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Merdeka-Day-Themed Wedding

  • August 26, 2009 at 2:52 PM

In a few more days, Malaysia will be celebrating her 52nd Independence anniversary on the 31st August 2009. As for the lucky couples having their wedding around the month of Independence Day celebration, here are a few suggestions to add a touch of nationalism and patriotism in your big day.

National-Day Theme for Wedding Ceremony

Instead of standard wedding ceremony colors, incorporate the Malaysia’s flag colors and design into your wedding dinner and reception. The yellow star and moon as mobiles or confetti pieces; the red and white stripes stretched out as banners and ceiling decoration; you might even add in our National Flower, the hibiscus, in the floral arrangements.

While you don’t necessarily need to deck all the chairs and tables in blue, yellow, red and white, you may choose one of the colors as the main colors (yellow and white will be ideal, though Chinese couples may prefer the red), and use the other colors as complementary (blue napkins, yellow-gold cutlery and candles etc.)

Also, you may try adding in the national anthem and other patriotic songs in your playlist for the ceremony music.

Colors for the Attire

For a standard white wedding gown, add in some red, blue or yellow-gold to go with the theme; or you might want to choose a fusion-style wedding dress—like a cheongsam-kebaya, or a traditional attire different from your own culture.

For the bridesmaids and best men, have them dress in the range of our National flag’s colors; maybe a hibiscus corsage for the men, and hibiscus flower bracelet/ hair ornaments for the ladies. A hibiscus bouquet will definitely complete the look.

Food for the Occasion

Complete the menu with all Malaysian cuisines and delicacies. For one having a Chinese-style banquet (where tradition requires it), you might like to have some Malaysian flavors added into the menu, or mix and match food from different cultures for a change.

Most importantly, make sure it is suitable for all guests of different cultures and beliefs. Meat such as fish and chicken will be the best for dishes.

The main spirit of the National Day is for all Malaysians, no matter culture or beliefs, to enjoy the day together, while remembering our forefather’s efforts to fight for our Independence. So, as long as all your guests are having a good time, it will be the best for a National-Day theme wedding.

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A Happy Lasting Marriage

  • August 20, 2009 at 5:33 PM

While Malaysia celebrates her 52nd independence anniversary, some couples might also be celebrating their decades-long wedding anniversaries as well. So, what keeps a marriage going? What made it possible to fulfill the “till death do us part” vow?

For our grandmothers and mothers, divorce rates during their time are less compared to our time now. It might be the stigma that society sees with divorced women during those times that discouraged most from initiating the step. But for those who had truly stood with their husbands until present, they have their own advice and tips.

Only True Love?
Most of them would have told you with a smile that true love is not everything, or the only thing between couples. The dynamics in a relationship will not remain unchanged for years.

“Marriage is when you will spend the rest of your lifetime with another person. And it is not easy to begin with.” Madam Lum, a housewife, had admit that it did took some time to get used to married life, during the start of her 50-years marriage. The differences in habits, little quirks in each other’s life. “In the end, it is either learning to accept each other’s differences, or nothing will work out.”

“When you’re married, you’ll have a new role to fulfill, new expectations to meet.” Ann Lee said. Married for 10 years to her husband, the school teacher admit that she, as a wife now, is expected to raise children, take care of the household and her husband, aside from her own career. “There will be compromises and sacrifice, but a marriage comes with responsibilities that you cannot avoid.”

“But being married doesn’t mean you quit your life!” 55 years-old Joy laughed. The retiree now lives with her husband in their old home in Pasir Pinji, where both still find the time to indulge with each other’s interests(she likes a nice read once in a while he likes fishing) and meet up with each other’s friends. “It’s like giving each other some breathing space.” She added with a smile.

Learning to cope with a new life, accepting the responsibilities of a new role, and adjusting to a new level of relationship is the core in a successful, long-lasting marriage. While love had been the spark, communication and efforts to understand each others and sharing burdens is the glue to solidify the vow of “till death do us part”.

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Beauty Care for all to Share

  • August 5, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Hitting the spa once in a while is quite the pampering treat for every lady, and some gentlemen included. However, for those with a penchant for saving and would rather have a DIY-spa at home, or someone on a stay-cation hoping to try something different, here are a few of our ideas for a home-made beauty treatment.

For a spa idea all of you own, take a glance through Soaking Spa, DIY Style for some head start. It is simple, affordable spa luxury, all in the comfort of your home.

For a list of DIY face, skin and hair treatments, check out DIY Skin and Hair Treatment , DIY AHA Facial Mask , 5 Natural Hair Loss Solutions and Economic Beauty Tips for money-saving, easy-to-prepare, and equally effective.

As for myths and misconceptions, 6 Myths in Skincare will help you debunk some of the skincare myths that had perpetuated among skincare regimes.

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