Public speaking with BeeZ

We sent Irdina and Jasmin every Saturday to BeeZ program (although missed some classes) since January. What BeeZ offers seems different from what you get from tuitions. I've been looking for hands on activities which can develop the inner strengths of my kids with the hope it can unleash their potential.

Last Saturday was the graduation day for BeeZ 6 months course. Held at the new Pusat Pendidikan Islam at Seksyen 1 near the Post Office, the kids had to come on stage and deliver a speech. I knew the kids had been practicing but I was quite nervous not knowing whether my kids could do this.

And to my amazement, they came out and delivered without hesitance! I was so so proud of them! Could not believe my little girls have built their confidence and able to speak in front of an audience!

Irdina & Jasmin, congratulations! You are confident and brave little girls! Mama always love you! Hope I can guide you to be a good active muslimah!

Jasmin in action. 'Fluent but need to smile more', said the judge

Irdina. Near perfect!

Receiving certificate from Badrul Sani, the Mentor.

Sweet Jasmin but has done public speaking at the age of 9!



With other participants

Planning to send them to BeeZ Next, the continuation of this program. It is said the program offers more fun activities. Hope the girls will learn something from these experience..

Congratulations again, my girls!

Krabi outfits update

Just want to compare between planned and actual. Planned as written in previous post and this is the actual....

Travelling day. Jeans + white shirt + red Pacapod (unseen)

Day 1 in Krabi. Purplish top + flowy brown skirt



Small long handle Le Pliage to match

Posing shyly for the camera 

Heading back to the hotel. With Tupperware carry all bag.

Island hopping on Day 2: Just old baggy T-shirt

 

Last day. Trying out the sunglasses on the street

My daughter snapped this pic. Newly bought green blouse for
380Baht (about RM39) + jeans + new Syria tudung

Looking for souvenirs to bring home

 

Just don't puke ok. Cut me some slack...haha! This is the 1st time I felt confident to dress up, put some effort and pleased with my choices. Why now? Dunno... maybe because I've lost weight. Maybe because I've started to appreciate what I have.... I wasn't paying much attention to my body previously which supposedly to be my 'temple'. Now I understand I need to maintain good health in order for me to be happy. Maintaining good health would mean to exercise regularly, choose what I eat and care for my skin, hair and body.

It's true, you can only make people happy if YOU are happy....

 

Longchamp_Presents from Paris

My hubby gave me Longchamp bags for my birthday this year! (as instructed! Hahah!)

To 'assist' my husband on finding what to get for my birthday, I gave him a list of Longchamp bags for him to get while in Paris for a technical conference (he was supposed to go to Budapest for the conference and Paris was where he was supposed to take a local flight to Budapest)

I tried not to think about the request too much when he was away...because I was too excited and eager! I even sneaked through his luggage when he arrived home after the 5 day trip because he didn't hand me the presents straight away .

I requested different sizes to see them real life. Long handle medium, long handle small, short handle, coin purse, le cuir (leather)... Love all of them! Thank you my dear husband... I love you! (not because of the bag but because you know how to make me happy! hahah!)

Excited! Excited! Hand them to me pleaseeee!

After hubby handed over the presents. In the bedroom.

Unveiling......

Le Cuir in blue. Love! PVS sells for RM1,420. This one is RM1,020. Saves RM400!

The Longchamp Le Pliage collection...Can't believe I finally own them...

Difference in small vs. medium long handle folded...

The plus point buying at duty free... Saves about RM140 here...

I know it's only Longchamp unlike Tod's or LV or Balenciaga etc. But the bag is so practical is what I love about the bag most! I'll do a separate post on me and small long handle!

Colour wise, this time my choices are mostly neutral colours because I imagine I would use it often so the bags has to be versatile enough for family outings, balik kampung, visits and shopping.

Feeling loved and happy!

Hari Raya 2013 prep

This year, my husband and I discussed and planned to host an open house, long overdue since we moved to Bangi Perdana 7 years ago. We made lists of guests, food and budget early Ramadan. The tentative date is 24 Aug, the week after the raya holidays. The tentative main menu is Laksa Utara (subcon) and Laksa Johor (homemade). I'm quite nervous actually but I know I need to do this.

Mirror
I wanted to improve the décor of my house before the event. Plans include proper match of chairs, carpets, picture frames and landscaping. Unfortunately, all can't be fulfilled because I was not determined enough. However, I managed to purchase a venetian mirror to replace the old one and suit the house décor more. I felt so happy because I bought something which I think will improve the décor tremendously (at least I felt that way).

Old square mirror. Gold & red which doesn't match anything in the house

The décor in Aug 2011

The new venetian mirror from SSF. Yeay!

Flower Arrangement
My challenge now is to do the flower arrangement. I bought 4 stalks of hydrangea at Metrojaya Sale @ PICC on Friday which costs only RM20!(RM5 each and original price is RM10). I saw the flower is sold at RM40++ per stalk at SSF! I also bought 3 water lilies from SSF costing RM21.60 each to match the curtain.

Not sure how to do the arrangement yet. Some ideas:

I can either do symmetrical arrangement

Or let the mirror be part of the arrangement

The mirror is big so can afford to place the flower in the middle

I'm more inclined to put the flowers on the side because the hydrangeas have long stalks. I'll update the outcome!

Ramadan 2013

The fasting month Ramadan started on 10 July 2013. This year my resolution is to read the Al Quran with my kids, as they called it as 'tadarus'. It lasted only for 1 week. We did it in the mornings. The plan is to start at about 6am after Subuh prayers for about half an hour until 6.30am. Then Irdina and I can get ready for school and work.

However, my girls were taking their own sweet time whereas time is limited. I know I have to be persistent but I was also analyzing whether my intention and focus is necessary. What made me stop is I think I should emphasize on the fardu first that is solat 5 times a day, the pillar of Islam.

I still continue to read believing it has to start from me. I have to set an example to my kids so they are used to it and will do it willingly. I'm a slow reader, I'm only at chapter 3 of the Al Quran, definitely can't finish the whole Al Quran by Ramadan. However, I will continue reading and aim to finish (khatam) before the next Ramadan...

So hopefully this is one improvement this Ramadan which I will be able to sustain throughout in my quest to be a good muslim....In sha Allah. Aminnnnn....

Krabi Holiday was awesome!

This trip to me is like a dream came true, that is to go on a holiday by plane while my kids are still small. I've started to have this dream when I saw people (usually American/Europeans) brought their kids along on overseas travel. I was amazed how their kids could behave well whereas we always thought bringing kids travelling is a nightmare and troublesome.

Alhamdulillah my kids were happy. When the children are happy, the parents will be happy too.

Jasmin got to build her confidence to speak in English when she was asked during her meni/pedicure session while Irdina was when she wanted to order the omelette over breakfast. Kasyif enjoyed getting photographed but still dependent as always.

I think Lutfi too enjoyed the trip. I got to know that he's afraid of loud sounds e.g. the engine of the long tail boat and the sound of when the plane takes off. I also think he's afraid of heights because he refused to look through the window when the plane took off.

Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly as I've hoped for....and more! My next dream will be to bring them on a long haul flight! Amin... Insha Allah....

Thank you Allah! Thank you for the rezeki you've given me to be able to experience a piece of this wonderful feeling....So many things I've learned from this break. How generous of Allah SWT to His creations.

We checked in 2 bags (Green suitcase + 1 trolley bag)

Boarding AK 1968 KL-Krabi

Finally ye, Jasmin....

On the way to our accomodation

Renting a bike for 250 baht

The pool that really made the kids happy

Halal breakfast @ Somkiet Buri

At the beach on 1st day at Ao Nang

The pic says it all

While waiting for Mama (massaging)

 

Getting takeaway lunch with Lutfi @ Shareefah

The famous pancake. Kids like it with Nutella..

On the way to 4 Island hopping trip on 2nd day

Here we go! On long tail boat

Love this pic

Chicken Island + Jasmin

Pic taken by hubby

Pool side room for the kids

Double bed for Irdina + Jasmin



Deluxe Room for mama + abah

Last activity on last day. Finding souvenirs

Checking in to go home....



Back from Krabi on the ERL

Will write more about this trip!