Raju’s for Roti

the kuah tray @ Rajus

Nasha woke me up  this morning with a loud yell ”Kakak nak ikut pergi Raju’s tak, kalau nak, siap sekarang!”. All I could manage to reply was a lazy, sleepy ”hmmmmm…nak” then pulled the comforter over my head, curling into a new position.

I knew Nasha was gonna come yelling again, since I was still in bed ten minutes after the first yell. This time she yelled even louder and yanked my comforter off me “Woi cepat la mandi!”.Yes my sister loves me a lot haha.

So after dragging my ass off the bed, dragged my feet to walk to the car, Mom, Nasha and I made our way to Raju’s. It is the only place I go to for a good piece of roti canai. Dont care about what people say about other places but I’m a loyal Raju’s fan plus they have that nice under-the-trees sitting area outside. For those of you who want to check Raju’s out, it’s next to the La Salle highschool in PJ. Try the sotong goreng as well.

the more Apples the merrier

 I currently own 3 members of the Apple family. The Macbook, Shuffle and iTouch. All serving different purposes.

• Macbook as my laptop (duh)
• the Shuffle – for music while at my workstation, while walking alone anywhere, working out at the gym
• the iTouch – for movies, pics and tunes, especially when travelling and there’s waiting involved

Now I’m considering to expand the family and introduce another member, the Nano-Chromatic. I am just hooked on the colors  esp purple (my fav color) and yellow. I actually kinda like yellow more than purple. But have to view it upclose first to decide.

 

Guess I’ll have to accept it if anyone wants to call me an Apple-snob or brat huh ;p what to do, they’re irresistable!

Face Lift for my Bold

My Blackberry suffered from a nasty fall last weekend, on Saturday to be precise. Slipped from my hand and fell! Had it not been for the New Yorker who was standing by me when the tragedy happened, i would’ve curled myself up into a ball, held my blackberry close and weeped (exaggeration intended for dramatic effect). Note:  I hate it when i drop my gadgets,especially my phone.

The New Yorker was very quick to grab me, and console me.. “oh the scratch is not that obvious”. Obviously lying to my face,to make me feel better, but it was a lie that I adore him to bits for My Blackberry was just not the same anymore, now that it spotted 3 hideous hideous scratches. I immediately ping-ed Glam (Imran – Glam is his nickname) my good friend, ex collegue, fellow Blackberry owner and asked him whether i could replace the housing. I was fidgeting while waiting for his reply. Anxious. And when Glam replied “of course can”, it felt like I just got a new life line haha.

See the thing with using a Blackberry, well at least in Malaysia is, Blackberry owners in Malaysia are not spoiled with accessories like Nokia and other phone users are. There are plenty of shops selling everything from batteries, skins, pouches etc. But with a Blackberry, you’ll need to purchase the stuff online. So i went to the official Blackberry site – and to my dismay the housing for the Blackberry Bold was not available.So i decided to get a Merlot skin (red) for my Blackberry, well they had safer colors like black, white, blue..snore bore..the Merlot caught my attention.Red but not too red. So I made the purchase and it arrived as promised within 5 business days, 2 days ago. I fitted it on and absolutely love the look! PLUS, it hid the scratches! Nasha liked it as well, so much that she was considering selling off her E71 for a Bold haha

Nasha caught my Crackberry moment – while driving sumore tsk tsk..oh yea check out the brand new skin

See what a Crackberry I am, a whole post just on my Blackberry. Well here’s to the new look!

Zoey’s Gorjes

It’s another installment for Gorjes – Zoey’s back with loads of new pieces. Background: Gorjes is the new clothing collection that Zoey started early this year. She doesnt design nor make the clothes herself, but she relies on her fine and avant garde taste in fashion to sniff out good designs and items for us to purchase!

So, I went to her place last Fri nite for first dips of Gorjes’s latest installment. The girls (Sherean and Lynda) and I stripped clothes  of and on like we were at the backstage of a Milan Fashion show! I loved most of what I put on, actually almost all of what I put on. By the minute my pile of things-Naddy-is-buying got bigger and bigger. I walked out of the house with a whooping hundreds on my tab, but I must say, it was worth the amount.

Spotted..Zoey on hippie mode.

The New Yorker of course gave me that “You did not just spend RMxxx amount, did you?” look + question, and I sheepishly nod, bat my eyelids a lil, hoping my deer caught in the headlights look will save me. But he’s alright, so long as I can justify my purchase. Which I did, showed him one of the pieces I got, which he liked a lot (weee!)..and I convinced him that all the other pieces were equally as nice..and I told him I wont be purchasing anything for the next 4, 3 months *grin* the New Yorker obviously did not fall for my shopping-celibacy vow haha. 

Anyway,Gorjes made its debut @ Threadszoo at Capsquare last Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hippyz fair! The New Yorker and I made our way there after running some errands,to memeriahkan suasana at Zoey’s booth. The place was meriah all right. I told the New Yorker, that it almost felt like a mini Woodstock was happening…mini only, not the real deal.

We finished at Capsquare around 8ish – with impressive sales made on the first day! woohoo. Helped Zoey pack up. Farah sold home-made pies too- sedap. Very entrepreneurial these people ;p Once done,  Zoey, her beau Epool, the New Yorker and I made our way to Alexis for dins.

I must say I am extremely proud of Zoey – hats off! To check out Gorjes, visit their blogsite (still new, the latest pieces are not up yet, but will be soon) www.gorjesme.blogspot.com

a night at Betel Box

Earlier this year, I had a wedding photog assignment in Singapore. I was in charge of getting cheap accos for the other fellow photogs, and upon googling I stumbled upon this cosy backpackers hostel – Betel Box I was attracted to the pics of the communal area. Before making a booking, I was pretty sceptical as to whether the place would really be as cosy as it looked in the pics. I was happy to find upon arriving there, that it was. the beds were so-so la. Bathroom too. but if all you need is a place to sleep, shower, grab quick light meals, AND meet interesting travellers..then Betel Box is the place for you.

I still remember, waking up in d morning, after washing my face, brushing my teeth, made my way in my jams to the communal area and had breakfast. Coffee and tea is free flowing, local fruits as well. They have toast, jam etc etc, all on the house, or rather..fitted in with your bed-price.

ahh wouldnt mind a short getaway to Singapore, and staying a night at the Betel Box.

*Pics are from www.betelbox.com

do you like what you see

I was looking through some old shots that I took, and I had a wild thought running in my head while I was looking at the shot I took below..

What if you dont like what you see outside the window. Do you seal the window permanently, or do you open the window, and look out anyway and learn to like what you see?

What if it’s impossible to like the view, do you force yourself anyway, or do you just move and look out a different window? Perhaps you might also consider changing that “eyesore” into something more pleasant that you can look at, but is that possible if that something is a permanent structure that you cant change? If its something permanent..then what can you do?

*this was taken while I was on a day trip to Malacca with Nina & Lya*

Notice the pic, the window on the left, looks like its still intact and can still be opened, while the one on the right, is sealed close..not too good a view perhaps? or maybe just broken and due for a fix.

Cappuccino in hand, New Yorker by my side

 

*another entry in the special box*

It was drizzling. Night. From where we sat at Espressamente,Pavillion, we could feel the slight chill from the cafe’s air conditioning and also the natural cool weather thanks to the rain. I told the New Yorker that the whole atmosphere..slight hint of fume in the air..chilly weather,lights from the street, cars lined in traffic, smell of coffee..reminded me of London. Diana Krall’s rendition of Besame Mucho was playing. Felt like we were on foreign land, but still at home. We were sitting,sharing a slice of apple crumble, me and my Cappuccino Vienesse, him and his chocolatey drink (forgot what its called), the New Yorker is not fond of coffee..very not New Yorker-ish but he’s my New Yorker anyway ;p We were talking, laughing over things, simple things. Every now and then just grinning at each other..it was like time stood still. May have been like a scene from a romantic movie, but it was just that perfect. I really couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending to an already perfect weekend.

Dude and the Duchess

Was out for lunch with Nikky just now @ Delicious in BVII. After lunch we checked out Dude and the Duchess (in between Puma and Fat Face). We loved it! I was already in love with the entrance;black thick frames. the interior was simply Boho (like!); tall mirrors, very lovely art pieces around, the first few things that caught my attention actually (tempted to ask where they got em from, dont mind having one in my bedroom or future home ;p) a four poster bed in the mid of the boutique, bath/shower inspired changing rooms..loving!

The pieces they had on the racks were not bad at all. Mostly light material, simple yet with character, nothing OTT. And it’s by a local designer, Richard Tsen (clap clap) I must say that I will definitely come back for work pieces and  non-work wear as well. I did make a purchase just now cos I just couldnt resist; a polka dot number. I think I might go back and get another piece, the one in the pic below, extreme right, the brown linen with the pixie collar (nice eh). And the packaging..no not just some simple paper bag k..nvmd go make a purchase and see for yourself Am a sucker for packaging.

Didnt take any pics just now, pics are from Tongue in Chic

Music when I was a growing up

the American Idol contestants had to sing numbers from the Beatles tonight, I only managed to watch the last few performances.

I love listening to the Beatles, my entire family does actually, right down to Nasha. All thanks to my folks who exposed us to those lovely tunes when we were very young.

Anytime we were in the car, on road trips.. we’d listen to the Beatles, James Taylor, Carol King,Crosby Still Nash and Young, the Carpenters, Sergio Mendes, Pink Floyd, Average White Band, Deep Purple, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones,Cat Stevens..those are amongst the favorites.  We knew most of the songs by heart, except for ones by Bob Dylan, we were a bit too young then to digest his pieces haha.

 The music stayed with us till today, amongst my compilation of tracks from Ne-yo, Beyonce, yummy Pharrell and other latest acts, I’ve got the “oldies” compilation as well, which I will gladly listen to when I need an oldie fix Sister will download the tracks for my parents, and I’ll just get it off her, or sometimes nick a CD from Mum or Dad’s car ;p

I am so grateful that I got that music exposure…it has influenced me and the way I appreciate music, made me eclectic. When I get kids of my own, Insya Allah, I wont just play them the Justin Timberlake, Had Kendi, Madison Avenue, Fergie tracks, but I’ll fuse some Beatles, the Carpenters and James Taylor as well. Forming a perfect blend of tunes. Baru la my little ones got spunk!

So heres to music and more.

Rain on Me

Last Friday I was in Kuantan for a photog job, taking pics for Nora’s nikah and reception. Nikah was on Friday night, reception, Sat afternoon. So I had some time to sneak in the job sched  to soak up some sun and get some salty sea water on myself, but tough luck, no sun nor salty water. Cos it just kept on pouring like non-stop, the rain didnt stop, am not kidding.

We were worried bout the job, cos it’s a bit difficult to move around when it’s raining. But it worked out just fine. It drizzled on Friday night, and on Saturday afternoon. So it took a lot of quick shoot-and hide the camera for fear of wetting it when we were outside taking shots.. other than that it was all good.

Let me just do a run-down on some highlights:

1.  I didnt get any sun & sea (s&s)
2. I didnt get any s&s (yes I am that sad, and I am suffering that bad a craving for s&s)
3. It just never stopped pouring (from the point we got to Kuantan town till we left)
4. Shuq and I developed a no-fear attitude towards wetting our jeans, his Crocs, my shoes and stepping into puddles of water, cos if we didnt we wouldnt have been able to move
5. I learned that when a person is stressed out, the body releases a kind of hormone that induces you to laugh, yea laugh,I didnt believe it at first when Shuq told me, but I witnessed it first hand, yes he just burst out laughing and continued to laugh when we got lost and was running late for the nikah, not the usual laugh k, this was the “hearty-laugh-ur-heart-out-it’s-so-funny” laugh …and that got me to laugh as well – that reminds me I need to check if it’s true the body does that, I usually get pissed when I’m stressed out ;p
6. The job was fun cos the bride and groom, Nora and Kie was very easy going, Nora especially, she was a natural. We didnt have to direct any poses at all, natural I tell you. We have great shots of them and the whole do.
7. Kuantan has a 7-eleven looking joint called D5 or something like that. Seriously, if u didnt know it was called D5 you would’ve thought all the way that u were in another 7-eleven
8. I found out that I am capable of having total dumb-blonde moments or as someone would put it “budak sekolah pun can do it” with the latch on the hotel room door. In my defense it wasnt a typical latch ;p honest to God it wasnt.
9. Gotong-royong weddings are here to stay, that made Nora’s wedding different from the town-weddings, she had the whole neighbourhood help her out, so you had the makciks slicing the watermelon, to young boys washing the dishes, felt very merry and warm.
10. Hitz plays Rihanna’s “Please dont Stop the Music” too often, I know I had a post earlier on loving that track, but when it’s overplayed it gets booo-ring! hehe
11. On the other hand they dont play enuf of Janet Jackson’s “Feedback” which is my new craze
12. The “Haunted Volkswagon car on Karak highway” story is famous. I didnt know everyone knew about it, my brother told me the story. And someone has a funky theory that the ghost will now simply ride in another car cos everyone knows he shows up in a Volks (sure sure)
13. Kuantan has those timers at the traffic lights (that counts down how much time left till it turns green/red kinda thingy), while KL which has way heavier traffic doesnt have em, (although I did spot some in PJ) We should have em.
14. I love KL cos it rarely rains non-stop 2 days in a row.

There you go some highlights…the trip just made me more excited about my Perhentian trip end April and Bali in June. Kuantan just rained on me tsk tsk but I had fun.

Now am going to spend some time with my MacB and go through the shots. Nora & Kie can look forward to two elegant and moment-freezing storyboards of their special day

Children are our future

I was in KLCC yesterday,and there was a Batik pesta or something like that. I saw some kids taking a stab at batik painting. Perfect shot. Took my camera out and the minute the kids saw my cam, they smiled! I thought they’d just run away, most kids are camera shy but not this group of kids. Innocent smiles – very happy that I captured that mo.

Kodak Moment!

I’ve been tasked together with Shuq to take shots of Malaysia’s eating delights to be featured in WUPID’s magazine. It took Shuq and I some time to shortlist the food that we’re going to feature, since Malaysia is such a food-heaven [But nasi lemak, roti canai made the cut pretty easily].

Above is one of my favorite shots [Shuq helped me edit it- he's a magician when it comes to editing. I've yet to learn the ropes of Photoshop ;p]- at Syed, 3 mins drive from home. I rarely go there, only do when I get the sporadic craving for roti canai at night.

Well, not wanting to scare anyone, I told the guy that i’m taking shots for a magazine, and would like to take some pics of him tossing the dough etc, and promised him a copy of the mag.

He, to my delight said ok, and instantly did his thing, tossing, flipping, and all the other roti canai tricks possible. I went shutter crazy!He was an excellent subject! Wasnt camera shy at all, making sure he made eye contact with the camera all the time.. so Mamak Next Top Model haha. 

Aaah yess..it’s such a satisfaction to be able to frame lively pictures. Can’t wait to see all the pics in print!

Another Must Watch

Boxes & Ribbons

Shopped for some pressies just now- for upcoming and belated birthdays. Funny..I actually get more pleasure wrapping the gifts than buying them ;p Picking the box,tissue or shredded paper for the insides.. then ribbons..fa-un!

Who doesnt enjoy getting presents? No idea what you’re about to get, there’s the surprise element, and if it’s from someone you know would go the extra mile of shopping for a nice gift for you, finding something you like..then there’s a good potential you’re a getting a pressie that would make u smile as wide as a 4 lane highway! Yea, I’ve had those 4 lane highway wide smiles a couple of times.

Have this thing for wrapped, in a box tied with ribbon gifts- just has spoons of charm. And I only trust D’Nata to do the job.

The Wall

 

Trucco’s display.Thought it was brilliant. Couldnt stop the shutter bug in me from taking a shot. 

I most definitely wouldnt mind [and you can be sure that I will] having a wall-deco like that at my place. It would look great in the kitchen too.

Say Cheese!

People usually take their cameras along with them when they travel, go for trips, holidays with great enthusiasm that they’d be able to “capture the moment” or for some to take the “I was there” type of pictures usually in front of famous buildings..streets, signboards…etc

I’m a shutter bug when it comes to taking pictures.. I always try not to take typical pictures. Recently I was hit by a surge of interest in photography.. not to become a professional [though I actually wouldnt mind becoming a pro photographer] but just to be able to take shots that tell a story, that really captures the moment.

I think this interest kicked in after I came back from Ubud which is a photographer’s playground- with all the scenes, landscapes, culture.Plus I’m also very sick and tired of the Raya sitting in a row with everyone smiling type of picture.. [boring!]

So this afternoon I attended a Photography Workshop by Eric Peris..a self taught photographer,was NST’s photo editor for 24 years, a master in black and white photography and have had countless exhibitions both locally and internationally.

I brought along my brother’s SLR [must ge one for myself] and my point-and-shoot Sony Cybershot, I have no idea how to use an SLR [but I did get a taste of it's power when I tried taking a few shots]

Was hoping the workshop would give me a quick idiot’s guide but it was more about the art and philosophy of photography.. which was  fine with me.

  getting to know the SLR..

 “The image is captured in your mind first not by the camera”..that was one of the first things that Eric said and it made perfect sense.  Shouldnt just aimlessly take shots [ I've done that a couple of times ;p]..there has to be an idea behind the shot and a clear expectation of what the final image will be. Patience is key. And nothing comes without practice.

An interesting advise Eric gave was when he said ” the last thing you should read are photography books..you should look at the works of Rembrandt and other classical painters” According to him photography is just mimicking of what earlier painters were trying to do with canvas and oil. He also mentioned that there are no strict rules in photography [good] and we shouldnt be afraid to try new angles and use different styles [very good].I left the workshop eager to practice and learn the basics of taking good photographs- familiarise myself with the apperture,tones [there's a LOT to learn].

But I dont intend to take masterpieces, just shots that are alive and do justice to the image that it tried to freeze…for coming birthday parties, weddings, holidays, births and more.

Well at the moment I’m still looking out for those photography-for-idiots classes.

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Some of the photographs that I’m proud of..

Above is a picture that I took on my way to the market in Portobello Road when I was in London early this year (using my N73)

Below is a very old man at a very old courtyard (400 yrs old) that I visited as part of a night Hutong tour in Beijing. (Cybershot)

Click on the pciture to see the full shot