Cleffairy's Blog, page 141

Gartien Pineapple Cakes – Mid Autumn Edition

Check out this humble shophouses on a lonely street. Looks very old and pretty much mundane, right? But who would have known that such a small, quaint place could offer so much?

Don’t be fooled by the appearance of the shop houses. The marvelous and exquisite Gartien Pineapple Cakes are sold here in the humble shop located beside the coffee shop in the picture. Who would have guessed that this shops like these  produce such a gastronomic gem? I believed I’ve written about the Gartien Pineapple Cakes quite some time ago before Chinese New year 2014, but allow me to write about it again, considering that Midautumn Festival is fast approaching and I believe Gartien’s Pineapple cakes would be a splendid gift for your relatives and loved ones during the festival.

A box of Gartien Pineapple Cake Midautumn Edition is packed with 10 individual convenient packs and comes with colourful purplish Midautumn packaging on it. The artwork of this Gartien’s Md Autumn Edition is pretty eye catchy with the artwork of the Chinese Goddess of the Moon, Chang Er surrounded with moon bunnies, I must say. This will definitely make an interesting Mid Autumn Festival gift.

Curious about the pineapple cakes? Well,  here’s a picture of the Gartien Pineapple Cake. The pastries are made fresh with natural ingredients and pure butter. It gives the cake milky and buttery taste yet the light and fluffy.The filling is made of 100% fresh pineapples picked directly from plantation in the village of Nibong Tebal. Love it to bits as it is not cloyingly sweet and you can have one after another as it’s positively addictive. Unlike other pineapple cakes and tarts, this one is special in the sense that while it is light and fluffy, it is not crumbly. And a special note about the filling, you can actually chew on the pineapple chunks. The pineapple cakes has  no preservatives and artificial flavouring, so you need to keep it refrigerated or at dry place for freshness and avoid exposure to high temperature, humidity and direct sunlight. This pineapple cake is best serve in room temperature with warn tea.

 

Wanna make an order? Well then, check out their new retail outlet:

 

Product: Gartien Pineapple Cakes – Mid Autum Edition

Company: Gartien 小田佳园

Address: 380, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang, Malaysia. (next to Kek Seng Coffee Shop/格成茶室)

Contact: 604-229 0068

Business Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm daily

Website: www.gartien.com

Email: info@gartien.com

FaceBook page: www.fb.gartien.com

Gartien are having their grand opening this coming 20th July 2014, in conjunction with the Mid Autumn celebration, they having a promotion for those who place their order Before 4th August 2014:

- For 5 boxes and above, will be entitled a box free

Booking after 4th August 2014:

- For 10 boxes and above, will entitle a box free

A box of Pineapple Cakes with 10 convi packets cost RM 45. (Self Collect) A fix courier fees with RM 10 & RM 40 will be applicable to all deliveries within Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia respectively

So be quick and hurry place your order today to have enjoy the privilege.

 

MH17 and MH370

MH17 and MH370 is probably the worst thing that could have happened to Malaysia Airlines and Malaysian Aviation history. Barely four months ago Malaysia was shocked with the news where the flight MH370 went missing without a trace, the nation was put through the aviation nightmare again. This time around it is not just mind boggling like MH370, but gruesome as well.

The ill-fated MH17 was a non-hostile civilian plane, but was shot down in Ukrainian airspace on 17th July 2014. The MH17 wreckage and debris was already found. There was no survivors. And dead bodies were scattered around in such a gruesome scene. To date, no one claimed to be responsible for the unfortunate incident yet and both Russia and Ukraine is still passing the ball to each other and still playing whodudunnit game. I’ll leave the speculations and reporting to the professionals. I’m not here to speculate or write a conspiracy theory.

Initially I do not wish to write anything about this unfortunate event, but I find it difficult to stomach that friends and family are sharing the gruesome scene in the crash site; with MH17 wreckage and dead bodies so very openly on the social media.

Such action disgust me tremendously. It is bad enough that people are sharing news irresponsibly, and now sharing the pictures of dead bodies as well? That’s not only disrespectful towards the dead but also disrespectful towards the victim’s family and loved ones too! Have you got no bloody brain at all? Why can’t you have some empathy that someone out there has just lost their husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother or relatives? How would you feel if your father or mother has just been hit to death by a truck and their limbs and

meat are scattered around on the road and some arse decided to take a video or snap a photo and upload all of the gory scene on the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and those who saw that posting decided to share it around and consequently that indecency of a video or photo went viral?

Not a very nice thought, isn’t it? Such act is not only insensitive but disrespectful as well, and I hope all of you out there stop sharing such things. Someone out there is crying for their loss and it’s simply an inhumane thing to do to gain attention on social media that way.

Cleffairy: Karma always gets back at you. Remember that. Today it might be the time for others to grieve in humiliation and indignity, but tomorrow.. It might be one of you!

Mom’s Care Selfie Contest

I was always tired when I was pregnant with my son many years back, especially during the third trimester, and preparing for babys needs was a hassle back then. There was no baby shop nearby my place that actually sells everything that a baby and a new mother would need after the birth, and I actually had to hop from one shopping mall to another just to buy a few different items. But things has changed. These days there’s one stop centre like Mom’s Care, so pregnant mothers  don’t need to worry about walking around too much and getting overly exerted looking for baby’s needs.

Established in 1995, Mom’s Care opened its first outlet in Ampang Point Shopping Centre. Mom’s Care has always been looking at catering to the larger consumer group. Therefore, with that in mind, a mere 5years later, Mom’s Care opened its doors at Mid Valley Megamall and 1Utama Phase 2. Mom’s Care mission statement is “To provide the best needs and care for your child”, hence the tag line used since its conceptualisation “the right choice for your child”. Moms Care is not only a place for new parents to shop for baby’s needs, but it is also a place the place where parents can seek advice on pregnancy, parenting tips.. Mom’s Care carries more than 20 international brands with more than 10,000skus. This covers everything from infants to toddlers and newborn up to 3 years of age. Mom’s Care offers the latest designs and most innovative products by international brands; from apparels, nursing products, feeding accessories, car seats and traveling systems, bedding as well as educational toys, to name a few, so if you are expecting a baby and wants to not only shop for products to use after your baby’s birth but also to get some parenting tips and advice, Mom’s Care is just the place you want to go.

Anyway, heres sharing some good news with you expecting parents out there. Mom’s Care is having some contest where you can win some expensive and excitingly useful stuff for yourself and your baby.

These items are up for grab:

 

Urban light Click Connect Stroller and baby car seat worth RM2,000. These are without a doubt, will make traveling with your baby safe and fuss free.

And Contour Prestige Primo worth RM1,800  equipped with bassinet mattress vibrates gently (on a timer) to soothe the baby and is a perfect travel bed cot to care for babies and parents.The Contour Prestige baby bed  is suitable for your baby  from birth to about 3 years. The changing table is suitable from birth up to 15,0 kg. A removable storage tray, a box for hygiene products and a box for nappy provides a lot of room.

All you need to do is take a selfie photo on the most creative way. The theme is “fun time with Kids & family”. Participant must share their photo to get the most likes and the organizer will select the winner.

 

 

Heres how it works:

Contestants must upload a ‘selfie’ to Moms Care Facebook. The contest will be the best photo category and the most likes category. Participant must send their picture to via facebook or email, by attaching their detail and picture together with their Contact details: Name, IC, Contact number & email address. Contest runs from 16 July -10 august 2014 1.Closing date for entry will be 10 August 2014 .After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted. The rules of the competition and the prize for each winner are as follows: Further information can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/momscaremalaysia and www.momscare.com.my

The winner will be notified by email and facebook private message within 7 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner. The organizer will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected.

The Contest is open to all Malaysians who are aged 18 years old and above.

The following persons are not eligible to participate in the

Contest :-

(a) Employees of the Organiser, Mom’s Care Sdn Bhd and the Sponsors of the Contest and their immediate family members. *immediate family members means spouse, children, parents, brothers and sisters.

(b) No cash alternative to the prizes will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and Mom’s Care reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.

 

So, what are you waiting for…Hop over to the Facebook page, check out all the infos and starts snapping selfies away.

Do They Know About You?

Does your family knows who you really are? I mean, if you are a blogger or a social media influencer, do they know what you actually do online, read your blogs and follow your career and online life closely? I’m not sure about all of you out there, but my family did not know anything about my online life until recently. Recent, as in two months back.

You see, I’m mostly… ‘Anonymous’ online. I don’t post up my pictures openly on my blogs or on any social media platform, but these days I’ve loosen up a lil bit. I even made known to my family ( mum, dad, sister, uncle, aunties, grandpa etc) about my blog(s), add them in my social media accounts

like Facebook and Instagram, and although I still do not plaster my picture or my husband and son’s picture all over the blog, I no longer tell people not to tag me or disallow them to publish my pictures on their social media platform. Not exactly something my husband will applause as he is a very private person, but I come to realize the harsh reality that sometimes, in isolated cases, ‘privacy’ is somewhat a double edge sword, and I’m no longer comfortable with having that double edge sword pointed to my throat, threatening to take all that I hold dear from me.

I won’t divulge much about that and leave the double edge sword story as it is, but I can tell you that I feel much more comfortable now that apart from ‘people’ who are constantly ‘monitoring’ my movements and spreading ill words and lies about me, my family are in the loop of my daily lives too, so should anything unpleasant or something happened to hurt me or my son, be it mentally, verbally or physically, at least my family will be aware about it although I do not verbally inform them. I feel much more secure now that my family knows and keeping tab about my activities and my whereabouts.  At least if anything goes wrong, they know how to contact the authorities and take legal action against those who meant ill to me and my little boy.

Ah! The beauty of social media. It keep you connected even though you are geographically disconnected.

Social media platform is no longer just a publishing tool for me. It is now a communication tool for me between my family too. My family is now aware of what is going on in my life although they do not openly comment, so yes…watch out and don’t treat me as if I’m an orphan. I got them behind my back, and if you mess with my life, my husband’s life and my son’s life, retribution will come without fail. I’ll make sure of that.

No. This is not a threat, but a promise to be delivered should anyone decide to continuously be an arse.

Cleffairy: I don’t really respond well to verbal and emotional threat nor do I like doing things behind people’s back.

Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak

I’m not the sort of person who will talk much about how my life with my family was when I was just a little girl or when I was still living with them before getting married and moving in with my husband, but perhaps, it is time to reminisce a little bit, considering that some people that I know kinda treat me and order me about as if I have no family to back me up to begin with. I don’t like it and I wonder why I’m being a subject of bully? Is it because I’m petite in size? Or is it because I’m too polite to snap back at people when they give me attitude? I guess I can’t help it huh? I’m raised in a family who puts a high value on morality and mannerism. In my family, nobody is a two-faced hypocrite or goes around scolding or ordering others about, and unlike some family’s institution, we do not step on each other’s back or head just so that we can look good in front of others nor do we lie to our relatives about another relatives just so that we can look…’heroic’.

I could never understand that behaviour, seriously.  I think those who does that needs to pay a visit to the psychologist. That person must be terribly insecure and have a serious case of inferiority complex issue! My family protects each other and work as a unit, and we appreciate each other. Nobody forgets each other’s birthdays and we make a point to greet one another on special occasions. There is no such thing as unhealthy obsession of always needing to be respected and proving themselves to their relatives and there’s no such thing as family rivalry and family politics is nonexistent. I did not grow up in a family where’s there’s constant mental warzone where you got to struggle to always look good in front of one another. My parents and grandparents made sure of that. Love is always unconditional in my family and we accept one another as we are. Unfortunately, that’s a sentiment that not many shared, and I guess, I really miss those good old times where I do not have to carefully thread around and speak my mind and actually be heard instead of ignored, but oh well, the good old times are gone and I have to adjust accordingly.

But, not all ‘changes’ in my life is bad. Some is good. I used to be so sheltered to the point that all my meals throughout my growing up years comes from my mother and my mother alone. Breakfast, lunch, dinner are all homecook. Even special birthday meals comes from my mother’s kitchen. My mother is a competent cook and my dad is a fussy fusspot who doesn’t believe in eating out. He doesn’t believe in such temptations, and nothing would ever satisfy or satiate his appetite for food except my mother’s cooking. I used to just eat at home whole year through and that can be rather mundane and routine, but not anymore. After being married, I get to eat out pretty often as my husband is not exactly a fusspot like my father when it comes to food. Thank God cuz I can’t imagine preparing every single meals a few times everyday for my family!

Lead us not into temptations…or so the saying goes. My father truly believes in that. But if temptations looks anything like Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak in Casa Ombak Bungalow, now that’s the sort of ‘temptation’ that’s most welcoming and not to be missed. I believe, even my father would be pleased to indulge himself with such temptations.

So what’s Casa Ombak? Casa Ombak Bungalow is a beautifully picturesque concept restaurant in a serene garden setting, located in Jalan Damai, Kuala Lumpur. Casa Ombak is managed by Ombak Creative and offers Ramadhan buffet promotion throughout this Holy Month of Ramadhan for an irresistibly attractive and competitive price. Ombak Creative is an event management company under the management of Casa Ombak Sdn Bhd. with over 10 years experience in managing catering, corporate events, wedding feasts and exclusive private functions.

Casa Ombak is very laid back, heavenly and romantic location for various events, including formal functions, anniversaries, wedding receptions, etc. Should you ever want to host any kind of events in Casa Ombak, rest assured that you are in their capable hands, and I reckon you will not be disappointed.

All right, enough about their background. Let’s talk about buffet. The Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak 2014. Here’s something diners should know about Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak

The lavish will be held in a romantically relaxing atmosphere with the open booth buffetthat enables the diners to choose generous iftar delicacies on offer.

Some traditional Malay kuih spotted at Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak

Not particularly tempted with the ready spread prepared in the Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak? Fret not, ladies and gentleman. Casa Ombak and Ombak Creative aimed to please and indulge all it’s diners. There’s stalls available in the Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak where diners can choose to get their food prepared à la minute. Not familar with the term à la minute? Well, in the culinary arts, mainly in high-volume restaurants like Casa Ombak, à la minute refers to a style of cooking where an item, or particularly its accompanying sauce, is prepared to order, rather than being prepped in advance and held for service.

A la minute food stall at Ramadhan Buffet Casa Ombak

Do you know what that means? Yups, that means there’s food ready to order in Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak, so ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, should you decide to have iftar/buka puasa in Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak, head over to those fanciful stalls and tell the chef on duty what you want to have and they will whip your deliciously satisfying dish up in a jiffy! :)Now that’s what I call a Buffet Ramadhan worthy fit for royalties. Food catered and freshly prepared for you on the spot! Wonderful, isn’t it? Well, to me it is something that I’d happily go for, especially after a long gruesome day without food as our tummies definitely would welcome such a warm indulgence.

The irresistible menu offered by Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak is extensive, and it includes masakan kampung, with a variety of savory dishes. Plenty of  authentic, home-cooked dishes along with ulam and sambal belacan to whet your appetite. A wonderful reminisce of the good old kampung days where dishes are not only simple, but flavourful too.

Worried about missing your prayers while dining here in Casa Ombak? Well, fret not, Casa Ombak also provides prayer room or surau for the Muslim diners to perform their solat, so no worries about missing your prayers here in Casa Ombak.

Tempted to have your buka puasa here in Casa Ombak? The Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak will be available from 4thjune – 25th July 2014.

Check out the price below:

Adults -RM55/nett

Children -RM27/nett

Those who are interested to make an early reservation for Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak may refer to the details as shown below:

Call/Whatsapp : Akma Omar 013 2680001

Tel : 03 21818750

Call/Whatsapp : 013 624 1417

Call/Whatsapp : 012 662 1062

Facebook page : Ombak Creative

Website: www.OmbakCreatives.com

Address:

Casa Ombak Bungalow, No. 22 Jalan Damai off Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Reservations from individual, groups, corporate bodies are most welcomed.

Location map:

GPS coordinate: 3.164674, 101.717336

 

Personally, I think if you’re looking for a wonderful buka puasa place that actually worth all your time and money, Buffet Ramadhan Casa Ombak is just the place that you should consider. What more you’re asking for? They have everything that even the fussiest diner could ask for. Delicious food, generous buffet spread, prayer room for solat, and all that for only a fraction of the price! So what are you waiting for? Book now to avoid disappointment!

Disclaimer:

Contest Duit Raya Casa Ombak ini dianjurkan oleh AkmaOmar.com, ditaja oleh Pengurus Perkahwinan Ombak Creative, Lelaki Kacak, Roti Boom Asli, Custom Tshirt, Denaihati.com, Inspired Magazine, Profhariz.com, KitePunye.com, Zoncinta.com, Jawatan Kosong Kerajaan, Exam PTD.

 

eWana All Stars: eWana Raya 2014 for Charity

What can you do with RM21.90? I’m not sure what you can do with RM21.90, because to me, that amount of money is not that much to begin with and it could barely pass for a decent meal for two in my regular mamak stall. RM21.90 is also not enough for me to shop for a minimal 3 days groceries supplies. Yes. The inflation is THAT bad that the value of money that could have meant alot a decade ago seems insignificant now. Any amount that is less than RM50, is…well…not really enough to spend on anything. Sad, but true.

But what if I told you that with RM21.90, you can make a difference in someone’s life? What if I say, by just spending RM21.90, you could help play a part in helping to fill some hungry tummies and help to provide some clothes for the needy? Now, that is interesting thought, isn’t it?

The eWana FM has recently launched a raya album during an iftar with media, bloggers and the children from an orphanage in Cheras at Pak John Steamboat at eCurve last week.

With the mere cost of RM21.90 per CD, 30% proceeds of the sale of this album would go to the war ravaged victims in Gaza. Here’s your chance to give a tremendous value to your money while you entertain yourselves with some catchy but nostalgic Hari Raya songs.

There are five originally composed and never heard before songs in this album sung by the eWana All Stars a.k.a the celebrity deejays in eWana.FM. I’ve listened to my copy of the CD and I’ve been duly impressed, especially by the song ‘Kenangan Syawal Terindah’ sung by DJ Teguh. It is so meaningful and beautiful and not to mention addictive. I’m even listening to it right now as of writing.

If you are an individual or a corporate body that is looking for a gift for yourselves or your client this coming Hari Raya, why not grab a copy or two? You won’t only be ‘enjoying’ the songs yourselves, but a war ravaged victims in Gaza will be able to ‘listen’ to your kind thoughts too.

To place an order, do contact eWana.fm  or Wan Salam

Cleffairy: PS: You can request for autographs of the deejays of your choice upon ordering.

Iftar at eWana FM with Ruhani Catering

It’s the holy month of Ramadhan as of writing and the Muslims are observing a sun up to sun down fast. Not an easy feat truthfully, especially when one are not only supposed to refrain themselves from eating and drinking, but strive to do good and be a more pious person. Like all Muslims around the world,my deejay and artist friends from eWana FM are also observing the holy month of Ramadhan, and my family and I have been privileged enough to be invited to break fast with them. It was an open invitation where we are welcome to join them for breaking fast session every day throughout the month, but of course, I kinda feel sheepish about it. :p

Nevertheless, the wonderful people in eWana FM made me feel like a family. Unlike my family by blood and by marriage, I don’t have to plan ahead and make appointments to meet each other for lunch or dinner. Meeting my radio family is literally fuss free. Or at least, throughout this whole month of Ramadhan, it will remain that way as they held their doors open for breaking fast session together daily.

Yes. These people feels more like family than just friends and acquaintances and they taught me quite a few things this Ramadhan. They taught me the meaning of giving without expecting anything in return, they taught me about acceptance regardless of race and religion and also, they taught me about charity and togetherness.

A pic taken while waiting for azan and breaking fast time. Halim Brothers, host for Hai Blogger segment and my all time favourite singing traveler, Iqwal Hafiz. I bet you guys are familiar with Iqwal by now. I’ve featured Iqwal countlessly in the blog since I got to know him from my first trip with Sahabat Media last year. Talented and mild mannered young man, I must say.

As soon as azan is heard and a short doa (prayer) to give thanks for the food is said, everyone piles up their plate with these yummylicious food prepared by Ruhani Catering and have their fill before heading back for Terawikh Prayer or start to prepare to be on air. Ruhani Catering has done a great job in feeding all of us, I must say. Food for the eWana crew is sponsored by Ruhani Catering throughout the holy month of Ramadhan, but it tastes nothing like those shabby and tasteless catering food. The food prepared by Ruhani Catering in fact, tastes almost as authentic as homecooked food, which is great cuz as much as all of us hated to admit it, we all missed home badly. Many of us wishes to spend time and have a warm meal with our respective family during Ramadhan, but not everyone is privileged to do so. Geographically it is not possible for some.

Ruhani Catering’s service is superb. Their staff always arrives on time to deliver food and help set up the table for us, and there’s never a repeated menu delivered to us. So, if you are looking for a reliable catering company with delicious food at a reasonable price for your events and whatnot, do consider Ruhani Catering. I believe they have plenty of packages you can choose from. For more info, like their Facebook page HERE.

From Russia with Love Part IV: The Matryoshka Dolls

I was a pampered princess when I was a little girl. Being the first child and first grandchild, I practically had everyone wrapped with my tiny fingers as soon as I was born. I was well loved and still loved, by my family, that is. As the apple of everyone’s eyes, I get everything that I wanted as a child. All I need was to ask. Well…almost. To say that I got everything that I wanted as a child was rather exaggerating. I did not exactly get everything that I want.

One of the things that I always wanted as a child was dolls. Rag dolls, Barbie dolls…all sort of dolls. My childhood wish was to own a huge dollhouse, but I never did get a dollhouse with full of dolls in it as my parents are believer of soft toys …not pretty, girlish dolls that you can play dress up with. So, instead of having a playroom that’s full of beautiful little dolls I can play house with, my playroom was filled with all sort of soft toys. My bedroom was a zoo of teddy bears.

I’m all grown up now. I may not play with toys anymore… ahem… children’s toys that is, but I still find dolls fascinating, especially those mannequins and exotic dolls from all around the world.

I’m an avid reader, and I’ve read plenty of books themed heavily around dolls. In most mystery or horror genre novels, dolls are usually object that’s used to create a mysterious background or setting. One of my all time favourite doll themed story is Kindaichi Case File- Russian Dolls Murder Case. If you are not a fan of Japanese graphic novels, you might not be familiar with the series, but I’m a huge fan of mystery genre novels so I find the story very intriguing.

In that story, there’s a few Russian Dolls and they are actually key objects to solve a plotted murder case. I’m not going to write down that story here, but if you are interested, you can search for ‘Kindaichi Shonen Jikenbo- Russian Dolls Murder Case’ on YouTube. Kindaichi Case File was animated and made into a live action series.

As you know, I have recently acquired a set of Matryoshka Dolls, a gift from ambassador of Russia herself. You may read about it HERE.

Also known as Russian nesting doll, Matryoshka doll refers to a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other. The first Russian nested doll set was carved in 1890 by Vasily Zvyozdochkin from a design by Sergey Malyutin, who was a folk crafts painter at Abramtsevo. Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan, a long and shapeless traditional Russian peasant jumper dress. The figures inside may be of either gender; the smallest, innermost doll is typically a baby turned from a single piece of wood. Much of the artistry is in the painting of each doll, which can be very elaborate. The dolls often follow a theme; the themes vary, from fairy tale characters to Soviet leaders.

So, why is the doll called Matryoshka? It happened so that the wooden toy was Matryoshka  and there is no information who was the first to call the nesting doll by this name. Definitely the name Matryoshka goes from Russian female name Matriona. In old Russia among peasants the name Matriona or Matriosha was a very popular female name. Scholars says this name has a Latin root “mater” and means “Mother”. This name was associated with the image of of a mother of a big peasant family who was very healthy and had a portly figure. Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to image brightly painted wooden figurines made in a such way that they could taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another.

 

The dolls are constructed from one block of wood in order to create a proper fit; different pieces of wood would have unique expansion-contraction characteristics and moisture content. Production involves use of a turning lathe, along with various woodcarving knives and chisels.

First, the smallest doll (which cannot be taken apart) is made on a turning lathe, and its size and shape will determine that of the larger dolls. Next, the bottom and top halves of the next doll are made separately, with a ring on the bottom made to fit into an inset on the top portion. The upper part is placed on the lower half and allowed to dry, which tightens the ring to its upper fitting to ensure the halves will close securely. No measurements are made during this process; sizing to fit is done by eye. After all the dolls are made, they are treated, painted, and coated, before nesting them inside one another

Some historians of Russian life argue that matryoshka dolls originated from Japanese traditional dolls. However it’s known that Russian masters would make hollow detachable Easter eggs from the wood long before the first nesting doll was made. The first Russian nesting doll set appeared in Moscow in 1890′s. It was carved by Vasily Zvyozdochkin from a design by a folk crafts painter Sergey Malyutin. The doll set consisted of eight dolls of decreasing sizes placed one inside the other. All eight dolls depicted children — the outermost was a girl holding a rooster, six inner dolls were girls, the fifth doll was a boy, and the innermost was a baby.

Despite the fact that first matryoshka dolls were intended for children, their price was so high that only adults could afford to buy them on special occasions. Matryoshka dolls were often given as a present to young women from their beloved ones. In 1900, the dolls earned a bronze medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. Soon after, Russian nesting dolls became wildly popular. The toys were being produced in several well-known manufacturing centers, the most famous of them being Sergiev Posad and Semenov. In the early twentieth century, Russian nesting dolls were being exported abroad in large quantities. The popularity of the dolls even gave rise to a few companies in Germany which produced counterfeit nesting dolls and sold them as Russian toys.

Great Deals with Starbucks Malaysia Apps

Huge fan of coffee? Starbucks? Well, I’m a huge fan of all those ice blended frappe. They’re my vice. My favourite got to be those mocha varieties, although I always prefer decaf as caffeine gives me terrible palpitations. My favourite hangout to get all these ice blended drinks fix is of course, Starbucks. Some may say it’s overrated, but it’s still my favourite place to hangout at. Things are rather busy for me these days and it’s been awhile since I chillax at Starbucks. It was first day of Ramadan, and hubby was at home, and I was desperately craving for some ice blended. And so,  before I turn into some whiny, sulky monster, we head over to our regular Starbucks lurk in Midvalley and got ourselves some ice-blend.

We were lucky that night as I’m a Starbucks Malaysia Apps user and they are having this great deal where you can buy 1 Dark Caramel Vaeriety Drink and get another one for free, so we just paid Rm18 for two grande sized drinks. Yippie, that’s a great deal. Usually we had to spend more than just Rm18 to get drinks for two!

The Starbucks Malaysia Apps  is exclusive for smartphone users and can be downloaded for free at Apps Store or Playstore.

Menu checking made easy with this apps

 

And there’s this Starbucks locator too. You may use this to locate your nearest Starbucks and check their operating hours too. Some Starbucks store close earlier than others, mind you, especially those Starbucks store that’s located inside a shopping mall.

 

 

Right now they are having this promo where you can buy one  Dark Caramel Beverages and get another one for FREE. Promo period is from 26th June 2014 to 13th July2014. So, what are you waiting for? if you are a Starbucks addict, you might want to hop over to Starbucks right now!

Citarasa Tradisi Ramadan at Utara Coffee House, Armada Hotel PJ

It was a very busy day for me and my husband. I was buzzing around going for events and whatnot while my husband was stuck at work, but I’m really glad we both managed to make time to hop over to Utara Coffee House Armada Hotel last week for their Ramadan Buffet preview. Ahemm, as usual… since it was another one of those ‘busy day date night’, I made some effort to dress up before meeting my husband at the hotel. This time around I got all excited and picked my pink baju kurung from the wardrobe, earning teasing from blogger friends who were present that night. :P  But hey…I had fun. That’s what mattered most. Anyway,  just like the previous year, this year Utara Coffee House is once again offering a wonderful gastronomic spread for the Holy month of Ramadan.

Upon arrival at Utara Coffee House, I immediately spotted mouth-watering traditional and international favourites. With more than 100 dishes available, Executive Chef, Chew Teik Chye (whom I secretly dubbed as the jolly Chinese Santa Clause as he’s always full of surprises) promises to showcase a wide selection of dishes that emphasizes on a variety of flavors and scent that will titillate your palate after a long day of fasting.Since this is a buffet and I was practically spoiled for choices, I can’t really comment on every single dishes that they are offering, but I’ll show you what’s worth piling up your plates with.

 

There’s fresh ulams, and if you’re a fan of greens, I’d recommend you to go for it.

I’m a huge fan of sourish stuff, so I kicked off my Ramadan feast with jeruks (pickled fruits), but I wouldn’t recommend you to do that if you have been fasting for the whole day. You might want to try something milder instead as appetizer. Or even better, start off your breaking fast with the sweet pastries that Utara Coffee House is offering.

 

Rojak is something you wouldn’t want to miss too. The thick prawn paste sauce is yummy enough to send you to heaven and back.

Salads was available too, but I gave it a miss this time around.

One thing that you must have at Citarasa Traditional Ramadan at Utara Coffee House is their bubur lambuk. This dish is not only authentic but heavenly too, and I had two helpings of this.

Roasted lamb and nasi briyani. Loved the roasted lambs to bits. It was perfectly done.

Satay

Shish-kebabs and sides is also something you might want to try.

Laksa counter.;

Now, being a Pengangite, I’m always fussy when it comes to my laksa, but this…this earned my approval.

 

Nasi rempah

Sambal petai udang

To-die-for curry fishead.A perfect pair for the nasi briyani or nasi berempah.

Kambing kuzi

Gulai ayam

Yummilicious roti jala

Lemang

Serundings to pair your lemang with. Now, the Citarasa Traditional spread is very generous.

The spread would make you wish that you have a few empty tummy to fill them up with…

But if you want my advice, I would say that you take a bit of everything and  start off your breaking fast session with either appetizer or dessert first, then work you way through the mains, or you won’t be able to most of the things on offer, as they are really good.

Desserts include traditional Malay Kuih, French pastries and tempting sweet delicacies such as Pengat Nangka, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Ais Kacang and Bubur Cha-Cha all prepared specially for the sweet tooth.. Do keep a lookout for the sweet Baklava. That’s their new house special and a must try. There’s also a variety of beverages prepared for you to quench your thirst: Cincau, Kelapa Muda, Jagung, Kembang Semangkuk, Selasih and more.

‘Citarasa Tradisi Ramadhan Buffet Dinner’ priced at RM85.00 per adult and RM43.00 per child from Monday, 7 July 2014 – Sunday, 27 July 2014.

For those who can’t wait for the feast to begin, Utara Coffee House will commence with a Pre-Ramadhan Buffet Dinner from Monday, 23 June 2014 – Saturday, 6 July 2014 priced at RM65.00 per adult and RM33.00 per child.

To mark the end of the fasting month and welcome the joyous festival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Utara Coffee House will also be celebrating the occasion with a wide selection of goodies through the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Hi-Tea Buffet priced at RM60.00 per adult and RM35.00 per child on Monday, 28th & Tuesday, 29th July 2014 from 12noon to 4.00pm. For reservations, please call (03) 7954 6888 ext. 4557 Utara Coffee House.

Now, on a side note, I discovered that there’s an awesome deal on the web. iBuy Malaysia, the leading e-Commerce and flash sales business in the South East Asian region, presents the Top 25 customer’s choice buffet deals to your inbox all this month from 18th June 2014 till 30th Jun 2014, through its subsidiaries LivingSocial and MyDeal Sdn Bhd.  LivingSocial and MyDeal Sdn Bhd join forces to give customers two new buffet deals everyday throughout the campaign period except on weekends. Customers can expect a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Chinese and many more, all in one collection page called “Top Buffets”. Through this campaign, customers are encouraged to share their experiences and feedbacks by sending in their reviews. 2 customer reviews will be selected every week and will be rewarded with a free buffet voucher for 2 people.

And guess what, folks? Utara Coffee House, Armada Hotel PJ is actually listed in this campaign! So if you’re looking forward to feast at Utara Coffee House or any other restaurants with generous buffet at a fraction of the price, you might want to hop over to this site and take advantage of the promotions that they are offering. All you need to do is purchase the voucher, print it out and call the restaurants for bookings before dining.