Shelbybaby bisou

post-xmas breakfast

2011-12-28T19:02:00.000+08:00

A couple years back in our mid-twenties we would never have had this problem but now that we're 30, it seems almost impossible to find a mutual time in our iPhone / Blackberry / Moleskine schedules! Thank goodness for brunch schedules (goodbye lunch and dinner slots, they're so passe and always booked out) or we'd never have the chance to meet outside Facebook.

It was a sunny Boxing Day and we all met up in Antipodean Cafe (the go-to breakfast place of current).

Check out Miss TanTan's festive manicure! It just cried 'ring ring ding-a-ling..' !

Their banana pancake with butterscotch is yummy as hecks!

I'd recommend sausage over bacon (too dry!) in their Big Breakfast. Their sunny-side-up was quite a fail. Boo. Boleh-lah but not great.

We were headed down to the carpark but something colour-blocking caught our attention. Turns out there was some Lego exhibition going on in Bangsar Village II. I haven't played with Lego since pre-puberty so seeing those Lego flowers and embossed sea got me all excited! There were a bunch of made up houses so Miss ChongChong and I went 'house shopping' :D

We chose this for Miss ChewChew 'cos she's outdoorsy and has penchant for rustic living.

C'est moi! I didn't appreciate the limited space but something's gotta give when you've got a lovely garden, Smart car, lap pool / hot tub and outdoor breakfast patio (WITH CROISSANTS!!). Oh and I've got cable. Mega cool.

We chose this for Miss TanTan 'cos she's big on space and adores fuss-free lines.

Miss ChongChong chose this beach house 'cos she's showy like that! Ahaha and 'cos she loves parties and funk..

Which is your favourite home?

Bangsar Village II
No.2 Jalan Telawi Satu
Bangsar Baru
59100 KL
Tel: +603 2288 120

merry xmas malacca

2011-12-26T00:02:00.000+08:00

How did everyone's Christmas go??

Contrary to popular belief I'm not of the Christian faith (all I have is an English name). But that doesn't mean I don't celebrate Christmas! I love 'tis season to be jolly :) I've made prior arrangements for a weekend getaway to Melaka with the parentals. Figured they could do with a change in routine. Besides, I have almost no recollection of my visit to Malacca (14 years ago?) and such a shame considering it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and touted as one of 'The 45 Places to Go' places by The New York Times. So this is me in my lil' way of contributing to the local tourism industry!

Unbeknownst to me, EVERYONE heads to Malacca for the weekend and we were caught in a 3 hour traffic jam! OMG. Sempat jugak for Dddy to sneak in a couple of Mandarin oranges in between brakes.

As Dddy painfully handled the crawl into town, both of us horsed around like teenagers with the camera.

I stumbled upon a review on 45 Lekiu and fell in love immediately! I told myself I had to find the perfect excuse to stay in this incredible place. This gem of a restored guesthouse is right in the heart of Chinatown just a stone's throw away from Jonker Street. It was a lil' confusing to locate it at first but just as we started walking around we found it absolutely accessible (especially to the pasar malam).

It's 'haphazard combinations of contemporary pieces and centuries-old furnishing' tells a story of pre-war architecture told in the modern times. It is such a charm lying on a king bed looking up on wooden ceiling beams that dates possibly a century ago.

The piéce de resistance of the place is of course their lap pool out back. Don't you just adore the gargantuan wooden cabinet doors that open up to a hanging garden and a rustic loo?

We went to explore the old town. Just a quick stroll and we found Masjid Kampong Kling rebuilt in brick in 1872. The minaret left me in awe. Such an awesome structure.

We were so freakin' hungry that we had no choice but to succumb to the over-touristed Famosa Chicken Rice Ball!

It is said that the Chicken Rice Ball was created to ease labourers of their food transporting worries. Though I have to say nothing much to shout about. Just a culinary novelty :)

Famosa Chicken Rice Ball

Jonker Street

Melaka
Tel: +606-2860121
Mon-Sun: 0900 - 2100

We browsed through the Jonker Street night market and sampled some pasar malam delicacies like durian spring roll. Also 'cos 'twas an ancient lady and her grandchild manning the stall and I felt a small purchase could be helpful.

Oooh did I enjoy tucking into Jonker 88's durian cendol! Sweet heaven on my tongue :P

They even have their own artifact museum!

It's as if time went into a standstill. If you hear really closely you can hear Peranakan nyonyas bargaining with the vegetable seller and rickshaw wheels clanking on the dusky lanes.

Bizarrely, every building in Malacca seem to have a story to tell. Hotel Puri has become home to swallows. The lil birds roam around town and return to rest in their spit-covered abode in the evening. The Chinese consider this to be super 'ong'. The hotel gets to harvest the nests too!

There's a mini museum in the hotel. Dddy particularly adores this old-school dacing (scale) used back in the days to weigh rubber and whatnot.

Hotel Puri
118 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock
75200 Melaka
Tel: +606 2825528

Curiosity does not kill the cat this time but instead quenches the thirst with a tall glass of mango juice!

Limau Limau Cafe
9 Jalan Hang Lekiu
Tel: +6012-6984917
Mon-Tue: 0930-1830
Thu: 0930-1830
Fri: 0930-2000
Sat: 0930-2300
Sun: 0930-2000

In the morning, the parentals went out for a walk and we followed the stairs that lead to a rooftop patio.

Thank goodness Guy's a morning person and he went out breakfast shopping before I woke.

He bought us Peranakan kuihs much to my dismay at first. Perhaps it's the Malaccan air or Lavazza coffee (yup there's a Lavazza coffee machine here) but those were some spectacular pulut tekan + kaya man. Serious!

We wish we could have weekend breakfasts like this everyday!

The view took my breath away. Even the scalding hot tea did nothing to ruin the ambience.

45 Lekiu is the brainchild of Musang Lena Residences. It took them a year for renovation and restoration works. Not a surprise with everything so meticulously matched and organized.

Me ♥ sipping tea in the pool.

45 Lekiu
Jalan Hang Lekiu
45200 Melaka
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/45lekiu

Just before checkout Guy ajak me to go discover the little lanes of Chinatown.

Chen Hoon Teng Temple (The Temple of Bright Clouds) was founded in 1645 and built with materials brought by Chinese junks. How cool izzat?? It's dedicated to Kwan Yin and some other deities like...

We made prayers. I had trouble folding the paper offerings and Guy had to do it for me. He did it so nicely hor?

With the influx of con jobs posing as religious representatives they've put up posters as a reminder that bogus monks are NOT to be entertained! Good. I personally always felt religion is a pact, relationship and persefahaman between you and the higher being.

In a sea of wishes I forgot which one is ours.

The highlight of the temple, to me, is the little tempayan with baby carps. Super cutes!

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
No. 25, Jalan To’kong
75200 Melaka
Tel: +606-282 9343

12 days of christmas 2011 wishlist

2011-12-24T00:20:00.000+08:00

Santa please... *puppy dog eyes*

Pink Christmas Tree from Christmas Tree For Me

Moleskine Passions Recipe Journal *tick*

Flamingo fascinator by Bee Smith

Pewter measuring spoons by Beehive Kitchenware

Le Butterfly Aventurine Totem by leanimale

T13 Organic Bezel Ring with Peach Zirconia by lachicadeloanillos

Letterpress recipe cards and recipe box by 1Canoe2

kozyndan Bunny Blossom by New Oral *tick*

Holiday centrepiece by The Little Succulent Shop

Phillipa by Goldie London at Topshop

The Guide to Living Colorfully by Kate Spade

Anything and everything from Lauren Mofatt Spring 2012 collection

just another birthday :)

2011-12-20T19:32:00.000+08:00

I'm always pokai in December what with Guy, Sophiekins, Miss ChewChew and Miss ChongChong's birthday along with Christmas at the end. Anyhoots I got Guy's gift delivered to me at work and I hurried home to get it wrapped (with brown paper obviously... I gave up after the first reel of proper wrapping paper. The thing's a MONSTER!). I danced inside in anticipation as I waited for him to get home.

moi: TADAAA!!
Guy: Hmm..
moi: WAT??? You don't like it??
Guy: Well, it says here I can't open it till NEXT YEAR..!!
moi: Erk (!!) oh oops eheheh *malu*

Turns out I was actually dating everything 07/12/12! Rest assured none of which was a cheque or I'd be making alot of enemies. He did like the gift though, in case you were wondering. Size does matter :D

We had our annual conjoint birthday dinner (no point having 3 separate celebrations with the soft economy) at Charcoal World Steamboat on a GroupOn deal. Turns out we've never had hot pot together which explains why we got awkward when it came to deciding what goes in first.

Not taking into account our GroupOn limitations, the variety of soup and raw food is pretty extensive. Their sauces are yummy (I did have the runs after that but it could be because I have a weak gut and IBS) and their service is pretty efficient. I enjoyed eating out of a steamboat that actually looks like an authentic steamboat and it's such a novelty to have the soup boiled over charcoal! It was fun to have everyone get into the game of fishing for clams (that dislodged themselves from their shells and got lost in the soup abyss) and chuck fishballs down the bubbling soup.

Birthday peeps were made compulsory to wear fun I Badges.

I forgot to bring a pair of scissors and so the bunting looks like a clothesline rather than mini flags. Cute nonetheless though.

This time around we're all 30!

Charcoal World Steamboat

PJU 6 Kompleks Besar Bandar Utama

Kg Sg Kayu Ara

47400 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Tel: +603-77100690

vintage xmas market @ big market

2011-12-18T23:19:00.000+08:00

Mosied over to Cheras for a quaint Christmas Market at Big Ideas. They have a lovely space.

*bisou* bonbon's Xmas care packages made their debut at the market. My my don't we look festive??

Pink Parisien christmas care Package no.1

Pink Parisien christmas care Package no.2

Pink Parisien christmas care Package no.3

Love the denim shirt by Twizs. Note their cuff-fold technique... tres cool!

Magical pop-up books by Whenever Shop never fail to surprise me at every turn of page.

Aida of Whenever Shop is the cutest thing to ever grace this earth!

Mossery makes happy paper goods and stationery. Check out their hilarious bookmarks :)

Kitschy old furniture and decor sourced and restored by The Great Indoors for vintage-lovers.

Miracle Watts is pretty much an eclectic stall selling bits and bobs from notebooks to wooden alphabets.

Petit Paper was my favourite booth that day! I had to peel myself off their stall cos I like everything that was on their table! OMG the agony...

Miss XinXin of Petit Paper showed me one of her not-for-sale private masking tape collections. They're of the raffle ticket theme! Awesome possum!

I died and went to Washi heaven!

You can get Papier posters personalized at Oxoloco. They're so shabby chic! Loves :)

Miss SaSa of Oxoloco also makes dreamy jewellery. Isn't her booth decor pretty pretty??

The sandwich stall turned out to be a hit (with all of us)!! Guy and I kept making trips over to buy a bun-lah, sandwich-lah, potato thingy-lah...

I wish I had more time to slowly thumb through Momage's handmade art.

Hart Living has a range of hilarious household items. Lookout for the squirrel and acorn magnets (bought that!) and dove door-stopper! Fun :D

Bo-s play Santa! Falalalalalalalala...

The crowd was fairly slow so the vendors had time to peruse and ponder. What was so adorable was that we ended up shopping from each other's booth (trading in a sense..)! I made some new friends and at least I had the opportunity to introduce *bisou* bonbon to a new crowd. All in a day's work!

happy snacks

2011-12-08T21:46:00.000+08:00

Felt like royalty as I slathered Fortnum&Mason (the queen's grocer) strawberry preserves all over a Marmalade scone.

I love dinners alone at home.
Village Grocer (30% off post 6pm?) sushi + Carte D' Or Calvet white (cheap, sweet, fruity, yum) + Le Deux Garçon macarons (current fave would be Vodka Lime)

Sipping my worries away with hot chocolate topped with Huey&Wah handmade vanilla marshmallows. They fluffilly sweetened my cocoa. Yum!

siboh kitak nangis

2011-12-02T01:53:00.000+08:00

To my broken hearted babydolls. Don't you cry. It'll all be better next week.

"Oh Sayang
Udah gik kitak nangis
Kamek sik suka nangga
Kitak patah hati
Oh Sik hal saying
Dunia tok memang adil
Asalkan kitak jangan lupak dirik..."

it's me in fashionnn!

2011-11-30T01:38:00.000+08:00

I've always dreamed of attending Fashion Week so you can imagine how thrilled I was to get an invite to MIFW (Malaysia International Fashion Week) 2011's Asia Magic Gala!! This was probably the most exciting thing that happened to me this year. For ages I've watched FTV and Fashion Week coverage on magazines or E!, never in my wildest thoughts did I think I would get a chance to sit by the runway rubbing elbows with fashion bigwigs. Obviously I'm no Susie Bubble, Bryanboy or The Cherry Blossom Girl hence it's not everyday a mediocre nobody such as moi would get such an opportunity. So here are truck loadsa pics babydolls!

I had no idea this place (Zebra Square) existed. Very Hampstead Heath though still under construction.

Turns out we were one of the first to arrive. While everyone was mingling and looking cool...

... I horsed around! Why am I such a nerd?? It's like an undeniable force that compels me to constantly make a fool outta myself.. SOMEONE STOP ME!!

I know I could've done better. I'm sorry. I'm still too FAT for my nice frocks.

Hair accessory: *bisou* rose Petite Joie
Dress: Zara
Tote: Goyard
Bag: Mulberry Alexa

Guess who's the stylo milo in the middle?

I was super in awe by The Idan's Gaga-McQueenesque killer non-heels!

They're custom-made and fastastico!

Met Miss TeeTee of Tongue in Chic here to cover the show. I'm lovin her gold-trim collar chiffon blouse. She looks immaculate!

The lavatories had no lights. WTF. So I peed in the dark with my mobile as light source. Took a page off Urbanscapes port-a-loo.

I was told that the entrance queue can be a real b*tch. So we stood in line just as it turned dusk. We waited patiently being 3rd in line only to find so-called VIP entourages getting through the velvet rope in hoards. By the 2nd hour my calves started to act up and I could feel my soles ache like I was walking on pebbles. Unsure what the system there was so I just kept mum. I was just glad to be there. Though they oughta be a wee bit fair to us with invites. We're guests too.

Anyhoots, we finally got in *silent shriek* and headed towards Gallo's 'turf'. This is it!

Front row @ MIFW y'all!! Feelin' like Kimora siut... livin' my life in the fab lane *cue: fabulo-fabulous..*

Miss KosKos rocking her delicious lime-green Mulberry Alexa!

I sat here and took it all in. The runway, the lights, the people, the smell of vogue in the air...

Look at all the fashion photographers at the back with their mega cameras and stocky tripods.

I spy with my eyes: Farah Khan!

If you watch enough FTV you'll know that First Face is a big deal.

Deborah Henry hosted the night.

First up was Ashley Isham. Statement floral headpieces. Flowing goddess maxis. Metallic Lady Liberty.

Next up was Nue by Jonathan Liang. Structured tailoring. Sequins. Androgynous sensuality.

Cacac by Lee Sinje. The Kedah-born international actress debuted her own line filled with gradient chiffons and lots of soft layerings. I had no idea who she was but Miss KosKos did *shy* I think I may need to start catching up with my Chinese soaps + movies trivia.

The much anticipated show: Gallo's Foxy Foxy Boom Boom Autumn / Winter Collection featuring some of my favourite boys... I screamed so loud that I earned a dismaying "How old are you again?" look from Miss KosKos. Starlight starbright. Playful and ethereal.

DJ Goldfish kickstarted the men's collection. OoOOooh!

Favourite model: DJ Blink

(conversation back home)

moi: Ayoyo he's so freakin' hot!! Even more in person! Hubba hubba!

Guy: -_-

Favourite piece: Gallo by Thian Jumpsuit

I spy with my eyes Jeremy Teo of Red FM!

Demure Teresa Thian and her entourage of beautiful boys :)

Khoon Hooi's a crowd favourite. We're talking bold colours. Ruffles and ladies on the night out!

Go Asia Magic Gala!!

Literally moving fashion forward.

Thanks so much Gallo for such an awesome possum time!! It was a magnificent show and I look forward to the Spring / Summer 2012 collection :)

Shelbybaby ♥ Gallo by Thian

marni me mau!

2011-11-29T01:50:00.000+08:00

babycakes macaron class

2011-11-28T01:17:00.000+08:00

The parental units and I were headed to Sri Nirwana Maju when we walked by what appeared to be a quaint kitchenware shop. The copper pots and pans were so inviting so we took a detour and discovered yet another gem in Bangsar! I bought a pair of wooden tossing forks. I've been looking for one ever since I saw Nigella tossing her pasta about with external 'hands'. Sometime later I received a newsletter regarding cooking classes to be held in Pantry Magic. One in particular caught my eye: macaron classes by Nicole of Babycakes Sweet Shoppe!! I loveee Babycakes and i'm thinking if I were to ever attend a macaron baking class, it had better be with her! I mean her (shop) name is Babycakes! Do you actually need another reason?? ;)

Trust me when I say her macarons are yummy! And isn't she a cutie?

So as usual-lah despite reminding myself multiple times about the class, I forgot! There I was busy making a batch of lavender body scrubs when I got a phone call enquiring if I still jadi as time was up! In a flurry, I yanked off my apron, jumped into Dddy's car (he was coincidentially on the way out) and we sped to Bangsar.. in my just-outta-bed hair + sweaty self + funny-smelling tee (you know that weird hanyir smell you get when you don't dry your clothes well post-wash.. can't help it was in the rush and that was the only decent looking top at first grab). Better late than never huh?

Didn't I say enticing?

Turns out they were already half an hour into the baking class. Boo. I sat my plump bottoms onto an empty seat panting. Still I was excited to be there :)

I missed out on the mixing but at least I was there when they began piping.

Isn't Nicole the chicest pastry chef ever?? I am so digging her tan. Turns out prior to Babycakes she was a make-up artist.. it's no wonder her foundation was flawless!

She did say it took her around 1000 macarons before she was able to pipe perfectly effortlessly. Doesn’t she make it look all too easy?

We all took turns to pipe. Needless to say the distorted nipple ones were ours!

I really appreciate the lil’ tips and tricks she taught us. Also I can comprehend why macarons are so expensive. They’re pretty tedious and require so much attention. Ahh.. the French: trust them to be fussy about their pastry!

Check out the sexy foot ;)

Piping the ganache was most difficult. I could feel my biceps constipating as I forced the chocolate filling onto the shells.

Nicole packed all our macarons into tres cute Babycakes. She even tied ribbons around them which was the nicest touch! I ♥ ribbons!

Our shells were so cacat that they had to be meticulously matched in order for the macarons to be passable enough for packing. The odd shells ended up in the most appropriate place: our mouths!

Nicole's good friend made her this super-cutes apron! Lovely, non?

Babycakes macarons are centainly one of the yummiest I've tasted in the city. We're talking a light crisp shell with squishy al-dente-ish middle enhanced by its flavourful ganache.

We were treated to snacks by Pantry Magic and macaron courtesy of Babycakes Sweet Shoppe.
So what if I had 2, fine 3, rounds? Don't judge.

The first batch of graduates. Alumni y'all!

(aaargh look at that auntie on the right!)

For further information on cooking / pastry classes as well as wonderful kitchen items:

Pantry Magic

49, Jalan Telawi Tiga

Bangsar Baru

59100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603 22011578

Mon-Sun 10:00-21:00

For further information on tres deliceux macarons + other sweet heavenlies:

Babycakes Sweet Shoppe

Ground Floor, G City Club Hotel

Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +6 012 2190069

Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00

princess sophia grace

2011-11-28T00:13:00.000+08:00

I am IN LOVE with Princess Sophia Grace! She's 8 years old and fluent in Super Bass *hail sifu*

I'm 30 and I can't even get the post-chorus right!

She is crazy adorable!! Shaddup haters.. she is cute as hecks and I am living my 8-year old self vicariously through her :D Love love love her enthusiasm!

Even Ellen's taken by her...

Ellen's just the sweetest, non? 'Twas really lovely of her to get Nicki to come over and twice as nice of Nicki to agree. It must be such joy to see your pop idol in person. As a child you must really think things cannot get better than this. Did you see her dad sobbing? Hilarious but endearing. What the heck did her mum ate to produce such a brilliant child?? I want a daughter like her!

And if you didn't get enough of Princess Sophia, here's the shopping spree she was promised. When I was young, all I really wanted was a shopping spree in Toys-R-Us. Serious. So you can imagine my envy hehe. Love her anecdote with the suitcase.

Which reminds me I really need that pink pretzel necklace..!

amazeballs, non?

2011-11-26T23:39:00.000+08:00

We ♥ i.m.mag

issit me 'cos i really think this is a sh*t perm

2011-11-25T22:38:00.000+08:00

This should be the hair someone has BEFORE a perm / straightening session.

The word is should.

I know I said I was gonna leave the hair alone after the pre-CNY fiasco but when I saw the supposedly great Hairkunst offer on Group On I just couldn't help myself. What is wrong with me? Did I not learn from my previous lesson? Did I not comprehend the time and effort it took to attempt at restoring my hair to a better condition? Again I was promised that it would be a light Korean looking perm *sigh* by their senior hairstylist (I really oughta stop with the whole senior hairstylist thingy). Why do I keep doing this to myself? Perhaps this is why certain girls keep dating bad boys or how the nail salon girls continue to hoax us into their manicure packages.

I was looking for a hairstyle that could bring me from day to night with minimal fuss and I thought a perm was the answer. I thought wrong. It's SUPER high maintenance what with the special perm shampoo + conditioner and the combing when it's wet along with twirling as it dries. Don't even get me started on the products. Even so the hair would still go into a frizzing frenzy! It's ridiculous really.

So now I'm stuck with an irreversible French poodle do which is beginning to turn into dreads (at the back).

Brazilian blowout anyone??

welcome to my turf

2011-11-20T23:26:00.000+08:00

It's been a hectic 'summer' for us at the Kho & Chew residences. We had mat sallehs over almost every week! It's a wee bit tiring having to juggle work and tour guide duties but it makes me smile to know that people wanna come to Malaysia. It's a small part to play in the tourism industry but I take pride in it. I do believe they had a good time and that's just an awesome feeling. What's with us Malaysians? We just bloody love being freakin' great hosts! It's, like, we can't stand to be shitty to our guests. Seriously.

So our first guest was Ah Jen. He's Sophiekins long-time English friend and he works as a pharmacist in Manchester. We did the usual 'run' with him and I made it my mission to take as many makan pictures of him as I could wahahaha!! Fun :)

Turns out Ah Jen hates raw food so Sophiekins and I polished the oysters off. He made do with the fried la-la and prawns.

Unique Seafood Restaurant

Lot 9B-3 Jalan Kemajuan

Section 13

46200 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Tel: +603-7960 2088 / 7960 2066

This is Dddy's secret makan place in Jalan Peel. I'm not allowed to feature this eatery so as not to clog up the stall making it even more of a challenge (than it already it!) to get a table. Their bbq pork and trotter is to-die-for and you can see Ah Jen polishing off the remains :D

This is my secret makan place in Jalan Imbi. Super sorry no feature. I have a hard time getting a table as it is. It's my comfort food this chicken kueyteow thing... it's the first place Dddy would bring me the moment I touchdown KL (back in the Indon days). Ah Jen was like, "WHOAH sedappp..!"

We forgot that there's no fusion pastry in the UK and was pleasantly amused that Ah Jen was in lurrrve with the baked goodies Ficelle had to offer. Did you ever think you could find a wee bit of Francais in Taman Desa?? If it wasn't for the heat it would've passed off as a tea session in boulangerie. Do try their Earl Grey Iced Tea and Caramel Brioche.

Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie
11-0-12, Jalan 3/109F

Danau Business Center
Taman Danau Desa

59100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-79830211

Mon-Sun: 0800-2100

We brought him to Dddy's newest discovery and Mmmy's newest favourite: coconut jelly!!

Coconut Grove

Oasis Business Centre

PJU 6, Bandar Utama

Detour before heading home. Came to say hello to 'all the king's horses and all king's men'.

This was No.1 on his KL-to-do list. They should give me a VIP card, I've brought everyone here!

Kenko Fish Spa
Level 5

Pavilion
168 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur

Obviously, one cannot leave KL without at least trying out Malaysian Chinese's big breakfast: bak kut teh! I love love love this place. And Mmmy would never let me order their fish head curry unless we go in a crowd of > 5 pax. Totally took advantage of the fact we had a company of 6!

Chiew Sang Bak Kut Teh

15, Jalan SS 3/37
Taman Universiti

47300 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Mon – Sun: 07:30 - 14:00

Sat – Sun 18:00 – 21:00

Twas Miss PauPau's birthday and we met up for dinner at Chinatown. Afew friends and her were down in KL for abit before leaving to Dabong. I'm Malaysian and I don't even know where Dabong was.. erk! *shy*

Brought her some delicious Wondermilk cuppacakes. Make a wish babydoll!

We were such a massive crowd! 11 of us all cramped in an 8-person's table. But it was pretty exciting dining elbow-to-elbow... meriah :D

Ah Tho said he loved the fact that we Malaysians always try to dine together. It's comforting. He had been having his meals alone for 4 days 'till today and he really welcomes the company!

They were also really glad to not be eating tourist food! Dddy treated them to Chinatown's uber famous claypot lou shee fun + siew yoke meen. Come post-clubbing mornings, you can never get a table!

Seng Kee @ Petaling Street
52, Jalan Sultan
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 2072 5950

Ah Jen went trawling around Petaling Street for knock-offs and found some gems for people back home! I have to say the Links of London leather wristlet replica is enticing :P

Then Ah No came over and we brought him to the usual Jalan Peel secret makan place. This was his first time eating chicken feet :D Of course yours truly had to show him how(!!): place chicken toe (or claw or whateva) into mouth.. use tongue to separate skin and bones.. spit bones + joints out *ptuiii*.. enjoy the 'fruits of harvest'!

There was a cicak on the pillar next to Ah No. I was majorly grossed out but Ah No was so enthusiastic about it, he grabbed his camera and started shooting away. Aiii angmoh angmoh. They're so into geckos. I pulak *nausea*

Ah No asked us what type of fish this was. We all paused and stared at each other. *crickets chirping* :D

This was taken just before the horse turned around and planted a wet smacker on my right cheek which the rest found hilarious. I'm, like, WTF??!

Cuppcake break (again!) at where else but Wondermilk!

Jumpsuit: Dorothy Perkins
Headband: Sereni & Shentel

We were in SS2 for Pipit Zakka Store and just as we were heading back I saw a lorry selling mangosteen and bought us some. Explained to him that Queen Elizabeth actually deemed it the 'Queen of fruits'. Oh and heads up y'all: mangosteen's the new SUPERFOOD!

Then we walked across the road to Lim's Tofufa minivan and I let him try a bowl of taufoofa :)

Ah No was up for a seafood dinner appointment with a friend in Klang. We couldn't let him leave without a mamak session at Kayu!

I love Kayu-lah 'cos they always kasi my guests chance to get up close and personal with the rotis. Even the roti-maker has a pose!

Original Kayu Nasi Kandar

1, Jalan PJU 5/12

Dataran Sunway

Kota Damansara

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel: +603-6141 8771

I've never been to Port Klang before. It's charming.

versace x h&m

2011-11-17T01:43:00.000+08:00

Shelbybaby
Blogger, Bath & Body Care Artificer

I want palm tree leggings, fuschia suits and purple cleavage cut-out dresses!

so much to do

2011-11-16T23:21:00.000+08:00

... so little will power.

I mean time. And money.

Was telling Miss BellaBella that I've been on the down-low lately cos the whole day job + studies + social life + business + blogging etc etc etc is driving me to spontaneously combust(!!). I almost fell into some mild depression (last this happened was when I was in 2nd year med school) and had to quickly pull the plug to some stuff before burning out. Of everything I could possibly give up momentarily would be the business given the fact I cannot exactly pull out of my day job or studies or even life! Perhaps that's why I'm pretty silent as well. Can you imagine having every minute of your time account for something?? I don't even have a moment of silence when I sh*t... it was all:

- how to we decrease the freakin' patient load?
- how to improve the business?
- how to sort out my minor thesis?
- how to patch up my friend with her estranged husband?
- how to solve my PCOS?
- should I correct my crappy perm with a Brazillian Blowout?
- how to lose weight faster?
- where can I buy a rainbow cake?
- how to keep myself from feeling trapped in the govt service?
- who sells baker's twine (the american sort)?
- did I overspend on stickers?
- who can help me grab a Versace x H&M something?? anything??
- should I get a maid?

Miss BellaBella was saying something about her mum sending some kinda Feng Shui element over to her to help augment 'ong' and I'm thinking I need to get me some of that for CLARITY.

Thus, to gently help me siphon out a small portion of the abovementioned stress, I dropped by Sundays (came across this MWS article when I was yahoo-ing Washi Tapes) to pick up some Jap masking tapes and a bar of Saipua (yup florist extraordinaire... well I knew them for their flowers before their soap). That shop is a dream filled with treasured finds and rustic kitsch... very Anthrolopologie-esque.

Sundays
1F-29 & 30
Bangsar Village II
Jalan Telawi 1
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60322842308

cute shop: i heart badges

2011-11-13T01:49:00.001+08:00

As I was driving home from class today I figured why not swing by Malaysia's 2nd Online Fashion Entrepreneur's Weekend and say hello to fellow crafter I Heart Badges. Besides, I've always wanted to get their badges but was always short for time and now that I'm not really rushing for anything (well there IS dinner at 20:00 with the girls but that's 2 hours more!) it gives me ample opportunity to browse through. MOFEW is an exhibition showcasing upcoming and established blogshops selling everything from clothes to accessories.

Didn't you know Awesome's my middle name??

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE them badges y'all! They're crazy hilarious and totally spells me me me! Got me a set of badges for the joint birthday kids next month (we're talking Guy, Miss ChongChong and Miss ChewChew) and I'm feeling excited *giggles*

You can get yourself some witty at:

I Heart Badges

currently in:

MOFEW (Malaysia's Online Fashion Entrepreneur's Weekend)
Mid Valley Exhibition Centre Hall 2 & 3
Mid Valley Megamall
Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 KL

11.11.11-13.11.11 (Fri - Sun)
12:00 - 20:00

bisou bonbon breast cancer awareness giveaway

2011-11-01T22:22:00.000+08:00

Updated:
Salut Sheryl & Beverley!! Merci beaucoup for taking part in the Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway :)

random schrandom vii

2011-11-01T01:23:00.000+08:00

I'm in LOVE with this book! Gordon speaks true to my heart. A couple of good friends were suffering from heartaches and break ups so I bought them a Livingston book on 'How To Love' (themselves and again).

Braved the weekend queue at Levain and bought myself truckloadsa carb-ridden goodies and a baguette of course! i would like to come back and have a meal at this place on a day with a milder crowd.

Look at my lovely Japanese roses... before some asshole conman who claimed he was a gardener and could convert the patch of grass outside my house into a Jap roses lawn. He wanted to charge me RM80 (which I thought was pretty fair to get rid of the lalang, replant my current roses and add more) but I only had RM10 in my wallet. I told him I'd pay him the rest of the fee once he gets things done. I came back in the evening only to find that the f*cker had stolen my earth leaving it bare and in a terrible mess! Also he clipped the heads of all my roses too! Burn in hell celaka punya bast*rd *shaking fist in air* !!

I regret not buying this Eiffel Tower nanoblock!

As you can see, at Market Hall, they take their food personally. I went there with an intention to get an Inkypots milk jug and left the place with a mega macaron = magacron :D

Saw this Atelier Versace S/S 2011 dress on display in Pavilion that was previously worn by Fan Bing Bing. The ruffles looked heavenly and a joy to caress as well (couldn't help to touch until I realized I was probably being watched by CCTV and freaked out!). I wonder how it feels to wear couture...

Lovin' the greeting card over at The *Click* Shop. Sophiekins was there to purchase some lomo films.

The last picture of Crouching (Hidden's been dead for months) before he took his last gulp of air last week. R.I.P.

Such felicity to have rainbows (and other Lucky Charms) in my breakfast!

This is cross-eyed moi redeeming a session of hair-rescue treatment at Svenson. Enjoyed the oxygen therapy though not enough to sign up for a package.

Who says we can't have a bite of rainbow??

polly put the kettle on

2011-10-31T21:11:00.000+08:00

Aren't handwoven books intriguing?

They certainly intrigue me..

I came across Angelicquirk in one of the markets and just totally fell in love with her handmade books alongside her other cutesy crafts. Needless to say I signed up at her first bookbinding workshop. Miss VinVin of Angelicquirk has turned from fellow vendor to crafting friend. She's as lovely as her work.

Us students were welcomed into the Angelicquirk studio that Saturday morning where everyone was given their individual pack of papers and cloth (for the covers) along with our very own SAW! It was such a breezy feeling to come together with people with the same objective: to bind a book! I didn't think I would make friends in this workshop but friend-making I did :)

Some Saturday Night Fever stitching right there!

I love the refreshments put out. I know I know.. snacks has got nothing to do with bookbinding but the tea was yumsss...

I have to admit I struggled a wee bit with the stitching and technique (never one for thinking on a weekend morning) but the book turned out in the end! Was the last to finish though.

Turns out the first time I tied the charm to the book I actually tied it the wrong way around! Also I accidentally cut my cloth a tad too short that it started fraying at the ends so I had to purchase book corners (available at Evelin's) to keep 'em from falling apart!

Not the nicest work but cutes nonetheless :)

You can visit Angelicquirk's website here to get more information or dates on Kettle or Coptic Stitching classes. I've yet to go for a Coptic class.. perhaps I'll see you there!

hong the kong

2011-10-29T00:33:00.000+08:00

This was yonkers ago-lah. Malas to cakap panjang-panjang so I'll just let the images (and captions) do the talking eh... will definitely try my awful best to include venue info.

Last year Guy and I attended a good friend's wedding in Hong Kong. Post wedding and housing mortgage we were skint as hell and were confined to ikat perut along with a meagre lifestyle to gather money for this trip. I was told HK to be an expensive city and so it was. I was so busy working nights that I only started looking the city up the night prior to the travel!

I love the journey into the city. The magnificent view was a nice touch to the welcome :)

We took the Airport Express Travel Pass which allows us to travel (from the airport) into the city and within the city for 3 days (inclusive of a returnable HK$50).

First thing we did upon check-in was go to the legendary Yung Kee! Heard the roasted goose there is to-die-for.

It's a pretty high-end restaurant and everyone keeps heading upstairs. We were seated downstairs. Felt abit left out like we were at the boring floor of the party.

Unfortunately their siew ngor was out of stock so we settled for char siew and some dim sum. Their goose liver sausage pau is yums but their century egg appetizer is LEGENDARY!

Yung Kee Restaurant
32 - 40 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 - 2522 1264

We walked about. I spent forever in H&M. H&M... when're you coming to KL-lah?? I finally got the bride on the phone and she asked us to join her and the crew for the pre-wedding dinner at a hot pot place.

Met some of the wedding guests there. All of us were fencing elbows in the VIP room. I heard it's notoriously difficult to get a table here without reservation.

The sashimi is crazy fresh and yums as hells. Most of them didn't care for raw seafood but I relished every slurp!

Hongkee likes satay soup in their hot pot. And curiously the entire meal washed down so well with Asahi beer. I never really liked Asahi till then. The dinner costed us HK$500 per pax (OMG!!) and that really drained out our travel fund! Goodness gracious... note to self: always check for price range before chugging fish balls down my throat.

Him Kee Hot Pot
1/F, 2/F Workingfield Commercial Building
408-412 Jaffe Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel: + 852 - 2838 6116

The next morning we rose early for a zen affair. We had breakfast at Yuen Kee restaurant where the price is averagely reasonable and the crowd is buzzing!

Love their pork chop burger. Amazeballs!

Guy had a more traditional breakkie of porridge and chee cheong fun.

Yuen Kee Restaurant
18 Granville Road
Shop B G/F Kiu Yip Building
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

Tel : +852 2721 7881

We used our coupon that came with the Travel Pass to get a discount off the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. You get off at Tung Chung station and take a l..o..n..g walk to the cable car terminal. Be there by 9 am or risk yourself a 2-hour queue!

We were deciding between the regular cabin or the crystal one (with an additional charge of course) and decided we'd save that $ for lunch. A lil' agility is needed to alight the cabin as it is still moving while you try to jump in. Also we can't sit side-by-side as we need to balance out the weight which sucks abit if you go in a party of two. Totally ruined our plans to make out in the sky!

I ♥ cable car rides!

The view was spectacular. The ride was serene albeit slightly chilly. Cable car is coolest mode of transport ever!

I've always wanted to visit Lantau Island to see the Giant Buddha especially after Infernal Affairs and gazillion other HK samseng movies! Every Godfather in TVB has made at least one prayer here. Serious.

This is a wishing tree but since both of us could not decipher the instructions, we could not work out how to make a wish on this tree.

They definitely got me fooled. The walk towards the Giant Buddha is damn long-lah. You've got to wade through the Cultural Village and pass this zen garden only to find yourself still a stone's throw away from the foot of the Giant Buddha stairs. Though tiring and seemingly endless, I enjoyed the walk in the crisp morning air taking in the serenity in search of clarity yada yada.

The big guy says hi!

Organic lavatory y'all! I decided to hold it in and look for a loo which has a ceramic bowl at least..

We returned to Nathan Road after Lantau Island in search of food prior to the evening wedding. I didn't want another restaurant meal and so we searched hard for a simpler place to dine. Of course I just HAD to be distracted by shopping in some funny basement mall (HK is filled with basement malls!) when we stumbled upon Lan Fong Yuen (already in my list for a must-visit.. score!!) famous for their pantyhose tea.

The place is a freaking Alan Tam altar! The guy who owns the place must be some kinda die-hard-fan 'cos Alan is, like, everywhere! On the walls, on the menu, up front.. you get the idea. There's a giant picture of Alan eating a LFY bun with a thumbs-up sign.. guess he must be real chuffed to be eating in a cafe dedicated to his music career.

Lan Fong Yuen
2 Gage Street
Central, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2544 3895

(If my memory did NOT fail me, based on the basement Milan Station this should be..)

Chungking Mansion
Basement
36 - 44 Nathan Rd
Tsim Sha Tsui
Kowloon
Hong Kong

As per bride's request I will not be featuring her wedding but here's a couple of sneak peeks!

It's a really lovely chapel, non?

Miss VeiraVeira and moi come together from opposite sides of the globe to celebrate a union of a couple we've known more than a decade(!!).

Hairband: Forever 21

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Bag: Mulberry Alexa

Boots: Zara

Since I've never attended a bouquet-throwing wedding when I was single and I got married before the rest of mates did, I figured I would never ever be in the bouquet-anticipating elbow-grinding crowd. Turns out I got my belated turn after all! Guy made it clear that I was NOT to catch the bouquet :P

We adjourned to the hotel for the dinner reception where Miss VeiraVeira and Miss PauPau played Lady Gaga with my headpiece :D

As I went up to check on the bride I found the gentlemen soaking in the tub :D Lovesss!

Super famous MTR stations!

So about the accomodation. Little did we know that when we came across what happened to be a real steal on a HK accomodation called USA Hostel (I mean it's, like, 50 freakin' ringgit per pax per night) it turned out be quite the mistake. Seriously. Firstly it's located in this super dodgy building called Mirador Mansion which also plays house to like a hundred thousand other 'guesthouses', 'motels', 'hostels' and get this 'hotels'! Secondly there are only a certain set of lifts that go your floor. There's usually a lift conductor to usher you into your respective lifts. Just make sure you get the right queue 'cos Guy and I were queuing forever at a line, thinking it was the line that valids you to all lifts, only to find that we were wrong and had to get to the back of the other line.Ya ampun! Then the entrances get tricky post 8pm.. only certain ones are left open and you ought to know this so as not to panic thinking you can't get into the building at night. Also you've gotta show your passport and sign in with the guard-lah. So mah fan man. there's no reception just some maid that will lead you to your room and a tauke-so that will collect your deposit. And there's no room service or in house cafe so if you're hungry in the middle of the night you can proceed to enjoy the symphony of your stomach grumbling. Noone's gonna help you there. I did bring a cup noodle but the kettle looked super YUCKS. I should have tahpau-ed some McDonald's or something in case of emergency.

USA Hostel

Flat C2, 13/F

Mirador Mansion

Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon

Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2311 2520

Call us unadventurous but we had dinner in Yuen Kee AGAIN! Can't help it-lah... the food is GOOD and the price is pretty REASONABLE. I ♥ HK sweet and sour pork!!

We only managed one market this time around and I highly recommend the Ladies Market. It's jam packed with knick-knacks, toys, accessories and clothes.

Aren't you in love with these?? Turns out pixel beads have existed forever-lah... I was living under the coconut craft shell. Guy bought me a set to play with but I haven't gotten to doing anything with it yet...

Regret not getting the pelican thong. Heh.

There's a small cafe by the Ladies market called Bo Dao and the food there is lovely. The only reason why we' ventured in there was because my feet was aching like MAD and the fact that I take every chance I get to drink bubble tea! Weee!!

Ladies Market

Tung Choi St

Mongkok

Hong Kong

1200 - 2300

We tried looking for Yuen Po St Bird Garden but got totally lost. We made do with the Goldfish market. There were goldfishes the size of Guy's face!

Goldfish Market

Tung Choi St

Mongkok

Hongkong

1030 - 2200

This is the Hong Kong I know. All the years watching triad movies and series... and I thought I'd be prepared for this cosmopolitan island. But I wasn't. It's crude on one side but highly refined on another. Cute and whimsical with a dash of reality. It's a gastronomic haven with culture, fashion, arts and lots of life in between.

I wish we had this near the clinic. I'd so totally be healthy.

Don't pelt me with tomatoes but I didn't think the 'Symphony of Lights' is that big a deal. It was nice but it wasn't as amusing as I thought it was gonna be. It's chilly so do pack a jacket.

An ode to fashionable bakers!

We had a brief meet up before all of us were set to leave the next morning. 305 E mini reunion y'all!

Patron... yums!! One for the road ad afew more for fun..

Of everything I ever ate in HK.. this truly TOPS the list with their fluffy scrambled eggs sandwich, steamed milk and steamed egg pudding (LOVESSSSS!!!). Australia Dairy: It's compact, it's raucous and it's *snap-snap-snap* At first i found the waiter to be demanding bordering on rude but turns out he's just trying to make things move as efficient as possible. He was kind enough to pause as I thumbed down the menu but I pretty much just ordered what I had previously wrote in my Moleskine anyway, much to his amusement. We shared our minuscule round table with an old couple and an old man. They were fascinated that we actually knew what we wanted to order without looking at the menu despite being tourists. I was too ashamed to admit I could not read Chinese to save my life!

Australia Dairy Co

47 - 49 Parkes St

Jordan

Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2730 1356

There's a embossing HK stamp by the HK history booth at their airport. If you manage to catch it take full advantage!

Don't I make a stylish rickshaw pusher??

Top: Forever 21

Jeggings: Uniqlo

Bag: Mullbery Alexa

Boots: Zara

mengandung-i lemak

2011-10-28T01:14:00.000+08:00

It’s not that I didn’t have time to vent but I just didn’t have the ‘feel’ to say anything. Bad spell. Feel a wee bit better today... unsure if it’s cos of the detox or ‘cos I’ve got truckloadsa ME time with Guy away in the jungle for training (I do miss him but I miss my time alone too... now I totally get why Carrie went back to the apartment for awhile to write).

I am venting today because I just came from a Brazilian wax with my favourite wax-therapist and she’s preggers! No I’m not pregs yet (in case you’re curious). I did notice that she was getting a tad chubby during my previous visit a couple of months ago but I figured hey we have our FAT moments and this was probably hers and even though I’ve gotten used to mine (EVERYDAY’s a FAT day to me wahaha), it’s rude to ask people why they’ve put on weight. I mean I HATE it when people go on and on about how chubbier I am now. F*ck. I don’t go around yabbering on and on about what a goat you’ve turned into! Anyhooters, as she yanked follicles from my pubic region I giggled at how far we’ve come together. I first met her when she was still in Strip. She does the best eyebrow waxing ever! I’ve tried others and everyone else (so far) pales in comparison.. which is why I’ve followed her to her current place. Back then we were both single ladies at that time and I had just finished my studies. When I started dating, she was getting serious with a dude as well. And when I rushed to her place in a hurry to get my waxing done before the wedding, she was on her honeymoon! And now she’s pregnant :) We’ve witnessed each other’s milestone! How cool is that?? Not many of us can say that about their wax therapist now can they?? Heh.

So now she’s pregnant and I guess I should start working on getting pregnant too. Ahaha that did come across chore-ish huh? I didn’t mean for it. But yeah I ought to get busy with this. At first we were planning to hold the reigns for at least 6 months but in between the wedding planning and my move into the clinic, I lost my menses. All the stress and bad habits took a toll on my body and f*cked my menstrual cycle up. I was then diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarion Syndrome (PCOS) which meant it would be even more of an uphill trek in the making-babies department. The hormonal imbalance was a real b*tch with the resurgence of adult acne, insulin resistance, hirsutism (upper lip wax holla!) and obesity. It’s only then that I actually got kinda hot and bothered about getting pregnant. We always want what we can’t or seemingly can’t have kan? For all the time I felt that I wasn’t ready to have a baby, (though not super confident) I now feel that I’m ready to have a child if he / she’ll have me. I’ll deal with the nagging thoughts about a house helper or diaper brands etc later.

I was at my heaviest just a week ago at 76kg. Even my table mate who is usually pretty discreet pointed out to me that I have put on some weight. Back in the days when I was single not being able to fit into my shorts would have be an alarming screech but being married and horribly complacent, I simply switched to comfy harem pants and ignored the beep. I decided upon weigh-in to take responsibility of my health and fertility. I have lost 3kg so far (let’s hope it’s not just water weight) but I have to admit it’s still a struggle everyday to maintain the determination. All the best to me eh?

Oh and I went from a bad perm to ANOTHER bad perm! I’m such an idiot! Brazilian blowout pulak??

cute shop: kaleidoscope

2011-10-03T15:54:00.000+08:00

Have you ever been to Publika??

If you haven't then you OUGHT to! There's a fantastique shop there which houses an eclectic of extraordinary stuff which is a must-visit :)

Oh and they're looking for a shop manager and sales assistant. Any takers?

Like it's name, walking into Kaleidoscope is like stepping into a space filled with an array of colourful items. There's just something to be bought in that cute shop!

The exquisite shop is owned by 2 lovely ladies who also designed the interiors of the shop. It's so rustic yet elegant at the same time..!

Do look out for their twigs + branches chandelier along with their birdcage lamp. I am seriously in awe of their birdcage lamp only because I'm amidst making my own (inspired by Mathieu Challieres) and am struggling to complete it hehe :)

Wonderful book gifts by The Whenever Shop.

Witty buttons by I Heart Badges!

My favourite: Whimsy Whimsical papergoods!! Got myself truck loadsa cards :)

I promised Guy I would get him this Magdoline soap for Christmas!

Home decor by Kaleidoscope's in-house items. Love 'em porcelain birds.

What do we have here?? Former market stall neighbour Dreamie Nuttie owls! Also Sugarfloss plush balls and mobile. Perfect for little tots..

Avant garde accessories by Soak Republic. Me likes the piece with the Queen's crown!

Artwork by Tan See Ling and Rei Yap (not featured in this picture).

Demure handmade accessories by Emi & Katrina.

Sustainable fashion takes the form of Menorcan handcrafted Spanish Little Abarcas sandals made from natural and recycled materials. Ole! (hehe haven't said that in awhile)

Kaleidoscope's in-house label featuring hand-drawn batik kaftans.

Aren't these laptoppers a joy?? They even have ones especially for Quran / Bible books.

Last but not least.. the piece de resistance of the shop: why it's our very own bath and body care *bisou* bonbon of course!! Tres exciting. I'm super duper delighted for *bisou* bonbon to be housed in such a merry home.

Do come and show us some bonbon lovin' by picking up a scrub / balm / spritzer or two for yourself and loved ones. Our items are on 10% discount as of now as an opening treat!

Kaleidoscope
G3-37 Publika Shopping Gallery
Jalan Dutamas 1
Solaris Dutamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-62522270

cute shop: oh & ah

2011-10-01T22:37:00.000+08:00

My weekends are usually packed to the brim so when I had a slot to spare I decided to look for Oh & Ah's physical shop which is open on Saturdays only. Tucked in a little Cove (pun intended), is a special little workshop filled with very snazzy artsy crafts!

Oh & Ah, inspired by the "Ohhh"s and the "Ahhh"s upon the discovery of their art, is the brainchild of 5 passionate designers who makes and designs the wares in the shop. Going through their items really gives me the impression there is a no-holds-barred concept in terms of the expression of their art. Anything goes and personally, that oughta how art should be!

Don't their 30°C rings make you wanna tear your clothes off and bask in the sun??

I especially love their Super Senior name card holders!! *does the robot*

The reason for the journey: Bas Sekolah wooden boxes! Perfect to store trinkets, old love notes and even vampire fangs! Wahaha :D Brought this home and an SS hehe..

Oh & Ah
NW-02-09, Cova Square
Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara
PJU5, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Saturday 1200 - 1800

cityscapes: carcosa seri negara

2011-09-30T01:42:00.000+08:00

I scored a deal on Group On and was terribly excited to spend a night in Carcosa Seri Negara: the boutique hotel which has existed since the collonial times AND house Queen Elizabeth on two separate occasions!

Yes-lor I'm terribly atas and have the greatest penchant for luxe living (for a modest price preferably) :D How chic is it to wake up to the sounds of birds in a lush forest in the middle of the freakin' city?? I'm just so attracted to this building. I love that it has so much character and has stood the test of time. It has watched our city change yet remain true to its roots. I come for tea sometimes and almost got married here (long story why that didn't happen..) which explains the progression to wanting to spend a night in the King's House.

Wikipedia says:

Choice of name explained by Sir Frank Swettenham:

To the Editor of “British Malaya” [British Malaya, May 1936]

SIR,

In the April magazine your correspondent in Malaya asks me, in courteous terms, to tell him why I gave the name “Carcosa” to the house that was designed and built for me at Kuala Lumpur by the late Mr. C.E. Spooner, assisted by Mr. A.B. Hubback – as he was in those days – and I have no objection to answer the question even though the simple truth may spoil a number of excellent stories. When this house was finished and occupied I read a book which interested me. It was called “The King in Yellow” and at the beginning of this book there were some verses with a note explaining that they came from Cassilda’s song in “The King in Yellow”, Act 1, Scene 2. Here are two verses: -

“Strange is the night where black stars rise, And twin moons circle in the skies, But the stranger still is Lost Carcosa.”

“Song of my soul, my voice is dead; Die thou, unsung, as tears unshed Shall dry and die in Lost Carcosa.”

I did not call the Resident General’s dwelling “Government House,” or “King’s House,” because neither seemed an appropriate name in Protected States. I did not give it a Malay name, because it was to be the residence of a British Officer; so I took a book name as has often been done before.

As to the word Carcosa, I imagine it was the Castle of the King in Yellow, but the book explains nothing about either the place or its occupant. That apparently can be found in the play, to which there are only occasional allusions. Probably it is a word created by the author’s fancy, though it looks like a combination of the Italian words cara and casa and would mean “desirable dwelling,” as indeed I found it.

The only curious fact is that this name was prophetic for, as I understand, the house has lost its name and is thus, “Lost Carcosa.” The occupant, I am told, is now styled “F.S,” instead of “R.G.”

Yours obediently, FRANK SWETTENHAM

19 April 1936.

I took Sophiekins instead of Guy 'cos he didn't really care for the royal residence and knew Sophiekins would appreciate the stay much more than him. I figured since it was probably gonna be a gazillion years before I return to this place I might as well make it a working holiday. I brought *bisou* bonbon stuff along with some props to do a mini-photo shoot. Yup I'm turning into a workaholic..! Who would've known??

Don't you love my Rosanna inc petite mini pedestals?? They're tres cute! Got them off Reebonz.

Ingredients!

We got peckish in the evening and headed down (abit of a wait since we didn't have a reservation but not that it mattered 'cos we were chillin in the room anyhows) to The Drawing Room for their legendary Afternoon Tea :) I love sipping out of bone china!

Too bad their china wasn't Royal Doulton or some other fancy-schmancy porcelain tea-set. Still it was such a thrill to have tea with tea-leaves and strainers. Though I have to say there are lesser stuff on the trays than I remembered. The kuihs aren't as yummy too. Hmm.. they oughta be more consistent with the standards, non?

Despite all that I love of Carcosa, we did have a ghastly moment. We had just checked in and dropped our stuff onto the floor and Sophiekins rushes to the loo itching to take a pee. Just a second upon entering she dashed out and exclaimed that there's sh*t in the toilet. I stared at her in disbelief. Poo in the loo?? Carcosa... seriously?? And lo and behold there was non-fresh (don't even dare ask me how I know but I do) stool in the freaking lavatory bowl. Someone had bombed the place and housekeeping didn't even bother to check beneath the closed lid! Ayia how can? Sophiekins could barely carry the conversation with the butler... How do you tell someone politely that there's freakin' shit in the toilet?? They sent someone to quickly clean the loo up but I have to say it ruined the ambience and it was just the start of the day! They did, however, come over in the evening to present us with a platter of chocolates. It was a (feeble) attempt to rectify the situation. Well Carcosa's fortunate that we didn't throw a hissy fit. I'm just disappointed that Carcosa's quality of service and upkeep has deteriorated to a point of abysmal. Am I being treated sub-standardly just 'cos I'm on Group On?? Am I half a guest 'cos I paid half the price?

On a positive note, though, the bed and sheets are darn comfy!

Aargh life without a DSLR is excruciating. Shots turned out pathetic on my compact camera. Thank goodness we had Instagram to save the day!

We thoroughly enjoyed having our breakfast outside. The Brits back in the days must have utterly loved dining in the open while having chats of war and strategy. I have to admit it is exquisite architecture and it makes morning meals such a privilege :)

Breakfast was awful. My poached eggs were well done OMG. Thank goodness the verandah made up for the crappy meal.

Doing a John Teo: inspecting their dining utensils. Turns out the silverware used in Carcosa used to belong to a French hotel. Wahaha!

*love*

Carcosa Seri Negara

Persiaran Mahameru
Taman Tasik Perdana
50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603 2295 0888

Shelbybaby *bisou*

post-xmas breakfast

merry xmas malacca

12 days of christmas 2011 wishlist

just another birthday :)

vintage xmas market @ big market

happy snacks

siboh kitak nangis

it's me in fashionnn!

marni me mau!

babycakes macaron class

princess sophia grace

amazeballs, non?

issit me 'cos i really think this is a sh*t perm

welcome to my turf

versace x h&m

so much to do

cute shop: i heart badges

*bisou* bonbon breast cancer awareness giveaway

random schrandom vii

polly put the kettle on

hong the kong

mengandung-i lemak

cute shop: kaleidoscope

cute shop: oh & ah

cityscapes: carcosa seri negara

Shelbybaby bisou

bisou bonbon breast cancer awareness giveaway