Category Archives: Reviews

Purchased RAK BESI and started sorting stuff

Posted in Everyday Life, Home Management, Online Store, Reviews by

My husband pissed me off. So I was on a Cleaning Mode. Lucky bastard! By the way, if you’re reading to find out what he said, you’re not going to find it here. Anyway, I get into this really zealous mode of cleaning whenever I get mad at something. The energy has shifted from reckless driving & shouting in the car to Marie Kondo mode. Then, I start throwing everything into the trash or donate everything to the recycling clothes bin. Sometimes I forgot to say thank you to the stuff.

I ordered 4 sets of steel racks from Rak Besi, a small enterprise based in Melaka. The racks were delivered and assembled at my house and upon completion, I transferred the money online to the seller. Total damage was RM675.00.

I rearranged my kids toys in the dark, activity room. I am still finding ways to make it cozy. The husband had a lousy design idea when he renovated the house. So we will have to make do with what we have.

And then I took on the big task of sorting out the porch. The porch which is rarely swept, rarely cleaned yet housing all sorts of junk. Including a big, unused motorcycle! It was damaged in an accident where my husband dislocated his finger a few years. He is having a hard time to let it go. I honestly don’t know what he plans to do with it.

I underestimated the weight of the bike as I soon discovered handling it is no small feat. But because I had so much anger, I had enough strength to maneuver it around as I also, dragged the biggest rack of all from my living room to the porch. I am expecting a 500g weight loss on my scale coming morning with all this heavy lifting!

There’s still a lot of things to be done. I still need to clean the porch floor. Declutter my storage area. Sell my books. Once I get all that sorted out, I can start with my garden project, sell my car and then maybe, plan a holiday.

PKPP will start today till 30th August 2020.

One can’t just go buy a new house whenever you feel like it. A house needs to be maintained and given a fresh makeover every now and again. We should learn how to fix things or at least know how to find someone who can do the fixing for you. As homeowners, we should schedule yearly cleanups of some sort like cuci tangki.

Same thing with having a wife. Some men are lucky they have wives who can maintain themselves and schedule activities to alleviate personal stress and such. Some wives kurang bernasib baik as they don’t have the means to do so. Consequently, some men end up leaving them and look for prettier pastures. Eh, tetiba.. marah sgt neh.. hehe

The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma

Posted in Books, Reviews by

“Weird, reminds me of Austin Powers” – Minci Moss

There is this general public perception that very successful people are almost always early risers. They would workout in the morning and plan their day out. Indeed, that is an idea that has been resonating in almost every parent who wants to instill the success attitude in their kids. We read about these energetic mornings in various business articles, motivational write ups and biographies. Even Islam encourages the practice of waking up before fajar for worship activities and spiritual contentment.

Fully Booked - The 5AM Club concept is based on a... | Facebook

The bottomline of this book is just that,

It is good to start your day at 5AM

.. and this book will offer suggestions on what to do during those early hours by enticing readers with fancy formula names. I rated the book as 3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads because I get a headache reading it. The theories are laid out in the form of a fictional story and it was so bizarre that I imagined The Spellbinder to have the face of Mike Myers as he starred in Austin Powers.

The billionaire business man, Mr Riley was ridiculously wealthy that he was able to shuttle 2 complete strangers to various locations in the world to understand some of his success ideas. It is a refreshing way I guess, to put across an idea in that form of story telling. Maybe this has always been Robin Sharma’s way of writing, I can’t tell because this is my first time reading a book by him.

As a reader, you will be in the same boat as the lady entrepreneur and male artists in trying to make a meaning out of the whole experience. Like them, you will learn about the various formulas on how to make your 5AM productive and such. It is an interesting layout of your time but for me, it is quite complicated.

This book also made me realize that not all Self Help theories are applicable to you. This book is surely not written to cater parents with young children for instance especially when it talks about restful sleep. I cannot help letting out a ‘duuhhhh’ when I read that part. Ha ha ha. It is undoubtedly more alluring to those running a company or business. Or those who looks to manage their time better (once the kids know how to sort themselves out in the morning). Maybe I will be more connected to the book in a few years time. Maybe.

Ramadhan 2020 in the midst of Covid-19

Posted in Everyday Life, Food and Drinks, Reviews by

Muslims are unable to perform congregational prayers especially Terawih in this holy month. I am sure other religious practices such as Sunday Mass are equally prohibited for the time being. As for myself, I have been performing Terawih ever since I became a mother – so this is a norm for me. But lately, I banyak tersasar. The mental drain and physical lethargy gets overwhelming towards the evening. I tend to sleep early at night.

There is no Ramadhan bazaar. There are only online options which is a bit limited and risky as in you need to find a reliable seller that sells tasty food as opposed to newbies who just wants to test the water. I miss legit taufu fa and apam balik crispy. I miss ayam percik, nasi kerabu, laksam and nasi dagang. I can’t seem to find sellers that sell less spicy popia sira, kuih bongkol (at least that is how Sarawakians spell it) and delish air kathira.

I ordered online food for Iftar yesterday since I was Working From Home (WFH) from Jaykam Katering Enterprise. I couldn’t really order online on days I work because the runner/rider’s timing might not coincide with mine. I do not want to trouble them in case I don’t reach home on time. Unless they can deliver to the clinic before 5PM. I tried the menu from this seller because I was craving for asam pedas tetel and paru goreng. Ee wanted Laksa Penang as well. On top of that, I tried their Jus Delima (pomegranate juice). The food was very spicy for my Sarawakian taste buds. Even my Malaccan husband had difficulty to tolerate it because he has a low threshold too. I bought other dishes too and I spent RM44 from this seller alone including runner service fee.

I also bought desserts from another vendor but since the food is disappointing, it is best not to leave a review.

My firstborn Ee has managed to fast for one whole day which is an achievement. It has been a few years of ‘half-day’ that we think, as parents it is time to take it up a notch. Thankfully, due to COVID-19 he does not have to endure school in Ramadhan as it is closed. The hot weather and tight schedule might put him off. Yes, it may defeat the purpose of fasting but I’d like my kid to observe fasting as something fun and memorable as a child. Not of pain and punishing.

As for the little one, she has more vocabulary than ever and often copycat her brothers words. She will commence her daycare session probably this Friday with necessary measures, of course. I hope she will be OK.

An Althea Korea (MCO Season Malaysia) Haul

Posted in Beauty Products, Everyday Life, Online Store, Reviews by

It has been a while since I went online shopping. I was glancing through my skin care products and realized that I haven’t had a proper cleansing, toning and moisturizing for quite a while. I have also been neglecting my sunscreen what more my facial scrubs. As for facials, that practice has been ditched many years ago because I am still traumatized by the one and only facial I had in a wellness spa in Kuching. My friend looked refreshed, I turned out like a lobster. A cooked lobster.

My haul amounted up to RM 326.00. Free shipping. This is a video of me unboxing the haul.

So, let’s break down the purchase.

LANEIGE Water sleeping mask

Price : RM69 (after 31% discount)

I was initially smittened by the simple fact that Soong Hye Kyo is the ambassador for Laneige. But that is not enough to make me want to buy the product. It was really because of the part where they described that it has SLEEP-TOX technology with aromatic SLEEPSCENT that helps one to relax. Never mind if it’s a hoax, I am sold. I had to read on my physiology when it mentioned skin circadian rhythm.

MISSHA Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Rx (150ml)

Price : RM92 (after 39% discount)

This has always been my favourite purchase from MISSHA. This and the BB Cream liquid foundation. Personally, the gold standard for treatment essence is still SK2 but MISSHA I feel, is second to that. I usually dab it lightly onto my face in the morning just before I apply my makeup. On days that I don’t go to work, I would apply it every time after prayers.

MISSHA Time Revolution Artemisia Pack Foam Cleanser (150ml)

Price : 56

It has been a while since I invested in good skin care. I decided to plunge in and purchase this because it has dual function. One as a normal facial cleanser and the other as a claypack. Artemisia is a short shrub known for a few medicinal properties. As for skincare, it is supposed to help ease irritation and redness of the face. So far, I have been using it twice a day and love the earthy smell. Combine that with a cold shower somehow makes me feel like I’m taking a bath in a cold forest somewhere.

KEEP COOL Soothe 85% Bamboo Toner

Price : RM47

I haven’t been compliant to my skincare regime for quite a while and so this toner was one of those impulse purchases. The fact that it was nominated as the 2019 GLowPick makes me want to choose this product formulated from bamboo extract. Plus, there were many positive reviews from Korean influencers. I use this mostly at night before I go to sleep for the cooling effect. And that’s not the only thing I use before going to bed at night.

KEEP COOL Soothe Foot Cooling & Refresh Mist (100ml)

Price : RM40

This is slowly becoming my next favourite product. It made me wonder why did it took me so long to discover this. This is the perfect remedy for the foot after a long day about. All I have to do is spray my foot with it and immediately the cooling effect sets in. And it is not sticky at all! Definitely a repeat order after this. It’s made from menthol/peppermint lead – I am not surprised! It is marketed as a men-friendly product but sweaty women can use this too. It keeps the stinky feet away.

BCOMMONCE Armpit Deo BB Puff (35ml)

Price : RM34 (after 41% discount)

Ok. Definitely got influenced by Tammy Lim on her IG. She is our lovely mamasan in the Butterfly Project community. For this Deo Puff you open it at the cap and immediately the liquid seeps out. The only option you have is to dab it quickly onto your armpit! And then screw the lid back on. To be honest, I haven’t got the guts to try it cause I fear that my work attire will be stained with the BB Cream, so I think I will wait for the weekend or so when I wear sleeveless at home and review the product properly.

I didn’t get my favourite MISSHA foundation because it was out of stock. Next time I am hoping to get some lip tint or eyebrow liner. I also saw raving reviews on this Bamboo face pads.. will give that a try later. Did you get anything interesting from Althea Korea too? Share with me your haul!

Arenaa Deluxe Boutique Hotel Melaka

Posted in Good Things, Leisure & Travel, Reviews by

It was on one of the weekends during the water rationing period at my residential area. Mr Husband decided to book a room for a weekend staycation. For the fun of it.

This is a 3 star hotel located in Ujong Pasir, Melaka . It was less than 10km from my own house. As usual, Mr Husband breaks the news on the last minute and I had to pack the suitcase like Speedy Gonzales. This hotel does not have a pool but it is walking distance to the city and its tourist attractions.

The LOBBY

We booked a Family Room for 3D2N. The rooms were priced at about RM152/night without breakfast . This was before the Restricted Movement Order (RMO) due to Covid-19 took place. It’s a huge room with 2 double beds and 1 sofa bed. There were 4 complimentary beverages sets, FREE WIFI and an outstanding shower settings.

If I could list down the perks,

  • big, spacious room
  • ample parking is available across the street and they are reserved for hotels guests only.Road traffic is OK to cross the road.
  • adjacent to the hotel there is a place where you can have gusto malaysian breakfast called Perhentian Kuih Kampong. They serve the typical Malaysian breakfast of nasi lemak, lontong, roti canai , kuih etc..
  • bathroom has this very sophisticated shower system. Water just spurts from everywhere and I love the pressure and water temp. I took the opportunity to shampoo and scrub my body for ages.
  • View is amazing
  • Free wifi and super fast
  • Mattress has a ‘topper’. This was something new to me. The comfortable sleep we had (husband did not even snore!) is enticing me to buy one of those toppers too. It has this cooling effect when you sleep.

Considerations:

  • housekeeping is not done daily so if you have kids that use diapers, do consider bringing extra trash bags to contain the aroma of soiled diapers until they are picked up on checkout
  • there are 2 elevators (that I found) in the hotel. Thankfully our timing was not on peak weekends so you might want to consider that too
  • I am not sure what type of breakfast spread they serve – perhaps other bloggers could spare details on that

In short, this 3 star hotel is clean and budget friendly. A place that I would definitely consider again for a staycation for its awesome shower system and the view!

Subhanallah