Birth of Baby No.8

29.09.14. The birth of my angel number 8. The story of her birth was super fast. I had severe back pain on the 28.09.14 starting from around 6pm. I brought my husband to Miri City Medical Centre to have a check up, just in case I was in labor. The nurses checked me and I was 2-3 cm dilated so I went back home. i woke up at 4.50am to make breakfast and after Subuh prayer with hubby and the kids, at around 5.50am, i felt the steady contraction, coming at every 10 minutes. I quickly fold a basket of clothes, swept the floor and took a shower. I told my husband that it's time for the baby to come (I was 37 weeks pregnant on that day) and we went to the medical centre.
 I checked in at the medical centre and they did the Fetal ECG and waited for my ob/gyn to come. Dr Lee came at around 8.30am and he looked at the chart. He told me that he need to do amniotomy and when he did, he told me that the baby had defecated in the womb and we need to get the baby out in an hour or the baby will drown. I was 6 cm dilated at that moment and he asked the nurses to push me to the labor room and induce me. FYI, I was induced in all of my labor and I can tell you that the pain was super high but you can control the pain by relaxing and as a Muslim, I recite the zikir Al-Fatah and ate kurma / dates whenever the contraction came. Alhamdulillah, after doing these practice during labor no.7 and no.8, the pain was not that bad!
At 8.45am, they started to induce me and I started to feel the pain 10 minutes later and to my surprise, I was holding the urge to push the baby and I was grabbing the nurse's arm (she was the wife of my brother's friend) and she told me to wait for the doctor who was on his way. At that time,  I was pushing the baby, and she was half way through and the doctor managed to catch her torso and bottom. Alhamdulillah, at 9.03am, Daisha Bazriqa was born at 37 weeks, 2.8kg, and her father azan and iqamat her.

My husband and doctor were amazed by the labor process and the doctor even joked that he is looking forward for baby no.9! Masya Allah!
I was discharged the next day and so, our journey continues with baby no.8 on board. May Allah bless my family. Aamiin.

Post Birthday Celebration

Assalamualaikum and a very good day to all readers. I've celebrated my 32nd birthday last 17th October. It was my 19th day of confinement on that day but I still wanted to celebrate my birthday with my children. My sister in law bought me a Chanel's handbag cake and she made mac and cheese, while I made Chocolate Coated Oreo, Cheesy French Loaves and Savory Muffins and Butter cookies. My aunt brought Nasi Daging and Mixed Veges.
Enjoy the photos!

Confinement Diva Style!

My new baby, Daria Basyarah is 6 weeks plus today (born on the 15th May 2013). Alhamdulillah. I don't use the Malay style of confinement, where their time of confinement takes 44 days to 60 days. My mom is a Chinese (but her mom is a Bidayuh) so I use the Chinese confinement duration of 30 days.

I will list all the items that I use during my confinement days, that will guarantee you the satisfaction and benefits for your health and beauty. But it also needs discipline and also, with Allah's will (Insya Allah). 

1. Sendayu Tinggi Amme 60's Days set and Pati Haruan

I've been using this product since my 3rd baby, Darwisyah, that was during 2007. It's the best confinement product that takes care inner and outer of a postnatal woman. They've been upgrading their product this year and it is so much easier to use and I can guarantee you the best result! I warn you, even you're husband would be tempted to 'touch' you. Hehehe... It costs around RM430+- for one set (can't remember the exact price) and you have to buy the Pati Haruan together which cost around RM30+-. When you drink the Pati Haruan, you can feel your uterus contacts strongly, to fasten the process of shrinking. Bear in mind that a woman's original uterus is the size of a fist and during our pregnancy, the uterus grows bigger and bigger to accomodate our baby. Breastfeeding really helps a lot to shrink the uterus faster and it also shortens the length of time of our postnatal bleeding.

2. GNC Fenugreek

Fenugreek is widely known to boost breast milk and I've been consuming since my 5th baby. Before that, I always struggle to keep my milk supply adequate but now, by taking fenugreek regularly (3 in the morning and 3 at night), milk supply is always more than enough! Alhamdulillah! But always remember that the key of successful feeding is breastfeeding on demand and regularly, You cannot simply rely on supplement alone.

3. GNC Women's Ultra Mega

This is a supplement especially made to cater women's nutrients need. It is boost with calcium advance formula that is very important for someone like me who keeps on losing of calcium, which I lose during the continuos process of pregnancy and breastfeeding (10 years of marriage with 7 babies, do the math!).

4. Kacangma (Motherwort)

This is the Chinese's postnatal herbs. It is used to get rid of winds and helps us to get rid of excess water  that accumulate during pregnancy too. The way to cook is by frying the leaves without and oil until it is  dry enough. Sieve the leaves to get rid of the hard parts. Cut of chicken pieces, blend lots of ginger and mix it with the kacangma. Steam the chicken, kacangma and ginger until it's cook. Add in a little bit of water to make enough broth out of it. The broth tastes so nice and refreshing. Do not add in any flavoring! The Chinese usually adds in Chinese wine to warm the postnatal women. But I'm a Muslim and alcohol is prohibited in Islam but the ginger is enough to warm up my body.

This photo is taken from Google search

5. Bath herb

These bath herb consists of different kinds of dried leaves. If you have any of these leaves in your backyards, you may dry it and use it to boil your bath herb. The leaves are daun sembung (Blumea balsamifera), serai wangi, daun pandan, daun limau purut. Just boil it in a large pot and mix it with cold water just to make it lukewarm, to make a very refreshing bath for you. I always hear that a postnatal woman cannot wash their hair but in Islam, hygiene is very important. I always wash my self including my hair whenever I feel sticky or not comfortable. Then I blow dry my hair with hair dryer and continue to cover my head like other woman in confinement days. No problem!

6. Bengkung / corset

I use this after I spread Sendayu Tinggi's Tummy Tone (tapal in Malay) on my stomach. I use Sendayu Tinggi's bengkung which cost RM30++ after discount. After 2 weeks, I use the normal corset (Audrey's brand) which is far more easier. 

7. Head cover, socks, cardigan/jacket

These are essential garment to be worn during the whole confinement days to keep our body warm.

8. Lactating milk, plain water

I drink Anmum Lacta to produce quality breast milk for my baby besides supplementing me with enough nutrient. Plain water is also important to keep me hydrated.

9. Spirulina, chorella, fish oil

These are also essential supplements to supplement my baby and I with enough nutrient. In fact, if you take Chorella regularly during pregnancy, you will have the cleanest and most nutritional breast milk for your baby! Try it and you will see it yourself! I take Elken's Spirullina,  Cosway's Chorella and any brand of Fish Oil.

10. Enough rest

I cook, I clean the house, I do the laundry, I take care of my 7 children during my confinement days but I always make sure to take enough rest to restore my energy. 

11. Massage

I've known a very soft spoken, kind middle age lady that's been introduced by my late mum since baby no.2. I've been calling her every time I need a massage and during my confinement days, she will massage me 3 times, during the 7th days, 14th day and the 30th day. Every time I went for my postnatal check up with my gynae, Dr Lee at MCMC, he always praised the condition of my uterus which looks brand new as if there were no kind of pregnancy before. Alhamdulillah. Maybe that makes me very productive.


Everybody have their own way of confinement but this is what I've been doing for all my confinement times. Let me share you a story during my labor of baby Daria, my 7th baby. I went to Miri City Medical Centre at 8pm, after feeling very painful for the whole day. The nurses asked me to fill in the form but before that, they asked me, whether this was my first pregnancy. When I said that this is my 7th child, they quickly rushed to do everything to make sure that I don't end up giving birth over the nurse's counter. They said that usually women with many children will give birth very easily. After laying on the bed in the ward (not yet on labor), one of the nurses asked me,"Kak (sis), everybody out there asked me to ask you what's your secret to maintain looking young and fit, despite heavily pregnant with baby no.7". I answered, "Taking care of yourself during confinement is very crucial or you will look very old before your age if you didn't do it the right way".

I even go out with my family 2 weeks after delivering my baby, and lots of people condemn me for going out during my confinement days but I know my own body and I know how to take care of myself. Insya Allah. So dear readers, this is only a guideline for you. You may follow it exactly the way I do it or adapt it to your own confinement styles.

5 weeks after delivering baby Daria

My Hijrah (Hijab) Story

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Alhamdulillah, it's been a week since the first day I fully wear hijab every time I go out. What's the story behind it? Everybody knows that in Islam, the women needs to cover their aurat; everything except the face and palm. My mom is a Chinese and she converted to Islam when she married my father. Our background is not that religious but both of my parents especially my mom tried her very best to instil us with Islam. Thus, covering our hair and head was not compulsory in our family, though it is in Islam.
I wear the hijab during my 5 years of secondary school at Kolej tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang. And I continued to wear it during my 3 years studying Computer Science (Multimedia) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala, Kuala Lumpur campus. That's about it. When I go out, I didn't wear it. Many Muslim girls were like that during that time.
I married my husband as soon as I graduated with my Diploma and I still remember my conversation with my husband when I asked him to stop smoking. He said he will stop but he wanted me to wear the hijab. I told him, I will wear it when I turn to 30 years old. At that time, I was 21 years old. I don't wear short skirt or short pants outside, it's just that I don't cover my head. Until...
Last week, on Saturday, 15th June 2013, I just finished my confinement days after giving birth to my 7th baby. My husband was sleeping after finished packing his stuff. He was going to Johore for Operasi Kastam. He was going for two weeks. I was very worried about his safety because he needs to deal with smuggling and things. I watched him while he was sleeping. He changed earlier this year where he loves to listen to religious talk in the radio, he wants us to pray the 5 prayers in congregation (jemaah). When I told him about the virtues in pregnancy in Islam, he replied, "It's even better if you wear a hijab." I just brushed him off and he didn't bring up the hijab matter again.
So, as I lay down and nursing baby Daria, I kept on watching my husband's face. He seems so peaceful  and aging gracefully (he's 10 years older than me). I felt so much in love with him, and I can feel the love empowering me, just by watching him sleeping. I remembered listening to one of the ustaz (can;t remember which ustaz) giving talk in the tv saying,"Whenever you felt like you are out of love or started to hate your spouse, try watch their face while they are sleeping. If you feel nothing, you TRULY don't have any love feeling towards them anymore. But if you feel something, THAT is TRUE LOVE".
I talk to myself. What have I done wrong to my husband? What can I do to show my love to him? Suddenly, out of nowhere, I remember about something that i read from my friend's Facebook's status, It clearly stated about husbands have to carry their wives sins including not covering the aurat because as soon as a Muslim man and woman gets married, the man is responsible to guide his wife and children according to the Islam's way of life and teaching.

SOURCE: http://www.onislam.net/english/ask-the-scholar/family/marital-relationships/169627.html
A man’s responsibility for taking care of his family is a comprehensive one. Hence, the husband is responsible for his wife's and children's negligence of their religious duties towards Almighty Allah. The Muslim man must be staunch in making his family stick to Allah's teachings in every aspect of their lives. 

Responding to your question, Dr. Husam al-Din Ibn Musa `Afana, professor of the Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence at the University of Jerusalem, states the following: 

“The Muslim man's responsibility for his wife and children is a huge one. In fact, a man's responsibility in that regard starts before marriage. When it comes to marriage, a Muslim man should be keen on choosing a religious and moral woman to marry. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said:"A woman can be married for four things, i.e., her wealth, her beauty, her family status, and her religion. You should marry the religious ones; otherwise, you will be losers." (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.) 

Unfortunately, on taking the decision of marriage, many youths pay no attention to the religious aspect of their would-be wives. Instead, they place great importance on the wife’s beauty, family status, career and the like. Only a small number of Muslims care about choosing religious wives and this, in fact, is a great blessing Allah bestows on them. 

Hence, Muslim men should be keen on choosing religious wives. This does not mean they are to disregard the other aspects such as beauty and social status. These other aspects are also to be taken into account, but not at the expense of the religious one. 

By choosing their wives on a religious basis, men will guarantee that their children will be brought up to be good and religious persons. 

This proves that the responsibility of men towards their wives and children is a great one. Allah Almighty says: “O ye who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commandeth them, but do that which they are commanded.”(At-Tahrim: 6) 

According to this verse, men are ordered to protect themselves and their families from the Hellfire. They are to do so by ordering them to abide by the teachings of Islam in all respects of their lives. Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Obey Allah and ward yourselves by not committing the sins He has forbidden. Order your children to stick to the orders of Islam and avoid its prohibitions; this will ward them from the Hellfire.” 

Based on this, husbands are to enjoin their wives to dress according to the teachings of Islam. If husbands did not do so, they would be sinful; and if they did, but their wives did not observe this, it would be the wives who would be sinful. The wives then would be regarded as disobedient to Allah’s orders and disobedient to their husbands, for women’s wearing lawful clothes (on going outside their homes) is a religious obligation like prayer and fasting. Allah Almighty says: “O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close round them (when they go abroad)...” (Al-Ahzab: 59). 

Men are equally responsible for guiding their children. Muslim fathers are to bring up their children to be true Muslims. They should inculcate in them how to abide by the teachings of Islam, especially regarding prayer, fasting, and good morals. Allah Almighty says: “And enjoin upon thy people worship, and be constant therein.” (Taha: 132). 

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Order your children to perform prayer when they are seven years old, and beat them if they have not adhered to observing it when they become ten.” (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi.) 

Hence, fathers have to teach their children, males and females, the rulings of prayer. To encourage their children further in this respect, fathers can take their sons with them to Mosques when they reach seven, so that they get used to observing the congregational prayer. Likewise, fathers should train their children to perform fasting. This will make it easy for children to observe the acts of worship and obedience when they become legally responsible for them. 

If fathers neglect inculcating such teachings in their children from the beginning, it will be difficult for them to reform this when their children grow up. 

Therefore, fathers should realize how responsible they are towards their families. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in that regard: “A man is the guardian of his family and is responsible for them, and a woman is the guardian of her husband's house and is responsible for it…” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.) 

Based on the above, if fathers neglected their duties towards their families in that respect, it would be as if they were throwing their families in the Fire, for they were not keen on protecting them from that end as Allah Almighty ordered them.” 

I istighfar and I quickly grabbed my Z10 (mother's day gift from hubby) and googled more about the aurat, husband and wife's responsibility. I even found one website posting about hadith for women:

SOURCE:http://www.sydneymuslimyouth.com/smyforum/showthread.php?6590-Hadiths-for-Women

1) the women who dies when her husband is pleased with her shall enter Jannah. Observe how easily woman may enter Jannah.2) Prophet (s) said that a women engaged in her household duties attains the position of fighting in the path of Allah (jihad)!!!
3) Prophet mentioned, to assist your wives household chores will obtain for you reward of sadaqah. Look how much emphasis is stressed for the giving of comfort to ones wife. The shariah has made it easy for us to attain Jannah.4) Prophet said that women who regularly perform 5 daily salaah and observe there ramadhan, protects her modesty, obeying and fulfilling the wishes of her husband, will enter Jannah through whichever door she pleases. 
5) the prophet said Oh women, whenever one of you is impregnated by your husband who is pleased with you, u receive such reward, as one fasting in the path of Allah or remains awake during the night and when she begins labour then the inhabitants of the sky and earth pray for the coolness of her eyes i.e meaning comfort. When she gives birth, then not even one drop of her milk is discharged nor is the child suckled once from her breast but for every drop or suckle she is rewarded, and because of the child she has to stay up at night she gets rewarede for fereeing 70 slaves in the path of Allah.6) for women hajj is there jihad. 
7) after finishing breastfeeding her child angels congratulate you on your shoulders and all your previous sins are forgiven.


After that, I googled for online hijab store and I was surprised to see so many types of hijab. Some are according to the syariah and some are not. I promised myself to cover my aurat according to syariah and I don't want to take things for granted. I stop doing research at 2am.
After my husband went to the airport to fly to Johore, I perform the Subuh prayer and I pray to Allah to ease my way to my hijrah. I was still having doubt because I felt that I was going to wear the hijab because of my husband, and not because of Allah. I google about those things to but I succeed to kill those doubts after reading this words by somebody; it's okay to do things that are compulsory in Islam by force because sooner or later you will do it sincerely. I felt so light after reading that because I was 100% sure that I was given guidance (hidayah) by Allah.
I waited for my sister in law to wake up because I remember that she had a friend who has a shop selling muslimah attires. My sister in law was the first person who knew about my intention to wear hijab and she was so happy and agreed to go with me to her friend's shop. Before that, I called my husband. He just arrived at Kuala Lumpur before going to Johore at 4pm. I wanted to tell him on the phone but tears was streaming from my eyes. I didn't know why I felt so emotional and I told him that I have something important to tell him but I coudn't do it by the phone. I texted him. He was very encouraging. I told him that I have to buy hijabs and proper attires and that means that I need to do some serious shopping, and it might not be cheap because literally, I have to buy new wardrobe. My husband tells me that he's ok with it as long as I go on with my hijrah intention.
After lunch, my SIL and I, together with our children (9 of them - 7 from me), went to the shop at Piasau. The shop's name is Le'mari Collection. The owner is my SIL's schoolmate. She's very friendly and helpful and I straight away tell her about my story and she quickly suggests this and that. To cut the story short, I bought 5 hijabs, 5 long sleeves with buttons blouses (easy for me to nurse baby Daria) and one lycra denim skirt. I even bought 3 hijabs for my daughters. All in all, after discount, I paid RM430+-. It is definitely worth it and at that time, I managed to turn off syaitan's sedition, where at one point, I was having doubts about the choice of the blouses. After getting into the car, I felt a very huge relief and I know that I'm doing the right choice. Alhamdulillah.

I have a few advice to my sisters in Islam out there. I know I'm not an ustazah to do this kind of preaching, and it's only been a week since my first hijrah with hijab. But as a Muslim, we need to keep on reminding each other. For those of you who haven't cover their aurat, do the self muhasabah. If you feel like it's not the time, try to do research and some soul searching. Think about your husband and for those who are not married yet, think about your father because he is responsible on your aurat. I don't judge you for not wearing the hijab because I myself just wear it but I feel so grateful that my husband gets to see me wearing the hijab, showing that he is not burden with my sin for not covering my aurat. My love to my husband is priceless and I want to do anything that is parallel to Islam, in order to become a good Muslim wife, who Insya Allah, will become my husband's angel in Jannah. Amin.
Don't wait until your loved ones (husband or father) died because at that time, it will be too late for them and they have to answer Allah the almighty on their wives and daughters wrongdoing, and yes, that includes not covering the aurat.
Thank you ya Allah, for guiding me and giving me the chance to improve myself before it's too late. And thank you so much my dearest husband, for being the best husband that a woman can ask for. I love you so much with all my heart. May Allah bless our family and never stop guiding us. Amin.

Baby no.7

This is my 7th pregnancy (suppose to be my eighth pregnancy because I had a miscarriage with baby no.2) but I have a very funny story related to this newest addition of my brood.
My first day of period on September was on the 26th. It was heavy because I'm still breastfeeding Desheya and it stopped after 6 days. But a day later, I notice some spotting, which is brownish in color. It doesn't have any smell and I assumed that it was due to my breastfeeding hormone. It continued for a week.

So, after 2 weeks of the first day of my period, I started to feel lightheaded, dizzy and nausea. I blamed it on my blood pressure because when I checked my BP using the Guardian's blood pressure monitor, it reads 103/75. Then, I started to feel the urge to go to the toilet to pee almost every time and it is accompanied by pain at the lower abdomen! I was so scared that I started to think that I'm having either diabetes or kidney problem! I googled every where and I feel so devastated. Finally, on my birthday (17th October 2012), that is about 3 weeks after my first day of period, I told my husband about my situation and guess what? He calmly replied,"Maybe you're pregnant." I denied it because it wasn't impossible because of my current period situation. Regardless of my denial, I went and do the home pregnancy test and it turned out to be positive not even a minute after doing it! I was so shocked! I told my husband and he laughed.

At that time, I was thinking how impossible it is even though I've read about other women who continued to have their period even though they're pregnant. I was assuming myself to be at least a month or less pregnant when suddenly last Monday morning (28th October), my pantyliner was soaked with tea colored blood. I was afraid that I might miscarriage the baby and I quickly went to see my ob/gyn. I told him everything and he said he need to scan the baby first to make sure if I am actually pregnant. Up to that time, I 've done another 2 pregnancy test and it makes 3 of them and all of them are positive.

So, after applying the gel, my ob/gyn, Dr Lee from Dr JL Lee Women Specialist Clinic at MCMC started to scan and guess what? We had the surprise of our lives when the baby turn out to have heartbeat and it is very strong! When he measured the baby, it is 7 weeks and 6 days into gestation weeks. My jaw dropped and I said this couldn't be happening and Dr Lee said,"How can you tell this is not happening when you can see the baby's heartbeat blinking strong on the screen?". He gave me injection to prevent miscarriage and my husband and I was so happy with this newest addition to our brood.

And so my fellow reader, up til today, I feel so silly for not being able to realize about myself being pregnant. I noticed that I've gained some weight but I blamed it on Hari Raya celebration. Hahaha.. Thinking about this story, I can still feel the shock of knowing how far along pregnant I actually am! By the way, my EDD is on the 11 June 2013. Hopefully everything goes well, Insya Allah. Amin.

My confinement for the 6th time!

On the 23rd of November 2011, at 7.32pm, I gave birth to my 6th baby, Desheya Bisharah Binti Buna, a beautiful baby girl at 2.7kg. She was born at 36 weeks 6 days gestation week and that made her categorized under borderline preemie. My husband picked the name for her (I picked for the other 5) and her name meant Desheya: good day, Bisharah: a female narrator of Hadith.
I was 1 cm dilated when I checked with my doctor that day and he suggested me to induce labor because he knows that I don't have anybody to help me at home with the kids (he delivered all of my children except for my first born Dayana) and the baby is in a good size for her gestation age. I agreed and after 5 hours, I gave birth to Desheya, and without fail for the 6th time too, my loving husband was beside me at the whole time.
I exclusively breastfed Desheya until now, and will breastfeed her til she's 2 years old or until my breastmilk runs out - which is usually the case every time I'm pregnant with the next baby. Tomorrow is my last day of confinement, which is the 30th day! Hooray! It's not that I'm really in confinement. I don't have anybody to help me and my husband only took 1 week off. My sister help me for 4 days and my brother help me in the morning for the first week only because his wife also gave birth to a baby boy, 2 weeks before me. I was on my own. I cook, I clean, I wash, I do every housework that I usually do and still have to care for all 6 of my children.
So, I have to take extra initiative to help myself regain energy and health during my confinement days, as I have to care for myself. I eat chicken cook with kacang ma (motherwort) herb for 14 days straight to warm me up from the inside and I took Sendayu Tinggi's Amme 60 Days pills. I also take GNC's fenugreek supplement to boost my breast milk production. I used the traditional corset / bengkung to warm my stomach and I asked my regular tukang urut / massager to massage me on the 7th day and 30th day.
I bathe with 7 types of traditional jungle products (leaves and branches) which my brother bought from the open air market at Miri for 20 days. I only remember some of the names of the leaves; daun serai wangi, tepus meroyan, daun sembung. The leaves have to boil first before the water can be use for bath. After 2 weeks, I started to exercise a little bit and now, after 30 days, I lost 6 kg. I gain 9 kg during my pregnancy, so I need to lose another 3 kg (but my target is another 5 kg).

Bath herbs

Sendayu Tinggi's confinement set

I sleep with socks and for the first 2 weeks, I cover my head with a head gear and use long sleeves or jacket to cover my body from cold air that is not good for women after child birth. I'm looking forward to my post natal check up on the 5th of January so that I can proceed to make baby number 7! Hahaha.. Just kidding. But if Allah gives me another baby, I will accept it with open heart and open arms! :)
So, for those mums out there who don't have anyone to help during your confinement days, don't worry! Always wake up with positive attitude and energy and you wouldn't feel helpless and always remember to take herbs and take care of yourselves in order for you to take care of your family.

In Memories of Beloved Grandma (December 1928 - August 2011)

My beloved grandma (my mum's mother) had just passed away at around 1.30pm today at Serian Hospital, Kuching because of old age illness. Her name is Margaret Burak anak Likin. She's a Bidayuh Bukar Sadong and she's a Christian. We never see religion as an obstacle in our family relationship and in fact, we are very close to each other. Every week, we will chat on the phone and every Chinese New Year (her husband who is my grandpa, is a Chinese) or Hari Gawai, we will go back to Tebakang, Serian to visit her.

She doesn't like her photo to be taken

She'svery lovable and understanding grandma. She's very active, doing all sort of things including the common activity of the Bidayuh highlanders like harvesting hill paddy, harvesting black pepper and others. She doesn't have any illness due to her healthy lifestyle and eating. She had gone through a very hard life during her younger days because her husband died when my mom was about 5 or 6 years old. She had to raise 4 children by herself, by doing other people's laundry, rubber tapping, cooking for dormitory school and she even suffered during the Japanese war.

With her great grandchildren, my children

My grandma is so full of life and she shared so many stories to me. She loves us purely and unconditionally, never thinking about our different religion. She always remind me to take care of myself in order to be able to care for my children. Among my children, she loves Danish (my second child) the most because she can't forget how thin and small Danish was when he was a toddler. She thought Danish was constantly sick that resulted the thin features but when I explained to her that Danish is a very healthy boy but not with a big appetite, she was very relieved and every time she saw Danish, she will force him to eat and eat. But now, growing up, Danish has a really big appetite! Alhamdulillah.
I pray that her soul will rest in peace. I love you so much, my dearest grandma. Your advices, your guidance and our memories will always be kept in my heart.

Disgusting Old Town Kopitiam Miri

It's beens a few weeks since Old Town Kopitiam first open its business here in Miri I was quite excited as to have a new established franchise in my beloved city, Miri. So, yesterday, after picking up hubby from work, we went to Oldtown. We chose to sit indoor because there were many people smoking at the outdoor side. There were about 4 empty tables left and the other customers on the other tables had already eaten their meal. I was thinking that we won't have to wait for long for the food but my thoughts were wrong.

The first thing that I noticed as soon as we sit at our table was there were so many flies and even mosquitoes! How can this be because we were eating inside not outside of Boulevard Shopping Complex building! I mentioned it to one of the waitress and she simply acknowledged and answered that they don't know what to do about the flies. I asked them why don't they use the electric insect trap but she just shrugged her shoulders. Then, the second thing that I notice was a strand of hair inside the bamboo steamer of my hubby's steamed bread. The third thing was how they leave cooked meal unattended on the counter at the back, waiting to be served by the waiters and waitresses. Nobody cares about the unattended meals even though every time a meal was ready, the cook will ring the bell. And guess what? The last thing that pissed me off was having to wait for our order for more than half an hour! I constantly have to urge the waitress to go and check for our food and the answer was always,"Wait for a second". I was so angry waiting for my daughter's Nasi Lemak for 40 minutes that I followed the waitress to the cook and I asked the cook about the nasi lemak.

He told me to wait for another 5 minutes and I asked them to just cancelled the order. Suddenly the cook said,"Ah, here's the nasi lemak. It's done!". What kind of bullshit are they playing with the customers. If it's not for my daughter, I would surely just leave the nasi lemak and refuse to pay it.

A strand of hair on the bamboo steamer

While waiting for the meal, I tried to asked the help from the supervisor but he looks like he's blur about everything and he just call any waiter or waitress to attend me. I wonder how he can fill the post as a supervisor. Besides that, whenever the waitress sent the wrong order to any table, they themselves will look angrily at the customer even though we said it nicely that the food are wrong. I don't know what their problem. If they can't handle serving people, they might as well try to find other job that doesn't require them to serve people! Such low mentalities doesn't deserve working at an established franchise!

One of the flies

At last, I bought fish burger at Sugarbun to cure my disappointment. I don't know what else to say about Oldtown but the management should look further and take this matter seriously before they have any problems concerning to customers's health (the flies and the unattended meal) and I hope that Majlis Bandaraya Miri will have a look at the premise's cleanliness.

Immoral attitude!

Yesterday, we went to Bintang Megamall to buy some toys for the kids. After finish shopping at Toys'R Us, I told my hubby that I needed to go to the toilet at level 3, Parkson. As I was checking out which toilet that I want to us, I was surprised to see a used diaper was being left on the floor next to a squatting toilet bowl! If I'm not mistaken, it is a Mami Poko Pull Up Diaper Disney version and it is quite pricey. Judging from that, the diaper must have been left by someone who is quite rich because the price of that brand of diaper is not reasonable for ordinary people like me. In my opinion, this case shouldn't be happening because rich people have some kind of high mentality. Or maybe the helper (amah) done it. But still, it is not appropriate and very much disgusting. Never in my entire life of being a mom had done that kind of thing. If worse come to the worse, I would simply put used diaper in a plastic bag and try to find the nearest dustbin or I just dispose it at home.

While I was washing my hand, there were several Parkson staffs gossiping about the diaper. It seems like they also have the very same opinion with me about that immoral attitude. A few minutes later, a cleaner came in and the staffs told her about the diaper and even the cleaner was mumbling about her dissatisfaction about that kind of bad behavior. It's not that there's no dustbin inside the toilet!

So, moral of the story, everything you do reflects on what kind of parent you are. If you want to be a good role model to your kids and even to your society, THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!

My day on Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day. My hubby went to KL for a short course. 2 night only. So, there's no celebration going on for us. Danish (5 years old) gave me a very simple card which his teacher gave them at kindergarten and asked them to color it and give it to their mother, with a "Ma Ma, Wo Ai Ni" written on it. My hubby sent me an SMS to me early this morning, and also giving me a warm snugly hug on the bed, also this morning, wishing me Happy Mother's Day and telling me that he loves me. Oh so romantic.
And as for the rest of the kids, they sang Happy Mother's Day to the tune of Happy Birthday song and I made Mee Daddy (instant noodle) for our dinner and they were very happy with it. I couldn't ask more for Mother's day because being a mother to these lovely children is already a blessing to me and seeing them growing up happily and contently with love is the greatest gift all.

The reason for me celebrating Mother's day

To all mother's in the world, Happy Mother's Day! No matter how you celebrate it with your loved ones, enjoy your special day and nothing can beat a mother's love!

Crispy Popia Seaweed

 I was so excited when I first got this recipe from my sister's ex-boyfriends cousin who is also the girlfrined of my friend's brother. I bought this popia seaweed that was made by her mom at Pesta Tanjong and I asked the recipe from her. I bought the roasted Yaki Nori (seaweed) from E-mart supermarket and the yako nori had been seasoned so I decided not to season the popia seaweed after I finished frying it.

                                           Crispy Popia Seaweed


Kulit popia/ spring roll 
1 egg - beaten
Yaki Tori (seaweed, any brand that you want)
Perencah nasi goreng cina Seri Aji 
Oil for frying

Yaki Nori

1. Heat oil in wok. You need to reach the right temperature in order to minimize the oil absorption. If you have a kitchen thermometer (I don't have any but decided to look for one), it's best to reach 350 degrees fahrenheit so that the popia seaweed won't turn up to be too oily.

Finished assembling

1. Lay down a piece of kulit popia then brush it with egg using a pastry brush.
2. Line up the sea weed or Yaki Nori, depending how you want it to be. In my case, I just pur the whole seaweed on top of the kulit popia. Then, brush it with egg.
3. Cover it with another piece of kulit popia.
4. Cut it in any shape you want.
5. Fry it in batches, depending on how big is your wok. Don't over crowd the wok or your popia won't get crispy! And this is also a reason why the popia becomes too oily. Patience is very much needed here. Drain the oil on the popia using a high quality kitchen paper/tissue or a wire rack.

Frying process

6. After finished, put the popia seaweed inside a container and pour the content of perencah nasi goreng cina Seri Aji, TO TASTE. Don't over pour or it will turn out to be too salty. Close the container and give it a nice shake.
7. Enjoy!

Crispy popia seaweed

Tips to avoid oily popia seaweed:


1. Always make sure the oil are hot enough or if you have a kitchen thermometer, it must reach 350 degrees fahrenheit.
2. Every time you finished taking out the batches of popia, you have to wait for a while before putting in the next batch because the temperature of the oil had lower down after each frying. 
3. The best thing to use to drain the oil is wire rack. If not, you can also use high quality kitchen paper/tissue.


Any inquiries, leave a comment or e-mail me.

              

E-Mart Market

I went to E-Mart Market yesterday right after fetching Dayana from school. I went there to look for bunga kantan or torch ginger because I was thinking of making the ever famous nasi kerabu today. It's my first attempt of making it and I hope I can nail it. Back to the story. So, I brought baby Darwish along because he's very clingy, besides he needs the breasts. Hehehe..

My groceries

After parking, I immediately took the trolley and went inside the supermarket at first to buy some cat's foods for my father's cat. Although I'm not a cat fan, I pity my father for caring too much on the cats. I can understand his loneliness after my mum passed away almost 5 years back due to cervical cancer and the cats are always there with him whenever h's outside either gardening or just taking fresh air. I also bought Yaki Tori (seaweed) and kulit popia or spring roll to make the crispy popia seaweed and some groceries for the kitchen. E-Mart gave me 10 KFC saving coupons because for every RM20 you spent, you will get 2 KFC coupons.

Outside E-mart market

After paying at the counter, we went outside where the wet and vegetables market are sold. I bought some vegetables like midin, paku pakis, bunga kantan, long beans, kaffir limes, petai (hubby's favorite), bananas and others. I bought the long beans from a girl aged 8 to 9 years old. She's pretty, fair skin and very thin. When she smiles, her teeth were all stain like it hadn't been brushed for a long time. I asked her if she skip school today but she answered shyly that she never went to school. I asked her if the stall was her mom's but she answered she worked there for other people. I really pitied her. I was wondering where was her mom at that time but I don't want to ask too many question for fearing of discomforting her or even worse, hurting her feelings.

The mom with the trolley baby

I walked further more when suddenly I heard baby screaming. I was searching for the baby, and there she was, inside a shopping trolley, waiting for her mom who was one of the vegetable sellers, making milk for her. And there in front of me, a mom also one of the sellers, was swinging her baby to sleep inside a baby's swing or as it is known in Sarawak as uyut. I admire these moms because even though they are busy selling vegetables in order to get some money for their family, they still bring their child and attend the children's need and not abandon them or relying to other people's help to take care of their children. Maybe they don't have extra money to send the children to a proper place like nursery, but from there you can see how much they love their children because they can make the impossible (taking care of a child in a place with limited facilities is a big challenge) to possible.

Noble but very rare to find nowadays

My heart goes out to all the babies in world who had been abandoned by their heartless moms and I hope that Allah will punish them greatly just like what they had done cruelly on their babies and I also hope that Allah will bless all the moms and dads of course, who had taken good care and love their children unconditionally.

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Tease

Malaysia is a little bit out of date when it comes to imported goods. This perfume was launched July last year at the United States but just came to Malaysia early this year. I stumbled upon this perfume at KLIA, on the way back to Miri. My oh my... The smell is sexy, flirty and makes me feel so womanly. This is only my opinion, maybe some of you out there may don't like the scent.

Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir Tease

I was intrigued by the old style of the spray dispenser - pump atomizers and it made me feel like I'm in a film with Audrey Hepburn, every time I spray the perfume on myself. I was so crazy with the perfume that I spray it on me after every bath, just a little bit because it is quite expensive. At first, my hubby doesn't want to buy the perfume for me, but being such a loving and doting husband, he gave me RM200 to but it. Woohoo... Thanks, Amor.

Sexy Little Things

It only comes in one size of bottle that is 50 ml which cost RM177! Before this, I use Chanel Chance but to me, Victoria's Secrest Sexy Little Things Noir Tease is still the best scent that I've ever smell, apart from my baby's scent.  The bottle is very sexy and attractive.

Best of all was when my third daughter, Darwisyah aged 4, complimented me by saying,"Hmm.. mummy, you smell so good!" when I gave her bath and of course, while wearing the perfume. Never in her whole life compliment the scent of my perfumes! Talking about how nice must the perfume smells! Ladies, try it!

The bottle with pump atomizer 

The sexy bottle

(Again, I'm not paid or rewarded in any kind by giving this review although I do hope I can get something.)

Celebrating Women!

After delivering 5 beautiful children in a row, I have been filling forms for various Mum's Club especially the ones from the milk brands such as Anmum, Friso, Dutch Lady and others. Today, I received an e-mail from Anmum Club Malaysia about tomorrow's special celebration that is celebrated all over the world every year on the 8th March, International Women's Day. I would love to share with all women who read my blog (and also to men so that they can have some ideas about how to celebrate this special day) and let us celebrate all the women in our lives including ourselves!

SOURCE: www.anmum.com.my

International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8 in many countries around the world to recognize women for their strength, achievements, leadership and contribution. 

Take a few minutes to look at your own life experiences and review the influence women have had in your life. Thank the women who have contributed to your life in meaningful ways. 

There are women in your home, your office and your life who will appreciate being noticed on this day. Let them know how much you appreciate them. 

Here are some suggestions on what you could do for all the important women in your life;

Your Mum Celebrate your mum's struggles, patience and unconditional love as woman and a mother. Invite her out for a dinner and present her with a bouquet of flowers to show your appreciation for moulding you into the wonderful woman you are today. Your Grandmother Take time off from your busy schedule and spend a day with your grandmother. Thank her for all she has done and commend her for making it through her tough times as a woman in her time. Perhaps cook her a nice meal and watch a film focused on international women's rights issues with her.   Your Colleague Present her with small gifts, chocolates, greeting cards and a lot of positive compliments for being your strength at the workplace when you needed encouragement and also for her achievements.

Your Sister This is a perfect day to celebrate her wisdom, beauty and love and for always being there for you when you needed a listening ear. Perhaps you can make a charitable donation in her name and even surprise her with a card that depicts what a wonderful woman she is.

Your Friends Organize a party for your friends at your home to celebrate the friendship and thank them for always being there for you through good and bad times. And also to celebrate the successful women they are today! Shower them with attention, presents, admiration and praise.

Your strength during your pregnancy And don’t forget to send a thank you card and a rose to all those lovely ladies who were your strength and guide throughout your pregnancy! Yourself Treat yourself to all the things you so richly deserve! You’re a wonderful mother, friend, colleague, spouse and daughter! That itself is truly an achievement on its own. And, finally, Women's Day is a time to sing and celebrate what has been achieved. But it is also a time to reflect how you have really benefited from these great successes.