Who doesn't love weddings?!

I can see a lot of guys rolling their eyes at the mention of the word, but I'm one of those girls who's a total 'happily ever after' advocate at heart. *evil stares at Disney*

It gets especially emotional when one of your oldest friends to date - 24 years and counting! - gets hitched. That kinda friendship is no joke. I met Jasmine back in kindergarten in Sayfol and were really close throughout primary and secondary school. Although she's moved to Melbourne since graduation, and we hardly see each other throughout the years, save from rare catch up sessions when she's back in KL or I'm in Melb, our bond is hard as rock!

I was more than honoured to be one of her bridesmaids for their ceremony at Ciao Ristorante, with a gorgeous backdrop of the lake and RSGC.

I'm so smittened by this place, I'm considering stealing the venue for my own big day (if the day ever comes!).

Stunning view isn't it!

With the 3 other bridesmaids, all from Sayfol, all I've pretty much known for life

Of course being the most graceful person on earth, while walking down the aisle I nearly lost my balance upon entering the glass house. This was snapped a split second after I recovered from the near tip over. Close call!

Such a touching wedding with simple but heartfelt vows exchanged. Not a dry eye in the room when Kevin and Jasmine professed their love and lifetime commitment to one another.

I was picturing Donald Duck the whole time to keep myself from wailing. Seriously. How attractive is it to have one of the ladies lined up with the bridal entourage up there crying when vows are being exchanged. Thank you DD.

Congrats to the lovely newlyweds!

I expect a bun or two in the oven when I visit you in Melbourne next year!!

xo Reem

triple treat

Could this be Liverpool's season? Could it? Could it????!

I'm still all smiles today from yesterday's win over United, as if I headed that goal in myself *thanks*

That's the thing about football. One man's goal is a whole army's pride! I totally made that one up but you know what I mean.

3 games. 3 goals. 3 clean sheets. 3 wins. It's a dream start, and dare I say luck has nothing to do with it *yes I'm talking to you sour Devils*.

Brendan Rodgers is making stellar progress with the team, especially the back (just got news that Sakho, Ilori are on board with Moses to follow).

LFC's defense is looking more and more impenetrable but let's be honest, our attack still needs work. Getting goals early in the first half for the past 3 matches are fantastic, but after the break they're not as consistent and lose their flair.

Except for the man standing in between the post. Now he's THE reason Liverpool have yet to concede.

I didn't quite understand why BR spent a cool 9 mill on Mignolet and loaned Reina to Napoli. I mean, I knew he's good, but isn't Reina just as? Little did I know.

Mignolet has proved from the get go; against Stoke just how valuable he is. That penalty save on the 88th minute. I almost died.

Even on PL's Fantasy Football, he's the highest scoring player for now. If only I'd captained him instead of Hazard!

But let's not downplay the rest of the team. Sturridge is having a moment with the goal. Enrique + Johnson both aggressive at the sides. Coutinho has yet to find the net, but major talent there just waiting to burst out. Lastly, the always reliable Captain G, great passes, interceptions, and above all the experienced leader the team can count on.

It's still early days, but the current mood stands at: let's embrace being on top!!!!

...and hope it carries through the remaining 35 games where I'll be sitting, watching, praying with nerves, anxiety and all that.

During the 2 week hiatus in the PL, I'm gonna play catch up with history.

  Planing to watch a rerun of the 1974 FA Cup final match on DVD courtesy of a colleague who grew up in the southern regions of London. It was the first match he ever watched, and has been a fan of the Merseyside ever since. Includes interview clips of Shankly too (who turns 100 today).

There's nothing quite like sports to keep the conversation going! #ynwa

xo Reem

the mourinho effect

Wherever he goes, whatever he says, whatever he does people take heed.

7 domestic league titles, 2 UCLs and 1 UEFA Cup. No less than 17 managerial awards including FIFA World Coach of the year. Oh, and let's just throw in some records like how he hasn't gone a full calender year without winning at least one trophy, just for the heck of it.

That's what they call the Mourinho effect.

So when my producer texted to check if I was free to interview JM during Chelsea's pre-season tour here in KL, I immediately replied, HELL YES!

Only to check my phone later on with a conflicting buka puasa event on that date/time with my family. Good news, y u no have good timing?!

But after negotiating with my parents (thank God they know enough football that I didn't have to go into details about what a big deal this was) I got to sneak out of buka early for my 9pm date interview with the Special One.

Not going to lie, I was SO nervous before the interview.

Fortunately Jay had warmed him up before during her slot for Stadium Unplugged, so he was pretty light-hearted when my turn was up.

He was pleasant, professional and who would've thought, good humored too! We weren't the only ones who did not expect to see this side of JM though.

The folks at UK's Daily Mail apparently thought so too and dedicated an article based on our interview here.

Such a hash tag, proud moment to see it featured on the site I visit for my daily dose of football update. I can die now. Happily!

xo Reem

raya traditions

Happy raya guys and dolls!

It's the time of year I both most and least look forward to for two very different yet similar reasons. I look forward to the gathering of the whole family, the salam-salaman asking for forgiveness, house visiting, the dressing up, the giving of duit raya (how did this fall into the look forward category? You master the art of giving with age) and most of all the foooood!

And what I least look forward to? The foooooood!

Yes it's a battle every year, much similar to my 2012 raya post - we (or me at least) waste no time trying to pile back on all those pounds we lost over Ramadhan. I love the food, I mean, who doesn't?

I just don't love the expansion of a waistline. But if I just put a little more effort on exercising maybe I won't keep whining about this huh? Uh-huh.

Traditionally, I start off my mornings at my grandmas in PJ, before visiting my grandad's grave for prayers. Followed by a visit to my great grand aunt's place, and then finish the day off at my dad's sister's home. There's not too much traveling involved as they're all based around KL, so I'm quite grateful that I never get stuck in the horrendous highway traffic most people endure.

Every year, it gets harder and harder to round up the family for a group photo let alone a picture perfect one where everyone's smiling perfectly while looking straight into the camera. However, the candid ones make the best shots. My best shot is apparently one that coveys the perfectionist I try to be, "eh, look into the camera please. stop talking. SMILEEEEE". Way to kill the fun!

Looking back at this year's raya album, I obviously don't practice what I preach. I'm hardly looking into the camera 90% of the time!

My ayah and his girls.

We'll try again next year, ok?

For now, selamat hari raya aidilfitri, maaf zahir & batin everyone!

xo Reem

what's up august

August is here which means only one thing. Football season is back on television! Wahayy.

To top it off, raya is exactly one week away. Double wahaaaaay! Actually I'm pretty antsy about raya being so close since both baju rayas that I ordered show no signs of being ready in time. Back up plan, Masjid India we go.

Anywho, with the 13/14 season around the corner, Football Overload is set to hit the screens again on 22nd August. And jeng jeng jeng...the secret's out, we have a new recruit.

Film maker Reuben Kang from Jinnyboytv has already created waves behind the lens, but how will he fare in front of the camera? TSUNAMI alert!

So, what happened to that tall, hairy, Mr Bean look alike guy also known as Roshan? He's still very much with us. You may not catch him on FO anymore, but keep your eyes peeled on all Supersport channels. He's there somewhere. If you don't find him, drop us a line and we'll be sure to issue one of those missing person milk cartons out.

Aside from FO, there'll be a slew of new shows coming up on Supersport which are going to be just plain aweeesome! Part of this awesomeness is a show called Sports Swap. The name says it all. 2 athletes from 2 different sports compete against each other in their respective sports. They'll also compete in a 3rd neutral sport none of them plays. Winner takes all.

How do I play a role in this show? Comic relief apparently since I can't hit a golf ball to save my life but somehow manage to almost, I repeat, almost but didn't, hit a camera man with my killer swing.

You'd have to watch it to believe it.

Natalie from Hitz is co-hosting and we're both like handicaps to each athlete's game. We keep score for each of 13 episodes, and the loser faces a punishment in the end.

Quite clear who's going to lose this one huh? Tall and graceful Nat, with her svelte and athletic build against uncoordinated, non athletic, humpty dumpty me?

I'm going to go practice my walk of shame now. Hmph!

xo Reem

let's try this again

I've missed the kopsalad. Like, "one day we were BFFs and the next strangers" kind of miss, which I'm sure most people have felt at least once in their lives.

At the point I stopped updating, I was going through not just 2 separate jobs with two separate crazy demands but also free lancing opportunities outside your average 9 - 5 including nights, weekends and all that. If I was an entrepreneur, business was way good!

And when that wound down, I thought a treat was in the works. Some serious me time was due and I ran (flew) half way round the world for 3 weeks to recuperate. I thought being a kid again would do the trick (it did. Thanks Disney World!).

After the trip, more than 2 months had passed since my last update back in April. How time flies! Everyday that passed with no blogging, it became pretty clear I was never going to log into Wordpress ever again. Outta sight outta mind syndrome. Although, that nagging feeling of remorse from abandoning a much loved project did creep up when least expected.

Excuse the drama, but having a blog is like being in a relationship, I tell you! It screws up with your emotions when you don't update but it's a double rainbow feeling of accomplishment when you do. It's nice to have an outlet for expression.

Just about a week ago I got an email alert on my phone from Wordpress with the subject: Domain kopsalad.com will be auto-renewed

That's USD$26 charged straight to my credit card. Which I could've cancelled. But I didn't.

Like all love-hate relationships, I have a soft spot for this little space I can call mine on the world wide web. So I'm all for milking the most of my hard earned USD$26. If not, at least it's somewhere I can whine about how little loyalty some people have. Like footballers.

By now you should know, I mean Suarez.

xo Reem

not april's fool

So it seems that I'm only motivated to post after a win. Given the name of the blog, it becomes a justifiable cause (excuse). I'm sure you're with me on this - who wants to remember the bad moments in life raise your hand?

Some may argue that we are each the sum of our experiences. Unfortunately wisdom of this sort can only be appreciated in hindsight.

Nonetheless, it's 3 points earned and we'll take whatever we can get these days. And hey, should Chelsea challenge off City and make it to the FA Cup finals, we may even get a spot in Europa.

Will that be enough to hinder a summer exit from Suarez?

He's a fighter. But with money and glory on the line, even the sweetest Kitty (that would be a Hello Kitty cookie) will break.



I was at Puteri Harbor last week as part of the travelogue series with AirAsia, and I must say for Malaysian standards, it's very impressive!

Most of the site is still under construction but the main attractions like Hello Kitty Land, Lat's Place and Legoland are already creating waves. Very toddler-teenage centric but I would recommend just about anyone to go check out the development and bring out the kid in you. I mean, we weren't as lucky to have these things to entertain us while growing up, so better late than never. Then there's Johor Premium Outlet to satisfy those shopaholic tendencies.

Will post more from my visits around Malaysia once I get all the photos from the production team.

xo Reem

getting back into action

Okay, so to you it must have seemed that I've packed up my Mac and completely disappeared from the big wide blogosphere; never to type and share another rant or glory of my daily doings ever again. Well you're wrong my critics!

I have been MIA in writing, yes. Did procrastination play a role? Guilty :(

But that's just a little, I promise.

Aside from my day job and Thursdays on Football Overload, I've started working on a new travel web series which will be released in a few months. I've just been bursting inside to talk about this travelogue, but decided it'd be best not to reveal too much before we were at least halfway through production.

I haven't really had time to digest the events that have taken place the past few weeks, let alone to share it here on kopsalad, although, trust me, it's always at the back of my mind. If you know of some magic spell or just you know, a smart phone app or something to remind me tomorrow is not a suitable day for doing things that need to be done today, pleeeeease share.

On the subject of sharing, I'd just like to share one of my favourite photos at the moment.

I was totally overboard with my "OMGs" when I saw it. Lana Del Rey was at Anfield! With Stevie G! As if her music alone wasn't enough for me to love her.

Although not as much as I loved that match winning penalty by the captain himself.

xo Reem

the snake and the ox

Gong Xi Gong Xi everyone!

I'm almost a week late, though technically, on time considering the Chinese new year is celebrated over 15 days :)

It's pretty cool that we just celebrated the western calendar new year over a month ago, and now we welcome the year of the Snake.

I read somewhere that as an Ox, this year holds lots of promise for the most hard working sign in the zodiac and there's absolutely no stopping them. In fact, they are so competitive that they'll even compete with themselves. Having down well once is never enough - they won't stop until they've accomplished everything they can and have beat their previous records.

Perfect! I wouldn't have described myself better.

Work aside, I hope everyone's had their tummies filled with great food and lou sangs while making a buck or two over chong dai dee or black jack. I sure did!

Wishes of prosperity, health, wealth and many many wins for Liverpool.

Sturridge is back after that thigh scare, so let's embody the serpent and outsmart our predators/prey even if we haven't been doing that too well lately.

xo Reem

heng mui

Hope the long weekend has put all of you in a well, jolly and rejuvenated state of mind to face the gritty grind once more.

I wish I was in a well, jolly and rejuvenated state of mind. I've had two cups of coffee already this morning just to keep up with the hustling! *yawn*

But that's just the blues talking after a great weekend where I finally popped my Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony cherry! I've never attended one before, usually only the wedding reception so I was pretty psyched to be a part of the groom's entourage to 'pick up' or more bluntly put, 'kidnap' the bride.

Just a little background on the groom - Hong's an ex school mate from Sayfol and we've pretty much known each other our whole lives. So it was only natural that he included girls as part of his heng dai (best men) gang.

From left: Rosie, Sophia, kopsalad, Carmen & Audrey

All dapper in our suit and tie - at 8am on a Saturday, no less - we looked like a group of sales men, lawyers, stock brokers, bankers depending on your perspective.

Since we had yellow ties on, one of the guys mentioned we looked like Maybank-ers.

The groom replied, "I don't have a Maybank account".

And another one answered, "That's why we're here!"

I didn't know what to expect of the challenges, so it was pretty nerve wrecking since I'd heard pretty horrific stories just before we got to the bride's house. Fortunately, the challenges were on a milder scale but no less kancheong (is that how you spell it?), and heaps of fun. One of the challenges included replicating yoga poses that put some of us in very compromising positions, if you know what I mean :)

Several challenges and bribes (for those who couldn't complete their tasks) later Hong finally got his Chantelle! And thus officiating the hashtag #hongchantelle2013

Later on that night at #hongchantelle2013's Disney themed wedding reception

Congrats again to the lovely couple and here's wishing them a long prosperous life together with enough babies to make a football team!

xo Reem

i knew you were trouble

Taylor Swift is totally having a hold on me these days. I don't want to come off as a music snob that "puhhs" and "pahhs" at Top 40 stuff they play over and over again like Groundhog Day on drugs, but 90 percent of it is white noise to me. Not a racist joke, just you know that flat power sound that comes from your TV sometimes. Much like the thrash talk I got from United fans this week. Meaningless hubbub.

Gloat you devils! Gloat while you still can. Just as LFC's glory days back in the 80's have passed, yours will too. What can I say? I fall into the pits of sour grapes every now and then.

I'm not going to write another passage of Liverpool's eventual ascension into Championship Utopia. No. Because like love, they say once you stop searching for it, it'll find you. And all's fair in love... and war (someone should have told Suarez that it's not cheating unless you get caught). So to war we went.

Like the real gentle ladies that we are, we settled it the best way we knew how.

By letting the balls do the talking (no balls were harmed in the filming of this 'episode')

But then we came across WAG gossip online, and all was forgotten.

Never under estimate the power of gossip and its ability to bring women together.

p/s: Michelle Michael pulled a Jonathan Walters. Guess who won this battle?

*bows*

xo Reem

a new year

How's your new year been so far? Broke any resolutions yet? Mine are still in check, as far as not eating fast food goes. McDonalds and KFC ain't got nothing on me!

While most might find January the equivalent of a Monday, I was pretty psyched to get back to work and start ticking off my list of 2013 goals. The blessing is in the seed they say, so kick off your year with a good beginning and the rest will follow suit.

That seed for Liverpool's new year? Possibly Sturridge's debut goal against Mansfield.

Danny boy could hold the key to what they've been lacking all season. His challenge is to make a substantial mark at Anfield, something he failed to do at previous clubs. Plus I read that Borini will be back to training this week, so that opens up our attacking options when we visit Old Trafford this weekend (oh, the nerves!!). Can't wait!

Speaking of this weekend (13th Jan - go flood him with birthday wishes), someone from the Football Overload couch is turning a year wiser (we hope).



In true FO fashion, we made AC stand on a chair while in the middle of a very crowded restaurant and sang the birthday song. One can never be too old be bestowed with this honour.

The Supersport family who tirelessly bring you football in all its glorious forms week in and out.

Have a great week everyone!

xo Reem