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



  • Tefal ActiFry Express FZ7510 Review

    8.30.2016

    tasty yummy healthy chicken wings & potatoes!

    After many trips to Tesco and chicken wings killed in the process of experimenting with my all new Tefal ActiFry Express, I have come to terms with the chicken wings and made amends that I only need a few sacrifices each month to satisfy my tummy. Finally gotten the hang of using the Acti Fry instead of deep frying. I finally found the healthier way to fry my all-time favourite chicken wings. I'm going to be shamefully honest, I used a pre-mix and just a spoonful of olive oil.

    Tefal ActiFry Express FZ7510

    To be honest, this is the first time I'm using an appliance like this at home. It's called the Tefal ActiFry Express (model FZ7510). Tefal has several models of ActiFry, but mine is the Express (fast cooking). The ActiFry is the UK’s leading low-fat fryer brand, offering you a healthy way to fry. Many brands have gotten into the healthy fry less oil bandwagon, as people are more cautious about the way their food is prepared. Take for instance me, I work from morning till evening Monday - Friday. By the time I get back, it's already sundown which makes me feel it's too late to cook dinner not to mention I am too tired and lazy to be thinking of cooking. I want to just throw something into a magic box and *poof* dinner is ready.

    Here are 3 benefits of using the ActiFry:

    Healthy
    Fry using only 1 spoonful of oil and make tasty, crispy chips with only 3% fat*.

    Convenient

    Automatic timing, temperature control and stirring, for superb cooking results. Easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts. No oil smells, unlike standard fryers.

    Versatile

    Cook not only chips, but also curries, stir-frys, casseroles, and much more!

    *One kilogram of potatoes cut into chips to a thickness of 13 x 13 mm, cooked until -55% weight loss with 14 ml of oil.With the advancement of technology, kitchen gadgets have also become more convenient for the millennials to cook at home.


    unboxing my Tefal ActiFry Express

    Everything in my kitchen is electronic, I think my landlord don't want me to burn down his house with a gas stove. With the ActiFry, at least I have another cooking method to prepare my meals (easily), control my oil intake, reduce cleaning time and maintain a safe kitchen.

    I really like that the Tefal ActiFry Express made everything easy. It only has three button function - fries, vegs, and meat. Each button has a pre-set timer to cook automatically but I can manually reduce or increase the timing for the type of dish I'm cooking. I learn to adapt the temperature and timing to get the perfect meals now. It cooks so fast! (but be careful, the machine is hot after use). 

    The shape of the Tefal ActiFry is like a time machine haha! It's not too heavy, but it's big in my opinion. Big in all the right places (lol). With one click at the side, the flap opens to reveal a strainer basket fitted on a pan. The pan collects the oils from the basket and protects the hot basket from scalding your hands. It has a handle which can open up or locked away. Both the basket and the pan is easy to clean (I'm really happy about it). The pan has a unique coating that makes it easy to clean oil and dirt away. This makes it more hygienic than the other similar working models in the market, which is compact but you can't clean the hard to get places AND because of it's dome-like shape, which allows you to clean the machine easily. I find the best way to care for it is to clean and wipe it after every use.


    the hand-held frying basket in a pan


    oil drips from the basket to the pan

    Beats a messy wall when frying with oil in the pan. I get too lazy to keep wiping everything that gets splashed by the oil. 

    frying my potatoes to perfection with just a spoonful of olive oil

    garlic-herb potatoes 14 mins

    After several attempts to make the perfect roast potatoes using Tefal ActiFry Express, I finally nail the potatoes I want! Of course, I also learnt that blanching (soaking) the potatoes with boiled water for 3-5 mins helps make remove the starchiness and make the skin crispier. I seasoned the potatoes with Parsley and garlic salt before massaging them with one tablespoon of olive oil. I press the potato function button, and set it to 14mins to cook. The machine gives out a beeping sound after 14min is up and I went to check my potatoes to see them all looking not overly cooked, or burnt. Just nice, crispy skin outside, with the right body texture (not too dry, hard or soft).


    delicious tasty buffalo chicken wings with sauteed vegs

    buffalo chicken wings

    I wanted to make my all time favourite buffalo chicken wings using the premix I always get from Cold Storage - McCormick's Buffalo Wings in Original (it's available at major grocers, just look for the spice section). One pack can be used several times! The price range from RM6 - 10 depending on where you buy it from. I prepared an oil infusion of peppercorns, dry chilli and garlic clove. Place my chicken wings and drummettes in it, sprinkle in the premix and massage the chicken making sure it's covered evenly. I marinate it in the fridge for 30mins before placing them on Tefal ActiFry's basket, all line up gracefully so they get the even heat to cook. Pressed the chicken function button and put to fry for 15mins. I occasionally check to see if they're doing fine.

    after 15mins, my chicken wings turn out well

    The machine beeps to let me know they're done, and I let them cool down for a bit before serving. Sometimes I cut to check if they're really cooked and walah! juicy tender meat hiding under the crispy brown skin. They tastes so good, I really recommend the McCormick Buffalo Wings seasoning pre-mix either in Original or Garlic. It's a must try!

    I also tried it with drumsticks and the same results :) succulent tender meat. It wasn't undercooked at all. Here look for yourself! I was eating it half way.. haha..... with Nando's Garlic Peri-Peri sauce.

    fried drumsticks with peppercorn and dry chilli oil
    (look at the succulent meat & crispy skin!)


    steam cauliflower with broccoli
    (broccoli adds colors to the cauliflowers)

    sauteed vegs (peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini)

    If you're wondering how I prepared my vegetables, actually after frying the chicken wings you get the oil collected at the bottom of the pan right? Just chop up some vegs, throw them in and ActiFry for a few mins (I set mine to 3mins). I love cauliflower, but instead of using the ActiFry, I boiled them with a bit of broccoli. Then I drain and place them in a bowl, tossed around with the broccoli which adds some colours to my yummy cauliflower. Sprinkle a bit of salt and they're ready.

    I really had fun experimenting and getting used to making meals with my Tefal ActiFry Express, so much so that these pictures were taken to show how I cooked them. Tefal also has nice promotions on their Facebook and sometimes they have sales at Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (I visit to see if I could snag some nice kitchen helpers). I saw they were selling another model of ActiFry at 50% off omg.

    For more information on Tefal’s products, please visit www.tefal.com or www.fb.com/mytefal. The Tefal ActiFry Express FZ7510 is available in main department stores at the retail price range of RM1,225.48. 

    ALLOVE Diamond Life's Perfect Sparkle

    8.18.2016

    looking for the perfect ring to propose?

    As the well-known saying goes diamonds are a girl's best friend. Well, in that case, I'm sure the new ALLOVE Diamond from leading premier jewellery brand SK Jewellery based in Singapore will be a BFF and steal the hearts of girls all over the world, as well as, their husbands and boyfriends wallets!



    Launched at the cosy and intimate atmosphere of the Private Room Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, over afternoon high tea and a speech by General Manager Angelina Lau introducing SK Jewellery as the exclusive distributor in Malaysia, the revolutionary ALLOVE Diamond collection, you can say is ''a cut above'' any other diamond in the market at present.












    It boasts a unique 81 facet cut to be precise compared to 57 facets of traditional diamonds. This exceptional cut of perfectly aligned facets eliminates light leakage in traditional triple x diamonds, therefore, maximising light performance and refraction resulting in more eye-catching sparkles and a wider spectrum of colourful rainbows than a traditionally cut diamond. It achieves the full reflection that brings out the ultimate shine in every diamond.


    getting to know the uniqueness of ALLOVE diamond


    the chance to view the diamond up cl

    Brilliance Scope Viewer to check the diamond

    With the use of the Brilliance Scope Viewer on display, I could very clearly see under the loupe, the symmetrical cut and perfect intricate pattern of 10 perfect hearts and 10 perfect arrows (alludes to love), which is the iconic signature and hallmark of an ALLOVE Diamond. It is also the ultimate expression of everlasting love and devotion, so I guess this exceptional sparkling rock is perfect to be reserved for your one and only true love.


    crafted in the diamond capital of the world

    SK Jewellery only sources the finest rough diamonds through the global supply chain to meet the stringent standards of its cutting edge technology. It is extremely rare for any rough diamond to be crafted as an ALLOVE Diamond, as only 1 in 1000 make the cut, being carefully handpicked and ethically sourced. Only a very few select craftsmen in the world are experienced and skilled enough to cut the ALLOVE Diamond as it takes a lot of precision to execute the 10 hearts and 10 arrows. So be aware that when you are buying one, you're also buying a custom work of art!

    30 years of research & development
    patented in more than 100 countries

    artisan craftsman & internationally recognized

    The collection offers an assortment of luxurious designs bearing the spectacular ALLOVE Diamond, which boldly pushes the boundaries in diamond cutting techniques. It has also been patented in over 100 countries worldwide including the USA, Europe and Asia, with international diamond experts hailing the ALLOVE Diamond cut as so revolutionary that it will set a new benchmark for diamond cutting in the global industry.

    signature setting - the perfect 10 for the perfect love

    Only 0.1% of all stores meet Allove's requirements. Whilst a traditional diamond returns a simple light, ALLOVE diamond has a clear and brilliant reflection and an intense flicker. Assurance of GEMEX certification guarantees the complete traceability of each diamond. The ALLOVE logo, a unique identification code and an international certification number are inscribed on every diamond's girdle, which can be verified on the ALLOVE official website for your own piece of mind.
    Disclaimer: This is a feature from attending the ALLOVE media event. For more information about ALLOVE Diamond, please refer to their website here

    Cutest ToothBrush Holder

    8.13.2016

    check out my new toothbrush "homes"

    Yesterday I dropped by Nu Sentral to buy stationary at Popular Bookstore. While waiting in line to pay, there was a standee of cute animal looking casings that caught my attention. They're toothbrush holders! I was looking for something like this for a while but didn't really come across any nice ones to my liking until now. They have so many types of animal, from panda, elephant, giraffe, penguin, eggs and t-shirt shape ones. I picked out the sea turtle and penguin. Obviously, penguin for me and sea turtle is for Baby G haha.

    Was getting tired of washing the glass cups that I put toothbrushes in because grim and water collects at the bottom. I was surprised that these were made in Malaysia? the site is called myflipper.com and there's a range of designs you can see from there.

    Each costs RM18.97 pretty expensive in my opinion for toothbrush holder but I bought it anyway coz it's so cute. A bit hard to pry open and close back, but I guess it's all like that?

    the back 

    "unboxing" time haha 

    pretty cute and sturdy, not el-cheapo feel and look

    update 31/8: After purchasing this two weeks ago, I decided to update back on my review and say while this is super cute, it is not practical at all. We only used it once, but after we decided to go back to our glass on the sink. Honestly, this is really not useful at all because it was hard to even open the body to place the toothbrush back in. The packaging says easy pressing on a button to open up but we see no buttons here. We tried pressing all over the penguin and turtle... (almost molesting stage now) but no, it doesn't open up. We pry the bottom where the hole is, to open this up... which was just too troublesome and the toothbrush holder would by time be broken if continue. 

    Feel it's not worth the price I paid for and such a hassle to use. Now it looks cute on my bathroom wall only *sigh*. 

    Throwback: BeneBox Charity Project

    8.07.2016

    our Bene Box Project group picture

    I can't believe how time flies these days. One minute I'm counting down to my birthday with fireworks in Bali, next celebrating my 1-year anniversary with my boyfriend and then it's August. This means 4 more months to Christmas / New Year again. Not to mention another year older (smacks head). I've been sick for the past 3 weeks with tonsillitis (bacterial infection) since back from Korea. Agonising, painful suffering. I couldn't eat properly, swallowing my own saliva was so painful, I could cry. The pain also affected my right ear, it felt like someone was pouring chillis sauce inside. Didn't help that I was feverish, eating paracetamol like candies. One minute I was so hot (high fever) the next I was shivering under the blanket. At times I woke up with cold sweat.

    Good news, the amoxicillin (antibiotics) hospital doctor prescribed me has improved my condition. It was stronger than what the clinic doctor prescribed me. I was given a week's dosage along with anti-inflammatory pills, painkillers, throat spray, throat gargle, and magnesium. Today's Sunday and I can also finally say goodbye to painkillers *phew*.

    Enough sleeping, so I decided to edit my photographs that I have been keeping on my desktop for so long. It was the photographs taken last December when I organised the Bene Box Project (Christmas) for charity with CaffeBene Malaysia. To find out more about this project, read my blog post here. In short, just to speed things up. The Bene Box Project is inspired by the shoe box project (overseas) where we gather gifts and packed them into shoe boxes to be given to orphanage children as big sisters. It's not just stuffing "things" into the boxes, we really took our time to make a thoughtful gift that would be fun for the child assigned to. Each box was also personally decorated or gift wrapped using various craft materials the big sisters gathered from shops nearby.


    “No one has ever become poor by giving.”
    ― Anne Frank


    Instead of shoeboxes, we used Bingsu takeaway boxes donated by CaffeBene for our activity. On Sunday morning, the bloggers a.k.a members of Butterfly Project gathered at CaffeBene, Puchong 101 Mall for the activity. We brought toys, candies, stationaries, anything that could fit into the Bingsu box. Each person was assigned to a child of age and sex so the gifts would be appropriate. The gifts were left behind at CaffeBene, who will then personally deliver them to the orphans.

    I hope you enjoy these photographs taken from the heart.. You can see everyone putting their love into making the gift a special one for the children. I will not forget this special memory together with everyone who took their time to come and support this Christmas charity activity and for always being supportive of me.


    Sunday Morning at CaffeBene Puchong 101 Mall


    armed with coffee, we started packing our gifts


    Caroline & Samia enjoying each other's company


    carefully packed gifts for the children


    some were serious, making sure this was perfect


    surprise gifts included - spot the giraffe

    little notes from the big sisters


    time to decorate the boxes


    big sisters showing their creativity

    P.S: I was really touched by the bloggers who showed up to support this activity. They took the time, effort and heart to make this work. I can say I am proud to know them all. It's not always about taking, but it's also about giving and these bloggers, gave.

    Special thanks to:
    1. Julianna (Rika)
    2 Bowie Cheong 
    3 Leona lim 
    4 Betty Liew 
    5 Trislynn Chan 
    6 Aliza Sara & partner
    7 Alyza Fisol
    8 Miera Nadhirah
    9 Rachell Ho
    10 Sharon Sree
    11 Samia Saad
    12 Carolyn Malasig
    13 Ridley Jing
    14 Sabrina Noor A 
    15 Mokshanah16
    16 Misz-ella 
    17 Leonard Heng 
    18 Tiffany Lee
    19 Anis Farhana
    20 Juneci Siong & partner
    21 Fiona Chan
    22 Carol Lam
    23 Adrienne Wong
    24 Gareth Tucker
    25 Mae Wong & CaffeBene Team

    Boss Woman Runaway Edition & Hugo Boss The Scent

    8.06.2016

    eenie meenie miney mo

    This post is a tribute to my love for Hugo Boss perfumes. It's been some time since I wrote about perfumes so I thought on my sick bed I would edit the pictures I took earlier and talk about my favourite perfumes from Hugo Boss. I don't keep many perfumes because I don't want to keep them too long (scent will die). Amongst my collection, there are three triplets that I adore very much. Born by BOSS, they're groomed and dressed to be fashionable ladies - each with their own unique scent.


    BOSS Runway Edition - The Animated Film

    They're called the Runway Edition (EDPS), and they're oh so beautiful. Each bottle has a fashion sketch, a silhouette of a woman in a day dress, tuxedo and evening gown. The bottles are slim, sleek and glossy. Just what you need to go from a classic to powerful to sophisticated women in a day.


    if the bottles don't charm you, the scent will
     BOSS Jour EDP 50ml RM266/ 75ML RM339

    A sophisticated fragrance that encourages women to be the authors of their own destiny. An invigorating interplay of white flowers and citrus notes create accords sure to excite and inspire. This limited-time edition perfume bottle features a sketch based off of one of the runway looks.

    Top notes: white flowers and citrus

    It's a refreshing & light floral fruity scent that's nice for day time.


    BOSS Ma Vie EDP 50ml RM266/ 75ML RM339

    A fresh, indulgent, and fulfilling fragrance for a feminine, independent woman. The lively and uplifting brightness of the cactus flower and a suave pink floral rosebud bouquet provides an elegant sensation of softness and strong femininity. The intense warmth of cedarwood encourages confidence and ease. Ma Vie is a fragrance that captures the intimate essence of the BOSS Woman’s independent spirit, releasing the indulgent and fulfilling sensation of simply savouring life – her life. This limited-time edition perfume bottle features a sketch based off of one of the runway looks. 

    Uplifting brightness from cactus flower and a pink floral bouquet
    Hints of rosebud for an elegant sensation of softness and strong femininity
    Warmth from cedarwood encouraging confidence and ease

    A floral fresh scent that exudes that of a woman's bold and charismatic femininity.

    BOSS NUIT EDP 50ml RM266/ 75ML RM339

    With notes of white peach, jasmine and sandalwood, BOSS Nuit Eau de Parfum is as elegant and classic as the piece it was inspired by--the little black dress. This limited-time edition perfume bottle features a sketch based off of one of the runway looks. 

    A sensual "evening gown" perfume that wraps itself around the curves of your body with tender notes of violet and jasmine.

    what's that next to the beauties?

    My man who looked like Gerard Butler (yes lah), who incidentally is the face of the Hugo Boss's Boss Bottled, who sounds like Gerard Butler (almost lah), and smells like Gerard Butler too! (well if Gerard Butler wears Hugo Boss, since he's the ambassador right?). In short, my man loves Hugo Boss and he is (the closest thing I would get to Gerard Butler).

    These days he wears BOSS The Scent. Which is a very manly scent to me (can't get enough of it!). BOSS description says "unforgettable seduction" with exclusive notes of Ginger, Lavender, African Maninka fruit and Leather stimulate the senses in a time-released formula. Now that just explains why I love this scent on him. It's just smells really good and it's unbelievable long lasting on him, till the next day I could still smell it!

    Product & Price List:
    BOSS The Scent EDT                          50ml        RM272
    BOSS The Scent EDT                          100ml      RM360
    BOSS The Scent Deostick                    75ml        RM96
    BOSS The Scent Deospray                   150ml      RM96
    BOSS The Scent After Shave Lotion    100ml      RM272

    Available at all Hugo Boss Fragrance counters near you. 

    The Connor's Experience August: Nicsmann 1940's By Lewré

    8.01.2016

    A Night Made Right Experience with Plusizekitten.com

    The CONNOR'S Experience is a holistic one for consumers to fully immerse themselves in the "Just Made Right" essence of CONNOR'S Stout Porter. From drinks to food to getting home safely after a fun night out, CONNOR'S Stout Porter wants to give consumers a chance to enjoy A Night Made Right with their buddies - all packaged in one amazing deal. With the CONNOR'S Experience consumers get to enjoy delicious CONNOR'S-infused dishes paired perfectly with a pint of CONNOR'S Stout Porter at great prices. In embracing their "drink responsibly" mantra through their partnership with Grab, they are offering consumers a free ride to and from each participating outlet.

    use promo code GRABCONNORS to participating outlets*

    In conjunction with the partnership with Grab (formerly known as MyTeksi). Grab will be offering a discount for all customers that ride with Grab either via Budget Taxi or GrabCar to the participating outlets. This exclusive discount from Grab will be RM8 off for 4 rides to the participating outlets for all New and Existing customers that pay via credit/debit card only. Use promo code GRABCONNORS to enjoy the exclusive discount. Also, to those Grab customers that ride with Grab to the participating outlets, you will be rewarded with a FREE Half Pint of CONNOR'S Stout Porter. You just need to flash your booking receipt to enjoy this reward.

    (Note: Each booking receipt is entitled to one (1) FREE Half Pint of CONNOR'S Stout Porter)

    Remember to not drink and drive. It's always safer to drink and ride back with Grab in conjunction with the CONNOR'S Experience. For more info, visit http://www.facebook.com/ConnorsMY


    THE CONNOR'S EXPERIENCE

    CONNOR'S Stout Porter is a creation inspired by the original Stout Porter recipe from the 1700's Great Britain. The essence of the original was carefully recreated to deliver the same crisp texture, creamy head and gentle roasty undertones. Though crafted further to suit modern taste buds, CONNOR'S Stout Porter is perfectly balanced with the right bitterness and robustness. Approachable in its taste, CONNOR'S Stout Porter is a pleasure that's easy to drink. It's just a great brew for good times with friends anytime.
    My Grab experience travelling from my condo to Nicsmann 1940's By Lewré @ TREC was a very smooth, comfortable and pleasant journey throughout. My driver was courteous, very chatty and quick to pick me up and drive me to my destination. It definitely made it safer to reach home after a night out with friends. My very own designated Dave. 

    the Nicsmann Lewré story

    fashion meets lifestyle

    the perfect F&B lifestyle destination

    Nicsmann 1940's by Lewré opened its doors in Trec Kuala Lumpur (Nov, 2015)
    Malaysia's 1st ^ only urban F&B, lifestyle & commercial destination.

    lights, fashion, action! cheers

    The overall ambience of Nicsmann 1940's By Lewré can be described as an elegant and fashionable wine & dine experience that features modern contemporary western cuisines. Beautiful black & white cherished portraits and photos of shoes (associated with the Lewré brand) and fashion belonging to the late founder (Born in the 1940's-influencing the name of the restaurant) can be seen gracefully adorning the side walls as you ascend up the red carpeted stairs towards the chic spacious dining interior. Diners can enjoy a panoramic view of KL tower and KLCC twin towers which are clearly visible outside on the balcony as well as the spectacular greenery of Selangor Golf club at the back of the restaurant.


        have you visited Nicsmann by Lewré?
        You’ll never guess it, yes it’s Lewré the fashion brand!


    the CONNOR'S Experience menu
    the duck is my favourite!

    Smoked Duck Breast with 1 full pint of CONNOR'S Stout Porter RM48++ 
    served with homemade mashed potato, fruit compote and a CONNOR'S infused Honey Glazed Sauce

    The Smoked Duck Breast was succulent & cooked to perfection. Peking Duck inspired creation bursting with explosive flavours Salty (Duck) CONNOR'S (Bitter) & Fruit Compote (Sweet n Sour) (Grilled skin until crispy giving a tender juicy texture with the crust of the skin remaining on) Paired together with the fluffy tasty mash, packed full of flavour fruit compote and topped off with CONNOR'S infused honey glaze was a winning combination to satisfy the taste buds!


    juicy tender lamb ribs

    Tender Braised Lamb Ribs with 1 full pint of CONNOR'S Stout Porter RM68++ 
    served with traditional Ratatouille, mashed potatoes & CONNOR'S braised lamb jus 

    The Braised Lamb Ribs were very tasty, juicy and tender... the meat just fell off the bone. (Braised for 2.5 hrs with CONNOR'S Stout Porter) Also, I thought the mashed potatoes combined with the ratatouille and CONNOR'S braised lamb jus fused very well together and complimented each other.


    A Night Made Right, The CONNOR'S Experience

    These 2 specially selected dishes have been created by Nicsmann's/Friendscino's group culinary director chef Helvin specially for this CONNOR'S Experience to allow fans to taste the robust, explosive combination of flavours of CONNORS paired with their meals. If you're looking for a fine wine & dine experience, fun night out with friends or a place to celebrate a special occasion then I recommend you consider Nicsmann with it's special promotion menu in association with CONNOR'S, as it's only going to be for a limited period only 1/8/16 - 31/8/16.

    P.S: Do not forget to grab a ride with GRABCAR, flash your booking to get a free 1/2 pint CONNOR'S Stout Porter.

    Nicsmann by Lewré, Trec KL
    E-1-02, 436, Jalan Tun Razak,
    55000 Kuala Lumpur,
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
    click here for facebook

    to make a reservation
    +60.3-2110 0317
    +6013-359 0443(WhatsApp)
    or visit www.friendscino.com/Reservation
    For more info, visit www.fb.com/ConnorsMY
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