Monday already?

Weekends flew so quickly and it is already Monday. I am looking forward for a fantastic Monday and the coming weekdays with lots of surprises along my way.

Happy Monday!

Leopard Print Fashion World

If you’re a fashionista like me, I am sure you would take a note of the new animal instincts on the prowl recently. Animal print has taken the fashion world by storm once again showing that this look is a sure go-getter which has a wide collection of everything from shoes, bags to dresses, blouses, accessories and scarves. More and more, fashion stores are hit by the latest craze this season as the animal print’s eternal popularity among women soars higher day by day. It seems like it is no longer a trend but has evolved into a fashion must-to-have and classic.

I was super excited to get my animal print-inspired fashion to spice up my wardrobe collections. Animal print outfit are most particularly fun, chic, and sexy at the same time. Personally, I like them because they are classy, and bold. Even though it has been quite awhile since the trend of animal print came back into the world of fashion, yet it has been a runaway hit with women like me out there. I guess it looks like this season fashion enthusiast will take a notch up by a zing of animal-prints making a dash into their wardrobe. I am one of them!

Animal prints have been a signature fashion on and off which easily attract the eyes. There's no better fashion statement out there at the moment better than the animal-print. It has evolved into a fashion impulse as the latest buzz is seeing the prominent designers incorporating the animal-print concept into their latest fashion lines in the likes of D & G and Salvatore Ferragamo. Leopard printed cocktail dresses; chic leopard printed contour jacket or lustrous leopard print clutch featuring sophistication and glam touch to pull it off at any occasion.

Last week as I window shopped in one of the largest mall in the city, I was allured by an assortment of eye-catching animal prints collection which are back in style. The sheer chiffon tops and sultry little print dresses simply adds a wow factor to the personality whether if it’s a casual day out or a cocktail party. Alas after hours of sashaying every single store, I was piqued with the contour-less animal print tops. It didn’t whip up my fashion tang, not even closer. It didn’t dawn upon me since I was convinced by the fact that not only animal print dresses and tops are the in-thing, BUT women everywhere are rocking with animal print on handbags, clutch, shoes, and scarf and even accessories too. So I am up for it!

As I was relaxing in one of the footwear gallery where mom was enthused choosing her sandals, my eyes caught the Smokey grey animal print pumps with faux leather fabric, soft texture and simple embellishment to finish it off. It just fits snugly into my feet and keeps me comfy when I walk around in these pumps which seem fashionable as well. It really got into me to get these leopard print pumps. By all means, I believe it won’t evoke a slight dose of wild animal instincts in me even when I am wearing them. Leopard-print pumps are a complete outfit-maker, and it goes well with anything. The easy slip on flats with animal print inspired design should do the magic to pull it off with anything besides making my big feet relaxed with flair at the same time. I am ready to roll out my pumps. I love it.

Well, think again, because this dazzling trend is not leaving the runways anytime soon. I’m sure we can add a little twist to this once subtle-yet-playful trend that will be sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone trying to sneak a peek of your fabulous footwear. True enough, the animal prints are a definite attention grabber. I was caught off-guard with the sizzling golden brown leopard print shawl with a soft texture that can give a classy finishing and glam touch to a look. It goes well with simple plain outfit that are back in style for this season.

Spicing up the wardrobe with a little dose of wildness is fine but not turning them entirely into a wild kingdom. The fashion faux-pas that is going to be tacky is overdose of animal prints. Remember that a little bit goes much further. The rule of the thumb is to keep it simple and sweet. If you pulled it off just right, the fashion can look sexy and most of all, it will be a perfect complement with a sense of confidence. It all comes in a subtle animal print fashion collection.

Sparkle that Perfect Smile with a Style

Driven both by my perpetual desire to find a good and hygienic dental clinic and my effort to be a health junkie this year, and, even more than both of those things, by some dear friends and my hypochondria, I made an appointment at the dental specialist centre that I stumble upon on the net: DentalPro Specialist Centre in Jalan Maroff, Bangsar. My fear of dentist was vanished by the comforting clinic which looked more like a cozy home gallery. I was smitten by the first glance at the place.

I was enjoying icy cold ice-cream a couple of weeks ago with my dear friend and I noticed I felt a lightening-struck sensation. Well, my mom has been telling me for months to get my regular dental visits to keep my teeth healthy and sparkling. Days before, I’d noticed a little yellowing stain on my tooth evident and my gums are becoming weak of lately as I bleed whenever I brush my teeth. Furthermore I wanted to check what’s happening with my wisdom tooth as well since I have been hitting late twenties. No sign of a pain or growth although I can feel slight growth embedded on the back on my gums. My dad and mom, both hygienists, agreed that I’d better have it cleaned and polished (especially since I haven't seen a dentist in years). They didn’t tell me to panic—I did that on my own. I am a person always put on my smile to the best and my coffee-craze makes my teeth stained especially at the bottom and it cost a taint in my personality.

I’m uber-jittery, as I said, and I had no idea how painful it is going to be! A mere thought of paying a visit to the dentist is enough to freak me out and send me hiding somewhere in the corner. For all I know, the sound of dentist’s drill, the cold room with pictures of decay tooth will send out even the bravest of us behind our comfort zone. But I had to shirk all the fear off and put up a brave front in order to have a sparkling smile.

It was after my super-busy schedule which eventually toned down, I called up the DentalPro to schedule my first appointment on a Saturday. A mixed feeling of excitement coupled up with anxiety played hide-and-seek in my little head. At last I gathered my courage as my mom tagged along to get her regular dental cleaning. Phewww!!! It was calming! Ha-ha. As dad dropped both of us in the portico of the clinic, I was astounded at the glimpse of the ambiance surrounding the place. A sense of serenity encircled both of us as we made our way into the walkway of the clinic. The bungalow-turned-into-clinic is a pretty lovely concept. Being the classic women whom adore interior and exterior landscape designing, we both were mesmerized for quite a bit.

A warm welcome by the receptionist and the homely and pleasant atmosphere was waiting to make us comfortable just prior to our appointment with the Dr Teeth. While mom settle down on the couch and reached out for the magazines to keep her entertained, I walked over to the counter to verify my appointment. We had to fill up the forms since it was our first visit to this “paradise”. After scribbling a few important details on the form for registration, we were still flabbergasted by the décor and enjoyed the plush settings while whispering a few things to each other. Finally, we were called up for our ‘treatment’. My heart started beating fast, “lup dup, lup dup, lup dup”. I told myself, “Sweetie, you’re a brave girl and this is nothing but just like a candy treat after all’. Hopefully!

As the room door was opened ajar by the nurse, I saw a well organized room, white as pearl, with a smiling doctor accompanied by two other nurses which seems to be amiable in nature. I was the first to go while my mom sat to watch me under the hands of the dentist. Sounds like under the captivity of a tooth demon. Ha-ha-ha. My anxiety was dissolved by the cheerful chats of the doctor and assured me that my teeth were looking not too bad. No cavities! Just plaques and coffee stains. My wisdom tooth has embedded but it is not upright but growing horizontally. Other than that, he said my teeth were in great shape especially for not having been to a dentist for sometime. I was happy to hear that. It gave me a lot of confidence to tell myself that it doesn’t hurt because I’m a strong woman! It took about 45 minutes to do scaling and polishing for each of us. I enjoyed the service, the cleanliness of the equipments and the service by the team.

As we both walked out of the room, we were flashing our smiles to each other and felt confident with our shiny teeth. I’m surprised that the overall treatment wasn’t painful but slightly tingling as compared to previous experience with my old dentists. It felt like angels in white were touching our teeth with a magic wand. There are professional with gentle care for their patients.

I thought the cost of the treatment will cost me a bomb but when I was given the bill, it was reasonable after all. I and mom left the boutique-cum-clinic with a happy heart and a sparkling smile on our faces. Now I can head to the café for a hot coffee since I don’t need to be worried since everything seems to be perfectly fine. I smile with a style now.

Happy Friday, the 13th

As I kicked my comforter aside, and sat up on bed only to realize that today is Friday the 13th as the my glance fell on my table-top calendar. The spooky day that causes many to suffer from morbid and absurd fear which is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia. Do you suffer from this bona fide phobia as well? Maybe not. So do me. I am really not superstitious as to why it didn’t fret me at all. It is just another day for me.
Friday the 13th happens at least once a year usually. But this year 2012 is gonna be one of those years where we have not one but 3 Friday the 13ths! That’s right– January 13th, April 13th and July 13th! And these Fridays are exactly 13 weeks apart. Now that sounds bizarre to me. This is a day where some of us look at it with fear and trepidation. But logically, this scenario is a coincidence and a quirk of the calendar.
I know there is a long history of spooky things that worry many people, and Friday the 13th is one of them. The list goes on – walking under a ladder, a black cat walking in front of you, throwing salt over your shoulder and a host of other scenarios that obviously has roots in ancient history. Put all those fear aside and make your Friday a fun day.
Don’t worry the day will come to an end; and to the rest of you – Happy Friday the 13th folks!!

It's Thursday already!

It seems like it was just yesterday I was feeling Monday slump. I was looking forward for the weekends. Then I realize this week has zoom by! My goodness I can barely keep up! It’s already Thursday. I can't believe how time flies. A little too quick actually that I almost got lost in between. When you’re super busy, even the time that speeds by totally caught me off guard. I had to ask myself, where did the week go? I really had no idea and was speechless for a second. My brains went blank for jiffy trying to recap the series of events that took place over the second week of July.

It is all about work, work and work since the last SAC convention. My research on shell fruit form has proved to be of interest for the breeders and geneticist lately due to its economic importance as well as it can be incorporated into the breeding programme in near future since the potential genetic markers has been fished out. However, there are some validation experimentation conducted and further fine mapping to get the closest and tightly linked markers to be incorporated for field testing. So here you go! I have been burning the midnight oil doing some literature landscape, frequent discussion with project leader and getting ideas from consultants to steer forward the program. It has been exciting though!

So that explains why this week I had to juggle between in-silico analysis and lab work to test one DNA marker that has been giving me a tough time by not showing up itself on the genotype profile. I was too engrossed into my work. But felt even busier due to the sluggish weather that triggered my rhinitis which made me feel worse as I was challenged by bouts of sneezing and congested nose. I thought that if I'm still feeling miserable over the next few days, I might as well give in and go to my panel doctor at SDMC to get my regular dose of nasal spray.

In midst of all this, Thursday rolls just about silently, and I quietly hoped for the weekend to come by as I am pretty exhausted from the week and in dire need of some sound rest (to be precise, my sleep!). A simply quiet and relaxing weekend plan will be the right thing that I need now. Maybe a nice dinner with family, catch a movie, and maybe cupcake project!

Uluwatu, a simply not-to-miss

“Ooo la la, a breathtaking sight to behold”, I exclaim in glee (of course I wasn’t jumping up and down but rather in a quiet manner). My husband was stunned to be perched up on the cliff while being slapped by the breeze on the brink of the azure hued Indian Ocean. A sense of serenity surrounded us for a moment. There was silence followed by a reluctance to leave the place.

This was how I felt when I first got there at Uluwatu temple which is known for its spectacular shrine, amazing beach as surfing site and fabulous scenery of the cliff at the edge directly overlooking into the sea. It was not only a splendor at first glance but with a sacred aura encircling around us, it was totally epic.  Also the panoramic view of the God’s miracles is felt here. I stood in the plateau in sheer silence with my eyes gazing wide into the horizon with shades of turquoise skyline and white clouds floating around while sounds of the whirling waves that slam the rocks entertain my senses from the 250 feet below me. There was a calming effect to see the waves retreating into the ocean by leaving behind the little traces of white bubbles disappearing after awhile. A surge of serenity was felt within me for a moment. I think my husband felt the same as his glance was fixated on the beautiful endless ocean for a long time. Beyond doubt, this place would be every photographer’s desired spot for their portfolios. 

It was a bright sunny day as we made our way to the steep valley on the west of Pecatu village of Kuta district towards the Uluwatu shrine stands majestically at an altitude of 1997 meters above sea level on a stone bridge jutting into the glistening blue sea on the southwestern tip of Bali Island. A spectacular vista in which the temple hangs right over the edge. The sacred abode is made up of black coral and ancient rock formation marvels any tourist at a first glance. The walkway just before we reach the temple is quite scary due to the nuisance of the monkeys along the route. According to our tour guide, the monkeys are attracted to snatch away spectacles or sunglasses, handbags, hats and anything else they can get their hands on. I decided to keep away my sunglass but still cling into my handbag. Ha-ha. It was believed that the monkeys are guarding the temple. I was feeling slightly panicky but with my husband by my side and the Madhey; it was not so bad after all. By the way, the monkeys were huge and quite aggressive looking!

 Soon after, we were welcome by Ganesha statues flanking the arched gateway. Every temple we visited, there was rather unique architecture of the temple structure, the walls, or even the statues. It can be an intricate carving of the building or the art of the Bali’s mythological menageries; it just screams for exclusive work of art that is worth mentioning. On the other hand, I was more fascinated by the ambiance which of my interest. An astounding sunset that one should not miss, the cool breeze, or even the beauty of the natural landscape, it just gets to the bottom of my heart.     

So what’s so special about this temple? I was curious to know. According to Madhey, Uluwatu is one of the oldest shrines in Bali which is deemed to guard Bali from the sea spirits which was found along the coast of Bali. Back in 11^th century, this temple was established as a place of worship by a holy priest named Empu Kuturan who disseminated the teachings of indigenous village with all the rules. The famous Javanese priest Nirartha (the one founded the Tanah Lot temple) who end his journey at Uluwatu for his final days where he attained Moksha (freedom from earthly desires) while meditating. Hence, this place was deemed to be sacred by the kings in the past. The temple's revered custodians, along with hundreds of nobles, devotees, and priests conduct a festival every seven months that celebrates the importance of Uluwatu temple to the whole of Bali with elegant rituals meant to bless all residents of and visitors to Uluwatu temple and town. 

One of the Hindu teachings encompasses the life after death. It is believed that the life after death have diverged into two facet; heaven and hell. Heaven or Sorgham is promise of goodness while on the other hand; hell is a gateway to anguish. One cannot embrace themselves into Sorgham unless they have completed their duties and fulfilled their religious attainments by attaining liberation from earthly desires called Moksha. Moksha is also believed to be body sublimation by disappearing from the world without leaving their physical body. This could possibly explain how Nirartha disappearance episode in Bali could have taken place.  

Between the relaxing walk above, and savoring the tranquility of the shrine, Uluwatu is a place that encourages relaxation, contemplation, and the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. Beautiful views and nature's wonders are nowhere more prevalent than here, in enchanting Uluwatu.

It’s Monday and there is so much to do yet I feel the drag

I promised myself last night that I will put on my best attitude and a wide smile for Monday (and not to be moody). Yet once again it was a failed effort no matter how hard I tried.  You know the usual attributes with the blues, sulky and feeling lost. To make things worse, it has been super busy period for past couple of weeks where I have way too much work, because of all the work I need to do in the coming weeks. Last Friday I put off some on hold till Monday comes because I was simply too sluggish, tired and looking forward to the weekend. Come what may, I believed that Monday would make it all better.

When the alarm rang at 6am on Monday morning, I wake up with a heavy heart and hollow feeling hating life and work and everything about it that might be responsible for me being moody. Here it goes my typical Monday in the not-so-good ambiance. I kicked off my blanket, got out of bed, took a shower thinking it might help to cheer me up by the time I step outta my house for work. Only to find it didn’t make a difference at all. Now, finally awake and aware this is how my life is and I have to go on even though it’s a drag. Perhaps, it is just about the thoughts and I quickly made an effort to jazz up my spirits with some inspiring thoughts, listening to the whacky Djs of FlyFm radio station and also fast beat songs that somehow kicked my energy level. Now I need to get my ass down to working and keeping my mind focused. 

One thing that got me perked up was the victory of my favorite Spain team. Viva la Espana! I and my husband were excitedly discussing about Spain’s players line-up and predicted that they will be the Euro 2012 winner with their top form of players. Spain has yet again proved their skills and the glory is shining ever since the last World Cup. My husband was amazed that I watch football not for good looking players but more into the quintessence of the game. I admit I don’t really know the nitty-gritty details of football rules but I can make with what it is about fairly. Since my husband is an avid football fan, he got excited when he knew I do enjoy football to some extent and he believes that I would be his best companion in near future (also to refill his coffee/snacks/ bites, hehehe).

Just as I step into the office, while grabbing my usual coffee from the coffee maker, I just realize how challenging one’s life can be. Most of my friends are married, some with a child and some still savoring their singlehood. Some of us have a stable career of passion; some still studying (God knows till when) and some are still job-hopping. Suddenly I feel most of us are already hitting the 30s and time to plan for a more secured life in terms of career development, fiscal future and also family life. Oh no! So many things are running up and about in my little head and this was definitely not my normal Monday. What has got into me? Perhaps it all popped from last week’s brainstorming discussions. My career is moving into a more challenging phase with the next 6 months. My marital life needs a clear direction as it is fairly difficult to live far away from my sweetheart. We both need each other so much as well as getting into the family life ahead.  

But we both are very understanding when it comes to our life planning. My husband is very encouraging and aspiring when it comes to progress in life for a better future. Hope this is not for too long. Missed you more than ever today.