Farewell Ami Schaheera

Assalamualaikum and good day.

Dear families and friends.

The past twelve days have been the toughest time in my life.

Ami fell ill and was admitted to Hospital Ampang for five days with breathing difficulties.
On the fifth day, with her white blood cell count spiking up and her lungs slowly failing due to an infection, she laid a little uneasy in her bed,  surrounded by close family members.
On Wednesday, 24 Jamadil Awwal in the 1435th year of the Hijrah,   March 26th, 2014 at 01:30 in the morning, she was pronounced dead. She was 29 years old.

Her cause of death was Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Beloved Families, Friends, Boys and Girls.

For those who prayed and cared for her,
those who showed love and kindness,
those who called and came to visit,
those who supported and donated money,

I appreciate your sympathy, concern, wishes and prayers.
I can't thank you all enough. May God bless you and your families.
Let us pray for her and expect the best from God…

From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again.
(Al-Quran 20:55)

The Prophet Muhammad  taught that three things continue to benefit a [believing] person even after death -
charity which he/she had given (which continues to benefit others),
beneficial knowledge which he/she had left behind (authored or taught),
and supplication on his/her behalf by a righteous child.
(Sahih Muslim)

May her soul rest in peace, and she find love in the arms of God.

Best Regards,
Naz

BLACKMORES RETREAT at Bukit Tinggi

Embrace Nature's Healing Through Naturopathy

We all need a bit of quiet time now and again. Whether it is time for rejuvenation or for self-reflection, Blackmores has an ideal escape for you. Blackmores has designed a simplet yet relaxing two-days retreat that takes you back to nature. We open your eyes and heart to the healing powers of nature as you find peace and revitalize in the tranquil setting of D'Hillpines hill resort, Bukit Tinggi Pahang. You will discover the limitless benefits of naturopathy, the driving philosophy behind Blackmores. Their trained naturopaths will teach you ways to focus on building health and encouraging the body's self-healing process through holistic health education and living as close to nature as possible.  This is your chance to escape from the stress and rest your mind, body and soul. We will go back to basics, teaching you the benefits of superfood and how they boost your health. You also get to connect with health-concious like-minded people and be inspired by new knowledge. Not bound by any one strict doctrine, Blackmores naturopaths will let you in on the secrets of: ♥ superfoods ♥ healing power of foods ♥ organic gourmet meals ♥ natural health
WHAT TO EXPECT? Expect to eat well, get out and be active, try new things, make new friends, laugh a lot and and come home revitalized and glad you came. Things to bring with you: 1) Personal toiletries 2) Loose, comfortable and warm clothing and a pair of sandals. 3) A set of sports attire and shoes. 4) Hat 5) Towels 6) Water bottle  7) Umbrella 8) Torchlight 9) Mosquito repellent or citronella oil 10) Personal medication 11) Personal yoga mat
Things to leave at home: Worries and stress. Together we experience a renewed sense of well being.

REVIEW: ADANIA, Be Glamorously Natural!

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to be part of Amaryllis Spa & Wellness launch of their brand new all natural products range named ADANIA. As you might know, anything all natural or organic holds a soft spot in my heart as I believe that our body's wellness does not only depends on the purity of the food we eat but also extends to the beauty products that we use on our skin every single day. 

What toxic chemicals is your body absorbing? We absorb up to 60% of what we put on our skin. Children’s bodies absorb 40% - 50% more than adults. They are at higher risks for diseases later in life when exposed to toxins. 

Although I have still not fully change to all natural products but I am trying slowly - reading ingredients is sometimes my favorite thing to do when I'm doing grocery shopping and if there's too much of the stuffs that you don't understand - that probably only means there's too much chemical. Be aware of the toxins listed above. Download SKIN DEEP app on your smartphone to check for beauty products toxicity, most major brands are listed in there.

As for Malaysia, I personally feel regretful and sorry that our country does not require for manufacturers to fully list every single items in their ingredients on products. To make things worse, the supply for all natural and organic products in our shore is rather scarce and most imported brands are sold at such high price that isn't really accessible for average and low income individuals. 

I am so happy to learn that ADANIA is a local brand that is totally dedicated to launching a full range of beauty products that contains no toxin and completely all natural. When they say ALL NATURAL, they mean ALL NATURAL:

I have personally chatted with the founder of ADANIA and I'm so glad that we share the same sentiment towards a healthier lifestyle, not only through foods and exercise but also through they way we think and treat our body. ADANIA products are researched in Australia and are hand-packed locally by disabled people. ADANIA not only has started a good thing with this brand but they are also giving back by creating a sustainable opportunities for the disabled people to earn a source of income. Such a wholesome brand ♥

 Let's check-out their product range!

REVIEW: BELANGKAS ART for All Your Graphic, Printing & Photography Needs

Have you been looking for a printing company to design your business card, silkscreen print, banners and even wedding photo packages? Look no more as I have here Belangkas Art to introduce to you!

Let's check out their GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINTING work ;)

I'm loving the modern design and sweet color palette! Check out more here ♥

In need for button badges for that special occasion? Say no more!

More cute button badges to be viewed here ♥

Label Stickers!

How about that huh? Great for personalization of products or doorgifts on your special day - be it corporate or even happy merry ones like weddings & birthdays! More over here ♥

Ya Allah, they even do ribbon printing!

Somehow I feel I want my own customized ribbons lol, check out more here! ♥

AirAsia x Rags2Riches: Empowering Artisans

Back in October 2013, I was given the privilege by AirAsia to be flown to Manila and watch behind the scenes work of one of AirAsia Foundation's funded project, a very unique & eco-centric community based project aptly named Rags2Riches.

Rags2Riches Inc. is a for-profit social enterprise based in Manila, Philippines, creating eco-ethical fashion and home accessories out of up cycled scrap cloth, organic materials and indigenous fabrics by working with artisans (mostly women) living in the poor communities across Philippines. Rags2Riches’ philosophy stands upon its four bottom lines: People, Profit, Planet and Positive Influence.

The eco-ethical business model originated in 2007 in Payatas, one of the Philippines’ largest dumpsites and home to half a million people. An informal cottage industry of rug-weavers grew from the many women who developed a means to earn a living by scavenging the waste to find and recycle scrap pieces of fabric so that they could participate in handicraft production like rug and rag weaving, while taking care of their children at home. Over time, the industry became exploited by a series of middlemen who controlled both the supply of scrap fabric and the women’s access to the market, which created an unfair value chain for the women who at the end of the day earned only pennies per finished product or less than .20 cents USD per day.

Rags2Riches Inc. was created to provide these artisans with fair access to the market and the formal economy, as well as with additional skills-based, financial and health training so that they can maximize their career potential and take steps towards long-term financial and personal well-being. 

In 2013, AirAsia Foundation provided a social grant of USD13,275 to Rags2Riches Inc. to grow its business. The grant has covered:

♥ An orientation session facilitated by Rags2Riches Inc. artisans to new artisans communities.

♥ A workshop to develop current skills and materials of artisan communities so that the new artisans are able to produce high-quality products that can be sold through Rags2Riches and AirAsia's distribution networks.

♥ Integrated training which includes programmes on nutrition and healthcare, and life skills such as financial management.

♥ Opportunity to link up Rags2Riches artisans network and earn regular income as a Rags2Riches weaver.

♥ A field visit to another artisan group for joint product collaboration.

With that, in return artisans will have the opportunity to upgrade their skills and gain access to marker which will raise their income earning potential and create opportunities for improvement in their standard of living.

AirAsia Foundation was registered on 15th March 2012 and it's missions are:

♥ To share AirAsia ethos of entrepreneurship, equal opportunity & innovation.

♥ To empower communities through social entrepreneurship.