Sun & Sand Sports (SSS) Makes a Splash in Malaysia with Grand Launch Event

Sun & Sand Sports (SSS), a renowned Middle Eastern sports retailer, has marked its grand debut in Malaysia with a spectacular launch event. The event, aptly named 'SSS Active Arcade,' unfolded at Centre Court, Mid Valley Megamall, offering a unique experience to fitness enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers. As part of its strategic expansion, SSS has opened stores at Mid Valley Megamall and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, with a forthcoming outlet at TRX, emphasizing its commitment to establishing 11 stores across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, within the next 36 months.

'Getha' enough sleep with HawaIi Collection at Getha Roadshows

Having the right pillow, mattress and blanket is a must for me to catch some Z's and I am sure everyone can relate. But did you know that relaxing your five senses before going to bed can also contribute to a better quality sleep?

Yep, that's what I learnt at the Aloha Getha  Roadshow at Midvalley Megamall over the past weekend. I also got a chance to check out their new limited edition Hawaii series which are exclusively only available at Aloha Getha Roadshows. More deets on that later on.

Wagyu More Buffet: All You Can Eat Steamboat Buffet for Only RM36.80

I confess, I go to Midvalley Megamall so often that I might have eaten my way through all their F and B tenants within my budget, of course. There will be days when I end up wandering around in search of something new only to eat the same thing again. Who else has the problem?

Southeast Asia's first Kit Kat Concept Store opens in Midvalley

I super love Kit Kat, especially those from Japan for their variety of flavours unique to the prefecture and season in Japan. Sakura match, hojicha, raspberry, cheesecake, red bean (not so much) and so on. I could go on and on about my favourite flavours but....oh wait I already did (link).

So when I heard that Midvalley was to house the first Kit Kat Concept Store in Southeast Asia, I was elated. Woohoo, odd, weird flavoured Kit Kat come to me!

Tino's Pizza, Midvalley review

Brought to you by the founder of Chatime’s, Bryan Loo, Tino’s Pizza has found its roots in Mid Valley Megamall as a café that serves fast and delicious pizza, savoury and sweet. At lunch and dinner time, it gets fairly crowded. Their menu is simple and limited but nevertheless exciting. It was shaped like a flat pan on which most of their specialties are served on. I found it to be quite a nice rustic touch to this little café.

Magnum cafe, Midvalley review

When was the last time any of us queued for ce-cream? The last I remember was when I was a kid and the ice-cream potong guy would come around on his motorcycle and all the neighbourhood kids (and their maids) would crowd him to get their ice-cream fix. 

Because we were kids, we had no concept of queuing. Fortunately, as adults the concept of queuing (ie waiting for our turn) is not lost on some of us. Point in case: the new opened Magnum Cafe in Midvalley Megamall. 

You know what they say, a crowd draws a crowd and this rings very true with Malaysians. Since its opening in November 2014, the Magnum cafe has seen hordes of adults and teenagers queuing patiently outside its two-floored cafe on the highest floor of the mall. All to customise their dream Magnum. 

The concept that allows customers to 'design' their own Magnum ice-cream has spawned outlets in Bangkok, Singapore and now Kuala Lumpur. We Malaysians are generally very proud about our creativity with food and this gave us that opportunity to flex that creativity. 

Goku Raku Ramen, Midvalley review

If there was a place where I could get real good authentic Japanese ramen in Kuala Lumpur, it would be Goku Raku Ramen in Midvalley Megamall. On my previous visits, I found out that this restaurant served delicious ramen that was similar to the ones in Japan, with ample toppings (a lot of char siew slices and a whole lava egg) and at affordable prices too. Needless to say, Goku Raku Remen quickly became my go-to place to curb my ramen cravings.

During an invited food review by Ivy of Food Malaysia recently, I found out why the ramen here resembled the ramen I love so much in Japan. It was because the chefs themselves were either Japanese themselves or trained in Japan for several years. I admit that besides the ramen, I wasn't familiar with their menu.

Heck, I didn't even know they had Shanghai Fried Ramen (RM13.90). Served on a hot plate and right off the fire, this dish arrived sizzling and the smell of fried noodles and vegetable immediately invaded our nostrils. The fried ramen came with a lot of fresh juicy vegetable such as bean sprout, carrots and cabbage. This would a healthier version of our chinese fried noodles and non-meat eaters will like this.

BluMed restaurant, the Gardens New Menu review

Strangely enough, no matter how many times I have been to Midvalley and Gardens, I never once thought to step into BluMed Ristorante e Bar for a meal or drinks. It might be because I was intimidated by the elegant and posh exterior and interior of the two-leveled restaurant that sits between Midvalley and Gardens.

Recently, I was invited by Ivy of Food Malaysia to try out several dishes from their new revamped menu (available 17 March onwards0. Upon entering the outlet, it turned out it wasn't at all that intimidating as the entire restaurant was warm and inviting with an open kitchen concept, a bar and a dessert display. 

Guess Luxe Collection Launch @ the Gardens

To kick off the festive season, GUESS launched their Luxe Fall/Winter 2013 collection just last week at an intimate event at the Garden's outlet and 50 fashion-crazed bloggers from the Butterfly Project were invited to have a first look at the new collection. I am happy to say that I was one of those lucky butterflies to attend the event.

Already filled with early birds.

Myself and partner in crime, Senri.

NBrew, Midvalley review

Hey, guys!

Did you know that only about 1% of chefs and food professionals in the world uses molecular gastronomy? What is molecular gastronomy, you ask? Molecular gastronomy basically takes sciences and integrates its methods and experimental ways into the creation of food and desserts.It may seem so out of this world and would cost you a bomb to try out molecular gastronomy but believe it or not, you can actually give it a try at the latest ice-cream parlour to hit the market, NBrew.

Schwarzkopf reveals its 2013 Ambassadors

I was recently invited for the unveiling of Schwarzkopf's ambassadors for 2013, held at the entrance of Aeon Big also known as Carrefour, Mid Valley. Hosted by the beautiful Julie Woon, dressed in a shimmering golden dress, it was a rather intimate affair with members of the media and bloggers present to find out who were the 10 winners of Schwarzkopf Ambassador Search 2012.
 

Throughout 2012, Schwarzkopf held road shows for six weeks at major colleges and universities in the Klang Valley and out of that, 243 young students participated. The ten winners were selected based on having a complete wholesome package of a fashionable style, charismatic personality and creativity in penning slogans that stood out.

The search officially came to an end with the announcement of the 10 Schwarzkopf Ambassadors. The winners were introduced to the crowd and were met with a scattering applause and flashing cameras. I could hear a lot of people remarking how pretty and cute they were.

Ooi Joshua

Loo Lynn Shia

Tan Xue Fen

Yap Foo Khiew

Shalini Nair

Lee Sing Yee

 To me, Lee Sing Yee stood out the most due to her drastic change from an Ah-Lian appearance to a classy 'Hong Kong-star' look as Julie had described her. It's amazing how the right hairstyle can make a difference to a person. Furthermore Sing Yee really knows her poses and facial angles as she strutted down the catwalk for the cameras. I wouldn't be surprised if a modelling agency approaches her after this.

Toh Han Ying

Tan Jia Tong

Nik Azrul Aimanshah b. Ibrahim

Schwarzkopf Ambassadors will be receiving a year's supply of Schwarzkopf haircare and styling products as well as will be appearing at future events and activities on behalf of the renowned hair brand.

"We trust they will be able to represent Schwarzkopf well." said Mr. Markus Daburger, General Manager of Henkel Beauty Care for Malaysia and Singapore at the ceremony.

Thanks, Isabel, Rabiatul and Jay Mee for inviting me along. To Cindy and Lisa, it was so nice to finally meet you in person. And thank you, Schwarzkopf for the hair products because my hair is in constant dire need of repair serums!


Schwarzkopf Products

Schwarzkopf retail products, which includes hair care products (Extra Care series), hair colouration products (Freshlight and Palette) and styling products (Got2b series), are available at prices that won't break your bank at all 26 Aeon BIG hypermarkets formerly known as Carrefour and selected supermarkets and pharmacies.

 To find out more about the Schwarzkopf, its products and its 10 new ambassadors, tune in to the Schwarzkopf Malaysia Facebook page. 

Shills Luxurious Bulgarian Rose Skincare Launch

Roses are red (or pink), 

Violets are blue,

My skin is looking dull,

Thank goodness for Shills' Luxurious Bulgarian Rose skincare range.

Okay, there is a reason why I am not a poet but my skin has been looking dull and dry lately. In fact, just a few days before this event, my mom commented that my skin looked like....well, crap. So naturally when I got to the venue of Shills' new product launch and got a goodie bag filled with skincare goodness, I was delighted! Talk about perfect timing.

The launch of Shills Luxurious Bulgarian Rose skincare range saw the quint Gardens Lifestyle Cafe, Mid Valley transformed into a garden of pink and white roses. Guests and bloggers were dressed in line with the theme of the event which was white and/or pink.

The event opened with an energetic jive and cha cha dance performance by two young dancers from William & Luisa Dance World (I used to take dance classes under Auntie Luisa a long time ago.)

The emcee did a quick introduction of Shills before inviting beauty specialist, Ms. Eva forward for a skincare demonstration. Armed with helpful tips on making the most of the new range, Eva highlighted several products of Shills's newest Luxurious Bulgarian Rose Skincare:

• Rose Essential Hydrating Toner (RM 59 for 250ml)
• Rose Essential Firming Eye Cream (RM 118 for 20ml)
• Rose Essential Hydrating and Whitening Day Cream ( RM 99 for 50ml)
• Rose Petal Jelly Mask (RM 99 for 70ml)
• Rose Brightening Lift Jelly Eye Mask (RM 99 for 10 pairs)
• Rose Essential Whitening and Repair Night Cream (RM 99 for 50ml)
• Rose Essential 5 in 1 Deep Clarifier (RM 79 for 250ml)
• Rose Essential Cleansing Gel (RM 79 for 100ml)
• Rose Luxury Essence (RM 99 for 30ml)

The key ingredient to Shill's latest skincare series are the petals of the fragrant Bulgaria Damascus Rose that can only be found in an area surrounding Kazanlak, Bulgaria called the Valley of Roses (which sounds like a mystical place in a RPG game). In order to obtain just 1kg of rose oil, 4000 petals have to be handpicked before noon as the weather can affect the quality of the flower. No wonder this ingredient is dubbed liquid gold.

Luxurious Bulgarian Rose Skincare

Shills' Bulgarian Rose Skincare range is free of chemicals and alcohol to ensure that only the purest form of rose oil is sustained to keep your skin hydrated and rejuvenated. Ms Eva mentioned that the Rose Petal Jelly Mask can be consumed if you're really hungry curious. One of the bloggers, Cindy took her up on that claim and tried a little (very little) to see what it tasted like. The verdict: honey.

What I liked about this range is that you don't need to apply a lot to tend to your face daily. A small drop about 20 or 50 cent (the old coins) will suffice. It can be used for other things as well. For instance, after using the Rose Brightening Lift Jelly Eye mask, don't throw it away. Soak it in a cup of water and you can use it to wash your feet or just leave it in your bathroom to enjoy its rody scent.

To wrap up the launch, the emcee had a Q&A session with the audience. Several ladies returned home with additional products from the newly launched range. As for me, I was quite pleased with the Rose Essential Hydrating Toner, a Rose Essential Hydrating Skin Care set and a Black Bamboo Charcoal Mask that came in my goodie bag.

Shills' Luxurious Bulgarian Rose skincare range is available at all SaSa stores nationwide or at the Shills website.

Roxy Madness - Clubbing Essentials for Girls.

So a few weeks ago, I received an sms invitation by Roxy for their Family and Friends' Sale that took place on a Saturday at the Midvalley outlet. I was there at 10am to beat the crowd...which I didn't because there was already about 15 people rummaging through the racks. I guess 50 % discounts on expensive beach wear do bring out the early bird in people.


source: Roxy Malaysia website

Roxy's collection was extensive, offering more bags, dresses, purses, skirts and shirts compared to five years ago. I was drawn to their brown Native America-inspired shoulder bags but as I was on a budget, I really had to ask myself, Shopaholic-style:
"Do I need this?"
No.

But I did need a clutch purse for clubbing for various reasons so I got one. And here it is. Along with a loose T-shirt.

50% off everything.

 If you have read my earlier post about clubbing on Halloween, you would know I have a thing against girls bringing huge ass bags to clubs. If you're one of those girls, just stop it. Stop bringing your overnight bags/pitless handbags to crowded clubs. It is inconsiderate and annoying. Get a clutch purse that can fit these important items:

But what about your makeup, you ask. Well, if you're good, then your makeup should last you at least 4-5 hours of clubbing. If not, I suggest investing in waterproof or long-wearing makeup. Take only the small items like eyeliner or lipstick with you.

Back to clutches: Go look for one at Roxy. Or Jusco. Or at a blog shop. Or Asos.

Just get one.

Make life easier for you, the people around you and your boyfriend who now doesn't need to drag your bag around. Oh, and another thing. Don't let/make your boyfriend carry your handbag. Have the decency to preserve his masculinity in public because you know people will be sneering at him for being your whipping boy and at you for being too lazy or frail to carry your own bag.
(whoopse, went on a rant there...)

Redundant facts about the writer: in my college years, my friends and I went on a Roxy craze where the only birthday prezzies we would accept from each other were Roxy items. That year, I got a handbag, a purse, a shirt and a pair of slippers, all from Roxy. Looking back now, I realised how spoiled we were. First world problems much?

Peace out.

Kardashian Kollection @ Dorothy Perkins

 

If you're a fan of Kourtney, Khloe (like me) or Kim Kardashian, then you will be happy to know that an entire line of sexy and fierce clothings designed by the sexy trio can now be found at Dorothy Perkins, Midvalley as of yesterday.



Kardashian Wave in stores.

The Kardashian Kollection (yes, that's collection with a K) introduces hot leopard prints, hints of overlaid laces, sultry dark colours with classy hints of gold in the form of body-tight dresses and formal, versatile wear.

Still-models

And the best part about the range, the designs and cuts caters to women of all walks and sizes! Skinny, petite, voluptuous, curvy, booty-filled.... There is something for everyone! I will credit this to the fact that the Kardashian sisters themselves aren't the typical model sizes. Khloe is my favourite because like majority of women around the world, she has faced criticism on her weight and has proven that you don't need to be stick thin to be sexy.

"I have moments of weakness, but mostly I brush the criticism off… Who cares if I’m not a size zero? I don’t want to be. I love my body; I’m healthy, I work out...I am who I am. I can’t do anything about it, and I love who I am."
-Khloe Kardashian.

And we love you for that, Khloe. Even the Malaysian celebrities was not spared the craze as they shared their favourites from the Kardashian line at the official launch at Dorothy Perkins, Midvalley yesterday.




L-R: Daphne Iking, Poova Plachciak, Belinda Chee and Sazzy Falak,
wearing the Kardashian Kollection.



Loving the new collection.

 I love how most of the pieces are statement pieces and can make all the difference in your fashion style. And frankly speaking, Dorothy Perkins clothes aren't at all that expensive as they are really good quality and beautifully designed. The Kardashian line is not different with prices starting at RM150 to RM350. Make a fashion investment, be stylish for life (gosh, that's corny).



One of the first few to own a Kardashian piece.

Photo inception!

DP Midvalley is the first store to hold the collection although other DP outlets in Malaysia will have them on the shelves by Monday, 12 Nov.

Fierce prints and sexy laces.

On a side note, DP's other lines are worth having a look at too. These tan Pu Hi Tops caught my eye despite not being a part of the K-Kollection. Me likey... especially for dancing...

For more info on the Kardashian Kollection, log on to the Dorothy Perkins website or head down to their outlets in Midvalley, Sunway Pyramid, 1Utama, Bangsar Village II, The Curve, Empire Shopping Gallery and Pavilion.

Happy shopping!

Din Tai Fung Lunch Set review

My parents always complained that I have expensive cravings considering that I am currently surviving on a student budget and the occasional freelancer paychecks. I try to cut down when I can but sometimes the craving for good food is just too hard to resist.

Din Tai Fung's famous Xiao Long Bao is undoubtedly one of my favourites. I get cravings for it so often it drives my parents crazy every time I suggest Din Tai Fung for lunch or dinner.

Which is why I was so glad when I found out that Din Tai Fung had a lunch set. For RM23.90, I get to satisfy my craving for Xiao Long Bao along with one main dish and a drink (ice lemon tea or soya bean). Totally worth it!



Lunch set menu for Oct.

The mains can usually be shared between two people as they are huge! I love their shrimp and pork fried rice because they are very generous with their crunchy shrimps, six pieces tucked away in their yummy not-oily fried rice.

Shrimp & pork fried rice

And of course, the main reason I ever go to Din Tai Fung - their pork Xiao Long Bao. I have tried Xiao Long Bao from other places but none are up to the standards of Din Tai Fung, mainly because their dumpling skin is too thick or the soup inside is very little. You won't get that at Din Tai Fung.

Oh, glorious dumpling!

The recommended method of eating Xiao Long Bao.

source: www.malaysianfoodie.com

I prefer to drink the soup first before dabbing the ginger and soy sauce and eating it whole.

The lunch set is available only from Mon - Fri, before 3pm. Not available on public holidays or the eve of public holidays.

Hah, let's see my parents complain about my 'expensive' taste in food now! :p

Address:
The Gardens Mall,
Mid Valley City
LG207, Lower Ground Floor
Tel:+603 2283 2292
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10am-10pm

For more info on their other outlets, head over to http://dintaifungmalaysia.com/

*This is not an invited review. Every opinion here is the writer's own.