I don’t think I’m good enough for the Brands Blogger Challenge

Personally for me, I’ve always been interested in how the brain functions.

I find it fascinating at how some people have such great memory that they were able to recollect a list without hesitation. Thus that is why one of the person that I look up to is Tony Buzan – a person who is well known for his Mind Mapping Techniques and Memory Skills.

Tony Buzan Use Your Head

In fact when I have a child, I’m contemplating on using the Glenn Doman or even the Suchida method of growing up my baby. I think that it would be very beneficial.

Suchida uses mental powers

Regardless, I still do not feel confident of my memory skills. There are days when I just blank out completely.

So when Burson-Marsteller contacted me into participating in the Brand’s Singapore-Malaysia Blogger’s mental challenge, while other bloggers were excited about it, I just freaked out.

What if they asked really difficult IQ questions with difficult mathematical calculations that only a rocket scientist could answer? I’d be such a disgrace to all of the Singapore blogger community.

Brands Singapore Malaysia Blogger Challenge

Recently, I received a pack containing two weeks worth of Brands Chicken Essence which was very thoughtful, as it was one of the things that I consumed especially during my school examination period.

But my palpitations started again when I opened the ‘Brain Training Kit’

Brands Singapore Malaysia Blogger Challenge

Brands Singapore Malaysia Blogger Challenge

These are two of the 9 practice cards. I don’t even know where to start. Can I really do this? Just looking at the cards is stressful.

Rinaz Cry

Thank goodness the organizers told me later that due to overwhelming popularity, I was exempted from the challenge. I took a deep breath of gratitude. Phew!

Regardless, I would love to come down to support the event. If you are interested in it too, it will be held on the 3rd of December from 11am – 1pm at Geek Terminal ๐Ÿ™‚

Painting my room for the first time ever

For a very long time, my room was a shade of pink.

Rinaz Paint Job

But after numerous constructive criticisms by my mum to spruce it up in time for the wedding, I finally picked up the paintbrush and started painting my room.

Rinaz Paint Job

I’ve never painted before. After several advices from my friend on painting techniques, I bought some paint, a roller brush and a paint tray. After some trepidation, I dipped the brush in the paint and drew the brush up and down.

It was surprisingly therapeutic,ย like doing a giant pedicure.

Rinaz Paint Job

And after 2 days of musty clothes, splattered slacks and several cold drinks …

Rinaz Paint Job

My new wall! I know this is probably very mundane but I’m so proud of myself. I think it looks pretty good for someone who’s never painted before.

Countdown to solemnization

This is it.

Less than 30 days to our solemnization.

At this point of time, I’m still scurrying on some things that needs to be tied up. My dad’s been busy sending the wedding cards, mum’s been busy with sewing clothes and I’ve been busy mostly with the processing of the documents needed for the marriage.

And honestly, I feel so unprepared and unready for the whole ceremony. I worry sometimes that in the end, we could not get married for something that I forgotten to do. Lately I’ve been having anxiety attacks over the entire events.

But I’m not having cold feet. I love him very much. He has been so kind and patient, gentle and loving to me. And though I don’t know what the future brings for me, I cannot wait for to spend the rest of my days with him.

Cart and Rinaz in Sorrento

Just a bit more dearest, we can do it ๐Ÿ™‚

Bintan Resort Lagoon – 2 days in paradise (part 2)

Contrary to what Moby said about Bintan Lagoon Resort rooms facing the sea being haunted, Geri and I slept soundly with no disturbances and woke up refreshed. At 6 am, it was a beautiful morning, with the sun shining brightly.

Beautiful Morning in Bintan Lagoon Resort

Initially, we wanted to go cycling, but there were none available at that particular time, so we decided to go for a jog around the resort. It wasn’t an easy track for us as it went uphill and down. We went past the villas, the beach and back to the activity center. It was so tiring that I’m embarrassed that I feel so unfit.

Cakes and Desserts at Kopi O

After my ordeal, we washed up and got ready to go have breakfast at the resort cafe, Kopi-O where a beautiful buffet was ready. There were loads of lovely intercontinental food there. I enjoyed my breakfast so much that I forgot to take a picture of my plate.

Geri eating omelette

As we ate, I looked outside the window. It was a nice view – seeingย the greenery and water catchment outside of the window. But then I spotted a man sitting precariously at the edge of the pond. I remember that the the pond was rather steep and for some while, I felt alarmed.

Man on a steep pond at Bintan lagoon Resort

Regardless, he looked very confident and comfortable with his stance and we left him to his own devices.

After our breakfast, all of us couldn’t wait to head to the beach to play. It was such a lovely morning. Immediately, we jumped on our buggies and headed off to the sea!

If the sea was lovely at night time, it was breathtaking in the day! It was a beautiful shade of bright blue and the soothing sound of the waves greeted us. We couldn’t help ourselves but to run around on the beach.

Beautiful Bintan Lagoon Beach

I kicked off my slippers and went around barefooted. The sands were soft. It was like walking on brown coloured flour.

Beautiful Bintan Lagoon Beach

Gorgeousness!

Below is a short video clip on the trip to the beach :


Il Mare at Bintan Lagoon from rinaz on Vimeo

We were so enamored by the beach that we started jumping around.

First it was me.

Beautiful Bintan Lagoon Beach

And then Geri joined in.

Beautiful Bintan Lagoon Beach

And then Jenjen!

Beautiful Bintan Lagoon Beach

We had such a riot on the beach. But we did not stay too long as the weather seemed too hot after a while. Thus, after our beach revelry, we headed to the Leisure Center where we played with ATVs!

Jenjen on Quad Bike
Here is Jenjen on a Quad Bike

This was another first for me as I’ve never ridden on a quad bike before. Having been used to my scooter, the feeling of riding a quad bike was similar but slightly different compared to motorcycles as we could travel on bumpier roads. Impossible for regular motorcycles. We went through different terrains, some sandy areas, some jungly like.

I had so much fun running through the different areas! Even if I did crash into some vegetation, it was still awesome zooming around on the quad bike. I love the the feeling!

Here is a short video of our encounter with the Quad Bikes :


ATV Ride from rinaz on Vimeo

Our exciting ATV rides has made us work up an appetite and not before too long, we were treated to a lovely lunch at the Miyako Japanese Restaurant.

The restaurant was nicely decorated with clean, natural and green furnishings. For me, it invoked a sense of serenity being in the place.

And soon our foods arrived! I love Japanese food! Yummy!

Miyako Japanese Restaurants at Bintan Resort Lagoon

I remember liking the grilled mackerel a lot. It was very flavorful and tasty. Not to mention the delicious Tuna Sashimi! A dab of shoyu and wasabi and I was slurping on pure happiness. I wished my tempura was less oily, but nevertheless, it was still nice to eat anyways.

Miyako Japanese Restaurant at Bintan Lagoon Resort

And before we knew it, it was time to pack up and get ready to head for home. And reluctantly we said goodbye to our beautiful deluxe room, goodbye to the buggies and goodbye to the beautiful island of Bintan.

Sea Ferry from Bintan Island
Snapped using my Innov8

Thank you so much Felicia, Sari and everyone for the warm hospitality. Geri and I really enjoyed our stay. The break was truly a step in paradise ๐Ÿ™‚

Geri and Rinaz

Have you ever been to Bintan before? What do you think of it?

Link :

I like makeovers!

I love makeovers. I love how with a dab of makeup and a bit of hairspray can transform a woman.

This is one of me done in 2004

Rinaz makeover 2004

This was during an Estee Lauder promotion. I think paid for a redeemable voucher for $30 where we could choose 4 looks for ourselves. I choose the dramatic makeover with emphasis on the eyes and lips. The makeup was really pretty, but it doesn’t really look like me.

This is one in 2005

Rinaz makeover 2005

I was given a “free makeover” from Coverlooks which turns out to be a floozy, as a photo costs $10 each. Regardless, I did like the softer, rich taitai look ๐Ÿ˜€

Today, I was at Vivocity for a complimentary makeover session with Nadnut courtesy of Samsung.

Nadnut Makeover Samsung Makeup Store

There we met the very talented ladies, Sarah and Joey who did our hair and make up for us.

Look at all those makeup on the table. I love it! I’d love to have THIS type of vanity table for my room. Its awesome!ย So many lights!

Sarah deftly dabbed shades of brown on my eyes, soft pink for my cheeks as well as light pink lipstick. I usually use red lipstick, but this look looks surprisingly beautiful.

Rinaz makeover Samsung makeup store

I love my mod look! I wished that I had remembered to ask Sarah what shades she used so that I could at least try this look for myself ๐Ÿ™‚

And then it was Nadnut’s turn! When she was being made up, my hands were itchy to play with the Make Up Store cosmetics. There were so many beautiful colours that made me feel so euphoric.

Rinaz makeover Samsung makeup store

And this is our final look. My hair looked quite Victorian while Nadnut had vavavoom curls. I think that if they had provided lighting, the picture quality would be even better, but this was good too ๐Ÿ™‚

Nice? You may now call me Datin Marina ๐Ÿ˜›