Meet my new best friend - Coffee!

Coffee was once my best friend, and it has become such a norm of life that I've taken coffee for granted. A few years ago, I compromised our friendship and decided to cut down on my consumption of coffee. However, I still remember...

How she wakes me up every morning.
How she soothes my nerves during mid-day stress.
How she keeps me going when I'm feeling not-so-myself.
Oh, just her scent, her aroma chases away the gloomy clouds hovering over my head.

During the Origins EnergiZing Workshop yesterday, I learnt a lot more about the benefits of caffeine and I'm rethinking about my friendship with Coffee.

I'm not an Origins user, but simply by looking at the brand, it gives me an impression of being an organic brand. And how right I was! Even their packaging is made from recycled materials.

The product in feature is GinZing™ Energy-boosting moisturizer, which contains Panax Ginseng and Caffeine (derived from coffee beans) for energy; and Olive, Wheat and Barley for moisture.

I took a sniff and my senses felt awakened! Although it smelled very orangey, the blend of citrus oils included Grapefruit Oil for anti-irritant benefits, Spearmint Oil for energy and Lemon Oil to dispel fatigue and increase concentration. (Aha, that made sense!)

All ingredients combined, they give Origins GinZing™ Energy-boosting moisturizer the 'power' to refresh and revitalise dull, tired skin!

Too good to be true? You can be rest assured because it is scientifically proven that after only one application, GinZing™ Energy-boosting moisturizer boosts skin's radiance, improves skin's hydration and makes the skin appear smooth and dewy.

So now, I'm making a vow to rekindle my friendship with Coffee, not in a cup but in a jar. Let's see if she can wake my skin up as she did with my morning cuppa.

For only RM100, it's such an affordable addiction and I (really) hope I'll be able to ditch all those excuses for not staying out late LOL ;)

Oh, I also found out that you can call Origins and book a mini facial session and bring home samples to try. Yes absolutely free! So why not book your sessions today, no harm giving it a try, right?

Happy getting a new addiction!

Expedition to Gawad Kalinga, Tanay Rizal Community Village, Manila, Philippines

Can't believe the CSR volunteer service happened so fast. And we have been backed from Manila for two weeks now.

As I sit down to reflect on the vivid memory, all I can recall are flashes of smiles.

Not the blistered feet from my torn shoes. Not the aching body from the manual labour. Not the throbbing headache from the lack of H2O. 

But the smiles and laughter of the little ones, and even the antics of all the Ate(s) and Lola(s) who were ever ready to entertain us.

From the one-week expedition, we only did approximately 8-10 hours of manual labour. Now imagine, another 1,992 hours to go in order to earn a house! Yes, the villagers are required to offer their manpower on site for a total of 2,000 hours to be eligible for one of the 200 sq ft houses.

During the closing speech, Teacher Arlene said that they were blessed to have us. But we were so much more blessed to be there. To be a part of all the efforts and hard work... and not just being able to help them in the littlest way we could, but also being able to learn to see things differently and to appreciate life as it is.

We saw the mothers and grandmothers cry. But I know that they cried not because they were weak but because they have been strong for far too long. Mine was tears of thankfulness that despite the hardships they had to go through, they didn't give up on life. And I pray that their prayers be answered as I saw many "God bless our home" signs but there was one that read "God bless our home...?" My only hope is that they don't give up just yet.

All the aches, blisters, bruises, sunburns, cuts, sweat, nosebleeds and dehydration... They were all worth it! Because this is one of a lifetime experience that cannot be bought, not even with the greatest wealth.

You simply have to be there to see their need, taste their goodness, hear their gasps, smell their courage, touch their hearts, and hopefully change their lives.

Happy giving back freely to the community, as life was freely given to you!

L'Occitane Opening Celebrations in Queensbay Mall

Yes, L'Occitane en Provence is back - brighter, friendlier and greener - in Queensbay Mall, Penang. And you wouldn't want to miss its Opening Celebrations from 12-14 April 2013.

The interior design exudes a certain warm aura that gives you a welcoming embrace as you walk into the boutique. Later, I found out that the new greenhouse concept boutique is designed and constructed with sustainable materials, in their effort to 'go green'.

The window display is so attractive, I'm beginning to think that it has magical powers that hypnotise people to walk in. *LOL*

The exploration started with a Lucky Dip at the entrance and woot-woot, I got a L'Occitane RM20 voucher!

When I see the crowd and queue, I can't help but assume all these people took leave for this Opening Celebrations. What do you think? Before you answer that, let me tell you... great minds think alike. So don't you agree with me?

My first stop is the Lavender field. Lavender emanates scents that capture the soul of Provence to calm and soothe the body and mind. If you have trouble sleeping, this may help you sleep like a baby.

Of course, I had to check out the men's range for the hubster... Like us, men are also merely protected by the vulnerable skin and they need some pampering too.

If you're a first-timer, who wants to try out the natural goodness of L'Occitance's products, don't miss the Opening Specials!

The Opening Specials are really attractive, each set is only RM99!

Best of Almost (worth RM157) - Shower oil 75ml, Milk concentrate 50ml, Hand cream 30ml, Almond pouch 

Best of Shea Butter (worth RM150) - Shower cream 75ml, Body lotion 75ml, Hand cream 10ml, Foot cream 10ml, Ultra rich lip balm 5ml, Shea wool pouch 

Best of Aromachologie (worth RM145) - Shampoo 75ml, Conditioner 75ml, Shower gel 75ml, Body lotion 75ml, Travel pouch

Jumbo Special

Purchase any two 500ml Jumbo size items, and receive a FREE Limited Edition Umbrella!

Members Exclusive*
Present you L'Occitane membership card and receive an exclusive gift.

Early Bird Special*
First 300 customers who purchase above RM200 will receive a FREE Limited Edition "I LOVE L'OCCITANE" Tote Bag!

Instant Rewards*
Visit L'Occitane at Queensbay Mall and be entitled for an instant reward! Stand a chance to win RM100* L'Occitane cash voucher and other prizes worth RM20,000!

Bring A Friend And Be Rewarded*
Bring your friend to join as L'Occitane new member and when they purchase above RM350, you will receive a FREE Spring Cherry Travel Kit (worth RM85)!

*T&C apply. Normal retail items only. Limited quantity only. While stocks last.

After an hour of tour and getting to know the products better, I walked out with a few bags and I haven't been happier this week!

See these flowers? 

No I didn't buy them, they are on display (for over a year now), and they are called Immortelle or everlasting flowers... because they retain their form and colour when dried. Because they never fade, Immortelle is the key ingredients in the luxurious Immortelle Divine Trilogy.

Recently, L'Occitance introduced the new Immortelle Brightening skin care with the two key ingredients being Immortelle flowers and white daisy! If you didn't already know, I have a soft spot for white daisy.

Immortelle Brightening:
Cleansing foam, moisture cream, essence, brightening water
and concentrated 3D mask, cosmetic pouch

Thought this travel kit would be perfect for the corporate volunteer service expedition to The Philippines in two weeks time! So I didn't have second thoughts when picking this into my shopping basket.

Best of Aromachologie:
Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, travel pouch
(Verbena extra gentle soap purchased separately)

I tell you... L'Occitane sure knows how to pamper its fans!

Exclusively for Facebook fans, receive additional Best of Provence Travel Kit (worth RM120) with any purchase when you snap a photo with your purchases and upload onto Facebook. 

Lavender shower gel 75ml, Rose Des Champs silky body gel 75ml,
RM20 gift certificate

I can't wait to pamper myself with all these luxurious bodycare and skincare haul from L'Occitance en Provence.

If we don't take care of our body, where will we live, right? *wink wink*

So if you're feeling like splurging this weekend, come on down to L'Occitance en Provence new greenhouse concept boutique, GF-99, Queensbay Mall, Penang.

Happy taking care of your body!

True story: She whacks me, all over

She takes my breath away
She doesn't fail to lift my day
She makes my heart beat fast
She doesn't complain or protest

She makes me drench in sweat
She doesn't nag, yell or get upset

Truly, there's so much more to this plastic relationship

Hate it when she gets out of line and I'm whipped

Love it, mostly when I'm in control and she's sober

Before she gets rough and nasty, tripping me over

Leaving not just pain and burn but scars to remind me

To work harder, to be like her - strong, learn and sturdy.

My love/hate relationship with my new jump rope.

As Napolean Hill quoted:

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.

Fitness is like a relationship. There will be good times and the bad. There will be times when you stare at it and you will feel like giving up. There will be times when the couch-potato lifestyle seems easier and looks more attractive.

But remember, fitness will challenge you. All the time. It will inspire and motivate you. it will help you reach goals you never knew you could. So as wonderful as the good times can be, and as exasperating as the bad times can be - remember it is a privilege to be in this relationship with fitness... because many gave up too soon.

Happy sacrificing for the things you want most!

Let’s Shape a Sustainable Blogosphere Future Together

Responsible Blogging 2013 is a campaign calling upon the entire online community in Malaysia to rally for and support an ethical climate in the blogosphere for our mutual benefit. Let’s join together and show that we care.

The goal - 1,000,000 engagements; 2000 Bloggers; 9 Brands. Stand up for responsible blogging. Responsible blogging’s core concept is built on 9 Pillars, let’s see that is the 9 Pillars.

Responsible blogging 2013 campaign was presented by Ninetology Malaysia.

NINETOLOGY is an ASEAN mobile device technology company, strongly driven by the people’s pride and importance of being on par with global technology progression and renowned international standards. Phenomenal growth is what we strive for and we who have an eye for details, meticulous with elements of technology, art and beauty - ENSURES this. Inspired by bold & fast-paced lifestyles, products of NINETOLOGY are empowered by today’s solutions for practicality and functionality. http://www.ninetology.com

Now if you think we are onto something meaningful, and you think it matters to you, join us now, be one of the 2,000 bloggers to tell the world, we care! Join now at www.responsibleblogging.my