Category Archives: Sarawak

Goldwyn Summer Flair 2013

04 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by in Entertainment, Fashion, Sarawak

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Fashionistas in Kuching… Wherever you are, I know you are hungry for some sort of fashion event here in our little Cat city to show off your amazing style and probably crazy collections. It does not matter what your brand preference is, to be seen is pretty much why we love fashion. Nothing like having all eyes on us, eh?

Anyway, next weekend, specifically on June 16 2012, Goldwyn Gallery proudly presents Goldwyn Summer Flair 2013! The fashion event, in collaboration with Harizan Khaider, Sereni & Shentel, and Suri and Lana will feature interesting programme showcasing their latest collection of Spring/Summer 2013!

Goldwyn Spring/Summer 2013 campaign: Upcoming trend, dress up road trip. Who’s with me?

The people of Kuching needs to be more open with fashion and I reckon, being overdress is ALWAYS better than being underdress. Fashion is not some mindless junk. It is a delicate art. An art that is often abused, misunderstood, manipulated, etc. Fashion is not an object, it is live art, part of our lives! Deep sentence coming from a fashion amateur like me. Hahaha.

Out of all fashion seasons, I absolutely love the Spring/Summer collection. Why? Practical since we have summer all year long here in Malaysia. Can you imagine wearing a furry winter jacket in heatwave inducing weather we tend to have here in Kuching? Chanel or not, that is just cray-cray!

Goldwyn Spring/Summer 2013 campaign: Mixing the new with the old.

I always admire the local fashion designers. They are bold and daring for many reasons. Among them, to encourage the growth of fashion as well to instill fashion appreciation among the youth. Fashion is not always about buying expensive brands. It is about expressing ourselves through the garments, the prints, the style, the colors, the accessories etc.

In relation to this, Goldwyn’s designs are timeless, classy, youthful and fun! The price range is affordable and ladies, if you want to stand out from the rest of the crowd, give Goldwyn Gallery situated at India Street Pedestrian Mall a visit! It will be worth it!

If you are interested to be part of this exciting fashion event, ticket is available for RM100 per pax. It will take place at the Magna Carta Restaurant, Old Court’s House, Kuching from 730pm. For more information, visit Goldwyn’s Facebook page here.

Love,
E.

Same Old Brand New Me

13 Sunday May 2012

Posted by in Beauty & Wellness, Review, Sarawak, Story Time

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,

I would never thought today would be the day I would experience perhaps one of the biggest changes in my life.

No, Aslan have not proposed yet…

I’ve always been known as the girl with the long curly hair. Well, I used to be that girl lah. No I did not cut my hair as a result of any negative events. It is for the good of my hair.

Almost three years of memory, gone in a snap.

It was something I had to do. My hair was damaged beyond repair. In order to let the healthy hair to grow out, the damaged need to be rid off.

I could not describe how sad I was when I saw the above photo. I just could not believe what I just did. At the same time, I felt relieved.

Before

An hour plus later…

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After

Who is this person in front of me?

I do not recognize my own reflection on the mirror. This Effa looks alien, strange, unfamiliar, etc. I could not help feeling there is something missing.

I admit, although I am not yet accustomed to this new style, it definitely feels lighter, easier to maintain and most importantly, it looks good.

So far, the comments I got from my friends on Facebook are: Refreshing new look, makes you look more youthful, sexy (in which I beg to differ), bold and very different from my previous hairstyle.

With the one with the magic fingers, Jacqueline Change of Essensuals Hairdressing at Prescint 88, Jalan Song.

As happy as I am with my new look, I am still very sad about the loss of my long hair. Boohoo.

At the end of the day, I always tell myself, change, is not necessarily bad but always for good.

Love,
E.

Riung Kuring Masakan Khas Sunda

09 Wednesday May 2012

Posted by in Food, Review, Sarawak

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I have been hearing things about the new restaurant at Satok, Riung Kuring Masakan Khas Sunda.

Located behind RHB Bank at Satok, it is a quaint little home turned into restaurant. Parking is easy to find and there is a warden to guide you.

The menu looks alright, not too many dishes, just enough to give you some choice. Since I am perpetually on diet, I did not order anything but Longan Susu so Aslan and Rapik became my test subjects for tonight’s review.

Rapik’s Jus Ayu and my order, Longan Susu

Rapik enjoyed the combination of green apple and spinach juice. It reminded him a lot of soursop juice. As for my drink, I think it was a tad sweet but it was alright. At the same time, nothing too exciting about it. Aslan did not enjoy his Jagung Susu.

I munched on the tempe goreng we ordered as a side dish. Perhaps I am so used to the home cooked style, the one at Riung Kuring tasted average to me.

Rapik decided to give the Ayam Timbel a try, while Aslan opted for the Ayam Bakar.

Nasi Ayam Timbel. I love the way they present their dish but I guess, that is where my compliment ends.

Rapik said the dish was alright but he said he still prefers the Nasi Lalapan from Muara Restaurant at Miri. He did say how much he loved the rice, very fragrant.

Ayam Bakar 

Aslan is not a big fan of chicken so by right, he can’t really judge this meal. So, I had a little taste. It was alright, quite standard actually.

For dessert, we ordered Pisang Keju Coklat to share.

They are very generous with the cheese, that’s for sure!

Honestly, the pisang keju coklat was nice but it is not exactly my cup of tea. The portion is decent but it did not excite me in the way I hope it would.

Overall, Riung Kuring is a nice establishment with decent food. Maybe those who likes masakan Sunda will appreciate this more than I do. Anyway, there is always space for improvement and I hope the restaurant management will try to do something about it. I mean, it is a great concept, something different in Kuching.

All the best!

E.

Rumah Sri Kenangan Kuching Farewell Dinner at Pullman Kuching

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Heart Talk, Sarawak, Story Time

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I was invited to attend a farewell dinner for the residents of Rumah Sri Kenangan organized by the lovely management of Pullman Kuching.

In Glee: Residents of Rumah Sri Kenangan whose birthday was in January to April was given a birthday treat by the management of Pullman Kuching.

It was a bittersweet event. It is sad that some of them have to be separated from their friends due to the demolishment of the centre. But they always say, in order for good things to happen, some sacrifices will have to be done. If they are destined to be together, they would be united in two years time once the new centre is ready.

I admire Pullman Kuching for always remembering the less fortunate members of the society by inviting them over to celebrate all kinds of festivities at their established hotel. If I could, I would do anything to help the senior citizens at Rumah Sri Kenangan and the children at various orphanages all over Kuching.

The farewell dinner was simple but it was such a heartfelt ceremony. Throughout dinner, slideshow of their past activities was played. The residents also performed a few songs, one of them ‘Warga Tua Teras Masyarakat‘ (Warning: A tear jerker). Every time I saw their faces, I couldn’t help thinking about my own grandparents, parents and all the neneks I know. I would never ever send them to the old folks home.

It is heartbreaking how some people would abandon their own parents after all the things they have done for them. Put yourself in your parents shoes, would you like it if your children send you of to an old folks home and leave you there forever?

No, no one would like that. So, no matter what, appreciate your parents and grandparents. Without them, you wouldn’t be here today.

If you want to contribute or lend a helping hand, do click here for more information.

Love,
E.

ASEAN Fashion Week 2012: Kuching

04 Friday May 2012

Posted by in Entertainment, Fashion, Sarawak

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ASEAN Fashion Week delegates with the local models.

For the first time ever, Kuching will host the inaugural ASEAN Fashion Week 2012. I can tell that this event will be historical! The eyes of the fashion world will be on our beautiful city from September 10-16!

ASEAN Fashion Week is not just about fashion. It is about EVERYTHING that comes with fashion. The main objective of the ASEAN Fashion Week is to encourage socio-economic growth. Countless opportunities for the local fashion designers to shine, showcase new talents, promoting our diverse, unique and rich cultures, create commercial revenues not only for the Asian market but internationally as well!

It is about putting Sarawak, Malaysia on the world fashion map. At the moment, Sarawak is synonym with tourism but who knows, after the ASEAN Fashion Week, Sarawak would be the next must go fashionable city of the world!

So, Kuching, with four months to go to the big day, ARE WE READY TO MESMERIZE THE WORLD??? I AM READY!!!

For more information on ASEAN Fashion Week, click here. If you are keen to be updated 24/7, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter! Woohoo!!!

Borneo to the World

03 Thursday May 2012

Posted by in Beauty & Wellness, Review, Sarawak

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Today I was invited to attend the official launch of a local premium soap company, Borneo to the World.

The transformation of an ordinary conference room into a little rainforest was magical!

The dancers showing big block of Borneo to the World soaps to the audience, a unique presentation indeed.

Abang Johari admiring the locally made soap by Borneo to the World with Celine and Azri (in white suit), founders of the company.

What I love about this company is its concept of manufacturing environmentally friendly soaps using sustainable jungle produce. At the same time, the company also puts the importance of conserving the rainforest through their products. The company is currently seeking a partnership with UNESCO’s World Heritage sites in Mulu National Park and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre to play their part of environmental conservation. I admire the fact that Borneo to the World is a company with a social orientation. Not only they purchase the resources from the locals, they also hire the disabled to work at their factory.

A little piece of Borneo is embedded in every soap.

For the time being, Borneo to the World products are available in three categories; Body Bath, Facial Cleanser and Mothers and Babies.

They have seven variety of body baths; Lada Sarawak (Sarawak Pepper), Lada Sarawak with Luffa, Beras Bario (Bario Rice), Beras Bario with Green Tea, Dabai Sarawak, Sagu Mukah and Limau Masam.

My favorite type of body bath is none other than the Dabai Sarawak. First of all, I never thought that one day, there would be such a thing as a Dabai soap! Dabai is a seasonal fruit. Its taste and texture almost resemble the olive. In a way, it could be dubbed as Sarawak’s own olive. With goat’s milk and rejuvenating kaffir limes, the Dabai Sarawak soap is rich in minerals and antioxidants, it helps to hydrates and moisturizes the skin!

As for facial cleansers, Dabai Sarawak and Lavender and Geranium.

As for Mothers and Babies product, they have Honey & Oats soap which is gentle to the skin and very soothing.

I am in love with the Sagu Mukah with goat’s milk and kacangma body bath. It smells wonderful, lathers easily upon contact with water and it leaves my skin looking heavenly! Now, what’s not to love?

Since my mother and sisters are also a big fan of cosmetic products, I am sharing all of my three Borneo to the World soaps with them. And a small slice of the soap can last up to a week! Amazing, isn’t it?

Thank you, Borneo to the World, for pampering me!

For those of you who are curious about Borneo to the World products, you can now purchase them online at their website. From today until June 30th, enjoy 30% off all products in conjunction with the ‘Rescue the Rainforests’ Opening Sales Campaign!

Unfortunately, the company only do shipping within Malaysia only at the moment but I will keep you updated regarding this.

Love,
E.

Jessie Loves Pink

28 Saturday Apr 2012

Posted by in Beauty & Wellness, Review, Sarawak

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During the lucky draw at Treasure Box’s first anniversary celebration, Aslan and I won Jessie Loves Pink Nail Art voucher worth RM 50 each. On top of that, we received a few 20% discount voucher, Cynthia really wants to pamper us.

In order to get all glam-ed up for tonight’s dinner at Merdeka Palace, we decided to go to Jessie Loves Pink at Precinct 88, Jalan Song. Obviously, Rapik and I used the Nail Art voucher while Aslan happily used the 20% discount voucher for his manicure minus any paint.

Aslan was very impressed with the staff at JLP. Efficient, fast and professional.

Rapik and I waiting to be pampered!

I love the simplistic design of Jessie Loves Pink. The moment you enter the shop, you will feel absolutely relaxed. The marriage of pink and white is all over the place.

View from where I was seated

The treatment room for body scrub and massage

Since my finger nails are still nice from the other day, I went for the pedicure treatment.

My toe nails are horrible, what would I do without a pedicure???

Tadaa: After the pedicure, my toe nails look nicer!

Rapik’s choice of nail art was a bit over the top but then again, Rapik wouldn’t be Rapik if he chose something subtle.

Patiently waiting for his turn

Rapik, the pirate enthusiast.

Overall, I had a wonderful time at JLP. One word of advice, book in advance! At the moment, they only have two staff, so, if you don’t want to wait for your turn, better make an appointment with them!

Apart from nail art and treatments, they do offer other services like body spa treatment and waxing!

List of services and price

So, what are you waiting for? Head down to JLP to pamper yourself. For more information, click here!

Miri, Baby!

25 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by in Review, Sarawak, Travel

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I am in Miri now. The decision was made quite at the last minute. Hence, I can call it one of my random trips of 2012. Being an avid budget traveler, initially I wanted to fly with Air Asia but since MAS was surprisingly cheaper, I chose the latter option.

After flying budget for so long, I forgot how wonderful it is to fly with MAS. Lovely check-in staff, civilized fellow travelers, good looking stewards, spacious seats and clean plane. I must insist that I am an avid budget traveler not by choice but due to my financial restrictions. Then again, traveling budget is not a crime. Besides, you can make budget an affordable luxury provided you are willing to pay for the extra…

Back to my original entry, the flight to Miri is shorter than I remember. It took half an hour for the plane to ascend and then another half an hour for the descend. I was expecting more when they announced they would serve light snacks. All I got was a pack of salted peanuts and a glass of orange juice. Meh. Yay for my diet though.

Okay, not the best example of spacious seat but it is larger than Air Asia’s

Bye Kuching airport!

Goodbye Kuching!

On route to Miri, I spent my time on the plane taking photos and reading the book I bought from my last trip to Singapore. I am keen to learn more about Philosophy but unfortunately, it is such a dry topic that I would end up falling asleep after just an hour reading it. Worse, after waking up from the impromptu nap, I asked myself, what did I just read? Haha. Bimbo much.

Probably this is the reason why the air ticket did not cost much… :p

The lone cloud

Miri Airport is a smaller version of Kuching Airport. My last holiday here was back in 2004. The horror of it all, I can’t remember anything about Miri. -.-’

While waiting for my bags…

The exterior of Miri Airport.

The other end is the departure terminal.

I planned to hire a car in Miri but due to some miscommunication with a local car rental company, I had to find other alternative. I swear I will never ever use their lousy service again. If they don’t have any cars to rent, inform me early! Imagine the stress I had to go through trying to look for an affordable car to rent the night before I was due to fly! Luckily, uncle had a friend who was willing to help me out.

With the absurd price the taxi drivers are charging, I think I saved a lot by having my own mode of transportation. I am forever thankful! As for driving in Miri, I found it such a pleasant experience. I had no problem getting from the airport to the hotel, very straightforward, literally speaking!

Upon my arrival at the hotel, guess who was there waiting for me? Rapik!

Rapik posing with the car that I used in Miri

Even if I can’t remember much of Miri, I actually have been there quite a number of times. I have stayed in all sorts of hotel there, from budget to luxurious. This time, I decided to try out the newly opened Meritz Hotel next to Bintang Mall.

Meritz Hotel, a class of its own!

I swear the staff was entertained by Rapik’s antique of comparing Meritz with his ‘hotel’.

Check in was a breeze although settling down the room was not as smooth. We changed room twice. First, wrong bed arrangement. Second, electrical faulty which caused the room electricity to trip every now and then. The third room was almost perfect if it was not for the temperamental television set. By that time, Rapik and I were too tired to change room, we made do with it. Besides, the technician was just one call away.

Minus the room changing drama, the room at Meriz Hotel is fabulous! Tastefully decorated, awesome air conditioning unit and really clean!

The view of the room in general

The twin bed, super single in size but very comfortable. The duvet is a heavenly retreat from the Arctic condition a/c unit.

The moody flatscreen tv

The workstation and mini lounge area

View outside from the window

Mini bar and coffee tea making facilities

The safe in the wardrobe

Bathrobes, slippers and ironing board.

The bathroom

Yours truly doing the girl in bathroom pose. :p

For more information on Meritz Hotel, check out their Facebook page here! Their room promotion is irresistible!

After we had a short rest, we went to Muara Restaurant with a friend of ours from our uni days. Muara Restaurant is one of the popular eateries in Miri.

Dedek and I while waiting for our dinner, Nasi Lalapan Ayam. Mmm…

I have been hearing quite a rave about the Nasi Lalapan dish and yes, pretty much curious about it.

I took mine without the rice. The chicken was well cooked, beautifully flavored too. The sambal was spicy but it was delicious! Now I want Nasi Lalapan Ayam!!!

Tired from my travel, we went to the hotel after dinner. A lot of Miri to explore and looking forward to that. Will blog more soon!

Love,
E.

The Treasure Box First Anniversary

23 Monday Apr 2012

Posted by in Celebrations, Entertainment, Fashion, Review, Sarawak

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I am a fan of branded goods, vain but true. Every time I splurge on a branded bag, especially Chanel, I get a sense of achievement. When I found out Kuching finally has a store that specializes in both new and pre-owned branded or luxury bags, I got excited as ever.

The store I am talking about is none other than the Treasure Box located at Precint 88 at Jalan Song. Owned by the ambitious Cynthia Chau, Treasure Box aims to bring all the beautiful bags to you at such affordable and reasonable price.

I love the design of their logo, classy and chic!

The Treasure Box has grown into a booming business since its opening last year. It began with a modest amount of bags but now, I think Cynthia might need to add more shelves!

Then (Photo courtesy of The Treasure Box)

Now: Almost full with bags!

Treasure Box is also a distributor for both Sereni & Shentel and Bowerhaus products. If you are too lazy to order and pay online, just stop by The Treasure Box and they will sort things out for you. Once your order is ready, simply pick it up from them!

Their bag organizer is also very popular! That would definitely solve the Bermuda Triangle problem in my bag.

Anyway, Cynthia invited me over to celebrate Treasure Box’s first anniversary where I saw and touched beautiful bags, Sereni & Shentel headbands and Bowerhaus beautiful jewelry, ate yummy cupcakes from Apetit, drank Aveda herbal tea and pampered by Jessie Loves Pink Nail Art.

The Treasure Box is opened every Monday to Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

Tons of bag greeting you once you walk into the shop. Brand new Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Coach and Long Champ bags tempting you.

The ever so lovely Cynthia, always busy but still managed to keep looking pretty!

Bags, upon bags filled the shelves in the store. If I had a walk in wardrobe in my future house, it would be something like The Treasure Box display shelves…

Chanel bags, anyone? The PST is a steal, better hurry up if you want this baby in your collection!

Moi with a serious face on inspecting the Chanel bags... *Money where art thou?*

I thought maybe my future daughter can have this... :p

Onto other brands…

A lot of Louis Vuitton bags on display and some of them are still in top condition and a lot cheaper than the brand new ones in store!

Dior bags!

Coach lovers, this is your heaven! Both new and pre-owned bags are available with such awesome discounted price!

The bag of the moment, available in different sizes and colors!

Special editions!

More to choose from!!!

Apart from bags, The Treasure Box also sells both new and pre-owned wallets and other accessories.

Took random photos around the store, let’s see if you can spot the brand!

The deco at The Treasure box is absolutely chic. The calming aquamarine paint does do wonders!

Aslan and I before devouring probably 10% of the Apetit cupcakes served today...

That innocent look before I turned into a cupcake eating monster...

If it wasn't for the diet, I would have eaten every single cupcakes. Thank GOD!

Aslan enjoyed this mini sausage roll

Cynthia loves to keep us healthy, so, she served us a nice soothing tea from Aveda.

Sereni & Shentel custom Blair headband booth was also available that day and some Bowerhaus collection was on display and for sale too!

I wanted to make my own custom Blair but I've been banned by Aslan since I have toooooo many headbands already. I need to wait till July 2012 before I can buy more. Boohoo...

That cheeky grin on my face before I turn into a Bowerhaus jewelry wearing monster, almost tried on every single bracelet at once.

My purchase today... :D

Aslan and I with Cynthia

There was also a lucky draw and guess who won?

I did! Surprisingly, Aslan too! Thank you, lucky star!

I won a RM50 nail art voucher from Jessie Loves Pink!

Beautiful and talented ladies from Vietnam: Jessie Loves Pink is a company that specializes in hand painted nail art, they work fast and your nails will look absolutely gorgeous after that!

Among the examples of their nail art:

Spot the green pig from Angry Birds!

These are all hand painted! Amazing!

They also do manicures, pedicures, make-up etc, I will blog more about them in the future. If you want to know more about them, do visit their Facebook page here.

With Jessica while waiting for my turn.

Manicure time!

The end result???

Unbelievable!

I had such a wonderful time at the Treasure Box. Again, happy first birthday! Thank you, Cynthia and John for the invite.

For more information on the Treasure Box:

The Treasure Box
F5, First Floor,
Precinct 88,
Jalan Song, 93350,
Kuching, Sarawak.

No telephone: +6082-366 343

Email: enquiries@TheTreasureBox.com.my
Website: http://TheTreasureBox.com.my
Facebook page: TheTreasureBox.com.my

 

Tumis Cafe, Kuching

25 Sunday Mar 2012

Posted by in Barefoot Day, Food, Review, Sarawak

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I have been hearing great reviews about Tumis Cafe from my friends on Twitter. Due to my curiosity (I should know better not to entertain that silly inquisitive nature of mine…), I decided to give it a try.

Tumis Cafe is located opposite of the main entrance to Hilton. The construction to the left of the cafe made that area looks dodgy and dirty. It is a relatively new cafe but it already looks so worn out. There are some discoloration on the floors and it seems like the staff rarely cleans the place out. I don’t know but maybe it is just the design of the floor pattern.

At the time, there were only two waiting staff and perhaps two chefs at the back. If you are short for time, do not go here because it took at least 15 minutes before our food arrived (They do warn you in the menu). The food and beverage menu is extensive but that does not mean good news.

One, not all items were available that day. I mean, why bother put it on the menu??? Secondly, due to too many dishes, I doubt it they can keep up with the standard. Third, their speciality dishes are not so special after all.

I am disappointed at how these cafes never learn. They always serve the same thing every other cafes and restaurants in Kuching serve! Are these people kiasu or something? Why not come up with something different? So what if you think you can prepare a better dish than everyone else? So generic, it bores me. Meals here are averagely priced.

One thing I must give credit to Tumis Cafe is Roti Milo. Somehow tastes better when other people makes it for you. I am sure this establishment can be a whole lot better than it is now, pity that.

Mmm... Milo.

If you are looking for somewhere to chill and have something light, Tumis Cafe is alright. The selection of the roti bakar is nice and the portion is quite big. I mean, what can go wrong with toast? :p

Mee Goreng Tumis

This dish is supposed to be one of their best dishes according to FourSquare but Aslan did not agree to that. It tasted nice but there was nothing special about it.

Ayam Bakar Solo

This dish would be a big disappointment if it was not for the sambal. Sad to say that this is not their best dish. And yet they claimed this is one of their specialities. :s

Ayam Penyet

A disappointment. Chicken was too dry.

Some people promises more than what they can handle. This cafe is one of them. They should stick to just a few unique and signature Sarawakian dishes.

Pisang Cheese

Okaylah but the banana fritter was slightly burnt.

Overall, I personally think that this cafe seriously needs to re-evaluate their menu. Don’t go overboard with the food selection, sometimes, less is more. Focus on your strong points.

Honestly, I think Tumis Cafe can do much better. Let me know when that day comes.

Love,
E.

 

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