Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts @ Sunway Pyramid

Rating: ***
Price: Dime a dozen (RM10 per pax)
Comments: I first tasted Krispy Kreme in Dubai & it has the best original glazed doughnut! Finally, it came to Malaysia, with the first outlet at Berjaya Times Square. It has been receiving overwhelming responses from doughnuts' lovers that it has several outlets now. I dined at its new outlet & ordered fresh Almond All-Over & Strawberry Filled doughnuts with Iced Americano & Iced Latte. The doughnuts were tasty & soft as they were freshly made. As for the coffee, the bitterness & fragrance can keep you awake for the next 4 hours. Overall, the doughnuts are acceptable & worth to try. I will revisit for its classic & infamous original glazed doughnuts, as well as the raspberry chiller! =)

Rain Rain Go Away

Dear Miss Rainy

You have been staying around for quite sometime and your presence is much appreciated. We treasure your good will of cooling off the heat from Mr Sunshine. However, if you overdo it, dropping by everyday in the evening, you will bring unwanted troubles. There will be heavy traffic in town and flashflood at poor drainage roads. The outdoor lovers are stranded & the gloomy weather made us less motivated.
As you are always accompanied by Mr Thunder and Miss Lightning, their stern manner frighten us occasionally. For times when your companions are angry, their loud roars and acute bolt could even damage our electrical goods.
Well, I personally do enjoy your presence a lot, just a small request - please visit my place during the day & not at night. It will be a great help to me! Since you have visited us for quite a while, it's time for you to pay attention to places that need you more. If you do miss us, feel free to pay us a visit every now and then. We thank you for being with us during drought & whenever we need you.
I hope that you could hear my pleads & do not take this post personally. Remember that I enjoy your singing in the car & I always do! =)

~Treasuring You Always~

M.O.F @ Pavilion

M.O.F (Ministry of Food) @ Pavilion KL

Rating: * *
Price: Affordable (RM20 per pax)
Comments: This Japanese outlet serves desserts made out of green tea & red beans imported from Japan. From hot macha to ice milkshake, deep-fried sweet potatoes to chilled soft serve vanilla ice-cream, this outlet has another specialty - mini waffle with a variety of flavours! A thumbs-up for the unsweetened hot macha latte as you can really taste the bitterness of green tea. The signature Macha Imo - a combination of soft serve ice-cream, red beans and fried sweet potatoes, is best for those who have sweet tooth. I too tried the variety mini waffles & to my disappoinment, they are only averagely prepared. A great experience & will re-visit for the macha latte! =)

Sorry & Thank You

"Sorry" and "Thank You" are the most common words said in this universe. It is statistically proven that the Brits say approximately 12 times of "Sorry" within an hour. These words are embedded in almost every sentence. It is too often used that it has become a habit. Similarly "Thank You" has become a habit as well.

I personally think this is a good practice and Malaysians should adopt it! I seriously think that people in our country need to be educated on manners. They act bluntly and also slanderous in verbal. This hit me when I started noticing people around me do not apologize or be thankful for things that happened. It is as if for a moment, either they mouth has been sealed or they have totally forgotten the existence of those words.
For instance, last week when I was walking towards the cafeteria, a lady accidentally stepped on my foot and she did not even stop to apologize. She just walked away leisurely as if nothing had happened!! I was so furious that such an educated lady working in a MNC can't utter the simple word "Sorry" when she has done something wrong.
Another instance was today, a colleague of mine bought some delicacies to share with us in office. As soon as she arrived, she offered the steaming hot dumplings to her colleagues. They stretched their hands for the dumplings and were happily eating. After filling up their stomach, they just wiped their mouth and turned away. I was patiently waiting for the precious word but my jaw dropped when they just happily returned to their cubicle after enjoying the delicious dumpling!!
I am wondering is it that tough to blurt out these elementary words? It is actually an effortless action to be apologetic and express our gratitude. Saying "Sorry" and "Thank You" is as easy as ABC! If I can do it, so can you! So start embracing this positive habit and you'll eventually help to change the people surrounding you! =)

SkyFlaKes Or Not?

I was introduced to a new snack - SkyFlakes crackers. It is produced by Monde M.Y. San Corporation in the Philippines. Its flagship brand SkyFlakes crackers is one of the premium crackers. It is consistently enjoying the market leadership and gain acceptance not only locally but internationally as well.

This crispy biscuit is not found in Malaysia unfortunately, not that I am aware of. For now, I obtain my stock from our neighbour country at the South. It is priced at $8 for a tub of 30 individual packs. This biscuit comes in 2 flavours, plain and with peanut butter. I have tried both but still prefer the original flavour which is lightly salted. The crackers are always crunchy and go well with almost any beverages.
I was surfing and suddenly it strike my mind to read up on this product. I am so surprised and my jaw dropped when I read that a packet of SkyFlakes is equivalent to 1 cup of rice's calories! Gosh...there goes my diet plan for the week!! I got to cut down the intake from now on.
As I read further, there are quite a number of consumers posted reviews and tips on weight loss programmes with SkyFlakes! It's totally contradicting! E.g. a guy from UK was on feeding SkyFlakes for breakfast and lunch, and he loss 3kg in 1 week.
Well, what a relief it was to read those positive reviews! As it has been said, eat moderately and we shall be healthy! =) I will not give up on SkyFlakes!

My Clunker

The weather is superbly hot today. The sun is scorching and the heat can easily tan a person. Looking at the sun, I've decided to stay indoor for another day. I would rather sit right below the fan and enjoy a movie than sweating outdoor.

For a moment, I felt terribly heartache when I saw my aged but winsome clunker. He is exposed to the unbearable heat and one can actually cook an egg on him. He is so pitiful and I could hear him pleading for a cool bath. Without hesitation, I brought him to a salon for grooming as it was quite a while since he last had his spa.
When I was at the salon, the salon therapist recommended me a spa package from head to toe. The package comes with luxurious bath, vanilla scrub, glittering moisturizing lotion and lastly a fruity anti-bacterial fume. The package looks fantastic and of course the price is attractive as well. I took a look at my clunker and I've made up my mind to pamper him. =)
After 2 hours, I returned to the salon to pick up my clunker. He looks so refreshed and I could see him smiling away. His body shines after the scrub treatment and his eyes look much brighter. I could spot an immediate youthfulness in him! =p
Though the spa package is kind of pricey, but it's definitely worthwhile. We, too sometimes pamper ourselves. So, remember to maintain your clunker once in a while. =)

Tired No More

I read an interesting and informative article yesterday and thought of sharing with all of you.

Despite 8 hours of sleep, you wake up feeling more exhausted than when you went to bed. You feel sluggish, unmotivated to complete your tasks or do anything at all. Often, you have to push yourself to get through the day. Do you recognize yourself in these scenarios?? If your answers are "yes", then you are suffering from fatigue.

There are "5 Main Energy Drainer" that can cause exhaustion.

1. Over Exercising - avoid rigorous, heavy workouts as they could leave you worn out, not to mention lead to injuries. Try low to moderate exercise instead, it's better for boosting energy levels in long term.
2. Diet Lacking in Nutrients - too low levels of Vitamin C can leave you exhausted; skipping breakfast and dehydration are contributing factors as well. According to studies, down a big glass of water for instant energy because water is needed for a healthy functioning body.
3. Stress and Worries - when under stress, your muscles tighten up while your heart rate and blood pressure increase, resulting your body in aches and fatigue. Try taking slow, deep breaths to lower your heart rate and pump your body with oxygen.
4. Your Pessimistic Outlook - use negatives like "I can't", "I'll never" or "No way" will end you unmotivated, even depressed. Try to stay positive and notice it will fire up renewed energy.
5. Too much sleep - getting too much sleep can do more harm than good as it messes up your body's internal clock. Instead, get up within the hour you usually wake; avoid stimulants like caffeine in the afternoon as it can stay in your body for up to 8 hours and disrupt sleep.

Understand what triggers your exhaustion, then take steps towards changing your lifestyle. I will start making a change and hopefully I'll bounce back, brimming with energy within weeks. =)

Little Lighthouse 2009

This is a back dated post of my lovely nephew and niece annual graduation cum concert @ PGRM, Cheras. The so-called graduation marks the end of a year achievements by the little ones - academically. Both my nephew and niece were performing that day and they were also awarded the Best Reader as well as Best Improvement Student.

On that day, the proud parents were all out to get the best seats. Most of the parents were well equipped with digital and video camera to capture the best moments of their beloved little ones. Everyone was so excited and they actually cheered when their princes and princesses stood on the stage. Well, I was one them (no, I didn't cheer) but I actually went right in front and squeezed myself among the parents to capture the best shots of my nephew and niece. As courtesy, I squat down with my camera for 45 minutes and yet I was told off by one of the parents that I was blocking her view!
I was busy shooting away and didn't realize time had passed. It was a great experience overall as I get to practice my photography skills, also there to witness their joyous moments. Though it was tiring, but there was satisfaction when I viewed the photos captured. =) One thing that I felt ashamed was I couldn't relay their performances to my sis as I was not watching them! That is the sacrifices when you are holding on to a camera. Congratulations to the little ones!

Mid Autumn Festival (中秋)

Last Saturday (3rd Oct) was the Mid Autumn Festival aka Mooncake Festival. This is one of the major festival celebrated by the Chinese, on the 15th day of the eighth month (lunar calendar). This festival is for lunar worship and moon watching; on this day, the moon is supposedly at its fullest and roundest. Unfortunately, this year the moon was shying away from the Earth.

The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties. This typical delicacy is sweet and prepared in the shape of the moon; it is usually filled with sesame seeds, ground lotus seeds and salted egg yolks. Most mooncakes consist of a thin tender skin enveloping a sweet, dense filling. It may contain one or more whole salted egg yolks in the center to symbolize the full moon. Mooncakes are usually baked and they have imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters - usually auspicious greetings.
Mooncake festival is celebrated annually. It is also a season where relatives and friends would visit each other along with mooncakes. With the new generations, the traditional mooncake has evolved into unique pastry with all sorts of flavours. From the typical Red Bean and Lotus Sesame Seed paste, bakery and hotels in town had come out with Durian, Oreo Cheese, Mocha Latte, Pandan Custard mooncakes etc. Hoping with all these newly invented flavours, they could win the heart of consumers.
Personally, when purchasing mooncakes as gifts, I don't go for special flavour but I would choose mooncakes with nice packaging instead. The mooncakes boxes are pretty and meticulously decorated. Of course, the cost is factored in. I would say these days consumers purchase mooncakes in order to own the collectible mooncake boxes. Err...yes, I am one of them. =p
Well, this year I have tasted a new flavour mooncake shared by a cool friend of mine - Snow Skin Red Raspberry with Cheese! It sounded weird but surprisingly the 'fusion' delicacy was really tasty! =) Am wondering what could be the new invention next year!

等待还是往前走？

如果有一天你发现这3年来 你很珍惜的一段感情突然变淡了，你会选择等待及挽回这段感情还是释放往前走呢？心情忐忑不安，当事人不知该如何。朋友甲说：“继续等待及忍耐一会儿，情况会好转的！别放弃!" 听了这一番话，当事人情绪也定了。一致下定决心继续等待，盼望一切会恢复自然。
过了一阵子 朋友乙说：“就算你能够挽回这段情，你能够保证它会不变吗？它可能只是短暂的恢复吧了！你还是放弃吧！” 现在该怎么办？朋友乙也可能说得对。就是因为这对话把当事人拉回犹豫不决的情况里。就在这个时候 当事人遇见了朋友丙 他诉说了一个真人真事给当事人听。故事如下。。。

在某一个火车站的候车室，时常坐着一位打扮整齐的中年妇女。她手里抱着一个老式皮箱 经常到处张望 似乎在期待什么。第一次见到妇人是婉婉高中的时候 每天放学乘搭火车到市区补习 夜晚10时回到火车站 妇人总是准时地坐在候车室的木椅上，一副等待着的姿势 不安的眼神 端整的打扮 好像在等待着某一个约好的人。时间一久 婉婉注意到妇人显得孤寂，有一天婉婉比平时迟到达火车站 她看见那位妇人走到候车室的黑板前用粉笔写着

[杰：等你没等到 我先走了！ 玲 留]

这是婉婉才知道 原来在候车室的留言是出自那位妇人。火车站老伯告诉婉婉 那位妇人已经在候车室坐了二十几年了 有人说她疯了 有人说看见她打开皮箱 里面装着的是少女时代的衣服。大部分的人都说 在二十几年前那个夜晚，玲和她的杰约好在车站碰面 要私奔到某一个地方 可是叫杰的那个男人却缺席了。
有一天婉婉回家的时候 不再看到玲的影子 问了车站许多人但是不晓得为什么仁然不见玲。这风雨无阻的妇人那天没有来 第二天凌晨 玲残缺的身体被火车站老伯发现在铁道上 那皮箱滚到很远的地方。候车室的黑板上有她的字迹，只改了几个字

[杰：等你三十年 我先走了！ 玲 留]

听完这凄凉的故事, 当事人心情沉重 替玲感到悲伤。当事人也思考了一阵子她不想堕落与玲的悲剧 也不想痴痴的等待了！这下当事人狠狠地告诉自己她决定大步的跨过这一段没结果的感情 从此再也不回头 只往美好前进。在此我也深深的祝福当事人能够轻易的忘掉一切不愉快的事 相信明天一定会更好的! 加油吧朋友！=)

Men Midlife Crisis

We've always heard of Midlife Crisis but do you really know what does it mean? Midlife crisis is of no joke. Many of us would make fun of this term & use it against people around us who are in their 30s, 40s or 50s and can last for up to 10 years. According to research, both men and women have different midlife crisis experience. Let us take a deeper understanding of men midlife crisis.

The signs of a midlife crisis in men are more than buying a fast car and working out. Though these are the signs most commonly recognized in films, televisions and books, there are other signs to look for. It is common that a man experiencing a midlife crisis is not always aware he is in the throes of one, however others can spot the signs a mile away.

Below is the listing of 8 key signs of midlife crisis in men:

• He says life is a bore - he once liked his job and was happy at home but now expresses restlessness or apathy; a bored man wants to shake up his routine, this means anything from quitting his job to making frequent plans to paint the town red with "his boys"
• He is thinking about (or already) having an affair - a midlife men often "turn tender" and start to focus more on people and feelings, easily drawn into an affair thinking their partner do not understand the changes in them
• He starts to make impetuous decisions about money and/or his career - watch out if men suddenly loses interest in his career and instead splurged on unusual or expensive items such as clothing, jeweleries, gadgets, sports cars (that he always dreamed of driving)
• He easily feels angry, irritable, restless and agitated more often than normal - midlife crisis men are simply very sensitive and emotional for no apparent reason, often uttering hurtful or senseless words to people around them
  
• He makes a dramatic change in his personal style and spending lots of time in front of a mirror - midlife men begins feeling their age and freaking out about their drying out skin, falling out hair and easily ache muscles
  
• He started drinking (either little or too much) often - this is one of the obvious sign; men can only quit this only when they want to, regardless of how much effort their partner has put in to make them 'stop'
• He is overly nostalgic and constantly reminiscing about his youth or his first love - midlife men starts to ponder "what if", and they question their past decisions; he has no idea what would have really happened if he had married his first love, but he can dream about it -- and chances are, he only recalls the good parts of their relationship
• He tends to approach younger women and has the interest of developing relationship with younger women - having low self-esteem and comparing themselves against his peers, he felt that he is a failure; thus, striking up conversations with women half their age makes them feel at ease and rather more comfortable

Well, to all the men readers, how many of the above signs have you spotted? Take note and it's never too late to get yourself out of it. As for the women readers, is your man in the journey of midlife crisis? If yes, stand by them and give them your fullest support! =)