Back to basic skincare featuring Althea Bare Essential

I love all these secret boxes! Got a call early in the morning from the mail man about my lovely parcel. All the way from Korea. Indeed good stuff inside.

These are in the box
Contour cleanser
Primer water
Fixer cream
A simple and elegant Althea tile
A solid face mirror

With a very thoughtful 3 days supply of samples (for tester just in case of allergies)

Althea brings many popular Korean brands into the Malaysian market mainly in the area of cosmetics, skincare, as well as hair and body care. 100% authentic. The other bonus is free shipping from Korea and unconditional refund within 30 days if product is unsatisfactory (which is so unlikely!) First sight and I'm loving the packaging already.

There we go, my new skincare routine. Simple yet effective for soft, supple and flawless skin.

Contour cleanser

This is a cream foaming cleanser. It has microcapsules for gentle exfoliation to remove impurities and provide massage to improve circulation. This helps to reduce swelling on the face in order to achieve the much coveted V shaped face.

The main ingredients in the cleanser-

Ice plant-

Photo from Google

Great to soothe the dry and sensitive skin. It also helps to replenish moisture in the skin.

Lemon myrtle-

Photo from Google

Smells wonderfully lemony. Cleanse and minimise blocked pores. Balances oily skin. What's more, the aroma also helps to uplift the mood :)

Primer water

Second step of the routine.  'Dewdrops' that hydrate and improve the suppleness of the skin. Smoothen fine lines and prepares the skin to receive more nutrients.

The magic ingredients are-

Snow lotus

Photo from Google

This has long been used traditionally to smoothen and brighten complexion. So it's not surprising that it's chosen as part of the primer water, making the skin more receptive to nutrients.

Patented dewdrop formulation

The secret ingredient that moisturises the skin immediately and revitalises the skin! It's just as precious as how dew drops are found only in the early hours of dawn.

Fixer cream

The ultimate moisturiser that provides a 24 hours matte look with a non sticky finish.

The potent ingredients include

Trehalose 

It is a powerful humectant (it's actually a sugar molecule). This means not only can it absorbs moisture and helps the skin to retain it, it also provides hydration to the skin.

Wild Green Tea

Photo from Google

We all know how popular green tea is in Japan because it's a powerhouse of antioxidants which also hydrates and soothes the skin at the same time.

Baobab Tree Extract

Photo from Google- A native tree in Africa that is widely used for its medicinal properties. 

Just because 3 is better than one, baobab tree extract power up the moisturising effect. It also promotes collagen production that makes skin more youthful looking. In addition, it's feels light on the skin because it's not greasy.

That's it! Just these 3 simple steps for the routine. Good skin doesn't necessarily need complicated skincare regime. And Althea products are very much affordable. The whole set is about RM100 only!

For those interested, please visit their website here.
Althea Malaysia website http://my.althea.kr
Althea Instagram https://www.instagram.com/altheakorea/

Coffee lover's haven featuring About: espresso and brew bar Kuantan

Time to explore new place again last weekend! Our team were so excited to savour our lunch in this awesome cafe in Kuantan. There are just so many hidden gems in kuantan to discover. This Asian fusion cafe has so many creative food and drink choices.

About: espresso and brew bar Kuantan
57 Lorong Seri Kuantan 65
+60 9-505 5313
Facebookpage    https://www.facebook.com/a8out/
Opens Wednesday to Sunday 12.30pm to 6.15pm, 8pm to 11.30pm

Specializing in coffee, this cafe is runned by a family for the past 2 years. They strive to serve fresh and homemade food too. High recommended for coffee lovers!

Honey Rose latte

I prefer novel coffee choices. This cuppa is made of moderately strong coffee infused with the taste and aroma of wild honey and rose. This gave rise to a slightly sweet overall flavor which balanced out the bitterness of coffee. Ladies will love this.

Hand brew coffee

Mr husband has a thing for hand brew coffee because he thinks that's the real way to savour the original flavor of coffee weighed and brewed with precision. Coffee beans of Costa Rica origin gave a soury yet smooth taste to the coffee. Not too overpowering though.

Charcoal waffles with salted egg sauce and ice cream

This is their signature dish! But at a glance it looks like quite an impossible combination. Crispy waffles made with charcoal-the new health trend. Topped with a generous scoop of coconut ice cream that's light in texture and flavors as well as refreshing. Drizzle this with the rich, grainy and savoury salted egg sauce, this unique taste is heavenly.

Healthy toast combinations

Pieces of toasted artisan bread with an interesting combinations of toppings. For each serving, one can choose two flavors.
We chose mayo eggs with cherry tomatoes because this is baby Bing friendly :p The other creative choice was chicken floss with dried cranberries and mayonnaise which went amazingly well together.

Baked breakfast

About: espresso and brew bar serves all day brunch which is great for those who prefers to sleep in during the weekend. This skillet is filled to the brim with splendid food. Sauteed mushroom, 2 pieces of toast with spicy tuna chutney, baked beans in tomato sauce, scrambled eggs and cured beef pan fried to crunchiness. Big portion great for those with big stomach like me. If you want more, feel free to add on sides such as smoked salmon and avocados.

After all these, we could still stomach this piece of delightful dessert. Mango cheese cake. All homemade!

Built on base of crushed digestive biscuits mixed with fragrant butter, the cream cheese layer is heavier on the lemony and creamy side. The mango topping also has a more soury taste. With the mint leave, this makes the usually heavy dessert a lot lighter in texture.

I'm looking forward to the addition of new menu options in the near future. The verdict is 8.5/10. Check the cafe out and let me know what you think!

Blog Popular Dan Terbaik Malaysia MAC 2018

It's not easy to be a good influencer and blogger. Because there's a lot of work behind the articles posted. Not only is there a need for good research but we also actively look for readers and followers interested to know more about the content. It's all about branding and creating brand awareness.

The following is a list of Malaysian bloggers whom I think is doing a great job! In fact we have formed an alliance affectionately called Blogger Pantai Timur.

SisGeeDotCom
http://www.sisgee.com

There are not many Malay blogs, let alone blogs from the East coast. Sis Gee loves to update her readers regarding her food and travel adventures mainly in the East coast with her family and children.

SisHawa.com
http://www.sishawa.com/

She's an inspirational and outspoken blogger and mother. It's never easy to be a full-time stay at home mom because her time is 100% devoted to her family and children but she still manages to excel. Besides blogging, sis Hawa also has a knack in designing blogs.

Abe Jaq
http://www.abejaq.com/

There aren't that many male bloggers, let alone those who are good at writing about financial matters and investment tips. Abe Jaq also posts regularly about automotive maintainence tips which is practical.

Blog Lea Azalea
http://www.leaazleeya.com/

Hailing from Pahang, she mainly writes about beauty products as well as lifestyle posts. We share many common interests and writes about similar products. And I have been getting lots of blogging tips from her.

SheilaInspireDotCom
http://www.sheilainspire.com/

Besides product review, Sheila also shares a fair bit about her own family and her awesome culinary skills. There's also regular posting about inspiring cultural and religious topics.

Cik Renex
http://renex89.blogspot.my

She's among the youngest but definitely not faint hearted. I particularly enjoy her posts about handmade pillows and other creative crafts that's personal and sure to touch some hearts.

StarLavenderLuna Journal of Life
https://starlavenderluna.blogspot.my/

The blog owner is none other than Shikin from Kuala Terengganu who's a full-time librarian and part-time masseuse for ladies. She regularly writes about health issues for ladies particularly those in the reproductive age or are expecting.

Blog Wani Sukarno
http://www.wanisukarno.com/

I enjoy reading some of her creative beauty tips for example how to reconnect the broken lipstick which is practical and useful. Besides that, she also posts simple recipe ideas and about the latest Malay entertainment news.

Husein Rider
http://huseinrider.blogspot.my/

Yes he's a motorbike rider, exploring places in Malaysia. That sounds so macho! His traveling stories makes me jealous but also becomes inspiration for my future journey. This Tasik Kenyir photo makes me feel like organising a getaway this weekend.

Husniey Husain
http://www.husnieyhusain.com/

She's also one of my favorite travel blogger. Because it's proudly made in Malaysia! Besides local destinations, she also travels regularly overseas such as Japan and Indonesia.

And of course, last but not least, Behind the scene!

https://angelhoyunying.blogspot.my/

This is my own blog. I have just started blogging seriously for slightly more than half a year. I have never always thought of blogging as a hobby, never a tool to earn money. My main interest is in food blogging but I have also realised that my readers are also attracted to my beauty reviews and parenting experience. Besides waiting for job offers, I also actively look for opportunities that I think would interest my readers.It's never easy juggling a full-time doctoring job not based in kl with these other commitments. Nevertheless please give me some applause for still going strong thus far!

There you go, my list of the best and most popular blogs in Malaysia March 2018!

Authentic Ramen at Menya Shi Shi Do JayaOne

Spending quality time with family at Jaya One last weekend. Came across this eatery that's full of patrons during lunch hour. So we had to stop by and give it a try.

Menya Shi Shi Do
72, Jalan University
Jaya One shopping center
Petaling Jaya
Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/MenyaShiShiDo.my/

We didn't regret our choices. Having recently visited Japan, we have fairly high expectations for ramen. Price wise, it's fairly affordable.

Ordered this classic ramen cooked in pork broth. Noodles here are thin yet springy. The pork slice is thicker than the ones in Japan. Accompanied with the usual spring onions and soy sauce braised egg, it provides a balanced flavor that's very much a comfort food. Love how thick and flavorsome the broth is.

This bowl of rice is full of punch! Although the rice particles are less well defined comparing to the ones we found in Japan, it's satisfying nevertheless. The thin pork slices is a mixture of lean and slightly fatty meat cooked in caramel sauce. The raw spring onions provide a refreshing contrast to the meat.

Overall a very satisfying meal. No wonder it's so popular. Will definitely be back again. Verdict 8.5/10!

Taiwanese Food Haven featuring 17 Minum Minum Kuantan

There's a new cafe in town! As a foodie, I have to try it out. Located at the previous spot of old skool cafe, stands a colorful new cafe- 17 Minum Minum. It's pork free so Muslim friends can also try it out.

17 Minum Minum
Address A-17 Lorong Tun Ismail 10
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/17minumminum/
Opens daily 12pm to 12am
Phone +60 9-513 1930

Inspired by the lady boss's Taiwanese origin, the young couple decided to bring the best of Taiwanese food to Malaysia. Certain special ingredients are also imported from Taiwan, particularly their seasonings and beverages.

One can find quite a number of Taiwan street food here. They are definitely crowd pleasers and a great way to satisfy the cravings. The speed of service here is really fast so those who are really hungry, come on in!

Popcorn chicken 咸酥鸡

Freshly made upon order, its coating is crunchy and slightly sticky. The chicken is juicy and deliberately only lightly seasoned because there's a great variety of seasoning powders for us to experiment on.

The seasoning powders
- pepper salt, seaweed salt, curry powder, wasabi powder and spicy pepper
My favorite is seaweed salt and spicy pepper. It makes a simple dish versatile.

Sweet plum sweet potato 甘梅地瓜

This is also a popular Taiwanese snack. Comparing with those found in certain other Taiwan food outlet, I find the one here tastier. I love how the sweet potato here is thicker because this really brings the natural sweetness out.

The coating and sweet plum powder enhanced the flavor even more by adding some saltiness and plum-miness.

Cheesy hotdog 芝士热狗

Love how cripsy the mini hotdogs are..The cheese filling provides some surprise element for the snack. Love the pepper salt sprinkled on the hotdogs. One plate is perhaps just enough for me to satisfy the craving. Ha.

Finally moving into the main dishes.

Taiwan dry noodles 台湾炸酱面

For those who love instant noodles, this will be a great choice. The sauce is an interesting combination of fermented bean paste, thick and thin soysauce, sugar and oil. Add this appetizing combination with a sunny side up egg and raw salad leaf.

Spaghetti carbonara 白酱意大利面

Young children will love this. That's exactly why we ordered it.. Would have loved to order the spicy tuna carbonara if baby Bing wasn't around. Lol. Tiny onion cubes with capsicum, sausages and shitake mushroom. All cut to less then bite size. The carbonara sauce here is more towards the oily side but we love it nevertheless.

Chicken charcoal bun 竹炭鸡肉包

The buns here are made by the boss's family bakery. Soft, squishy and fluffy, it turned out to be baby Bing's favourite dish of the day. The chicken filling was minced and mixed with some fatty bits. A very generous portion of filling. Yum yum!

Not to forget their speciality drinks. We wanted to try so many of them!

Settled with this grassjelly milk in the end. It's a combination of fresh milk, grass jelly and coffee infused jelly. Interesting flavors. But would love to have a richer coffee taste! Biting onto the coffee jellies is an enjoyment on its own.

This mango yoghurt drink is inspired by Calpis. This combination tastes like yakult with ice. Children will love it.

Dessert is nonetheless brownies with matcha icecream made by the lady boss. I love how the top cracked a little, just like how homemade brownies should be. The chocolate is rich and sticky. The matcha icecream is smooth with strong flavors. Combining these two produces a very harmonious and blissful treat.

There are still so many things on the menu that we would love to try. Our verdict 8/10!

Kyoto Day trip from Osaka

Kyoto is famous for the number of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as gardens and imperial palaces.

From Osaka, the best way to explore Kyoto in a day is by using Keihan Osaka Kyoto One Day Pass (only 800yen for unlimited train rides). As we stayed near Tenjinbashi-6-chome subway, we took a subway to Kitahama subway before changing to Keihan electric train heading to Kyoto. The whole journey took about 45 minutes via express service  (blue/pink line)

First stop was Demachiyanagi Station. After walking through the primeval forest of Tadasu-no-Mori,  we reached Shimogamo Shrine which is one of the UNESCO heritage. This Shinto shrine was built during the 6th decade.

This shrine is dedicated to the veneration of Tamayori-hime (玉依姫; lit., the spirit-inviting maiden) and her father, Kamo Taketsunomi (賀茂建角身).

 It was heavily patronised by the imperial palace to report important events to the Japanese guardian in the shrine.

Next stop was Kiyomizu-Gojo Station to visit the grand Kiyomizu-dera temple. From the station, it's about 20 minutes walk pass a few pottery shops. This Buddhist temple is huge! And it's one of the most celebrated temples in Japan founded in 780 on the site of Otowa waterfall.

The wooden stage extending from its main hall offered a breathtaking and scenic view of Kyoto. The hall was built without a single nail which housed Kannon, a small statue  with eleven faces and thousand arms.

Otowa waterfall is located at the base of the main hall with 3 streams bringing benefit to longevity, academic success and good love life after consuming the water.

After leaving the temple, we ventured into the atmospheric Higashiyama District with rows of pottery and souvenir shops and eateries.

Lunch was at Sanshiki noodle house on the walk back to the station. One of the best noodles we have had in Japan. Noodles here are made on site. As with everything else in Japan, it's made taking intricate details into consideration.

Japanese curry udon with thinly sliced beef. In case you haven't noticed, Japanese cuisine really likes to use spring onions! This awesome curry is thick and slightly viscous but is sweet and not spicy at all. It's so good that I couldn't stop myself from drinking the curry.

Dry udon with vegetable and prawn tempura. Love the combination of seaweed and sesame seeds that went so well with the
udon together with the ubiquitous spring onions. The noodles were cooked till perfection as they were still springy.

After a satisfying lunch, we headed to Fushimi-Inari Station of course to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine which is probably the most featured Shinto shrine in Kyoto.

The classic vermilion torii gates that every tourist must take a photo of! Very insta worthy. Each gate is actually erected in a different year.

Fox statues are also the symbol of this shrine which can even be found at the train station.

We then alighted our last stop of the day at Gion-Shijo Station to savour the evening along Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka (preserved streets) which we managed to spot a geisha at work.

Also managed to take a photo with Kimono clad tourists who really think baby Bing is very adorable.

That's how our day trip went. Of course there were a lot more temples to visit but we find this top three choices are more than enough to represent Kyoto.