My Haj Experience & Tips!

Haj Experience & Tips

Assalamualaikum Everyone!

Back again at blogging after being hiatus for a long while. I have a few good reasons.

1. I went for my hand surgery.

2. I went for my first ever Haj trip.

3. I got quite ill.

But I am back now and 2 blog posts up recently! YAY!

As I mentioned, I went for my Haj trip and I want to share with you some of what I wish I know more before I went. Basically, everything that could make your trip better, smoother and to its fullest potential. 

Disclaimer: I am in no way a religious preacher or teacher. All I'm giving is just advice based on my own experience. Know that everyone's experiences are different. 

What you need to know

Haj Application with MUIS.

The waiting list is long and getting longer each year. I applied about 7 years ago. During my application, the wait list was about 5 years. The waiting list now is about 50 years (10 times longer). If you think you are only 21 and it is too early to decide, think again. 

Singapore quota for Visa to enter Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is less than 1,000. We du'a that the quota will be increased significantly once the upgrading in Mecca is done. But for now... Start applying.

Cost

The cost to perform pilgrimage in Singapore is increasing every year. When I paid for my parents in 2014, it was about $12,500 per person for a 29 days trip. I went for a 20 days trip this year and it cost me $13,300 per person. Thats a significant increase. 

Know your needs

When I say, know your needs, it means what you need, not what you want. You have to understand that you will not be near the Kaabah during your Ihram period. You will be staying in a shared bedroom with 3 other people of the same gender and share a toilet. Therefore, you have to be fast and patient, especially as everyone have to use the toilet to take wudhu, shower etc. What I needed was a toilet of my own as I have toilet issues and may make others feel disrupted if I'm in the toilet for too long. Therefore, I paid an additional $1000 each to have a room with my husband. Just the two of us. Of course, we have to know and follow the dos and don'ts of Ihram.

Go for your classes

If you have been to Umrah before, the deal is about the same, except that you are wearing your Ihram longer, you are visiting Arafah, Mudzalifah and also Jamrah. These are the challenging ones.

Therefore, you should seek clarification for any uncertainties that you may have.

Getting yourself ready

This is extremely important. Get your jabs at least one month before you go. 

1. Get the Flu jab and the Meningococcal (this is compulsory). 

2. Take vitamins supplement at least 3 months before you go. 

3. Drink lots of Vitamin C (Berocca or Rexodon)

4. Exercise, a lot of walking is required. Start slow, if you have not exercised in a long time like me.

Make sure you are able to walk up to 5km comfortably.

There are going to be people from all over the world, and a total of up to 5 million people in one place. There tend to be viruses around that you may catch. Get your body well prepared for it and fight against it.

For women, who are still menstruating, if the date of your travel falls within your periods, do go to the doctors to get medication for your menses to be delayed. Do know that it is not 100% delayed. Ultimately, it is still up to Allah.

What to bring

I had a hard time with these. This is my first time. How much clothes do I bring for a 20 days trip?

What else do I need to bring?

My first tip is, know the temperature. My Haj was extremely hot and dry. Temperature ranges from 42 degrees celsius to 50. It was 50 in Arafah. Drink plenty of water and avoid juices, soft drinks, cordial from there, they cause sore throat. 

• Bring light clothing if the temperature is hot when you are going. Bring about 7 abaya or pant suits. When in Shisha, there are laundry services available and you can wash them there. They dry super quick!

• Bring plenty of under garment, cotton is great or those Uniqlo's seamless one. 

• Bring 2 sets of clothing for sleep.

• A few set of tudongs/shawl/instant scarfs. A mini telekung and a telekung (just the top will do). The telekungs are for those days when you don't have the time to pin your scarfs. It is super handy.

• A water bottle to refill your Zam Zam water every time. Drink as much as possible. 

• A battery operated/chargeable hand fan with water mist (essential for Arafah). 

• One or two power bank.

• Sandals and slippers for going to Mosque with a plastic bag. 

• Socks (those with rubber at the bottom is a plus as the floor in Masjidil Haram is slippery) I bought 7 as well. 

• Hand socks

• A pocket or sling bag friendly Quran.

Last but not least, your Niat of going there. For Allah and for Ibadah. 

Usually, the agencies that you are going with will give you a list of things to bring. There are a few that are not listed.

I hope this will help some of you who are performing your upcoming Umrah or Haj. 

If you have any clarification, please comment down below.

I will write more on what to expect during the trips and more tips, In Sha Allah.

Apologise for the lack of photos, as I did not intend to take photos for sharing, but just for memories.

Xoxo 

'Ain

Shade Dough Lip Bait By Hanis Zalikha

Shade Dough Lip Bait By Hanis Zalikha

Long-Lasting Matte Lip Cream + Vitamin C

As'salamualaikum Lovelies.

I've heard about this via Instagram. I'm already following Haniz Zalikha because of her cute cat (bujibu - who doesn't know him?) When I saw these lip creams, i'm intrigue. Firstly because it look like Kylie's box except for a few differences and of course the name and the actual product itself.

It's not that easy getting this as they were previously not sold online. However, they are now available on Fashion Valet and Zalora MY website at RM55, which is great. 

I managed to get my hands on these four colours. As shown above, those are the colour swatches.

So Let's Talk:

Packaging

Packaging is alright - sleek box and the product in a tube. Plain, but it serves the purpose. It has a nice scent as well, not too over powering. There are limited colours available for Shade Dough.

Application

It comes with a doe foot applicator which makes it really easy to apply and to be precise.

Texture

I do not like the texture of this lip cream. It's not consistent for all, the Creme Caramel and Lotus Butter are so clumpy, application was not smooth, no doubt it is opaque, I disliked the feel of it on my lips. It feels like wax. I can tolerate the Medium Rose, which is the smoothest, and Salami. That has a smoother finish than the latter. I find the colour doesn't suit all skin tones.

Lasting power

The lip cream last for about 6-7 hours even with eating, but it suck up my lips dry, majority of the colour fell off as my lips cracked and peeled. This is with lip balm as well. I am not a fan of this lip cream. The dryness emphasis on the lines on my lips (which is sad)

I hope you find my review useful, please let me know in the comment, how I can improve on my reviews.

Until the next post people!

See ya!

xoxo

'Ain

SHOP SHADE DOUGH LIP BAIT

• 

  Creme Caramel

• 

  Salami

• 

  Lotus Butter

Duck Matte Decisions Lip Cream

dUCk

#MATTEDECISIONS LIP CREAM

As'salamualaikum Lovelies,

Who doesn't know dUCk in Malaysia and Singapore? Most people know. It has been quite a while since they released their dUCk cosmetics - in September 2017 if I remember correctly. Nothing have caught my eyes until these babies. The Matte Decision Lip Cream, all because they are named after my favourite TV series, Gilmore Girls. 

I bought not one but two to try out, and review it, might as well.

Honest reviews as always.

They said its kiss-proof and smudge-proof. 

Let's find out!

The first colour, is of course Shy Rory. I grew up watching Gilmore Girls and Rory as a role model (only the studying and reading habits). Therefore, this is a must and its my kind of nude.

Shy Rory is more on the brownish mauve. Perfect on all skin shades I dare say. I like that Fashion Valet have pictures of models with different skin tones wearing each of the lip colours. They make it simple for us to determine if the shades suit our skin tone and for our liking. Kudos for that!

My second colour of choice is Red Hot Lorelai. Now as a mother, I kinda reference her, here and there. Definitely know the kind of things a mother is going through. This red is totally perfect. It has the perfect red in my opinion. The power red, to power on with daily life. 

A hint of orange with a slight blue undertone, but not too much that it will make it look more burgundy. Nope. Perfect all year round, Red. Reminded me of Season 1 Lorelai.

So Let's talk:

Packaging

The box is a waste of paper. Such a huge box for a small item. Other than than, I am happy and impressed with the product packaging, especially the rose gold lid on the lip cream tube.

Application

It comes with a doe foot applicator which makes it really easy to apply and to be precise.

Texture

I love the texture, reminds me of Colour Pop's consistency. Smooth and more liquid than a cream. Therefore, it has a smooth finish. I find Shy Rory may need a second coat as it is not as opaque as Red Hot Lorelai. It is comfortable, non-drying and doesn't crack my lips (However, I do still use a lip balm, wipe the balm off and then apply the lip cream)

Lasting power

It doesn't last as long as a Colour Pop's. About 3 hours max, before it starts wearing off.

Definitely not transfer proof, as it leaves a stain on my coffee mug.

 But it doesn't leave an obvious smudge after after eating.

Overall, I like it. Will definitely keep wearing them, and of course touch-up required.

I will leave you to that lovelies.

Xoxo 

'Ain

SHOP FOR dUCk MATTE DECISIONS LIP CREAM

• 

  Shy Rory

• 

  Red Hot Lorelai

My Life As A Mother And More

 A Day In My Life

 A Mother. A Wife. A Daughter. A Sister. A Friend

Different Roles That A Women Play On Daily Basis

As'salamualaikum Everybody!

Alhamdulillah we meet again in the month of Syaaban. Which means we are not far from the month of Ramadan. May all our prayers and good deeds be accepted by the Almighty.

I have been posting a lot of beauty, a little bit of fashion and lifestyle.

Now I want to share with you a little bit more about my life. Being a Mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend is no easy walk by the beach guys. So let's start.

Something About Me.

I work full-time, Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm. I am currently pursuing my Psychology Degree Part-time at SUSS (Singapore University of Social Science). I am a full-time mother who juggles with finance (pay bills - Fun!), marketing (go market buy fish), administration (any forms that needs to be filled for school etc), teacher (Homework - Duh!) and secretary (helping dad with paying insurance for car, CPF issues, you name it, I do it) of my household. Oh! I forgot, I'm also the hair dresser and personal stylist for my daughter, Emma. I try to fit my hobby into my life to keep me sane and inspired, i.e. Youtube, reading and Blogging. I do almost everything except for washing dirty laundry and wiping the windows, fan and servicing the aircon (that is my husband's job scope). All these without a helper. However I am lucky (Alhamdulillah - Blessed). Really. Syukur Alhamdulillah.

My Day.

My day starts as early as 4.30am. I set my alarm for 4.30am, 4.45am and 5am - in case there are those days that you off the alarm, intending to blink, but you fell back to sleep. Once I'm up, I made coffee for my husband and myself to keep us going. Then I will get Emma's Snack box ready, prepare packed lunch for my hub and myself (usually I prepare extra the night before and refrigerate them so that in the morning I just heat it up and add air-fried Chicken or nuggets/hotdogs)

I wake my girl up, she gets up at 5am. Sometimes I'll help her do her bed (she is 6 going 7 YO), sometimes she does it herself if she is super hyper that morning - that made my job easier. She will shower while I iron my clothes for work and my scarf for the day. I'm very fickle, can never prepared the week or the night before (what I wear, depends on my mood and weather). I hit the shower next. Then solat subuh (dawn prayer). Get ready for work. Checked to ensure that my girl has all her books for the day and didn't missed anything else (which she packed the night before). She have developed her own checklist to also ensure that she didn't forget anything else. She usually tell me stories about happening in school while I'm doing my face for work.

Then its her hair time after my morning prayer (subuh). We leave the house at 6.15am. My husband will send us both to her school, she will reached roughly around 6.45am. And I take the train from there to work, else he will be late for work. I'm fortunate that in time of need and my husband have to leave much earlier than that, and boy, the perks of living near your parents, dad(my superman - he wakes up super early just for us) will drive us to school and me to work. 

Once drop my girl off, then he will drop me off the side of the road at my work and my work begins.

When I feel a little bit more motivated, I'll hit the gym for 30 mins, 30mins to get dressed, makeup and get my butt back to my workstation. The work just keep on flooding till I knockoff at 5.30pm.

My Evening.

I either take the train home or my husband will fetch me back from work (if he doesn't have to stay late for work), alternatively I'll grab hitch if I'm super exhausted or have too many bags of groceries to carry (lunch time groceries shopping). Once I'm home, its time to prep for dinner.

Something that I need to think of every single day. We prefer home cooked food for comfort, the feeling of being home and the slightly healthier choice than buying hawker food. The wonder of having a hot meal when you had a long day. I cooked almost on a daily basis as many time as I can. Sometimes I'm lucky that my mother or mother-in-law cooked extra for my family and send over some food. 

After Magrib (Dusk prayer), its time for Emma to go for her Iqra class (3 times a week, Monday to Wed). Thursday and Friday she sometimes have tuitions with my neighbours (English, Maths and Malay). This is my chance to have bit of ME time to do whatever I want for an hour. I study, do assignment, write blog, or trying to film a youtube video or simply just get to put my leg up for a while. Or clean the house and the cats's kitty litter. 

Once she's back, I'll see if she have homework to do, spelling test to study for and all that fun jazzy stuff. If not, I'll let her rest. 

I try to sleep by 10pm, which is most of the time impossible. And everything starts all over again the next day. My weekends are filled with chores, ironing, vacuuming, mopping the house. 

To destress, I will do those with music in my ears and dance around the house. When Emma goes for her Sunday swim class with her dad, I usually tag along to have a bit of exercise or stay home and plan for my blog or  flay lays for my instagram pictures, assignments or reading the Holy Quran.

It is really tiring and exhausting to cope with all these. But I love keeping myself busy. It keeps me at bay from getting anxiety or depression (which I've been coping with since my 4th miscarriage).  

Life is full of challenges and looking at it positively is extremely important. Motivation to keep your life going is important. My motivation comes from my family and my close friends. To be there for them.

That's all I want to share. Tell me about your day. I love reading about it. 

If you have wrote a blog post about it, linked it below for me to check it out as well.

Good night!

xoxo

Ain

SHOP MY LOOK

• 

  Tommy Hilfiger x Gigi Hadid Oversized Sweatshirt

• 

  Gucci Soho Disco

• 

  Tory Burch Colorblock Espadrilles

• 

  Dior Forever Perfect Cushion Foundation

• 

  Tarte Amazonia Clay Blush Palette

• 

  Lofalens - Innocent Blue

Nude Lip Colour Perfect for Asian Skin

Perfect Nudes for Asian Lips

Finding the perfect nude lips for us Asian. Trending for Spring/Summer 2017.

 As'salamualaikum (Peace Be Upon You) Everybody! Alhamdulillah, this week I got to share another blog post with all of you. Thank you for reading and checking out my blog. This week's blog post will be all about the nude lip trend that was all over the fashion shows for Spring/Summer 2017. 

Bag Collection (Luxe Edition)

All My Luxury Bag Collection.

Sharing Where I Got The Bags And How Much It cost, Then And Now. Enjoy.

As'salamualaikum (Peace Be Upon You) Everybody!

A short post to share my luxury handbags collection that I have collected over the past 10 years. 

I will indicate the duration of the bag I had in possession for your reference to see how well or unwell the bag have lasted over the test of time and wear. I will also indicate the price when I purchased them and the price now if I can still locate the price. I hope you will enjoy this rather different post and do watch my Youtube video to see how it looks like when I carry them if you are interested to purchase similar bags. Hope it helps. 

Note: I take really good care of my things, regardless of the price and how much wear I got out of them. Proper care will make them last and look good even if it's been years.

Let's go!

1. Gucci Soho Disco 

Price: SGD$1410

Bought in September 2016.

The perfect bag for almost every occasion. The colour red, which is "IN" this Spring season, is perfect to add a pop of colour to your outfits. The bag compliments the outfits, be it formal or casual, weekend chill session with fam-bam or friends by the beach. It may look small, but it carries a lot and is really comfortable. The price remain the same as of today.

2. Prada Cross Body Nylon Tote

Price: Not more than SGD$600

Retail as of 2013 was SGD$1500

Bought in December 2013

I am not sure if this is the right name as I have thrown the receipts away and the card as well. 

I bought this when I was in Florence, Italy at the Prada Factory Outlet at The Mall. I can't seem to find the price or the product anymore on Prada Website. Therefore I am not sure of the current price.

This bag is very durable due to the canvas exterior and it fits a lot. I use this when I need to hit the gym immediately after work or during lunch hour, as it can fit everything I need. The only downside is, the shoulder strap for cross body is wayyyy to long for me and I am quite average about 1.69m or 5'6. Usually I will carry it by toting or double the strap to carry on my shoulder.

3. Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch in Damier Ebene Canvas

Price: SGD$675

Bought in December 2009

This bag has been my travel bag whenever I go overseas, which was quite a bit, even for work and weekends for many many years. It holds my small purse, passports, lip balm and my handphone. Thats about all it can fit. It is small but convenient. Looks lovely cross bodied. I bought this in Paris and able to claim VAT on it. Therefore, it was relatively cheaper than buying in Singapore. It would have cost about SGD$840 in 2009. Not sure how much it cost now. Will try to call LV and check the price now. Will update this blog once I find out.

 4. Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap Jumbo

Price: SGD$4900

Bought in December 2013

For the love of Chanel's classics and look, I bought this bag. Originally wanted to get the Medium size. Due to the price difference, the Jumbo seems more worth while and could fit more. However, regretted it as I am a small handbag kinda person and I don't carry much. I was lucky to have purchased this before the price increase and I bought it in Rome. Found out that in Rome, the VAT for Chanel is 14% instead of 12%. Therefore, it was cheaper than purchasing it in Paris as the price in Euro was the same. Mine is in Lamb Skin. It is more fragile, but it looks more luxurious as compared to the caviar leather. It now retails for SGD$7930.

5. Chanel Boy Medium

Price: SGD$6210

Bought in August 2016

I love this bag even more than I love the Chanel 2.55. It very easy to pair this bag with casual or formal dressing. I really like the size as well. This bag with this colour only comes in lambskin. I was actually looking for a caviar leather for this bag as I would want to carry it without worrying of scratching it. Thus far, its been well. But the colour is unique. Its purple. Bought it in Singapore and the price remains unchanged. This is a medium not the new medium.

6. Speedy 25 Damier Azur Canvas

Price: SGD$980

Bought in May 2008

This is one of the longest bag that I've owned. I love it. Very durable, fits everything even though it is small for a speedy. Even though I bought it in a light colour, there is no colour transfer from jeans or anything at all. Current retail price is SGD$1300.

7. Burberry Newbury Nova Shoulder Bag

Price: SGD$250

Bought in December 2009

Bought this bag in Paris last minute when I saw it at Galeries Lafayette. It was retailing for SGD$520 in 2009. More for evening wear, fits less than my Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch.

 8. Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Hampstead PM

Price: SGD$1800

Bought in July 2010

Got this bag as a baby bag when I was pregnant. It is a little impractical as the bag itself has a weight on its on. Nonetheless I still use it for work, baby bag, and gym. The red suede lining inside is hard to maintain. Mine is still in good condition over these years even though it was a military full on baby bag with everything inside, include hot water flask. As of 2015, it has been discontinued.

9. Louis Vuitton Pochette in Damier Azur Canvas

Price:SGD$420

Bought in April 2008

This bag is love. I rarely use it now coz I have been using more cross body bags. Before that, I've been abusing this small baby with all my things. Its bigger in space even though its shorter than the Eva Clutch. The thin shoulder strap is durable even though I've stuffed it with lots of items and weigh it down. It didn't snap! :D

Thats all, hope it helps for those who wants to know more. 

Don't forget to check out my Youtube for this video!

Xoxo

Ain

Shop My Bag Collection

• 

  Gucci Soho Disco

• 

  Prada Cross Body Nylon Tote

• 

  Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch

• 

  Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap Jumbo

• 

  Chanel Boy Medium

• 

  Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Damier Azur

• 

  Burberry Newbury Nova Shoulder Bag

• 

  Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Hampstead

• 

  Louis Vuitton Pochette Damier Azur

The Face Palette You Need Right Now

Becca X Jaclyn Hill Face Palette

 The go-to palette for me from the day it was released! 

As'salamualaikum dearies! Where do I start with the awesome palette? 

Let start with the brand Becca. Becca products always have great pigmentation and smoothness to it. This palette that they have came out with is no exception. Not the first time they collaborated with the well-known Youtube, Jaclyn Hill, the first product they launched together was the Champagne Pop Face highlighter and it is now a cult among the beauty bloggers and youtubers. 

Packaging

It comes in this beautiful, and elegant white and gold snap closure packaging. It has a very wide and great quality mirror which always comes in handy when you are travelling and for touching up.

Colours

The palette consist of 3 cheek colours and 2 highlighters.
Highly pigmented. You've been warned! Be light handed with the blushers.

From left to right: Rosé Spritz, Amaretto and Pamplemousse 

Cheeks

Mineral Blush in Amaretto and Pamplemousse.

Luminous Blush in Rosé Spritz.

Highlighters

Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop and Prosecco Pop

On the left, Champagne Pop and on the right Prosecco Pop

Application

Becca's formulation for their Pressed Highlighters are know for the sleek and smooth application on the face. It is finely mill that made application on your face so effortless. 

The same goes for the cheek blushes that is in this palette. I am simply loving the Rosé Spritz, which reminded me a little bit of NARS Orgasm blush, which I would say suits every skin tone and the new highlighter Prosecco Pop, which I love even more than the beloved Champagne Pop that Jaclyn Hill first came out with Becca for their earlier collaboration.

Cost

$80.00

Available online at Sephora.

Click the link below if you are interested!

• 

  BECCA Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette

Thank you for reading!

xoxo

Ain