Spent 3 glorious days at Pulau Rawa last weekend (it seems so long ago )
There are only two places to stay on Rawa.
The one with the better food is Alang’s, where we chose of course!
The rooms are nicer than a backpacker’s place,
and we each paid RM650 for 2 nights stay including food.
Because there’s no air con, i felt it was a bit steep.
Then again, because of the price, it’s much more private
We stayed at chalets A1 and A2,
with the beach right on our doorstep.
I made a pseudo tent under the chalet
Clem looked at it and said: “One day when i have my own business, all the cloths to build your tent with will be from Hermes.”
I was like, AWWWW that’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me!
Combining fashion and toys… oh my heart.
Waterrrrrrrrrr clear waterrrrrrr
Magic wands to hold on to. Very useful to poke people and point at things you want them to pay attention to.
It was so freaking hot that hiding under a wet scarf was a brill idea
Shading the ponies while admiring them
Making use of the bubble blower Steph got me
We tried to draw each other…
Nadia got Sa’s bikini stripe colours down pat!
Clem didn’t draw me as a person, so i said he was cheating.
He said he was drawing a rainbow cos that’s what i am to him. Awwwww
Btw there are 7 colours in a rainbow *cough*
I was trying to take a pic of my Circle of Peace floating in the pristine water (JUST LOOK AT THAT WATER)
Then Clem threw a paddle in to accompany it and i was like “… spoiling my picture….”
I found an ant struggling on the surface of the sea about 5 metres away from the beach,
so i cupped it into my hands,
walked over to a tree,
and placed it gently on a leaf there
where it trotted off.
They said i shouldn’t have saved it cos it was a red ant.
But i’m not going to be racist with ants.
Besides, i secretly thought at the time maybe that red ant will send some special Red Ant Message out to all the other ants not to bite me in the future.
WHO KNOWS.
Alang’s Rawa has two resident dogs.
But they’re not your regular beach mongrels, there’s a beagle
Sorry, dogs not allowed chocolate…
I randomly found two balls on the beach amidst all the sand.
First was a tiny fluorescent yellow one (ok it was more like a bead).
Then a perfectly round smooth seed of some sort.
I kept them safely in my bag of course.
They’re Wilson’s long lost brothers.
Finally, i found a letter ‘B’
Sa said balls are following me…
Today, ‘B’ is for ball, bunny ears, beer, boat, beach, and bikini.
Nadia and Sa were raving about how good the food was at Alang’s before we booked the trip,
and i forgot all about it.
They weren’t kidding!
Dinner was the best – fish, squid and prawns were grilled for us,
and laid out buffet-style along with pasta, salad, rice, potatoes, etc.
EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD.
We basically stopped talking and ate non-stop,
i tried so hard to eat lots of everything…
God the prawns… the prawns were so fresh!
And that Alang sauce…
Even the salad was fab.
*sigh*i want*
We spent nights lying on the beach
watching the millions of stars
talking silly nonsense
which is the best really.
Late one night i doodled outside while Clem watched and we talked.
I think the only artist i’m ever going to contend with is a 5-year-old.
Had such an awesome time,
and Rawa is definitely one of the most gorgeous beaches i’ve been to in Malaysia…
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You all know i’m a lover of the environment.
I love being surrounded by nature,
and am always running off to the forest or beach!
Most of us take the world we live in for granted,
and even i feel guilty as a consumer for all the products i use, and waste i contribute to;
hence the recycling i do as much as i can in some sort of way to play my part in BEING here on Earth.
One morning, a group of us headed to Sungai Tekala Recreation Forest in Selangor
where Sloggi officially announced its 2011 Love World campaign –
a bid to increase conservation efforts.
Big thumbs up from me, i say!
I couldn’t believe there was a queue in the middle of the forest for the event… :p
We each received a free eco shopper bag from Sloggi!
Sloggi has teamed up with SensitivEcoSystem® Project
(that’s the Italian fabric manufacturer used in Sloggi’s Love World collection)
and World Land Trust™
(a non-profit org. that protects remote regions in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina)
to save the threatened rainforests.
With every 1 metre of Sensitive® Fabric used in the Sloggi Love World collection,
1 square metre of the rainforest is pledged to be saved.
Sloggi pledged to donate RM25,000 from profit sales of its Love World collection to TrEES,
which will fund environmental protection initiative “Communities for Conservation”.
This initiative will educate youth on the Park,
and ultimately make them effective agents of change.
See all the bottles with green caps?
They be (necessary) insect repellent.
I couldn’t believe they were all wearing false eyelashes in the morning.
The only thing i could prioritize at 8am was to grab a cupcake to eat in the car.
To wholly grasp the beauty of the Park,
we were taken for a little hike so we could really absorb the environment.
<3
Some interesting info bout the Park!
Selangor State Park
– is the 3rd largest forest park in Peninsular Malaysia.
– represents a significant portion of natural forest remaining in Selangor.
– provides 98% of water supply in Selangor, KL and Putrajaya.
– is essential in the climatic, hydrological and ecological balance in Selangor, KL and Putrajaya.
Was trying to take a pic of Aud but she was too busy trying not to fall, to look at cam
I’m leaning on a tree fyi. Not plucking anything!
Ringo and i
We took a short break in a clearing with seats,
as we were told more about the Park and how it provides natural flood mitigation
– by absorbing large quantities of rainfall and acting as a natural buffer against flooding.
This tree was pointed out to us to be roughly 120 years old!
*awe*
After the hike, we were treated to a tree-planting activity!
I used to play around with seeds when i was little (okay, little-ER),
and would plant something that i found that looked like a seed,
then observe in wonder as it grew for weeks on end.
(I think my father finally pulled it out cos i did plant it in the middle of the garden)
But i’ve never actually planted a TREE before…
Using a hoe isn’t as easy as it looks on TV :p
I need to work out more *puff*
The easy part – watering!
Audrey, me, the park ranger who did most of the hoe-ing , Cindy, Ringo
Our tree!
There’s nothing more rewarding than colourful cupcakes to reward us for our hard work
+ + +
For a whole week after that, i tried and tweeted different ways we can all do our part in conserving energy, the rainforest, and ultimately, the environment for as long as possible!
Day #1
Clem couldn’t stand how i insist on recycling everything when i first moved in with him,
but now he’s used to it (condition them! haha) and angelically washes the cans before squashing them.
We recycle as MUCH as we possibly can in our apartment – every little scrap of paper/plastic and of course, glass and aluminium
Every time they’re full, i drop them off at what was previously the Ikano Recycling Centre,
now called IPC.
It’s so easy cos you can just park your car RIGHT next to the bins,
chuck everything and leave!
+ + +
Day #2
I used to keep just 1 shopping bag but i kept on forgetting to put it back in the car,
so now i have 2-4 in the car at all times!
+ + +
Day #3
I blogged about Bettr Weekends,
a market focusing on all things organic, health, well being and environmental.
+ + +
Day #4
One day, Clem and i had this debate about whether to leave the microwave on.
I said it uses power.
He said it doesn’t.
I said, look, the lights stay on when the door is open (which it has to be, else it’ll smell).
So i won.
But now, it’s like he’s challenging me to always
– remember to switch off the water heater
– not stand in front of the fridge while i decide what to eat
I’ve created a monster.
+ + +
Day #5
Let’s face it, there are heaps of books i have that i’m never going to read again.
No point hoarding them, plus they take up space!
+ + +
Day #6
Ok i admit that i hate that non-biodegradable material called styrofoam,
but never took any effort to tapau my food in plastic containers before.
Most i did previously was tell the waiter NOT to use styrofoam and give me the food in plastic packets which i can empty out into plates at home.
So now, i keep plastic boxes (which we all get from taking away from other places) so i can use them to tapau my chap fun or chicken rice.
I must admit the Chicken Rice Man gave me a surprised look when i handed him it.
I wish there were cheaper options for him to give takeaways in!
+ + +
Day #7
I went to Ikea JUST TO BUY these.
And my mom said it’s going to make her house messy -_-
and that she recycles her paper and glass and tin cans anyway.
Just that she hides them somewhere i never see cos i’m obviously being more obtrusive than she.
Oh well, i’m just going to LEAVE them there and hope they use them for every small thing soon…
+ + +
I hope the steps i blogged about will urge you to try some of them,
if not for yourself,
then for the world your children will live in.
And if you’re gonna tell me you don’t want children,
i’m just going to say, “Is that the best response you can give me? Just say la you’re selfish!”
We’re all in this as consumers in a city,
and the LEAST we can do is reduce our own carbon footprints.
Also, if you need new underwear, you know where to buy them!
Remember, every 1 metre of Sensitive® Fabric used in the Sloggi Love World collection,
1 square metre of the rainforest is pledged to be saved.
A few pix from the Topshop event last Wednesday
where they launched their new collection of party dresses called Dress Up.
The 5 fashion bloggers Topshop picked to represent at their party were:
Cynthia, Cindy, me, Ming, and Andrea
I’m wearing >
pink dress; topshop dress up
heart cut out heels; glamrockchic
We’re all wearing dresses from the new collection.
I was hoping to pick out a sequinned number,
but seeing they’re not in stores yet,
i pretty much went with the brightest one i could find.
But i tell you, i think i underestimated my size when i picked a size 6.
I could barely breathe in it
plus scoffing McD’s right before zipping myself into it was a notable mistake.
Andrea + Elle (looked fab in those tapered red pants btw)
Showing off one of the Topshop Dress Up dresses
Cynthia + Esther
Melissa + Sherry
(Tyra would be ashamed i forgot to ‘find my light’)
I don’t usually get to converse at leisure with my readers at other events,
so this one was quite intimate and ’twas nice to talk to some of you
Also, don’t think i’ve spent 3 hours in Topshop before,
and of course, ended up picking out a couple of items…
I have weak will if you place me in the store for too long.
Being around all these clothes luring me to buy them is just too much.
To view more pix from the event, you can click on the Topshop FB album *here*.
I was invited for a bloggers’ session with Hada Labo one sunny Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago.
I’ve heard of Hada Labo before, but never took the trouble to google what the fuss was about.
Hada Labo Lotion apparently is one of the best-selling skincare products in Japan,
famous for its hydrating properties with its Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion selling one bottle every 4 seconds!
Hada Labo is famous for their key ingredient – Super Hyaluronic Acid.
Say WhAT? So i googled it:
“Hyaluronic Acid helps improve the moisture retention of skin.
For 1g of Hyaluronic Acid, it could hold 6L of liquid.
HadaLabo Moisturizing skincare products contain Super Hyaluronic Acid (which has double moisture retention power than regular hyaluronic acid).
With sufficient Hyaluronic Acid, your skin looks moistened, soft and supple.”
The reason we’d been gathered that morning,
was the newRetinol Lifting + Firming Rangehas just launched in Malaysia.
Besides Super Hyaluronic Acid, the products also contain Retinol and Collagen to ensure wrinkle-free and youthful skin.
One thing i really like is that ALL Hada Labo products
use only the finest and purest ingredients without unnecessary
– additives
– colorants
– alcohol
– fragrances
– mineral oils
I don’t really need my facial products to smell nice, bla bla bla.
I need it to DO what it SAYS it will DO.
There is nothing better than personally testing the products out,
so we tried the Makeup Remover first.
Vivy volunteered to put some of her make up on my hand (i don’t carry any around :p)
Manatau she was going to do some artwork on it – wrote my name in eyeliner, and drew a heart with foundation -_-
The Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Liquid Makeup Remover
gently cleanses and hydrates the skin.
It was stressed that this remover should not be used on waterproof makeup,
but only for non-waterproof and minimal makeup,
as the formulation is water-base.
At first Vivy and i were like “uh oh…” cos her eyeliner was kinda strong
and we thought we screwed up our experiment by using the remover on waterproof eyeliner,
but it still washed off!
PHEW.
Then i had some Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid (SHA) Hydrating Face Wash to try on the same hand.
Because of the use of SHA in the Face Wash (just like in the Makeup Remover)
the Face Wash is meant to hydrate as much as cleanse.
The texture was a thick compact foam,
and my skin didn’t feel dry in the slightest bit after washing it.
Testing the smoothness and hands’ difference on my face haha.
The one i washed was really sooooo much smoother!
I couldn’t stop touching my face with my hand cos it felt so nice
After cleansing and washing, the moisture levels on the skin of my hand were measured so i could see the difference before and after applying their miracle Lotion!
Vivy and i both got 35.9. She said we’re twins
Instead of toners, the Japanese call their version of the product – lotions.
And instead of applying with cotton pads,
they simply pat it on with their hands till it absorbs into the skin.
Now i must say, i am a guilty toner user.
I have bottles of toner given to me by different brands which i’ve used quarterway (sorry!) cos i get too lazy to reach for the cotton pads, apply it and wipe it.
It’s just… too many steps for an ex-tomboy.
I love how the Japanese have this dual-moisturizing step after cleansing,
instead of toning and moisturizing.
Now THESE are the miracle Lotions that are from each range i described earlier.
Dark blue – Arbutin Whitening
Red – Retinol Lifting + Firming
White – Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing
The question was, which one’s for me?
I’m blessed to have pretty great skin,
but previous skin tests have revealed that my worry should be dryness and pigmentation (i love the sunshine!)
However, i’m also starting to be more aware of preventing fine lines (i want to be young forever!)
I was told that the new Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming range should be used by women aged 25 and above.
And seeing i’m 28… red it is then.
The Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion has
– Retinol Vitamin A to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
– collagen to improve skin’s elasticity
– Super Hyaluronic Acid to lock in intense hydration
– no alcohol
The Lotion is sorta viscous and really wet,
so i thought they put too much till i was told
i HAD TO PAT IT TO MAKE IT ABSORB.
Pat it?
Ok… so i patted.
And true enough, it just disappeared into my skin!
The patting is supposed to activate your skins’ cells
After everything had absorbed, i took the test again and saw my moisture levels had increased intensely!
After playing with the products, we all got a personalized lunch!
Yummers!
I would never have believed it if you’d told me years ago people would write my blog nickname on a table name card….
They even had personalized Hada Labo table mats, awww
They sent us home with the full Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming range
Our new Hada Labo products in the bathroom.
I’ve been religiously using the Lotion since i brought it home.
The first time Clem saw me patting my face in the living room while watching TV (to make it absorb remember)
he looked at me like ‘what strange thing is she up to now…’.
I’m quite fussy about the texture of facial products.
If i don’t like it, i’d just stop using it.
But this Lotion, i don’t like,i LOVE.
I LOVE that it’s viscous and watery,
and how slick it feels on my skin as i slather it on generously.
I LOVE how affordable it is (RM55.90!) allowing me to be generous with the amounts as i should, and not have to be stingy.
I LOVE knowing how all this Super Hyaluronic Acid is making its way into my skin and retaining much needed moisture for me.
Even after 2 days of using it, i could feel the difference.
I’d even rub my cheek on Clem’s forcing him to feel the difference.
I definitely didn’t want to stop using it after that.
Two weeks later, my skin is incredibly smooth and soft, to the point it feels like i have powder on!
On days i don’t wear makeup, i find myself touching my cheeks with my fingertips and praising it
A great thing about the Lotion is that it’s such a natural and intensely hydrating product,
that people use it for other dry areas on their body.
Every time i spend too much time in the sun or air con,
the skin on my arms start to itch cos they’re dry.
I went to the beach last weekend, and used the Lotion on my arms after being in the sun all day.
Love how it’s not sticky nor heavy on my skin,
and it’s so much quicker to apply than body moisturizer (again, me being lazy).
If i had to choose only one vanity bottle to take with me for a journey for the rest of my life,
it would have to be the Lotion.
Hands down.
When i have a bit more time to relax at home and am not late for sleep,
i apply the Essence after the Lotion has absorbed…
The Lifting + Firming Essence penetrates deeply into the skin to improve skin’s elasticity and firmness.
It’s got a thick smooth texture that absorbs into the skin fairly easily,
and seems to fill in the fine lines and wrinkles.
I try to use this when i feel my skin needs an extra boost from a tiring / dry day!
I tried the moisturizers – Cream (left) and Milk.
Obviously you only choose one of the two to use,
depending on your preference of texture.
Personally, i prefer the Retinol Lifting + Firming Milk as it’s got almost the same texture as the Lotion and absorbs faster than the Cream (sorry i’m impatient as you can see!)
It’s creamier and not as watery as the Lotion,
but applies just as easily unto my skin’s surface.
I usually have to wait a few minutes till it dries completely,
but that’s not an issue as i time my moisturizer application as i go about getting ready my clothes.
By the time i’m done, it’s dry and ready for makeup!
The Hada Labo Retinol Lifting + Firming Cream is really thick and slightly sticky,
takes quite some time for it to absorb into my skin.
It’s a great cream to let sit on your skin just before you go to bed so you wake up feeling SUPER MOISTURIZED.
I think this would be an awesome cream to use in the winter when my skin is crying with dryness.
+ + +
Left-Right: Lotion, RM55.90; Cream, RM65.90; Essence, 75.90; Milk, RM61.90; Mask, 49.90.
(available at all Guardian pharmacies nationwide)
Get the Lotion!
I FRIKKING SWEAR BY IT.
My skin has been really soft and smooth all day long, even with make up on, since i’ve been using it!
We all got little fans in a bag of doorgifts,
and Mira got the cutest one with double deckers on it
F1 driver Alex Yoong modeling an ensemble on stage.
Most popular celeb walking that day was Ella, HANDS DOWN.
People were screaming and cheering like crazy.
Even Kevin Yeoh took out his phone to try to get a picture.
And that he rarely does
Stylists Keiko Yamamoto + Tatusaya Shimada were flown in from Tokyo for the launch again
Meredith trying to talk Haze out of getting slippers
I’m wearing blue pants from Jil Sander for Uniqlo’s +J 2011 collection
Malaysian track cyclist Josiah whom i met thru his wife Kim
)
