I should start blogging again

BAHAHAHAHA. Who am i kidding. I am going into my third trimester now and I literally did nothing for the whole of my second.

Such a pig. So lazy.

Ok2 this weekend i start. Now let me lie down first with covers and aircon n let me sleep. 😆

We're having a baby!

For the record, i will just be saving this as draft and will only publish these posts once im over my 2nd trimester insya allah. #formemoriessakes

2 March 2016. 5 weeks.

I got my HPT checked a couple of times for the past few weeks and yes!

We are having a baby!
The test line was exceptionally dark red today which is good. Come on hormones do your thing!

Alhamdulillah. What he decrees upon us, and if he says Be, yes it will Be.

F a i t h & H o p e

Allah never shortchanges the one He loves.
Sometimes His way of giving is not in the form of gifts but in the holding back and taking away; regardless, Alhamdulillah 'ala kulli hal.

I hope to imagine the grand award that awaits us and also couples who are trying hard to conceive or who have had dealt with the loss of their baby even before they managed to be able to give birth to one.

I know that we will be compensated for, for striving for acceptance of all that He has decreed upon us, which surely, surely is always the best, certainly. Maybe not here, insya allah, maybe in the hereafter. That is what we are working for.

We've just got a lot of love to give, and it would have been nice if that was in the form of a child.

I am full of hope and faith.

How much does a HDB renovation really cost in Singapore?

This post is meant for people who thinks they know it all JUST BECAUSE their renovation costs seems relatively lower than the rest.

Don't we all have that friend, family member, or someone who always seems to know more than the rest. And their job basically is to scrutinize every single thing just because we are NOT agreeing with them?

Hey, i am not disagreeing with you but as a new home owner myself who is stressing myself over the costs of renovation (who doesn't?), i dont think

'How much did you spend on your renovation?',

is a fair enough question to ask me without knowing the sqm of my home, the dimensions, what did i do, the origin of my tiles, the carpentry works involved or even any hacking done. 

You see. I owe a 4rm resale unit and say, XYZ, has a 4rm BTO. See the comparison is pretty much similar but NO.

Having a BTO means the foundation is there and you are basically doing cosmetic reno works. This also means a chunk of your reno cost would not be spend or wiring the whole unit.

Wiring is NOT CHEAP.

Flooring as well. Unless you take a unit with 1, some comes cemented thus no hacking needs to be done THUS you would get away with floor overlaying.

See there are many attributes that goes to the price of your renovation.

I am having a super upset day because i feel that I wasnt given a chance to explain myself yet all i got was an OKIE.

Yes super annoying.

So it all started with XYZ asking me what was the budget for my renovation.

See i have planned for my reno works since 2013. I have read, blogged, consulted and even got a few quotations for the basic works i planned to do. And let's be fucking realistic. How do we go about renovating our home at 10k budget expecting it to be on the cover of Expat Living. I have my expectations and i will have it either way.

So ok. I being the person who know roughly how much really it cost to have my dream home said 38k.

It is not cheap yes. But it gets me what i want for my dream home and thats all that matters.

SO EXPENSIVE. MINE ONLY 11K. ALL IN EXCEPT FLOORING. (said XYZ)

I seriously have no idea how to answer that.
But i have a million to be honest.

What did you do?
What kind of tiles for your kitchen?
Overlayed? Hacked?
Hw many feet was your cabinets? Top and bottom? Island?
What kind of wood?
What kind of countertop? Granite?
Marble? Lamibated? Edged?
Brand of Cooker hoob/hood?
Sink brand? Build in oven space?
Build up washing area?
False ceiling? Lights? Ceiling fans?
Window grills?
Laminated flooring? Ceramic? Parquet?
Cornice?
Any downlights?
Tv panels?
Any wall accents?
Paintings included? Colour limitations?
What did you do to your toilet? Shower screen?
In build sink? Vanity table? Shower area?
Storage space in laundry area?
Master closet?
Open or close closet system?
How many feet of closet space?
Type of wood? Type of storages/compartments?
Manpower and disposal included?
Chemical wash?

THERE IS SO MANY QUESTIONS TO ASK AMONG THOSE.
WHAT YOU PAY IS WHAT YOU GET.
SO DONT GO COMPARING YOUR QUOTE WITH MINE BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY WHAT YOU DO TO YOUR HOME IS DIFFERENT TO WHAT I DO TO MINE.

SO STOP IT LAHH. STOP COMPARING.
Congratulations that you got a cheap quote without consulting an ID.

BUT SERIOUSLY, WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD WANT TO SPEND MONEY UNNECESSARILY?

Renovating a HDB flat is one of the few big-ticket items in Singapore that most couples will need to spend money on. To renovate a house is not cheap, contrary to what some articles on social media sometime suggests. It gets even more challenging when one hears of horror stories dealing with errant contractors and even sometimes, interior designers.

So how much does it really cost to renovate an HDB flat? Are those articles touting beautiful renovation works at $35,000 believable?

$56,000 to renovate a HDB Flat

According to Qanvast, which is a platform allowing Singapore homeowners to compare design inspirations from a pool of interior designers, the average renovation amount spent on a typical HDB flat is about $56,000.

If that seems a little higher than what you were originally expecting, it is time to be realistic about how much home renovation can actually cost you. Truth is, unless you spend a lot of effort doing it yourself, home renovations are rarely cheap. Of course, a renovation package will appear “cheap” by not including some costs.

Here are some things you might want to know before signing on the dotted line for your renovation package.

1. Be Careful Of Photos showing 3D perspective

It is common for interior designers to showcase beautiful pictures of their portfolio of work. One thing when reviewing their portfolio is to differentiate between 3D perspective and actual photos of completed work.

One easy way to differentiate between the two is to simply look at the window within the photo. If it’s a 3D perspective, the view from the window will look like one that is too good to be true.

2. Additional (important) works not included

If your renovation package price appears quite low from the perspective that your interior designer have done up for you, it is worth noting that there are some additional works that are probably not included as part of the package price. Here are some common items.

Cost of lights plus electrician $4000

Cost of curtains $1000

Window grills $500

Air Conditioning $3500

Cement Screeding $1000

Total $10,000

 

This price range is an estimate but even then, you can see that it is not difficult for an additional $10,000 to be included in the package. These are additional money that you will need on top of what you are paying for the renovation package.

Also assuming that your interior designer or contractor is honest enough to include all the costs instead of hiding some.

3. Additional cost of furnishing

If this is your first home, you probably do not own any existing furniture yet. New homeowners can expect to spend anything between $10,000 to $20,000 to furnish their home.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of furniture and electronics that you will need.

KitchenAppliances $2000

Fridge $1000

Washing Machine $1000

Television $750

Dining Table Set $750

Sofa Set + Coffee Table $1500

Study Table Set $1000

Queen Sized Bed $2000

Total $10,000

 
The amount estimated does not include other items such as additional beds for your children, wardrobes for the bedrooms and the storage racks for your household shelter. It also does not include the cost of bathroom accessories and your dressing table.

4. Ensuring the renovation package covers what you really need

Renovation packages can sometimes be one size fit all packages. A sales person may promise you everything under the sun before the contract is signed and then transform into the most inflexible person after your deposit is received. Hence, it is important for you to understand each and every item that you are paying for and the justification for the price quoted.

I guess the best thing to do is to sign the agreement after you have received your house keys to ensure that your interior designer has already done the relevant measurements in your home before quoting their price.

You want a quotation based on the actual dimensions and needs of your home, and not one that is simply a ballpark figure.

5. NOT getting a package from a road show

Getting a package from road shows is almost always a bad idea. There are a few reasons for that.

Firstly, the salesperson that you might be talking to may simply just be that, a sales person. He or she may not be the actual person you will be working with after the contract is signed. The sales person may promise you things that the company cannot deliver.

Secondly, any package signed during a road show is likely to be subjected to future changes on your part. However, there is no guarantee that the company is going to be flexible with these changes. If you wish to remove an unnecessary item thereafter, they may not reduce the price.

On the other hand, it is almost a given that any additional item you need that is not included in the renovation package will be an added cost, even if it was the sales person who had forgotten to include it.

Lastly, never ever fall for the trick that sales people like to use by saying that “locking in your package price a year before your house is ready will hedge you against inflation”.

I mean COME ON, we all know inflation have to be borne by someone. Are interior designers and their companies really going to hedge in their material price? I highly doubt so.

Do your own research

Rather than be at the mercy of information provided by sales people, homeowners can do their own research first to better understand the market and their own needs and wants.

Ok enough. I am super pissed. Next time someone asks me how much did i spend on reno works, i will just say,

'IT'S A FUCKING SECRET'.

-

EDD

Today would have been my estimated due date for my 2nd pregnancy.

Just got the email from baby centre. Of all days. Just glad it didnt came 2 days ago.

😑

Bucket List

1. Umrah.

2. Haji.

3. Travel to Iceland or Finland. See the Northern Lights. Take a picture of us. And frame it.

4. Road trip around Straya! North down south. Brisbane, GC, Sydney, Melbourne. (Halfway there!)

5. License by 30. Class 2B & 3 Auto.

6. Have a baby.

7. Skydive in Dubai.

8. Own a car by 35.

9.  Purchase our first home by 30.
(Done at 27)

10. Visit New York City at Christmas time. Just because it will be snowing and while there, visit Central Park and have a picnic.

11. Buy/Sell property, massionette by 40.

12. Hike up a mountain. Doesn't matter where. 

13. Fly first class with SIA.

14. Visit Oia, Santorini Greece.

15. Have an all-nighter, preferably Vegas Baby!

16. Visit Stonehenge

17. Bagpack around the Middle East perimeter (Jerash, Amman, Lebanon, Juruselam) Float in the Dead Sea maybe?
Bagpacking around Europe seems more futile, too clichè?

18. Watch a Man U game.

19. Stand in a red phone box in England.

20. Complete my degree by 30. (Done at 26)

Adding to the list!

2/20.

Missed

I missed you a bit more today. I want to speak to you badly. So i did. Please come again in my dreams, chutney. 

Dreams

Shafid, I dreamt about you yesterday.
Honestly, it wasn't something i had in mind.
I would have wanted you to come dressed all in white and smiling and glowing.

But that didn't happened.
Instead, i dreamt about how you left us. About how you drowned and it seems as if in my dreams, i could actually see what happened and hear what was in your mind and the struggle ending to that few seconds before the water fills up your lungs and finally taking your last breath.

I miss you. God I miss you.

Al fateha. Been 12days since you left us and i've came down to visit you twice, i hope you saw me and i hope you loved the flowers i brought along.

Rest well my green chutney.

Cukup.

Hati isteri mana yang tak sedih tengok suami happy sangat dokong anak orang lain.

If you needed that reason for my Goodbye

Life doesn’t always give us an explanation. Sometimes, things happen to us that truly don’t make any sense at the time. Years later, we are still searching for answers to those lingering questions.

I’ve been through a lot in the short 28 years of my life. I’ve been through a lot of good times, a lot of bad times and a mix of everything in-between.

However, if there’s one thing I truly care about and cherish, it’s the relationships I hold with the people close to me.

I am in no way, shape, or form, perfect by any means. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes throughout the years.

I’ve hurt people I never meant to hurt, and for a period of time, I’ve even questioned my own character. But, throughout the years, I’ve learned that some people (even those who’ve been in your life a very long time) aren’t always meant to stay in your life.

And that’s exactly what I’ve learned with you.

We all change. We’re not the same people we were fifteen years ago, and maybe even up to five days ago. We are constantly changing and evolving because we are constantly learning and growing.

If we never changed, we could never move on to the next chapter of our lives. However, there’s a difference between changing and growing together and changing and growing apart.

I like to think I give people a lot of chances. I know we all have weaknesses that can cause us to say or do something we don’t actually mean.

But there’s a difference between recognizing the mistake and making a change and recognizing the mistake and staying exactly the same.

Trust goes a long way for me. I’ve learned it’s something very fragile. It’s not something that should be handed out very easily.

This world is full of cruel and mixed intentions. There’s a difference between trusting somebody with a genuine and sincere heart and trusting somebody who has intentions of hurting you.

For many, many years I trusted you with my life. Although we would often go months without speaking because our lives got busy, when we finally got an opportunity to speak again, it was almost like we didn’t skip a single beat.

But the second you turned your back on me, I had to let you go.

I got to a point in my relationships where enough was enough. I’ve been blessed with the ability to forgive people easily. But that blessing has also been a curse.

People tend to do things they know they can get away with; it’s almost engraved in human nature.

You knew I would never turn my back on you, no matter how many people you turned your back on. I couldn’t let you walk all over me one more time.

Don’t get me wrong; there are days when I miss you dearly. But one too many times is too many times.

You betrayed me in one of the worst ways possible and left me hanging out to dry. True friends are supposed to have each other’s backs. They’re supposed to be there for each other through thick and thin, to stand by each other and defend each other no matter what.

I did it for you too many times, and in the end, all it did was make me look foolish.

I’m not the same person I was 15 years ago.

Fifteen years ago, I would’ve let you continue to walk all over me and would’ve said things were okay between us when they weren’t. I didn’t give you an explanation because I didn’t feel like you deserved one.

A true, genuine friend goes out of his or her way to make things right when he or she knows he or she is in the wrong. I’m not saying I didn’t have my fair share of mistakes because I’m sure I most definitely did.

But you don’t just turn your back on the one person who never hurt you.

I’m at that age in my life where I truly don’t need anybody who doesn’t need me or who treats me like nothing.

I left you behind because you belong in my past, not my future.

Stained

Everytime the cycle gets in, I cry a little inside, wipe my tears and pretend that was all.

Insya allah.

Bismillah.

Insya allah.
Doa, usaha, tawakkal.

Best seats

My sunset snaps in the plane is getting more often since the timing would pretty much be in my favour.
I am in awed, seeing all to be Allah's creation.
But as the sun sets and I saw the last blink of the red sky going down in front of my very eyes, i closed my eyes and silently prayed, and when i opened my eyes, that sun was gone. It could have been 10seconds, or less than a blink of an eye, it went down with all my thoughts for this week. How i saw a 34yr old man passed on due to a heart attack. It left me with a tight knot in my stomach just thinking about it. The experience of having a loved one taken away from me is gut wrenching and i hope never to experience it again but who am i kidding, mati itu pasti.

So with that, I made a little pact in my brain, that i will love everyone i have in my life, like it was my last.

KL was heaven for me

I have 1 more hour before i have to get my ass off to the shower and head for KLIA. But before that, I NEED to share with all of you my hauls this week.

I just cannot.
Cheap, quality fabrics are everywhere in KL. BUT, the thing is, always bargain, even if the tag is there, do it still. Because if my face wasnt thick enough to ask, i wouldnt have had a rm45/metre fabric go down to rm30/metre.

LOL.

Ramble

I am amazed and inspired by the incredible strength and determination of the women who gather the courage to leave what no longer serves them.

It could be a neighbor, a friend, a teacher, a colleague, even a sister or mother.

We witness their struggles and their sadness and wonder why they stay, but we also know that we can’t force them to leave. We only hope that one day they see for themselves their infinite potential and send them encouragement to find their own happiness.

Whether it is a job, a relationship, or simply a life that is unfulfilling or holding them back.

The moment they realize their own potential and self worth, is much more powerful than anything we could have said to them.

It’s priceless.

If you have questioned your own situation and wonder if it’s time to leave, consider what makes a woman finally leave and ask if any of these statements ring true for you.

Why She Stayed.

She was once happy where she was. There were infinite possibilities—the love they shared was deep and powerful—she was desperate to rekindle that.

In the beginning, it felt wonderful and joyous as they were exploring new things together and she was learning so much about herself.

She remembered the fun they used to have and how fulfilled she was. He was everything she thought she wanted.

Her friends and family used to comment on how happy she was, as if they were envious of the joy she radiated. They wanted it too, or so she thought.

When things started to change, and the feelings began to dissipate, she wondered where she went wrong. She was hopeful that it would come back that strong again.

She was upset with herself, that she was somehow to blame.

She felt that staying showed her commitment and she was worried that she may leave too soon and live to regret it.

She waited for things to get better. She stayed optimistic that things would change.

She questioned many times if she should leave. That was the first sign that she should.

So instead, she looked for signs that she should stay. And sometimes when she looked hard enough, she found them.
She knew, in some ways that she was settling, but still she questioned if there would be anything better.

Besides, it wasn’t terrible and there was still some good left. Others certainly had it worse, she would justify.

She felt some safety in knowing what to expect, as if being comfortable brought happiness. It didn’t.
She had many ways to rationalize why she should stay.

She was scared about what she was giving up, and worried about what she may lose if she left.
But she didn’t consider what it was costing her to stay.

She started to uncover the courage and strength that she knew she always had. She weighed the risks.

Now, she was tired. She was defeated. She was resentful. She had given up her own power and happiness and she knew it was too far-gone.

She spoke to friends and she built up a tribe around her. They supported her. They always did.

She remembered how much potential she had and how the choice to stay was hurting her.

She let go of the guilt and blame that she had done something wrong. She hadn’t.

She finally had enough. She realized that it was no longer serving her. It was making her sad, hurt and frustrated.

She had given until there was nothing left to give. She wanted to smile and laugh again, like she did when it first began.

She knew it was inevitable that she would leave, but she didn’t know when. She didn’t know how. She knew she was stalling.

But she wondered what she was waiting for.

But finally, she left. The sadness became too much, the stress too overwhelming and the hurt enclosed her.

It was time to move on and she had found the strength. She realized that the only one holding her back was herself.

She was terrified of the aftermath. How would she cope? Who would she be without this part of her life that she had held onto for so long?

She picked herself up, she found the courage and she believed in herself. She knew she was strong, she knew she would survive.

She thought back to who she was before she weakened and how amazing and accomplished she was. How she lived her life without fear—she felt joy and passion. She found inspiration in that.

When it was all said and done, it was like a breath of fresh air. And she smiled again. Just like she knew she would.

She survived and she proved her strength. Not to anyone else, but to herself. She became aware of how much she had sacrificed and how unhappy she had been.

Life started to unfold around her and happiness began to pursue her. She didn’t need to reach for it with outstretched arms like she thought.

Happiness found her.

She still holds onto the happy memories, but she decided she deserved to be unconditionally happy. She decided that her life was worth pure bliss and that she didn’t need to rationalize her choices any longer.

For all of the amazing women of the world, may you find the strength and the courage to live the life of joy you are worthy of and finally take that breath of fresh air.

Fabric pallets

Yesterday was quite a fruitful day progressing ideas for #rosettebydya.

I understand that my limitations are specific because my only tool would be my sewing machine. What makes it interesting is the fabrics that i get to work with. Hunting for fabrics, finding the best quality and affordable prices for you!

Metres and metres of heaven on earth i'm telling you.
Before #rosettebydya came about, it was always a DIY project or smtg i did to pass time, and up till this second, i hope and i pray this is what it is.

Because what was said is true,

'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life'.

I love to be a nurse, it is what I do best under any circumstances.

But this, this is my passion. Bismillah.

Photo credits mainly on Etsy. Others as well. 
#rosettebydya will be launching

- Basic colour block snoods
- Printed snoods
- Envelope cushion covers
- Muslimah outerwear (basic colour blocks)
- Muslimah outerwear ( printed designs)

More to come, insya allah!

Snoods in basic block colours

Floral

Moroccan

Kids Safari

Muslimah Outerwear (Printed) 

Fabric hunt

Thank you to a fellow blogger who shared a few hunts with me.

I AM READY TO GET MY HANDS ON ROSETTE BY DYA

Doshi N L Company
2Nd Floor, Lot 318,
Ampang Park Kompleks,
Jalan Ampang, 50450, KL.
p: 603-21612678 f: 603-27109674

People Textile
15, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala lumpur.
Tel: 1-700-80-1315.
stretchy cotton

Cotton Zone
Lot No. 6, First Floor
Tesco Mutiara Damansara
8, Jalan PJU 7/4
Mutiara Damansara
47800 Petaling Jaya

Craft World (Yee Button House)
33, Jalan SS2/55, 47300 PJ
Tel No: 03 78770072/78770049
Fax No: 03 787743035
Business Hours: 9AM to 8PM (Close on Sundays)
Email: wcyee@craft-world.net
http://craft-world.net/
-Japanese prints of linen & cotton blend, g kedai Yee in SS2

Mayfair Handicraft
29, Jalan USJ 10/1E, Taipan Triangle
47620 UEP Subang Jaya
Tel/Fax : 603-56334563 (Brenda)
Business Hours:
10.00a.m. - 9.00p.m. (Mon - Fri)
10.00a.m. - 8.00p.m. (Saturday)
11.00a.m. - 7.00p.m. (Sunday)
Email: info@maycraft.com.my / mayfair.handicraft@gmail.com
http://maycraft.com.my/

Cottage Patch Sdn. Bhd.
#447, Jalan Ampang,
50450, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
http://cottagepatch.com/index.htm

Quilt Gallery
LG, Bangsar Village Shopping Ctr,
Jln Telawi, Bangsar Baru, 59100 KL
Tel No: 03-2282 5789
email : quilt@po.jaring.my

Haby & Wools
Lot 316, 2nd Floor,
Ampang Park Shopping Complex,
Jalan Ampang, 50450 KL
Tel : 603 2161 5346 (Jenny/Jennifer/Jacky )
Fax : 603 2715 7217
email : haby_wools@hotmail.com

Lily Handicraft
G095,1st Floor, Sg Wang Plaza
www.lilyhandicraft.com.my

Jens Handicraft
Lot 1-17A, 1st Floor The Atria Shopping Centre Damansara Jaya,
Petaling Jaya,
47400 Selangor,
Tel: 03-7722 1276

Anna Patchwork House
Lot CP2.02, Level CP2, Orange Zone,
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall,
No. 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 012.317.4655
Email: annapatchworkhouse@gmail.com
annapatchworkhouse

Knit N Craft Centre (formerly known as Pusat Kraftangan Ann Branch)
12G, Jalan Puteri 5/1
Bandar Puteri,
47100 Puchong, Sel
Tel: 03-80631253
(close on Sunday)

Macy Handicraft
No.111 Jalan Sultan,
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2078 1459
Business hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
(close on Sunday and public holiday)

Suami & Isteri.

Sharing a good read,

Rasulullah SAW dalam sebuah hadis yang diriwayatkan oleh Aisyah Radhiallah RA bermaksud:

Aku pernah bertanya kepada Baginda: "Siapakah orang yang paling berhak ke atas isteri ?”

Baginda menjawab: “Orang yang paling berhak kepada isteri ialah suaminya.”

Kemudian aku bertanya lagi:
“Dan siapakah orang yang paling berhak ke atas suami?”
Baginda menjawab: “Orang yang paling berhak ke atas seorang suami ialah ibu kandungnya.”

“Kebanyakan ahli neraka adalah terdiri daripada kaum wanita.”
Maka menangislah mereka dan bertanya salah seorang daripada mereka: “Mengapa terjadi demikian, adakah kerana mereka berzina atau membunuh anak atau kafir ?”

Baginda menjawab: “Tidak, mereka ini ialah mereka yang menggunakan lidah menyakiti hati suami dan tidak bersyukur akan nikmat yang disediakan oleh suaminya.”

Jadi apakah perbuatan isteri yang derhaka kepada suami?

- Menghina atau mengumpat suami pada orang lain
- Menceritakan kelemahan atau kekurangan suami pada orang lain
- Keluar rumah tanpa kebenaran suami
- Mendoakan yang tak baik pada suami
- Membenci kegemaran suami
- Menjadi tekanan pada suami
- Mengungkit janji suami

Jauhkan lah aku dari membuat yang sedemikian.