Self pampering month of October 2021

 This month is all about self-pampering. Been super busy at work these days that I'm burning out. My schedule is filled til the night. My stress level is at an all time peak and so I decided that I needed to take one day at a time and need to have a lot of ME time to keep my sanity in check hehe.

First things first, this month I splurged a lot. Not only on materials, but on maintenance and food as well =p sometimes, when you work so hard, you deserve some splurging to justify why is it you work so hard hehe

Got myself new shoes! My Adidas shoes which I've worn close to 10 years decided to die on me during MCO. So, I was looking at Boost but the price was cray and decided although I wanted to splurge but let's be practical hehe and I went with Puma who also have the same technology like Boost but wayy cheaper. My gosh, that 'Boost' technology thingy I don't know what it is but it is superrr comfy! Most comfy shoes ever.

Finally my toes are seeing some colours after close to a year not doing pedicure. Got a nice buff and trim and first time it's looking the prettiest this year no thanks to MCO.

My galaxy looking nail art. Soo pweety!! It's all hand drawn okay. The nail beautician from instagram @_beautenails_ at Sri Petaling is one talented lady and the price is super reasonable. I'm a repeat customer!

Finally brave enough to get blue hair. Been wanting to dye blue since forever but afraid the bleach will spoil my hair but decided to YOLO anyway and go with it. Couldn't be happier with the results =) though it only lasted 2 weeks and now it's greenish which I'm kinda liking it as well hehe

Decided to also pamper myself with a massage! I've been seeing ladies visiting Lax Retreat at The Linc often and wanted to try it out myself. The place was so gorgeous.

You will be served tea before and after treatment.

You can also order from their cafe.

Their treatment menu consist of nail, face and body. I was here for a full body massage.

In your treatment room you can choose what scent you would like to smell during the entire treatment. So cool!

You also get to choose the sound you would like to listen to during the treatment. I chose Lo-Fi and it was so calming.

The body massage was soooo good. The touch was medium so it was a bit painful here and there but it totally relaxed my tight muscles. I could feel all my tense and tight muscles being drifted away. Came back feeling sleepy and had a super good sleep. The whole environment was luxurious, pretty and ladies only so I think Muslim customers will feel more at ease here. I loved it!

They even have a Dyson hairdryer for a blowout before you leave. So cool!

New normal before heading out with friends.

Been wanting to try Mitasu for the longest time even before MCO. Finally got the chance to.

We practically ordered the entire menu LOL...didn't have the chance to take much pictures also because it's almost always wiped out when it arrived from kitchen *laughs* We were like super cooped up at home that when we could come out, we ate everything we could LOL

There were some hits and some misses but overall for less than RM100 per pax I think it's worth it.

Since my husband and I are spicy lovers, we decided to try the Myeongdong Topokki's Pedas Chickyun set.

Boy, the ramen was spicy! The kind that irritates the throat and it stays there and we were crying while eating haha but we could finish it! If you're a serious spicy lover, this is a MUST-TRY! But maybe try once in a lifetime only la hehe

My first omakase after the lockdown was at Chipta 11A, PJ. Oohh, I really loved my experience at Chipta! The whole gastronomic journey was mouth watering!

The appetizer was a good start. Pickled cucumbers with chicken liver on toasted bread.

Warm tauhu with crab meat. I appreciate that it's warm and not cold tauhu haha.

Sashimi starter. I really can't remember what most sushi/sashimi dishes are so I am not going to elaborate much on the food aside that it was all really yummy.

Prawn in mangosteen broth. So fresh and so delish!

Local cod fish with miso sauce. Their home made sauces were really da bomb.

Smoked duck with butter corn with a side of pickled mustard seeds and green bean sauce and garlic sauce. Yums!

Papaya with calamansi sauce.

Even their sides complimentary pickles for the sushi was amazing. Even refilled this because it was that good haha.

Then there were 6 different types of sushi. The vinegar rice was good, the sauce on top of the sushi was unique and some hidden wasabi inside it complimented the entire sushi journey.

This was the cherry on top! My favourite uni & ikura on top of soba. Soo goood!

Dessert was coconut sorbet with caramel biscuits.

Overall for RM300 per pax it was super worth it. This is highly recommended and it received rave reviews from my friends as well. MUST-TRY!

Improved Hada Labo+ Offers Triple Protection For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is an unpleasant sensory response that can cause redness, itching, burning, stinging, tightness or dryness. According to a study conducted, sensitive skin is becoming more prevalent with an estimated 60 to 70 percent of the women population suffering from some form of skin sensitivity. There are many contributing factors to sensitive skin which among them include hectic lifestyle and stress.

Hada Labo+, a specially formulated skincare range that targets sensitive skin, is offering those with sensitive skin a solution that not only soothes irritation but also protects the skin from irritation as well as help strengthens and repairs damaged skin barriers. I was already loving the previous range but now with the improved formula, can't wait to use it on my sensitive skin =)

With its philosophy of ‘nothing more, nothing less’, the brand uses only ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, with no unnecessary additives and manufactured under strict pharmaceutical standards, thereby improving skin conditions from the root cause and restore skin health.

The improved Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating range features a new Soothing Formula with Triple Protection, which works to Protect, Strengthen and Soothe skin against environmental stressors. Key ingredients in the formulation include:

• Licorice Extract (a type of herb) that forms an invisible protective film at the outer skin layer to protect the skin against irritants

• Ceramide to smooth, soften as well as strengthen and repair skin barrier

• Bisabolol Plant Extract to calm and soothe skin irritation & redness in just 4 hours

The Hada Labo+ Senstive Hydrating Range includes a Face Wash, Lotion, Cream and Hydrating Milk, all of which are free of colorant, fragrance, alcohol and mineral oil. Hence, they are pH balanced and do not irritate the skin. The Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating Cream, which is the hero product of the range is a must have product as ,more than 86% consumers claims it helps soothe skin irritation, redness and dryness in just 28 days.

1. Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating Face Wash (100g, RM29.90)

The creamy face wash provides gentle cleansing to the skin. Its soap free formula gently removes impurities, dirt and excess oil without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. This face wash is also formulated with Hyaluronic Acid that penetrates deeply into skin to intensely hydrate and restore skin’s moisture.

2. Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating Lotion (170ml, RM69.90)

This lotion soothes and helps protect as well as provide double moisturizing to the skin. It contains Fermented Soybean extract, Trehalose (a type of naturally occuring sugar) and other protective ingredients to effectively protect the skin, strengthen skin barrier and promote good skin health. Apart from that, this newly formulated lotion is also infused with 2 types of concentrated Hyaluronic Acid which instantly penetrates deep into skin to fully hydrate the skin from the inner to outer layer, ensuring long-lasting hydration for the skin.

3. Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating Cream (50g, RM90) for Dry Skin

This hydrating cream comes with a velvety smooth texture that leaves the skin feeling soothed, soft and supple upon application. It contains skincare ingredients and multiple plant extracts which can effectively help to hydrate, soothe and tackle 5 major sensitive skin issues (i.e., redness, dryness, roughness, tightness & easily irritated) to maintain good skin health.

The Hydrating Cream includes 3 types of Ceramides, 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturizing ingredients which instantly penetrate into skin to lock in moisture and fully hydrate it from the surface to inner layers for deep and long lasting hydration.

Based on a 20-day consumer test by Hada Labo, 90% of the consumers have reported that the cream helped reduce redness, while 86% of them claimed that the product has helped soothed itchiness and reduced burning sensation on their skin, respectively.

4. Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating Milk (90ml, RM59.90) for Oily/Combination Skin

If you have oily/combination skin, then this hydrating milk is perfect for for you. Upon application, its silky smooth, light weight milk texture leaves the skin feeling moisturized and hydrated. It contains Bisabolol, European Bilberry Seed Oil and other protective ingredients to soothe dry & irritated skin, strengthen skin barrier and promote good skin health.

Apart from that, this hydrating milk is infused with 4 types Hyaluronic Acid which instantly penetrate into skin to lock in moisture fully and hydrate it from the surface to inner layers for deep and long lasting hydration.

The perfect combo for my skin <3

Bid goodbye to sensitive skin with the latest Hada Labo+ Sensitive Hydrating range. The improved range with a new look is now available exclusively at Watsons nationwide.

Restaurant Seoul Korea Taman Desa review

 I have heard so much about this restaurant yet there's not enough written reviews about it. Plus, they do not have any social media presence BUT be prepared to queue when dining in because they do not accept reservations.

This is Restaurant Seoul Korea at Taman Danau Desa. Not helpful that their name is so common that when you type in google or instagram to find anything about it, it brings you to literally Seoul Korea LOL. But anyway, since I have heard rave reviews about it from my friends, I just had to try and one fine day, we did and queued up to dine there haha. Note: We never queue to dine anywhere because I feel it's a waste of time, but somehow we did and was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!

Their prices aren't exactly cheap. But why people still patronise this restaurant? It's because of their banchan (side dishes)! They have so many variety of banchan with unlimited free refill! Yes, you can get full just by eating the banchans haha

This and more! So many types and they are not stingy with their refills.

They will bbq for you so don't sweat it! Just enjoy the banchan while they cook. 

This is the Fresh Ribeye (RM92).

Not exactly cheap but so damn good. I'm salivating looking at this haha.

Pork belly marinated in spicy home made sauce (RM36).

Another winner. I would really recommend the pork belly and ribeye for 2 person and that's all you need with the refillable banchans.

We ordered soju to go with it and so cute it came with a kettle because they mixed with cucumbers in it. Oh my, perfect drink to go with the meats. 

Love love it! If only they accept reservations, I would be back. Might come back when it's not peak hours.

Restaurant Seoul Korea

1-1 Plaza Danau 2, 

2, Jalan 3/109f, Taman Danau Desa, 

58100 Kuala Lumpur

012-3731176

Opening hours: 12pm-10pm (last call 9pm)

[Subject to further changes]

Mentholatum Botanics Floral Sheet Mask

Sheet masks have come a long way since their inception. Over the years, sheet masks have earned their place as an additional step in skin care routines. Incorporation of sheet masks into one’s skincare regimen at least once a week offers the skin an immediate boost of nutrients and moisture, thus resulting in a healthier and improved skin condition.

Inspired by the goodness of Nature, Mentholatum has introduced its NEW Collection of Botanics Floral Sheet Mask to help women maintain a youthful and radiant complexion. Contrary to any other sheet masks in the market, the Botanics Floral Sheet Mask is designed with the finest natural, floral ingredients to give you the results that you desire.

The Botanics Floral Sheet Mask collection comes in three variants, namely the Swiss Edelweiss Anti-Oxidizing Mask, French Calendula Soothing Mask and Damask Rose Hydration Mask. As its name suggests, each of these sheet masks is formulated with Edelweiss, French Calendula and Damask Rose alongside specific ingredients to tackle different skin conditions:

Swiss Edelweiss Anti-Oxidizing Mask

· Swiss Edelweiss – Contains naturally powerful antioxidant properties to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier to help protect it from pollution and environmental stressors.

· Kakadu Plum Extract – Contains rich source of Vitamin C to give your skin a youthful glow and healthy radiance.

· Hyaluronic Acid – Helps infuse moisture deeply into skin for long-lasting hydration.

French Calendula Soothing Mask

· French Calendula – Helps soothe and calm sensitive skin as well as maintain good skin health.

· Betaine (a type of Amino Acid) – Helps prevent moisture loss and ensures that the skin is always hydrated, smooth and firm.

· Hyaluronic Acid – Helps infuse moisture deeply into skin for long-lasting hydration.

Damask Rose Hydration Mask

· Damask Rose – The floral water extracted from Damask Rose gently revitalizes and nourishes dry skin.

· Betaine (a type of Amino Acid) – Helps prevent moisture loss and ensure that the skin is always hydrated, smooth and firm.

· Hyaluronic Acid – Helps infuse moisture deeply into skin for long-lasting hydration.

Perfect fit <3

Other properties of the Mentolatum’s Botanics Floral Sheet Mask include the following:

· Mild & Gentle – It is alcohol, colorant, and mineral oil free.

· Rich in Essence & Breathable – This floral sheet mask is able to absorb moisture 15 times its own essence weight. To top it off, the new airwrap mesh, 2-sided breathable design adheres perfectly to one’s facial contour, thereby boosting absorption and effectiveness.

· Low irritation - The sheet mask is made 100% from fibre extract derived from trees. Hence, it is friendly to the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

Enhance your skin with the NEW Mentholatum Botanics Floral Sheet Mask. Retailed at RM8.50 per piece, it is available at Guardian, Aeon Wellness and online stores including Lazada, Shopee and Hermo.

Oxy collaborates with Pintar Foundation & Watsons

 Oxy has launched its Environmental, Safety, and Health (ESH) campaign in support of education for the underprivileged students of the B40 communities in the Klang Valley. Themed “Sending Love & Care”, this campaign in collaboration with PINTAR Foundation and Watsons, will sponsor an after-class program for 55 students at a selected national primary school located in Bangsar. 

During this 1-month long donation drive campaign, which will happen throughout the month of October 2021, RM0.50 from the sales proceed of every Oxy product sold at Watsons will be contributed to the campaign fund. 

According to PINTAR Foundation’s General Manager Norzalina Masom, the underprivileged students that will benefit from this campaign are from families with monthly household income of less than RM2,500. Due to financial constraints and the lack of educational resources, these students are struggling to cope with their studies especially in the core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science. 

“We are really grateful to Oxy for this initiative. The lockdown due to the pandemic has affected the academic progress of students especially when they do not have computers or mobile devices to access online learning,” said Norzalina. 

Through the after-class program which will commence in January 2022, each student will attend a total of 14 sessions of extra classes per subject held over a duration of 12 months. Additionally, funds raised from the campaign will also be used for the setting up of a mini library at the school to promote good reading habits among students.  

“The Sending Love & Care campaign is part of a regionally consolidated effort from The Mentholatum Company that shares a common goal and objective which is to give back to the society. We hope to reach out and extend help to the needy through other similar programmes that will be conducted annually, “said Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn Bhd.

“With the assistance of PINTAR Foundation, we will continue to monitor the progress of these 55 students in our sponsored programme. We look forward to seeing them excel in school and make a success of themselves,” added Lim. 

Oxy is a skincare brand for teenagers. Oxy range of products are formulated to help keep breakouts, dark spots, and pimple scars at bay. Its product range has proven to effectively address common teens skin problems such as acne, oily, and blackhead prone skin. 

The total amount of funds raised will be announced at the end of the campaign. For more information about Oxy or to support this campaign, log on to https://oxy.com.my/ or its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OxyMalaysia/

BookXcess @ MyTOWN Shopping Centre

 Since opening their doors in 2007, BookXcess has reinvigorated and redefined bookselling in Malaysia and beyond, offering an unparalleled range of affordably priced books from classic novels to children’s pop-ups to bestselling self-help titles. Their mission is to create, inspire, and empower and build a new generation of readers. To date, they have 13 retail outlets, including the nation’s biggest and only 24-hour bookstore located at Tamarind Square.  BookXcess also offers online shopping at bookxcessonline.com to meet the needs of customers who want to shop online from the comfort of their homes.

They are industry icons set on reinventing the book industry. Dynamic, creative and innovative, and with a rapidly growing network of groundbreaking and inspirational stores, they deliver millions of books to readers globally through their seamless digital and retail experience.

The latest Book Xcess outlet has opened in MyTOWN Shopping Centre. And wow, this latest outlet will really blow your mind. It explores over 31,200 square feet and offers more than 170,000 books and has many unique features.

The main entrance will already attract you and nope, that's not Ronald McDonald haha

There are many sections to explore inside this huge outlet perfect for bookworms and also non bookworms. For a book lover like me, entering this bookstore was heaven on earth. I never felt happier shopping haha

Come, let's explore...

There are books for anyone out there. There will definitely be a book for each and everyone of you.

Not to worry if the books are too high for your reach, there are stools available for you to climb and explore the higher racks. Otherwise, get customer service to assist you.

There's also children sections as well and you can see that they have built the racks even according to the children's height so it's easier for them to explore the books.

There's a bath book section as well attracting children to buy books for bath time so they can read during bath without damaging the books. The creativity level in this bookstore is not like your normal bookstore.

There's even an art gallery to showcase and help local artists. You can buy any painting featured on the wall and bring one back to brighten your home.

There's also a space showcasing artist Aleff Ahmad's 'Tiang Seri'.

Not forgetting, they also sell stationery and journals and diaries.

There are many OOTD photo worthy spots inside.

For example, this is an actual piano in the bookstore.

The entrance is also very catchy and the entire space is very instagrammable. They definitely attract book lovers and non book lovers. Just hop on inside and you will be lost in the world of BookXcess. 

There's also a co-working space where you can bring your laptop and work here while enjoying the bright view outside. It is called 'The Piazza'.

If you're feeling hungry, you don't need to go out of the bookstore. There are 2 places where you can eat right in the bookstore! This is the first bookstore that has 2 F&B outlets.

First, is Whisk cafe. They specialise in coffee & serves up a delicious line up of home baked desserts.

You can enjoy some dessert cakes and a cuppa while reading or working.

Next is a Japanese restaurant, Ume Tei. It was established in 1997 by a chef from Okinawa, Japan. It is a family-run restaurant that serves classic Japanese Teishoku (set meals) and noodles dishes.

Yup, you can even enjoy Japanese food inside a bookstore. Say whatt!!

It's a total different dimension when you're in BookXcess and for some time I got lost just looking for books after books after books. It was so peaceful in there. I absolutely love reading and I think it's a good space BookXcess provided for readers to just get lost in their bookstore and cultivate the good habit of reading.

Come, explore!
Book Xcess

Lot No. L1-012, Level 1,

MyTOWN Shopping Centre,

No. 6, Jalan Cochrane, Seksyen 90,

55100 Kuala Lumpur

10am-10pm

Other outlets include:

Klang Valley & Kuala Lumpur

-Amcorp Mall

-Atria Shopping Gallery [Pop-up Store]

-Fahrenheit88 Shopping Mall

-KL East Mall

-MyTOWN Shopping Centre

-Sunsuria Forum

-The Starling

-Tamarind Square

-Tropicana Gardens Mall

-The Mines Shopping Mall [Pop-up Store]

-Village Grocer 

-Wolf House

North

-Kong Heng Square, Ipoh

-Gurney Paragon, Penang

South

-Sunway BigBox Mall, Johor

-Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor [Pop-up Store]

Website: https://www.bookxcess.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookXcess (@BookXcess)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BookXcess (@BookXcess) 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookxcess/ (@bookxcess)

#ShopeeSapotLokal: 10 homegrown brands this 10.10 Brands Festival

Shopee is celebrating its 10.10 Brands Festival, which culminates on 10 October 2021, with a wide selection of brands and products on Shopee Mall for shoppers to shop and enjoy.

The shopping festival will also see established and creative local brands being part of this celebration, treating shoppers to big savings and rewards at their stores on Shopee. Here are ten local brands with irresistible deals that we can go and sapot as well:

Aik Cheong Coffee Roaster started in 1955 in old Melaka town in a little wooden shop. Today, it has carved a name for itself not only locally but on the international stage. Did you know that Aik Cheong has sold more than 27,000 units of Cafe Art Chocolate on Shopee since it opened its store 4 years ago? Get a good cuppa from Aik Cheong store and enjoy up to 40% off or vouchers of up to RM5 off with a minimum spend.

Amazin’ Graze started when co-founders Amy Zheng, Ching Yi Lee and Sabrina How left their corporate jobs to create healthier food alternatives (girl power!). Today, the colourful granola packages can be found in Singapore and Hong Kong. Check their store on Shopee to get 8% off (capped at RM6) with a minimum spend of RM55. If you’re spoilt for choice, we heard that the Hazelnut Blackforest Granola is one of their bestsellers.

APOM, which stands for A Piece of Malaysia, brings together a collection that showcases things and experiences of everyday Malaysian life. The brand recently collaborated with 14 talented local designers, each representing their home state, on a project called #empatbelas where merchandise were curated to celebrate the country’s 14 states. These merch - t-shirts, mugs, tote bags and phone casings can be found on APOM’s store. While you’re there, get 10% off vouchers (capped at RM5) with a minimum spend of RM50.

BOH Tea: Here’s a cup of hot, steaming good news! As part of the 10.10 Brands Festival, BOH on Shopee is treating tea lovers to discounts including a 10% off all green tea products; free shipping with minimum spend RM40 and free gift with minimum spend RM29.90. Terms and conditions apply, and while stocks last.

KHIND started off as a small electrical appliances repair shop in 1961; today, it is a multinational electrical and electronic appliances company with presence in more than 58 countries (power!). Don’t forget to check out the new arrival section on Khind’s Shopee store, or the brand new pink Khind 28L Electric Oven OT2800 that is going for RM174.90 (RRP:RM349) on 10 October from 12AM-2AM.

Kluang Coffee: Did you know that Kluang Coffee’s logo uses a television set because it is synonymous with bringing people together as they watch news and entertainment on TV, and in this case, over their love for Kluang Coffee? Connect with friends or family by purchasing Kluang Coffee from Shopee and have it delivered to them. You can also enjoy in-store vouchers of up to RM5 off with minimum spend.

Loka Made features a series of merchandise: postcards, stickers, magnets, keychains and greeting cards that showcases Malaysia and its culture in a fun, creative way. Their best selling items include the Purrfect Stamp Block collection, Malaysia Shaped Postcard and many more that brings to all a sense of home and nostalgia! Check them out at the Loka Made store and enjoy vouchers of up to RM5 off with a minimum spend.

MYDIN, a household name since 1957, is treating Shopee users up to 60% off on various essentials and household supplies when they visit the store. There are also combo boxes packed with necessities such as Beg Ceria, Box Sihat, Box Selamat and Box Mama Basic that would make great gifts to friends and family afar. For those visiting the outlets, shoppers can also enjoy a RM5 off minimum spend RM50 ShopeePay Voucher when they pay with the mobile wallet. Terms and conditions apply.

Pestle & Mortar Clothing: Established in 2010, Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC) has become a common name in the fashion industry. Using apparel as a canvas for their stories, the PMC team aims to show the world what Southeast Asia is about through their designs and various collaborations with brands such as Petronas, KFC, Honda, and even Shopee! Don’t forget to claim and use the 95% off (capped at RM8) with a minimum spend of RM1 voucher valid till 10 October, when visiting the Pestle & Mortar Clothing store on Shopee.

Tanamera, established in 1995 by three siblings, is an award-winning brand in the wellness and spa industry that carries a range of products where materials are sourced from tropical rainforest. Treat and pamper yourself with the Tanamera’s Mini Weekend Wellness Kit, packed with spa goodies to create a home spa experience, or the Brown Formulation Body Soap, essential oil and more from Tanamera Official Store. This 10.10, get items up to 20% off whilst enjoying vouchers up to RM50 off with a minimum spend.

Let’s lend some sapot to these brands, and many other homegrown ones that are celebrating the 10.10 Brands Festival on Shopee. At the same time, shoppers can also enjoy Free Shipping Vouchers with a minimum spend of RM10 along with 50% off Big Brand Discounts. They will also stand a chance to Tap and Win a Toyota Vios.

The excitement doesn't end here! On 9 October at 9PM, shoppers can tune in to Shopee Live and TV3 to watch the Shopee TV Deals - 10.10 Brands Festival Show. Here, they will have 3 extra chances to Tap and Win a Toyota Vios as well as claim 10.10 Only Vouchers of up to 95% off from their favourite brands. Top that off with up to 10,101 Shopee Coins to be received when ShopeePay users reload their mobile wallets from now till 9 October.

To find out more about the Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival, visit https://shopee.com.my/m/1010-festival