Starbucks Paul & Joe Limited Edition

 Starbucks X Paul & Joe Exclusive Limited Edition Merchandise

Today, Starbucks is releasing yet another of their cool tumbler designs which I know many of you are collectors! but guess what? it's a bit different this time. This time they're collaborating with a French Fashion House designer, Paul & Joe, yes you know Paul & Joe cosmetics that we all loved (for the cute Parisian designs).

The limited edition merchandise features Paul & Joe’s iconic Chrysanthemum floral print in soft pink and pastel blue hues, as well as founder Sophie Méchaly’s beloved pet cat, Gipsy – her inspiration and the symbol of the fashion house.

It's exclusive so you might want to head over to Starbucks to grab one soon. There'll be stylish drinkware, tote bags and the beloved Starbucks Bearista dressed up in an outfit inspired by Gipsy the cat.

The 2018 Paul & Joe + Starbucks ® collection includes the following pieces:

Paul & Joe + Starbucks® Double Walled Mug Floral (12 fl oz)
RM155

A ceramic mug with plastic lid and gold detailing

Paul & Joe + Starbucks® Thermos Tumblers (16 fl oz)
Thermos stainless steel tumbler with spill proof lid.
RM225

Paul & Joe + Starbucks® Tote Bag RM65

 Poly-cotton tote bag with polyester lining featuring Gipsy, the iconic Paul & 
Joe Cat, and Paul & Joe’s signature Chrysanthemum floral pattern. 

Paul & Joe + Starbucks® Bearista RM145

Starbucks® Bearista dressed in Gypsy-inspired outfit, accompanied by his best pal.

This collection will be available from 24 April 2018 onwards at selected Starbucks stores across Malaysia, while stocks last. Here is the list of outlets for Paul&Joe merchandise:

BTS1, Ansa, MV, Tanjong Tokong, Medan Gopeng, JBCC, Melaka Raya, Bt. Ferringhi, Juru Autocity, Bintang Plaza Miri, The Spring, Oceanus KK, BV2, Icon City DT, Cameron Highlands, PLus DT, Aman Central, Jaya Shopping Centre, Rawang R&R, Desa Park City, SP3, KLCC 2, Citimall KK, Kota Kemuning DT, Ampang DT, Sky Avenue.

About Paul & Joe

Paul & Joe was founded by Paris-born designer, Sophie Méchaly’s, who challenged the codes and conventions to break through fashion in 1995. While other designers were focused on black & white, minimalism, and grunge, she went against the grain with her signature style: young, fun, vibrant, colorful, reviving a black & white wardrobe, and revisiting the spirit of vintage. Paul & Joe continues to be an acknowledged brand throughout the world with the vision of “fulfilling desires” across their multiple fashion lines.

My First Cervical Cancer Awareness Workshop + Colposcopy Screening

the cervical awareness workshop

This is an embarrassing post because it's all about your cervix BUT most importantly it's about preventing cervical cancer. Did you know that cervical cancer claims the lives of more than 270k women in the world every year? While it is one of the deadliest cancer in the world, it is also one of the easiest cancer to prevent. Yes, that's right, with early detection you can nip cervical cancer in the bud.

I must confess that even with all the awareness and education going on about STD, STI, HPV, I was still ignorant due to fear. Fear of going for a Pap Smear, which was just a simple, easy and quick procedure and you're out of the clinic as soon as you get in.  It was all because I attended the San Ai Global's Cervical Health talk about cervical cancer. It gave me the courage to find out more.

I attended the workshop at Amante Spa Aman Suria outlet after Maggie, a friend invited me. I have refused her many times but I decided, this is for my own good too and I said yes finally.  The workshop was held right in the lobby of the spa. A fairly simple, and cozy workshop but the things you see on the projector screen are not simple, or unimportant.

thank you for opening my eyes, Margeret Wong!

I watched in horror as registered TCM Margaret Wong explained the various cervical health issues women on the screen affecting women. She spoke in Cantonese but Maggie translated it in English to the audience. I could hear my heart beating harder at the photographs shown. I learn many things, like...

An itch, it more often a signal of something happening. An itch could turn into a green or yellow discharge, become inflame or infected and gets more serious. It could be STD, HPV, STI related or bacterial, viral, or parasitic. AND it's when things become serious, left untreated could potentially become cancerous.

P.S: I'm not an expert or a doctor on this subject, so it is better you hear it from the workshop.

the cervical cancer workshop

they also manufacture their own products - sprays, pads, gels
(e.g their pads vs commercial pads which is full of chemicals)

all the cervical problems

The workshop also talks about early screening as a prevention and how you could help spread cervical cancer awareness. Since this is very much a taboo subject and it affects women who are sexually active or has been, it would be difficult step for Asian women to come out of their shell and very much talk about it.

I urged bloggers to attend the workshop and to blog about it but most were too embarrassed to even register for the workshop. Afraid of knowing what's inside and probably afraid of what people might think. Well, don't worry bloggers, the purpose is to raise awareness of cervical cancer by attending this workshop. I'm not asking you to reveal your personal experience doing the screening or if you had sex.

I understand it takes some balls to go, especially when the workshop comes with a Colposcopy screening (optional, you don't have to do it if you don't want to) conducted by R TCM Margaret Wong in a one-on-one session.

I've been googling about Colposcopy, and usually, if your pap smear results come back abnormal, your doctor would advise you to go for a Colposcopy check. Now this costs anywhere from RM1,800 - RM2,000 at hospitals (not inclusive of consultation which will cost from RM150 onwards). A Pap Smear can cost from RM100 onwards at clinics or hospitals. It's RM1 at Klinik Kesihatan (Health Clinic). For this workshop which comes with the screening comes at a promotional rate of RM128 (np RM380) because the people behind it, are all about educating women about the issue.

However, this is conducted the TCM way (TCM = Traditional Chinese Medicine) so they don't do test lab results like hospitals but R TCM Margaret Wong is an experienced TCM practitioner who has dedicated herself to raising awareness about cervical cancer. Through the Colposcopy screening that she shows you, you could see in a bird's eye view if your cervix if is in a healthy state. You can also see if it's in any stages of cervical erosion (stage 1, 2, 3, 4). Stages 3 - 4 would be a high risk of cervical cancer.

I would like to share a personal review here, that yes I did the Colposcopy - for the first time. It wasn't painful, Margaret was gentle. You may be surprised (well who wouldn't, being open that way). You see, a special instrument called Colposcope is used in this session. It has a scope which will show an enlarged view of your cervix on the monitor screen. Pretty scary when I first saw mine. A swab test was done to see the pH level as well. Margaret explained to me what I'm seeing, and advise me on what's next.

It's here that I discovered that there's inflammation in there. I didn't even suspect anything (sigh). I didn't experience any symptoms this year but last year, I had reoccurring yeast infection episode (itchy like omg). That was the first sign, and I thought it all went away, all good and better from using yeast infection pills from the pharmacy. Well, guess it didn't...

bacterial infections


tofu-discharge is it a yeast infection?

In short, this workshop opens your eyes to the topics of cervical health and cervical cancer, while the screening gives you an opportunity to see if your cervix is in a healthy state (an affordable one too). After this, it is all up to you, go to your Gynae if you're at risk, or if you would take the TCM natural healing way to treat or heal your cervix. The choice is in your hands.

Maybe it's an unusual discharge, an itch, yeast infection, maybe it's bacterial vaginosis, severe PMS, maybe it's something else but what's actually happening down there? You can attend the workshop, get to know more about cervical health and do the Colposcopy check. You may never know what's going on. You're not losing out by knowing more.

More information on their cervical health and screening workshops, visit San Ai Global FB

Thank you San Ai Global & Amante Spa for inviting me to your workshop talk. I'm glad I took the first step to attend and check my cervix as I have never dared to do so before. Readers, I hope you can take advantage of this workshop to find our more about cervical cancer and ways to prevent it.

Here Now, Gone Tomorrow

having a relaxing bath at Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

You know how when people were "friends" with you for a reason, and when they get what they finally wanted, they are "out"?

I get that all the time. Ever since I started blogging 10 years ago, my life has been an up and down of meeting all kinds of colorful people from the blogosphere. You would say by now, I would know by heart to see past someone and inside their soul but no, I'm still human. Still learning. Still vulnerable to the hurts of the world.

Humans are selfish in general. Depending on their poison of choice - money, fame, vanity it destroys them in the end. These don't last, especially when you "fake it", the curtains will unfold. A friend once told me, that in the cosmic world, we all belong to the same "entity" that one energy. Nothing is real in the material world at the end, when you "wake up". Deep right?

On the bright side, I've learned not to care or let it be a negative part of life.

Afterall, it's what makes this life on earth interesting.

Valiram Friends & Family Sales 2018

it's back! Maybank extra 5% OFF!

I swore not to go to any more warehouse sales but there are a few gems that I can't say no to, even just to window shop! Like last year, I decided at the last minute on the last day to just go and have a look. Who knows I could pick up a couple of candles from Bath & Body Works? Turns out I was so wrong because I went back with Michael Kors bags and ate Godiva ice-cream there (it was maybe rm8 or rm10 only!).

Now I know you get better selections on the first day, but you won't miss out on the last day too because on the last day it's where they throw in more deals (10% off more, or additional reduction!). Both toxic days to be at the sale still IMHO.

With Mother's Day coming up, why not give mom something she'll scream? (with a friend & family price discount hehe).

The Body Shop Earth Day Plant Giveaway

The Body Shop Earth Day Plant Giveaway
14th April 2018 (Saturday)
The Curve (The Piazza) / Setia City Mall (East Entrance)
10am onwards until all plants are gone!

Ever since my first purchase of the Montresa plants from Pasu, The Curve, I've been wanting to add more plants at home (feels all warm and tingly). The Body Shop came at the right time because I've missed this Earth Day Plant Giveaway for the past two years! (because I woke up late on Saturdays and by the time I reach, it's all gone). This year, I hope I can be there on time to snag those cute green babies back home!

According to The Body Shop, there's a total of 2,200 free plants to be given away at two locations - The Curve and Setia City mall. They start at 10am until all plants are given away. SO if I calculated correctly, there may be 1,000 plants each location for 1,000 people.

I hope I make it this time! Are you going?

Thanks The Body Shop for organising these lovely eco activities all the time!

Jo Malone Malaysia Price List

Jo Malone Malaysia Product & Price List

I was searching online for the price list for Jo Malone to ascertain if it fits my budget (birthday gifts) and I couldn't find one so I went to check the prices and updated back here in my blog for easy reference. Their website didn't indicate the prices (they should) so it's easy for their customers to refer to. I hope this is helpful for anyone out there who's thinking of buying a gift from Jo Malone.

Jo Malone Cologne
Lime Basil & Mandarin
Grapefruit, Basil & Neroli
Earl Grey & Cucumber
Pomegranate Noir
English Pear & Freesia
Blackberry & Bay
Nectarine Blossom & Honey
English Oak & Redcurrant
Wild Bluebell
Franch Lime Blossom
Red Roses
Orange Blossom
Peony & Blush Suede
Mimosa & Cardamom
Amber & Lavender
English Oak & Hazelnut
Wood Sage & Sea Salt
154
Black Cedarwood & Juniper

100ml RM515.00
30ml RM265.00

Jo Malone Cologne Intense
Orris & Sandalwood
Tuberose Angelica
Velvet Rose & Oud
Incense & Cedrat
Dark Amber & Ginger Lily
Myrrh & Tonka
Oud & Bergamot

100ml RM675.00
50ml RM445.00

Jo Malone Rare Teas
Silver Needle Tea
Darjeeling Tea
Jade Leaf Tea
Oolong Tea
Midnight Black Tea
Golden Needle Tea

175ml RM1,500.00
75ml RM950.00

Jo Malone Bath & Body
Bath Oil 200ml RM345.00
Glass Decanter Bath Oil 200ml RM444 / 30ml RM120
Body Creme 175ml RM385
Cologne Intense Body Creme 175ml RM455
Body & Hand Wash 250ml RM220 / 100ml RM125
Body & Hand Lotion 250ml RM305 / 100ml RM155
Shampoo 250ml RM145
Soap 100g RM125
Bath Soap 180g RM210
Shower Oil 250ml RM260
Cologne Intense Dry Body Oil 100ml RM400
Cologne Intense Body Scrub 200g RM310
Cologne Intense Exfoliating Shower Gel 200ml RM220
Cologne Intense Hand Cream 50ml RM170

Jo Malone Vitamin E
Gel 30ml RM550
Lip conditioner 15ml RM175
Hand Treatment 100ml RM280
Body Balm 185ml RM415

Jo Malone Home
Home Candle 200g RM330
Cologne Intense Home Candle 200g RM425
Deluxe Candle 600g RM980
Travel Candle 60g RM185
Luxury Candle 2.5kg RM2,300.00
Scent Surround Diffuser 165ml RM400
Scent Surround Room Spray 175ml RM315
Scent Surround Linen Spray 175ml RM315


This product and price list may change. It is only a reference as at April 2018. Please check with Jo Malone outlets for more information.

Malaysian launch of Starbucks Bottled Tea-based Frappuccino

FRAPP-ULOUS NEWS!

Hey guys, Starbucks Malaysia has just introduced 2 new tea-based bottled Frappuccino - Bottled Matcha Tea Frappuccino and Bottled Black Tea Frappuccino in the ready-to-go category. The Starbucks Frappuccino tea series will be available in the bottled section of most premium supermarkets, petrol marts and major convenience stores across Malaysia.

"Yum cha" (drinking tea) is one of the unique cultures embedded in Malaysians as part of its multicultural community. Tea beverages such as Chinese Tea, 'Teh' and 'Teh Tarik' have always been Malaysians go-to drink to catch up with friends and family. Building on their deep respect for the local tea-drinking culture, and following its popular launch amongst consumers in China, Starbucks Malaysia is bringing in the Bottled Tea-Based Frappuccino to further elevate the Starbucks experience to consumers beyond the stores.

introducing bottled Frappuccinos RM12.50

Launched for the 1st time in Malaysia, the Starbucks Bottled Matcha Tea Frappuccino (RM12.50) is crafted with high-quality Matcha powder from Jeju Island, South Korea. Undergoing a fine steaming and grinding process, the fresh spring tea leaves, together with high-quality milk from New Zealand, creates a refreshing and delightful taste.

Tasting Matcha Tea & Black Tea Frappuccino sample 

Starbucks Bottled Black Tea Frappuccino (RM12.50) features a blend of Ceylon black tea from Sri Lanka, Dianhong tea from Yunnan Province in China and Assam tea from India. Offering a rich blend with high-quality milk from New Zealand, this specially formulated product brings out the best of black tea, giving an authentic tea aroma and rich flavor, which in turn, delivers a full-bodied flavor that lingers long after the 1st sip.

Starbucks' Research and Development (R&D) team sources the tea globally to provide more choices of high-quality Starbucks beverages for consumers aside from in-store experience. To create a tea beverage with a distinct and smooth flavor that would appeal to consumers, Starbucks spent nearly a year sourcing for high-quality ingredients from distinguished tea producing regions worldwide. Following several rounds of internal tests and consumer product testing, the final blends resulted in the Starbucks Bottled Matcha Tea Frappuccino and Bottled Black Tea Frappuccino.

refreshing & bold ready to drink Frappuccinos for all

Maintaining its sleek bottle design, the newly launched Starbucks ready-to-drink Frappuccino Tea series is the perfect treat for young consumers seeking a refreshing taste of Starbucks Bottled Matcha Tea Frappuccino and bold flavors of Starbucks Bottled Black Tea Frappuccino, without compromising convenience. Enhance your Starbucks experience now with the 'Frapp-ulous' taste of the Starbucks Bottled Tea-Based Frappuccino today!

L-R: Mr. Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad, YBhg Dato’ Tunku Shazuddin,
Chairman of Berjaya Food Berhad, Mr. Kelvin Lee, Senior Merchandising Manager of 7-Eleven Msia,
Mr. Jordan Lung, Senior Business Manager (CPG) Berjaya Food Trading

recycling glass bottles, here's a tip!

Also, a great tip for recycling your bottles is to wash them out after you've finished drinking them and then re-use as a DIY Terrarium as can be seen in my pics below!

For more info, please visit Starbucks Malaysia FB page at https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksMalaysia/