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Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Wilayah, Federal Territory Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mosque Tour, Visiting a Mosque, Tour Guide, Guided Tour, Mosque, Islam, Travel, Asia, Non-Touristy, Not Touristy, Locals, Things to do, Places to visit, KL,
in Expat Life, KL What to Do, KL Where to Go, Kuala Lumpur

KL Adventures: Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (Federal Territory Mosque)

April 12, 2016

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As a diplomat’s wife, I often get the fun yet daunting task of taking visitors of the embassy around KL. Fun, because I love playing tour guide. Daunting because sometimes, people I need to show around KL have already been here before so I need to find a new place to take them. I wouldn’t want them bored, repeating the same sights and activities they’ve done before.

This is where the Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan comes in. The husband and I actually saw it from afar months ago – during our first excursion to Publika.

It’s a gorgeous, imposing structure that really had us wanting to visit for the longest time. However, we never got around to doing it – until recently.

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Tai Zi Heen, Dim Sum, Eat All You Can, Dim Sum Buffet, Unlimited Dim Sum, Promo, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Restaurant, Food, Food Review, Restaurant Review, Pullman Hotel KLCC, KLCC, Pullman, Prince Hotel KL,
in Expat Life, KL Food, Kuala Lumpur

Food + Review: Tai Zi Heen, Unlimited Dim Sum Review

March 20, 2016

Since the hype over this restaurant has been off the charts recently, I thought I’d give it a try with the husband and give you guys my honest, no-fuss review of the place.

Also, full disclosure: We do love dim sum and a great deal on food is enough to get me really excited over a restaurant. 😉 We also paid for this meal so I am in no way bound, expected, or persuaded by the restaurant to wax poetic over their food and service.

The current promo is as follows:

 

Tai Zi Heen, Dim Sum, Eat All You Can, Dim Sum Buffet, Unlimited Dim Sum, Promo, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Restaurant, Food, Food Review, Restaurant Review, Pullman Hotel KLCC, KLCC, Pullman, Prince Hotel KL,

Photo grabbed from the Tai Zi Heen Facebook Page

Since it’s a Sunday and I’ve been craving for dim sum as per usual, we made our way to the restaurant which was located inside the Pullman Hotel in KLCC.

FYI: The Pullman KLCC is formerly known as Prince Hotel.

Parking was a breeze and only took us a few minutes. Tai Zi Heen is located at the hotel’s 2nd level and from the 5th floor parking area, you’ll have to go down to the lobby first before taking a different lift or hopping on to the escalator.

We were seated right away. We had reservations (which is actually required) so this wasn’t that much of a shocker but I did expect the restaurant to have more people. Based on my experience here in KL, Malaysians love a good deal as much as I do.

Tai Zi Heen, Dim Sum, Eat All You Can, Dim Sum Buffet, Unlimited Dim Sum, Promo, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Restaurant, Food, Food Review, Restaurant Review, Pullman Hotel KLCC, KLCC, Pullman, Prince Hotel KL,

Tai Zi Heen, Dim Sum, Eat All You Can, Dim Sum Buffet, Unlimited Dim Sum, Promo, Kuala Lumpur, Restaurant, Where to Eat in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Restaurant, Food, Food Review, Restaurant Review, Pullman Hotel KLCC, KLCC, Pullman, Prince Hotel KL,

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in Diplomatic Incidents, Personal Musings, Uncategorized

Expat Life: On Making Friends and the Struggle for Something of My Own

February 23, 2016

It’s always a lot harder to do this when you’re older, no? But let me back track a little.

When I first moved to KL with my husband, I would have to admit that while I was looking forward to our new adventure, I found myself feeling sad during the first few months. This is probably the first time I am ever talking about this. But I guess, it’s time.

I was in a different country with no friends, no job to keep me occupied, and nothing to do for the first few months except scour the internet for interior design inspirations and trying to nail down a ‘look’ for our new home. A job that I was even sharing with my husband who also has a passion for interior design and homeware. (A post on this later, I promise)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDPy3eiqeV/

I won’t say I was homesick as I have always been very capable of adapting to a new place. I didn’t get the urge to hop on a plane back to Manila and I was hell bent on making it through whatever it was that I was feeling.

It’s the first few weeks or months where you have nothing to keep you busy that are the hardest. I was on my phone a lot – a lot more than usual – bugging my closest friends from home and egging them on to tell me about what’s been happening back home. I was in the mall a lot during office hours, window shopping by myself and thinking to myself – for the first time ever – that it would be nice to have a friend around.

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Almost Diplomatic - Newens Tea House - Kuala Lumpur - Diplomat's Wife
in Asia, Expat Life, KL Food, Kuala Lumpur

Foodie Adventures: Newens Teahouse at Starhill Gallery

November 9, 2015

Tea is a part of my everyday life. Ever since I cured my coffee addiction, tea has been my everything – and while that may not sound like much of an improvement to some people, well, in my case… it kinda is. Even before the major shift to tea happened, I’ve been drinking it in lattes and during afternoon tea (and sometimes even high tea) as this a part of British culture that always had a special place in my girly-girl heart.

There’s just something about sitting with some of your best girls, talking about topics that range from politics to makeup while you sip on something that relaxes you as you treat yourself to a couple of sweets and sandwiches. Not to mention my love for fancy table settings, cutlery, and plates that actually play a big role in my ever so often afternoon tea excursions with friends.

Recently, my friend (and actually one of my fave afternoon tea buddies) Tammy brought me to Newens Teahouse in Starhill Gallery for a new menu item preview and we ended up seeing some of our other friends there – ShopGirl and Kelly. ❤️

Fancy tea places are kind of a fun splurge every-now-and-then for me and our last afternoon tea date at the Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge, left us thinking where we should go next.

Newens is the home of the original Maids of Honour tart. Its recipe dates back to the time of King Henry VIII and coincidentally, one of my favourite ladies in British history – Anne Boleyn. After the tussle with Catherine of Aragon that was followed by the creation of the Church of England, Anne married the King. She eventually had maids of honour (ladies in waiting) following her around and entertaining her in the ladies’ private chambers. One of these ladies created a tart so exquisitely delicious that Anne got the King to try it.

When the King tasted how good it was, he just knew that he couldn’t share it with others and he decided to have the lady imprisoned and only let out to bake for the Royal Court. Such a Henry VIII move if you ask me. *rolls eyes*

After the lady died, everyone thought that the recipe was forever lost but it resurfaced 200 years later when a palace cook leaked the recipe to a baker named John Billet. In 1850, one of Billet’s apprentices – John Newens – opened his own bakery and used the recipe.

Almost two centuries later, Newens Teahouse is still making the tarts based on that same recipe down to the T. And it has been loved by generations of British people from Winston Churchill to Queen Elizabeth II.

The recipe made its way out of the United Kingdom for the first time last year and landed in Kuala Lumpur – inside Starhill Gallery to be exact.

Sandwiched between Dior and Louis Vuitton, it’s hard to miss Newens. With its posh yet inviting couches and the sweet smell of tea and pastries wafting through the halls of the luxury mall. It can be quite intimidating to some but I find the servers are quite nice and welcoming.

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in Beauty & Fashion, OOTD

Fashion: Kenzo Time’s 2015 Collection

August 12, 2015

Well this blog has been rather quiet! Sorry for the lack of updates, guys. If you’ve been following my Instagram, you might have noticed that I am not in Malaysia at the moment. The husband and I are finally enjoying an actual (!) holiday since our honeymoon.

It’s also well-deserved, I must say. They’ve been so busy at the embassy! He was ending his work days at 2am during the most recent ASEAN meetings. So to everyone who thinks that the job of a diplomat is easy – well, it’s not. Especially in a really busy post! We’re currently in Europe to visit my family and drop by a few must-see cities. It’s my husband’s first time here so it’s pretty fun to explore with him.

We’re currently at our second stop which is Paris! The city of lights, love, and of course – fashion. Looking at the Eiffel Tower yesterday reminded me of something! I actually have important news to share with you guys!

Before leaving for our trip, I attended the launch of Kenzo Time‘s 2015 collection in Kuala Lumpur and I must say that I was pretty impressed. I’m a lover of vintage and the classics when it comes to fashion and that mindset extends to my choice of timepieces. I usually stick with gold, vintage watches or bangle-type silver timepieces. I never saw watches as an accessory that can make or break my outfit. But alas, I stand corrected yet again. 😉

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in Beauty & Fashion, Skincare

Beauty: Clinelle Caviar Gold Range Serum Review + Discount Code For You!

July 27, 2015

In my quest to find the answers to ageing gracefully, I often find myself testing out products I’ve never heard of or always deemed as something I have no need of. Only to realise during the short testing period of mine – which usually ranges between two weeks to a month – will have a lasting effect on me and that certain products sent to me will actually be the catalyst to a new step in my skin care regimen.

I’m talking about serums.

While I’ve been loyal to my creams – from hand, eye, face, to whatever (you name the body part and I will probably have a cream for it) – I always thought that serums are just a redundant product. Why would I need one when I’m actually diligent in using my moisturisers? They’re the same thing right?

That was until I tried some serums from a Korean brand called Purebeauty and most recently, when I was sent serums by Clinelle –  a brand I’ve never heard of until I moved to Malaysia.

I admit to buying their toner when the toner I brought from Manila during our big move to KL last year ran out. I was attracted to the clean, professional, and no frills look and the product literature it came with. It worked well on my dry skin that I developed a certain level of respect for the brand. So when they asked me to review their new line, of course I had to say yes. They mentioned caviar, black, and gold in one sentence so I thought back then that this was bound to be interesting.

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in Diplomatic Incidents, Events

Events + Photos: Oh My India! A Journey Around India Through Her Many Dance Traditions

July 21, 2015

A few weeks ago, my husband and I found ourselves with (awesome) seats to a dance showcase that I’ve been looking forward to for quite a while. When my good friend Thana mentioned earlier that he’s been studying traditional Indian dance and added that he will be inviting Alvin and I to their showcase – naturally – I was extremely excited. Theirs is one of the most fascinating and colourful cultures I have ever encountered so I definitely had to see this show.

India – the most populous democracy, the land of Ghandi, where the Taj Mahal is located, Bollywood land, Hinduism’s homecourt, and the birthplace of Karma and Kama Sutra. And while I’m sure the last bit totally got your attention, I have to admit that my favourites are actually these two: Indian food and their art! Indian food in Malaysia is one of the reasons (Three words: Chicken Tikka Masala) I have to go to the gym and their art forms – from visuals to performances, to wearables – always leave me in awe.

I have been bugging my friends of Indian heritage to bring me along to any of their celebrations just so I can wear a saree. That’s how eager I am. Haha!

Oh My India, was an event that highlighted 10 of the dances found in the country’s different states. It’s a great way of peeking into the culture, religion, and lore that’s so unique and captivating. The event was held in Black Box in Publika and lasted for about 2 hours which, in my opinion, went by quite fast. I actually wanted to see more! 🙁

Oh My India, Indian Dance, Traditional Indian Dance, Karam, Yakshagana, Sattriya, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Oddisi, Kathakali, Mohiniattyam, Kathak, Black Box, Publika, Event, Dance Showcase, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Diplomat's Wife

Oh My India, Indian Dance, Traditional Indian Dance, Karam, Yakshagana, Sattriya, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Oddisi, Kathakali, Mohiniattyam, Kathak, Black Box, Publika, Event, Dance Showcase, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Diplomat's Wife

Oh My India, Indian Dance, Traditional Indian Dance, Karam, Yakshagana, Sattriya, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Oddisi, Kathakali, Mohiniattyam, Kathak, Black Box, Publika, Event, Dance Showcase, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Diplomat's Wife

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in Beauty & Fashion

Beauty + Photos: Hair Makeover at Andy Ho Haute Coiffure

July 14, 2015

Up until last week, I can honestly say that I never really had a full hair makeover. I would usually give myself drastic hair cuts or get my hair treated. I even tried experimenting with with hair colour by dyeing my bangs blue or pink (Don’t judge. I was a But of a rebel). But all these happened one at a time – never all at once. I also never coloured my hair in full.

I guess I’ve always been comfortable with my dark brown curls. Brunette through and through here! 😉 It even took a while for me to actually consider highlights!

I love my curls a lot and I’ve always been very particular about who touched my hair. In Manila, there was only one person I’d go to for a hair cut. This is because – being curly haired and all – I cannot afford a bad hair cut. I’ve been told before that dealing with curls is a lot harder than dealing with straight hair. My curls which are composed of big rings and waves, look best when layered and layering curls can be quite a task.

Andy Ho, Andy Ho Haute Coiffure, Hair Stylist, Hair Cut, Hair Colour, Hair Salon, Salon, Kuala Lumpur, KLCC, Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, Top Stylist, Hair Cut Kuala Lumpur, Hair Stylist Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Hair, Beauty,

I haven’t gotten a hair cut since moving to Malaysia (don’t judge!) mainly because I just didn’t know who I can trust to give me layers that won’t leave me looking like a long-haired poodle. By the time we hit June of this year, my layers which I got exactly a year ago was just all over the place, my curls weren’t swirling to their proper rings anymore.

So when I got the invitation to go to meet Andy Ho (!!) himself for a haircut, I was over the moon. Andy Ho is a name that you hear a lot here in KL – especially in the beauty scene. With two decades of experience plus his own, in-born talent, Andy has become synonymous to classy hair styling here in Malaysia.

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in Asia, Expat Life, KL Food, Kuala Lumpur, Travel

Foodie Adventures: Coco Ichibanya’s Spicy Japanese Curry!

July 10, 2015

Coco Ichibanya, Japanese, Japanese Curry, Japanese Restaurant, Japanese Food, Curry Restaurant, Curry Place, Curry House, Food, Where to Eat in KL, Where to Eat Malaysia,

I’m a huge lover of Japanese food. From sushi, sashimi, ramen, down to all the -dons you can find on the menu. I will gladly gobble them all. But one thing that not a lot of people know about Japanese cuisine is how diverse it is.

They even have their own version of curry (which tastes quite Westernised in my humble opinion)!

Coco Ichibanya, Japanese, Japanese Curry, Japanese Restaurant, Japanese Food, Curry Restaurant, Curry Place, Curry House, Food, Where to Eat in KL, Where to Eat Malaysia,

Coco Ichibanya, Japanese, Japanese Curry, Japanese Restaurant, Japanese Food, Curry Restaurant, Curry Place, Curry House, Food, Where to Eat in KL, Where to Eat Malaysia,

Recently, I was invited to try out some of the dishes offered by Coco Ichibanya – Japan’s largest curry restaurant chain – which recently opened their first store here in Malaysia. In this restaurant, it’s all about choices – particularly in how spicy you want your curry to be.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the dishes we tried!

BEEF YAKINIKU CURRY

Coco Ichibanya, Japanese, Japanese Curry, Japanese Restaurant, Japanese Food, Curry Restaurant, Curry Place, Curry House, Food, Where to Eat in KL, Where to Eat Malaysia,

Tender and flavourful yakiniku beed served with curry sauce that has the ‘standard’ level of spiciness. Despite the chillies in this photo, I didn’t feel that it was one bit spicy. This curry sauce is for people who love the curry taste but can’t deal with the spice – a.k.a. children or me.

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