16 On Chocolate Malt and Packers Best

I get the feeling that people are proud to be associated with coffee. It is almost always mentioned everywhere and it sounds classy. No one ever says, "Chocolate malt or tea?". I've watched enough shows with that overworked line, "Here's your coffee, Hun,"  followed with a scene of the husband rushing off to work. Oh, the banality of it all.

I'm a chocolate malt kinda girl. It's what I need to start my morning and what I have before bedtime. If I were a character in a book, I would probably sound uncool.

She stepped out onto the verandah with a steaming cup of chocolate malt in hand.
 
She winced at the chocolate malt stain on her coat.
 
She spilled chocolate malt on the table.

You get the point.

I've been through many brands of chocolate malt drink. Some powdery fine, most lacking punch. For those on a tighter budget, Milo is a luxury. I've always wondered if there was an alternative. This drove me to explore what was out there.

I've put up with long periods of 'tongue-blekkking'  moments. This whole chocolate malt adventure is a journey that has spanned several years.

Just a month ago, Hubs stumbled across Tesco's Packers Best. The price was good - only RM22 for a 2kg pack. I've been through a lot. There was little spark left to be too excited.

But by golly, did we hit the jackpot this time! It is the closest thing to milo that I have ever tasted. The texture is similar too - not too powdery, has some 'body' to it. Today, I tear open my second packet. I am so proud of this discovery. You'll have to excuse my excitement.

I think I'll just buy myself a ribbon sash to sling over my shoulder, like how beauty queens do it, and appoint myself 'Packers Best Chocolate Malt' ambassador. Friends will say I've gone bonkers.

Packers Best - Milo alternative!

Last week, whilst shopping in Tesco, I bumped into a guy snapping pics of milo on his phone. In me, was a strong urge to lean over and whisper, "Try Packers, it's good." I didn't want to creep the young man out. That's what sales promoters do! So I walked away, grinning that I had kept myself in check.

Anyway, if you're looking out for an alternative, this is it - as close as it gets and ten ringgit less. Give it a try and lets have your thoughts on it.

12 Penang - The Reclining Buddha at Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Wat Chaiyamangalaram houses one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world. Several sources on the web (I am unable to verify the accuracy) state that this Thai Buddhist temple was constructed in 1900. It sealed itself as one of Penang's most visited places when the reclining Buddha was built in the late 1960s.

Although this marks as my second visit, I found it as interesting as before. Left to my own devices with like-minded friend in tow, it's easy to be in high spirits.

I was only a child when I first visited the place and often referred to the statue as 'The Sleeping Buddha'.

Jen and I made our way to the temple armed with a simple map and empty energetic chatter. Our day's adventure kicked off from Evergreen Laurel Hotel, where we had spent the night. The walk along Jalan Kelawei was a pleasant experience thanks to slightly gloomy weather and shade provided by trees. A turning led us to the temple. Souvenir peddlers hogged the area around the entrance.

We walked in, awed by the view before us. Statues of mystical dragon serpents and giant warriors guard the door to the main shrine.

Wat Chaiyamangalaram

The golden Pagoda at the back lent an air of ancientness :

Wat Chaiyamangalaram

It began to drizzle. We rushed towards the main shrine where the reclining Buddha rests. The 108-foot long gold plated sculpture was surrounded by adoring looks from many tourists. It's beautiful ...but  my enthusiasm was a little marred by concern about losing my shoes. Haha..that! I could not shake the icky thought of walking barefoot on rain drenched roads.

Visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering the area. A signboard hanging above the steel rack warned us of shoe thieves. My carefree spirit took a small dive when the temple assistant politely informed me to keep close watch of my Nike pair. I wanted to thank his helpfulness as much as I wanted to 'un-thank' his advice - if only such a word exists!

"Unthank you for your advice, Sir! My calm spirit is now lost..lost with worry!"

The reclining Buddha of Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Another angle of the reclining Buddha of Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Smaller statues were stationed along walls around the reclining Buddha. This was one of my favourites (below). It carries a serenity I cannot explain. It is estimated that thirty thousand embossed Buddha images cover the walls.

At peace

An animal sign from the the Chinese zodiac has been carved onto the pedestal of some of these statues. I guess those born in the year snake will put their donation into the red collection container where the pedestal bears the same symbol, and so forth. Behind, are urns containing ashes of devotees in niches set in walls.

The 12 Chinese zodiac signs

I recognise only the Goddess of Mercy (second from right) in this picture :

More statues at Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Here, candles in the shape of a lotus flower is used for prayer. I have been told that in Buddhism, the lotus flower is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment or an awakening.

Lit lotus candles

We passed the sea of serpents again on our way out :

Serpents guard Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Going in, going out, the gateway!

The gate to Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Before leaving, Jen and I 'quenched our thirst' on Thai coconut ice cream, which we purchased from an ice cream vendor near the gateway. Can ice cream be a thirst quencher? This was light enough to feel like a yummy drink. In humid weather, I say yes!

That covers my visit to Wat Chaiyamangalaram. I hope to be back a third time!

10 MyKuali's Instant Noodle Tops The Ramen Rater's List

Malaysia's MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodle made it to the number one spot in The Ramen Rater's list of 'Top Ten Instant Noodles Of All Time 2014 Edition' recently.

Last year, it was the fastest selling instant noodle in the country. Boxes were literally flying off the shelves. Unscrupulous parties targeted desperate buyers, offering what stock they had at a higher price.

The hype has eased. A number of copycats have since emerged in the market. Some are quick to point out, "Brand X is better!",  "Brand Y is more delicious!"  I guess it's one man's meat, another man's poison. No one can dictate who likes what, yes? It's a personal thing. MyKuali Penang's White Curry Noodle may not have won 'everyone's' hearts, but it has moved many rumbling tummies and gained hordes of fans.

Dried noodles with curry paste, non-dairy creamer and seasoning

Is it an aye for me? I think it's really slurp-worthy. The broth is rich and flavourful. MyKuali has upped the ante in InstantNoodleDom by adding a little oomph into the otherwise quiet industry of instant noodles. Whether anyone realises it or not, this deserves memorable mention in Malaysia's instant noodle history.

I'm just someone who has never been able to appreciate instant curry noodles as it is. I've always stirred in a spoon of tom yum paste for that bit of sour in the soup. So, if you're wondering if MyKuali's White Curry Noodle wows my palate, I would honestly 'no' that.... at least not until I add my teaspoon of tom yum paste. I do the same for the other brands too. I'm a tom yum curry kinda girl, and woefully, have yet to find anything in the market that caters to my instant noodle needs.

MyKuali Penang White Curry Noodles

Ready to be slurped!

As a Malaysian, I bask in pride that a local brand is making waves beyond our shore.

That said, variety is the spice of life. I enjoy several brands of instant noodle. This is the latest that's made it into my shopping list.

6 I Love These Book Covers

I remember the old days. My worn out school books - torn at the edges, smudged with poorly erased pencil marks, creased from frequent use.

All my text books were Buku Pinjaman (books we loaned from school). The book I held had probably passed many hands. I could have been studying from the same book as some famous localite for all I knew.

We never had plastic book covers back then. Plain white or brown paper was used to wrap whatever we wanted. But if it was book I liked, it would be wrapped in fancy printed gift paper.

We started using plastic when I was in my 20s. I would buy a roll and slice it according to book size. Then, I would fold the edges with tape. I was often proud of my handiwork and spent unnecessary seconds appreciating the glossy cover before moving on to the next book.

It soon became a tedious affair...I stopped. For a long time, my books were left in a state of 'undress'.

And then these came along - pre-cut plastic covers! There are a couple of sizes available and it is easy to use. You slot the book in and that's it. Most of the sizes fit the books I have, perfectly. If it didn't, I tape the sides in.

Nifty Book Covers

So if you're wondering what I've been doing on this rainy day in Kuala Lumpur, this is it. Mission accomplished. All my new books have been wrapped.

Beloved Books Gets Wrapped

Now I wonder if I should put my name on it...

10 I Bagged These At Parkson. Gin&Jacqie Blessed Me One.

It's all in the bag. In my case, two bags have been secured in custody. That's how my weekend was spent, by the way - shopping for handbags with enthusiastic man in tow.

My handbag, which has been subject to constant abuse, gave way recently. It has weathered rain, sun and sand. The once perfect black faux leather has peeled. I left it at that.

When Man received some cash vouchers recently because he'd been a very nice guy to the bank, he insisted that I get a bag. I'm boringly practical. I use most of my cash vouchers on groceries and things that wear out easily like socks or undergarments. What can I say? I caved in.

How I landed myself with two handbags is entirely the doing of 'two indecisive parties'. I'll not elaborate because I think that explains it all. We Malaysians like to say, "Cannot decide, ah? Take two lah."

Bags by F.Timber

In what I call a personal record, I have accumulated three bags into the first four months of 2014. That's almost a bag a month.

I won this bag (photo below) in a contest which I had 'inadvertently' joined, no thanks to a close friend of mine. She entered a facebook comment competition, teased me and tagged me. I retaliated in good humour and that was that.

A little about this bag. I love it so much. It is my favourite road trip bag. I keep junk food and drinks in it. Small sweets in little compartments, cold coffee in one corner, chocolates and chips in another. A packet of scented wet tissue, small bin bag and some plastic cutlery is also stuffed in ← these are essential for pigging out in the car.

Makes me wonder what everyone else packs for their road trip. What's essential to you?

Bag by Gin&Jacqie

Money doesn't buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant ~ Carolina Herrera

8 A Birthday At Labuan International Golf Club

As soon as I landed in Labuan, I was informed of a new golf club we could check out. It opened its doors in 2013. We took the scenic beach route to Jalan Sungai Pagar where the club is located.

What a beautiful place it was. The carpark was lined with gorgeous flowers and it had a beautiful sea view. We made our way to 'Golfers Terrace' after admiring the surroundings for a bit.

Oh-so-serene:

18-hole Par 72 golf course

Quiet day at LIGC

Reserved Parking Lot Signage

I wish they had more of these flowers planted around

It was also my aunt's Birthday so we did an impromptu celebration at 'Golfers Terrace'.

We ordered cake, asked for a candle .."No candle, ma'am."

"Haa..? " went we.

In good company anything can happen. It's like an adrenaline rush. I poked a teaspoon into the cake quite unaware of the silliness. It became our make-believe candle. It was even more hilarious when we started singing the Birthday song. Aaah..family.

Birthday Fun with The Family - Cousins and Aunt

Table decor at Golfers Terrace

It didn't cross my mind to take pictures of the golf club building. I was having way too much fun to think about that.

To conclude, I think the Labuan International Golf Club (LIGC) is a great place to chill out, even for non-golfers. I only wish that they would revamp their menu to include a larger variety of finger food and drinks.

8 The Sunny Side Of A Fried Egg

"You're a good egg," they said.

"Sunny or scrambled? " I asked.

Grandma's Fried Egg

Things were simpler in the good ol' days. This is what I call the 'fast food' of our time. 

I liked staying with Grandma. She always made me my favourite food, which was one fried egg drizzled with a mix of soy sauce and oil. I would mix this into my plate of rice and it would be gone in minutes.

The way I look at it, Grandma was a genius. She spends only a couple of minutes making our meals daily!

It looks a little like Jack the Pumpkin King

Nutrition and a balanced diet? I think that's a job for parents. Grandmas should always be about cookies and cream...or fried eggs.

10 Walking It Off at Kepong Metropolitan Park

When I prayed for bigger things to come, I didn't mean my tummy!

...So I posted on Facebook, along with a picture of a running track (photo below). I looked up at the sky, amused at my conversation with God. A funny thought hit me ~ Why in the world was I looking up for. God is everywhere, isn't HE?  It's oddly comical. I've probably seen too many images of people looking up in the same manner, for the same reason. That thought out of the way, I think I'll make myself a cup of tea, sit outside and have my chats from now onwards by talking to the seemingly empty seat beside me.

Back to my story. This photo was taken at Kepong Metropolitan Park, one of the largest recreational grounds in Kuala Lumpur. It covers 90hectares of land.

The track around the lake was more than a 3km walk. There were insufficient trees to shade from the heat in some areas. Oh, I'm just being spoilt. A little sun is probably good for me. This place is lovely for exercise.

The sky blue track makes running that little bit more exciting

I could brisk walk two rounds...well, not yet!

Here's a glimpse of the lake and its vastness

Glorious weather for a walk

Surprise! There are two lakes - one small, one big

Kepong Metropolitan Park is more than what I'm posting here. I have yet to explore the place earnestly.

I did pass a children's playground, a football field, lots of food and drink stalls. There's a tarred track dedicated for cycling. I also understand that this is the place to go for kite-flying as well.

I don't have photos for those..yet. I would love to catch kite-flying enthusiasts in action. It will have to happen on another visit. Today, my goal is only to walk up a sweat.

A resting hut along the way

The toilet at Kepong Metropolitan Park

19 The Elephant Mango ...erm, really?

My aunt has a mango tree that grows huge mangoes. When I asked what variety it was, elephant mango was the hesitant answer. No one in the family was too sure of its name. Its origins were a shady distant memory.

So, I present to you THE mango! I will refer to it as THE mango until I know it's lovely name.
  

Tadaaa..!

I wish I had taken a photo of the tree. I could have forwarded it to a gardening group for identification but it always slips my mind. I fly home with many photos except the one I want most.

This is what THE mango looks like inside. Juicy, sweet and yummy is how I would describe the taste.

Ripe and Ready!

I took a picture of it on a stool for size comparison.

As wide as my stool

Yeah, baby, yeah

If you know the name, leave a comment below. It would make me very happy.

10 Ipoh : Heritage Hotel - In old, we trust!

Old is gold, so it is said. Heritage Hotel is reminiscent of a typical mid-range 80s hotel, a time when boutique hotels with fancy themed rooms and the modern minimalistic sleeping space of Tune Hotels were unheard of.

Heritage Hotel, Ipoh

I had a comfortable stay at Heritage Hotel, Ipoh. The room is spacious. The rates are reasonable, around RM150 (twin beds) for a night.

I also had the fastest check-in ever. You can't fault me for walking away with the key card thinking, "What? That's it? Feels wrong..."

The bellboy picked my bags up. I was ushered into a transparent elevator, along with the family.

The entrance to the rooms were designed in such a way that it faces the open space in the middle (picture below). There are no hidden corners. I prefer this openness over the one where we have to walk along a small dark corridor to get to our rooms. You never know who could be lurking around. Here, you can see where the cleaners are and if anyone's hanging around suspiciously.

To the rooms in Heritage Hotel, Ipoh

This is it, our room with twin beds (picture below). Nice? More than, I say. The view is decent too - A beautiful landscape of greenery and hills in the distance. Closer, landed properties with neatly trimmed lawns and gardens.

The room in Heritage Hotel, Ipon

The stuff we need to know - hairdryer included!

There's ample parking space in Heritage Hotel. This is a major plus for people intending to drive over for a holiday.

Another thing I really love about the place? It's located just kilometers away from Ipoh's tourist spots and round the bend from the heart of town.

I left, revitalised from good sleep.

8 I Plant The Cili Padi

As my my interest in cooking grows, I guess it's no surprise that I've started planting herbs and vegetables again.

  Surely This Calls For Flag Planting

Years ago, spring onions were a regular feature on the kitchen window sill. I had also planted the pak-choi in a small corner out at the balcony.

Then, office work consumed my life. The aspect of "stopping to smell the roses" was lost. I remember the flurry of activities, I remember feeling accomplished. But deep down, I have always asked myself if there was more to life than four walls and a fat paycheck.  If I could control my want of clothes and more clothes, jewelery and fine dinners, my lifestyle would have been more balanced. This was my past.

I am catching up on the quieter moments in life now.... and it is magical. Oops, I've gone off topic!

Coriander, parsley and cili padi (bird's eye chili). These seeds were planted several days ago.

Can you see it? The cili padi (bird's eye chili) seed has landed!

Two days in, I saw a shoot from the pot where I had gently buried the cili padi seeds.

That is fast!

A Close-Up

Hours after, more shoots sprouted out of the ground.

Five already!

Considering how quick and easy it was to get the cili padi going, I know that we're going to be the best of friends. I may just flood my garden with chili plants one day and pamper them with the best fertiliser like a proud parent would.

It's ridiculous that I stalk my plant pot every couple of hours ~ no sign of coriander or parsley to date!