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My 8 De-stressing Habits that Keep Me Sane and Happy

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One of the important things I learned in life is that there will be a cause of stress everywhere we go, in whatever we do, whether at work, at home, at the road…wherever, whenever. To wish for a stress-free life is just wishing not to live at all. What I’ve accepted is that I either change the way I look at the things around me or my life will be unhappy and stressful.


I’m actually quite surprised to meet people who just choose to focus on the bad and stressful things rather than counting the good things they have. Work will always be tough and full of challenges especially when you’ve reached a certain level of position where you hold heavy responsibilities. I believe that there’s always a choice for everyone. If you don’t want to accept this set of duties that also come with some causes for stress, then there’s a choice for you to either leave that job or take a lower position. But complaining about everything to your colleagues or friends or relatives can become pointless if it becomes a daily habit. 


The world wouldn’t change for us; we can only change ourselves. I choose to be in control of my life as much as I can, and I don’t want stress to be on top of my daily life. I’ve had my share of stressful years and I’ve realized that it’s just impossible to be happy unless I change or improve myself. So I am pleased to share 8 useful habits that I’ve developed through the years. Hope these can be useful to people facing a stressful life, especially working mothers like me:


1. Read.

Reading is a great way to take my mind off from the daily challenges of work while at the same time, gives me additional knowledge that I won’t get from just spending more time on ‘stressing’ myself about work.  I cannot imagine what my life would be if I don’t spend time reading. It doesn’t have to be reading novels or thick books at all. I regularly read Female magazine and Women’s Weekly where I get the latest beauty and fashion buzz. Of course, I don’t want to miss the celebrity articles and health news. And although I am not in the beauty industry anymore, I am still inclined (or hooked) to finding out the latest beauty products and reviews. 

 


I also read Archie books! Well, you might say, ‘grow up!’ but Archie comic books are one of those classics that you won’t mind reading. When I was younger, reading an Archie comic book is already a luxury since I cannot afford to buy one. I have these 2 thick books recently sent to me by my sweet sister from Philippines.

 

I read books as well. I was a total bookworm since I was 8. I used to borrow several books from the library and I’m probably the only kid who manages to fill-up the entire library card in a few months. I read, read, and read everyday. So here are some of my books at the moment: Between You and I (something that I picked up for only RM15!), Drink Me (a wine book), and the Wrinkle Cure (by Dr. Nicholas Perricone who has a superb line of beauty products).



2. Take care of your skin.

I’m surprised when people keep saying that they don’t have time to apply beauty products everyday. Taking care of your skin not only serves the purpose of maintaining its health but also a great way to de-stress. Spending a few minutes in front of the mirror just applying toner, serum and moisturizer gives you time to think of yourself and off from those stressful issues.


3. Blog.

I’m not talking about becoming a full-time blogger. If you are someone with a lot of things going on in your mind, having an outlet such as a blog can prove to be fun and relaxing. Try doing it for fun and share your thoughts about the things you enjoy, your experiences and maybe your knowledge. You’ll be surprised at how it can make you feel better and you’ll even meet wonderful people who blog as well and be a part of a social community.


4. Take photos.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer. Just simple ways such as using your phone or normal digital camera will do. Paying attention to moments captured with your camera is a great way to learn how to appreciate time, colors and more. How do you feel when you look at your past photos? Those throw-back Thursday pictures? Don’t they remind you of happier days? That silly hair or silly get-up?




 

5. Spend quality time with your children.

Or with your nieces, nephews if you don’t have your own child yet. Taking time to color those drawings, learning letters, numbers, painting will give you a sense of happiness that will ease your mind. Those people who spend time with their relatives’ children and take care of them amaze me. You will notice that they tend to be warmer, kind and patient in the working environment. So go ahead and try to spend time with a kid or two. You’ll be surprised at how long your patience can be extended! 



6. Play games.

Maybe some of you may find it silly but having a few games on your phone can be helpful as long as you’re not addicted to it and you don’t make your daily life revolve around those farms, candies or whatnot. When you find yourself angry or frustrated at work or anywhere (this does not apply to driving frustration, by the way), take a few minutes during your break to play a game.



7. Exercise.

This is great for health AND de-stressing. I’ve been engaged with a quick daily workout for several weeks now and I found out that it’s liberating! Start with something simple if you haven’t done exercising for quite some time. I downloaded this app called the 7-minute workout and it does wonders. You only need 7 minutes daily, follow the steps and timing from the app and you’re done! Trust me, this can get you sweating within those few minutes. And my tummy has become firmer in just 2 weeks.


And if you are not ready to do daily exercise, try doing something every weekend. Maybe running every Saturday morning or evening? Give it a try. It gives you good time to clear your mind.



8. Accept that life is not fair.

At a young age, I’ve learned that life is simply not fair. The moment you are born, you will have certain sets of privileges or difficulties already laid out for you. You will have certain benefits and challenges that will be different from another person. Or if you are very unlucky, you will be struggling from the moment you were born. This is the way life is. I don’t believe that life will ever be fair. Somewhere, somehow, there are people having a harder or better life than us. Don’t compare or ask why some have so much money or why that person gets a higher pay than you do. Do not expect that your desires will be laid out in front of you to pick. Do not think that just because people have more money means that they don’t have problems. Each person has his own challenges to face and accomplish.


 

Some people also think that their bosses have an easier life than them and tend to do self-pity, and this leads to stress. For me, I don’t think that bosses have easier lives. In fact, they are carrying a very heavy burden especially if they own the business. Imagine the daily pressure of making the business profitable enough to pay for our salaries? Who gets cursing from the top management or directors when objectives are not achieved? Is it you or your boss? Some employees don’t look at it this way, leading to unhappy work life. We all have our own challenges, whether you are an employee, a business owner, CEO, or a housewife. I’ve accepted that life is not fair which means I have to depend on myself to get the things I want in life. This thought has liberated me at a young age and has since worked hard for the achievement I desire. And it has been really great! What better sense of fulfillment than what you achieved on your own, right? Life is not fair but life can be good!    

Absolute Thai – Great Thai cuisine

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My son and I would sometimes go with my husband to The Curve and go walking around the entire afternoon until evening. As usual, my son would be looking for a toy to buy which would take hours of walking for me while I push him on his stroller.


Dinner is either buying from restaurants outside The Curve and when I have cravings for something inside this mall, my husband would take us to eat dinner there. One time, I wanted to have some Thai food and he brought us to Absolute Thai at Ikano Power Centre (IPC). 


Friends might find it surprising to see me eating spicy food but there was something about Thai tom yum that really got me hooked. I ordered tom yum soup with prawns and my dessert, mango with sticky rice! Must always have this dessert at Thai restaurants! I’m not really the type who likes to order so many varieties so these are enough for me. For my son, we ordered Japanese bean curd and minced chicken soup. No worries, his soup was not spicy at all, we double confirmed.  


My Thai tom yum soup…hot and spicy but delicious for me…

Absolute Thai tom yum soup with prawns


My mango with sticky rice (or what’s left of it when I remembered to take photo)…   

Absolute Thai mango with sticky rice


My hubby ordered some noodle and fried chicken… 



It’s great that their ‘placemat’ is the menu itself so you can quickly see and choose from their menu. Don’t you just hate it when you have to ask and wait for the menu before you can start choosing what to eat?

Absolute Thai – The Thai Tribune – FRONT page menu




Absolute Thai restaurant has an outdoor area where people can smoke but it’s also a nice location to have a view of The Curve. At night, the air is breezy and cool, of course, you wouldn’t want to be outside when it’s raining but it’s quite nice on a normal evening.


Absolute Thai outdoor dining area with a view of The Curve


I had a delicious dinner at Absolute Thai and I will surely come back for my tom yum here!      


     

Lancome Teint Miracle – Weightless Foundation

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Liquid foundations have been my best friends to maintain a presentable look when I go out. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t use one ever since I became conscious of my huge pores (that’s around 11 years ago!).


I was using a Japanese brand before but I wanted to try something that feels lighter, something that’s more like a second skin. During my usual trip to Sephora, I decided to grab Lancome Teint Miracle. 


What caught my attention was the front of the box that said “Natural Light Creator, Bare Skin Perfection”. If you’ve read my other beauty stuff blogs then I’ll guess you’d know that packaging and labels play an important role in my purchasing decision. It just makes sense to judge a product by what information and effort a brand puts on its labels. 

 

Lancome Teint Miracle: Natural Light Creator, Bare Skin Perfection


Lancome Teint Miracle is oil-free, non-comedogenic and also has SPF 16, might seem low if you’re exposed outdoors several times in a day but I normally apply a moisturizer with higher SPF before my foundation so this is fine. A Sephora beauty advisor assisted me to try the product on my neck and helped me picked the right shade.


The problem with some of the foundations that I’ve used before is the heavy feeling during midday. But this foundation was weightless! It doesn’t feel like  the usual makeup foundation. It feels thin and light on the skin yet it gives good coverage over my pores and some dark spots.

 

I find the packaging great and easy to use. The pump only needs light effort to use and has very good control on dispensing sufficient amount of the product. I love that it’s in a transparent glass where I can easily see how much is left. The name ‘TEINT MIRACLE’ and the flower logo icon are embossed in silver color which make it look even more impressive and simply pretty in the vanity cabinet.


Lancome Teint Miracle in glass bottle



Lancome Teint Miracle with silver box


I’ve been using it for 3 weeks now and I just love the effect on my skin. I even skip my Benefit Porefessional sometimes when I’m rushing and my pores don’t appear huge anymore. I also noticed that when I get back home from work, my face still looks presentable — even tone, no redness, no huge pores visible, even with just one-time retouching with face powder throughout the day.  


Liquid foundation designed for Asian skins

How to apply with fingers: Shake well before use. Pump a small pea size of the product, either to your hand or palm, whichever suits you but I normally pump to my hand. Dab dots on several areas of your face: nose, cheeks forehead, chin, temples, around the borders of your face. Using your third and fourth fingers, gently spread from your nose area then going outwards to your cheeks, chin and forehead. Let it set for a few minutes before you apply other creams or powders on top of it. Give it maybe 3 to 5 minutes. 


Of course, this is my own technique. Some might choose to apply using other ways like maybe using a foundation brush or the entire palm instead of fingers. Feel free to use the technique you feel most comfortable with.


What Lancome Teint Miracle box says:

Natural Light Creator

Bate Skin Perfection

Fresh Foundation Veil – SPF 16


Light is not only reflected on the surface: it is also re-emitted from within the skin. Lancome Science decrypts this genuine natural light, giving each complexion its distinctive color, its sparkle of life.


Innovation – Perfection through light:

AURA-INSIDE technology works to recreate and boost the skin’s natural ‘light’. Immediately, the complexion brightens: flawless, fresher looking day after day.


Natural weightlessness: 10 times less powdery fillers, high concentration of water, enriched with a softening rose extract. Skin is smoother and unified, hydrated for 18h. Flaws visibly vanish, your complexion is sublimely bare. 12h wear.


Oil Free – Non-comedogenic

Shades and texture designed for Asian skin

Tested on Asian skin under dermatological control

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive


Price: RM135 per 30ml

Where to buy: Lancome counters in department stores, Sephora      



  


 

 


  


Chitosan Plus for Weight Loss

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There was a craze about this certain supplement called Garcinia Cambogia which started as early as last year. This was probably driven by Dr. Oz show wherein he shared amazing facts about Garcinia Cambogia which makes you burn fat quicker and more efficiently. You can lose weight or burn fat without exercise and without changing your diet! Who wouldn’t want an easy fix like this, right? 

Image from web

The Garcinia Cambogia extract is from a fruit native to Indonesia but has now spread across Southeast Asia, South Africa and India. This extract contains HCA or hydroxycitric acid which blocks fats and sugar PLUS it also suppresses appetite. Seems to good to be true? Unbelievable? Well, scientists have done research and tests on this (you can check out some videos from Dr. Oz show to understand more).



The great thing is that this extract has dual action on our body: 


1) it blocks fat and sugar = FAT BUSTER

2) it helps to control cravings, emotional or stress eating = APPETITE SUPPRESSANT 


Like some people who also experience or suffer from cravings, I also tend to eat unhealthy food, specially during my monthly period. I crave for sweet food, mainly chocolates, doughnuts and cakes. I sometimes even have the urge to drink carbonated beverages which result to my fat belly. Since early this year, after changing to marketing management for a non-retail brand where I rarely need to go malling, I had a massive weight gain of 5 kilos within 3 months!

 

I was convinced to try the supplement. However, I’m very cautious of weight-loss supplements as I’ve seen a lot of different brands before and I somehow doubt whether it’s safe or not. I did some research online and I found that GNC has Garcinia Cambogia supplements. Bad news is, when I checked the store, this particular supplement is already out-of-stock and you need to pre-order. Well, this is also a good sign that a lot of people are taking it and more probable that it’s effective. 


Good thing that the GNC staff was clever to recommend an alternative. There was a variant with added nutrients to make weight loss even more effective with gardenia cambogia called Chitosan Plus. It also contained L-Carnitine, an amino acid that helps the body convert fat to energy. 


So, yes, I decided to try the Chitosan Plus. It comes in a bottle of 120 tablets in white bottle with blue sticker and, of course, the GNC logo. One bottle will last 30 days since you will need to take 4 tablets a day. It costs RM196.90 but you can get 20% off as a GNC member. 


GNC Chitosan Plus 120 tablets



Directions for use: 


As a dietary supplement, take 2 tablets 30 minutes before lunch and 2 tablets 30 minutes before dinner daily with each meal. Consume with 8 ounces of water. 


Here’s the Supplement Facts at the back of the bottle:

GNC Chitosan Plus Supplement Facts



No Sugar, No Starch,  No Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, No Wheat, No Dairy. 



The bottle is secured with seal after removing the cap. 



The tablets are in cream color. Downside is it’s not easy to swallow so you really need to consume with lots of water. My tip to those who are challenged with this size, take 1 tablet at a time, give a few seconds of interval before you take the next tablet. 

GNC Chitosan Plus tablets


I’ve been taking Chitosan Plus now for the past 2 months and I’m amazed with the results on my eating habits. I don’t crave anymore and rarely eat supper, unless my husband brings back food late at night. And when I do eat supper, I can only eat a little. Not that I put effort into not eating more but I just feel naturally satisfied with what I’ve eaten sufficiently. I don’t overeat like before and even during my monthly period, my appetite is still like normal with no intense craving for sweets!


Within 2 months of just taking this supplement, I managed to lose 1 kilogram which is a big achievement for me. Few months before I started taking Chitosan Plus, I actually tried doing daily morning exercise (running on machine) and counting calories to control my food intake. It was alright, I lost 0.4kg within 2 months but counting calories and controlling my appetite  don’t work quite well. It’s really difficult to fight emotional appetite and cravings. 


But taking Chitosan Plus which contains Garcinia Cambogia has been great. I don’t need to fight off cravings, I feel normal. This doesn’t mean I’m eating irresponsibly, I still make an effort to eat proper food, less junk. Instead of indulging on chocolates, I’ve been taking dried fruits. I still take KitKat and others occasionally but that’s probably only once or twice a week. 


This month, I have started adding exercise to my weight loss program. I do daily quick exercise and weekend running or cycling. I feel great! 


My progress might seem a bit slow for some people but I’ve learned how to count my achievements, even small ones. So I take small steps at a time and I don’t expect miracles within a short time. I’ve nursed my extra weight for 3 years now and it won’t come off in a month or 2, would it? For those who are battling with extra weight like me, let’s all try watching our eating habits, physical activities and lifestyle. If you do want to explore taking supplements, visit a trustworthy shop, check with your doctor and go start losing weight!       



  










L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream

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Recently, I’ve been very much concerned with the uneven skin tone on my face. I used to be so focused on treating my pore problems that I seemed to overlook that aging is catching up with my skin, too. 


I decided to try L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream, quite by chance. I was buying a gift set for a friend’s birthday and I was convinced by the skin consultant to give this a try. 




It’s another pretty product to add to my vanity cabinet. I like to try cosmetics that also pay enough attention to good and beautiful packaging. After all, these products are supposed to be for beauty, right? Of course, the brand and product features and benefits are the key points but great packaging simply makes it more appealing and trustworthy. 




L’Occitane’s Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream claims to smoothe, even and lighten the skin. 


What the packaging says:

Immortelle is a flower with exceptional longevity: it never fades, even when picked. Its organic essential oil is rich in active molecules with unique anti-aging results. Bellis perennis, the daisy flower, offers a brightening extract that contributes to regulate melanin production. The Brightening Moisture Cream offers triple action benefits to correct wrinkles, make the complexion more even-toned and brighter. 


The cream jar is sealed when you remove the cap to ensure that it doesn’t oxidize fast before opening. And since this is a nature-based product, it has  short life upon opening at 6 months. Nothing bad about it as skincare products are completely consumed within 3-4 months at average. 


I also liked that L’Occitane has a product insert provided inside the box. It’s good to know more about the product that I’m using on my face in more detail aside from the packaging print. 


The texture of this cream is very good. Not oily, not too creamy, easy to spread and quickly absorbed by the skin. One of my concerns with a lot of anti-aging creams is that it can sometimes be too creamy or thick for my skin. But this L’Occitane cream is just right. The scent is beautiful with floral extracts which is just nice to sleep in when used in the evening. I used to have skin reactions from creams with floral scent, especially rose, but this one didn’t do my skin harm (thank goodness!). 


I’ve been using this cream every night for a week now and I can say that I wake up to smooth and glowing skin every morning. This cream is supposed to be for day and night use but I’m currently alternating it with another product that I have yet to finish.


I love the fresh and light formula of L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Moisture Cream, and I love the appearance of my skin every morning. I’ve only been using it once a day and I believe I’ll see even better results once I use it twice a day! 



Where to buy: L’Occitane boutiques 

Price: RM240 for 50ml








 








Clairol Herbal Essences – Hello Hydration!

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Finding the right shampoo and conditioner for my very dry and damaged hair has been an enduring challenge for me. I still remember my younger days when I can use whatever shampoo is available in the bathroom. And yet, my hair was soft and silky. I guess this is true for most of us. When we were younger, we have smooth skin, no wrinkles, lovely hair and less worries…

I’ve tried quite a handful of different brands and types but I’ve found a great companion for my hair — Clairol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner. 



I’ve been using Clairol products for years. I tried different variants in between, like Dangerously Straight and Long Term Relationship. One of the most notable features of Clairol hair products is the scent. All variants have distinguished, enchanting scents that you’d definitely want on your hair. Among the current variants, the red one (Long Term Relationship) is my favorite. But I’ve particularly been sticking to this blue set, Hello Hydration, because it works well for my hair type. I have frizzy, dry and very damaged hair due to rebonding over the years. I cannot refrain from undergoing rebond treatment every year as my hair is really terrible without it. Frizzy all over, unruly and unpresentable. This is not acceptable for me. 

I don’t expect my shampoo and conditioner to produce the same results from my rebonding treatment but at least make my hair moisturized and easier to manage. The Clairol Herbal Essences Hello Hydration is specifically made for Dry/ Damaged Hair. I love using the shampoo and conditioner mainly because they both moisturize my hair well enough. Some shampoos tend to make my hair stiff after washing. I notice that this Hello Hydration shampoo doesn’t dry my hair out even if it cleanses and removes dirt. It costs around RM14 to RM16. 



The Hello Hydration conditioner is just as great. I love the creamy texture, not watery like some conditioners. I actually find it weird that some conditioners are quite watery but I guess those types are meant for people with thin hair. 

Clairol’s Hello Hydration conditions my hair nicely and leaves a lovely scent which I really like. It costs around RM14 – RM16, depending where you buy it and if there’s promotion. I noticed that Watsons sells it at a better price than Guardian most of the time. 



Some people may not know but Clairol Herbal Essences has been in the market for quite some time. I remember trying it for the first time during my college days, man, that’s 16 years ago! I even used to save my daily allowance to afford it. Me and my classmates were so captivated by its scent. At that time, the products were not moisturizing enough for me so I eventually switched. But the new Clairol collection is great so I’m back to using it!

This was how the classic Clairol Herbal Essences looked like before…at least the type that I got introduced to. I believe there are older versions. 
Classic Clairol Herbal Essences (Image from web)

Well, that proves the long history of the brand and how far it has evolved. The older version looks very traditional, following the trend of those years. But now it’s funky, cool and even better!





Love cigar and whiskey? You gotta visit Whisky Tango Foxtrot!

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My work-related adventures have brought me to one of the coolest places in Kuala Lumpur. Located at Jalan Kasah Damansara Heights, Whisky Tango Foxtrot is definitely a must-visit for those who enjoy cigars and/or whiskey. 



Upon entering the venue, you will be welcomed by a huge humidor showcasing a big collection of cigars and accessories. It is the biggest collection showcase in Asia, I was told. I’ve never seen a cigar collection in my life and I find this amazing. Honestly, I only see people smoking cigars in movies, those typical high-profile men who enjoy the most luxurious lifestyle. I am inclined to believe that only people who have reached a certain level of success or wealth can truly appreciate cigars. But as I’ve learned, there are a lot of people who enjoy having cigars once in a while, not just the extremely wealthy. I guess it’s a similar general perception as with wines. People tend to think that wines are also for the rich. 

There are shelves and shelves of cigars. Some are sold in box sets but there are also individual ones. There are also very nice sets that are great gifts.

Cigar collection at Whisky Tango Foxtrot


Cigar collection at Whisky Tango Foxtrot


Highlighted in display were Macanudo cigars. 



I didn’t know cigars are also aged. This set is aged for 8 years…



You’ll also find great accessories for cigar lovers such as lighters, cigar scissors, cutters, cigar cases and more.

Cigar accessories


Lovely lighters…



High-quality cutters and scissors…


They also have an online store where you can easily purchase your favorite cigars.

The humidor/ entrance has this poster to welcome guests. I did a bit of research and as I found out, ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ was a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939, a few months before the beginning of the Second World War. It aimed to raise the morale of the British public in the event of wartime disaster. You’ll actually see a lot of different phrases or statements using this concept around, whether in mall boutiques, mugs, tumblers, shirts and other things. In fact, this is almost everywhere nowadays. But there’s a much more meaningful origin to this quote.  



After the humidor, you will reach the cozy, private lounge. It is adorned with black-and-white  posters, black leather chairs and dim lighting. The atmosphere is very masculine and  exclusive. Definitely a great place to hangout, enjoy cigars and whiskey while having serious or not-so-serious discussions. I can imagine my husband having whiskey here with his friends. 



On one side of the lounge, a wall of private humidors are lined up for members who want to store their cigar collections. For a certain fee, a member will enjoy a private humidor with his/her initials, 10% discount on all purchases and other exclusive privileges. 


At one end is the bar where you can enjoy your favorite whiskey, wines and some cocktails. I’m not a whiskey drinker but since they also serve my cocktails then it’s great for me…



There are also 2 private rooms for guests or members who would prefer to have a more private area. 

I have great respect for places that pay good attention in making their washroom better than just its function. And I’d say WTF (that’s Whisky Tango Foxtrot, no pun intended) impressed me. I’ve never seen any bar or restaurant using a great product such as Aesop Aromatique for a hand wash. (Well, the ex-skincare brand manager in me can’t help but notice…)



And aside from that, there is also a set of Ralph Lauren perfumes for guests to use. How impressive.



 Whisky Tango Foxtrot is definitely THE place for cigar and whiskey aficionados. The service is damn good, the cigar showcase is the biggest in the country (and in Asia), and the ambience is something you won’t get anywhere else. It’s great for anyone who wants to enjoy and have a good time while having some puffs and drinks. Though I’m not a cigar or whiskey fan, I agree that this is a great place to hangout or spend an evening with friends. 

WTF is located at 2nd floor, 128B Jalan Kasah, Damansara Heights, KL, Malaysia. 

Visit www.whiskytangofoxtrot.my or call +60320112056 for more information.


SHAPE Magazine and Skechers convinced me to RUN!

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One Saturday morning, I found myself up and awake early at 7:00am, walking upon the lovely grounds of Desa Park City, wearing some sneakers and preparing myself for something that will change the way I understand ‘running’. 


One of my good friends invited me to join her in attending SHAPE Magazine’s Run to Win Workshop on 24th August. For a fee of RM50 per pair of participants, my friend and I registered to be part of this activity. I’ve never attended something like this and I am also not a regular runner. I believe the last time I really ran for exercise was 5 years ago, in 2008 when I was still in Philippines. My husband and I would drive every Saturday morning to a nice park and I’d run while he walks. Then we’d go for a McDonald’s breakfast in a nearby mall. Well, that was 5 years ago. I’ve always thought of running again so I can go back to my pre-mummyhood weight or at least be close to it. But I guess my busy working life for the past few years dampened motivation, or I was just plain lazy. 


Thanks to Shape magazine, Skechers and my dear friend, I managed to get my lazy ass off from bed early that morning to learn more about running. When we arrived at the registration, the organizers gave us a goodie bag that contained…(drumroll) a brand new pair of Skechers running shoes, a red Skechers shirt and the workshop notes. How cool is that! So my friend and I changed into the shirt and shoes then braced ourselves for the next surprise. 






The workshop started with welcome remarks from the Shape team, followed by an introduction to running by Raj Subramaniam, a master trainer. I enjoyed listening to this guy as he really gave a lot of information about running. How was I to know that there’s actually a proper posture for the head, neck, shoulders and arms while I run? Raj guided us on each part of the body that we should take note of to run efficiently. 



Raj explaining important posture points for running

Raj also introduced us to the pair of Skechers running shoes that we wore. When I put the shoes on, I immediately noticed the comfort and lightness of the shoes. It was very soft and cushioned with every step. For me, having good running shoes is very important as I’ve experienced pain and discomfort before from running due to inappropriate shoes. I kinda had a phobia already from wearing rubber shoes as I easily get uncomfortable. It’s either the shoes make my feet feel very warm and sweaty, or I get blisters on certain spots even while wearing thick socks. 


Anyway, this pair of Skechers is just great. It’s light, soft and comfortable. You know that you’re wearing shoes but you don’t feel the weight. Raj also pointed out that this pair, the GoRunRide, gives a cushioned running experience with innovative mid foot strike technology. The shoe is shaped to make our feet land naturally on the mid foot, not on the heel and not on the toes. It’s very lightweight which makes running very comfortable. The tongue is also stitched to eliminate the need to constantly move that middle part of the shoe back in place (the tongue is that part under the shoe lace that often gets out-of-place as you run then you keep pulling it back in place). Skechers calls this feature ‘VARI-LOCK’ for stay-put tongue. Very clever. I hated having that problem with sneakers. 




Raj also mentioned some of the injuries that runners might experience and how to avoid it such as side stitches, knee pain, shin splints, ankle sprains, muscle pull and more. 



All of us went through several exercises for strength, warmup and actual running practices to train us for a more efficient running technique. It was very tiring since I haven’t done any of these in a long time. But it really woke me up and got my blood running. 


Photo by Shape


After a while, though, I was feeling pain on my right side (it’s called side stitches, now I know there’s a term for that). I normally experience this when walking too fast or running. Apparently, it can be caused by meals before running. There must be an interval of around 2 hours between a light meal and running to prevent this pain. I didn’t join the short run around the park. So I managed to snap a few more shots…




My new pair of Skechers GoRunRide shoes…


We had some stretching exercises after the short run then Raj gave us a few more pointers and a Q&A session. Did you know that milk is a great drink for after-running? It can even be a better option than isotonic drinks because milk has a lot of nutrients and will give you an insulin spike which will help your body in recovering energy. 




The back of our red Skechers shirt is cool. I love the statement…



We were treated to some light snacks of sandwiches, water and a 4-piece pack of Anlene chocolate milk. I was feeling pretty good at this time. The run and exercises really gave my body a good boost!


Thanks to Shape and Skechers for this activity and the goodies. I was really convinced now to start planning my regular running routine. Maybe I’ll start with every Saturday first then eventually do twice a week. 

Here’s the ultra comfortable pair of Skechers…




Which, by the way, also came with extra pair of turquoise laces…



I just love the interesting tags with snippets of the technology behind the shoes…



NOTHING to slow you down. Gets you motivated, doesn’t it?


I’ve now set my mind to doing weekend runs. First, I need to get new sets of running shorts or knee-length pants. My old pairs of exercise pants don’t fit anymore! This simply means I REALLY need to do more exercise, be fit and lose weight…


My Skechers running shoes are waiting so I’m looking forward to an early morning run starting this Saturday. Hope you are also planning to do some fitness exercise soon! Let’s do it, ladies!








Fashion Nail Sticker for Beautiful Nails

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I’ve been using nail polish and a lot of different types, styles and brands but I have to admit that I haven’t tried using nail stickers before. I got the idea to finally try it because of a dear friend who wittingly asked me, “Why don’t you just use nail stickers?” when I was telling her about the long wait for nail polish to dry, especially on hand nails. I found out later on, though, that she herself hasn’t tried nail stickers!


So I decided to finally try the thing. I found a lovely, posh set from Sasa. They have several brands and styles available but I was looking for a pinkish or purplish color. I picked First Kiss Nail Dress in Marabou which has a mix of colors and faux colored stones.


The box says FASHION THAT STICKS, LASTS UP TO 10 DAYS, which caught my interest. Keeping manicure in place and chip-free has always been a challenge for me. Being a working mother makes it even more challenging as I need to keep washing stuff and my son. Pedicure is not so challenging; it just stays nice and chip-free for more than a week. In fact, I only re-do my pedicure every 2 weeks. Whereas my manicure needs changing every week. BUTTER LONDON does a very good job for my manicure but if I wanted something more posh with artistic designs, I’d be lazy to do it with manual application by myself, unless it’s something like this nail sticker. 


First Kiss Nail Dress in Marabou

Unfortunately, the back of the box isn’t much help on giving more info and exact procedure on how to properly apply it on your nails. The pictures are quite self-explanatory but I was looking for more tips and if there are any other things to remember when applying it, like: is there a drying time, do you need to apply something first before putting the sticker on, etc. 

Back of First Kiss Nail Dress box

The box contains 28 pieces of the nail sticker in different shapes and sizes to fit the toes and nails, and a nail file. 



Since the instructions were not quite clear, I applied my own techniques for application. 

STEP 1:  I wiped my nails clean with nail polish remover.

STEP 2: Carefully choose the right size and shape for each nail.

STEP 3: Using a pair of scissors, I cut each sticker for the shape of the base of my nails. Don’t worry about the edge of your nails yet, adjust the shape of the base first

STEP 4:  Stick the nail sticker, starting slowly on the base first, where your cuticles are. Then press slowly from the middle going to the sides. This is to prevent crumpling. Don’t press the entire sticker at once. 

STEP 5: Using a nail cutter, cut the excess sticker from the tip. I find it best to cut the sticker and my nails a bit to ensure that I’ve perfected the size. 


It wasn’t very easy to do, especially for a first-timer. It took me a while to finish my hands and toes, at least an hour. The cutting and shaping takes some time, unless your nails are perfectly shaped based on the sticker shape. But it was worth the effort. Look at the result! I seriously loved it!

My nails with First Kiss Nail Dress






The ultimate question: does it really last up to 10 days?


For toes, yes, it does last. I am now wearing it for the 7th day and the stickers on my toes still look like they were freshly-applied. I am sure it will stay for several days more or even another week. It will also be very easy to retouch since you don’t need drying time. You just simply take out the sticker, clean your nails with nail polish remover, let it dry then apply a new sticker. 


For hands, it did last and stay chip-free this entire week. But I do take extra care such as wearing plastic gloves when washing dishes, washing clothes even while bathing. After 4 days, though, you’ll notice some fading on the tips as with normal nail polish but there was no chipping at all since these are stickers. And I loved it for that. 


Will I wear nail stickers again? YES! This is absolutely perfect especially if you’re attending a special occasion soon like maybe a wedding, big party, etc. In my case, I need lovely nails when I am about to host events for my job. So, yeah, I love this First Kiss Nail Dress. Not necessarily every  10 days but maybe once a month for those very important events. 


Where to buy: Sasa outlets

Price: RM26 for 28 pieces


Reduce Pores Instantly with Benefit POREfessional!

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Pores, pores, pores all over my nose, chin and cheeks have always haunted me. I used to have a lot of pimples when I was younger. Pimples on my nose, cheeks, chin and other spots on the face. Did you ever have those irritating pimples on the edge of your nose that really make you look funny? Or just under your nostrils and it’s so painful every time you wipe your nose? And the worst thing is you’re having running nose then you have one pimple right on your nostril? Agh, I hated those days. I don’t squeeze or pop them myself but I still developed big pores over time. 


Although I am using skincare products that address pore concerns, I still require an instant solution that will hide or, at least, reduce the appearance of my pores. Foundation does great magic but it’s just not enough especially for the size of the pores on my nose (gasp!). Thank goodness for skincare science and we now have access to quick-fix stuff. 


I’ve always been intrigued by Benefit’s line of products but so far, I haven’t really bought or tried any item. The product names are very clever and witty while the packaging design is just catchy. Have you seen Hello Flawless, Confessions of a Concealaholic, Benetint, Posietint, Some Kind-a Gorgeous, Stay Don’t Stray, Ooh La Lift or That Gal? The names don’t immediately tell you what it is but makes you curious enough to read on, don’t they? 


I haven’t tried Benefit products before but, well, there’s always a first time. The POREfessional has always caught my attention and when I finally finished my other pore quick-fix, I decided to give this a try. 


Benefit POREfessional


The caption on the box tab caught me: QUICKLY minimize the appearance of PORES

The POREfessional PRO balm to minimize the appearance of pores




I liked that the tube has a seal which makes the product less prone to oxidation before you actually use it. 



It’s also a thoughtful idea from Benefit to place a product insert with this item. It shows techniques on how to use it, even outlines the areas for retouching over makeup. PORES…now you see ’em, now you don’t!



I only need a little amount on each pore-prone area on my face. I apply it on my nose, cheeks, chin and forehead before my foundation. It does wonders to make my skin look even, less oily and, of course, almost pore-free. 



The texture is very smooth and silky, very lightweight and works well as a makeup primer. It makes my foundation glide even more smoothly and stay longer throughout the day. I tend to have some oily spots around my face but with the POREfessional, my foundation doesn’t clump at all. 


I’ve been using it for 5 days now and I’m lovin’ it! I made the right decision to switch from the other brand which happens to be a bit more expensive. 


Price: RM115 for 22ml


Where to buy: Sephora, Metrojaya Mid Valley, Robinsons The Gardens, selected Parkson stores, Benefit boutique and counters


What the box says:Apply this silky, lightweight formula to minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin. To use under makeup:Apply to moisturized skin to help makeup stay put. Focus on problem areas and blend with fingertips.To use over makeup:Pat on lightly over makeup and blend.