-piece, bingo!

2. Sleep  tee

XOXO

Sexy: Wear nothing below and your husband will find hard to sleep!
Comfy: It is from cotton, read as stretchable.

3. Sleep shirt

Forever 21

Sexy: A business look in bed? Sounds like a play to me!
Comfy: The cutting is loose, allow you to move 'aggressively' on bed :)

4. Pajamas

Sexy: The 'cover it all' will make the 'treasure hunt' game more interesting. 

Comfy: Unlike the sleep shirt, this set will keep you warm at the down south area. 

5. Sexy nighties

Forever 21

Sexy: Of course! Every inch! Regardless what shape is your body, you'll look like the amazing Miranda Kerr in nighties, trust me!
Comfy: Perhaps you wouldn't need one after the exhausting activity due to this sleepwear!

6. Naked

Purrrr!!!

I'll try all the above and will update you soon, which one I prefer. And my husband favorite, too!

My Day Off

Today is Saturday. Normal working people aren't going to the office. Me, a housewife, also hang up my apron and call the day off.

Yeah, you read me right. In my schedule, I'm not suppose to do any housework today. o scrubbing, cleaning or mopping, Today is the day that I should relax and chill out.

And I did it! I woke up pretty late... almost at 10 am. Me and the kids had our roti canai breakfast at 11.30 am before I hit my garden. Well, actually I didn't work much at the garden, just pull off some weed. After afternoon prayer, I brought the kids to SSF store. Ive been wanting to go here for ages, to see what there can fit in my new house. Well, since I was doing the survey and not in rush, I didn't purchase anything. And the truth is, nothing there that attract me. I couldn't find anything unique. Let me try again tomorrow.

As Chinese New Year celebration is approaching, SSF is offering a wide range of CNY items, including soft toys of dragon. And to keep the kids quiet in the cart, I got them playing with the soft toys but didn't mean to get it. When it was time to leave the store, I handed the dragon to the store assistant back. Slowly, Maleec cried. I really feel bad that I didn't get him the dragon. We'll see tomorrow what's the price of the dragon and if it reasonable, I'll buy him one.

Back to Sungai Buloh, I stopped to get the nasi kukus for late lunch. Initially I want to share it with the kids but ended up that I was the one who finished it up. They weren't bother to even taste.

In the evening, Aaron and Maleec 'helped' me to wash the patio. I have to scrub the floor as Maleec were playing with clay at that area and it stuck on the it. Night was easy. I managed to finish two movies; Taken 2 and I Don't Know How She Does It.

Tomorrow, I will continue hunting for my home accessories. Where? I'll update you soon. I leave you with this beautiful song from Scars of Broadway. Goodnight!

Too much sweeping, mopping and Aaron!

*I'm writing while frying chicken for lunch. Aaron is taking his afternoon nap. Maleec is upstairs, watching etooon (cartoon).

I stated yesterday in my Facebook status that doing housework is tiring. It is not that I'm complaining. I'm just expressing my thought about it as I was so exhausted yesterday. Doing the housework is one issue, taking care of the small kids is another. Imagine doing it together!!

Maleec is a big boy already and is quite independent. He knows how to entertain himself. Plus, he is the first child, so he is used of being alone and try to cheer himself without bugging the adults.

On the other hand, Aaron is in the phase where he has to tag to his mummy all day long. Maleec had been at that phase and it bothers me a lot. I felt so uncomfortable and irritated. And now it is Aaron's turn. His toys are what I use for cooking, cleaning and gardening. He wouldn't be amuse with the 'normal' toys that kids play with.

And wherever I clean-up, he will make the mess. For example, when I'm sweeping the floor, he will pick up the dust pan and carry it all over the places, spreading the dirt that I just collected.

*Maleec is screaming for lunch! Need to pause awhile!

Where am I? Btw, I had my lunch with the kids. Maleec loves the marinated fried chicken and finish it all, without leaving some for dinner. Have to cook again, tonight!

Ok, let's continue! Doing the housework is a never ending work.

* Distracted by Aaron. He opened the cutlery's drawer and pull out all the spoon, fork and knives. Sigh!

See! Now you understand why it is a never ending work. Sweeping and mopping the floor, clean the window, attend your garden, wash the dishes, and the list goes on and on. It is tiring when you don't have a plan or schedule. So I made one schedule that will leave me relax on weekend (yippee!)

Oh yeah! I just ironed all my husband clothes. Before, when I was still working, I sent his to the laundry as I couldn't find time to attend his clothes. Now, I shouldn't have problem to iron his clothes.

Please find below on how to iron man shirt. *Don't laugh, be nice! I want my husband to wear a crisp shirt everyday and looks smart!

I'm happy doing the house chores. After all, it is my house and my family. No complaint, I appreciate what I have. Alhamdullillah!

I believe every housewife face the same. I just posted the statement at the Facebook and I found many people comments on the same fate they have on cleaning up the house. Well, I think I should work hard to keep the house as lively as it should be as my husband works so hard to pay for it.

Ok, no complain. Have a nice weekend all!!

Puan Norazah Masrom

Wow! It had been few days in the row that I'm updating my blog! What an accomplishment! *Pat at my own back*

To those who don't know me, hi there! FYI, I have many friends in this world, all over the places. But I have only a person that I call as my best friend. And today, I miss her so much!

She is my friend since we were in college. We attended classes together, study together, shopping together. She is the first friend of mine that met Juma. She was there on the day I fell in love with Juma. She was the one who dress me up for my first date. (Seriously, I'm holding my tears when I;m typing this out!)

When I had no where to stay, I stayed with her. We fought a lot, but we easily forgive each other. I'm not shy of showing my dark side with her. We hold up many secrets together. We share our dreams as well.

Our husband blend well together. So do our kids. Her kid(s) is like my own to me. I didn't attend her wedding due to transportation problem. She didn't attend mine since her father was ill. I didn't visit her when she delivered her first son as she delivered him far away from KL (why oh why??!!). But she visited me when I delivered Aaron! Yay!

I think, in my freaking opinion on myself, I think it is hard to becoming my close friend. Why? Because I'm so unpredictable. As mush as I admire my husband patience on me, I also grateful to have such an understanding friend. Sometimes, I just tell her the situation and she can tell what I feel.

She is now in the United Kingdom, accompanying her husband pursuing his study. She is heavily pregnant, too! How I wish that I can visit her. I miss her. I think she knows damn well that I miss her.

*I have a photo with her that I pretty much love it (cos both of us look good in it.. what else??!!), but its in Juma's phone. Deym!

Yeah! Till we meet again, Azah. Anywhere you are, I love you!