Japan 2014 - Day 9: Osaka - Ramen Museum, Kyoto Hanami & Kiyomizudera Night Illumination

Our last day in Osaka and it was pouring. However, that didn't hinder our plans to head out of Osaka to visit the Momofuku Ramen Musuem in Ikeda and back again to Kyoto for the Kiyomizudera Night Illumination that only happens for a short period four times a year. Unfortunately my friend wasn't feeling well and opted to stay in Osaka and relax there and Cousin and Sister became my travel companions for the day.

Using the Kansai Thru Pass (as it can be used on non-consecutive days), we took the subway from Namba to Umeda and hopped on over to the Hankyu train, taking the Takarazuka line. Ikeda was about 10 stops away and took approximately 40 minutes. As I have visited the museum on my previous trip, I knew exactly where to go. 

Creatively Functional Bags by Terminus, 1Utama

I love bags. Seriously, what woman doesn't? But more than that, I love functional versatile bags that can hold everything I need for almost all occasions as I am not one that changes her bag frequently. Save for a few brands, there are not many bags out there that can blend functionality with fashion and decent prices. 

Enter Terminus Bag. 

Animangaki 2014 - Day 2 Highlights

Day 2 of Animangaki 2014 and I was beat. After a whole day of being on my feet on Day 1, got my butt kicked at the Energizer Night Run by dehydration and getting up super early for Spartan training with the team, I was sure all feelings in my legs was imaginary.

But by some miracle/determination, I summoned up all my last remaining energy and its reserves and got myself to Sunway Pyramid for the second day of Animangaki...somehow.

And if it was even possible, there was even more to see, do and look forward to on Day 2. Here are my highlights.

Philips Airfloss Launch, Empire Hotel Subang

Look into the mirror and flash your pearly whites. Think looks sparkly and clean? Well, look closer. Because in between your teeth and gums, plaque has set up shop there and it is slowly eating away at your teeth and gum, causing bleeding and oral health issues.

Although brushing is a must, it does not completely remove the food debris and bacterial plaque that may accumulate between the teeth, whereas flossing can help remove this plaque and debris. And even then, sometimes even flossing won't do the trick as proper technique and commitment is needed.

My AirAsia Free Seats!

If I had 10 AirAsia Free Seats, I would go to Bangkok and I'd bring along my bootcamp teammates and here's why!

Why my crazy bootcamp teammates? 
Because there's no other group with whom I would travel with other than this crazy group of people. Whether it's for a holiday or to surrender our lives take part into whatever crazy obstacle race in whatever far away country that it is being held in, they have become my favourite people to do globe-hopping with (admittedly we have only globe-hopped to Australia and Singapore so far...)

Taking advantage of Airasia's reasonable flight tickets, we have flown to Perth, Australia for Tough Mudder 2013 and to Singapore for the Commando Challenge 2013 and Urbanathlon 2014.

Star Wars Miniland, Legoland Malaysia Opening Soon

Hear ye, hear ye... Live long and prosper! 

No, wait..that's not right. What I meant to say was..may the force be with you. 

*cue March of the Empire soundtrack*

What am I going on about? Why, the long awaited opening date of Star Wars Miniland in Legoland Malaysia in Johor Bahru of course! You can mark your calenders for 6 September because that's when this will be happening. And by the way, if you so happen to be visiting around that time, it's also Legoland Malaysia's second anniversary on 16 September (Hello, Malaysia Day holiday) so keep an eye out for special offers!

Japan 2014 - Day 8: Osaka - Tsutenkaku Tower, Den Den Town & Umeda Floating Garden Observatory

Our eighth day in Japan was one of the more...laid back days of the entire trip. Our plans for the day included the Tsutenkaku Tower, a slow walkthrough Den Den Town and then to Umeda Floating Garden Observatory for sunset.

We set out at 10:30am from our guesthouse and walked to Tsutenkaku Tower, Shinsekai It was a good 15 minutes walk though a very quiet Den Den Town (that would be blasting with life and otakus later) and found ourselves in the downtown neighbourhood of Shinsekai.

This area would be the equivalent of Malaysia's own Chow Kit district where bars and restaurants offering the Osaka delicacy, Fugu fish dish can be found in abundance. Shinsekai has a reputation for being the 'Yakuza' neighbourhood where it was said that visitors might find tattooed thugs entering a bar, demanding for protection money or where anyone with a visible tattoo would be looked upon warily. That was what I heard and read when researching the place.

Lucy movie review

So my previous movie review on Step Up: All In came with an unexpected surprise. I was selected as the winner of Nuffnang's Step Up: All In review contest! Yay!

And my prize was VIP seating to any Nuffnang movie premiere screening of my choice as well as a Guardians of the Galaxy notebook and a Groot toy that had Senri and Elie squabbling over it.

Animangaki 2014 - Day 1 Highlights

Animangaki made its return this year with a bang and what a bang it was with the total number of guests topping last year's attendance. Yay!

Since its humble beginnings in 2009, Animangaki has grown leaps and bounds in terms of size, organization and of course, fans. Held once again at Sunway Pyramid, the weekend of 9-10 August 2014 saw flocks and hordes of anime fans, otakus and cosplayers arrive at the convention center of the shopping mall for the fifth Animangaki (abbreviated from the words Anime, Manga and Gaki. Gaki being the Japanese word for 'brat') that was themed Sengoku also known as Feudal Japan.

Epicuro, Damansara Uptown review

Just at the end of 2013, a new restaurant joined the busy busy neighbourhood of the infamous Damansara Uptown (and no, it's not A Pie Thing) and within the next few months, garnered the attention of food bloggers and pork lovers around. Why? Because the pork, pastas and desserts there are delicious!

Enter a cosy atmosphere of black and yellow with natural lighting and a cute chalk drawing on one whole wall.  Much like its name sake, Epicuro invites its customers to relish the indulgence of dining on good food without breaking the bank. Because given its food quality and portions, I would say Epicuro's prices are rather affordable.