International Certificate in Wine & Spirit available at Taylor’s University

Posted on November 23, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Are you someone who works for a wine or spirit-related job? Do you serve or sell wine and spirits? Or maybe you are someone who is simply interested in enhancing your wine knowledge?

Working for a wine business, I know that it can be quite tough when you have no basic knowledge of wine. Luckily, I am working directly with a sommelier (that’s wine expert in layman’s terms) that knows wines inside and out. His generosity in sharing information has helped me in getting through a challenging start.

I’ve also attended some casual wine classes to learn a bit more about this very diverse and interesting industry. But then again, if you really want to learn serious, deep matters about wine, I believe that you need to go beyond informal classes to really dig down the subject.

In Malaysia, there are only a handful of sommeliers around. They are mostly working in hotels and restaurants but there aren’t many of them. And although this industry is still very small, I think that it has a good potential and the demand for wine experts will rise in the next years to come. Malaysia is a food haven of various cultures and techniques, with people who are big foodies and are willing to travel so far for good food. And the more people who enjoy food, the more chances of people exploring the exquisite delight of food enjoyed with wine or vice versa.

Great news! At Taylor’s University, you can now receive the International Certificate in Wine & Spirit or WSET for Level 2 and 3.

Taste of character

The perfect fusion of wine with food emits magic to any dining experience. Learn this charm effortlessly with the necessary knowledge, technique and skills regardless if you’re an enthusiast, beginner or professional in the hospitality food and beverage industry.

Taylor’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts is well known in the industry for offering highly sought after professional wine training programme. Specifically designed for working adults to further develop their wine knowledge skills. This programme is highly recommended for staffs who sell and serve wine, and to anyone who wishes to enhance their wine knowledge. At the end of the programme, you will master the classifications of wine, match it with the perfect cuisine, recommend the finest drink, improve on wine selling skills and serve wine skillfully.

About WSET®

• WSET® provides both part-time and full-time courses that will provide you with the foundation on how to select, evaluate, taste and serve wine and other alcoholic beverages.

• WSET® is based in London. It is the leading provider of World-Class Qualifications delivering informative and entertaining courses for the wine and spirit industry, and consumers worldwide.

• WSET® is the only wine and spirit education entity approved by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority, the UK Government’s regulator for education.

• Over 17,000 candidates in 38 countries have sat for WSET® exams in 8 different languages.

WSET Level 2

Intermediate Certificate in Wine & Spirit

Provides an in-depth understanding of the principles of wine tasting and evaluation, as well as the nature, history and production of wines and spirits. Also covers basic guidance on appropriate selection, service and understanding of the broad range of alcoholic beverages. Ideal for those who wish to learn more about the subject and for people who want to upgrade their skills and competencies in the customer service and sales functions in the hospitality, wine retail and wholesale industry. After the completion of level 2, you are required to sit for an examination to receive a certification of international recognition from Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) upon passing.

At the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• Have an insight of grape growing and wine making

• Interpret the labels of the major alcoholic beverages of the world

• Give guidance on appropriate selection and service

• Know the principles of wine tasting and evaluation

• Give information on the characteristics of spirits and liqueurs and identify major international brands within each category

WSET Level 3

Advanced Certificate in Wine & Spirit

This programme is designed for working adults who want to further enhance their knowledge about wines and spirits. The Level 3 Advanced Certificate gives comprehensive coverage of wines and spirits, with an increased focus on tasting technique and of the application of the knowledge gained. After the completion of level 3, you are required to sit for an examination to receive a certification of international recognition from Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®) upon passing.

You will have an opportunity to taste a vast selection of wines from major wine producing countries, such as Germany, France, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, South Africa and UK.

At the end of the programme, you will be able to:

• Explain the key factors influencing the production of the principal wines and spirits of the world and how those factors influence the style, quality and price.

• Describe in detail the characteristics of the principal wines and spirits of the world.

• Use knowledge of the principal wines and spirits of the world to make recommendations to customers in a variety of situations.

• Apply the principles of food and wine matching to the key styles of wine available.

• By the use of the WSET® Systematic Approach to Tasting, produce tasting notes and use the information contained within them to identify the style, quality and price band of wines and spirits.

• Provide information for customers and staff on the health issues relating to wines and spirits.

• Provide information and advise for customers and staff on the correct storage and service of wines and spirits.

• Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate awarded by Taylor’s University, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts.

• Upon passing the examination, participants will gain a certification from Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET®), UK.

• This programme is claimable from Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF).

Course fee includes study packs, notes and wines for tasting

WSET is suitable for:

Employees who sell and serve wine
Those who wish to upgrade their skills and competencies in customer service and sales functions in the hospitality, wine retail and wholesale industry
Anyone who wishes to enhance their wine knowledge

Time	:	9.00am – 5.00pm
Venue	:	Taylor’s University, Lakeside Campus
Fee	:	RM3,650 (Level 2), RM 5,000 (Level 3)

Interested? Call Taylor’s University – Centre for Continuing Professional Education at +60356295000 or visit http://www.taylors.edu.my

Be connected with Taylor’s via Facebook at www.facebook.com/TaylorsUniversityCPE

You can also download the WSET brochure here

Centre for Continuing Professional Education

Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, No. 1 Jalan Taylor’s, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Tel. +603 56295000

Fax +603 56295001

Email: cpe@taylors.edu.my

Let’s Create Safer Cities and Healthier Homes with Philips!

Posted on November 11, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Health and safety have become a major concern and challenge for the past few years. Being a mother of a 4-year old boy, my concern for safety is a daily affair and cause of stress. We parents need to protect our children and ourselves from danger. When I became a mother, I became more concerned of my own safety and health. Our children need us and we need to be more cautious and careful of everything we do.

But we can only make small efforts with great love. And now that Philips has launched the Innovation That Matters to You contest, it is our chance to get our ideas heard. What’s more, the winning idea might be turned into reality! Isn’t that great?

Ladies, gentlemen, girls, boys, mommies, daddies, everyone, come and join us in getting our ideas heard by Philips! This is it. Get those creative minds rolling. I’m sure we all have a thought or two to share. Instead of everybody complaining about everything, let’s get things done. It’s quite rare for a big, global brand to ask for everyone’s idea or opinion and it’s great of Philips to launch this contest.

How can you take part? It’s very simple.

STEP 1: Log on to http://www.meaningfulinnovation.asia/malaysia/ or just click here.

STEP 2: Choose which category you’d like to contribute on or choose both: Healthier Homes or Safer Cities. (I chose Safer Cities).

STEP 3: Contribute your idea.

Tips: Your ideas should be

a. Realistic – it must be practical to implement.

b. Sustainable – it should demonstrate long term viability.

c. Benefit many, not a few – the more people it benefits, the better your chance of having your idea implemented.

And that’s it! You can also share the contest on your Facebook and Twitter page to tell your friends about this great contest. After all, more brains are better than one so let’s collect more ideas and help make Malaysia healthier and safer for our loved ones.

Did I mention that there are wonderful prizes to win? Philips is definitely rewarding great ideas. Here are some of the cool prizes you might win:

How does it work and how can you help?

I’ve contributed my idea. Now, it’s your turn to contribute something that can hopefully help more people. Come and let’s all work together to build a healthier and safer place.

Join the conversations on #meaningfulinnovation on Facebook, Twitter @PhilipsMY and Instagram and visit http://philips.to/innovationMY to find out more!

The Malaysian Women’s Weekly and Guess Kids announce The ‘Most Stylish Mummy & Me’ Contest

Posted on November 2, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Attention to my fellow mummies who influence/ inspire their kids’ fashion and style: this contest is perfect for you!

Kuala Lumpur, October 31, 2013 – The Malaysian Women’s Weekly, a leading women’s lifestyle magazine in Malaysia, today announced the launch of the “Most Stylish Mummy & Me Contest”, a nationwide photo competition presented by GUESS kids.

The “Most Stylish Mummy & Me Contest” is open to all Malaysian citizens and permanent residents. Mothers who wish to participate simply have to submit a photo of themselves and their child (between the ages of one and 14), capturing their most fashionable moment together.

The top five winning mums and kids will be styled and photographed for the cover of an exclusive fashion booklet by The Malaysian Women’s Weekly, and they will also win RM5,000 worth of GUESS and GUESS kids shopping vouchers.

There are two ways to enter the competition:

A) Upload a digital photo at the website http://www.mumandme.my or,

B) Shoppers who spend a minimum of RM200 in one transaction at participating GUESS kids stores will receive a goodie bag consisting of shopping vouchers and GUESS kids merchandise worth more than RM200; a free makeover and portrait photo, and an automatic entry to the “Most Stylish Mummy & Me Contest”. Participants at the roadshow will also get to enjoy sweet treats and fun activities.

The roadshows will be happening at: GUESS kids Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, November 16 and 17, from 10.30am to 7pm; and GUESS kids 1 Utama, November 23 and 24, from 10.30am to 7pm.

The contest will run from November 1, 2013 to November 30, 2013. Winners will be decided by a panel of judges consisting of representatives from The Malaysian Women’s Weekly and GUESS kids.

For contest rules and entry details, please refer to the November issue of The Malaysian Women’s Weekly, or visit the contest page at http://www.mumandme.my

About The Malaysian Women’s Weekly

Launched in 2000, The Malaysian Women’s Weekly is a magazine that targets modern, multitasking working women who juggle many roles in life – wife, mother, career woman, daughter, friend… Inside the magazine you’ll find intelligent interviews with women making headlines, stunning beauty and fashion pages, and informative regular columns with expert tips on everything from career and health, to parenting and cooking. What makes The Malaysian Women’s Weekly a must-read every month is this unique and fabulous mix of the brightest in entertainment, the most inspiring real-life stories, the most practical solutions and the most trusted advice. With a circulation of 42,000, The Malaysian Women’s Weekly is on sale monthly priced at RM6.00.

About GUESS?, Inc.

Established in 1981, GUESS began as a jeans company and has since successfully grown into a global lifestyle brand. Today GUESS designs, markets and distributes full collections of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel as well as accessories. Throughout the years, the GUESS image has been portrayed in unforgettable, innovative campaigns that have made the brand a household name. GUESS is distributed throughout the United States and Canada in fine department and specialty stores, its retail and factory stores, and on its online store GUESS.com. GUESS has licensees and distributors in South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. In addition to shopping online, you can find more information about GUESS at http://www.guess.com.

For more information, kindly contact:

Neena Dewi, Manager – Marketing & Communications, The Malaysian Women’s Weekly
Tel: 03-7725 9998 / Email: gdneena@bluinc.com.my
Jeslyn Ho, Assistant Manager – Marketing Communications, FJ Benjamin Tel: 03-2056 8888 / Email: ycho@fjbenjamin.com.my
Emelia Soh, Executive – Marketing Communications, FJ Benjamin Tel: 03-2056 8888 / Email: emelia.soh@fjbenjamin.com.my

5 Great Disney Junior Shows for your Kids!

Posted on October 29, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Like all parents who have or had toddlers, I also endure watching the same shows that my child likes over and over again. There was the Thomas and Friends phase, the Barney phase, Hi-5, etc. Yes, Barney and friends the entire day. Then there was Lightning McQueen and we had to keep repeating the movie disc. I probably know the characters’ lines word per word. And more movies and shows arrived…Cars 2, Despicable Me, Ultraman, Power Rangers.

But there are regular TV shows on Disney Junior channel that I think are great for kids to watch, even over and over again. These shows assist in my son’s learning and development. So here are my top 5 choices of great programs from Disney Junior channel:

1) Little Einsteins

This show is about 4 kids named Annie, June, Quincy and Leo who encounter challenges then try to solve them using music and actions. Together with the help of their rocket ship named Rocket, the 4 kids travel around different places and they feature different arts and music in every episode. It’s very interesting to see a show for small kids that features classical artists such as Beethoven and Mozart, even paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. Aden may be too young for these but it’s such a good effort to start educating young kids about great artists.

2) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

This is the modern day Mickey Mouse and friends. Similar to Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse with his friends also deals with challenges and get assistance from Tootles who holds 4 different ‘mouseketools’ or items to help them overcome an obstacle. They do a lot of activities to solve problems such as counting, identifying differences, listening to sounds and combining colors. It’s really engaging and my son’s mornings won’t be complete without Mickey Mouse. This show has become my ‘pacifier’ to stop Aden’s tantrums every morning while getting ready for school.

3) Doc McStuffins

This show stars a little girl who plays doctor to her toys. She encounters broken or ‘sick’ toys and finds out how she can fix or ‘heal’ them. It teaches a lot of good manners, proper actions and right attitude for different situations. Although I find it quite unusual for Aden to like shows with a girl as the main character, Doc McStuffins is a great program that gets Aden engaged and curious about how things should be done properly.

4) Word World

This is probably the most creative kids’ show I’ve seen. Everything in this show is formed out of letters that spell the right word of each animal or thing. The program is filled with adventures wherein obstacles will be solved by building words. When letters are arranged correctly, it morphs into the object it spells. Word World is in fact an Emmy award-winning show and I think that it is a great program for kids to learn letters and spelling better because it makes them pay attention to how things are built through the letters. Clever, creative and fun.

5) Timmy Time

This show is almost purely visual, as the characters don’t speak words but just animal sounds. Timmy is a little lamb who faces adventures in school, makes mistakes and learns how to rectify them. Timmy Time displays problems that a child might face in school and shows how it should be dealt with such as sharing, being patient, telling the truth and more. I think it’s a good program for kids as they can relate to those situations and they will learn how to act correctly.

These shows are regular parts of our daily TV programme. I normally watch with Aden and some episodes are already stuck to my memory so I know what’s going to happen or how the story will end. It’s a good way to bond with a child. I talk to Aden about the show while watching, I ask him questions and I get him as engaged as possible so I can assess and make sure that he is paying attention to what he’s watching.

Disney Junior has more educational shows and I’m sure that every child will find several favorites from the lineup. After all these years, Disney still keeps making magic that influences children across the world. And I’m just thankful that my son loves Disney and has the chance to enjoy its magical world!

Dare to Wax with Bubble Gum Wax & Butterfly Project

Posted on October 26, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Always facing unwanted hair on certain parts of your body? Shaving regularly? Tired of it? Then you should consider waxing!

I say YES to waxing!

Dealing with those stubborn, excess hair is probably any girl’s daily or 3 x weekly affair. Hair on your underarms, legs, upper lips, brow area and even ‘down there’. I had the chance to be invited by Bubble Gum Wax and Butterfly Project to be part of a waxing session to experience Brazilian waxing by the experts from Bubble Gum Wax.

I have to admit that I’m not a ‘virgin’ to Brazilian wax. I’ve gone through several times way back when I was still in Philippines. But the last one I had was more than 5 years ago and I never had the chance to have one again since I lived in Malaysia. I got pregnant a few months when I first arrived here and I guess I didn’t bother to be smooth down there when I became a mummy.

And so I was delighted when I received a message from Tammy Lim to attend the waxing session. I miss Brazilian waxing! That Sunday afternoon, I happily joined other bloggers inside Bubble Gum Wax’s boutique for the first time.

The guest lounge beamed with pink decorations and other pink stuff. Pink food, pink balloons and other sweet-colored things. We were also encouraged to be in pink and black before coming to the event. The theme was fun, sweet and pretty. Bubble Gum Wax and Butterfly Project really pulled a great one!



Pink stuff everywhere at Bubble Gum Wax

Yummy pink stuff

And this has gotta be the sexiest cookie I’ve seen in my life…

Shop manager, Jess, Tammy and Illy welcomed everyone to the session. Jess gave a short introduction about Bubble Gum and some tips on waxing. I wasn’t aware that there are creams that should be applied to areas after waxing especially on sensitive skin.

Tammy introduced another exciting part of the session. Guests are challenged to create a decorative arrangement using the Bubble Gum Wax products and a shoebox. Something like this…

While the others started with their creations, me and 2 other pretty guests braved to be the first batch of Brazilian waxing customers. The waxing room is very welcoming with its candy and sexy legs posters. My first thought was, “Alright, let’s start getting smooth and sexy!”

And in no time, I was pretty hairless down there. The biggest question in everybody’s mind, especially those who haven’t done it before, was ‘is it painful?’ To that, I’ll admit yes, there’s pain to deal with but the benefits outweigh the short-term pain. If it can help others to better understand and consider doing this, I’m sharing why I enjoy Brazilian waxing:

Lasts longer than shaving. I have smoother area for a longer time unlike with shaving where I need to do it regularly. This is because waxing pulls hair from the roots so the growth of hair takes slower.

No cuts. Since waxing does not deal with blades, I don’t get cuts which can cause discomfort and sometimes skin discoloration.

With waxing, I have the option not to do it myself and leave it to experts. There are no shaving centers around, right? Not that I’m being lazy but sometimes, we hardworking ladies also need to feel the comfort of not doing everything ourselves.

It’s just sexy and nobody can deny it. Being smooth and hairless down there is, without a doubt, as sexy as anyone could be. It feels very clean, you can see everything, makes you feel light and more confident.

I enjoyed my waxing more because the waxing expert was also friendly and warm. Her name was Joyce and she was great. We talked about a lot of things while she’s doing her waxing expertise and without really noticing it, I was done in a jiffy.

I then faced the challenge of creating the Bubble Gum goodie arrangement together with the other guests.

A pretty guest wrapping her shoe box

Voila! This is my simple arrangement, which included Bubble Gum items such as a mug, Gelato cream, Aloe Vera cooling mask, hygienic wipe, spray, bubble gum sweets and more.

I had time to mingle around, see how the other guests were doing, and I found this lovely girl, Lulu, with her pretty arrangement. Lulu actually won the grand prize for her very creative arrangement later.

Lulu and her lovely creation

This is my first time to attend an event with the Butterfly Project group and I was quite happy to meet new friends and, of course, see a familiar face again. Although we’re keeping in touch, Tammy and I last saw each other more than a year ago at a blogger session that I held for a beauty brand that I manage before. Cheers to Tammy for organizing events and becoming such a role model and leader in a short time after I first met her!

Pinkish me with pinkish Tammy

The rest of the guests finally experienced Brazilian waxing and I believe everybody had a fun, enlightening time. Not only did they do something new but also enjoyed a creative exercise and 3 guests bagged prizes for their creations. Congratulations to the 3 winners!

I’ve been a big fan of Brazilian waxing but I haven’t done on other parts. Bubble Gum Wax also provides waxing services on other body parts such as legs, arms, back, stomach and more. If you’re not yet sure of going for Brazilian wax, maybe you can try bikini wax first and take it further from there.

Great news for men, Bubble Gum Wax has BOYzilian! Isn’t that clever?

BOYzilian available at Bubble Gum Wax

The prices are reasonable and I think these are just right for the type of service you’ll experience — like a goddess.

Enough said, there’s no better way to understand waxing but to experience it! So go ahead and give it a try. No more hairy secrets, no more shaving several times a week, just a smoother and sexier you!

For inquiries and schedule bookings of your waxing sessions, get in touch with

Bubble Gum Wax – The Waxing Expert

(My personal waxing expert was Joyce Chew)

F-1-7 Block F, Plaza Damas, No. 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1,Sri Hartamas, 50480 KL

Tel. No. 03 6211 5038/ 39

http://www.fb.com/bbgwax

Malaysian Women’s Weekly Style Workshop at M&S Suria KLCC (part 1)

Posted on September 28, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

Yes, I admit it, I’m not really fashion-savvy and with the additional weight I’ve gained post-pregnancy, I’ve become very reserved when it comes to choosing clothes or experimenting with different looks. Sigh, if only I can shed extra 15 kilos off by working so hard…

So when I heard about Malaysian Women’s Weekly Style Workshop, I knew I have to check it out. Would I miss this chance to meet and greet MWW Editor, Elaine Kwong, and Fashion Editor, Sabrina Salehuddin? And, of course, I also wanted to see the new Marks & Spencer outlet at Suria KLCC.

The BabyFootAddict with Malaysian Women’s Weekly’s Sabrina Salehuddin (left) and Elaine Kwong (right)

Fresh and feeling great on a Saturday morning, I was in front of M&S by 10am. The facade of the store is warm and welcoming.

Marks & Spencer at Suria KLCC, Concourse Level

The lovely morning started with greetings and introduction from Elaine. They will share 6 different looks with gorgeous models wearing Marks & Spencer items.

MWW Editor, Elaine Kwong

The pretty Ms Sabrina sporting a sweet smile before the model parade of styles…

STYLED LOOK #1:

First up was model Olga, wearing ox-blood-color skirt, white blouse, fitted blazer and black ankle boots.

I like this look because it’s something that I can see myself wearing on a normal working day. It’s sleek, stylish yet corporate. It’s even something I can wear to a business presentation with potential partners or board of directors. I’m just not sure if I can get away with this cutting of skirt as I have mummy-tummy and mummy-hips to hide.

STYLED LOOK #2:

Second look was with model Chloe, wearing printed dress with multi-color patterns in elbow-length sleeves and a pair of peep-toe black ankle boots.

I find this dress nice to wear for a normal office day, and as suggested by MWW team, can be thrown over with a jacket to make it more suitable for the office. Not recommendable for someone with my body shape, though, as my mummy tummy will surely pop out. But Elaine gave a tip of looking for a dress like this with folds at the right places to hide tummy fats.

STYLED LOOK #3:

Olga walked up in a lovely style of white-collared blouse, black cropped pants red jacket, black high-heeled shoes while carrying a small blue purse.

I’d say this is my favorite look. I loved the flair of this red color jacket over black-and-white attire. If I were to flaunt this style, I’d be wearing a pair of peep-toe, sling-back shoes as I really get uncomfortable with closed shoes especially pointed, high heels. But overall, this is such a lovely style and I’d be shopping one of these days to get this look!

STYLED LOOK #4:

Chloe came back wearing a cute, long-sleeved big shirt with Panda face, over full-length black leggings, animal print boots and a big bag.

This one’s for that casual, chic look and will look good for those with slim, long legs. Sabrina also showed other possible combinations such as this grayish, jeweled blouse.

I think this is lovely and I just wish I still have my old legs when I was only 49kg! If I were to wear this look, I’d be using a longer blouse to hide my oversized-hips and butt then glam it up with gold or silver open-toe wedges.

STYLED LOOK #5: Olga wore an animal print, one-piece fitted dress, gold necklace and black, closed, high-heel shoes while carrying a small, long-strapped purse.

This can be good for office wear but, personally, I’m not a big fan of animal print on dresses. I’d be alright with small splashes or accents of animal print but not on a whole piece. But this will still be great for ladies who love animal print even those who are not as slim as a model like Olga or Chloe. Of course, for those with bigger frame, I think that a small purse like this will not work well as it can accentuate your body size against the purse. I’d go for a mid-size or bigger-sized bag.

STYLED LOOK #6:

Last look from Chloe was a 2-piece ensemble of a printed white blouse and a printed black skirt. Shoes were peep-toe ankle boots.

I’m not used to seeing printed blouse and skirt with different patterns but this one is quite chic. I don’t think I can get away with the length of this skirt, though, so if I were to try a print-on-print look, it will probably be a pair of cropped pants.

Here are more looks from Malaysian Women’s Weekly Style Workshop on mannequins:

This workshop made me think about experimenting more with my fashion style despite the mummy tummy. Great tips and styles from Elaine Kwong and Sabrina Salehuddin! Thanks to MWW and M&S!

Okay, I’ve blabbed too much! I have to split this story into 2 and share more about what I did at Marks & Spencer after the Style Workshop: snooping and taking photos around the vast clothing collections, discovery of an instant solution to my bulging tummy and what I bought that day!

Sunshine September for Autism Awareness at Suria KLCC

Posted on September 23, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

Last Saturday, I found myself wandering around the lovely grounds of Suria KLCC. This place never fails to give me a feeling of thankfulness to have the ability to appreciate its grandeur. Maybe to some Malaysians, this is just an ordinary view, a simple building in this part of Kuala Lumpur. But to me, this place signifies magnificence, an enduring evidence of what this country has accomplished through the years.

Yes, it truly is a blessing to behold such beauty. But in this life and at this very moment, there are people who are less fortunate, children who are fighting for their lives and for their dreams. Suria KLCC, together with other companies, has put together an event to help these children — Sunshine September for Autism Awareness.

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills, typically appears within the first 3 years of life. It currently affects the lives and families of 1 in 600 Malaysian children. It is associated with rigid routines or repetitive behaviors such as obsessively following schedules or playing certain toys in a monotonous manner, etc. It is a spectrum disorder, variable in severity and in symptoms across individuals. It makes life hard and difficult for autistic patients and their families, health care providers and their teachers.

In Malaysia, persons with autism are referred to NASOM (National Autism Society of Malaysia) by government hospitals and private practitioners. NASOM has experienced a 30% increase in their intake for the past 3 years. Yet the waiting list gets longer each day.

I urge everyone to visit the Concourse Level in Suria KLCC and extend support to NASOM. There are so many children out there who need help, even a small effort can go a long way. There’s a big setup of Sunshine September with several booths where we can extend whatever support we can. At the HerWorld booth, for example, simply purchase an October issue and you will also get a 250ml The Body Shop gentle eye makeup remover.

There is also a memory game booth where you can win a gift.

This booth offers Sunshine September memorabilia at very affordable prices. There are thumb drives, T-shirts, garment bags and more.

Look at this purple plush toy, very adorable at only RM20.

There are also some paintings for sale. Gorgeous ones, really nice for home decor.

There are a lot of participating outlets within Suria KLCC who are contributing proceeds to NASOM this September. For a complete list of stores, you can check out the purple booklet distributed within the concourse level.

Let’s share some love, everyone. Visit the concourse level at Suria KLCC. And if it’s already too late by the time you stumbled upon this blog, please call +603 2382 2828 or www.suriaklcc.com.my to inquire how you can support NASOM and help autistic children.

Alternatively, you can directly contact NASOM at +603 7886 8233 or visit www.nasom.com.my

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

Posted on September 16, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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!

Chitosan Plus for Weight Loss

Posted on September 8, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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!

SHAPE Magazine and Skechers convinced me to RUN!

Posted on August 27, 2013 by CelesteDeJesus

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!