Progress of 2012 weight management

Not sure why but my weight creeps from 72kg (early Nov) to 75kg today! Sob!Sob!.... Actually, I do have some assumptions which mostly relate to my eating habit:

• Didn't drink enough
• Didn't control my portion
• Didn't control carbo/fat intake

With holidays and events happened during Nov/Dec, I didn't manage to monitor my weight.

I'm doing ok at exercise department. I still do 15 minutes brisk walking (that's about 120 cal) twice a week. I've been doing that for nearly a year and I'm no more too lazy to hit the gym. I praise myself for that.

Permanent weight loss takes time, doesn't it? Although I didn't reach my target weight (I think to lose 10kg in 2012) at least now I do squeeze in some time to exercise.

OK, exercise...checked. Next, is eating habit. Habit ok, thus need preseverence to improve. If I have a good eating habit, I've could have been able to maintain my weight since day 1!

My next strategy is to embark on meal replacement method. I did try once with SDII in 2009. That was before I was ready to change my habit/routine. I was on SDII just for weight loss without having a good plan or a good understanding that weight loss is a product from changing current habits/routine.

I'm more ready now and I'm thinking of taking Herbalife. Hope 2013 will bring better result with more kg loss!

Taking a breath. Updating Oct-Nov

Only today I manage to open this blog since the last time I wrote. My biggest challenge this year is over i.e. bibik went home for 7 weeks. Alhamdulillah she's already back last week, Friday 30 Nov.

I had a great time when I decided to take a 2 weeks leave including the Deepavali/Awal Muharram week in early Nov. It was a transition period between my mum and my mum in law to help us out during bibik's absence. I was hesitant at first to apply for the leave since it's quite a long break and knowing my boss, she would go beserk about it. However, I kept in mind that if this is for the good of others i.e my kids/parents, insyallah Allah SWT will be with us (new mindset I'm learning to incalculate in me)... Alhamdulillah, haven't heard any complaints and to express my thankfulness, I shall focus with work and deliver with my best ability.


Alhamdulillah too, our company did a salary revision starting Oct and staff in my Band have the highest increment. I can say I'm able to invest with the increment and I'm planning to buy a property for rent...

Plan = investment, Actual = Shopping???

Many things to update but due to lack of apparatus needed for basic blogging e.g notebook/IPhone/ camera, I could see my entries are on the low side compared to previous years.

Anyway, I feel really energetic today. I'm taking a break from work and sorting out pending stuff of my life (bosses are on leave). I feel more empowered to do work after attending 2 courses very related to my work. I'm ready to plan for 2013 for my family.

Today, I'm treating colleagues for lunch at a place they choose. I'm going now, so see ya!

It's starting to get BUSY!

Normally people associate busy with work. This time, my BUSY associates with my LIFE! Yes, I'm kind of having a panic right now.... things to settle, things to plan, preparing physical and mental for a temporary changes in my daily routine etc...Sigh.... Let me bore you with the full brief story....

Bibik is going home for 1.5 months (that's about 7 weeks). I've seek help from my mom and my mom in law to help out two weeks each. That left me with 3 weeks... so maybe my mom will have to do another 1 week,   and the rest...ME! Actually I do look forward to be at home again (temporary) as I strongly feel I need to spend more time with my kids and teach them about discipline and independence. 1 week is sorted out since I just need 2 annual leave to get 1 whole week off since there is Deepavali and Awal Muharam holiday. For another week, hubby will be off to Penang just before the Deepavali week. He suggested me to be on leave too so all of us can go to Penang and straight to Perlis once he is done with his work. I've informed my immediate boss about wanting to take 1 week off to take care of my kids and he said ok. Buttttttt....it's not him who approve my leave in the system....

Thus, I've plans for both moms while they are here as my appreciation for their great help. I want to bring them sightseeing during the weekend while they are here. Places in mind include Sungkai, Ipoh, Bukit Tinggi, Terengganu... Plans only in mind, no action plans yet.

Deadlines.... work related. Borringggg.......

Weddings and cake

My brother who is getting married asked me to sponsor him a wedding cake and I said OK. Browsed the internet to a order a wedding cake ideally Batu Pahat based. Found a few and asked for a quotation. I even googled on wedding cake designs and here are some of my favourites (all from the Internet. Sorry to owner of pictures as I forgot to copy your links ;-(

This is what I call simple and sweet

This is also simple & sweet. Cute with the dots

I first attracted to the polka dots contrast with the shape of the cake

This is what I call simple and sophisticated. I assume people will eat the chocolate frosting instead of scrapping it. Nothing goes to waste thus money well spent.

Love the colour!

The blue is refreshing but I know I won't be able to get that colour

Idea to combine cake and cupcake

I often see wedding cakes are impressive to look at with its grandeur presence but always left uneaten after the 1st taste. Wedding cakes are sometimes not nice at all with overfrosting that makes you feel immediately fat after eating it. Usually people just scrap the frosting off the cake because it looks too 'fattening'.

My original plan was to order a 3 tier (so it will look grand) delicious chocolate indulgence cakes (to ensure money is well spent) but that was before I knew wedding cakes are expensive. Cakes that fulfill my wishlist costs from RM500 to RM2,000! My budget is not even RM400. I have to choose either taste or grandeur. After some queries, possibilities and budget constraint, finally I decided to scale down to 2 tier and combine 7' pandan layer cake and a 10' chocolate cake. Decorated with steamed buttercream with swirls and sugarpaste flower/butterflies cam dlm gambar nih (well, not exactly). Nanti kita tengok hasilnya ya.....

And I ordered the cake from Lovelycakes based in Batu Pahat. A colour combination I like from the blog is as below:

Fingers crossed!

3 Jan 2013

This is the cake made by Lovely Cakes. I picked up the cake myself (the baker was a young lovely lady). I was so happy with the outcome, couldn't stop taking pictures of it (not my camera though). I think I would be so happy to receive this cake if I were the bride. So sweet & pretty!

Nothing went to waste. The icing was edible (not too sweet) complimenting the chocolate cake.

  

Don't know why the pic just doesn't want to rotate....

New camera

I need to get a new camera! The one I have right now is broken :( . It's not attractive reading my blog without photos. And Irdina has shown some interest in photography and ask me to get one. Insyaallah ye nak, mama survey dulu....

Spa treat at Pullman

On 29 June, I took a day leave just to experience a spa treatment at Pullman Putrajaya. I perceived Pullman as quite an expensive hotel thus when there was a Groupon offer of Pullman spa treament @ RM158, I didn't need to think twice! It was what I've been looking for, a treat after being diligent at work.

My plan was to go there early so I could have a swim before the treatment booked at 10.00am. However, I left Bangi at about 8.45am and reached there at about 9.15am. Definitely not enough time to swim but I asked the spa lady whether I can delay my treatment to 11.00 and she said yes, they were willing to wait for me! (wow! good answer! Anyone would feel special with such courtesy!) I think there were hardly any customer (because Pullman is new & expensive?) so it was possible for them to wait for me...hihi

So changed my clothes (as well as admiring/taking pics of the finishing of the changing room), had a dip about 1 hr, shower and back to the spa lounge 10 min before 11.00. I can say I was the only one there either at the swimming pool (although a girl & mother and a foreigner joined me later) or at the spa.

Pool overlooking PICC

I will start with my conclusion of the Pullman spa. Good to experience so I could brag that I've been to Pullman. Whether I might come again? Yes, if it has Groupn offers :P because Pullman is near to Bangi.

After noting the reception, I was brought to a superb receiving area served with a cup of ginger tea while waiting for the spa room to be ready . Niceeeee.... Then I was brought to the spa room equipped with own toilet and shower cum sauna. The feel of the spa room is modern with a charm. Usually, spa plays Javanese type of music and so is Pullman except it plays a modern version of the music.

My Groupon offer outlined the treatment as:
[Up to 77% Off] 2-Hr 10-Min Full Body Massage + Javanese Lulur + More in 5-Star Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel. For 1 (RM158) / 2 (RM258) People. From RM129 per person. For men / women

• 2-hour 10-minute full body massage package.
• Javanese lulur scrub exfoliates and smoothens skin.
• Includes steam bath and access to swimming pool.
• Suitable for all skin types.

The sequence of treatment is different from my previous experience. Usually:

Sauna then massage, then scrub then bath. At Pullman, they start with sauna (which was not mention in the offer, yeah better value for me) and end with the massage.

I think the spa treatments target business travellers/executives because the smell of massage oil is not that strong (I'm comparing it with Cyberview Spa) so people can go straight to the office/ appointments etc. There was hardly any smell once the oil dried out. So not a + point if you are on leave specifically for a spa treat and expect the smell to stay until you go to bed. My rating:

Sauna_nice interior
Massage_ok. Prefer Cyberview
Lulur_ok. Not a strong smell though (I like strong smell)

As an overall, it was a good experience. I guess I didn't put up a high expectation, I just wanted to unwind. Another blogger review and more pics here.

Not feeling so good

I've been good these days... Focusing on work and not everything else!... Raya mood not here yet. Haven't pack my bags, still need to find coordinating tudung for my 2nd baju raya. Not feeling good because I look old! And big in pictures! Arrrgghhh.....! Last week I bought a pink Guess clutch to match with my RM10 pink shoes I found at Abbies. Excited to bergaya for whatever event but when I saw myself in pics, gosh! I don't look nice at all! Please help me....

My HOTPANTS

I received my Hotpants on 21 March which I ordered on the 5th. Can't wait to use it to see whether it really works as they claimed. The next day was Gym for Ladies day... perfect! My first day with Hotpants!.... Walked as usual. After 20 mins, checked out whether I swaet a lot. And yes I did! My lower part was soaked in Hotpants which then I changed to my jeans. When I was reached home, the jeans crease at back of the knee was wet. Wow! I totally amazed! It really make you sweat!

I still wear Hotpants to work and exercise. However, I don't sweat like I did when I wear it the 1st time. Maybe because I soak the pants in Clorox(just tiny bit) thus affect the FIR?... I don't know. Thinking of getting another one (Flares) but before that, i need to figure out how to care for the pants.

Flares costs GBP59.99 (RM364) but I can get from Groupon at RM199. I have credit card debt crisis at the moment so I will have to wait until I can afford to purchase one.

Home Improvement 2nd phase

My cousin just renovated her house. She gave us an old cupboard she doesn't want anymore (she installed floor to ceiling wardrobe). I took the cupboard thinking to replace my old DIY kids cupboard which has already fallen apart. Unfortunately we couldn't get the cupboard upstairs as the cupboard is heavy and big. It ended up in the study room but it is way too big and make the space looks small.

Now, I have started to daydream about our next home improvement project and have agreed with husband to have it done 5 years from now (2016) so we can start saving. Among plans included:

wallpaper for wall at the stairs
wardrobe for both kids room
aircond for both rooms
space for laundry (washing machine, small sink & board, drying area)
sliding door for smaller room
new sofa sets

2011 shopping bargains

From Vincci. I think it was about RM30 each

The one I've been wearing a lot. To work or anywhere...

My bargain still in the carry bag.... Tadahhh!

From JPO. I think total was about RM150. Not bad eh...

I like the simple yet stylish designs of ESPRIT. It's my official casual handbag now.

I think this was about RM30. I bought 2, for my mum too.

The lining inside the purse. Fit for 8 cards

The purse is nearly as big as my UCB denim handbag.

This was from Rengit Parade. RM15 for a Charles & Keith. Can you believe it!

 

I love this one so much. Can't stop taking picture of me wearing it.

Can't remember where this was.

Another Charles & Keith. Will leave this a the office for 'emergency' use.

 So these are me initiating myself to care for my image and appearance. I'll take picture of everything that i buy. From this collection, you can see I was into brown. And yes, I agree. Shopping can be a therapy when you get what you really like and not bothering the price!

Stealing a minute to update

When was the last time I updated the blog? Seems like ages ago! A lot to tell but just couldn't find the time. Weight management, financial status, hopes & dreams.... I'm feeling rather okay at the moment. Tomorrow I'm off for a massage at Pullman. Work looks manageable. Looking forward for the challenge. Weight is slowly reducing. Dreaming of getting my dream luxury bag (negotiating with husband to get it as birthday gift ;-0). Planning to start my handbag collection once my debt is settled (that means next year!)....I've forgiven my friends who not knowingly have hurt my feelings.

Thank you Allah for this feeling. Only you can grant such calmness.....

Safely landed in KLIA

Today is Friday, 4th day after my trip to Vietnam. Did you know my flight on Sunday was cancelled due to typhoon in Vietnam? When I heard the news at the hotel when I wanted to check out, it was a mixed feeling. Puzzled then changed to anxious then changed to excited then I smiled. What was going in my head:
Is this true? Oh no! I have to take emergency leave on Monday... then
Oh No! Typhoon?! Will it hit Ho Chi Minh? Am I safe here?
Vietnam is used with typhoon so I don't need to worry. Wow! Extra day in Vietnam! Shopping some more!... but no money left... I can always borrow!
I smiled because I really think this was what Allah SWT has in store for me to encourage me to hang on to His words by continuing what I believe I should do to seek his blessing. Thank you Allah!
In the end, the four of us actually enjoyed the extra stay with excellent complimentary hotel (Blue Diamond Hotel) from MAS and extra leisure time after landed in KLIA.
I'll upload pictures later... I really enjoyed the trip...

Biggest Loser 2012

I've registered for 'The Biggest Loser' program (not the TV program!) at my office. Good! I'm currently making effort to lose some weight targeting 65kg by September 2012. I haven't done any analysis yet on the progress but Alhamdulillah, I'm still going strong and faithfully go the gym twice a week and burn about 120 calories each session. I know it doesn't sound much but I am happy to see myself making 1/2 of my lunch hour useful to my advantage.
So the challenge of the 'Biggest Loser' is simple. Lose some weight in 2 weeks starting 21 March. The final weigh in will be on 6th April. Hokay, what's my plan?
1st, I take this as a support to my total 2012 weight management which I started since November 2011. My program is to lose 10 kg in 11 months. That is 0.9kg in a month. At the moment, the progress is rather slow.
2ndly, I won't starve myself just to win. I will do this the right way just to experiment and jive up my overall program. I'll get 4 boxes of Nestle Fitness cereals and one of the main reason why I registered. One box of Fitness cereal costs about RM11 so apart from saving RM44, I'll get to lose weight which I'm currently doing. So the program is not an additional burden.
 
3rd, planning to eat 'fat burning food' such as orange, grapefruit, kiwi, broccoli for 2 weeks to test whether it's true. If it's true, i'll lose weight and if it's not it is only for 2 weeks.

4th, I will attend 3 Mayfair session within the 2 weeks program. What justify this are I've already paid for the package and i'll lose if i don't go, and to burn the extra pounds I will gain during my holiday in Vietnam.
5th, I plan to lose more than 4 kilos doing exactly as above. If the program works, I'll be 70kg by early April. Wow!.... Wish me luck!

Vietnam in 8 days

Have I told you that finally I will be out of this country for a short vacation? Yes!!! And I just can't wait! And this is possible thanks to my colleagues. Original plan was to aim for UK in 2013 but imagine the money we need to fork out (at least RM10k ok!)

I've been wanting to fly eversince I was back from UK in 2004. I don't mind if it is just for domestic flights, as long as I can be on a plane. I like the 'posh' feeling when travelling by plane. Apart from that, I really want to know how it feels like to travel with my kids. And to witness their excitement being on a plane. It should be interesting and a handful. Unfortunately, the time has never arrived for me and my kids due to budget constraint. What can I do....
2nd option would be to travel with colleagues. Female colleagues and suitable destination for such travel companion would be to travel to shopping paradise such as Bandung, Korea etc. Vietnam known for cheap cloths where many exclusive baju kurung/tudung shops buy their stock. I just can't wait! At times I feel guilt leaving the kids BUT.... if I don't do this, I'll never get to experience it. We have to go all out for things that matter to us, right... regardless the obstacle... I like to travel so this trip is justified, right? I also want to get new baju kurung/clothes this year so I really think shopping in Vietnam help to lift the guilt of buying expensive clothes, right???

Benh Thanh market: Shopping destination

You see, even I need to convince myself that it is OK for me to leave the kids. I just have to be on this trip, sayang....

Hi! It's Zaggora Monday!

Received coupon from GROUPON for my Zanggora pants. Already ordered and keeping my fingers crossed that everything will go well. The price was RM272.45 (GBP44.99) but with Groupon, I only need to pay RM145 including delivery charges.
 

This is my alternative to PB set which cost a whopping RM2k++. My colleague did offer a discounted pair around RM1.5k++. At first I was determined to take whatever it is to slim down so was prepared to spend. Luckily, I'm not an impulsive spender. I found out about Groupon from my husband which offer discounted price by finding collective buyers. Sound logical...
 
Can't wait to receive my Zaggora pants to see whether it is as what others have claimed. Using the same technology as PB (FIR), at least this pants encourage us to exercise to ensure the pants work which appeals to me apart from the price which only a fraction of PB. PB becomes ridiculous when you read Zanggora website. Hey! At least I only lose RM145 if it doesn't really work....
No pain, no gain. No exercise, no weight loss, right?!... You can choose to sit around wearing the structured corset & tight fitting pants until you can't breathe waiting for miracle to happen. Yes, you will lose some weight but was it because of PB or you just had to eat less due to the tight fitting garments? The idea seemed acceptable when I was desperately need to shed my extra pounds, when I was expecting miracle. However, I'm more rational now. I prefer an image of me active in the gym rather that sitting around with good posture but lack of stamina. Zaggora should fuel my motivation to shed the fat.... Fingers crossed x!