Montreal Cake Show

Assalamualaikum

The Montreal Cake Show was awhile ago.I was extremely excited about it. It was a lot smaller than I thought it would be. Still, there were quite a number of booths selling and array of cake decorations and materials. There is this one booth that sells baking pans and molds at warehouse price.I went cray cray.Legit.Cray cray...Also, I met such a nice couple while looking for black coloring  Since they don't have the brand that I want at that moment, they brought me to closed store and opened it just for me. Inside, it was a Wilton heaven. My eyes were wandering from one wall to the other!They even had stuffs hanging down their ceiling. AMAZEBALLS. So I took my time browsing through heaven. I bought a couple of stuffs and even got a discount because I visited their booth earlier. God bless them.
Here are some of the cakes on display:

anddd here are the stuffs I got!

Heart shaped cookie cutters

Silicone mat

Cake pop sticks

Pink coloring

Black coloring

Rotating cake stand

Fondant scraper

9 inch springform

Mini cupcake pan

9x9 baking pan

YEAY!!

Till then,
Love,
Sofhan Hasni

Mirrors Don't Lie

Assalamualaikum

As I wrote in the last post, this year is about reflection. Have you ever asked yourself why you’re so stubborn? So lazy? So arrogant? So ignorant? So hot tempered? Often times, no. Because most of the times, we don’t even realize it.

Some may already know that I’m switching my major to Psychology and of course I’m taking bah-jhillion psychology courses and is forced to finish thick textbooks that could work for 1) exercising 2) protection. Psychology really did open my eyes. When you learn about people’s behavior you will automatically reflect that on yourself. At least for me. Why am I so this and so that? Do you I have issues?Oh yes , I do. But this was the most crucial part of all. The realization.

The other thing that has become a habit of mine is observing others around me. And what did I realize? That I’m not exactly a pleasant person. Well not to my standards anyways .How do I know this? Here is how…Often times we pray that Allah will guide us to be a better person and as for me, my prayers were answered in a way that I didn’t expect. I am forever thankful, Alhamdulillah. Have you ever watched the movies about the Christmas Ghost of the past and future? Where you’re life is like a movie before your eyes and you were the audience? It’s somewhat like that. There must be times when you observe people around you, and you realize that you might not like someone because of their attitude and funnily enough, quite a number of times, I see myself in these people.

Have you ever met a person who is “always” right (to themselves anyways)?I have.

Have you ever met someone who needs o have the last say every time? I have.

Have tolerable you ever met someone who wants everyone to tolerate her behaviors yet she herself is not tolerant? I have.

Have you ever met someone who likes to debate over simplest things? I have.

Have you ever met someone who easily loses his/her temper? I have.

How do I feel when I’m around these people? Ouch..Being a sensitive person that I am.It hurts. It really does. What’s scary is that these people reflect me. I could see myself in their shoes and I don’t like it at all. Looking at yourself in another person, can be an awakening experience. I can guarantee it! The best thing about it is when you try to fix your own flaws, you know where to start.

What is disturbing  is that we might already know some of our bad attributes and still feel it is okay .Wrong! It’s not acceptable at all! Next time you are in the presence of someone makes you squirm on the insides or grit your teeth, ask yourself why and are you somewhat similar to that person?

If you were to spend a day with another you, would you have a great time?

Wasalam.

Till then,Salut,

Love,

Anggerik

Growing up..

Assalamualaikum

This year, I must say, is a year of reflection. Or perhaps realization? This is the year where I’ve turned 21. A legit adult in Malaysia. (I’m legal at the age of 18 in Canada). Turning 21 was a big blow for me. End of last year, I decided to move out and live on my own. Without anyone, I am forced to take responsibility on myself. I pay my own rent, my own bills, I cook my own meals and wash my own laundry. At the same time of course, being a student, my grades are my responsibility as well. Slowly I told myself that I could do this and Alhamdulillah so far so good.

Studying overseas is fun. It’s a new environment, new weather, a new circle of friends. It is fun. But it’s not exactly easy. Not for me at least. It took me a whole year to fit in. Before coming to McGill, I knew there aren’t many Malaysians, getting a good grade is tough, French is the dominant language. Being a stubborn person that I am, I took up the challenge anyways. Boy what a challenge it was! By the end of the school year, I was crying to my mom on skype on how stressed I was.

Alhamdulillah things got better. Slowly it got better. I got the hang of being far far away from family and close friends (well, I made new ones here of course), living on my own, the learning system. Alhamdulillah everything went into place.

The reason why I am writing this is because there are people who think that studying abroad is like taking a vacation. “Yeah, studying is hard, but you’re in Canada for God sake”..Erm, because it’s on the other side of the globe that makes it EVEN HARDER. How many times have I cringed to have my family with me during difficult times?Countless.  How many times have I contemplated to drop everything and come back?Countless. How hard it is sometimes to get in touch with your family because well..they have their own lives..Countless.I don’t get to go home during the long weekends or holidays (heck, we don’t even have a lot of hoilidays compared to Malaysia)..How many times have I been frustrated with my grades because the markings were tough?Countless. How many times have I felt lonelier than ever? Countless. How many times have I cried for being tired, disappointed and scared? Countless.

Things are not easier, just because we are at a different place. It’s how we deal with it. I chose this path (Allah has chosen it for me) and I shall walk along this path till the very end. InsyaAllah. Before I PRAYED that I’ll get somewhere furthest from home. Because I want to learn to be independent. My prayers were answered. Did everything went according to plan? Noppy nope nope. But if these things can make me grow up, then, I should be strong. Learn from it and move on. Things don’t always go our way, ABSOLUTELY. But how can you learn to stand properly without ever falling down?

Wherever we are, whatever we do, try to make the best of what Allah has given upon us. Easier said than done.

Have I wished I’m on a different path altogether?Oh boyyy YES! But that’s not what is written for me, this is. For the past two years, I have learnt so much, that I don’t know if I could have learnt it otherwise.

In times of hardship, you’ll know who your real friends are and how your family will be by your side through ANYTHING.

At the age of 21, it’s a good age to grow up isn’t it?

Growing up isn’t entirely fun. But when you get to look at things clearly, it’ll make a world of a difference. You no longer feel like slapping yourself after each decision you make.*wink*

Wasalam

Till then, A bientot,

Love,

Anggerik.

Summer

Assalamualaikum!
I ahven't blogged for a while now!Had my finals,had to move,awesome friends came from Windsor and Guelph...SUPER TIRING BUT SUPER FUN ALHAMDULILLAH!
Last year,I felt so alone,so homesick wanting to go back to Malaysia because to think back, last year was my first year living so far away from my loved ones.Alhamduilillah I feel better now,I still miss home and whenever I have exams all I want is my mummy but still,I learn to be a lot more independent,more matured than I was before.I remember the scared,dependent girl I was before.Too scared to make my own decisions and try new things.(Thanks Yati for being a big sister for me!)

I believe that humans are created with the capacity to love so many people at the same time.Our tiniest tiniest heart can hold SO MUCH LOVE FOR SO MANY PEOPLE AT THE SAME TIME!
Back in Malaysia I don't have that many close friends that I'm still in touch with.The friends from SMK Dato' Ahamd Razali,MRSM PC and Taylor's College.Yes,they are on my facebook but it's different.Being virtually friends is different with those who are really there for you when you cry your eyes out or feel like throwing a pie at someone(I'd rather eat the pie :)).

At first I was like,if you don't say hi to me I won't say hi.because of this,I think some of my friends are just being jerks for the fact that I'm always there on their friends list and they can't even say hi.Then i realize that perhaps they are thinking of the same think as I was.Why not make the first move?Then you can tell if that person is actually still interested in being friends with you.

Although I might not have that a truckload of friends (macam pelarian pula), I still have few that have my back,that would drop everything to lend me their shoulders and of course are there to create happy memories together.I am blessed to have friends or sisters that I have today.Although they might not think I'm theirs,I've always been in a reachable distance.Sometimes friendships are natural some needs effort to sustain.No matter what,I believe we all meet for a reason,we can decide what we want out of it.Let it be a lesson,a punishment, a blessing or simply a test.
Just because I have new friends doesn't mean that I don't need the old ones.

Make new friends,keep the old.One is silver,the other is gold.

It takes two(or more) to tango.

My current bestfriend,whose poop i have to clean everyday..=.='

Wasalam

Till then,Salut
Love,
Anggrik

Words we deny

Words have not sink in,

Wait..Wait..

Wait for the words to sink in.

Around my mind,they dance,

Here I wait for it to make sense.

I read word by word,waiting,

For my heart to feel,

as it sits still,

for my eyes to fill,

As I wait,for the words to sink in.

Love,SJH

The tiny beings that we are.

Assalamualikum!

So Hello wello!Blame March and April for being packed with exam and work!:( I’m doing superbly fine Alhamdulillah and with that I mean ready to fall down with tears just THINKING of how behind I am with everything.HAHA!but its all gooooood!InsyaAllah. I’m pretty emotional lately. Crying while watching a video on Syria or listening to Mummy talking about someone whose kidneys are now dysfunctional and dialysis won’t work anymore.Sigh.Sometimes you wish you could do more. Here we are, having the health, wealth, time, freedom and yet we still complain how unlucky and unhappy we are. At least we are somewhere we want to be.(Shooosh. The fact you want to be in Paris won’t count).Think of the places you DON’T WANT to be at.

I also had to stop myself from crying while listening to Embracing the Wind by Kevin Kern although I’ve been listening to his music since I was 11.I almost cried reading my Social Psych textbook. I can be a mess, really. So many things happening in the world, and I’m here, hopeless. Have you ever felt like donating a part of your organ to someone in need even if that person is a complete stranger? Or trying to shake someone’s shoulder to remind them the beauty of their lives that they themselves can’t see.

I’m currently writing something on that. We’ll see when I’ll be done with it.InsyaAllah.

The sunlight.Its just so beautiful. My feelings are indescribable.

My little evening pleasure

Wasalam,

Till then,Salut,
Love,
Anggerik

Bathroom Makeover

Assalamualaikum

So I moved into a new apartment ages ago.The feeling of having your own space is indescribable.I do try to make my house as homie as possible.As you may know,moving costs a lot!A LOT!Fees for breaching the lease(ehem), buying furniture and appliances and moving them to a new place.Fiuh.So I tried to save where I can while decorating my place.The first place that I attacked was the bathroom.The thing about living room/bedroom,I already have most of my furniture so its not as easy.But with the bathroom,I could choose the color and theme.So if you know me well enough,you'd know peacock literally chirps my name(do they chirp?).

I did some research online and hit the dollar store.

acrilic paints in gold,lime green and blue

brushes

sponge(for wiping smudges)

clear shower curtain

and happy thoughts (bonus++)

I sketched my design on a piece of paper, put it undernearth the shower curtain and paint over it.=)

I was pretty nervous because,i'm not good at drawing.But oh well,

Bigger picture

Done

The thing is,I love pretty things and pretty things come with a cost.I was browsing through Anthropologie online store and what not.Theirs are gorgeous,but not something that I would invest in.So,be creative, colorful hand and foot prints would be a fun design and I'm sure it'll be a fun project too.Art is abstract.Go crazy.

I also like the rooms in my place(as if I have that many!) to have a theme colour.As you can see, my btrhoom is green and blue.Since I don't really like blue,most of my stuffs are green.:D

 

Dollar stores or bargain stores have some really interesting things that would cost a bomb elsewhere..

Again,go crazy.The shower curtain is your canvas.

Another cute thing that you could do is buy a pretty fabric from the sale section,cut small holes and Voila!

MI VANT TO SEW PWETZY SKEWRTS AND DIRTZY MI HANDS WIT PAPIER MACHE!MIDTERMS,Y SO MANY?!;(
I IS DIE.

Wasalam

Till then,Salut,

Love,

Anggerik

Reading Break

Assalamualaikum

Finally...

I died.I'm scared of height and going down the hill super fast.So yeah.My legs are bruised and aching.
Will I do it again?Yes oh YES!InsyaAllah!

Till then,Salut
Love,
Anggerik

Here and There

Assalamualaikum

So....It had been one whole month that I didn't update this blog,I had time alright..its just me,being lazy.
My whole winter break was okay overall.I was sick for a week which left me with two weeks to go crazy. Semester started and already,two midterms next week.Ayayayay!

But everything is good so far.Alhamdulillah!
Still trying to follow my resolutions!What about yours?How are they going?Any improvements?:)
All my life I was afraid.Of wanting to try something new and this semester,I'm happy to say that Phew,I got to do (and some will) things I've always wanted.

1)Rock Climbing.
I never knew i had fear of heights.I mean,If we were to stand near the window or something,we have railings or ehem,the window itself to stop us from falling.For rock climbing,if you fall,you fall.(not dead,but still).Who knew i could climb up the wall of a 3 story building.I remember at a point,I was scared and I kept on pushing myself.If i don't conquer my fear now,I never will and I did.It was amazing!The people there we're amazing too.Friendly and helpful.I'm definitely going back!InsyaAllah!

yeap.That's the wall.

2)Indoor Soccer
So I never liked sports that requires a team.I like to lead and I don't like people pulling me down.My friend Soussan invited me to join her soccer game,What i didn't know is that it was a competition=.='
There I was afraid of the ball.Screaming when it came and what not.But I did it.I don't mind playing with them either.My mengada-ness is wearing off i hope.InsyaAllah!:)Guess what?I joined the team.For real.Sofhan playing soccer.Who would've thought.My boy at home would be prouuuud!Kan adik?:)

3) Swimming

So after gazillion years,I tried swimming again.I'm sure I'll be scared of the water again and what not.But Alhamdulillah,when i went there last two weeks,i could actually swim the whole lap (from one end to the other) without stopping or panicking!(I know,mengada again).The good thing about McGill is that they have women only hour.So i don't have to worry about being uncomfortable with guys swimming or bumping into me in the pool.Eeek!It was amazing!I got to work my whole body out!It feels GREAT!

With the things i eat nowadays,I sure need to work out more!I wanted to join Pilates or Muay Thai or something,but either the timing isn't right or the price is too expensive.:(
I was the weak one,the OMG-ball-ow-don't-touch-me kinda girl when i was younger.Let's embrace healthy lifestyle for this year shall we.InsyaAllah.I still have to stop eating too much.

No,no.I'm not being paranoid about getting fat.Its just you have no idea how much i eat nowadays,even the bears would be scared.I hope its just because its the time of the month.If it prolongs after that,I really need to control what i eat.I mean,I eat mee kari for breakfast at 9ish and I'm hungry again at 11ish.Before class i eat two plates of rice.and after class which is 2 hours after that or so I'm famished again.Its soooo unhealthy!It could be the weather.Whatever it is,I should eat healthy.Fruits,veggies,meat and grains.Again.I'm not reducing my food intake to be slimmer,I just have to try to control my eating habits because I now eat like a hungry lion in the Sahara.Oh please and my cravingssss!Seriously,i really don't know what will happen when i get pregnant one day.Now,every month!I would want Laksa penang,Mee kari,Pizza,Sushi(everyweek) and what not.I'll try to make what i can.But still.Its time consuming and just plain mengada.Come on Sofhan.You can do it!

Another thing that I've been dying to do but never got the chance to is attend a runway fashion show.Yes,its the time a gain for Montreal Fashion Week.I can't wait!Actually I can.Its a day after my midterm and I'm not ready for it(here i am writing a long post when i should be studying neuroscience).I don't knwo what to wear!Okay that's a lie,i have an idea of what to wear but oh well.Haven't tried it on yet.I don't think i'll buy anything new in-terms of garments,I'll wear what i have (In my mind,I can just imagine what my mum will say or react.teehee).I need a clutch.Yes.I NEED one.I don't have any and I need a black one so that I can go use it for any function with any dress.I always say that I don't need it because I won't be attending any fancy events.More than once ,I went to a function without a proper clutch.(yes.I know my sisters are shaking their heads right now).I'll try to write on what i think about fashion or what it means to me some other time.FOr now,TEXTBOOK TIME.!

Sigh.

Wasalam,

Till then,Bonjour!
Love,
Anggerik Jameela(teehee)






Runway: http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li02nplQ2f1qha4jfo1_400.jpg
Ball: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5LH52aLTv_qoW_MTsI_pbJTalENmgUcWF1C-wK42fJjQMv4Odkg
cluthc: http://www.blackclutchbags.net/images/black-clutch-bags.jpg

Tiny round bed

Assalamualaikum.

Its freezing outside.It was zero degree one day the next is -16.Say what?My skin is peeling and dry.Yikes.
Since i decided to stay here in Montreal,i'm taking care of my friends' fish and cat.No.not in the same house.Imagine if I were to go out and came back to an empty fish bowl.=.='
Laila is Owais' female cat and the fish (I have no idea what's his/her name is) is Alyssa's.
I was going through my "blog" file in my computer and found pictures of cat bed that i made for Orked a 2 months back.It was my first cat bed that I ever made.I should have made it bigger because its a bit too small for Orked.:/

What you'll need,
Fabric
Sewing machine/sewing skills
Foam
Pins

1)Draw two big identical circles on the fabric and cut it out.This will be the size of the base or basically the size of the bed.
2)Measure the circumference of the circle.Draw a rectangle on the fabric.The length of the sides should be the same with the length of the diameter.The height of the rectangle is the width of the bed.
3)On the wrong side of the fabric,sew the longer sides of the rectangle together.It'll now look like a tube.
4)Sew on of the end shut.Insert foam in it.Once its all fluffy,sew the opening.
5)On the wrong side again,sew the circles together leaving a two inch opening.This too,should be filled with foam.Sew the opening carefully.
6)Pin the outer circle together with the base circle.Sew around it.Tadaaa!

What the cut fabric looks like

Orked chilling out

Sorry,I really though I have more pictures.But oh well.:)

Wasalam

Till then,Bonsoir,

Love,

Anggerik

Winter break

Assalamualaikum.

I haven't bogged for a quite awhile now.Alhamdulillah,I've finally settled in in my new apartment and I'm done with my exams.Phiew!This break however,I decided to stay in Montreal.After 3 months plus of non-stop classes and what not,I need some " me-time " and do things that I've wanted to do but never had the chance to.Here are the things that i'm planning to do..

1. I'm doing a DIY project for my bathroom currently.Will post more about it later.
2. I have gazillion fabrics in my sewing box to be sewed!SKIRTS!CURTAINS!DRESSES!
3. Also,I never really got the chance to explore Montreal.The last 2 days had been tiring and crazy!We went to the China Town,Mile End area, and St Denis.I'm really into vintage and quirky stuffs.I'M definitely going back to the stores we went to!
4. Books!I'm buying Aleph online right after writing this.I found a better deal online:)WEEHOO!I might also go to the library today and borrow more books.They don't have Maktub:(
5. Sorting out my future.Applying for internships,writing a CV,sending out emails and other stuffs.I want to do my internship in Europe.Badly.
6. Trying out new recipe!I'm dying to make Nasi Kerabu,Yong Tau Foo and Chocolate Mousse.Well,not at once.Eww.
7. Blog more.I have soooo many pictures of my cooking that I want to post but I never really sat down and type it all in.My problem is that for cookings (not bakings) I rarely follow the recipe.So when I want to blog about it,I often forgot how much of what did I put in.(This blog is my online recipe book :p)
8. Taking care of others' pets.

Did I miss anything?

Wasalam

Till Then,Salut,

Love,

Anggerik

Do you miss me too?

Assalamualaikum.

I should be studying.There are till a few recordings I have to listen to plus I haven't start on the textbooks.Still,I feel like writing about the kittens that we fostered a while ago.

Since I was small,I've always wanted kitties.ALWAYS.Until today,I still ask mama every now and then and her answer is still 'No'.=(To this age,I'm still know as the Meow of the family.
I came across this facebook page about cat fostering and I was super excited about it.Talked to my housemates about and it and BOOM!We got 4 kittens to take care of for a month!
Two of them were black and the other two were brown-white-ish.I don't mean to be racist or cat-racist, but I simply can't bond with the black kitten.They always rub me the wrong way or its just me being uncomfortable with them.Our neighbor of 14 years had a black cat that come to our house everyday and perhaps that's the reason why?But in general,to be honest, I'm not comfortable with black animals.Oh,and that's why I don't really have their pictures.I took their pictures from my housemate's facebook.:)

We all decided that we will each pick one kitten and name it and for the last kitten,the odd one out,we will name him together.
So,me,definitely attracted to this one cute white Kitty decided to name her(at that time) Orked. So I love flower,kill me.I even made her(at that time) a flowery bed to sleep in.Awhile later we learned that she was actually a he.and BOY! wasn't he playful and naughty.The most playful of all!But among all of them,he i the cleanest!He'll lick me clean when i'm sitting next to him while he is cleaning him self.He lovvvessss to give kisses too.He is independent too!He only come for a pet or two when he feels like it.Sigh.Cats are proud!
He sleeps like a baby too.He'll wake up when there is a strange noise and then falls back to sleep when he's used to the sound.Pft.So whenever we come back and he's no where in sight,he must be sleeping somewhere.=.='

The one is miss most is my baby Escobar.He was initially Yati's baby.He's my kind of kitten,the one who would follow me everywhere and constantly need my attention.Maybe I'm like that too?=/
He's MY baby. Cats wouldn't know what a nickname is, whenever I see him,i just kept on calling him baby instead of Escobar.Perhaps that's why he started responding to Baby instead of his name?Anyways,he IS SUPER ADORABLE.See, they are still kittens who are still learning how to jump and untangle their claws from the couch and poop in place.When Escobar still haven't learned the art of jumping,he'll make a sad face waiting next to my chair when I'm doing work.He would mew once in awhile.Making that irresistible face.So I just Had to pick him up.He would then sleep on my laptop,my book,dip his tail in my coffee(true story =.='),kiss me for attention and what not.Since I am easily distracted,he's not helping!=(
Escobar is the kind of kitten who would throw himself at you.No pride,no shame.
Whenever I'm in the kitchen,he would sometime lie down near my feet, wanting ti e pet and rubbed.Yes,i rubbed him using my feet.Don't judge me,I'm learning how to multitask.

My friend told me not to get attached.But really,can you?Having so much love to give,can we somehow tll ourselves that we shouldn't love something or someone?It just happened.

That one month,really opened my eyes.To the responsibility of having a cat.They're like our kids forGod sake!They are in our care.We feed the,clean them..
The other thing that really surpsied me,at how little patience I have.Don't get me wrong,I ALREADY know i'm not the most pateint person in the world,but I scared myself.What kind of mother would I be?Some people might think that cats and babies are different. But it's different for me,because for awhile then,i really felt like they're my kids.

Baby sleeping on me bed

Mischka and Orked sleeping behind Yati's door

Selamat Laptop besar boleh menapung berat baby.=.='

He couldn't care less

This is the look that I was talking about.:(

Again,of all places..

How can I say no

This is Orked and my bio book

I have to teach him that eating the book won't help

Baby jumping to catch my hand/camera while I'm snapping his picture

Da makan tidurrrrr

Orked enjoying the attention

Macam anak terbiar kan?:(

Thank you for accompaniying me while I did my Econs homework baby!

Sometimes he thinks he's a bunny wabbit

Time makan

WHile I'm on the chair,he'll sit/lie down on the floor.

Orked naughtily playing with my towel

Escobar the Eskimoo

Bonding time

This is Mischka.He's a beauty!

Orkeddd!

Orked in her flowery bed:)

Melampau tidur

I can't imagine losing or giving away your kids for real.It was hard for me to let go.There were nights when I cried while petting Escobar (sigh,writing this is hard).Its hard to let go.But he's not mine.I'll try to visit him soon enough.Before this,I though of fostering kittens or cats one after the other,but this experience changed my mind.I don't know if I'm strong enough to love something so much,then having to let it go.Again.

I guess he didn't know that at a point,I have to turn the page over.

I'll miss you baby.You were my first.:(

Wasalam

Till then,Salut,

Love,

Anggerik the Meow