Beautiful Nuance

Bye Bye Blog

2007-12-31T15:20:00.000+08:00

As 2007 bid us goodbye and 2008 approaching with promising hopes, I feel that this is the precise moment to close this blog and have all updates done through multiply instead; kinda like a fresh webpage to start with in conjunction to the new year.

However, the auld lang syne seeps deeply through my heart that I couldn't bear to shut it off completely. True, there were lotsa painful memories engraved in this blog but there were also hundreds more good memories coupled with it. For that, I shall leave this blog as it is as a memento of that wonderful memories, looking back at it with a smile and a contented soul.

Dear bloggers, I thank you for the support and encouragement all this while. I appreciate it alot. I would love to hear from you again via multiply. Feel free to browse my multiply at:

http://retromyra.multiply.com/

Wishing everyone prosperous years ahead! For this I sign off with an adieu....

GOODBYE BLOGGER

Eiduladha (Recipes)

2007-12-23T20:07:00.000+08:00

Sotong Masak Hitam

Ingredients:

1kg Squid
- Clean and cut it according to your preferred size. Keep the ink sac.

5 Red chillies
5 Green chillies
2 Shallots
5 Garlic cloves
3cm Ginger
- Chop finely the above ingredients.

3 Lemongrass (press slightly with the back of the knife)
1tbspn Turmeric powder
Some turmeric leaves
3 Tamarind slices
Some oil
Salt to taste

Squid cleaning guide:
1) Firstly, don't remove the head straight away. You need to remove the transparent spine (or quill) by running a finger along the inside of the mantle, being careful not to grip too heavily in the middle (thus busting the ink sack) but instead holding it by the tip or carefully by the base of the mantle.
2) Next, grab the head, while holding the tip of the mantle and pull. Most of the guts will come out in one neat pile (including the ink sack). Remove the green/pearly bit of it but keep the ink sack.
3) Then you need to remove the skin. Make an incision with a knife along one of the wings. Then run a finger under the wing from the tip to the base of the hood. It should then peel like an orange, with the skin coming off in one piece.
4) To give the mantle a final clean up, turn it inside out and remove any remaining gunk.
5) Don't forget to "pop out" the squid's beak (similar to the beak of a parrot). The beak should easily come off from the surrounding legs and should be discarded.

Cooking method:
1) Marinate the squid with a tablespoon of turmeric powder and put aside.
2) Heat oil in a wok. Sautee the chopped ingredients in medium heat till fragrant. Add lemongrass & turmeric leaves.
3) Reduce the heat. Add the squid. Break the ink sac and stir well.
4) Add some salt and tamarind slices. Stir well.
5) Let it boil till the gravy is slightly thicken.
6) Ready to be served!

Ayam Masak Lemak

Ingredients:

A- Blend or pound the ingredients below
3-5 Red chillies
3 cm Ginger
5 Shallots
5 Garlic cloves

B- The rest of the ingredients
1 Whole chicken (cut up to 12 pieces)
2 Cartons of 200ml coconut milk
3 Lemongrass (press slightly with the back of the knife)
Some turmeric leaves
1tspn Turmeric powder
5 Kaffir lime leaves
3 Tamarind slices
Salt to taste

Method:
1) In a wok, mix chicken pieces, blended paste, turmeric leaves, turmeric powder, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and a carton of 200ml coconut milk with 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to boil under medium heat until the chicken is half cooked. Stir well.
2) Set the heat to low, add another carton of 200ml coconut milk, stir well and bring to boil again.
3) Add some salt and tamarind slices. Stir well.
4) Remove from heat and serve.

Kangkong Goreng Belacan

Ingredients:
Approximately 400grm of Water Convolvulus(Kangkong). Separate leaves from stem. Cut stem to reasonable bite sizes.
50grm Shrimp paste(Belacan)
5 Shallots
5 Garlic cloves
5 Red chillies
Some oil
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Pound or blend the shrimp paste, garlic cloves, shallots and red chillies.
2) Heat oil in a wok. Sautee the pounded ingredients till fragrant.
3) Once the paste is fragrant and slightly brown, add the kangkong and stir well.
4) Add salt and stir well.Once the kangkong is tender, it is ready to be served.

Batik Marie Vouchelle

Ingredients:
1/3 of a 250grm butter
1/2cup Vouchelle brand cocoa powder (any cocoa powder brand will do too)
1tin Sweetened condensed milk
1packet Marie Biscuits
1/2cup Nestum

Method:
1) Melt the butter. Once melted, add cocoa powder and stir well.
2) Add the sweetened condensed milk and stir well.
3) Add Marie biscuits and stir well.
4) Remove from heat. Pour the mixture into a tupperware or tin.
5) Sprinkle some Nestum on top of it. Let it cool overnight in the fridge.
6) To serve it, let it chill in room temperature for about 10 mins so as to let it soften a bit. Next, cut it to the size that you prefer and you're all ready to indulge it! It taste great with vanilla ice cream too!

*For more photos,check out my multiply under 'Eiduladha' photo album.

Enjoy! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Cooking For Love (Recipes)

2007-12-18T08:53:00.000+08:00

AMORE TIRAMISU (How's that for a name? ;p)

Ingredients:

40-50 Sponge Fingers(can substitute it with 'all purpose pound cake')

A-The Cream Mixture
250gm Mascarpone cheese or Philadelphia cheese
250gm Whip cream
7tbspn Equal low calorie sweetener (according to your preferance)
1tspn Vanilla essence
1-2tbspn Cocoa powder (my personal choice,'Vouchelle' brand)

B-The Syrup
150ml Low fat milk
150ml Low fat evaporated milk
2tbspn Cocoa powder
1tspn Vanilla essence

Method:

1) Whip the cheese with some low calorie sweetener on high speed till light & fluffy. Put it aside.
2) Whip the whip cream with the rest of the low calorie sweetener on high speed till light & fluffy. With mixer on medium speed, slowly pour in the vanilla essence and cocoa powder. Mix it well.
3) Take the whip cream mixture off the mixer. Slowly pour in the cheese mixture into it. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix 'em well with a spatula.
4) Chill it in the freezer
5) To make the syrup, add all ingredients 'B' into a bowl. Mix well.
6) Get the loose base tin ready. Spray it with some 'non-stick spray'.
7) To assemble, dip sponge fingers(or the pound cake) one after another in the syrup mixture(Don't dip the sponge fingers for too long. We only want it damp so as to preserve the crunchiness in the inside). Place one layer of dipped sponge fingers on bottom of the tin. Sift some cocoa. Top with one layer of cream mixture. Add another layer of dipped sponge fingers, sift some cocoa, topped with a second layer of cream mixture.
8) Freeze for an hour and then chill it overnight.
9) Sift cocoa over the top and serve

Amore Tiramisu

MEE JAWA

1kg Noodle of your choice (I prefer organic spaghetti. It's healthier)
2cups Yam (the orange ones)
1cup Dried shrimps, fried and then pound it till fine
1cup Cooked shrimps, pound it till fine
15 Dried chillies
5 Garlic cloves, peeled
8 Shallots, peeled
3cm Ginger, peeled
5cups Water
Some meat
Some vegetables of your choice
Some fried shrimp paste
Some olive oil
Sugar
Salt

Method:
1) Blend the dried chillies, shrimp paste,shallots, garlic & ginger.
2) Sautee them till fragrant. Add the pounded shrimp paste. Mix well.
3) Add meat and stir it till half cook.
4) Add water. Let it boil.
5) Add yam. Mix well till the gravy thicken.
6) Add some salt & sugar. Mix well.
7) Serve it with some noodle and vegetables. You can also sprinkle some fried onions if you like.

Suggested garnishing

Do try 'em out! Have a fun time trying it (",*)

*Please proceed to my multiply for more photos

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Singapore Idol or Singaporean Idol?

2007-11-14T20:17:00.000+08:00

It starts off with American Idol. From there we have Malaysian Idol, Australian Idol and even Arabian Idol.

But why Singapore Idol?

Shouldn't it be Singaporean Idol?

I wonder *scratchmyhead*

Myra signing off feeling...CURIOUS

Is It Enough?

2007-11-07T09:30:00.000+08:00

I've been eating, drinking & sleeping with books. Even conversation with the other half will eventually touch on Shakespeare, allusion, psychoanalysis without me realising it. I just can't stop myself. How would you know that you're taking it too far? Less is more? Really? Then more is less? How can you judege something that is uncountable? Effort is not. So how would you know that it is enough?

Unless... When the result is out... But that will be too late

That's it! I'm back to my books!

Myra signing off feeling...PARANOID

Eid Mubarak!

2007-10-13T21:45:00.000+08:00

Wishing all my Muslim friends a Happy Eid. May Eid be a new beginning of greater prosperity, success and happiness. Eid Mubarak!

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

What A Pleasant Surprise!

2007-10-12T11:39:00.000+08:00

Few minutes ago, I was busy mopping the floor when the door bell rang. I opened the door and saw a delivery man holding this lovely bouquet...

I knew instantly that it was from Mr. Fiance.... I was smiling from ear to ear and it didnt took long for my cheeks to turn rosy. The card swept my heart further. It was the most sincere & sweetest card I've ever read. I'm soo overwhelmed that it made my eyes teary. I'm grateful & in lost of words... Praise be to Allah...

My dear, thanks for being such a wonderful guy, the sweetest of all, the kindest of heart, the most beautiful soul. I'm lucky to have met you & I love you more for the person you are. THANK YOU DARL & I MISS YOU SOO MUCH TOO!

Myra signing off feeling...BLISSFUL

Tagged

2007-10-10T07:03:00.000+08:00

I've been tagged by my sweet student, Azhani. So here goes:

5 things in my bag
1) Wallet
2) Umbrella
3) Handphone
4) Exilim digital camera
5) A packet of tissue

5 things in my wallet
1)$
2)IC
3)A photo of dear
4)Ez Link card
5)Driving licence

5 things in my bedroom
1)More photos of dear
2)PC
3)Laptop
4)Sofa bed
5)Lotsa books

5 things I wish to do
1) Umrah
2) Meet dear
3) Lifelong learning
4) Have a dream wedding
5) Take up Salsa lessons(Heh!)

5 things I'm doing right now
1) Blogging
2) Sitting
3) Thinking
4) Planning
5) Yawning

5 people I'd like to tag
- Whoever feels like doing this. It's not an obligation ;p

Have a nice day peeps! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

How Do I Love Thee?

2007-10-09T07:10:00.000+08:00

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Happy Monthsary Love~~* I miss you so soo bad *sigh*

Myra signing off feeling..DREAMY

It's A Boy!

2007-10-05T13:26:00.000+08:00

Mr Fiance is beaming with joy! He is now an uncle!

Mohd Khalish Danish was born yesterday morning. Congratulations to the proud parents, Sis Nurul & Bro Faz! May this gift of love bring you many joyful days,and may your new addition grow up to know God's ways. May Allah bless you and your precious family today and always. Amin.

And to you too 'Uncle Lan', many congratulations! ;p

He's soo adorable... Such a sweetheart.... And I fell in lurve with him again & again... Ok fine... With both of them acually! Hehehe ;p

Myra signing off feeling... BUBBLY

From Heels To Toes

2007-10-02T10:46:00.000+08:00

I love my new customized, sewn sequins shoes!

A big thanks to FromHeelsToToes for the lovely work of art. Simply mindblowing! I love the fact that each pair of shoes are designed specifically for the customer. No one else in this world will have the same pair. Something that you can deem as 'uniquely mine' ~~* Yessssh! ;p

The price for such intricate masterpeice, $22 only! Worth every penny, comfortable & primo too!

So make your feet happy today! ;p

For more enquiries, click here.

Myra signing off feeling...HAPPY

Ablution Helps Cure Headaches

2007-09-30T11:58:00.000+08:00

A friend forwarded this email to me which was a good thing to know! (",*)

PERFORMING the ablution five times a day eliminates headaches
totally, a study conducted by Dr. Saeed Shibli, a professor in
internal medicine, gastroenterology and hepathology at the
National Research Center in Cairo, said.

During the performance of ablution, one tends to exert some
force on certain pressure points in the face. It leads to
secretion of endorphins which, in turn, stimulates the
secretion of morphine that gives one a sense of relief and
well-being.

That is why whenever Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used
to find any of his Companions anxious or in an agitated state
of mind, he used to ask him to go and perform the ablution
which eventually led to calming him down and made him feel
better.
Fourteen hundred years later, this Hadith was better understood
especially after it was scientifically proven.

Ablution also prevents one from aging quickly, since it
stimulates the muscles of the face thus preventing it from
shrinking in size, keeps wrinkles away, leaving the face
healthy and glowing with vitality.

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

Can Worrying Really Make You Fat?

2007-09-26T11:21:00.000+08:00

Taken from: MSN Diet

By Michael Stefano

Money worries, health, juggling home, job and kids…today's world provides ample stimulation to trigger a stressful response. But did you know that this stress response could be making you fat?

Cortisol is the Culprit
As you sit in your car and stew over the wall of traffic in front of you, the deadlines at work you’ll never meet, and the bills you can’t pay, your brain begins to sense the onset of a threatening situation and sets the flight or fight response into motion.

You feel this as nervous tension or just plain anxiety. Your heart pounds, you want to jump out of your skin, but you can only sit. All that extra fuel (in the form of fat and glucose) that's designed to provide you with emergency energy, is now being mobilised for action, but goes unused and left behind, only to be re-deposited as fat. And to make matters worse, usually belly-fat.

High cortisol levels are associated with increased appetite and fat deposits, typically around the trunk and abdomen. Some researches theorise that this unused fuel (or fat) is generally deposited in the abdominal area because of its proximity to the liver (where it can be quickly converted to a usable form of energy).

The Adrenalin Antidote
As part of the body's short-term protective measures, cortisol acts like the adrenalin antidote. Upon removal of the stressful stimulus, adrenalin levels quickly dissipate, but cortisol levels remain high, causing insulin production to surge as well.

In the face of prolonged or chronic stress, cortisol levels can remain constantly high, keeping you in a state of perpetual hunger. We can easily see how elevated cortisol levels can promote weight gain due to an overabundance of insulin. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The average caveman was well served by a system that signalled him to eat after every emergency, and where total energy expenditure was not uncommon. Today true physical emergencies are rare, but this short-term protective mechanism, although somewhat outdated, still works, and the act of going out and obtaining food burns only as few calories as it takes to drive to the nearest supermarket or McDonald's (about one french fry).

The stress response is hardwired into the fabric of our lives. Ask the average man or woman off the street if he or she gets stressed out on a regular basis, and you’ll most likely hear an emphatic, "Yes!" So if we can’t eliminate stress, how can we combat the negative effects of the flight or fight response? One of the most obvious ways to combat fat and the ravages of stress is with exercise. Exercise represents a triple threat to body fat. First, exercise burns calories and utilises stored body fat as fuel. Second, working out increases the amount of lean muscle mass your body must provide with fuel on a 24-hour basis. More muscle means less fat.

Researchers from Yale University have now clearly demonstrated a third mechanism by which exercise reduces stores of body fat, especially around the belly. They've demonstrated that moderate to vigorous exercise, such as lifting weights, can offset the negative effects of cortisol and insulin.

With as little as 10 minutes of strenuous exercise the brain begins to produce beta-endorphins that calm you and decrease levels of the stress hormone. Many feel that strenuous exercise actually mimics a typical caveman-like physical reaction to a threat, and is the modern-day version of an appropriate reaction to the flight or fight response.

Don’t overdo it. Too much exercise can actually cause additional stress and associated symptoms. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Inadequate sleep increases cortisol levels and reduces leptin, a hormone that signals fullness.

Common sense dictates that you eat right, get plenty of sleep, and exercise, but now we have another weapon in the battle of the bulge; stress management. Be sure to not ignore the signs of being overstressed, of which being overweight is just one symptom.

Another victim of stress is the youth-promoting hormone dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA. DHEA is a naturally occurring feel-good hormone that’s been shown to decline under times of physical and emotional trauma, and may be another connection between stress and weight gain.

Researches have found that DHEA levels can be easily elevated during meditation, as well as by exercise. In a similar fashion to the beta-endorphins that are released during vigorous activities, DHEA production increases during meditation. This process reduces blood cortisol levels and combats the negative effects of stress.

Recognise symptoms and do something today, whether through exercise or other types of stress management techniques such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, taking up a hobby, or meditation. Take back control of your life.

Early warning signs of stress:
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Tired but can’t sleep, excessive fatigue
- Speech difficulties, impatience
- Headaches, repeated colds or flu
- Nail biting, teeth grinding
- Low or high blood sugar
- Low or high blood pressure
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Ulcers and gastric disturbances
- Chest pains, muscle aches
- Lower back, shoulder, neck pain
- Menstrual problems, hair loss
- Forgetfulness, withdraw from social life

Myra signing off feeling...ENLIGHTEN

Not a Sigh

2007-09-21T11:01:00.000+08:00

They say that it is important to say what you mean and mean what you say. But it seems that they are the ones who can't be bothered about it in the end. Maybe they don't realise it. Maybe they are victims of situation to the point that they can't keep their word. But that doesn't mean that they can do it all the time, hurting the other party & get away with a simple 'I'm sorry' which is dodgy; it makes the other party thinks do they really mean it? Do they really feel guilty? Or is it just a routine word to mend everything up effortlessly and then hurt the other party again.

Cruel? Yeah... Hello world~~*

You can do soo much to them. But can they do the same to you? Or at least show a bit of respect. It's not too much to ask right, no?

When you can't do it, don't make promises, don't instil high hopes coz when you do & you don't keep it or keep on postponing it, it's like pushing the other party to a bottemless pit, all crash & burn. It's not that hard right, no?

I'm not gonna make a hullabaloo out of this. No point griping bout it coz it will keep on happening. In a way, I just have to live with it. But that doesn't mean I like it let alone keeping my mouth shut and pretend everything is alright all the time. You need to vent it out sometimes right, no?

No wonder they call the world as the stage of performance. Everyone is acting everyday. I'm not an exception.

This is when I need you to understand...

Fresh gale of wind please touch my skin & take me away from this tomfoolery~~*

Myra signing off feeling...SULLEN

Ahlan Ya Ramadhan

2007-09-13T10:37:00.000+08:00

To all my dear friends, bloggers & multipliers:

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

Sentosa & School

2007-08-31T11:16:00.000+08:00

I didn't have the strength to lay my feet on Sentosa again eversince the tragedy which caught me off guard nearly 4 years ago. My dear foster brother passed away there. He met with an accident & couldn't be revived. It was a lugubrious moment which remains so clear that at times the pain seems so fresh. I was traumatized with the name Sentosa, especially the beach. Then dearie came and blew a new strong faith in me. I was standing on my feet again & was ready to face the fear. With him by my side, I gave it a try and went there yesterday. This time round, I was able to see the other side of it, no longer pain but fun, excitement & joy. The agony seems to have melted, it became subtle while love flounders through.

Now, whenever I hear the word Sentosa, I am able to smile again.... Thanks to my dear fiance, my pillar of strength (",*)

Alhamdulillah...

Proceed to my multiply for more pictures!

Now that school has started, life has been more challenging. I can feel the pressure already; of having to endure tonnes of reading, essay writing & researching. I've expected it to be more gruelling since this is the 2nd year afterall. I know I have to put more effort but not to the extend that it will take a toil on my health. Last year's experience was by far the worst in my effort to succeed. I got soo worried, I made myself worked soo hard that my body just couldn't take the pressure anymore. I fainted & made my love ones worry. Then there was mood swings in which I kept lashing out my anguish towards those who had never stop caring for me. It was such a rollercoaster ride, with the seat's rail as the only support. This made me always ponder, am I able to hold on to the rail? or will I fall to the ground soon? But they... the lovely people, hold the rail together with me which made my grip more stronger, I was never near to quitting. Thus, for this 2nd year degree in English Literature, I will do whatever I can to pursue my ambition with confidence in my soul, prayers in my heart & positive thinking in my mind. Tawakkal comes next & grattitude always.

Having said this, I won't be able to blog often. Pictures will do the talking more. So you might wanna check my multiply instead for more updates. Wish me luck aite! (",*)

Wa ufawwidhu amriy Ilallah~~* (I entrust my affairs to Allah)

For HE knows what is the BEST for me. Amin Ya Rabbi (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

THANK YOU

2007-08-22T08:15:00.000+08:00

19th Aug 2007(Sunday), 6 Shaaban 1428

Alhamdulillah. It was on this date that I was betrothed to the love of my life, my dear Sir Elmo. I am grateful to Allah the Almighty. It was a dream come true and it was the fulfillment of God's promise. (",*)

My family has always stood by my side, and I always knew who would help and back me up whatever the case, be it a homework in arabic language, entrance to the university or selection of the engagement attire. I am especially grateful to my mother, my greatest friend for all times, for her understanding and wisdom. She seemed to understand me even when I myself hardly did, and could always find such words that would offer me a sound view of the situation and give hope for the better. Thanks to my dad too. For me he was always the source of stability, confidence and family warmth. Dad gave me the feeling of assurance, for I knew he would always stand for me and love me as his daughter, no matter what happened.

I am very grateful to my parents, because they presented me with a unique gift: the awareness that you are loved not because you are beautiful, clever, perspective or rich - you are loved as you are, and will be loved irrespective of anything.

Chickadees, thank you for being wonderful bestfriends, and more recently - for helping me to go through the engagement preparations, and patiently listening to all the engagement vents whenever they arose - even in the middle of the night, offering a piece of advice and helping to plan everything.

Dear parents, dear friends and relatives,
You have all been so kind to me that I can hardly know what words to pick to express my gratitude for you. I was very glad to see all my close people at the engagement. Thank you for coming and sharing my great day.

Dear Sis Yatee, Sis Wannie, Sis Su, Sis Norza, Sis Nora, Fudgerina, Sis Diella and to all who have helped me made this occasion a huge success, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU loveliest!

Dear bloggers, multipliers, chatters, colleagues, students, coursemates, acquaintances & to all who have always showered me with your constant concern, prayers & well wishes, a warmest THANK YOU to all of you!

Last but not least, Sir Elmo, I'd like you to know how much I cherish every time spent with you, all your support and affection.

It seems to me now that I've always known him, Sir Elmo was always ready to accompany me, set me laughing or comfort me and say how he loved me. I know that there is absolutely nothing that he won't do for me, and nothing I wouldn't do for him. He filled these two years with an unforgettable feeling of mutual affection, and I can hardly imagine my life without his daily calls & his incessant care. I love you, my dear fiance, and I am fortunate to have found you. I step into this engagement world with a light and happy heart, I am holding your heart and I know that we will overcome everything. Amin.

Thank you all. I am blessed to have such lovely people around me. May the warmth & joy bounce back to all of you!

Love you all to bits! (",*)

Down the memory lane:
1.10pm: Sis Yatee & Fudgerina arrived
1.15pm: Make up session began
2.30pm: Make up done, more guests arrived
3.30pm: Fiance's side arrived
4.00pm: Had my engagement ring on & exchanged gifts
4.30pm: Fiance's side went back to his house
4.45pm-6pm: More phototaking sessions
6.00pm: Occasion ended
7.30pm: Cut cake with Ucu's family
8.00pm: The last guest (Ucu's family) went home
8.30pm: Cateter came
8.45pm-11pm: Cleaned up the house
11.00pm: Make up off (Bubbye glam! ;p)
12.00am: Snooze (Finally!)

Check out my multiply for more photos (",*)
Official photos will be uploaded as soon as my dear photographer has handed it to me.

Thanks again!(",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

10 Weight-Loss Myths: Don't Be Fooled!

2007-08-11T18:34:00.000+08:00

By Susan Woodward for MSN Health & Fitness

When does a lie become an accepted truth? When the lie is repeated often enough.

It's the oldest trick in the book, a favorite ploy of politicians and others who stand to gain, but still we fall for it.

Especially when it comes to losing weight.

The diet industry is riddled with self-perpetuating myths, misconceptions, and downright mistruths, sighs psychologist Jeffrey Wilbert, Ph.D., author of Fattitudes.

"The strategy is to market fringe products and miracle cures that are very seductive in what they promise," Wilbert explains, noting the billions of dollars the diet industry spends on consumer advertising. "Very few people are successful [at losing weight], but the promise gets into our subconscious and stays there."

The antidote, says Wilbert, is for consumers to educate themselves from reputable sources with reliable data. We start the process by smashing 10 of the most common weight-loss lies right here.

1. "Lose 30 pounds in 30 days." Or any other gimmick that pledges massive weight loss at breakneck speed. "It’s not healthy, and it’s not true," Wilbert says. Permanent weight loss requires lifestyle change, not a quick fix, he adds.

2. Fat is bad for you. "Dietitians forwarded that one to people for years," says registered dietitian and nutrition teacher Rick Hall. Now they know better. The truth is that some fats are unhealthy, and some are good – indeed, necessary – for your health. (Hence the term, "essential fatty acids"!)

3. Carbohydrates are bad for you. First it was fat, now carbohydrates are the bad guy. Wilbert explains that this trendy idea is just too broad. When trying to lose weight, make a distinction between unhealthy carbohydrates, such as white sugar, and complex carbohydrates, such as vegetables and whole grains, which provide vital vitamins, and fiber to aid digestion.

4. Lose weight by not eating. Uh...no. Starving deprives the body of the nutrients it needs for life and can lead to serious illness. Plus you lose muscle mass, not fat. Even if you do lose pounds, you gain them back almost immediately when you raid the fridge again.

5. Don’t eat after 6 p.m. "It’s not what time you eat, it’s what you eat!" insists Dare to Lose author, Shari Lieberman, Ph.D. "In Europe they eat at 10 o’clock at night and they’re half the size of Americans."

6. Salad bars are healthy. Bacon, cheeses, fried chicken, oily dressings…The apparent allure of salad bars means they probably require as much of your considered attention as ordering at a fast food restaurant. "You have to choose the foods at a salad bar wisely," Lieberman reminds people.

7. Diet sodas aid weight loss. This is one of Lieberman’s favorite pieces of diet-industry hype. "There isn’t a single study that shows diet sodas help you lose weight. There’s absolutely no data on that at all," she claims.

8. You shouldn’t step on a scale. "It’s another misconception that dietitians have passed on," says Hall. "I completely disagree with it." He says checking your weight on a regular basis, say once or twice a week, is an obvious way to gauge your progress and alter your diet accordingly. However, Lieberman notes that scales in and of themselves, well, suck. She encourages people to keep track of hip, thigh and tummy inches, too.

9. You can lose weight with a pill. "You can’t replace healthy eating and exercise with a pill," Hall warns. "Pills aren’t a new thing, they’ve been tried for decades...[with] horrible side effects."

10. You have to join the gym. Actually, the most recent research indicates 30 to 60 minutes per day of moderate physical activity is all it takes to balance healthy food intake. It doesn't have to be strenuous exercise, "just move your body!" exclaims Hall.

Girls Who Like Dad Favor Partners Who Look Like Him

2007-08-10T09:16:00.000+08:00

Study adds to evidence that mate selection is active process rooted in childhood
-- Robert Preidt

SUNDAY, June 17 (HealthDay News) -- Women who had a good childhood relationship with their father are more likely to choose partners who resemble their father, new research suggests.

The study, published in the July issue of the journal Evolution and Human Behavior by British and Polish psychologists, also found that women who had a negative/less positive childhood relationship with their father weren't attracted to men who looked like their father.

The researchers had 49 Polish women (eldest daughters) look at pictures of 15 faces and choose the one they found most attractive. Their selections were compared to their fathers' faces. The women were also asked to rate their childhood relationship with their father.

The findings offer new insight into how people select partners and the effect that parents have on the process, the researchers said. Until recently, it was believed that this parental influence was a passive process. But this study adds to growing evidence that it's actually an active process.

The results of this study "show for certain that the quality of a daughter's relationship with her father has an impact on whom she finds attractive. It shows our human brains don't simply build prototypes of the ideal face based on those we see around us, rather they build them based on those to whom we have a strongly positive relationship. We can now say that daughters who have very positive childhood relationships with their fathers choose men with similar facial characteristics to their fathers," study author Dr. Lynda Boothroyd of Durham University said in a prepared statement.

Dad & Sir Elmo

Does Sir Elmo resembles my dad? What do you think?

Have a lovely weekend peeps! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...ANXIOUS

Mind Over Eating

2007-08-01T20:40:00.000+08:00

As promised, more healthy eating guidelines:

7 Thoughts That Can Make You Thin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transform your negative thoughts, and think yourself thin in just seven steps!
By Cara Birnbaum for O, The Oprah Magazine , December 2005

You know those suggestive little voices that whisper in your ear... and suddenly you're knee-deep in ice cream? Change the sabotaging, discipline-destroying thoughts, and you can change your life—or at least your weight.

1) I ordered the grilled cheese, so why not get the fries, too?

Divert it to: One treat at a time. I'm indulging in grilled cheese, so I'll trade the fries for a salad.

Here's how: "The thought pattern is, I've already blown it for today, so I might as well keep going," says Janet Polivy, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto. She calls it the "what the hell" effect and says it causes people to devour so much food that they feel they'll never get back on track. To prevent this scenario from playing over and over, Polivy says, you have to redefine your idea of healthy eating. Allow yourself the occasional treat, as long as it's accompanied by smarter food choices like fresh fruit and vegetables. At roughly 500 calories, one melted cheddar on rye a week should hardly make you fat. Habitually tacking on a large order of fries, however, might.

2) I'll just have this one cookie.

Divert it to: If I can't stop at one or two cookies, I shouldn't have any at all.

Here's how: We stand by the above tip that it's okay to eat your favorite foods, provided you're the type who can stop after a small amount. "One cookie could turn into 1,000 calories or more if you proceed to eat the whole bag," warns Stephen Gullo, PhD, president of the Institute for Health and Weight Sciences. He suggests that you take a step back and honestly assess how you've reacted to your favorite foods in the past. You may discover that chocolate chip cookies trigger uncontrollable cravings but one square of dark chocolate appeases your sweet tooth quite nicely.

3) My husband/friend says I look fat, so I guess I should start exercising.

Divert it to: I want to get in shape for myself, not for him or anyone else.

Here's how: Whether or not you need to shed a few pounds, acting in response to someone else's hurtful remarks will breed self-doubt and lower your self-esteem, says Marlene Schwartz, PhD, co-director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders in New Haven, Connecticut. To reset your weight loss goals so they revolve solely around you, sit down and figure out how you could benefit from changing your lifestyle. (Writing your thoughts out on paper might help.) If you identify areas that need improvement, talk to your spouse about how he can play a part: Plan low-fat weekly menus together in lieu of eating out, or take walks after dinner instead of watching TV. Alternatively, if you're exercising, eating right, and feeling pretty healthy the way you are, Schwartz says, "tell him that this is his problem, not yours."

4) What's the point of losing weight during the winter? I'll get in shape come summer.

Divert it to: By eating more now, I'm creating a lot of extra work for myself when spring rolls around.

Here's how: A study by scientists at the National Institutes of Health tracked 195 people through the holidays and found an average weight gain of about a pound. By the following year, most had gained another half pound, and the researchers predicted that the trend would only continue. To prevent this outward creep, Gullo says, keep thoughts of summer in your house all year long by hanging a bikini or skimpy sundress on the back of the bathroom door, and visualize yourself wearing it every time you head for the leftovers. He also proposes committing to a regular exercise program in the fall, "before the winter blahs set in," because lugging last night's comfort food through an hour-long spinning class isn't so comfortable.

5) Fat runs in my family, so why bother exercising?

Divert it to: I can't change my DNA, but I can change my weight.

Here's how: "Genetics helps determine your natural weight range, but you have some control over where you fall within that range," says Edward Abramson, PhD, an expert on obesity, dieting, and weight disorders and the author of Body Intelligence. Rather than aiming for a size 2, aim for health: If being overweight is a family trait, diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-related illnesses could be, too, Schwartz says. Walk to the grocery store, choose the stairs over the escalator, and take good care of the body you were born with. "It's important to distinguish between body size and body health," she says. "Research shows that people who are overweight and physically fit can live longer than people who are ideal weight and not physically fit."

6) After that grueling workout, I deserve a bacon double cheeseburger.

Divert it to: After busting my butt at the gym, my body deserves the VIP treatment.

Here's how: "Most people overestimate the number of calories they've burned," says Brian Wansink, PhD, a professor of marketing, applied economics, and nutritional science at Cornell University and author of Marketing Nutrition. To burn off a bacon double cheeseburger, the average 140-pound woman has to jog at a rate of five miles per hour for more than 60 minutes. Recast your concept of reward: Instead of seeking food, take a luxurious bubble bath, rent a guilty-pleasure movie, buy a new pair of shoes, or lose yourself in a good novel.

7) I'll grab a candy bar to get me through my mid afternoon slump.

Divert it to: When my energy flags, I need food that will help me go the distance.

Here's how: Candy and other sweets have little nutritional value, and they destabilize blood sugar, causing you to have more cravings later on, Gullo says. To head off a snack attack, he suggests, "reprogram yourself to seek out a mini-meal 30 minutes before you usually hit a slump." By eating before you're famished, you should be able to resist the sweet stuff and choose foods with enough protein, fat, and complex carbs to keep you sated and energized until dinner. Some of Gullo's top picks: bran crackers with low-fat cheese, a hard-boiled egg, or a cup of low-fat yogurt.

I wish you all the best! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Weekend & Sale

2007-07-30T21:48:00.000+08:00

He was feeling feverish. Hence, I accompanied him to see the doctor. He didn't have the appetite although he had not eaten since morning. Therefore, I treated him to a dainty meal at Ramen Ten. His back was still aching badly due to a motorbike accident which he encountered more then a year ago. Thus, I took him to a reflexology center. He was swept away by the constant care. Smiling & laughing all the way. That put my mind at ease coz he's been working soo hard lately so that we can achieve our dream. With such sacrifice made, he deserves to have a break. And that's the reason of having the outing yesterday! (",*)

More pictures, proceed to my multiply please...

Today's plan was just as enjoyable too although I was alone doing window shopping just now. Nevertheless, I had fun browsing through some on sale items. In a way it has become kinda like a relaxing therapy for me. Hehehe.

I was checking out some shoes when my eyes caught a range of shoes which is on sale for $9.90. My mouth dropped upon realizing that the shoes were of Carlo Rino brand, a well reknown brand nearly as great as Bonia! I know that I have to grab some home that instant! I was lucky to have plenty to choose from that fits my feet perfectly since it has always been cumbersome for me to find the perfect fit for a big feet like mine. In the end, I settled on these two lovely sandals for the price of $19.80. Isn't that unbelievable?!

It was this particular incident which made my day thou. It was a pleasent surprise to bump into a closefriend. We were friends since primary school but didn't have the chance to meet up & mingle for quite sometime now. If I could remember correctly, the last time when we met was during our Secondary 1, around 8 years ago. Woo hoo~~* How we've changed but one thing remains, the friendship still flounders. I was super duper happy that I just wanna keep on chatting with her & totally forgot bout her aunt who might have been waiting(or even looking) for her at that point of time. Hehehe! Hope to see you again soon Miss Elegance!

As for you dear Sir Elmo, get well soon hokay dear. Syafakallah. Amin (",*)

My Smile

2007-07-28T22:00:00.000+08:00

He always made me smile when he's not even trying....

And even up to this point I'm still smiling only by looking at his photos....

Hehehe... Indeed, he is the reason for me to smile...

Infact, he is my smile!

And I love him to bits... Everything bout him (",*)

Thank you for putting the smiles back on my face dear Sir Elmo~*

Myra signing off feeling...SMITTEN

Pasta Salad & Flavoured Tea

2007-07-24T17:02:00.000+08:00

Gonna make a quick update. Yes I had a terrific weekend! Pictures will do the talking for now. So, proceed to my multiply ya!

To dear Ayumi, thanks for the email. I'll post more slimming tips later. So sorry to keep you waiting dear. Been busy with the preparations which require me to be scrupulous on every detail. Appreciate your concern. Will consider the terrific idea. Thanks!

Winslet dear, I have soo many things to catch up with you. Thanks for the recommendation! The lipglosses sound like a good buy. Will 'pucker up' soon! Since we're on 'the mouth' topic, I'll touch on something related to the tastebuds instead. Hey, it is part of the mouth hokay so I'm not out of topic. Yeah... I know.. It's always about food when it's my turn. It's my passion anyway but no, I won't turn to cooking as my full time career unless if I had no choice. Will pass it to Sir Elmo instead since he'd always dream of becoming one himself. The next chef scooter maybe? Hmm... Why not! Chef Chevrolet sounds way better thou.. Hahaha! Okie okie, straight to the point now shall we....

My latest randition of Pasta Salad which I just created this afternoon. Here's the recipe:

Green capsicum
Yellow capsicum
Red capsicum
Parsley
Tomatoes
Garlic (2 cloves crushed)
Onion (1 medium size finely chopped)
Chicken (shredded)
Macaroni (cooked)
Black pepper (1tbspn)
Salt
Sesame oil (1tbspn)
Olive oil
Chili sauce (1tbspn)

Method:
1) Sautee onion & garlic till golden brown.
2) Add chicken, sesame oil & chili sauce. Stir well
3) Add all vegetables. Mix well.
4) Add macaroni and lastly season to taste.
5) Serve

It is that simple! It only took me less then 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients & a short 15 minutes of cooking! It is a healthy meal and uberly tasty too. Why not try it yourself. Happy cooking!

I personally think that a great way to end my meal during this cold rainy weather is to enjoy a warm cup of the finest flavoured tea in the world! Yeah... Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offers the most extraordinary collection of unique, hand plucked, premium whole leaf tea harvested from the world's most exclusive tea growing regions. How do I know this? It lies in the rich tea flavour upon sipping it. It never fails to perk me up! My choice of tea... Moroccon Mint & Tropical Passion.. Hmmmmmmmm~~~~*****

I'm done Winsy.. What's the next topic? But you have to wait for the next update thou... Hehehe ;p

Take care all & have a gd week! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...NERVOUS

Uncle Elmo

2007-07-18T12:25:00.000+08:00

He is one excited uncle-to-be! Hehehe (",*)

And I'm champing at the bit to meet him this Friday! Weeee~~~*

Myra signing off feeling...ANXIOUS

Pudding & Muffin

2007-07-17T13:10:00.000+08:00

I've been leaving this blog redundant most of the time this month. I admit that I've been busy with soo much stuff lately. The 'day' is drawing nearer and there's plenty of things need to be done. With only few hands juggling multiple tasks, I can't help but to worry! I will 'revive' this blog back, after the occasion next month. Yep, I surely need to do that!

Anyway, here's the long awaited recipe, Chocolate Batik Pudding:

70gm Dark choc
1packet Pudding powder
300ml HL milk
3tbsp Sugar
4pieces Bread
1teasp Cinnamon powder
3tbsp Butter

Method:
1)Cut all the bread into two triangular shape
2) Melt the dark choc with some milk and margarine
3) Let it cool for awhile
4) Heat up the rest of the milk and add in the choc mixture
5) Add the cinnamon powder and stir well
6) Add the pudding powder and stir well
7) Sift the mixture
8) Dip the bread, one after another into the pudding mixture and arrange it nicely in a pudding bowl
9) Add the balance pudding mixture into the pudding bowl
10)Refrigerate it for an hour
11) Ready to serve!

I baked some muffins last Friday. Sir Elmo sang praises after having a bite of it. He love the chocolatey taste since he is a chocoholic himself. His mum was super sweet too. I went to his house after hours of window shopping with him that day. He had took me around his neighbourhood which was filled with great facilities earlier. I was envious to see soo many eateries and luncheonette around his area! It's like you can find almost everything at his neighbourhood. The 'fun discovery' made me shagged. My eyes were already heavy when I reached his home. Well, it was his chatty mum who perked me up. We had a long conversation and that was when his mum revealed to me her secret ingredient to a scrumptious meal. I was surprised that she chose to share it with me since such knowledge is usually pass down to close family members, while me, I'm not even part of them yet! I'm grateful thou and will keep it safe til my own princess is old enough to take such 'knowledge'. Alhamdulillah. Praise be to Allah. (",*)

Anyway, here's da Chocolate Raisin Muffin recipe:

330gm Self rising flour
250ml HL banana milk
1teaspn Vanilla essence
2tbspn Milo powder
1teaspn Baking powder
1teaspn Bicarbonate soda
3 White eggs
4tbspn Sugar
3tbspn Butter
4tbspn Sesame seeds
170gm Raisins
1teaspn Mixed spice
Some Chocolate chips

Method:
1) Sift self rising flour, milo powder, baking powder, bicarbonate powder & mixed spice together into a bowl
2) Pan fry the sesame seeds till golden brown
3) Beat the white eggs lightly and mix in milk and melted margerine.
4) Pour into the flour mixture. Mix lightly but thoroughly using a mixer. Add sesame seeds and vanilla essence.
5) Take the mixture of the mixer. Add the raisins and stir well using a spatula.
5) Lightly grease muffin pans with corn oil or butter. Preheat oven 180 degree celcius
6) Spoon batter into prepared muffin pans until three-quarters full (you can also sprinkle some choc chips on top of it)
7) Bake in preheated oven for 20-25minutes or until well-risen
8) Serve it nicely.

For more pictures, kindly go to my multiply account. I guess that is where I'll keep my pictures from now. Take care all!

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Love & Legacy

2007-07-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

"KAKAK MYRA, MARHA ON YOUR HAPPINESS WITH HIM AND SYUKRAN FOR BEEN A GOOD TEACHER IN TUFFAHA U HAD GUIDED ME TO LOVE ARAB SO MUCH TILL NOW MY PASSION FOR IT HAD NOT LOST AT ALL. MASYA'ALLAH...I miss Arab lesson and. I miss the old time in Tuffaha with 1pm class(2005).I miss all of you so much!"

Tears suddenly welled up while reading this message from a dear student whom I taught two years ago. It was a blessing from Allah that I was called to do such honourable task and had handled it the best that I could despite the fact that I was facing with a grim situation during that time. It was His Graciousness too that I was able to withstand surplusage personal dire straits and finally saw the light from such hurdles. I was acclaimed, rejected, defamed and assailed to the peak of my patience. I was in my darkest hour, at the bottom of my life and with me is His constant love in the shape of a loving family and friends too. This made me realize that there's soo much things that I should be grateful for yet I don't coz I'm busy complaining with the little hardship which He tested upon me. That struck me to stood up and went through all asperities with a positive mindset knowing that it will never end as long as I live. I should take it as a 'course' of improving oneself, spiritually and mentally this time. I couldn't afford to submerge myself in a pool of solicitude all the time. Tawakkal warredho... That is what I told myself especially during the rough times.

Having said all this, I would like to pass this legacy down to da lovely gal who wrote the message above for I believe she has the potential to grab the stars as long as she didn't let such difficult situation hinders her ambitious self. I wish her all the best. Gosh... How time flies... How she had blossom into a lovely maiden with a heart of gold. Alhamdulillah...

Reminiscing old memories made me realize, I miss them soo much too. I wonder how's life has been for them. May Allah bless them always.

Not forgetting to dear Syz Wannie... It's been an enlighting 2hr conversation with you just now. You reminded me of the legacy which I'm trying to live it up to the fullest. You further ignite the flame of determination in me. For that, I'm grateful to you Syz. Barakallhufik. May Allah guide us always to prosperity fiddunya wal akhirah. (",*)

It feels great when you divert your mind to the lovely people who respect and care for you rather then wasting your time and let yourself keep on bleeding with destructive criticism especially from those who barely know you (not even your full name!).

Talking bout the love ones... Well, I can never say enough about this guy. He had sacrifice alot and I really mean alot to me, to us precisely. It's really hard to picture it in words how he had gone through alot so that we could finally stand at where we are right now, making preparations and all for that joyous occasion. Allahuakbar... Allah granted my wish. He met me with him; the guy of my dream and we fell in love. Although we are tested time and time again, he had never once runaway from being a responsible gentleman let alone uttered vulgarities despite being very angry with the commotions which I always started it first, bugging him with my grumpy self all the time. He is indeed very patient,prudent, down to earth and very much polite then me. I am always the opposite, angst, hot-tempered, hoity-toity at times and outspoken(with him most of the time). Despite knowing all these, he still saw the best in me, the virtues and not vices. How can I not fall in love with such guy who's heart knows no evil, who believe in me when no one else does and always guide me when nothing else make sense. He is always there for me, constantly reminding me that it is fine to make mistake and it is an honour for those who learn from it since it will heighthen up their ability to become wiser. For that particular reason, he accept me with an open arm, encouraging me to dream and at the same time react upon it too. I never felt ashamed of myself eversince.

For the other half... Words above aren't enough to portray the whole lot of sacrifices that you've done to me. Not even close in describing the depth of appreciation I have towards you. For now I hope this three words will string together all of the intended meaning, for it comes from the bottom of my heart, sincerely publishing it for the rest to know that I LOVE YOU so!

Happy Monthsary Sir Elmo! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

It's Springy! It's Noodle!

2007-06-26T20:48:00.000+08:00

Made Hailam Noodles for lunch this time! It must have been delectable since syz had another bowl of it while mum was heavenly indulging it, that I was as if talking to the wall while I'm actually talking to her. So why not try it yourself too? (",*)

Ingredients:
Noodles of your choice
Lean beef
2 ripe tomatoes
3 bunches mustard leaves (sliced)
1 small size cabbage (cut into squares)
2 shallots (chopped finely)
4 pips garlic (chopped finely)
1/2 onion (chopped finely)
1 tbsp corn starch
3 chillies (chopped finely)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 beef stock (cube)
Water
Oil
Salt

Method:
1) Cut lean beef into small pieces and poached with 1 cup of water until tender. You can also pan fry it.
2) Sautee shallots, garlic, onion & chillies over low heat until fragrant. Add beef stock.
3) Add water. Add noodles & vegetables when the mixture is boiling.
4) Add corn starch mixture.
5) Add soy sauce & stir well.
6) Serve

It is that simple! (",*)

Sir Elmo is having flu. It's been two days yet he is still feeling feverish. I'm very worried. Gosh I miss him badly! Have a surprise for him this Friday. Thot of baking him a cake which I will then secretly place a love note in the package. Just like what I did when I packed for him some muffins last time. It really does the trick! He was swept away by it!

Hope the 'sweet ~~nothing~~ everything' will cheer him up! Hehehe. Get well soon dear!

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

Jitters

2007-06-23T23:38:00.000+08:00

Masya Allah. Alllahuakbar. It is confirmed finally! Alhamdulillah Ya Kariim...

One month and 27 days to go and I'm having the jitters already. I'm lovin it ironically! Yeah... It feels gooooood~*

I'm grateful. Praise be to Allah (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...EXCITED

Recipe

2007-06-21T21:45:00.000+08:00

Been receiving quite a number of responds asking for the recipe of my homemade western meal. I am more than glad to share it with you lovely people. Here goes:

Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
1kg Russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
50ml freshly boiled chicken stock
125ml milk
50g butter
1/8tsp freshly black pepper
Salt

Method:
1) Quarter the potatoes and place in a pan filled with water. Add salt and boil till the potatoes are tender
2) Drain the water and peel the potatoes when cool enough to handle
3) Mash the potatoes
4) Place the rest of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and mix it thoroughly. (Don't forget to add salt again to taste)

The steak was an instant one. It was already marinated when I bought it at Giant. I just have to grill it up and that's it. A simple yet delicious meal served on the table. However, I once tried a steak recipe which I got it from one of Chef Wan's recipe books. It was without a doubt uberly tasty! And here it is:

Grillade de Beef, Merchand de Vin ( Beef Steak with Butter Sauce)

Ingredients(to make the sauce):
150ml Prune Juice
1large Onion peeled and finely chopped
4tablespoons Beef broth/Chicken broth
170g Butter
1tablespoon Lemon juice
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:
1) Heat oil and fry the onion til golden brown.
2) Add prune juice and let it boil. Then take it off the stove and let it cool for a few minutes.
3) When it is cool enough, add the rest of the ingredients into the prune juice and mix it thoroughly.
4) Place the mixture on a piece of pastry paper/foil and roll it up nicely. Put it in the fridge and let it freeze for few hours.

Ingredients(to make the steak):
4pieces Sirloin Steak
1tablespoon Freshly ground black pepper
Oil
Salt

Method:
1) Heat oil and fry/grill the steak till it is up to your prefered way of having it(medium/well done).
2) Cut the frosted butter and place two slices of it on the steak. The frosted butter will then melt and thus become the sauce for the steak.

Happy trying! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...ANXIOUS

Homemade Western Meal

2007-06-20T16:25:00.000+08:00

I'm in the mood of having western food today and thus cooked one for lunch. I made mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables and grilled black pepper steak too. I had it ready within an hour and served it nicely on a big plate. Baked beans were added much later since I only remembered of doing so when I was happily indulging my lunch with mum. Mum was of course smiling from ear to ear as she had her lunch ready for her this time. I was satisfied with it too knowing that a plate of such meal will cost me a hefty fifteen bucks. It was obviously a great way to save money which I'm currently learning to do so, much for the future benefits.

I have a spa appointment tomorrow and just can't wait for that heavenly experience. However, I'm more impatient with the weekend getaway that it makes me all fidgety! I'm soo excited! Weee~~~***

Myra signing off feeling...THRILLED

What A Celebration!

2007-06-19T20:49:00.000+08:00

Will make this a quick one since my internet connection has been such a trouble these few days. It really boils me up til I feel like smashing this com to pieces. Curses are just at the tip of my tongue but I manage to swallow it back resulting in a very agitated me. I hate being angst.

Anyway, activities last weekend was a blowout! Celebrated Sir Elmo's advance 26th birthday on Saturday and had a heart contented meal at Family International Buffet Restaurant the next day. Initially, I planned to have his birthday bash on his birthday itself but since it clashes with father's day, we hence had it a day earlier and spent our Sunday with our family instead. Despite the changes, it did not shun away the hilarity which flounders on both days. Fantabulous!

I tried to upload the pictures to my shutterfly account but it had been such a disappointment. Direct access seems impossible. Sadly. However, I managed to upload it to my multiply account thou. So do check it out there ya. Apologies.

Oh ya, I did cooked the minestrone soup as stated and infact I baked some muffins too! I packed some for Sir Elmo and he too left the packet squeky clean. *smiles*

Minestrone Alla Milanese & Chicken Vege Muffins

Gosh... Just 2 more months to go... And I have not prepared anything yet! *panic*

Myra signing off feeling...PISSED

Pretzel For Me!

2007-06-15T20:38:00.000+08:00

Hearing my delusions for cinnamon pretzel since the past few months moved Cippie's heart that she eventually decided to buy it for me. I was throwing a puppy face, sighing and complaining pitiably all the time. It was true however that I was having a strong hankering for it. In fact I've been longing for it for the past two years that made me nearly lost my patience. And then there were hurdles which kept hindering me from feeding my crave and this worsened the appetence. Up to the extent that I've been dreaming of pretzels most of the time! Yeah... It was a huge relief when Cippie msged me one day, insisting of buying it for me instead. Yep, she went all the way to Johore and bought that exact cinnamon pretzel which has wavered my rationality. She's such a great friend, I know ;p

Now that I can finally indulge it, I've become the happiest gal in the world! (",*)

THANKS CIPPIE! WA AINI!

Myra signing off feeling...SATISTFIED

Find The Celebrity In You

2007-06-14T14:10:00.000+08:00

I enjoyed doing this face recognition demo. I was laughing hard when I saw the result which was surprisingly hilarious! Here's one example:

And another one:

*LOL* ;p

Myra signing off feeling...HAPPY

What's Cooking?

2007-06-13T16:19:00.000+08:00

Funny how people destress themselves. While most prefers travelling, shopping & spa treatment, I'd been hitting pots and pans lately. From baking to grilling, this feet keeps on coming back to the kitchen. Amazingly, it did calm me down. Especially when the end result is a satisfactory. My whole face just lit up with generous smile(and I really mean alot of it). (",*)

However, most foods which I cooked were self created. I followed my instinct and just 'throw' whatever I feel needed to make it scrumptious. It was a close shave that most of it was a success coz the percentage of it resulting in a disaster was just as great. Phew!

I remembered vividly seeing mum gazing through some chocolate cakes at a local confectionary one day which she can't obviously have even a bite of it. Sweet delicacies, thou heavenly to us, is a poison to her. Seeing her in such state, break my heart and so I decided to bake a healthy one for her instead. I thus created my own version of pudding bread which I added milo for the choclatey taste. It's really easy to make and is another great way to start the day. Mum was surprised upon seeing the cake. You see, she was reciting the Qur'an when I sneaked into the kitchen and start 'inventing' it. She was too engross to even notice if there's anything a miss. I simply love seeing her face beaming with joy when she tasted it. The felicity of making others happy undermines all the pain that I'm going through. Gosh I'm grateful!

The 'under experiment' milo pudding bread

In the afternoon, we had ginger fried rice and all spice salmon. Yeah... Both is actually a randition of the local hong kong fried rice & 'pais' which I altered it according to my own... well... INSTINCT... Hehehe... Mum savoured it all up leaving no trails of leftovers. Another successful dish! (",*)

Ginger Fried Rice & All Spice Salmon

As for tomorrow... Hmm... Thinking of another randition of minestrone soup alla milanese. That is if my instinct is still up to the challenge. Hehehe. Bon Appetit! ;p

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

I Shall Thrive

2007-06-11T10:51:00.000+08:00

Life is like a rollercoaster. One won't be on top of the world always. Experience, thou agonizing is essential in bringing a person up to the next level. A level of maturity and wisdom. Nevertheless, it reveals a knowledge of understanding towards one's own personality and limitation which corresponds to the blessing that is coupled with it. As such, one will find gratitude from sufferings. It is suppose to make one value life further hence made one stronger, spiritually especially. The otherwise can happen when one view such trials cynically. Life rather then rewarding will be seen as a pit hole of disaster as such existentialism occurs, overwriting the ideology of the cartesan world.

" La tahzan, Innallaha ma'ana "

Such is the great work of God who is always there for His servants, bestowing them with opportunities to redeem themselves. For that I will keep on fighting. Taking hurdles as yardstick of measure to be a better person. Thou tears has become my constant companion for the past few days, I won't let myself lose to it. Instead, I will face such adversity in the eye by keeping my faith rooted.

Around the corner of such grim situation, there is always 1001 reasons to keep on smiling and stay positive. For me, it is the chance to meet up wonderful people during my MDIS IT course which took place last week. Thou it was held only for three days, the excitement of it is still very much felt. The people who partook the course, are great people who motivated me alot during the course. The lecturer too had been very helpful especially when I fell sick on the 2nd day of the course. Knowing them humbles me in a way that it instills a hope whereby people with the heart of gold is still out there despite the neverending turmoils in this disruptive world of greed and politics. As such, it provides a sense of security and made me realise the importance of creating miracles rather then waiting for it since everything that we do, good or bad, will bounce back to us.

My coursemates

And then of course there's love ones; Sir Elmo, besties, family and Sir Dzul who always guide me, pulling me back from the edge of the ocean. They are God's gift, a blessing, the reason for me to look at inimical situation in another angle.

To them, I send my warmest THANK YOU. You have no idea the wonders you've made in my life ! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BRAVE

Japanese Fold & Cardboard Machine

2007-06-05T21:10:00.000+08:00

If you always encounter mountains of clothes left to be folded, then this is for you! Fold a shirt in two seconds flat!!! TRY IT OUT!! It works!!

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Bonding

2007-06-02T20:25:00.000+08:00

I can't feel my hand upon receiving his call informing that they have arrived. My mind went blank. Can't recall all prepared dialogues suddenly. My heart was pumping fast as if I am at a cliffhanger. I've been entering the lavatory every now and then since morning. And when I finally saw them, I just feel like running away and hide. I was that nervous! His mum noticed too. In fact, a nosy saleslady chided on my extreme apprehension. I blushed instantly. It was ironic coz I seem to have lost my sense of amenity which I am so well known of. I just smile alot and can't seem to break loose this heavy chained mouth. It was Sir Elmo's eyes that set me free from such shackled emotions. I knew instantly that it is now or never and I have to be strong in order to perceive our dreams. Love conquers all and it is due to love too that I managed to overcome such fear and faced her mum in the best of manner.

The blow of encouragement made me regained my chatty self back. From there I learned alot bout his mum and paradoxically we share alot in common. For instant, we love watching dramas and prefer mineral water then other drinks. We also don't have a big appetite and ended up sharing a plate of Nasi Ambeng together. Even the lauk chose by her was of the same taste as mine. We agreed to alot of things hence conversation were soo much fun! Like other mums, she also wants the best for his son and she saw that in me. She wanted us to be happy and pray that our plan will run smoothly. She is such an understanding person. Knowing that we have her blessings, we can't stop smiling from ear to ear throughout the outing.

After having our lunch, we feast our eyes on the great sales at Joo Chiat Complex. It was the jewelleries which caught our eyes the most and we ended up trying on rings and such. Despite being the only thorn among the roses, Sir Elmo played along well! He chose some fancy rings and let us try it on. His choices were not that bad afterall! I capitulated to most of it. Then, there was this particular ring which won our heart. Without hesitation, Sir Elmo bought it and kept it safe in the hands of his lovely mum. Hehehe

I really enjoyed the outing yesterday and really hope such pleasent connection will last forever. Amin.

Gosh! I really love this man soo much!

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

ECP

2007-05-29T23:29:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a blast! Went to ECP with Chickadees and how we oogled on so much stuffs after puting it on a pause due to some inexorable circumstances years ago. Time draws us apart and ironically it also amalgamates us into such wondrous reunion. I remembered clearly the frequent outings we used to have during our high school years, it was always fun having them around. Despite the abrupt disseverance, yesterday proves that time can't never changed the bond between true friends. It is still as fun and strong as it used to be and I believe it will always remain that way come what may.

I am bless having them as my besties... Love you ladies, my chickadees! (",*)

Pictures, click here.

Laughter and smile is such an addiction nowadays. As such, I am still lethargic out off all the fun I had since the start of holiday. Love and to be loved is the greatest gift of all. Time seems to standstill, twirling around the beautiful chimera. Blissful I must say! Hopefully, we can meet up again soon ya? *winks*

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Who's Next?

2007-05-27T18:57:00.000+08:00

Meeting up the lovely ladies sure made me chirpy all day long. No wonder the excitement is still kindling within me up to this moment. Oh! And the great news! Our face just sparkled upon hearing that our lovely Syz Hida is now two months pregnant! The mak andam on the other hand is coincidentally one of my multiply contacts! All these sublime incidents further ignite the merriment atmosphere. I am really honoured to be part of such majestic celebration. A plethora of love fills the day and a paucity of assistance is given to the mak andam too! Hehehe. Kak Yatee (da mak andam) is such a sport and she dolled Amirah up soo well she looks like a princess! Drop dead gorgeous I tell you! We even concured that she looks like Waheeda Wassini. We had soo much fun that I lost my voice by the end of the day. I guess the yakkety yak and laughter went too far that I've become an epicene eventually. Hehehe...

To Amirah & Hafeedz, a warmest CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement yesterday! May all your dreams come true! (",*)

Pictures, click at the image below:

Two down and three more to go. So who's next? ;p

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Wisdom

2007-05-24T19:18:00.000+08:00

The dentist had to do extraction. It's the only way out in allowing the lower left wisdom tooth to grow. The upper left wisdom tooth(ULWT) supressed it's neighbour soo much that it hinders it from developing. How callous... Justice must be given to the righful owner. It left us with no choice but to terminate it. But as ruthless as it can be, ULWT won't give in easily. Although anesthetic is given, ULWT stayed deeply rooted to the gum and causes excruciating pain throughout the treatment. Although it is over, the terrible headache remains... Which made me ponder, why named it 'wisdom tooth' when it must be extirpated? Coz literally, having wisdom illustrates a higher state of mind and to get rid of it is like rejecting such humble recognition. Having nothing else to do, I began scrutinizing for answers... This is what I found:

The English wisdom tooth is derived from Latin 'dens sapientiae'. These teeth are associated with wisdom because they appear during the late teens or early twenties, when a person is physically mature. Often, the wisdom teeth may not rise above the gum line, but remain impacted in the jaw, causing inflammation. If this impaction occurs, or if they pose a threat to other teeth, the wisdom teeth may need to be removed. (Wikipedia)

Aaaaaah... That answers it all!:p

I am glad that mum tagged along. She always knows how to cheer me up. Despite the spasmodical pang, I can't stop laughing at her jokes and antique funny faces. Thou antique, it made my day!

I love ya mum!

Now what should I have for dinner? Guess porridge is the only alternative for now... Barnacles! (Think allusion & intertextuality) Hehehehe :p

Myra signing off feeling..SICK

Kachoo!

2007-05-22T20:02:00.000+08:00

I'm down with flu since Sunday and my nose is still leaking. My throat is still burning too and together with the exorbitant phlegm, my mind automatically reads 'BED'. It does however reminds me of Ben Jonson's comedy of humors in which one of it stated that an excess of phlegm made a person phlegmatic,or dull, which I'm not paradoxically. Funny, how I can still remember the old chap's legacy despite being impartial on his works. Nevertheless, Shakespeare still rock my socks! Hoot... Instead of being sullen like what the former's suggested, I'm more barmy then ever. I guess phlegmatic only works on drama although life ironically, is in itself a drama. Erm... Seriously, what's the significant between literature and having flu? Hahahaha! High body temperature causes the brain juice to boil resulting in a rather whimsical behaviour. How's that for a postmodernist theory? :p

Mum jokingly said that this flu is a result of my longing to meet dear Sir Elmo hence my body temperature keeps on increasing and decreasing unsteadily. She continued by saying that the only remedy for such illness is to meet him once more. Mum was obviously being maudlin. I can't help it but to blush and at the same time still trying to maintain my cool... She knows how I feel for sure. Mum.... Their instincts are always true... I shall wait til Friday to see whether is it true that only Sir Elmo who can cure me... Hehehehe

Yes... I miss him soo much! There, I've said it! *blush* :p

Myra signing off feeling...CUCKOO

Hoot!

2007-05-20T11:30:00.000+08:00

My blog is worth $10,726.26.
How much is your blog worth?

I'm rich! Bwahahahaha! :)

The thing with holiday, you always end up not knowing what to do... Hehehehe :p

Myra signing off feeling...DREARY

I'm Back!!!

2007-05-17T20:06:00.000+08:00

It feels great to be bloggin again after a long infernal 'battle'. Well, most of us will concur that examination is such a nervewreck that it is impossible for a person not to succumb to such pressure. I myself, have lost count on how many times I've brokedown and cried. Pressure is just inelectuble. Now that it is over... It's payback time! I'm sooo gonna enjoy every bit of the holiday!

Before proceeding on the kind of activities I have in mind, I would like to first and foremost apologise for such a long disappearance and the sudden url change. Some personal problems are just inevitable as such I have no choice but to blog on a new url. I do hope we will still continue this 'bloggingbond' just like we used to. Especially for dear bloggers such as Winslet, Ayumi and Julie, your constant support is greatly appreciated. Thank you all :)

Now the plan... I have a long list of it actually. The first thing I'd long to do is to spend a quality time with my other half. I miss him badly! It's been weeks since we last met. Next on the list is to have a reunion with dearest pri & sec sch friends not to mention ex colleagues too... I've been hearing news that most of them are getting engage and some had even got hitched! Goodlah ya all... Cycling is next, followed by rollerblading, shopping, cooking, baking... All this is a must! I'm also considering on applying some short courses and attending some seminars held by MDIS. Gosh! I've never felt so free! Hehehe... I love hols!

Regarding the thorough update on my anni celebration, guess I'll just leave it as our sweet arcane memory. Sorry all. After giving it a cogitation, I guess I prefer it to be our 'little hush hush'. Hehehehe. Don't get me wrong ya... Personally, I think it seems more staggering in that sense. It is afterall our 1st anniversary! :)

However, I do love to recommend you all to this delectable anniversary cupcakes which I ordered from the gorgeous Syz Honey-Tar. It was specially customized particularly for that event.

This is what Sir Elmo got to say:

"The cupcakes are, hands down, the best I've ever tasted, out of this world! The frosting is the key; rich, smooth, creamy and flavourful. The cake is moist, with a delightfully crisp lattice and chocolate curls on top of it. I was so enrobed with such goodness, especially with the rich and majestic nutella filling. I can't help but feel like royalty when I bite into one! Not to mention the aroma. Just as heavenly! The moment the box was opened, the sweet-smelling scent of the cupcakes wafted throughout the whole house. And I wasn't the only one who thought so, the rest of my family members sang praises too! They were initially attracted to the lovely presentation but it was the taste of the cupcakes that finally won them over. I could eat these every day for the rest of my life! Keep up the good work!"

There you have it, words from the man himself. Syz Honey-Tar was generous too! Not only did she made our anniversary celebration sweeter with those astounding work of art, she even gave me a sample of her Valrhona cupcake which was simply a two thumbs up! The world around me turned to beautiful reveries whilst indulging to that delectable valrhona. I must agree with Sir Elmo, it is the best cupcake we've ever tasted! *salutes*

For more enquiries pertaining to her cupcakes, click here.

Before signing off, I would like to inform you all that I've added two new folders under the 'links' navigation which is done particularly for you dear bloggers. The previous 'Cupcaks Galore' is changed to 'Ambrosia' whereby options for cupcakes are more variant. Plus you can find other delicacies and pastries too. While under 'Modish Fetish', you'll find a lot of links to satisfy your fetishes and still be up to date. The accesories especially are such an eyecandy! You just can't deter yourself from buying. Good thing it is online coz you can shop and shop and shop without the 'drop'. Hehehehe.... However, do spend wisely ya... :)

Well, that's bout it for today... Weekend is just around the corner. Hope your weekend gateaways will run smoothly. Take care all! :)

On Hiatus

2007-04-16T09:13:00.000+08:00

The UOL examination timetable:

3rd May- Explorations 1
11 texts altogether: Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, Antigone, Sir Gawain & the Green Knight, Merchant's Prologue and Tale, The Wife of bath Prologue and Tale, Dr. Faustus, Jew of Malta, Hamlet and The Tempest.

9th May- Approaches to text
15 topics: Figurative language, Narratology, Allusion & Intertextuality, Authorship & Intention, Genre, Canon, High & Low Culture, Film, Photography & Truth, Gender, Race & Stereotyping, New Historicism, Marxism, Psychoanalysis and Post Colonialism.

10th May- Explorations 2
13 texts: Romantic period, Song of Innocenece & Experience, Lyrical Ballads, Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Pride & Prejudice(Realism), Emma, Jane Eayre, Villette, Great Expectations, Heart of Darkness, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Waiting for Godot and Endgame.

15th May- Renaissance Comedy
8 texts: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night, Volpone, Epicene, Merchant of Venice, Bartholomew's Fair, The Alchemist, Taming of the Shrew.

There you have it, a peek into my claustrophobic life. Endless revisions. Nerve wrecking seriously. Contraries are good thou coz with it is progressions. Hope this will end up the same too. Just gain hokay. Not the otherwise please. Gosh! I'm looking forward to da two months break! Til then... Wish me luck dear bloggers!

I hereby promulgate that I'm on... HIATUS

Myra signing off feeling...NERVOUS

Our Anniversary

2007-04-15T15:49:00.000+08:00

We celebrated our 1st year anniversary yesterday... I fell in love with him again for the umpteen times... I'm in lost of words seriously... Its just... Magical... No.. Not that... More then that actually... Prodigious.. Yeah... PRODIGIOUS! But even that is not enough to illustrate how truly wonderful it is... You know what I mean... The amalgamation of two souls... It is just more then words...

Mawkishness fills this heart once more... I'm speechless just to know... How great his love is... Life's amelioration is due to this...

Will update more on the event later. Pretty busy preparing for the examination which is only 2 weeks away...

As for now, just click at the image below and let the pictures do the talking hokay...

Have a lovely weekend peeps! I did! Yippeeee!!! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Stoop To Conquer

2007-04-13T17:01:00.000+08:00

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all, he told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there." A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Indeed... The moral of the story is interwoven with the bygones which are triggered by a sadistic aphid few days ago. A parasite in another word...

The future must no longer be determined by the past. I do not deny that the effects of the past are still with me. But I refuse to strengthen them by repeating them, to confer upon them an irremovability the equivalent of destiny, to confuse the biological and the cultural. Anticipation is imperative.

Naphtha will spread soon... Passion will then be inexhaustible. It is ebullient like the music, the painting, the bona fide smile, the sunrise, the unequivocal imagination where stream of phantasms is incredible...

And tomorrow marks the beginning of such majestic ardour...

Stupendous! Alhamdulillah (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...AMBITIOUS

Demeter

2007-03-27T14:10:00.000+08:00

I find this unbelievable... Seroiusly... Can a person go to the extent of hoping to smell like his/her favourite food? Fruit is acceptable but sushi? Its delirious doncha think? Hmm... Alright I might be wrong... If there isn't, why do Demeter wants to take the risk of producing such cologne right? Their reason:

"Everyone has a personal library of meaningful smells. The memories they trigger are somehow more intense than those we dredge up by conscious effort. It's as if smell provides a shortcut to our deepest memories and brings them back complete with the emotions and sensations we felt at the time".

And so they say... But on the other reading, business is all about profit while human on the other hand is born curious. Demeter must have use this ideology as their strategy. Hence they provide brow raising colognes knowing that it will attract costumers. Aaaaah... I applaud them for such strategy... Brilliant! *claps*

So, have you ever dream of smelling like your favourite food? Dream no more coz Demeter is here! :p

This sushi scent smells of sticky white rice and seaweed, with a hint of ginger and lemon. Delectable! After all, if it smelled like fish, would you wear it?

This mouthwatering cologne smells just like Chocolate Cake with Butter Cream Icing and Pink Icing Flowers! Great gift idea for the hard to shop for birthday boy or girl.

This delicious faint scent of Marshmallow is pure heaven. Surely to become your signature scent!

Flash back to childhood with this bubble gum fresh scent!

This Cotton Candy cologne captures that fresh, warm scent of Cotton Candy just made at the fair on a warm summer day. If there is a more pleasant childhood memory to be had, we have yet to find it.

A mouth-watering combination of fresh orange, vanilla bean ice cream and the faintest sense of the wooden stick, around which it all revolves.

Glue sniffers... Instead of harming yourself with such activity... Substitute it with this!

Did you get in trouble in elementary school for eating paste? The Perpetual Kid did.... This cologne captures the scent of airplane or car modeling glue, a guaranteed trip down memory lane, and no, it is not toxic, and NO, it will NOT make you high.

And there's more!

Watching paint dry may be boring, but smelling it is an entirely different matter!

Invoke memories of endless summer days playing outside in the dirt and mud. This cologne was created to smell exactly like the dirt from fields surrounding a Pennsylvania family farm.

Those fresh-from-the-can, full-of-potential, childhood memories... Now in a convenient spray!

Ever been to a lumber yard? It's that scent. Wonderful woods being cut. It's terrific and quite wearable.

So, what's your choice? :p

(P/S: Thanks Christopher Trottier for the recommendation) (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Smile? Can I?

2007-03-24T09:42:00.000+08:00

Remember Zesty Grilled Chicken? Ahaaaa~~~* Did the same to *salmon few days back with an addition of garam masala. This time round, I used lemon instead of orange and I was right! It taste far more better! Yummy!

Zesty Grilled Salmon

I experimented another dish this morning. Made my own burger patty, a healthy one too! Added in curry powder, ginger, onion, mixed herbs, garllic powder, chilli, *rosemary leaves, coriander leaves, oats, eggs and plain flour to the chicken. Used the same cooking technique as the Zesty Grilled Chicken. The end result is a healthier finger licking good burger patty! Mum said it tasted like Otah-Otah... With that, I shall name it 'Otah-Otah Burger'. Hehehehe....

*Fast facts: Salmon is chock-full of omega 3 fatty acids which appear to lower triglyceride levels and blood pressure and reduce blood clotting. Rosemary on the other hand is rich in antioxidants that help block the cancer-causing compounds that can form when you barbecue meat.

Otah Otah Burger

I hate assignments (who does anyway?). Had lots of deadlines next week which really represses me! With other morasses.... Aaarrrhhh! I've turned into a morose lady! Endless endless endless pressure! Heck care! I'll stoop to conquer. I will! Yeah... Bur first.... HELP!

Gosh... I've blabbered nonsense again... No way.. I won't let myself do asinine mistakes... Won't let pressure control me... I'm simply... Dead beat... But how can I sleep with all these assignments irking me? Bah! I need my Boo... Badly! Tsk tsk tsk!

Ennui kills the soul... So do find time for activities which can enlighten you. Weekend is always the best time for tat. Enjoy your weekend. Don't end up like me, enmesh in my own responsibilities.... Oh Myra! Just smile lah! Blergh!

Myra signing off feeling...STRESS OUT

She's 21!

2007-03-23T23:20:00.001+08:00

I wanted to post on this yesterday but time was too envious of me. What to do ley, wishes online still have to come a day late. Nonetheless, I shall not waste this opportunity to shout out a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my gorgeous bestfwen.... CIPPIE!!!

She's now officially a full fledged independent damsel! Hooray! Bought for her a set of lavender 'Body Shop' products. Hope she'll like it. I believe that is exactly what she needs right now since lavender is good for the well being of the mind and body to fuse all those dark aura. Yeah... Stress I mean which rocketed abruptly eversince 'the rhesus' came and invaded our mondays. No! Nay! No! We should not let 'her' bring us down. We shouldn't let 'her' colonize our emotions further let alone our reveries! For that, the convention is switched, 'the rhesus' is and will always be inferior to us... MUAHAHAHAHA!

Pretty damsel wif da prezzie!

Please don't bother to understand this madness... It is suppose to be unclear... It is afterall came from a demented mind... Pardon my barmyness dear bloggers. It must have due to my vehement adoration for success (which is sadly one of my vices. I don't have a choice then, do I? Duh) and tenacious goal. I'm counting down the days to the UOL examination which is less then two months away. Hence the sporadic disappearance. Thousand of apologies... I will regain my zealous self once more soon after all this is settled... With that, do bear with me dear bloggers... Thank you...

Dear dear Cippie.... We can make this through!! I believe we will! Love you always sweetie bestfwen! *hugs*

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Diet & Health

2007-03-19T12:33:00.000+08:00

Upon request, here's the one month old news featuring on my successful weight loss. Just click on the image below to enlarge it:

For those who've tried dieting but ended up eating more, well I must say it is due to the wrong way of dieting. Many people have this mentality that when you're on diet, it means that you must eat very little and must limit the food intake to only fruits and vegetables. If you're doing this right now, please stop. You're putting your life at risk by being bullimic or anorexia.

Follow the guidelines which I've mentioned earlier in the previous post. Our body does need carbohydrate foods such as rice and bread. It helps to restore energy hence possible for us to do our daily chores and most importantly lose weight! Yep, carbohydrate is esential to burn fats. Meaning, if you don't eat, then you will be less successful in reducing your weight. In fact you can eat it everyday without the fear of gaining weight that is if you stick to the required amount. However, before dieting, it is very important to first and foremost channel your mind to the correct mindset. Do it because you want to be healthy and not just for the sake of looking great let alone because of trying to please others. It is only by having this correct mentality will you function yourself with the right techniques and by doing that will you then gain great satisfaction, confident and happiness.

I wish you all the best in leading a healthy lifestyle... Remember... The word here is H-E-A-L-T-H-Y... Take care dear bloggers! :)

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

Beauty Bottles

2007-03-18T17:10:00.000+08:00

The concept of "stress" as an effect on the mind and body originated in 1925 when Hans Seyle, a European physician, described the condition as "the rate of wear and tear caused by life". Hence it is of a paramount importance to overcome it. It's not like we have to be trained in stress relief to actively promote stress relief on the domestic front. To overcome it requires inexpensive and simplest ways such as humour, breathing techniques and the company of love ones.

Another way is through aromatheraphy. The use of fragrances helps to relieve anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia and stress. The nose is the closest sense organ to the brain, and inhaling aromas is thought to stimulate the limbic system (an emotional center) of the brain. Hence my primary 'beauty bottle' is none other than the aromatheraphy home fragrance oil. I personally love the 'Body Shop' strawberry and peach aroma. I can sleep soundly and wake up in the morning feeling fresh and revitalize. Fruity fragrance perks me up completely!

Next comes the basic skin care; cleanser, toner and moisturizer. On top of that I use black, white heads and acne serum. My product choice... Puriderm... A recommendation by my beautician. Love it coz it works! Tee heee~*

This collection captures the hydrating, refreshing and antiaging power of the sea to keep dry/normal skin youthful, vital and vibrant. Marine plankton and algae extracts, renowned for the richness of the minerals, vitamins and active trace elements they contain, effectively improve oxygenation, cellular activity, and hydration so skin looks softer, smoother and brighter. Purifying control on the other hand targets on the acne prone skin. Combines Thiolysine, a sulfur-based amino acid with oil-reducing properties, and fruit acids, which provide continual exfoliation, stimulating the production of new cells. The synergy of the two helps regulate sebum production and unblock pores in this gentle but effective collection. In addition to keeping skin fresh, matte and glowing round-the-clock, the active ingredients in these formulations maintain skin's youthful smoothness.

The other bottles...

There you have it! My beauty endorsement from head to toe. Love my beauty bottles very much! Next target... *drumrolls*... JULIE & AYUMI! Your turn! What's your beauty bottles? Share with us please... Hehehehe

Thanks Winslet... Your beauty bottles are good products indeed! :)

Hope you have a lovely weekend dear bloggers! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Zesty Sunday!

2007-03-11T15:13:00.000+08:00

It's my turn to cook for mum today. When asked, mum told me that she'd been craving for fried noodle. That dish is totally a big N-O for a diabetic. I do feel sorry for her. After giving some thoughts, I finally complied. BUT in order to maintain her sugar level, I modified some of the ingredients by giving it a healthier twist. The end result... Well, she loves it alright! *smiles*

Instead of frying the vegetables and chicken together with the noodles, I cooked them up separately. I marinated the chicken for a night with mixed herbs, rosemary leaves, orange juice, orange zest, onion powder, light soy sauce and minced garlic. I then grilled the chicken until brown on both side. Next, I put it into the oven on medium heat and cooked it well-done.

Marinated for a night

I then boiled the vegetables and served it together with the chicken and fried noodle. The non stick pan sure comes in handy! I just need to add in a small amount of oil for frying and grilling. There you go, a healthier fried noodle for lunch. Mum especially loves the chicken. She loves the sweet & sour taste and the fragrant smell. Hmm...I shall name it... Zesty Grilled Chicken... Yummy yum! :p

Fried noodle with a healthier twist

Will try with lemon next time. I'm sure it will taste better! Hehehe...

For more information on health issues, log on to : www.hpb.gov.sg
You can even check your BMI there. Just click on 'Health Tools'.

I recall having a BMI of 28.8 two years ago. Being overweight, I had a risk of developing heart disease and diabetes. Praise be to Allah, my persistent effort to lose weight paid off. Now standing at 1.56m and weighing at 50kg, my BMI result reads 20.5. Yep, it is at a healthy range! *cheers* Loosing weight is possible if you have a strong will and motivation. I've proven it and YOU CAN DO IT TOO! :)

Been wanting to post on this... So, here goes... To the newlywed Syz Hida & Dzul(Mario)... Hope I'm not too late in wishing you SELAMAT PENGANTIN BARU! May you have a blissful and eternal matrimony.... Amin...

Soo compatible!

This pretty lady... How can I believe that she's now someone's wife... We've been through thick and thin since secondary school. Seems like it's only yesterday that we've been muggin hard for the final examination, gossiping bout the cute2 boys in school, singing a medley of our favourite songs together... And now she's going through a new chapter of life... Surely gonna miss the old great times! Besties forever hokay! (",*)

5 besties... 1 married... 1 getting engaged... Left 3 in queue... Hopefully, a fairytale ending for all of us... Amin...

Hope you have a zesty Sunday! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Serving Sizes

2007-03-10T15:26:00.000+08:00

More guidelines on healthy eating habit:

- Dairy products contain protein, calcium, some vitamins and minerals. Include 1 serving in our meal plan daily. However, dairy products are high in saturated fats. Choose products with a lower fat content.

Example:
*Milk (skimmed or low fat) : 250 ml per serving
*Milk powder (skimmed or low fat): 7 heaped teaspoons per serving
*Cheese (tow fat) : 30g/ 1 slice per serving
*Yoghurt (skimmed/low fat unsweetened) : 200ml

- Include 4-6 servings of meat or alternatives in our diet daily. Choose lean meat or poultry without skin. Try to avoid eating organ meat as they are high in cholestrol content.

Example:
*Lean meat (beef,mutton etc) : 30g per serving
*Poultry without skin (chicken, turkey, duck) : 30g per serving
*Fish or other seafood (fish, prawns, lobster, crab) : 50g per serving
*Egg : 1 medium per serving
*Lentils (cooked) : 1/3 cup per serving
*Tofu or alternatives : 1 piece per serving

- Eat 2 servings of fruit per day to provide us with adequate vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and fibre. Fruits contain carbohydrates in the form of sugars and should be taken as a carbohydrate serving.

Example:
*Apple, banana, orange, pear : 1 medium per serving
*Papaya, watermelon, pineapple : 1 medium slice
*Grapes : 10 small per serving
*Cherries : 10 small per serving
*Rambutans : 4 medium per serving
*Lychees : 5 medium per serving
*Durians : 2 small seeds per serving

- Rice or alternatives like pasta, noodles and starchy vegetables contain carbohydrates which will affect ypur blood glucose levels. Choose foods rich in fibre whenever possible.

*Eat consistent amounts everyday
*Eat small and regular meals
*Exercise regularly

- The following list of carbohydrate foods can be used to add variety and to help balance carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrate foods can be substituted using the following serving sizes. Each serving size is equivalent to 15 grams of carbohyrates.

Cereals and cereal products:
*Noodles, rice, pasta (cooked) : 1/3 rice bowl
*Oatmeal (raw) : 2 heaped chinese soup spoon
*Cornflake : 3 heaped chinese soup spoon
*Cracker biscuits : 3 pieces
*Bread : 1 slice
*Chapati : 1/2 standard size
*Iddly : 1 piece
*Thosai : 1/2 standard slice

Starchy vegetables:
*Potatoes : 1 medium (90g)
*Sweet potatoes : 1/2 medium (90g)
*Yam : 1/3 medium (90g)
*Tapioca : 90g
*Corn : 1/3 cob
*Carrots : 1/3 medium

- When eating out:
*Choose lower fat options like steamed, boiled or grilled food
*Choose noodle soup instead of dry noodles
*Avoid adding excessive gravy on rice
*Ask for less oil and more vegetables
*Remove all visible fats before eating
*Eat smaller servings of each dish at a 10-course dinner
*Limit deep fried foods to 1-2 times a week
*Have a piece of fruit for dessert instead
*Choose 'diet' drinks (Ex: Lite Coke), chinese tea or plain water with meal

- When shopping, choose foods with the Healthier Choice symbol. These foods are lower in fat and sodium, higher in fibre.

- Example of a healthy meal plan:
*Breakfast : 2 slices of whole grain bread with a thin layer of margarine and low sugar content jam or 6 pieces of cream crackers. Drinks; HL milk or unsweetened coffee/tea.
*Mid-Morning : A handful of roasted nuts (unsalted and unsweetened) or a serving of fruit or a cup of HL milk.
*Lunch : Noodles or rice (1/3 bowl) with a piece of chicken (remove skin) or fish. Add in two servings of vegetables. Plus a serving of fruit for dessert.
*Tea-Time : 2 slices of whole grain bread with a thin layer of margarine and low sugar content jam or 6 pieces of cream crackers. Drinks; HL milk or unsweetened coffee/tea.
*Dinner : Noodles or rice (1/3 bowl) with a piece of chicken (remove skin) or fish. Add in two servings of vegetables. Plus a serving of fruit for dessert.
*Supper: A handful of roasted nuts (unsalted and unsweetened) or a serving of fruit or a cup of HL milk.

A healthier choice of jam. No added sugar!

Hail to a healthy lifestyle! Choose to be healthy? Then eat healthy! All the best!

Have a lovely weekend dear bloggers. Take care! :)

(P/S: All guidelines are taken from Tan Tock Seng's Hospital pamphlet)

Myra signing off feeling...BORED

Meal Planning

2007-03-08T17:02:00.000+08:00

When I was told that mum had diabetes, it made me realized the paramount importance of consuming not just good food but also considering the healthy facts in what I eat. The fact that we always ignore this will causes complication to our health in later years. This includes diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems and worst it will cost you your life(not to mention your happiness too). This 'wake up call' makes me determine to serve only nourishing tasty food to my family.

Diet makes all the difference to our health. It helps to prevent all these major illnesses. We should reduce our intake of fat particularly saturated or animal fat, base our meals and snacks on carbohydrate foods like bread and pasta and also eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Salt and sugar should be used in minimal amounts. Eating for good health is about matching our intake of food to our body's needs and keeping our weight at a healthy level(*BMI). It is also about understanding how to balance food choices, so that we can enjoy eating without feeling guilty. Even high-fat,high-sugar foods can be incorporated into our diet plan, if we know how. Remember, eat only what our body require not more then that...

*BMI: Check your Body Mass Index (BMI). If your BMI is above 23kg/m square, you should try and reduce your weight.

Good meal planning is the cornerstone to good health. The following guidelines will assist in making necessary changes:

- We should eat a variety of foods to meet our nutritional requirements. Foods from all the food groups in the food guide pyramid should be included in our meal plan daily.

-Eating too much fats or oils have been associated with blood vessel diseases, obesity and diabetes as it decreases the effectiveness of insulin action. It is recommended that we should eat less than 30% of our energy intake from fats, which is about 5-8 teaspoons of added fats or oils.

-We should eat less saturated fat. Studies have shown that eating too much saturated fat is linked to higher 'bad cholestrol' (LDL) levels in our blood. Saturated fats are found in animal fat, dairy products, vegetable oils like palm kernel and coconut oils(including coconut milk).

- Substitute cooking oils with polyunsaturated oils like corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower seed oil or monosaturated oils like olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil (100%). Use less oil in cooking. Cooking methods like baking, roasting, grilling or steaming, which require minimal oil, are encouraged.

- Sodium in salt is essential for the healthy functioning of our body. One teaspoon of salt per day is more than adequate for this function. Too much sodium/salt in our daily diet has been linked to the high risk of high blood pressure, stroke and kidney failure. Try to reduce intake of salt, sauces, Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG), canned, preserved and other processed foods.

-Sugar and sugar products contain carbohydrates. These sugary products such as glucose, rock sugar, gula melaka, malted milk drinks, soft drinks, isotonic drinks, fruit juices, packet drinks, sweetened soya drinks, syrups, jams, jellies, fruits canned in syrup, cakes, pastries, ice cream and chocolates should be eaten in minimal amounts. These foods can be substituted with products made from artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharine.

Hopefully, today's post does enlighten dear bloggers to embark in the journey of a healthy lifestyle. Will touch on serving sizes later. Till then, a healthier you is definitely a happier you! Take care all... :)

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Rain Please Go Away

2007-03-06T20:25:00.000+08:00

Yet another hurdle storming through our life... It was only the beginning of the examination week when mum was admitted to the hospital. After undergoing several tests, da doctor confirmed that mum is diagnosed with diabetes. Her immune system and pancreas is weak hence a lump on her neck started to swollen and rot. It was removed last Friday as soon as her sugar level dropped nearly to the healthy index. Me on the other hand tried my best to stay focus for the exam. I ended up revising at the hospital, trying to repress all the mix emotions. I was devastated indeed...

Mum was discharged this afternoon and is now resting at home. She still needs insulin jab twice a day and her food intake is substituted with a healthier choice. All household chores from cooking to doing the laundry are now divided between me and my sister. It is tough... But we're coping through it together...

As for the exam... Well, it ended last Friday and I must say that I'm not happy with it. I know I didn't put my best effort but at least I've tried. I know I should have been stronger. I shouldn't let emotions controlled me but the situation at that time really made me worried mad. However, I've promised to myself that I'll give my 101% for the coming UOL examination no matter what. I'll prepare myself both mentally and spiritually... Do pray for mum and me dear bloggers....

I miss the sanguine time where we as family have always enjoyed searching for good food. I miss the laughters that we've always shared.... I especially miss my mum's cheerful self... Get well soon mum... I miss you...

Rain, please go away... All of us are waiting for the sun... :`(

Myra signing off feeling... BLUE

Purple Affairs

2007-02-11T12:27:00.000+08:00

We finally met last Friday...

We were feeling bollywood and hence chose Little India as our next 'expedition'. We peppered things up with purple as the theme colour. Hahaha... Funny... We just feel like doing bangra and savouring the delectable Indian food out of the blue. We called it our 'Purple Affairs' day. Silly... Yeah... We know... :p

Sir Elmo met mum first at home. Again, he suprised us with some gifts which he bought from Bintan. Yep, he went to Bintan with his friends for two days last week. Just two days... But the agony of waiting nearly drove me outta course of sanity. Worst, his mobile had no autoroam. Hate it when he's away. Well, I'm grateful thou coz at least he's back in one piece. Praise be to Allah... Anyhows... After few minutes of converstaion, we finally made our move at 1600hrs.

We had our dinner at Blue Diamond Restaurant. I tried Kothu Prata which was recommended by Siti Zurairiyah in 'Masak Apa?' cooking show. Him on the other hand had two plain pratas and one egg prata. Yep, he ate all that. Gobbled it clean. Lesson to be learn, must never be deceive by his small frame coz at the end of the day, he still eats more then me! In fact, he helped me to finish up my Kothu prata! Yep! All that pratas plus half the plate of my kothu prata. He had big appetite indeed! The food was fantastic anyway... No wonder he was soo engrossed... Watching him eat, made me full. Which made me ponder, where did all those fats go? Coz no matter how much he eats, his body still maintain that way. Hardly see him gain weight! Soo lucky! Envy him! ;p

Pratas!

Subsequently, we went window shopping at Tekka Mall and later to Sim Lim Square. We were pretty shagged from all those walking. We got a nudge when our feet started to ache. We instantly knew that we need a spot to sit and relax. Hence we headed to Raffles Place and had a serene time watching the sunset. Lovely~*

Purple Affairs

Since we're taking the bus at Bugis, we decided to have a cup of hot choc at Starbucks first. The diluted hot choc perked us up. And so... More pictures were taken... Huahuahua... We had a great time indeed!

The 'expedition' ended at 2130 hrs. And now... I'm missing him already... ;(

Everything is still as sweet... As lovely and magical... As the time when he asked me to be his one and only 10 mths ago... Hopefully, the feeling will remain this way... Will grow stronger each day... Amin Ya Rabbi...

Miss you boo boo..

For more pictures, click here.

Have a lovely Sunday peeps! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Rose Coloured Glasses

2007-02-04T15:11:00.000+08:00

I've been blogging for nearly 3 years and bloggers who keep track on my updates knew how much I've changed during these years. For instance, I received lots of messages and emails from those who noticed the differences on the way I look especially regarding on my weight loss and fairer skin. I certainly understand the plight they are going through hence I am glad to share some tips with all of you. I'll begin with a post on my secret for a fairer and clearer skin.

For the past 7 years I've endured the agony of having acne all over my face. This face was never free from stares & mockery. It was the mockery which managed to sneak through my soul and tainted it with humiliation resulting in the lost of self confidence and low self esteem. I tried undergoing several treatments at Skin Centre. The result was good but as soon as I stopped, everything went back to square one. Then I tried several products which later became my worst nightmare when the acne exacerbated. It became bigger and left huge scars. I didn't even dare to take the slightest peep at the mirror!

I was devastated. Nothing seems to work until one day, around last year, I recalled reading a magazine when an article regarding a spa caught my eyes. After reading it, I felt the anxiety to give it a try. This time round the ray of hope really shines. It definitely changed my life... Praise be to Allah...

I present to you.... The secret....

French for "life through rose-coloured glasses". Literally, "life in pink".

What is so great bout this spa you might ask? Well, here are some interesting facts:

1)At La Vie En Rose, a one-stop beauty hub for women, beauty consultant Arase is a certified beautician with more than 10 years of experience in skin care coupled with a string of international diplomas under her belt.

2)A distinctive point of difference is that Arase loves what she does and feels that it matters. In furtherance of her own beliefs, Arase practices what she preaches and believes that by holding herself as an example clients will be given the confidence that they will gain the best solution to their beauty needs.

3)It is notable that Arase won the Mrs. Singapore Globe 2000 and Mrs. Elegant International USA, 2001. Arase believes quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution.

4)At La Vie En Rose, she pursues the highest quality of skin and body care to enhance and enrich your appearance, health, total well-being and self-esteem. Rooted firmly in the belief that only qualified people can provide quality service, Arase believes it is something that every woman has the right to demand and something that no woman should compromise.

There you have it! The secret to a radiant you under the care of a professional+former beauty queen.You'll definitely feel empowered with contentment! Most importantly, it works!

For more enquiries, log on to her website here.

Hopefully, today's post does answer your questions and at least enlighten you to keep on trying and never give up. Remember, in every winter, spring will come. All the best peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

A New Beginning

2007-01-28T12:47:00.000+08:00

What's more lovely then having the privilege to celebrate memorable events of those dear to you. I was lucky to be part of two joyous occasions yesterday; both welcoming a new member into their family which makes their family portrait a picture perfect. Oh the positive vibes... Maudlin atmosphere... Which makes your eyes teary with exultation and your smile fills with jubilation. God's grace... Da gift of love... Praise be to Allah...

Before headed to SPH for a meeting with BH members, I went to a friend's wedding with mum, sis and Sir Elmo. Serenity and bliss filled every corner of this lovely event. It was a pleasent sight and a wonderful feeling which engulfed us. After waited for an hour, da newlywed finally made their way to the dais. Both looked stunning in their matched striking red outfit. Gorgeous!

During meeting, I was told that Syz Zaidah had just given birth to a heatlthy baby boy. I was delighted and hence tagged along with the rest of my BH friends to SGH after the meeting. He awed me as soon as I had a glimpse of him. He is one handsome, cute, sweet, adorable baby boy! My hands went fidgety. I just can't wait to hold him! His name is as lovely too... Darwish Mohd... Awwwwww~*

A new chapter begins for this two wonderful couples... Congrats dear friends and may Allah bless you... Amin...

Pictures, click here.

So how's your weekend peeps?

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Because I'm Bored. What Else?

2007-01-21T15:01:00.000+08:00

How much has Myra changed in 6 years?

2001

How old were you?
- 15

Where did you go to school?
- M.A.A

Where did you work?
- Unemployed

Where did you live?
- East side

Where did you hang out?
- Bugis

How was your hair style?
- Short. I was a tomboy hokay!

Did you wear braces?
- Nope

Did you wear glasses?
- Yep since primary school

Who was your crush?
- Erm... Keanu Reeves? Hehehe *melts*

How many tattoos did you have?
- Henna tattoo: Always. Real tattoo: Never!

What car did you drive?
- Nope. Under age ley.

What was your favorite band/group:
- Westlife

Worst fear?
- Darkness

Gotten drunk?
- No way

Had you been arrested?
- Haha

Had you been to a real party yet?
- I wonder... Hmm...

Had your heart broken?
- Oh dear... Always...

HA HA HA ! LET SEE WHAT YOU ARE NOW !
_______________________________________
___

2007

How old are you?
- Will turn 21 soon

What grade are you in?
- Grade? Huh! Diploma babe~* Gonna continue with a degree soon

School?
- University Of London (External Programme)

Where do you work?
- BH (Freelance journalist)

Where do you live?
- The same old place bebeh

Where do you hang out?
- Vivocity, Orchard, Plaza Singapura, Esplanade, Marina Square... The list goes on

Do you have braces?
- Still the big N-O

Do you wear glasses?
- Only during lecture, tutorial and when driving.

Still talk to any of your old friends?
- Yup... Missing them alot

Who is your celebrity crush?
- Keanu Reeves... Forever Keanu Reeves... *melts*

How many tattoos?
- Zero

What kind of car do you have?
- I don't have a car. Not yet. However, I have license to drive a car! Yey!

What is your favorite band/group?
- Erm... Guess I don't go for band any more... The song and lyrics are the most essential thing to draw my attention now...

What is your biggest fear?
- Still darkness

Have you gotten drunk?
- Never. Told you. NEVER

Has your heart been broken?
- Nope... Someone mend it (",*)

One thing for sure, I'm lovin my life now! Praise be to Allah... ;)

" Now that we're here,
It's so far away;
All the struggle we thought was in vain
All the mistakes,one life contained
They all finally start to go away
Now that we're here its so far away
And i feel like i can face the day
I can forgive and i'm not ashamed
To be the person that i am today "

My sunday spells D-R-E-A-R-Y. Why? Coz I havent finish my two essays yet... Hence I'm stuck at home, searching for inspiration. Muse! Where are you? Bah!

Hope yours is unlike mine. Have a sunny Sunday dear bloggers! Take care ! :)

Myra signing off feeling...BORED

Chef Of Da Day

2007-01-20T16:28:00.000+08:00

Mum accompanied syz to her massage appointment just now. I was too lazy to tag along hence decided to stay home. It wasn't a good decision at all coz not long after that my cheerful soul begin to rot with boredom. Plus the pouring weather, it nearly made me blabbering 'Cuckoo'! Subsequently, I became famish hence rampaged the kitchen. I searched for food high and low but in vain. Since I had nothing better to do, I thot I might as well prepare dinner for all. Yep, I did just that and became the chef of the day... Haah! Being home alone wasn't that bad afterall!

So what's the dish? Mee Tomato Tiru Gaya Myra. Yep, highly exaggerated name from the nearly cuckoo self appointed chef. And this chef is kind enough to share it with all of you dear bloggers... So be greatful hokay! Huhuhu... Madness! ;p

Ingredients:
Noodle of your choice (Boiled)
Vegetable of your choice (Boiled)
Prawn
Chicken
Beef
3 tablespoons of tomato puree
15 dried chillies (blend)
6 onions (blend)
3 garlics(blend)
1 ginger (blend)
3 onions (finely chopped)
1 knorr chicken cube
5 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
4 dried tamarind
3 tomatoes (quartered)
Coriander leaves for garnishing
7 cups of water
Oil
Salt
Sugar
Egg

Some of the ingredients
Method:

1) Fry the egg.

2) Heat oil and saute all the blended paste till oil separates. Add in chicken, beef, chopped onions, water and seasoning.

3) Simmer till chicken and beef is almost cooked. Add in the rest of the ingredients and simmer till chicken and beef is thoroughly cooked.

4) Serve while it's hot. Garnish with some coriander leaves and fried egg.

There you have it! The delectable Mee Tomato Tiru Gaya Myra ;p

Everything was ready when mum and syz reached home. They were super thrilled to see the nicely prepared dish. The verdict? They were head over heels as soon as the tomato soup reached their palates. So what are you waiting for, try now!

Anyway, to all my muslim friends, may you have a bless Muharram! Barakallahufikum (",*)

GOSH! I just remember, I have two essays to submit on monday and havent even started yet! YIKES!

Myra signing off feeling...PANIC

Junipah Lopes

2007-01-13T14:55:00.000+08:00

I begin craving for Lopes and Potato Curry Puff eversince watching Junipah Lopes yesterday. A very strong craving which made me wanna talked bout it all the time. Syz had enough of it and is kind enough to buy it for me. She wanted to buy those from Geylang since it is nearby but these tastebuds want only those particular Lopes and Curry Puff from Bugis Junction. Yes, I am that desperate and choosy. I am lucky coz syz is in a good mood. She agreed and off she went to Bugis..... Yey!

I'm waiting patiently for her return right now. Hopefully she's on her way home. Gosh! LOPEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!! *droolz*

Myra signing off feeling...RESTLESS

Sweet Marina

2007-01-12T12:57:00.000+08:00

It was raining cats and dogs. Puddles everywhere. Flood in some areas. Despite the bad weather, it didn't stop us from seeing each other. We were drenched wet and feeling feverish but we were still being silly and made the best out of yesterday. Howling wind became zephyr since he came into my life...

Met up at 1400hrs at Arab street. Initially, I wanted to look around but ended up buying a white flowery brooch. As usual, he insisted of buying it for me but this time round I managed to trick him from doing so. YES! I had to TRICK him. He was that persistent. I made the payment quickly when he was still busy browsing through some stuff. He was pretty upset. Seeing his puppy face, I let him bought some prezzies for my mom and syz instead. Being thoughtful like he always does, he bought mum two scarf & syz; a scarf & a brooch. We then walked to Marina Square and had a fun time singing in the rain. Yep, we sang a medley of avril lavigne songs on our way there. The rain became heavier soon after. OOPS!

Heart him lots!

We headed straight to GV and bought two 'Night At The Museum' tickets before buying some Jollibean chocolate pancakes to fill our stomach. We love the pancakes and the movie too. With actors like Ben Stiller, no wonder it's a great movie. He's funny and talented! Our favourite phrase from the movie, "Hello Dum Dum, where's my Gum Gum?". We just love the way the Easter Island stone talk. Cuteness! We then indulged in a scrumptious dinner at Cavana. We later did some window shopping where he bought for dad two U2 polo shirts and a diva bracelet for me. Yeah... My ideas were all dried up in making him to stop spoiling us with gifts. He's so determine. Not to mention sweet... Hehehe. However, the table is turned when I suprised him with a box of choc, a shirt and a card. He was overwhelmed. I'm glad he appreciated it alot.

Reached home ard 2200hrs. Sir Elmo gave mom & syz the presents and had a chat with them before leaving. Indeed, he leaves more footprints in our hearts as the time goes by... Lovely ~*

Da prezzies for my family from dear

For more pictures, click here.

Oh dear, I'm missing him already. Gonna call him in a jiff. Have a lovely weekend peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Keep Holding On

2007-01-09T19:47:00.000+08:00

While others may have planned their new year resolution and in gusto to react upon it, I was dumped into a sombre situation which challenged my patience to withstand such emotional mayhem. These few weeks had been tough on me. Family & school problems combined into a massive emotional turmoil. I was stress out and nearly putting up the white flag. Eventually, things started to cool down and one by one everything started to shelf back in place. Well, not everything exactly. There is still some stuff which I need to take care off. Especially the destructive criticism. Oh I hate it! These people only know how to criticise without realising the impact they put upon me. It pinned me down to the lowest point of my life! I am already struggling with my self esteem and yet these buffoons make it even worst. Is there no respect in this world?! No wonder hubris is recorded as one of the seven deadly sins. It really makes other people suffer! Bah!

Although heavy clouds hanging over me, I learned something essential bout life. It opened my eyes to those who care unconditionally and those who take advantage of other people for their own self gratification. These people are such manipulators! I was lucky to realise it early. It's true afterall, there is a silver lining in every cloud. All thanks to my close-knit family, friends not forgetting dearest Sir Elmo. These people are the one who motivates me to stay strong. They're the one who were always there during my weakest point and the one who build up my self confidence again. They are the one who love and care for me unconditionally. These people are my living angels.... I'm glad...

Sir Elmo, this fabulous guy always captured my heart. He is always supportive and understanding. He had been a wonderful guy a girl would ask for. I seriously can't figure out words to describe the depth of his sincerity and honesty. He's calm, content and mature then those omnipotence beasts which I came across in this roller coaster life. The way he always swept my heart away, he's really good in making me speechless. Recently, knowing that i'm in a devastated mood, he took me out to destress myself. He let me vent out my feelings and when I'm finished, he looked at me in the eyes and still said that I'm pretty eventhough I was haggard and depressed. He suprised me with a nike bag. He kept saying that he had faith in me and reminded me never to let those destructive criticism rule my life. Praise be to Allah. I was enlightened and that school bag becomes my motivation to stay focus and keep holding on against all odds.

Sir Elmo... You're my pillar of strength... My confidante.. The zest of my life... Most importantly.... You're the one I love... Pour toujours Amour ~* Thanks for everything (",*)

"With you by my side
I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend...
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through"

Myra signing off feeling...GLAD

Dealova!

2007-01-02T20:58:00.000+08:00

Gotta make this post a quick one... Pictures will do the talking. Of course there are captions to guide you. Just click at the image to view the photo album.

31/12/2006:
Celebrated EidulAdha at Earle Swensen's. Finally, they made a concord. There are rules of course which both parties must hold on to. I'm glad... Phew! Alhamdulillah...

1/1/2007:
New Year celebration with friends and Sir Elmo! Had a fun outing indeed especially when we didn't need to wait for the transportaion. Yep! He rented a car! Yey!

School reopens tomorrow. Meaning, examination is another two months away. *scream* Guess you won't see much updates. Sorry peeps. Do keep the tagboard and emails running.

Anyway, a heartiest most wonderful 2007 to all of you! Take care!

Myra signing off feeling...GLAD

Hope

2006-12-30T20:54:00.000+08:00

There's thunderstorm at home eversince she came back. Everyone is trying to pull through this together as a family rather then being idiosyncratic and make things worst. Hopefully...

Trying to reunite both parties certainly leaves me in a tizzy. It may seems both parties agree to give & take but the next thing you know, they are arguing and finding faults again. My ideas are getting dry... Please help me Ya Kariim...

With this tribulation still unsettled really upset me. It's like something's missing in this house. The warmth is definitely not that strong as before. All this makes EidulAdha celebration melancholic...

The ebb and flow of feelings is unpredictable. I guess it's impossible to keep on smiling but I know it's possible to stay strong... I believe ordeals occurred to make a person better and if we persevere, the reward is astounding for sure.

There's a blessing in disguise and I won't stop hoping and trying to cool things down. Insya Allah...

Wa ufawwidhu Amriy Ilallah... Allahumma Yassir Wala Tuassir...

To all my Muslim friends... Eid Mubarak!

Myra signing off feeling...BOTTLE UP

Keep On Smiling!

2006-12-26T13:37:00.000+08:00

Sombre atmosphere clouded us this month. One thing hurdles can't take away from us is our faith. So, remain strong and bubbly! Pray and keep on hoping. Let the rain wash away our frowns but not our smile... Enjoy these videos peeps!

You'll find this familiar...

Kids nowadays... ;p

Let's sing together now!

Lalalala.... The lion sleeps tonight... Hehehehe

Keep on smiling. Haf a nice day! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Eatzi & Amos

2006-12-24T13:30:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a blast! Had a fantabulous day with love ones. Weeeeeeee~

Went window shopping with mum & dad at Easpoint in the aftnoon. While engrossing ourselves in the numerous discounts, we were awakened by a marvellous aroma which came from a nearby restaurant. Not long after that, we could hear our stomach growling and images of mouth watering delicacies came gushing into our mind. Subsequently, we followed the trails of the enticing aroma. Our feet stood rooted in front of a beefsteak house after minutes of pain staking search. Without hesitation, we make our way in with 'ease'. No wonder it is named 'Eatzi'. ;p

Our nose didn't fail us this time. The food was super duper yummy!

Met dearest Sir Elmo later in the evening at Orchard. After a tiring combat with the crowd, we decided to have a lil picnic at the nearest sitting ground, away from the hustle and bustle of the festive holiday. Hence we bought some Famous Amos cookies and went straight to Clark Quay. We settled on a bench which had a distinguish view of the boats and bridge and started nibbling the cookies up. We had a good chat, many laughters and some serious discussions. An evening well spent!

Pictures, just click at the image below:

Back to school work for today! Still have few more books to read. Aiyayyayyaya!

Happy holidays to all my Christian friends!

Take care (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...HUNGRY!

Happy Birthday MUM!

2006-12-21T21:49:00.000+08:00

I LUV MUM! Knowing that today is her 59th birthday, I treated her to a relaxing spa treatment at Wayan Retreat Balinese Spa & a magnificant lunch at Swensen's. She's truly euphoric! Head over heels! Delighted indeed... I looooooooooooove her soo much!

Oh boy... All this excitement made me sleepy... Wanna sleeeeeep... *yawnz*

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Herbal Tea

2006-12-20T19:00:00.000+08:00

I was lucky to be given a chance to interview Mdm Jamaliah who later told me the wonders of herbal tea. She'd been selling herbal tea for two years and mind you; she's certainly preached what she said. She suffered from thalessemia minor and turned to herbal tea after everything seems to fail. It didn't take long for her to feel the difference. She's now more active, cheerful & vivacious. That is when she finds it important to share the benefits to others. Since I'm freelancing for BH, I decided to write an article on it. Altho it had been published almost 8 months ago, I keep receiving questions bout it. Hence I present to you, da article:

Click on the image to enlarge it

For thousands of years, wisdom has extolled the virtues of botanical blends that protect the body and refresh the mind. The formula of heat, water and herbs brings about a life force of health, balance and well-being.

Herbal tea are developed from traditional medicinal teas and combine herbs with synergistic and complimentary action. The teas are composed of raw herbs with minimal processing, and are provided loose in airtight jars to protect antioxidants and preserve volatile nutrients. Medicinal herbal teas contain herbs only, no flavors, no colors, no aromatizers or stabilizers. Blended herbal teas offer more consistent and stable health beneficial effect over the long time, when compared to mono herbal tea. Traditional herbal teas are not only alternative medicines, taken to help combat disease, maintain good health, improve metabolism and increase resistance to disease. Herbal teas offer enjoyable taste and natural appealing flavor.

No wonder the pouring request... ;)

Hopefully today's post does give you suggestion or even solution to vivify your day! (",*)

(P/S: Hope you're happy now Ayumi. Heart you!)

Myra signing off feeling...HAPPY

Trans Fat

2006-12-19T21:54:00.000+08:00

Got this from Lifestyle magazine:

The new bad word being bandied about by the health conscious is trans fat. If you enjoy biscuits, cookies, cakes and pastries, it's likely you're eating more trans fat than you should. It's unhealthy because trans fat behaves like saturated fat in the body, raising low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the bad cholestrol) and reducing the good high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Trans fat forms when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil as in the making of shortening and hard margarine. The purpose is to increase shelf life, flavour and stability of food. If you eat lamb and beef, you are already getting a small amount of trans fat found naturally in these meats.

The Whole Health Organization recommends that we keep trans fat to under 1% of daily energy intake, so if you are on a 2,000 kilocalorie diet, limit daily intake to no more that 2 g. To track trans fat intake, check ingredients listed on processed food products and choose items that do not contain 'vegetable shortening', 'partially hydrogented vegetable oil' or 'hydrogenated vegetable oil'. Choose vegetable oils (except coconut and palm oils) and soft margarines instead of vegetable shortenings and hard margarine. Eat fast foods no more than twice a week. To find out more and check on products, log on to http://www.hpb.gov.sg

The amount of trans fat found in most food

An eye opener indeed! So choose your food wisely and stay away from excessive trans fat. Remember, a healthy you means a happier you! ;)

Take care!

Myra signing off feeling...CAUTIOUS

She's One!

2006-12-18T20:09:00.000+08:00

I recalled holding her in my arms when she's only a day old. How we beamed with joy upon hearing her arrival. How we felt in love with her since that day. How glad we are to be part of this majestic chapter of life... A celebration of parenthood... A gift from God... Masya Allah...

Today.... She turns one year old...

All this made me realise....

How time flies... How a sweetie lil lady she'd become... How much she means to me... How she'll always be in my heart... How she reminds me of my high school years... How both me & her mother persevered... How I wish we could meet again...

Another chapter of life has ended... New one begins.. One thing remains, memories will always be remembered... Again... And again...

To you lil lady, Happy Birthday... Barakallahu fik... :)

She's officially one year old today!

I'm a proud aunt to this sweetie angel! Just look at her! Gorgeous!

Myra signing off feeling...GLAD

Reality Call

2006-12-17T19:09:00.000+08:00

You don't need to wear scantily to win! Rugaya Al Ghasara had definitely proven this when she won a gold medal in the 200m sprint! *salute*

Taken from: http://en.beijing2008.cn/

DOHA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) - Title of the women's 200m sprint at the Asian Games went to Bahrain after Ruqaya Al Ghasara outclassed other west Asian women in the final here on Monday.

Al Ghasara, 24, clocked 23.19 seconds for the title in the windy Khalifa Stadium, beating Uzbekistan's Guzel Khubbieva to thesecond with a time of 23.30.

"I think I deserve it," said the 24-year-old.

Sri Lanka's Jayasinghe Susanthika settled for the bronze medal on 23.42, while the qualified Chinese duo, Han Ling and Chen Jue, finished fourth and seventh after timing 23.66 and 24.17.

"I'm really happy with the bronze medal," said Susanthika, who also won a silver in the women's 100m final. "These two medals forme are like two golds. Nobody had even thought that I could be here.

"I took the responsibility for my country to win medals. I'm very glad to have made it. I did my best."

Stress was escalating again upon receiving a parcel from University of London. I knew instantly that holiday will be put on hold. Just as I expected, more books to read, texts to understand, words to interpret. So much for a holiday....

As I was reading the newspaper, I saw an article on Rugaya and somehow her perseverance and persistent lifted my soul. It was like a reality call which reminded me of my goals. My soul revived, revitalized & my heart rejoiced. No more tilly vally!

Confidence building up... Another 1 text to choose for approaches to text.. Dozen of books to read. Lots of research to do. Two weeks left. Yeah... Life is BeAuTiFuL! Yipppeeee!!!!

Sarcasm is sweet at times... :P

Oh well, no matter how tough life is, it still goes on... Guess i just need to endure and make full use of it while I still can...

Take care peeps! :)

Myra signing off feeling...OK

Click!

2006-12-16T23:21:00.000+08:00

Went to a relative's house with mum, aunt & cuz just now. It was a wonderful reunion... And the FOOD... Delectable! *yummy*

Boredom fails to conquer whenever cuz is here. She's a great company. We share lots in common hence conversation is always superfluos. One distinctive similarities... We love... LOve..lOVe.. LooOoOOoVVVVEEE... the CAMERA!

Had a lovely day indeed! And they surely had a sunny day too!

Aziz Sattar (a Malaysian pioneer actor) & his wife; Hashimah tied the knot this morning.... Cuteness!

Hope yours is just as lovely too!

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Tafaddal

2006-12-14T19:09:00.000+08:00

I am soo in a mood to cook and thus prepared this for breakfast. Yep, no toast & eggs for us this morning. Corn Tafaddal served and made us ready to go!

This simple dish is soo simple to make and does not consume much time. Anyone can do it & modify it according to own's taste. Most importantly, it taste great! Anyone will love it!

There's a lot of Tafaddal(Jemput2) version. Some prefer it with mince meat, some shallots, ikan bilis and even durian! That is what I like bout cooking; you are free to be creative, experiment & invent a whole lot of things to satisfy the tastebuds. It worthwhile especially when those who eat your cooking enjoy it soo much just like you enjoy preparing it. Which reminds me of the Peranakan Ayam Masak Hitam(Kicap), Ikan Kurau Goreng Garam Asam & Sayur Tumis which I cooked for dearest Sir Elmo & friends during Eid last month. I was thrill when he had his first bite. But when he smile & request for more, I was overwhelmed. If it's not because of my parents were there, I'll definitely punch my fist to the air and dance like nobody's business. Huhuhuhuhu...

Some of the ingredient

Back to the Corn Tafaddal... I modified the original recipe which I got it from a cooking show years back. Instead of using plain water, I changed it to Marigold Low Fat High Calcium milk and add in 1 cube of ikan bilis stock to make it tastier. Chunks of ikan bilis were also added to give that yummy taste when munching it. Next, I put in some parsley to bring out the beautiful aroma. Not forgetting two eggs to bind them all together. Most importantly, THE CORN. Or else it will be called something else without it! :p

Soo happy together mixed in a bowl

It was a tremendous joy when mum gave me the two thumbs up. Dad even packed some to work. Love ones love it and I love them! Another satisfaction guaranteed! Yippeee!

Fry them all!

So what's the next project? Hmm... Tot of making shish kebab & minced nugget egg custard. Hmmm~* Sounds gooooood!

Til then, take care everyone!

Myra signing off feeling...GLAD

Nostalgia

2006-12-13T20:39:00.000+08:00

Both me & cippie miss our MDIS lecturers soo much hence decided to pay them a visit. Yet another walk to remember indeed...

As soon as we reach, the nostalgic past came gushing into our mind like a continuous stream of images. We can't stop talking bout it. The warmth of it fills our day with a bucket full of laughter....

Myra & Cippie

We sat at our favourite spot and had our favourite avocado juice. Just like old days... Totally wonderful! :)

Avocado juice with strawberry syrup

We didn't go there empty handed for sure. We bought our super cute lecturers a box of Famous Amos cookies each. And how they smile from ear to ear. We were delighted!

We had a quick chat with them. They gave us useful advices. Their advices are super good, it super encourage us which made us super eager to start the next sem. In that few minutes, they've managed to lift our passion and burn our determination. Yep, that is how super our lecturers are! *salute*

Although they no longer teach us, they'll remain our super cute lecturers forever!

WE LOVE THEM LOADS!!!! :)

Myra signing off feeling... BUBBLY

Eyecandy

2006-12-12T21:10:00.000+08:00

I discovered yet another magnificant cupcake creation...

Just look at this...

Oh boy...

GULP!

Gosh! These people are genius! Serving palates with this irresistable eyecandy. Nice to see & yummy too. I want one! Boo Hoo Hoo.

Ermm... Why is my floor all wet? *drooolzzz*

(Stop the delusion & order now! For more enquiries, click here.)

I WANT CUPCAKE!!!!!!!! ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!! (Order now ya! ;p)

Myra signing off feeling...HUNGRY

Thank You!

2006-12-11T20:09:00.000+08:00

Dearest sweetie cutie pretty Sopna gave this lil suprise to me last week. It is for new year's eve but this itchy fingers can't stand it no longer hence unwrap it this morning. Indeed, it is a sweetie cutie pretty little suprise!

I love it to the core! Hooray!

She's indeed a sweetie cutie pretty darling! Love her loads! Thanks girl!

Aaaahhhh~~~ Better get the best seat. Don't wanna miss Hikmah! This time round the best seat is mine... Muahahaha.... Yes mum, all MiNe~~~~*

Woohooo... Evil had never been this flighty...

MuaHaHahahHaHAhahAHaa... All miNe~~~~~*

Oh! Cut it out! :p

Huhuhuhu... Yes, I'm still pretty much cuckoo... Take care peeps! :)

Myra signing off feeling...ECCENTRIC

VivoCity!

2006-12-10T19:56:00.000+08:00

Examination is OVER! In fact, it had since four days ago. And what a jolly good time I had the past few days! I love hols! Yey!

I've been singing in the rain eversince I met him. I never know a rainy weather can be this beautiful. Yeah, I know I sounded mushy. ALWAYS. Huhuhu... I do realise it's pathetic fallacy... But seriously, how can a person not be mushy when he/she is deeply in love?

Erm... What am I talking? Craps! Huahuahua! What the heck! I'm just soo over the moon! :p

Oh ya, the past few days... How can I ever forget it. Especially on friday. Had a wonderful date with Sir Elmo. Did I mention it was fantabulous? Oh, I did! Huahuahua. The fact that examination is over is driving me crazy! Ahaaa... That's the reason for the tinge of post modernism... Yippeee yaa yeeee!

Anyway, we went to vivocity and how heavily pregnant it was! I was in a tizzy soon after. We headed straight to fig & olive and had our lunch there. Yep, they have sandwiches. Lots of it instead of just 'fig & olive'. Not to mention ice cream too. None of it had 'fig & olive' tho. Huahuahuahua. But we had steak instead. :p

The steak was the reverse of OK. Yep, that is frank enough, doesnt it?

Next, to it's rooftop. Most of the ppl there were bare footed. So, we went bare footed too. And how wonderful it was being bare footed under the hot sun with the wonderful view in the heavily pregnant vivocity. Great! We had lots of fun until the Undying Sun made his way to the Sleepless Moon. It was time for us to go...

HOME... Not yet silly, to it's red room now. This time, everyone was told to remain silent. We remain silent too. And how wonderful it was being silent for 2 and a half hour, all soo comfy in the red room in the hevily pregnant vivocity. Awesome! 'Dejavu' had never felt this entertaining.

Finally... Vivocity delivered us few hours before midnight. We 'cried' sweet ~~nothing~~ everything and soon was put to bed... Lovely~*

If this post leaves you clueless & you need answers, just click on the image below:

Hope your weekend had been wonderful too! Take care! :)

Myra signing off feeling...CUCKOO

Just Married!

2006-11-26T19:44:00.000+08:00

Muggin hard. Wedding. Kendarat. Photographer. Lots of ha ha he. Yeah, weekend had been fantabulous! And... A lethargic one too... Longing for a spa massage... Just imagine how relaxing that will be... Haizzzz~*

Anyway, a quick update for today. Congrats to my sweet most dearest cuz who got married yesterday to her most beloved prince charming! You awed me gorgeous! Stunning!

Pictures, click on the image below:

May Allah bless the both of you. An eternal blissful marriage life, Insya Allah. Amin. Am soo happy for you dearest cuz!

To Sir, thanks for accompanying me last friday for that painstaking revision. Your presence makes it less intense. And I tot my nerves are going to snap soon... Huhuhu...

Oh well, gonna knock out soon. Can't stand these heavy eyes. *yawnz*

Soothing wind. The warm azure sea. Myra dreams again!

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Let's Spin!

2006-11-25T07:25:00.000+08:00

When the world keeps spinning around,
And my world is upside down,
You & I won't change a thing...
LaLaLaLa~*

Am sooo lovin' tis song!

Spinning turning watching burning
All my life has found its meaning
Walking crawling climbing falling
All my life has found its meaning

Yeah~ You & I won't change a thing!

Myra signing off feeling...HAPPY!

Infectious

2006-11-19T13:23:00.000+08:00

Love yesterday. And the day before. Love all the days with you & loveliest. I forgot instantly how stressful life can be. A prodigy... Profundity... How colourful the world I see... (",*)

Yesterday was frenzied when the KCRIANS regardless whether they are the veterans or current, gathered for Kak Dee's openhouse. Most of them of which are newlyweds are expecting their first bundle of joy. The one who are still single are thrown with lots of 'bonus questions'. Not just that, they even try to predict who will be the next person sitting on the dais that it almost sounded like a bet. Funny... But I love these people, loveliest KCRIANS. Overall it is a great time spent.... Pictures, click on the image below:

Friday, 17th Nov 06. I needed to buy some dvds for my approaches to filmatography thus decided to watch 'Step Up' at Lido instead of Vivo since it is near to HMV. It is a great movie indeed! The dance steps are superb that it made me soo fidgety. With the catchy songs, I can feel the current flowing in me that I can visualize myself doing break dance any moment. But of course, I'm not that desperate. Step Up, two thumbs up! Then, I had a lovely dinner followed by a wonderful dessert. The dessert... Scrumptious! I'm loving it to the core!

I recalled reading Franz Kafka's work. He said: " I have enlarged my life by thoughts of you. Hardly a quarter hour of my waking time passes without my thinking about you, and there are many quarter hours in which I do nothing else ".

Even he, whose "health is only just good enough for myself alone, not good enough for marriage, let alone fatherhoodd..." can't deny the power of love when he writes this to his beloved Felice Bauer.

Amor Vincit Omnia - Love conquer all

One thing for sure, those lovely days won't be that lovely afterall without him by my side....

Oh those infectious smile... *melts*

Hope your weekend is fill with lots of love too! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Indulge!

2006-11-15T20:26:00.000+08:00

I was cleaning up my document folder when I stumbeld into an old template code. I recalled planning to use it the last 2 years. I guess other template caught my eyes and left this one kept unnoticed until today. Hence, I used it to revamp my blog adding some extra details to make it look warm and bubbly. I'm loving my new layout... What do you think?

Food is my weakest point. Seriously. I can go on with my diet but when I manage to grab hold of that yummy hi carb, it makes me fly! Nope, I don't feel guilty at all stuffing it in me cause I know having it moderately is good afterall. We need it to restore our energy. Only when we over feed ourself then it becomes a problem. You need to know when to restraint yourself and when not. I guess the trick here is eating slowly and enjoying every bite of it. It does helps to control myself from over eating.

Breeks pasta and peach melba ice cream which I had last week linger in my mind since yesterday. Even my tastebuds are having delusion of how wonderful it taste like. The price is reasonable too which add to the heavenly experince. Yes, it was HEAVEN!. I wish upon the star... For another peach melba.... Yummy!

For now, indulge yourself with the pictures ;p

As promised, pictures of Eid part 2 :

Just two more days to weekend. Can't wait! I seriously need a break! Vivo! Wait for me!(",*)

Til then. Take care

Myra signing off feeling..BUBBLY

Hola!

2006-11-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

Dear bloggers, especially to those who had been constantly viewing this blog, hoping for new updates, thousand of apologies for keeping you waiting. Examination is just around the corner and I'm all soo busy preparing for it. It's like a war zone mentally and spiritually... I'm always dead beat... Still keeping those hopes alive. Working through it with burning determination. Allhumma yassir wala tua'ssir... Amin...

First and foremost, (I hope I'm not too late to post on this) to Kak Nur and Abang Faz who tied the knot last Sunday, SELAMAT PENGANTIN BARU! May you lead a blissful life together fiddunya wal akhirah. Amin Ya Rabb...

They were indeed a matchmade from heaven... One word to describe this newlywed, STUNNING! Masya Allah...

2nd, congrats to dear friends who got engaged and some who got married this last few weeks (you know who you are). May Allah bless you all... Am happy for you... :)

Alas! Eid pictures! There are two parts actually with the 2nd still been uploading... The 'Eid Part 1' are mostly pictures taken celebrating eid with family members while the 2nd with friends. Eid this year is definitely more meaningful with my sister and him around. Our family pictures are no longer a seat empty. She'd returned to Egypt last week thou to settle her graduation cert there. I'm glad that she'd passed her final year examination with flying colours. Looking forward to see her again next month...

Will post the 2nd some other time... For now, enjoy the 1st... :)

Finally, on a glorious Friday; the 10th of November, I passed my driving test... Praise be to Allah... One thing settled.. Phew!

Will try to post more often...

If only time does not envy wif me... :P

Take care peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...SLEEPY

Eid Mubarak!

2006-10-24T00:17:00.000+08:00

Ramadhan... It is sad to have this special month slipped us by... Hopefully we can meet it again next year... Amin...

While Ramadhan had just ended, Eid embraces us with its warmth. Hence I would like to extend my apologies if I have any lingering mistakes or wrongdoings with you dear bloggers...

To my muslim friends.... Selamat Hari Raya! May Allah bless all of you! :)

Myra signing off feeling...CONTENT

Make Up Tips!

2006-10-21T06:17:00.000+08:00

I always have a headache in figuring out how to wear make up like pros. Thanks to modern technology, I've finally found some great tips on this. Since Eid is coming, it is the perfect time to try something new. Be creative with colours and don't be afraid to try the latest techniques. You'll never know it may shine your way throughout that glorious day! It's from trial and error that you'll know what suits you better. So, happy experimenting! :)

Let's start from the basic! Weeee~

Basic 1:(A detail make up tutorial)

Basic 2:(Less explanation, more visual)

Move on to a more complicated make up application:

'Smoke' those eyes!

An instant plump lips!

Been receiving emails and msgs asking about the area of my study. Well, I'm currently taking a diploma in English(literature). It is an external programme which is run by the University of London. Insya Allah, I'll continue with a degree in this field, hoping to engage in media line or teaching... Amin...

Oh ya, to my hindu friends....

HAPPY DEEPAVALI!!!! (",*)

Have a lovely day peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...FEVERISH!

Engrish

2006-10-15T15:06:00.000+08:00

When English becomes 'Engrish'... :p

When you need a trap right away...(Incidentally 'trap' means 'stairs' in Dutch, but the word 'emergency'
is not Dutch)Huhuhu!

So do I go forward then?

I am not sure about this bathroom...(Japanese text reads: 'please do not carry unpurchased items into the restroom')

Honey, stand over here....

No thanks, Yoda...

Muahahahaha!!!!! For more, click here.

Take care all! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Ra Ra Bazaar!

2006-10-07T21:13:00.000+08:00

Us & Suhaimi Yusoff

Saksikan Ra Ra Bazaar! *winks*

Myra signing off feling...BUBBLY

A healthy lifestyle, a slimmer you!

2006-09-30T12:35:00.000+08:00

Fadhilah or better known as 'Erlin Montel' is not 'montel' anymore! Her success in losing weight become an inspiration to those who wants to loose weight healthily. You go girl!

Before(86kg)

After(68kg)

Just like her, I was once a heavy girl too. Weighing at 65 kg, I've always been the laughing stock wherever I go...

Myra at 73 kg

It got worst after I graduated from high school. I was so stressed up with work, followed by several 'personal' failures which tormented my heart further. I was lost and confused. Eventually I became a crazy hungry monster who kept on munching without realising the consequences that I'm putting myself through. It was a good slap on my senses when I noticed that I've ballooned up to 73 kg! That was when I start to pick up pieces of my self esteem and built it up slowly into a burning determination and motivation...

Before(Around 67kg in this pic)

After a year of tears and hardship... I've succeeded... I'm now 54 kg. Praise be to Allah...

After (54kg)

How you may ask? Well, it was not a smooth ride I must tell you. I went through several failures before finally succeeded. I was once nearly becoming a bullimic when I kept on forcing myself to throw up and starve myself all day long. I became very sick and hence changed my way in achieving this dream. Then, I tried slimming products and traditional medicine. That doesnt work either. Subsequently I start a healthy lifestyle and eat in moderation. Not only did I lost weight, it heigthen up my self confidence and discipline too! I am now a bubbly and healthy lady!

One happy chick!

So you tot of loosing that extra inches? Get yourself a healthy lifestyle. It really works!

A healthy lifestyle, a slimmer you!

Have a lovely weekend peeps!(",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Ramadhan Mubarak!

2006-09-23T23:29:00.000+08:00

Awwww

2006-09-19T22:34:00.000+08:00

Get ready to be enchanted... Click play:

Angelic!

Can I adopt him? Hehehe ;p

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Chocolate Delight!

2006-09-17T20:16:00.000+08:00

Bought two boxes of 'Gold' brand chocolate yesterday! Gave a box to dearest mummy and the other box to Sir Elmo. They are head over heels about it! Hehehe!

For him...

I got to know that the use of preservatives and artificial flavouring is strictly forbidden. They put their passion and commitment into giving customers the best Premium Quality Hand-crafted truffles, pralines and all things chocolate. No wonder it taste fabulous! Whats more it is 100% HALAL! Yahooooo!!!!

For her...

For more enquries, please click here.

Take care peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...DELIGHTED

Joy

2006-09-16T18:45:00.000+08:00

He who binds to himself [to] a joy
Does the winged life destroy
But he who [just] kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in [an eternal] eternity's sun rise

True as it is in this poem, I need to live my life to the fullest...

Assignments piling up... 26 more books to read... Three more months to examination...

I do feel like a timebomb... Gonna blow up any moment... Like a rubber being pulled soo tite... Gonna snap soon... Like an overwork machine... Gonna break down any time...

Altho I'm tested to my limits, yet in me there's a soul trying to remain calm and bubbly... THEY... The one who lifted me up everytime I fall... Gave me faith when I've lost it... Made me wanna keep on trying even when the task seem impossible...

Thus here I am... Believing that joy shouldnt be bind yet kisses it when it flies... Then life will be in an eternal sun rise~*

Enjoy your weekend peeps! :)

Myra signing feeling...SO-SO

Suri

2006-09-12T22:41:00.000+08:00

Taken from: vanityfair.com

NEW YORK, N.Y.-In a private conversation with Vanity Fair features editor Jane Sarkin, Katie Holmes tells her that "it's been heartbreaking" to see what's being said in the press about her family and her baby. "Some of the crap that's out there-the stuff that's said about my parents and my siblings [tabloid accounts implied that Katie's family did not hit it off with Tom]-it's really frustrating the amount of shit that's out there. And the stuff they say about Suri?! You shouldn't say that about us, and you can't say that about my child."

Holmes explains that the gossip "eats away at me because it's just not O.K.," but that she keeps up on it because "this is my future. This is my family, and I care so much about them. To see how someone as caring and good as Tom is-to see how things can just get so twisted and turned around. I mean, where does it come from?"

Sarkin spent five days with the Cruise-Holmes extended family at Cruise's Telluride, Colorado, compound, sharing meals, taking hikes, and hanging out. Bella and Connor, whom Cruise and Nicole Kidman adopted during their marriage, were there, as well as Holmes's mother and father, Cruise's mother and sister, and other family members.

Sarkin reports that Cruise and Holmes coo over the baby like any new parents. "She has Kate's lips and eyes," Tom says of the baby. "I think she looks like Kate." Holmes counters, "I think she has Tom's eyes. I think she looks like Tom."

"I was overjoyed in being pregnant," Holmes tells Sarkin, "and then had to withstand ridicule about my pregnancy when it was the most normal, non-controversial thing imaginable." Of speculation in the press, Holmes says, "All those things were invented."

Holmes explains their purchase of an in-house sonogram machine to Sarkin, saying that they were followed by paparazzi and as a result her doctor had to make house calls. "The sonogram was for his use!" she says.

Leading up to the frenzy over the pictures, "we were just living our lives, being a family," Cruise says. "Actually, we were taking our own photos and always planned to release those at the right time." But "then all the craziness began," Holmes says. "This 'Where is Suri?' controversy. Tom and I looked at each other and said, 'What's going on?' We weren't trying to hide anything."

"It seemed only natural to have Annie take the first public photographs of Suri," says Cruise of their decision to allow Leibovitz to photograph the baby. "Annie is the only professional photographer who ever shot Bella and Connor as children."

"The moment the doctor handed me Suri," Holmes tells Sarkin, "I was just ready. The feeling is indescribable. All I can say is the moment I looked in her eyes I felt like ... Mom." Holmes continues: "She's a glorious girl. She's the miracle of our life."

My mouth dropped when I saw Suri's pictures.... Spellbound by her pure innocent eyes and darling face... She's a belle definitely... WOW!

Myra signing off feeling...ASTONISHED

Over The Moon

2006-09-10T22:40:00.000+08:00

Watched 'Little Man' yesterday. I find it pretty entertaining despite having the urge to throw up everytime seeing the lil man trying to act cute. It's really disgusting! Bah!

Aaaah... There's this one time when we were stopped by the ticket conducter upon entering. She asked for our IC. It's really embarrassing! But when she realised our age, she threw a smile at us and goodness! How she blushed! I just can't stop laughing! Ironically, it some how manage to spark some positive feelings in me. It's not like everyday people think that you're younger then your age... Huhuhu!

This incident reminds me of an apek who mistakenly thought that we're siblings. Not the first time thou. Did received some comments stating that we share some smilar features resulting to this. True? Feel free to tag your views... (",*)

Thanks for the splendid evening love!

A collage of beautiful love~*

I fall in love with the things
that attracted me to you in the first place...
Important things...
Like your own character.
Little things...
like the flash of your smile.
I fall in love with aspects I've discovered along the way;
Your constant loyalty to our life together,
Your encouragement of my personal growth
And your knack for finding new ways
to keep our love alive and growing....
I fall in love with dreams of our future,
with new journeys we've found,
new experiences we've shared,
new milestones that wouldn't mean anything
if we didn't reach them together...

Everyday,
I'm more grateful
I found my soulmate,
My lifelong love,
My heart's every desire,
In YOU

Myra signing off feeling...DREAMY

Mari Mari Semua

2006-09-09T06:42:00.000+08:00

Got this from friendster. I had a great time doing it! Hail to Malay!

(Pssst... Belle! You got quite a number of creative answers! Can't stop laughinglah beb! Mencuit hati, limpa dan paru-paru ku! Muahahaha!)

Message: Jawab dalam bahasa BAKU sahaja =)

Selamat mencuba!

1. Bekas kekasih saya adalah :
-> Seorang lelaki

2. Saya sedang mendengar :
-> Bunyi deruan kenderaan

3. Mungkin saya patut :
-> Menelefon kakak saya

4. Saya suka :
-> Semua yang saya suka

5. Sahabat-sahabat baik :
-> Adalah apabila mereka tidak sakit

6. Saya tak faham :
-> Apa-apa yang saya tidak faham

7. Saya kehilangan :
-> Waktu

8. Ramai yang berkata :
-> Apabila mereka mempunyai suara dan mahu berkata

9. Makna nama saya di muka depan friendster :
-> Itu bukan nama saya

10. Cinta itu :
-> Kehidupan

11. Di suatu tempat :
-> Dimana manusia boleh hidup

12. Saya akan cuba :
-> Selagi saya terdaya

13. Ayat SELAMANYA membawa maksud :
-> Tiada akhirnya

14. Saya tidak akan/pernah mahu :
-> Jadi gorilla

15. Telefon bimbit saya :
-> Ada angka

16. Bila saya terjaga dari tidur di waktu pagi:
-> Saya membuka mata

17. Saya paling meluat bila :
-> Seseorang itu bak talam dua muka

18. Pesta/Parti adalah :
-> Menyambut sesebuah keramaian

19. Haiwan yang paling comel yang saya pernah temui ialah :
-> Beruang hitam di dalam dewan sekolah saya (Hehehe. Faham kan Belle? :p)

20. Peringkat umur paling menyeronokkan bagi saya :
-> Sekarang

21. Hari ini :
-> Kau datang riang tersenyum buat ku senang. (Eh... Mcm pernah dengar saja. Tapi di mana ya? :p )

22. Malam ini saya akan :
-> Tidur

23.Esok malam pula saya akan :
-> Tidur

24. Saya betul-betul ingin:
-> Mencapai cita-cita

25. Ketika anda lihat wajah anda di hadapan cermin pagi ini, apakah perkara pertama yang terlintas di fikiran anda ?:
-> Siapa itu? (Ayooo!)

26. Pusat membeli-belah atau arked permainan :
-> Mempunyai kaunter pembayaran

27. Makanan Barat atau Jepun :
-> Jepun

28. Bilik anda terang atau gelap? :
-> Terang

29. Makanan segera adalah :
-> Makanan yang memerlukan persiapan kurang dari sepuluh minit.

30. Ayat terakhir anda :
-> Syahadah. Amin. (Anda benar sekali Belle!)

Enjoy your weekend peeps!

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

What A Boo Boo

2006-09-03T15:12:00.000+08:00

Taken from: msnbc.msn.com

NEW YORK - Paris Hilton is no stranger to self-promotion. But when she asked DJs to play songs from her upcoming debut album, "Paris," last spring, she wasn't so confident.

"People go crazy," the 25-year-old socialite/reality TV star/singer says in an interview in the September issue of Blender, on newsstands Tuesday. "They love it. Everyone's like, 'Who is this?' I don't tell. Because I don't want someone putting their phone up and recording it and making a ring tone off of it.

"I think when people don't know it's me, they won't judge it. But if they know it's me, then they'll be like, 'Ugh.' They won't even dance."

"Paris" the album was set for release Tuesday. Hilton's breathy, reggae-infused single, "Stars Are Blind," has climbed to the top of Billboard's dance music chart.

Of her album, she says, "I, like, cry, when I listen to it, it's so good."

Hilton posed for Blender's cover and inside pages wearing lingerie; in one photo, she wears a pink bra, black fishnet stockings and gold platform heels.

The album

She says the baby voice she uses on the reality TV show "The Simple Life" is an act.

"I'm always playing a character," she tells the magazine. "I don't talk like this really - like a baby. I don't act like myself in public, because I don't really want to show everyone the real me. Because I have no privacy whatsoever, the only thing I have is who I really am."

Can you belive that? What crap is she talking about? Oh no.. She reminds me of someone... Blergh!

Anyway, school reopens tomorrow. You will probably not see me much next few weeks. Guess I'll disappear again. You can still email or tag me. I'll reply it really! Hehehe...

Take care peeps! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY

Bliss

2006-09-02T23:18:00.000+08:00

Sir Elmo met my dad for the first time just now. Alhamdulillah... Everything went smooth.Important events were later discussed and they (my parents) agreed happily. They welcome him with open arms. Advices and supports were given to us as a guidance for the next journey. Dad even recited some prayers before headed home. Bless by them... Bless by Allah... Amin Ya Rabbi. Soo touched... Praise be to Allah... We're in a state of bliss~*

Two days ago my parents celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary and I ordered especially designed cupcakes for them!They absolutely loved the cupcakes! The cupcakes don't only look fabulous, they taste fabulous too! Weren't too sweet which catered to their taste perfectly. Hats off to 'Cupcake Momma' for the splendid job! (",*)

Patiently waiting for the big event... *winks*

Come quick 2007! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...DREAMY

My Boys

2006-08-31T23:07:00.000+08:00

It is my last day teaching them today. My boys... *sob*

It's been more then a year of nurturing, nagging, consoling, story telling and supporting them; everything that a teacher usually do. Yes, we, teachers, didn't only teach our kids, but we nurture and guide them to become fine adults one day. It is a tough job but seeing them succeed is such a bliss which words can't even describe how it feels. That is what teachers desire from their kids. Their own success...

Saying goodbye is never easy. Note how teachers normally refer their students as 'their kids'. That is how much they mean to them and that is how much my students mean to me. Reality strikes and it's time for me to move on.

I had the most unforgettable Teacher's Day celebration this year. The most heart wrenching too. I'll always remember them and will constantly pray for their success. They are in my heart. Forever treasured and cared.

Goodbye my boys... May you lead a blissful life and may success be with you... Amin...

I'm now officially a full time undergraduate student. Nuff said, my heart is aching...

Myra signing off feeling...BLUE

Smart Cats

2006-08-29T20:31:00.000+08:00

Talking cats... See it to believe it!

What else next? Singing cats? Woo hooo! This world is getting more complicated!

Myra signing off feeling...AMAZED

Mooncake

2006-08-28T19:49:00.000+08:00

Attention to mooncake lovers!!! Have you try mooncakes from Polar? I've tried the white lotus paste with double yolks yesterday. It was scrumptious! Mamamia!

The lotus paste was not too sweet and the yolks were suprisingly soft!

For more information, click here.

So what are you waiting for? Go and grab one today! (",*)

Myra signing off feeling...BUBBLY