Cleffairy's Blog, page 178

Iftar in Warisan Kaseh, Banting with Denaihati and e-Qurban

This is a bit backdated, but last week, I was invited for an Iftar in Warisan Kaseh, a house for retired folks in Banting with my Denaihati friends. For those who are not familiar with the term ‘iftar’, iftar is a term used for breaking fast, and iftar is usually done in groups of people, where men and women are gathered together to break fast during the break of dusk, and after the breaking fast session, the group in question will proceed for a special Ramadan prayer known as the Terawikh. (Unlike the  normal 5 times a day prayers, Terawikh is a special kind of prayers that done only during the fasting month of Ramadan)

Let me be honest with you, I was supposed to attend the gala premier for ‘Hantu Gangster’ on the same evening of the iftar, but since I wasn’t really pleased on how the folks in RAM Entertainment managed the guests and did not attended to the bloggers RSVP until the day before the event. I feel that they did not respect the bloggers time, and they seems to think that it is all right to make bloggers be at their beck and calls, so I opt to join my friends in Denaihati and went to Banting instead.

I suppose I can say that I’m truly glad that I went for the iftar with the Denaihati friends and the good folks from e-Qurban instead, as it was truly an eye opening experience. The purpose of this iftar was to celebrate the blessings of Ramadan with the old folks who are the resident of Warisan Kaseh.

It was the first, yet meaningful iftar for me. I have never went to any old folks home, or rather a retirement home before, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.

Truthfully speaking, I was expecting the environment to be dull, uninteresting and full of sad faces. But that’s not the case with Warisan Kaseh retirement home. It was a completely different environment from what I imagine and from what the public’s general perception on old folks home and retirement home.

I certainly did not expect a truly relaxing environment like this…the ‘kampung’ feeling in Warisan Kaseh was truly great, to say the least…

It is an oasis in the middle of a secluded place. There was a small but functional swimming pool for the residents over here, and I was informed that there are various activities being done over here as a part of their recreational program.

The garden was nothing but serene… and being in Warisan Kaseh, even just for a moment made me feel as if I was having a short getaway of my own. At some point during my short stay in Warisan Kaseh, I wish that the visit was way longer than just one evening. Yes… I like that place that much, and just a couple of hours over there is not enough. I wish I could get to spend more time over there.

Since this retirement home is a Muslim base retirement home, there is a ‘surau’ (prayer hall) for the resident to make use of for their daily prayers. The surau is also occasionally used for motivational talks sessions every now and then.

The rooms that accommodate the residents in Warisan Kaseh was fairly moderate with basic amnesties that includes bed and wardrobe along with a common area where modern facilities like TV and whatnot is situated. There was also a kitchen where the residents are encouraged to cook their own meals whenever they feel like it. This place… was a home away from home for some of the residents here.

Now, you’ll be asking me why there are no pictures of the old folks over here despite the fact that this place is a place for old folks. Well, I’m not putting those pictures in here in respect of their privacy. The owner of this place, Haji Masrukhin Marzoki has specifically made a request for the media not to expose any of the residents pictures here. They did not wish for their pictures and their personal lives to be on display anywhere on the media, and I respect their requests.

According to Tuan Haji, who is the owner and founder of both Warisan Kaseh and e-Qurban (e-Qurban is a company that helps the Muslims to perform the ritual ‘Qurban’ -the sacrificial slaughtering of lamb, sheep, cows, etc for religious purpose via online), Warisan Kaseh is aimed to be recreational place for the old folks instead of a place for the old folks to waste away and wait for Death to come.

It is a misconception that old folks homes is a place for old folks to waste away, as Warisan Kaseh is more like a retirement home where most of the residents in this place admits themselves voluntarily to spend a quiet, recreational and spiritual time with friends their age.

It is wrong to accuse the children who sent their old folks here as dumping their parents, as it’s not the case with most of the residents here. Most went willingly to spend their time here, and every now and then, they will go home to their families after spending their time in this place.

In short, Warisan Kaseh is not exactly an old folks homes, but a retirement homes for the golden boys and girls to spend their time doing things that they want to do with friends of their age freely, without interruption. The old folks here may come and go as they pleased, and I think the concept is really great.

A lot of old folks feels bored just staying at home in their children’s place and whatnot, and this place is just the thing that they need to get perky again.

 

After browsing around, it’s time for iftar… or rather, breaking fast.

The cendol drinks. Gosh, this is something to really WOW for. I had a few go at this… and it gave me sugar rush at the end of the night. LOL!

Satay guy, preparing satay for iftar session

Whole roasted lamb…. lol… turned into lamb-chops when it was done. I had a terrible headache after having this, though. I suppose lambs are too ‘hot’ for me.

Some friend chickens

Finger food…my son loves these the most…

Not exactly my favourite as I don’t really like veggies, but the caterer nailed it with this dish. It was lovely!

Some sweet-sour prawns…

And of course, the guests during the iftar…children from the nearest orphanage were also invited to the iftar with the good folks in Warisan Kasih.

Overall, it was really a good and eye-opening experience for me, and I hope that there will be more events like this in the coming future.

Here’s the address to Warisan Kaseh case you’re interested:

WARISAN KASEH DARUL MAGHFIROH

Lot 3886, Kampung Sungai Kelambu Timur,

42700 Banting, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Tel: 03-3187 5304 / 013-388 8234

Email: atus@streamyx.com / salmas1963@gmail.com 

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

I was wrong

Whenever my husband and I quarrel, he will accuse me for being obnoxious and stubborn and on top of that, he will never fail to tell me in the face that I am the sort of person who will always insist that I am right and never wrong.

I beg to differ. It is the other way around. The truth is I never do anything right ever since I left my parents’s place a decade ago. I made mistakes, one after another, and that includes insisting to proceed with what I am not supposed to proceed with.

I may not say it out loud, but I am wrong in everything that I do, especially after I decided to carry on being a mother. Big, big mistake.

Motherhood is supposed to make a woman grow wiser, happier, more content, but I feel none of those. I’m trapped in the mess of my own making, and I tangled myself in a web of complex prison further, years after years.

Truthfully speaking, I’ve dug my own grave and I’ve laid myself in it for so many years by enslaving myself just to take care of the errors that I’ve made.

But I shall have that no more. I promised myself to seek balance and live again until I stopped hating myself each time I look in the mirror.

Cleffairy: I never truly lived…until 3 years ago.

 

 

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Grief

How many of you would agree with me that at some point in your life, you’ll go through a difficult phase where the situation breaks you inside out and you had no choice but to face it all alone despite the fact that you’re well loved by many?

I don’t know how many of you will agree with me on that statement, but frankly speaking, I do feel that at some point in your life, you have no choice but to suffer in silence and grieve alone.

You feel that there is no point in opening up to those you’re close to anymore because they will never be able to comprehend what you’re going through unless they are placed in the same predicament themselves.

Yes…sometimes, shutting people out of our life, and our hearts is the easiest way to deal with grief as nobody will be able to judge you or condemn you for what you are feeling.

Cleffairy: Misery loves company, but that’s a tragedically unrequited love story.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

It takes TWO to be connected

Do you guys remember reading my blog post on how two things work better together than one thing?

Well, apparently, not all of my readers and parents understood the concept of how two things can work better than just one thing on its own, especially when it comes to growing up milk powder.

It upsets me when I received comments such as these in my previous blog post on a certain brand of growing up milk powder:

I’m against formula milk…breast milk is the best for babies…
There’s a few growing up milk brand in the market that has more DHA than Anmum Essential, and costs cheaper.

Yes, sure, I won’t argue with you that breast milk is the best food for babies, but what I’m talking about here is not milk for babies, but milk for growing up children who are over the age of 1 year and has passed weaning stage.

Feeding your 2-4 years old toddlers with only solid foods is just not enough.  Growing up milk can play an important role in providing a healthy nutrition in your children’s diet! So, choosing a good growing up milk so that you children can benefit from the nutrition that’s specially formulated for their growing up years is a really good idea.

And, on the second comment, I would like to clarify that a growing up milk powder that contains high DHA content is not necessarily the best choice. There is much more to optimal brain bevelopment than just high DHA alone.

Sure, DHA is one of the key ingredient that helps build brain cells, and DHA is a must have in your children’s growing up milk. But Gangliosides are equally important and play a key role in the formation of brain cell connections. This just makes sense right?… build and connect – not just build. For learning to happen brain cells need to be connected – the more connections the faster the learning.

So, in other words, choosing a growing up milk powder that merely contains a lot of DHA it is not enough. The growing up milk powder needs to contain another key ingredient that helps brain cells to be connected in order to make learning happens.

DHA and Gangliosides needs to work together alongside one another like a team… just like this video below:

Watch the video above, and you’ll get what I mean. Whenever you choose a growing up milk powder for your children, you should think about choosing a growing up milk powder that combines both DHA as well as Gangliosides along with other vitamins and minerals in it.

And so far, only Anmum Essential is the only growing up milk brand in Malaysian market that contains not only more DHA, but more Gangliosides in it too.

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

‘Know your size’ workshop with Young Hearts

I was invited by Young Hearts to attend their bra workshop last week. It was held in their new outlet in Tropicana City Mall.

[image error] Cozy looking lingerie outlet, don’t you think?

[image error]

I was thrilled to be given a chance to attend this workshop in conjunction of their newly launched bra collection, Belle. ( I love lingerie and those delicate things, so whatcha gonna do about it? )

[image error] Belle is a collection of bras for everyday wear. The designs are mostly sweet-looking and comfortable, and I have to say that I was pretty tempted to get a few pairs myself too.

The aim of the workshop is to help and educate ladies on how to choose the right bra.

[image error]

Buying the right bra may seem really simple but it can actually be quite complicated. Choosing a bra can be a difficult task especially if you are new to wearing one or never had someone shown you the correct way of selecting the right bra size and style.

There are so many things to consider when shopping for a brassiere. Body types are different, we come in all shapes and sizes and so do women’s bras. Whether you are shopping  for a bra, you must select the bra that is right for your particular physique and size.

[image error]

There are health concerns, comfort and appearance-related issues involved with selecting the proper bra.Take some time to do research.Many women wears bras that is not quite suitable for them. Some bras offer little or too much support, and displace the breast tissue, pushing it under the arm or flattening it around the breast wall. Wearing the wrong bra may not only look and feel uncomfortable, but may likely cause discomfort to the wearer as well.

There are things you should know before choosing a bra:

Know your measurements – take your measurements beforehand

Purpose for the bra – is this bra for everyday use or activity specific
What will you be wearing over it – color selection is important
Whether or not the design, the fabrics will suit you or not.

It was really an educational workshop, but I can’t really share in details what was taught in the workshop as the whole session was conducted in Mandarin, and I don’t exactly communicate effectively in that language. Can’t speak the language, can’t really read all the Chinese characters and I usually struggle to understand what’s being said.

[image error]

But despite of the language barrier, I suppose I managed to absorb some important points, and at the end of the day, I not only managed to learn a few things about choosing the correct bra size, but I get these from Young Hearts too. LOL. Goodie bag containing toiletries pouch as well as a box of panties.

Interested in checking out Young Hearts? CLICK HERE to follow their updates on Facebook, then.

Cleffairy: Do you really know your size?

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Blazing Midsummer Nights

Title: Blazing Midsummer Nights

Publisher:Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Blaze

Pub Date: June 05, 2012

ISBN: 9780373796939

Author: Leslie Kelly

I never thought I’d say this about a book in Harlequin Blaze line, but this book is not only erotic, but it’s quirky, cheeky and funny too. This is everything a hot blazing romance story should be about. This book is absolutely fantastic, and I love how Fate, or rather, the author play a fool with the main characters. Playful yet sensual kind of book, I must say, and if you ever found yourselves feeling alone or disheartened, be sure to pick up this book. It will lift you up immediately.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend this book to those who fancy a tasteful, steamy read. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book and I was not compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

Anything can happen on a magical midsummer’s eve…

Marketing director/workaholic Mimi Burdette has The Plan—work for her father and date his right-hand man. Problem is, there’s no heat in the relationship. Not even a spark. And worse still, Mimi is having some seriously sexy, panties-ablaze dreams—and the star looks a lot like Xander McKinley, the hunky firefighter next door.

Mimi’s dreams might be due to the strange tea she drank. Or the predictions from the fortune cookie she ate. Or they could be due to Xander’s smokin’ hotness. But whether it’s magic or just old-fashioned fireworks, Mimi is about to break all of the rules—including her own!

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

My Fair Concubine

Title: My Fair Concubine

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Harlequin Historical

Pub Date: June 05, 2012

ISBN: 9780373296941

Author: Jeannie Lin

This is by far one of the best historical romance I’ve ever read. I could make a long list if I were to list up what I like about this book, but I’ll keep it short and sum it up. Unlike historical romance stories that is set in Europe, this one is set in China during Tang Dynasty and it’s really something you don’t get often. The author was very descriptive about the cultural background in this story and once you flip the pages, you’d find you’ve been transported into the ancient China where there’s plenty of erotic and exotic intrigue. This book is rich in culture and creativity. Thumbs up to the author for this.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 star. A must read for everyone with a good taste for historical novel. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book and I was not compensated in monetary ways for writing this.

Book description:

THE NOBLEMAN WHO TURNED A TEA GIRL INTO A PRINCESS…

Yan Ling tries hard to be servile—it’s what’s expected of a girl of her class. Being intelligent and strong-minded, she finds it a constant battle.

Proud Fei Long is unimpressed by her spirit—until he realizes she’s the answer to his problems. He has to

deliver the emperor a “princess.” In two months can he train a tea girl to pass as a noblewoman?

Yet it’s hard to teach good etiquette when all Fei Long wants to do is break it, by taking this tea girl for his own….

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Everything To Me

Title: Everything to Me

Publisher: Harlequin

Imprint: Kimani Romance

Pub Date: June 05, 2012

ISBN: 9780373862634

Author: Simona Taylor

Oooopsss… you’ve caught me red handed. I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but that’s exactly what I did with this book. I judged the book by its cover, and I picked it up for review because the cover is kinda yummylicious. Just take a look at that guy, semi naked and all that. Simply yummy.

This book does not disappoint. It is as yummy as it’s cover and I have to say that I look forward to flip every single pages. The story was set in a sultry atmosphere and the development between the hero and the heroine is not only flirtatious, but erotic as well.

I like this book. And I enjoyed reading it. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Wonderful contemporary romance, I must say. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review about this book. I was not compensated in any ways for this.

Book description:

When she jets down to the Caribbean, Dakota Merrick doesn’t expect to spend the night with Trent Walker at his luxurious island hideaway. The bad blood between the music columnist and the ultra-charming jazz producer vanishes with their first kiss. Dakota’s enchanted by the erotic atmosphere of the world-class resort and the passionate music she and Trent are making together.

Trent knows he shouldn’t trust the ambitious reporter. But living out his most sensual fantasies with Dakota is a temptation no man can refuse. Until a breaking scandal threatens their tropical idyll. Will Dakota choose ambition over a future with him? Or can Trent find the right notes to play a love riff straight into her heart?

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The White Swan Affair

 

Title: The White Swan Affair

Publisher:Carina Press

Pub Date: May 21, 2012

ISBN: 9781426893797

Author: Mady, Elyse

I didn’t really know what to think when I delved deeper into this book. Initially I thought I’ll only be reading the usual typical historical romance where there’s regency rake, decent courtships and forbidden affairs, but this book is more than just that. There’s plenty of sub-plot in this book, and while I find it rather distracting, I can’t help but applaud the author for such a job well done. Wonderful story to read if you want something more than just a wicked regency rake and debutante story. Highly recommended to all those who loves historical romance with a difference.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Carina Press via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book and I was not compensated in monetary ways for this.

Book description:

London, 1810

After the tragic death of her beloved, Hester Aspinall vowed never to be ruled by her passions again. Still, she is drawn to her landlord, handsome adventurer Thomas Ramsay-but she doesn’t fool herself that a man of his station would look twice at a poor tailor’s sister.

With the sea for a mistress, Thomas has no intention of entering into matrimony. And yet, he can’t get the plain-spoken and desirable Hester out of his mind, even though she’s never tried to secure his attentions as other women do.

Everything changes the night Hester’s brother is arrested during a raid on a gay brothel, the infamous White Swan. With no one else to turn to, and terrified Robert will hang for his crime, Hester accepts Thomas’s offer to bear the cost of the defense. A true gentleman, Thomas expects nothing in return-but Hester can no longer deny her own desires…

She may offer her body eagerly, but can she protect her heart?

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Redemption of A Hollywood Starlet

Title:Redemption of a Hollywood Starlet

SubTitle: GOOD GIRLS IN DISGRACE!

Publisher:Harlequin

Imprint:Harlequin Presents

Pub Date: June 05, 2012

ISBN: 9780373528714

Author: Kimberly Lang

I’ve always loved Ms. Kimberly Lang’s work, but I’m sorry to say that i don’t really fancy this one in particular. The pace is not only slow, but I feel that the one who really needs a redemption is the hero, not the heroine. It’s a dissapointing read, but i suppose if you want some exaggerating emotional ups and downs in your two hour read, then this book will be it. Sure, the scenes and everything is pastel perfect, but this book is not for me.

I rate this book3 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley.I was not required to write a positive review for this book, and I wasn’t compensated in any ways for writing this review.

Book description:

“The Marshalls… A rich, powerful family that mixes business, politics…and pleasure. If the U.S. had a royal family this would be it “The tabloids just couldn’t get enough of A-list couple hotshot producer Finn Marshall and Hollywood wild child Caitlyn Reese. Then Caitlyn fled the glaring lights of Tinseltown, leaving an indelible mark on the Walk of Fame–and an empty seat on the back of Finn’s motorbike.

Now Cait is back She’s still got the X factor, and Finn is struggling to banish his X-rated thoughts Because one thing is for sure…he isn’t interested in just a quick Hollywood “retake.” To interest him, it’ll have to be a full-budget epic remak

 

 

Related posts:
Hyundai Celebrates all things EURO in Sutera Gemilang Auto Hyundai celebrates all things football with their EURO tour last...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.