The Excluzif Terrific Togas (Sneak Preview)

Toga photoshoot yesterday with hot stuff Hajar and the stunning Sabby.

Not forgetting the wacky peeps from The RebelPixel Photography Team and Trasformazione.

Extremely hot (and hazy!) day but all were very professional.

I'm going to enjoy what's left of the weekend and just rest for a bit.

Meanwhile, let's say hello to the:

Mini Toga Dresses

and new colours for the Maxi Toga dresses.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, ladies. :)

Q N A via Twitter

So, yesterday, I was feeling rather bored while waiting for Nyla to finish school...
And I tweeted "Feel like doing a QnA session on the blog. Any questions u 1 me to answer?

Within an hour, questions poured in.
Thanks for being sporting my twitterbellas!


Here are the shortlisted questions. :)


1.Kalau I nak kahwin, I jemput u, u turun tak? Hehehe *random je* =P (Nurizuyashi Sakiko)
*Would you come to my wedding if I were to invite you?*


I would come if you promise me you won't sabo me by making me sing. Eeeeeeeyyyyyyyer.


2.Biler nak nbr 2?? Takkan stop at one jer (Syarifah)
*When are you going to have your number 2?*

I knew this question would come. In fact, I'm glad that Hari Raya is over, no thanks to this question on repeat mode. Now, how do I answer this? Well, insyallah, we'll get to be a family of four but not now. ...I'm thinking, give us a year or 2?

3.Kak Nura!! I got qn!! Why did you take up that soldadu role?? HAHA! And why are you quiet in the acting scene nowadays? (Nurul Ain)

Wah... HAHA-ing at me huhhh. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA indeed lor. Seriously, I had no idea how I managed to be selected during the auditions back in 1999 because with that kind of 'acting skills', if I were to join Anugerah Skrin, I would surely garner the most votes and be the FIRST to get booted out by viewers. That role was given to me and I just took it because the idea of being on television at age 17 maciam best lor. Well, truth be told, I prefer hosting to acting. I am also very selective in the roles that are offered because I have a reputation to uphold as an educator.

4.Any beauty tips to share? / What's your beauty regime like kak? Can share? :p (Nurhairul/Jay)

Like most women, I still have breakouts. I try to wash face twice a day..that kind. Drink plenty of water. Eat lots of vegetables. I also don't usually wear make up. Let my face 'breathe' and be daring to step out of the house looking like a ghost. (I look extremely pale with no make up.) So on normal days, I just apply moisturizer and baby powder. I only paint my face on special occasions. Ok la let me be honest. I am horrible at putting eyeliner on! That plus I always have a hard time putting fake lashes on. Frustrating!

5.How did you feel when you first found out you were pregnant? (Tini Kassim :P)

Happpyyyyyy cannnn? Being a mother was my childhood ambition leh. And when I finally gave birth, that was when reality set in. Funny how I couldn't wait to bring Nyla home while we were at the hospital and the moment I reached home.....I wished I could stay at the hospital and let the nurses look after her. Nyla was a difficult baby whose hobby was crying. Not cute at all.
But can't say the same now. This hilarious babe brings so much joy to our lives. Like yesterday when I was watching Kimora on E, Nyla saw that her kids go for chocolate facial treatment. She headed to the refrigerator, took out Nutella and said, "Can help me put on my face?" Oh and also how can I forget this... I told her to study hard and go to university when she grows up. She kept quiet for quite sometime and said in a serious tone,"Mommy if I can't go to university, Universal Studios can?"

6.If you could share one novel with Nyla, which would it be? (Nadia H)

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel - The Alchemist (Thanks Hanin)
I will definitely share with Nyla the story of the shepherd boy, Santiago, pursuing his life dreams and share with her the importance of listening to our hearts.


7.How do you and Mr E take a break from the busyness of life? (Lovesand)

We 'park' Nyla at my mom's and just talk cock sing song with each other over coffee or simply catch a movie (usually my choice. Heee.) We also go to JB and eat and eat and eat at Pandan City. Have you peeps tried their juicy satays? Oh and their porridge? Awesome. Mr E, wanna go tonight?


8.Where does your passion for teaching stem from?/What/Who makes/inspires you to become an educator? (Ida Ngatman/NurFadilah)

I come from a family of teachers...My aunties, uncles, cousins, my sister in law and most recently to join the teaching profession is my own husband. However the one who inspires me to be a teacher would be my mom because she was the one who always encouraged me to be a teacher since young. It's not about grooming these kids to be future lawyers and doctors but the idea of believing that every child has undiscovered strengths. I miss classroom teaching alot. But, I am so glad to be running The Bottoms Up Club because finally, I feel that I am giving my 100 percent to the kids without all the unnecessary overwhelming administrative duties.


9.How different would your life be if you have a pair of boy twins instead of Nyla? (Siti Zulaifa)

Waaaahhhhh! Anyway, I would like to rephrase this question to "How would your life be if you have a pair of boy twins?"
Life would be soooooooo 'fun'... especially the 0-3 months period. *Shudders*
Seriously, I think it'd be awesome. I will absolutely love the high energy that comes along in raising boys. No need your services already, Alauddin. :P


10.Do you think I'm cute (Nisha Ism)

Yes. Very. -___-

11.How did you get to know Mr E in the first place? Adakah dia cinta pandang pertama anda? (Nadira Mohamad)
* Love at first sight?*

Soldadu lor. Mr E's uncle's company was commissioned to produce Soldadu. Mr E was on leave and helped his uncle with the scheduling and all. Nope, it wasn't love at first sight. Instead, it was love at first 'hearing'. Mr E's voice fuuhhhyooo. Super deep and sexy yo. Talking voice I mean....Unfortunately I can't say the same for singing voice. Hahahah! But yeah, I've been so accustomed to teenage boys' voices so Mr E definitely stood out back then.

12. What is the most romantic thing Mr E has ever done for you? (Alynn)

Mr E always does romantic stuff on my birthday without fail. *Can't wait for next week!*

If previously, romantic gestures would mean buying me something from Tiffany n Co or a GUCCI bag, now that we have entered our 6th year of marriage, my heart would swell when I see him hanging the laundry....bringing Nyla out when I teach at home...ironing his own working clothes when he sees me busy in front of the desktop doing lesson planning, workshop/toga stuff and writing.

12.If Nyla and Mr E fell into the sea(CHOYYYY AH!), which one would you save and why? (Nor Bayah)

Mothers, you know my answer right? Mr E, I will always doa for you k. lol. This question so depressing one.

13. How do you keep yourself so positive especially during tough times? (Fara Adam)

I pray and believe that if Allah brings me to it, HE will guide me through it. :)

14. I've never come across celebs who follow their fans back. Y do you follow your fans? (Saliha)

Wah sista! Fan is a big word leh. Anyway have plenty of twittersistas and twitterbros at Twitter-land. Well, the thing is I feel really bad for not accepting requests on Facebook. So Twitter, is my way of saying sorry. That plus, I also wanna kepo kepo about you. I still have about 300 plus to follow back. Can't slack. :)

15. How do you see yourself 20-30 years down the road? (Faeza Aide)

Well, life is a journey of unmarked paths and unknown destinations. However 20-30 years down the road, I just want to feel contented beause I have lived the way I wanted.

Workouts and Kettlebells

Although I was keeping fit through running at Pandan Reservoir, I was getting bored of my routine and needed a new challenge.

Especially since I have no clue at all about strength training.


PLUS, what is the point of having a slim body when arms/butt/thighs are JIGGLY?!

When I approached Alauddin, a personal trainer AND a fitness freak, I told him that I must not be pushed beyond my limits or made to feel guilty for the occasional dietary misdemeanour. (Think whopper burgers, fried kway teow with cockles, lemak ayam cili padi, nasi lemak and the list goes on...) and he's cool with it. Nicceeee! Starting out, Alauddin took things slow and steady, answering my neverending questions.

Everytime I casually mentioned if we could skip a certain workout (example: lifting of kettlebells!) he'd purposely force -jiggle his super toned arms at me.

That was enough to make me reach for those kettlebells.

See, I go Universal Studios also he follow....So dedicated hor this personal trainer of mine. :p

By the way, those pair of jeans I wore..WAIST SIZE 25 yo. Like finallllyyyyy! Not bad, Din!

And I'm contented ...not aiming for a size 24 (zaman sec 2 waist) 25 is just nice.

Sports is a lifelong passion of his.

Alauddin has been learning martial arts in Seni Silat Gayong for the past 12 years. He is experienced in arm-combat, self defense and Strength & Conditioning.

Running is also another passion of his (and mine!)

He has successfully completed 42km Sundown marathon and 10km Salomon run. (me? None. Lol!)

He (and I!) use kettlebells as to improve our cardio and recovery after each run and what I absolutely love about using kettlebells is we don’t need a gym to do kettlebells training. It can be done anywhere… at void deck (sticks out my tongue at those who laughed as they walked past me. I shy cannnn?!) or even in the comfort of your own home. (then Nyla starts laughing!)

But because I want to look like Kim Kardashian -____-, I dunch care.

Alauddin is a Certified Kettlebell Teacher Level 1 by International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (USA).
He conducts both indoors and outdoors one-on-one/group personal training, Kettlebell and Bodyweight Training.

A kettlebell is a traditional Russian training tool that has been used since the turn of the century to develop full body conditioning and fitness.

Benefits of kettlebells are:
Improved strength
Incredible work capacity (strength endurance)
Weight loss
Injury prevention
Mental toughness
Lean & functional muscle mass
Strengthening of the entire posterior chain
Core strength

Bodyweight training is a form of strength training that utilizes one’s own body weight for resistance.

Examples such as push ups, squats and lunges.

Very good for conditioning and strengthing one's muscle.

So my gals who are reading this, if you would like this charming guy to help you achieve bodies like J Lo, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel and Kim Kardashian, here are his details.

Alauddin does one on one personal training as well as group training.

I always feel that working out with friends is damn fun.

Remembered exercising with my JC buddy, Azean in the gym back then. (and how we would reward ourselves with a GIGANTIC spaceship- looking plate of chicken chop and fries at Jurong Point's Banquet after all the sweat. So no meaning lor our exercise. What to do? No personal trainer to advise us. :( )

We also need friends to motivate one another. There were times when I'd get lazy and Azean would force me to go to the gym. Thanks galfren.

Another advantage of working out with girlfriends is that while exercising, can also catch up and chit chat. You don't mind hor Alauddin?

We are just killing 2 birds with one kettlebell. Heeee!

So ladies, go and kumpul your girlfriends now!

By the way Mr Alauddin, is the one beside you going to train me too? :oO

If yes, just to let you know.... I don't mind if you would like to increase my sessions. :pppppp

Alauddin being a great listener that he is, will 'custom make' a fun exercise regime for you.

Oh, also don't forget to download your favourite songs on your MP3 or Iphone and listen to them when Alauddin makes you run long distances or climb a long flight of steps. :oO

Let Alauddin help you accelerate your weight loss/keeping fit/be toned journey now!

Anyway, a friend of mine smsed me this:

Babe, Alauddin has to know this fact about me: Throughout primary school, I kena become member of the Trim And Fit (TAF) Club (Spell that backwards and you can see how it 'boosted' my self esteem (FAT)! Such a deliberate cruel joke, don't ya think?

*Hahahah! This cracked me up lor babe!*

No wonder MOE has removed TAF club and left schools to implement their own health programmes.

PS: By the way, any of you staying near Pandan Reservoir? If yes, join me leh!

A scare

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought I'd share something very personal. Only extremely close friends and family knew about this. To all, thank you for being very fiercely quiet throughout one of the toughest times in my life.

Believe it or not, exactly a year ago, I had a scare. Nyla was lying on top of me and she felt something funny on one of my breasts.

It was a lump.

I could not sleep the whole night. And because it was during the month of October, everything I read was about breast cancer. :(

My parents were very worried. My brother and husband were already thinking of raising funds for medical costs and assured me not to worry. I headed to the clinic hoping that it was nothing. However, the doctor referred me to go for an ultrasound. :(

I made everyone cry. My usually chatty Papa J was unusually quiet. Mister E always stayed up late and I actually caught him all teary eyed one particular night and we cried together. Man, I've never been so scared before.

I am still crying as I'm typing this because truly, those moments were so so difficult.

The wait for the results was terrible. When the clinic called and told me the results were in, my whole body was shaking. My mother was surprisingly calm. Everyday, she tells me to tawaqqal to Allah.

When Dr Mas Ayu gave the all clear (ALHAMDULLILAH!) my mom, the person I thought to be strong, finally broke down into tears and hugged me. I realised that, that was also one of the very most darkest periods of her life. Mom, I'm sorry to make you so so worried but I thank you for being that pillar of strength.

I cried so so bad when I first watched this video last year as I prepared myself for the worst. When I watched it again just a while ago, I still cried my eyes out. She's such a strong woman and I applaud her partner for being such a supportive one.

So ladies, should you feel any lump, go get yourselves checked aite. (This is not an advertorial)

May God bless us with good health.

Allah, thank you. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAM!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the youngest bro's birthday.




Without this beautiful woman, no you leh brudder.

These 2 ah very manja with each other one. Kiss here Kiss there. Till now, she still clips his nails for him. She is his manicurist. He on the other hand will always drive her to the supermarket everytime she needs to do her grocery shopping. Then ah, whenever I ask him to give me a lift. he'd ask, "How much you paying me?"


Anyway,the whole family knows that he loveeeesssss sashimi.
So yeah, brought him to Sakura where there is endless supply of Sashimi

Nah! Go eat till you drop!



Without this sweet lass, your childhood wouldn't be so colourful leh brother.

If it weren't for me, you'd only be exposed to the world of balls, guns and robots. Yawwnnnss! How boring!
Thanks to me, you got to role play as a daddy (to our pretend children)....husband (never mind that you were short and fat)....gynae (cos I liked to play pregnant pregnant mah) and even judge okay! (I would sashay down the steps in my swimming costume plus "Miss West Coast Park" sash and he would flash a cardboard with number 10. *Perfect score*) Hahahhah! I miss my childhood! Freaking awesome cannnn!

Big Bro Bah and Netty were also present despite their hectic schedules.
Bah, busy with work while Net, busy studying. She is pursuing her masters and we are all so proud of her.
Jiayou Net!

Proud Papa J with his grandchildren. Tok Daddy to Nyla and Tok Dan to Rooqy!


Rooqy and Uncle Man! Mr E adores him loads and loves it whenever Rooqy shrieks, "Maaannnnn" when he sees him. Sweeeet!

I hope to age as gracefully as my mom. Insyaallah.


Rooqy and Aunty Ra!

Bah will sometimes send him over to my place so that Net can focus on her studies, much to my delight!

Smart boy this one. I cannot wait for him to grow up so that I can write boy stories with him. :)

Us!


Happy Birthday Jam! We LOVE you!

You're 25!!! So old...BUT... still too young to mawwy so don't be gatal.

.

.

.

.

.

.

What?

Me?

Ya...I married at 22 but I girl mah...so... different.... Cannot compare.

*SMILES*

Tagged!

I've been tagged by my JJC mate, Nadia Haniff.


1. If you were an ice cream flavour… what would you be?
Wahlao Naddy. First question already make me angry liao. Just recently, I found out that I am lactose intolerant so eating any dairy products like ice cream can cause me to experience nausea, flatulence and trips to toilet. How depressing. It's goodbye cheesecake....goodbye ice cream...goodbye cream pastas. So people, besides exercise, I must not forget to thank lactose intolerance for keeping in shape. -___-
Wo pu yao answer this qn. Next!


Ooooiiii...sedap nak? O man!I'm already missing Baskin Robbins! :(

2. Why did you start blogging?
At first, it was to just pass time and share expriences...ok la, plus I'm slightly obsessive. :p
Anyway, thanks to blogging, I've met really fantastic people. :)

3. If I came over to your house for breakfast… what would you cook for me?


Are you a heavy breakfast kind of person?
Well, I'll make sure Nyla has her tummy filled in the morning. Usually, she'd have milk and cereal/peanut butter and jam/sausage sandwich and fruits. Her daddy on the other hand is satisfied with coffee. (Thank you God!) For you, I'd probably do baked beans on toast with sausages? Yumsy enough, pal? Or you want nasi lemak? You name it I cook it! With Zarina's Home Cooking book, anything is possible!

4. What’s your best holiday memory?

With kid friendly accommodation, activities and attractions, got to be Gold Coast man!



Bumped into Nyla's classmate/bf, Shaun!

Nyla and I queueing for such a thrilling ride. :p

Thrilling right D?!

5. Do you believe that you’re a typical Scorpion?Why so/why not?

I'm not into zodiac stuff and all but for the fun of it, I did abit of 'research' on my zodiac sign, Scorpio. Interesting.

"Scorpios are fiercely independent. They are able to accomplish anything they put their mind to and they will not give up." -I like this and I hope I will always continue to make my wildest dreams a reality.

"Usual for Scorpios to be jealous." Hahaha! This I must share! You see, this Mr E ah used to be pretty crazy over Siti Nurhaliza. Don't laugh ah .....but I used to blow my top whenever I caught him playing Siti Nurhaliza's songs in the car. Siao right me. Funny because I'm cool with ex-es and all but not Siti Nurhaliza. Probably because she was like THE pompuan Melayu terakhir mah when she was at her peak.

"Scorpios can be downright moody for no apparent reason. -Unfortunately, I'm like that. :( So friends and my other half, sorry for this ya. :(

"When angry, Scorpios will thrash and throw things". -Nope. This one is not true at all!

6. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen/read on the web over the last 24 hours?

The recent passing of the late Mrs LKY. Truly a dynamic woman in every sense of the word. She inspires me to be a better wife.
Mr E, you need help with the lesson planning tonight? :p

You sure you ok with just coffee in the mornings? :pppppp

7. If you could learn one dance style, what would it be?

Ballet. To improve posture and flexibility. Whenever I do stretching exercises, I can't reach my toes. The harder I tried bouncing down to reach my toes, the further my fingers are from the toes. Sad sight I tell you.

Sit and Reach cost me my gold during the schooldays! The only time I got gold was when a friend gently pushed me from behind (Yes, teacher was not around!) so I could push that wooden thingy further. I forgot who was that kind soul. If you happen to be reading this, thank you heaps! Heee!

8. Where do you go and what do you do to unwind after a crappy day of work?

Ever since The Bottoms Up Club, the tailoring Toga business with Mom and co -writing with Nyla, I've never experienced a crappy day of work. Alhamdullilah!

Yes I have to admit that it does get pretty exhausting and when I need to relax, I'd go over to my mom's and she'd always always always prepare my favourite comfort food like sambal sardin and spinach soup with hot steamed rice. Seeing those food served on the table the moment I enter her home already takes half of my fatigue away. Thanks mom!

Another option would be to wait for Mr E to come home and just talk talk talk and if I'm lucky, he'd massage my aching feet. Heee!

A makan/movie/chitchat session with any one of these girls will also do.

Sometimes even a phonecall is enough.

Nurul and Big Sister Anggun

Ray

Jenn

Hanin

Nad

Diana

Farena

Farlinzah

The nieces.

Farha

Shofi

And how can I forget my ultimate BFF?

Happy Children's Day!

Children's Day today!


And someone is darn excited because she will be having a class party later.
Class party = no need to wear uniform and again, she has requested for a 2nd mini toga dress and specifically instructed to her Tok Mommy that this time her toga dress consist of maroon and pink. -____-
My mom, being the doting grandmother that she is, fulfilled her granddaughter's wish.
Somemore she only sees her grandchildren once a week...so yeah Grandkids rule!


Anyway, remember I've mentioned before that Nyla and I are coming up with our 2nd book?
I've also hinted that this time, the book will be about a family of animals. After much guidance, we are basically done with the whole story plot! Interesting story indeed! Way to go Nyla!

This time round, Nyla's 2nd book is illustrated by the ever so talented Uncle Furby, who is passionate about Digital Art.
Uncle Furby aka Firdaus was also my ex primary schoolmate!
Really nice to be still in touch with this buddy of mine. And bro, after all these years, you haven't changed one single bit! 'Still living out (your) wildest dreams with the biggest smile on (your) face' eyyy bro!
Thank you once again to be part of this project. :)

So children, on this special day, here is a sneak peek at our latest storybook.


Stay tuned hokay. :)