Claire Organics' Grand Opening @ Da'men USJ!

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to attend Claire Organic's Grand Opening at Da'men USJ. Thanks again to Louise for the invitation, it sure is an honour to be a part of your big day! If you haven't heard of Da'men USJ, then where have you been?! Hahas jk. It's like the latest hip mall in town, more precisely Subang Jaya and trust me, it's gonna be better and more happening in the years to come. 

I guess Claire Organic needs no detailed introduction as I've previously blogged about them and reviewed two of their products here as well. It's basically a homegrown brand founded by Louise who ventured into chemical free handmade soaps as well as home remedies and later on created even more awesome organic skincare products. It's amazing to see how far Claire Organics has come after all these year, so proud of them!

You can find a plethora of handcrafted soaps made with love and all natural ingredients here in Claire. Each is unique as you can see from the labels itself but they are fantastic for the skin, you just have to find one that suits you. Fret not, they have a common range made to cater for everyone and yes, that includes males and females (: 

One of my favourites would definitely be their body scrub especially these ones from the Suke Quto series. It's actually scrub for anti cellulite and brightening made from Suke Quto coffee beans. I would highly recommend this!

A variety of Essential Oil Roll-on Perfumes and lip balms. 

Their best selling healing balms (works wonder on scars and mosquitoes bites!) and the Bug Off herbal balms. 

If you're a big fan of aromatherapy, you'll be spoiled for choice (; Look at the amount of essential oils that they have!

Spot the cute Hello Kitty diffuser? Definitely in my to-get-list (｡♥‿♥｡)

What I love about Claire is their friendly staff who is always keen to explain their products and the fact that they provide tester for every products in their store, so you can always try it out before purchasing. Not to forget, very affordable price as well! Now you can pamper yourself without burning a hole in your wallet HEH

What's a grand opening launch without ribbon cutting and confetti right? Weee! 

And in case you're wondering who this lovely little girl is, she is the ambassador of Claire. Meet Nora Claire, everyone! Daughter of Louise and yes, the brand is named after her :D

How can I miss a photo with Louise herself? (:

With Kahwai, Choulyin, Elvina and Carmen (:

With Nicole, who reminded me of the good old days where I attended events with the bloggers friends. Sure feels good to see familiar faces again (':

Thanks to the other fat half who accompanied me throughout and just so you know, he is actually the one who introduced Claire to me (x

Last but not least, here's a walkthrough video of the store!

Claire Organics @ Da:men, USJ 
Lot G-34B, Ground Floor,
1, Persiaran Kewajipan,
USJ 1, 47600 Subang Jaya,
Selangor.

For more details of their latest products and promo, feel free to check out their FB page! With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you can also customise your own gift set for your loved ones (:

In case you're wondering what was in my goodie bag...well, a whole-load of Claire goodness!(*≧▽≦)

EDITED: Sad to inform that this outlet in DaMen USJ is no longer available. But you can always check them out at their other outlets around Klang Valley, more details here.

xx

The Daily Fix Cafe @ Malacca

Tucked behind a batik shop in the midst of Jonker street, The Daily Fix Cafe is definitely one of the must visit cafes in Malacca! So happy that I managed to drop by this cafe just earlier this month when I was in Malacca with Kev and his family to attend his cousin's wedding. 

Such a cute sight isn't it? To have a cheerful TV to greet you :D

The interior is well done with a rustic and quaint vibe. You can spot antiques, souvenirs and old kitchenware at almost every corner of the cafe, simply nostalgic.

Their indoor lighting is quite dim so if you want to take better photo or should I say insta-worthy photo of your food and cofee, you can opt to dine in their backyard which has ample of natural lighting. 

I'm pretty sure a lot of you have seen this iconic wall filled with colourful plates all over Instagram and Facebook. 

Hot Caramel Macchiato (RM12.50) for him and Iced Rose Latte (RM11.00) for me. The rose scent is  delicate, creating a soft contrast to the bold coffee, making it quite a refreshing treat on a hot day!

Since we had quite a heavy breakfast, we decided to order some mains to share. We tried the Smoked Duck Sandwich and The Lot which is basically a big breakfast platter. So the main highlight of the visit would definitely be their

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super fluffy PANCAKES!
You can really tell that this is their specialty. I was never a big fan of pancakes (cause I'm more of a waffle person heh) but THESE pancakes are exception. The best I've had so far; it's just so light and yummy and most importantly no overpowering eggy taste which I loathe in every other pancakes I've ever tasted.  Imo, both the pandan and durian pancakes are equally delish!
 

This is actually a new addition to their menu; the almighty Durian Pancake -- RM14.90.

Amazing would be an understatement for these fat pancakes with strong flavour of durian. So good that I secretly wished that I could have the whole plate to myself. If you are a durian lover, you should totally go for this! And if you don't favour durian, you can have their signature Local Pandan Pancakes instead.

Local Pandan Pancakes -- RM13.90 served with caramelized coconut and gula melaka. The ice-cream (RM3.50) is actually an add on that we requested for.

The cafe can be easily missed if you didn't notice the chalkboard signage so look out for NEXT KK Sdn. Bhd instead, the cafe is just right inside (: On a side note, be prepared for a full house especially during weekends.

Last but not least, here's a short walkthrough video of the cafe! Enjoy :D

The Daily Fix Cafe 得益啡
55, Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker street),
75200, Melaka.
Tel No: 06-283 4858
Operating Hours: Mon- Fri 10 am to 5.30 pm
                            Sat & Sun 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
 Official FB Page: HERE | Instagram Page: thedailyfixcafe

xx

Umai-Ya Japanese Restaurant KLCC

Back to one of our many #KEVDA food adventures last year; this was in Oct which I remembered quite well cause it was part of my belated birthday celebration. I love the fact that one of the common things we share is our love for Japanese food, definitely makes it easier when it comes to deciding what to have when we are out. 

UMAI-YA has been around since 2007 with currently 3 branches running in Klang Valley. Their extensive menu offers up to 200 food and beverages selection ranging from sushi to yakitori as well as authentic and contemporary fare.

Working hard behind the sushi counter is Executive Chef H.M. Yau who has been working in the kitchen since 1987 and has great passion towards Japanese cuisine.

Started off our meal with these fat juicy salmon sashimi and uni. The salmon sashimi was really fresh and its buttery taste just literally melts(!) in your mouth. 

The uni (sea urchin) is one of their seasonal dishes and it will be priced according to the current rate as well. Since I have never eaten sea urchin before, Kevin suggested that I should try it since it's available during our visit. I would say the taste was rather unique cause I was actually expecting some fishy taste but boy was I wrong. It is a combination of ocean briny taste with a subtle sweetness and texture of a creamy custard; no wonder it's so pricey!

Salmon Kimchee Maki which is basically kimchi, seasoned scallop wings with raw salmon and cucumber.

Bikkuri Maki which is tuna, salmon, shiro maguro (which is actually white tuna), cheese and cucumber rolled with dry fish. Their sushi rolls are definitely one of the best I've ever tasted, their not so typical combination turns out to be just amazing. It felt like party in my mouth with every single piece, I kid you not.

My all time favourite Chawanmushi (*＾ڡ＾*) 

Lastly, we ordered Gyu-tan Teppanyaki as well; thinly sliced beef tongue cooked over a grilling pan. Yes, you read it right, it's BEEF TONGUE. Initially, I was grossed out by the thought of it until Kevin convinced me that it's actually tasty. And so I had my very first slice and mmmm I jizzed in my pants! It was soooooooo good, taste like beef but ten times better.

I definitely see myself coming back to try out some of their other signature dishes. Weekend lunch buffet (RM58++ with free flow beer) is sadly not available at KLCC but you can always head over to their Puchong or Damansara Utama outlets. Overall, I think their food is quite fantastic and worth every cents we paid albeit on the pricey end. Their service could have been better if the waiters are more attentive to their customers.

UMAI-YA (Suria KLCC) 
Lot No. 428, Level 4, Suria KLCC
Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: 03 2161 3939
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10pm daily
Official FB page: HERE

xx

Hello 2❤16!

Happy New Year, guys! Can't believe another year just flew by like that, way too soon. 2015 has been nothing but great despite a few series of unfortunate events. Officially stepping into adulthood, more commitments, more debts to pay, losing my grandfather, best friend getting married, some bridges were burnt while new ones were built. In a nutshell, I guess I couldn't ask for a better year and I'm thankful for each and everyone who was a part of it.

Things 2015 has taught me:

#1. Life is unfair, period.

#2. You might not have everything figured out right now but it's alright.

 #3. People grow and change their mind.

#4. Become your own best friend and have your own back.

#5. I'm addicted to coffee -__-

Truth is, a year can make quite a difference. Next year we’ll come back to this point again with new things we’ve learned. Can't wait to fill my yearly planner with new memories, be it good or bad (: And yes, I'll be turning a quarter of a century old too.

The only regret I have this year is probably that I don't read blog enough. I doubt people even read my blog these days T___T sad but true. Just so you know, my half-written summary blogpost of 2014 is still somewhere in my draft, shame on me. Honestly, I do miss blogging but I just couldn't find the time to do after a long week of work. Plus, ever since the sudden death of my Canon G12, I don't have a proper gadget to take photos eventually losing my mojo to blog. I know all these are just merely excuse (yes, I'm guilty for not putting extra effort) but hopefully in 2016, I will blog more than I did in 2015. This post is definitely a good start, no?

What's my New Year's resolutions, you ask? None! Cause that's so cliche :P  I'm really looking forward to see what 2016 has in store for me. Definitely the year to make bigger plans and to fulfill them. Until then, leave behind what holds you down and let’s embrace 2016 with open arms! It will be better, trust me (;

xx