Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
You'll be missed, Azizah. You'll be missed...
Too many memories - from featuring the Anugerah Skrin 2006 winners to featuring Inneke on Manja's front cover - but it's kinda hard to pour on this blog. All I can say, it's nice knowing you, Azizah. I will always remember your warm, genuine smile. Al Fatihah and may you rest in peace.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
And the world welcomes Shaura Marissa...
Picture above taken before delivery. No words can describe how I felt when I first held her in my arms. For sure, I'm so going to miss having you inside my tummy, Shaura! Your kicks and hicks made my day, knowing you're alive and safe inside.
Thank you mums and dads, siblings, sis-in-law, friends and colleagues for paying us a visit.
Thank you Naqiah for this beautiful post. It made me teared...never knew I would have made a difference in someone's life.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Awesome June
Verdict's out. Met my gynae this morning. Baby is going to see the world anytime soon. I'm already 2cm dilated. Am currently in a bloody mess cos The Show has started. Am excited and anxious at the same time.
June's looking really good now with multiple celebrations:
(1) 8 June: Hana Nordin's Birthday
(2) 11 June: Kak Intan's Birthday
(3) 20 June: Father's Day for Abah, Ayah & Fazlan
(4) 20 June: One-year Wedding Anniversary
(5) 21 June: Fazlan's Birthday
(6) 21 June: Mak's Birthday
(7) 21 June: Baby's Arrival (Insya Allah)
Life is awesome. Syukur Alhamdullilah.
Thanks Shasha for this.
And thanks all for your prayers and well wishes.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Template change + Cravings #2, #3 and #4 + Fazlan's surprise gift + The Dollah Kassim Cup
My maternity leave has started (effective 17 June), which is a blessing I must say. I don't know how to describe to you the pain that I'm going through - my stomach feels like a washing machine on full blast, twirling and grinding - it feels like passing motion. It can go on and on for hours and I really do not know what to do other than to hope and pray that everything will be all right.
In a way, this blog has managed to distract me away from the pain. If you notice, I keep on changing the layout from yesterday. No more changes, Zalinah, I would say. But the moment I'm off Photoshop, the pain will start again and my fingers will itch to do more tweaking and add-ons to the header design and blog template.
I don't remember having any cravings during my 1st and 2nd trimesters but come 3rd trimester, there are suddenly so many things that the greedy-me would like to devour like #1 Newton's Chilli Crab (which I've successfully cooked myself), #2 imported mangoes from India (best to get it at Mustafa Centre), #3 Badoque Cafe's Aglio Olio (made a substitute), and the #4 famously fattening Famous Amos cookies below.
It must be a trying period for Fazlan for being the middle person to buy all these stuffs. Being a sweet husband he already is, I can't thank him enough for being there, taking care of my needs and unavoidable wants. He definitely deserves this birthday present that he's been eyeing for the longest time, Adi Pure II TRX FG:
Make me and Baby S proud, Fazlan! I know you can do it.
To those who have no plans this Sunday (20 June), head down to Nanyang Polytechnic stadium for The Dollah Kassim Cup 2010 at 5pm! Support Team Suria! Admission is free!
Read more about the match from Cyberita here:
(1) Tekad Julang Piala
(2) Suria Utamakan Disiplin
(3) Dramatis Bagai Keluarga
(4) Merendah Diri
Check out your favourite artistes - Fauzie Laily, Syed Azmir, Rafaat Hamzah, Shahril Wahid and many more in action!
Stop grinning, girls!
In a way, this blog has managed to distract me away from the pain. If you notice, I keep on changing the layout from yesterday. No more changes, Zalinah, I would say. But the moment I'm off Photoshop, the pain will start again and my fingers will itch to do more tweaking and add-ons to the header design and blog template.
I don't remember having any cravings during my 1st and 2nd trimesters but come 3rd trimester, there are suddenly so many things that the greedy-me would like to devour like #1 Newton's Chilli Crab (which I've successfully cooked myself), #2 imported mangoes from India (best to get it at Mustafa Centre), #3 Badoque Cafe's Aglio Olio (made a substitute), and the #4 famously fattening Famous Amos cookies below.
It must be a trying period for Fazlan for being the middle person to buy all these stuffs. Being a sweet husband he already is, I can't thank him enough for being there, taking care of my needs and unavoidable wants. He definitely deserves this birthday present that he's been eyeing for the longest time, Adi Pure II TRX FG:
Make me and Baby S proud, Fazlan! I know you can do it.
To those who have no plans this Sunday (20 June), head down to Nanyang Polytechnic stadium for The Dollah Kassim Cup 2010 at 5pm! Support Team Suria! Admission is free!
Read more about the match from Cyberita here:
(1) Tekad Julang Piala
(2) Suria Utamakan Disiplin
(3) Dramatis Bagai Keluarga
(4) Merendah Diri
Check out your favourite artistes - Fauzie Laily, Syed Azmir, Rafaat Hamzah, Shahril Wahid and many more in action!
Just don't expect the players to be this hot! LOL!
Italian Players in D&G's you-know-what
Stop grinning, girls!
Eating out & not liking it
I don't know what to eat these days. No mood. No appetite. So Fazlan and I went to Joo Chiat for a plate of Mee Rebus and Mee Soto but it wasn't the best that I've tasted so far. Nonetheless, I forced myself to eat else tum tum won't have any food to digest to baby.
As soon as I reached home, I took a quick look at the available ingredients in the fridge. I'm never this fussy, really, but I couldn't help it as the meal wasn't satisfying and I was still hungry. So the next best thing was to cook - but this time, a much simpler dish.
So there, my Kentang & Lobak Kicap served with fresh salad, crispy Cucur Udang and refreshing lemonade. Simple food never tasted this good :)
As soon as I reached home, I took a quick look at the available ingredients in the fridge. I'm never this fussy, really, but I couldn't help it as the meal wasn't satisfying and I was still hungry. So the next best thing was to cook - but this time, a much simpler dish.
So there, my Kentang & Lobak Kicap served with fresh salad, crispy Cucur Udang and refreshing lemonade. Simple food never tasted this good :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Recipe #2: Chilli Crab
I’ve been wanting to blog about the new recipe which I've gotten from the Internet but I'm too preoccupied with work right now. Yes, I'm back to my second home – the office – for 3 days now and have been re-adapting myself to the fast-paced working environment. It's not easy, I tell you. My office is not conducive for preggers, located at far end, with no lift but flights of stairs and winding slopes. But I’m loving every minute at work as I get to put on my thinking cap again and meet my lovely colleagues. You tend to forget things when you're pregnant (it's normal, you can google about it if you don't trust me). I even forget the guy’s name who's taking over my place during my 4-month maternity leave. And yesterday, I actually tapped my EZ link card, meant for public transport, to exit from my workplace :S
I guess, the DHA pills I which I take religiously have all gone to baby – not that I’m complaining. I really hope she’ll turn out fine and hopefully smart. Amin!
Back to the recipe...I had the kitchen to myself as Mak and Ayah were away last weekend. So I took the opportunity to improve on my cooking and try something more adventurous, my all-time favourite Chilli Crab. Yes, the dish that Singapore and Malaysia have been claiming theirs. Tsk. Itu pun mau gado ka? You can read more about the food fight here.
Here's the recipe (serves 2):
Ingredients (You can get all these from NTUC for S$16)
(1) 1 big blue crab, steamed until the outer shell turns reddish
(2) 3 inch ginger, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
(3) 4 fresh chillies, seeded and minced
(4) 1 small red onion, minced
(5) 1 tablespoon of black soy sauce
(6) Half cup plain tomato sauce
(7) Half cup chilli sauce
(8) 1 tablespoon sugar
(9) 2 teaspoons salt
(10) 2 teaspoons cornstarch
(11) 2 eggs beaten
(12) 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
(13) 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Method:
(1) Heat oil and fry garlic, ginger, chilli and onion until fragrant.
(2) Add soy sauce and stir-fry several seconds.
(3) Add steamed crab and stir-fry.
(4) Stir in tomato and chilli sauce, sugar, salt, pepper and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Stir frequently, until crab meat is fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes.
(5) In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir into crab mixture until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
(6) Stir in eggs and simmer until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
There you go! A satisfying dish, served with Thai rice on banana leaf! Heaven!
I guess, the DHA pills I which I take religiously have all gone to baby – not that I’m complaining. I really hope she’ll turn out fine and hopefully smart. Amin!
Back to the recipe...I had the kitchen to myself as Mak and Ayah were away last weekend. So I took the opportunity to improve on my cooking and try something more adventurous, my all-time favourite Chilli Crab. Yes, the dish that Singapore and Malaysia have been claiming theirs. Tsk. Itu pun mau gado ka? You can read more about the food fight here.
Here's the recipe (serves 2):
Ingredients (You can get all these from NTUC for S$16)
(1) 1 big blue crab, steamed until the outer shell turns reddish
(2) 3 inch ginger, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
(3) 4 fresh chillies, seeded and minced
(4) 1 small red onion, minced
(5) 1 tablespoon of black soy sauce
(6) Half cup plain tomato sauce
(7) Half cup chilli sauce
(8) 1 tablespoon sugar
(9) 2 teaspoons salt
(10) 2 teaspoons cornstarch
(11) 2 eggs beaten
(12) 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
(13) 1 scallion, thinly sliced
Method:
(1) Heat oil and fry garlic, ginger, chilli and onion until fragrant.
(2) Add soy sauce and stir-fry several seconds.
(3) Add steamed crab and stir-fry.
(4) Stir in tomato and chilli sauce, sugar, salt, pepper and 1 cup of water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Stir frequently, until crab meat is fully cooked, about 3 to 4 minutes.
(5) In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir into crab mixture until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
(6) Stir in eggs and simmer until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
There you go! A satisfying dish, served with Thai rice on banana leaf! Heaven!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Recipe #1: Chilli, Lemon and Parsley Linguine
My craving for Badoque Cafe's Aglio Olio was so bad that I decided to cook a substitute dish - Chilli, Lemon and Parsley Linguine to ease my craving. I don't blame baby cos Badoque really provides big and quality servings at no additional service charge and GST (government tax). Too good to be true? Check out their website to find out more. The place's highly recommended for a yummylicious treat with friends and loved ones that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket. And no, Badoque's management does not pay me to say this.
Now, back to Chilli, Lemon and Parsley Linguine...
Armed with "yakin mau lebih" confidence but no experience in Italian cuisine, my meal with a mission started at 1pm yesterday. I was lucky Raudaa was on off-in-lieu and was able to accompany me to NTUC (Joo Chiat branch) to buy the ingredients. We took nearly 2 hours to find the things we need. Trust me, it was pretty chaotic, not because we were not prepared on the list of things to buy, but the outlet's product placement and assortment are all over the place. Sorry NTUC for saying this. I still love you nevertheless, for your aircon and value-for-money items cos I always get cheated when I'm at Geylang's wet market. Tsk.
Preparing the ingredients was pretty smooth and easy. I'm sure if I get to practice everyday, I will only get better and the food, tastier.
The outcome - ta-daa! A fulfilling lunch for three!
It definitely tastes better with Parmesan Cheese and deep-fried chicken drumlets. A bit of carbohydrate won't harm your weight and will ensure you and your loved ones are sufficiently fed!
Here's the recipe (serves 2-3):
Ingredients
(1) 250g linguine, boiled till soft
(2) Grated zest of 1 lemon
(3) Half cup lemon juice
(4) Chopped parsley
(5) 2 red and 2 green chillies combined, finely chopped
(6) 6 tbsp olive oil
(7) 30g butter
(8) 1 clove garlic
(9) Salt and pepper to taste
Simple, isn't it?
Method:
(1) Heat up olive oil in a pan and add in butter to melt.
(2) Fry garlic in the pan briefly, then add chilli and fry again for a few seconds.
(3) Add in cooked linguine, lemon zest and juice as well as parsley. Toss to coat and heat through, then serve.
Have fun in trying out the recipe and happy cooking!
Now, back to Chilli, Lemon and Parsley Linguine...
Armed with "yakin mau lebih" confidence but no experience in Italian cuisine, my meal with a mission started at 1pm yesterday. I was lucky Raudaa was on off-in-lieu and was able to accompany me to NTUC (Joo Chiat branch) to buy the ingredients. We took nearly 2 hours to find the things we need. Trust me, it was pretty chaotic, not because we were not prepared on the list of things to buy, but the outlet's product placement and assortment are all over the place. Sorry NTUC for saying this. I still love you nevertheless, for your aircon and value-for-money items cos I always get cheated when I'm at Geylang's wet market. Tsk.
Preparing the ingredients was pretty smooth and easy. I'm sure if I get to practice everyday, I will only get better and the food, tastier.
The outcome - ta-daa! A fulfilling lunch for three!
It definitely tastes better with Parmesan Cheese and deep-fried chicken drumlets. A bit of carbohydrate won't harm your weight and will ensure you and your loved ones are sufficiently fed!
Here's the recipe (serves 2-3):
Ingredients
(1) 250g linguine, boiled till soft
(2) Grated zest of 1 lemon
(3) Half cup lemon juice
(4) Chopped parsley
(5) 2 red and 2 green chillies combined, finely chopped
(6) 6 tbsp olive oil
(7) 30g butter
(8) 1 clove garlic
(9) Salt and pepper to taste
Simple, isn't it?
Method:
(1) Heat up olive oil in a pan and add in butter to melt.
(2) Fry garlic in the pan briefly, then add chilli and fry again for a few seconds.
(3) Add in cooked linguine, lemon zest and juice as well as parsley. Toss to coat and heat through, then serve.
Have fun in trying out the recipe and happy cooking!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Up, up and away...
If you have seen the animated movie, Up, you would probably agree that it’s one of the best animations produced by Pixar Animation Studios besides Finding Nemo (the movie’s distributed by Walt Disney Pictures) – first to be presented in Disney Digital 3-D.
Up won Golden Globe Awards and Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Score. The movie received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, making Up only the second animated movie in history to receive such a nomination, following Beauty and the Beast in 1991.
If you haven't catch it, I shall not spill the spoilers but all I can say the movie's really heartwarming - trust me, you would probably want to watch it again even if you have catch it at the cinema. That's what I did. The movie effects and storyline certainly blow me away.
With my condition, guess this will make up our lost late night couplehood outings and be our so-called date each coming night.
| Psst...I'm not supposed to promote illegal viewing but if you are interested, you can actually view the movie Up at http://watchxonline.com for free! Legal free viewing for Singapore-made movies (eg. The Maid, 881, Home Run) are also available at http://video.xin.msn.com. Power to the Internet! Have fun! |
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Counting down
It seems like yesterday that I blogged about how I hate facing the new day in view of my dreadful morning sickness during the first 5 months of pregnancy.
Now that it's over, I bought many things in preparation for baby’s arrival. But first, I would like to thank my sister, Kak Aidah and sister-in-law, Kak Rozi for the clothes and other necessities that are given/loaned to me. Ibu & Abah, for constantly checking on me if I have popped. Fazlan, for the Babymoon trip and treats. Mak, for your daily meals and laundry help. Ayah, for driving me to places. Reha and Humairah, for the maternity wear and loose clothing. Fana, for the cutesy baby outfit and lil’ notes and gifts to cheer me up. Wani A, for the constant reminder on to-do list. Wani O and Azlan, for the useful pregnancy books. Raudha and Filzah, for the pre-baby photoshoot. My ex-boss, Rina, for accompanying me to Mother Care and Kiddy Palace - an eye-opening shopping trip indeed. Netty and Luk, for the videocam to capture baby’s arrival. Wilson, for purchasing the wide angle lens on my behalf. Haddad, for the black diary to upkeep baby’s progress. Hyrul, Nezar, Raudaa, for constantly reminding that I should rest and not move too much. Zurr, for taking up the extra responsibility at work. Elly, for keeping in mind what I want from the company (Psst! It's Avent bottles and sterilizer - don't get me the same product ok :p). And family and friends, especially those at Twitterverse, for your prayers when I’m down with premature signs of contractions and high fever.
You make my day! :)
It’s 37 weeks and counting, people!
I just can’t wait to hold and cuddle her.
Now that it's over, I bought many things in preparation for baby’s arrival. But first, I would like to thank my sister, Kak Aidah and sister-in-law, Kak Rozi for the clothes and other necessities that are given/loaned to me. Ibu & Abah, for constantly checking on me if I have popped. Fazlan, for the Babymoon trip and treats. Mak, for your daily meals and laundry help. Ayah, for driving me to places. Reha and Humairah, for the maternity wear and loose clothing. Fana, for the cutesy baby outfit and lil’ notes and gifts to cheer me up. Wani A, for the constant reminder on to-do list. Wani O and Azlan, for the useful pregnancy books. Raudha and Filzah, for the pre-baby photoshoot. My ex-boss, Rina, for accompanying me to Mother Care and Kiddy Palace - an eye-opening shopping trip indeed. Netty and Luk, for the videocam to capture baby’s arrival. Wilson, for purchasing the wide angle lens on my behalf. Haddad, for the black diary to upkeep baby’s progress. Hyrul, Nezar, Raudaa, for constantly reminding that I should rest and not move too much. Zurr, for taking up the extra responsibility at work. Elly, for keeping in mind what I want from the company (Psst! It's Avent bottles and sterilizer - don't get me the same product ok :p). And family and friends, especially those at Twitterverse, for your prayers when I’m down with premature signs of contractions and high fever.
You make my day! :)
It’s 37 weeks and counting, people!
I just can’t wait to hold and cuddle her.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
S is for SingTel, Samsung Galaxy S and Super Junior!!!
Truth is, I am sceptical when it comes to smartphones. I hate my Blackberry Bold so much (due to its faulty track ball – I had to change the phone twice fyi) that I wish I can end my contract soon.
So when I heard SingTel will be introducing a new touch screen smartphone called Samsung Galaxy S in the market, I was excited as it’s rumoured to be the new i-Phone that everyone’s been waiting for! I did my research; googled about the new phone and off I went to SingTel’s Samsung Galaxy S media launch which was held at Marina Bay Sands (MBS) Expo and Convention Centre last Sunday.
The media launch venue (Melati Room) is big and grand. And the media attendees were, well how do I put it, "kiasu"! Everyone was so enthusiastic and the wubby had to keep on reminding the journalists and photographers to be seated as there were several video cams from the broadcast media stationed at the back of the room to capture the launch as well.
Evidence of eager journalists and photographers!
While waiting for the launch to commence, I couldn't help but to look at other people’s cameras and lenses, and secretly wish that I own them. Yes, I’m crazy like that.
I was getting a bit restless. Thank god, I bought a new pair of Clarks' flats the day before where I could comfortably wriggle my toes.
These Samsung girls also caught my eye as they looked like they were from the “A-Go-Go” era rather than the future. Seriously, the outfit creator/designer should be fired for being tasteless.
Now, I shall not digress and move on to the actual launch.
The launch was commemorated by SingTel’s Executive Vice President of Consumer, Mr Yuen Kuan Moon and Managing Director of Samsung Asia, Mr Sung-Hyun Moon. I wonder if they are siblings as they have the same surname – Moon.
| With this, Singaporeans will be the first in the world to experience the Korean-made Android™ 2.1 Samsung Galaxy S – thanks to SingTel! |
Samsung believes that the Android-powered Galaxy S will set a new standard for smartphones. Galaxy S has the slimmest and ultra-responsive super amoled screen for clearest and bright viewing of high definition videos at all angles, even in the sun!
I think so too! See how vivid the colours of the picture taken by 5.0-megapixel Galaxy S' camera! I'm so impressed! *Nods with approval*
There are several screen modes which you can choose from like macro, landscape, party/indoor, sports, night and portrait with shots which ranges from continuous, self, action, cartoon, smile, vintage and panorama. The camera also comes with anti-shake, blink-detection and auto contrast.
It also come with VGA video telephony camera - HD video playing and recording (1280 x 720) with up to 30 frames per sec.
| See product specifications and review from CNET Asia! |
Now, let's get down to business. How much will it cost you?
| Galaxy 3G Flexi Lite Plan | Galaxy 3G Flexi Plan | Galaxy 3G Flexi Plus Plan | |
| Monthly Subscription | $39 | $56 | $96 |
FREE incoming calls | |||
| FREE Local Outgoing Calls | 100 mins | 200 mins | 500 mins |
| Additional Talktime for Family & Friends!* | Extra 200 mins FREE Talktime | ||
| FREE Mobile TV Basic Pack | Enjoy FREE 24 months Mobile TV viewing. FREE viewing is applicable to 4 channels on Basic Pack: (1) Channel NewsAsia (2) Bloomberg TV (3) ETTV Asia (4) Dragon TV | ||
| FREE Local Data Usage | 12GB Capped at $30/month for unlimited usage | ||
| FREE SingTel Amped | Unlimited song downloads with no data charges from AMPed Music Store | ||
*Applicable only when calling to SingTel and SingTel Mobile numbers.
It was quite apparent during the launch that Korean hot sensation, Super Junior, was the one who stole the limelight. But it's all good as telecommunication and entertainment work nicely hand-in-hand. I believe Galaxy S is targeted at the youths, seeing the turnout of young fans at the main entrance from as early as 5pm was simply amazing. I had to walk a long distance to reach to the venue where the launch was held as security was very tight.
Introducing the 9 members from Super Junior.
They are:
(1) Lee Teuk
(2) Hee Chul
(3) Ye Sung
(4) Shin Dong
(5) Sung Min
(6) Eun Hyuk
(7) Dong Hae
(8) Si Won
(9) Ryae Wook
Amidst the screaming fans, look whom I've met on site?
Izaar, Hyrul, ShaB (smiling at the back) and of course, Atiyah who kindly snapped this picture.
Thanks SingTel for the closed door invitation to the media launch and Super Junior's showcase! Hail to the Reds for bringing yet another breakthrough for Singaporeans to enjoy - Android™ 2.1 Samsung Galaxy S!
| For more information, visit www.singtel.com. |
Can't get enough of Super Junior? Click onto the video below to listen to their famous "Sorry, Sorry" song.
Note to Super Junior's fans: Members of the public can view and post videos of Super Junior's exclusive performance on their Galaxy S, via SingTel's Mobile TV. So what are you waiting for? ;) |
I Love Sunkist!
Hey orange lovers! Sunkist is having a promotion! Simply collect 2 promotion labels from Sunkist 250ml Orange Juice Drink from now till 12 June 2010 to win a Canon Powershot G11 worth $899 weekly!
Mail the labels with your personal details (Name, NRIC no., Address & Contact no.) to:
F&N Foods Pte Ltd, 214 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128405. Attention: Marketing Department.
See! I've collected the labels. Can't wait to mail the letter!
Wish me luck!
Guess I'm so desperate to win, I made my own envelope and decorated it. Heh.
Mail the labels with your personal details (Name, NRIC no., Address & Contact no.) to:
F&N Foods Pte Ltd, 214 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128405. Attention: Marketing Department.
See! I've collected the labels. Can't wait to mail the letter!
Wish me luck!
Guess I'm so desperate to win, I made my own envelope and decorated it. Heh.
| For more information on the contest, click here. |
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