Implanon : A new method for birth control

If you've been following my tweet, I did mentioned about this before. I waited 1 year to post so I can tell what 1 year has been for me with Implanon in me. Anyway, let me just tell you a little bit about Implanon.

What is Implanon?
First of all, Implanon is one of the contraceptive method used for birth control. It's a 4mm long and 2mm in diameter rod (about match stick size) inserted under the skin of a woman's upper arm and contains etonorgestrel.

source

How does it work?

By releasing etonorgestrel serum little by little into our body to inhibit ovulation and modifying the viscosity of the endocervical mucus on our uterus. You can go here for more info on Implanon.

Anyway, I took my Implanon at a near by clinic for RM400 (varies at other clinic or LPPKN). No surgery needed. What they did was just insert this huge needle containing the rod into my arm. The process took about 10-15 minutes. 

Here a before and after photo. I know it looks pretty scary at first. After few days, there will be some bruises on the arms. Do not fret! That's totally normal.

Once you're done, you will be give this card (photo of front and back) showing the insertion and removal date. In case you would like to get pregnant after 2 years, just go the a clinic and have it removed.

This it how Implanon looks like under your arm. It's totally invisible. I just pressed my arm so I could show you it's there. No scar whatsoever. 

ok the big question. Why did I choose Implanon? Why not IUCD or pills? or that 3 months jab? Natural planning?

Well first of all, I just had , the idea of having a thing (IUCD)  inserted down there is scary enough. So I passed. Pills? I admit I'm not disciplined enough to take medication on time. That includes that 3 months jab too. 3 years doing nothing is pretty much my idea of family planning.

However, like any other hormones related birth control, there are a few side effects that is varies for each individual. So far I had very minor pain at the back of main head like migraine. But it usually occur 1-2 times a month around the 1 year of insertion. I haven't had any headache after a year. And of course your menstrual cycle could go haywire from zero period to period at every month! 

In my experience, the 2 weeks after insertion, I had a heavy period that last for almost 2 weeks! But after that, I didn't have any period for 1 year and 2 months. I just had my period 2 days ago and boy was I happy! 

So far I never experienced weight gain or loss in weight. When I 1st had in, I was fully breastfeeding Sara. It has no effect on lactation. However I stopped breastfeeding when she reached 1 year old due to personal reason.

For those who are still looking for birth control method, maybe you could give Implanon a try. I have no problem with any other method (not that I have experienced any of it). All the best to you and thanks for reading. 

*all the above are solely my personal experience and thoughts. This post is not sponsored by Implanon. Though I wished*

On Instagram

Hello peeps! Just a quick update on what I've been busy with lately. Instagram! Who doesn't?

If you haven't follow me yet, you should!

Totally addicted to it now

Will give real updates really soon stay tuned!

Happy Eid Mubarak! (It's still not too late!)

Salam and hello to all my fellow blog readers. I know it's been ages since the last time I blogged. Last night I was browsing through this blog and I was surprised that I've only have 8 posts for year 2012! Like 1 post for each month!

I love my blog. The reason I started blogging is to keep memories alive. So I'm sorry I haven't been updating a lot lately.

Anyway, I hope it's not too late for me to post this entry on our recent Eid Mubarak celebration. We had turquoise theme this year (so we can wear it again on my sis's wedding this September :P). I guess I was one of the lucky ones who doesn't have to fight every year to decide which kampung we should go this year. Because my husband and I are both from Alor Setar. Our parent's home were just a stone throw away!

Sara wasn't in a good mood on the 1st day of Eid. She was a little cranky and fussy. Bought Sara's kurung at Ddyan Closet. Nasib baik sampai before raya. Or else no kurung lah for Sara.

Us with my mom

I told you she was cranky

My dad, brother and elder sister couldn't join us on the 1st day of raya. Dad and my brother were in JB.

Later that evening we went  to Wan's parents. Makan-makan and took some photos. 

Top - We will never missed beraya at Maslia's , my dear friend since highschool. 

Bottom - 2nd day of Eid.Every year Aidilia will have an open house at her parent's. Thats 5 of us. Bestfriends since highschool. Together forever :D

How was everyone Eid celebration? 

Wedding of Reena & Hairil

I hope it's not too late for me to post this in my blog. I know things been pretty hectic these days. the juggling job between carrier, blog design and being a mom and don't forget a wife!

Anyway, I have known Reena since the 1st time I started blogging which was 3 years ago. Although I have never met Reena in person but we get along pretty well until now :)

Luckily Reena is a Penangnite. So when she invited me to her wedding, I feel like it's a golden opportunity to finally meet her! I actually have to free up my schedule for the day and told my hubby 2 weeks in advance and keep reminding him of this event. (Because hubby I ni suka buat plan last minute)

So on Saturday, May 12, 2012, we made it to the wedding held at Setia Pearl Island's Ballroom. Here are some of the photos from the event.

{Iseriously forgot what you call this table}

I met another blogger/twitter friend @Shuzaila. I saw Aida too as we reached the venue and she was about to leave. Tak sempat nak bergambar dengan Aida :(

Usually we will be having trouble eating out because Sara just can't stay put. But we were lucky because Hana ( Ella's daughter) is doing a great job entertaining Sara. Dapat la menikmati lauk kawin Reena yang sedap itu.

Here's the bridge and the groom. I just love these 3 photos. :) Congratulations again Reena. Till we meet again. One day :)

Guest Post - Five Family Favorites for Vacation

By Alexandra Jacobs

Traveling with a family is a completely different experience than traveling without kids. Many parents are unsure about the best place to go on vacation with a family that will easy, relatively inexpensive and fun. The good news is that there are wonderful vacation spots for families, including these top five locations:

New York City, New York

New York City may not be the first place you think of when you think of vacationing with the kids, but the truth is that there is much to do, see and experience. Go see a Broadway play, take a carriage ride through Central Park, stroll through famous neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or go on a ferry ride over to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Check websites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com to find deals and coupons for popular destinations in New York City and consider buying the New York Pass, with paid admission and discounts to more than 70 places and attractions.

One of the best places to stay in New York City for families is the West 57thStreet Hilton Club Hotel, located right by Times Square, Broadway and Rockefeller Center. The hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, which significantly cuts back on the daily costs of keeping an entire family fed. While this may not be quite the same as living in elite New York City Real Estate, it’s as good as family-style hotel living gets.

After a day of sightseeing, take the family to Big City Bar & Grill for dinner, where there is a large supervised play area for children under the age of nine so the grown-ups can sit, relax and chat in peace for a while until your American-style dinner arrives.

Key West, Florida

          Photo by flickr user placesaroundflorida

Sometimes you want some sun and sand instead of busy city streets. If this is the case, take the family to beautiful Key West, Florida.

Stay at the Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa, which has a waterfront pool and a sheltered beach where kids will be safe wading and swimming (all with parental supervision, of course). The hotel even has its own turtles and parrot, which just adds to the family appeal.

During the day, head for Founders  Park, which has an Olympic-sized pool, kayaks, pedal boats, paddleboards, sailing lessons, skate park and on-site picnic and barbeque sites. Bring your own food and a cooler to cut down on costs and do not forget plenty of sunscreen.

When you have had enough sun, visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum and view the artifacts from the “Isaac Allerton”, which sank in 1856. Get discounted tickets at their website.

Head to Blue Heaven Restaurant for dinner, which even has a ping-pong table, roosters and a gift shop to keep kids busy and yummy seafood for dinner when everyone is ready to eat. 

San Diego, California

                Photo by flickr user Russ May

Another great beach vacation for families is San Diego, which has plenty of sun and surf for everyone but much more, including the famous San Diego Zoo. Check out http://www.mousesavers.com/sdzoo.html for discount tickets to the San Diego Zoo and be sure to give yourself all day to spend at the zoo.

After a tiring day at the zoo or any of the other attractions in San Diego, check into the Rancho Valencia Hotel, rated one of the best hotels in America by U.S. News. The hotel is about 30 minutes outside of San Diego and offers beautiful gardens and a peaceful setting.

Do not forget that you need to eat after all that activity, so check out www.LivingSocial.com and sort by Locations, Takeout & Delivery and then either Dine-In or Takeout/Delivery to find the latest deals on nearby restaurants to feed your hungry tummies.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Photo by flickr user jimmiehomeschoolmom

Embrace your inner Yogi Bear and go enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

One of the best things about Yellowstone is that you can do many of the most popular attractions free. Just pack your hiking boots and layer your clothes wisely, since weather can vary from hot, sweaty to cold and windy very quickly. Most walks and hikes throughout Yellowstone can take anywhere from an hour to all day, depending upon your route and chosen sights, including the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, Old Faithful and Yellowstone Lake. Plan accordingly if you have small children.

If you’re ready to rough it (at least a little bit), then stay at the Old Faithful Inn, which offers small rooms right inside the park itself. However, if you are staying with children, reserve a room with a bathroom to avoid using the common bathrooms and showers, which can be difficult with small kids. In addition, stock up on your food and beverages before you check in because you may not want to head back out once you are there.

Do not expect fine dining in Yellowstone, but if you want a good burger and a beer, head to the Lake House in Grant Village.

Monterey Bay, California

 Photo by flickr user eutrophication&hypoxia

 Sometimes trying to arrange all the details for a family vacation, from the flight to the rental car to the hotel to the local attractions and things to do can leave you so exhausted that you do not even want to bother.

Consider a family vacation package deal, courtesy of Living Social to the Monterey Peninsula in California.

The package includes a two-night stay at the Anton Inn, a voucher for a delicious lobster and wine dinner, daily continental breakfast and even tips on where and what to go and do, such as visiting the famous Monterey Aquarium or shopping along Cannery Row.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com

Hariz & Sara 1st Melaka Trip

I know today is Wednesday and I used to do Wordless Wednesday on this very day. But since it's been ages this blog has not been updated, I owe you readers some words :)

We went to Melaka for this year's holiday. Why Melaka? Well my husband used to studied here for 4 years and he thought of paying a visit to his old place. Like walking down the memory lane. It doesn't really matter to me where we are going. I just like road trip! This will be the 2nd longest trip we have ever done with both kids. 1st was Terengganu (did I blogged about it?) which was 7 hours drive - no highway and now Melaka, 5 hours drive. The most challenging part for any mothers before going on a trip will be packing! Don't you all agree?? Especially when you have a toddler and a baby that just started on solid to bring along. I brought along all Sara's frozen food (homemade) and a steamer to heat the food. She's on 3 meals a day so times 3 days. I will blog about it in my next post. (soon i hope!)

Anyway, we took off from Penang at almost 1030am (initial plan was 9am), make a few stops at the R&R, and safely arrived at Ayer Keroh, Melaka at 3pm. I've already drafted our itinerary for the trip.

Yes you can say that I'm ambitious or well planned. Tapi orang kata kita hanya merancang, Allah yang menentukan. Betol tak? 

We decided to go to Melaka Botanical Garden since most of the parks close at 5.30pm. We rent a buggy - that we have to drive ourselves for 45mins. I think it was ok. So Wan drove the buggy halfway and we made a stop at this dinosaurs park. We didn't get to walk all around the park because of the time limit for the buggy. Kalau lambat 1 minit, we have to pay RM5/minute! So we snapped some photos and moved on. This time, I took the wheel (I've never drove a buggy before :P).

Once we are done with Botanica Garden, it was almost 6pm. We headed to our hotel (or should I say Inn) located at Melaka Raya. We booked a room at Fenix Inn and took Family suite that has 1 queensize bed and 1 single bed that cost us for only RM239 for 2 nights! I did some research on hotels and Fenix Inn has the highest rating in Agoda.com for the best budget hotel in Melaka. Well, they were right!

It was a shophouses converted into 3 storey hotel/inn. Our room located on the 1st floor and facing the main road. There's no lift so you have to take the stairs. I love the void area/airwell they have on the 1st floor walking towards our room.

The floor was made of laminated timber (easy to clean). The room is clean, new bedsheet and clean toilet. What I love about this hotel is although it is a budget hotel, it has been well thought of. They have a free valet parking for the guests, babycot upon request, drinking water dispenser at the hall for hot and cold water, in room kettle and coffee & tea. Sampai je bilik terus bagi Sara makan, bathe them and ready to go out for dinner. Oh did I mention the hotel is just next to Mahkota Parade, Dataran Pahlawan and this new building called Hatten? They are all just walking distance! So that night we went out to Dataran Pahlawan for dinner. Sadly, they don't offer a lot of variety there. Nak pegi Mahkota Parade dah macam malas sebab kena cross main road. So we settled for A&W je.

The next day, our planned kinda went into the drain because it's been raining cats and dogs since morning! We only managed to get out of the hotel at almost 12 noon!

(hotel lobby)

Changed of plans. We went to Mahkota Parade for brunch. I can't remember the last time I was here. Probably 8 years ago. There's nothing much to do there so we just jalan-jalan cuci mata. Hubs as usual dengan senQ dia. 

I found this Mother's Room and decided to take a peek. No men allowed in the room and there's a person waiting in the room probably to guard the place. Takot orang tido ke ape sebab comfortable sangat! I nak snap photo pon mintak approval dia. There's this play area with few toys. Saje bagi the kids main kejap. As I reckon, bila nak balik Hariz refuse to keluar. I have this vision that I have to drag him out of the room. Surprisingly, I managed to talk him out. Walaupun dia macam berat nak angkat kaki keluar. and we need to sign a guestbook before we leave the room.

It was almost 4pm and we headed straight to Butterfly Farm in ayer Keroh. Luckily for me Sara slept all the way from the moment we enter the farm until we were out of the farm. Hariz seems to enjoy his visit to the farm. Bought a few fridge magnets (1 dah pecah and 1 dah terkeluar magnet) and Hariz dapat 1 kipas Angry bird.

It was almost 6pm when we were done with the Butterfly farm, so we headed to Menara Taming Sari as our last visit. We didn't get to go to Jonker Street, A'famosa or took on the River Cruise. Probably on our next trip.

I am actually horrified of heights. I get dizzy and things started to spin when I look down from a higher level. Glad it was only for a few minutes.

Well, that's all for my Melaka trip. It was a fun and tiring. We stayed overnight in Selangor before returning to Penang. No photos though because Sara buat perangai and I was totally not in the mood for photos. Boohoo!

I hope the next trip will be better as Sara will be a little bigger and wiser. I hope! Till next time!