Shopping Spree: Splurge or Save?

22:51 becky-wong 0 Comments

Hi again! I believe by judging on the topic, you peeps would have guessed what this post is about. With the ease of shopping online, many of us - including myself, has some difficulties in controlling our expenses; and hence, the splurging.

I was approached by the friendly Ms Jessica Brady from Raise.com to share my experience on my impulsive purchases and my methods of shopping for a sale. Raise.com is a new peer-to-peer marketplace where you can buy discounted gift cards to your favourite brands, and sell your unused gift cards for cash. Recently, they have created a fun and informative blog called "Impulse Buying: Splurging When You Think You’re Saving". The blog is about the different ways other retailers, coax customers into spending money they shouldn’t be. Go check out their blog!

I admit I am a big time impulsive shopper!

Beauty Products

Photo credit: www.sheknows.com

When it comes to beauty-related products! I just have a very hard time of saying "NO" to them, and we girls know how expensive these things could be. I used to spend a lot in shops like SaSa or Sephora, and those cosmetics counters in the shopping malls. I'm curious to try out all these products, and ended up purchasing things that don't suits my skin or I do not need.

Eventually I realised that I'd really need to understand my skin better, so that I do not spend the unnecessary money. Guess what, this really help me a lot! Instead of blindly trying out each and every products in the market and burning a big hole in my purse, I start to do my research on them before purchasing. This helps me to understand the products and also the reviews from the users; while at the same time narrow it down to the few products that suits me - and ultimately save me a lot of money.

Mega Sales

Photo credit: www.kjaggers.com

Another occasion that would "motivate" you to spend is during the sales season. Many malls or retail stores would have discounts, eg. 50% on 2nd item or buy 3 for certain amount. It might look like you are saving, but in actual fact, you might be spending more than you really need to.

I notice a lot of shops like to use the "Buy 2nd item at 50%" sales method. If you really think about it, you actually only save about 25% in your total bill, and by purchasing the 2nd item you are already spending extra. This also applies to those "buy 3 for 2" sales gimmick. However, if you really need those items then it makes sense, otherwise, just stick to the stuff that you actually need not want. Trust me, I learnt this the hard way too. ='(

Retailers and companies are getting much more creative in their marketing and promotion plan. However, I personally feel that there are still ways for us to enjoy our shopping spree while still be able to save - so long we are wise in the choices we made while making a purchase.

So, ladies and gentlemen... Happy shopping and most of all, SHOP WISELY!!

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Dinner at Madisons, Bangsar

16:31 becky-wong 0 Comments

It has been quite some time since I lasted posted articles about food. I believe many people have heard or even patronize the eateries along Jalan Bangkung in Bangsar. I've read multiple blogs commenting on the restaurants in this area, and finally I had my first meal in Madisons in Jalang Bangkung.


The cuisine in Madisons is light Modern European with clear flavours, and local produce where possible. The chef, Chef Kelly, headed Adelaide’s award winning Auge Italian restaurant before stepping foot into Malaysia.

I was there for their dinner, and their menu was a simple 2 pages menu.


 

The interior was simple and cosy; and the staffs were attentive and friendly too. Although the place wasn't too spacious, but the interior design definitely have a chic and stylish touch to it.



If you prefer to have a few drinks and some bites, you can always opt for the bar.


Bread was served while waiting for our dishes to be served.


Bread and butter
Normally I don't fancy any bread. However, these in Madisons were actually so good that it reminded me of the ones I've had in Lafite, Shangri-La. The bread was served warmed, crisp on the outside but perfectly moist on the inside - it also has the pleasant chew to it. I only wished they could served slightly more than 3, as I couldn't have enough of this. ='(

Pate
We had Pate (RM27) as our entree- tuft duck and chicken liver pate, red wine jelly, compressed baby pears. The pate was flavourful and creamy, and you could pair it with a little bit of red wine jelly to ad some sweetness to it. Warning: it might get a little messy-greasy while eating it due to all the spreading, but who cares so long they are delicious!

Pappardelle with braised oxtail
Our pasta of the night - Pappardelle with braised oxtail, blood orange, baby carrots and tarragon leaves (p/s: sorry folks, did not get the price for this). The pappardelle sheets were al dente, the oxtails were braised to tender, and the gravy has a hint of sweetness to it due to the blood orange.

Braised Beef Cheeks
We had their Braised beef cheeks with roasted cherry truss tomatoes and potato puree (RM40). Once again, the beef was so tender that I was able to break it just using A FORK! The sauce was delicious and the potato puree was so smooth.

Chocolate Mousse with Cocoa Powder and Salted Caramel
Dessert was not on our list, but I changed my mind the moment I had a spoonful of the chocolate mousse. The chocolate mousse was rich yet not heavy, the bitterness of the cocoa powder help to balance out the sweetness of the chocolate mousse, and the salted caramel added texture to the whole dish.

Overall, our meal came to a total of RM150 (excluded beverages) with 3 people dining. It was a satisfying meal and I'd definitely recommend this place. As for me, of course I'm waiting for my next visit to Madisons.

Operating Hours: 11AM - late

Address:
65 Jalan Bangkung,
Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar,
59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact: (603) 2092 1222

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GrantonWorld - Live More, For Less!

10:09 becky-wong 0 Comments

Shopping nowadays are getting much more convenient. Most of time, it is just a click away! Today I'm going to introduce another lifestyle website that offers amazing daily promotions - GrantonWorld. It is a website where you can get great deals and HUGE discounts on various products and services for you to choose from!




It's super easy to join GrantonWorld and it is FREE! Just sign up to be a member and you can start shopping - products, services and event holiday getaway!

By shopping on GrantonWorld, you earn points too. 1 point is equal to RM10 and can be used in purchasing any of their amazing deals as regular cash. On top of this, they'll have freebies to give away too! As their member, you'll be receiving notifications on their promotions and contest, where you can participate and win yourself some amazing freebies from GrantonWorld.

So, let's go check them out and click the widget at the side to make your purchase!



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Seeties Getaways Treat Campaign: Outdoors & Attractions

09:12 becky-wong 0 Comments

Hi, I'm back again! In my previous post, I've mentioned about a getaway contest by Seeties.


In conjunction with this, I would like to submit my humble recommendations.

Staying in PJ/KL area does have it perks, but braving yourself through the traffics and hectic lifestyle are few of the downsides. So, when it comes to a short weekend getaway, I'd prefer to go or explore places that are kinda a little outskirt or high up the hills. I believe many of you are familiar with Cameron Highlands, and might have been there a thousand times. Personally I've only been there twice, and I love both of my experience up there.

One of the places I'd recommend is the Rose Valley which located in Tringkap, Cameron Highlands. They have an amazing of 450 varieties of roses and, and with the cool climate actually further nurses these flowers.

I'm never a fan of flowers, but I think this could be one of the places that you can take some beautiful photos of flowers. With my really really "private limited" photography skill, I manage to capture some really beautiful flowers, and I kinda like them a lot:


Ain't these lantern flowers just simply beautiful? Love the pink and purple combination and it has a very oriental feel to it.


If I have to choose, I'd prefer the white or yellow roses, compare to the typical red ones.

Rose Valley
Address: 148 Tringkap, Cameron Highlands, 39000 Pahang.
Contact: +605-4961620 / +605-4961491
Fax: +605-4961049
Operating Hours: 8AM - 6PM
Entrance Tickets: RM 5 for adults; RM 2 for kids

For the map, please refer:

Photo credit: http://www.cameronhighlandsinfo.com/attraction/rose_valley/

Apart from the Rose Valley, it only makes sense to pay visit to one of the tea farm. The last, I went to BOH Plantation Tea Center. The plantation has a total of 8000 acres planted with tea, and it is the largest tea plantation in Southeast Asia.


Sipping a cup of hot tea, under a cool climate with clear blue sky and gazing out to the mountains of tea leaves in the BOH Tea Shop..doesn't this just sound wonderful and relaxing? Totally one of THE PLACE to unwind with family and friends. Besides, they offer FREE guided factory tour every 30 minutes, of how the tea leaf is processed! Fun and education in the same package!

A friendly reminder,  due to the road is narrow and winding, please give a honk or two while negotiating a corner to let oncoming traffic know there is a car coming.

BOH Tea Plantations
Address: Jalan Gunung Brinchang, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
Contact: +605-4962096
Operating Hours: 9AM - 4:30PM, Monday is close
Entrance Tickets: FREE


Apart from having a short getaway, I love to reward myself to some nice food too. Few months ago, my brother introduce this amazing little cafe to me - Jam & Kaya Cafe. It is located inside PJ Palms Sports Center.


I've actually mentioned about this place in my previous post, so I won't get into too much details this round. The reasons I really fall in love with this place are very simple - simple and bright interior with very friend owners, and nice food.


Prefer to enjoy a cuppa by the couch?


...Or you could choose to side at the side and enjoy watching the barista work their magic.

Of course, not to forget to have some desserts to go with your coffee...


Tryout their pancakes when you are there. We specially requested to change the tropical fruits toppings to caramelized bananas, and they did it! Hot caramelized bananas with jam that added a little acidity and cold ice cream for that sweetness AND the pancakes! YUMMY~~~

Okay, I think I got a little too carried away. In conjunction with the getaway campaign, these would be my recommendations. AND~~~ wish me luck!

Jam & Kaya Cafe
Address: No 1, Lorong Sultan, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +016-667-5078
Operating Hours: Tuesday-Thursday (10AM -10PM)
                              Friday-Sunday (8AM - 11PM)

Directions: Take a LRT and drop off at Taman Jaya LRT station. Head towards A&W direction, go straight and you'll see a sports center (PJ Palms Sports Center) on your left. Go into the center, take a right turn at the swimming pool and go around the pool. You'll spot this little cafe right inside the sports center after you've passed the pool. It's roughly a 3 minutes walking distance from the LRT station.

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Your Pick, Our Treat: Getaway Treat Campaign!

13:25 becky-wong 0 Comments

Hello peeps! I've been approached by the lovely Audrey from Seeties recently, and noticed that they are having an amazing getaway treat for all of you boys and girls out there!

Before I get into what's the campaign is all about, let me first introduce Seeties to you. It is an application that you can install from Google play store, where you can find recommendations in Malaysia for the following 6 categories:
  1. Arts and Crafts
  2. Beauty and Fashion
  3. Food and Drinks
  4. Kitchen Recipes
  5. Outdoors and Attractions
  6. Performing Arts
 Not an Android user? Same here. For all the non-Android out there, you can go to the Seeties website and check out these amazing recommendations, or maybe even sign up and submit your own recommendations!

So, back to our today's topic! To celebrate the rolling out of their "Follow" feature,  Seeties is having a GETAWAY TREAT CAMPAIGN and giving away 10 getaway treats!


Excited yet? Wait...there's more...you can choose any of the private villa from the following for your getaway


Look at those beautiful places! Don't you just wish to spend your weekend in one of these villas?!

Now, the fun part - how to win yourself into one of these villa:

Campaign Details

We have not 1, not 5, but 10 getaway treats to be given away! Winners will get 2 days 1 night stay at a villa of their choice!

How It Works

  1. Post at least 1 recommendation on Outdoors & Attractions category and 1 on any category you love at Seeties platform from 2 April 2014 - 30 April 2014.
  2. Each recommendation should have at least 3 photos, interesting and helpful info, and correct locations on Google Map.
Tips: Can you post more than 2? Of course! The more you recommend, the higher chances you will get!

Selection Criteria of Winners

We will select ten (10) expert’s recommendation with most beautiful photos to win the getaway treats!

To Participate

  1. You must be a registered Seetizen Expert of Seeties, click here to join if you are not.
  2. Share and post the campaign poster with your own unique picture URL on your blog
For any further information or enquiries, please contact audrey@seeties.me

Terms & Conditions

  1. This Campaign covers all Recommendations posted by Seetizen Experts between 2nd April 2014 and 30th April 2014.
  2. The Campaign will only include Recommendations about places in Malaysia.
  3. Seetizen Experts are required to follow the instructions for the Campaign to be considered.
  4. Seetizen Experts who did not 'Share and post the poster link' on their blogs will not be considered by the Campaign.
  5. Individuals may only post Recommendations via one Seetizen Expert account.
  6. Seetizen Experts sharing of 'poster link' will be taken to mean acceptance of these terms and conditions, and that the Seetizen Expert agrees to abide by an respect these terms.
  7. No new Recommendations will be considered for the Campaign after 11:59 PM 30th April 2014.
  8. Seeties will start reviewing entries from 1st May 2014. The 10 winners are selected according to the judging criteria of "Best Picture". Winners will be announced by Seeties on 15th May 2014.
  9. The prize 'getaway treat' for winning Recommendations is allocated per Seetizen Expert. All prizes are non transferable.
  10. The prize 'getaway treat' is worth for two (2) days one (1) night stay only, and not inclusive of meal and transportation costs. Winners must inform Seeties one month prior to actual date of stay at the villas, in order to facilitate bookings. The prize is valid until 31st December 2014.
  11. Seeties reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions, at Seeties discretion, with notice to all Seetizen Experts. 
What are you waiting for?? Let's all get working on our recommendations NOW!

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"STAND FIRM, STAY FIRM" Photography Contect by Shizens

15:28 becky-wong 0 Comments

Ladies, it's time to show to the world that beauty is not just about looks.. but it's also about the inner strength that we have that took us through all the ups and downs!

Our role as a "woman" has evolve since the ancient time - from giving birth and taking care of the family to taking up the responsibilities of the household and being part of the workforce and contributing to the social welfare. Throughout history, many women have exhibit their amazing inner strength. As a means of acknowledging and recognizing the efforts of all women, Shizenz has launched a "STAND FIRM, STAY FIRM" photography contest from 2 April to 30 April, 2014.


The contest is is classified into 2 categories, Photography Enthusiasts and Mobile Photography. Participants can submit their best shoots that is strong emotions, human and feminine at www.standfirmstayfirm.com or #standfirmstayfirm at Instagram to win prizes worth more than RM18,000!!!!!!




  • You are allowed to submit more than one entry
  • ALL photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter (eg. to relate to contest theme: Strong emotions, Human, Feminine)
  • Photo-collaging (ie. putting several images, text, stickers & add-ons to make a single image) will not be accepted

Prizes for both categories:

Photography Enthusiats
Open to all photography hobbyist who loves bringing picture to life! However, there are certain requirements needed for the photos selected for the finals will be printed in large.

  • Photograph shall be taken using compact camera, DSLR camera (or of its similar)
  • Minimum image size is: 5MB
  • Studio photography with lightings are allowed
Click here to submit your photo.
Mobile Photography
Specially dedicated to all smartphone photographers! Mobile photography has made huge strides in this modern era and we’ve seen lots of talented mobile photographers over the years.
Must be taken by a smartphone or any other mobile devices.
To take part via Instagram, hashtag #standfirmstayfirm on your photo
You may also submit your photos via this website.


Are you a strong women? Or you know someone who is a strong women? Show us and stand a chance to win loads of attractive prizes! Find out more here: http://bit.ly/1rtxVPb 
 

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[Review]: Miss Hana Water Proof Water Gel Eyeliner

08:23 becky-wong 0 Comments


All this while I've only been using Heavy Rotation Liquid Eyeliner by Kiss Me (just remembered that I should probably write a post on this... =p), and never thought of trying out others. Thanks to Natta Cosme, I got the chance to tryout Miss Hana Water Proof Water Gel Eyeliner.


Instead of one.... they were super generous to let us try TWO eyeliners - 01 Night Black and 03 Choco Brown. The packaging is super cute - Pink!! ^_^


As a first time user, I totally love this eyeliner! It was effortless to apply the eyeliner, and the most important of all in an eyeliner.... it is smudge proof! So ladies... no more panda eyes! It is 100% waterproof, anti-sweat, anti-tears and anti-oil! So, what does this amazing eyeliner does? Let's see:
  1.  Evenly colored and able to achieve natural lines to create three-dimensional deep eyes! *ohhh~~~*
  2. Smooth stroke - hence the easy application!
  3.  Easily removed too! Bet you think waterproof means it is hard to remove huh? Nope!

Photo credit: Natta Cosme website
I've tried out the 01 Night Black...







I love how easily it could be applied on. I took another photo after coming from work the entire day, and the results...





The eyeliner was still visible. Although you could see some slight smudges underneath my eye, but that's due to my super oily eye. So, I'll have a little smudges here and there no matter what. However, I'm really super satisfied with the results of this eyeliner.


In total they have 4 colors for you to choose from:


  • 01 Night Black
  • 02 Galacy Black
  • 03 Choco Brown
  • Golden Brow

Interested? Why not give it a try! Check out the website of Natta Cosme now!

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