experiencing a wet holiday

By: Unknown on Sunday, May 03, 2015

I never really understood some of the people's fascination over beach holiday. A beach holiday will absolutely involves being under the sun and to me that's a big no-no. We have all heard about the damage that can be done being under the sun yet it doesn't deter people away from it. All the talk about skin cancer haven't deter much people to worship the sun.

Not too long ago, when Ron mentioned that we will be heading to Phuket for Songkran festival, I was not the least bit excited about it. Images of me getting sweaty and tanned instantly conjured in my mind. Needless to say while he is all hyped about the excitement awaiting while I am making a mental checklist of the things to bring to block away the sun. Armed with the highest SPF lotion we finally made our way to the island.

Bangla Road, it is where the water war will begin before the rest of the town. If you're not interested in getting wet, check their calendar before coming. I've seen puzzled tourist getting all mad when being splashed with water. Please don't get mad because you're not suppose to and people won't care whether you're carrying a camera around your neck.

No amount of preparation will be enough. Be careful of people wiping you with perfumed powder all over your face. Some of these powder they used can come as strong smelling while some can be just some harmless baby powder. Oh and don't bother about rejecting it because they will do it anyway.

One of the more memorable shootings was when Ron and I shot water at a local young man and he return with two buckets of cold water and rained on us.

In the mean time, it is also Phuket Bike Week. The town will be filled with people riding huge bike and in groups. All will be proudly displaying flags from the different factions they represent. Also lots of local delicacies can be spotted, all gather in a corner so you don't have to find them all over the place.

We spotted a mod car that looks like one that came out from a scene in Transformers. Sometimes it's amazing how much effort and money one is willing to spend on a hobby they are crazy about.

... and of course some alien looking bike for the enthusiast. I think this guy got his inspiration from one of the aliens movie that I cannot recall. Maybe someone can help me on this (perhaps?). I am more interested to see if this bike works.

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a secret brunch hideout

By: Unknown on Thursday, April 02, 2015

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city's beat. This little tuck shop is located within a high end housing area. When I first came across this shop, I was intrigued by the name Frisky Goat and wondered what food is served behind the blue door. I finally made the move to drop in on a weekend, this place is filled with people and full of activities even though on the outside the street seems quiet and deserted.

I finally succeeded to dine at this place on my 2nd visit. The empty seats outside the cafe is a good indication to me that I am in luck that day. Gleefully, I pushed open the door to be greeted by the friendly staff with a smile and welcomed by the smell of pastries that wafted through the air. There is music playing in the background but drowned by the echoes of voices, humming from the espresso machine and the clinking of knives against the ceramic plates.

Without thinking much, I chose a table at the end of the room so that I can be away from all the physical activities going on in the middle of the room. Preferring to witness the buzz that is going on from the comfort of my little quiet corner. I like the idea that they have a display counter showcasing all the pastries available for the day, albeit rather limited. It was a pleasant visit and hope to return to this place again for their waffle.

Frisky Goat // 72 Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur // Open daily, 8am-10:30pm

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a makeup dilemma

By: Unknown on Monday, September 29, 2014

Lately I've been experimenting with my makeup application. I can't remember when was the last time I was so excited about preparing to go out. Previously, my look for going out boils down to wearing the same neutral look. So I will just slap on my regular foundation or tinted sunscreen, then off I go. It doesn't get me excited at all and especially when I'm plagued with a yin yang eyes (one single and another double eyelid) makes me give up on makeup even more. Then I always envy how my friends are meeting me with their glamorous face and posting even more glamorous pictures on FB or Instagram.

Not willing to be left out from the bandwagon, I decided to sign up for a one day personal makeup course with Kawon from Kawon Makeover Academy. It was really pure luck that I encountered her during a good friend's wedding and she was giving me raving review about her. After going through some of her works via the Internet, I decided that I should just get it done and over with. I'm quite proud to say that after attending her course, I'm now even more confident in applying my makeup.

The knowledge that I pick up from there has given me immense interest in wanting to learn more and improve my skill. Of course, with all this renewed interest and skill, one also slowly build back their confidence and that's the wonder of makeup.

The eager me putting on makeup on a regular movie date with Ron. Camera really don't do justice to makeup, always washing out all the colors but I think you can see some bits of colors on my lips :) But as you can see I'm still trying to master the art of balancing the size of my eyes currently it's still yin yang eyes *sigh*

The day when everything is hot pink for me.

This is my most recent makeup, happened last Sunday. We were with our family for a dim sum breakfast. I really love the color of my lips, it pops out in this picture.

So this is it, some of my recent makeup exploration in the past one week. It has been interesting although some frustration may set in but it's all part and parcel of learning the art of make up. Till then.

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Jonathan Lee (李宗盛): Since Youth is Fleeting World Tour (既然青春留不住世界巡回演唱会)

By: Unknown on Monday, June 30, 2014

The main reason for my trip to Singapore lately was to attend Jonathan Lee's (李宗盛) concert (Since youth is fleeting / 既然青春留不住). This is the first time I'm attending a singer's concert. Previously I've only attended musical show, so this is something rather new to me. Though I'm not a fan but I've listened to many of his songs before, so I'm rather familiar with his songs even before attending to his concert.

I really like this effect, it's like the singer is floating in the air. Everyone get to have a view of him even without having him standing right in front of us.

Another one of the effect applied during the concert. The 3 banners basically just dropped created a bit of scene, in a good way of course, to create another angle of the singer's projection.

Part of the concert highlight is the display of the lyrics of all his songs. Turning the concert into karaoke for the audience who are all too familiar with his songs.

Behind my seat sat a row of uncles from Indonesia, they seemed to enjoy singing to all his songs, so much so that they turn it into their little karaoke session. It doesn't just stop there, I believe a lot of the people there that night also sing along with his songs (myself included) since they displayed the song lyrics. Goes to show how much his fans have enjoyed his singing.

Since this is my first concert, so I can't really make a fair comparison and can't compare it with the musical production that I've watched as the focus is different. But I'm definitely not disappointed with his less than dramatic concert as the focus on that night is his songs and his voice. Hope to be able to attend more of such concerts, perhaps hopefully I will also be able to see him in person.

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Four Seasons - Four Seasons Executive Suite

By: Unknown on Thursday, June 19, 2014

The word Four Seasons each time the mention of it, I will instantly be catapulted to scenes from Sex and the City where this brand is always the choice of stay for Mr. Big. This time I get to experience my stay with my Mr Big, although not the actual one from SATC. Nevertheless still happy about it.

I always like to see how all hotels welcome their customers. One of the many ways is by displaying in full view, their capability in flower arrangement but my friend Stephen Foong seems to think this arrangement is wild (hahaha). I like that this place displays the name of the flowers and origin, so that curious people like me don't have to keep wondering what are the flowers but too shy to ask around.

Some view of the rooms that we booked ourselves into. This time we're staying in the Four Seasons Executive Suite. The room not only come with a living area and a room, it also comes with a dining area. Perfect for me to lounge a bit from my work. These days my work area also doubles as eating area, so uncool. LOL.

A very spacious room that comes with a working area, living area, dining area and of course a room.

Dining area, enough to fit 4 person comfortably.

Also comes with Nespresso machine, after owning one of these darlings, when a hotel provides one, it just gives me the feeling of being not too far away from home. I think I sounds like a coffee addict already.

Nespresso pod selection

Checking out the assortment of complimentary instant drinks.

Private bar

An olden day looking box that functions as a stationary box.

The content of the stationary box. First time I'm seeing highlighter being provided. Other than the usual cat5 cable, they even provide VGA cable. Worth to note that the work desk has a VGA point that connects to the TV in the living room, this way you can watch some show from your computer on the TV.

Our room that comes with a King size bed.

Some amenities that is beside our bed. I like how they design the table with a drawer that acts as an extension to the table when needed.

To ensure that all guests sleeps soundly, they even provide a CD that plays songs for deep sleep. I'm a bit skeptical if it works.

Dressing table next to the bed

They have a rather spacious wardrobe, unfortunately i don't have that many clothes to put for my 2 nights stay here, another time perhaps.

A spacious bathroom. But I don't like how this bathroom door is situated directly to the bed when one opens the bathroom door. So when you're sleeping, you're sleeping right on the opposite end of the toilet bowl. Not very nice.

They advertised this room as marble bathroom but seems to me the design of the tiles is a bit dated.

Attentiveness to guests' needs

Something worth a mention is the attentiveness of the staff here. They are quick to respond and when they sense something requires their attention, they will do it without being asked. I really like it that way where I don't have to ask to be attended to. Example, it's currently the World Cup season and they understand that they may have some football fans among the guests, so they leave cards near the TV to inform them how they can still watch football even though they are far from home.

The attentiveness of their staff even spans across to their housekeeping department. While I was out for lunch, the housekeeping staff placed a new mouse pad next to my laptop, without being asked and I'm definitely impressed.

Disappointment

But their breakfast buffet is perhaps their downside. My room comes with free buffet breakfast (actually it's paid already, there is no such thing as free, it's all packaging and marketing) but the spread doesn't really interest me. Quite a disappointment I would say.

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Should you invest in a Clarisonic?

By: Unknown on Thursday, June 05, 2014

I'm constantly very conscious about the well being of my skin. I don't just invest on skin care products but also on skincare device that I can get my hands on. One of the best skincare device that I have invested is the Clarisonic Plus and have been on it for at least 2 to 3 years now.

So here come the million dollar question, should you invest on a Clarisonic cleansing system?

It's pricey

Yes the price tag of beauty doesn't usually come cheap. The same goes for this device. The price of Pro, at the time of writing, is about MYR 849. That's a very steep price to pay to have good looking skin and it doesn't end at that. Every 3 months you will have to change the brush and the price of the brush is priced at MYR 90 per piece at Sephora but I saw a seller selling on Lazada and the price for the brush is at MYR55 even the price of the device is cheaper too. Anyway, bottom line is that it's still a pricey piece of skincare device to own. You can still achieve the same kind of effect if you spend enough time to clean it properly.

Different skin may achieve different result

To date, I have nothing but praise for this device. It's really effective on my skin and I can see the difference, before and after. Although I can't say the same for some of my friends that has embrace this system. I have a friend who bought it but due to her sensitive skin, she claims that the brush is causing breakout. So, I think it's a hit or miss thing. Alternatively you can loan one from a friend and buy your own brush, it's probably a cheaper idea then buying it and not using it later on. But that is also provided you have friends who are really nice and kind enough to loan their device to you.

It's not an exfoliator

If you buy this device thinking that it can be a replacement to your regular exfoliator and in the process save money then you are so wrong. This device is a cleansing system, the sonic technology that they use is nothing more than just a gentle vibration to the skin. I still use an exfoliator except on days when I exfoliate I don't use Clarisonic as I don't want to over exfoliate my skin.

Too stimulating to the skin

To some people they may feel that even gentle vibration from the device can be over stimulating for their skin. I think perhaps one can start off with using it once or twice a week rather than twice daily. Give it a slow start and see how it works for you. I have read online where some people experienced "purging" before they embark on their road to great looking skin. Personally I'm amused, I think if your skin really has strong reaction to it, one should stay away from it then come back to it again.

Charging takes time

The charging can be very long. I usually leave it to charge for about 24 hours but mind you, if you constantly on the machine, it will only last you at max half an hour. Also, if you leave the thing unused don't be surprise if you come back with a device with the battery dead. The battery depletes even when you don't use it. So it can be pretty annoying to me.

My conclusion

To date, I'm still quite happy with my Clarisonic albeit with some cons. The result is impressive. If you ask me whether I will still buy this thing again if given another chance, I will still go for it. Maybe you should too.

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good luck, you are the best

By: Unknown on Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Found this very cute hand cream on my colleague's desk today. Lately been so overwhelmed with things going around me. I think cute little thing like these can really add some sparkle to my day. This hand cream by Etude is not only cute but also smells nice. Check out the cute little pair of legs actually make a very good stand for the tube.

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