Product Review : Amphora Aromatics Essential Oil

February 20, 2013 thammelissa 4 Comments

It has been a stressful period with much work loads.

I don’t practice bringing work back home. When I’m at home, I just want to stay away from all the office work. The long hours in office is already more than enough.

I was given the opportunity to sample Amphora Aromatics Essential Oil.

I often relate essential oil –> aroma therapy –> relaxation.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are the fragrant essence of a plant. These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties. Essential oils are concentrated volatile aromatic compounds produced by plants – the easily evaporated essences that give plants their wonderful scents.

Some aromatherapy oils are too concentrated to apply directly to the skin. In this case, the oil is combined with a ‘carrier’ oil or lotion to dilute its strength. Applying stringent oils to the skin can cause harmful reactions, such as rashes or burns. And, certain essential oils should be avoided if you are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a specific illness.

Amphora Aromatics is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of Pure Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Sundries. Founded in 1984.

Sampling Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Palmarosa, Lemon Eucalyptus. Each of them are made of different ingredients and has its own scent. These essential oils are only for external usage.

Lavender –

Properties: Calming, sleep inducing, analgesic, disinfectant, anti inflammatory, anti septic, anti fungal.
Health Benefits: Nervous system, insomnia, pain relief, urine flow, respiratory disorders, skin care, hair care, blood circulation, indigestion, immunity.

Ylang Ylang –

Properties: Anti depressant, anti seborrhoeic, anti septic, aphrodisiac, hypotensive, nervine and sedative.
Health Benefits: Fights depression & uplifts mood, stops sebum secretion, protects against septic, increases libido and cures sexual disorders, reduces blood pressure, cures nervous disorders, sedates inflammations & nervous afflictions.

Palmarosa –

Properties: Anti septic, anti viral, bactericide, cytophylactic, digestive, febrifuge and hydrating.
Health Benefits: Protects against septic, inhibits viral & bacterial growth, promotes growth & regeneration of cells, facilitates digestion, reduces fever.

Lemon Eucalyptus –

Properties: anti septic, anti viral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, haemostatic, restorative, tonic.
Health Benefits: Protects from septic, inhibits viral & bacterial growth, strengthens gums, stops hair fall, lifts skin, induce firmness in muscles, stops haemorrhage, fights infections, cures fever, heals damages, tones body.

I personally like the smell of Lavender and Ylang Ylang. Both are more on soothing and calm smell. However dislike the smell of Lemon Eucalyptus.

Using an oil burner and water plus few drops of essential oil. The vaporized oil creates a good scent to my room. Its gives me a peaceful mind.

notes — source from “http://www.aromatherapy.com”

Essential oil can be use in many ways.

To purchase, kindly visit NATTA COSME. For every purchase above RM50, key in “MEL2013” on ‘use coupon code’ in ‘shopping cart’ for an instant rebate of RM5.

celebration, Chinese New Year

Balik Kampung….Gong Xi Fa Cai lor…..

February 5, 2013 thammelissa 8 Comments

Chinese will be celebrating the Chinese New Year on this 10th of February. An important day celebrated among the Chinese. I assume these few days people shall be balik-ing kampung. Tomorrow I will be flying to Sarawak, Alex’s kampung. As usual we will go back days earlier before Chinese New Year. One of the reason is that the flight ticket will be cheaper. Kesian people there…need to buy flight ticket as early as 1 year before hand.

This year is the year of Snake. So, I shall snake throughout the year. Pssssttttt…. Sorry Boss…can’t help. The zodiac ask me to do that.

Before taking off…I shall have an early reunion dinner with my family.

So, we came here for dinner.

And had this set of Chinese New Year package to accommodate 6 eaters.

Yee Sang commonly serve here in West Malaysia but not in East Malaysia.

Lets toast for a better year. Lou ar….Huat ar….

So, I will be celebrating my Chinese New Year in Sarawak and also Seremban! Where will you be celebrating your Chinese New Year?

To friends who are driving..please don’t rush and have a safe journey home.

I hereby wish everyone an early Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

Food, Fusion, Halal, Paradigm Mall, Pasta, Thai, Western

Lunch @Fa-Ying by Rama V, Paradigm Mall

February 4, 2013 thammelissa 16 Comments

Recently there are several bloggers visited and also reviewed about this new place, at Fa-Ying by Rama V, Paradigm Mall. So I was here feeling anticipated to check out the place and also the food.

Fa-Ying by Rama V is a new concept restaurant from the multi award-winning Rama V Fine Thai Cuisine. Kuala Lumpur’s connoisseurs of fine Thai cuisine are now presenting a new modern style of enjoying Thai food in a casual chic setting.

Located at the Boulevard. The setting up, the deco, the name, are so chic. Pretty attractive I guess.

The modern interior with some beautiful art sculptures on the wall.

While the smoking area(outdoor) gives you the comfy feeling of dining here. Couch and colorful cushions.

View from my seat onlooking to the bar counter. On every Wednesday, they are having Ladies Night! *Free flow of Special House Cocktail to all ladies, all day long.

Ribena Lychee – RM13, gives you the refreshing feel.

On hot weather, Lemon Juice – RM8 will be ideal to quench your thirst.

For people who like to have drink with some light coffee taste,….

I chose Latte – RM10.

An appetizing starter, Pomelo Salad with Prawn – RM16. This salad seems so fresh. Love the crunchiness of fresh prawns and vegetables. Not forgetting the juicy and not sour pomelo. Combination taste of sourish, sweet and spicy.

The tasty Fish Cake – RM12

Spaghetti with Green Curry Pesto – RM22. The flavors combines well. But I feel that the green curry taste was too mild. Its non spicy spaghetti.

When dining in Thai cuisine..I often order Tom Yam. This bowl of Tom Yam Prawn – RM16 however was quite disappointing. Soup was dilute and not rich. Doesn’t give me the ‘kick’.

Roast Duck Sandwich – RM20 was good. Its something new to me. The tiny looking fries were quite good actually. They were very crunchy.

The roast duck meat were all good. Not dry and its tasty. I wish they could put more duck meat. Hehehe…..

Not forgetting a dessert to conclude my meal. Deep Fried Mango with Vanilla Ice Cream – RM16.

Crispy batter crust with cooked glutinous rice wrapping some mango flesh. I cut them into smaller pieces and preferred to dunk it in the vanilla ice cream. The warm and cold plus crispy texture was nice!

Fa-Ying by Rama V

 
Ground floor, Paradigm Mall, 1 Jalan SS7/26 A, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya.
Tel:  03 7451 2933
Business Hour : Mon-Thu & Sun, 11am-12midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am.
Website:  http://www.facebook.com/faying.com.my

i-City Shah Alam, MALAYSIA

At Trick Art Museum, i-City Shah Alam

February 1, 2013 thammelissa 20 Comments

It was still early to watch the colorful LED lights here at i-City…I meant the lights will only turn on around 7pm. So, we decided to pay RM5 per person to visit Trick Art Museum….since most of the rides are for kids. Yes…you need to queue to purchase the tickets and additional RM5 deposit (dunno the deposit is for wat oso). Deposit money is refundable..but queue again lah…

Earlier I’ve read and seen some of the photos published on newspaper about this museum. It looks quite interesting.

THE Trick Art Museum at i-City in Shah Alam has earned a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first trick art museum in the country. The walls and floors of the 8,000 sq ft museum are adorned with hand-drawn 3D images, enticing visitors to pose with the paintings. The effects are magnified especially when the fun poses are captured on camera. (source from The Star)

The 8,000 sq ft museum spanning two floors is the latest attraction in the Selangor capital. The museum in i-City has been divided into five areas with different themes — animal kingdom, Egyptian, marine life and selected masterpieces, which include modern classics and famous masterpieces. All the paintings are done on walls and floors. Well..the painters are from South Korea, Iran and China.

The first painting that you will see as you enter the room.

*Alex so jahat….go pull down people’s pant.

Woahh….I din know mummy is such a good painter. Mona Lisa le….dun play play hoh…

*I fetch!

Hmmm…..was hoping to find some hidden treasure underground…

Aiyo….Mummy was so excited! She said the blocks are falling down!

Elo….anybody home? *he whisper to the mice kut…

Climb ladder…aiya…easy job la..no problem.

Wahh….got hidden door le…push hard*

Hey….this balancing ain’t easy okay.. I don’t want to fall into the deep hole.

Pity the tree…kena chopped =_=

The baby elephant is cute hoh. So friendly summore. Aiyoo…reminds me of the baby elephant at Sabah. So pitiful 😦

*dunno can feed or not. I think the elephant likes me lar. LOL!

Run fast! The bull is getting angry!

Ima bad angel…hehe huhu haha….

The giraffe is also friendly.

Help…I don’t want to be eaten by T-Rex!

Alex volunteer to be life bait.

Wow…this slide was fun. But there’s a buaya waiting there. Alamak!

Penguins here are so tame.

Aja!

Chinese New Year coming edi….I need more money. *open bag*

Over Here* Drop it all….

Batman & Robin are here to guard the museum I guess ^^

One can be creative in their posing together with the wall art..It gives you the 3D effect which looks quite real. However not every painting gives you the WOW effect. Some looks quite boring (I skipped that). Those arts are impressive!

But the one at Jeju Island, Korea look much nicer!

Trick Art Museum, Jeju – Day 12 in South Korea

i-City Shah Alam, MALAYSIA

My First Visit to i-City, Shah Alam

January 30, 2013 thammelissa 24 Comments

Before the lights go out……..

I often mention to Alex that one day we should pay a visit to i-City before the lights go out. Later the LED lights terbakar edi…how to watch summore? ^^

You know lar…Malaysia style ma….creative, innovative…but poor in maintaining!

During the past long weekend we finally made a trip there. Bringing mummy along too.

Recreational attractions at i-City comprises of:-

i-Walk

A 30,000 sq ft outdoor convention centre with a capacity of 15,000. i-Walk has been venue for a number of international events such as the MTV World Stage Concert Live in Malaysia 2011 and Miss Tourism International 2010.

The night view of i-Walk

Snowalk

Newly refurbished with a Science 2012 @i-City theme, this is a 50,000 sq ft snow educational showcase with life-sized ice sculptures and thrilling rides in a below 5 degree Celsius arctic environment.

We did not go in to experience it. I find it abit expensive to pay RM35/person.

RM25 per adult and RM20 per child before 6pm.

RM35 per adult and RM30 per child after 6pm.

Water World@i-City

Experience Malaysia’s first Tornado ride attraction and enjoy a day of cool splashing games and activities for the family.

The entrance ticket for adult is RM50

The overall map of i-City. Look interesting only.

Although the entrance is free, but every ride also need to queue and buy ticket. All rides also need to pay. No money no talk. This world really no free lunch!

Looks like they are using vacant shop lots to transform into amusement park.

Ride for kids. ‘Pirate Ship’ I suppose.

Happy Train for kids.

no idea what mascot is this. Just go forward pose and snap photo! ^^

City of Digital Lights

Dubbed the City of Digital Lights, the over 1.0 million LED lights dazzing i-City nightscape attracts an average of 90,000 visitors weekly. Its seasonal light themes and outdoor fun rides has become a night gathering place for families and friends.

The festive season is coming soon…Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Brighten up the walkway with red LED lights shape of lanterns.

Although Christmas is over, I still like snowman. 😉

Do you notice the rail across this photo? That’s the track for Spacewalk which is an elevated rail ride through the Enchanted Forest of digital lights. RM20 per cable car (holds two people).

Beautiful lights. Finally I got to witness them!

Mummy said these Sunflowers are very pretty!

Super Swing – RM5/ ride

Double Decker, claimedthe largest 2-Tier Carousel in Malaysia. RM5/ride

Bought the Mickey prop there….for RM5. *act kawaii*

Verdict : 1 visit will be enough, at least to experience it. If you only want to spend time only on the LED lights…. 1 hour is sufficient. Food wise…nothing much to choose here. Its either you go for Kung Fu Chicken (KFC) or Oldtown White Coffee…do not put high expectation on the food. Else go for mamak food there. Parking rate is rather high. We parked our car for not more than 3 hours, the auto machine charged at RM12! More expensive than shopping malls leh!

There is also a ‘6 D Motion Theater’, I don’t dare to experience it…I afraid the effect I got after the show is backache. LOL!

Check out the upcoming event on their website. “Event Calender”

Chinese, Dim Sum, Food, Halal, Kuala Lumpur

Dim Sum @ Maju Palace Restaurant, Maju Junction Mall

January 25, 2013 thammelissa 18 Comments

“Dim Sum refers to a style of Chinese food prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.”

Char Siew Pao and Siew Mai are the common items which people usually order.

Often the main ingredients are pork and most of us preferred the non-halal dim sum. Don’t you think so? However there’s an exceptional to this Chinese Restaurant serving Halal dim sum. To some of the Malay folks who would like to try some good Halal dim sum…Maju Palace Restaurant is a good choice.

Har Kau….. Siew Mai….

I recalls when one dine in a dim sum restaurant, a staff will be pushing a cart filled with assorted dim sum calling out ‘Har Kau….. Siew Mai….’ with sort of loud tone. At Maju Palace Restaurant, is somehow not serving that way. A list of dim sum is printed on the menu. Choose what you want to eat, and tick on the order list. Just like how you order your food at Oldtown White Coffee.

3 types of sauce to eat with dim sum.

Chef at work. Preparing some live cooking on some specialty which is not featured in the menu.

Mickey pastry? hehe…. Nolar..these are Mango+Meat Pie -RM8. Crispy crust and the filling taste is quite good.Very special… (sorry…can’t remember the exact name)

(Excuse me….no middle finger please. Be polite okay…). Braised Phoenix Chicken Feet – RM6. Not overcooked and not undercooked..just nice…and tasty too.

‘Siew Mai’ – RM7. Firm and crunchy meat texture siew mai.

Har Kau (shrimp dumplings) – RM8. Fresh and crunchy prawn filling wrapped with thin wheat starch skin. The filling is quite full.

Szechuan Dumpling – RM7. Plump and juicy meat dumpling in szechuan style. The gravy has the taste of black vinegar and abit spicy.

BBQ Meat Bun – RM6. Fluffy steamed bun with tasty bbq chicken char siew filling. Of course these are served warm.

My favorite pick, Custard Bun (lau shar bao) – RM7.

The oozing creamy salted egg yolk custard! Voila…

Baked Egg Tarts – RM6.

Flaky thin crust with wobbly egg custard.

How about having some porridge here. Porridge with 3 Variety Egg – RM8. I was surprised with the serving size. Big portion. 1 bowl is sufficient for 2 person. Generous amount of 3 variety egg!

Dislike porridge??…how about this Crab Roe Noodle – RM15. Ouch….cholesterol! Crunchy egg noddle with delicious and rich flavors broth topped with generous amount of crab roe!! Ummphh….

Look! I spotted MY FM’s DJ, Royce Tan having his meal here too! ^_^

A Chinese Restaurant serving Halal dim sum which taste as good as the non-halal ones. I will definitely recommend this place to my Muslim friends. Moreover the choices of dim sum here are many.

Earlier they were having a discount of 30% for dim sum on weekends and Public Holiday. Not sure whether this promotion is available. Do give a call to check.

 Maju Palace Restaurant
 Level 5, Maju Junction Mall,
 1001 Jalan Sultan Ismail,
 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
 Tel : +603-2691 8822

Cinema, Life, Memories

My 1st Experience at Beanie Plex (TGV Setiawalk Puchong)

January 17, 2013 thammelissa 22 Comments

I don’t usually go for movies in cinemas. Unless there are some particular movies that I’m really interested (thrillers or action movie). Often, Alex is the one who suggested to go for movie. Hehehe….

Recently, TGV Cinemas being the first has introduced the ‘Beanieplex’ movie hall. The first location was at 1st Avenue Mall, Penang. What is ‘Beanieplex’? A cinema hall featuring bean bag seats instead of the common seats that we often sees.

Now, you can experience ‘Beanieplex’ not only at 1st Avenue Mall, Penang, but also at TGV Bukit Indah, TGV Ipoh, TGV Sunway Pyramid, TGV Tebrau City, TGV 1 Utama and not forgetting the latest one at Setiawalk Puchong. I’m glad they have it here. Why? Shorter traveling time for me ahh… 😉

Clean and spacious hall at TGV Setiawalk Puchong.

Bean Seats are meant to accommodate 2 person. If you want to go alone also can…more spacious lor…You can occupy the whole seat. The seats design..really space ship or airplane look. Obviously this is more comfortable then our low cost flight lah! We paid RM44/ bean seat. Means RM22/person. Comparing to the normal price tickets..of course we are paying almost double the price. But once in awhile to chillax…okay lar..

Huh?! Alex has fall asleep? But still holding tight on the handphone?

The bean seat was quite firm. You need to smack abit to adjust your butt and sit comfortably on it. It was a good experience. I like lor… Seat is spacious and quite comfy. No barrier in between ma. Moreover I can sit cross leg la…sit side way la…anyway also can la…as long as you don’t block people’s view. LOL! BTW…We were here to watch CZ12..the only show that has bean bag then.

*sorry for the poor resolution photos. Very dark lar*

TGV Setiawalk Puchong is new and very nice. Very cold too…Go experience it yourself lar… 😉

Beer, Food, Fusion, Non-Halal, Noodle, Puchong, Western

Dinner @ The Beer Factory, Setiawalk Puchong

January 10, 2013 thammelissa 18 Comments

Sorry for the delayed post. There are still so many enqueue post which I haven got the time to blog about it. Moreover with the photo editing.

Recently, been quite busy with work. Don’t understand why am I always busy at the same period. End and beginning of the year. I thought construction works will start to slow down when approaching Chinese New Year. But I’m always wrong. *sien*

Earlier I did mentioned that apart from IOI Boulevard, Setiawalk has now became another happening place in Puchong. I’ve visited Sector 7, then now to The Beer Factory..both are under the same roof.

429065_10150533262475095_2070444277_n — Photo by The Beer Factory

The Beer Factory, not only serving liquor or beer…but also food!

422331_10150533251040095_2135911289_n — photo by The Beer Factory

The Beer Factory’s Warzone like layout. Impressive isn’t it? Reminds me of ‘Counter Strike’ :-p

Sorry, we are not Kenny’s enemy. We don’t kill Kenny. But this beer is call Kilkenny for RM15/pint before 9pm.

Not only Western food, but Asian food is also available here. We ordered a Claypot Lou Shu Fun (with generous amount of minced pork & an egg cracked on top of it) – RM18 which I thought it quite salty and abit charred at the bottom (perhaps left unattended when cooking). *disappointed*

My mom ordered Tom Yam Fried Rice (with chicken wing and egg) – RM16. The rice is flavorful…with taste of tom yam. Mom also claimed that the chicken wing is nice.

Brother had Grilled Pork Chop (grilled marinated pork chop, drizzled with pepper corn sauce and served with mustard herb potato salad) – RM28. I’ve tried it before when I was at Sector 7.

I made a good choice with ordering Pork Burger (served with garden salad and french fries) – RM25. Big serving and delicious pork patty!

I dislike burger if they uses dry bun. Surprisingly the burger bun here is quite soft and not dry. Look at the juicy pork patty! Its tasty and well marinated too.

Come to Beer Factory before 9pm to enjoy lower price beer! I will go back for the Pork Burger. Hehehe…..

The Beer Factory

 B-11-G, Block B,
 Setiawalk, Persiaran Wawasan,
 Pusat Bandar Puchong,
 47160 Puchong.

Chinese, Food, Non-Halal, Noodle, Seremban

Lunch at Just Noodle, Seremban 2

December 31, 2012 thammelissa 17 Comments

I preferred noodles over rice. How about you?

I was in Seremban over the weekend. Mummy mentioned to me about this new makan place in Uptown Avenue, Seremban 2. Mummy too is a noodle lover, so we head over there for our lunch. You know lar…new place..everybody will be ‘new toilet’ (hangat hangat tahi ayam) that includes us too..expected more crowd. But not till the extend, that the whole town people come lar…. LOL!

Located opposite of the PKNS building.

Not using wallpapers..instead..a creative way, sticks all the porcelain bowls on the wall. Other than that, the lamp shades are also of porcelain bowls.

Ohh….The Chinese saying…

Choose your preferable type of noodle. This page somehow look familiar to me. If I’m not mistaken I’ve seen it some where…some other noodle house.

From Left; Sea Coconut Longan & Ginseng Chrysanthemum. Both are priced RM2.70/cup. The drinks are quite concentrated. Nice.

Bro’s Laksa Noodle (RM6.90) arrived so much earlier than us. He chose egg noodle. And the noodle portion was quite big. I wouldn’t say the curry broth is perfect..but just okay.

Sis ordered a bowl of Traditional Pan Mee (RM6.90) which I felt the soup is quite oily although its tasty.

Mom ordered “Char Cheong Mee” (RM6.90) using spinach noodle. Konlou noodle in spicy sauce topped with minced pork and preserved vegetables (char choy). The noodle is quite springy.

Well..my order was a bowl of Hakka Mee (RM6.90). The hakka mee not too bad actually. The amount of tasty minced pork cooked with fried pork lard was quite alot too.

Overall Rating (for above food) : 7/10

Unfortunately many people complained about the poor service and the mixed up orders. Understand its newly open, many of the owner’s friend came to support..but that doesn’t mean they get their food first right?

Restoran Just Noodle

No. 234, Ground Floor,

Jalan S2 B10,

Uptown Avenue, Seksyen B,

70300 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Remark: This restaurant has closed down. Thank you.

birthday, celebration, Dessert, Food, Halal, Seremban, Western

On Mummy’s Birthday………….

December 28, 2012 thammelissa 29 Comments

Speaking about western food in Seremban, there aren’t much choice. Unlike those Chinese ‘Dai Chow’ which can be find easily.

Kensington Restaurant in Seremban will often come across our mind when refer to serving decent western food with affordable pricing too. I think my Seremban folks would agreed as well. Kensington has existed for many years. It has total 2 outlets in Seremban.

On mummy’s birthday, we decided to go there for dinner. This place is often crowded over weekends, dinner and especially on festive seasons.

A pot of Peach & Passion fruit tea for RM10.

My cheeky niece insisted to shoot a photo of her.

Started off with a bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup for RM4.30.

I ordered a Seafood Platter for RM48, enough for 3-4 eaters. This seafood platter comes with Stuffed Crabs with Cheese, Fried Prawn with Salt & Pepper, Fried Squids with Tangy Sauce, Mussels Tomato Salsa.

All the above are quite good. I especially like the Mussels Tomato Salsa (very appetizing) and Stuffed Crabs with Cheese.

A closer shot

Chicken Veronique with Grape Wine Sauce – RM16

We all love this Sizzling Chicken topped with Ham & Cheese served with Butter Cream Sauce for RM16.

Bolognaise Chicken Pasta – RM12.50

My family enjoyed the dinner.

For dessert, we had Toffee Banana with Ice Cream & Mixed Fruits – RM12.

I remembered having this the very first time was during my teenage time..with my friends. Memories*

I like the toffee banana. Just like crispy pisang goreng coated with caramelized toffee.

Kesington Restoran (near Min Kok Restaurant)

Jalan Era Square 3, Era Square, 
70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Tel : 06-768 7288

Bought a delicious Chocolate Mousse birthday cake from RT Pastry House.

Fresh and moist chocolate mousse cake! Very nice chocolatey taste. We all love chocolates!

Happy Birthday Mummy Dearest. Wishing you lotsa happiness and good health!

Oppss…such a formal group photo! p/s: My fat poodle decided to join in too…*kepochi* :-p

This is Me; Melissa's Blog