Diy Toy - Rocket Ship From Plastic Bottle

Diy toys are fairly easy and inexpensive to make. These are perfect to give children handmade gifts at Christmas, birthday or any day!

To make a rocket ship from a recycle bottle, you'll be needing;

• 1 recycle small bottle
• 1 children sock
• Glue gun
• Mod podge or water glue
• Scissor
• Silver masking tape
• Red, yellow and orange yarn
• Cardboard and felt (not in picture, you'll be needing this to make a circle, fins and for the bottom tube)
• Aluminum foil

Slip the sock over the bottle. Using glue gun, fold the bottom of the sock under the bottle and hot glue the sock. (For option, use mod podge or water glue and dab it on the surface of the bottle before slipping on the sock)

For this part, use cardboard, felt and aluminum foil. Cut two circles from the felt and glue to the front of the bottle as window. Cut two more circles smaller than the latter and cover it with aluminum foil. Adhere on top of the previously attached circles.

Using cardboard, make 3 pieces tube or otherwise you can use tissue tube. Cover tubes with aluminum foil, secure edges with silver masking tape and adhere to bottom of rocket with hot glue.

Cut three matching fin shape out of cardboard and hot glue them to the side of bottom edges of the rocket.

Wind orange yarn around your hand (around 5-6 times), repeat using the yellow and red yarn, slip it off your hand and tie in the middle. Glue inside one of the tubes. Repeat process with the other tube.

Make this with your children and let them enjoy making their own handmade toys!

Read More

Of Lifestyle and Fertility

One of my favorite fruit/vegetable juice/smoothie has to be from beetroot . I blend or mix whatever fruits or vegetables I have in the refrigerator but basically my recipe for beetroot juice is;

• Quarter of beetroot
• Celery stick
• 1 frozen banana (makes the juice sweet and creamy)
• Quarter of cucumber
• Bunch of mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil (vco)

Beets are claimed to be one of the healthiest food or superfood you can juice. With lots of benefit it really is worth your time to juice everyday.

I got my virgin coconut oil supply from a relative who is located in Kudat, Sabah. Kudat, my husband's hometown, has always been known for its coconut groves. Recently, VCO (virgin coconut oil) was making its presence with its health values. I got this for a fraction of the price but if you get them from the pharmacies it can be quite expensive. So, for those who are interested leave me a message.

Try my other recipes of juice/smoothie goodness.

Yellow juice/smoothie is made from;

• Half zucchini
• Celery stick
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 1 orange
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 tsp vco

While green juice/smoothie is made from;

• Bunch of spinach leaves
• Half cucumber or zucchini
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 tsp vco

Read More

Art of Healing - Doodle

The Pursuit Curve Doodle

The world of art is awesome! I found a new way to doodle! Instead of just doodling away or whatever you have in mind, create images by drawing lines or whirls in structured patterns. 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the idea of the adults coloring book (being famous of all is the Secret Garden Coloring Book), starts from Zentangle, created by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. Zentangle is an abstract drawing created by using repetitive patterns. It is easy-to-learn, very much relaxing and fun. You just have to repeat drawing the patterns and voila!, you have an intricate drawing that looks like from a professional.

I am not much of an artist but everyone can doodle....

Edge of Book Doodle

Mandala art on a recycle cake board

Zentangle in a Circle 

Read More

You Will Never Believe the Bizarre Truth Behind this Indonesian Cuisine

Bosou (Source)

If you are a true Kadazan-Dusun you must have at least consume ‘bosou’ or pickled fish/meat. The main ingredient to ferment the raw fish or meat is what we called ‘pangi’. ‘Pangi’ is made from what the Malay called ‘buah kepayang’. It is a type of nut which is poisonous in nature and in order to consume it one has to prepare it in such a way to get rid of the poison then only you can used in dishes.

Pangi/Buah Kepayang/Kluwak nuts (Source)

According to Chowhound, in Indonesia, in order to process the nut, it would be buried in volcanic ash and allowed to mature. Then it need to be soaked in water for 3 days. The water needs to be changed and the nuts brushed clean daily.

In Sabah though, normally by the Kadazan-Dusuns, pangi is used as a food preservative (as well as for making 'bosou') where pieces of meat or fish will be covered by pounded flesh of the nut before drying them under the sun. Now, I'm not sure whether it is process (of getting rid of the poison) before being used as a food preservative, but by the sound of it the flesh of the nut is just pounded into a powdery substances before using.

Mostly I don’t care what’s in the dish as long as it’s good to eat. But since I think I would like to make ‘bosou’ someday I might as well get to know my dishes. Now, ‘bosou’ might have a pungent smell for some, but when it is stir fried with onion, garlic and bird-eye chilly, you might as well add another bowl of rice. It is so good…I tell you.

Now, imagine my surprise when I come across a recipe which used ‘pangi’ or what the Indonesian called ‘keluwak/kluak/kluwak’ nuts in a SOUP! Now, that bizzare. What would it taste like? I know that ‘pangi’ has a bit of bitterness to it. Black, powdery, bitter substance in a liquid dish?

Introducing Nasi Rawon, a traditional beef stew or soup accompanied with rice (nasi), hence the name. Interestingly, the deep black color of the soup is from the kluwak nuts, the main spices in the soup. This dish is typically from the Indonesian province of East Java particularly in Surabaya.  There is even a restaurant in Surabaya which is called Rawon Setan (Devil’s Rawon) which is listed in tripadvisor and according to some a must visit.

Looks appetizing with the rich black broth

It's interesting human is capable of using deadly resources of food to accustom to our need. Surely there must have cases in the olden days where people died from consuming this type of food before they learn how to process it. 

I wouldn't mind trying one since it's a very popular dish that there is even a version of it in Singapore. I wonder if it's available in Malaysia...

Read More

RIP Chester of Linkin Park

Waking up to a message in a whatapps group of the suicide of Chester Bennington, singer of Linkin Park was just surreal. According to the news the group was in the middle of a tour and I think it's just unbelievable that he would suddenly commit suicide.

There's more to a story. Apparently, the singer was alone at home when everybody is out of town and he was suffering from drug and alcohol abuse apart from, I believed, depression.

Linkin Park was one my favourite rock band or what we called alternative rock band in the 90's after Limp Bizkit.

Watching back at their video music, it's just so sad that someone at the age of 41 has left this world unsatisfied of their life.

Rest in peace, Chester.

Link story from:
http://m.tmz.com/#article/2017/07/20/linkin-park-singer-chester-bennington-dead-commits-suicide/

Read More

You Should Experience This Father's Day Game at Least Once in Your Lifetime and Here's Why

Take a break from the constant screen-time and try activities or games at social gatherings to interact with friends.

For Father's Day celebration this year, we had planned both husband and wife take part in this funny and yet romantic game for couples. You had to try this game once maybe in your birthday celebration or any occasion related. It takes almost no preparation and I personally think it's the best tricks to add fun to romantic moments.

It's the Spouse Makeover game or better yet put-makeup-on-your-husband game. Some of us ladies are expert in putting up makeup right? Try it in blindfold?!! It's funny cause you'll be doing it with your eyes closed and romantic as well cause there'll be a lot caressing on your spouse's facial features.

And the results is quite awesome actually....

All the daddies are lucky this year. We even handmade our own bouquet of gifts for them.

Proud ladies with their handmade bouquet of either flowers, chocolates or men's product for the husbands.

Proud husbands as well, as their makeup are done by their loving wives. Maybe next time we should try a game where husbands try to put makeup on their wives in exchange.

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.  

~ Billy Graham

Happy Father's Day!

Read More

Five Interesting Facts About Father's Day You Might Want to Know

1. Father's Day cards dates back to roughly 4,000 years ago. Elmesu, a Babylonian* youngster carved a card out of clay to "wish his father a good health and long life.

*Babylon, a famous city from ancient Mesopotamia whose ruins lies in modern-day Iraq.

2. Father's Day is celebrated on the third day of June in many countries of the world. Many Christian countries, such as Spain and Italy, celebrate father's on St. Joseph's instead (March 19).

3. A necktie is among the ultimate gifts for Father's Day. Did you know that neckties could date back on 221 B.C.? When Chin Shi Huang, China's first emperor and founder of the Qin Dynasty, and his famous "terracota army" were discovered, each replica was wearing a necktie.

4. Thailand Father's Day is celebrated on the birthday of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej on 5th of December. Before the king passing on 13th October 2016, everyone will wear yellow to show respect for the king and also celebrate father's by giving them a canna flower.

5. Father's day originated in the United States after Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by mother's day. It has been celebrated in June since 1910.

So, father's day is just around the corner - it's close enough that you should put some thought to it. But shopping for Dad is hard, I know. 

Aww, please get your Dad something this year just to tell him how wonderful he has been in your life. It's not necessary to buy expensive gifts. A homemade card with a personal message will do.

Why not, for this year, buy your Dad a personalized gift which has a sentimental touch to it. A personal message just for your Dad printed on a special selected gift just so that he look at it every morning or anytime of the day and thought...I'm blessed. 

At Bavakoo Gifts & Crafts you can personalized a regular white ceramic mug with your own unique photo and message.

So the next time your Dad take a sip from this personalized mug, you will always be in his mind. 

Read More

Reasons You Should Love Brownie in a Mug

It's a fast paced world we living nowadays. Everything's in a hurry. If you are a sweet tooth like me, baking a cake could drain you from all the measuring and cleaning afterwards. That's why this brownie in a mug recipe is perfect for those who's craving for their daily dose of sweet treat but is in a rush.

Elise Bauer of Simply Recipes shows how to make a single serving brownies in a mug, in just 5 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup flour (30 g)
• 1/4 cup sugar (50 g)
• 2 Tbsp (13 g) cocoa (natural, unsweetened)
• Pinch of salt
• Tiny pinch of cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
• 2 Tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil (NOT extra virgin olive oil, it's too strongly flavored)
• 1 to 2 drops vanilla extract
• 1 small scoop of ice cream or 1 or 2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream to serve.

INsTRUCTION

1. Place flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon in a microwave safe ceramic mug. Stir with a fork or spoon to mix well and break up any clumps.

2. Add the oil, water, and vanilla to the cup and stir until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.

3. Place in microwave and heat on high until the mixture is cooked through, about a 1 minute and 40 seconds for a 1000 watt microwave. You may have to experiment and adjust the time for less or more powerful microwaves. If you don't know the power level on your microwave, start with 60 seconds and increase until the brownie is done. It should still be moist when cooked through, not dry.

4. Let cool for a minute and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a teaspoon or two of whipping cream poured over.

Personalized your mug with this microwave safe mugs with your own unique quotes or photos. Order yours at Bavakoo Gifts & Crafts. 

Read More

Penang's Cheap Banner & Flyer Printing

For our Pesta Gawai and Kaawatan event, we had to print flyer and backdrop for the indoor stage. We made our own design to minimize the cost and next find the most affordable printing shop around the Seberang Perai area of Penang.

I found seberal printing shop at Bukit Mertajam and after requesting for quotation, I found that the pricing offered by Percetakan Nasional Malaysia Berhad (PNMB) at Bandar Perda is the most affordable. In fact, the pricing is among the cheapest in the market.

The person-in-change of the printing department is the friendliest salesperson ever! 

Between exchanging emails and through PNMB's website I found that the minimum flyer to order is 500 pieces but Mr. Shahrul of the printing department allowed us to print 200 pieces since we only need that much. How kind of him! 

And since designing for the 10 feet × 10 feet indoor banner we need a higher resolution image, I had to asked Mr. Shahrul to design it for me. And guess what, he didn't charge me for designing! Adui, where else can you find a bargain like this! For the info, designing for printing marketing tools such as banner or brochures is included in the pricing. My last experience of printing a backdrop, one certain shop charged me RM20.00.

Designing process which includes 4,5 amendments and still Mr. Shahrul is patient as ever! 

The finish product. I got to say I am fully satisfied with the color of the image printed.

For the flyer, since it's going to be circulated to the public, it has to be attractive in term of color and designs. I regret that I didn't take photo of the finish product.

The term preforation only come to my knowledge when printing this lucky draw ticket. Perforation is row of small holes punched in a sheet of paper so that a part can be torn easily.

Small details like this costs more. One shop quote me over RM200.00 just for the perforation (not including the printing!) since they'll be using machines to make the fine cut. So we decided to just print it and manually cut it later on.  

For the reader's information, I am a freelance designer. For those who are interested in designing flyer for all occassion please leave comment below or email me at feliciawilliambinsol@yahoo.com.

Read More

Kotobian Tadau Kaamatan & Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai

We had just finished our first time ever night of Pesta Gawai and Kaamatan. Months of preparations; organizing and practice come to this night in full gear to offer what we have to make it succeed. 

A quick recap here on the celebration of Pesta Kaamatan and Gawai.

Kaamatan is a harvest festival celebrated by different ethnic groups especially among the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah. It lasts for the whole month of May where different ritual stages are held to commemorate the spirit of the harvest and all leading up to the climax of the festival on 30^th or 31^st May. The peak of the celebration is often accompanied with Sugandoi (singing/karaoke contest), Unduk Ngadau (harvest festival queen), traditional sports, multi-ethnic cultural shows and carnival with an array of local food at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Hall or KDCA.

Similar to Kaamatan, Hari Gawai is also celebrated to mark the end of the harvesting season which falls on 1^st and 2^nd June each year particularly by the Dayak people in Sarawak normally at longhouses. Celebration begins on the evening of May 31^st with also different stages of ceremonial rites performed and ends with a merrier gatherings. The celebration may last for several days and activities included dances to the traditional music, cock-fighting matches, blowpipe and ngajat competition and also beauty pageant to choose the festival’s queen and king or also called Kumang & Keling Gawai. 

The Gabungan Anak Borneo team. 

So our very own Pesta Gawai and Kaamatan held on the 1st of May at Creative Ballroom, Butterworth, Penang. 

We have opening performances in dances and acoustic singing. The first special performance were neither from Sabah or Sarawak but from Indonesia. Since we had lots of Indonesian friends in Penang, we thought it was a good idea to showcase the traditional Batak dance from Sumatra, since they are also included in the third largest island in the world which is Borneo.  Batak is an ethnic group predominantly found in North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Some of the dancer who performed the traditional Batak dance.

I wish I had taken photo of each of the performances that day but everyone were busy making sure the event were on track that not even one of us remember to take photo! Or maybe, we were simply mesmerised by all the performances or maybe just busy taking selfies...haha..

Between performances, we had lucky draws and our kind sponsors make sure almost everyone get home with a prize or two. 

The Magunatip team dancer. Although the Magunatip dance or bamboo dance is from the Murut people from Tenom, all of us wearing different attire from the people of Dusun, Rungus and also Lundayeh of Sabah.

The guys from the Gabungan Anak Borneo team. 

Contestant in the Sugandoi (singing/karaoke contest). Song performed in the local dialect of both Sabah and Sarawak. What interesting is we got one contestant who performed Batak song.

Contestant in the best dress competition. Attire worn are from the people of Murut, Rungus, Dusun and Lundayeh. 

The winner of the Sugandoi competition.

Winner of the traditional best dress competition. 1st goes to traditional dress from the Murut people. 2nd goes to the Rungus people and 3rd from Dusun. 

Overall the event was a success. We were all thrilled and excited to be hosting our first Gawai Kaamatan in Butterworth, Penang.

Till next year!

Read More

Squeeze Your Stress Away

I’m a full time mom doing part time home-based gift business and occasionally doing artwork for my homemade gift or artwork for church.

Stress is inevitable whether you are a student, working mom or housewife. One sure way I go through my stressful days is by crocheting (apart from praying). The repetitive action of crochet distracts me from whatever issues I had at the moment.

Nowadays, it seems everybody is stressed out.

A more easy quick way is to use a stress ball. The act of squeezing and stretching stress ball somehow ease you. You can also use these stress ball for your kids as well.
Find out how to make one here.

Have fun!

Read More

Homemade Remedy for Cough

I had these terrible itchy cough that won't stop these few days. It would get worse during the night. I hate eating medicine especially cough syrup. I would feel sleepy the whole day. Even if I consume the non-drowsy cough syrup, for some reason, I would finish one bottle of medicine and still cough like crazy.

I saw these homemade remedy for coughing on the internet and thought I give it a try. 

Basically you just mix slices of lemon into the honey.  So you will be only needing these two ingredients;  1 lemon and a cup of honey. 

Place lemon slice in a glass jar or a mason jar and pour honey until the jar is full. Leave overnight in the refrigerator and take one spoonful when required. Or even you can take it by mixing with warm water.

I got to say I found out that my cough will subside during the day. You have to consume this homemade remedy for about 2-3 days for it to show effects.

I did give this homemade cough syrup to my 6 yo. He was having this dry nonstop cough when we had a month long haze right here in Penang. We would come home one day and by evening he would have this really bad cough. Went out to the pharmacy and buy the most expensive honey I could find (it was raw honey and it was imported from somewhere...) and get home. I give my son a spoonful of honey mix with a few drops of lemon and by midnight the cough's gone.  

So I think this homemade remedy works. But consume with caution. Honey is not suitable for babies below 1 year old.

Enough of my rantings! Try it yourself! 

Read More