NATURE INSPIRED FACE CARE SERIES – ‘BOTANICS’ with Natural Herbal Essence

Yours truly was among some of the members of the Butterfly Project Malaysia, spearheaded by the lovely Tammy Lim who were at the 1Utama to check out something new in the market....

Upon arriving there yours truly was immediately attracted to the lovely decorations with the products at the booth and there was even a little area to make your own tea from dried flowers and herbs.. 

How unique and ingenious... It surely was interesting for my daughter and me checking out all the interesting dried flowers and herbs...

Newborn Pure protects our baby's skin effectively...

When you're finding for skincare for your baby, you'll want  ones that are safe for his or her delicate skin. So, how can we decide which products are less likely to irritate our baby's skin, and more likely to protect it? 

Our baby's skin is thinner, more delicate and more prone to dryness than our adult skin. Baby products should use mild cleansers and should protect the natural balance of your baby's skin while maintaining its outer, protective layer. 

Perfume, soap and alcohol, often found in adult products, are all irritants for your baby's skin and can even cause an allergic reaction. Skincare products made for babies should have lower levels of fragrance and should not contain soap or alcohol.

JD Sports Fashion opens first ever outlet in Asia

Pssst.... Did you know... Europe’s largest sneaker and sports fashion retailer,  JD SPORTS FASHION (JD) has opened its first Asian/Malaysian outlet in Sunway Pyramid!! I know of some sportswear enthusiasts and people who loves sneakers and sport shoes, who are going to be so excited to know this.... including my other half...

Some recipes to try for CNY

Chinese New Year is the most important Chinese festival in the calendar, marking the start of the new year. The year 2016 coincides with the Year of the Red Fire Monkey on the Chinese calendar, with millions of people around the world celebrating and welcoming the new year with their families and friends. Apart from firecrackers, lion dances and red envelopes, families will not miss gathering for their annual reunion dinner.  

Home cooked dishes will be prepared and enjoyed for the reunion dinner, so here’s a little something to help you prepare and cook your favourite dishes easily. 

Philips’ kitchen appliances will help you save your energy on cooking and spare it for a mahjong session or just simply spend more quality time with your loved ones.

Read on for some simple recipes you might enjoy making....

The importance of a healthy smile....

Smile... because it irritates those who hates / would destroy you 

 The human smile is a very most powerful expression, but sometimes, we tend to take it for granted. A smile not just a friendly greeting, it is a very important part of communication and is essential to our physical and emotional well-being.

Even a little baby will seek out a human face, in the hope of seeing a smile. Babies will start smiling when they are around six weeks old, all on their own. But, if their smiles are not returned by those who takes care of them, they will stop smiling, and one of the most important developmental and social milestones could be lost....

Visit Terengganu Year 2017

When  think of Terengganu, my mind is filled with exotic islands in the sun (Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and the others) and all those gorgeous unpolluted beaches that stretches as far as 244km!!!

Then it would be of those amazing rainforests which have been around for over millions of years, gorgeous scenic evergreen forests that also have beautiful waterfalls splashing into clear pools, huge fascinating lakes and soon....

And hmm... keropok lekor, nasi dagang, otak otak, lompat tikam, ayam percik... (sorry, there are dozens more of yummy Terengganu cuisines but I am only naming some of my own personal favorites...)

And of course... when you are there, you cannot miss those amazing handicrafts of Terengganu, woodcarvings that make your jaw drop in awe, amazingly fine songket, beautiful brassware, kite making and those breathtakingly beautiful batik.....(again, being my blog and being selfish me, I am naming what I like... hahahah)

Terengganu really has all the charms and splendour partly derived from other states in Malaysia. But yet, despite the rapid development and modernisation, time has seemingly stood still as the state retains all the rustic and idyllic charms so different from other tourist destination.

Vibrant CNY Celebration for Shelter Home Children at eCurve

Festive season is a time when hotels, malls and other companies give back to society as well and a time for lots of CSR and most of the times, it is so heart warming seeing the smiles on the less privilege people in our society....won't you agree...

Anyway I was invited to the eCurve where 20 children with their 2 caretakers from the Shelter Home, Petaling Jaya were being treated to an entertaining and festive excursion organized by eCurve...

Physicians Formula is now in Malaysia!

Girls..... have I got amazing news for you.... America’s #1 Brand, Physicians Formula is now in Malaysia! 

If you do not know about Physicians Formula is the only cosmetic brand that provides a healthy, yet glamorous  solution for your makeup needs. It is the latest, most innovative, class-to-mass products designed even for the most sensitive skin, in fun and exciting forms. 

Physicians Formula is a pioneer in makeup formulations that are:

• Hypoallergenic
• Dermatologist Tested
• Developed for Sensitive Skin
• Safe for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers
• Created without any of the 132+ known harsh ingredients found in makeup

My experience cruising on the Black Pearl....

 

I had a very good experience recently when I got to take a little cruise in the Black Pearl.....and it was in the pelting rain with some flashes of thunder, and the sea....well, the sea was however kinda subdued....

.....oh.... ok... I am so getting ahead of myself.. and letting my imagination run wild again.... tee hee....

Sunway Putra Hotel CNY celebrations

Despite being exhausted upon just arriving a few hours ago from Puteri Harbour, yours truly was out at about at the Sunway Putra Hotel a few days ago with my mini me. I thought it was only fitting to bring her out for a little treat and it really was a treat.....

Sunway Putra Hotel ushered in the Year of the Red Fire Monkey in style , kicking off the festivities with plenty of surprises for us....

KidZania: Double the Ong CNY 2016 Giveaways

It’s Double the Ong this year at KidZania Kuala Lumpur , so come on down to KidZania to be a part of their  awesome celebrations to usher in the Year of the Monkey!

“TIME.TOGETHER” AT PUTERI HARBOUR OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

Yours truly was one of the few members of the media who were in Puteri Harbour recently to check out the official launch of "Time. Together" at Puteri Harbour. 

Puteri Harbour, (used to be known as Nusajaya) has made its presence known as the premier family and lifestyle destination in Malaysia’s southern region with the launch of “time.together”, an initiative aimed at encouraging the public to come to Puteri Harbour and spend quality time with family and friends.

Because as everyone knows, it is very important to make time for your loved ones every now and then to foster good relationship bonding...

Suspicious activity in room 3107, at Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour....

There was certainly a lot of suspicious, or strange activities happening in one room at the Jen Hotel at Puteri Harbour recently… That room was room 3107.. apparently there was a whole group of people who went into that one room and even after we have waited and waited for 10 minutes, none of them came out…. Then suddenly a blur of white passed us to enter the room….hmm… was it …. a Ghost???

Shortly afterwards, we heard squeals coming from the room… but it did not seem to be squeals of fright, though… hmmm… what could it be… and there was certainly a ruckus inside the room…..

Sorabee , beauty from the deep blue sea....

Yours truly was at Da: Men  USJ Shopping Mall recently to check out the new Sorabee Malaysia counter opened there. For those who are used to this amazing Korean brand, you will know that Sorabee's star product would be their Balancing Aqua Cream...

The open concept of the 310 sq ft counter is base on the concept of an aquarium decorated with sea stars. The inviting blue ocean-inspired walls sparkle with exuberance of tiny lights that accentuate the breezy simplicity of the varied offerings that boast beneficial marine ingredients. Most of Sorabee products are water-based giving users like you and me intense moisturisation minus the icky and sticky sensation that has many other beauty labels seem to have at times.

I love the feel of Sorabee's products.. so let me bring you on a little 'tour'....

Marvel at stunning performances at the Curve

Step into the Centre Court of the Curve and you will be entering a very charming garden with graceful purple bamboo plants and red Chinese lanterns that enhances the pretty traditional Chinese garden landscaping....

Superfood Cafe.....

Eating healthy food has never been so much fun and yummy!! To be honest, I am not much of a healthy food eater. To me, taste is very much more important then nutrition or health benefits, and yes, I am the one who will rush to the desserts corner of the buffet table and so when I was invited over to goodness greens cafe, I was wondering what was I going to eat and if I was going to be able to finish it.... LOL

And naturally, I was to be proven wrong.....

Be part of AirAsia’s #GREEN24 climate awareness movement

AirAsia is continuing its climate change awareness intiative, themed #GREEN24 which was first launched last November with a 24-hour climate awareness movement to educate and promote climate action, as part of the airline’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives throughout the Asean region. 

The airline released a special invitation video by Group CEO, Tony Fernandes inviting you and me...(the public) to be proactive in helping to protect our environment and the

A Balance Diet is Essential....

I had a very pleasant surprise when Sunway Medical Centre sent me their lunch box  a couple of days ago. And yes, it was timely. I was in the midst of my first flu and it was a bad one...

This lunch box was thoughtfully put together by the Dietetics and Nutrition Services at the Sunway Medical Centre where they encourage the community of all ages to obtain optimal health and also assist individuals who are recovering from illnesses through a diet and program tailored to personal and work place needs.

BLOOMING RED BLOSSOMS BRIGHTEN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

Despite being unwell, and the streak of stubbornness that runs through me, I still manage to head over to the Sunway Putra Mall a couple of days ago, but well, because I wasn't so well, my husband was nice enough to drive me there. I wasn't at my optimum self to drive myself there.

It proved to be a great move though as I was sent on a lovely journey amidst brilliant red cherry blossoms and peonies...and I was most fascinated to watch a pair of yellow and purple Northern Lions resting patiently while waiting for the ceremony to begin and even nodding off until they rolled on the floor.

Effective slimming with mAi Dark Mocha

The above pictures definitely describes me... Ever since I gave birth to my 3rd child (Anne, who is now 12), I suddenly developed an aversion for weighing scales.... because every time I get on one, I feel like crying...

And so is the sinking and depressing feeling I get when visiting relatives or friends who take it upon themselves to tell you, "Wah, you've gotten fat", "Wah, sihat sekarang, yer" and all those sentences you really wish they won't utter or even bring up....

So now you know I have been battling my weight.. and it has been a yo-yo process and quite unsuccessful....

Well, as age catches up, my metabolism rate has declined considerably, and well, I have another guilt.....

A Union of Hundred Lions, Centuries of Prosperity

Yours truly was at Sungai Wang Plaza to check out the very intriguing theme " A Union of Hundred Lions, Centuries of Prosperity" a couple of days ago and it sure proved to be as fascinating as it sound... as mentioned, the mall was decked out with a hundred lion (lion dance) heads all over the mall in a riot of festive Lunar New Year colours...

And I got to meet this cute Chai Sen Yeh or God of Prosperity, who gave me not one but two angpows  of gold..... errr..... chocolate.... so does this mean I am going to be rich with chocolate this year??? LOL

Apples Everyday , Fitter Every Way 2016

Apples are some of the most nutritious food in the world. Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.

And what's more, they are delicious...

Monkey King's Journey to the West' at Main Place....

If you are a fan of  the classic novel and movie ‘Journey to the West’ you will definitely love the Chinese New Year decoration at the Main Place mall in USJ 21 which is on now until the 22^nd February 2016...

You can find yourself in the midst of the majestic Mount Huaguo, that mountain scene found in the  ‘Journey to the West’ when you arrive at the concourse area of the Main Place. The place is gaily decorated with hanging red lanterns and an abundance of cherry blossom as well as little square faced monkeys and well, the Monkey King himself...

Be spoilt for choice with the wide range of festive cookies and foodstuff on offer as well as festive decorative items, potted plants, flowers and whatever else that you might need to create the festive mood in your home...

If you are looking for some CNY performances, I think you will not be disappointed... they have quite an impressive line up...such as Lion Dance Performance by Kwong Ngai Lion Dance Troupe - the World Acrobatic Lion Dance Champion, renowned Chinese Orchestra who will be performing Chinese New Year specials and popular Chinese classics, Chinese Acrobatic by Henan Acrobatic Troupe from China, 24 Seasons Drum Performance as well as ‘Journey to the West’ The Musical featuring Monkey King and friends...

You can redeem a limited edition Main Place red packets (8 pieces) with every purchase of RM168 in a combination of two receipts on the same day and even a DIY Monkey Craft. 
 Redemption only applies to the first 100 shoppers daily with terms and conditions apply. The redemption period runs from 11 January to 7 February 2016.

If you have done some shopping of RM50 and above in one single receipt , you can redeem some sweet treats of the day which includes dragon beard candy, ding ding candy, maltose sugar and more.

For more information, check out:  www.mainplace.com.my/mall

Now everyone can fly to New Zealand via AirAsia X

Kia ora tatou (Hello everyone in Maori language)..I have always dreamt of traveling to New Zealand, and had I been born rich, I would have gotten on the next available flight there...

Unfortunately, that is not the case, because much as I love traveling, I have to do it on a shoestring budget, especially when I have a family to maintain, and when cost of living escalates... I can hardly fork out money for a 5 figure trip... I am sure many of you can relate to me...especially when we are just earning barely enough to make ends meet...

But well, I got great news... traveling to New Zealand has become more affordable and reachable... because my favorite airline AirAsia X has just relaunched this route !! Now isn't this just awesome!!! Note to self: Stalk www.airasia.com for cheap fares to go to Auckland...

Where to eat: Dolly DimSum

I love dimsum... but sadly there is not too many halal dimsums around that actually taste great....I have however found a handful or is it less then a handful of really noteworthy ones... and among these list would have to be Dolly DimSum. I first tasted Dolly when a PR friend brought me there to the outlet at Avenue K and I instantly fell in love with the ambience, setting and the food....

So when the new outlet was opened at NU Sentral, it was a must visit place for me, my hubby and my daughter...

When an 11 year old girl's Instagram gets 'hacked'

Ok, yesterday sure was a pretty dramatic day... it began with a WhatsApp message from my daughter the evening before that had a few pictures of a boy who seemed to be showing not too pleasant hand signs...these pictures were all in my 11 year old daughter's instagram account... 

Most of my friends, fans, followers would have known that just about 2 weeks ago, my 11 year old daughter was sitting at a shop by the road with her father having tea and she noticed 4 youths loitering around, but did not bother too much about

Stars of the Orient Chinese New Year....

Time flies and it is almost the year of the Fire Monkey yet again... and yours truly brought the family over to the Curve yesterday for some unwinding and chilling out session only to be treated in a very spectacular performance that inspired me to write about it and share it..ok, not so much about writing, because I think there are about 50 pictures here...

My mom was staying with me since her partner /boyfriend was in the hospital for a few days because of a heart murmur/ heart valve problem. My mother herself is recovering from her third time throat surgery, removing of growth/ tumor in her throat and that had been a pretty harrowing experience with scares and delays.... but thanks to some supplements a school friend gave, she recovered beautifully and amazingly fast, from the surgery - thats it... however she will be heading back to the hospital for a check up on this coming Tuesday the 12th as well...

We brought her to the Curve and she was amazed. She had seldom or never been here before? I think I did bring her here once or twice.. but I am not sure.. My mother lives with her boyfriend in Klang and sometimes she goes back to her aunties place in Bukit Mertajam...but anyhow she was definitely awestruck with the exquisite décor there.. 

A scrumptious meal at Pholio Cafe

I was over at Mutiara Damansara a few days ago with my family and extended family, it is always fun getting together as my husband is a very family oriented person. I have to admit it does get overwhelming for me at times as I am more of a loner, don't blame me for being anti social but I was an only child, pretty sheltered and often kept to myself and in case you are asking, I am an introvert.... but I do enjoy it from time to time...

My extended family is unique... being my husband's ex wife and well, their kids, but I for one understand and know how important my husband's kids are to him and also how important it is NOT to separate a father from his kids, since I was one of those unfortunate kids that was separated from her father since my parents got divorced.  

Nikon D5 is vision outperformed

The most powerful camera in Nikon history blazes in with a phenomenal new autofocus system, highest standards of expanded ISO sensitivity, turbocharged workflow, and exceptional durability, for superlative flexibility to shoot both stills and 4K movies

The next-generation flagship model that expands photographic possibilities for professional photographers, the Nikon D5, has been introduced to us Malaysians by Nikon (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. 

This latest Nikon-FX format DSLR camera is developed with advanced specifications that include significantly improved moving subject acquisition capabilities, and compelling image quality at high sensitivities to enable excellent response to a wide variety of scenes and subjects.

The new FX-format flagship DSLR, the Nikon D5. Engineered with all of the mentioned, and housed in a camera body of exceptional reliability and operability, the D5 is a professional’s formidable photography partner. Nikon D5, I am vision outperformed.

Fan votes will decide ending of 'Oh My Ganu 2!'

I am sure many of us watch Oh My English! right? What is not to like about the series... it is fun, educational and has real life scenes we can relate to when it comes to student life, love lives and so on.... and for fans of Oh My English!, we have also followed on SMK Ayer Dalam English teacher Mr Henry Middleton's love affair with Bahasa Malaysia teacher Cikgu Ayu...

The great news is Astro will be ushering in the New Year with a sequel, Oh My Ganu 2! that will be premiering on 16th January at 9pm, exclusively on Astro TVIQ (Channel 610) and in High Definition on Astro Maya HD (Channel 135).... and there is a battle going on.....

Hotel Review: Hotel Grand Central, Singapore

To be really honest, when I first heard that we were going to be putting up at the Hotel Grand Central in Singapore, I had mixed feelings. I was delighted that the hotel was at the Orchard Road shopping district area but knowing what I heard all about Hotel Grand Central....my heart sank... after all, the Hotel Grand Central is a very old hotel, opened in 1968

We arrived at Changi late at about 9pm, and had gotten a taxi from Changi directly to the hotel... my co travelers and I were all quiet, probably nursing the same thoughts as I did...about the hotel, or probably because we were also very exhausted from the day and traveling...

Among many reviews I read before was "Corridors smell of Chinese medicine and some rooms are a little musty, stale" and well, since our stay here was sponsored, it wasn't polite to bitch about it or complain too much, right?!

SCORE Cupid Run 2016: The Sweetest Fun Run Ever!

Calling all runners..... I have news for you.... The Sweetest Fun Run is back!  It's gonna be much more fun then ever... and so you really do not want to miss out on this !!!!

SCORE Cupid Run aims to encourage more people to take up running - professional runner, running enthusiast, or fun run fans alike. By infusing endearing fairy tales themes, the run provides an exciting, recreational platform for a convenient and great cardiovascular exercise.

Take a walk, or in the case, run - as you step into all 4 pit stops the Glass Slipper has to offer. Experience humble beginning at The Cinder, transform into a beautiful princess at The Magical Gifts, begin your fairy tale journey on the enchanted carriage at The Pumpkin Ride, and have a wonderful time dancing with your Prince Charming at The Ball.

BM Post: 5 Finalis Rebut Kejuaraan Ceria All Stars!

 5 finalis akan berentap di pentas akhir Ceria All Stars untuk merebut peluang bergelar juara sulung program realiti pencarian bakat serba boleh itu. Saya biasanya tidak akan pos dalam Bahasa Malaysia kerana saya mengaku saya lemah sedikit bila nak bertulis atau berblog dalam Bahasa Malaysia... tapi saya ingin juga berkongsi pos ini ... salah satu sebabnya adalah kerana anak bongsu saya , Anne  itu berminat dengan Ceria All Stars ini. Dan dia amat berminat dan menyokong Nur Amirah Syahirah...

Pause in Koh Larn.....

When things get to hectic, we really should PAUSE for the moment, chill out and get our bearings and sanity back...

With that being said, I came across a very picturesque and charming little resort on the island of Koh Larn in Pattaya.... it was definitely different from all other resorts or budget stay.... Come check it out...

Where to eat in Pattaya: Opal House Restaurant

When I was in Pattaya, I had really good Thai food along the Jomtien Beach Road.. they were so yummy and delicious I really loved it there...

So I am here to share with you my discovery... and should I head back to Pattaya again, I definitely will be back there for more of this yummy food...

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

 So yours truly finally went to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens... I had to see that of course, having grown up on the rest of the series... Sadly no one invited me to go to watch the premiere, so I had to go watch it with my family...

And well, it was good...I enjoyed the story and I want to go watch it again... 

Celebrating New Year the Concorde KL Style......

My family and I decided to spend the very last moments of 2015 and the earliest moments of 2016 with a staycation at the well known Concorde Kuala Lumpur, and before you ask, no this is not exactly a hotel review, Concorde did not invite me and we paid for the stay and meals...

Concorde Kuala Lumpur is an old hotel which has been refurbished. It is located in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, smacked right in the middle of the bustling business centre and major tourist attractions of Kuala Lumpur city right in front of Shangri-la Kuala Lumpur. It is within walking distance is the Malaysia Tourism Center (MTC), Suria KLCC Shopping Centre, Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and Kuala Lumpur Tower. 

And what makes Concorde Kuala Lumpur even more popular would be the fact that it houses the Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur!!

Sunway Putra Mall Fulfill Children's Wishes

The huge tree in the Main Atrium of Sunway Putra Mall stood tall and majestic, glittering over all who passed it by...with pretty red and gold baubles decorating it..

Below the tree, dozens of gaily wrapped presents, remote control cars, lego sets and bicycles in bright red ribbon attracted passerbys attention, including the attention of yours truly....

Shortly later, the sounds of excitement and laughter of children could be heard as about 30 over underprivileged kids arrived at the Main Atrium.