Surf's Up! No not the movie but it was a really good one but yes it has something to do with surfing. Last time I saw seriously hot surfer guys in action was in Hawaii. But get this, there is something huge happening in Terengganu come 30th November, the Terengganu Rip Curl 6-star Pro Surf Contest!! Hot surfer guys.. and babes on a Malaysian beach, now that is going to be nothing less than uh-mazing! It will be happening 30th November - 2nd December at Pantai Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu.

Mick Fanning Rip Curl teamrider surfed one of the greatest heats of his life in the Final of the 2012 Rip Curl Pro, has claimed the 2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (read here)

The Terengganu Rip Curl Pro Surf contest 2012 is sanctioned by the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC). During the 3=day 6-star pro event, surfers from different regions of South East Asia are expected to compete in  five different divisions - Men's Open, Women's Open, Master Division, Bodyboard Open and Longboard Open. What's the prize like? A total estimate of RM40,000 worth of prizes!

Malaysia will not go unrepresented as host country. Rip Curl (Malaysia) has signed off an official 1-year Official Rip Curl Malaysia Riders deal with two top Malaysian surfers - Bryan Ng and Brenda Lee. Brenda is currently the top lady surfer in Malaysia. Rip Curl (Malaysia) also renewed the official rider contract  for 17-year old surfer from Cherating, Mohd Suhaimi (Semmy). 

So if you are a surfing fan, you where you have to be at the end of November.  Not only will you get to check out some surfing action, you will also get to participate in tons of activities aimed to educate people about all things surfing. Indonesian top surfboard artist, Mr Rizaldi from Bali will be the guest artist for the Surfboard Art Exhibition. There will also be a booth with live demo of the process on making a surfboard. Jonni Morrison-Deaker, from the Rip Curl Bali Surf School will also be conducting a Surf Clinic. Don't expect miracles though but at least you will get a feel of what surfing is like.

By holding this international event, Rip Curl sets to craft Malaysia as one of the surfing destinations amongst the professional surfers from different regions and also to attract more people to experience surfing. It will also provide Malaysian surfers an oppurtunity to gain experience in competing at international level.

The press con was followed by a fashion show from Rip Curl's latest collection. So if you are planning on going to the 6-star pro contest and you don't know what to wear, drop by your nearest Rip Curl outlet.

Oh gosh, what I would give to watch the surfers and imagine the brilliant glowing tan I would get after 3 days. Always love me some colour, nuts I know. Sun, surf and awesomeness!

Coming up: Loads of stuff this week! 

There is no denying that I love British sense of style and everything that comes with it.  It's all about individualism. It's still girly but edgy with a never "too polished" look. The hair is messy, you know that 'just got out of bed' kind of look but still manage to look effortlessly put together. Think Kate Moss, so iconically British, and Alexa Chung, get what I mean. The weather however is a different story all together.

So when I was given this set of styling products to try out from L'Oréal Professionnel latest Limited Edition hair styling range called London Addixion I was well chuffed. It is a collaboration between L'Oréal Professionnel, session supremo Malcolm Edwards who shot the campaign images with packaging designed by Central Saint Martins graduate Isabel Eeles. 

"I wanted to encapsulate the look of the London girl, that kind of nonchalant attitude and carefree spirit." - Malcolm Edwards

(Artistic Director for LONDON ADDIXION styling range from L'Oréal Professionnel)

Who is Malcolm Edwards? Well he is the most sought after hairdressers in the world whose work has graced the pages of Vogue, i-D, Harper's Bazaar and W over the past 10 years. He has worked with the biggest stars in the fashion industry, regularly collaborating with photographers  such as Mario Testino, Sølve Sundsbø and Terry Richardson and designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Burberry, YSL, Dior and Marc Jacobs.

Malcolm Edwards created all the London Addixion looks and they are just brill! Personally I think this is one of the most exciting promotional shots from a L'Oréal Professionnel styling range I have come across. It follows a young London couple on a journey through the city and discover what London style is about. Check out the images below and you will understand why I am completely captivated by them.

The Video

This range has three brilliant styling products to give girls and guys the perfect toolkit to create the "London Look" - Bubbles Soufflé, Bouncy Wax and Sprax Delight. You can actually use the products in combination for a look as each one does its own thing or use a product own it's own if the look you are going for is a simple one.

So far I have only tried out the Bouncy Wax for a simple look and a quick fix. The texture of Bouncy Wax is a special technology that combines wax and cream, resulting in the most transformed and long-lasting looks. Perfect for a repositionable  effect and lightweight, fllexible definition.

"Bouncy Wax is perfect for shorter, choppier styles. Use it to dress hair at the end of styling to add definition and texture or sculpt a quirky quiff." - Malcolm Edwards

I love it! I decided to try this one on my slept on curls one morning because it was starring at me from the bag. When I saw the word "definition" I said, "That's the one for this morning!" The texture is exactly how it's described. Not heavy like a full on wax neither was it too soft and runny like a usual cream. I took a small finger swipe of it and just lightly worked it through my curls. The result, beautifully textured and defined curls. Best part, it was light and my curls looked bouncy. I ran my fingers through it and the curls didn't frizz but just moved naturally. I applied some on my fringe and it layered to the side  with ease.

Although described by Malcolm Edwards to be more suited for a shorter choppier style, I love using this on curls. I messed it up a bit before going out the door so it doesn't look too done because that would be such a bore.

I am going to attempt my version of some of the looks created by Malcolm Edwards for the London Addixion using the products. I didn't say 'recreate' because I am very sure that attempting a style by a legendary hairstylist is futile and the result a downright flop.

I have more promo shots to share with you guys, so check back!

*Note: Product and promo shots courtesy of L'Oréal Professionnel Malaysia.

It has been two months since I got my hair coloured with the latest L'Oréal Professionnel INOA ODS2 (Read about it here). Wondering how the colour has held up? Well here's how it looks like now...

The colour is still looking pretty vibrant don't you think. I mean the colour has lighten but that's normal for any hair colour. From an initially rich brown now it looks copperish brown. Don't mind the roots, I'm in need of a touch up. I have been using the INOACOLOR Care since my first wash and it's definitely help care for colour and hair.

INOACOLOR Care is the first technology to be developed to prolong the intensity and to protect INOA coloured hair. The INOACOLOR Care system is based on two exceptional ingredients - Argan Oil for intense nutrition and Green Tea Extracts for optimal protection. It consists of shampoo, conditioner and masque.

Before I go on with the products let me just say, I love the scent of the products. It's nothing strong or sickly sweet. Just fresh, fruity and delicious!

The Protective Cream Shampoo which is formulated with Argan oil to replenish the lipids on the surface of the hair fiber for a smooth, shiny finish. It is also rich in Green Tea Extracts, natural antioxidants, that nourish the hair fiber to protect and maintain colour radiance and intensity. It is also SULFATE FREE. This basically means that it is gentle to the hair and scalp therefore will not irritate scalp and will not damage hair follicles! Let me hear it guys, "Hooray!".

Despite being sulfate free I find the shampoo forms into a creamy lather surprisingly well. After washing it off my hair feel clean but a tad stiff. Well that's where the conditioner comes in. Oh and it does a good job at cleansing the scalp.

The Protective Conditioner is also formulated with Argan Oil which nourishes the hair fibers for a smooth and silky finish. It provides a gentle lightweight barrier on the hair's surface to hold colour molecules in and keep environmental aggressors that leads to fading.

What I like about this conditioner is that it's really light and does not weigh my hair, or more like my curls down. The curls still look nicely formed and not stretched even when wet. If you are wondering if it's possible for the curls to look stretched or lose shape. Answer is yes, this usually happens with heavy textured conditioners.

Lets talk masque. I'm super liking this masque. It's a Protective Masque for very dry hair. Also contains Argan oil which nourishes dry hair. The Green Tea extracts penetrates deeply to protect vibrancy of hair colour.

Despite the rich and creamy texture is still does not weigh down my curls. Just like how it was done on my hair while at Albert Nico Boutique Salon, I left it for about 15 minutes in a shower cap but without the cling film, before washing it off. My hair felt extremely soft after. This masque can be used as often as you like.

After going through the 3 steps, then blow drying my hair I noticed that my hair is that much softer, more moisturised especially at the ends and smells great!

INOACOLOR Care and INOA Services are available at selected L'Oréal Professionnel Salons nationwide.

Retail price for INOACOLOR Care:
INOA Care Shampoo 250ml - RM55
INOA Care Conditioner 150ml - RM52
INOA Care Masque 200ml - RM72

*Note: Products provided for L'Oréal Professionnel Malaysia.

Rene Furterer has been in Malaysia for a few years now. Despite having a following, it's still not as widely known as it should be. Last week they had a Scalp & Hair Beauty Workshop to introduce the brand and the products.

Rene Furterer is the brainchild of a stylist of the same name who is a pioneer in finding natural ingredients to treat the hair as well as the scalp. The products is formulated with 100% natural essential oils and plant extracts which have been exclusively selected for their specific treatment virtues to provide fast, visible and long lasting hair and scalp benefits.

The best way for you to really experience the products is at Rene Furterer Hair Spa through an exclusive method - Scalp and Hair Diagnosis, Massage and Brushing Techniques and Tailor Made Hair Rituals.

Through the Scalp and Hair Diagnosis you will be able to find out:

Scalp nature : oily or dry

Hair nature : oily or dry

Potential trouble: hair loss, dandruff, irritations, dull hair

The possible cause of this trouble

After which you will then be recommended tailor made care rituals
Preparing - Complexe 5 or Astera Fluid
Washing - With specific shampoo (frequent use or treatment shampoo)
Treating - With tailor made indepth-care

Rene Furterer Complexe 5 is an essential treatment product and is the first step of all treatments. Which means this is a must have from the brand. It is a regenerating plant extract featuring stimulating essential oils of lavender and orange. It tones the scalp and instantly provides the bulb with the nutritive elements necessary to strengthen the hair. As it made from warm essential oils it may cause warming sensation depending on scalp sensitivity.

If you have sensitive or easily irritated scalp Astera is probably more suitable. It cools, soothes and calms the scalp.It also provides anti-inflammatory and healing benefits.

There are a wide range of products catering for various hair types and concerns - Oxygenating, Hydrating, Nourishing, Deep-Cleansing, Anti-Hair Loss, Soothing, Energizing, Frequent Use, Radiance, Smoothing, Light-Activating, Volumizing, Bounce-Enhancing, Shine-Enhancing, Sun Care, Styling and even dietary supplements. All the products are made from specially selected essential oils and plant extracts. To know what suits you, you really need to do the Scalp and Hair Diagnosis along with suggestions from the Rene Furterer experts. Trying to figure it out on your own is madness.

Along with the products there are also simple brushing and massage techniques you can do at home to make treatments more effective. Brushing eliminates dust and hair that is falling out, and restores hair volume. It be brushes everyday before any treatments. Massaging the scalp stimulates blood circulation and improves product penetration and is also relaxing.

They also introduced their latest product, Naturia Dry Shampoo with absorbent clay. I swear by dry shampoo. I use it in between washes when my roots is looking oily. It's also great for lifting up the roots giving the hair a bit of volume. In absence of dry shampoo, powder does a decent job too. Back to the RF dry shampoo, it's of the spray variety and it absorbs sebum and other impurities from the scalp. It also has a fresh fragrance. You can use this as often as you like but it is not an alternative to shampooing and cleansing your scalp properly.

I got my scalp and hair diagnosed and it's no less than troubling, worrying and upsetting. My scalp is oily and I'm having hair fall issues. As if oily skin wasn't bad enough. *growlss* So I was recommended to use products Complexe 5, Forticea Stimulating Shampoo and RF80 if I were to concentrate more on hair loss but I could alternatively use products from the Curbicia range for oily scalp.

If you're interested in finding out more about you scalp and hair, just drop by the Rene Furterer Institute at Pavilion KL. Also available at Hair Culture Mandarin Oriental KL, Glamor House Bangsar as well as the bigger Guardian Pharmacy outlets.

Rene Furterer Insitute
Lot No 6.29.00, Level 6,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-21439308
Website: www.renefuterer.com

I'm off to the Asian Shark Conservation NGO status media launch today. Yes they are predators but they need protection too. There has been an increased decline of sharks in Asian waters in recent years. It's worrying! If you guys want to learn more about sharks and how you can help drop by Fahrenheit88 over the weekend. For more info on what's happening click here.

Today I'm wearing The Body Shop Pink Ginger lippie from the Colour Glide Lip Colour range. I picked this up along with the rest of my birthday spree last month at The Body Shop and I have actually been wearing it quite often. 

I wasn't looking for screaming lips when I bought this one so Pink Ginger is a great neutral shade with a hint of colour on my lips. The coverage is more of a medium than full for this shade on my lips. Then again my lips aren't exactly naturally light and/or pinkish to begin with. It can be layered though for a bite more colour. The texture is rich & creamy and does a good job at moisturising my lips thanks to the Community Trade marula nut oil. It lasts about 3-4 hours without munching in between. Colour Glide Lip Colour comes in 15 shades and retails at RM45. Click here to check it out online.

I'm also trying out the new L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni Art London Addixion Bouncy Wax (Limited Edition Styling Range) on my freshly chopped locks. It's been 8 months since a pair of scissors came near it. The tail bit at the back was already touching my waist. Insane! Okay so it's not 10 inches shorter or one side shaved off or anything extreme. I was tempted though. Kind of missing my short hair days which didn't require me to spend an hour on drying and styling. *sigh* I went for a trim, only 2 inches off. But for my curly hair it looks as though 4 inches disappeared. At least I look younger now. *laughs* I'm using the bouncy wax to add definition and texture to the curls. We'll see how that works out.

Happy Friday and have a good weekend guys!

It's the tenth day into Pink October ladies, have you been giving yourselves regular breast self-examinations? If you have been lax about it, now is a good time to start doing it again. Early Detection Saves Lives!

I attended Xixili's Love My Life: A High Tea Party 2012 last week and after the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk by Dr Azlina (Breast Care and Surgeon at Pantai Hospital) it really does give you a jolt to be ever more diligent in your monthly breast self-examinations. 

Xixili's Love My Life Project has prevailed over the past 7 years advocating the "BSE I Have ✓ It" campaign with a primary goal to promote breast cancer awareness and to encourage women of all ages to practice monthly Breast Self-Examinations (BSE).

Dr Azlina's talk was a truly informative one starting from the very basics of explaining what cancer is, the risk factors, how to perform a BSE, myths and misconceptions, hot to prevent complications, knowing your rights as a patient with a breast problem as well as images of what breast cancer looks like. The images were really painful to look at but that is when reality hits you. I did not take photos of the images as they were of Dr Azlina's patients and would be unethical for me to show it here. But I will share with you ladies some important info on Breast Cancer Awareness.

What is cancer?

• Groups of cells with uncontrolled growth, invade and spread
• Can affect people of all ages; in Breast Cancer is usually above 40 years old but women as young as 17 have been reported. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer (1%)
• Caused by abnormalities in genetic materials of cells

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Female, Age, Genetics, Early Menarche - younger than 10 years old, Late Menopause - above 50 years old, Never Breastfed and Never Pregnant, Prolonged intake of oral contraceptives, Prolonged intake of Hormone Replacement Therapy, Smoking, Alcohol

Where to get more info?

• NGOs - PRIDE, MAKNA, BCWA
• Cancer Sepcialists
• Clinical Practice Guidelines - Management of Breast Cancer Malaysia - November 2012
• www.moh.gov.my
• www.acadmed.org.my
• Jabatan Kesihatan Awan, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
• www.cancer.gov.my
• National Specialists Register in Malaysia www.nsr.org.my

Xixili also taught guests a thing or two about choosing the perfect fit bra. Did you know that 80% of women in the world are wearing the wrong size bra! Well that's what the slide said. The right fit will guarantee a boost in confidence, comfort and make you look slimmer. 

The Envy Collection is developed with a super light high performance fabric, will instantly tone up all your underarm flab, giving you a slimmer and sleeker silhouette. It also centralises  outward parting breasts. It come in black, skin, fuchsia and dark purple and retails at RM139.90.

The Elisa Collection is all about lace and leopard prints taking cue from this season's hottest print. It's made from ultra rich fabrics and comes in various styles. Pieces from this collections retails between RM56.90 - RM149.90.

The Yesenia Collection is about nature inspired glamour. Contrasting hints of olive green and opulent red stand out against the sheer jacquard fabric. Pieces from this collection retails between RM56.90 - RM189.90.

PRIDE Foundation Malaysia a charity body that aims to enhance awareness efforts and to improve the accessibility of treatment of breast cancer, was one of the leading partners of the event. PRIDE also invited two breast cancer survivors to the stage to kindly share their inspirational fight against the disease.

Remember ladies:

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Oh hello there darling, we finally meet!

Lemony desserts are another one that I go crazy for. Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Tart, Lemon Slice with Lavender sugar icing, Lemon Souffle, Lemon cake, as long as it's lemony I'm all for it. I haven't really found a place that serves a lemon dessert that I really fancy other than the homemade Lemon Meringue Pie by aunty dearest, until now...

Not only is the Lemon Tart @ THIRTY8 Grand Hyatt KL good, it's simply ace! I expected it to taste like a traditional lemon tart, a more tangy lemon custard and everything that comes with it but talk about being wrong about something. When the Lemon Tart and I met last Saturday, it threw a party in my mouth!

Lemon Tart served with Chantilly cream, blueberries and lime. Needless to say the Lemon Tart looked enticingly fab on the plate. Beautiful colours, especially with the finely grated lime rind adding that pop of green on the blueberries. 

So the base and lemon custard just melts away in my mouth. Just like the Chocolate Tart, it didn't require any chewing at all. Do chew the blueberries though, it wouldn't go down too well swallowed whole despite the size. The lemon custard is a tad on the sweet side with a hint of tanginess. But eating it together with the blueberries and lime juice, it suddenly hit me, 'Oh wow!! Now that's what I'm taking about!'. The lime juice took the tanginess level up a notch.. or two. The bitterness of the finely grated lime zest cuts through the sweetness of the lemon custard, sourness of the lime and the slight tartness of the blueberries. Not only was the bright tang of the lime refreshing, it was dancing on my taste buds for the longest time. The Chantilly cream gave it that touch of light creaminess it needed.

For a dessert that looked really simple, there was a lot going on there but it all came together like a dream! And you guessed it, another dessert that's Chocolate Cats approved. :)

For Chocolate Tart @ THIRTY8 Grand Hyatt KL click here. For THIRTY8 Signature Cake @ Grand Hyatt KL on Opening Day click here.

THIRTY8
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumour | website
12 Jalan Pinang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 6am-11pm
Reservations: 03-21821234 or email kualalumpur.grand@hyatt.com

I have had such a packed few days that I haven't had a chance to take a breather. From lunch, supper and brunch dates, appointments, a warehouse sale, a hair workshop, two movies and some random things I'm dying for some time out and a cup of froyo with oreo crumbs and chocolate chips. *yumms* By the way if you guys haven't watched Looper, it's a super must watch! Especially if you are a Joseph Gordon-Levitt fan. Freaking loved it! JGL and Rian Johnson work so well together. I suddenly have the urge to watch 500 Days of Summer again. That boyish charm grows up so fast but never fails to make me melt.

Back to my "Make Your Own Havainas" story. I won a giveaway from Plusizekitten a few weeks back when she gave away 15% discount off custom designed Havaianas. I currently have two pairs and they are comfy to run around in and to have a third with my colours of choice and pretty pins were a welcome addition.

I really wanted to have one in orange but there were limited colour choices. So I chose a sugar coral sole, lemon straps, Swarovski Crystal pins, diamante dolphin and star pins and a limited edition Havainas gold pin. The pins usually retail for a higher price tag but was only RM3.50 per pin when I got mine done. My custom design Havaianas came up to RM129.90 after 15% discount. I was so tempted to get another pair but what stopped me was the fit on these custom ones. The straps are a tad longer than the usual ones so it flaps a little when I walk or it could just be my boney feet. Note to self: Don't walk too fast because having flip flops fall off or left behind would be oh so embarrassing. Still loving them though!