Sunday 31 October 2010

Sunday LoVe

The weekend plan was supposed to be; Saturday out with Syam and Sunday awesome charity work with fun loving friends.

Turned out Saturday was spent at home baking birthday cake for sister while Syam was down with fever. Half of Sunday was spent cleaning up my dusty room (read: house DON'T panel window dressing. NO!) and the remaining half was spent with Syam exploring Jalan TAR for W stuffs and later to IKEA scouting ideas to revamp my room from bachelor-messy to adult-organized. Now I know how finicky he can be with house furniture. He likes it short, I like it tall. BUT all in all he has ideas and not-so-bad taste. DIY much in the future. I like. =)

It was unfortunate that I couldn't join with the charity thang but seriously if I didn't grab the chance of dragging getting him to Jalan TAR, it'll be weeks if not months until we have proper weekends to ourselves to get things up and running. And it is down to 5 months. *gigit jari* 

Sorry fellow friends. I'm sure today won't be the first and the last.

Sunday came and leaving too quick. Sunday's always a pleasure while it lasts. Here's to many more Sunday Loving with the fam(ily)+cats, syam and friends. 

Oooh. I am loving the maxi jupes. Uber uber LoVe.


Saturday 30 October 2010

Funny

I find competition of who has the better wedding, the better dress, the better hantaran, the better pelamin, the better tunang, the better boyfriend funny.

Just simply hillarious.


Friday 22 October 2010

Awhsome!



A video that speaks through actions. No song. Just background music. Awesomely captured. Talented bunch they are.

Thursday 21 October 2010

maxi jupes - or so i quote

 image from here

I can NOT HAVE ENOUGH of this for NOW. Its like super comfy and styling it is effortless. I wanted MORE. So, I've ordered 2 more. So, weeee to that!

Oh and I have to thank her for if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have discovered that being petite could rock maxi jersey skirt. hee. And if you're reading this shea, i super super love your style!! Keep 'em coming.


A good read - The Biggest Money Mistakes Couples Make

, On Tuesday 19 October 2010, 2:28 SGT

Managing your own money is hard enough; add another person to the equation and it becomes an obstacle course: Does it make sense to combine bank accounts after moving in together? Should you pay off your credit card debt before getting married? Does the higher earner need to cover more of the bills?
[In Pictures: 12 Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes]

Here are six common mistakes that couples make with their money--and how to avoid them, adapted from the new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.

Not talking about finances.

Sure, discussing who pays for what and how much debt each person brings into the relationship is awkward--but also necessary. Before moving in together, talk about how you plan to share household expenses, whether the person with the higher salary will contribute more, how much credit card debt you have, and how you plan to share big-ticket items like cars. Also, take time to map out the logistics: Will you pay bills out of one shared bank account? Or keep all your money separate?

Don't forget to bring up your long-term goals, too, which can make the discussion a little more romantic. Do you want to swim with dolphins in the Bahamas? Or backpack around Europe together? Agreeing on common goals makes it easier to save.

Combining accounts too early.

Putting all your money into one account might be the more romantic option (and prevent any debate over who picks up the tab at dinner), but it can also cause major problems in the event of a breakup. Couples who live together without first walking down the aisle face financial vulnerabilities with joint accounts that married couples don't.

Investments in shared assets, such as a home or car, can be lost during a messy breakup if only one person's name is on the title. Money or labor that went into redoing a former partner's kitchen may never be recouped. And while details vary by state, even assets such as joint savings accounts can go to the person who is first to make the withdrawal. Legalities aside, a lot of couples say they like the independence of having two accounts anyway, at least before they decide they've found their permanent soul mate.
[For more money-saving tips, visit the U.S. News Alpha Consumer blog.]

Sharing credit cards, real estate, and other types of debt.

If you add your partner's name to the title of your home, then they own it, too--even if you paid for the down payment and mortgage. "I see it happening too often--a couple gets together, says 'I love you, let's set up house and make this official'. . . and then [one person] signs away half of their equity," says Sheryl Garrett, a certified financial planner based in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and author of Money Without Matrimony. Couples also need to talk about who would get the first opportunity to purchase the house if they were to break up, at what price would they sell it, and how many days they would have to refinance the mortgage in their own name.

Signing on to someone's car loan or credit card can create similar problems. If you break-up and the other person fails to make their payments, then you're on the hook, too. Even if you've long gotten over the relationship, your credit might feel the after-effects for years.

Getting surprised by the marriage penalty.

Newlyweds who earn similar, high salaries often get an unwelcome surprise the year after they get married: They find themselves stuck with a mega-tax bill. That's because the so-called marriage penalty still exists in the upper tax brackets. In 2010, for example, husbands and wives who each earn $68,650 and up in taxable income are at risk for paying more married than they did as singletons.

Earnings above that amount face a 28 percent tax, compared to 25 percent pre-marriage. Couples are most at risk when they bring home similar incomes. (The reverse is also true. When one person in the marriage brings home all or most of the money in a marriage, that couple usually gets a tax break.) The best way to prepare for this unwelcome wedding "gift" is to know it's coming and to deduct more from your salary throughout the year to avoid a large bill on April 15.

Ignoring the risk of a break-up.

Talking about how you would split things up if you decided to go your separate ways can prevent bad surprises later. Unless children or major assets are involved, there's usually no need to hire a lawyer. In fact, you can just write down the answers to these questions along with any others that apply: Who would stay in the apartment? Who would get the cats? The car? If you want to formalize the process, you can pay a nominal fee to download forms, such as a living-together guide and contract, at nolo.com.

Since unmarried couples don't get to argue their case in divorce court, it could be your only protection in place if things go south. (The legal ramifications of common-law marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships vary by state.) Couples might also want to consider talking about any debts, past bankruptcy filings, and credit report problems, because even if you're not legally liable for your girlfriend's $50,000 student loan, it could end up affecting your quality of life if 10 percent of the household income goes toward paying it off each month.

[Visit the U.S. News Personal Finance site for more insight and money management tips.]

Putting one person in charge of money.

It's normal to specialize in relationships--to delegate dinner planning to the best cook, and gardening to the one with a green thumb. But giving one person all of the money management responsibility can lead to an unbalanced relationship.

New York-based relationship therapist Bonnie Eaker Weil explains that no one should ever feel like he or she has to ask permission before buying something. "I call it 'Mother, may I?' You don't want to get into that position where you're the little girl, or you're the little boy, and the other person is your parents. You want to have your own money, and certain things are guilt-free, and you just do what you want with it. If you want to buy a latte, or lipstick, or a facial, you do not have to ask permission, because it's your own money," says Weil. Plus, in the event of a break-up, you want to make sure you know where all your money is and how to manage it.

This article is adapted with permission from Kimberly Palmer's new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back (Ten Speed Press).

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Sometimes we think sharing everything is the best option. But I personally think each needs their own space to breathe; be it socially, what more financially. The future cannot be predicted. The key here is communication and understanding each others need. Syam and I are of course not excluded.

p/s: LOVE, read up. =)

Sunday 17 October 2010

unpretentious

I've always loved videos and photos which looked totally unpretentious. My videographer nailed it to the T. I'm super freakin lovin it! Check it here. If you like it like how I LIKED it, he can be contacted at mimotastudio@gmail.com. His price is super duper reasonable. I guarantee ya!

On a different note, I am pretty much satisfied at the rate all W plans are going. The down side is that most of the preparations bit are done together with my mother and sisters. Not that I am complaining for they are my W planners cum consultant. It is a family affair after all. I just wish he could be part of the preparation bit  much more. The only time we get to see each other is on one of the weekdays for dinner and it is a super spoiler to go over tedious W details when we don't even see much of each other to update on our daily lives. or to just really sit and enjoy each others company. Don't get me started on weekends. When he is free, I've got pre-planned commitments. When I am free, he has to go to work!! *sigh* Like for example how I really wanted him to accompany me to meet up with the uber talented designer yesterday, he couldn't because he had to work at the very last minute. Boo to standbys!! Boo!!

Oh, on the designer. She is super friendly and I totally love her workin space. She immediately understood what kind of designs I dig and she will try to make it work. Think clean. Think simple. Think vintage. Think pearls. I can't wait!!! 

It has been an awesome weekend (minus syam being all busy. boo). Totally lovin the whole jersey maxi skirt look. I want more more!!


 Goodbye Sunday. Hello Monday. *bore*


Friday 15 October 2010

Sempurna

Kadang-kadang kita rasa kita sempurna. Sebenarnya kita tidak. Kadang-kadang kita rasa kita hebat. Sebenarnya kita tidak. 

We are here breathing, walking and hearing right all due to His will. 

I don't get unnecessary pride. I don't get unnecessary supremacy. I most definitely don't get perfection.

So I am different, let me be. So I love colors, let me love it.

We are the same but different. Funny I can't get rid of that unpleasant feeling of unwanted. I still don't get it until today.

Wonder why I speak in riddles? I am wondering myself.

Prolly of what I wore today. I had weird stares. I heard snickers. Do i look that weird. Monotonous people ain't fun. Bah!!

Wednesday 13 October 2010

want!! *Screams*

Dorothy Perkins Khaki twill harem trousers. I'm in LOVE! Anyone knows if it has reached DP Malaysia?

Monday 11 October 2010

fashion stalk

 credits here
Pretty much. Love the pleated skirt. Unfortunately I can't pull this look. Pleated skirt with wide hips is fashion suicide.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Let's just fall in LOVE again AND again AND again AND again


Let’s pretend baby
That you’ve just met me
And I’ve never seen you before

I’ll tell all my friends
That I think you’re starin’
And you say the same to yours

And oh, we’ll dance around it all night
And then I’ll follow you outside
And try to open up my mouth
And nothing comes out right

And I wanna fall in love with you again
I don’t have to try
It’s so easy
Who needs to pretend?
But because it’s so funny
Let’s just think about it, honey
Let’s just fall in love again

I’ll call you in three days
Not too soon, not too late
And I’ll ask your roommate if you’re home

You call me on Thursday
And we’ll hang out all day
Then fall asleep on the phone

And oh, I’ll hold your hand when we drive
And we’ll lose track of all the time
And we’ll tell everyone
That we ain’t never felt so alive

And I wanna fall in love with you again
I don’t have to try
It’s so easy
Who needs to pretend?
But because it’s so funny
Let’s just think about it, honey
Let’s just fall in love again

We’ll fall disgustingly fast
And we’ll stop hangin’ out with friends
And they’ll be so offended

And I wanna fall in love with you again
I don’t have to try
It’s so easy
Who needs to pretend?
But because it’s so funny
Let’s just think about it, honey
Let’s just fall in love again

Let’s just fall in love again
So, let’s just fall in love again

Lyrics from here

We finally caught up for dinner yesterday. Though a short one, it was fun. Loved how his eyes lit up when relaying of his work achievements.

So, let's just fall in love again. You surprise me with new bits and pieces of you that I never knew off.

Love love. =)

Monday 4 October 2010

Prototypes!

After the whole eid celebration do, everyone in the fam(ily) started to get hyped again for the W prep. Even Syam! Miracle I tell ya!

Thus far, I am lovin the bunga pahar prototype that mother is slowly trying to assemble. I am loving more of the fact that it is a whole fam affair. Like when we go shop for materials to assemble the bunga pahar, everyone has their say. It's fun! Except for the part when we got home and mother suddenly got annoyed when the ensemble turned imperfect. Motherzilla moment there! Scahreee.

I am also lovin the khatam quran/akad/reception door gift prototype. It's traditional  with a slight modern twist and hopefully turns functional when it reaches everyone's home. love love.

Father is known to be unpredictable. Like ALL THE TIME. But his question to the mother on the way to a wedding reception at Putrajaya puts me off guard like TOTALLY, " bila nak buat kad? kena buat kad cepat. Orang start distribute card like one to two months away from the day.". And I answered, "haaa? why must you do the card. I'll be doing the cards WITH MY DESIGN like how I WANT IT TO BE.". And he said, "ma, she's doing the card?" I said, "yes". And he said, "tau ke macam mana nak buat map.". Malas nak layan. Then the whole conversation stopped. Drama please. It's not like I don't trust his taste. But like hello, I've yet to hear father of the bride designing/prepare wedding cards. So, mother revealed his true concern is making sure I nail the map part so as to ensure the directions are clear. He actually kept his friend's kids wedding card for the map is the best, so he say! See, I even have a map prototype

Now, this part I love!! I've been keeping all sorta W cards prototypes. All are mat-salleh's wedding inspired! Hee. The latest obsessions are these:

 credits here

credit here

Above is mat salleh inspired. Below is my engagement videographer's W card. CANTIK kan??? He said the card is made from recycled paper. Uber chic and environmental friendly. Double AWESOME!! :) Showed mother. She approved!! Eh, but no pictures of us like that of course. It'll be super simple and clean.

Many more left to be done. 6 months to go. Then, happily ever after? Till later. 

p/s: mr. caveman, where have u been hiding. i miss ya.