Sofea Continues Brainy Bunch Islamic Montessori

Eventhough there are quite number of issues I disagree with Brainy Bunch, I would still send Sofea there next year. I guess if I am not residing in Melaka, where most of the good kindies are owned by non Muslim, I would have sent her elsewhere. 

     If only the management of Brainy Bunch spent more on the development of its teachers, then I do think it will be good. I wish, their teachers would be more fluent in English. We paid so much for the fees and of course we don't expect our children to be influenced with the teachers' haywire English. 

The phrases like "open your shoes or wear your shoes' are I think commonly used by the teachers. At first, I thought only one particular teacher says it but I was shocked that my friend who send her girl to Brainy Bunch in Shah Alam also encountered the 'wear your shoes' thing. 

     Then there was this time when asked wheather Sofea has been able to eat as she was having a fever, the teacher said 'I give but little little'. Now, would you be okay if you pay almost RM600/month for the fee and this is the kind of language you get back? 

      Another issue that I am not comfortable with is the use of the word punishment to the young children. Disciplining and punishing are two different things. I still remember Sofea came home sadly told us that "tadi adik kena punish". She was punished to stay out of the room where the rests of the girls were put simply because she was not able to perform the compulsory nap. It still break my heart until now whenever I think about it.

       I was also not happy with the way the teachers communicate with the parents. Communication is only available through SMS or formal letters. In addition to these, there is this one time 5 minutes teacher meet the parents session a year to discuss on the children's learning. And I did not make it up about the 5 minutes meet up. It was stated in the letter.

      Nevertheless, I still send Sofea there because she is not the type to adapt well in new enviroment. Sending her to a new place would do us more harm. At least, she still have some of her friends from last school year to relate to. Her class teacher is also dependable and of course I've requested Sofea to still be under her guidance. Although I remember well that she did not thank me for the Teacher's Day gift and year end farewell gift. So unIslamic, don't you think so?

      Another reason why I still send Sofea there is because of the effective way they teach the children on the basic ibadat like solat, ablution and memorizing the surahs in the Quran. I am ashame that I could not memorize at-Takwir like Sofea does. Like Mufti Ismail Menk once said that it is amomg the difficult surah to be memorized. It will get you round and round because of the rhyming words.

      All and all, I must say that the reason she is still going there is simply I am happy watching her pray correctly and independently. Happy seing her reciting wirid after each prayer. It is so innocent and pristine on her. I just wish that she is one among my children that could sent me to Jannah. Amin.

The New Expanded Johor Premium Outlets

So, I plan to come and conquer again the Johor Premium Outlets. But to my despair, the outlets that I planed to ambush were not open yet. Guess God may have other plans for me.

       However, JPO has always make someone happy in one or the other way.

                    

                            

This time around, it should be my husband. He was so excited that finally Florshem comes to JPO. With brogues and mont straps in mind, he was overjoyed with the first. He was even happier with the 40% markdown.

                          

      

       As for me, I settled with as usual, some Victoria Secrets stuff to vent my frustration. I came with the intention to bring down the whole Kate Spade there but the outlets is yet to be opened soon. So does Tory Burch. 

        But do go, the new wings really add adrenaline for that therapy of yours. Furla, Cotton Shops, Topman, Aigner are among the new outlets occupying the new wings there. Surely, there's something for you.

Krabi Trip Day 2 - Island Experience

Nausy! Nausy! Nausy!

Guess age is realllly catching up on me (or is it I'm catching up on age?) 

Today, we went to the ever talked about Krabi, the Phi Phi Island. We bought the package from one of the agent here for 1200 Baht per person. The package is inclusive of a tour to 4 small islands around the Phi Phi Island, lunch there and snorkeliing. The shop is located at the last end of the main road to the beach with a pink signage stating 'Information'. It is recommendable. Oh! By the way, we were being pick up at the hotel lobby for the tour.

Being over excited, the hubs and I sat at the front. The ride was extremely bumpy so in case you are suffering from back ache, heart problem and are pregnant, you should consider of not going. Sam, our American guide stressed out on two simple rules; no sand and no stand. If we break the rules, he will break our pockets. That's what he said. None of us did.

 

So, we started off at around 9:00 a.m. in a speed boat and had our first stop at the Bamboo Island.

PRISTINE! Only one word to describe it.

It was after this that I got soooo nauseatic that the following photos were taken from my husband's phone.

The Maya Bay is the ever famous island where they filmed The Beach. However, according to the tour agent, much part of it has change due the Tsunami before. The island was very crowded when we were there.

Then, to Phi Phi Island.

Actually, there wasn't much at this island and it is a bit crowded. 

After one and hour stop here, we then headed to the snorkelling activity.

At 4:30 we went back to Aonang.

These activity is a must if you go to Krabi. My advice is, choose a good tourist agent. Do bring your oilment in case you get nausetic. Travel as light as possible. You don't even need to bring your own drinking water as an ample of supply is on board. So does, a large tray of refreshing fruits to quench your thirst and help on your nausea. 

The view was so awesome that you feel like crying. 

Krabi Trip Day 1

Heard so much about it, so via AirAsia we are here in Aonang Beach Krabi.

          We arrived at the airport around 1:45 Malaysian time. Unlike in Malaysia, where you could find a lots of taxis outside the airport, here you are left with only two choices. Either you take the taxi or the shuttle bus. We opted for the latter. The taxi shall charge you 600 Baht which is equivalent to RM60. The shuttle bus on the other hand would settled you with around RM15 (150 Baht) to Aonang. It is about an hour ride from the airport to the Aonang Beach. The bus however will wait for a full board before departing.

          Luckily we told the bus driver that we shall be staying at The Cliff, he actually stoped right in front of our hotel so we didn't have any trouble in finding it.

          There are quite a number of hotels with the word 'cliff' here in Aonang, so you better have it right. Ours is only The Cliff (the local pronounce it as the clip).  It is a small resort of about 15 rooms. In case you plan for a family vacation, this won't be suitable. Its very quite and serene. By the way, the hotel room comes with free wifi. ( I am actually updating my blog now, in the hotel room).

So, the first day was spent walking along the shops and stalls heading to the beach. There are a lots of motorbike renting and tuk tuk but we choose to stroll. It is only 15 minutes walk to the baech.

and we had fried beef with basils and rice cost us 150 Baht at a halal eatery The Lemon.

         

Big Bad Wolf Sales - Dos and Don'ts

So the sale starts today. For all the bookworms, book lovers, this sale is always the ultimate sale worth waiting for. I myself would usually save up months months earlier just for it. You will just go insane there.
     However, you have never been to the sale, here is the situation. It would be quite uncomfortable is you go unprepared. The place will surely be crowded and congested and some people would find it hard to actually find what they intend to look for. So, these are what you should watch for:

1) If possible, do leave your kids home. Especially toddlers and babies. Of course, there is a playground provided but kids are not allow there without guidance. Furthermore, the playground is not free.

2) Try go on weekdays and try be an early bird so that you have the comfortability and conveniece of choosing. Last year, I was the 4th person to enter the hall and by noon, when my children started to complain of boredom and hunger, at least my mission there was 90% completed.

3) Bring a trolley along. One of friend asked, "Ikea bag can or not?". I would stick to trolley.

4) Empty your car hood. All the coffe table books there are really really at good bargain. So, you will surely by more that enough so space is really an issue here.

5) Last but no least, make sure you come with full tummy, enough sleep and of course, enough money because you'll go nuts there.

Doctor M: Operation Malaysia - Conversation with Mahathir Mohamad by Tom Plate

I consider myself reading this book at the moment is rather late. Well, I didn't even plan to read it when it first came out in 2011. I still remember seing the news of the launching of the book on TV3 back then. Nevertheless, I bought it just because it was sold at on RM10.00 in  last year Big Bad Wolf Sale so, good book with such price is such a good bargain and so I bought it.
       Reading it at this moment again seemed to be irrelevant for me not only due to the time factor. After reading quite a number of book on Tun M himself, I find that there's nothing new that I wanted to about Tun M from this book. Especially after reading his thick autobiography A Doctor in The House.  Furthermore, this book is not as critical as the Malaysian Maverick by Barry Wain.
      In my point of view, this book is  Tom Plate's effort in understanding Tun himself. Its his attempt in justifying his high regard of Tun is indeed true as well as to prove to his other journalists friends in the West that their views of Tun indeed is prejudical.
     Now if you ask me whether this book is recommendable? My answer would be yes. Since this is a book based on purely interview, without many endnotes etc, the language used is rather easy and straightforward. I enjoy reading it anyway and again, it is recommended.
       

Best Western Food in Putrajaya

One of the good things in Putrajaya is its eateries. The nice ambience of some of the eateries make Putrajaya as one good place for hang outs and reunions. But then again, some people, especially outsiders would consider food here quite pricey.

       Today, I would like to share on my favourite sport for western food in Putrajaya. It is a small stall in Precint 11 foodcourt, Putrajaya. In fact, it is the only sport we would go to if we plan to eat here. By the look, it is very ordinary but try sample the food there, I would attest you that it is your money worth.

This is what I had earlier,

              A lamb chop.

 

     The greedy me forgot to snap the food the rest of my family members were having. How la kan?

Anyway, the girls had Spaghetti Bolognaise. It is so abundant that a plate of it could be shared by 2 or 3 girls. 

 

     So next time if you are in Putrajaya and feel like having western, head on to Precint 11 foodcourt.

        

Brainy Bunch International Educational & Islamic Education Conference

It was held earlier today at PICC. With the ticket being reduced from RM300 per couple to RM100 per person, who wouldn't miss it right? With all the renounced speakers, I actually wouldn't mind if I have to pay RM300 initially. Furthermore, its all 100% will go to charity. Jom la! Infak sikit.

     However, it was not full house as it may due to poor promotion. I happened to knew it because I am a BBIM (Brainy Bunch Islamic Montessori) parent. I don't even see it on Facebook.

     Nevertheless, it was very insightful, eye opening and enriching. All the talks were so real for parents as it were delivered by experienced parents. I just only wish that my husband could join. 

     The first speaker was Ustazah Isfadhillah, a syariah advisor to Brainy Bunch. She delivered a speech on Raising The Children With the Book of Allah. She stressed out on studying the Prophet Muhammad's sunna with regards to children. Among an interesting fact being brought up is the fact of teaching our children sexual education. And of course, it's not about making babies. It's about gender conscious, aurah, position of man in islam, permission of entering parents' bedroom and much more. 

It was somehow interesting when she said that we shall never control our children with regard to the internet and television. Instead, we are urged to guide. It was indeed an eye opening as this is what I've been doing all these while. Apart being the mother, I am also the director or rather dictator of cencorship of the house. With that, I pledge after this I shall be a dear friend to my children when it comes on the technology matters.

 

The 2nd speaker was actually the driving force of me joining this conference. Ismail Menk is

such a character that I would leave everything and listen to him. He is so bubbly. A character of a preacher which is so hard to find in Malaysia. He complimented the the earlier speech by Ustazah Isfadhillah by stressing on discipline as opposed to punishment. Punishment, according to him will let our children do the undesirable act behind our back. Disciplining on the other hand is educating. 

 

        The third speaker was none other than the Mr Chairman of Brainy Bunch himself. His talk was so beautiful as he was speaking based on his own experience raising his 3 sons. It felt so close that you actually had some self realization, some soul searching. I suddenly realized that how hard have I been with my children. My authoritarian style of motherhood is so shameful. He said that we are too busy to be a father (parent) that we have forgotten to be a friend. How true indeed. After that insightful speech, I was moved and I kindly respect him more. I had no idea that such successful man is so humble and down to earth when talking about family and children.

         The conference was wraped up by a talk by Prof Muhaya. I must say that I enjoy her talk on tv more than I enjoy it today. Maybe its due to the language. There is of course nothing wrong with her English. Its only that I feel her more if the talk is in Bahasa.

      

          So all and all, this conference is very theraupatic. Thank you Allah for this beautiful day.

Ikan Siakap Sweet & Sour

I simply love siakap. Also known as barramundi or Asian Seabass. Here, I would like to share on how to cook Sweet & Sour Siakap. Please be noted that as much as I could, I would not use preservatives or MSG in my cooking. In case you don't know, soy sauce, chili sauce and ketchup do contain MSG. So, my recipe is free of those.

As a start, these are basically all you need;

 

Plus,

(chili paste)

(tamarind)

(corn flour)

And of course, this!

( deep fried siakap )

1. First, heat oil in a wok.

2. Saute the garlic and ginger.

3. Put some chili paste. 

4. Add in the tomatoes, carrot, cucumber and pineapple.

5.  Pour the tamarind.

It shall look like this,

Some people would add some tomato ketchup or chili sauce to make it more condensed. Alternatively, I would use the corn flour. 

Bon Apetit!

Favourite Breakfast Spot in Melaka

Black Brown Blues Cafe is the place where I can go to everyday without feeling guilty. Even the uncle knows what we will having before having ourselves seated.

      It is located at Taman Perumahan Awam Bukit Beruang. Also known as Gerai Isabella, after their famous Isabella fried noodles. Despite its name, the noodles is a very simple fried noodles with some beansprout and chili paste. In bahasa, they call it mee bodoh. And don't be surpised when you order it, they uncle would say stupid mee.

      This place is usually packed around 10 although is open as early as 7:00 am. You can also see lots of chineses frequent the shop. The uncle speaks English even with the Malays when taking the order. He is also courteous. The service is also super fast. Among the reason why our chinese friends simply enjoy going there.

Apart from the fried noodles, it also sells soup noddles which is also delicious. However, my favourite will always be their hot and crunchy roti canai and the tiny nasi lemak. The roti canai is only RM0.70 okay!

          You wouldn't regret going here. That's a promise.

The Best Mee Kari in Melaka

Earlier this morning on Red.fm, Lil Kev and JJ were talking about the kind of things you would do in a rainy weather. For me, a hot cuppa coffee & a good book is simply heaven. So, when Sarra suggested that we stop by at Warung Jalan Tok Ali, I could not say no.

     

      This stall is located in Bukit Beruang, Jalan Tok Ali to be spesific. It is around the traffic light near SK Bukit Beruang.

      This stall sells lots of kuih but the signature dish is the Clayport Curry Mee. A cronic sinus person like me need not to worry as there is no seafood to be found in it. Apart from these, you could also devour on the sumptious Soup Noodles. Highly recommended for kids but do request to exclude the chill.

Price wise, it's very cheap and rest assured that service is very fast. Go ahead, have a try!