Poppy Beauty Hair Spa MITC

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

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

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.

Mother’s Day buffet

Mr Husband brought the mother’s in his family for a buffet recently.

It was a high-tea spread at Grand Swiss-Belhotel Melaka. The promotion was good. Mothers eat free for each ‘1 paying adult’.

I loved the food options. There’s definitely something for everybody. The kids get balloons from the clown, and family members get to participate in the cake decorating competition. I loved my meal. My sister-in-law brought a birthday cake, and we celebrated my husband’s and his younger brother’s birthdays too.

Cake decorating by my niece with the help from her cousins

I used to celebrate Mother’s Day on my side of the family. Now that mom’s passed, the celebration carries on to my husband’s side of the family. Next month is Father’s Day. We would probably have a meal with papitos, and the father’s on my side of the family. We will see how it goes.

My Rico Rinaldi mini purse

I wanted to get this mini purse because it seemed convenient to bring something small in my workbag. Plus, the colours were cute, and the price was affordable. As usual, I would get extra for my sister and my younger sister-in-law. I browsed through my favourite shopping platform, SHOPEE, and selected a few colours. It comes in 8 different shades, and I chose Green, Moss Grey and Black. Mine was the MOSS GREY.

The TEO small wallet is priced at RM79 per unit, and it comes in this sturdy, unique maroon coloured box. Honestly, I was amused once the parcel came through. The TEO is truly mini and is meant for ladies who carry cards ONLY at one time. I tried to make my ringgit notes fit into the purse, and it came out funny on one side.

If I had waited a little bit longer, perhaps I would have purchased the Rimo small wallet instead. The Rimo has both a long and a small wallet. As for the latter, it has cash slots as well on top of the card slots. The small wallet seems to measure slightly bigger than TEO, with a price of RM 109 per unit. Since my Teo is still at its best, I’ll just keep an eye on Rico Rinaldi’s future collections.