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Malaysia

Carrera Y Carrera, Jewellery, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Starhill Gallery, Spanish,
in Expat Life, KL Shopping, Kuala Lumpur, Uncategorized

Art + Jewellery: Carrera Y Carrera’s Exquisite Pieces

February 12, 2016

 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I know a lot of you out there are on the hunt for the perfect gift for your long-time special someone and I think I have just the right suggestions.

I actually have this gift-giving philosophy that I just want to share since we’re on the topic of romantic gifts. Personally, I don’t believe in giving extravagant presents at the start of a new relationship. (That’s why I said ‘long-time’ special someone earlier)

Gifts, I believe, should get better in time because they symbolise all the work and effort you’ve been putting in your relationship. During the beginning, it’s always sunshine and rainbows but as the years go by and once you get married, you will definitely encounter challenges making life harder and being together a challenge.

A friend of mine, who has been married a long time, recently said something along the lines of “People nowadays gush over hardships after one year anniversaries. I want to hear what they have to say on their 15th.”

To me, gifts aren’t about the price tag as well. It’s about what you can afford without breaking the bank and veering away from your priority expenses as well as the meaning that it comes with. BUT for long-time couples who can afford to splurge or for those that are celebrating special milestones this year, I think my recent visit to the Carrera Y Carrera store in Starhill Gallery might be interesting.

I was invited to check out their current collections. The Spanish jewellery brand has been here in Malaysia for a while now providing beautiful, handmade pieces.

img_2845-1_zpszfxpmxsv

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in Beauty & Fashion, Skincare

Beauty + Review: Indeed Labs Hydraluron (Moisturising) Skincare Range

December 23, 2015

I often complain about my dry skin here on the blog and in real life. If you know me personally, I bet you would be so tired of hearing it by now. However, it is my main skin problem (along with dark under-eye circles) so I do tend to fixate on it.

Whenever a product comes out that promises to provide my skin with more hydration and elasticity, I immediately want to try it and see whether it would work wonders. It’s a never ending cycle in my life to be honest.

During the past few months, a couple of beauty blogger friends have been telling me about Canadian brand Indeed Labs and their skin care range. I’ve heard so much about it from them so it was only a matter of time till I try it. And so I did. I took a break from the Guerisson Horse Oil Cream I’ve been using for approximately 3 weeks during late November up to early December and tried out Indeed Labs’ Hydraluron Skin Care Range.

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Evo, Evo Haircare, Evo Hair Products, Evo Hair Colour, Evo Hair Treatment, Beauty, Hair Care, Malaysia
in Beauty & Fashion, Hair

Hair care, styling, & colour brand Evo launches in Malaysia + Review on Day of Grace & Salty Dog

December 10, 2015

So this is a post long overdue. I have no excuse other than being a busy “diplowife” these past few weeks. My schedule is hardly manageable and my husband can attest to that. I shall write about what’s been happening lately in detail but before that, allow me to dedicate this post to  a hair care and colour brand that recently made its way to the Malaysian market.

Australia’s Evo has piqued my interest during their launch due to three things:

  1. Packaging

I have a thing for great packaging. While I tend to shy away from the cutesy (unless it’s a really good product) and prefer clean, classy, and smart ones.

Evo, Evo Haircare, Evo Hair Products, Evo Hair Colour, Evo Hair Treatment, Beauty, Hair Care, Malaysia

Evo, Evo Haircare, Evo Hair Products, Evo Hair Colour, Evo Hair Treatment, Beauty, Hair Care, Malaysia

I instantly fell in love with the clean white packaging, the witty product names, as well as the product descriptions that make you smile – not in a cheesy way. They are straight to the point but don’t fall short at all when it comes to humour.

They are also made from recycled materials so this brand gets another point for loving the environment. 😉

Evo, Evo Haircare, Evo Hair Products, Evo Hair Colour, Evo Hair Treatment, Beauty, Hair Care, Malaysia

Hmm. “Twisted for life”? I think the curl range would suit me well.

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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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Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Armenian Street, Love Lane, Little India, Church of the Assumption, Penang State Museum, St George's Church Anglican, Penang Town Hall, Penang City Hall, Fort Cornwallis, Church Street Pier, Chew Jetty, Yap Temple, Choo Chay Keong, Kapitan Keling Mosque,
in Asia, Malaysia, Penang, Travel

Travel + Photo Diary: Walking Tour of George Town in Penang (Must-see Stops!)

August 5, 2015

I love how travelling, in this day and age, has become a lot more affordable. Gone were the days when only the upper class can hop on a plane to see different places & soak in new cultures.

Travelling has also become a lot easier & convenient with all the options available. Before I give you a run through & show you my photo diary of my walking tour in George Town in Penang, let me just tell you guys of this new website where booking for your future adventures is made a lot easier.

Traveloka is the largest flight & hotel online booking service in Southeast Asia. You can book your flights & hotels on their site (and save a great deal of money & time in the process) for your next holiday which could be anywhere in the world! 😉 They also have round-the-clock customer service to make sure you don’t encounter any bumps in your booking. Do check them out. I’m actually booking with them for my next holiday after our Europe trip this August! 😉

A few months ago, I found myself in Penang with my husband who was there for a conference. I tagged along & decided to explore the UNESCO World Heritage City on my own while he attended his meetings. 😉 Today, I’ll be sharing with you guys the attractions I saw & visited while doing a walking tour around George Town.

Traveloka actually has over 200 Penang hotels in their listing so if you want to visit some of the sites I will be listing down below, do book your hotel with them!

(READ: Travel+ Food + Photos: Getting to Penang, Penang Hill, and some Food Worship)

Tokong Han Jiang (Han Jiang Ancestral Temple)

A Teochew-style temple right in the middle of George Town. I got off the bus (from Batu Ferringhi) right in front of this temple and since it was still quite early (10am on a weekday), I decided to just wander inside. Especially since there weren’t a lot of people yet. Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Tokong Han Jiang, Han Jiang Temple,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Tokong Han Jiang, Han Jiang Temple,

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Just a short walk from Han Jiang Ancestral Temple in Lebuh Chulia is the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Built in the 1800s, it was built to cater to the growing Indian-Muslim community at the time in Penang. The architecture of the mosque is quite interesting, incorporating Islamic & Indian elements in the design.

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Little India,

Choo Chay Keong (Yap) Temple

Penang has no shortage of Chinese temples. Choo Chay Keong is located at the junction of the well-known Armenian and Cannon Streets in George Town. This temple is quite small but it makes up for it with the beautiful and detailed decor not just at the facade but indoors as well.

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Yap Temple, Choo Chay Keong

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Yap Temple, Choo Chay Keong

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Yap Temple, Choo Chay Keong

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Yap Temple, Choo Chay Keong

Chew Jetty

A waterfront settlement built on stilts, the Chew jetty is built by one of the biggest Chinese migrant families in Penang. The Chews come from the Fujian province in China and migrated to Penang for work opportunities. This jetty started out with only 10 families and nowadays, it has 1,500 residents.

Here, you can have some refreshments and shop for trinkets and souvenirs. After a short walk into the complex, you will also be treated to a nice view of the sea.

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Penang, Travel, Malaysia, Island, Georgetown, Georgetown Penang, What to do, What to see, Sightseeing, Food, Nyonya, Cheap Travel, Traveloka, Chew Jetty,

Church Street Pier

Built in 1897, this pier used to be the island’s main gateway when it comes to trade. But now, it’s more of a tourist area where people take photos. Though recently renovated, the pier still has that vintage appeal that reminds people of the golden years.

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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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