Sunday, October 31, 2010

These are very interesting times..

Despite the cryptic title, I actually have absolutely NO wish to be cryptic.

Unfortunately, I am out of time.

However, I would like to note that, I am looking forward to some very interesting times ahead.

Therefore the CRYPTIC title.

I know! Corny isn't it?

Well, if you must know, I am not toying and nor am I teasing you. However, I am excited at the prospect of my future. Hopefully, things will turn out the way I hope it would be (at least the directions at which I am heading to seems mighty clear in my head).

So, just a quick recap on what's going to happen in this two months prior to 2011:

1. I will be traveling a lot. I mean, a WHOLE LOT. Well, if you must know, it seems like I will be boarding the plane every week (to-and-fro of many different airports) or at the very least every two-weeks. But, needless to say, I am looking forward to each and every one of my trips (so far, there will be three flights in November and four flights in December). And the best part is, I will be traveling to TWO different countries (outside Malaysia), both trips I am really, really looking forward to *wink*.

2. I will be venturing into something new. Nope, I am not telling now (cause I don't want to jinx anything). But I am hopeful for the future and I hope it is as bright as what I foresee it to be. However, I will say that it is a new direction for me (a business venture of sorts) and NO, that doesn't mean I am quitting my job (cause I seem to be enjoying the challenge that I am facing right now, with my job, I mean).

3. My book got published!!! This is a triple yeay to me *yippee* I really, really wanted to post a photo of the book on this blog but I have very little time to spare, hence, the lack of blog entries. I promise I will post it once I can squeeze in some spare time for blogging. This is my second book and by the looks of it, it's my best so far. I am working on another writing project but time seems to be of the essence and thus it is still on the outline stage.

Let's leave it at three items shall we?

Cheerio!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fashionista Escapades: Terengganu

I am really lucky that I had an opportunity to come again to Terengganu. The last time I went to Terengganu was 13 years ago and I really loved my stay there, so much so that I was really looking forward to my trip to Terengganu this time.



If you're flying to Terengganu, you'll be touching down at this airport.





Coastal road from Kuala Terengganu leading to Dungun, where we were staying.

Let me just highlight the best parts, you know, just in case you feel like stopping by Terengganu any time soon;

1) The Food



Some of the cakes and dessert might be a tad too sweet so eat sparingly (if you value your waistline and your health, of course)

Well, this is not to say that the food is so great, and actually not everybody is into fish, but then, I'd say that the Keropok Lekor (and some call it Keropok Losong) is definitely a must-try item. It's great as an afternoon snack or an any time of day snack. Just in case you don't know, it's made out of fish and flour (if I'm not mistaken) and the raw version kinda looks like giant worms (looks yucky, I know, but definitely tastes yummy).


Keropok Lekor is deep-fried (just in case you didn't know)


Voila! The finished product. Dig in!




Raw Keropok Lekor. Looks kinda yucky, right?



Enjoying some keropok lekor at Pantai Teluk Bidara.

Another thing, the laksam is also a must try. It's like noodle soup but the soup's main ingredients are fish and some herbs and spices. Some might not like it cause it's not everyone's cup of tea you see, but if you're adventurous, why not give it a try?



And this is how Laksam looks like


And on hot, sunny afternoons, you might want to wash your food down with some ice kacang =).

2) The Beach


I love watching the sunset.

Gosh, the state of Terengganu is sooooo fortunate to have such a beautiful coastline. And the best part is, the sea and the beach looks great (not like certain beaches here in Sarawak). The hotel where we stayed was right by the sea and waking up to the sound of waves crashing to the beach was really the highlight of my morning.


If you're into high end escapades, then I'd recommend you Tanjung Jara Resort. We stopped by Tanjung Jara for a visit the other day (my mum wanted to go to the spa) and the place is utterly beautiful. I know that fashionista's who needs a lil' TLC would certainly get their fair share of LOVE and CARE there.

Sneak peek of what Tanjung Jara has to offer..


Getting massaged next to the sea *sigh*


Or lazing in a hammock

p/s: they have honeymoon packages *yeay*

3) Crafts and Shopping

Terengganu is famous for its Batik, a hand painted cloth that is definitely pricey. If you're looking for a souvenir, this is certainly one of the places that you can find them.


The famous Pasar Payang

Batik prices usually start from RM150 and above. Pricey but definitely worth it as no Batik is identical to the other (since it's hand-painted *duh*). I certainly took one home with me =)


An array of Batik cloth for sale

4) Places of Attraction


I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Kuala Terengganu, Dungun and Kerteh. Kuala Terengganu has some of the most beautiful mosques and among some of them are:



The color of the domes is what gave the name Masjid Kristal to the mosque. 


From the main entrance leading to the mosque.


Domes and more domes..


The architecture of the mosque..


The view from the back of the mosque.


And minarets..


Stopping to pose at Masjid Kristal.

Masjid Terapung



This mosque is also known as Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah (also my spelling might be wrong *opps*)


You could also opt to visit the Terengganu Museum:







Dungun (where we stayed) is a small town just 2 hours away from Kuala Terengganu.


And this is a photo of me doing jumping jacks *haha*

5) The People

What I most envy is the relaxed attitude that most people in Terengganu have. It has this atmosphere of slowing down and taking your own sweet time (which I feel is lost on city-folks sometimes). However, do note that their driving is absolutely horrible so you might want to be a tad careful on the roads.



A fisherman cleaning his boat in Dungun


A kid happily playing at a playground in the middle of the wet market compound in Dungun



A kampung road in Dungun, Terengganu.

So, feel like jumping on the next plane to Terengganu? Cheerio!


Happy camwhoring peeps!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Monday, October 11, 2010

Kampung Rituh Labuan

It's funny that a village has the same name as a federal territory, but then again, considering you have England and New England, York and New York, for us here on the Borneo Island we also have our very own Labuan (the Federal Territory) and Kampung Rituh Labuan (and not as you might have expected, New Labuan).


We went there during the weekend for a community service (or more appropriately, the students were servicing the community and I was busy snapping photos, or at least pretending that I was busy so that I wouldn't be called to trim the lawn and such). This is one of the activities that the students must fulfil as part of their assignment for a subject called Personal Development (in which I am NOT teaching), but as their own lecturer couldn't make it that day, I became the substitute.


As I have never accompanied my students to a community service (and never ORGANIZED any) well, I really wasn't ready for what was in store. Firstly, I really did not realize that the weather could be so HOT! I mean REALLY, REALLY BOILING HOT (and here I was in my shirt and cardigan, trying to look the part of a strict and no-nonsense lecturer) but unfortunately my attire didn't really help in that sweltering heat *ouch*.

However, what really surprised me was the spirit that my students exhibited over the whole community service thing. They were divided into three groups, lawn mowing, painting and cleaning the hall. It was hot (absolutely and most horribly) and they were all industrially working (like ants carrying bits of food that are bigger than they are) without regard to the heat (or maybe with regard to the heat, working faster completes the job faster, don't you think?).


At the end of the day, I couldn't help but feel proud (even though I wasn't even in the organizing team and only accompanying them and clicking here and there) but I do feel that they have exhibited a sense of maturity by being able to organize and coordinate such a huge activity.


Bravo to all of them! You did well. There is hope for the mindless youth after all *cheeky grin*.


Cheerio!



xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Fashionista's Movie Review: Eat, Pray, Love


I was supposed to be attending Mandarin class when my mum suddenly asked me to drive her to tHe Spring. She said she was going to watch a movie, Eat, Pray, Love. When in the car, I asked her who she was going with, and she said, No One. She was going to watch the movie alone. A-L-O-N-E. I can't let her do that! Not only is it wrong, but she's watching a movie that I have yet to watch. Oh, that simply cannot do. So I decided to skip Mandarin class and watch Julia Roberts in action.

Attraversiamo. Just that one word. That is what the whole movie is all about. How can I not love this movie? I think this movie is what every woman dreams for themselves, a journey into life and life itself. It's a search of who we really are. And I am not saying that all women are lost, but simply it would be great to find yourself and the best thing is, finding yourself in an adventure that you created for yourself. I would certainly love to be on that adventure.


Photo taken from Wikipedia.

So, a bit on the movie. It's a movie about a lady named Elizabeth Gilbert (and if you haven't already noticed 'duh!' Elizabeth Gilbert is also the name of the author). In actual fact, this movie recounts a part of her life, an entertaining autobiography, I must say. It started in Bali. Oh, I love Bali. I went there last year and watching the movie simply made me want to go back to Bali. A Bali medicine man predicted her life and her marriage and that later she would be back to Bali. And that is how the movie starts.

Then, coming back to her present life, she was in a good relationship with the husband but not necessarily happy. I think in a way, Liz is wondering why she isn't happy the way things turn out, even though she had taken an active role in that life of hers.

Anyway, to all of you, I really recommend that you see the movie. For me, I took it another step further by buying the book at the airport (for my trip to Kuala Terengganu, with the hopes that I'll be able to steal a few moments here and there to read the book). It's an absolutely great movie. It's off the charts. I'm sure watching it would reveal certain thing that we wished upon ourselves. And the best part is, it's not wrong to go and discover what you want.

See you at the movies!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Fashionista's Movie Review: Magika

I had the opportunity to watch this movie over the weekend with my BFF (it was her birthday on Saturday and I felt so bad that I didn't celebrate with her on Saturday that I spent the whole day Sunday with her).
This is a movie by KRU productions the KRU brothers (Norman, Yusry, Edry who were once famous as Malaysian's very own rap group), as I didn't know about the movie (don't blame me as the movie promo has yet to reach my eyes and ears) I decided to keep an open mind about the movie and see how it goes.


The movie is basically a compilation of Malaysian's tales (true or otherwise) like Pak Pandir, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, Mahsuri, Hang Tuah and many other Malaysian stories. The movie started with two siblings arguing and it was later revealed that their mother had recently passed away and they were both coping and grieving over the loss. The brother, Malik ran into the nearby forest after the argument and fell into a well which brought them into the world of Magika. As the day was drawing to an end, the sister, Ayu went in search of Malik and found Malik's belongings next to the well and she went down the well as well.

I am certainly not going to tell you the rest of the story as it would be best that you discover by yourself by going to the nearest cinema. My review? Well, the movie certainly has a very powerful cast with names like Fauziah Ahmad Daud (as the late Mom), Jalalludin Hassan (as the father), Aznil Nawawi (as Pak Pandir), Vanidah Imran (as Mahsuri) and many others. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the leading lady, Diana Danielle and leading man is non other than Malaysian's Mawi (which I am not a fan, however).

Although I was impressed the KRU's CGI (computer generated images) and the scene (for Magika) was certainly set to look very fairytale~ish (at some point it did remind me of Alice in Wonderland of some sort), I do feel that although Diana Danielle makes a good leading lady (I'd say she acts better than Fasha Sandha) but I am not that impressed with Mawi. Blame it on bias but I do feel that the movie would have been better if the hero was other than Mawi.
Overall, I'd rate the movie on a 7 out of 10 for Malaysian movie. It was pretty entertaining, I love the laughs and comedic scene and for a musical it was certainly quite well done.
See ya at the movies!!
xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Leavin' the Nest Part II

I had the opportunity to attend a dinner hosted by our Diploma students. It pretty much reminded me of my university days where we would be the ones busy organizing activities, dinners and other festivities just for the fun of it. In a way, I am proud of the organizers, the dinner was very well done, the timing was punctual (well almost, you know how Malaysians are infamous on being late, yours truly being in the same category *ouch*), they invited a speaker from Bank Simpanan Nasional (this was courtesy of Madam Carolin as the speaker is her classmate in her Master's class) and there was also live performances from the students. Certainly job well done if I may say so myself.

Among on the itinerary was a gift presentation to Part 6 students (final semester students who will be graduating soon) and among them were students whom I had taught last semester. Imagine how proud I felt (even though I am not teaching them anymore) knowing the fact that these students have finally made it past their diploma and will soon either be joining the workforce or even continuing their education to degree level.

What I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!!! You've made it this far. You will soon be on a journey to adulthood (if you haven't yet already) and you fill find the your university days are among one of the best memories that you had growing up (if you're like me). You have your whole life ahead of you (just like what I have discovered after graduation) and all the best to all of you =)

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo