Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday Frolics - Are You A Vampire, Witch, or Zombie?

Today being Halloween, I thought a personality quiz along that line would be befitting so find out whether you are a Vampire (like me), a Witch or a Zombie. An interesting questionnaire too. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!



You Are a Vampire

Like a vampire, you can be a bit cold and heartless at times. You are very calculating.

You think with your head, and you know better than to follow your heart.



While you are as thick skinned and resourceful as a vampire, you aren't necessarily as evil.

You can easily manipulate people into doing what you want. Whether you actually choose to manipulate them or not is a different matter.



The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz


Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween!


Halloween is not officially celebrated here in Malaysia. In fact, I think it's rather discouraged, more so of late, because it runs counter to the popular belief system here, suffice to say that.

However, drinking holes and such are still places where people can go to for some Halloween feel if you are far away from home enough to miss it. Also, Halloween paraphernalia is also available in shops. Toys R Us is a great place to shop for Halloween stuff here in Malaysia. In fact, if you are looking for toys, theirs is THE place to go to.

Happy Halloween!


Image source: Google

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday Frolics - The Sky Inspiration Test

Oh, it's a gorgeous day outside today here in Kuala Lumpur! Though we still see a hazy KL skyline but clearly the sky is blue and the clouds cottony. Such a reprieve from all that drab rainy weather of weeks past.

Incidentally, today is the first day of the second 9th month in the Lunar Calendar. Baffling? Yeah, this year, we get two (double) 9th lunar months and today is the start of the second one. The reason for this 'oddity' or the 'leap year' I think it's called, is to re-synchronize the solar year with the lunar year - complicating stuff, this one. Suffice to know that there are two 9th months in 2014.

I thought a personality quiz about the sky is rather apt for this beautiful day. So, enjoy and have a lovely, lovely day ahead wherever you are.

By the way, have you entered for the Book Giveaway? Contest ends Sunday midnight. Come join, the more the merrier!



Beauty Inspires You

You are the positive and optimistic type. You can see how almost anything is a blessing.

You are a profoundly creative and downright delightful person. You inspire the world.



You are imaginative and even artistic. You have an eye for design and beauty.

You think there is too much ugliness and drabness in this world. You're trying to make everything a little more gorgeous.



Last Friday's Quiz: The Train Oracle

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Happy Deepavali - October 22, 2014

Malaysia is a multicultural nation. More than 10% are Indians, mostly Hindus. Here's a beautiful ad by Petronas to give you some glimpses of this Hindu festival. Deepavali or Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Enjoy!




** Btw, have you put in your entry to be in the running to win yourself a beautiful Batik book?

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway - Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition

Gosh, was I excited when a parcel I expected from Tuttle arrived. It was a pleasant surprise when I saw it was such a big and beautiful book. *Gasp*


Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition traces the origins of batik history, the materials, methods and motifs of the block-stamped and hand drawn methods, and the ways in which Malaysian batik has been transformed into a craft with international appeal.

Published by Tuttle Publishing, this wonderful book on Batik is written bv Noor Azlina Yunus in collaboration with Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, a charitable foundation set up by the late Endon Mahmood who was the wife of Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Noor Azlina Yunus has lived and worked in Malaysia for over forty years, where she has been involved in teaching, publishing and writing. She has a deep interest in the decorative arts of the Malay World and is the author of Songket Revolution.

All that you need to know about Malaysian Batik is packed in this wonderful book, Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition. This gem comes with 176 pages measuring 11.7 x 8.8 inches.


Chapter 1 starts you off on the story of batik where it touches on beginnings of batik in Malaysia, the trade paths, traditional fabrics and traditional wear. You will get to know about the roots of batik and forerunners of Malay batik plus the various types of kain (material) available and used.

If you are in the business of making batik products, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 would interest you where you would learn about the methods and materials used. Chapter 2 covers with much detail Malaysia's metal block batik including types of metal blocks as well as the process of preparing the cloth, waxing, dyeing - an elaborate process that is well-documented by the author. Accompanying pictures provide for better understanding.

In Chapter 3 the reader is exposed to Malaysia's new stylus batik. Again, you can learn about the materials and methods used in this new method of print. This new style brings forth a burst of vibrant colours and prints which pave the way for an exciting new chapter in Malaysian batik.


Malaysian batik has been given a new boost both locally and internationally thanks to the foundation, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia. This book does justice to the work of this foundation which took pains in organising various activities to promote batik - from local design competitions to various collaborations overseas at art festivals, trade fairs and fashion shows. From this book, you will get an idea of what constitutes formal and informal batik wear and the designers and their specialities. Designs by Melinda Looi, Tom Abang Saufi and Carven Ong are featured, among others.



Malaysian batik has evolved into a multifunctional fabric. Initially restricted to just the woman's sarong, new developments have allowed batik to develop beyond its traditional use as clothing to soft furnishings and decorative items for the home and the hospitality trade.

Nowadays you can find tablecloths, table runners, napkins, pillowcases, bed linens, cushion covers, wall hangings, photo-frames, tissue boxes made with batik fabric/prints. All these and more are covered in the book.

The author hasn't forgotten Batik as Art. If you visit the National Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur you would be able to view these original batik paintings.

Malaysian batik has come a long way and has now gone global.

After going through the book, I would say this is a must-have batik reference book for anyone in the batik industry - entrepreneurs, designers and students of the art - for a better understanding of the business of batik. And a highly-recommended book for everybody's coffee table, but of course.

Why do I refer to Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition as a reference book? Because besides information about the history of Batik and how-to's and so forth, you can also find an exhaustive directory of Designers, Entrepreneurs, Batik Art Schools - names and contact information provided. That's not all, for ease of reference, the Index is a tremendous help for you to locate the what and the who in the book. A really cool feature this one.

Yes, this too is featured..
This is what we refer to as a 'sarong'. It is a hammock for babies. Because a sarong is normally used, it has been named such. This hammock is still is use today more so in the rural areas.

Thanks to Tuttle, I now have a copy of this truly amazing book.

And now you can have the chance of winning a copy for yourself courtesy of Tuttle Publishing.

Here's how you can win:

1. Leave a comment here on this blog post and tell me your impression of Batik and/or tell me something about a Batik item that you own. That simple.

2. Please make sure you leave a valid email address with your comment (but this will not be published). Your email address will be used to contact you should you win.

3. The closing date for entries is Sunday, 26 October midnight. The winner will be determined through a random draw.

4. Should you win, you will be contacted for your postal address for the prize to be sent to, and the prize will be mailed out directly by the publisher, Tuttle Publishing.

5. Contest is open to all. Hurry, you have only a week to enter.

Kajang and Satay


Looking at the picture below you have to feel sorry for the town-folk in the 'satay' town. Yes, Kajang was hit by a flash flood two days ago.

Why 'satay' you may ask. Kajang, the town about 15 miles south of KL is known for its satay.

Satay (or Sate) is grilled skewered sticks of meat (most common here are chicken and beef) dipped in a peanut sauce. Satay is normally served with cucumber and onions and ketupat (rice cooked in a casing of palm leaves).

If you are visiting Malaysia, don't leave home without trying our satay. They are easily available from roadside foodstalls to hotel restaurants. A picture tells a thousand words.. here's a thousand words (courtesy of Google). Yum!

Christmas ornaments


When you see this type of items in the shops, you know Christmas is coming!

Unfortunately, we don't find many of these Christmas ornaments here in KL. These I found on department 56 villages here

Talking about holidays, we have two public holidays lined up next week.




Hindus will celebrate Deepavali on Thursday, October 23, and Muslims will celebrate Awal Muharram on Saturday, October 25.

If one takes off on Friday then it'd be one long weekend. Sweet!

Friday, October 17, 2014

Topless sunbathers at Port Dickson beach

Actually I was going to talk about honeymoon lingerie but the article on topless sunbathers on our own shores cut the queue.

The image below is real. It was taken at Port Dickson, a seaside beach town an hour's drive south of Kuala Lumpur.

According to The Star, the four women were spotted at Pantai Saujana beach at about 3pm recently.


People were shocked. But the women did not look bothered at all.

An eyewitness claimed that the women even removed their bikini bottoms when they were done with their swimming and came back to the beach.

Eventually they became irritated and left as the crowd grew to stare.

By the way, if you are thinking about doing that, you can forget it because here in Malaysia going topless in public is not allowed.


Image courtesy of The Star.

Friday Frolics - The Train Oracle

I don't know about Smart but these just hit the nail on the head. Ouch!

You love concrete information. You are definitely a just the facts type of person.
You enjoy reading, especially nonfiction. You can get lost in books and magazines.



Your turn and oh, happy Friday.

**Just a hour ago was thrilled to see bright sunshine outside but now it's drizzling and drab again. Parts of the city/Klang Valley have been hit by flash floods these past few weeks like a very bad one in Kajang again yesterday.

Now, happy Friday frolicking..



You Are Smart and Stable

You love concrete information. You are definitely a just the facts type of person.

You feel most comfortable when you understand what's expected of you. You appreciate structure.



You enjoy reading, especially nonfiction. You can get lost in books and magazines.

You are family oriented. Some of your best memories revolve around the family dinner table.



Last Week's The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz


Thursday, October 16, 2014

How to Make your own Seats and Cushions

Ever thought about making your own sofa cushion? For most of us, that could be a far-fetched idea when you can easily go out and buy it.

But then again there's really nothing to it if you just know what materials to buy and how to go about putting the materials together.

For the do-it-yourself in you, how to make your own seat and cushion can be found in the link above, on the first line.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Win Yourself a Malaysian Batik book

I know, I know, I'm delinquent on this. My apologies (for the delay) to those of you who are in the know about this book giveaway.

I'm supposed to do a review of this enchanting book, Malaysian Batik - Reinventing A Tradition - and then subsequently run a little exercise to determine the lucky person to receive this beautiful book courtesy of Tuttle Publishing.

I hope to get it going end of this week, so watch out for it. You don't want to miss the chance to win yourself this wonderful book to add to your collection. And the good news is, it's open to everyone anywhere in the world.

So, stay tuned!


Sunday, October 12, 2014

Learning to make soap


One of these days, I'm going to learn how to make soap. You bet! Just the thought of being able to make your own soap is so thrilling, yes?

I've always marvelled at friends who have such creative talents. Oh, those lovely pieces of pottery that come out of the kiln of a girlfriend's are to die for, really! Yet another crochets pieces of clothing and stuff to give away. How sweet! And there's Ai Shiang of course. Her soaps are so delicious-looking you are tempted to say Bon Appetit! LOL!

But of course there are lots of soap choices online. One such soap as in the image is the invigorating molton brown soap, a black pepper bodyscrub soap that is sure to give your body a good recharge at the end of a long day.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Haze in Kuala Lumpur

Is there haze in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding areas? You bet!

This image is on The Star today that comes with this caption: Gloomy: The API reading at 3pm may be 82, which is moderate, but it is hard to make out the Putrajaya signage.


Today, air quality has turned for the worse. Let's take a look at the API readings from DOE for KL and other places in the country..


However, the good news is ‘Hazy skies will not last long’.


Friday Frolics - The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz

This being the month of Halloween, perhaps a Halloween quiz is in order..

Happy Friday everyone, hope the air at your place is better than the haze we are having in Kuala Lumpur. Still, there are worse things.. :D



You Are a Happy, People Person

You are a gleeful, exuberant person.

You enjoy a good party, and you even enjoy a good brawl.



This Halloween, there is no question what you should be... a pirate!

The candy you should give out: peanut butter cups

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Dogs and Arthritis

Do you have a dog and do you sometimes wish that your dog could speak especially when he or she is not his or her usual self?

A co-worker recently brought her dog to the vet's and found that her canine friend has arthritis. Yeah, many people who do not have dogs are not aware that they too can be unwell with human conditions.

I read on this site: http://entirelypetspharmacy.com/posatex-otic-suspension-15-gm.html

about Posatex Otic Suspension and that it is is an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal medication for dogs that treats otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast and bacteria. Check out the site for more information.

Monday, October 6, 2014

How to save on your grocery bills

So far, Google's weather forecast has been pretty accurate. Looks like we are slated for more rainfall this coming week though it'd be cooler on the plus side. But hopefully not another round of carpark flooding like the other day.


We are still enjoying the Hari Raya Haji holiday today so the malls and eating places are seeing a lot more activity than if it were to be a workday.

If you plan on stocking up on your groceries, today could be a good day. I noticed from the ads in the papers, that super/hypermarkets like Giant and Aeon Big are having big discounts on certain items such as whole chickens, fish, red onions, Dutch Lady to name a few. Come to think of it, these stores normally have price cuts during weekends so it could help consumers realise some savings there. This probably is the next best thing to extreme couponing. Yes?

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Looking for a Tablecloth or two?

Tablecloths, do you need a tablecloth or two or more and can't seem to find what you are looking for? Try the Internet. I know, what a cliche, right?


120" tablecloths has an AMAZING range of tablecloths of any texture for any occasion. Don't just take my word for it, just check out the site, will you. You'd be so spoilt for choice! Happy shopping!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Quality automotive lighting products and accessories

Have you called Simon yet? Gotcha!

Actually this post is about buying the real stuff and not to be caught with inferior imitation products. I'm talking about the latest in cutting-edge quality automotive lighting products and accessories at an affordable pricing too.

Based in the West coast of North America, Xtralights is fully committed to supplying both retailers and wholesale customers with the latest in cutting-edge quality automotive lighting products and accessories and at affordable prices.

Established since 2003, their customer base has been growing ever since and it's not difficult to see why. Their existing customers stay loyal, due to the great service and support that they take genuine pride in.

Check out the site which is easy to navigate. Items are categorized according Makes including American Makes, European Makes, Japanese Makes and Korean Makes. You will also find Motorcycle Makes. Or if you prefer, you can shop by Brand.

Friday Frolics - The Beach Postcard Test

This is going to be a slightly longer weekend to celebrate Hari Raya Haji which falls on Sunday thus Monday is a replacement holiday.

A Beach Vacation personality quiz would be most apt this week.

Happy holiday to everyone!




Your Ideal Beach Vacation Is Cozy

Your idea of a day at the beach is one that feels as natural and as homey as possible.

You dream of living at the beach, and even if you can't live there permanently, you'd like to be there a while.



Your dream beach getaway would place you right on the beach with your own private quarters.

You'd love to wake up to a beach sunrise and wind down with a beach sunset. And listen to the ocean crashing as you sleep.



For you, the beach is a place to get warm and sleepy. Once you get comfortable, you never want to leave.

More than any type, you belong on the coast permanently. If it isn't already, then it should be your home.



Have you taken last week's quiz? The Elegant Chandelier Test

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Flash floods hit Kuala Lumpur yesterday

As forecasted, Kuala Lumpur was drenched yesterday.

Heavy rainfall in the city for just an hour and a half in late afternoon resulted in flash floods in certain low-lying areas. One such is this public carpark at Jalan Pinang (image courtesy of The Star). Just for bearings, Jalan Pinang is right smack in the busy commercial KLCC area, an area where there are lots of offices and 5-star hotels.


The Star also reported that:

Traffic at Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang came to a complete stop when water levels rose rapidly, while the pedestrian bridge at the Chan Sow Lin LRT station was closed due to flash floods at Jalan Yaacob Latif near the Cheras roundabout tunnel.

A spokesman at the centre said there were also reports on other affected areas in Jalan Jelatek (near the Setiawangsa LRT station) and Jalan Melayu.



Just a peek, here are a couple of screenshots from Google maps on the location of Jalan Pinang (top half of image) and the bottom half is the fountain area outside the Petronas Twin Towers in KLCC. This is a popular spot in the evenings - a relaxing place to just sit and watch the fountain do its thing. Starbucks is one of the outlets here enjoying this view.

If you look at the bottom half of the image below, you will see the Petronas Twin Towers at 12 o'clock while the shopping mall, Suria KLCC, is the two beige blocks on the left and right below the twin towers.



Tip: For more of Petronas Twin Towers or the other goings-on of Kuala Lumpur, check out the Labels below at the end of post.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Weather and Haze in Kuala Lumpur - October 1, 2014

Hello from Kuala Lumpur!

I received some queries about the weather here in Malaysia so thought this little infograph from Google on the weather here in Kuala Lumpur for the next week or so could be helpful.

And yes, the haze is back. It turned for the worse yesterday, a little better today but readings from the Department of Environment show that we are still within safety limits, hovering around the 50s in West Malaysia and healthy levels in Sabah and Sarawak.

So, welcome to Malaysia!