Saturday, 17/4/10 3.45pm

This turned out to be a one-on-one workshop for me! This meant that I had the OE Fine Jewellery outlet all to myself and I would get to try on jewellery without having anyone else waiting their turn. *evil laugh*

A wonderful change from the usual makeup and skincare workshops I usually find myself in. Greeted by Lina Chua (Head of Marketing) and Janet Khew (HR Manager) as I walked in, my eyes were already wondering around the outlet in awe of such gorgeous jewelleries.

With Lina

A brief history - OE has a history of more than 100 years dating back to 1906 in Muenster, Germany. The OE factory in Penang was established in 1974 at Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and specialises in gold and platinum jewellery, set with precious gems. Today, OE exports to 39 countries worldwide. It's creations are found in some of the finest stores in the world, such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue of New York; and Mitsukoshi of Japan, among others. In Malaysia, OE retails direct to customers through its showrooms in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Over the years, OE has carved a niche for itself in the global jewellery industry, winning awards at international trade shows such as the International Pearl Design Award, Jewel of the Year, the Golden Shell and many more.

This workshop highlights their C-Natasha Collection. Lina and Janet showed me various ways of wearing pendants from this collection. They can either be worn with the chains they come with either in 18 carat gold or white gold, with a string of pearls or with a specially designed black cord. I thought the coolest part was wearing the pendant  attached to the cord as a loose belt plus the earrings clipped on to the ends. Omg! It would make any LBD look super amazing!

Perfect piece to dress up any outfit

Lina then went on to show me around and introduce various other collections such as the Rudolf Erdel Platinum and Lillian Too’s Auspicious Jewellery Collections and award winning pieces such as the double ring which I thought was a ridiculous piece to wear but a great design. And those precious gems! Oh wow! The pendant set with a brilliant piece of Tanzanite was definitely eye catching. The Black Diamond Collection sets itself handsomely apart from the rest.

One particular piece caught my eye as I walked around the outlet. An amazingly gorgeous white gold pendant set with diamonds. The design on this piece was intricately beautiful. The workmanship, amazing! Price tag: About RM26,000!! I'm not exactly sure when I'll be able to afford it but I've definitely fallen in lurv! I can't show you a close-up picture of it for obvious reasons but here's a picture of me wearing it. *enter Cheshire Cat smile*

Bling! Bling! I'm in lurv!

The more expensive jewelleries in the showroom are from the Platinum Collection which may range from RM250,00 and above.

Pigita dropped by as my session ended for another tour around the outlet. Still couldn't stop going 'ooo aaa'!

To find out more about OE Fine Jewellery and view their collection online just click me.

Thanks to OE Fine Jewellery, Lina, Janet & KLCC for making this possible! :)

After meeting up with some friends for lunch at OU I just had to do a quick stop over at the Curve to check out the first Burt's Bees' outlet in Malaysia. Was thinking of going next week since I'm going to the Burt's Bees' Workshop organised by Nüyou Magazine at The Royale Bintang but what the heck I was already nearby.

I headed straight to the lip balm corner when I got into the outlet. Been dying to try out their Pomegranate Lip Balm. Well it was a no brainer that I had to get it after trying it out. Hmm.. I can't possibly just get one item right. Get another one! Lol!

Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil - RM18

Tried out their Lip Shimmer which comes in about 11 shades and narrowed it down to three - Rhubarb, Raisin and Fig. Lurving all three but promised myself I wouldn't blow my budget so I had to settle for just one. For this week at least. Next week is the dawn of a new day (Burt's Bees' Workshop *wink wink*). My pick was FIG. It's a great colour for me as pinkish ones don't usually show on my lips.

My 3 fave shades..

Lip Shimmer in Fig - RM31.80

But didn't see the Super Shiny Lip Gloss around yet. Overheard one of the Sales Assistant say that there'll be another shipment coming in soon.

Did a quick round checking out their other products and found that they're slightly pricey considering that they're a drugstore brand in the US. Might decide to try out something else the next time round. For today I'm just happy with my balm & shimmer. :)

Warning : This Post Contains Too Many Pictures of Me! Lol!

I attended a MAC Fashionista workshop on Wednesday (14/4/10) courtesy of KLCC. As I was standing around waiting for it to start, Syahidah the Senior Makeup Artist came over and asked whether I would like to be her model for the evening. I was thrilled! (Must have been because I looked so pale.. lol..). Zulaika the Assistant Retail Manager started it off a bit after 7pm.

Before my makeover.. looking strange..

I initially thought it would be a mini hands on workshop which I thought would have been fun but it was more of a 'Introducing colors for Spring/Summer and sharing tips and techniques workshop'.

Syahidah went through step-by-step on what products to use and what tools to apply it with. 

Syahidah's Work of Art

With Syahidah

Excited me absolutely forgot to take pics of the products that were used on me.. *sigh*

Syahidah also mentioned that they plan to have more workshops for both beginners and advanced levels in the future. Sounds exciting. Maybe then I will remember to take pictures of products. Silly me. We went home with goodie bags containing various booklets on products information, tips & techniques, a MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover (30ml) and a made-for-party bracelet from Salabianca.

Big thanks to KLCC and MAC for organising the workshop. Hoping for more in the future. Also thanks to Jess for hanging on to my camera while I was getting prettified. :)

Gosh I hadn't realised 3 months with IDI-Italy 1858 has gone by so quickly. Seems like the first 2 weeks of breakout panic happened just yesterday. *fingers crossed it doesn't happen again! oh the horrorrr!*

Who knew this would be the start to something fantabulous.. ;)

Before the IDI-Italy 1858 Super Fan Campaign, I hadn't even heard of the brand. But after using their products, I'm glad I was chosen to participate in the campaign. I've seen a lot of improvement to my skin over the past 3 months.

My skin before IDI-Italy 1858:

1) Frequent breakouts!

2) Uneven skin tone due to acne

3) Dull skin

4) Forehead lines slightly obvious *sign of old age =(*

5) Smile lines around the mouth area were slightly obvious too *sigh, does this mean I have to stop smiling too much..*

BreakOut Panic

1st week of use

My skin 3 months on:

1) Breakouts have calmed down. Realistically didn't expect it too completely disappear. *I blame it on my phreaky hormones*

2) Skin tone have evened out significantly!

3) No more dull skin!! Yay!! My skin looks soo much brighter & "alive" now.

4) "The Lines" - The appearance of my smiles lines & lines on the forehead has soften by using one particular product that was given to me. *winks*

I wouldn't say the results after 3 months use has been miraculous. But I have seen significant improvement in such a short period of time. Imagine the possibilities of pro-longed use! I mean, I've had friends commenting that my skin looks clearer & brighter. ;p

I've been asked to recommend the best products I've tried from IDI-Italy 1858. It's always better if you use the whole range as they're effects are meant to complement each other. But if I really had to choose & recommend it has to be..

My 2 favourite-test products:

1) Lab 0.22 [pro] ClariAction Lightening Cream

This is the product that has evened out my skin tone & made it look brighter!

2) Lab 0.20 [pro] TriAction Age Defender Cream

This one has managed to soften the appearance of my smile lines & forehead lines. I hear sceptics going, "Yeah right". It worked on my skin, so it may or may not work on yours. So the only way you'll know is to try it out. With this product & facial exercises to help strengthen facial muscles, my lines could actually disappear. *wishful thinking.. lol..*

I lurv lurv these 2 products to bits! Looks like 151 years of research was well worth it.

Clear Skin = Happy FatiN :)

Thanx loads IDI-Italy 1858! It's wonderful to know that there are products out there that works for me.. =)

*Note: The products I've tried have worked on my skin. It may have a different effect on yours. Just bear that in mind k.. =)

*IDI-Italy 1858 products can be found at the larger branches of Guardian Pharmacy and check out IDI-Italy 1858 site for reference.

For Hello Kitty Fans! - I came across the Sanrio outlet on 2nd Floor of Isetan Lot 10 last but didn't have my camera at the time to take pics, of the poster at least, as no photography of any kind of the outlet is allowed.

The Hello Kitty brooches are soo cute!! I'm getting one soon!

Apart from these, the outlet has a whole range of things - pouches, purses, stationery, accessories, key chains etc. But the bag selection are adorable. They are also bags with prints of My Melody and Badtz Maru, though the choices for these are limited.

According to the Isetan Newsletter 23 April - 13 May, there are some promotions for Hello Kitty bags. Go check it out.

How I wish Malaysia had a slightly cooler climate so we could walk around with light coats and pretty scarves. *missing england*

MNG, Topshop, ZARA, Forever 21 (to name a few) and shops at Sungei Wang offers a range of choices in various styles, colours and fabrics. Those Korean ones with cotton floral print with lace combo and bits on sides are so cute. Accessorize carries such pretty silk selection. Scarves are just a great way to jazz up any outfit.

Lurv Purple!

Crinkled Woven Scarf $7.80

Source : Forever 21 Site

Bright Florals are in for Spring

Left : Aloha Tropical Postcard Silk Square Scarf  £15.00

Right : Neon Paisley Pom Pom Silk Square Scarf £15.00

Source : Moonsoon Accessorize Site

Most of them are reasonably priced. The cottons ones are usually between RM29.90 to RM59.90. What if I told you I found one similar to the ones you would find at the shops mentioned, at a fraction of the price. Have I gotten your attention yet.. *grins*

I got this for RM8! Where? At Jalan TAR (near Sogo). You can find a lot of nice and pretty stuff for a steal at the Bazaars along that road if you look carefully. Have always lurved that place.

Dress it up any way you want.. with a dragonfly brooch.. :)

It is a light cotton material in purplish blue with green and blue floral prints. A combination of the scarves from F21 and Accessorize - Purple, Floral & Bright ;). I shall wear this to a place with strong air-conditioning (to avoid sweating..), maybe Pavilion. It can get quite nippy if you spend long periods shopping there. Or is it just me? Not enough meat. Lol!

Since the Chocolate Cats' Tea Party a few weeks back I have been asked numerous times where I got the dress I was wearing from. Well, I got it from Forever 21 @ Pavilion. :)

A few days before I got that dress I spotted this beautiful silk floral-printed dress, perfect for any tea party or daytime wear, from BCBG Max Azria boutique @ KLCC. Their dresses are always so gorgeous. But sadly for me the price tag on it was way too high. I'm waiting for it to go on sale. Lol!

Lurv the vintage-inspired dahlia print

Source : BCBG Max Azria Site

Source : BCBG Max Azria Site

I took it as a sign when I saw something similar at Forever 21. Not as pretty as the BCBG one, but pretty enough. It came with a thin white belt that looked really nice with the dress but was way too long for me. Alternatively I tied a black ribbon around the waist instead. Thought it was a nice contrast. The price was definitely much more affordable at RM119.

Neckline Pleated Detail

I have been told by some friends that the colour of clothes they have bought from Forever 21 may run after washing. I decided to send my dress for dry cleaning and lucky me it came back intact *phewh*.

My Saturday started at 1030 am with an express shoe hunt from Lot 10, Pavilion then all the way to KLCC. It is terribly difficult to get shoes for my ridiculously freaky feet. In the end I will always end up with something from Clarks. Oh please let some other brand fit me.. *sigh*

I read about a new pastry place that just opened, so I was quite looking forward to trying it out today. I am not naming the place as I refuse to give it free publicity that it does not deserve. Curious why.. Well when I got there it looked rather nice but I instantly realised it is not what it claims to be. When I went in to look at what they had to offer, I knew it was a bad idea going there. But I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and try it anyway. The first bite I took into one of the few pastries I bought, I thought to myself "Crap!! This was a HORRIBLE idea". OMG they also served instant coffee! Officiated by a celebrity, this place offers inferior quality pastries, disgusting beyond belief and an INSULT TO MY TASTEBUDS! Never ever stepping foot there again.. EVER! (I am still not naming the place.. lol!!)

Traumatised by the crap the earlier place offered, I headed to what I call my 'Safe Haven' to wash away the vile, toxic taste which still lingered in my mouth, Espressamente Illy @ Bangsar Village II (yup the same one in Pavilion). A long list of reviews have been done on this place so all I can say is, it is a place where you find great coffee and delicious sandwiches. Fully satisfied every time.. :D

Back : Greco All' Italiana - RM12

Our funky version of an iced latte.

Front : Caffe Fondente - RM12

A shot of espresso with chocolate & topped with milk.

Excuse the bubbling bits, I let the coffee sit too long before I took a picture.

It was suppose to be lightly dusted with chocolate.. :P

Foccacia al Pollo - RM18

Toasted Italian herb bread with grilled chicken breast, Portobello mushrooms, mozzarella, Kalamatta olives & tomatoes.

Tastes as good as it looks.. *droolz*

Amidst the fun, chatter and loads of food, I was busy scribbling down notes for the food review. Stellar posted a picture of me on facebook looking ridiculously serious at the Tea Party. Lol!

Smokehouse Set A - RM12 per person
This consists of Scone, Apple Pie with a pot of Tea or Coffee.

We were served Boh Tea

Scone served with Clotted Cream, Strawberry Jam & Butter - I found the shape of the scone to be a bit different from most scones I have had. It had a crisp outer layer, light texture inside and a buttery flavour. The flavour was not as rich as I would have liked it to be. There was also a slight taste of baking soda. The homemade Devonshire Clotted Cream was too light in colour and texture. It was not heavy enough for clotted cream. The homemade strawberry jam however was rather nice and refreshing, a generous amount of fruit, a good balance of sweetness and a thick texture.

Apple Pie - Generous amount of apple filling. The pie crust was a bit too thin for my liking, it lacked bite. It could also do with a bit more cinnamon to balance out the sweet and sour taste of the apple filling.

Smokehouse Set B - RM18 per person

Consists of Scone, Apple Pie, Cake, Brownies, Sandwiches

Orange Butter Cake - A good amount of juice and zest went into it as I can taste and smell the orange. Not overpowering though. Would be great if it could be richer with a bit more butter.

Brownies - A cake-like textured brownie. Slightly on the dry side. I prefer my brownies chewy and moist.

Rarebit (Beef Bacon, Cheese On Toast) - RM12

The very basic of snacks. Beef Bacon on toast topped off with melted cheddar cheese. The melted cheese will leave you wanting more.

Crème Brûlée - RM8

A rich custard dessert topped with a layer of hard caramel.

What can I say, this was smooth, rich, with just the right amount of sweetness. I recommend trying this.

Chocolate Mousse - RM8

This is a dessert that needs to be perfected. It did not have that smooth texture required of a mousse and perhaps a bit more semisweet chocolate to the mix.

Beef Wellington - RM48
(One of Smokehouse's Specialty)

Beef tenderloin coated with chicken liver pâté and duxelles wrapped in puff pastry and then baked. Served with baked potato and vegetables. A generous helping of homemade mushroom sauce completes this dish.

Good sized portion. Wonderful 'just out of the oven' aroma. The beef so tender and juicy, with a burst of wonderful flavours filling your mouth with every bite. The puff pastry was light and slightly crisp on the outside. The baked potatos, vegetables and mushroom sauce complemented this dish well.

Bombe Alaska - RM28

An ice cream dessert with homemade shortbread base topped with mixed fruits and natta de cocoa covered with meringue. Flambéd with rum.

Departing from the traditional elements of a Bombe Alaska, the Smokehouse opted for a shortbread base instead of a sponge cake. I would describe this as unconventional. As rich as the shortbread is, it does not complement the ice cream and meringue all too well. This did not have the certain level of sweetness a dessert should have. I am also not too sure about the nata de coco in a Bombe Alaska. It was however a treat to watch the flambé process.

Overall Experience

The Smokehouse is a great place to hang out with friends, in this case have a tea party. The service was friendly and Dennis the Marketing Manager was very obliging in answering my queries. I will definitely be going back to try out some of their other dishes. They also show football matches on Saturdays. ;)

Where

The Smokehouse

67-G-1, Jalan Telawi 3,

Bangsar Baru,

59100, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-22881510