This is the best Maggi Goreng in the world okay - based on my opinion (and most of those who have tasted it) heh.
If I already up-ed your expectations, then too bad. Hah. Because when I crave maggi goreng, this is my to-go place. I mean like - we (our gang) will purposely plan for lunch together at this place when most of us are on leave. Good thing my office super near to their current location.
They have switched places a few times but always around the same area - KDU College Georgetown area. The previous place they were at, the packing costs RM6 per entry and that also you can still see many people dining there. The parking fee is not charged by them by the way.
I think most people usually park further and walk to their old place.
Now, they are stationed at the Old Winston Coffee Garden (used to be a famous dim sum place in the AM) and the parking is RM2 per entry (also not by them).
So, they are famous for their Maggi Goreng and Nasi Goreng. I only always just order their Maggi Goreng Telur Atas - another comfort food of mine.
By the time I finished an entire plate, I would be so full and satisfied.
The only minus thing about that place is, it gets so so hot. They have fans but the heat under that zinc roof is insane. I would sweat buckets and my behinds would get wet. People probably think I peed on my own. Kid you not.
Ask anyone who has eaten there before and they will tell you how hot it can get over there.
Then again, we tried to tapau back but it just didn't taste as nice.
You just gotta eat it there and experience the whole heat la I guess. Hah.
So, please go try it okay!
He says: Classic! Something you couldn't find elsewhere. Didn't like it at first but became a personal favorite!
She says: This is not the typical maggi goreng you get at nasi kandar stall. This one is basah and sedap. There are some vegetables in it and it's spicy and super yummy. If you don't like your maggi goreng to be basah, then you will probably not like this one. You can choose to add ayam goreng and sosej also if you want.
This is another supposed-to-be-posted-one-year-ago but here I am - never too late is the way to go hah.
For Adrian's 30th birthday last year, I decided to surprise him with a few surprises but the one that I was looking forward to the most was this staycation. If you watch this video, you would know how he reacted when he found out that his birthday present was a 2-night staycation at Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa.
Why this hotel you ask?
Because it's one of the 5-star hotels that Adrian really likes (though he never stays before) but he really loves the wooden feel that this hotel has. Knowing him, he would never pay to stay at any 5-star hotel unless it's a really good deal - same with me also actually but I not so extreme la. Heh.
That time last year, Rasa Sayang had these FB live sessions where they give out promo codes for their rooms if you book with them directly and so, it was just the right time!
You have to stay a minimum of 2 nights to enjoy these discounts (Facebook Weekday Offer) and I paid a total of RM420 for 2 nights - so that makes it RM210 for a Garden Wing Deluxe Garden View Room - which was acceptable (I think) for me. Hah.
That price included daily breakfast for 2 adults, early check-in at 12PM, and late check-out at 4PM. It was these conditions that they were shouting so loud about.
I also sent them emails to request these (below) and that is also because their website asked if we would like these items so we of course said yes.
Baby bottle sterilizer
Baby bottle warmer
Baby high chair
Baby playpen
Baby toilet seat
Needless to say, we did not get any of the above. They did not even update us if they have these or not to be sent to our room. They just continued being silent about it. I think if you don't have these items, you should not list them as optional for people to choose from, or if you are out of it, you should at least inform us.
Good thing I emailed them again about 1 babycot before the trip starts.
This was actually the second red flag.
The first being - that we had to wait in the lobby for few hours even though we were told that we could check-in at 12PM - instead of 3PM. We reached the hotel at about 1PM and the receptionist looked lost and cold (he probably had a bad day or something because he was anything but friendly). He walked into the back office for like the 40th time before he could tell us when exactly we could check-in.
We also reminded him that we were told that we can check-in by 12PM and it was already close to 2PM by the time we talked to him and all. The only thing he could tell us was, the rooms all not ready so we had to wait. Oh man.
I understand that they may be under-staffed but do not tell people that they can come and check-in by 12PM. My 2 kids were going crazy by the time they called us. It was such a bad way to start the staycation.
So, that's the first red flag okay.
We decided to be positive and put all that behind us and just enjoy the weekend.
It was not too long after we checked into the room, that Adrian realized the rooms were dusty (bed frames, side tables, main table, and chairs) and even Adrian (who usually is very very cincai kind of person) was highly disappointed.
Their pillows had a funny smell and we did not dare to open up the sheets.
The grass outside our balcony/patio was long and really messy and dirty.
It was already affecting Adrian and he is usually the super-not-OCD-kind. We cleaned some common areas on our own.
Their buffet breakfast is two thumbs up though. I did not go for any breakfast because I didn't feel like to so I stayed in the room with Sofia instead and slept in.
But according to Adrian and his mom, it was pretty good. They have quite many choices.
So, I guess in the overalls of it all, it is safe to say that we will not be doing any staycations at Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa - unless the deal is super good - like RM100 per night or something hah.
If you ask Adrian, he will probably give you a worse review. Heh.
Here's a quick room tour of the room. Sorry, no photos this time. Heh.
Don't think you will miss seeing this newly launched cafe when you drive along the forever-busy-Jalan Masjid Negeri. This Project Can Cafe is on your left if you are driving towards the Penang Bridge and in the evening, it is even more obvious because the outdoor fairy lights would be switched on.
The place is very cozy with giant trees providing so much shade and a homey-nice-warm-feeling.
We woke up one Sunday morning and decided to try this place for breakfast. Partly because they have such a big outdoor area so I was not that paranoid about bringing my kids to eat and play.
We were 30-minutes earlier than their official opening time, so we waited outside and look-see the surroundings.
FYI - do not park your car on the pavement along with the cafe with yellow lines because we were told by the workers there that policemen have given many love letters to people who parked there (one of them is my SIL: Jaryn! Hah). Policemen would come up to 5-times in a day.
We ordered 4 mains for 5 adults and 4 kids - finished everything because we were hungry and also because it was good - yummy good and portion big good.
Their drinks were okay-okay (in our opinion) but food-wise, good lah.
TIRAMISU - RM20
THE BIRD NEST - RM25
Deep fried shredded potatoes & leek, katsuobushi (beef bacon or ham) & mixed veggie pancakes.
CAN BREAKKIE - RM25
Beef bacon, Heinz baked beans, McCain hashbrown, chicken ham, chicken sausage, mushroom, mesclun (green salad), tomato, sliced artisan sourdough and scramble kampung eggs.
Overall:-
> Tiramisu cake is surprisingly very yummy and I don't even like tiramisu in general.
> Can Brekkie is also surprisingly bigger than we expected and also yummy (portion for 2 persons)
> The Bird Nest is also very yummy and it tasted like a different version of okonomiyaki.
For sure, we will come again to try their other food items. Also, you may want to call them to make reservations - especially on the weekends because they don't have a lot of tables so if you do not want to walk away disappointed, do call up first!
Before this, I never knew Ergobaby had other babies related products other than their famous Ergobaby baby carriers - which are the most important baby items for us to date. It is a lifesaver when your baby becomes cranky (whether at home or outside). Put them on with a baby carrier and they almost immediately calm down and goes to sleep.
I remembered going through a lot of reviews back and forth when deciding which brand to get for baby carriers but ended up with Ergobaby although they are slightly more expensive than other brands. I was more comfortable with getting a genuine one (even though had to pay more) because I did not want to go through any "accidents" due to faulty/lousier materials. I was not gonna take any risks, to be honest.
When this brand was mentioned for stroller suggestions, I was a little surprised! So, I spent an entire day doing more research and watching videos, and comparing strollers.
I don't know how most people do its comparison when it comes to strollers (or car seats and whatnot), but for me, every stroller that caught my attention - I compared them with Babyzen Yoyo+ and I try to get one that is closest to Babyzen Yoyo+ (if possible) but with the price around RM1,000.
I saw a video where this lady was doing a comparison between a Babyzen Yoyo+ (exactly like our previous one) and an Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller 2020. She mentioned that she has tried quite many different types of strollers and these two are her top favorites (I think!).
At the end of her video, she said that she actually prefers the Ergobaby Metro+ Compact City Stroller 2020 because she finds it easier to use and handle.
She lives in Hong Kong and she uses the stroller with her baby everyday to everywhere. Very similar to my situation. Not that I am based in Hong Kong. But I need to use the stroller every day with Sofia and no, I cannot carry her in and out every day because hello, she is already at the 10KG mark (she is not overweight please), and my back is gonna break if I do it every day. Heh.
So, when she said she preferred the Ergobaby to the Babyzen, I was very interested to find out more. To cut the long story short, I finally texted Adrian and told him that we would go for the Ergobaby and he texted GoodealBB and reserved one unit.
Here is another read on the comparison between Babyzen Yoyo+ and Ergobaby Metro Compact City Stroller 2020 - if you are interested.
We went to the shop to collect it the next day and now, I am happily enjoying it.
The back wheels are bigger than the front wheels so it really feels very steady and super nice to push around. Also, it's a bonus that the black color and material make it so chic and pretty please. I am a sucker for pretty things - no surprises here.
In all honesty, I would have chosen red but the shop only has black - so black it is. Luckily the black very nice indeed.
When folded, it is slightly smaller than the current one though a bit heavier, heavier is good cos it is a lot steadier.
Here's a video of how to open and close it by Adrian and like any other strollers, you need to practice to make it a smooth thing to do. So yeah, that is our take on our current stroller (hopefully the last one so no need to buy another one).
If you are a true Penangite, you would have known or have eaten at this famous breakfast/lunch place at Song River Cafe by Gurney Drive, Penang.
Don't worry - not too late for you to go try it to be a true Penangite - because I found out about it not too long ago also ni so still got time for you to be self-declared a true Penangite. Heh.
They do not serve dim sum - in case you are wondering. They serve Chinese food meant for breakfast and lunch. Closed for dinners (if I am not wrong).
I thought that it was a bit too noisy from where we were seating (the front of the shop) as could hear cars drove by and dust etc. Not very bagus.
The previous place the front side was quite covered so can hardly hear any like engines of cars driving by and definitely not much dust flying everywhere.
BITTER GOURD WITH EGG - RM9.80
He says: It's alright. A bit too much egg and no bitter gourd.
She says: It should be called fried egg with bitter gourd. I mean seriously, those thin-sliced bitter gourd is like so few la, please. Disappointing.
FRESH FISH BEEHOON (THICK) SOUP - RM9.80
He says: Not my type of food and not much taste also the soup.
She says: Can find better beehoon soup outside. Nothing special.
FRIED OYSTER NOODLE - RM10.30
He says: So-so only - but got a lot of baby oysters.
She says: Quite generous with the baby oysters in my opinion. This is a one-person portion by the way.
BRAISED FISH HEAD WITH YAM - RM34.40
He says: Not nice and don't like this one. Tastes better ones outside.
She says: This is my parents' favorite. An okay dish for me.
EGGPLANT BEANCURD - RM15.50
He says: Tofu is soft like my pillow and the stir-fried eggplants tasted so appetizing.
She says: Family's alltime favorite! The tofu is soft and the way the diced eggplant is cooked, it is absolutely yummy.
FRIED BELACAN CHICKEN - RM15.50
He says: Normal je.
She says: Nice when it's hot, taste like any usual belacan chicken.
FRIED GLASS NOODLES (WET) - RM9.80
He says: Love this one - will order this again next time.
She says: Not too bad, but I think they used to taste better.
SHRIMP DATES - RM11.40
He says: Typical fried stuff - okay okay only.
She says: Don't order this. Hah. Cannot tase or see any shrimp inside. Macam a lot of flour.
Total price for 6-adults: RM177.10
When they were still at the Song River Cafe (not too far away from current location), their food tasted so much better and I remembered that we would always leave the place feeling really full and satisfied.
This time, we left the place full (because over-ordered again heh), but we were not satisfied, and most of our food came in 1-person's portion (but 2 bowls because separated into 2 tables), but to be billed at RM177 is a bit nonsense.
We didn't even order anything seafood.
The price is definitely hiked up after they moved to this new place.
We used to love having breakfast at Song River Cafe but now, with the food quality drop and pric increased, I don't think we would be coming back anytime soon.
We have been eating (a lot) - mostly at home because of the pandemic but when we get to go outside to eat, it is very much treasured.
We still try not to bring the kids out to eat (and to shopping malls) because hello, coronavirus is still here and vaccine pun not everyone get yet.
One of the restaurants that I have been wanting to try is Island Problems.
When I first heard the name from Adrian, I corrected him because it sounded a lot like Adrian had a problem telling me the 'real' name. So funny, please. He looked so confused because I was in disbelief. I remembered very clearly that he had to say a few times to convince me that the restaurant is indeed called Island Problems.
He went there once and since then, I have been seeing IG stories and posts where people share their food and reviews of this place and I just had to try it.
That day came and I finally get to try on a few 'famous' items on their menu but since we did not manage to try all this time, surely we will go back to try more okay - maybe dinner time next round. Who wants? Let's go together!
Anyways, here is the link to their menu if you would like to look-see first and allocate your budget heh.
If you see their menu, you can quickly assume that this restaurant-style is a very Japanese-Thai fusion kind and I don't know what the story is like for this Island Problems, but the inside of the restaurant is very western-ish (if I can reference it that way).
They have a big bar that basically takes up the entire ground floor where people (usually couples I think) will dine at the bar while watching the people work.
They also have this not-safe-at-all-open-concept-staircase where you will be led to the second floor with very minimal seating areas. Again, I want to point that this place is not kids-friendly - especially if you have a walking/running toddler. Their stairs are very modern and artsy and not safe. Again - the keyword here is not safe. Hah.
But a very nice place to dine with your lover and/or friends. Oh, and please if you can, book ahead of time to avoid being turned away due to full-house. Their place is quite small and people can take some time to dine and talk and all, so better to call them and make bookings.
Here are some foods that we ordered for sharing. We left the restaurant one and half hours later - feeling very full and satisfied.
WAGYUNAMI DONBURI - RM88
150g sliced Japanese wagyu, range egg, furikake with rice
He says: Too buttery for me, however the beef is perfectly cooked. But I would not order this again.
She says: Quite a small bowl for RM88 priced dish but then again, it's wagyu so what do you expect right. The sliced wagyu is buttery and salty and soft - almost melt in your mouth kind - but with enough texture, for you to chew and enjoy its goodness. The rice underneath is Japanese rice so what can be wrong with it? The answer is nothing la okay.
SALMON IKURA DON - RM43
Salmon sashimi, salmon roe served with rice
He says: It's okaylah. A bit too much of the salmon egg. This is probably my best dish of the day.
She says: I personally do not know how to enjoy sashimi with rice (yes, I don't eat salmon sushi also wan). I usually eat just the sashimi but this one I had to try because ordered already. The sashimi and salmon roe are very fresh so, overall quite a good dish.
CHICKEN KATSU SANDO - RM22
Chicken katsu, house katsu sauce, milky bread
He says: The bread for me is the same as bangkali roti. But the fried chicken was quite well-fried.
She says: The chicken katsu inside is legit yummy. It tasted like any other really good fried chicken but this one got their house katsu sauce, so I think that is the thing that makes it yummy. I thought the milky bread could be a lot softer because it was quite dense.
STEAKY SANDO - RM34
Tenderloin steak, house sauce, milky bread
He says: Nothing special.
She says: Tasted very similar to the wagyu, to be honest - buttery and salty. Milky bread same-same - will be nicer if softer.
TRUFFLE SCRAMBLE UNAGI DON - RM34
Truffle scrambled egg top with unagi served with rice
He says: Oh this is actually my best dish of the day. First time having truffle with unagi and it blends well.
She says: My absolute favorite of all the dishes we tried. The scrambled egg is cooked with truffle so can you imagine the aroma, and then you eat with the unagi and rice, and you just need to close your eyes and chew. It was so good! I never thought that truffle would go so well with unagi because it is not one of my favorite food combos. This one wins.
TRIO ROE PASTA - RM39
Scallops, prawn, shrimp & salmon roe, creamy black pasta
He says: It's alright.
She says: Our first dish - did not disappoint. I am not the creamy-pasta-person, but this was yummy. It did not have that overpowering creamy taste that most creamy pasta dishes usually have. It has a very nice seafood-y taste to it which I super love because I am a seafood person.
Total bill for 4-persons: RM315
We ordered a drink each but no need to review because their drinks are not anything special.
So, there it is - our honest reviews on the food. Personally, for me, I will definitely go back there to dine despite pricey tags. Also, just want to add that their portions are not super big or anything so if you happen to be quite a bigger appetite person, one order is not enough for you, probably the same case for me heh.
Photos are all taken with iPhone 12 - it looks so nice because so ngam the place we were seated had such a great backlight. Heh. I am actually not pro at all in food-photography taking.
I have waited years for me to finally sit down and write this post - to say in this safe place that I finally did it.
And I really did.
It was such a long journey to get to this destination - and there were two main reasons for it.
First was the fact that it is very expensive - like five-figures expensive and it would take me so long to save that kind of money because I have zero discipline whatsoever. The second was that I became pregnant very quickly after getting married (intended to of course) and then got pregnant again (very quickly too) with the second baby before Alex even turned one. Then, with breastfeeding and all, it was on hold for longer than I had wanted to.
My piggy bank has not grown a lot also actually but it was enough for me to proceed with it because Optimax Penang has zero interest installments heh.
I was mentally ready to get my vision corrected and to not rely on contact lenses and glasses anymore because, for too many years, I have been really dependent on them.
Enough is enough. Hah.
I have gathered enough information from the internet and friends to know the can-dos and cannot-dos and what to do before scheduling an appointment.
Ten days before I plan to call Optimax Penang to schedule an appointment, I had already gotten rid of (kept in the drawer) my monthly reusable contact lens and was wearing glasses only - 24/7. It was uncomfortable and my vision was not super clear.
But of course, I had to endure it heh - worth it la, please.
On the day of the appointment, Vanessa went with me because I was told that I would not be able to drive after the detailed eye checking and testing. The tests were all painless. For the final eye examination, they had to dilate my eyes (sounds like giving birth right? - check dilation and all heh) so that my pupils will be bigger and they will be able to check thoroughly the condition of my optic nerve and retina.
This is also painless. They put some drops onto both my eyes and waited for like 15-minutes and I was ready to go through one last check. One thing I hate most about this pupil dilation is that my vision turned super blur and I had to see everything very near - like I could not see my phone screen unless it is right in front of my eyes and I have to remove my glasses - not convenient at all.
That is why they asked for someone to get you home because there is absolutely no way you can drive home after having your eyes dilated. No way at all. Please don't gau-gau try all. Cannot means cannot liau.
After all the eye examinations are done, I went into the office with the Optometrist (mine was Yeong) and he explained everything he found from the tests and he also went through with me the three Lasik Eye Surgery there is in Optimax Penang - then he would recommend which one he thinks its best for my eyes.
FYI - not everyone can get their vision corrected via Lasik eye surgery okay. If your cornea is too thin, then you are not able to ever get your vision corrected via Lasik. Maybe got other kinds of 'treatment' but I was not told because my cornea is quite thick.
And I know you surely want to know what can cause your cornea to get thinner - the answer is nothing. It's genetic. You are either born with a thin cornea or a thick one. Simple simple.
The normal range for cornea thickness should range from 470 microns to 630 microns. Mine was at 580 (left eye) and 583 microns (right eye). Phew. Yeong also mentioned that the cornea cannot be too thin after the procedure and mine would be left at about 463 microns (for both eyes) after the Lasik surgery so it is all still good.
I was genuinely afraid that my corneas would be too thin for the procedure - because then I would be for real stuck with glasses and contact lenses my whole life, but thankful that it was not the case.
Also, if your cornea is funny-shaped like not full healthy kind, they will also not proceed with any Lasik treatment for you. Hence, it is very important for you to do an eye examination before getting your hopes too high.
Once Yeong shared with me the good news - he proceeds to explain the 3 Lasik procedures of which I will summarize (sort of) below.
A) CUSTOMIZED FEMTO-LASIK
Also known as Customized All Lased LASIK.
A Femtosecond laser is used to create a flap on the cornea.
The flap will then be lifted up to expose the inner layers of the cornea.
Another laser called Excimer laser will be used to re-shape the inner layers on the cornea (changing the eye's power).
Then, the flap will be placed back down again and close the cornea.
Recovery time is 1-3 days for the vision to be fully restored.
Cost - RM 4,588 per eye.
B) ADVANCED SURFACE ABLATION (ASA)
No corneal flap creation is needed.
The top layer of the cornea (called Epithelium) will be removed.
The Excimer laser is used to re-shape the inner layers of the cornea.
After the procedure, you are required to wear a bandage contact lens for a month.
This procedure is recommended for people with thin corneas.
Recovery time is 1 month.
Cost - RM4,588 per eye.
C) ReLex SMILE
A less invasive way to treat short-sightedness and astigmatism.
No corneal flap is required.
The Femtosecond laser is used to create a lenticule in the inner layers of the cornea and penetrate through without any cutting involved.
A small micro-incision (4mm) is created on the side.
The lenticule earlier will then be removed through the micro-incision and vision will then be corrected.
Recovery time is 1-3 days.
Cost - RM6,588 per eye or RM6,888 per eye (depending on which doctor you choose)
So, with the 3 procedures shared, I obviously was going to choose the less invasive and fastest recovery time.
I mean hello, I've got 2 young babies and they are not going to allow me to rest my eyes whatsoever. They are a pair of balekos you know. Hah. I love it though.
So yeah, I chose the ReLex SMILE LASIK procedure because it is one the latest technology and since these are my eyes we talking about, surely I was going to choose the more experienced doctor to handle the entire procedure - but he was not available that week.
I made the appointment to go through the LASIK surgery with Yeong on that day itself and he confirmed the appointment with me a few hours later via WhatsApp.
I had wanted to do it on that weekend itself but I had a work duty that I could not get out of, so had to apply for annual leave, no choice.
We made some arrangements for the kids to have sleepovers at their grandparents' and cousins' house for 2-nights because we figured that I could use a full-8-hours-rest for a night without them first - to make sure that I heal properly.
Adrian was very paranoid about the whole healing process because he was just so afraid for me. Heh. It was cute (at first) then we got too intense because he would scold me every time I use the phone for one second. Hah.
Anyways, so that was the pre-LASIK eye examination that everyone had to go through and it took about 2-hours or so.
After the examination, I still had to continue wearing my glasses till the day of surgery but one more week only so that's fine la.
We drove down to KL on Monday night (after work), and went to Optimax TTDI on Tuesday morning - apparently it is the only Optimax in KL that can do this ReLex SMILE procedure. I was accompanied by my husband of course, who was working there in the waiting area.
After doing another round of some eye tests there to confirm the earlier tests, I was asked to make the payment first - which made sense because later people do already, refuse to pay how.
I wrote down (earlier) my cousin's name in the "How do you know about us" because I had initially thought she did the LASIK procedure with Optimax but later found out that she went to Sunway Hospital and Optimax gave a discount of RM100 per eye - which I didn't even know got such promo! I guess this means Optimax KL did not check haha.
I was then ushered into another waiting area with a man and another woman who was waiting in line to go through ReLex SMILE surgery. I was the second one in line.
In the fancier-waiting-lounge, we were asked to change our clothes into a surgery gown and we were also briefed about the entire procedure by our doctor (Doctor Chuah Kay Leong).
Before entering this lounge, I was getting more scared but after talking to Doctor Chuah, I was a lot more relaxed because he was telling us every single step that was going to take place. He was very detailed so there were no surprises at all.
After that, they put some numbing drops into our eyes and we continued waiting for our turns to go into the Procedure Room.
When it was my turn, I had to remove my glasses and someone held my hand as we walked into the room. From my 700-power of vision, I saw a massive white machine and then, I was asked to lie down (looked like an MRI machine that we see in movies) - then before Doctor Chuah does anything, he would say them.
After what seems like 20-seconds, the machine then moves me in another direction and the top machine would move down on me (I think) and closes up to my right eye. The machine will then say, "Suction on!" and I just had to look at the green dot in that machine.
Within 26-seconds, the machine said, "Suction off!" and it was done deal.
Doctor Chuah then did something on my left eye and the same thing goes. 26-seconds later, my left eye also done deal. It was so fast I could not believe it.
The most shocking thing about this entire experience is I felt no pain at all. ZERO PAIN. ZERO DISCOMFORT. It was that easy and that comfortable. Don't know I scared for what also earlier.
It is nothing like what you watched in Final Destination movie la okay. I know what you were thinking! Hah. Cos my husband was terrified for me - he kept referencing the movie.
My vision was somewhat very blurred still but I could make up of things around me. I went into the changing room to change back into my clothes and went out.
I thought I was going to have a problem recognizing Adrian at the common waiting area but surprisingly I could see but it was a blur.
We left the place, bought lunch and I slept in the entire afternoon.
We went back to Optimax TTDI for a post-LASIK surgery check-up and that was it.
The other post-surgery check-ups were all done in Optimax Penang at no extra costs.
Ohh - Optimax also offered a lifelong warranty if your power comes back. I guess if the thickness of your cornea is still able to go through a LASIK procedure, then it would be okay but if not, then I don't know what's next. Haha.
So far, I went for 3 check-ups already and did not pay for any of them. So far so good.
It has been a month and my vision now is restored from 700 to 25 in each eye. My vision so clear I love it, and not having to rely on glasses/contact lenses anymore - so best, please.
So, how much does it really costs to get your vision corrected with the ReLex SMILE LASIK procedure?
I (Adrian) paid a total of RM12,976. The original price was RM13,176 (RM6,588 per eye) but got an RM200 discount because of the "referral".
Adrian offered to pay the whole thing as my in-advance-birthday gift so that was a surprise - a very very nice surprise. Heh. Thank you, baby boy.
A lot of you reached out to me after knowing about my LASIK experience and I realized that MANY of you had wanted to do it also but never got enough courage to do it, and/or unsure if it is worth spending that money.
I am here to tell you that if you have been dependent on visual aid (like glasses or contact lenses) for a very long time and it' pain in the behind, it will be worth every penny you spend on. We are talking about many many years of not depending on visual aids. Longer years if you take care of your eyes and provide your eyes with the vitamins it needs.
Ever since my eye examination with Optimax, I am suddenly awaken to the fact that if we do not take care of our eyes now, it will be too late when we realized we had to and there will nothing we can do anymore when it is too late.
I don't know about you, but vision is one of the most important thing to me.
So, I started taking Astaxanthin and trying Isotonix Vizion Powder. If you spend most of your working time looking at a screen, you should start taking supplements that takes care of your eyes - seriously.
Adrian looks at the screen (laptop and phone) most of his waking time so I'm making him take these vitamins too. For him, this is more important that taking Calcium. Heh.
So yes, if you are hesitant about going for LASIK or not, I 100% feel that you should - but that's just me - but again, it is life-changing.
Oh, and before you go - here's the video of my entire LASIK experience. I filmed as much as I can. Enjoy!
Yep - you read it right. Nothing wrong with your eyes.
Another thing on the list got ticked.
If you did not already know, I have always been curious about many things, and going for a waxing session is one of them. Not just any waxing okay - like on the legs or underarms.
One of the reasons why I never actually go for it is because they are expensive, and I mean I am not willing to pay so much money to remove hair on certain parts of my body, please. I can do that myself - or get my husband to do it for me.
Of course, it is also because I am scared la okay. Scared of the pain and although everyone online says that it is painless la, and they had such a wonderful experience la - common sense still shouting loudly that it is going to hurt when they pull the wax strips from your skin.
So, it was delayed. The curiosity on this one was not that strong - not until one day, Beverly came to our house with her mini wax machine and started waxing some of us. She started doing nose hair waxing on the guys because Andrew claimed that it is not painful at all.
Of course, Adrian went for it. Okaylah - Adrian said actually not painful, but he and Josh both screamed like girls when Beverly was going to pull it out from there nose. So manly I know. Heh.
Anyways, she tried on my legs, and surprisingly, it was not painful at all and I kinda enjoyed the whole process of it. So, that was how this whole curiosity came out again.
Then what do you know! 9.9 came and Fave sent me an email and I clicked on it and the next thing I know, I also clicked "Buy Now!".
I called Strip Gurney Paragon immediately and scheduled an appointment the very next day. I was not going to give myself a lot of time to run away from it. Later reality sets and I got freaked out so the faster I go through with it, the better.
To be honest, I was very nervous to experience a waxing experience on my hoo-ha because in my head, of course, it is going to hurt like crazy. Not as much as labor pain (nothing is more painful than giving birth really) but I was super nervous.
I was even more nervous when I stepped into the shop and was greeted by 3 ladies. Hopefully, they cannot tell I was sweating inside so hard it is crazy.
I was then ushered into a room and given certain instructions and then I lie on the bed - covered with a clean plastic sheet and covered myself with the towel given.
My wax therapist named Chom (who is a Siamese, married to a Technician working in Prai and she has a 3yo girl who she sends to a local nanny that she pays RM800/monthly). You will be surprised how easy it is to get to know someone when you go through such an "intimate" process. Heh. She was such a lovely person.
Anyways, she started waxing my underarms because it's the easiest I supposed and painless for sure. It felt like a massage la, please. Hah. It was finished so fast I didn't even realize it.
So when it was time for her to wax my hoo-ha, I became speechless for a while because I did not know what to expect. So I asked her questions and in my effort to try to distract me from freaking out, we talked about our personal life. Heh. We shared life stories and jokes.
So, how did the whole Brazilian waxing went?
Okay right - so if you go read reviews on Brazilian Waxing, and most (probably about 80%) will claim that it is painless and it's a very comfortable experience, etc.
Let me tell you something.
IT WAS PAINFUL.
Let no one tells you otherwise.
How can it be painless? The therapist will spread a layer of hot wax onto your hoo-ha and when the wax is dried up, they will then pull it off. Yes, pull it off. No slow motion all, please. Chom always gave me like a heads-up when the wax is ready to be peeled off and I would hold my breath.
Brazilian waxing is a painful procedure because it is done all over your hoo-ha. But it is the kind of pain where it lasts for like 2-seconds and then gone no more pain - because now that pain shifts to the other side of the hoo-ha. Heh!
It was my first full-on Brazilian waxing experience and I have to say that I loved it! It was surely painful and all but it was also very satisfying to see the end product of it. I mean - it's really something la okay.
The pain is very bearable, and yes - in that 2-seconds after they peel off the wax, your body will shake in response to the sudden pain, but after that, all is good again.
So, was it worth the RM58?
Definitely yes! The original price is RM129 (I think), and actually, I am not sure if I will be willing to spend that money every 2 months or so to get waxed. We will see.
So, if you have not tried before, I would highly recommend you try it because aren't you like curious about how it will feel and how it will make you feel after the whole thing?
I feel quite sexy la, to be honest! HAHA. Okay - TMI!
I started taking these Isotonix when I was having a bit of difficulty in my pregnancy with Sofia, and ever since then, I have been a big user of these Isotonix. Read more her please before you continue reading more.
It was recommended to me by my sister so I was pretty sure it will work since she is not gonna just sell me nonsense right. I trust her completely. But I also had a little bit of doubt about whether it will really work.
Of course, time will tell and time did tell!
It worked and now, my husband who is not a big fan of "these" things (in the beginning) even encouraged me to take the leap and turn this "shopping" into a business opportunity. Since I am already consuming these products and believed in the goodness of it all, I should also start earning side income from it.
With that said, I finally caved in and joined and now, I am a business owner! Woooohoo!
How exciting does that sound hah!
Anyways, I have started to spend more time getting to know more about these products and it is so exciting because I feel like now our cabinets are going to be filled with the real good stuff and I can get rid of that other stuff that never helped.
For your information, when I was having so many episodes of indigestion, I went to ENO and Gavisconn for help but it did not work at all! Hence, I became so desperate and decided to get from my sister this Isotonix Digestive.
Now, I only take them when I have like super heavy dinner or when I feel super bloated.
Okay so no more blabbing about these crazy effective products la, please.
I just want to let you know that if you are interested to earn side income (of course you must believe in the products la ya because if you don't then what is the point?), please message me and I will tell you how it works.
If you don't want to earn side income because you got too much money already (donate some to me please), but want to try on some of these life-changing Isotonix, please also message me so I can tell you more.
Do not worry if I am gonna cheat you okay. I cannot even cheat my own husband! Everything also he had to like see proof wan - but so glad that he is now on the same boat as me. Heh.
He is not part of this because he has too much money liau (kidding!). But really, because he wants to support me la. It feels great to "own" an online business thing actually.
So for now, if you are thinking about it, you can click on THIS and earn points as you shop on this website (that works like Shopback) where you earn points every time you shop online. Amazing Graze and Watsons are in there too! So much win because my top 2 favorite online shopping heh.
Ohhh before I go, I am also going to try on cosmetic products called Motives. Cannot wait for my box to arrive!
That feeling of accomplishment is really something!
I have breastfed Sofia for 6-months and it felt great. My breastfeeding journey with Sofia was really pleasant and easy and pain-free and lovely. She was a good drinker (look at her size you would know) and a great latcher (got such word?).
Sofia is now reaching 7-months old and we have started to feed her with pureed food but she is not really keen. I feel she is going to be a picky eater - unlike Alex who eats everything.
Due to some reasons and all, I have decided to stop breastfeeding at 6-months and patted myself on the back for coming this far. It is not that far compared to so many moms out there who breastfeed till their child is like 1-yo and that's impressive really.
For me, I'm going to celebrate this small win of reaching to 6-months. I did only 1-month with Alex so this is a win, please.
I am already missing a big part of breastfeeding but I decided to stop for reals. There were many days where I stop and went back to it because it was just a really difficult thing to do. The emotional attachment is real seriously.
But anyway, I am thankful that it has been a great experience with my second-born.
Through this 6-months journey with Sofia (and 1-month with Alex in 2018), here are some of the things that goes to the MUST-HAVE list to make this journey a better one.
This comes number one and I feel that I must share because it is such a life-changer and, that is the importance of having the right chair during breastfeeding/pumping, etc.
It took me a while to convince myself to spend about RM700 to get this nursing chair, but let me tell you that it is worth every cent spent.
I got mine from Shopee at about RM600 and it comes with a leg rest stool and a pillow. IKEA is selling at RM699 and does not come with a leg rest stool or a pillow (I think).
I put more pillows so I feel more comfortable during the night feeds.
It is also one of Alex's favorite places to be when he watches video on his iPad.
If you asked me now if I will still get the same nursing chair from Shopee, I would say no. I will definitely spend more money to get the chair from IKEA.
The one I got from Shopee is not as comfortable as IKEA's. And IKEA's chair comes with 10 years' warranty so yeah. Maybe I should sell my current chair at a discounted price and get the IKEA's chair. Heh.
Then again, I am no longer breastfeeding so not ideal to do the above said.
Anyways, this chair saved my sanity for when I needed to nurse Sofia so many times after midnight. It is one thing to not be able to avoid feeding your child when she cries for milk in the middle of the night but to get to do it in a comfortable nursing chair, now that is a life-saver.
Just like how it is so important to have a bottle sterilizer at home for all the feeding bottles, pacifiers, and stuff - it is equally important to spend that hundreds to get this nursing chair.
I cannot say this enough, but many times when I am not breastfeeding or pumping, I find myself sneaking into my room to sit on this chair because it's comfortable and it is so relaxing!
Cannot believe that I am saying this but this chair really saved my sanity and my rollercoaster of emotions for the past 6-months. For those of you who have done breastfeeding before, you know how crazy our emotions can run during these times.
So yeah.
GET A NURSING CHAIR FOR YOURSELF.
Even if your husband thinks it is too much money to spend on a chair.
Please - trust me.
Of course, maybe you are comfortable enough to sit on your bed to nurse your child or something, then it's totally fine. All I am saying is that this nursing chair should be on the list of must-haves after a baby is born (if you plan to breastfeed of course).
Ohh, and there are so many types of nursing chairs out there okay so choose wisely. Hint: choose those that allow your head to rest (SUPER IMPORTANT & HELPFUL!).
Number two is the right nursing pillow. I have looked through different types of nursing pillows and finally settled for the U-shaped one because it is most common and cheapest. Heh.
With this pillow, Sofia is usually sleeping soundly during the nursing time because there is no body heat that I am transferring to her and in a way, the pillow is so much softer than my boney arms, please. Of course, sometime I will carry her because I overly attached like that. Hah.
The third must-have for me is definitely a nursing cover that is big, light, and thin in its material. The one I got was big but the material was quite thick so whenever Sofia feeds under the cloth, she will sweat for sure. So kesian. I wanted to get a better nursing cover but MCO happened and since staying home means I can freely nurse her anywhere without having to cover, I did not get a new one in the end. But yes, very important to get one that is thin material okay.
Number 4 is also super important because every breastfeeding moms need it wan. A super effective breast pump! I could never invest like a few thousand ringgits to get a breast pump because it is just way too much money so I kept searching and finally found one that has all the features that I was looking for.
WIRELESS.
Oh man let me tell you how a wireless breast pump can change your life. With Alex, I was using my sister's so it is the usual breast pump that is out there - comes with a wire, and tubes and bottles, etc. With a breast pump that is wireless, that only means I don't have to be seated at a place for the entire pumping time.
And with SuperMama's FlexiFit Electrical Tubeless Breast Pump, it was such an enjoyable pumping experience. I was pumping in the living room, at the dining table, in the car, in office, etc. There was no fuss at all. There were a concern that its suction power is not strong enough but please, there are nine levels and for me personally, it was enough. Supermama's breast pump was my best friend on the go.
I charge it every day at night after the last pump and it will last me the entire day. I keep one pump at my mom's and one with me all the time. So whenever, I feel like my boobs are going to ve engorged, I take it out and pump (with a nursing cover of course).
Got once we were at a party at a friend's house and I was getting super engorged, I covered myself with the nursing cover and pumped right at the dining table with all my friends present. I did not have to miss out on the conversations because it was really THAT convenient.
It definitely made life so much easier. And I only spent RM 380 for 2 FlexiFit Electrical Tubeless Breast Pump. Even Adrian was amazed by this product.
Now, Supermama had recently came out with a new version where you just got to put in in your bra and yes, wireless and no need to hold also. I was super tempted to get it but maybe for my next baby.
It's called SuperMama Air Breast Pump and costs RM299 for 1. If you are a working mother, I'd say that this is a great investment.
The fifth must-have is of course disposable breast pads. No one likes leaky boobs especially when you go out because it's embarrassing to have milk stains. Heh. So, I'd always made sure to invest on good quality ones that is both comfortable and effective. So far, all brands also okay. None that is like bad.
I have considered getting reusable/washable breast pads but some of my friends shared that after a while, there is a smell on the pads (even after wash) and since I am a working mom, I prefer to have something that is more convenient.
Number 6 and final (for me) for this breastfeeding must-have is a good supportive nursing bra. I tried many brandless nursing bras that I get online and although some are quite comfortable and all, I still feel that the best supportive bra is the sports bra.
Yes, you see that right. SPORTS BRA.
Nothing supports the C-cup boobies like sports bra does. And it's quite easy for nursing also. I realized I do not necessarily need to get those nursing bra to have 'easier' nursing experience. I did with the sports bra and loving it a lot. So much comfort, please.
So these are my six must-haves for a smoother and more enjoyable breastfeeding journey.
Gotta admit that I am already missing it but no regrets okay. Last night, I tried to get Sofia o latch on, but she wouldn't even want to look at it anymore. Hah. She moved on very quickly it seems.
Now, we can focus on the next baby - I AM KIDDING!
As some of you may have already know (through my daily complaints in IG heh), this pregnancy is harder compared to the previous one with Alex and it's really a no secret. Of course I try not to "complain" about it but too impossible. I have people telling me that being pregnant with a girl is harder wan - as compared to being pregnant with a boy. Then again, I have had mothers with 2 boys shared with me their experiences and can I just say that the former is super invalid. I don't think the gender of the baby is the one who determines how hard the pregnancy is going to be. Every pregnancy is just different period. Maybe the one I had with Alex was relatively easier and "nicer" that is why I feel like this one is such a ughhh. I love my babies to bits okay even though I complain about the difficulty of it. Anyways, one of the things that really got to me is the indigestion and heartburn I get especially at night. I have been losing sleep because of it and it is driving me insane. I rather lose sleep feeding my child every 3-hours than waking up because of heartburn that doesn't go away immediately. It's a pure torture. I've done a few things like eating smaller portions, eat slower, cut down on spicy food (too difficult!), takes warm water after a meal and sitting upright after a meal and taking Gaviscon! Sometimes can work, sometimes cannot work. I was reluctant to go to the Pharmacy to get a pill for it cos I hate taking pills! I don't know about you but swallowing pills during this pregnancy is a big no-no. With Alex, it was so easy I can do it with my eyes closed please. Not this round. Then, the big sister intervened and recommended something that is not all of the above! At first I turned her down because I thought it was going to be a pill-like thing and I just cannot handle taking anymore pills in addition to the neuro-gain pills and folic acid pills and iron pills for Sofia. Guess what. It's not in the form of pill! It's powder-make-into-a-drink! And she recommended to take both of these!
To be honest, my initial reaction also quite drama because I know I cannot continue taking it if it taste bad or medicine-y. She assured me that it actually tastes good and has a very pleasant smell. So, yes I decided to give it a try because I really do still want to enjoy eating whatever I want in my last 1-month of pregnancy. We can focus on losing the weight after baby comes. Side track a bit - I am planning to do the whole bengkung-post-natal-massage-thing but no idea from who or where yet. Back to this. So yes. I have tried it for few weeks now and can I just say that it works! Sharing is caring right. I had nasi kandar one of the nights at 930PM and after that I took this ISOTONIX DIGESTIVE ENZYMES PLUS POWDER and went straight to sleep. No need to sit upright for at least one hour before lying down to sleep.
You can go google and read all about it and why it is important to include this one as part of your I-am-pregnant-so-must-take-more-good-things-for-baby-and-me - especially if you really do get heartburn once in a while because of indigestion. Really sucks big time. In summary: Enzymes helps breakdown food before it gets fermented staying too long in stomach. Poor digestion causes stomach to produce more acid. Fermented food produces gas. The pushes the acid upward. Causing heartburn sensation and possibly gives you the trauma of eating. There was one time I was so scared that it will happen again that I only took a few spoonful of mushroom soup for dinner and went to bed hungry because I just could not bear the heartburn and that indigestion feeling. Also, I found out that it is not only for pregnant people - but overall for those of you who suffers from indigestion. I believe you should give this a try and it may be the remedy to all your indigestion days. Also, do you know that the B Vitamins are really good for you? Especially for pregnant people. Come I share with you why it is good.
Vitamin B1: Thiamine
B1 plays a major role in the development of your baby’s brain
Vitamin B2: Riboflavin
B2 promotes good vision, healthy skin, the development and growth of baby’s bones, muscles, and nerves. It also lowers the risk of developing preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication
Vitamin B3: Niacin
B3 is essential for your baby’s brain development Keeps nervous systems, mucous membranes, and skin healthy. It also improves digestion, eases nausea, and can relieve painful migraines for mom
Vitamin B5: Pantothenic Acid
B5 helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, giving you the energy you and your baby need during pregnancy. It also helps to prevent pregnancy-related muscle cramps and aids in the release of stress-relieving hormones
Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine
B6 helps to prevent low birth weight. It is essential to the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system Helps maintain blood glucose at healthy levels and may help with morning sickness too.
Vitamin B7: Biotin
B7 helps hair loss, brittle nails, and skin rashes of mothers during pregnancy. It is also essential to embryonic growth during your pregnancy.
Vitamin B9: Folic Acid
B9 is one of the most important vitamin B during pregnancy. It prevents NTDs (neural tube defects) like anencephaly (a brain defect) or spina bifida (spinal cord defect). NTDs can develop at the earliest stage of pregnancy, so it is important to be consuming folic acid from the time you start trying to conceive. Reduces the risk of birth defects like cleft lip, cleft palate, some heart defects. It also reduces the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. It is important for the growth of the placenta, synthesis of DNA and the development of the baby. In general, it also helps in the process of red blood cell production and helps prevent anemia.
Vitamin B12: Cobalamin
B12 is essential for baby’s neural tube formation, brain and spine development. Together with Folate (B9), it works to produce DNA synthesis and red blood cells. It will help the development and functioning of your brain, nerves and blood cells. It also helps improve your energy, mood and stress levels by aiding the metabolization of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. It plays a role in the maintenance of a normal central nervous system and neurological functions by regulating the synthesis of myelin and fatty acids.
Okay, to be real honest with you guys - I didn't know all this until my sister shared them with me. So, now that I know (with few weeks left to my pregnancy), I am disciplined to take this every morning.
It says behind the bottle to take it with empty stomach so I take this every morning after I get ready for the day. Very easy to drink because it's lemon-y and orange-y taste. So no regrets at all.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Yes, if you want it, you can reach out to me, and no I am not selling them but I can get it for you through my sister :) Special discounts for you :)
Also, do you know that this helps people with gout problems too? Or have high risk of getting gout. Kid you not.
You guys are welcome!
And hooray to supplements and vitamins that is not in pill forms!
