L'Occitane's Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia

When All Eyes Fail, What Happens?

L'Occitane, a beauty and skincare company, hosted a unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event called "Dialogue in the Dark." They invited fellow media members to participate in various activities that involved walking in complete darkness using a walking stick, dining in the dark, and getting to know fellow participants without being able to see them.

imho a good team bonding activity as well

hansonglaw, faeizzerr, najihah shahrel, me & baby g, clarance & team, atilia haron

The event aimed to create awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and to promote inclusion and empathy through their ongoing Caring For Sight program. Participants had a chance to experience what it is like to navigate the world without sight, which can be a daunting task.

located at Level 2, The Strand Mall, Kota Damansara

The event was unforgettable as it challenged participants to step out of their comfort zones and rely on their other senses to interact with their environment and other people. The dining in the dark experience was particularly memorable, as participants had to rely on their sense of taste and smell to identify what they were eating.

National Council for the Blind members

Additionally, L'Occitane collaborated with the National Council for the Blind to provide activities like getting our names embossed in braille and a hand pampering session conducted by professional visually impaired masseuse, using L'Occitane's signature Shea Butter Hand Cream and Shea Noursihing Nail & Cuticle Oil. 

Overall, a unique and impactful CSR initiative that left a lasting impression on participants, promoting awareness, and empathy towards the visually impaired community.

P.S: Stay tune for the upcoming Race for Vision 2023 happening in September to raise awareness and fund eye care activities such vision screening, prescription visual aids and cataract surgery for deserving communities.

Dialogue in the Dark
📍Lot S-37, Level 2, Floor, Strand Mall, Kota Damansara
(left of BuyBye, accessible through a corridor)

Website: https://www.diadiscover.com

James Big Brunch @ Lou Lou James The Kitchen

Brunch at Lou Lou James The Kitchen

If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying big breakfast with lamb sausages in a hotel lounge setting with friendly waiters in fedora hats, Lou Lou James The Kitchen in Plaza Arkadia, Desa Park City is the perfect location. The el-fresco outdoor seating area offers the best view and is perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast. As we sat down, we were greeted with big smiles from the staff who were all so friendly and welcoming.

get hotel resort lounge vibes here

We started off with some freshly squeezed apple juice and coffee, and then we ordered the James Big Brunch, which was a breakfast feast for the senses. It came with generous portion of fluffy choice of scrambled eggs, turkey ham, juicy lamb sausages, big grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy hash browns. The sausages were perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, with a nice crispy exterior and juicy center. To top it off, there were sourdough toast to go with the baked beans.

Desmond enjoying his brunch

"James’ Big Brunch" RM39

Multigrain Toast | Lamb Sausages | Turkey Ham | Sauteed Mushroom | Baked Beans

Kampung Eggs (Scramble, Poached, Sunny side up) | Grilled Tomatoes | Hash Brown

The friendly waiters, dressed in their signature fedora hats, will ensure that your breakfast is prepared just the way you like it. They will also be happy to recommend other breakfast options if you're in the mood for something different.

Hana ordering her pet-friendly meal of chicken breasts & carrot
*for pet-friendly meals, inquire within for prices

In addition to the delicious food, the hotel lounge setting is inviting and comfortable, with el fresco seating and a cozy atmosphere. Their menu choices are western with an asian twist such as the 'Limau Pedas Mussels" a.k.a Chilli Lime Mussels and 'Spicy Gyutan Arrabiata' (Spicy Beef Tongue Pasta). And if you have a furry friend with you, there is pet seating available so they can enjoy the breakfast experience with you. Leonard brought his princess Hana today so she's having brunch with us! 

Limau Pedas Mussels RM29

Black Mussel | Lime | Fish Sauce | Chilli Flakes | Toast 5pcs

Spicy Gyutan Arrabiata RM35

Beef Tongue | Pomodoro Sauce | Chilli Flakes | Cherry Tomatoes | Onion | Garlic

We sat there for hours, chatting and laughing, enjoying the sunshine, and savouring every bite of our delicious meal. It was the perfect way to start the day, and we all left feeling happy, satisfied, and grateful for the wonderful experience.

Overall, the combination of delicious food, friendly service, and great views make for an unforgettable breakfast experience at Plaza Arkadia in Desa Park City.

Lou Lou James The Kitchen
F-G-5, Plaza Arkadia, 3, Jalan Intisari,
Desa Parkcity, 52200 Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 016-326 8209

⏰ Weekdays 4pm-10pm
⏰ Weekends 11am-10pm
Close on Mondays*

Wu Hou Fu Hot Pot Kepong Review

Wu Hou Fu Hot Pot Kepong

My childhood friend Kenby invited me to try a delicious new Sichuan hot pot resto that opened in Kepong last year, Wu Hou Fu Hot Pot. She said their mala is a must-try and that I would love it. It was her birthday, and she booked a VIP room for all of us! Thank you so much *finger love* 💖

Googling, I found out that it's one of the popular hot pot chains from Chengdu, China. As you know, Chengdu is famed for its signature spicy and flavourful hot pot dishes. But what surprised me was that this resto is under another hot pot resto brand, Shu Da Xia! I've eaten the one in Hartamas a few times because their mala is so good. Their fresh beef and lamb were of good quality, too—fresh, red, and inviting.

AMAZING INTERIOR DECOR

Upon arriving, I was amazed by the glory and size of this restaurant. It feels like a piece of ancient China was just transported out of nowhere. I was told that this restaurant is themed around the Three Kingdoms. They even have the traditional costumes for diners to change into for the Kodak moment. Seriously huge restaurant; one can even book the whole place to have a wedding feast. I know I would, because I love hot pot so much!

the resto is on the first floor of DSR Gallery Kepong

seriously huge, this is just one part that I snap

they have several VIP rooms available too

the lily pavilion is the most beautiful dining area with misty cold fog

the sauce station all the basics you need is here
(u can make their signature sauces too! just follow the board)
*unfortunately it's all in Chinese, bananas like me can't understand*

but I was super happy to know they have a giant pot of coriander!
(I love coriander so much so this makes me really happy)

our table full of their recommended dishes

When my friend ordered all their signature dishes 😍 it was a good chance for me to snap all the pics to share on my blog so I was really happy. So happy that I climbed on top of the chair to snap a top view of the hot pot and "ordered" my friends to be hand models for me haha. I wonder if they hated me *sorry* hehe.

I LOVE THE PRICES HERE!

The waitress who served us, was so patient in answering all our questions about recommendations and what's this. I took a look at the menu and was shocked that they weren't overly expensive! For a place like this, you'd think on average the dishes would cost rm20 - 30 a plate for the basics, but a pork belly slice costs RM18 only, and vegetables, snacks, and noodle selections were RM10 more or less! Shock die me.

👍 Triple Flavour Pot RM42

When the dishes arrived, I have to admit they're not very "extra" (styling/decor) but everything was fresh and of top quality! The portion is pretty standard, and for the price, I am not complaining. The boss came by and shared with us that the prices and location, were intended to serve the neighbourhood, to allow everyone in Kepong to enjoy good, premium hot pot at affordable prices. 

He recommended for us to take their triple flavour pot RM42 with tomato, three delicacy herbal broth, and their signature traditional Sichuan Mala Soup Vegetable Oil 🌶, but we opted for butter-based instead because we wanted the beefy mala type. You can choose the heat level on the menu (we took the mildest to be safe!). The mala isn't the numbing kind (or I think it's not, it's very aromatic).

I definitely will order the same soups again because the 🍅tomato soup is so good! It is as good as Habour Hot Pot's tomato but richer in taste, not diluted (I wonder how many tomatoes sacrificed for this). Absolutely drinkable non-stop. Its sweet-sour tanginess goes well with noodles and rice. The mala butter was so aromatic and beefy 🥩 that the whole room smelled of peppercorns. The three delicacies herbal soup definitely tasted very herbal (not my cup of tea, but will try mushroom next).

a feast in the VIP room min. spend RM500
(free booking if celebrating birthday)

fried beancurd stick RM9 / xiang ling roll RM13

sweet potato pasta RM6 / hand pulled noodles RM7

instant noodle RM5

konjac silk RM8 / 👍 kung fu green bamboo RM10

👍 Tian Xiang Marinated Pork Ribs RM30
*special recipe*

The first thing my friend ordered was this marinated pork ribs. I was skeptical at first, but after eating this, I knew why this was highly recommended. The marinade was good, there's heat and mala aroma to it. It goes well with the mala soup, which completes its transformation.

The Bamboo Shrimp Paste came in a set of two : spicy and non-spicy. It's fresh, bouncy, and juicy in the mouth! Another favourite on the table is the marinated lamb skewer on a boat. The chewy, juicy texture coupled with the scent of lamb make this dish delicious! *special recipe*

I'll leave you with the pictures of the food we ordered, but there were definitely the basic staples of hot pot meats and seafood that you can order for under RM20 per dish. The ones we had were all special and more premium because it's our friend's birthday!

👍 bamboo shrimp paste RM34 

👍 marinated lamb skewer on boat RM39 *special recipe*

👍 spanish iberico pork RM42

👍 shu han spicy beef RM27 *special recipe*

Iberico Abanico Strip RM48

the tiger prawns were served with half shell peeled!

👍 tiger prawns RM58 / fine fish fillet rm17
(we won the fish from playing the dart game!)

👍 rice cake with brown sugar syrup RM10

a must-have after a fiery mala hot pot

curious about the dart game? each table can play once & win a dish!

Dart Game Prizes (one game per table)
1 to 2 pcs: Pork Balls/Lobster Balls
3-4 pcs: fine pig five flowers / flower carving fish fillets
shot 5 all in: Spanish black fur pork/bamboo shrimp slippery

All in all, I definitely will come back here again and try the Mala vegetable next! If you're celebrating your birthday here, do call in advance to book and request the free birthday arrangement. My friend booked, but she never said it was her birthday. There's also a lunch promo of RM99 for 2 pax and many more promotions during the weekdays. Kepong people are really lucky to have a nice hot pot in their area! I wish there was a hot pot in Damansara Perdana, The Curve, or IPC.

甲洞武侯府火锅Wu Hou Fu Hot Pot Kepong
📍DSR Gallery Kepong, LOT 1-03, K-Gallery
No. 10 Jalan Idaman, Jalan 1/62a, Bandar Menjalara,
52100 Kepong,  Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 010-228 2820

⏰Weekdays 4pm-12am

⏰Weekend/public holiday 12pm-5pm

Balcony Bar Malaysia Review

MCO has taught me, your home is your sanctuary

so make it your very own oasis

After a year of having a balcony bar in my extremely tiny garden, I decided to take up the option to upgrade it to a stronger and more durable, weather resistant Merbau wood from the seller Balcony Bar Malaysia for RM100. It was also just in time, because Baby G is returning from Ireland for a visit after being gone for almost three years. He'll absolutely, definitely love the idea of his own mini bar with a view up here!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tammy Lim (@hellotammylim)

Curious what my old balcony bar looked like? Check out my first balcony bar reels here. Check out my IG reels! It went viral, with over 100k views during MCO. I know a few people who got it done after seeing mine, but I'm not sure if this helped the seller. He wasn't aware of the video getting so many views.

time to upgrade my "wood" haha

the seller came to install the upgrade and I got a free cover as well

the wood's nicer, and darker! I love it

see my happy face! thx to the seller for snapping these pics for me

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tammy Lim (@hellotammylim)

and this is how it looks like in a updated video!

The seller has expanded to larger and larger bars now. Mine is his standard start size. I was lucky to get mine when he started during MCO. Back then, the price was around RM250–RM300, but the wood was not as good. As a result of customer feedback, he has upgraded it to Merbau, and prices begin at RM350. Existing customers can get an upgrade for RM100. Simply contact the seller again! I am not sure how long his upgrade offer will stand, so do it quick.

sunrise at my tiny balcony

I did a lot of online and Shopee research, but I couldn't find anything that struck the right balance between looking good and being affordable. I was also hesitant to have something large and bulky shipped from another country without knowing the quality. This balcony bar is the best I've seen for the price point and design. The design is simple, smooth, and minimalist, which fits into any theme at home. It can also be installed on either straight or curved balcony railings. Mine is a curved one. It can be installed and uninstalled on your own, or you can get the seller to do it for a nominal fee.

Balcony Bar Malaysia is one of the affordable balcony bars in Malaysia. While everything now can be source or purchase from Shopee (mostly from China) it would be great if we can support our very own local makers, crafters and small business to grow our people in Malaysia. 

The seller can be reached via wasap 

wa.me/601154233316

IG : https://www.instagram.com/balconybar.my/
FB : https://www.facebook.com/balconybar.my

Loccitane Big Little Things

don't waste your second chances

During the MCO you've probably decluttered or accumulated many wastes but what can you do with them? In my What To Do During MCO post, I have shared that you could go to recycling centers for your recyclables. For clothes, you could donate or recycle them at H&M's fashion recycling program and in return get a 15% discount card for your next single item purchase.

If you're a beauty enthusiast, then you might want to check out your local beauty stores for their recycling program. One particular program that I am fond of is L'Occitane's Big Little Things recycling program in partnership with I-CYCLE Malaysia, a local solutions provider of waste separation and recycling.

This is also the first recycling program for L'Occitane and if I'm not mistaken, it started in Malaysia? If that is correct, I really applaud the team for starting this sustainable initiative to help locals understand the importance of now throwing their plastics away and reducing plastic pollution in the world.

There is hope for plastics after all and also a reward for those who start!

L'Occitane's Big Little Things
*last updated Feb 2023

So How Does The Program Work?

1. Find your closest store that accepts the recycling program (not all stores does it) *refer to list at the bottom of this post.
2. Bring your empties, they must be qualified empties. Please refer to the list of accepted empties in this post. For disqualified empties, it will still be accepted just no stamp would be given.
3. For every qualified empty, you receive a stamp on your e-reward page online. Once you collected the number of stamps needed to redeem a reward, you'll get the item from the store during or at your next visit.

* An account will be created for you using your phone number. There you can check your stamp collection and recycling journey as well as the rewards.

Ok, I'm interested! So what kind of empties are considered qualified? Well, you're in luck because the brand accepts any beauty brands! Accepted Packaging. The friendly store team will filter and check your empties when you bring it in and get your phone number to update your e-reward page where your stamps are shown in the rewards history page. A detailed list is shared here for your easy reference.

1. Beauty packaging such as makeup remover bottles and pumps, fragrances bottles and pumps, and deodorant sticks.
2. Skincare packaging such as face care packaging, refill pouches, and dispensers and tubes for shower gels, facial cleansers, and body lotions.
3. Haircare packaging such as pumps and caps from shampoo and conditioner bottles, hair care dispensers and containers, hair product trigger heads, and refill pouches.

Tip: For tubes, just cut the end of the tube to clean inside out and let dry. 

The following accepted list may change by time. Do double check the official website for updates!

Face Care
All types of face moisturizers (cream, gel, balm, fluid & etc): 50ml & above
All types of face cleanser: 125ml and above
All face scrub: 50ml & above
All types of face mask (except sheet mask): 50ml & above
All types of face toners (Emulsion, lotion, softener, tonic, acid toner & etc): 150ml & above
All types of make-up removers (cleansing oil, cleansing balm, micellar water & etc): 100ml & above
All types of boosters, treatment, serum, essence or face oil: 30ml & above
(We accept L’Occitane Divine Youth Oil 15ml)
All types of face and body sunscreens: 30ml & above
All types of face mists (face spray & hydrating mist): 50ml & above
All types of eye care products (cream, gel, balm & etc): 15ml & above
All types of shaving & after shave products: 75ml & above


Body Care
All types of shower & bath products (including baby products): 250ml & above
All types of shower, shampoo & conditioner refill packs: 500ml & above
All types of body moisturizers (including baby products): 200ml & above
Body Oil: 100ml & above
Body Scrubs: 200ml & above
Deodorants & antiperspirants: 50ml & above
Colognes, Eau de Toilettes, Eau de Parfum & Parfum: 50ml & above


Hand Care
Hand & foot creams: 30ml & above
Hand wash: 300ml & above
Hand scrubs: 75ml & above
Hand sanitizers: 65ml & above


Hair Care
Hair shampoo & conditioner bottles: 250ml & above
Hair masks: 200ml & above
All types of hair leave-in treatments: 100ml & above
(Note: Hair dye and hair styling products are NOT accepted)


Others
Pillow mist: 100ml & above
Candle jars: 140g & above

Kindly note that we do not accept health and beauty supplement bottles and makeup products such as collagen bottles, eyeshadow palette, foundation, lip gloss, lip balm and etc. Hair styling products, toothpaste, mouth wash, feminine wash, nail polishes, nail polish removers, eye lotions, eye drops, ampoules, as well as any beauty product in an aerosol can.

*IMPORTANT* You need to clean and dry your empties. If there's grease, dirt, oily, cream it will not be accepted. Recycling is a two-way effort, you can't just bring and expect them to do the rest and get a reward. Do your part in recycling from home. Let's make this a greener world for everyone!

List of Participating Stores

Ten Stores in Klang Valley

1) 1Utama (Petaling Jaya)
2) Sunway Pyramid (Petaling Jaya)
3) Suria KLCC (Kuala Lumpur)
4) The Gardens (Kuala Lumpur)
5) Pavilion (Kuala Lumpur)
6) Sogo (Kuala Lumpur)
7) Bangsar Village II (Kuala Lumpur)
8) IOI City Mall (Putrajaya)
9) Setia City Mall (Shah Alam)

10) NU Sentral (KL)
11) Bangsar Shopping Centre (KL)

12) The Curve
13) Pavilion Bukit Jalil (KL)
14) Mid Valley (KL) COMING SOON

Six Stores in Outstation

1) Gurney Plaza (Penang)
2) Queensbay Mall (Penang)
3) Gurney Paragon (Penang)

4) Southkey Megamall (Johor)
5) Aeon Tebrau (Johor)

6) East Coast Mall (Kuantan)

7) Mahkota Parade (Melaka)
8) The Spring Kuching (Sarawak)
9) The Spring Kuching (Sarawak)
10) Imago KK Time Square (Sabah)
11) Suria Sabah (Sabah)

thank you L'Occitane for creating such a cool program for us!

My Current Beauty Obsession : Moroccan Blue Tansy Oil

Carenology95 Moroccan Blue Tansy Facial Oil

I have tested many skincare products over the years, but I could say there are only a few that made it to my top 10, and to be honest, I have never experienced something that I am obsessed with until now. To start, I have a love affair with facial oils for some reason. I just love oils, maybe because they're as natural as they can get. That's where I came across the Carenology95 Moroccan Blue Tansy oil. I dug deeper into the advantages and discovered that it checked all of the boxes for what I was looking for.

✅ Antioxidant
✅Anti-inflammatory
✅ Anti-viral
✅ Anti-bacterial
✅ Anti-fungal

Those with acne or blemished skin would find this very exciting as it benefits them more. I have dry skin with ageing concerns, so I hope to tap into all that plus the repair benefits. 

Btw, this blue oil can also be found on other brands and are equally pricey! Sunday Riley's Luna Sleeping Night Oil, Herbivore Lapis Facial Oil, 

Blue Tansy Oil Benefits

I think the fact that it's an impressive blue colour really mesmerises me, as I love the ocean. The scent is unusual, something I've never encountered before. It is a weird, unique scent that becomes attached to you. If I could describe it, maybe the smell of amoebas in the ocean or a luxurious spa.

Re:Blue Night Facial Oil 15ml RM91

I was careful not to buy a big bottle at first, so that I wouldn't end up regretting the hard-earned money I wasted away, so I bought a small bottle to try. Can you believe that I finished that in a week? I applied it to my hands in the hopes that it would help them look virginal, haha.

this is a a quick test on how it helps with minimising angry skin

I got an allergic reaction on my hand so I applied the blue oil on it

after 10 mins, you can see the area is calmer, less angry

and skin is hydrated / supple

What can I say? The scent, the colour, and the texture are divine! It's not greasy or oily, absorbs fast, and makes my face plump and lively. I couldn't stop using it. This is the first time I've become obsessed with an ingredient and placed my entire faith in it.

Re:Blue Night Facial Oil 50ml RM215

lightweight, non-greasy, fast absorption

So right before the last drop on my small bottle, I repurchased a 50ml bottle during the Black Friday sale on Althea Malaysia (if you don't already know, this is the best site to buy popular and trendy Korean Beauty products at low, low prices!).

the other products in the Re:Blue range

I could see my skin's texture becoming smoother and more radiant, like a virgin, after a month of using this facial oil. How do I explain my obsession? It's like I can't wait to use the skincare every day! It just gives me a good feeling, and I am in love with it. Because of this, I have decided that my 2023 skincare regime will revolve around Blue Tansy Oil, and I have bought more skincare products under this brand. I will review them when I'm done testing!

P.S.: I will list the prices, but these are offer prices and may change from time to time on Althea. Normally I wait for the discount codes to buy or the double date storewide 10% discounts to shop.

Cosmic Cookware Festive Pink Berry Collection

Limited Edition Pink Berry Collection

Born June 2021, Cosmic Cookware is a Malaysian homegrown cookware brand that has been on almost everyone's stove during the MCO. The brand has definitely caught my attention with its aesthetic design, beautiful colours and price point. My neighbour actually bought one of it during a promo earlier this year. I got to hold her pan and it was heavy and big! Quality definitely. I wouldn't mind these Instagrammble pots and pans in my kitchen too, especially the festive Pink Berry collection!

Mixing aesthetics and functionality, the Pink Berry collection makes any dull cook a joyful one indeed. Made using natural ceramic compound, free from harmful chemicals and toxins even when expose to extreme heat. Made without toxic materials like TEFLON (PTFE), PFOA, Cadmium, Lead, and other "forever chemicals", each cookware is also coated with Swiss-certifed ILAG ceramic coating that's guaranteed to be non-toxic and non-stick.

Pink Berry Collection

Bestsellers such as the Cosmo Pan, Cosmo Casserole and Cosmo Fry plus other kitchen accessories are part of the festive collection for Christmas. 

It's available in Singapore too so I will list the price list in sgd and rm below.

Cosmo Casserp;e Pink Berry RM199 / S$84

Cosmo Fry Pink Berry RM179 / S$64

Cosmo Pan Pink Berry RM209 / S$94

The kitchen accessories are also available so you can check out the collection on www.cosmiccookware.com (Singapore) and https://cosmiccookware.com (Malaysia).