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Malaysia

in Expat Life, KL Home, KL Shopping, KL Tips

[PROMO CLOSED] Good to Know: Bloom This Flower Subscription Box (GET YOUR OWN FOR FREE with this special order code!)

June 30, 2015

Bloom This, Flower, Delivery, Florist, Flower Delivery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Penang, Delivery Service, Flowers, Peonies, Roses, Subscription Box, Flower Subscription I love flowers. I love buying them and I love receiving them. I love them looking pretty in a vase inside our home, brightening up the rooms and letting their sweet scent fill the air.

My grandma loves flowers so much that she has her own, small garden of orchids and other tropical flowers back in Manila. I think I got the flower-lovin bug from her. Though I must admit that patience isn’t one of my strongest suits so growing them on  my own and tending to them daily is something that might just never happen.

In Manila, I had a special relationship with my personal florist. Seeing as we’ve been friends since we were 15, I’ve been spoiled with flowers for a loooong time. (If you’re reading this – Hi Chuckay!)

Since moving here to Malaysia, my husband and I haven’t gotten around to getting flowers for the home even though we often say that we would. This is mainly because of two reasons: flowers are a bit pricey in the KLCC area and we just don’t know where to get nice ones.

Along came Bloom This, a company that offers luxury subscription boxes for flowers and delivers them right on to your doorstep! The moment I learned about this service from my friend Tammy (due to her post and Bloom This’ appearance at the Blogging 101 workshop that Tammy organised), I was over the moon.

The prices are so affordable and the flowers you get are the ones you’d actually like to be in your home – luxury flowers, as the company calls it. Just last week, I was the envy of my friends back in Manila, my mom, and a couple of other friends here in KL when they saw that I have peonies at home. That’s right! Peonies! <3 <3 Continue reading

in Expat Life, KL Food

Foodie Adventures: Ippudo’s Limited Edition Ramen + Other Dishes (Available only from July-September 2015!)

June 30, 2015

Ah, Ippudo. The restaurant that launched a thousand #Foodstagrams when it opened in Manila. Of course, seeing the beloved Japanese ramen place when we moved here in KL gave me so much comfort!  I love Japanese food so much and ramen always counts as great comfort food! Especially on rainy afternoons here. 😉

Here in KL, I’ve also noticed that the restaurant industry is quite competitive so you see restaurants come and go while those who stay have one secret: Innovation (particularly on their menu). Of course, it came as no surprise that Ippudo isn’t one to be left behind when it comes to that.

Founded in Hakata, Japan by “Ramen King” Shigemi Kawahara, it’s been around since 1985 and up to this day, the company remains to be fuelled by innovation while staying true to Japanese tradition.

This July until September, the beloved ramen place is coming out with special, limited edition dishes to spice things up here in KL. I was lucky enough to attend a media preview for the new dishes and I’m going to share with you today what’s going to be available so you’ll know what to expect. 😉

TOKUSHIMA RAMEN (RM25)

Ippudo, Ramen, Ippudo Ramen, Japanese Food, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Tokushima Ramen, Pavilion, KLCC, Restaurants, Where to Eat in KL

The star of the show and the culprit for my recent cravings. This dish is also the star of my recent dreams and has got me wishing for July to come faster. This ramen is composed of chicken and pork broth mixed with dark soy sauce. Its savoury soup is to die for while the noodles are oh-so perfectly cooked.

The ramen is served with a generous helping of pork belly slices (Butabara) which were simmered in onions fused with soy sauce, green onions, and bamboo shoots. The raw egg also makes the broth rich and much more flavourful. It’s my new favourite ramen! Rich, savoury, a bit salty, and slurp-worthy! And yes, slurping is highly encouraged in Ippudo to compliment the chef! 😉

KIMCHI TOFU WITH BOILED PORK (RM13)

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in Uncategorized

Fitness + In Photos: Impulse Studio is now in KL Sentral!

June 22, 2015

Bangsar, Easy Workout, Effective Workout, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, EMS, EMS Training, Fast Workout, Fitness, Full Body Workout, Gym, Health, Impulse Studio, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Gym, Malaysia, Malaysia Fitness, Modern Workout, Muscle Training, New Workout, Strength, Tone Muscles, Workout, Workout Video, XBody, KL Sentral, Platinum Sentral,

Just thought I’d share the great news with you guys! The gym I go to, Impulse Studio, has opened a branch right in the middle of the city – which means it’s now nearer to where I live! Just a short monorail ride away.

Oh, and that means no more excuses for me when it comes to exercising. 😉

You can now do your Electric Muscular Stimulation (EMS) training at Impulse Studio in Platinum Sentral, a building connected to the KL Sentral station. Yay for easy access! (Especially for people like me who can’t drive myself to places. Haha!)

(RELATED POST: Fitness + Photos: Major Improvements Just After 12 EMS Training/Workout Sessions (20 mins each) Later!)

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in Beauty & Fashion

Beauty + Review: Shu Uemura Skin: Fit Foundation (Perfect for Summer!)

June 8, 2015

Shu Uemura, Shu Uemura Foundation, Skin:Fit, Skin Fit Foundation, Foundation for Oily Skin, Lightweight Foundation, SPF, Long-Lasting Foundation, Breathable Formula, Anti-Ageing, Beauty, Makeup, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Launch, Event

I’ve had my ups and downs with foundation. From not liking it to having to wear the thickest of its kind back when I was doing TV reporting, to finding the ones that I would actually like.

And one thing is for sure: For me to freely fork out money on a foundation, it has to be good to my skin. Nothing too harsh or too heavy (so over that!). Over time, I’ve met a couple who have met the criteria but I’ve often wished for a formula that would also feel lightweight and would let my skin breathe throughout the day. Oh, and it wouldn’t hurt too if it’s long-lasting, right?

Back then, I felt that those things were too much to ask. You can always get a lightweight foundation but you can bet your your toes it won’t be lasting you for more than 4 hours in this humid Southeast Asian weather. You can get a thicker, long-lasting kind but that would just make your skin feel suffocated throughout the day.

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So when I got the invite for Shu Uemura‘s launch for their new foundation, I’d have to admit that I had my doubts. A foundation that has all the things I’ve been wishing for? You’ve got to be pulling my leg!

But alas, I am amazed. By now, it’s pretty obvious that I will be raving about this product. But I suggest you read all the way till the end to see what it’s all about. Oh, and you guys do know that I nitpick, right?

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in Expat Life, KL Shopping

Events + Store Sneak Peek: Malabar Gold and Diamonds Opens in Kuala Lumpur

June 4, 2015

Malabar, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Jewels, Jewelry, Jewellery, Jewellery Store in Kuala Lumpur, Gold, Diamonds, Engagement Rings, Sapphire, Pearls, Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Kareena Kapoor Khan,

Ah, jewellery. Such pretty investments.

I’m all for the “treat ‘yo self” thing going around the internet these days as life can’t just be all about work and no play. So why not, right? As long as you can afford it.

I do love jewellery but I have yet to buy a piece that I can call my own since my collection is composed of my wedding and engagement rings from my husband and some pretty pieces from my grandma and mother in law. I love looking at jewellery and commenting about design and gem cuts but I guess I’m still in the receiving stage. 😉

 

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in Beauty & Fashion, Makeup

Beauty: Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon Review (4/6 shades)! Plus: Get your own at a DISCOUNT with this code!

June 3, 2015

Burt's Bees, Lip Crayon, Lip Colour, Makeup, Beauty, Natural, Organic, Cosmetics, Review, Blogger, Recommendations, Diplomat's Wife, Swatches, Lipstick, Hydrating,

It took a while but finally – Burt’s Bees’ Lip Crayons have finally reached our side of the world! I was lucky enough to be invited at the launch, held at Marini’s in Suria KLCC a couple of weeks ago.

Afternoon tea + blogger friends + makeup. What more can a girl ask for, right?

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Six colours were introduced – Hawaiian Smolder, Napa Vineyard, Redwood Forest, Carolina Coast, Niagara Overlook, and Sedona Sands.

My friends and I had fun swatching the  colours during the event but since the lighting at the venue was way too yellow, getting you good pictures that are true-to-colour was quite impossible. But fret not! I took some just yesterday under natural light. And there will be a review of 4 out of the 6 shades that they came out with in this post. 😉 I made the extra effort because you know I love you guys, right? *virtual hugs for my readers*

Burt's Bees, Lip Crayon, Lip Colour, Makeup, Beauty, Natural, Organic, Cosmetics, Review, Blogger, Recommendations, Diplomat's Wife, Swatches, Lipstick, Hydrating,

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in Beauty & Fashion

Hair: La Biosthetique’s Scalp Treatment at Andy Ho Haute Coiffure

May 29, 2015

La Biosthetique, Hair Care, Salon, Salon Exclusive Products, High End Hair Care Products, Body Care, Face, Shampoo, Conditioner, Beauty, Andy Ho, Andy Ho Haute Coiffure, French Products, Scalp Treatment,

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited to La Biosthetique’s Press Launch held in Damansara Perdana. I was thrilled, of course, as La Biosthetique is one of the salon-exclusive brands that I trust and I’m happy to find them here in Malaysia!

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It’s always so comforting to know that there’s a go-to brand you can choose in a salon even when you’re in a different country. 😉 I’ve trusted La Biosthetique ever since it was first introduced to me in Europe a couple of years ago and my impression hasn’t changed.

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in Expat Life, KL Food

Foodie Adventures: Mono Coffee Opens at Publika

May 10, 2015

Mono Coffee, Publika, Cafe, Expat Dining, Foodie, Food, Cafe, Coffee, Coffee Place, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Solaris Dutamas, Diplomat's Wife, Recommendation, Laid Back Cafe, Cosans Coffee, Review, Opening, Launch

I love Publika and I notice that a lot of expats do too. I guess it’s because of the fine selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops in that mall. I often go there with the husband for tapas, actually. 😉

Recently, another cafe has opened in Publika to add to the place’s list of establishments. Mono Coffee is yet another place for people who want to hang out, enjoy a cuppa, and meet up with friends in the Solaris Dutamas area.

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(RELATED POST: Foodie Adventures: JEQ in the House (Seksyen 17, Petaling Jaya))

But one thing that’s really nice about the place is the atmosphere. The lighting, the unfinished and slight industrial feel of the cafe also makes it quite relaxing.

The cafe was opened by the Brandker Group – the company behind one of Klang Valley’s most well known cafe chains: Cosans Coffee.

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You can say that Mono is Cosan’s hipster brother. With Mono specialising on serving artisan brews. It’s for coffee aficionados and those who actually appreciate the proper process of getting your beans into your cup.

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in Expat Life, KL Food

Events: Lipton Launches Instant Teh Tarik

May 1, 2015

Lipton, Teh Tarik, Hazelnut, Instant, Milk Tea, Teh Halia, Carcosa Seri Negara, Event, Ginger Milk Tea, Ginger Tea

Since moving to Malaysia, my husband and I have been addicted to Teh Tarik or “Pulled Tea” in English. We order it everywhere  –  at the mamaks, the fast food chains that serve them, at the restaurants, and even at food courts. He prefers it hot, while I always take it iced. But either way, we just love it – even though we know it can be quite fattening to drink it all the time. 😛

To get a-hold of Teh Tarik here in Malaysia, one has to travel to the nearest establishment that serves it. I can’t really imagine myself making some for Alvin from scratch as it can be quite a task to “pull” the milk tea and make it frothy.

Here’s the part where I tell you the good news: I can now have one of my favourite drinks at the comfort of my own home whenever I want it as Lipton recently launched their instant Teh Tarik! No more pulling, just stirring. 😉

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My friends and I were at the launch event held aptly at Carcosa Seri Negara – one of my favourite places in Kuala Lumpur. I love going there. Especially for afternoon tea!

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Aside from the Instant Teh Tarik, Lipton also re-launched their new and improved instant Classic Milk Tea that now contains more tea powder, balanced with equal amounts of milk to create a distinct tea latte.

They also have the nutty and fragrant Hazelnut milk tea and the Teh Halia or ginger milk tea (my personal favourite).

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The Teh Halia uses real ginger powder to achieve an authentic taste and aroma as well as to infuse your drink with the nutrients and benefits that ginger has to offer. That’s definitely a plus for me. 😉

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