Managing my Emotions Better with Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

I attended a talk called Jom Jemput Kebahagiaan the other day at Open House Play Centre, Bukit Mertajam, Penang. Not that I am not bahagia, but this talk is actually about how to manage your emotions with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by founder of Nouri Wellness, Dr Izam Suziani.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) also known as Compassionate Communication might be new in Malaysia but it's already a well known communication technique world wide. NVC is an approach to nonviolent living developed by Dr Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s. Its tools are used to regulate emotions, being empathy, express and hear ourselves - taking into considerations on FEELINGS and NEEDS - with no judgment, assumption or blaming.

As you know, anyone - being a mother, an employee, a businesswoman, a housewife - we deal with mixed emotions daily.

theAsianparent app - your no 1 pregnancy and parenting app

When I was about to become a first time mom back in 2014, I remember myself looking for information everywhere on pregnancy, delivering a baby, breastfeeding and even how to care for my little ones. I bought books, I Googled and I even asked my family and friends. Information was everywhere, but I secretly wish for a community where I can ask and discuss about all of the things at one place.

Years passed by and I found out about theAsianparent apps! It was like a dream comes true. Even though I have already have 2 kids now, 5 years old elder Bee and 2 years old little Bee, there are still sometimes queries on how to care and raise my kids well. So I am so glad that I came across the apps!

Fasting Skin Re-water Vital Therapy at Roszen Beauty MyTown Kuala Lumpur

Most knows that I am not the kind of woman who really cares about skin care. Plus, being a mother, I always find it hard to spend extra time going through the skincare products. I wonder how some able to sit in front of their mirror and do so. I would hear my kids screaming Mummmyyyy Mummmyyyy non-stop. But yes, once in a while, I do realize that I have been neglecting my skin and it looks so bad for my age. So I decided to give my skin a treatment it deserves.

When I was in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Bilal's birthday recently, I visited a spa in MyTown Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, the Roszen Beauty.

Roszen Beauty is a one-stop concept beauty salon that strives to enhance people's confidence by providing comprehensive skin care solutions. Roszen offers a wide range of professional treatments. Roszen Beauty Spa is very relaxing and comfortable.

Mini Karnival Al Haq in cooperation with Kindness Malaysia

We went to Mini Karnival al Haq on Malaysia Day, 16 September 2019 at Rumah Al Haq, Dato' Keramat Kuala Lumpur. The Mini Karnival Al Haq was held to get funding to cover the costs of their operations and other expenses in order to keep the residents safe and comfortable there.

There were many interesting activities that was organized besides selling of food and things, including Nerf Games, sand art, bayblades, face painting and many more.

The mini carnival was also attended by many other children from other shelter homes around Kuala Lumpur.

I Won the China House Penang Doodle of The Week Contest

Few weeks back, the complete in-law family went for a tea time at China House Penang after attended a family member's wedding in Balik Pulau.

China House is one of Penang's famous cafe. It is a traditional compound of 3 heritage buildings linked by an open air courtyard. China House Penang which is located at Beach Street and Victoria Street, Georgetown, Penang, consists of 3 restaurants, 3 shops, 1 bakery, 2 art galleries and live music  every night.

They are famous for their cakes - there are up to 50 cakes a day!

At China House Penang, there is a paper placed on the table and crayons are given for the customers to doodle.

Before our meals arrived, I started doodling on the papers provided with the crayons, drawing Balqis and Bilal. Balqis later asked me to continue drawing Mummy and daddy and ended up drawing the whole family.

Note that I am not a doodle artist nor I am good in drawing. I just happen to like to conteng-conteng (sampai masa sekolah selalukena marah dengan my mom sebab conteng buku sekolah hahaha). And saja suka nak lukis to make the kids happy.

Bilal's Birthday Party with KFC Chicky & Friends Birthday at AEON Big Ampang

We actually didn't plan big for Bilal's second birthday party. All we had in mind was to buy a cake and some food and hang out with family at home. But my mom got another idea and she wanted to throw her grandson a birthday party at any fast food restaurant instead. After giving some thoughts and had some discussions, we said okay to Nenek. So we had Bilal's 2nd birthday party at KFC Aeon Big Ampang the day after his actual birthday (because of the availability of the slot). 

We choose KFC as our party place as it is obviously everyone's favorite fast food restaurant. KFC Aeon Big Ampang is the nearest KFC store from our place which have the birthday party service. Plus point that the party area is spacious and is separated from the main KFC dining area.

The Kids First Merdeka Celebration - National Day at Dataran Kulim Kedah

We were all excited to go celebrate the National Day at Esplanade (Padang Kota), Penang on the Saturday, 31st August 2019 morning, as per stated in the government website and few other website.

But once we arrived there, we saw the road was way too clear and quite for a long weekend holiday in Penang, let alone to have a Merdeka celebration. Then we remembered that daddy said the notis penutupan jalan is for Butterworth. So we checked on Facebook and other social media updates - yes - the celebration was done in Butterworth, not Esplanade. 😭

I was so frustrated for the fact I stayed up to sew their t-shirts to go for the national day marching and celebration. So we ended up go to have our breakfast (again) at Roti Canai Jalan Argyll and brought the kids to the playground instead.

Messy play: Tutty fruity at Open House, Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Did you know, messy play - in addition to being fun and interesting for babies and young children, encourage children to explore and investigate?

Other reasons messy play or sensory play is beneficial for children include helping children to build nerve connections in the brain. It encourages the development of motor skills.

Generally, sensory play includes any activity that stimulates your young child's senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing. Sensory activities facilitate exploration and naturally encourage children to use scientific processes as they play, create, investigate and explore.

'Messy Play' can help children in many ways, to calm down, express their feelings, experiment with different materials, learn about textures and learn hand-eye coordination or to practice drawing, measuring and mixing skills.

Little Caliph Pearl City & Jawi Sports Day and Anniversary Carnival

Little Caliph Pearl City and Little Caliph Jawi (which also known as Tadika As Saadah) sports day is more like a carnival, in conjunction with Tadika As Saadah 5th year anniversary.

Mummy woke up early morning, very excited to attend Balqis' very first sports day. Balqis was very excited and looking forward for her sports day too. She's been practising the Robocar Poli dance, which the kids supposed to dance during the opening ceremony.

She would ask Mummy everyday after school if tomorrow was the sports day.

When she woke up and got ready, she was still very excited. We had breakfast first before we go to the event place. We reached the sports day place, registered and went to wait under the tent.

Experience Balik Pulau by Cycling, Balik Pulau Festival 2019

It's just last two weeks that we went to the Audi Dream Farm in Balik Pulau, and we were there again last weekend to join Let's Rock Balik Pulau programme, in conjunction with Balik Pulau Festival 2019.

There were two activities offered through the Let's Rock Balik Pulau programme - cycling at Balik Pulau or mangrove boating and hiking. The event is organized by Tourism Malaysia together with Matahari Cycle Tours and Travel.

The inaugural Balik Pulau Festival 2019 was held for three days from 19 to 21 July 2019, offering various programs including running events, cycling, traditional orchestral performances, services from government agencies, games, food and handicraft.

Feeding the farm animals at Audi Dream Farm, Balik Pulau

We found out about Audi Dream Farm months ago when I saw some friends postings on going there but then, we forgot about the place until recently so we decided to take the kids there since Balqis had been bugging us to take her to the zoo. FYI, Penang tak ada zoo ye. So, Taiping is the nearest and we just been there last few months too.

Audi Dream Farm is located in Sungai Rusa, Balik Pulau, Penang. Just Waze "Audi Dream Farm" and it will take you there straight away.

For MyKad holders, the admission fee was RM 10 each for adult, RM 5 for children 3 to 12 years old and free for below 3. For animal feeding, the basket cost RM15 including several animal foods, pre-packed.

The Audi Dream Farm opens everyday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm including most public holidays.

Penang Sentral, the newly opened transportation hub in Penang

Remember last time when I blogged about our little outing taking the train to Butterworth and hanging out at Penang Sentral? Well, I did not mentioned much about Penang Sentral because I think it deserves a post on its own.

Penang Sentral is the new hub for all transportation and transits in Butterworth - KTM station, bus station, jetty for ferry and of cos, taxis. In addition to the convenience of public transportation, Penang Sentral offers several facilities and services to enhance the traveler's experience while in transit. 

Penang Sentral is build with shops, ticketing counters, prayer rooms, a food court, a nursing room and many other facilities to accommodate the needs of travellers. There are also parking spaces available for the convenience of those using transport facilities there. Penang Sentral is hoped to play an important role in streamlining transportation in the state as the place was a hub for long and short distance buses, taxis, ferries and trains.

Taiwan Halal and Bubble Tea Products Sharing and Cooking Demo by Chef Nurilkarim

Halal bubble tea? That’s right! The ever-popular bubble tea from Taiwan is made using halal raw material which makes it the ideal beverage for Muslim in Malaysia and beyond.

One of the activity during the Taiwan Expo 2019 is the Taiwan Halal and Bubbles Tea Products Sharing Session which was held on the second day of the expo, 6 July 2019.

With the Penang government actively developing its halal industry, there are plenty of business opportunities between Taiwanese halal products manufacturers and Malaysian businesses waiting to be explored. Taiwanese halal products are highly regarded for the high-quality production and attractive packaging, and the products on display at this year’s expo include many halal food and beverage items, halal beauty products and halal agricultural products.

Witnessing awesome Taiwan products and services at the Taiwan Expo 2019

After attended the Industry 4.0: Smart Factory Solution seminar, I went to the Taiwan Expo at the Ballroom of Setia SPICE Convention Centre to witness the awesomeness the Taiwanese brought to Penang.

Based on Taiwanese government’s flagship programs and prospective areas, the Taiwan Expo presents and share Taiwan’s experience in various industries.

There were different pavilion with different theme showcasing Taiwan finest products and services including Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, Taiwan Tourism Pavilion, Taiwan Halal & Bubble Tea Pavilion, Taiwan Beauty Pavilion and Taipei Your Partner Pavilion.

Industry 4.0: Smart Factory Solution Seminar by Taiwan Excellence, Taiwan Expo 2019

During the Taiwan Expo 2019 that was held in Setia SPICE Convention Centre on 5th to 6th July 2019, I managed to attend one of the seminar organised by the Taiwan Excellence, the "Industry 4.0: SMart Factory Solution" seminar, which also in conjunction with the existing products on display.

The seminar objective is to share Taiwanese experience in this area with Malaysian counterparts.

Speakers include representatives from renowned Industry 4.0 manufacturers Advantech, Hiwin and Nexcom as they touched on topics of co- creation models, smart machinery and their Internet of Things. The seminar was well received by the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Penang Foundry & Engineering Industries Association (PENFEIA).

Ruang kerja menarik di The Venture co-working space, Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Bekerja dengan permandangan laut yang saujana mata memandang? Mesti lah nak, kan! The Venture co-working space yang terletak di Tanjung Point merupakan ruang bekerja yang pertama dengan pemandangan laut di Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang.

The Venture menawarkan pelbagai pakej menarik untuk memenuhi keperluan anda, termasuk 'digital nomads' pada harga RM 20 sehari dan pas pelajar pada hanya RM15 sehari, dengan akses internet berkelajuan tinggi, kopi, teh & snek dan utiliti percuma.

Perkhidmatan lain menawarkan alamat perniagaan, pengendalian mel, pencetakan dan pengimbasan. The Venture juga menyediakan ruang untuk mesyuarat dan ruang acara.

Produk K-beauty terbaru dari Althea A'Bloom

Got myself my very first Althea Korea products and it's the A'Bloom collection yeayyy! Excited sangat bila parcel ni sampai sebab dah baca ramai yang review barang Althea ni memang elok so nak juga lah merasa kan. And sebab sejak-sejak ada anak memang jarang sangat give attention to diri sendiri, ni anak kedua pun dah besar sikit, nak lah memanjakan diri sendiri balik kan. Asyik manjakan anak je hehe. 

Parcel ni sampai few days before raya hari tu. Tapi baru hari ni sempat nak update kat blog sebab (konon-konon) busy dengan raya hari tu. First sekali masa unboxing (which lupa ambik video sad!), surprise dengan packaging kotak dia. It's a Hari Raya themed box, okay. Rasa teruja sangat sebab Althea Korea took the initiative to make it personal as masa tu dah raya season. Love sangat, kan? Memang confirm akan simpan lah kotak tu. Dah lah memang sejenis hoarder hahaha.

A'Bloom adalah jenama terbaru dari Althea Korea yang menjanjikan untuk membawa kegembiraan kepada rutin kecantikan anda. Dengan konsep yang cute, unik dan berwarna-warni, A'Bloom ingin menjadikan rutin kecantikan sesuatu yang menyeronokkan. A'bloom direka untuk menyampaikan produk kecantikan K-beauty dengan segar, cepat dan funky!

So dalam kotak tu ada beberapa barang iaitu set A'Bloom Mask Sheet set, A'Bloom BHA Blackhead Blaster dan A'Bloom Giant & Baby Meringe Puffs. Jom tengok barang-barang tu, jom!

Taiwan Expo 2019 bakal berlangsung di SPICE Arena, Pulau Pinang

Taiwan Expo 2019 akan berlangsung pada 5 dan 6 Julai di Setia SPICE Convention Centre, Pulau Pinang dari 10am ke 6pm. Kemasukan adalah percuma. Pameran ini mempunyai 6 kategori utama yang disesuaikan untuk pelan pembangunan Pulau Pinang dan mengukuhkan hubungan di antara Malaysia dan Taiwan, termasuk Bandar Pintar & Industri 4.0, Teknologi Hijau, Perubatan, Produk Halal, Gaya Hidup dan Pelancongan. 

Taiwan Expo 2019 akan disertai lebih daripada 100 pengilang di 110 gerai pameran. Selaras dengan usaha kerajaan Malaysia untuk menggalakkan perkembangan bandar pintar, Taiwan Smart City Pavilion akan menampilkan pelbagai solusi lengkap integrasi peralatan dan perisian; Excellent Taiwan’s Export Processing Zones akan membawa teknologi air terkini untuk rumah dan industri, termasuk pengisi automatik, mesin pengedap, panduan gergaji rantai dan lain-lain pengeluar peralatan tulen (OEM) untuk industri makanan.

Buka Puasa di Adam's Kitchen Coffee and Grill, Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam

Adam's Kitchen ni terletak di Bandar Perda, Penang, dekat dgn Restoran Kapitan Perda. Kedai ni actually dah lama nampak tapi tak pernah try. Setiap kali pergi makan kat Restoran Kapitan, Nash Bistro atau Kedai Nasi Arab Hadramawt kat sana, mesti cakap lain kali nak try makan kat Adam's Kitchen. Bulan ganti tahun, tak pergi-pergi pun jugak.

So hari tu, the in-laws family plan nak berbuka kat luar sambil sambut belated birthday Ayah dan advance birthday Ibu. Diorang suggest nak makan kat Adam's Kitchen, so setuju je lah sebab memang teringin nak cuba.

Pelbagai tempat makan dan rehat baru di R&R Juru Arah Selatan, Pulau Pinang

Kalau sebelum ni, perjalanan dari utara ke selatan melalui Lebuhraya Utara Selatan tak banyak kawasan rehat yang agak besar di belah utara. Jadi semua tempat makan, tempat solat, tandas agak sesak. Kalau yang keluar exit bawah sikit, dah banyak juga pilihan tempat rehat seperti di R&R Gunung Semanggol (Bukit Merah), R&R Sungai Perak atau R&R Tapah.

Tapi lepas kawasan baru dibuka di Pusat Perniagaan Setia Sentral di R&R Juru (arah selatan), lepas ni lebih mudah dan selesa lah para musafir nak isi perut, beli bekalan atau berehat seketika sebelum menyambung perjalanan tu. 

Kalau travel dari utara ke selatan lepas ni, boleh lah singgah tempat-tempat makan baru di R&R Juru Arah Selatan ni, selain gerai makanan R&R yang sedia ada. 

Ada sesetengah premis ini menyediakan kemudahan seperti surau, indoor playground kanak-kanak dan wifi percuma untuk keselesaan pelanggan. Dan hampir kesemua menyediakan perkhidmatan pandu-lalu.