Dutch Lady Mak Kata......

I have been procrastinating to write on this topic for a while. Well, good that I did as just last week I am invited by Dutch Lady to participate in ‘Mak Kata, Saya Anak Bijak’ bloggers contest on the principles and best advice given by my mother as I was growing up.

The phrase ‘Mak Kata’ (which means ‘Mom Says’) was first used in a classic Dutch Lady TV commercial released in 1983, featuring two boys quoting their mother’s pearls of wisdom. Inspired by the iconic ‘80s commercial, Dutch Lady introduced the first ‘Mak Kata’ campaign in 2014. Today Dutch Lady Malaysia is bringing back the familiar ‘Mak Kata’ campaign with a twist to reflect the smartness of kids these days.

So, here it goes...

My mother's advice was fairly simple but it does shape the person I am today. Advice #1, always be nice to people. Treat people with respect as I wish others would to me. Advice #2, be grounded and always help people. Most important advice of all is to be honest with an exception of several white lies to survive and be trustworthy. It goes a long way :)

Mom & Dad

Growing up, I did not get the luxury from my parents and they always thought us to be independent. That was the best advice of all. Mak kata "life is hard and if you don't know how to survive, you will always be invincible". I started being an entrepreneur at the age of 12, selling DIY charm bracelets and custom label sticker name cards to my classmates. I would keep a week's worth of sale to treat myself with cute stationary and scented rubber balls that I usually put in my pencil case. I know some of you might be able to relate to this obsession of scented rubber beads :)

I miss you sweet smelling beads!

Anyway, fast forward to today. She has shaped me to be the person I am today. I make sure that i treat people with respect, I stay grounded and I always make sure that I keep my manners in tact though i can be a bit loud sometimes :p

Many of her advice, I am passing onto my son. Respecting people is key but I also taught him to speak with respect.It is important for him to say "please" when asking for a favour, to always respect women more than anything and to always help people in need. I hope one day Tintin, you can initiate a cause and be well respected.

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I remember an incident, I was cooking breakfast and Tintin asked "Mommy, I don't know how to cook. Would I know how to cook when I grow up?" I said "Yes baby, you will know how to cook and you can always help me in the kitchen if you want to learn". He replied "I will let you do all the cooking for now but I will cook for you when you are not able to anymore and maybe I will cook for those who doesn't know how to cook as well". Future chef this one! Matin, if you read this article one day...please remember to always be generous okay baby?

Another funny story happened in Bangkok. I gave him some pocket money for him to spend, he is only allowed to spend the money in his little cute cat coin purse (he named the cat "precious"). Knowing he had very little to spend, he was very stingy with his purchase. Kept asking me if his money is going to grow (LOL) but there was just one incident that really touched my heart. We were at a street market and he saw a man with no leg. The weather was hot and the man looked very dehydrated sitting at one corner. My stingy son, my Tintin offered to buy him an ice cream with his limited pocket money. Obviously the man smiled and thanked him for the kind gesture. I guess he felt good after doing a good deed, he asked me again "can we buy him medicines for his leg so that it can grow back? Well...you tell me how to answer that one :p

Another important advice is mak kata  "Money does not grow on trees. It is either you work hard or you marry a Millionaire". The latter is more of a fairy-tale and I am an independent woman. So, work hard it is hahaha. It is very important for me that my son understands this teaching. I always tell him, if he wants something, he has to work for it. Every time he asks me to buy him something, I would tell him the amount of hours i need to be at the office for him to get what he wants. We would negotiate. Sadly my negotiation skill needs brushing :p but regardless, he knows it is not easy :)

Anyway, raising a child is a challenge. They are mischievous in their own way but it is a reward that money cant buy. They can give you pure indescribable happiness and joy. 

This is what we call "Love Hate relationship" :p

I get people asking me how does he get so clever? umm...hello? from me? but since that answer needs a lot of convincing, I usually share with them the nutrition I feed him. 80% of his intake is actually from his milk. I wasn't given the opportunity to breastfeed him therefore selecting the best formula is essential. You may think I am simply sharing this to advertise but this is not a paid post. Just so happen, I do feed Matin Dutch Lady Create 4-6 years old when I was approached by Dutch Lady to write ‘Mak Kata, Saya Anak Bijak’ bloggers contest. So, writing this is fairly easy. 

ART attack! Perfectly blue for Dutch Lady ;)

So, yes! Good nutritional value is important. The Dutch Lady 4-Step Nutri Plan contains 5X DHA*. 

It is a tailored nutrition program for children from 1 to 6+ years of age to encourage child’s smart milestones and learning. Here is an article from PubMed and it confirms that DHA plays a big role.

"Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants. DHA is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. The inclusion of plentiful DHA in the diet improves learning ability, whereas deficiencies of DHA are associated with deficits in learning" source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10479465 

Never letting go!

My pillow substitute

Anyway, the only problem i have now is to get him off bottle feeding! He doesn't want to switch to a regular cup. As much as i want him to quit bottle feeding, he loves his milk and baby bottle too much! I got back fired when he said "Mommy kata kalau nak tinggi and strong kena minum susu. Tintin nak big like daddy!" hahaha and today he told me that he wants to have his own baby so that his baby can grow big and strong with MILK! 

He is already thinking of getting his own baby, should I be worried? :p 

Watch the video if you don't believe me!

So, what is your ‘Mak Kata, Saya Anak Bijak’ story?

The ‘Mak Kata, Saya Anak Bijak’ contest is the perfect platform for mothers to share funny, interesting or touching snippets from their daily lives that are related to their child’s quick thinking and smart imaginations. A total of nine lucky winners and their family members will stand a chance to spend an afternoon with celebrity mom, Scha Alyahya and her daughter, Lara Alana at a tea party, and to also receive one instant camera to capture their happy moments together. 

Additionally, the first 250 weekly submissions will receive RM50 cash prizes each from 1st August till 30th September 2016.

Joining is simple, all you have to do:

a) Purchase any pack of Dutch Lady Nutri Plan with 5X DHA* formulated milk powder for children (650g or 900g);

b) Go to Dutch Lady Malaysia’s website (www.smartmoments.com.my);

c) Enter your favourite ‘Mak Kata’ quote and upload a photo of your child (above 1 year old); and

d) Click ‘SUBMIT’ and retain your receipt!

PROMOTION!

Dutch Lady Malaysia is currently running a promotion! Purchase 2 packs of Dutch Lady Nutri Plan 900g and get a set of food ware for FREE! Available in 2 colors! Get it while stocks last!

The food ware comes with a plate, a cute boat shaped bowl and a cup

I got mine today! Watch the video of #nikmatin unboxing his FREE gift!

SOULMATE: There is one for everyone

How often are we lucky enough to find our soulmate?

When you love someone, that does not mean you have found your soulmate but when you have found your soulmate, it is very easy to love that person.

It is just something words cant describe but the attraction is just there, so strong that it is beyond control. 
The person just affects you so intensely, he/she just takes your breath away.

So, have you met your soulmate?
Here are some ways for you to know that you have met your match.

Photo credit to pearlsofprofundity.wordpress.com

#1 You are comfortable being you
The amount of comfort you have between each other is just magical even sometimes it is out of mind crazy. Have you ever met one person that you feel like you can share everything with? You are just connecting at a deeper level. When you know you can share your dirty little secrets, your fears, your fantasies then you know there is something special between you two.

Photo credit to fbmasti.in

#2 Indescribable attraction
When you are with each other, the attraction between you two is just uncontrollable. It is like nothing else matters, like the world is left with only the two of you and your body are just drawn together to populate the earth. It is usually more than a physical attraction but emotionally as well. The things the other person do or say just wow you over and you feel like you are in a dream land.

Photo credit to www.radandinlove.com

#3 Chemistry is real
Love at first sight does happen but not often. When you look at that person, you just feel intensely attracted but i am also talking about the chemistry that cant be seen or felt. It is an emotional connection that can't be explained. You know there's chemistry when you have only met that person for 5 minutes but it feels like you have known each other forever. It is never awkward between you two and you just feel excited to share even the little things in life. Basically, just the thought about that person makes you smile.

Photo credit to favim.com

#4 Care scare
You just care. You do. Sometimes you just feel overly worried about that person. You just care too much. As obsessive as that may sound, you also know how to comfort each other with your crazy ways that can make the other person smile. You find comfort in each other and that...rarely happen.

Photo credit to www.mamashealth.com

#5 Laughter
Laughter is the best medicine for happiness. You just enjoy the silliness of each other, no matter how lame that person is but he/she can instantly reverse your mood. It is just something magical. Have you ever been alone and suddenly you realize that you are smiling to yourself? The thought of him/her just lingers on and on and on even when you try to stop.

Photo credit to www.lovewale.com

#6 The universe is talking
FATE. it is just fate that you met each other and no matter what, you always bump into each other. There's no running away and when you meet, it is an instant bond even if you have not been in touch for years.

So, have you met your soulmate?

If you have, do leave a comment below :)

Keep running on the track of no end

Photo credit to loveforrunning.com

I have to admit that I have been feeling a little bit sluggish in the past months. Almost depressed I would say. I felt helpless. My father was ill, I was not well and I had to put a pause to everything.

If you know me well enough then you know that I am very ambitious and there are a lot of things I would like to achieve but here I am, settled on life. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not complaining because more than anything, I am very grateful with what I have and to be able to spend most of my time with my little Tintin is absolutely a dream come true.

A mother's love is unconditional and it saddens me when I cant give him what he wants, I am with him most of the times and it makes both of us happy but there are times when he asks me requests that I am not able to fulfill. Of course my husband is more than able to contribute but I also want to be able to independently give Tintin what he wants. 

Well, I don't know if that make sense to you but it does to me. 

You must think I am crazy. I know. It is every mother's dream to be a stay at home mom, it is also a dream of mine but perhaps not yet. I have to sacrifice to give more and when the time comes, it will all be worth it.

I am inspired to write this from the dream I had last night. In my dream, I was running...running really fast that I felt the adrenaline runs through my body. I woke up with palpitations from all the rush. It was a track of no end but it felt great. I felt like i achieved something..something big. The feeling was so amazing that it affects me so much today and it really changed my perspective. Now, I have to make it a reality.

I want to be able to contribute to something that gives meaning. I want to keep on running. There is just something out there that is yet to be discovered.

I am writing this as reminder to myself and to all my readers that it is all within you. Life is short and you are running out of time. Life is like a never ending marathon. 

It is always about who is faster to reach the finishing line.

Have you discovered what you are made for ? 

I am certainly making a start today to understand more and bring out my full potential.

DONT FORGET TO CATCH POKE ETHICS!

Photo credit to google image

I am inspired to write about this topic today because the moment i woke up, my Facebook wall is full of rants, hate and comments on the new game/ app Pokemon GO. I have got to admit this. I freaking love the game!!!! It is fun to play especially with my son and family but it is pretty addictive so you got to set some rules and respect the people who are not in the Pokemon Go world and Vice Versa. Respect the game and the creator. They are not to one to be blamed but the people who does not know to set barriers.

Now, i have set some ground rules to myself when i am on my geek mode with Pokemon Go. You all might not agree to my opinion, but this is what i have listed down.

#1 DONT PLAY WHILE DRIVING

Well, it is obvious isn't it? Don't harm yourself and others.Switch off the app while driving. If there is an open incense spot (a party where a possible 30+ species of Pokemon might appear) and you want to be there, plan your route and only switch on the app once you have safely parked your car (at a parking space, not by the roadside or by the yellow line) . The creator of Pokemon Go actually wants to promote exercise and you are suppose to play while walking, NOT DRIVING! Even the character of your Pokemon GO is walking. Break some sweat. Come on!  

#2 USE YOUR EARS, NOT YOUR EYES WHEN IN PUBLIC AREA

You do not need to set eyes on the screen, there is a beep sound when a Pokemon appear. If you did not notice, pay attention to the sound and vibration. Of course, turn on your sound and make sure your phone is set to vibrate. Respect the people around you especially if you are at the mall. You don't want to annoy people by stepping on their feet or hit a baby stroller. 

#3 KEEP IT FUN AND RESPECTFUL

Yes! We are all competitive. If you are not, something must be wrong with you and you might live in depression hahaha. It is fun to be competitive but know your barrier. Do not use foul language when you are pissed that you missed the Pikachu and your friend/s didn't. In short don't Chow H** / C*b*i your friends because i have heard it hahaha. There might be kids listening nearby ish ish ish!!!

#4 GET YOUR BALLS IN ADVANCE..I MEAN POKEBALLS!

Everything works better with proper planning. Collect your Pokeballs in advance at a non public place where there is less people. I am lucky that I have a Pokestation near my condo unit, so i get to top up every few minutes (such a geek). Find a Pokestation nearest to you and start collecting! Do this and you will not hit people in the malls while looking for a Pokestation.

#5 KEEP YOUR SPIRIT UP AS A GROUP

This is my favourite part about the game/ app. As cliche as it may sound, it gets people together and it creates a special bond. Dont believe me? convince your partner/ siblings to play and tell me how it goes. Don't judge until you have tried getting into the Pokecraze. If you enjoyed collecting stamps as a kid then you will surely love the game. You can share you rare Pokemons and so as your friends/ family.

#6 RESPECT THE NON PLAYERS

If you have a social gathering with your friends who are not players, don't bore them with your Pokemon GO. You will look like a geek who has no life (when in fact your life is awesome...i just caught a rare breed! Of course i know). You can convince them to join you once and if they are not interested, let them be :) Just enjoy the piece of cake and start a normal conversation like you always do.

#7 THERE IS A GREATER LIFE....IN THE REAL WORLD

Don't get too hooked up until you forget and ditched your friends/family. Plan your GO time and keep your social life in tact. Keep a good reputation...do not make us Pokemon GO addicts look like losers will you? hahaha

#8 PLEASE DON'T ABANDON YOUR KIDS

If you plan to focus on playing, please don't bring your kids along. Let them stay at home or if you need to bring them along, get them to enjoy the game with you.

#8 JUST ENJOY THE GAME, KEEP YOUR SOCIAL LIFE IN TACT, RESPECT THE GROUND RULES AND HAVE FUN!

Now, lets go catch some rare ones!

Men's Biore Double Scrub with Advanced Japan Million-Scrub Technology

Men’s grooming market is expanding. You can see more and more aisle being dedicated to men in the beauty section.  The metrosexual men is expanding and it is not a bad thing at all because guys, you got to keep up with us ladies too!

Men’s skin is thicker than women. Making aging slower for them but bad news to you guys, accumulated impurities on the skin’s surface and built up of excess oil can clog the pores, while bacteria that are trapped deep inside pores can cause skin blemishes and dullness. That’s why if you notice, men are prone to get blemishes and worst of all, once their skin gets dull, they don’t have make up to cover up!

But let’s face it. Men will be Men. They want shortcuts, always! They won’t go for facial or spa. So how can they cut the hassle but still look well groomed? At home skin routine of course!

SOLUTION TO THIS?

SCRUB AWAY IMPURITIES!!

The No1 Men’s Facial Scrub brand in Malaysia, Men’s Biore innovation leads them to find a new technology, Advanced Japan Million-Scrub Technology. The formulation has Detox Power Cleansing and Oil Absorbing properties to target the root cause of various skin concerns.

HOW DOES THE JAPAN MILLION-SCRUB TECHNOLOGY WORK AND WHY IS IT SPECIAL?

The scrub optimise their Detox Cleansing Ability by bursting into Micro Scrubs to penetrate deeper into pores. 

Oil Absorbing Scrub- Absorbs excessive oil from the surface of the skin while removing blackheads and dullness

Deep Detox Scrub- Deeply cleanses by directly delivering Active Oil Clearing and Anti-Bacterial agents deep into pores.

5 VARIANTS OF THE MEN’S BIORE DOUBLE SCRUB FACIAL FOAM

Double Scrub Deep Clean

Contains Oil Absorbing Scrub and Deep Detox Scrub that can effectively remove impurities, blackheads and dull skin. Gives you long lasting oil control and completely clean skin in one step.

Double Scrub Deep Clean Extra Cool

Has similar function to the Deep Clean variant but comes with an extra cooling sensation! Perfect to wake you up in the morning or to freshen up after your futsal!

Double Scrub Oil Clear

Contains Black Tea, Oil Clear Scrub and Deep Detox Scrub. Provides excellent sebum control and anti-oxidant properties to effectively remove excessive oil and stickiness from the skin, resulting in long lasting shine free and MATTE skin!

Double Scrub Acne Solution

A great solution for acne-prone skin! Formulated with natural Tea Tree extracts, Oil Absorbing Scrub and Deep Detox Scrub. The antibacterial formulation works effectively to control acne that is caused by bacteria and clogged pores resulting from access oil and dirt.

  

Double Scrub Bright Clean

Addition to the Oil Absorbing Scrub and Deep Detox Scrub, this variant also contains Active Charcoal ingredient that works effectively to deeply cleanse and exfoliate skin for a cleaner, visibly brighter and even skin tone.

NEW APPOINTED AMBASSADOR FOR BIORE MEN!

I was at the event when they officiate Sharnaaz Ahmad, a Malaysian Actor as the brand Ambassador. 

The perfect  role model to show that men can care for their skin even with a hectic schedule.

The Biore Men Double Scrub Facial Foam is now available at all major retailers, pharmacies, hypermarkets and provision shops. The foam is available in 50g tube priced at RM8.60 and 100g tube priced at RM15.70

Launch of Mamonde's 1st counter in Malaysia

Thank you to Amore Pacific Malaysia, the well-known K-Beauty brand, Mamonde is now available in Malaysia! 

If you have not heard of Mamonde, the Brand is originated from Korea and has also been launched in U.S, China and Thailand. 

(L-R) Ms Celine Diong (Mamonde  General Manager),Mr Robin Na (Sr VP, Asean Regional HQ of AmorePacific Corporation), Ms Margaret Chin (Country Manager, AmorePacific Malaysia), Ms Ng Chin Choy (GM, Merchandising Division, Aeon Co.(M) S/B) & Mr Jong Jin Park (Mamonde Global Marketing Team Member)

I was officially invited to witness the launch of the brand's 1st counter located at AEON One Utama (Old Wing) and my eyes just went crazy! The Mamonde counter carries 140 product categories which ranges from skincare, make up, hand care to make up for hair. YES! HAIR! Mamonde products are affordable priced from RM6 to RM169.

Photo credit to Mamonde's website

What makes Mamonde unique is the CONCEPT behind the brand! 

Inspired by flowers, Mamonde's products key ingredients are flowers which is also translated into its product, packaging and the whole look and feel of its counter!

THE 5 KEY FLOWERS OF MAMONDE

1. Honeysuckle (Revitalizing)

The Honeysuckle has amazing vitalizing properties that maintain skin health. The Honeysuckle is an absorbent plant with the ability to absorb nutrients from barren soil to effectively deliver nutrients to vital parts of the plant

2. Hibiscus (Moisturizing)

The Hibiscus contains natural hydrators that offers flawless hydration

3. Narcissus (Hydration)

Narcissus offers excellent moisturizing benefits up to 24 hours and works well on tired and dehydrated skin

4. Lotus Flower (Cleansing)

The Lotus Flower has the ability to cleanse and purify the skin while providing anti-oxidant protection

5. Camellia (Anti-Aging)

The Camellia contains therapeutic properties that help to protect the skin from free radical damage and helps to reduce the signs of aging for youthful-looking skin

Photo credit to sunnytwc.com

FREE MASSAGE!

Talking about great customer service! The counter offers complimentary Flower Touch hand massage with seven different types of hand creams to choose from. You are also entitle for a complimentary skin consultation! 

FLOWER EXPERIENCE CORNER

With the therapeutic properties of flowers, Mamonde created a “Flower Experience Corner” for its customers to experience and learn about Mamonde’s flower science. The corner acts a floral aromatherapy area where customers get to enjoy the calming and soothing scents thus relax the mind.

SPECIALLY FOR K-DRAMA FAN

Now, if you are a K-Drama fan you should know this famous Korean Actress appointed by Mamonde as their Ambassador…..

Photo credit to http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com

PARK SHIN HYE!!!

Good news to fans of Park! You can look forward to purchase the autographed limited edition Mamonde Moisture Ceramide Light Cream and Intense cream as well as the Cover Powder Cushion! You better hurry though because the autographed items are limited to 150 pieces per item.

 Fans of Park will also stand a chance to meet her when they purchase the Park Shin Hye First Energy Lucky Box which comprise of an Essence and a Serum, which also comes with 70 passes to be won for a ‘Meet the Fan’ session happening this October.

BEAUTIFUL COUNTER AT AEON, ONE UTAMA

Mamonde's skincare range

LAUNCHING DEALS

§  Complimentary 8-piece gift set with every purchase of RM350

§  A free Mamonde membership with the purchase of any Mamonde products

….And many more attractive deals awaits in-store

Mamonde has targetted to open 3 more counters by year-end with its second counter opening at AEON Mid Valley Megamall in September 2016!

YAY!