As I sit down to reflect on the beautiful chaos that was this year’s Raya preparation, I’m filled with gratitude, joy, and a little nostalgia. Eid may be over, but the memories of the journey leading up to it are still warm in my heart — just like the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen during those precious Ramadhan weekends.

This year, I dove headfirst into baking with full festive spirit. My kitchen turned into a mini bakery as I started off with the classic Almond London and crowd-favorite Crunchy Cornflakes cookies. Then came the second round of sweet madness: Red Velvet Cookies, melt-in-your-mouth Pineapple Tarts, and the highlight — Khairul Aming’s addictive Nougat treat (finished first during Eid!). 

One of the most meaningful moments was preparing Raya gifts for Seff’s teachers. There’s something special about putting together a simple token of appreciation, knowing it’ll bring smiles to those who’ve been part of Seff’s journey. Wrapping each one felt like wrapping tiny bundles of gratitude.

We had the chance to iftar at some wonderful places this Ramadhan, and each had its own charm. For iftar we had the chance to try : 

Berjaya Times Square Hotel (my rating : 5/5)

Dewan Masjid Fi Sabilillah, Cyberjaya (my rating : 3.5/5)

Bangi Resort Hotel (4/5)

Pulse Grande, Putrajaya (4/5)

Every moment was filled with good food, better company, and a lot of laughter. A more casual, heartwarming iftar with Seff’s friends at Nando’s wrapped it up perfectly.

Preparation wasn’t just about food and gifts. We also managed to check off our family studio photoshoot early (thank you, past me, for getting our Raya outfits before Ramadhan started!). That happened in the second week, and then, in the third week, we had the official office Raya photoshoot — a little formal, a lot of fun, and definitely filled with wardrobe planning (office planned for the matching attire since 2024! well prepped right?).

Even though I'm writing this after Eid, I can still feel the anticipation that was bubbling inside me as the holy month drew to a close. We were ready for Eid!

Until next post!