Jingga's surgery

My cat Jingga went for  a surgery at a vet in Damansara Utama. this Tuesday . The surgery was for his mandible ,the jaw which was deformed for some time. After  a long surgery , we brought him home still unconscious When he was quite awake he tried to scratch his mouth . My mother and I rushed to the vet again at  7.00  pm where the good vet gave me a plastic collar. We put him in a cage and he tried to get the collar out , he thumped . My mother put back the plastic collar, he put  it out again. At last I decided to let him out  of the cage . He was tired and I did  not know what to do.After that in early in  the morning he was outside the door and slept in the room. I gave him his medication and an energy drink, some white powder to mix with water the next  day and some wet food .Boiled fish . After taking the mixture he slept most of the day . I will have to bring him to the vet every week for the next 4 weeks and then they will remove the iron in his mouth. I hope he will be alright . He is okay for now . Still resting in the lower part of the  cupboard in my room . He has been staying in  there since last week. His  new  hideout .

December Birthday

Last night the family celebrated those whose birthday fall in December. It was for my father, Mal, Rafiq,Maryam and also my self. He , he , The recipe  for the night was crab curry, grilled Bawal, my sister Nas's tempura , ulam, nasi minyak , tasty lamb and chicken dish. We also have a "Khatam Al Quran" ceremony and dua for Maryam who had completed reciting the AlQuran.There were two cakes from Rafiq and Nasriah. Nas and her family , Rafiq and family and Taei were around.

I had asthma attack two days ago. I felt so tired. My cat Jingga is not well. His mouth is a sore sight to see and I will bring him to the vet.  I have bought some products from Puteri Rembulan which were the black soap, day and night cream. I need to buy the toner and moisturizer one of this days. I wonder if I can wait for another one year to see the result. Such a long time.I have started a small business again. The last time was not so successful. Well , one can start again and learn from the mistakes.

On Friday night , my sister , her children , my parents and I got the chance to watch the Anugerah Skrin for the first time. When we got to the Best Western premier for the night , we saw so many artistes in their glamorous night gowns. After that we went down and watched the paparazzi, I had hoped that we can watch the show at the PWTC on the 4th floor. Then we heard that there are a few places left. We went upstairs and we were given some tickets. So off we went my parents and all. It was  a very nice experience. Well the pretty artists are so tiny. Maybe next time I will come with my husband. After the show my husband brought to a Pakistani restaurant nearby .

 

Fruit Juice

I have not been drinking fruit juice regularly for the past two years. I used to drink fresh juice everyday when I was working. My mother bought a  juicer and it has been with us eversince.  After coming back from Jakarta I decided to buy some fruits for juicing. There is pink guava at her house, Yati too is juicing. Nas said she will drink fruit juice too. I have bought apples and carrots and my mother would buy oranges. Last time we bought  two cartons each of apples and oranges at the Chow Kit market. It was about RM 150 , I can't remember , my mother bought one carton at the Pasaraya nearby and it cost RM 100 for 100 apples.  I think it is better to buy at the Chow Kit market but my mother does not know how to drive there.  She felt it is very difficult , she usually drives around PJ area and Shah Alam. My father drives around the home area and the farthest is to Kota Damansara.  I do not know how to drive, I failed the tests so here I am . There is a rosy glow when one consumes fruit juice , it is expensive though. I remember watching a show when the commentator asked Chef Wan the secret to his youthfulness. He said juicing  . My mother was hooked. So here is to fresh juice , the fountain of youth.

Fair and Lovely Anti Marks - Pigmentation

Today is my father's birthday . He is 74 years old today . We will be celebrating  Mal, Rafiq , Maryam's birthday during the Christmas holidays. I think I will join in too .
For the past two weeks I have been using  Fair and Lovely Anti Marks cream. The colour of this cream is peach . I have seen this cream almost every time I go to a pharmacy or the supermarket but never tried it  until now  .  I have been using it to erase the pigmentation on my  left cheek. I am  very happy to report that two of my four brown spots have dissapeared.  I have also started to use Citra Lestari rice milk soap. My face felt rough though . I don't know why perhaps because I have not use any moisturizer what so ever. I also use  the Sepang Oil from HPA. I am thinking of trying either Sri Mawar, Puteri Rembulan or Nouvelles Visage. I can purchase all three online .With Puteri Rembulan , I can find it at Semua House Kuala Lumpur .There is a dealer who sells Nouvelle Visages near my house.  . One has to be patient with these skincare. A year at least but  with me using different brand  every two months is a no no. My face is darker than my hands. I have pigmentation although it is fading  and if  I buy another Fair and Lovely tube it might dissapear  but I so want to buy another pigmentation soap and a day cream. The pigmentation looks like a soft streak  and it is fading.

This goes to another area of interest , spending. Spend your money frugally. I have read T.Harve Eker's book  the Secrets of the Millionaire mind  book where you put  your hard earned money in six jars or 10% of the salary into different  accounts. The  play money is the one you use for whatever you want each month  . So you spend the 10% of it each month.and another 10% where you can save for long term spending. Live frugally . Have fun ....

Tajine Restaurant ,Bukit Bintang

Last Monday was my husband's day off.He agreed to go for lunch. I tried to contact several middle -eastern restaurants at Jalan Damai and Bangsar but to no avail.At last he agreed to go to the  Tajine Restaurant at Bukit Bintang . It is a Moroccan restaurant. I have always wanted to go there but did not want to go alone. So off we went , it was raining heavily. The road was jammed along the Pudu area. My husband said his legs were crammed so we stopped near a parking area. It has been awhile since we came to this area. Along the shops  there were many arabian perfumeries.

We walked until I saw the Ship restaurant and BB park , so it must be near. It is near the Mc Donald's since I have googled the place frequently.  Actually it is behind the McDonald's  above a shop ,you cannot miss the sign of a tagine. A waiter in was waiting downstairs. Sorry ,  I have no pictures. There were two customers  around . The decor is nice enough , we went to the windows , one can see Lot 10 and more . It would be romantic at night . I ordered the lamb tagine with prunes , for RM 22, there are many types of tagines. It is in the RM 22 range, my husband tried the one on promotion for RM 15.90 with drinks along. The tagine came with bread but I ordered some rice. The lamb comes with prunes, soft and tasty . I have never tasted a tagine before and it is good.The waiters were friendly   The rice is in large portion. My husband said he is full. I think I will come here again but at night.  The bill came for RM 58 . So, I think it is okay .

After lunch , we went to BB park  and for some tea.  We went back and I did asked for some bakhoor . They have nice ones but I liked the one from Dubai . After that we stopped at Semua House to buy a pigmentation soap. There is no Reneu soap but there is a  Puteri Rembulan one . I did not buy that soap instead bought the Citra Lestari soap. This soap does not last long , I think I will buy the Puteri Rembulan soap . How fickle can I get.

Massage

My right knee hurts. As maybe I have written, I could not perform my prayers since February. Just  before going to Jakarta I could perform the prayers. After coming back the knee hurts. Now I know how it felt to have painful knees.  My mother met a lady one day on the way back home. She is from Palembang and is working as a masseur at  a gynaecologist nearby. I had my legs massaged , she said it is wind. A lot of gas and she gave mixture of pounded rice which was soaked for one night, cekur and ginger. She said she has to pound the mixture for three hours. After putting the pounded mixture or 'Param' as it is called , I could perform my prayers.

Alhamdullillah . I thought my knees are gone forever. Now my grandmother is here , she can't walk. Hopefully after three days of massage , she too can walk.

Last 2 days in Jakarta

On Thursday Nas,my father and I went to Poins Mall nearby. My sister bought more swimsuits, a cake for Sadd, dvds and some more nigella sativa. The bottle for 210 capsules costs IDR 40,000. I bought a Mustika Ratu Taman Heritage Avocado mask at the Giant supermarket for IDR 56700. It is availlable here at the Mustika Ratu headquarters in KL .After that we went home. There is a surprise for Sadd who will be coming home from the convocation  tonight.

The last day was spent at the Taman Safari Indonesia in Bogor. It was an hour drive and we came out early in the morning past some nice villages. We arrived early about 8.45 if I am not mistaken. The Safari is in a sprawling land and we stopped to buy some carrots for the animals. Sure enough the Zebras and the Lllamas and the deers along with the monkeys were waiting to be fed. Irfan watched the windows for the right height. In another car Hamzah got bitten by a Zebra . It was a first experience for me. After looking at the tigers and the lions we went to the souvenir shop and fed the elephants and had photographs taken at with a leopard , a snow tiger and an Orang Utan.We received the good news that Rafiq had a baby girl named Rania Z.Then off we went to a sit down restaurant. That was the last night in Jakarta. It is a nice place to be , with the wonderful food and friendly people to be around. We got home yesterday after 10  fine days of in Jakarta at Sadd's house .At night we went to visit Rafiq's daughter at the Pusrawi hospital.

Jalan Jalan di Jakarta Day 7

Today we went to Cilandak Town square to meet Nas's friend who studied with her in  the US. At the mall which is nice with lots of  nice looking restaurants. We settled for a restaurant called the Malay Village.

We had mostly fish ,sweet and sour style , fish in butter sauce, mango salad , chicken curry and some nice chicken dish . The dishes are not spicy .After that we had cendol with startling green cendol with ice cream and some durian. The food is wonderful , everyone was happy. I was . After that Nas's friend,Mrs Eff went back to her office, we browsed around the stalls which is ladies day today. There were many dresses around , mostly up to date blouses  and chiffon maxi , the craze now. The price of the blouses is from IDR 500,000 while the chiffon dresses are about IDR 900,000. After gazing around, we went to see abang's fencing competition at the private school. Sadd went back to UITM today for her convocation as she had received her PHD. After a long wait at the school for the competition , it turned out that it was only practice. So we went back waiting in the long traffic jam and arrived at 6 pm. Tonight there will be chicken rice prepared by Nas.

Jalan Jalan di Jakarta

Yesterday we , my parents, sisters and I ,were treated to facial treatment and massage at  a spa called Dian Kenanga. It has rustic charm . The place has a treatment called totok aura  which is said to promote youthfulness without going under  surgery. There are some nice scrubs ,body cream which cost IDR 70,000 for the large size and organic food.

In the morning we were treated with some breakfast meals, some fried dishes or goreng-gorengan  to go along with tea. Some nibbles with tofu and tempe.  After going to the spa , we went for lunch at the Kemiri restaurant at a nice mall,called Pejaten  Village here  and again the rustic ambiance of traditional life and traditional food were  everywhere.  Something like Marche.We had some Sundanese fare, some lamb chops and roast lamb or "Kambing guling"  . The roast lamb cost IDR 49,000.Here the food goes with kecap manis , Indonesian soya sauce and green birds' eye chilies. I also found out a dish with fried bananas and cheddar cheese. Very nice.At night the menu was fish curry, fried chicken and a large fish bought at the market in the morning.

The next day  which is today, we went to Cempaka Mas mall for shopping, there were many shops with friendly shop assistants. We went to buy telekong , or prayer garments, muslimah swimming suits ,blouse , baby and children clothes  and tudong or head scarf. The telekong cost from IDR 200,000 to IDR 350,000.  The nicer ones cost IDR 900000 with nice bags, they do give discount.I also bought a bottle of black cumin, or habbatusauda for IDR 45000. Tonight Sadd made mee Udang, very nice with all the condiments. Today in the evening it rained heavily and the weather is cloudy.

Pulau Umang Island Resort and Spa

Food at the Rhino Restaurant

Nice beds

Shower

The Lounge

Yesterday all  the family woke very early to go to an island. After 5 hours we reached our destination along the sea and the quaint villages. After having a satisfying  lunch at the Rhino Restaurant , we headed gear to the Umang  Island  resort. We met our ever so friendly guide for the day , Hancher. We were very pleased to see our cottage. There were three cottages. The bed was upstairs with the romantic  mosquito net and white bed sheets. The toilet is large and so resort like. At night we had dinner with candle light atmosphere listening to  romantic songs requested by Sadd .The food was grilled fish , prawn ,squid and salad with all the desserts. Then we were asked to stand up after Hancher sang his Pulau Umang song. I was surprised and touched as everyone sang a happy birthday song for me . Along with Maryam we blew the candle on the "ice-cream" birthday cake.

At home both of us had cut a chocolate cake too. So I am now  45 years of age. After my parents went back to the cottage  , all of us went for a karaoke session belting most of  the 80's romantic hits.

The next day after breakfast all of us went for snorkelling at another island. I did not try snorkelling as I was afraid. Then there was jet ski and most of us had sun burn. We later found out at home. After snorkelling  there was lunch . A satisfying lunch .  The staff at this resort  are  very friendly , the service is wonderful with smiles especially our guide . Mr H. We departed with smiles and a lot of photos. We went back and arrived home seven hours later and Sadd had prepared Soto very quickly. So there goes the day at Pulau Umang beach resort. A first time for me he he he.

Jakarta Holidays Day one

I am here in Jakarta , a long planned holiday with my parents and Nas and her family. It was a treat for me too , he he . We woke up at 3.30 am to get the 6.20 am flight on Air Asia. Nas went on another flight later. After two hours we finally reached Jakarta. Jakarta is lush and tropical and the people are very friendly. Sadd was already waiting for us. After one hour we reached her spacious and lovely  house . I was waiting to meet the house cat, a very large  Persian cat call Fan---sha. She was plump and I could touch her but she scampered upstairs. We had Bakso in the afternoon , we ate twice. I dozed off , at night we have guests, my cousin who is married to a local lady and their daughter. It was roasted fish, some salad , Indonesian style , I forgot the name and a very nice tom yam.

Kittens

I have two kittens now, brought home by their mother . Jingga's girl friend Pinky which is not Pink at all. One has three colours , white , orange and black and another an all black kitten with blue eyes. The kittens are now  bold enough to come into the house. It is raining in KL. I have not named them yet..  Another pair is Kiki and Koko and Awang. The big cat.

Today I saw that I have two spots on  my  eyelids. I have rubbed a black head with bicarbonate soda and water and it hurts. Now I am wearing bedak sejuk on my face as there is redness . Today my mother cooked masak asam ikan Mayong, or sour fish. I hope that is the translation, with mustard greens,  fruit salad and salted egg. My favourite. My mother had roasted some ground nuts and blend the nuts and add some rojak sauce. So it becomes a nice fruit salad sauce. My niece , Maryam got 5As for her UPSR examination . Her mother Nas was ecstatic.

Penang holiday and food

                                                   Healthy Bones day at Gurney Plaza

                                          Roast Lamb and Briani at Hameediah Restaurant

Last Friday my parents and I were treated to a flight to Penang by my sister Nas.Before leaving we had some noodle at the Noodle restaurant at the airport. We had some dry Hong Kong and Taiwanese dry noodle . My parents had the one with wantan and I had the one with beef. The Firefly  flight to Penang was one hour. When we arrived , we were whisked to dinner again at Pak Hussein Tomyam. This is the second time I have been here. We have Thai fare . It was nice with fish, kerabu sotong, kailan , squid in batter and apple juice.

The next day we went to see my nephew's kindergarden concert. He was one of the contestants from the east coast. The next day we went to see my niece at her Taekwondo practice at Queensbay mall. We went to Borders  bookstore and lingered on. After that we went to have some bryani at Hameediyah restaurant at Campbell street.My father said it has been around for  decades. We had roast lamb and bryani rice and all the condiments.Maryam had chicken tandoori. After paying we realised that  there is another new restaurant just a few steps away ,the tandoori one. Next time we will got there.At night Nas brought us to another restaurant near the seaside called the Seri Pantai Tom yam.We had grilled fish , cockles and others. It rained everyday in Penang. 

Then the next day went to Gurney Plaza for my nephew Hamzah , colouring contest. His kindergarden KTM, had participated in the Healthy Bones day . After one hour we went for lunch at the Awet Muda  restaurant which is an  open air restaurant    at the road side. We had malay food with bean sprouts in coconut milk, grilled sting ray and a lot of ulam greens basically . I could not resist the banana flower  or jantung pisang and sambal. The last day was spent  at the hair dresser. I had a hair cut and hair colour , my mother too had her hair done. A treat from my sister Yati, he he he.So there goes four days  of  niceties in Penang.Penang is a nice place especially  the houses near the hospitals with old trees.

Roast duck at Mukmin Restaurant Shah Alam

Today I followed my mother to Shah Alam to take her ring . We had decided to try the halal roast duck at a chinese muslim restaurant at  Sek 19 in Shah Alam. The restaurant is Restaurant Mukmin at sek 19/1B .I have not tried roast duck before, I seldom eat duck so this is a treat. We called the restaurant first .  So about 1.00 pm we reached the restaurant. It is in front of the De Palma hotel. We also ordered a vegetable soup, baby kailan with salted  fish, fried tauhu and a whole duck. My father  was  also interested to try, so we packed half of the duck for him. The whole roast duck costs RM 48, half is RM 25 and a quarter is RM 13. I ordered some asam boi drink which is light green in colour, my mother ordered chinese tea.  So the roast duck came and we dived in. It was a lot for both of us since my mother eats less. It was tasty however it is an acquired taste and I eat some more at home.

After taking her cocktail ring, we went to HPA office which is near Giant. Sek 13 Shah Alam. It is a large and beautiful shop and office .I bought some skin care , the Awana powder and Minyak pati sepang or Caesalpina oil. One add the Awana powder and the oil and leave for two hours before you sleep and one can have soft beautiful skin. I will try it.

Olay regenerist firming night cream and Safi Moisturizing cream with Sari Gamat

I am using two creams for day and night. At night I use Olay Regenerist night firming cream. I have wanted to buy this cream for awhile. So , I did about  a month ago. The cream is lavender colour. It is a thick cream. I feel there is an overall improvement on my face but not so drastic. I think I should use this cream for more than three months to see the real improvement .   Sometimes I use it on top of the rosehip oil and after using Dr Denese facial pads. This cream does not get rid of  my brown spots and the uneven colour. I think I don't want to think so much of these minor spots. The normal price of this cream is RM 69.90. I have bought  for RM 57.90  at  a Caring pharmacy during sales.I like this cream .

At day time after cleansing, I will use the Safi moisturizing cream with BHA and sea cucumber or  gamat extract. This cream is thin in consistency. It is a huge  jar of 80 grm. It is very soft. I bought it mainly to prevent pimples and this cream is said to help regulate the skin's  sebum and moisture balance. One can use this cream for day and night. It is a pleasant cream. It costs RM 8.30 at Guardian pharmacy. I used to wear the other cream with Cucumber extract . The one with the green top. This cream will last a long time and I find that pimples do not visit for a time being.

Dr Denese Advanced Firming Facial pads with Actizone and the Resurface & Glow treatment face wash

I have bought two Dr Denese products , the firming  face pads  with Actizone and the  Resurface  and Glow treatment face wash. I have been using both products about two to four weeks.  At first I use the firming pads with Actizone, 60 counts, the next week I bought the Resurface & Glow treatment face  wash online. At first when I use the pads, it was cooling and then it stings. After using it twice, my face had gone red and I had to wash my face. After about three weeks, my face has got used to it. I used it about 30 seconds on my face and then on my hands. I liked it  and I see improvement on my face . Yes, there is a lot of moisture in one pad as was said in her video.   I am supposed to use it everyday as my face is prone to pimples but I use it every two days and will try to use everyday. I like the treatment wash , I feel it exfoliates better . This is my first time using a face pad and it does not dissapoint. My next agenda is to buy the face serum. Dr Denese products come in the blue jars and bottles.The price of face wash was RM 65.90 and the Firming Pads was about RM 103.00.After using for more than one month, my face is fairer. It is the same tone with my fingers. I have some flakiness around my nose. At first I use the face pads on my hands but there is a spot which occured so I stop using on my hands.  Overall my face look better but I think using the pads three times a week or less will suffice. Some users of this glycolic pads say that once a week will do well too.

Fair & Lovely Multi vitamin cream

My hand is fairer than my face. Maybe two tones lighter. So I bought the Fair &Lovely  cream. It is a good cream though. I used the cream some time ago. I used the cream once a day . I used this cream  as I hope to be as fair as my hands. I think I will have to buy an appropriate sun block. It is very hot  nowadays and it rains in the afternoon and evening.The colour of the cream is white. There is another one called the anti marks cream i.I think I will try the other cream. I still have a pimple scar.  I should be using the cream  twice a day. I am careful with creams as I do not want to get pimples yet pimples are part and parcel of life. Now I always get back to those creams which have been around and the ones I used in the past. 

There are two kittens which are at the house. They are Spicy , the cat's kittens. They are wild and scampered whenever  I am near them .  They ran into the drain like Jingga one year ago.My father bought a " Misha"  cat food. It is in a green plastic. It is Halal. My cat Jingga was drenched today in the afternoon. He was yeowling and I did not see that he was soaked .After eating the fish , he hopped into bed and was sleeping contentedly. 

Some Simple food

A few days ago , I was at home. My parents and sister did not come back yet. Mal ,my brother ,was plonked in bed. Obviously he was tired with the night shift.  I thought of cooking but then , I felt quite hungry. So there were some prawn, tomato and eggs. I made the the shrimp louie. This salad is filling. I made some for my brother.

Before that , my sister Nas had a nice recipe with "Budu" involved . Budu is a delicacy , if I may say so favoured by those from the East Coast of penisular Malaysia .It is  fermented fish sauce.  My mother made some cabbage in coconut milk or masak lemak kobis, fried chicken, boiled or steamed fish and eggplant  with long beans. Of course a hard boiled egg in Budu with slices of  onion and bird 's eye chillies. It was very nice. I liked it a lot.

I was thinking of making some mee with wantan . My sister made some , it was dim sum the other day. Later we went to eat at a restaurant selling noodles . I had noodles  with beef.  I think I will make some beef stock and beef and keep it hot , so that I can eat some noodle whenever my mother is not at home or when  my parents fast on Mondays and Thursdays. My father said that fasting makes one healthy.  My husband had made some Carbonara sauce yesterday  and I had boiled some spaghetti.  I will have those tomorrow I and  will make probably make  some more shrimp salad.

Sendayu Tinggi - D'folia and Sedu Arrow

Last week I went to KL to buy a new jar of Pond's cold cream. I bought it at Hanifa textile at Jalan Masjid India. This is my third jar  in the last two years. I bought the 269 gm which costs RM 18.90. Then I went to buy a linen cloth at one of the shops. There is sale , I bought  an olive coloured one. Last time it was the soft peach .

Today I purchased    Sendayu Tinggi traditional supplements  called D'Folia and Sedu Arrow. I have been taking the supplement for about two years. D'Folia is from the honeymoon set and Sedu Arrow is from the women'sset.  I used both for anti aging purposes  and for  my overall health. So far I liked these supplement . I have not tried the ST  Beauty and D'Folia coffee though . One can became a ST  member  for RM 25  at their outlets and they  do have nice makeup colours. You can find the details here at  :http://sendayutinggi.com/

Aidilfitri ,Himalaya Neem Pack,Dr Denese and Payot

Selamat Hari Raya !!! This Aidilfitri , my sisters are here and my brothers with the exception of Zahid. There is the usual fare  , the rendang chicken and meat, sayur lodeh and the nasi impit. This year 's eid is quiet and happy. My sister Nas , Rafiq , Tae and Akmal were around with their families. Yesterday we went to Rafiq's house , Sadd is in Kelantan and Yati came back as a surprise. 

In  the past week I have been looking up for Dr Denese skincare. It looks good especially the Firming Pads. I am also interested in the age corrector cream, the blue cream the hydroshield cream and serum. Lastly it is her Resurface and glow treatment face wash.  I have been watching  all her videos . The founder of this skincare is Dr Adrienne Denese. She is from Hungary and  has a medical degree from Cornell  University medical college. In 1997 she opened her anti aging clinic in New York. She has also written a book called Dr Denese's Secrets for Ageless skin: Younger skin in 8 weeks. 

I have also used the Himalaya Herbal's  Neem Face  Pack for Oily and Pimple prone skin. This is a mask which contains Neem,turmeric and Fuller's earth . It has a distinct sandalwood scent. The colour is dark green with greying tones. It is a pleasant mask which is  cooling and tightening. It firms  and rejuvenate the skin and also clears the skin of all blemishes.  This face pack is said to regulate excess oil  secretion , cleans clogged pores and improves skin texture. It costs RM 19.90 for a 150 ml tube. So far I have used it twice.

The next skincare which caught my attention is Payot. Payot is a  French skincare , the founder is Dr Nadia Payot who  was one of  Europe's  first female  medical doctors  . She created the line in 1927. The creams are about RM 200 depending on the website . It is available at Impian Wanita and Strawberrry net.  I am aware of this skincare as  I used to work near the company which imports this skincare. The products I am interested in are Pate Grise for pimples of course and the Special 5 lotion. Some of  the interesting creams are   Design Lift , Creme Anti Rides ,Design Visage and Creme Jeunesse Du Visage. Most of the creams are  for anti aging and lifting . I think this will be on my wish list next year.

Pineapple juice and Sri Mawar cosmetic

I was thinking of how to eradicate  uneven skin . So far with the Garnier peeling cream, it is still visible but  not too apparent. I am into half of the jar and I plan to buy another . I was thinking of using pineapple juice. It has an enzyme called Bromeilan which is a natural BHA which is good to exfoliate the skin . One has to use the fresh juice immediately. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.  . There is one  recipe calling for coconut milk and pineapple juice in equal quantity and putting  the concoction on the face. Another is to dip a face towel  into fresh pineapple juice and leaving the towel dripped with the juice for 15 minutes. This is one of the natural face lighteners  which I came across. Once my mother buys the fruit for her daily smoothie I will try it on.With natural ingredients , one does not have to worry about chemicals so much but sometimes who knows best ?

I was spying on  the Peter Roth Thomas 3% glycolic wash most of the time along with the  gentle pads.I wonder if it is any good . Since  I am not into high end product just yet . I was thinking of  trying the Sri Mawar Cosmetic. It is made of fruit extracts,flowers and vegetable protein.  It has been around  since 2000, from Johor . 

The line is simple and complete. I like the soft pink packaging.  I like the beautiful skin of the  lady in the advertisement . So fair and flawless.The basic line is made of  cleansing milk , foaming wash , freshener , glicoderm cream and uv cream. There is the normal skin set and the oily  skin set.        The whole set is for RM 260. Then one has to add about RM 100 for the the scrub and a moisturiser.   If you are interested here are some websites which sell this nice skincare line.http://srimawarkosmetiks.blogspot.com/ and http://yakinjaya.blogspot.com/2008/11/sri-mawar-kosmetik.html

Papaya and honey mask

I have controlled the acne  to some extent.  The Clean and Clear acne wash is very good. I have also used the tumeric powder on the last  pimple . So far it has receded.    I was thinking of  some mask to try . I found that a papaya mask would do the trick to exfoliate and for anti aging purposes. Papaya is wonderful fruit. It was called the fruit of the angels by Christopher Columbus. Papaya is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. It is good to prevent cancer . I mashed 1/4 cup of papaya and add 1 tablespoon of honey.  Maybe I should blend the fruit but it was little.  The mask is good . I used it for 15  minutes. There is not adverse affect , it does not feel itchy. I like this mask. It is tasty and sweet . A mask good enough to eat. Some other face pack I would like to try is the Neem Pack by Himalaya and Queen Helene Mint Julepe mask which is available in Malaysia. Either one it is for acne prone face like mine.

My sister Sadd  has got her doctorate degree . Both my sisters Yati and Sadd had gone back . Last two days we broke fast at the  Puteri Restaurant and Homst Chinese Muslim restaurant. The food is good with fish. The last four days we consumed more fish and seafood. It seems that my parents like fish . The bigger the better. We had 'Ikan bakar ' or grilled fish, some steamed fish . Here are some videos about papaya mask and treatment.

Break outs and Clean and Clear

I had breakouts . There are tiny zits popping on my face . About three annoying zits. It must be the sleepless nights and some house wife stress. . I thought of drinking  cucumber juice . I had blended one and now I will juice another one. Cucumber juice is good to flush  out toxin .It has manganese, potassium , silica , vitamin A among others and  is good for the skin and hair.

Today my sister Yati bought most of the break fast dishes. There is the coconut water, some prawn and petai sambal, some jackfruit curry  and my husband had cooked a tomato based chicken and mushroom dish. We had Tropicana twister for the drinks.  I had gone to the physio today . The lady in charge , Miss Sharifah said that it will take 3 months for my hand to completely heal . We will have to wait.Tomorrow my father said there will be roast lamb at the Ghufran mosque nearby.

As for the breakouts, I will have to change the oats which I bought . I need to buy rolled oats. I then went to make a tomato and yoghurt mask. I use it twice. It doesn't tingle though. So I think it's okay. Then I put Apple cider vinegar on the face constantly.  One zit is nearly gone and then I put the tumeric paste twice. It seem to heal but not drying. Lastly I went to Guardian Pharmacy to buy another face wash. My sister said her beautician said not to use the AHA and BHA cleanser everyday.  So off I went  to the pharmacy , there are Oxy , Clearasil and Clean and Clear . I wanted to buy the preventive face wash  for acne. Since I have acne my first choice was Clean and Clear. Perhaps because I have been searching for something or because it stand out. I use the gel cleanser last night and one pimple had dried and two had not. It will resurface again. I think I should eat something for this pimples. Like a jamu for pimple. Like the Puteri Binari  Jamu for pimple.Perhaps it will.

Olay moisturizing cream and Oat Mask

I have been using the olay moisturizing cream for some time. It's an on and off thing. I like the texture and the smell . I don't have any complaint about this cream. I don't use the fluid though. I never thought of using the fluid. Sometimes in my early twenties I just don't like the fluid. Then in my thirties I started to use the cream and until now at 45 . I use it alternately with the Olay Total Effect. I have not tried the Olay Regenerist perhaps I will use the serum only. Ramadhan is here. We break fast at home , yesterday my mother made her prawn curry and the tomato chicken and some salad or kerabu. It is Kerabu Kacang botol. My mother said she wanted to make a different kerabu every day. I read in many reviews that some elderly women their mothers or grandmothers did not have wrinkles when they use the classic Olay fluid. Another is Dorothy Gray's Satura cream . When I was younger I used to like the advertisements in the Female magazine. I have not seen this cream in Malaysia but there is an ebay seller called Perfumezen who sells this cream . It costs about RM 100 with postage .Some swore by  this cream . I thought of making a face cream my self . The only thing is I have sensitive skin. I found a nice website with   old  skin care formulations . I like the website because it has vintage and simple recipes . The only thing is to find lanolin and cocoa butter. Here is the website http://www.oldenbuzz.com/recipes/recipes/5/creams%09.html.

Today I tried the oat mask for the first time. I use the instant oats and I ground it. I use only water . At first it was cooling and then it felt itchy. I don ' t know why maybe I am not used to it or perhaps I did not use the way it should used. Well, I will try it the next time maybe with honey. The oatmeal mask is beneficial as   it exfoliates the skin and absorbs the excess oil from the skin. It removes  dead cells and unclog the pores. So for these benefits I will try once this mask once again. Someone also mentioned that they use the oats as a cleanser . Another  uses  skim milk. I think I will try  both. Here are some you tube videos with the oatmask yoghurt and honey. Enjoy ...

Jadayel Hair Lengthening Oil

My sister Yati came back and brought with her the Jadayel hair lengthening oil.  It is deep red in colour. The smell is bitter at first and then sweet with strong aromatics . I still have the tonic. It is deep green . The other side of the spectrum. So far I am happy with the tonic, it makes my hair silkier when  I use it.  Since my sister is very nice to bring the oil back home , I am very happy about it. Yati had bought the dandruff and the hair loss one. I have not tried those two. I am reminded of  a castor oil hair oil , it is of  this red colour. I used to wear hair oil in the past. The first is Zam Zam hair oil. My mother used it as well. Then it was Dabur hair oil and sometimes olive oil. I long to have  long  and lush hair. Sometimes about once a year , I would buy coconut milk and leave it until it smells. Coconut milk is the best .  I am waiting for my other sisters to come back. Jingga is sleeping in my bedroom. My husband said that he should eat the cat biscuits instead of fish.

Renew Rosehip oil

I bought  this rosehip oil for my scars. It is a deep orange colour . It is RM 52.90 for 15 ml. When I first use it , my arms felt itchy. I had not dampened the skin and then add 2 to 3 drops of the oil. Rosehip oil has vitamin A and is great for scars and aging skin as well. After that I stopped using the oil , and I use it on my face. So now I am using it in the morning as I could not use it before the Garnier Peeling cream . After a week I continue using the rosehip oil again not forgetting to dampen the skin.I think with the oil , one has to wait for some time for the effect. I am also interested in Tanamera's virgin coconut oil. After I had massaged the oil for about two days , I find my scar is slowly fading.

My grandfather had passed away last two nights. He was 90 years old. It was a sad moment. All my siblings will be here for GG's wedding day on  Sunday. The family theme is lavender . 

Garnier Light Peeling Night Cream

I bought the Garnier Light Peeling Night Cream after watching the advertisement on  the television with the girl in yellow tudong . There is sale at Guardian for RM 16.90 where I get  also get a small tube of cleanser and moisturiser. The cream is white in colour ,a light consistency. When I  first use it , it stings and there is some redness but it  subsided after an hour . I hope it will and can erase the discolouration. So far I have not used it every day. My face looks clearer. I have been using the cream for one week. So I have a long way to go .

 I wonder if I should become a beauty consultant and I can buy for my personal use. Avon has their Anew line, as for Nutrimetics I am interested in their crown jewel Apricot cream , the Nutri Rich oil.  I am interested in both . Nutrimetics have their own  treatment line and one of those is  the Gentle Peel Creme  which is made from glycolic acid and fruit acid which is now sold for RM 160.   There is a retinol cream and  vitamin C capsule. The one from Avon  I am keen on is their  retexturing peeling pads which cost about RM 75 if I am not mistaken.    For those interested in the peeling pad, here is some information about it http://www.avon.com/1/1/4080-anew-clinical-advanced-retexturizing-peel.html , you can find Avon on line from some of the on line website like this one for instance http://avonparadise.blogspot.com/ . There is the No. 14 campaign  for  the Anew Clinical products. For Nutrimetics there is one  equally nice  website too http://salbeautyhealth.com/estore/?p=productsList&iCategory=81&sName=Skin-Treatment

Hada Labo AHA & BHA cleanser

I bought Hada Labo Tamgohada AHA + BHA face cleanser last friday. I have been using it for 5 days  now.

 The face wash has a combination of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA ( Salicyclic Acid) which provide clarity,brightness and promote skin cell renewal by preventing  dead skin cell buildup. Skin's surface is renewed for a smoother texture. The product is free of fragrances,mineral oil , alcohol and colourants. So far my face is not irritated by this cleanser.  I chose it for the daily exfoliation. The price of the facial wash is RM 31.90 for 130 gm and there is a smaller size for RM 17.90. There is the famous lotion or toner but maybe I will buy it next month. I am interested to erase some discolouration on my upper left cheek .I still use the bedak sejuk  and I still use it  every week.  The facial wash is white and creamy . It does not cause any irritation . I still have the Pond's cream .  I have finished the rice milk soap . It is a good soap . Did not cause any break outs. It does make the hands fairer since I mostly wash my left hand more often. Today I went to the PPUM or University Malaya Medical Centre for the Hand Therapy.  The wound on the my arm is not healing nicely. I still have another 8 weeks to go.  Ramadhan is coming. My brother Rafiq will hold his wedding reception in August.

Lemon and sugar scrub and HR Hi Goat

I found a new scrub to try on. It's called the lemon and sugar scrub. They showed how to do it on the tube.  I find my skin is softer with the scrub and the Citra Lestari soap is fine.After washing my face I pat on the the apple cider vinegar. I have been searching  for  the best way to erase surgery wound after the s titch is open.I want to try the rosehip oil. The Cica care silicone gel is good too or another cream called the Dermatix which is available at the doctor's . So far I saw a 15 grm tube  which cost RM 100 with  postage  at the  ebay. I am now taking goat's milk called Hi Goat. My mother is a dealer .It's a local company use goat's milk for the skin care and the milk does not have any unpleasant taste. The company is in Kedah. They also make lipstick You can contact the parent company or the many websites for the products. http://hrgroup2u.com/uta/ This is the website. The milk is powdered milk .

  The lemon scrub felt sticky  and sweet to taste. I had stopped using  lemon juice at night . I am not consistent. Here are two favourite videos of the scrub. Have fun .

Accident

I met an accident on Friday I slipped into the drain. Jingga fell into the drain as he fought the other cat.
I had to undergo a surgery. My humerus and wrist broke.
My husband was there with  me most of the time and my parents and siblings. I got calls from my sisters. Alhamdulillah my nerves on the hand is still there. I have to go for dressing every two days. Today I felt better and I could use the computer but writing is quite difficult. Accidents can happen anytime and with loved ones around ,one could recuperate faster.When I came back Jingga came to me and showed his mouth. He hides in the room and sleep in my room. I am grateful that I was not hit on the head or the face.

Skincare regime 2010

I bought the Citra Lestari rice milk on Friday  at Semua House and have been using it these days. Sometimes I will clean my face with Pond's cold cream. I saw some at Haniffa store at Jalan Masjid India. They have a few left . I still have mine so I did not buy the big one. I wonder if they will stop selling  the cold cream . Too bad if they do . The  rice millk soap has a clean smell and foams a lot. After that  I use the apple cider toner. Some school of thought  says  that using toner is not really necessary , some  say they do. matter  I normally do not use any toner maybe some rose water. Then I use a Pond's  moisturiser .In the afternoon or at  night I will use the bedak sejuk . I have made the egg yolk and honey mixture to prevent wrinkles. One teaspoon of egg yolk  to two teaspoons of honey. It is good as the face will become moist. Now if I have zits I will dap Apple cider vinegar on  to it. It stings and clears up fast. I put the acv on the my face while my face is still damp after washing. I find that it will sting the face if  it is dry.  Now I use baking soda as a scrub. It is cheap and works well .

As for sunscreen I still have the Murad sunscreen my sisters gave me and the Garnier one .  I try to limit the time I am under the sun.  At night I  use oil , moisturiser or the Safi beauty cream. I think this will do . I don't have a break out. I have some pigmentation. It is less visible and 3 black spots. There is some discolouration but not so visible.  I think the bedak sejuk does it's job . Well this is my skin regime for the moment . 

As for moisturisers I seem to be going back to Olay . The original one and Total Effects. Then Safi , now it's  Pond's. Maybe I will try the Regenerist line.  Safi is not bad . I read that there are many faithful users of Safi. I can get Pond's Dry Skin Cream  at Haniffa.  I used Tia Amelia whenever I could.  Some brands I'd like to try  is Renew or Sukin, Hada Labo , Roc , Simply Sity , Avalon and some other upmarket ones. If my face get's clearer , free from any blemish , discolouration  . I might stick to this regime.

Here is one of the  many websites that talk about  Pond's cold cream :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxC5dWT-V00&feature=related

Apple Cider Vinegar and Citra Lestari Rice Milk Soap

My husband and I went to buy an apple cider vinegar. Braggs from the neighbourhood organic store. We have consumed it for about three days. My husband felt more energetic.  There is a  face scrub made of bicarbonate soda . It is said to be good for  te hands. I saw the hand scrub from Hollywood beauty secrets in you tube.  I also made a toner with 50% water and 50% apple cider vinegar.   I then  put some apple cider vinegar on  to my pimple and had cleared in two days. 

I don't know why I have pimples popping on nowadays.  Perhaps it is  the stress. There is a therapy called LED light therapy. I wonder if it is availalbe in Malaysia.There is a soap in the market called Citra Lestari Rice Milk soap It is made from the rice water which is very good for the skin like the bedak sejuk I use every week. The large size is RM 20 and the smaller one is RM 10. It is said to lighten the face.. I have been changing cleansers . Now I am using Esmeria before it is Safi.

Here is the hand scrub from the lady who writes Hollywood beauty secrets.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsMQDjefczk and from Citra Lestari  http://citra2u.blogspot.com/2009/04/sabun-kecantikan-susu-beras.html.

Jane Austen and Jingga

Jingga my male cat has a lady visitor every night. A scrawny looking female cat from the colony of cats behind our house. She does not like him.  I had to bring her out.  Poor  Jingga , he is still searching and waits for her. He refuses to come into the house. She will come again around 2  am  with Awang the cat. I had to shoo shoo Awang out because I don' t want them to fight.

I have been watching Jane Austen's novels uploaded on the You Tube. I am currently watching Persuasion 1995 there is another version in 2007. I like cotton dresses, the thing is my tailor does not know how to make empire dresses . I saw a nice chiffon  dress at Arcadia in Jusco Bandar Utama. It is about RM 80. I will show it to my tailor . A Miss Diah.

 I have now realised my  dream to read again. I went to the  Project Guttenberg website . So there are three novels to read simultaneously , if I don't doze off. A room with a view, Greenmantle by John Buchan and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton .A chapter a day.  My husband said that there  are period movies sold  in a shop where he works. All I have to do is give him the titles. Nevertheless , I can enjoy the movies now. So for now I can

go back to favourite pastime .

Food

I have been cooking since my husband is still on holidays.  Capati and the tomato yogurt chicken , ladyfingers and eggplant. Yesterday it was the same recipe using meat . We tried to make yogurt but it was not quite successful. So I finished the yoghurt . I bought some more today.  I  am trying to read Emma and Middlemarch which I bought years ago. Maybe I will get another book.

I saw 'Coco before Chanel' last night.It  was a sad story.  It was a wonderful true story of a woman who became very rich despite her being an orphan and humble upbringing .  Coco Chanel. I love her bags. She loved to read.. She never married. The man she loved  was married to  another rich woman and  he met an accident one day. He died . True stories of successful  ones  are often tinged with  sadness . So are  the classics. 

I wonder if I will be able to buy some wallpaper for my bedroom. I saw the french style bedroom set from John Lewis . Closer to home , there  is another white bedroom set advertised in " Pengantin"  or Bride magazine. Fella has white furniture . I am into white furniture . 

I thought of having pink wall paper but that is too feminine. Blue , well blue or maybe butter since I realised that  I love rooms with  cream walls. I am into creamy , golden . I also like blue or duck blue . A blue room. I intend to have a blue room one day with some chinoseries.   Well , a nother day for dreaming.

Capati and Emma

It took me about 18 years to learn how to make capati. A famous  flat bread. I don' t know, I am not sure how to knead or how much flour to add.  Last week I asked my husband to buy some atta flour. Since I know how to make well a decent looking pie sometimes , he did.  I looked up at the You tube. Tried doing one and then my husband showed me how to make a capati. He made a huge batch yesterday , he is still not sure that I could make the proper mixture. I rolled the dough . When you have knead the mixture and let it sit. Make a small ball and then make it into a round shape and pat both sides into some flour . That will make it easier to roll . So now my husband is very happy to eat the capatis at home every day.

I loved watching Emma by Jane Austen  I saw the latest one in 2009 at the YouTube where else .What a breath of fresh air and away from the real world.  How I love to see Emma having dinner and watch her antics. I love period movies.  I bought " Pride and Prejudice '' with Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet. I especially love the part when they were having breakfast. I love watching food. I do not know where I place it. I have to search for it again.

Well, Mr Darcy is always dashing and aloof and tall. I have bought "Sense and Sensibility "  last two years. I have enjoyed it immensely. When I was a teenager , that is I used to watch a programme called " Affairs of the Heart ". It was everything about love in Victorian England. I used to love the large bird cage .Sometimes it is very nice to escape from the 21st century and doodle in times when things are less complicated or was it ?

I have also watched Fransesca Annis in 'Lillie ' the life of Lilie Langtry with my mother and sisters.

The Hand Affair

Once awhile I will look at my hands.People  say they  tell your age. Sometimes I would scrub my hands with a mixture of sugar and olive oil.  Whenever I  remember I would put olive oil ,almond or castor oil or some hand lotion.Tupperware has an exfoliating hand scrub and cream. I would love it  if my hands are soft and not dry or coarse or wrinkling.  Ouch .

There is a dot on my hand . I wonder if  the  dot is  some oil splattered  or an age spot.  I  wonder how I can  diminish the spot. There are some bite marks  from my cat Jingga . I especially like to look at hand creams . Especially those with shea butter.

I read that ROC hand cream does wonders for the hand especially those with age spot. I was thinking of  buying  a  hand paraffin  machine. The one that you put your hand and envelope with paraffin wax for  soft, youthful hands. I was thinking of those. You can purchase the machine locally. Beauty equipment  shops sell them for around RM 200 and above . Here are some local shops that I  found which sells the hand parrafin bath . They are   .http://ahtienterprise.com/products-paraffin.html ,http://veemanbeauty.com/store/product.php?id_product=1229 and from http://www.magicboobeauty.com/beauty_product/09.html.

 This has to be one of my wish list. To scrub my hand , spray the hand sanitizer and add the cream .  And gently put my hands in parrafin. My mother likes to use for her feet. Sometimes it is sold separately , one for the hand and another  for the feet.

I saw some other parraffin bath  from overseas. One of them is from Therabath. It does look good with the accesories and all . It is sells for USD 199 . Here is the website http://www.therabathpro.com/treatments/hands.php . Another is from the Artemis woman and from Remington. So one of these days I might indulge myself in of a perfect hand spa at home.

Jadayel Hair oil

 I have been using Jadayel Hair tonic from Abdel Samal Al Qurashi for two weeks now. It is a hair tonic without any chemicals . It does not have any strong smell.  It feels cool. My hair looks shinier and softer now. Sometimes I will share the tonic with my husband.  The price is AED 50 when I bought it  from the  Abdel Samad Al Qurashi store in the Mall of Emirates in Dubai.  I use it twice a week.  Usually my hair will be coarse after washing and I use to pin my hair all day long now with this wonderful oil  I  now let my hair loose.  My sister Yati had  bought the hair loss oil. There are two other oil , one for dandruff and another red coloured box for hair lengthening . I asked my sister to buy the hair lengthener  for me , it  could also  volumize the hair.Yippee !!! The hair oil is very gentle too . You can also buy this oil from perfumezahras  for USD 20. This is their website :http://perfume.zahras.com/ under Abdel Samad Al Qurashi catalogue.

My sisters are also into  oil treatment. My sister Nas has bought an olive oil for the face from Laleli Perhaps I have mentioned it before. The store is in Queensbay Penang. It is world renowned olive oil. It is good to use oil. I used to add some essential oil to 30 ml of  sweet almond oil. Sometimes I would add geranium, ylang ylang and sandalwood if  I can get my hands on them.  I used to buy sandalwood essential oil from Bioessentials which is available at the British India stores. 

I have stopped doing so because it became expensive and I love to use it on my body. So I stopped.   I might try to find some essential oil  again.  I saw  a bulgarian rose essential oil being sold at Just Life store in Ikano, Mutiara Damansara. The last time I saw the price was about RM 200. It will be wonderful to add to a face oil with rose ,ylang-ylang and sandalwood. I am not a trained aromatherapist but rose is divine.

Life as it is

Now life is back to normal. It has been ages since I travelled. My cat Jingga refused to eat the kitten and active adult cat food from Blackwood.  He likes the adult one. So I have been feeding him fish . It is difficult to carry him as he will cough. Yesterday my mother made a Pakistani dish with chicken and tomatoes. It is the variant of the lamb tomato dish  my husband  had taught me. She learnt this from a Pakistani lady years ago.

Chicken with tomato and yoghurt recipe
Slice some onion and garlic
Heat in oil
Add curry powder for chicken
Then add the cut chicken and  add  5 to 6 quartered  tomatoes
Allow the tomatoes to become tender - This will take quite awhile
Add  a few spoonfuls of yogurt and  then salt to taste sometimes my mother would add milk . The lady said it is also tasty with meat.. My husband loves the dish with a lot of yogurt.

Photos of Dubai

The last three days I have not been well. I have stomach upset ,wind and heatiness . Perhaps it is because I have been eating lamb every time we eat out. My sister Yati  made roast lamb the other day. It was very tasty with the beriani rice. I hope to make one similar at home. The next two days we went to Bur Dubai again to see the souk but there were many textile shops. We went browsing into the jewellery shop. One is Joyalukkas. Then bryani fare at Joysr restaurant nearby. After that a short trip down and about the water taxi. The next day we  went to the Mall of Emirates , my favourite shopping mall. We had lunch at the food court . Had Beirut fare. This time I took the red coloured chicken. At night we went to Dubai mall. We saw the fountain show and off to the souk Al Bahar. The atmosphere was romantic. Then we went to have dinner at Abdel Wahab restaurant. Another Lebanese restaurant. It was pricey. Most restaurants are pricey . Well the food are memorable. The next day my sister had a surprise for my mother. And then we are off  home.
How time flies. The time spent at my sister's place  is very  nice and memorable   with some moments . He he he. Here are some pictures that  I am able to share. The mosque is in Abu Dhabi , the grand mosque. My mother and I on the boat ride from the Marina Mall. Most photos at the Indian court ,Tunisian court in Ibnu Batutta Mall. Beirut fare at Mall of Emirates , tea time at Lime tree Cafe , Ibnu Batutta Mall.Lunch at Hatam and the Fountain show at the Dubai Mall.

Mall of Emirates and the Jumeirah Beach residence

In the morning after breakfast , the four of us went to the Mall of Emirates. My father likes to talk to the taxi drivers. It was a short ride. We went to buy the gifts at Al Jabeer gift shop. I like the eyes as I told yati. Before that we saw the perfumer Abdul Samad Al Qurashi's shop.  I wondered how much the bakhoor or agarwood powder would cost. I thought of not buying any because Yati had bought for many bakhoor but that does not stop me for buying another bakhoor. It cost me AED 80 for 50grm of agarwood powder.  There some other which is AED 150 and 300 but I know there would be more expensive bakhoor . Yati bought the Jadayel hair oil for AED 50. Then we went to buy gifts.
For lunch my mother cooked masak lemak ikan or fish in yellow gravy which tastes very homey , two fried fish and some mustard greens. Then at 5.00 pm we went to Dubai Marina Mall which has some fine shops . The blouses in Dubai start at AED 199 and there are some bargains. Most of the pharmacies around these area sell upmarket brand. We went to buy some salad at Waitrose supermarket and one garbanzo salad from Carluccio's. After that we went to the Jumeirah beach residence and ate the salad on the beach. After that we  browse along the restaurants. I still have wind . Then my sister Yati treated us at Bazerkan restaurant  for lebanese food. I have been eating lamb most of the time. Perhaps that is why I feel the heatiness. My mother and sister is out again to see her office.

Marina Walk

Today we went to the Marina Walk. We went for an hour boat ride. We also had tea at the Cafe Bateel. The skyline is beautiful as we watch the sunset from the boat. After the relaxing boat ride , we went to visit Spinneys. Tomorrow we will go to Dubai Mall again. This time I want to buy another bakhoor. I do not know whether I will be buying or not. Yatie made roast chicken. It was tasty and I was full . I have a lot of gas nowadays.

Ibnu Batutta Mall

Today we went to the Ibnu Batutta mall for lunch. We started at the  China court and had lunch at an Iranian restaurant called Hatam. Photos will be uploaded when we come back this Saturday. We walked from the China court until the Tunisian court. I had trouble walking down the stairs. The Indian court is beautiful. Then we had tea at the Lime Tree cafe. The one that I have been surfing on before I came to Dubai. At last . It was nice to try the latte and the baked praline cheese cake. We bought the baked spinach and tomato.  Before that we went again to the Lifestyle store where my sister bought curtains. There was sale and I also was given a  makeup set which I had eyes on. It was a long trip .  The mall is large and has beautiful architecture.

Sharjah, Dubai

We went to the Oasis  mall today . We went to see the  Q home decor. I ogled at the beautiful sets . Mostly were in beautiful jacquard. I love the styles and there was more french furnitures  if I am not mistaken. The full set is about AED 25000 as there is a 33% sale. After that we went to Sharjah about 40 minutes drive from Dubai. We went to see the University city where there are a few universities in one place .University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah to name a few.  We spend about two hours there and we took some photos at the beautiful American University. Before that we also bought some silk cloth at Deepak's. We did not go to Deira to buy the textile as it was far from the house. After that we went home and had dinner at a Turkish restaurant called Turkish flower.I like the salad set with hummus and baba ganoush. I like the particular salad . Then we went round the places and at the beach at Umm Sequem . It is  very windy tonight. It is now 10.10 pm. I feel tired.

Abu Dhabi

Today we went to Abu Dhabi . My father wanted to see his friend at the Golf Gardens. We woke up early. Yesterday I went to the Mall of Emirates again with my sister Dr. Yati. We went browsing through the stores. I did not buy any cosmetics or lingerie. It was not in my budget . We went to the  Swiss Arabian kiosk. There we bought some nice bakhoor .  Then we went to to a perfume shop called Al Rasasi. There we bought more bakhoor , a rose and amber fragance. There were two more perfume shop . Abdul Samad Al Qurashi and Ajmal. I don' know if they have bakhoor but I am planning to buy some more.
After we went to my father's friend's residence, we went to take few pictures at the Marina Mall and then in front of one of the palaces. We were allowed to take some pictures in front as it was not allowed to go there on Friday and Saturday. After that we had our Jumaat prayers at the famous mosque in Abu Dhabi with the golden domes . My sister said it is like the Alladin's story. Then we went to Al Ain which is a smaller city compared to Dubai. Dubai with the tall skyline. I have always forgotten to take pictures of food .  We arrived back home around 6.45 pm.

Dubai Mall

Last night we went to the Dubai Mall. We saw the fountain show .It was windy and then it rained.
There were lots of shops .I like to see the large jewellery at the shops . We went to the Waitrose supermarket last . My father likes to go to browse in the supermarkets and pharmacies. So do I.
The Dubai Mall is situated near the Burj Khalifa the tallest building in the world.We watched the fountain show with the Burj Khalifa as it 's background  and the crescent moon.  There were more shops here compared to the Mall of Emirates. We had dinner at the food court. My father was not tired tonight. There is a large indoor aquarium in the mall. I like the Swiss Arabian perfume. The home perfume my sister bought and used in the house. It smells really nice.My sister Yati has gone to work leaving the three of us at home. watching TV. I also think of my cat Jingga and another large cat with hazel eyes.

Dubai Story Part One- 100th blog

I am in Dubai now with my parents.My sister has treated me with a holiday  in Dubai. Yahoo !!! I am staying at my sister's apartment at the Knowledge Village at Palm Jumeirah. Dubai is a cosmopolitan,metropolitian    city with lots of tall buidlings. So far I have gone to the Jumeirah beach, Souk  Madinat Jumeirah , a boat ride to old Dubai , Ibnu Batutta Mall and Mall of Emirates. We reached Dubai with MAS on Thursday evening at 5.30 pm .
The first  morning we went to   the Souk Madinat Jumeirah  . These souks have a wonderful ambience   with lovely  lighted stores. I will upload the photos later. Then we went to the Mall of Emirates . The dresses cost AED 1000 above. We had lunch at the food stall where we had Beirut fare. One thing I notice is that the portion of  food here is huge. I could not finish the portion with rice , salad, soup and two breads. I think my husband will like the food. Then we went around the MOE , and had our prayers there. The prayer room is huge with plush carpets. I like it.
The next day we went for  a boat ride to old Dubai. It was very hot and then my father said he felt like fainting. We went also  around  near beaches , took pictures near the Atlantis hotel. Since it was a weekend there were many people. The toilets are clean for those who are interested.
 I saw Borjouis and Max Factor makeup at the Boots store at Ibnu Batutta mall . We went there last night. It was huge and we did not cover the whole mall as my father said he was tired. We had dinner last night too , I tried the mixed grill and as usual the rice portion is big. At the old Dubai we went to a Bukhari restaurant which is from Chennai. We had special bryani . My father wanted to see the stores at Old Dubai  but the it was very hot. We stopped at a store which sold everything. The price here is cheaper than the malls but of course. There is a shop called Al Jabeer which sells very nice gifts  at the expensive side.Another shop  called Life Style has Bath and Body  gels and lotions. Bourjouis makeup ,Rimmel and NYC too is available.
 At the old Dubai  the price is about RM 5 so you can choose but is far from the new town .About 40 minutes or so. I have not tried the Metro.
I have not spotted The Lime Tree cafe at the Ibnu Stall.My sister Yati said that we can try the Coliseum or the Paul Brasserie the next time we go to the Mall Of Emirates.  Last night we went around the Jumeirah Beach Residence or JBR .It is the hippest place to be with upscale outdoor cafes with ladies clad in black. It is near the beach. Very nice. I hope to try  the Beirut dish again. Last night we went to a very nice mosque near the Jumeirah beach. It seems that we always go near the Jumeirah.

Bedak sejuk HPA and natural skincare

 My niece and my nephews are at home as their mother is in the hospital. There are four boys and the youngest Icha , a girl.  They loved to see the cats . Jingga did not stay at home at day time.
I was thinking of buying ampoules . I saw  the advertised in Wanita Melayu by Siti Masturah. I will have to buy some scrub and a toner. Now I am using Safi  and HPA bedak sejuk. Bedak sejuk is  cold powder translated literally. Bedak sejuk has been used by our grandmothers.  It is made of rice  , put it in water until it became soft. The water has to be changed everyday. When the rice has become soft  you then put it in a banana leaf  not unlike piping  the soft rice. You pipe it until it become tiny droplets.  When it became dry  you use this tiny droplets or bedak sejuk . Mix it with rose water . It is exfoliating. Sometimes ladies add jasmine flowers for the lovely smell. Most of the  old ladies who use this powder  have really nice complexion. Some use it everyday.
I have been using HPA 's bedak sejuk tompok hitam. It does help with  the discoloration I have been talking about. Now   I can only see the top part of the discoloration and I have to squint in order to see the old shape.
The cost of this bedak sejuk is RM 15 . I bought another  bedak sejuk called bedak sejuk Awana. It is to exfoliate old skin. The colour is brown and it does not strong smell. It is very soft once you add rose water.
I bought mine at  a store in City One Plaza for RM 20.  They do sell almond oil for RM 20 for a 50 ml bottle.
I was thinking of trying new skincare. They cost a lot about RM 630. One of the skincare I was thinking of is
Terraderm. I opened the Nona magazine and there it is a the flawless face  and the set . It cost RM 630 for the whole set and can be bought online  or can be purchased at  it's clinic at Sri Hartamas. It is expensive , I thought of buying the  sun screen.  I like the vitamins C serum which costs RM 180. He he he . You can find
Terraderm at http://www.terradermgroup.com/
Another skincare I  found is Jernehby Sheila Majid. The bottles look gorgeous and the whole set cost about
RM 700 but if you buy on line it will be about RM 600 because  the serum is only for 10 days. I like the concept of safe cosmetics. You can find the skincare at http://www.jernehbysheilamajid.com/home.asp
I like safe cosmetics without the use dangerous chemicals . Another lady who sells skincare without hazardous chemicals and have a salon as well is  Tunku Zaidar  or Zai's Beauty Formula. . I went to one of the talks years back and  Tunku Zaidar has flawless face . The set starts at RM 170 and there is a hair gone formula  for those who have facial hair like me due to the usage of  unsafe creams . The website is :http://www.zaimal.com/
 There is another website  where you can buy safe , healthy  skincare . This store sells natural ,organic skincare. It is a local website. You can purchase Sukin Organics and Renew skincare . Both are  from Australia.
Renew is more expensive. For the whole set of Sukin Organics , the cost is under RM 200 and more from Renew  The website. is  http://suisuiskin.com/.  There are two more website which I always go to for natural skincare .