About The Blogger

My name is Tammy Lim and I am an award winning blogger from Top 10 Malaysia Magazine and Cleo Malaysia Magazine. I have been blogging since 2008 and I am also the founder of a local Malaysian beauty & lifestyle community called The Butterfly Project. People often tell me that I'm a wonder woman, but in reality - if it's something you love, you can do wonders.

When I'm not wondering, I'll be on my computer searching for the next fountain of youth or hunting down a fantastic deal. I'm also a shopaholic, wanderluster, spa enthusiast and proud hipster who loves planning special occasions and surprises for her loved ones.
  • Top 10 Female Bloggers in Malaysia Award
  • Cleo's Next Top Blogger Malaysia Award
  • Founder of The Butterfly Project Malaysia



  • Short Trip to Bangkok & A Brand New Phone

    3.30.2015

    level up :D yay

    I got a brand new baby today! It's the iPhone 6 64GB Gold, replacing my iPhone 5s. I'll be flying off to Bangkok for a short stay with my mom. I couldn't let her travel alone so I have decided to follow her there. She wants to buy materials for her clothing project from Bangkok's Chinatown which apparently is one of the largest Chinatown around, bigger than New York. I though I catch Nanta (Korean Musical Cooking Show) while I'm there and eat coconut ice-cream at Khao San Road. Also I can't wait to snap photographs of the streets in Bangkok and eat the street food again! My favourite are Thai Beef Noodles, the pandan pancakes, tom yum soup, Thai basil chicken rice with egg and their milk coffee. I'll be staying at Pratunam area because it's convenient to the shopping malls, food and BTS.

    Here's my 3D2N Bangkok Itinerary:

    Day 1: 
    11.30am - Goodbye Kuala Lumpur, here I come Bangkok!
    2.00pm - check into Budacco hotel, Pratunam
    2.30pm - grab lunch at my fave noodle store nearby
    3.00pm - bring mom shopping Plantinum Shopping Mall / Central World / MBK / Siam Paragon
    7.00pm - Khao San Road

    Day 2: 
    9.00am - bring mom shopping at Chinatown (whole day)
    7.30pm - Pick up to Nanta Cooking Show
    8.30pm - Nanta Cooking Show
    10.00pm - massage massage massage =)

    Day 3: (Free & Easy)
    12.00pm - check out
    3.15pm - goodbye Bangkok!

    Khao San Road, Bangkok
    :: source ::

    Chinatown (Yaowarat), Bangkok
    :: source ::
    Cooking Nanta Show at RCA Plaza, Bangkok
    :: source ::

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    Sangkaya Coconut Ice-Cream

    3.29.2015

    the coconut ice-cream

    It just so happens that I chance upon the infamous Sangkaya coconut ice-cream everyone is talking about on Facebook at The Markets, Jaya One. It sure is high time someone just replicate the coconut ice-cream in Bangkok so we locals can enjoy the taste of coconuts and monkeys running about in our tongue. Curious, I bought their signature at RM9.90 and watch as my ice-cream unfolds right before my eyes. I was asked to choose 3 kinds of toppings so my choice was char roasted coconut flakes, peanuts and corn. Halfway eating, I started to drip ice-cream all over myself and the floor no thanks to the cracked coconut shell given. I wonder if that's on purpose or my shell was "defective".  My verdict? It tastes close to the coconut ice-cream in Bangkok but creamier and smoother. Bangkok's taste fresher, purer and melts in your mouth. 

    How To Delay Your Period

    3.28.2015

    planning a holiday but your period is coming?

    I thought I share about how I delayed my period when I had to travel to a beach getaway last year with my friends. You know how you plan that big day and then you get a feeling that your period is about to come? or suddenly you feel cramps and you  know miss PMS is visiting soon? I use a period tracker app on my iPhone, it's called the period tracker. It's pretty useful to keep track of you period, your ovulation days, and safe days. It'll also give you a summary of how long your period last for, and you can insert lil' cute notes like moody, etc on it.

    the period tracker

    For those who's planning to get pregnant, this app allows you to estimate when you're fertile and your ovulation day (which is all an estimate based on your period cycle). You can put lil' hearts called "intimate" days to track your baby making diary. Download the app from itunes here (apple users) | google play store here (android).

    Anyway back to how to delay your period, just head over to the pharmacy and ask for Norcolut from the pharmacist. Let them know what you're looking for, they're able to ascertain what you need. It's a box of 20 pills for RM8. Norculut is to be taken before your period comes (3 days at least), every morning 3 times a day. Your period will be delayed and once you stop the medication, your period will return. This medicine is also used to induce period. I've tried it even on the day I see spotting and it still works (guess just me).

    I thought I share this as it would be helpful for those who's getting married and you don't want to have ops "accidents" on your white dress. Go on holidays with ease of mind, or swim without stuffing a tampon into yourself (I hate using tampons). Common side effects includes mood swings, tender breasts, etc check with your pharmacist.

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    Peonies I Heart You

    3.27.2015

    I can't stop thinking about peonies

    For the longest time, I have been thinking to buy a carful of peonies and decorate my room with it. I don't know why I have this obsession with filling my room with flowers, and peonies is just so pretty (closing my mouth, stopping my screams). They're prettier when they're closed, which makes me want to go around them like a puppy, stop and stare at them. I found out Petaling Street sells them by the stalks thanks to Mai Sarah's instagram. She was there yesterday buying a bunch for RM20 - RM30. Quite expensive but they're just so pretty. For now I'm just staring at pictures of peonies on pinterest. The pink ones mixed with roses and other types of fillers are so beautiful, just beautiful. I am so tempted to go to Petaling Street tomorrow to buy them and take photographs in my room. Looking at them just inspires me to feel beautiful. They tug my heart strings like no other flowers could, sighs. I wish I could wake up to a room full of roses and peonies. 

    Top 5 Fashion Stores I Visit (Regularly)

    where do I shop?

    I get this question a lot - "where do you shop?". Being plus size was borderline plus size now after losing so much weight last year, I still frequent the same stores because heck, I love clothes that's comfortable, casual and well big. I don't like wearing tents, but like the Olsen twins, I have a penchant for clothes that's extra large. I call them the anti-fat clothes, it sure slims you down if you know where to shop and what to pair it with. My top favourite would have to be Marks & Spencer because the clothes (there's sizes) gives a slimming effect to us beautiful big ladies. Uniqlo, H&M, Gap and Esprit are casuals for me. I love their fall/winter collection :) never fails to make me feel the holidays. As for Dorothy Perkins, I buy my jeans there in boot cut, denim. It gives the illusion of longer looking legs for me. Other stores I visit - Flow, Ms. Read, Cotton On, Springfield and Lalu (a Singapore brand).


    Winter is Coming...

    3.26.2015

    inspiration board wall for my next wanderlust adventure

    Recently inspired by the fall/winter fashion from Japanese magazine, I decided to tape pages from Jasmine magazine on my wall. It's just one of those visuals that inspires me in life. Someday I would like to own all these jackets, cardigans, sweaters in my wardrobe. I love styles that's demure, simple and comfortable. Also I'm saving up to travel to Japan or Europe this year, Japan on top of the list. Europe, I always wonder how it would be like. I know friends says it's depressive but that happens to be my middle name. My relatives Mandy Bond is there (dad's side) and my cousin Danny who became a daddy already. Curious, I should give it a go and explore the world for a change. Somewhere further than Asia perhaps as the only places I've ever been to is Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Singapore and Australia. Somewhere cold, because I love the chilly air blowing in my face.

    Meet Gudetama My iPhone Buddy

     look what I have from Japan!!!

    Ever since I saw Tenshi shared on Facebook about Gudetama, a weird looking egg on rice creature iPhone 6 casing, I went "OMG I WANT THAT". A friend happened to be in Japan at that time so I texted him to see if he could help me get it. It's only sold in Japan, and they have a line of accessories made under Gudetama's character. Knowing men, they probably wouldn't care what us girls tell them but this friend of mine actually went to look for it, came back and texted me to meet up saying he has a souvenir for me. I was like... meh the usual chocolates or key chain from Japan (which I have enough off, I don't eat chocolates or collect keychains). The only thing I collect is Coca Cola cans from all over the country. My friends would bring a can back from their travels.

    Blog Your Way To Taiwan Contest

    3.25.2015

    win a 5D4N Taiwan Trip for 2!

    Thanks to Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur, we are going to send a lucky butterfly and her friend to Taiwan! The trip includes a 5D4N stay, return air flights, accommodation and tour worth RM8,000! But wait who are we sending?! Let us have a blogging contest to see which butterfly has what it takes to go Taiwan!

    Easy peasy, tell us why you want to go Taiwan and how you will enjoy your trip inspired by 1 of the 3 themes available: Time to Eat (for foodies) / Time to Shop (shopaholics!) / Time for 2 Wheels (LOHAS lifestyle) 
    Tammy says: Taiwan is going to be reading your blog posts. This is your chance to gain exposure to be a travel / lifestyle blogger so give it a try! Who knows you win!

    How To Join?

    1. Register via Rafflecopter app below & like the FB pages.
    2. Blog about the contest (refer to app for instructions).
    3. Refer to information & pics here to write your post.


    Terms & Conditions:
    1. Contest is open to Butterfly Project members residing in Malaysia from 9/3/15 - 31/3/15.
    2. Incomplete registrations will be void.
    3. Grand Prize 5D4N Time for Taiwan Trip for 2 worth RM8,000 for the best blog post entry.
    5. Winner will be announced & contacted for prize collection.
    6. Selection of winner are final. No further correspondence will be entertained.
    7. Prizes are non-exchangeable.
    8. All data provided herein are governed by Personal Data Protection Act 2010.
    9. Butterfly Project reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions here without prior notification.
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    The New BOSS BOTTLED by Hugo Boss

    BOSS BOTTLED The Collection

    Is anyone on Tinder or any of those dating apps that's hitting the scene these days? I was introduced to an app where answering questions matches you based on compatibility rating. The questions are pretty entertaining at times, but there's a few questions I remembered that would make or break a potential match. Behold question "Is smelling good important to you?" of course I answered yes! I love a man who smells good. One that smells like a boss is even better. A man of today, a contemporary man full of charm, chivalry, courage and appreciation towards life - the modern masculinity they call it.


    Eat Shop Go On 2 Wheels in Taiwan

    3.24.2015


    Eat, shop & go on two wheels in Taiwan!
    Before that grab the best travel deals at Taiwan Travel Fair

    Whether you are considering a first or subsequent visits to Taiwan, there’s never a better time to tour the island than in 2015! Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur (TTBKL) is organising its first-ever Taiwan Travel Fair in Malaysia. With the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”, it will be held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, where the public can get the best deals for Taiwan travel at this one-stop event from 25 to 29 March 2015.

    With the first Taiwan Travel Fair, TTBKL hopes to present great value travel deals to Malaysian families. They have tied up with top Taiwanese and Malaysian travel agencies to offer a variety of exciting packages and the most attractive travel deals for all destinations in Taiwan. This also includes customised packages or tours specially-catered for Muslim visitors. 

    For visitors of the fair who purchase any tour package from participating agents, they stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw for every RM500 spent. Prizes include Taipei return flight tickets sponsored by China Airlines and Eva Airways; and East Asia cruise on Star Aquarius, Star Virgo and Aquarius liners sponsored by Star Cruises. So do make a date with us and visit the Taiwan Tourism Fair to bring back these fabulous prizes!


    The Taiwan Travel Fair will be held at the Oval concourse in 1 Utama Shopping Centre from 25 to 29 March 2015. Opens 10 am daily. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/tbrockl !

    Based on a survey conducted by Taiwan Tourism in 2012, the top attractions for inbound tourists are sights and sceneries, food and shopping. As such, the Taiwan Travel Fair will also highlight three major experiences under the theme of “Time to Enjoy Life”:

    Time to Eat


    When it comes to food, Taiwan has it all. Dine like royalty without paying a king’s ransom for it. From juicy seasonal fruits, sumptuous traditional Chinese dishes, healthy vegetarian dishes, icy desserts to creative tea drinks, Taiwanese cuisine makes full use of local ingredients and age-old techniques to surprise and satisfy your palate. Don’t forget the world-famous night markets, filled with the enticing aromas of delicious street food and snacks!


    Time to Shop


    Taiwan is a shopaholic’s dream come true, with many large shopping centres and chain department stores in all four corners of the island. Shop for anything you want, from high-quality made-in-Taiwan 3C products, to famous highland tea and handmade weavings. For the fashion lover, all kinds of affordable clothing, leather goods and branded products are at your fingertips. In Taiwan, you are sure to find just about everything you want.


    Time to go on Two Wheels


    These days, the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) trend is gaining popularity as people begin to be more health and eco-conscious. Taiwan is well-known for its LOHAS practices, and there is no better way to experience it than to travel along the breath-taking coastal highways by bicycle! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple yet wonderful things in life with your loved ones. 


    ~end~

    Caffe Crema Plaza Mont Kiara

     a lazy Sunday in Mont Kiara

    a cup of cappuccino to keep me awake

    feeling black & white

    Sometimes, when I feel overwhelm with the world, I go into silent mode and would be wandering around, spending time unwinding with my thoughts. Last Sunday, I took Uber to Plaza Mont Kiara, checked myself into Caffe Crema and ordered a cappuccino. I sat outside, peering into the sky. It was going to rain. I took out my phone and snap a couple of pictures, edited it on my instagram and share it on Facebook.



    Caffe Crema Coffee & Tea
    E01-02, Plaza Mont Kiara,
    Block E, 2 Jalan Kiara,
    Mont Kiara, Mont kiara,
    50480 Kuala Lumpur.
    Phone:03-6206 2237
    Hours: Open today · 8:00 am – 8:00 pm


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    Interview with the Juries of the Brush Contest

    3.23.2015

    interview with the juries

    I've got some pretty good answers from the judges last week at L'Oreal Paris Malaysia's HQ on the Brush contest where 10 finalists from Malaysia will go through another series of judging to compete internationally with 10 countries. In short for all u Malaysians here, the Brush contest (YouTube submission) is the Cinderella Fairy Tale of the make up world. One winner whose make up skills & personality shines through, will win a one year contract with L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer team worth 100,000 Euro, a glamorous star studded trip to Cannes International Film Festival, and not to mention all the fame & glory that comes with winning this contest. Here's to the 10 Malaysian finalists, make us proud and bring it home for us! I'm cheering u all on. Here's some word of encouragement and advise from the four juries of the Brush Contest Malaysia.

    the juries last words to the final 10

    Of course, when it sums down to the heart of the competition, the happy bunch (juries) shared their thoughts on the overall journey, qualities the winner should have and what it takes to be the best. Should the contest be a success, L'Oreal might consider making it a yearly activity to inspire make up artists in the industry, whether amateur or professional.

    :: Darren Ho, the General Manager of L'Oreal Consumer Division
    encourages the finalists to enjoy the experience, be full of energy and be an inspiration to all. This is the first time L'Oreal Paris launched a makeup designer contest exclusively on youtube where 11 countries will be participating and the winner will not only enjoy the prizes but be given an opportunity to work with L'Oreal Paris Makeup Designer team for a year.

    :: Geraldine Loy, Professional Makeup Artist gave her feedback in terms of technical skills. Always be one step ahead, focus and be confident. A makeup artist must possessed the skills to innovate, study facial features, play with colours, create dimensions and the technique to shine it through. Be versatile she says. They are half way there to complete their dream.

    :: Emma Chong Johnston, Editor-In-Chief of Tongue in Chic advises the finalists to show their personality and be comfortable in front of the camera. It's going to take the best of the best to compete internationally and it's not just about the makeup skills, your personality the overall package will be taken into consideration as well.

    :: Megan Tan, TV Host & Celebrity cheerfully agrees with Emma and adds that this is golden opportunity for all the finalists to compete in the National Finals. She gave a big smile and encourages the finalists to smile and be confident. Jump and give it all you've got and when in doubt ask questions, you have got nothing to lose!.

    I'm rooting for all 10 of you to shine your way to the National Finals and to the winner competing internationally, make our country proud and bring the trophy home! I'll be stalking from home. For more information about the Brush contest click here and to follow updates on social channels using via #TheBrushContest. This is Tammy, L'Oreal Paris's blogger who interviewed the juries signing off.

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    Si by Giorgio Armani Review

    3.22.2015

     embracing the beauty of life with Si by Giorgio Armani

    My favourite perfume this month is Si by Giorgio Armani. I can't say how much I love this perfume! It's really the embodiment of how I feel about life as a women. The eau de parfum, captures life in a bottle and gives you the courage to look at life's bitter sweet moments in the eye, embracing the beauty of it not knowing what will happen, and make wonderful memories out of it.

    Spotlight Ikano Power Centre Grand Opening Sale

    3.20.2015

    shopping day at Spotlight, Ikano
    (bought 100% feather pillow at 40% off!)

    Being a blogger has its perks. You get to discover things before they launch in the market, invitations to store and movie previews, and review products and services. I love being one but I'm quite picky as to what I blog about because first, I need to be convinced it's blog worthy. That's pretty easy, either it's something I like, would like or think it's relevant to my readers. Shopping has always been one of my favourite activities as a blogger so when Spotlight, one of the craft and wonder store I stalk back in Melbourne announced they're in Malaysia, I went crazy!.

    Machines Clearance 1Utama (Bargain Corner)

    3.18.2015

    today's machine haul

    Alright to all you apple fan boys and girls, Machines is having a clearance at the Bargain Corner, 1Utama (Rainforest Ground Flr). Today's the first day and you can get casings for your apple products from RM10 onwards. Just to name a few things I spotted, iPhone crystal screen protector RM5, RM10 for 3 iPhone casings, RM20 leather sleeves for Macbook Pro 15", RM20 for Macbook Air 11" and the display apple products will be on sale this Friday. Basically you can find casings at an average of RM10 for iPhone 4 - 5s. Casings for iPhone 6 is limited, same goes to iPad 2 to new iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini. Powerbanks (below 10K mAh) are priced from RM20 onwards.

    The Best of Haagen-Dazs Creations

    the signature collection - Haagen-Dazs Fomdue RM68

    There's no denying my love for ice-cream, it's the only dessert I eat. I don't like cakes, chocolate, sweets, bread, pastries, oh whatever in the line of desserts because nobody can steal ice-cream from my heart!. My favourite ice-cream? No other than Haagen-Dazs, the only one membership card I carry for dinosaur years. They served the best of ice-creams there is and if I would quote from The Joy Luck Club, highest quality gets my money. I get a 15% off for purchases above RM50 and on my birthday month, a 30% discount and free scoop of ice-cream to show off my birthday smile. Which is great because last year, I threw a ice-cream fondue birthday party at Haagen Dazs Soho Mont Kiara on New Year Day (yes I'm a New Year baby) and I utilised the 30% to treat my friends to 12 whooping awesome fondues! They loved it to bits and were a bit crazy after being high on chocolate.

    Bad Experience at I Style Beaute Santuary (Eyelash Extension)

    3.16.2015

    DO NOT BUY THIS GROUPON

    Sharing my review on I Style Beaute Santuary, SS2 PJ as I am not happy paying full price for "eyelash extensions" done recently. I found this salon from Groupon, as I believe we should all try out a merchant's services before paying a full good price only to regret later on. In Malaysia, one has to be very wary of all the unscrupulous, unprofessional and half past six services given to consumers. As such I am sharing my latest encounter with such merchants in the Klang Valley to avoid burning your hard earned money away.

    P.S: I don't normally like to bash people, but this is one experience I can't sweep under my carpet.

    A Reminder of Hope, Love & Faith

    I cried when I read her message

    My weekend was packed as usual but I promised Kiersten I would see her for dinner, drinks and catch up with each other. When we got to my favourite bar, she whipped out a tiny white bag out from her Prada handbag and said "I got you this, just because". WHAT? Just because? do people buy gifts just because these days? I kinda shrieked back at her. She knew my obsession with Pandora (blog stalker) and had been wanting to give me something for my birthday. Being quite the OCD, she had to do her research and visit the Pandora outlet until she was satisfied with the one charm that would take my breath away and give meaning to my life.

    number76 Deep Layer Hair Treatment Review

    my visit to Number76 Mont Kiara

    number76 is not stranger to city folks, especially to those who's into Tokyo street fashion where dip dyes and ombres in pink, purple and yes rainbow colours dominates the scene. Before Chinese New Year, I had my hair done at the Bangsar outlet (next to the post office). What did I pay for? highlights, colouring, the Ultra Sonic Iron treatment (bday treat) and bangs (fringe). Of course after all that my hair needed some love so I was pleased to be invited by number76 Mont Kiara to try their latest hair treatment called "Deep Layer"a 5 step system to lock hydration inside and outside of your hair in short. I was pleased to know the products used is from MoltoBene, Japan which happens to be my current hair care brand obsession. They carry not only Bene Premium (read reviewe here) but also Loretta which is super cute. Currently I'm using their hair oil which smells like rose (super love this).

    love the feel of the place

    You can pretty much guess from the photographs I took using my iPhone 6, that I am loving what I see here at number76 Mont Kiara. The quaint, industrial inspired interior just calls out to me. Raw finishings, the use of bricks adds warmth to the cold atmosphere. Lights hanging nonchalantly, people at work and the quirky use of decorations at the front desk gives it a personality. A nice place to visit I must say. You won't miss this place, it's situated in Plaza Mont Kiara (Block E) just right after the fountain, you can spot it from afar.

    the Deep Layer 5 step system (hair treatment without machine)

    5 different products to lock in hydration in & out

    silicone free hair treatment system

    The Deep Layer hair treatment is an intense hydration treatment for dry and damage hair. Depending on how badly damage your hair is, the hair stylist would advise which step is needed. My senior hair stylist that day was Charles and he said because my hair was bleached for colouring, I would require to go through the whole 5 steps system to protect and treat my hair. It's about an hour process, most of the time I was sitting enjoying the hair massage and going back and forth to rinse and shampoo. Unlike the ultra sonic treatment which I think fares better than this treatment, no machine was used. It's purely relying on the use of products. My hair was slightly softer than before but I must honestly say it does nothing much to my bleached and coloured hair (take note) so the difference wasn't apparent. I could use home care products to achieve the same result. I would strongly recommend the Ultra Sonic Iron Treatment (RM268) slightly more expensive but does wonders.

    Deep Layer Treatment Price List
    2 Step System (light to low damage damage hair) RM88
    3 Step System (medium - badly damage hair) RM168
    5 Step System (for very damage hair) RM228

    P.S: As a number76 customer, I get to trim my bangs for free :) so I took advantage of that.

    softer, airy hair after the Deep Layer 5 steps system treatment
    (but imho, I need something more powerful)

        
        trimmed my bangs + treatment = happy tammy

    if you're interested to try the Deep Layer treatment
    (only at number76 Mont Kiara)

    what I am more interested in is the 50% off hair services!
    (only this month, t&c applies)

    Caffe Crema next to number76 Mont Kiara

    After my hair treatment, I enjoyed a cup of lightly, froth cappuccino at Caffe Crema which is the next shop adjoint to number76 Mont Kiara. They brew one of the best coffees in the Klang Valley and so far the only cafe with the popular cat marshmallow (handmade, a hit in Japan) which customers can purchase to make their coffee or hot chocolate super duper cute on pictures. I know because Candy a frequent traveller to Japan, bought me the cat marshmallow all the way as a present. It was sooooooo cute but it expires quite fast because it's handmade and there's no preservatives. A must visit, even just to snap pictures and basked under the sun in Mont Kiara. Oh yes it was a pleasure to meet the owner of this cafe as well, Elvin a coffee addict. 


    fancy a cat peeking out of your coffee?
    image source: mymodernmet

    Oh before I forget, number76 Mont Kiara is unique on it's own and carries exclusive hair care brands like MoltoBene's Deep Layer, Moe Moe, Loretta which can't be found at any other number76 salons. The products is sold here as well so :) if you're looking for Loretta products e.g the hair oil at RM98 which I am loving so much because it has a soft rose scent like Anna Sui. Doesn't weight the hair down, not greasy or oily after a throughly application and blow dry.

    number76 Mont Kiara
    E-01-02, Block E, Plaza Mont Kiara,
    2 Jln Kiara, Mont' Kiara,
    50480 Kampong Segambut Dalam,
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    book appointment via their  http://www.76style.com

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