Zalin Folk Art & Crafts - Crafts & Home Decor Boutique

2011-08-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

berakhir Ramadhan, Syawal menjelma,

penuh kesyukuran, takbir bergema,

rakan taulan, sanak saudara,

segala kekhilafan, maaf diminta...

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, dari kami sekeluarga......"

Decoupage Napkin CLEARANCE SALE!!

2011-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Click here!!

https://picasaweb.google.com/Zuraidah2008/ServiettePaperNapkin

LH-1(Letter holder)- RM20.00, get the above tissue FREE!!

(Only 5 available)

Decor idea

MDF Woodpieces SALE!!(Updated)

2011-08-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

for Updated MDF Woodpieces SALE, Click HERE:

http://zalinfolkartcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/07/woodpieces-sale.html

MDF Woodpieces SALE!!

2011-07-28T03:36:00.000-07:00

** buy more & get more discount/entitled to Free Gift(s).

** First come, first serve basis.

Please SMS your order to 016 290 2905 by 3rd week of Ramadhan(Please take note). TQ.....

PB-01: Pencil/Stationery box

was RM24.00, now RM18.00

(2 in stock)

TB-01 : A unique House tissue box/holder

was RM30.00, now RM25.00

(1 in stock)

Caddy for holding stationery, utensils, remote control etc

Available in 2 sizes:

CD-01 : 6in x 6in : RM28.00 (2 in stock)

CD-02 : 7in x 7in : RM30.00(1 in stock)

B13 (19cm x 14cm)- was RM18.00, now RM14.00 ( 2 in stock)

B14(36cm x 23cm@large) - was RM19.00, now RM16.00

(2 in stock)

Spice rack with keyholders - RM55.00 (2 in stock)

(Bear door stopper )BDS-3:RM16.00

(You can use my design as guidance which I painted in 2006...)

SOLD!

Bear Door Stopper
BDS-1: RM12.00
BDS-2: RM12.00
(1 sold, 1 in stock)

Switch plate

SW1 (for double switch)-RM8.00(3 in stock)

SW2 (for single switch)- RM6.00(2 in stock)

Egg holder/rack(Large-20"x13.5") : RM40.00(1 booked, 1 left)

Egg holder/rack (3-tier)-40cmx21cm: RM35.00(1 in stock)

Multifunctional shelf - available in two sizes:
Large(26"x9") : was RM45.00, now RM40.00(8 in stock)
Medium(20"x9") : was RM40.00, now RM35.00(8 in stock)

(Just to give you an idea how to paint the above shelf...)

Bear book-end: RM30.00/pair(1 sold, 1 in stock)

(I painted the above design in 2003...)

PD1(Plastic dispenser) - was RM50.00, now RM42.00(2 in stock)

BMH(Birdhouse magazine holder) - was RM55, now RM47.00(buy more than 1, get more discount!) - 4 in stock

B1- RM12.00

B2 - RM11.00(6 in stock)

B3- RM12.00 (4 in stock)

B4-RM15.00(5 in stock)

B5 (menu board): Small : RM16.00(6 in stock)

Medium : RM20.00(2 units in stock)

(Very cheap!!)

B6(18"x10.5")-was RM20.00, now RM18.00

B7- RM13.00(5 in stock)

B8 - RM10.00(10 in stock)

B9(duck door stopper)-RM17.00(5 in stock)

B10(sleeping cat door stopper with adjustable head) - RM20.00(only 1 available)

B11(Duck tissue holder) - was RM35.00, now RM29.00

B12(jug tissue holder) - was RM35.00, now RM28.00

(only 1 available each)

C1(canister, medium size) - RM22.00

C2(teabags holder) - RM12.00(1 in stock)

Mediums & Paints SALE!

2011-07-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Please SMS your order to 016 290 2905. TQ.

1. Jo Sonja Decoupage Varnish 250ml

-great for protecting all your decoupage projects

was RM39.90, now RM35.00

(6 SOLD, 2 in stock)

2. Jo Sonja Clear Glaze Medium 250ml(6 available)-

- a versatile medium to be used in several ways eg for applying on tissue/napkin for your decoupage projects

was RM29.00, now RM25.00

3. Americana Paint(59ml)-limited stock..HURRY!!!

(Left to Right) : Cadmiun Yellow(SOLD), Citrus Green, Hauser Medium Green(SOLD), Blue Mist

(Common colour for painting leaves)

was RM12.00, now RM9.00

Left to right : Berry Red(SOLD), Pumpkin, Raw sienna, Burnt Umber

was RM12.00, now RM9.00

Deep Burgundy(6 available) - great for painting roses(blend with any white shades)

was RM12.00, now RM8.00

The Sale is ON! All must go...

2011-07-22T03:32:00.001-07:00

Decorative Painting Books - new, not secondhand/used, from USA. A VERY, VERY low price!(You can compare the price at your local Craftshops). All prices excluding postage.

1. PB01

Briar Patch 2 by Sandy Fochler, the famous author of the 'Briar Patch' series

- beautiful projects for your kitchen & lovely lace projects for beginners.

SOLD

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2. PB02

Endless Seasons 2 by Tiffany Hastie

- A must have for all garden lovers! Awesome projects on pots, seed boxes, tray, table, frames etc.

Our price RM59.00 only.

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3. PB03

Endless Season's by Tiffany Hastie

(SOLD)

-learn how to paint country houses, apples & many more on tray, candle, shelf amongst other surfaces.

Our price : RM59.00 only

**Buy any two of DP01, DPo2 or DP03 at RM100.00 only, you save further RM18.00!!

*************************************************

4.PB04

Art with Heart, Volume 4 by Dorothy Whisenhunt, CDA

-discover ways to paint still life fruits & vegetables on veggie tote, gesso board; gorgeous pansies & hollyhocks & many more!

Our price : RM55 only

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5. PB05

Scenes of the Seasons by Jurate Okura

(SOLD)

- scenery country projects for beginners & lovely hydrangeas on tissue box, hand mirror & paper mache boxes, snowy day on door crown etc.

Our price : RM45.00 only

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6.PB06

Pick of the Bunch by Lola Gill

- simple way of painting selected flowers e.g violet, forget-me-not, poppy, wild rose, an English Village Pond etc.

Our price : RM45.00 only

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7. PB07

Cows in the Corn by Annie Lang

-fun projects for your kids & you..Learn how to paint Cows & chickens on bottles, wood, tins, tshirt, mug etc., emphasizing on linework technique.

Craft Items Stock Clearance - All must go!

2011-07-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Dear crafty friends & visitors,

I'm thinking of letting go most of my craft items as I'm no longer residing in Malaysia. There are LOTS of woodpieces(from simple plaque to birdhouses), paints(Americana, Jo Sonja), painting books, decoupage papers, mediums(sealer, glaze, varnish etc), napkins for decoupage, ceramic bisque, framed posters along with my personal collections of ceramic figurines with chicken & chef motifs & much more.. All at a very reasonable price & all MUST go!! You are also welcome to my house in Shah Alam to purchase any of the above items by appointment. Please contact me for further info - 016 2902905 or email zuraidah2008@yahoo.com. Thank you!

Labbaikallahummalabbaik....

2011-07-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

"Labbaikallahumma labbaik, labbaikala syarikalakalabbaik, innalhamda wannikmata lakawalmulk la syarikalak..."

********************

At Dammam Airport, before the 1hr 35min flight to Jeddah Airport.

As promised, I would like to share some pictures taken during my last hajj season(Nov 2010). Some pictures are from my own album & some from my friends'-Thank you friends!!. Semoga dapat memberi inspirasi kepada semua....(sorry for a very long delay...).

1. Mina

Kami menyertai pakej haji yang dikendalikan oleh sebuah syarikat/agensi swasta tempatan iaitu Al-Hamra'. Alhamdulillah servis yg sangat memuaskan. Khemah kami terletak di Mina, kurang 10min perjalanan ke Kompleks Jamrah(melontar) yg baru siap diubahsuai...Yang menariknya ialah kerana kami berpeluang tinggal bersama dgn masyarakat tempatan(Saudi) yg turut menyertai pakej tersebut di khemah itu.

Keadaan pintu masuk ke khemah...tempat Pak2 Arab bersantai...sambil minum2...Ada teman2 mengatakan bagi masyarakat tempatan(Saudi) mengerjakan haji adalah seperti pergi 'bercuti'..mungkin disebabkan pada masa inilah mereka dapat bercuti dari kerja(di Saudi cuti AidilAdha adalah selama seminggu)..tetapi bagi kami inilah masa untuk menumpukan sepenuhnya kepada amal ibadat kerana peluang seperti ini terlalu berharga utk dilepaskan.(Alhamdulillah ada kawan yg menolong menjaga ketiga2 anak kami sepeninggalan kami mengerjakan haji ini).

2. Wukuf di Padang Arafah

Hajjah2 muda, penyeri kami-bertuah sungguh mereka(anak2 rakan) yg berpeluang mengerjakan rukun Islam yg kelima pada usia yang muda...

Nasi mandhi kambing...hidangan tengahari sewaktu di Arafah...kata seorang Ustazah(Arab) makanlah sekadar kenyang kerana tenaga yg secukupnya diperlukan utk berdoa & berzikir selepas sahaja masuk waktu zuhur hingga menjelang matahari terbenam. Jika terlalu kenyang akan menyebabkan mengantuk pula..

Selesai sudah melaksanakan rukun haji yang kedua iaitu Wukuf di Arafah...Alhamdulillah, keadaan persekitaran yg selesa(kami dibekalkan sleeping bag setiap seorang) & khemah yang berhawa dingin & angin yg nyaman membolehkan para jemaah menumpukan sepenuh perhatian kepada berzikir & berdoa.. Suasana sayu sewaktu bersiap2 untuk meninggalkan Arafah...Ya Allah terasa terlalu kerdil diri ini sewaktu berdoa menadah tangan ke langit menjelang matahari terbenam(iaitu waktu paling afdal utk berdoa kerana pintu langit terbuka)....

3. Mabit(berhenti/bermalam sebentar) di Muzdalifah

Selepas masuk sahaja waktu Maghrib(matahari terbenam) semua jemaah berkumpul dan menaiki bas masing2 menuju Muzdalifah. Solat Maghrib & Isya' dilakukan secara jama' & qasar sebaik sampai di Muzdalifah. Walaupun jarak di antara Arafah & Muzdalifah tidaklah berapa jauh tetapi disebabkan faktor kesesakan, hampir 2jam barulah kami sampai di Muzdalifah. Sepanjang perjalanan ini terasa betapa bertuahnya kami dapat menaiki kenderaan(bas) yg berhawa dingin & selesa jika dibandingkan jemaah lain di mana ramai yg terpaksa berjalan kaki di dalam kegelapan malam, membawa barang2 keperluan dari Arafah ke Mina...Subhanallah..betapa tinggi semangat mereka menyahut seruan Allah...

(Dari album kawan) - bagi jemaah wanita, khemah ringkas dibina diantara bas2 yg diletakkan berhampiran antara satu sama lain. Jemaah lelaki - di mana2 sahaja pun boleh...(sekadar utk bersolat & berehat sebentar)

4. Kembali semula ke Mina

Hujan batu....selepas kembali semula ke khemah kami di Mina dari Arafah & Muzdalifah, keesokan harinya kami dikejutkan dgn fenomena hujan batu(ais). Setelah sekian lama tidak mengalaminya, tiba2 di Mina dapat merasa sendiri memegang hujan batu..apa lagi..kecoh sekejap khemah kami...

5. Tawaf Rukun(tawaf haji)

Jutaan manusia di dalam Masjidil Haram... Pada waktu puncak seperti musim haji, kesemua tingkat(level) dibuka untuk kemudahan jemaah melakukan tawaf & saie

6. Saie antara Safwa & Marwah

Saie(sebanyak 7 kali antara Bukit Safwa & Marwah) juga boleh dilakukan di mana2 level yang kita pilih...

7. Melontar Jamrah

Pihak tentera mengawal pergerakan jemaah ke Kompleks Jamrah

Subhanallah!! Lautan manusia tanpa mengira bangsa, pangkat & keturunan berjalan menuju ke Kompleks Jamrah..

Alhamdulillah...Kompleks Jamrah yang baru siap diubahsuai menjadi 3 tingkat(khabarnya kontraktor terbabit ialah syarikat dari Malaysia), lengkap dengan escalator, memudahkan pergerakan para jemaah dan tiada langsung kesesakan...

Bergambar kenangan bersama2 rakan2 dari Dammam/Dhahran...

******************************

Hari ke-7...Alhamdulillah...selesai sudah ibadah haji kami...Masing2 sedang menunggu ketibaan bas utk bertolak ke Makkah bagi menyempurnakan tawaf wada'(tawaf selamat tinggal) sebelum berangkat ke Jeddah Airport dan pulang ke rumah masing2(Dammam/Dhahran). Semoga haji kami diterima & mendapat haji yg mabrur di sisi Allah s.w.t....Aamiin..

Haji(Hajj) Nov 12-20th, 2010(Makkah Al Mukarramah)

2010-12-29T02:23:00.000-08:00

"Labbaikallahumma labbaik, labbaikala syarikalakalabbaik, innalhamda wannikmata lakawalmulk la syarikalak..."

@ Dammam Airport, waiting for our 5.50am flight to Jeddah

(L-R:Joe, K.Nor, K.Jina, Yaya, Mira, Bib, K.Nita, , ME, K.Ana)-friends from RT, Dhahran, Al-Khobar & Udailiyah

..will upload more....

2010-09-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wishing "Eid Mubarak/Salam Aidilfitri" to all Muslim friends & family members, yg jauh & yg dekat...Maaf Zahir & Batin atas segala kekhilafan..halalkan makan & minum..Semoga kita dipertemukan lagi pada Ramadhan & Syawal yg lain..InsyaAllah...Dari kami - Zuraidah, Zulkifli, Zafirah, Zafri & Zalin...

2010-08-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

Salam..

If you are interested to own any of items sold here(inc previous posts) please contact/sms me a.s.a.p. All orders should be made before 6/9/2010 as I'm leaving for Saudi on the 1st wk of Raya..

Thank you!!

This garden set of 2 chairs & a table(but it looks lovely indoor too..) is for sale..I have another set still in an unopened box. This set is meant for painting actually but as usual I still could't find my own sweet time to paint any of them.

Placemat(decoupaged on painted background) - looks good on the wall too..

42 x 29cm

Chef kitchen runner

89 x 47cm

2 available

Plastic dispenser

3 available

2010-08-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

Dear crafty friends,

This is a special stock clearance edition. I have lots of lovely woodpieces, some which I've treasured as personal collection; Jo Sonja Medium(Glaze, Decoupage Varnish, Sealer), paint, ceramic bisque(unglazed porcelain), decoupage napkins, painting books & few others craft items. If you are interested to buy any of them, please sms/call me(016 2902905) for immediate reply.

Thank you & Happy Crafting!!! ^-^

My Painting Room

Birdhouse magazine holder

(4 available)

Dustbin with swivel top

(4 available)

Egg rack

(2 available)

Extra thick board with readymade hole for clock insert

(1 available)

Canister

(Set 0f 3 different heights also available)

Cutlery box

(1 available)

Chopping board

Frame-01

(4 available)

Frame-02

(2 available)

Menuboard-01

(6 available)

Board-RS

(4 available)

Door hangers

SOLD OUT

Charity Sale - Part II

2010-08-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

White Frame Collection:

36 x 46.5cm - 2 available

37.5 x 48.5cm - 1 available

only 1 set available

(30 x 49cm)

only 1 set available

(48 x 30cm)

2 available

(37.5 x 49cm)

only 1 available

(36 x 36cm)

2 available

(46.5 x 36cm)

Charity Sale

2010-07-12T23:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends & readers,

Kids @ Rumah Amal Kasih Bestari(Orphanage)

I've been thinking of downsizing & spring cleaning my house over this summer break and I think a lot of my craft things along with other personal belongings like new authentic branded handbags & shirts etc desperately need new owners. Profit will be donated to Rumah Amal Kasih Bestari@Tmn Subang Bestari near Sungai Buloh, Selangor. All pictures & info will be uploaded from time to time here.

Thank you for your kind attention....

**************************

Dear all,

As this is a charity-based sale, please read these T&C:

All products sold are non-refundable & non-returnable.
All sales are final so please think carefully before you proceed with any purchase.
Some products will be sold as 'as-is' basis, so please read all the info given
Serious buyers only, please.
If you have any questions, please ask(email or call/sms 016 2902905)
Due to time constraint I may not be able to personally send all the products sold here. If you wish to pick them up, you are most welcome.

*****************

1. COACH Signature Hampton Black & White Hobo Shoulder Bag Purse(SOLD)

This purse has black & white-greyish signature fabric and a classic Coach look. It is exactly what you need to accessorize the classy attire in your wardrobe with a touch of flare.

2. COACH Signature Zoe Hobo Handbag(SOLD)

Another classic Coach signature of khaki & brown jacquard fabric accented with mahogany brown leather trim. Comfortable slouchy style shape with single 13" leather shoulder strap. Convenient zipper top closure secures main compartment. This bag has a roomy interior making it a great choice for daily use.

3. French style high quality framed poster WITHOUT wood applique

Now - RM120, before RM169, Market price RM220

buy 2 for RM200

60.5 cm x 35 cm

(last set)

4. Fully handpainted country style chicken tray

Now = RM185, before RM225

get a free gift - a unique chic teapot

Free gift : chic teapot

5. Decoupaged + handpainted wording country style tray

Now : RM120

Free Gift A or B (please choose one)

Free gift: please choose one

My Winter-Spring Garden 2010 - Part 1

2010-07-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum dear friends & readers,

"Designing a garden is like painting with flowers..."

***********

It's summer now in Saudi and here I am back in Malaysia escaping the heat waves to enjoy every raindrops that fall..My kids are enjoying the 2 months summer school break with their beloved cousins and totally putting behind their school days back in Saudi..hmm..

As I've promised 'looong' ago, this time I would like to share some of pictures taken from my previous winter-spring garden...I feel truly blessed being able to experience the joy of growing plants which once I could only admired when flipping through garden books & magazines. For your info, Saudi Arabia has a desert climate characterized by extreme heat during the day, an abrupt drop in temperature at night, and very low annual rainfall. However Saudi experiences 4-seasons(spring, summer, autumn, winter) year-round. In the winter, the temperature seldom drops below 0° C, but the almost total absence of humidity and the high wind-chill factor make a quite cold atmosphere. Though the winter is not as cold as in the UK/US and of course there's no snow at all it enables lots of cool-climate plants especially the beautiful abundant flowering plants grow successfully throughout winter and spring(November-March).

Through my 1-1/2 yr-experience in Saudi, a visit to local garden centre is infact a much awaited activity for almost all my Malaysian friends there. The garden centres are much,much more organized than what we could find here in places like Sungai Buloh etc..The garden ornaments-fountains, urns, pots, containers, birdbath, stepping stones-are FABULOUS!! ..they are fully imported from Spain, Italy, Turkey-and not Made in China...okey...?? And as usual I will always have soft spots for English & French style ornaments...huhu..

This is my summer garden(frontyard)...picture taken shortly before we flew back..no more petunias, zinnias, gardenias, geraniums...I got the topiaries pair(a hen & a duck) as our anniversary gifts from my hubby..luv them!! The plants are anchored by sturdy shaped-wires and all you need to do is find a pair of sharp scissors to trim the leaves accordingly -that's it! The white rustic bench is a favourite spot for my hubby to enjoy his late afternoon coffee after a tiring day at work (fyi - I painted them last year, with

so much effort especially giving the detailed shadow and highlight effects at the 'woven' part of the bench back.)

Last winter turned out to be the first time I got the chance to see daisies in real life - yeaa..all this while(for years..) I've been painting daisies and teaching my students how to paint them..and the best I could do was only to imagine their petals & leaves guided by instructions from painting books...I was so excited and bought lots of

them....I planted them in a pair of rustic resin urns which I got at a bargained price from a

local garden centre. This marguerite daisy grouped together with other small flowering plants in the urns look impressive, aren't they?

Hanging planters/pots are among my favourites..I bought a pair and painted them white to add contrast to the blue-purplish petunias..

Petunias, with their wonderful multi-coloured palettes could be seen in almost every house in our ARAMCO-Ras Tanura neighbourhood(camp) during winter-spring...They are cheap, lovely and very low-maintenance flowering plants. You can plant them straight into the ground or in containers of your choice. I luv this colour combination - shades of blue, purple & light pink..

Also thanks to those soil mixtures sold at local Saudi garden centres which I think had made a huge impact on growing plants in my Saudi garden. They are of high quality mixture of soil and fertilizers, fully imported from Germany...Looking at all the pictures here I'm sure you can definitely see how happily all the flowers blooming to their fullest..

I love how the metal arbor/pergola(surrounded by bougainvillea & few other flowering plants) creates a focal point to my house main entrance. The little pathway makes you slow down to better enjoy the space & potted flowering plants on both sides.

A 3-tier fountain at my backyard always draws birds & butterflies , bringing more life to the small area.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&

I'm still considering a few low-budget projects to make my backyard more inviting & lush with gorgeous shrubs and whimsical charm..do join me in Part 2 of My Winter-Spring Garden post...huggsss....

Sorrryy......

2010-03-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Sorry dear viewers & friends..

Yup..I've been neglecting this blog for the past few months...well who could deny the fact that 'Facebook'ing has become part of our lifestyle now..haha...anyway I would still luv to share some of my story/photos which have been under the 'draft status' for as long as 4 months...don't worry..I've made them short & simple this time..InsyaAllah in future I will try my best to update my status here along with my status in FB....(next post will be on my 'Winter/spring Garden'....)

I managed to paint this 'Daisy Duck' just on time for newborn(3month-old already actually..) Baby Ainul Ashraf when baby, mom & family visited our Raya 'open house'. I tried to make the duck cheek as chubby as Baby Ashraf's...haha...soo cute!! The white daisies with blue mist ribbon look just right on white background surrounded by blue-purplish lilacs..

Our Raya Open house(@ Laurel Drive) on 2nd week ok Syawal .. Menu of the day - MK's chicken satay with kuah kacang, nasi himpit & fried mee/noodle. Not forgetting my double choc & choc chip muffins..hmm.. fresh from oven..Thanks to all who dropped by...Hopefully everybody enjoyed their food & time spent together..

*****************

Malaysian Kitchen's Open House, 1st Raya - lots of yummy traditional cuisine -satay, fried noodle & meehun, nasi briyani, nasi himpit & of course rendang & kuah kacang, teh tarik & more...

**************************

at Jo's house

at Bib's house..(L-R:Bib, Betayanti, K.Ila & K.Yasmein)

2nd raya @ our house- looks like everyone is 'Pretty in pink' mood....

2009-10-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Salam Aidilfitri from KSA.....
(Do drop by often..more pictures will be uploaded soon..)

1st Raya

We visited each other(Malaysian) house...like we used to do in Malaysia during Raya time...

Not forgetting kuih(cookies) raya....(on the table...)

I'm back!!

2009-09-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

(This 'backdated version' is supposed to be posted before I went back to Malaysia for summer school hols last July but due to time constraint-as I was busy packing & totally involved with the kids-it has been already in the draft for quite some time.. anyway...just feel like publishing it now..better late than never, right??)

My kids on last day of summer school waiting for school bus pick-up, happily sitting on my newly-painted bench..I've created an easy-to-care summer garden with more greeneries rather than flowering plants..

Hello Summer!! (Goodbye Spring..) Yup..with scorching summer sun rising up the temperature to almost 44C out there (sometimes even higher especially now in August..) it's a good reason to stay indoor all-day long with the soothing power of 24-hrs aircon, somehow also looks like a turning point to pick up my long-abandoned brushes, paints & woodpieces(haha..)..

Actually all this while I've done quite something which I love apart from painting - sewing(well lucky me I haven't lost my skill..lol..) & DIY stuff(later will show off some of them..) & a bit of decorating(will share with you all my new love for French Country decorating style) & gardening as well..also would like to mention(especially to my dearest friend May Sim who gave me a box of paper souffle cups, two packets of all purpose ready-mix flour along with her secret recipes hoping my interest for baking- cupcakes in particular- will bloom soon here) - Well..I've started baking, May!! Yeah..just sounded like"it's-not-me"..yup but the truth is I've started making cookies(simple version lah!) & yummy muffins(blueberry & double choc) too..hahaha...Doesn't matter if the ingredients come straight from Betty Crocker boxes and all you have to do is just add in water, two eggs, butter & vege oil, right? Hulla..that's good enough for me for a start...& my kiddies juz luv them!!-Surprisingly I've just got into a habit of surfing the net searching for more & more recipes(of course the simpler the better lah..) & slowly absorbing some tips & tricks from those baking sifus...(& thanks to the fact that I understand the ingredients better by their molecular structures & scientific functions from those days in my Food Science lab..)

Yumyum...My first try-out on muffin(blueberry muffin)...hmm..really happy with the results..

It was my turn to host a 'makan2 time'..Lotsa food & stories to share with friends from Sunfish Lane..Thanx for coming(Bib, K.Jina, K.Yati, K.Yasmien & K.Ellie)..there goes my diet...

I cooked 3 dishes(after almost a sleepless night in the kitchen the nite before) - Fried Macaroni( for the kids), Bihun Tomyam udang & Bubur kacang(yup..my specialty) served with teh & nescafe tarik...

Back to my sewing task...Hmm..Here's some of my lovely tapestry wallhangings(just can't have enough when it comes to tapestry products, they just simply irresistible, especially those with wording!!) which I bought raw from the US...meaning they came unfinished(I think they look just gorgeous even unfinished), so I have to use all my quilting & patchwork skills(aka 'magical touch'*wink*) to make them more presentable like adding borders, backing, binding & loops for hanging as well..Thanks to a friend here who lent me her brand new Singer sewing machine..otherwise I have to wait for this coming July to bring my Pfaff quilting machine here...Even with some limitation(s), I managed to complete some of these sewing projects.(Updated version-my Pfaff SW is here with me now -just being 'unveiled' from its box along with few other boxes of deco items which I brought along from Malaysia).

..I'm touched by the wording...

Topiary theme has always been my favourite..(I added both wallhangings with green bindings made of 100% American cotton from a local sewing materials shop).

Country garden & birdhouse theme runner, blend perfectly with my country collection display items

'I have a kitchen because it came with the house'..love the wording & the detail(if you can zoom-in), proudly hung above my kitchen door frame

Heart-theme placemats & runner...simply gorgeous..(somehow I found that tapestry products made in India are of better quality than those made in China-both workmanship & quality wise..)

Lovely tapestry cushion covers with country life & teddy bear motifs which I bought from Australia

A souvenir from Madinah Al-Munawwarah..beautiful autumn scenery wallhanging tapestry with classic frame. A pair of tassel at each side of the rod is a perfect complement to the existing theme.

QUICK KITCHEN TOUR..

My heart sings every time I see this shelf...I felt in love the moment I saw the porcelain 'tea' canister, 'salt' tin container & the chicken wire egg holder at a local home centre..they remind me of my country kitchen back in Malaysia..The cow tray was my my first painting project ever since I moved to Saudi..

Good products speak for themselves..another awesome tapestry pieces(floor mats) which I bought from a local home centre..

A lucky find...a floor mat featuring an old sign with a cute girl & saying which I got at a let-go price from a local carpet shop(Made in USA)..

My Chef Collection (aka kitchen helper)- always makes me smile whenever I'm in the kitchen..

An easy way to show off my kitchen & tea towels which I've been collecting for the past few years..It also helps to brighten up my dull kitchen cabinet & disguise my rarely-used dishwasher..(but plz make sure your kitchen is free from those crawling buddies aka Mr 'C' & Mr 'L'(cockroaches & lizards..ouchh..)

MY DIY STUFF...

Above: An old tired-looking garden bench which we got at a discounted price from a local garden centre(it comes in a set of 2 benches and a table)
Below: After several coats of white paint, I added a little bit of cream(buttercream) & raw umber paints to make it looks like shabby chic & rustic piece..

Handy-lady's work..I just love the thrill of making unassembled things turn into what they're supposed to be, like this buffet cabinet which we bought from IKEA(Dhahran)..It took me the whole morning to get things done A to Z..(Note:A cordless drill/screw driver is a great help to tackle this task & please make sure you read & understand the instructions carefully or you might end up with UFO-unfinished object..haha..)

**I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim viewers, beloved family & friends - "SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI, MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN"...

I'm back!!

2009-08-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

...Coming soon....Lots of goodies to share!!

Special Announcement!!

2009-08-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

Dear viewers & crafty friends,

(Clearance sale is postponed to Nov-Dis 2009 due to some technical problems. We would like to express our apology for any inconvenience caused)..

We will be having a stock clearance sale soon(woodpieces & napkins). Photo of items will be uploaded here. Tq for your time..

Cheers....

..A Journey to Makkah Al Mukarramah & Madinah Al Munawwarah

2009-04-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum family, friends & viewers...

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, dengan nama Allah yang Maha Pemurah lagi Maha Penyayang, selawat & salam ke atas Junjungan Besar Nabi Muhammmad s.a.w.

"Labbaikallah humma labbaik, labbaikala syarikala kalabbaik, innalhamda, wannikmata, laka walmulk, lasyarikalak.."

(HambaMu datang menyahut panggilanMu Ya Allah, HambaMu datang menyahut panggilanMu, HambaMu datang menyahut panggilanMu, Tuhan yang tidak ada sekutu bagiMu, HambaMu datang menyahut panggilanMu, sesungguhnya segala pujian, nikmat dan pemerintahan adalah kepunyaanMu, tidak ada sekutu bagiMu) - ini merupakan bacaan talbiah yang perlu diperbanyakkan sama ada secara berseorangan atau beramai-ramai dengan suara yang terang dalam masa berihram Umrah dalam perjalanan ke Makkah atau berihram haji dalam perjalanan ke Arafah sebagai tanda ketaatan dan kesyukuran kepada Allah swt. Ianya sebagai mencontohi peristiwa bersejarah rombongan Rasulullah s.a.w dan ratusan ribu umat Islam yang berangkat menunaikan fardu Haji bersama baginda buat pertama kalinya pada tahun ke10 Hijrah dimana laungan talbiah penuh semangat daripada ratusan ribu umat Islam bergema membelah lembah dan bukit bukau di sepanjang jalan menuju ke Makkah.

Alhamdulillah dengan izin dan limpah kurniaNya kami sekeluarga telah selamat menunaikan umrah dan ziarah ke kota Makkah al Mukarramah dan Madinah al Munawwarah pada 6-11 April yang lepas. Mengikut perancangan awal kami sekeluarga sepatutnya menyertai konvoi bersama 7 lagi kereta dari Ras Tanura ke Makkah pada pagi 5 April tetapi disebabkan masalah kesihatan yang tidak mengizinkan kami terpaksa meneruskan perjalanan secara bersendirian dan bermalam di Riyadh terlebih dahulu pada 5 April sebelum memulakan perjalanan ke Makkah bersama satu lagi keluarga pada keesokan harinya(6 April).

6 April - Perjalanan yang bermula pada pukul 10 pagi dari Riyadh berjalan lancar walaupun pada mulanya kami berasa sedikit kurang yakin disebabkan GPS kami mengalami kerosakan sebaik tiba di Riyadh. Alhamdulillah berkat doa dan keyakinan kami selamat sampai di Miqat Al Sayl Al Kabir(iaitu miqat bagi mereka yang datang melalui jalan Riyadh-Thaif, penduduk Najd dan sekitar Teluk) pada kira-kira pukul 6 petang(8 jam perjalanan). Selepas selesai mandi sunat ihram dan solat sunat ihram, masing-masing telah bersiap sedia dengan pakaian ihram(bagi lelaki) untuk menuju ke Masjid Miqat Al Sayl Al Kabir untuk melafazkan niat umrah di situ.(Nota : berniat ihram di miqat merupakan salah satu perkara wajib umrah)

Bersiap dengan pakaian ihram(bagi lelaki) selepas mandi dan solat sunat ihram sebelum mengunjungi Masjid Miqat Al-Sayl Al-Kabir untuk melafazkan niat umrah.

Selepas selesai melafazkan niat umrah kami memulakan perjalanan sejauh kira-kira 80km menuju kota Makkah. Alhamdulillah walaupun dalam suasana malam yang agak gelap tanpa bantuan GPS(hanya mengekori kereta keluarga Kak Jina) akhirnya sampai juga kami ke kota Makkah al Mukarramah lebih kurang pukul 10malam.

Terpegun kami seketika melihat suasana kota Makkah yang begitu sibuk dan meriah dengan pelbagai aktiviti dan golongan manusia pelbagai bangsa walaupun pada waktu jauh malam. Begitulah antara keistimewaan Makkah kerana Allah swt telah memilihnya sebagai (1) tempat dibangunkan Baitullah(Rumah Allah) (2) Kota kelahiran dan kenabian Muhammad s.a.w iaitu penutup para rasul (3) tempat beribadah hambaNya serta adanya kewajipan atas mereka untuk mengunjunginya baik jauh mahupun dekat (4) tidak ada tempat di muka bumi ini Allah mewajibkan bagi orang-orang yang mampu untuk mengunjunginya (5) tidak ada sejengkal bumi pun yang Allah wajibkan hambaNya untuk menghadap dan melambaikan tangan kecuali kepada Ka'bah, Hajarul Aswad dan Rukun Yamani (6) tidak ada satu masjid pun di muka bumi ini di mana solat di dalamnya akan dilipatgandakan seperti sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yg bermaksud - solat di Masjidil Haram lebih utama 100 ribu kali dari solat di tempat lain(keutamaanya sama dengan solat di tempat lain selama 55thn, 6bln, 20 mlm) (7) tempat untuk menghapus dosa-dosa lalu; keistimewaan lain kerana Allah bersumpah dengannya dalam Al Quran dan larangan atas sesiapa saja untuk membawa senjata(tiada pertumpahan darah) termasuk larangan atas orang-orang kafir untuk masuk ke dalamnya. Di samping itu Makkah(dan Madinah) ialah kota yang dijaga dan dibarisi oleh para Malaikat, sehingga Dajjal pun tidak dapat masuk ke dalamnya.

Lokasi berhampiran tempat penginapan kami - kira-kira 500m dari Masjidil Haram

Gambar-gambar menunjukkan proses pembinaan bagi pembesaran sekitar Masjidil Haram bagi menampung jumlah pengunjung yang semakin bertambah

7 April - Alhamdulillah, buat pertama kalinya kami sekeluarga dapat menjejakkan kami ke Masjidil Haram melalui pintu Marwah. Keinginan untuk melihat binaan Ka'bah bagaikan tak tertahan lagi. Sebaik melihat Ka'bah airmata mengalir dengan sendirinya - terharu dan bagaikan tak percaya dapat melihat sendiri Ka'bah yang menjadi kiblat umat Islam di muka bumi Allah ini.."Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar!!"(Allah Yang Maha Agung, tidak ada Tuhan yang disembah dengan sebenar-benarnya melainkan Allah Yang Maha Esa, tidak ada sekutu baginNya, Tuhan yang memerintah segala sesuatu, bagiNya segala pujian dan Dialah Tuhan yang berkuasa atas tiap-tiap sesuatu, aku bermohon berlindung dengan Tuhan yang empunya rumah ini(Ka'bah) daripada kekufuran, kemiskinan, azab kubur dan sempit fikiran; rahmat dan sejahtera Allah ke atas Nabi Muhammad s.a.w, keluarga dan sahabat-sahabatnya)..Alhamdulillah.. akhirnya dapat juga kami sampai ke rumah Mu Ya Allah..

Selepas melakukan tawaf iaitu rukun umrah yang kedua(bermula dan berakhir dari sudut Hajarul Aswad sebanyak 7 kali)

(Nota : Rasulullah s.a.w bersabda bahawa Hajarul Aswad dan Maqam Ibrahim merupakan batu dari syurga. Seandainya Allah tidak melenyapkan cahaya keduanya(kerana dosa dan kesalahan manusia) nescaya ia akan menerangi seluruh Timur dan Barat)
Maqam Ibrahim pula merupakan seketul batu yang dijadikan tempat berpijak oleh Nabi Ibrahim a.s ketika baginda membina Ka'bah dengan tangannya sendiri, yang batu-batuannya dibawa oleh anaknya Ismail a.s. Maqam Ibrahim adalah salah satu bukti kekuasaan Allah s.w.t yang kekal dan boleh dilihat hingga hari ini. Ia juga merupakan mukjizat Nabi Ibrahim a.s. kerana batu ini bergerak ke kiri dan ke kanan dan setiap kali bangunan Ka'bah bertambah tinggi, batu tempat Ibrahim a.s berdiri(Maqam Ibrahim) pun ikut naik bagi memudahkan baginda membina Ka'bah. Dan diriwayatkan bahawa batu yang pejal dan keras ini telah menjadi lembut sehingga membentuk tapak kaki Nabi Ibrahim a.s.

Selepas selesai melakukan tawaf, kami melakukan solat sunat tawaf berhampiran Maqam Ibrahim a.s yang merupakan antara tempat-tempat mustajab untuk berdoa.

Bagi menghilangkan dahaga, terdapat banyak tangki air zamzam yang dingin disediakan dalam Masjidil Haram. Antara kelebihan Air zamzam ialah (1) ia berasal dari mata air syurga (2) munculnya melalui perantara Malaikat Jibril a.s(peristiwa ini berlaku ketika Hajar berulangalik antara Bukit Safa dan Marwah untuk mencari air bagi puteranya Ismail a.s (3) air yang digunakan untuk mencuci hati Rasulullah s.a.w sewaktu peristiwa Isra' dan Mi'raj (4) air yang sangat berzat, boleh menambahkan kekuatan tubuh badan peminumnya dan boleh menyembuhkan pelbagai penyakit (5) merupakan bukti nyata kekuasaan Allah s.w.t di tanah suci yang mana airnya tidak akan kering sebanyak mana diambil atau sehebat mana kemarau melanda bumi Mekah.
(Telaga zamzam terletak kira-kira 11m dari Ka'bah. Dahulunya terdapat bangunan di atas telaga ini tetapi dengan perluasan tempat tawaf, ia dipindahkan ke ruang bawah tanah).

Seterusnya kami melakukan Sa'ie iaitu berjalan berulang alik sebanyak 7 kali antara Bukit Safa dan Bukit Marwah yang merupakan rukun umrah yang ketiga. Dalam Al-Quran disebutkan "Sesungguhnya Safa dan Marwah adalah sebahagian syiar Allah"(Surah Al-Baqarah/2:158) di mana kedua-dua bukit ini menjadi saksi banyak peristiwa penting dalam sejarah Islam. Alhamdulillah walaupun dalam keadaan cuaca yang agak panas kami dapat melaksanakannya dengan sebaik mungkin.(Keadaan tempat Sa'ie dan sekitar Ka'bah juga kurang sesak sewaktu kami melakukan tawaf dan sa'ie mungkin kerana ramai yang memilih untuk melakukannya pada waktu malam) .

Zafri & Zalin sewaktu Sa'ie(kami menggunakan khidmat wheel chair berbayar kerana kedua-duanya kepenatan dan tertidur..)

Berehat sebentar selepas selesai melakukan Sa'ie

Alhamdulillah sekali lagi, selepas melakukan rukun umrah yang keempat iaitu bergunting sekurang-kurangnya 3 helai rambut atau yang lebih afdal bercukur bagi lelaki, selesai sudah kelima-lima rukun umrah. Ya Allah, terimalah ibadah umrah kami, ampunkanlah segala dosa kami..Amin..(Sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud "Di antara satu umrah kepada umrah yang lain adalah penghapus dosa antara keduanya dan tidak ada balasan bagi haji yang mabrur melainkan syurga")

8 April - Selepas selesai melakukan Tawaf Wada' atau Tawaf Selamat Tinggal(sebagai tanda perpisahan dan penghormatan kepada Baitullah - sebagaimana yang dilakukan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w di mana tidak lama selepas itu baginda pun wafat menemui Allah s.w.t) ), masing-masing berkemas untuk memulakan perjalanan menuju Madinah Al Munawwarah. Suasana sedih dan sayu sewaktu ingin meninggalkan kota suci Makkah..Ya Allah semoga ibadah umrah kami diterima olehMu dan semoga kami dijemput lagi menjadi tetamuMu ya Allah..Amin...

Bersiap mengemaskan barang-barang ke dalam kereta sementara menunggu pembahagian air zamzam daripada pihak hotel, sebelum memulakan perjalanan ke Madinah Al-Munawwarah bersama-sama 7 kereta lain(keluarga Bib, K.Jina, K.Ila, K.Izah, K.Yasmin, Jo & Azie)

*************************************

MADINAH AL MUNAWWARAH

Antara panorama menarik sepanjang perjalanan dari Makkah ke Madinah yang mengambil masa kira-kira 5 jam

Seperti juga kota Makkah, Madinah juga tidak sunyi dari pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan sebagaimana Rasulullah s.a.w pernah mendoakan keberkatan dalam kehidupan penduduk Madinah

Madinah al Munawwarah adalah kota suci kedua umat Islam dan merupakan tempat tinggal Rasulullah s.a.w sehingga baginda wafat. Bersesuaian dengan status Tanah Haram(Al Haram) sepertimana yang diisytiharkan oleh Rasulullah s.a.w sendiri, Madinah juga mempunyai beberapa larangannya. Antara kelebihan utama pula ialah terdapat pelbagai kesan Sirah Nabawiyyah dan sejarah para sahabat yang boleh dijadikan sebagai iktibar dan mekanisme peningkatan iman dan taqwa.
Sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud "Barang siapa mampu mati di Madinah, maka lakukanlah. Sesungguhnya aku akan bersaksi bagi orang yang mati di dalamnya"(Sunan ibn Majah)

(Nota : Secara umumnya, Ziarah Madinah ialah melawat tempat-tempat bersejarah di Madinah al Munawwarah dan hukumnya adalah sunat.)

Masjid Nabawi
Masjid ini terletak di tengah-tengah kota Madinah dan mula dibina oleh Rasulullah s.a.w dengan bantuan para sahabat yang terdiri dari golongan Muhajirin dan Ansar pada tahun 622M, iaitu pada hari kedua selepas ketibaan baginda ke kota Madinah. Di sekitar masjid ini juga dahulunya terdapat rumah isteri-isteri dan para sahabat Rasulullah s.a.w. Masjid ini mempunyai kelebihannya yang tersendiri sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud "Pahala mengerjakan solat dalam masjidku ini (Masjid Nabawi) adalah 1000 kali lebih baik daripada solat di lain-lain masjid kecuali Masjidil Haram"

Pada awal pembinaannya masjid ini berkiblatkan Baitul Maqdis sehinggalah kira-kira 17 bulan Rasulullah s.a.w dan para sahabat menunaikan solat di masjid ini, turun perintah Allah s.w.t agar kiblat umat Islam ketika solat diarahkan ke Baitullah di Makkah. Semasa Rasulullah s.a.w hendak menentukan arah kiblat yang baru ini iaitu pada waktu Asar di Masjid Nabawi, berlaku satu peristiwa mukjizat di mana telah muncul Malaikat Jibrail a.s untuk membantu baginda dalam penentuan arah kiblat yang tepat. Tatkala Malaikat Jibrail a.s menudingkan tangannnya ke arah Baitullah lalu terbelah segala bukit bukau sehingga Rasulullah s.a.w dapat melihat kedudukan Baitullah dengan jelas. Selepas mengenalpasti dan seterusnya menanda arah kiblat yang baru itu, keadaannya kembali kepada seperti sediakala.

Di sini juga terletaknya Maqam Nabi Muhammad s.a.w dan dua sahabat baginda iaitu Abu Bakar al-Siddiq r.a dan Saidina 'Umar al-Khattab r.a. Seseorang yang menziarahi maqam Rasulullah s.a.w hendaklah menghadap ke maqam baginda dengan pandangan mata yang penuh rasa hormat, mengosongkan hati dan fikiran tentang keduniaan, menambatkan hati dengan ketinggian kedudukan Rasulullah s.a.w dan kemudian mengucapkan selawat dan salam kepada baginda. Walaupun terdapat beberapa percubaan musuh-musuh Islam untuk mencuri jasad Rasulullah s.a.w namun semuanya menemui kegagalan kerana Allah sudah berjanji untuk menjaganya(Rasulullah s.a.w) hidup dan mati, sebagaimana firman Allah s.w.t yang bermaksud "Allah memelihara kamu dari gangguan manusia. Sesungguhnya Allah tidak memberi petunjuk kepada orang-orang kafir"(Surah al-Maidah ayat 67)

Raudhah - Raudhah merupakan salah satu tempat yang mulia yang terletak dalam Masjid Nabawi. Ia terletak di antara rumah Rasululah s.a.w di sebelah timur dan mimbar Masjid Nabawi di sebelah barat. Ia dinamakan Raudhah bertepatan dengan sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud "Di antara rumahku dan mimbarku adalah satu taman daripada taman-taman syurga". Raudhah menjadi tempat beribadat yang utama dalam Masjid Nabawi buat Rasulullah s.a.w dan para sahabat disamping tempat turunnya wahyu, majlis ilmu dan sebagainya. Kawasan Raudhah mudah dikenali dengan warna hamparan(carpet) yang berbeza dari kawasan lain manakala tiangnya ditutupi oleh marmar berwarna putih.

Kini setelah selesai beberapa projek pembesaran oleh kerajaan Arab Saudi, Masjid Nabawi mampu menampung dengan selesa hampir 650 000 jemaah solat, malah pada musim haji jumlah jemaah yang mendirikan solat boleh mencecah 1 juta orang.

Umumnya ziarah ke Masjid Nabawi dikatakan sudah sempurna apabila seseorang sudah melakukan 2 rakaat solat tahiyatul masjid, membaca selawat dan salam pada Rasulullah s.a.w, Abu Bakar r.a dan 'Umar r.a, kemudian berdoa bagi dirinya dan kaum muslimin. Tetapi pada kebiasaannya pengunjung tidak akan melepaskan peluang untuk menunaikan setiap solat fardhu di dalam masjid ini di samping solat-solat sunat yang lain.

Bergambar kenangan di perkarangan Masjid Nabawi yang indah yang terletak hanya 5 minit perjalanan dari hotel kami

9 April - Seawal jam 8 pagi kami mengikuti rombongan bas bersama 7 keluarga lain untuk menyertai lawatan ke tempat-tempat bersejarah sekitar Madinah dengan serba sedikit penerangan latar belakang tempat-tempat tersebut oleh seorang rakyat Malaysia yang sedang menuntut di Universiti Madinah iaitu Ustaz Arif.

Perkuburan Baqi'
Ia merupakan kawasan perkuburan bagi penduduk Madinah semenjak zaman Rasulullah s.a.w dan masih digunakan sehingga hari ini. Ia terletak di sebelah kiri Masjid Nabawi dan hanya boleh dimasuki selepas solat Subuh dan Asar atau ketika ada jenazah yang hendak dikebumikan. Kira-kira sepuluh ribu sahabat Rasulullah s.a.w dikebumikan di sini begitu juga para isteri dan kesemua puteri baginda iaitu Ruqayyah, Ummu Kulthum, Zainab dan Fatimah, putera baginda Ibrahim ibn Muhammad dan juga ahli keluarga baginda yang lain dan sebahagian besar para tabi'in termasuk Khalifah ketiga, Usman bin Affan r.a.
Keistimewaan Baqi' ialah disebutkan bahawa Nabi Muhammad s.a.w berziarah ke Baqi' dan baginda beristighfar untuk para penghuninya. Baginda juga akan memberi syafa'at kepada sesiapa yang meninggal di Madinah dan dimaqamkan di sana.

Tembok tinggi kawasan Perkuburan Baqi' yang boleh dilihat dari tepi jalan(King Abdul Aziz Road) bersebelahan Masjid Nabawi. Jika dilihat dari dekat, tiada sebarang binaan pun dibina di atas perkuburan di situ sebagaimana yang diriwayatkan oleh Imam Muslim, dari Jabir bahawasanya ia berkata Rasulullah s.a.w melarang untuk memagari maqam atau duduk di atasnya atau mendirikan sebarang bangunan(binaan) di atasnya.

Jabal(Bukit) Uhud
Bukit Uhud merupakan bukit yang terpanjang di Madinah dengan ukuran panjang dari timur ke barat kira-kira 7km. Ia terletak di utara Madinah iaitu lebih kurang 4km dari Masjid Nabawi. Di sinilah berlakunya Peperangan Uhud antara tentera muslimin pimpinan Rasulullah s.a.w yang berjumlah 700 orang dengan tentera musyrikin pimpinan Abu Sufiyan yang berjumlah 3000 orang pada bulan Syawal tahun 3 Hijrah. Peperangan ini merupakan misi membalas dendam kabilah Quraisy di atas kekalahan mereka pada Perang Badar yang berlaku pada bulan Ramadhan tahun sebelumnya iaitu tahun ke 2 Hijrah.
Pada awal pertempuran menyaksikan tentera muslimin mencapai kemenangan hasil strategi Rasulullah s.a.w yang menempatkan 50 orang pemanah di puncak Jabal al-Rumah yang bertanggungjawab melindungi bahagian belakang tentera muslimin. Walau bagaimanapun kemenangan awal ini menyebabkan sebahagian besar tentera pemanah di Jabal al-Rumah turun untuk mengumpulkan harta rampasan perang yang ditingalkan oleh tentera musyrikin. Menyedari situasi ini pasukan berkuda musyrikin mengambil kesempatan mengepung dan menggempur baki tentera muslimin di Jabal al-Rumah yang jumlahnya hanya tinggal 10 orang sahaja hingga menyebabkan kesemuanya gugur syahid.
Pertempuran kedua yang berlaku menyaksikan tentera muslimin diserang dari pelbagai sudut menyebabkan mereka terpaksa berundur ke tempat yang paling tinggi iaitu di Jabal Uhud. Pengunduran penuh strategi ini menyebabkan tentera musyrikin hanya mampu menyerang dari arah selatan sahaja. Keadaan ini amat mengecewakan mereka dan sebagai membalas dendam mereka telah memotong dan merosakkan jasad para syuhada sebelum berundur dan seterusnya pulang ke Makkah.
Jabal Uhud telah menjadi saksi gugurnya 70 orang syuhada, termasuklah bapa saudara Rasulullah s.a.w iaitu Sayyidul Syuhada Hamzah ibn abdul Mutalib, berbanding 22 kematian tentera musyrikin dalam peperangan tersebut.

Umat Islam juga adalah disunatkan menziarahi Maqam Syuhada Uhud yang terletak berhampiran Jabal Uhud untuk memberi salam dan berdoa untuk kesejahteraan para syuhada.
Perasaan sedih dan terharu jelas tergambar pada setiap pengunjung apabila menziarahi perkuburan para Syuhada Uhud kerana mengingati betapa besarnya pengorbanan muslimin terdahulu termasuklah para syuhada dalam mempertahankan syiar Islam. Semoga ziarah ke Jabal Uhud ini dapat melahirkan rasa keinsafan sekaligus meningkatkan keimanan dan ketaqwaan kami kepada Allah s.w.t.

(Menurut Ustaz Arif, Jabal Uhud merupakan antara objek di dunia ini yang boleh dilihat di syurga kelak(InsyaAllah)..Dan pahala bagi sesiapa yang mengerjakan Solat Jenazah adalah sama dengan pahala satu Bukit Uhud)

Pemandangan indah Jabal Uhud yang berwarna kemerah-merahan

Bergambar berlatarbelakangkan Jabal al-Rumah (terletak berhadapan Jabal Uhud) yang pernah menempatkan tentera pemanah dalam Perang Uhud

Pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan yang dijalankan di kawasan berhampiran Jabal Uhud dan Jabal al-Rumah

Lokasi Masjid Syuhada yang merupakan tempat gugurnya Sayyidul Syuhada Saidina Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib r.a sebagai seorang mujahid yang mati syahid demi mempertahankan Agama Islam

Maqam Syuhada Uhud - Papan tanda menerangkan serba sedikit tentang Perang Uhud dan doa yang boleh dibacakan untuk para Syuhada Uhud

Masjid Quba'
Masjid ini merupakan masjid yang pertama dibina oleh Rasulullah s.a.w tatkala baginda selamat tiba di Madinah pada hari Isnin 12 Rabiul Awal tahun 622M. Ia terletak di perkampungan Bani 'Amru ibn 'Auf iaitu kira-kira 3km dari arah selatan kota Madinah.
Masjid Quba' mempunyai keistimewaannya yang tersendiri sebagaimana sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud "Sesiapa yang keluar dari rumahnya sehinggalah sampai di Masjid Quba' dan kemudian bersembahyang di dalamnya, baginya ganjaran pahala seperti menunaikan Umrah".

Masjid Quba' dinamakan sempena sebuah perigi yang berada di tempat ia didirikan - hampir keseluruhan binaan masjid berwarna putih. Ia tidak sunyi dari pengunjung pelbagai peringkat umur dan keturunan

Selepas mengunjungi Masjid Quba' rombongan kami dibawa melawat ke ladang kurma yang terletak kira-kira 10 minit perjalanan dari situ. Ini kerana menurut pemandu bas, pasar kurma yang selalunya menjadi tempat tumpuan pengunjung pada kebiasaannya mengalami kesesakan dan kesukaran untuk mendapatkan tempat meletak kenderaan.

Terdapat pelbagi jenis kurma dan produk-produk kurma seperti coklat dan lain-lain manisan dijual di sini tetapi apa yang pasti para pengunjung tidak akan melepaskan peluang untuk membeli kurma nabi(kurma 'ajwah). Sabda Rasulullah s.a.w yang bermaksud, "Barangsiapa di waktu pagi ia makan 7 biji kurma 'ajwah, pada hari itu ia tidak akan terkena racun mahupun sihir"(Sahih Bukhari).(Nota: Kurma 'ajwah biasanya dijual diantara Saudi Riyal 65-75 sekilogram iaitu lebih kurang RM65-75/kg berbanding kurma jenis lain yang lebih murah harganya)

Ladang kurma ini menjadi tumpuan pengunjung dari negara-negara Asia Tenggara khususnya Malaysia dan Indonesia dan rata-rata pekerjanya adalah orang Indonesia

Teh Arab yang menyegarkan juga ada disediakan kepada pengunjung sambil menikmati kurma dan panorama ladang kurma

Kanak-kanak paling teruja ketika di ladang kurma...Air yang jernih mengalir di tengah-tengah ladang kurma..

Masjid Qiblatain
Masjid ini terletak di sebelah barat laut Madinah iaitu berhampiran dengan Universiti Islam Madinah. Ia dinamakan Masjid Qiblatain(Masjid Dua Kiblat) bersempena dengan peristiwa turunnya perintah Allah s.w.t agar Rasulullah s.a.w menjadikan Kaabah sebagai kiblat menggantikan Baitul Maqdis.
Ia berlaku pada tahun 2 Hijrah iaitu ketika Rasulullah s.a.w dan beberapa orang sahabat sedang mengerjakan solat Zohor di masjid ini berkiblatkan Baitul Maqdis dan ketika di rakaat yang kedua, turun firman Allah yang menyeru baginda agar mengubah arah kiblat ke Masjidil Haram.
Lalu baginda berpusing dan mengadap ke arah Baitullah dan baginda terus menyempurnakan solat Zohor tersebut hingga selesai.

Masjid Qiblatain - Masjid Dua Kiblat

Dalam perjalanan pulang ke hotel kami juga ditunjukkan Masjid Tujuh(Al Masajid Al Sab'ah)-maaf, tiada dalam gambar. Ia mengambil sempena 7 buah masjid yang pernah dibina disitu(Jabal Sila') tetapi yang dapat dilihat sekarang hanyalah Masjid al Fath. Di sini merupakan lokasi perkhemahan tentera muslimin semasa Perang Khandak(al ahzab) yang berlaku pada bulan Syawal tahun 5 Hijrah. Dalam perang ini Rasulullah s.a.w telah menerima pakai pandangan Salman al Farisi r.a agar tentera muslimin menggali khandak(parit) di sekeliling Madinah bagi mengekang kemaraan tentera al Ahzab(tentera Quraisy dan sekutu-sekutunya) dari menyerbu masuk ke dalam kota.
Diriwayatkan bahawa ketika tentera muslimin berada dalam keadaan tertekan akibat dikepung oleh bala tentera al Ahzab dan ditambah dengan faktor-faktor lain seperti kesejukan, kelaparan serta pengkhianatan Yahudi Bani Qurayzah, Rasulullah s.a.w telah mengerjakan solat dan berdoa di situ selama 3 hari berturut-turut agar Allah s.w.t memberikan pertolongan kepada tentera muslimin. Dengan izin Allah pada malam ketiga, dalam keadaan suhu yang amat dingin, Allah s.w.t telah menghantar angin kencang yang memusnahkan segala khemah dan peralatan tentera al Ahzab. Keadaan ini memaksa mereka menamatkan kepungan ke atas Madinah dan segera berundur dan pulang dengan penuh kekecewaan.
Walaupun kini sudah tiada lagi sebarang kesan parit tersebut, apa yang penting ialah bagaimana kita menyelami roh jihad dan pahit getir yang dialami oleh Rasulullah s.a.w dan para sahabat dalam mempertahankan Islam. Betapa ilmu dan pengalaman, keteguhan iman, usaha yang bersungguh-sungguh dan tawakkal mampu menjadi senjata yang ampuh dalam mencapai kejayaan di dunia dan kebahagiaan di akhirat..Insya Allah...

Dengan ini Alhamdulillah selesai sudah ziarah kami di sekitar kota Madinah al Munawwarah. Di antara pengalaman paling menarik ialah ketika membeli cendera hati untuk dibawa pulang di kedai-kedai sekitar Masjid Nabawi - hampir kesemua peniaga boleh berbahasa Indonesia/Malaysia. Perkataan "Malaysia Boleh", "Siti Nurhaliza"(mungkin disebabkan Siti kerap menunaikan umrah dan ziarah) bagaikan sudah sinonim dengan pengunjung Malaysia.

11 April - Kami berkemas untuk memulakan perjalanan pulang. Kami dan keluarga Bib memilih untuk bermalam di Riyadh sementara yang lain memilih untuk pulang terus ke Ras Tanura. Alhamdulillah kami selamat sampai di Riyadh lebih kurang pukul 8 malam dan bermalam di service apartment di Olaya Street dengan kadar sewa yang amat berpatutan.

Bergambar kenangan di hadapan Hotel Al Fayroz sebelum bertolak ke Riyadh

Memulakan perjalanan ke Riyadh melalui Qassim Highway

Pemandangan menarik di Qassim Highway - pagar elektrik terdapat di sepanjang lebuhraya bagi tujuan keselamatan/mengelakkan haiwan ternakan seperti unta, kambing dan biri-biri memasuki lebuhraya

Bagi kawsan yang lebih subur seperti wadi, aktiviti pertanian dijalankan secara meluas

12 April - Kami mengambil kesempatan mengunjungi Kingdom Tower dan tidak melepaskan peluang untuk naik ke 'Sky Bridge'(lebih kurang sama seperti di Twin Tower KLCC cuma keadannya sedikit melengkung).

Antara mercu tanda bandaraya Riyadh - Kingdom Tower(gambar atas) & Al-Fasiliyah Centre(bawah)

Bergambar kenangan di Sky Bridge - iaitu di Tingkat 97 Kingdom Tower

Bandaraya Riyadh dilihat dari Sky Bridge(gambar hanya dibenarkan diambil menggunakan camera handphone)

Bergambar kenangan bersama Zaliah & Baby Ahmed(yang lain belum balik sekolah..) di rumah beliau di Green Cities Compound, Riyadh(terima kasih bagi bekal nasi lemak masa nak pergi Mekah hari tu plus tempeh, rempah kari, briyani etc..)..Take care - mom & baby...semoga selamat semuanya nanti..Zafirah,Zafri & Zalin tak sabar nak tengok baby baru auntie!!

Seorang lagi rakan sekolah (Sekolah Seri Puteri KL)-Sharifah Nurul Qamar yang tinggal di Cordoba Oasis Compound juga di Riyadh...hampir 9 tahun tak jumpa. Thanx for inviting us over for lunch!!

13 April - Selepas mengunjungi Al-Fasiliyah Centre kami memulakan perjalanan pulang ke Ras Tanura. Alhamdulillah kami selamat tiba di RT lebih kurang pukul 6 petang.

Semoga perjalanan dan lawatan kami ke Makkah Al Mukarramah dan Madinah Al Munawwarah ini menjadi titik tolak kepada hijrah diri yang lebih baik seterusnya menjadi mekanisme peningkatan iman, keteguhan taqwa dan kemurnian aqidah. Insya Allah.. Dan semoga pengalaman dan serba sedikit pengetahuan yang dapat dikongsi ini dapat dijadikan panduan untuk kebaikan bersama..

"Oh nyamannya
Bila di pelukan rindu Mu
Mengimbaulah sentosa

Bentangkan ku permaidani
Dari baldu berwarna putih
Moga tak ku terasakan
Cubaan yang ku galas ini
Kepada Mu titianku
Hijrahkanlah diri ini..."

Wassalam....

Sumber rujukan:
1. Sejarah Mekah - Dulu & Kini
2. Sejarah Madinah Munawwarah - Bergambar
3. Sejarah Masjid Nabawi
(ketiga-tiga buku ditulis oleh Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Abdul Ghani, terjemahan Anang Rizka Masyhadi, buku-buku ini boleh didapati dengan mudah di kedai-kedai buku berhampiran Masjid Nabawi)
4. Ibadat Haji, Umrah dan Ziarah terbitan Lembaga Tabung Haji

Memorable Moment...

2009-03-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum,

Dear all..

It's been quite a long time since my last updates. Yup..lots & lots of things been happening around here in such a short time and I'm trying my very best to capture & get involved in every events and activities both inside(at school & among Malaysians) & outside(among others -of course 'shop till u drop' routine haha..) our RT camp...and yes... I'm enjoying every minute of it and I'm pretty sure my kids feel the same way as well...

Zafri(Abang) enjoying himself with friends & Hamburglar at his girlfriend's 'prince & princess theme' birthday party..haha..
Birthday girl - Jean-Mari - the sweet blue ballerina..thanx for inviting!!
( Abang & kakak's bday - Feb 28th & Mac 5th - sorry..mama & ayah haven't got a chance to celebrate yet..InsyaAllah one sweet day guys..)

#############################################

Thanks for making me 'the proudest mom in the universe' haha..Kakak with 'Superkids' souvenir for the 1st week of March & abang the 2nd week of March for 5th Grade & KG respectively...Please..keep up the good work you two.. Muahh...

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March 6th - Chinese New Year Celebration at our RT party house. Always feel like back home -Great food, great time, great knowing other Malaysian Chinese here.

With Kiki Wong

From traditional to modern - a unique blend of Malaysian cuisine - always reflects the multi-racial aspects of Malaysia - even keropok lekor, kek lapis Sarawak, karipap, mee kari can be found at CNY celebration here..

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March 18th - International Food Fair at Mr Barnes's(KG teacher) class. It was a great success indeed as all mothers had so much fun getting to know not only other countries traditional food but others cultures as well through a short introductory session. Some even came up with interesting slide shows & colourful traditional costumes(Colombia, Venezuela, Syria & Nigeria). Mrs Blunk from Brazil(Marcela's mom) cheered up the crowd with live step-by-step to Samba dance..yeah..Samba time!!

The kids having fun in their own way - spying on others' food..

Abdul Rahman Al-Gharbi - representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia..

Moms been busy with the cameras as well as preparing the food..(L-R:Zafri, Idlan, Alan, Radithya, Ethan, Musa, Jacob & Hani)

'Sensory tasting' session begins - Yummy traditional South African egg tart made by Mrs Cooper

Showing off my no other than cekodok pisang & kuih ketayap(slightly above Mr Barnes's Canadian traditional french fries)..haha..last minute effort...not bad huh(..I hope so....)

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Later in the afternoon - KG & 1st Grade(Elemetary) Sports Day

Sports Day Mascot - The Blue Dolphin welcoming the students & parents..

1st event of the day - riding on tricycle - looks like easy stuff eh? Hmm..most of the students couldn't make it to the finishing line ..haha...

Running(flying?) to victory..bravo Abang!!

I used to think these events only exist in Malaysia...not anymore..

Come on Abang - picking(supposed to be throwing) up the bean bags

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Ras Tanura Elementary School presents ... You've Got A Friend in Me! - A Spring Concert, March 23rd, 2009

Zafri performing Goin' on a Bear Hunt(Mr Barnes's Class) & Rock around the Alphabet (Combined Classes)

Zafirah & the 5th Grade Band performing Erie Canal Capers, Mexican Hat Dance & In the Jungle

'Kenny Z(Zafirah haha..)' on the saxophone...good effort kakak!!

Family album - Our family & Baby Bon(Bib's son)

********************************************

Last but not least - (For your oyes only..) ooppss...for my nephews & nieces..Ucu baru nak getting used to left-hand driving Pak Usu's "Big Boy's toy"(a Volvo XC90)..haha..tapi ladies bule drive dlm camp ni jelah, outside the camp memang tak boleh(Saudi's law...)..missing all of u...

I think that's wrapped up everything for this month calendar(haha..)..till we meet again..

*Please pray for our safe journey(approx 12hrs drive) to Makkah & Madinah via Riyadh to perform 'Umrah & Ziarah on Sunday, April 5th. InsyaAllah...Amin...

Wassalam...

'Happening' Weekends!!

2009-02-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

Salam...

Last Thursday our RT camp hosted a get-together for all Malaysian ARAMCO(Ras Tanura & Dhahran) staffs & families. Events including football matches(opened to all 'golongan bapa & their sons' regardless of fitness level haha...)& no other than 'makan2' aka picnic session at our beautiful RT beach.

The reds, yellows & greens posing at their best...

The teams working out the best tactics & strategies while the ladies trying to capture the best shot with the cameras...

..Great opp to get to know other Malaysians too esp from Dhahran camp..

..With Bib & Kak Gina(my neighbours..)..sorry couldn't stay any longer, need to do some shopping...

..With Bib..our kids-nowhere to
be found...I guess they were too excited to meet other Malaysian kids too..

Who can resist these yummies? From pasta, laksa to meehoon & keropok..

Later...in the afternoon..yum..yum..scrumptious lunch at Malaysian Kitchen in Al-Khobar(our third visit here) - Nasi Goreng Padprik(wah..tasted even better than some restaurant in Malaysia), Chicken Satay(excellent-both satay & kuah kacang), Fish Curry & teh tarik...

Our first visit to MK - Nasi goreng kampung, Nasi goreng Cina & Nasi lemak ayam..plus nescafe tarik..

A visit from a dear friend, Zaliah, & her family(on their way back to Riyadh from Bahrain trip..)

Our kids having joyful time at the beach -busy digging up the sand...

'Geng scooter Ras Tanura'..haha...my kids with their best friends here - Marisa, Aema & Kak Cik(Najiha)..

Joining 'The Dolphins'...

2009-01-25T22:03:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was my kids' first day at Ras Tanura School - Kakak(Zafirah) in Grade 5 (Elementary or better known as primary school in Malaysia) & Abang(Zafri) in KG(Kindergarten or pre-school). Here's something to share about Saudi Aramco schools - "Saudi Aramco operates its own school system for the children of eligible expatriate employees. Most of the teachers are American, more than half hold Master's degrees and some have earned Doctorates. All Aramco schools follow an American-style curriculum, designed to develop child intellectually, creatively, emotionally, socially and physically. Schools start at the kindergarten level and continue through the ninth grade. Classes are small and encourage individual attention. Teaching aids and materials are up to date, and the facilities are modern, attractive and fully air-conditioned."

Alhamdulillah with growing numbers of Malaysian joining Saudi Aramco especially in our Ras Tanura camp both kakak and abang can easily find at least one Malaysian classmate..Also thanks to our new Malaysian Educational System in which starting in 2003 introduced the use of English as a medium of teaching in all science & mathematics subjects despite being criticised by some as creating discrimination between students who are and who are not fluent in English. At least now as Malaysian parents we know what to expect from our kids here...

More to share...

Daily Schedule:

7.25 : Morning pickup(by Aramco buses) for Grade 1-9
8.25 : Morning pickup for KG

9.30 : Recess

11.36 : Lunch dismissal, busses leave school for lunchtime drop-off

12.20 : After-lunch pick-up

2.57 : Dismissal, busses leave school for after-school drop-off

Warmest greeting from Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia!!

2009-01-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum....

Dear all,

Alhamdulillah berkat doa semua, kami sekeluarga telah selamat sampai ke bumi Arab Saudi ini pada 11 Jan yg lepas selepas menempuh perjalanan selama lebih kurang 10 jam dari KLIA.

Fuh..it's been quite tough for all of us here since day 1 as it's winter time here in KSA with average temperature of 12 C but can go as low as 5 C in the morning & night with chilly strong wind after 5pm...(all my kids are recovering from fever, flu & cough..)..

Our house - located at Laurel Drive, Ras Tanura(Saudi Aramco camp) with typical American design - a garage & large backyard..

Our Backyard - just planted with grass & 12hrs/day sprinkler ..

At KLIA - warmest farewell.....what a touching moment!! ...already feeling homesick......huwaa...

At Doha Airport(Qatar) during 2hr-transit

Upon arrival at Dammam International Airport, Saudi Arabia, waiting for Immigration clearance..

..It's time to say goodbye...

2009-01-06T07:44:00.000-08:00

To all my students(& ex-students) - Kak Iwan, K.Izan, K.Yasmin, K.Shida, K.Siti, K.Zu, K.Ina, Roslin, Zakiah, Zahirah, Wanie, Syura, U-jin, Fazilah, Ida, Izah, Shila, Marsya, Shakirah..(sorry if I've missed out any names...) - thank you for all the beautiful memories & many hours of fun & laughter..great knowing all of you...always remember this - "Paint what you love & love what you paint!!"(doesn't matter what's the outcome haha....)

Kepada semua warga WMC khusus buat Pn Ann(Suzana)..terima kasih atas peluang yg diberikan.., rakan2 peniaga, kakak2 & adik2 yg dihormati & disayangi...Alhamdulillah..terlalu banyak yg telah dapat dikongsi & dipelajari..a big thankyou for all the never-ending support & inspiration..again..great knowing all of you even in cyberspace(pinjam phrase K.Rossana..)

To all my online friends especially to regular visitors & viewers...thanx for your time & thanx for signing my guestbook!! Please...do drop by often...

To all my crafty friends...especially to Amy & May Lee...thank you for sharing & caring..keep up the good work guys!! How lucky I am to have all of you as my friends..

Hmmm...Gonna miss my hectic life here..yup..with all the due dates & weekly trips to the PO...but I guess this is the just right time to take a good short break & spend more precious time with my family..but don't worry..InsyaAllah I'll be back a.s.a.p with more crunchy crafty things & yummy stories to share from there...

Me & Amy & the kids during Raya visit..thanx for everything Amy!!

Me, Zafri, Zalin & May Lee...during a recent 'visit' to her lovely new ARMANEE condo...gonna miss your yummy cupcakes & muffins...thanx for being a wonderful friend!!

**Terima kasih kepada anda yang telah sudi menyumbang dalam kempen2 yg telah saya jalankan. Teruskan niat & usaha murni anda untuk menyumbang ke rumah anak-anak yatim & miskin serta rumah2 kebajikan yang lain kerana sesungguhnya zakat & sedekah itu membersih dan menyuburkan lagi harta anda...

Akhir kata saya menyusun sepuluh jari, memohon maaf dari hujung rambut ke hujung kaki, sekiranya ada yg terlebih & terkurang harap dihalalkan.. Segala yg baik datang dari Allah swt & yg buruk itu datang dari kelemahan saya sendiri. Doakan kami sekeluarga selamat menjejakkan kaki ke bumi para Anbia'...amin...

"Kalau ada sumur di ladang boleh kami menumpang mandi,
..kalau ada umur yang panjang, boleh kita berjumpa lagi...."

...Salam Sayang dari kami sekeluarga - Zuraidah, Zulkifli, Zafirah, Zafri & Zalin...

"Don't walk in front of me I may not follow,
Don't walk behind me I may not lead,
......Just walk beside me & be my friend!!"

..Some last minute commissioned items

2009-01-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulillah finally this afternoon I managed to finish all my last minute commissioned items which at first I thought I wouldn't have any ideas to start with...yeah..with all those stuff around me waiting to be packed..argghhh...but again alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly...

Coffe table painted for Baizura(thanx for your patience..)

-Lovely pinkish roses on four corners & curves, white fillers here & there and a bit of shading on top & corners of drawers to give an overall 'soft yet antique look'

Butler's tray for Dr Habibah..
-This tray only needs simple painting & shading to enhance its exquisite overall design..

Two more mini teapot designs which I've painted as FGs for RAKB Charity Campaign

SALE - SERVIETTE!!

2008-12-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

My flight to Saudi has been postponed to January 11th, 09. These will be my final-released products/offer at the moment..Thank you for your patronage!!

NEW!! Kit includes 4 oval woodpieces & 1 designer napkin

Only 2 sets available
Price : RM59, postage RM5.
*Tips - will look great on slip-slap/smudged/stripe background

For serviette/paper napkin : Min purchase = RM10. Delivery only thru 'pos xpress' & 'poslaju'. Tq...

CN05 : Now -RM3.00, before RM4.50

*Tips - Great on chopping board/bottle/tin

CN09 : Now=RM2.00, before = RM4.00
*Tips - Great as doily and on canister/bottle/tin

N02-N107 now = RM2/pc, before RM3.00/pc

N107

New-released Charity Campaign Items

2008-11-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

Aidiladha Special Edition - Let these lovely tapestry look carpets brighten up your festive seasons(Aidiladha & Christmas). Only available in L size(except for C01, also available in M). Free Gift Items will be uploaded here soon.
**RM50 will be donated to Rumah Amal Kasih Bestari(RAKB) with every carpet purchased

Get this cute handpainted miniature teapot when you buy selected framed wall-art & chopping boards from this charity campaign. Few designs availbale.

FG02(Left), FG03(Right) -(Upgraded version) wallplaque with rope-like framing

FG04-Exclusive!! Lovely Vintage sign with handpainted pine grain-effect frame.

**Buy any carpet from this campaign and FG02/FG03/FG04(Plz choose one) is yours!!

NEW!!
Code : C10
(Photo shown slightly darker than original)

Code : C06

Code : C09

Code : C08

Code : C01

(M size - one last piece)

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***Unique birdhouse magazine/flower holder & DIY Decoupage Kits with beautiful imported designer napkins - Great for your holidays project!!
(For DIY Kits, napkins are not sold separately)

One-of-a-kind birdhouse-shaped magazine/flower holder, great for bringing garden theme inside your home..
Size : 15.5 in x 15in(height)
Price : RM55
1 last piece!!
*Plz email if you wish me to paint any of your favourite designs on this birdhouse magz holder

Whalla!! Beautiful 4-roses imported designer napkin for your 4-sided tissue box..Don't miss out this very limited edition kit!!
Kit includes one tissue box & one 4-roses designer napkin
Price : RM35
SOLD OUT!!!

Gorgeous garden designer napkin with lovely garden scenery - birdhouse, watering can, garden chair & blooming flowers. Don't forget to add some saying/lettering of your choice for a more personal touch!!
Kit includes 2 oval woodpieces & 1 designer napkin
Price : RM40

Pots of Geraniums in a row..a gardener's choice!!
Kit includes 1 woodpiece & 1 imported designer napkin
Price : RM25

Code: CN-Rooster
Size : 33cmx33cm
Price : RM4.00/pc

Code : CN-RoseHydrangea
Size : 25cm x 25cm
Price : RM3.00/pc
SOLD OUT!!

Code : CN-BlueCS

Size : 25cm x 25cm
Price : RM3.00/pc

Pre-Order Items for 2009

2008-11-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

Dear viewers, customers & friends,

If you wish to order any of my handpainted/decoupaged items shown here in my blog particularly those listed below please place your order now(closing date : Dec 5th, 2008, no deposit required..) however items will only be delivered to you some time in June, 2009. Sorry for all the inconvenience...

1. Menu boards - please specify shapes, sizes & motifs
2. Wall plaque - door sign, door crown, house number, kitchen or garden sign & saying
3. Wall & table clock - please specify shapes, sizes & motifs
4. Duck, bear or pot door stopper
5. Door wreath
6. Place mats - round-scallop, rectangular, oval, teapot-shaped
7. Tissue holder - duck, teapot or jug-shaped
8. Chopping boards featuring CHEF motifs (or kitchen motifs) - 3 different shapes & sizes available, decoupage or hp(pen & wash).
9. Egg rack & spice rack

*I will update some examples of above items very soon here..

*Click onto photo for larger view

***Four Abang Misai in Actions(haha...). Four fabulous chopping boards featuring chef in 4 different actions - Chef Herbs, Lemons & Let's Eat Pizza. RM99 per pair(not sold separately). Buy a set of 4 chopping boards for RM180 and get Free Gift - a porcelain chef mini menu board, while stock lasts. Decoupage & handpainting on slip-slap background. Size : 6 in x 11.5 in.

*One Set-of-4 chopping boards available for sale!!(Sori...yg lain kena tunggu bulan 6 nanti kalau tak sempat siap huhu...)

Available

SOLD!!!

Porcelain chef mini menu board
*FREE GIFT - when you buy set of 4 chopping boards above

@@@@@@@@

Mini wall cabinet ordered by Pn Aishah for her teenage daughter who luvs purple sooo much..

*Both above items ordered by Dina. Top- 'Welcome Sign', Bottom - 'Homemade Jams' Shelf for her kitchen

This is a special piece painted for a dear friend(x-schoolmate), Raja Azura@Roger(no, no..not Raja Azura the actress) who's going to Mecca to perform haj this coming Thursday..juz delivered this piece on her kenduri last Saturday(semoga mendapat haji yang mabrur..amin..)..Alhamdulillah she really luvs it..

**After quite some time not having a chance to paint any scenery pieces, this one really captured my eyes. A classic example of cottage garden with birdhouses and garden fence surrounded by bluish & purplish delphiniums, white daisies, climbing roses, yellow tulips & purple iris..A simple yet a meaningful piece...

##If you have any special orders, please e,mail me a very, very clear picture of samples of items desired and please ask(email or sms) for quotation.

Thank you...

RUMAH AMAL KASIH BESTARI Charity Campaign

2008-11-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum my dearest viewers and friends...

These products are specially launched in conjunction with RUMAH AMAL KASIH BESTARI(Orphanage/ Rumah anak-anak yatim dan miskin) charity campaign which is located at Subang Bestari, Shah Alam, Selangor. More products will be added from time to time, so do drop by often. Please refer to previous posting for latest RAKB's profile..

**Get an exclusive handpainted souvenir and/or free gift with selected items purchased from this campaign.

*Thank you very much for all the continuous support...

@@@@@@@@@@@

Upcoming items - Fabulous Garden theme Pattern Kits(w/o instruction), Designer Napkins, Kitchen Collection & much more!!

NEW!!DF02(a) - Beautiful handpainted pine-grain frame with gorgeous 'touched up' high quality print & porcelain handle
Size : 39cm x 50cm
LAST ORDER - Nov, 24th 2008.
Price : RM150
Buy a pair(with DF01(a)) & get discounted price - any enquiries plz sms

Letter holder - great for your letters & bills, limited units
Size : Small = 32x11x18cm, Large = 32x14x24cm
Prize : S=RM25; L=RM35
S size - SOLD OUT!!

Unique plate holder - great for displaying your collectible plates, limited units
Size : 17x19cm, depth = 8cm
Price = RM25

Herb mat with rubber backing - for your patio or kitchen!
Size : 69cm x 49cm
Price = RM35

@@@@@@@@

Looking for new stuff to paint on? Let your creativities flow with these two different surfaces..choose wood or metal(..or both..haha...)..yup...handpainting or decoupage..unlimited possibilities..Get one now & HAPPY CRAFTING!! Muahh...

Keepsake/picnic box - unpainted; limited units
Price : RM59.90

Watering can - great for your garden projects!! Tips -any garden theme wud be lovely on this w.can e.g scenery, birdhouse, wheelbarrow, herbs..
Height : 13"(with handle), 8"(body only)
Price : RM49
2 SOLD, 2 LEFT

RUMAH AMAL KASIH BESTARI - A Profile

2008-11-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

Secebis kisah....

Alhamdulillah dengan izin Allah swt akhirnya semalam dapat juga saya menjejakkan kaki ke Rumah Amal Kasih Bestari selepas tertangguh beberapa kali atas sebab-sebab yang tak dapat dielakkan . Selepas membaca satu artikel di dalam majalah JELITA keluaran Hari Raya yang lepas hati saya bagaikan terpanggil untuk menjenguk sendiri kanak-kanak di sini. Walaupun pada kali ini saya tidak dapat bersua muka dengan pengasas rumah amal ini iaitu Ustaz Hamzah Busu & isteri beliau namun kesempatan berbual dengan Suhaimi iaitu anak kepada pasangan ini sudah cukup bermakna bagi saya. Sebaik melangkah masuk ke rumah ini hati terhibur seketika melihat telatah kanak-kanak di sini yang sedang leka bermain namun jauh di sudut hati perasaan sebak dan sedih bagaikan tak tertahan lagi. Apatah lagi ketika melihat betapa gembiranya kanak-kanak di situ menerima sedikit sumbangan yang dapat dihulurkan...(terima kasih kepada anda yang telah sudi menyumbang dengan membeli sambil menderma)

Menurut Suhaimi, kanak-kanak di sini yang berjumlah 30 orang iaitu 17 lelaki dan 13 perempuan berumur 7-12 tahun rata-ratanya adalah terdiri daripada mereka yang kematian ibu atau bapa, mangsa penceraian dan fakir miskin yang sebahagian besarnya dari sekitar Lembah Klang tetapi terdapat juga sebahagian kecil dari Kelantan dan Sabah.

Rumah amal ini diasaskan oleh seorang insan prihatin berhati mulia iaitu Ustaz Hamzah Busu yang berasal dari Mentakab, Pahang. Beliau yang merupakan bekas seorang guru ugama kini menumpukan sepenuh perhatian menguruskan rumah amal ini sejak September 2007. Dengan inisiatif beliau dan rakan-rakan terdekatnya dua buah rumah unit hujung(corner lot) disewa di Taman Subang Bestari bertujuan menempatkan kanak-kanak lelaki dan perempuan secara berasingan. Rumah amal ini kini mempunyai petugas tetap dan beberapa sukarelawan yang mempunyai tugas-tugas khusus bagi memastikan perjalanan harian RAKB berjalan lancar.

Menurut beliau lagi perbelanjaan menguruskan rumah ini (termasuk cawangan baru di Sungai Penchala, Damansara) adalah sekitar RM25,000.00 sebulan di mana perbelanjaan keperluan makan dan minum sahaja berjumlah RM6 000.00 sebulan. Justeru menurut beliau sumbangan dari masyarakat dalam bentuk wang ringgit, barangan makanan, pakaian, peralatan sekolah dan kelengkapan mandian amatlah diharapkan. (Sebelum mengakhiri perbualan Suhaimi sempat memberitahu pada waktu ini barangan yang sangat diperlukan ialah barangan keperluan dapur(barangan basah) seperti bekalan ikan, ayam/daging, telur. Semoga ada pihak yang sudi menghulurkan bantuan..)

Walaupun hanya sebentar sahaja dapat bermesra dengan kanak-kanak di sini, sepanjang perjalanan memandu pulang seribu keinsafan menyelubungi diri sambil jauh di sudut hati berdoa..Ya Allah berilah aku dan insan-insan lain petunjuk dan kekuatan agar dapat membantu anak-anak ini dan insan yang senasib mereka dengan cara yang terbaik dengan izin dan limpah kurnia-Mu Ya Allah...amin ya rabbal'alamin...

Sebahagian penghuni sempat memberikan pose istimewa....

****Kepada anda yang ingin menghulurkan bantuan sama ada tenaga, fikiran, wang ringgit, barangan keperluan harian dan sebagainya, boleh berhubung terus dengan USTAZ HAMZAH BUSU(016 251 6515) atau USTAZAH WAN ROKIAH(014 6648103).

**Sumbangan kewangan juga boleh dimasukkan terus ke akaun MAYBANK 5620 8551 3207 atas nama KASIH BESTARI.

*Untuk menderma melalui SMS pula sila taip :
DERMA(nilai derma sama ada RM2, RM3 atau RM5)KASIH dan hantarkan ke 39118. (Hanya untuk pengguna talian Celcom, Maxis dan DiGi sahaja)
Contoh: DERMA5 KASIH dan hantarkan ke 39118

Segala bentuk sumbangan anda amat dialu-alukan dan didahului dengan ucapan terima kasih. Semoga kita sama-sama mendapat keredhaan dan keberkatan dari Allah swt...

##Sabda Rasulullah saw yang bermaksud: "Hendaklah setiap dari kamu memelihara wajahnya dari api Neraka walaupun dengan (bersedekah) dengan separuh kurma..."

##maksud hadith : "Tidak berkurang harta benda dengan kerana bersedekah.."

Terima kasih kepada Norazlina Kamarudin, Penulis majalah JELITA atas kerjasama yang diberikan.

New Fruits & Vegetables Napkins Collection

2008-10-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Go Green with these fabulous fruits & vege collection...!!

Size : 33cm x 33cm
Price = RM3 each, min purchase = 5pcs
**RM1 will be donated to Rumah Amal Kasih Bestari with every napkin purchased. Thanx for helping us helping others!

##Plz click onto photo for larger view..

Sorry- N106 SOLD OUT!!

BIG CLEARANCE SALE!!

2008-10-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Please take note:

* All items sold on 'first come first serve' basis
*All prices shown excluding postage
*All framed items once SOLD, NO MORE repeat orders...
** DEPOSIT of at least 30% of actual price required upon confirmation otherwise orders will not be entertained
* Items sold are non refundable

Hurry up whilst stock lasts.....
Thanx for all the support.....hugs & kisses....

***Sebahagian wang hasil jualan 'BIG CLEARANCE SALE' akan didermakan ke rumah anak-anak yatim & miskin Asrama Haluan Penyayang(AHP). Jom membeli sambil menderma!!

###Tempahan untuk handpainted & decoupaged items dibuka semula SEKARANG hingga akhir NOVEMBER sahaja(atau satu tarikh yg akan diberitahu kelak) atas sebab2 yg tak dapat dielakkan.

ONE LAST PIECE!!(no more repeat orders)
Size : 11.5" x 14.5"
Now = RM90, before RM140
SOLD!!

ONE LAST PIECE!!!(no more repeat orders). Very special price, plz sms/email me...
Size : 11.5" x 14.5"
BOOKED!!

What's more yummy than these pies? Decoupaged place mat with handpainted lettering & antiqued background. Great for your country kitchen!!
Size : 42cm x 30 cm, medium thickness(5mm)
Now = RM79, before RM99
Only 1 pc available
BOOKED!!!

Another place mat you shouldn't miss!! Decoupage with slip-slap antiqued background.
Size : 42cm x 30cm, medium thickness(5mm)
Now = RM79, before RM99
Only 1 pc available

** Buy a pair of place mats above for only RM150

Duo elegant shelves with gorgeous cups & saucers - 'touched up' background with antiqued wood applique
Size : 10.5" x 18.5"
Now 1 = RM89, before RM99

Buy 1 pair for RM165
SOLD OUT!!

Teapot & menu board collection - with exquisite antiqued wood applique
Size : 23.5" x 13.5"
Now = RM169, market price RM225
1 pc booked, 1 pc left

Coffeepot & menu board collection - with exquisite antiqued wood applique
Size : 23.5" x 13.5"
Now = RM169, market price = RM225
1 pc booked, 1 pc left

**Buy a pair of teapot & coffeepot collection above for only RM320

Brighten up your kitchen/dining hall with this sweet pinkish roses blooming in a gigantic cup & saucer..
Height : approx 16"
Now = RM165, before RM199
(RM50 will be donated to RAKB with this purchase)
BOOKED!!

A sweet combination of pink-purplish roses and berries
Height : approx 27"
Now + RM190, before RM220
(RM50 will be donated to RAKB with this purchase)

Pinkish roses topiary in a teapot, great for any spot!!
Height : 22"
Now = RM90, before RM120
(RM50 will be donated to RAKB with this purchase)

Pink purplish rose topiary in a teapot
Height : 22"
Now = RM90, before = RM120
(RM50 will be donated to RAKB with this purchase)

Let this charming vintage sign tray cheer up your kitchen with all the bread goodness saying!
Size : 37.5 x 29cm
Now = RM90, before RM130
Only 1 pc available
SOLD!!

What's more country than this duo farm animal plates ?
Diameter = 28cm
Last set
Two for RM55

Add a little more country touch to your kitchen with this moo moo cow tray

Size : 37.5x29cm
Now = RM99, before RM140
Only 1 pc available

CB04-Country chopping board you shouldn't miss!!
Antiqued finishing with crackling background & handpainted lettering
Now=RM75, before RM89
Only 1 pc available - no repeat orders..
SOLD!!

WA01 - 1 piece booked, 1 piece left

WA02 - 1 piece booked, 1 piece left

WA03 - only 1 pc availble

WA04 - only 1 pc availble

WA05 - only 1 pc available

**WA01-05 now = RM79 each, before = RM89
For additional wood applique (on frame), plz add RM15
Size : 36x36cm

Garden Door Frame
Now = RM100, before RM140
(For additional hpainted roses on frame plz add RM30-offer price)
1 pc booked, 1 pc left

Teapot-shelf tray with exquisite 'rope-like' framing applique
SOLD!!

Garden mirror frame
Now 2 for RM55, before RM90
SOLD!!

Gorgeous Crystal Bracelet - A-Green, B-rose pink, C-red, D-brownish yellow, E -purplish pink, F-red, G-rose pink, H-green
Now 1 for RM50, before = RM69
ALL MUST GO!!

Cornbread Tray with antiqued finishing
SOLD!!

Kitchen Rules with antiqued finishing frame

SOLD!!

Kitchen Rules with handpainted pine grain effect frame
22cm x 60cm
Now = RM90, before RM99
Only 1 piece left

All decoupage papers shown = RM15 each, before = RM17
(Only 1 pc available for each design)
Self-collect only

N0w = 2 for RM70, before = RM90

Country Apple Shelf with handpainted pine grain effect background
Now = RM100, before = RM140
Only 1 piece availble

20% off on all birdhouses shown above
SORRY..ALL BOOKED!!

Now = RM99, before RM140
SOLD!!

RM89

RM135

Fully fandpainted tray
RM225

Now two for RM60, before 1 for RM39

Now = RM70, before RM79
SOLD!!

Our price = RM125, market price = RM160
52cm x 26 cm
Only 1 piece available

RM39
Size : 8"x10"
Only 1 piece available

Now 2 for RM55, before = RM65
Size : 8"x10"
SOLD!!

More goodies coming up....flower arrangement, magazine rack, decal sheet, 2-tier cake tray, woodpieces & other painting surfaces, painting & quilting books, door mat & much more.....!!!!

A Special Gift for Baby Ahmed..

2008-10-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Alhamdulillah finally I managed to complete painting this keepsake box just on time and proudly(as I challenged myself to do so in such a limited time) delivered this afternoon to a dearest friend who now lives in Riyadh(her flight back to Riyadh is at 3pm tomorrow)...I started basecoating it yesterday, started painting this morning, rushing between sending & fetching my two kids to & from school only to find few hours left to complete the whole design. Actually this is meant as a gift 'on the day that you were born' for cute Baby Ahmed...Unfortunately, again...I was sooo bzzz....never mind...the thoughts that count..haha.."Happy Belated 1st Birthday Ahmed!!"(pssst...anak auntie Elin asyik tanya bila nk buat utk dia plk..nak yg besar plk tu..huhu...) To Ahmed's mom - Do take care( I really mean it Za...) & Have A Safe Journey...InsyaAllah see u all in Saudi soon....

Ahmed with mom...

For Ahmed - A combination of white daisies & purplish lilacs on slip-slap bluish background..

*Plz click onto photo for larger view

NEW ARRIVAL - COLLECTIBLE DESIGNER NAPKINS!!

2008-10-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

With a bit of busy hands and creative minds these romantic & fabulous napkins will sure look great on any surfaces - wood, bottle or tin. FULLY IMPORTED, LIMITED STOCK.
Click onto photo for larger view.

Code : CN-TRose

Size : 33cmx33cm

Price : RM4.50
Made in Italy

Code : CN-FRose
Size : 33cmx33cm
Price : RM4.50
Made in Italy

Code : CN-MdF
Size : 33cmx33cm(Shown-Folded view)
Price : RM4.50
Made in Italy

Code : CN-Scenery
Size : 33cmx33cm

Price : RM4.50
Made in USA

Code : CN-HC
Size : 33cmx33cm(Shown-Folded view)
Price : RM4.50
Made in USA

Items ordered for Hari Raya

2008-10-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Some handpainted items ordered by my customers for this Hari Raya..Fuh...really bzzz with the brush over the fasting month....Only God knows how I've tried my best to complete all those commisssioned stuff by Raya...big apologies to those I haven't...InsyaAllah...again..will try my very best...
These 4 lovely items painted for Kak Ana who loves roses so muchh....(hhmm..still painting few of her orders..yup...roses again...)
Top to bottom: key cabinet, duck door stopper, door wreath

Corner cabinet painted for Kak Rozita. I added ribbon to the rose bouquet to soften the overall appearance...(yes...I do love painting ribbons & laces..). Click onto photo for larger image..

Warna-Warni Ramadhan & Syawal

2008-10-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Assalamualaikum & Salam Aidilfitri...

I wud like to take this opp to wish all my viewers, customers & dearest friends - Eid Mubarak/Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri..Maaf Zahir & Batin, sekiranya ada yg terlebih & terkurang harap dihalalkan...

Coming Soon...New designer Napkins & BIG CLEARANCE SALE!!!!

My 3 kiddies with a friend's dotter during buka puasa

Mini gathering buka puasa at Legend Hotel with my ex-schoolmate(Sekolah Seri Puteri, Jalam Kolam Ayer, KL batch 1986-1990)

Me & Zalin in front of Asrama Haluan Penyayang. Alhamdulillah semua hasil jualan Charity Sale & sumbangan lain seperti beras, biskut & air kotak telah disampaikan kepada mudir/pengetua AHP Ustaz Anas pada bulan Ramadhan yg baru lepas. Bagi pihak Ustaz Anas ucapan terima kasih kepada semua yg telah sudi menderma semoga sama-sama mendapat keberkatan dari Allah swt. Bagi pihak Zalin Folk Art & Crafts juga ucapan terima kasih yg tak terhingga kepada semua yg telah sudi membeli sambil menderma. Hanya Allah jua yg membalasnya...Juga di kesempatan ini saya ingin memaklumkan kepada semua "Membeli Sambil Menderma"/Charity Sale ini akan diteruskan dan tidak terhenti sempena Hari Raya ini sahaja. InsyaAllah....Semoga mendapat sokongan yang berterusan dari anda semua...

1st raya - Me, kiddies & Mom-in-Law

Zalin, Zafri & Zafirah in a really raya mood with baju kurung & baju Melayu, next...'collecting duit raya' session...haha...

NEW Collectible Designer Napkin

2008-09-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Add a country touch with these lovely vintage labels/signs/motifs to your bottles, tins & boxes. Fully imported. View more designs on SLIDE above.
(Click on any photo for larger image)

**PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

Min purchase=RM10,
Postage & handling = <10pcs above =" subjected" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">For purchases RM25 & above customers are advised to use either Registered Post or POSLAJU by POS MALAYSIA for guaranteed and fast delivery.

2008-08-31T11:42:00.001-07:00

Assalamualaikum..wishing all my Muslim viewers & friends - "Happy Ramadhan Al-Mubarak"..

Here's something to share...

1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.

2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.

3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of Ramadhan - especially on Layatul-Qadr - based on belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.

4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from halal means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and breaking your fast with the haram.

5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to theirs.

6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the reward and Allah's protection.

7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.

8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds, for you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for all you do during your time.

9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.

10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in the last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.

11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to gain the love of Allah.

12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a state of purity and cleanliness.

13. Cease the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the good that has been revealed in it - by reciting the noble Qur'an and pondering and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.

14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander for it decreases the reward of fasting.

15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fasting should be a cause of peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.

16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the Most High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah by doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.

17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting, while breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among greatest causes of attaining Allah's forgiveness.

18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has guaranteed acceptance.

19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.

20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.

21. Fast on the Day of `Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year.

22. Fast on the day of `Aashuraa', the 10th of Muharram, along with the 9th, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.

23. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death)". [Qur'an 15:99]

24. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving of customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.

25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.

"O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your reward so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.

O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward, witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord, Blessed and Most High.

O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.

O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing, O Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honor.

And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family and his Companions."

Amin....

New Frame Collection

2008-08-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

White frame with gorgeous roses prints, touched up where necessary - RM300 for set-of-three, only 1 set available
-SOLD!!

Charming Kitchen Rules with 'weathered' effect frame(8.5"x23.5") - RM89. Ready to hang, great for your kitchen!! Also available in pine grain effect frame(RM99). Only 3 pieces availbale..Hurry..hurry!!!

NEWWW!! - Xclusive 'Newborn' & 'Newly released item'

2008-08-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hi there!!! Finally, last Sunday I got an opp to visit a dear friend(my ex-collegemate) who received a double joy recently.. - end of last month(July 28th) she is blessed with a cute little baby girl-Ayesha Saraa & only on Saturday she attended a convo for her PhD...congrats Dr Anis Shobirin!! I'm proud of you!! Well...talking about babies..what an adorable God's creations...can't help holding & kissing them...here's something for you Ayesha...a keepsake multipurpose box...hope mom & baby luv it as much as I did when painting it ...(Plz click on any photo for a larger version..)

**To those who wish to have this exclusive handpainted keepsake box this is an opp you shouldn't miss...
haha...what a promo...

**Made-to-order Lovely Keepsake Box/Hamper**

-->Choose your own personal message/initial on this lovely Keepsake Box!!!

Examples could be --- Happy Birthday(also for newborn); Seasons Greetings(Hari Raya, Chinese New Year), Mother's Day, Wedding & Engangement(as 'hantaran') etc. --- or any other wording you may want --- such as everyday wording.

##This lovely keepsake box has been beautifully painted with gorgeous pink roses on slip-slap pinkish backround on top(lids) and stripe background at 2 sides. If you wish to personalize your keepsake box with your own design(e.g bear or any other preferred motifs) please feel free to contact me...

**Hari Raya Hamper using this keepsake box is also available from Zalin Folk Art & Crafts** - 2 sizes(box) availbale...plz sms me for more info..

#This would be a wonderful & romantic gift for your loved ones and will make a charming accent piece to your decor(Shabby Cottage or Romantic Chic...)

NEW!! GARDEN COLLECTION - STEPPING STONE

2008-08-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

Jazz up your garden with these lovely stepping/hanging stone...Each piece is personally coated(..by me...) with layers of outdoor quality sealer for xtra long protection..RM65 each.
(*Plz click onto picture for close-up view)

CHARITY SALE & PRE-RAYA OFFER ITEMS!!

2008-08-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

(Plz click on the picture for close-up view)
**RM10 will be donated to Asrama Haluan Penyayang(AHP) every time you purchase any of these elegant Swarovski Crystal Bracelet - FLAT PRICE = RM69

A - Peridot (Green)
B - Rose (Pink)
C - Light Red
D - Topaz (Brownish Yellow)
E - Fuschia - (Purplish Pink)
F - Light Red
G - Rose (Pink)
H - Peridot (Green)

**RM50 will be donated to AHP every time you purchase any flower arrangements

**RM100.00 will be donated to AHP every time you purchase any tapestry look carpet

**RM10.00 will be donated to AHP every time you purchase any pattern kits collection

**RM1.00 will be donated to AHP every time you purchase any paper napkin collection

Framed wall art (52cm x 26 cm) - Free Gift for selected Tapestry look carpet

Decorative plate (Diameter : 25cm) - RM55 for two, Great for your Country Kitchen!!

Double-face Stand clock (height : 125cm) - RM170, A Unique Collection..

Fabulous White Frame Collection ('touched up' where necessary) 36cm x 36cm - RM89 each, Suits any home decor style; only 1 piece available for each design, repeat orders may take up to 2 weeks..

Country Wall plaque - RM65

Keyholder - RM75 each

.....more coming up...tq......