Pray for Paris... Pray for Humanity

The bombings, and killing of innocent a few days back in Paris has saddened and if I dare say shook the world. It saddens that this is a clear work of the well plan out  as they attacked a few well-know cafes, and a stadium, knowing there will be alot of people. Trying to target a high number of citizens. I pray that the families and that those effected by this tragedy that have lost their loved ones be strong in this difficult times. 

credit: google

However, in the midst of this sad news, I cannot help wonder why the world was so shook by Paris and not other countries like Syria or Palestine or Beirut? Why is it not widely documented or called out, but only of a handful? Is it because those countries are not as popular as Paris? Or is it that 'brown people' are less important? I say this because I start to worry about my brothers and sisters of religion. Harsh tweets stating that Muslims are the terrorists, or the refugees of Syria is the cause of this bombing unsettles me. Islamphobia is still deep in most countries and it difficult to rectify them especially in these days where Islam rarely gets an opportunity to portray true acts of our religion. 

credti:google

May I ask, is it so easy to blame the 'brown people', or people that are so different from you? Ok, I am quite a clumsy person, I would walk really fast at times and would always end up hitting my toe on a table or a chair. I would scream at first to the agony and probably hit the table or the chair, but how can it be their fault when they have probably been there this whole time. Could be that it is possible that we would want to blame someone else other than the possibility of our own? My point is that please do not jump to the conclusion that the accused would NATURALY be a muslim.

credit: google

The Quran Al Karim says the above. I believe the religions and all other religion do not encourage or teach killing, so why are there people specifically appointing Islam as the religion of terrorists? If a man is accused of a crime they are put to court and the first rule of court is "a man is innocent until proven guilty". Evidence that will be brought to court is never on the religion of the man but the evidence on the case. I seek to point out that if anyone was to be put on a blame be it with justice and without discrimination of the whole. If one muslim man is a criminal you cannot put the next muslim man that comes up to you equally wrong. 

Let us seek deep down in our hearts of hearts to pray, to have compassion for each other, to feel empathy. Pray for humanity. pray for love. pray for peace.

credit: google

Ramadhan Kareem

Assalamualaikum Everyone...

 I hope it's not too late for me to wish a happy Ramadhan and wishing all off you a blessed Ramadhan.

This year my Ramadhan is going to be a bit different. This year I am fasting together with my Mr for the first time! It was interesting! When i was single I usually don't care what i eat I don't even get up for sahoor I just usually sleep till subuh then get on with the day. But now, well making sure Mr has food was at first a struggle. I tell you my ears are immune to the sound of my alarm clock! Just so you know if an atom bom went off next to me I'd would not hear it! I needed and still do need adjusting to Mr that needs to get up for sahoor and have proper food. Which usually includes rice.

After 2 days of fasting Mr actually sulked because he missed his mom's ayam percik (roast chicken), hahah I didn't know whether I should laugh or smile it was too cute. So naturally I contact my Mother in law and got her recipe, with my mom's help (no. i'm not the greatest cook) made the ayam percik and Mr was so happy! He attacked the chicken with much gusto! I guess it's true what they say if you want to win a man's heart cook.

It was difficult at first i have to tell you the truth, because I personally think after 28 years single life now you have to think of someone else almost constantly is weird. But i love it Alhamdullilah! I have to admit seeing Mr's face being happy with the food I prepare for him is rewarding.

Hahaah! Ok enough chattering about Mr. But Alhamdullilah Ramadhan is a month that really brings me together with Mr, there is a lot of things that we need to together do, and doing things together is not always a fun ride. We fight and argue but the end result is always bliss.

Look Ma!! I'm on TV

Asslamualaikum Everyone.... It's a beautiful rainy Sunday. 

I have not been writting for a while because a bit occupied, when I write I rather enjoy doing it in peace and quiet where I think I literally can hear my thoughts out loud. 

I am so happy to share with you a milestone in my life and my business life. 2PIES was interviewed by BIZ MALAYSIA (RTM). It was such an amazing experience. I think given the chance all of us would have cried at such an amazing honor. 2PIES has been a family business since 2011 but was properly registered in 2013. It was a slow and full of sacrifices to get to a comfortable place. I have to admit that at times feeling envy or hateful to those started younger than us but achieved so much in so little time. Along the way we understood that different people have different 'rezeki'. We also learned that by supporting others and being happy on others achievement gave us much peace and a different perspective in things. We are more focused and we are more open to ideas and challenges. We became braver instead of dwelling in self pity. 

Biz Malaysia interviewed the main anchors of 2PIES which is Mr Izaiha our marketing or to me (Big Brother), Chef Yusuf our executive chef or to me (Big Brother In Law) and Mrs Izyanti Izwani or ME! Unfortunately Mrs Ismin the founder couldn't attend the interview that was held at our very own kitchen. 

Will share you some of the interview questions. 

Why 2PIES?

Alot of factors that lead to this. It was started by 2 sisters which was me and Mrs Ismin. We were the 2nd registered Pie company. 

Why a squirrel as your logo?

It's an easy logo to remember and when you say 2PIES again and again it sounds like 'tupai' which means squirrel.

How it all started?

It started with 2 sisters who just loves eating western and pies. But almost every pies we bought did'nt hit the spot. we tried making it on our own and started bringing for all kinds of occasion and honestly to share the yummyness, and the rest is history. 

Alhamdullilah I am very proud of this business, started small and has since received momentum to a more comfortable place. But I thank all and everyone small and big that have helped us along the way. Help in promoting, help in research help in moral supports especially the times when we wanted to quit. There is not enough pages on the blog to mention each and everyone of you. But I will always remember you in my heart and prayers.

A little advice to those who wants to start business recognize your capability and weakness. Don't limit yourself. There is always space for improvement. One business do not have to be the same or different from another. Unique and peace of your efforts goes a long way!! Alamak I can't seem to find the picture of Mr Izaiha's interview...

!!WATCH ME HERE!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-934jb5p78&feature=youtu.be

HUGS!

2PIES LOGO

YUMMY!! OUR FAMOUS MUSHROOM & CHEESE MINIPIE!

CHEF YUSUF INTERVIEWED

NOT CAMERA SHY AT ALL

WAS A NERVOUS WRECK

OH SO ATTRACTIVE! -_-"

Support.

Assalaamualaikum..

Hello everyone!! 

Can you tell that I am excited? Yes I am excited because my business is slowly and steadily picking up. After 4 years of night shifts we finally got our own kitchen. Feeling very blessed right now. It has been a bitter sweet journey to obtain this kitchen. We didn't have few hundred thousands or even thousands to throw around. So our only way was work from scratch.

There was really a time (ok several times) where I really wanted to stop. just focus on my day 9 to 5 job, actually have 8 or maybe 10 hours of sleep (MasyAllah one can dream), maybe even have a normal social life like go out till the wee hours of the morn or not bother bout doing book keep.  But thankfully after a few naps or movie, I realize there is nothing else I'd rather do than see my food being enjoyed by everyone. Also the advantage of getting into business with partners especially family whom are equally passionate and confident in the product supporting each other is key.

No one can truly understand your struggle. Let it be a small business, medium or big. Your struggle is your own yet, do not forget to surround yourself with positive vibes, encouraging people and passion as this small things will help you to keep a level head in times of trouble. This do not only apply for business it may be applied in all aspects. 

Recently I joined a group of business people, and it is an amazing feeling of awe where I would call them the big guns making their products name well known yet being humble and always easy to talk to. They are super friendly always sharing knowledge, advice and tips to maintaining a successful business. The best part is no one trying to out run or compete in an unhealthy way!! 

These kinds of group is just great for your self esteem and support. It don't  have to be a great group. Enough if it is just your best friend regardless of background as long as she or he supports you. BUT BUT BUT BUT! Support is different from relying. Support is always good and you need it but remember YOU are YOU.  YOU know what you want and need. YOU still need to be your own cheerleader. Remember if YOU will it YOU could move mountains, It is YOUR climb Suppport is for along the way.

will share photos of the new kitchen very soon!!!

Mek Mulung - A Traditional Theatre

Bismillahirahmanirahim..

Assalamualaikum My Lovelies..

I wish you all a beautiful 1st March 2015. Well to end my Sunday and a kick-off March I went on a wonderful date with my mom to the theatre. Oh it was wonderful. I had an amazing time. The theatre was about Mek Mulung. A traditional theatre that originated from Legor, Siam and it spread to Kedah, Malaysia. "Mek" which means girl and "Mulung" which is a name of a bush which in context it is meant to be "Mek Mulung" which means 'Gadis Hutan' (Gadis hutan). Mek Mulung is about a combination of dance, singing and comedy all in "loghat' (dialect) Kedah. Escorted by traditional instruments like geduk, seruling and semborong. 

Yeay!! got my ticket!

I'm a little traditional girl at heart, I just love traditional dances, how can you not? Graceful movements and exquisite life performance, making people feel what you are trying to portray, I don't think it is easy. Malaysia have a truck load of various traditional dance all over Malaysia, From North to South Malaysia is a bursting cultural country that never bores and surprises and fills you up with beautiful deep inspiration of old folks tale. Form Mak Yong in Kelantan, Tarian Kuda in Johor and Tarian Sumazu in Sabah, are among the traditionl dances in Malaysia. Not forgetting our Lion Dance and our Indian Dance. What makes it even more beautiful every traditional dance in Malaysia is never stereotyped. Malays indulge in traditional Indian dance and or Chinese dance and vise versa. *sigh.... I love Malaysia.

Okay, I am getting side tracked. Back to Mek Mulung a story about a prince; Prince Cahaya Bulan and a princess; Princess Nang Mara and their efforts in saving their country from Raja Gergasi (Giant King). I have no words to express the beautiful grace of the traditional Mek Mulung. You just have to appreciate this old tale of old times before any real nonsense of the present happening, where every movement is meaningful and every word voiced softly, full with passion and shyness yet stern and firm. There is just something soothing yet enjoyable of any traditional performance that will stick to your heart.

Raja Gergasi (King Giant)

Hahaha for those who don't enjoy theatre as much as I do, I strongly suggest you try, just once or twice. Watching theatre is a different feeling all together aside from watching a movie or tv. It is indulgeing your every senses in the performance, as if you are there, in their timeline to experience the thrill, the sad, the pain and the happiness. Mek Mulung was perform only 2 exclusive days in Istana Budaya, which I think was a shame as I think it was too short. I have to commend Arja Lee as an amazing Prince, he carried his role with ease and stance of a King, and the beautiful Shamsun Nadia Zulkifli an upcoming prominent actress portrayed a flawless beautiful graceful Queen yet her will and loyalty to the King was heart warming.

Ok enough jiber jabber, Watch Mek Mulung and be awed!! If you are interested to get a snip of Mek Mulung. This is the youtube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDcek79DrDo

These props is 400 years old.

Me with "Edeng" he was hilarious!!!!

Mom and her friends taking pics with some of the cast members. Did I mention they were very friendly?

Married or not. Dating with Mommy is the best. (Not getting rid of this daughter easy, hahah)

Introduction

Bismillahirahmanirahim..

Assalamualaikum...

A daughter a recent wife always a baby sister and older sister to a baby brother (baby by name not age) and forever a daddy's little girl. I bow to you dear readers in introduction of myself to the world of blogging. My humble name Izyanti Izwani Bt Zainol Abidin. Born and raised in beautiful Malaysia. The 5th child of a sibling of 6 and loving it! Do I really have to tell you my age??? =( errr 19?? hahah i don't think i can even pass for 21. My dear respectful readers I am 27 going 28 (suddenly the song 16 going to 17 Sound of Music is playing in my head..la la la la..). 

I love to read and write and sing for that matter regardless i am off key or maybe just tone deaf. I have always wanted to write a blog but never seem to have the courage. Alhamdullilah after a few researching and consulting even seeking advice from the pioner bloggers here I am. I would like to share my life journey with you, but I am no celebrity or fashionista, just normal unique me. Not to boast never to show off but would like to share the ups and downs the weird and psycho moments of my life. 

My life is far far farrrrr from perfect, so am I. I am a firm feminist (which drives my husband totally nuts by the way), but love being spoiled by him anytime. I am a proud law degree holder, yes i say proud because it took me 5 years to complete. A stern and protective aunt to 5 beautiful nephew and nieces which i swear at times feel like biting theirs ears off degil! (stubborn). 

Oh by the by I co-own a food business name 2Pies you guys should just check it out. You guys can check it out on instagram @2piesbakes or facebook https://www.facebook.com/2PiesForU

Along the line of blogging I would love to share my experience in business, if you guys would like it. Alhamdullilah it's nothing big but it's a humble steady business that i am very proud of. Please do leave a comment or two, i would love to hear what you guys think any constructive criticism is much appericaited.