Beauty Salon

I have been to a few salons, ranging hair, beauty and spa. For hair salon, I would love to stay in my salon, unfortunately, I don't seem to have any luck when comes to hairstylist. Whenever I found a good hairstylist who cuts my hair very well, I tend to lose him or her. And I sucks when comes to keeping (or some say collecting) business cards. I always lose them (so it's partly my fault, too. I should have kept their number). As for beauty, I am very satisfied and happy with Asterspring at Pavilion branch. I've been with the same beautician for almost 3 years. She really provide good service, very friendly and she knows what is good for my skin and what treatment to go for that is suitable for my skin (and my budget ;)) I do not mind taking the trouble to go to Pavilion (have to take 2 trains to go to Pavilion) if I'm been served well and provides good hospitality. I prefer to stick to her because she quite understands my skin condition and my skin history, so I needn't have to repeat the issue to other beauticians (except there's once she's on maternity leave and another beautician took over her, which I don't mind because she's pretty good as well and it's only two months).
I also tried out another beauty salon, called Decleor Paris. If you viewed my previous post, till date, I am still very unhappy with the salon. During my time there, I have been treated by 5 therapists. And each time a new therapist approached me, I have repeat my story 5 times and I'm getting so tired and fed up. I don't know about you guys, but I don't quite like to have different people, even though they are women, to touch my body or see my half-naked body. I do not have a perfect and flawless body, hence I prefer only certain people to see my body, and definitely strangers are out of the question. I totally regretted signing up for the package. If I know that their policy is to transfer the staffs to different branch every 2-3 months, I will definitely not sign up for the package.
I have (unfortunately) 7 more sessions to go before I can really 'free' myself. 7 more sessions to be 'touched' by different therapist. I loathe the idea, but it's too late to do anything. So if you like the idea of trying out different therapist, then Decleor Paris is good for you. The treatment and products are not bad, however I find the price is a teeny bit steep. But if you are the shy and loyal ones, then you better give this a pass.
Once I complete my 7 sessions, I will looked for a good spa (that doesn't transfer staffs and provide good service and reputable products). Do recommend if you have a good ones ;)

Hair Cut @ Hair T's KOREA

I seem to have short of luck when comes to hairstylist. Whenever I found a good hairstylist, he or she will vanished the next time I want to get him or her to cut my hair. And I sucks and keeping name cards. 

Today, I came across this hair salon during my lunch time and I thought to myself that it is time for me to cut my short hair as it's already ran out of shape (short hair needs more maintenance compared to long hair >.<) Hence I immediately went back to my office and Google Hair T's KOREA online and check out their website as well as their Facebook page. Looks good. I called the salon and inquire on the price: RM120 for Director Stylist (originate from Korea) and RM65 for Senior Stylist (Malaysian). So I thought I try out Senior Stylist as my hair is short, so I don't find it worth to spend RM120 for a haircut.

So after work, I went straight to the salon. It was brightly lit, a tall Korean-looking man, which I presume is the owner and Director Stylist and 3 local-looking staffs was around him, working his skills on a female customer. 

As I sat down, one of staffs immediately throw the towel on my shoulder and covered it with a cape and started brushing my hair. No magazine provided to read while the girl shampooing my hair. They did offered a drink, but I declined. After shampooing and some neck and shoulder massage, I was led to wash my hair. I was expecting to lie back to have my hair wash, but this one I sit back instead... So it was a bit un-relaxing. 

Finally, it time to cut my hair. I was really a bit taken aback when a lady approached me and asked how I want my hair to be cut. When I first saw her the moment I entered the salon, I really thought she's one of the shampoo girl. I didn't expect she is the Senior Stylist. Sub-consciously, I started saying my prayers in my heart. I don't know why I did it, but I really said it. I guess I have a hunch that something bad is gonna happen.

After finding out about her (she's a Sabahan, English not so good, talkative and she kept asking if this style is OK, can I cut it like this, how thin and short, etc), I realize my gut-feeling is slowly hitting me. The outcome is TOTALLY not what I'm expecting. I was upset, and it clearly shows on my face because she started to panic and kept on saying "Mati la" (Die la). In the end, she called the Korean guy (his name is Tony) to 'rescue' my head. I told him that I do not want a blunt fringe, which she has cut and he tried his best to trim it slightly thinner on the front and more layers on the back (which means my hair is getting shorter than what I expecting)

Even after he cut my hair, I still felt so disappointed. If encountered error on long hair, there are chances to salvage it, but for short hair, there's no way to salvage it unless it is shaved bald. I have to force a smile and said OK, it's good, in order for him to start cutting it any shorter, paid my RM65 and leave the salon. I can't take it anymore. I don't know about the Korean stylist, but I will never, ever, ever going back there again. This is my worse hair cut experience I have ever gone through in my entire life. Sorry, I'm not gonna post my photo as I am embarrassed to show it to public. I'm thinking of how to cover my head when I go to work on Monday. :'(

Salon Address:

Hair T's KOREA

A4-G2-06 Solaris Dutamas (outside Publika),

Jalan Dutamas 1, 
50480 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Parking Rate in Publika @ Solaris Dutamas

I just got myself a new job in one of the office blocks at Solaris Dutamas. My family and friends were wary about the area, because of 2 bad incidents occurred there just a month ago. But, times are bad and I need the cash.
Sadly, it is 1 bad move. I should I do a thorough research on that area, i.e. the parking rate, the layout of the parking area, etc. When I did my interview there, my mum fetched me to Publika then she returned to pick me up 2 hours later, so I did not really survey the parking area and asked about the parking rate.
So when I really got to the parking, I manage to park right below my office block. I just took the elevator and go straight up to my office. Upon entering, I glanced at the parking rate board and I did a mental calculations. Below are the parking rate in Publika:

Mon - Fri:        Entry between 7AM - 5:59PM                   > RM1 for first 3 hours

                                                                                          > RM2 for subsequent hour(s)

                        Entry between 6PM - 6:59AM                   > RM1 per entry

Sat, Sun &

Public Holiday: Entry between 7AM - 6:59AM (Next day) > RM1 per entry

So imagine my shock when I paid my parking ticket. I end up paying RM16 on that first day! Another mental calculation, if I'm gonna work there for 26 days, I have to fork out RM416.

The next day, I went to the Car Park Management Office to inquire on the season parking. They told me I can get a season pass for RM160 for random parking and RM280 for tenant or reserve parking. So I wanted to apply for the RM160 random parking pass, and to my disappointment, I was told that my office unit only entitle to 2 pass. Hence, I have been put on the waiting list, and the guy sadly told me it's a very long list.

My heart really sank. How am I suppose to survive working in Solaris Dutamas where all the food here are damn freaking expensive (unless I eat bread or I Love Yoo porridge everyday, which cost about RM4 something)? And sadly, my office doesn't have a pantry, that means no microwave, no utensils, no cutleries, etc, so I can't bring food from home or buy food from outside.

This is really a wrong, wrong move for me. And I'm beginning to regret it...

Garnier Body Light Body Lotion

Ever since the day Garnier launches its Garnier BodyLight Whitening Hydrating UV lotion, I have been an ardent fan. Whenever Watsons or Caring Pharmacy have promotion, I will immediately (without any second thought) buy 2 to 3 250ml bottles at one go. I like lotions that doesn't leave a greasy or sticky feeling and most importantly doesn't smells too strong as my nose is pretty sensitive to fragrance. Hence, this lotion doesn't have all that. That's why I can happily spend on them and mind you, I don't splashed a lot on my body, as I'm afraid I may not get the same promotion again.

Sadly, this product has been discontinued. I have looked high and low in every single pharmacies in the Klang Valley, but its not on display anymore. All of the pharmacies only sells Garnier Light Extra skin Whitening Milk Body Lotion 250ml and I can't use it because there's a milk ingredient and I'm allergic to milk. I cannot use anything that contains milk, otherwise I will suffered severe rashes all over my body.
I was really disappointed, honestly, as I really love to use the lotion. Now I have to look for another brand, which it may not be as nice as Garnier. I guess, nothing in life is permanent :(

Disappointed with Strawberry.Net

I love Stila products. I use to go the Stila counter in Parkson, 1 Utama, unfortunately by mid-2009 Stila ceased its operation in Malaysia. I was really devastated. The products I truly love is their Stila's Convertible Eye Color. It's 3-in-1: eye liner, eye shadow and smudger. I use to have in onyx and stone colour. I always apply them and I take them whenever I need to touch up because of its amazing package. I also like their mascara. Unfortunately, I can't get hold of them anymore.
Then, when I was Google-ing up Stila, Strawberry.net link (http://myen.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx) pop up. And I was really delighted that they have my favorite Stila's Convertible Eye Color. I was literally jumping up for joy. And the price is affordable as well, with free shipping worldwide, within 1 week after purchase was made. But as this is an international store, with the sales office in Hong Kong, I have to use my credit card to make my purchase.
So after placing my order and making my payment and receive a confirmation email, I was so eager for the product to arrive.
Unfortunately, after waiting for more than a week, I see no sign of my items arriving. I send an email to the company inquiring about my product status. And they replied back that they required a document to verify my address and if the credit card belongs to me. I was annoyed as to why now they ask me instead of the day when I made my purchase. So if I did not email them they did not bother to ask about it. I told myself to calm down, give them what they wanted and just wait for their next course of action. To my dismay, they said they unable to verify my address and wants me to TT the money into their account. I was pissed. If I'm gonna send a TT, that means the bank will have to charge me for the service and by doing so, the amount I paid for the product is back to square one. This is so disappointing. I sent an email to cancel my purchase and on the survey, which they've sent me few days prior to my second email, I gave them a disappointed feedback.
Here I am, thinking I'm able to get my hands on my favorite product, but here they are dashing my hopes. No matter how much I love the product, I will NEVER buy from Strawberry.net again.
Thankfully, my friend who's currently staying in UK, she told me that she can buy online at Stila UK  (http://stila.co.uk/) and they can ship to her apartment for free. Since she'll be returning back home on October, she offered to buy for me there and bring it back with her when she come home. Bless her soul. At least, there's still hope after all :)

Cyberview Lodge Resort and Spa

Came here for a short getaway from the hustle & bustle of the city as well as a quick escape from my work. I was quite taken aback with the size of the room. Was really big and comfy, most importantly, it's clean. Too bad the bathroom doesn't come with a bath-tub. My room faced the wading pool and my car was parked right outside my room, which is a plus-point.
My room (I stayed in a deluxe chalet), is really big, for a solo traveller. It has a small pantry next to the entrance (too bad no microwave). The bed was king-sized but the pillows are just too soft, I woke up with a stiff neck the next day. It has a 2-seater sofa next to the bed, which it's a weird position as the TV was facing the bed. But, the TV is rotatable, so I'm not really complaining.
As I stepped out of the balcony, I realized my neighbour is just too close for comfort. The railing is low, anyone can easily climbed over. But fortunately, throughout my stay, nothing unforeseen happened to me. As it was raining, at that time, I couldn't go anywhere, so I just grabbed my book, made myself  a nice, hot Milo and sat on the wooden chairs at the balcony and read my book, at the same time enjoy the rain and the serenity of the place.
I spent most of my time in the hotel. Planned to go to Alamanda Mall, but sadly there're no shuttle service available as it's all fully booked. And I'm too lazy to drive out, so I just stay in the hotel premise; went for a massage at Sembunyi Spa, which is absolute bliss, then I dipped myself in the jacuzzi and hid in the steam room and sauna and then swam a few laps in the swimming pool. I was all alone in the jacuzzi. Perfect. The massage is good, too. They have promo for hotel guests, whereby there's a 20% discount for any treatment starting at 10AM - 2PM only. So I try out their Tranquility massage, which is the basic Aromatherapy massage. It was really relaxing. After the massage, I was brought outside to the verandah, and I was served a glass of warm water and pandan pudding with cherry. I was seated on the wooden bench facing a lake with fountain and the weather was breezy, dressed in a sarong. What more can I ask for?
On my last day of stay, I wanted to dip myself in the jacuzzi, which was located inside Sembunyi Spa, but unfortunately I was told that I must bring my own towel as they do not provide any unless I do treatments, so I end up going back to my room, disappointed. I'm too lazy to walk all the way to my chalet and back to the spa, because by the time I'm done, I'll be late for my check-out. I find that policy silly, really. I'm not sure if men can use the jacuzzi as the jacuzzi, steam and sauna room is inside the Ladies', so I'm not sure where Men' are. A tip for the ladies, if you're planning to use the jacuzzi, steam and sauna, please bring your own swim wear and towel (from the chalet) as the Spa will only provide the locker, towel and sarong if you BUY their treatment.
Oh, gotta give credit to the Hotel staffs, too. They are really friendly, attentive & helpful, which made my stay a pleasurable one. Will come here again if I'm really stressed out. LOL

Ibis Manchester Charles Street Hotel, Manchester, UK

Location-wise, it's about 10 minutes to Chinatown and 15-20 minutes walk to City Centre. And the nearest tram is about 15 minutes away. There's some eateries along the way. The area is quite quiet, except, I think there's a bar/pub nearby as I heard some loud talking and laughing outside. The staffs at the reception is friendly and helpful.
The room is quite spacious and comfortable. There's a double bed in the centre of the room and a small single bed at the corner of the room (suitable if you planning to bring a kid). The room and bathroom is clean and the shower is good. Only 1 complaint; the left bathroom glass door has a loud bang sound when open and close. Both me and my friend got a shock as we thought the door is gonna come off.
There's a small rack and shelves to hang and store our clothes and backpack. There's TV provided, but I think you need to pay to use it. The air-conditioner is functioning well and the lightings are just right. 
Overall, I'm satisfied with the hotel. A nice hotel to stay especially a long and tiring day of travel.

easyHotel London Earls Court, London, United Kingdom

The room is miserably, awfully and ridiculously tiny. My own bedroom is much bigger and comfortable than this. We barely can even put our bags, how bout walking around. The air-conditioner was faulty, too and the windows were bolted shut, hence we can't open the window to let the cool air in. There's suppose to have 2 pegs to hang clothes, but unfortunately, 1 peg is broke, so I have to hang my clothes on the door knobs. Thankfully, my friend and I carried backpacks, if we were to carry those luggage bag, I think it literally take up all the space left in the room. As the bathroom is tiny, there's only 1 peg to hang clothes and towel, so we have to take turns to step out of the room so we can wear our clothes outside the bathroom.

The bed is, well, quite comfortable. However, if you are super-tall, then please consider another hotel or get a bigger room.

As the room was really stuffy, I have to go all the way down to the reception (I stayed at the 3rd Floor and the stairs are quite steep... and NO, there's no elevator) - twice, to be exact - to complain on the air-conditioner, however they only able to change our room the next day as there's no room available. I have to ask permission with the receptionist if I can loan the little small table fan that is placed on the corridor, outside my room and thankfully (Praise God), he said yes, without any charges. If it wasn't for the little fan, my friend and I would have died of suffocation in the room, and that is not the kind of holiday we are expecting. And we are not opening the entrance door to let the air in, like what our neighbour did, due to safety reason.

Otherwise, the room is considerably clean, the customer service is good, the location is OK, about 10 minutes walk to the Earl's Court Station, but have to cross a couple of roads to get there. There's nice eateries near the tube station and there's a Tesco about 10 minutes from the hotel. 

This hotel is suitable for solo travellers or who planning to stay for ONE night. Choose this if its your last resort.

 
 
 
 
 

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

For our company outing, we went to the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, about an hour drive from the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas. I will not expect to have a vineyard in this kinda scorching weather. Will those grapes able to grow??
Anyway, the vineyard is located on the hill and there's a parking area near the restaurant, overlooking the vineyard. Trust me, the weather is really scorching hot. And the umbrella I'm holding seriously can't block much sun. But for the Caucasians, they're definitely love this so-called beautiful weather.
They led us to the restaurant, which was called The Sala Wine Bar and Bistro. The heat is still a bit unbearable there. It's totally open-air, so no need to wish for air conditioner here. I was wishing for the Almighty One to blow some heavy wind in this restaurant and I really felt stuffy and humid here.
But I do my best not to let this inconvenience to ruin my mood. Then, my colleague wants me to accompany her for the elephant ride. I was like - look at the sky - look at the elephant - then look at my colleague. Are you kidding me?! But, my colleague really want to ride and hoped that I will join her, so with a heavy-heart I said yes and I end up in the jeep with her that took us to the shelter where the elephant ride is. Honestly, it's not really something I'm looking forward to. But it amused me that, here I am holding this cute, lacy-edge umbrella, riding an elephant with my colleague, it make me feel like it's the Victorian era, just that we're not riding on the horse carriage but on the big elephant instead. LOL. After that elephant ride, I can't wait to go back to the restaurant. At least it's slightly more cooling there.
I had a nice wine tasting session, I tried 3 types of wine; red, white and rose. All tasted good. I'm starting to enjoy this. LOL. Then, after the wine tasting, I settled for the white wine as it tasted nicer especially with my 3 course meal. Too bad my friend don't drink wine, so good for me, I have extra 2 glasses of wine from her. LOL. Things seem to get better. Then, lunch is served. First, I had Caesar Salad with pork bacon for appetizer, followed by a delicious and succulent pork chop with sweet sauce for main course and lastly grape ice cream for dessert. Oh, the pork chop is so delicious. And my colleagues thought I can't finish them. Too bad, I prove them wrong as I even scooped the remaining sauce on the plate. So no bits left, except for the bone, though.

After our hearty lunch, we were given a bag of souvenirs. In the bag, it consists of a t-shirt, 2 bottles of grape juice, 1 bottle of concentrated grape essence and 1 bottle of grape jam. Then, we headed back to the resort. Surprisingly, after 5 glasses of wine, especially under this scorching weather, I'm not drunk. Woo hoo! Way to go, girl. I wish they can sponsor me a bottle of wine :P

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

It's the time of the year; my company's annual convention-cum-holiday trip.
This time we went to Hua Hin town, about 3.5 hours from the Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (yes, a really long ride, indeed -.-!)
Anyway, the moment we reached the resort, I was really blown away with the architecture and the serenity of the resort. Who would have know a small town as Hua Hin actually has a nice and expensive resort in the middle of the town. The whole thing has a very colonial and a tinge of an old-school charm.
This is a really lovely resort, but of course it comes with a hefty price (I heard from my colleague, it's about 6000 baht and above -.-) There's a beach connected to the resort as well. I only went to 2 swimming pools, and lazing by the pool on the deck chairs is just so bliss. There's a few restaurants there, but I only went to 2; Railway Restaurant for buffet breakfast (good food) and Palm Terrace for company buffet dinner (also very good) I just love and admire the topiaries around the garden. Very interesting and beautiful. 
Now, for the room. I stayed in the superior room with my colleague. And my room overlooked the pool area, however, the trees are blocking my view, which is pretty unfortunate. The room also has a small walk-in closet and the bathroom comes with a separate shower and bathroom, the shower is equipped with a rain shower. The shower, well, the water pressure is a bit low and the bathtub is leaking, too. I filled up the tub and laid in there with my eyes close and when I open my eyes, half the water is gone. And I've checked the plug is secured in the hole so I don't know why or how the water can seep away, so I was pretty disappointed on that. The room is pretty dimly lit, too, which made me felt a bit uncomfortable and difficult to read my book even with that reading lamp (it's white fluorescent bulb, so its too bright) switched on, which was attached to the bed. 
Overall, the resort is OK, with some things that need a little improvement, otherwise its a really lovely place to stay and relax.

 
 
 
 
 
We don't just stay in the resort. During the evening, my colleagues and I did explored the little Hua Hin town. We went to the nearest Night Market, called Chatchai Market. We had a nice and hearty seafood cuisine for dinner and bought some nice snacks along the way, but I have no intention of doing any shopping there, so after our dinner we headed back to the resort, as all of us are pretty exhausted after a long day.
If you have money to spare and really enjoy soaking under the sun, this will be a nice place to stay. A good place for family and retired parents.