Rewarded to go on a holiday?!

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Remember I was deciding between a weekend getaway at Westin or the Andaman due to some appealing MasterCard deals?


I was going to be frugal and pass up the idea of a short holiday… until I saw this deal on my MasterCard mCompass application:




FYI, Tanjong Jara Resort is managed by YTL, and is similar in concept to Pangkor Laut Resort; i.e. Paradise wtf.


WHAT??? I get to stay 2 nights in paradise AND get 2 free nights at a 5 star hotel of my choice AND I get a spa treat for me and my partner???!!

Unbelievable.



What is even more unbelievable is that Tanjong Jara looks like that:










HELL YEA.


So I did what any self-respecting human being would do: I whipped out my MasterCard and entered in my credit card details.


TANJONG JARA, HERE I COME!!!










Can’t wait for sun, sea and sand!



And in all my excitement for my upcoming trip, I nearly forgot how much I spent under my MasterCard during the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival period, till I tracked my spending via MasterCard’s really simple Shopathon Tracker:





Just key in the details of all your charge slips (a.k.a. credit card/debit card receipts) to monitor how much you’ve spent!


Because I spent over RM1,000, I get to redeem something from the MasterCard Reward Catalogue. I was amazed at the stuff that they have in there, for example:




Wow! cameras and designer bags…. -___-






… with the likes of Kate Spade, Coach and Marc by Marc Jacobs. I’ve I have to use this word again, UNBELIEVABLE, absolutely UNBELIEVABLE!


Well, since I’ll be going on a beach getaway soon, I settled for a very practical item to redeem:





Underarm and upper lip services—woohoo to a smooth, shiny, bikini-ready body! Erm, after I hit the gym, that is. :P


Other than the deals, I found out more shocking news – guess What? Purchases made in Malaysia between 15 June - 31 August 2011 will be entered into the Shopathon Contest for a chance to win a Grand Prize of a shopping spree worth RM100,000. :O :O :O :O Not only that, the winner will be given an extra opportunity to win an additional RM100,000 credit to the card account in a special lucky dip!!! I stand a chance to win RM200,000 worth to SHOP!! OMGGGGG!!!

If you want to fight with me in for a chances to score RM200,000, you can try at: www.mastercard.com.my/shopathon. But I am telling you first, I am going to pray everyday so that I am the lucky winner! *ohmmm*


Thank you, MasterCard!



Because of you I get to bum on the beach and bake in the sun.

Furry purple stole.

Our brand new collection is up on AZORIAS! Feels all kinds of awesome to see the new collection up on the site. :')


Outfit details of the outfit in the previous post!




A very impromptu outfit put together in 5 minutes-- 'cause that's the average time my parents give us to get ready.

"GIRL, LEAVING HOUSE NOW!" they expect us to leave house just like that.
Haih, parents. -_-

I got this pair of cropped pants sometime ago (last year? the year before?)-- I love a pair of casual pants, but pants don't usually get much exposure in my wardrobe. Soooo.... I'm ashamed to admit that I've never worn this pair of pants before this.




Love the laced up details behind!



My mom being the OTT person that she is, brought a purple fur stole to dinner. -___________-
And I was giving her damn a lot of shit for it.


Well, guess who wore it for the whole night:




T__________________________________T


The aircond was on full blast and I was really really cold lar! *defensive*



Jewelry for the day:



Gold bamboo bangle: Topshop/ Gold engraved bangles: Zhuhai/ Floral ring: Teeny's/ Gold choker: Singapore





Beaded mesh cropped top: Topshop
Khaki pants with laced-up back: Miss Selfridge
Tan clogs: Steve Madden
Tie-dyed studded bow clutch: Holiday in Zhuhai

Party this weekend away?

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I was wearing this outfit to a family dinner:



Outfit details in another post!


... and thinking to myself how apt it would be for a party! The dressy top (fully beaded) and super comfortable cropped pants-- means I can sit on someone's shoulder while I sing along loudly to a band jamming onstage... And wearing my most comfortable pair of heels means I can dance around for the most of the night!

Fortunately for me, there is a party coming right up this weekend!


I am talking about XPLAY that is back with a bang! It will be happening this Saturday:

Date : 30 July 2011
Time : 7pm till late night
Venue : Opera, Sunway Pyramid


And if last year's XPLAY parties were anything to live by, it's gonna be hell of a party. Last year there were Mizz Nina, DJ Monkey, DJ Fuzz, Lap Sap.. You can count on the fact that there are some super talented bunch of local and international acts this weekend as well!





Funky Kopral-- One of the hottest, chart-topping bands from Indonesia currently




Estranged, a local band that have performed in various events in Malaysia as well as regionally-- you might recognize drummer Azwin Andy!




Project Pistol, which consists of respected local musicians including Edrie Hashim. They have popular for being able to perform any song, how crazy is that!? *starts racking my mind for super obscure songs to challenge them nyehehe*





Wicked Aura, which is an international band with a whopping number of 12 members! They have never performed live in KL so we have got to give them some warm steaming hot support!



The UOX Battle ’11 Finale will also be held that night, whereby the top 5 bands rock it out for the grand prize of cash + a recording contract. Not to mention,Matt Alfords & MC Vibe will also be rockin’ the party!


The best thing about these events is that entrance is FREE! To get your passes, just follow the easy steps below:

1. LIKE the Xpax Facebook Fan Page
2. Check out the XPLAY app in the page
3. Register your details to get 1 FREE pass
4. Print & show your e-mail confirmation at the entrance!

You can also:

1. Reload RM50 to get 2 VIP passes (to redeem free flow drinks during the event):

a. Send XPLAY to 28881
b. You will get a Successful Registration SMS. After that, reload min RM50 to get your mobile voucher within 24hours after reloading
c. Flash the mobile voucher at XPLAY entrance on the event day to redeem 2 VIP passes (while stocks last, first come first serve)


You’ll also be in the running to win a VIP table for you + 5 friends! (Valid from 22-28 July 2011)


2. Be the 1st 100 Kolony members at the door to receive a FREE drink voucher for the event! You can also stand a chance to win a Blackberry Curve 8520 smartphone!
(To join KOLONY. Malaysia’s largest mobile social network now, send KOLONY to 25333)


For more details, check out www.xpax.com.my.

Neon.

I am on a roll... Another outfit post!

But this time it's a little different, it's a picture I stole off Tongue in Chic. It was taken during the Old Blossom Box bazaar in mid-June, whereby I totally forgot to snap pics, so this will have to suffice!





Green block-color blouse: Holiday in Bangkok
Neon yellow pleated mermaid tail skirt: AZORIAS
Gold diamante layered necklace: Teeny's
Ring (not shown): YSL
Tan leather clogs: Steve Madden
Black ponyhair/leather zipper clutch: Furla


I've a really funny story to share about this skirt! When I stepped into Old Blossom Box to set up our display on the event's morning, everyone was like talking about the skirt-- no kidding. And for the whole day I got comments like 'lawa giler' and 'cantiknyaaaa' about the skirt! Even when I met Joyce the Kinky Blue Fairy, the first thing she said to me was 'nice skirt' before 'hello'. -_- Which kinda surprised me, 'cause I thought the skirt would be too loud for a lot of people! And of course, everyone was disappointed when they learned that the skirt isn't available in this color in AZORIAS then. But what took the cake was when Baby told me that I MUST stock this skirt-- and curtly informed me to not bother to come back to Malaysia without the skirt WTF. Hahaha.

Well, with such stern orders, I have no choice but to come back with the skirt from my recent purchasing trip. Remember to click HERE to get the skirt if you like eye-catching, happy-clappy colors like we do! Available in super limited pieces-- you will be one of the very few people donning this skirt. ;)



And a picture of Teeny 'cause I love her outfit that day:





PS: Don't forget to join the TIC x Wrangler contest! So easy only-- just created any one of my looks here and you could be the lucky one walking away with the iPad 2!

Hmm, on second thought, why not you all email me, I help you create the same look! On the condition we share-share the iPad 2 okay. :D

Let's talk shorts.

Update: The TIC/ Wrangler contest to win an iPad 2 is extended to 1st Aug (next Monday)!


I've got 2 styling- related news to share today!!!

No.1: I teamed up with Jezmine Blossom yesterday (along with our stunning model, Ida) in the Parkson x TIC 'So you think you can style' contest, and we came up as top 3! WOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

No.2: Remember I did a styling article for Tongue in Chic sometime ago? Well, there's a fabulous edge to the article-- if you recreate any one of my looks using Wrangler jeans, you stand to win a brand new 16GB iPad2!! WTF RIGHT??? When I found out about the contest, I was like, CAN I JOIN INSTEAD. T____________T


Easy peasy steps to win the iPad2:

Step 1: Go through the Playing Stylist post
Step 2: Head over to the Wrangler Store @ Sunway Pyramid
Step 3: Mix and match with any of the jeans from Wrangler
Step 4: Take a picture of your whole outfit
Step 5: Send the picture to contest@tonguechic.com

Wrangler will reward the best styled up looks with a 16G iPad 2.

All entries must be received by 25th July 2011, which is TOMORROW (Monday)1st Aug (next Monday)!

**************************************************

And something I feel like I haven't done in ages... Outfit post!

My last proper outfit post was 2 weeks ago. -_-

I think shorts are the most comfortable things to wear in our weather! I love dresses too (easy to pull on, fuss-free...) but as I am kind of a tomboy, shorts/pants are the best bet for me so that I won't get caught for indecent exposure.

Hence, ripped/unfinished denim shorts are sort of my wardrobe staple, and I've got tons of them: by far my favorite pair from Korea which I wear almost all the time (*click*), Zara ones in a darker wash (*click*), a recent pair that I thrifted (*click*), old high waisted ones from Miss Selfridge (*click*), loose Cotton On ones which comes as a close 2nd favorite (*click*), fancier ones with chain link details (*click*)... And these are just some off the top of my head.






I love denim shorts to bits, but I want to expand more shorts collections so that I can create more versatile looks! And specifically I had formal shorts in mind-- tailored shorts, soft skorts (shorts that look like skirts) etc. Which is why I love this pair of pleated chiffon shorts to death! It's super soft and comfy, and I love the neutral shade, 'cause just like my denim shorts, I can match them with anything I want. And similarly, it can be dressed up and down with a snap of my fingers! I've seen a couple of versions of this shorts: Jaspal, Baci, Bangkok, Topshop... I think Topshop comes closest to our Azorias version in terms of quality. I was aghast to find that most versions of this shorts use like ugly black elastic trimmings instead of black grosgrain ribbon trimmings. :/




Matched it with a retro-ish top; was in a girlie mood.







Retro shift top with crotchet lace bib/pocket: General Pants, Australia
Nude chiffon pleated chiffon shorts with grosgrain ribbon trimmings: AZORIAS
Pearl/ embellished bracelets: Diva
Cream leather cuff: Topshop
Electrib blue velvet pumps: Holiday in Zhuhai
Bag: Chanel

The quest.

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Does this graph looks familiar to you?



Erm, don't worry if it doesn't, 'cause I drew it from memory WTF.


It actually depicts a woman's general physical being throughout the years! And as you can see, from 25 years old onwards, our body and skin starts to deteriorate. I've read this in numerous literature before-- so it's true girls, after 25, everything goes downhill. Skin ages, boobs sag, memory worsens, and the list goes on. T_T

Now, I know this for a fact. And knowledge is power right? You would expect me to start gnawing on ginseng and furiously slab anti-aging products onto my face by now. However, since my adult acne breakout almost 2 years ago (which I've gotten under control by going on the dreaded Roaccutane), my face has been left with faint acne marks-- so my main skin concern is skin-whitening in order for the marks to be lightened.




You can see that I have faint marks on my face from my acne breakout.



I would have remained happy-go-lucky about my skin until I recently saw some people I used to work with in audit! Now, before I go on, you have to listen to this common joke in audit-- that women who work in audit will depreciate in 2 years. And that people who worked a few years in audit looked world of a difference from the picture in their staff ID (taken when they first entered the company). And gulp, it's true! These people look quite haggard and aged despite being in their 20s only.

Just for the record, I was in audit for 2++ years, and I could also see a difference in my skin. :( Even the boy cheekily told me that I've aged since Day 1 that he has known me. But I gave him a big smack, 'cause after almost a decade, it's a given that I will look (slightly?) older right! *in denial*

But the meeting with those colleagues and the conversation with the boy really made me assess my skin closely...


Some older pictures from 4-5 years ago...






... as compared to some more recent pictures:







I do feel that my skin a few years ago looked more 'plump' and young! :(



I also saw an interesting survey/statistic that day:





If based on these statistics, it means I have to start using anti-ageing products NOW NOW NOW! Or stand to regret in my 30s. And interestingly enough, at 25.7 years old, it's when we start to notice certain changes in our skin, such as skin dryness, dark spots, prominent pores, skin dullness, rough texture, uneven skin tone or fine lines and wrinkles.


It's true then, I am suffering from some of the first signs of aging: skin dryness and prominent pores! And whilst I do not have any dark spots (also one of the most common skin changes experienced by women in their 20s); a skin analysis that I did last year revealed to me that I do have melanin build-up under my skin-- and if I do not take proper care of my skin, they will turn into pigmentation!!!


And it doesn't help that I am always doing funny faces:






Which means I will wrinkle faster FML.


Almost every girl I know wants to have fairer skin, so they always focus on whitening products. In fact, most girls I know have the misconception that they only need to start on anti-ageing products when they are in their 30s, or at least when they see their first wrinkle. But by the time you see your first wrinkle, IT IS TOO LATE! :O :O :O So it seems that when we are in our 20s, skin-whitening should not be our only agenda, but we should also begin a proper anti-ageing regime!


I am really worried now, because as illustrated in the survey, I should be using some super power anti-ageing products RIGHT NOW. I've decided, I am going to be on a quest to find the best anti-ageing products.


Because I want to at least remain looking like this:





Instead of this WTF.

The Art of Pouring.

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I shop way less nowadays, but when I do buy something, I make sure it’s something I will/can reuse for a long time, and thus, I don’t mind paying a little more for quality!


Let’s take a tour today of some quality buys in my wardrobe, shall we.



Prada heeled loafers.




Alexander Wang pony hair wedges.




YSL Arty ring.




Miu Miu tote and Tory Burch flats.


I’ve mentioned numerous times that as I grow older, quality becomes increasingly important to me. Well, guess what. I am not the only one! Heineken, synonymous to unmistakable quality that has been enjoyed throughout the world since 1873, has recently developed ‘The Art of Pouring’ programme to reflect its promise of quality. With a tagline “The only reason for ordering a second beer is the quality of the first one!”, the programme promises consumers nothing but the perfect pint of Heineken every single time!

Last Thursday, Malaysia’s first ‘ The Art of Pouring’ workshop was conducted , whereby Franck Evers, Heineken’s Beer Craftsman from Netherlands, showcased the art of pouring a perfect Heineken pint.




I know, I know, Franck Evers looks a little like a mad scientist in the picture, but that is only because he is chasing ultimate perfection in each pint of beer that he pours!


A little background on Franck Evers:



Franck found his true calling when he met Mr. Freddy Heineken (grandson of Heineken’s founder) about 15 years ago—which is to practise the art of pouring beer. Since then, he has been travelling the world-- training bar staffs and beer drinkers around the world on pouring and serving the perfect Heineken pint.


Hence, the workshop provided a rare opportunity for beer enthusiasts and bartenders to witness the true master working his magic!


Some pictures from the night:


A perfect pint of Heineken to quench the thirst.




Franck Evers in action.




Yummy for the tummy.




Heineken girls.



During the workshop, Franck also talked about the four essential steps that go into pouring a perfect pint of beer, which I found really interesting! I don’t care, I am going to share them here—too many a drinking session have I had friends who poured beer wrongly, leaving me a glass filled with foam. -__-

Not that foam is bad! Some interesting facts and mythbusters I learnt that night is that the foam is actually a very important part of your beer. A lot of people always complain about their beer having too much foam, but the foam serves as a protective barrier to keep the quality of your beer intact!


The 4 steps to getting the perfect beers:
1. Rinse- Rinse the glass in cold water before serving.
And never dry with a towel as it leaves fibres behind!

2. Pour- Pull the beer tap in one quick motion. Let the build-up of carbon dioxide escape, control the flow of the beer and then let it spiral into the glass which is tilted at 45-degree angle. Then close tap in a quick motion when the foam reaches the top of the glass!

3. Skim- Remove excess foam with a wet skimmer (held at a 45-degree angle)-- this leaves a thin layer of water over the foam which protects it from oxidizing.
A perfect two-finger thick head of foam ensures that the beer stays fresh and cold for longer keeping it from going flat!

4. Serve- Serve quickly with a smile!


The way Franck poured the beers, he made it seem so easy! But via demonstrations from members of the audience, there was obviously a lot of effort and practice that goes into the Art of Pouring. Did you know that the standard of perfect foam is that the level of the foam rests on the shoulders of the Red Star?

The workshop is just the start of an exciting new campaign, ‘Be a Man of the World’. With this new campaign, Heineken aims to bring a world of opportunities its consumers, a world where anything is possible through its promise of quality, internationalism and innovation. To be honest, I can’t wait to see see what Heineken has up its sleeves. Like they say, open your mind to the world of Heineken where anything is possible!