Vogue-U Potion - 2, 4 or 6???

May Peace Be With You……

Dear Vogue-u-ers, happy Tuesday morning.

Haha, Mak Pah is back to “blabber” again today. There is 1 scenario which really made me laughed and yet pissed off a bit too…. huhu…. Without further ado let me begin…… jeng jeng jeng.

Many weeks before, Mak Pah accompanied my hubby to revise his papers for his exams in a 24-hr KFC restaurant in JB. Well it’s a payback sort kind of thing….. (he used to accompany Mak Pah to revise my papers for exam as well many many years back in Changi Airport).

Obviously being in a 24-hr restaurant, you tend to see traffic of people coming for suppers on and off after midnight. Then at around 1 or 2 am, I started yawning due to boredom…..huhu. I asked hubby how long more and he claimed maybe another 1 hr or so…… OMG, then started blabbering to myself…. “We should have checked-in a hotel, so at least you continued your revision and I could solely be in dreamland…muahahahahaha”. My hubby remarked, “If you want to sleep, nah take the car key and sleep in the car”. I dared not sleep alone in the car even if he could still monitor me while doing the revision in the restaurant. So I just sat there and continued to play the hp games and surfed the internet.

Then I began to feel bored again!!!!! And in order to kill my boredom, I began scrutinizing the restaurant and analyzed the deco and other customers. There was a group of 4 guys in one corner busy eating. At the counter, there were 2 groups, an Indian couple and behind them a group of 3 Chinese ladies. As I was “admiring” the deco in the restaurant, then I noticed 1 of the Chinese ladies, went round the restaurant to look for a cosy corner for them to tuck in, while the other 2 ladies still at the counter ordering the food. Suddenly I noticed something very funny about the lady going round the so called “almost empty restaurant” and then stopped at a 2-seater table. She stood there a while and was contemplating on which table to sit. She went to another 2-seater table and took a chair and put it together with the 2-seater she finally chose. I was wondering, there were 3 of them and there were 4-seater tables and 6-seater tables available, and what the heck was she choosing the cramp 2-seater table to share with her other 2 friends???

True enough my hunch was correct, when her other 2 friends came and told her it’s cramp!!!! She stood up without putting back the chair she took from the other table and followed her friends to a 4-seater table adjacent to my table. And then the funny part was, it seemed she didn’t like the table and suggested to her friends to move to a 6-seater table instead. At this point of time I was about to laugh out loud, but refrained myself, when I saw her standing up looking for the chilly sauce bottle. She took a bottle and shook it like nobody’s business until the bottle cover popped up and fell to the floor and making the sound “pip pap pip pip pap pap pap” and rolled under their table. She didn’t bother to pick up the cover and just sat and poured the sauce over her plate. One of her friend knelt down under the table to pick up the cover instead. I couldn’t stand her attitude, knocked my forehead and blabbered “OMG, what a foolish and selfish person this is!!!!!”.

My hubby who was so engrossed at his revision looked up and asked “What is it now???? What do you want????”. Obviously I did not want to disturb his concentration and just told him nothing was wrong and that I was just blabbering to myself.

So to conclude my point here is that, sometimes we didn’t realize that our action and attitude in public can forecast what type of a person we reflect….. Yes, I agreed that it is not wrong being yourself, however there are certain etiquettes which we need to be aware of. We need to respect others and remember this world is shared by many others as well. There is no point being self-centered and rude. Life is so short and should be cherished till the end.

So luv yourself and respect others…… n stay vogue all the time…

VU Interval - Technorati

When VU try on Technorati
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The Geek Chic 101 [Get your power tool ready!]

Sappppppppppp.

Tak geek langsung main sap sap gini. T_T

Okay, firstly gotta apologize mannnn cos last week was really a hectic week and so is this week! By the time you're reading this, the Vogue-U clan is probably taking kawaii photos dengan kambing-kambing terchenta. Ok tak tau lah kenapa I have this love for kambengs. Gila kambing agaknya.

Our first lesson today, macam besaaaa. Kalau new students masuk class, of course you need to come equipped with all the textbooks and stationaries, etc kan? Okay. For now, you will only need one tool. [Masuk semester 2 nanti baru kita upgrade lah hok?]

Before I introduce to you my very favourite thing to have on my lappytoppy or can I say, it's a must have *ahem ahem* SILA JANGAN GUNA INTERNET EXPLORER DAN PEGI DOWNLOAD MOZILLA FIREFOX SEKARANG JUGAK.

Paksa okay. Paksa. Terpaksaaaaa. T_T

If you already angkat sumpah dengan firefox, give yourself a pat on the back. *clap clap*

If you're wondering what the hell is Mozilla Firefox, okay. Here's a quickie. Apart from the normal usual click on Internet Explorer icon on your desktop to open up a browser for the internet, there are also other options for it. Such as Firefox is one and there's Opera, there's Safari mainly for Mac users and there's also the new google chrome which I don't really "feel" it, unlike Firefox.


If you are still on IE, please, switch to MF. I won't tell you why but you will feel the difference why. Don't worry alright, it's just another browser that performs better. In fact, most websites nowadays are MF based. Make a switch right now okays? Get out of your comfort zone and get into a much comfier one. Trust me.

You can download the latest Mozilla Firefox here okays! :)
*Scroll down and you can click on a green download now - FREE button*

But, if you have really sworn upon IE, oklah you win. Saya tak akan paksa. Maafkan saya. T_T

The next thing that you need to have is a super-quick tool that helps you to enhance your photos for your blog! YES! Forget photoshop. Forget even windows image editor. That sucks, big time.

I have always dread editing photos using my photoshop. Plus, the super many icons to click is rather tedious. Even the loading of the programme is quite a wait. [Hello, I don't have all day!]

Thanks to ChicsinRed, she introduced me to Photoscape! :) [If you're already a photoscape user, give yourself a pat on the back, again!]

Photoscape is a free photo editing software that enhance your photos instantly within just a few clicks!

Download Photoscape here yawww!

You can have all kinds of super coolness frames,

Resize your images in a single click,


Crop your photos in whatever ways,


And even combine your photos like a pro!!!

NOW HOW COOLNESS IS THAT?

Seriously, there's more to it of course!! Gone are the days that you need to spend a few minutes on a photo for enhancement, what not to worry how your photo looks on your blog.
Now all you need is photoscape!!! YEHAA!!

Have it seated at one corner in your desktop, play around with it if you wish to and in my next entry, I will show you how to edit your photos like a pro. Worites? :)

Till then vogue-u-ers! Nak kirimsalam kambing tak? Hehehehe.

*Images credit to www.webappers.com & www.photoscape.org respectively

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MAMA MORALLE…….YILEK POCIK NO RECIPES :)

Hello hello vogue-u, this week mama moralle will not be posting any recipe or cooking tips ya…. mama sedang dalam dilemma yg teruk, worst than Tsunami, so mama tundakan all those recipes first and I hv decided to post an entry about COOKING WITH LOVE N PASSION in the kitchen, be it with your love ones, yr kids, or whoever u think fits to be in the kitchen with you, its yr kitchen, you decide……..am I right???

Sharing foods with the family or yr love ones is probably one of the most important parts of daily life. Food has always brought people together. Whether a family is getting together for any occasions, food do helps bring people together and has always been a source of comfort.

with family....

candlelight...

But, people yearn for those comforts. They feel glad and happy when other people cook for them. That is why we have the saying, "The road to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Showing your man you care and love by cooking his favorite meal and serving can bring you both closer as it can be a touching gesture he cannot miss. Not everyone can be good cooks but even an attempt to cook to express your love for the person can go a long way in expressing your feelings. It is said that though you may not be able to make the best dishes but the love you add to it can make it delicisous……...

Every meal can be made special with some care and attention it makes the recipient special and cared for. There is nothing like cooking a wonderful meal and laying it out with affection to impress your man. You can make him completely dependant on you to satisfy his tastes especially if he himself is ignorant in cooking. It can also be great fun to share some beautiful moments cooking together and discovering new dishes which you both can relish. In today's life where cooking food and serving can be time consuming for someone who has a busy schedule, taking time out to do it can go along way in showing that you care.


Since love itself cannot be pictured materially,we must continue to cook for one another. It is one of the ultimate creational actions that humans can do, and it truly shows when we care for each other.

*pics credit to google images*

HAPPY WKENDS and stay vogue-u in mama M’s Kitchen :)

La Dolce Vita : A peep into my vanity

Here's a little peep into my daily skincare regime.

I use the above products daily. My regime constitutes 6 steps instead of the basic 3 as I included a serum, either a whitening or a pore minimizing serum and a sunscreen. The whitening serum is to help even out my patchy skin tone and the pore minimising is to help control sebum production on my t-zone. I must say serums really do work with constant application. Choose one that adresses your skin problem and insyallah it'll work. Another one is the under eye cream or gel. This one is not in the pic cos I've run out of eye gel...belum beli lagi.

Why use a separate gel/cream for the eyes? Can use the moisturiser for the rest of your face kan? Actually no. Cos the facial moisturiser you use is too heavy/rich for the eye area and might cause small milia seeds to develop around the eyes. So best if you can get a separate eye gel/cream.

Tip for application....always use your ring finger to apply eye gel/cream. This is to prevent excessive pressure on eye area which can promote stretching of skin which leads to wrinkles.

The extras :

Other than the basic steps. It's also good to regularly exfoliate your skin. Choose a facial scrub with beads that are not too coarse. Be gentle while scrubbing/exfoliating. Tak payah lah genyeh muka tu dgn scrub tu. Hehe...nanti kulit dah mcm kena sand paper pulak. Hehe. Exfoliation should be done at least 2 to 3 times a week if you have a lot of blackheads or whiteheads. It also helps to get rid of dead skin which enables make up to be applied smoothly and ensures that it lasts longer. So take care of your skin sweeties!! 

After exfoliating, apply a mask for your skin needs. For those with oily skin, find a clay mask as it helps to purge all impurities from the pores and prevent blackheads. Other types of mask availables are whitening masks, hydrating maaks, anti-aging masks and so on. Choose one that adresses your skin problem and apply right after you exfoliate. Tip....do not let mask sit on face for more than the recommended time which is usually 5 to 10 mins if I'm not wrong. Most people are under the wrong impression that the longer the mask stays on your face, the better the treatment will be. Not true. After the recommended time, the mask will actually dry up further causing your skin to be squeezed under it. This actually promotes wrinkles to appear on your face. So remember...masks should not stay on your face longer than the recommended time. 

Okie dokie. That's all folks! Hopefully what I've shared will benefit some of you out there. Feel free to share any additional info with us here at Vogue-U. 

Ciao!

  

Food For Thought : Enjoy the simplest things as much as the luxuries. Do you? 

   

La Dolce Vita : Facial Skincare

It's all about taking care of your facial skin today so you can put your best face forward everyday. As we all know today, skincare products can burn quite a big hole in our pockets. The price range of such products can be as low as $2 or sky rocket to infinity as in the case of La Mer products. Cheap doesn't mean the product is bad for your skin and expensive doesn't mean it will do wonders either. Similarly what works for one person might not work for another. So keep trying the different brands until you hit a jackpot and never let go! But no matter what brand of facial product, one must know what to look out for in the products to benefit the skin and what to avoid for one's skin type.

1-2-3

The very basic of facial skincare is the 3 step routine I believe most have already established. It is very important to stick to the routine every time you cleanse your face.

1 - Cleanse

Ok this is the first thing everyone does each morning and at night. The type of facial cleanser used should be suitable for your skin type. Those with dry or matured skin would benefit from using a more creamy and rich cleanser as the cleanser needs to be gentle and not strip away all of the skin's moisture. For those with oily skin, avoid such rich creamy cleansers at all cost and go for gel cleansers instead. Combination and normal skin can use the normal facial cleansers.
A tip when testing out cleanser, if your skin feels tight and stretched after you wash your face, the cleanser is too strong for you. Try find something that's more moisturising for example a cleanser with aloe vera as one of its' ingredients.
Another tip, when washing your face squeeze out the cleanser onto your palms and lather into a slight bubble in your palms instead of your face. This will prevent extra stripping of moisture from your face. 

  

2 - Tone

This is an essential step that a lot of people tend to skip. Toning not only removes whatever dirt or make up that's not removed from the first step but also works as an astringent and serves to shrink pores. So again get a toner that's suitable for your skin. For people with oily skin, try and get a toner with alcohol in it as it helps to control the oil and sebum production. This is what is prescribed but it really depends on how oily your skin is. A really good toner I've found for oily skin is this witch hazel toner from Guardian. It is effective and yet alcohol free which is always good! Whereas those with combi/normal and dry skin should avoid toners with alcohol content. The alcohol is far too drying for these skin types and will strip too much natural oils away which makes the pores go into overdrive. This is partly why you find that your skin gets oily after a few hours....overstripping of the skin's natural oils. 

3-  Moisturise

Moisturise moisturise moisturise! Even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturise to restore the skin's balance. But do find a moisturiser that's suitable which means a gel based moisturiser is better for oily skin as it is lighter and not as rich. For dry skin, find a creamy moisturiser with shea butter or other enriching elements in it. Normal to combi skin would also do better with gel based moisturisers.
One tip is to try find a moisturiser with at least SPF 30 in it to protect our skin from premature sun aging. If not then get a separate sunscreen and apply BEFORE your moisturiser.

This should be the basics of skincare. The very basic before you add on any other steps such as a whitening / firming serum.  

My daily morning routine goes something like this - 

1 - cleanse with clarins foaming ceanser 

2 - tone with clarins alcohol free toner for combi skin

3 - slap on Clarins whitening/pore minimizing serum

4 - slap on biore/ZA sunscreen SPF 45 or is it 30?

5 - Moisturise with Clarins hydra care gel

What does yours look like? Do share any great products with us.

Til next time

Ciao!

Tips for the Shopaholics!

Helloooo all Vogue gals & guys!


Today let’s share some tips on shopping!

Remember the ‘ABCs’ before you plan your shopping!


A – AIM for what you want.

Women want everything but don’t need actually. But there are things that when we want, means we really WANT!

I don’t see a need to lecture on ‘WANT’ vs ‘NEED’ coz I am myself guilty of having more ‘WANTS’ than ‘NEEDS’ so I am not the right person to preach abt it!


B – BUDGET or BUST.

After you dah aim something, then check the budget. Like me, if there is anything I wish for, I would actually set aside part of my salary every month for it & save it in my precious ‘envelope’!

This ang pow is where I hide my money & dump any extra loose change here, be it $5, 10 etc. I would just keep the $$$ here till I am ready to shop!

If your wish-list is on the high side, then its best if you recce around first before you buy! If its a big ticket item, try asking the Sales Assistants if there are any upcoming sales. Some are nice enough to tell or at least give a hint but some SAs are just plain ignorant & display a heck-care attitude. If its a seasonal item, then it will usually go on sale for 30% to 50% off, so if you can hold on, then you should. If its a classic item, then once you have save enough, then go ahead & pamper yourself!

You dont wanna regret seeing this AFTER you have bought it!

And once again, I have to tell you, for those luxury items, pls buy them at DFS Scotts – the service is just impeccable & super top-nothc (well at least to me, thru my shopping experience), compared to those SAs at Paragon & Ngee Ann City!

But whatever it means, spend within your MEANS - never ever bust your budget coz if you do it once, you tend to do it again and again!

C – Comfortable

Do dress comfortably – If you intend to go hunting at warehouse sales or factory outlets, then a blouse or T / pants will do. It would be better if you can put on a singlet or camisole inside yr T (not a thick one) coz in case the changing rooms are not available, you can just try the outfit outside or when you have to share a changing room with a fren, a least you still have a camisole on, to prevent any embarrassment btw you & yr fren. Wear comfy shoes too unless you dont mind catwalking in those killer heels!

I have to confess – I am not a SAVVY shopper sometimes. I have bought things, which have or will never see the light of the day. Well, tons of it, judging by the cramped look at my secret compartment & store rooms, some still in their boxes & dust bags etc! But I guess, if I buy something & it made me happy at that point of time, then I wont dwell abt my 'impulse' buying! I dah langgar pantang banyak ratus kali, but this what I am - a SHOPAHOLIC!

So if any of you have tips on shopping, anything lah, like where is & how to get the best deals etc, pls do share your views & comments here! Coz Vogue-U is all abt sharing & learning the good stuff!

Finally, as you are reading this, I am still on a “Save the Indonesia Malls’ campaign somewhere in........!

So catch up with you ppl again!

Vogue-U Potion - So it’s a “He” or a “Her” or “Missing”???

May Peace be Unto You.....

Haha the sequel to my previous entry on Name!!!!!

OK this happened many years back when I was with a few engineers and technicians in a Technical Dept of my company. Cut short all the intro and I will go straight to the point. There were 2 engineers whose names are pronounced differently from the spelling.

And without further ado, let me start with.....

Scenario 1:

Engineers were either in the laboratory or out for site test. Phone rang and since I was there with my HOD, I picked up my colleague’s call.

Me: Good afternoon, Technical dept, Latifah’s speaking
Caller: Good afternoon. May I speak with Mr He (he pronounced “he”)
Me: Oh actually it’s Mr “Her” (correcting him on the pronounciation)
Caller: Oh it’s a “her” so it’s Miss He (still pronounced “he’)
Me: Oh no, it’s a “he”, so it’s Mr “Her”
Caller: Hah, I am confused here. It’s a Male or Female?? So it’s a “he” or a “she”??? so I should call “he” or “her”??? haha very confusing.
Me: I’m sorry it’s a Male, so it’s a “he” and not a “her” and his name is Mr He, the H.E. should be pronounced as “her”
Caller: OIC. Hehe so sorry I didn’t know his actual name. Thks, at least next time I call his name correctly then.
Me: Yes you should.
Caller: So is Mr He (finally pronounced as ‘her”) in then?
Me: Mr He is not in as he went to Meltshop for site test
Caller: Meltshop? As in melt…M.E.L.T?
Me: Yes dear, the incinerator at one of the Plant is called “meltshop” meaning to melt the steel.
Caller: Ooooo Iiiii Cccccc. Haha I learnt many new words today.
Me: Haha knowledge is virtue. Is there any message that you would like to leave for him?
Caller: Oh yes, I am so n so from so n so and probably you can get him to return my call.
Me: Will surely do dear. I shall put a note on his desk to return your call.
Caller: Thk u again for your help.
Me: You are very much welcome.

When Mr He came back I told him:

Me: HE, just now somebody called and taught you are a female.
HE: hahahaha because you answered my phone?
Me: Nope, because he call u Mr “he” and I corrected him stating it’s Mr “HER” and he got confused and thought you are a “she”.
HE: hahahaha Latifah, very nice joke hahahahahaha. U tell me how he call????
Me: blah blah blah (repeat above story)


Scenario 2:

Phone rang. If not mistaken it was in the morning and my colleague went to Hydration Plant (a Plant to hydrate limestone powder)

Me: Good morning. Technical Dept. Latifah’s speaking.
Caller: Hi, may I speak with Ms Zing
Me: Oh her name is Ms Xing (pronounced as “sing”)
Caller: OMG, she’s missing??? How’s come???
Me: She’s not missing dear. Her name should be pronounced as Ms “Sing” (XING)
Caller: Oh!!!!!! I see. Hahaha u r indeed a joker hahahahaha. U got me there hahahahaha. For a while I really thought she’s missing!!!
Me: hehe got u!!! no lah just correcting you her actual name.
Caller: Oh thank you and it’s alright.
Me: Is there any message for her dear coz she’s not at her desk right now?
Caller: Oh OK. Get her to call me, so n so at this no.
Me: Considered it done dear.
Caller: Thank you.
Me: U r welcome and bye
Caller: Bye

When Ms Xing came back.

Me: Haishan, just now somebody taught u r missing.
Xing: Hah? How come?
Me: blah blah blah (repeat the above story to her)

Haha..... each time we recalled the above events, everyone of us laughed to our hearts content.

So remember all, a name is sacred and should sounds nice to the beholder. Thus should be called correctly to avoid embarrassment and foolish act… hehe

And if you think you are not sure how to call, you can probably ask first….. e.g. I am sorry, I am not sure whether I am calling your name correctly, but should it be Mr So n So?

So dear….. some motivational boost tablet to all…. “Always think positive and never look down on other people’s names”

Stay Vogue always....!!!! And don't forget to Luv yourself and your Name too......

Vogue-U Potion - What is in a Name

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.....

Have u come across a person’s name which will make u giggled, pondered or puzzled? Well I’ve seen some who even made fun of a person’s name which I considered it as a rude gesture!

No doubt sometimes we have parents who are illiterate and registered their children’s name verbally without having the idea how it would sound when it is written. It doesn’t matter whether a Malay, Chinese or Indian. I’ve came across real live names like “Sampah”, “Tan Pui Kee” and “Maniaye” (pronounced as Mani Air in Malay) and even “Batman Bin Suparman” (refer copy of NRIC sent by my friend via email - and I am not sure whether this is true, but let us not be judgemental).

It really sounds comical pronouncing them but just put yourself in their shoes. Probably some may not show their grievances, but I’ve came across those who cried each time people made fun of their names. I think this is something we have to ponder. It really saddened us but the scenario is norm. Even for myself, when hearing the names for the first time made me giggled but obviously we need to be discreet and not hurt the other party’s feelings by joking about it and making a big “huhaa” to their names.

Nevertheless, the message I wish to point out here, as a human being, respect is the key word. As the saying goes, life is a cycle, what goes around, comes around. What you do on to others will eventually befalls back if not to you, it could be your loved ones.

And speaking on name calling, I’ll share with you some jokes about names, not those of the making fun types k, but something that is like an eye-opener and mind boggling matter. Haha till the next entry later at 2.00pm this afternoon…. keep it suspense first… huhu

Stay Vogue and luv yourself always......

Vogue-U Potion - Keluhan Seorang Dalam Dilemma

Seminggu dah berlalu, sungguh pantas dan tanpa disedari, kembali lagi dgn Mak Pah ya dihari Selasa yg penuh barakah ini, InsyaAllah…….

Tanpa diduga, Mak Pah terima emel dari seorang pembaca yg didalam dilemma. Dan utk tidak menghampakan harapannya yg tidak keruan, Mak Pah rasa elok ler Mak Pah balas melalui blog ini, tapi bukan nak menghebohkan ceritanya, cuma Mak Pah rasa elok jugak dijadikan panduan pada pembaca lain yg mungkin didalam dilemma sebegini atau seakan-akan dgn nya. Demi menjaga maruahnya, Mak Pah tidak akan meletakkan namanya disini ya. Dan perlu diingatkan jugak kita disini tidak ada hak mengecam atau memperlekehkan nasib seseorang, tapi anggaplah ia sebagai renungan bersama, yang baik dijadikan pedoman dan yang tak elok dijadikan sempadan.

Emelnya berbunyi berikut.......

Dear Dr Luv,

I have been a regular here eversince this blog was set up. Bila i tau ada segment macam gini, i terus nak email u cos i am really in need of advice. I have a dilemma.. I ade kenal satu lelaki ni, he is much older than me by 16 years. Umur i 22 this year. u do the math. dia tak nampak tua, ada motor, ada career, oklah. so far i happy dengan dia. At first bila i kenal dia, dia cakap umur dia beza dengan i baru 7 tahun. After 1 month baru i find out he's actually older than me by 16 years. Tapi i tak kisah tu semua, pasal i dah sayang sangat kat dia. Skrang ni, i risau, cos i got to know that dia sebenarnya dah kahwin, ada anak 2.. tapi dorang duduk asing, as in berpisah.. So I memang tak tau langsung pasal ni sampai lah wife dia found out, wife dia jumpe i.. Nak dijadikan crite, wife dia kate, my bf ni mentally unstable and has been flirting around with alot of girls and do alot of weird things sebab tu they stay separately. Dia jumpe i pun semata-mata tak nak hidup i merana lepas ni macam dia. i refuse to percaya tu semua.. I confronted my guy, he told me dia tgh dlm process nak ceraikan bini dia and wants to be with me. Bila i tanye kenapa nak ceraikan dia, he said he haven't been treated well and dah 2 tahun dorang duduk separately.. Kak Pah, i buntu.. What should i do? I sayangkan dia, tapi mana yang i nak percaya. Wife dia pulak cakap macam very relax aje. Takde marah takde ape.. Takkanlah the wife nak make up such stories.. Stress lah kak pah. I betul sayangkan dia.. :(
____________________________________________________________________

Utk melancarkan penulisan, Mak Pah akan mengelar penulis emel ini sebagai GD (Gadis Dilemma)….boleh ya dik????, dan jejaka idaman GD sebagai BF ler (boyfren ler) dan Mak Pah sebagai mami ajer ler.

Terima kasih mami ucapkan pada GD kerana melayari blog Vogue-U kami. Terlebih dahulu tabik jugak mami ucapkan pada GD kerana tabah dan sanggup berkongsi masalah pada kami di Vogue-U.

Dgn tidak berlengah lagi, mami lampirkan hujah2 ya (mcm nak berdebat plak..haha).

Pada pendapat mami, tidak salah berkawan atau berkasih dgn pasangan yg lebih lanjut usia dari kita, baik perempuan maupun lelaki. Kalau yg lebih tua tu lelaki mmg elok sbb selalunya, dari segi alami dan segi ugama, lelaki dikategorikan sebagai ketua rumahtangga dan menjadi pendidik pada isteri dan anak-anak. Walaubagaimana pun, jika yg perempuan nya lebih tua, tak menjadi halangan jugak sbb manusia ni dijadikan berbagai-bagai sifat. Oleh itu tidak ada hal yg mungkin menjejas hubungan jika kedua belah pihak saling menyayangi dan menghormati antara satu dgn yg lain. Cuma lumrah masalah masyarakat ler ttg perbezaan umur kalau yg perempuan tu lebih tua dari pasangannya. Tapi itu semua hanya pandangan mata kasar, dan jgn lah kita buang masa fikirkan benda2 yg mungkin membebankan tahap stres kita.

Dari apa yg GD tulis, nampaknya dari awal lagi siBF sudah membohongi GD ttg perbezaan umur (sepatutnya 16 thn beza dan bukan 7 thn). Mmg GD tak kisah sbb mungkin itu perkara kecil ajer. Tapi mami rasa kalau dari awal dia sudah membohongi GD begitu, takut nanti ianya menjadi kebiasaan pada BF utk selalu membohongi GD. Dan tak tau samada ttg hal dia nak bercerai dgn isterinya betul atau tidak, itu juga ada tanda tanya yg harus GD fikirkan.

Rungkaian dari sudut yg dilakukan isteri BF pula, nampaknya isteri BF mengambil berat ttg GD dan tidak mau GD terjebak macam mana dia lalui sekarang. Tapi GD ada berkata yg isterinya kelihatan relaks jer bila bercerita, dan GD tak pasti samada cerita itu sahih atau tidak. Mami faham yg GD terlalu menyayangi BF, tapi perlu diingat disini, GD belum melalui liku2 berumah-tangga dan duduk sebumbung dgn BF. Mami tak mau GD menyesal dan harap2 mami salah beranggapan begini terhadap GD. Cuma mami rasa hubungan GD dan BF berat sebelah, seperti GD menaruh harapan pada BF dan BF hanya nak kebahagian utk dirinya sendiri, jenis habis manis sepah dibuang (bila suka disayang, bila bosan dibuang, mcm apa yg diperlakukan kpd isterinya sekarang).

Disini mami ada beberapa cadangan yg mungkin GD boleh mencuba (hanya cadangan, terpulang pada GD menilainya)

Cadangan pertama:-

Terlanjur isteri BF sudah pun bersemuka dgn GD, apa kata GD cuba hubungi isteri BF dan mintak berjumpa dirumah mereka. Bawa bersama seorang teman supaya tidak jangal berada disana. Kalau isteri BF keberatan, mungkin GD boleh tegaskan yg GD nak kepastian samada kata2 isterinya terhadap BF benar atau rekaan semata. Disitu GD tengok keadaan rumah tangga mereka, terutama anak2 mereka. Airmuka anak2 tidak akan membohongi kita. Cuba berbual atau cuba dapatkan matlumat dari anak2 BF samada ia seorang ayah yg bertanggung-jawab atau tidak. Tanya mereka dgn tepat sbb anak2 ni kdg2 tak reti berkhias, jadi “directly” tanya….. “Ayah sayang adik?”…. kemudian “Ayah sayang ibu?”….. dan “Ibu sayang adik?”. Cara mereka jawab dgn riak muka dan gerak tubuh mudah menunjukkan perasaan seseorang. Dari situ GD tanya diri GD adakah patut GD terima BF atau nasihatkan BF utk pulang kepangkuan isteri dan anak2 nya. Dan kalau betul rumahtangga dia goyah, disitu GD fikir adakah ini lelaki yg bakal menjadi suami yg sesuai untuk GD menagih kasih sayang dan bimbingan. Tapi klu isteri dia berdalih dan membantah GD utk kerumahnya, mmg sah isterinya tidak ikhlas dan cuba menyembunyikan sesuatu. Hmmm, kalau begitu GD boleh cuba menghendap dari jauh keadaan rumah BF, dptkan sesuatu yg boleh menyakinkan GD ttg keadaan hubungan mereka. Kalau GD berani, mungkin boleh bersemuka terus dgn BF dan isterinya utk mempastikan kedudukan masing2 dlm perhubungan tersebut.

Cadangan Kedua:-

Kalau rasanya GD berat nak pergi kerumah BF atau bersemuka, mami cadang GD cuba dapatkan matlumat dari orang2 yg terdekat dgn BF, seperti kawan sekerjanya, sepupunya, adik-beradik, pendek kata sesiapa saja yg GD rasa GD boleh percaya akan kesahihan kata2 mereka.

Cadangan Ketiga:-

Mungkin GD boleh uji sejauh mana keihklasan cinta dan kasih sayang BF selama ini terhadap GD. Adakah dia slalu berkhayal (mcm orang bermasalah atau berangan-angan), adakah dia jenis cemburu buta hingga mengongkong gerak geri GD, adakah dia jenis menunjuk-nunjuk seolah-olah dialah lelaki paling bertuah walaupun dah beristeri tapi masih boleh pasang lagi satu, adakah dia jenis senang marah, cepat melatah bila digugat. Kalau ada sifat2 begitu, maknanya dia tak ikhlas dan mungkin, mungkin saja ya dia mencari kesempatan atas kasih sayang yg dicurahkan GD kpd nya. Jgn lupa jugak GD harus nilai selama bersamanya apakah pengorbanan yg telah dia lakukan buat GD utk menagih kasih sayang GD. Apa kelebihan GD dan apa kekurangan isteri BF.

Cadangan Keempat:-

Kalau masih dijalan buntu, GD cuba bersolat istiharah utk meminta dari Allah menunjukkan jalan mana harus GD tuju. Samada teruskan perhubungan hingga kejinjang pelamin bersama BF atau “Selamat Tinggal Romeo” - aku sudah dpt hidayah dan petunjuk dan aku masih muda dan byk lagi benda lain yg mungkin mendatangkan faedah yg mungkin memberiku suatu kebaikan dan kenikmatan utk ku jalani hidup yg masih panjang lagi utk diterokai…..

GD, dgn berkat dan petunjuk dari Allah yg Abadi, mintalah dariNya dan bykkan berdoa dan sujud padaNya…supaya kita dpt kehidupan yg sangat diingini…… InsyaAllah…. Amin.

Mami ni manusia biasa dan tak lari dari kesilapan juga. Mami harap cadangan dan hujah mami diatas ni tidak menyinggung perasaan GD. Kalau ada terkasar bahasa disini mami mohon ampun dan maaf ya dik. Terpulang pada GD menilainya sayang. Kita tak boleh mengubah seseorang melainkan mereka mengubah diri mereka sendiri. Memang cadangan2 diatas senang ditulis tapi nak melakukan amat berat kdg2....bak pepatah "berat mata memandang, berat lagi bahu memikulnya"

Akhir kata, hidup seupama roda. Ia berputar dan adakalanya kita diatas dan adakalanya kita dibawah. Tapi ingatlah walaupun kita diatas, jgn sesekali kita memandang rendah pada yg dibawah. Sayangi diri anda sepenuhnya dan sentiasa “Vogue” slalu ya.

Sekian.

Wasalam.


PS: look out for another posting from me at 11.00am shortly

Of Remembrance - Happy Father's Day

with love from "the little girls" from Vogue U

VOGUE U PHOTOHUNT - Subject : Creamy

The Vogue U Girls first sharing on PhotoHunt and what better way than to share a photo from our first maiden outing together when we went to Batam last month.

And who can resist the temptation of the CREAMY mocha latte with that sinful whipped cream after some good retail therapy......

PhotoHunt

The Geek Chic 101 [Number one!]

I've never really had a proper introduction before, so here goes.

Initially, aku ingat nak buat posting pasal the most powerful tool ever that will make your photos look more appreciated. Oh, apakah? Heh. But, the process of showing and telling alahai, lambat betul lah nak siapkan. Lelagi when I am surrounded with KIDS! [I'm in JB now, at my cousin's place] I can't really do my post in peace. Tsk tsk tsk.

Basically every Saturday, I will be posting up tutorials mostly on how to this and that for your blog. Maybe introduce to you some cool software or shareware that you may have not heard of before. Or if you have any questions about basic stuffs like the codes [html, etc] or anything related, I will try my best to help, insya`Allah. Feel free to drop in any questions at the comment box tau. Seriously, I won't bite. Hard. LALZ. Kidding yo. :)

If we have any activities or any events going on, I will replace with that instead for Saturdays. [Takdelah every week aku nak perah otak belacan ni kan? Kekeke.] So banyak-banyakkan lah activity hujung minggu eh eh eh. Lalz.

Okay, I really can't type much [though I want to], I will make up for it aight?

Stay vogue yaw!

:)

In the Kitchen with Mama Moralle [Traditional Condiment - Sambal Belacan Power!]

Yeah yeah, back with Mama Moralle in my humble sexy maxi kitchen, lets get started with an easy chicken dodol recipe …..haha…..

1st step, the most important thing to do…..to get rid of all those germs and H1N1 Influenza virus :-

Sambal Belacan (shrimp paste sambal), must be the only true Malay food trademark. You are not considered as a Malay if you do not like or perish the thought, never ate sambal belacan, What is sambal? What is belacan?
There are many ways to make sambal belacan... but whether its power or not, that is the issue…

Mama would like to share with uols how to make a power sambal belacan.. This sambal belacan was taught to me by my late mum, and it's really doing it the traditional way. Why mama says it's traditional, because nowadays for simplicity, most of us will use blender to blend it right, but we are going to use batu lesung (chilli pounder/mortar) to pound all the ingredients.

Also, be prepared to shield your eyes from chili juice splattering about when you are pounding the mortar. No worries ya, use goggle like what mama did at home, hehe……

coolllnesssss and sexyyy...

Let’s get started!

Ingredients :
5 Red Chilli and 10 red chilli padi – dry-fry (sangar) in a pan
2 inch shrimp paste (belacan) – deep fried with a bit of oil or roasted
** tips to buy shrimp paste, try to get the one that is slightly “fair” and smells good, never buy those that are very dark
2 small Tomatoes – cut into few pieces
2 Lime (limau kasturi )- (optional, u don’t need these if u r using tomato)
Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Method :

Pound all the chillies till fine, as the chillies mash up, add the belacan and pound it again, lastly add the tomatoes, pound again till you get a gravy-like consistency and texture, scoop it out and put it in a small bowl, add in the sugar, stir well..

Wallaaaaaaa...!

Its ready to be eaten with hot steamy rice + Ikan Bakar or steam fish. Results are super duper delicious! Hurmmmm…… and for those who love to eat ulam-ulaman, don’t forget the crunchy sliced cucumber or other salads like winged beans (kacang botol) and get ready big jugs of cold water to drink :):)

*all pics credit to google images*

Go on, have a try, you will not regret it, for sure, hubby, in-laws or your parents will be super duper happy to eat this wonderful condiment yang sememangnye digemari ramai :)

P/S: sambal belacan can be used as an ingredient to cook fried rice kampong style too!

*****************************************************
Some Kitchen tips(Petua) to share with :

· Preventing/Relieving Chilli Burn

To prevent from chilli burn, use an oil-based substance such as olive oil to remove traces of chilli from your hands. For relief from Chilli burn, apply a (safe) acid such as lemon juice to the effected area.

· How to Get rid of the burning feeling when eating chilli
If you burn your mouth with chilli, drinking water will do no good (It's like trying to wash away grease with water) Fat will do the trick - and that means drinking milk, eating yoghurt, ice cream or even peanut butter.

.How to Get rid of the chilli smells while cooking(Semasa menumis)
Cooking sambal tumis or asam pedas gravy, you hv to deep fry the blended chilli first. When u are frying it, u can feel that burning sensations which will effects your nose and eyes. And the whole house will be effected with the smells of frying. What u do, put a little bit of sugar in the hot oil before u deep fry your chilli, insyaallah the smells of burning chilli will not be a disturbance.

DA DA , till we meet again next week,
HAPPY WEEKENDS and Stay vogue-u in mama M’s kitchen :)

La Dolce Vita : Raf's Way

Ciao everybody! Hope your week has been great.

Fret not if the week has been shitty so far cos we're one day away from FRIDAY and the weekend is just round the corner.Weekends are always about leisure and pleasure for me. Living the good life, full of pleasure and indulgence. Hence the title - La Dolce Vita: Raf's Way. Indulgence to me is having the luxury to partake in my favourite activities and just seeking the little pleasures in everyday things. Like listening to birds chirping at my window while sipping a cup of coffee and taking my time finishing that cup of coffee. A life filled with sun, good food, hospitality and passion. That sort of thing. I must admit that my life has been rather foot loose and fancy free since I left the teaching force. Which means more time in my hands to indulge in my loves and interests everyday of the week. Aaahhhh...La Dolce Vita. :)  

As some of you already know, I seldom update my other dusty blog (I have backdated posts from way back in March...haha). Not because I don't have the time but sometimes I over indulge myself in my activities which usually means I am either reading a book, learning more about photography or trying out a new recipe.

My trinity -

Books

Photography

&

Food

Yes. Those three things describe me aptly. I love reading..any kind of books - fiction, non fiction. You name it, I'll read it. My passion for reading is common knowledge amongst family members. They know that once Raf starts reading, she forgets the world. Seriously, if I could have it my way, I would be on a sandy beach with a book in one hand and a pitcher of lemonade in the other everyday. So since I read a lot, I thought it'd be good if I shared reviews of interesting books with you lot. Not just on books for adults but for children too. So keep a look out yeah!

 I also believe reading is essential to educate and enrich one's mind. Like Malcolm S. Forbes once said, "The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one." And since knowledge is not supposed to be kept to ones self, I'll be sharing little bits of info on education. If any of you mothers out there have any queries on the how tos of teaching a primary schooler, drop me an email at blushwax46@gmail.com and I'll try as much as I can to help.

Photography on the other hand is a new found love and I am learning step by step. Will share tips and what I've learnt for those who are just starting out.....like me. Since I've just started out and have a lot to learn, tips and pointers from everyone out there will be very much appreciated!!

Other than that, I'd also be sharing make up tips (what little I know of) with everyone. I am not an expert in this area..hehe. Just enough to make me presentable. My fav make up brand? Bobbi Brown of course. I prescribe to the natural look that Bobbi Brown advocates and application methods from Kevyn Aucoin. But I do glam it up for weekends and special events. More on that on the upcoming Thursdays. 

So basically, being footloose and fancy free Raf, I will post on anything and everything under the sun. Topics which do not encroach on my fellow Vogue-u-ers areas of expertise of course. Cos I'm more of a jack of all trades, master of none. Still lots to learn in my lifetime.

I'll leave you with something to ponder over.

Food For Thought:

When something is elusive, it pulls you to it. When something is always within reach, it's beauty fades.

Til next Thursday,

Live La Dolce Vita ;)

Message from the Shopaholic Mama..

Hey you lovely vogue-u-ers!!

Today is my slot so let's get psycho with the Shopaholic Mama

Everyone loves SHOPPING right? Actually, some Men do too but they just wont admit it!

SHOPPING to me, is a way to de-stress from the office workload, demands & mental pressure from dealing with colleagues, staff & of course clients! So in a way, SHOPPING does take away a bit of burden off my mind, thou not healthy on my bank account BUT remember, a happy woman makes a happy world!

Even window-SHOPPING is fun, so it doesn't mean every trip to the mall means spending your $$$ away, just open your eyes & feast on all things fancy, and even doing these will make a difference to your life! Trust me on that!

1 of my favourite SHOPPING jaunts are the warehouse sales, bazaars and the factory outlets. These are where you can get the best bargains! Coz I am one SHOPAHOLIC that embrace anything that's worth buying. It doesn't have to be branded or expensive, but its how I value the worth of the product and how much I like it! be it a cheap brandless sandals or a bag, but if I like it, I'll get it.

At this point, some of you know that I love & own branded bags. However, I also use bags that were given free by those cosmetic counters; bags I bought from flea markets & bazaars; bags given by family & friends; simply because I just love bags! I tak cerewet, whichever bag that I feel like using on that day, branded or not, then I'll just grab it!

So in future slots, when time permits hopefully, I can provide you with where the best deals are and more. I would like to reiterate that I am not a SHOPPING guru but I am just sharing with you my passion and I am sure I am not alone here.......

Oh by the way, if you had read from here, I wld even bargain for a packet of TAUGEH! Why?? Let the secret out! Coz taugeh is very much a part of my life! Some of you hated eating it but to me, its my source of vitamins, proteins & what-nots to keep me going strong for a hard day of shopping spree. If spinach does wonders to Popeye, then taugeh it is for me!

My favourite tagline -

Where there's a mall, there's a way!

Where there is the Shopaholic Mama, nourish her with Taugeh!

Much love from me!

And 1 last thing -


Sorry if some of you had tried to access my blog but couldn’t!

Sorry if I have not visited you for a while!

Sorry as I am away for a while, as you are reading this, I am still in lala land after a jolly good trip in Bali!

The Mama will be back soon with her usual shopping antics in her blog, so watch out!

Vogue-U Potion with LUV tablets from Mak Pah

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, Most Merciful

Yo hi, hello, Mak Pah's in the house.... some can call me Kak Pah...... or my other nicks aka Kak Tip..... aka Lat..... aka Ifah...... whattttt-everrrrr... huhu

Well I am new to blogging but loves blog hopping. So excuse muor if I do not meet your criteria hah...!!!! Nevertheless, I shall occupy the Tuesday's slot in order to provide the Vogue-U potion to those in need.... and giving the "magic potion" to those who are longing for it when they come to Vogue-U...haha aka Dr Luv as well hah!!!!

Apparently, I will also include anything that crosses my mind as well, may it be current affairs, documentaries, motivational issues or certain events. Subsequently if you are in need to promote your home-based products and do not have the loop holes to turn to, email to me dearie, and we at Vogue-U will try our best to help with the promo if deem possible (of course products have to be legitimate and no hanky panky stuff hah...... huhu)

Well life is never on bed of roses, so if you need a shoulder to cry.... do drop me an email yeah, and who knows Vogue-U potion can heal and lighten your load!!!! But of course not all potion can cure, YOU have to play a part to be POSITIVE and ALWAYS LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE dear.....

Well with the "magic potion" moments with the other 5 babelicious Vogue-U gals, I have become one of the love-machines to create the potion..... haha

Although too old to start, but yet still a child learning the steps in the blogger's world. Thus I hope with the unconditional love and support from Vogue-U gals as well as YOU, can lead us to create the ultimate potion for all and if possible to the rest of the world..... wow I am beginning to feel like being in Ms Universe Pageant talking about World Peace....wakakakakakaka

Well, well, well.... Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder, go forward and dream in achieving your Goals. Life is a Never-Ending Story.... so put your Thinking skills to do the wonders.....

I guessed enough of me chattering away.... so till we meet again in my next posting.... stay in Vogue always and Love Yourself as much as possible..... yeah.....

InsyaAllah.... Amin

Vogue-U Affiaire [Housewarming Party @ Blushwax's Crib]

Yesterday, Vogue-u got together to chillax [chill + relax] at Raf''s crib. [I hope most of you know our names by now, right?] Hehe.

It was a house-warming party specially for us, Vogue-U. Only that Shopaholic Mama wasn't around as she's busy saving the malls in Bali! It's okay Mama Ann, I've already eaten for you your share and took some photos to show that you have not missed a thing eventhough you weren't there. :)

Raf had summoned me to be there earlier as she needs an extra helping hand which of course, I have no troubles arriving early and even to a point when I was LABELLED as the SRI LANKAN MAID. Yes, to that extreme!! See see, I'm so cool like that yaw. Kekeke.

10 minutes of massage, free of charge dear chicky. Count yourself lucky this time.

Those ghostly chairs I will never lay my ass on. :p

Now let's begin. :)

Mama Moralle and family arrived at about 130pm, followed by Mak Pah Vogue and Sis Pearl. The party was made like a potluck concept and boy, was the food overwhelming. Everyone brought something to the party. As soon as Raf & Feroz [Raf's hubby] had ended their "home tour", lunch was served.

For your eyes to feast, for my mouth to savour. :p

Now let me, the one-day-only sri lankan maid bring you on a guided menu tour ey? Far right on top, as you can see is a set for the super-uber syokness black pepper noodle. Followed by Mak Pah Vogue's instant super-nice roti boyan and murtabak and Raf's signature dish, the chicken bon-bon. Erk. I mean, Rosemary chicken and its counterparts, the super KENTANG!!!!

Kawaiii chickiiiiii. 0_o

Everyone, look at Mama Moralle.
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG TO SCOOP UP THE FOOD? Kekeke.
Their expressions was priceless. Heh.

Vogue-u everyone before eating! [Sis Pearl & Mak Pah Vogue]

My dear Aqil, you're really enjoying the food right?
[Aqil is Mama Moralle's youngest son, my favourite kid!]

After lunch, it was cam-vogue time!!

No Mama Ann, we did not gossip about you! Really! Kekeke.

The IT savvy sri lankan maid guiding Mak Pah the traits of blogging. Am I just cool or what? And yet Feroz only wanted to give me Hacks's sweets as payment for the day. T_T

It was a long afternoon, great fun, lame yet funny ahem *ngaum* ahem jokes, much laughter of course! Hehe. We continued for dessert later in the evening anddddd it was the best dessert galore ever I tell yew!

There was apple crumble pie & the super syokness custard pie which Sis Pearl had brought over earlier, Raf's kick-ass brownies and Mama Moralle's forever loved Sago Poco Loco. Ngeeehhh.

Tea with Mama Moralle. :p

This is my new apprentice. Aqil is 5 years old and he take some pretty cool shots sometimes. I was bribed with his PSP in exchange for a few shots on my camera. Ohhh well, I can't resist and since he's a careful kid, I'm cool with it. And if you can see, I'm right at the back on the sofa, playing his PSP. Heh. Don't you ever bribe me again like that okay. Lalz.

We ended the affair at about 8pm.. And me, being the nicest maid on planet earth, decided to stay behind to help out the couple with some cleaning. Feroz went out at about 930pm to rent out some DVDs and they we were, watching DVD through the night.

More photos coming soon from the home-owner eh? Soonnnn!! [Raf? Are you reading!! :p]

My special shout-out to Raf & Feroz, thank you for having us over yaw. Especially me. Jangan serik-serik eh. Ailebyew both! :)

To Mak Pah, Mama & Sis Pearl, you are loved! I am glad that we have shared something yesterday and with that, may our friendship blossom and not wither. :)

Mama Ann! Hope you're having fun! I think there's someone else who misses you more than us tau. Kekeke. :p