Category Archives: Good Things

Sidequest – MEOW Run

Posted in Good Things, Hobby/Interest, Just For Fun by

I was expecting more from the organisers. It wasn’t entirely disappointing, but it did feel like it could have been better.

I joined this run because I was attracted to its T-shirt design and the medal. My daughter joined in because I know she would love the pink T-shirt and could tolerate the 4KM distance. I read a few Threads that commented on the quality of the T-shirt. Indeed, the sizing was just off. There was hardly any difference between an XL and a 2XL. It was also see-through.

During the day itself, the event emcee failed to bring the crowd together. Obviously, people just want the event to start and finish promptly. Not too much banter, too. I understand that he wants to hype the audience, but sometimes you have to just read the room. The moment people don’t recognise you as a radio DJ, then change the persona and just become an emcee. MEOW run was not a Malay-majority event. It was an event of people coming from various ethnic backgrounds. So, handle it like one.

While I can overlook the fact that the distance was slightly more than 4KM, the so-called “goodies” at the finish line were a complete letdown. A medal and a bottle of water? Really? Most of us were expecting at least a roll of bread or a packet of Hup Seng crackers! It’s shocking that even seasoned runners noted the absence of bibs in their race kits. Seriously, I once participated in a fun run at Bukit Serindit with my daughter, and we got a bib along with a bag brimming with treats. It’s no surprise that countless participants complained, since AEON certainly projects an image grand enough to have delivered much more!

The simple math of walking for weight loss

Posted in Everyday Life, Good Things by

To drop 1 kg of fat, you would need to burn 7700kcal. That is 150,000 steps.

Supposedly, if I choose to be ONLY on a caloric maintenance, I will be able to lose 1 kg of fat, IF I WALK;

  • 6K steps/day – I would get there in 30 days
  • 8K steps/day – 19 days
  • 10K steps/day – 15 days
  • 15K steps/day – 10 days

Of course, I would experience faster weight loss if my MEALS are in a calorie deficit and I pick up strength training. Since I have just started to be more consistent with my brisk walking schedule, I think I should stick to that first before I swing my kettlebell. Or maybe I could get going with it over the weekends. I tried doing that before, but it got so tiring that I stopped. Furthermore, I needed the weekend to relax, do my household chores, and spend time with my family. Household chores, such as buying groceries, folding laundry, and the occasional floor-mopping, take up a big chunk of the weekend. Thankfully, I have my Roborock to help with the vacuuming.

Regarding the steps, I am not quite sure whether a focused 10K on the treadmill would be more or as effective as the 10K that includes our NEAT activities. I suppose I should go for the focused session. So far, I am able to get that in spending 100 minutes on my walking pad at a pace of 4.5 to 5. This pace keeps my heart rate at Zone 2. I try not to go too fast, as that will turn my walking into a HIT instead. Thus, burning my carbs instead of my adipose tissue for fuel.

The results are showing tremendously in my husband. To be fair, he is walking far more than myself. He walks in the morning before going to work and after work. On weekend mornings, he would spend more time doing that. He could easily get more than 20K steps with that schedule. I have yet to see a dramatic difference in myself, but I have unwavering faith in this new strategy. Let’s do this.

Poppy Beauty Hair Spa MITC

Posted in Good Things, Reviews by

Before the Japanese head spa existed, one would need to go to the hairdresser’s looking for a hair wash and head massage. The good ones will give you a complimentary shoulder and back rub as well. I believe it is only recently that these hair spa services have emerged, and it definitely got me excited.

I have tried a hair spa service at one of the shops at Bukit Baru. I did not really enjoy that one. That particular spa included basic facials in its service. It was for 90 minutes, but it felt rushed and agonising. Obviously, I did not come back. Later, I came across Poppy Beauty Hair Spa as I was doing my brisk walking in that area.

I looked up the reviews on Google, and I thought it was worth trying. This particular spa has two branches. One was in Semabok, and the one I went to was at MITC. The one located at MITC was a ladies’ only outlet. I WhatsApped the number I got from their Instagram page and made the earliest booking slot at 1030am. Parking was easy, as it was still too early for the crowd at Mydin to arrive.

Initially, I chose the Classic Hair Spa package. Later, when I arrived at the shop, the therapist showed me other available treatment packages. I added the Scalp Treatment therapy. Thus, I ended up with a hair wash, scalp treatment, and head massage, including the shoulders and arms.

The products they use

Before the session, I was asked to change into this lovely towel and robe. My personal belongings are kept inside the locker. My scalp was examined under a special tool, and obviously, it looked bad. They put a heated eye pad throughout my 2-hour session, relaxing music with minimal talking from the therapist. I liked that the therapist, or is it a beautician, did not give me a running commentary on my wrecked hair and oily scalp. After the treatment, my scalp looked better. The lady suggested that I double cleanse my hair when I shampoo and that I should do it every day, given that my scalp was oily. Now that I have been very active in brisk walking, washing my hair daily has become mandatory. Only that I did not shampoo twice because I thought it would dry my hair. Turns out that I should. While my hair was being blow-dried, I was served a cup of calming lemongrass tea. After all that, my hair glowed over my fat face. Hahaha.

The total cost came up to RM 228. With the impeccable service, I thought it was worth every single penny. I am keen to try their body massage one day. They have other treatment packages too, like the Mother and Daughter hair spa package. That is pretty cute. Will check that one out too.

S.i.s – getting the 10K steps daily

Posted in Good Things, Medicine/Health by

We are now at Day 34 of the challenge. Often, I find myself on a working day, choosing between spending my residual energy levels on a brisk walk or sacrificing other daily activities. The activities include cooking dinner, lying on the bed, scrolling social media, having a quick shut-eye with full consciousness after 5 pm, or getting groceries. Making dinner can be a tough choice as it requires considerable effort to prepare a meal for myself and the family. Hence, sometimes if I choose to walk, that usually means I will order GrabFood.

Juggling responsibilities and personal goals is tricky. Some things just have to give in. And you’d definitely have to do it TIRED. The mind must be ready to commit. Which explains why I would sometimes just hop on the walking pad with my work baju kurung and tawaf socks. This is to keep the momentum going because I know that once I lie on the bed, my energy levels would dwindle to the ‘not motivated’ category. If I wear my tawaf socks, I don’t have to wear my indoor shoes. They are thick and comfy enough to walk in.

The more energetic members of the team have been sharing tips to get the 10K steps. Such as walking around the car park upon arriving at the clinic in the morning. Or getting some steps in during lunch break at the gym (physiotherapy unit). Although, to be honest, I’d rather sleep. It’s pretty cool to see the different strategies. There were also fewer unethical tips that I’ve seen being done in malls, during courses or in the car. Which is shaking your hands that wears the smart watch? Of course, it works, but it does not align with my values.

If I feel that for that given day, I wouldn’t be able to contribute a star to my group for reasons such as excessive lethargy due to the first day of my menstrual cycle, busy with mothering activities at home or simply LOW MOOD, then I would just not do it. But once I’ve got a hang of 5K steps for the day, I would try my best to top it up to 10 K. Usually, making up the differences by using my walking pad. If my members prefer to shake their hands, they may do so. Just do not include me in the act.

This challenge is due to be completed in 2 months. I am thinking of getting new shoes for outdoor walks because my current footwear is sneakers for casual use. I could feel my feet burning from the friction when walking long distances outdoors. If I have additional budget, I might get one of those smart watches. Perhaps then, even after the challenge, I would still be motivated to exercise.

I get a small commission from Shopee if you purchase these anti-slip socks using my link: https://s.shopee.com.my/AAEOlTBavK

Teacher’s Day gift

Posted in Beauty Products, Good Things by

This year, the teachers are getting face sheet masks. I wanted gifts that are not only budget-friendly but also easy for my daughter to carry to school. It had a personalised note that I made using Canva. Unfortunately, my poor choice of coloured paper makes it look dull. I loop the card with a ribbon through the gap on top of the packaging.

I will do better next year.

I bought the sheets from Shopee with lots of extras for myself too! I even placed them inside the goodie bag for Mother’s Day.