2012.... A year to remember

The reads on my regular reading list are writing about how have 2012 been treating them, I guess I should join them so that I can remind myself how fortunate I am this year.

In life there were UPs n DOWNs but this year things are generally cool with a few interesting moments. 

First I went for the stand up comedy by Jan Lam @ Genting.

Then, my dear surprise me to a concert by Jacky Cheung (which i am still reminiscing till now)

Then i welcome a lil princess (niece) to the family.

I started bakings and still enjoy it, hopefully I can carry on the enthusias in 2013.

Went for some great getaway trip to Melaka which is very rejuvenating.

And also a family trip to Bangkok!! It's really w trip worth remembering.

Oh yah and not forgetting that I got a great bay pressie! Thanks dear~

There were some misses accompanied by the hits but generally things are moving on track.

In 2013, I wish for more getaway trips, slim down few kg (it's in my list every year) and one more resolution which I am not sharing publicly but if it materialize then only I shall Akeem u updated.

GOD BLESSED 2013!!!

Twilight

I begin to realize that I have moved into another stage of life when I slowly began I don't fancy the korean series, the K-pops... etc In fact, till now I only know big bang are very hit korean pop boy band, but if i were to bump into them on the street, I wouldn't be able to recognise them!

Same goes for the Twilight series. Don't know why I am never a fan of them. Teenage girl fell in love with a vampire? That's too "young" for me to appreciate. Despite a movie goer, i have conveniently avoid the twilight saga until the last part of the series - Breaking Dawn Part 2

I was sent 2 complimentary movie tickets. And the tickets were specifically for this twilight movie ONLY, not redeemable with any other movie, with this, I check with my dear partner if he wants to just utilise the voucher before me giving away to whoever interested. To my surprise he agreed and suggested we should go for a Martini Show on Sunday after his haircut. 

When we reached Paradigm Mall, he head to his favourite saloon while I go to exchange the voucher to movie tickets. 

How was the show? Frankly I find it very lengthy and boring, and I was really puzzled at few points. Even tough I have not watched the previous movies, but I roughly know what is it about, Bella, Edward and Jacob. But this ending part is really uninteresting, it's more of a movie existed just to tell how does the story ends.

In fact I am glad that I did not fork out RM26 for this movie as I could have spent it better elsewhere!

P/S: No offence to twilight fans, it's just me who doesn't understand and appreciate this ONLY

Dim Sum Memories

Weather lately have been really bad, it rains every afternoon. I'm lucky if the rain starts only after I get back to office, or else I had to take an umbrella or just run back to office. Never attempt to wait for the rain to stop cos it can rain for hours and gets heavier.

Some days it started to rain early even before lunch time. Those were the time where I had to survive on bread as the nearby cafeteria would be heavily flooded with people and I don't really feel like joining the crowd. And by 3-4pm, my stomach would start a small orchestra performance and those were the time I really miss Dim Sum!

If you ask me where to go for Dim Sum, frankly I do not know how to answer coz I have yet to find the perfect place for dim sum yet! My fond memories of dim sum date back to my younger days where my dad would invite my grandparents and us to this place nearby Imbi for Dim Sum. Sometimes I dreaded to go coz it's really crowded and I had to really wake up early just for the Dim Sum, but i never regretted waking up early for this!

Back then, my dad would always bring us to this Restauran TeoChew 潮州丰食园酒家 at Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah. (which is no longer in operation now)
 

We were always seated in the biggest table available as we normally come in a group of 12-13 people depending on occasion. Once seated, the waitress would push their dim sum cart (in case you are wondering what is it about, refer to the reference pix below, of course I took it from somewhere and not the actual picture of the place) with steam smoking out to our tables and within minutes, our tables would filled with 10-15 baskets of Dim Sum! And next round it would be the fried stuff & Paussss

I really like their Dim Sum cart way as I get to see the hot steaming dim sum and decide if I want, instead of ordering it from the menu. Of course nowadays a more wallet friendly option dim sum place, they would hire human to carry a big tray and walk around. You still get to see the dim sum before decide. But the important part is missing, the STEAM. Without the steam, the dim sum gets cold easily or the skin could turn "hard" after a while.

Those were the days........ :))

SkinTown @ Beauty Expo 12

Have you ever imagined what's it going to be like in a Beauty Expo? Lots and lots of beauty related item? Masks? Hair dryer? Nail polish? Shampoos? Cosmetics? Skin care?

This year, I am very very happy that I finally get to go to the first beauty expo in my life!! (how could that be?? what happen to me in the past?)

 Particularly, I am there to attend the official launch of Skin Town, A Korea concept Beauty Salon (First of its kind!). Skin Town provide Korea Han Bang Aesthetic (Traditional Herb) using a very popular brand in Korea - Charmzone.

They have also included a product demonstration on stage using their STAR PRODUCT - Control cream

This control cream is used after your cleanser and before the toner! Yes, you got me right, after cleanser before toner. Charmzone believe, there is a blind spot in between cleansing & moisturizing. When we clean the face, the PH blance is interrupted and at the same time the skin gets dehydrated (That's why toner is important!) . With the use of toner to address the PH balance & dehydration, it might not be able prep the skin well to absorb the serum or moisturizer and hence the birth of control cream! So  now you see why  it's applied before the toner ya.

After the product demo, I went to check out their booth wanting to find out more about this control cream. The friendly lady in the booth demonstrated the product to me.  First, applied the desired amount on a properly cleansed face (double cleanse is preferred) and then massage in a gentle circular motion. After a while, the cream will become shiny, but fret not, just wipe it with tissue and apply your toner. Of course, the demo was not done on my face but on my hand, however I am impressed that the control cream is not oily! Even when it turned shiny and looked oily, when i wipe it away with tissue, it doesn't even leave any traces of oil!! I am getting more and more interested with the product!

At the end, I have decided to give Charmzone a try! To start it off, I have purposed their Blue Range:  DeAge Blue Skin Finisher which is also a moisturiser which can address my oily face concern.

The packing is filled with Korean words, which I have no clue on what is it about. :P

It's about the size of a dutch lady milk drink. It cost about RM160 for 50ml if my memory didn't fail me.

One pump dispenses just the right amount for my whole face which I like most, unlike some moisturiser that I got, 1 pump is way too much that makes the whole face wet! The moisturizer is absorbed into the skin almost immediate and I don't really need to wait a bit before applying the sunscreen every morning, and I love the fact that the moisturizer gives a clean and dry feeling. Instead of the sticky wet feeling by some of the moisturizer

I'm completing my first week of use by today, and I am quite happy with the moisturizer, doesn't cause any breakout. I have also noticed my face wasn't that oily till midday, and in fact the face stayed matte for the whole day. Now, it gives me more confidence on trying their other products!

P/S: I have also purchased their facial voucher. Will keep you posted on this later~

Mousse

I love curls on hair! It's so versatile, you can bun it up easily or let loose for a casual look for perhaps a half up romantic look! However, pretty thing needs maintenance, especially if you want to have nicely curled locks!

Ever since I permed my hair, I have to diligently use conditioner to make my hair softer and then use the hair oil to give the extra smooth and shine.

I am currently using this Loreal Smooth Intense which is an anti-frizz leave in serum. What I like most about this serum is that it smells good and it's not overly oily for my oily scalp. As for the anti frizz, it doesn't really tame my stubborn frizz.

After applying the serum, I used the mousse recommended by my hair stylist - Armina Spice Form in Hard.

 

The reason she recomended me is because I have frizzy hair and using the "hard" mousse is suppose to help with the frizz a bit. I like this mousse though it's slighly pricy, around RM68 for this bottle if my memory did not fail me.

First is the bottle cap design, it's a twist to open design which is good for me that I don't have to pick up the dropped capped

The mousse smells good, doesn't have the plunging alcohol smell you get in most mousse and it feels very thick and I normally will need about 2 handful of foam for the whole hair. And mind you, I do have a lot of hairSSS. Almost every stylist that I went to said that I have a lot of hair! (The one that didn't complaint is because she used to cut my mom's hair and that's y she already know that I got the genes from her!)

After finishing this mousse, I went on to try another moussefrom Vidal Sasson. Why I didn't stick to the Arimino? Well, never try never know, I am greedy and always think that there should be something better out there! But I am wrong on this bet. I didn't like this Vidal Sasson mousse, it has a strong amonia smell and I must apply the mousse in the bathroom so that it doesn't stink my room! Second, the product is too dilute, when I apply it to my hair.... i don't feel it gives a nice coat, and I often have to put 4-5 handful of foam to the whole hair, i reckon it's about double the volume I need from Armino. And yet, the effect is not so good.

I am now just done with this mousse and starting a lookout on the 3rd mousse already. Till then, I shall keep you updated!

Bread Person

Bread and cakes have always been my favorite since young! I remember taking on a part time job after PMR as a shop assistant in a bakery shop. During the first few days, I was soooooo excited remembering the names of the bread and cakes as well as learning on how to wrap the cake box with the typical red ribbon.

By the end of 2 months (almost) I developed a fear towards cake already. Coz every night I would go home smell like a cake! Till now, I still can remember that phobia.

During my uni days, I remember that I went on crazy about bread! I am normally a $$ concious person, but when it comes to bread, I'll just pick what I like and pay at the check out. Of course there are days where I've spent a lil more on bread, but I'll just try to balance it from other expenses.

Fast forward till last weekend, I was at one of my favourite bakery - Lavender choosing bread for my next day breakfast. I found something and join the beeline to queue. Suddenly, when i looked at the inner side of the shop, it strike me that why I didn't go to that section to check out?!! As they would put the freshly baked item there. So I put back my choice and when to that section to choose.

I think in less than 2 mins, my eyes were fixed on this bread? Love at first sight you may call it. Without hessitation, i took one on my tray and I was trying to check out the price but non avail... but never mind la, it shouldn't be that expensive rite?

When I arrived at the cash register, I requested them to slice the loaf for me and then I turn my head to look at the cash register, thinking why the cashier is so slow coz the register is showing RM20. After a 2 second wait, I cannot tahan, so i asked, how much and the cashier mention RM20 in a friendly tone. Gosh I was shocked! Yes I admit, i am shocked, RM20 for this loaf of bread???? But what to do, it'd be too embarassing to say No by now.

Then I survey the shop a bit, and I found these ---

Champion bread! No wonder so expensive! So when I reached the car, I couldn't help but wanting to taste a slice. First bite, OMG!! It;s been a really long time that I have a bread that surprises me! The texture if soft but firm... it's like those memory foam, It's soft but u know it's densely packed! and for 5 minutes, I couldn't really tell what's inside the bread! This is even more interesting. By the time I am done with the whole slice, I think they are using a different flour, and I am not sure if they did put dried "longan" in the bread? And there's a faint alcohol inside?

I must say, I tried very hard to resist myself from finishing the whole bread. I think if not because SomeOne stopped me from finishing the bread, I would have finished the whole loaf that night itself!

I am tempted to get another loaf.... But at RM20.... my heart ache a lil. Hmmm since my birthday is coming, perhaps I shall discuss with my SomeOne to trade the birthday cake with 2 loaf of Champion bread?

To get or not to get?

So the new phone is out, the question now is TO GET OR NOT TO GET?

As usual, Malaysia does not fall under the first wave, what about 2nd hit? Sorry, not in the list. So when will the phone hit Malaysia shore? Some said Dec, some said 6 months later. I don;t know, but I do hope it will come in faster!

Of course, there are some planning to get it from our good neighbor, SINGAPORE. But without the nanosim, the most that the phone is to perform like a minipad relying on WIFI connection? I was told wrong! apparently if you have a mini-Sim, congratulations, you can try to cut it to nano-Sim. Don't ask me how, as my phone is still using the small chip version of sim!

Side track a bit, phone sim used to be as big as a credit card, and now it became nanosim? I'm amazed by technology! At the same time, I am afraid! Will there be a day where I am very outdated and doesn't know how to handle the gadjets just like some uncle aunty that is not PC literate?

Another issue to consider is the provision of LTE, So far none of the telco in MY is able to provide this as yet. Last heard, Ms Red and Banana man is still busy upgrading their backbone and putting LTE on testing phase. Anyhow, I sure hope the days of LTE arrive faster.

So with all these limitation, am I still getting the Phone? I shall discuss with my Financial Controller and see what he has to comment on this.

Till then, have a great LONG weekend!

My next target...

The wide spread rumours in the tech world this few days.... the "friendly" apple is announcing something next week? Will it be the one I am eyeing on? Well let's see.....

photo source: http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/new-iphone-5-release-date-news-and-rumours-721534

Has technology bring us closer?

When internet start to pick up with the heat, I thought it was really great! Coz suddenly I can get in touch back with a lot of friends, I get to email my bosom friends, I get to chat with the Hi-Bye friend and often I am surprised by the Six degrees of separation theory and found out that this internet friend of mine is indeed so and so's friend as well. Back then I am really amazed....

Throughout the years, technology has evolved till a point whereby people can share everything easily with the birth of facebook, blogspot, twitter, pinterest... etc. More a higher/ closer level of engagement, blog writting has become a trend. Some people blog about their daily lives, some brag about their travelling experience, some shared about their beauty box and some boast about their gastronomic adventures.

Walk into a restaurant/ cafe/ kopitiam, you can easily spot people take pictures of everything! Their ceiling, fan, spoon, menu, food and etc. For me, i dont quite like about this. You see, I like to eat my food immediately when it's served (unless I need to wait for someone out of politeness). I always can't help but immediately pick up the chopstick to start eating. Often I hear a sharp instruction coming "Hey, don't eat that first, I need to take pictures of it" ok okay. There I gotta put down my chopstick and start staring the food imagining how delicious it would be while waiting for the food to be photographed at different angle!

Another common scene in a restaurant would be a bunch of people sat down, ordered their food and then everyone starts to take out their gadjets to "check in", "tweet", "post photos and tag people" and then they would start to "whatsapp" or "line" or whatever. My personal encounter would be after being seated, my partner would take out his phone, and start chatting away happily and when I asked if he wanted to order anything, he will simply browse the menu then order and then paid his attention fully to the phone! If you ask me, I feel neglected! So what do I do? Complaint? No that won't work, coz his ear would be shut off. Nothing to do, I would have to dig my phone and start facebooking.

So, Has technology bring us closer? I would say technology has shorten the gap between people. But it has also causes less close interaction between people. For Eg, when you have a friend decided to take up an overseas job, you may not feel the difference as after the farewell dinner, you can still FB, whatsapp or tweet with him/ her immediately when s/he touch down. However when it's a gathering where everyone should gather and talk... there bound to be one or two person start taking out the phone to start playing with it.

As the saying goes, there's always 2 side of a coin, depending which side are you seeing.

Recent Happenings

Of late, there seems a lot happenings around PJ area. First it was the opening of Isetan, then come the more exciting part - the food section at ISETAN. You can noticed this by browing some food bloggers review. A lot of them are busy reviewing the new food choices available at Isetan. And with 2 new ramen option, the blosphere seems unintentionally going into some fad for ramen review? (If I remember, I'll talk about this later, on ramen of course).

Just before I'm able to sample all the availability from Isetan, one of the famous Hong Kong based Mango dessert chain set their foot down at 1U!

And you can see there's a lot people crowded at their shop already. I guess desserts are part and parcel of Malaysian's life?  I really have no idea about their menu in comparison with the one in Hong Kong.

At the same time, another mall somewhere nearby to 1U is mushrooming up! Paradigm Mall @ Kelana Jaya. With the new access road made available, it's really just a stone throw away from where i stay. How do i feel about this new place? I don't think this building is fit for a soft launch yet! Though the occupancy is up to 80% But there's still a lot of loose end to be settled. Renovation stain on the floor to be cleaned up, water leaking problem at the car park to be fixed, esclator hand rail to be cleaned... etc etc. Best of all I was at this dessert shop (I am not going to name the place coz I think it's the building fault not the shop) water was dripping from the "sky" Look at the photo to get the proof!!

Anyway, there are quite a lot of food options available at this place. I think with GSC & Tesco opening, I can forsee myself to frequent this place often to go grocery shopping n catch a movie on weekends!

May 2012

I can't believe 2012 is almost half gone! Seems like yesterday that I am indulging myself in the CNY goodies - FOOD! May is ending in few days time.


So far May 2012 is really a roller coaster month for me. Good and bad came in together. May welcome me with a few bad news... few business deal were called off due to some unforeseen circumstances. (Though some were foreseeable) And my staff of 3 will all be gone by end May. Tragic tragic! One resignation is expected as she couldn't perform while surfing whole day at FB busy commenting ppl's post and worse of all, I found out that she was sneaking in her part time work during working hours! Then came another keep going on MC and suddenly told me that her cornea got big problem and doctor have advised her not to look at the screen for more than 4 hours per day! So after 2 weeks of unpaid leave, she decided to resign. Well I guess for her health condition, I couldn't stop her. Then came the 3rd one, telling me that she wanted to venture into something else. Oh great! everything happen in the same month!



While I struggling with the staff resignation and work issues, I welcome my niece with a happy yet tiring mind! Of course I still manage to spare sometime (and mood) to go for my long awaited concert for Jacky Cheung! No regret on spending more than RM600 for the 4 hours performance!

On the closing note in May 2012, my relationship with The One is on the rocky road. What else to come?

May 2012 is really too much for me to handle! Shall I look forward to June? Well I look forward to a getaway!