Bangkok: 1st day–Lemongrass

After letting the food digest, we went for a massage. Thai’s are famous for their massages. I loved it as it’s genuinely comforting and original, using pressure points to massage without the unnecessary overly fragrant oils. You have to be careful though… you could end up in the wrong massage parlour ^.^

Lemongrass was just next to our hotel, one of the reasons why we preferred Palazzo Hotel. I opted for the 2 hours massage whilst Hubby went to look for his ex-colleagues first. He later joined me for an hour one. They ushered me into this small cubicle with dimmed lightings… changed into the cotton pajamas and we were all set to start. *Wide grin*

It was heavenly! My masseuse started from my feet, worked her magic fingers slowly, until all the way up to my head! Aaahhh… so blissful, soothing and serene. We were given warm lemongrass drink too, before and after the massage ^.^

Unfortunately my feet crammed up mid way, all thanks to the air-con! My feet were too cold so my masseuse had to calm it down with some hot towels. Totally potong steam! Pfft!

All over the shop, you can see this sign: For your comfort, no talking and no handphone. However, the men next to my cubicle were blind, I guess, as they were chatting non-stop. Luckily they stopped after about 1/2 hour of babbling, probably realizing they needed those comfort too.

Above: with Hubby; below: with my masseuse

Our bill was 950 Baht… for both of us… yes, very, very cheap, compared to the ones in KL. I am missing it so much already as my shoulder has started aching again… sigh!

Location: Lemongrass, 111/3 Ratchadaphisek Road, Dindaeng Bangkok

URL: www.mindlemongrass.com

Home-cooked Saturday

A quiet and tiring Saturday with loads of autumn-cleaning to do (^.^)
Then I realized that my skin condition has deteriorate! Lots of acnes, pimples, blackheads and freckles! Darn! My camera can’t capture it clearly though…

Dry but oily too, reflected the flash! What is wrong with my skin?

Acnes… freckles…

Pimples… blackheads… rough surface… :-( Any effective remedies?  
Back to original topic, cooked something simple for dinner, stir-fry minced chicken with potatoes:

Marinade minced chicken with oyster sauce, light soya sauce and a pinch of cornflour for about 6 hours.
Blanch potatoes in a pot of water with salt. Set aside.
Heat up wok with oil, fragrant minced garlic and shallot. Add marinated chicken and stir-fry until almost cook. Add blanched potatoes and some water. Let it simmer in low fire until potatoes are soft. Season with light soya sauce and sugar to taste.
Easy peasy :-)

Bizzy Body

Invitation to a Complimentary Exclusive Indulgence Session with Bizzy Body /Facial First:

When I first received their call, I was surprised. Am I that fat??? Hmmm… then the nice lady explained that a friend of mine has given my contact to them. So due to this, it was courtesy for me to actually plan with my colleagues to go since they extended it to them. This indulgence session comprised of a complimentary body or facial treatment in a group of 6 -7 pax per session. My office stats: 98% male and 2% female; as such my colleagues actually snubbed when I broached the subject, including my boss :-( The nice lady allowed me to bring my friends and family due to that, which was not easy too since most of my friends actually disliked sliming centers. Finally mom, my youngest brother Chris, Eric and Ann agreed to go with me yesterday. However, in the end, only 3 of us made it there as Eric had to work and Ann had another engagement apparently :-(

While waiting for the receptionist to register us, mind you we have to give our IC for registration :-(, I saw a table of photo-testimonials of women who had shed a few kilos.

We were ushered to the back, had our height and weight measured including some other calculation done by the ‘intelligent’ weighing scale. My guess is our fat since the receptionist didn’t mentioned it.

Mom and I were asked to wait here while they ushered Chris to another location.

Wall of fame in the small waiting room.

Another surprise after the sales lady came in to explain the various products, asking our previous treatment experiences and what we intended to try out. Firstly, when the appointment was made, no one had actually asked me if we are going for body or facial treatment. My assumption was that we would pick once we are there. Mom and I wanted to try out the facial treatment but to our horror, we were booked for body treatment and we were not allowed to change it o.O If we do want the facial treatment, we have to pay the special priced promo for first timer! We had no choice but to go for the body treatment reluctantly :-( I do applaud the fact that she was a professional as she didn’t comment on a direct competitor; mom told her she is a New York customer – for facial lah.

The changing room was kinda small. Last photo taken as I was not allowed to take any more photos inside the treatment area. When they got to know I’m a blogger, I was given the ‘wary’ look. I wonder why… is it wrong for me to blog of my experience? I would think it’s a boost for them if I had a positive experience and my readers wanted to try them out. Geez!

Anyway, we were given the chance to try out E-Intense Full Body Treatment by Bizzy Body which was worth RM 660! It consisted of:

• Ginseng wrap with heat roll – I was slabbed with some ginseng lotion and then wrapped up with plastic cling film tightly. After that, I was asked to lie on a bed with infra-red emanating heat, wrapped up with another layer of aluminum-looking blanket.
• Body fat firming – not sure what the actual term was but quite a number of pads were placed all over my body. It’s linked to a machine which will generate some tingling sensation from the pads.

A brief intro of this treatment given in the email invite from the nice lady:

E-Intense is our latest technology that helps improves lymphatic drainage and flush out toxins and bodily wastes. E-Intense technology also helps to relax the membranes of fat cells for the toxins to dislodge in preparation of the slimming process. Once the body has been detoxified, E-Intense mobilizes the uneven fat cells and increases the metabolism rate. In just 20 minutes, E-Intense can eliminate body fats and burn off at least 600 - 1200 calories as oppose to 1 hour of intensive exercise that burn 300 - 500 calories only. The final step of E-Intense is to revitalize the body by stabilizing fat cells, soothing and relieving tension. The body is firmed up and you can soon expect a slender and a more refined body!

Our experience overall was not what we expected. Mom thought they are using the hot-stone type of treatment, me and Chris were hoping for massages. It wasn’t comfortable at all especially the heat roll! Both mom and I had neck ache after that! In fact, I was hungry after the treatment! LOL! I guess we are not the type who would go to sliming centers to be indulged :p Honestly, if your aim is to lose weight then it’s the place for you! We were quickly ushered out by the sales lady once completed and acknowledged the fact that we would not consider trying the other products. She was kinda wary with her words too, ya, after knowing that I’m a blogger =_=  

Anyway, thanks to Danny for this ‘intensive’ experience. I would have preferred a facial treatment though :p  

Location: Top Floor, Sunway Pyramid (next to the bowling center)

6 thumbs up out of 10

Smoker Haven

Ever wondered what Smoker Haven is all about? Anyone who has heard of it the first time would have thought it as a place for smokers ;-) I know I did when I first heard it… ‘What? Another chimney club?’

Smoker Haven = smoker’s heaven or paradise… right?

Well, in a way, half correct lah… it’s for smokers but in a good way… not chimney puffing of those sorts. Smoker Haven’s aim is to help smokers to quit smoking in a less painful and less addictive way.

Introducing Smoker Haven Electronic Cigarettes!

It’s an effective tool to help smokers to quit smoking. These e-cigarettes will enable smokers to puff their way to glory but without nicotine affecting their lungs. It lights up and puffs like a normal cigarette but without the nicotine hence it will reduce the addictiveness. Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is true! This product is now available to help curb your smoking habits, for a healthier you!

The starter kit:

For more details, you can visit www.smokerhaven.com

Beauty Works

Last Sunday was the grand opening of my friend’s beauty salon. Unfortunately, I was not able to make it since I had to send my angels back hometown as the school holidays were ending. So sad I had to miss this :-(

Congratulations June! I’m so proud of you! A significant milestone in your career! I will find the time to visit your salon soon :-)

She also blogs whenever she can, providing superb beauty tips, a versatile yet beautiful lady ;-)

http://flibbertigibbetgirls.blogspot.com

Correct timing to drink water

I came across this email which is quite beneficial to all, in a bid to stay young and healthy ;-)

Correct timing to drink water

Correct timing to drink water, will maximize it's effectiveness to a human body.

Two (02) glasses of water - After waking up - Helps activate internal organs

One (01) glass of water - 30 minutes before meal - Help digestion

One (01) glass of water - Before taking a bath - Helps lower blood pressure

One (01) glass of water - Before sleep - To avoid stroke or heart attack

Managing stress

I came across this article by Dr. Khairi Rahman, a consultant psychologist at Pantai Medical Centre, on how to manage stress. Trust this will help most of us in this crazy and busy world ;-)

What is psychological stress?
- Affects and changes in metabolic rate
- Prepares the body for optimum performance
- Do not call for either fight or flight situation
- Otherwise damage physical and psychological health

Causal factors:
- Financial worries
- Threats of physical violence and abuse
- Divorce and related issues
- Pressure to excel at work, at school or in sports
- Family conflicts and cultural values
- Moving house
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Bereavement
- Unemployment

Who gets psychologically stressed?
- Stress can be an essential stimulus
- Assist and motivate
- Stress could cause an adverse reaction
- Temporary psychological stress
- Long-term or chronic stress
- Damaging, for individual, friends and family

The symptoms of psychological stress:
Everyone reacts to stress differently...
- Depression
- Irrational behavior
- Constant anxieties
- Loss of sex-drive
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Periods of irritability or uncontrolled anger
- Increased smoking, drinking or recreational drug-taking
- Loss of appetite
- Comfort eating

Physical effects...
- Heart palpitations
- Increased pain from arthritis and other conditions
- Excessive tiredness
- Skin problems
- Aches and pains resulting from tense muscles, backache and tension headaches
- For women, missed periods

When to see a doctor:
- Seek treatment if stress is already causing physical symptoms
- Insomnia and depression
- No diagnostic test for psychological stress

Behavior modification:
Several strategies in behavioral modification...
- Learning to be more assertive
- Never taking on more than you know you can cope with
- Avoiding confrontation with difficult colleagues
- Delegating or sharing your responsibilities at work
- Organizing your time better to get as much done as possible
- Taking regular exercise
- Not using drinks or drugs to cope
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables
- Listening to music or relaxation tapes
- Talking to friends or family, and sharing your thoughts and fears
- Tensing and then relaxing your muscles, starting at the toes and working up to the head and neck.

Medicines:
- Only in exceptional circumstances (antidepressants)
- Tranquilizing drugs
- Cause addiction
- Preferable to identify causes of stress
- Make positive behavioral changes

Other treatments:
- Counseling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy
- Aromatherapy and reflexology
- Practicing yoga and controlled breathing

Importance of stress management:
People who effectively manage psychological stress consider life a challenge rather than a series of irritations and feel they have control over their lives, even in the face of setbacks.

Fruit chart

Not sure how true is this, it also didn't include the author. Just thought of sharing it since it is beneficial to all...

Apples: Protects your heart, Prevents constipation, Blocks diarrhea, Improves lung capacity, Cushions joints
Apricots: Combats cancer, Controls blood pressure, Saves your eyesight, Shields against Alzheimer's, Slows aging process
Artichokes: Aids digestion, Lowers cholesterol, Protects your heart, Stabilizes blood sugar, Guards against liver disease
Avocados: Battles diabetes, Lowers cholesterol, Helps stops strokes, Controls blood pressure, Smooths skin
Bananas: Protects your heart, Quiets a cough, Strengthens bones, Controls blood pressure, Blocks diarrhea
Beans: Prevents constipation, Helps hemorrhoids, Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Stabilizes blood sugar
Beets: Controls blood pressure, Combats cancer, Strengthens bones, Protects your heart, Aids weight loss
Blueberries: Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Stabilizes blood sugar, Boosts memory, Prevents constipation
Broccoli: Strengthens bones, Saves eyesight, Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure
Cabbage: Combats cancer, Prevents constipation, Promotes weight loss, Protects your heart, Helps hemorrhoids
Cantaloupe: Saves eyesight, Controls blood pressure, Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Supports immune system
Carrots: Saves eyesight, Protects your heart, Prevents constipation, Combats cancer, Promotes weight loss
Cauliflower: Protects against Prostate Cancer, Combats Breast Cancer, Strengthens bones, Banishes bruises, Guards against heart disease
Cherries: Protects your heart, Combats Cancer, Ends insomnia, Slows aging process, Shields against Alzheimer's
Chestnuts: Promotes weight loss, Protects your heart, Lowers cholesterol, Combats Cancer, Controls blood pressure
Chili peppers: Aids digestion, Soothes sore throat, Clears sinuses, Combats Cancer, Boosts immune system
Figs: Promotes weight loss, Helps stops strokes, Lowers cholesterol, Combats Cancer, Controls blood pressure
Flax: Aids digestion, Battles diabetes, Protects your heart, Improves mental health, Boosts immune system
Garlic: Lowers cholesterol, Controls blood pressure, Combats cancer kills bacteria, Fights fungus
Grapefruit: Protects against heart attacks, Promotes Weight loss, Helps stops strokes, Combats Prostate Cancer, Lowers cholesterol
Grapes: Saves eyesight, Conquers kidney stones, Combats cancer, Enhances blood flow, Protects your heart
Green tea: Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Helps stops strokes, Promotes Weight loss, Kills bacteria
Honey: Heals wounds, Aids digestion, Guards against ulcers, Increases energy, Fights allergies
Lemons: Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure, Smoothes skin, Stops scurvy
Limes: Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Controls blood pressure, Smoothes skin, Stops scurvy
Mangoes: Combats cancer, Boosts memory, Regulates thyroid, Aids digestion, Shields against Alzheimer's
Mushrooms: Controls blood pressure, Lowers cholesterol, Kills bacteria, Combats cancer, Strengthens bones
Oats: Lowers cholesterol, Combats cancer, Battles diabetes, Prevents constipation, Smoothes skin
Olive oil: Protects your heart, Promotes Weight loss, Combats cancer, Battles diabetes, Smoothes skin
Onions: Reduce risk of heart attack, Combats cancer, Kills bacteria, Lowers cholesterol, Fights fungus
Oranges: Supports immune systems, Combats cancer, Protects your heart, Straightens respiration
Peaches: Prevents constipation, Combats cancer, Helps stops strokes, Aids digestion, Helps hemorrhoids
Peanuts: Protects against heart disease, Promotes Weight loss, Combats Prostate Cancer, Lowers cholesterol, Aggravates diverticulitis
Pineapple: Strengthens bones, Relieves colds, Aids digestion, Dissolves warts, Blocks diarrhea
Prunes: Slows aging process, Prevents constipation, Boosts memory, Lowers cholesterol, Protects against heart disease

Pineapples

Just read an email about the goodness of pineapples, thought of sharing it with all...

Pineapples

Wish to know more about this remarkable local fruit? Read on. This article was sent to me by a retired chemistry professor from NUS

Fresh Pineapple Has Many Benefits....
The pineapple is a member of the bromeliad family. It is extremely rare that bromeliads produce edible fruit. The pineapple is the only available edible bromeliad today. It is a multiple fruit.One pineapple is actually made up of dozens of individual flowerettes that grow together to form the entire fruit.
Each scale on a pineapple is evidence of a separate flower.
Pineapples stop ripening the minute they are picked. No special way of
storing them will help ripen them further. Color is relatively unimportant in determining ripeness.

Choose your pineapple by smell. If it smells fresh, tropical and sweet, it will be a good fruit. The more scales on the pineapple, the sweeter and juicier the taste.
After you cut off the top, you can plant it. It should grow much like a sweet potato will. This delicious fruit is not only sweet and tropical, it also offers many benefits to our health.
Pineapple is a remarkable fruit. We find it enjoyable because of its lush, sweet and exotic flavor, but it may also be one of the most healthful foods available today. If we take a more detailed look at it, we will find that pineapple is valuable for easing indigestion, arthritis or sinusitis. The juice has an anthelmintic effect; it helps get rid of intestinal worms.

Let's look at how pineapple affects other conditions.
Pineapple is high in manganese, a mineral that is critical to development of strong bones and connective tissue. A cup of fresh pineapple will give you nearly 75% of the recommended daily amount. It is particularly helpful to older adults, whose bones tend to become brittle with age.
Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme, is the key to pineapple's value.
Proteolytic means "breaks down protein", which is why pineapple is known tobe a digestive aid. It helps the body digest proteins more efficiently.

Bromelain is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory. Regular ingestion of at least one half cup of fresh pineapple daily is purported to relieve painful joints common to osteoarthritis. It produces mild pain relief. In Germany, bromelain is approved as a post-injury medication because it is thought to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Orange juice is a popular liquid for those suffering from a cold because it is high in Vitamin C. Fresh pineapple is not only high in this vitamin, but because of the bromelain, it has the ability to reduce mucous in the throat.
If you have a cold with a productive cough, add pineapple to your diet.
It is commonly used in Europe as a post-operative measure to cut mucous after certain sinus and throat operations. Those individuals who eat fresh pineapple daily report fewer sinus problems related to allergies. In and of itself, pineapple has a very low risk for allergies.

Pineapple is also known to discourage blood clot development.
This makes it a valuable dietary addition for frequent fliers and others who may be at risk for blood clots.

An old folk remedy for morning sickness is fresh pineapple juice. It really works! Fresh juice and some nuts first thing in the morning often makes a difference. It's also good for a healthier mouth. The fresh juice discourages plaque growth.

Hand sanitizer - warning

I received this forwarded email about the disadvantage of hand sanitizer so thought of sharing it with all, it's good to use but make sure it's in small quantity:

A FORWARDED MESSAGE
Please read - important message.

Yesterday, my youngest daughter, Halle, who is just 4 years old, was rushed to the ER by her father for being severely lethargic and incoherent in her classroom. He was called to her school by the school secretary who said that she was 'VERY VERY SICK'! He told me that when he arrived at her classroom, Halle was barely sitting in the chair. She couldn't hold her own head up and when he looked into her eyes, she couldn't focus them. He immediately scooped her up and rushed her to the closest ER, and then called me. When he got there, they ran blood test after blood test and did x-rays, every test imaginable. Her white blood cell count was normal, nothing was out of the ordinary.. When I arrived at the ER, the doctor there told us that he had done everything that he could do so he was transferring her to Saint Francis Hospital for further tests. Right as we were leaving in the ambulance, her teacher arrived at the ER and told us that after questioning Halle's classmates, She had found out that our little girl had licked liquid hand sanitizer off of her hands !!!
Hand sanitizer, of all things. But it makes sense. These days they have all kinds of different scents and flavors and when you have a curious child, they are going to put all kinds of things into their mouths.
When we arrived at the Saint Francis' Hospital ER, we told the ER Doctor there to check her blood alcohol level, and yes we did get weird looks, but they did it.
The results showed her blood alcohol level was 85% -- six hours after we first took her.. There's no telling what it would have been if we would have requested it at the first ER. Since then, her school and a few surrounding schools have taken the liquid hand sanitizers out of all the lower grade classes, but what's to stop middle and high schoolers from ingesting this stuff? After doing research on the Internet, we found out that it only takes about 3 squirts of the stuff ingested to be fatal to a toddler. For her blood alcohol level to be so high, it would be like someone her size drinking 120 proof liquor. So PLEASE PLEASE don't disregard this because we don't ever want another family to go through what ours has gone through.

Please send this to everyone you know that have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or cousins. It doesn't matter what age. This could affect anyone of them.
This can also be verified on truth or fiction, see below...

http://www.truthor fiction.com/ rumors/h/ hand-sanitizer. htm

This story was verified at: http://www.snopes. com/medical/ toxins/sanitizer .asp

This is not a Joke! This is a Warning for all parents / grandparents PLEASE OPEN !!! Warning for all parents/grandparent s, a friend sent this to me and I thought
it was important enough to send on.....we all know someone with children

Hand sanitizer

In view of the current Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, most Malaysians are very particular about their well-being and hygiene surroundings. The most simple and basic habit is to wash your hands whenever you leave the toilet or before and after meal. Also to cough with your mouth covered. To sneeze with handkerchief or tissue covering your nose and mouth. The list can just go on and on and on.

I have bought Disney's hand sanitizers for my kids as it's easy to carry around and use whenever needed. It really saves time hunting for the wash basin when we are traveling and the kids can eat in the car anytime :-) However, when my son brought it to school one day, his teacher told him not to bring it to school. Being innocent, he answered his teacher that this is a hand sanitizer, for him to wash his hands. His teacher replied that this is not for washing hands! No wonder so many Malaysians are being infected by H1N1 lately! Even the teacher is not aware of hand sanitizers! I was so annoyed with this teacher for misleading my son! I understand if you prohibit him to bring it to school but please do not teach him the wrong thing and confused him! I'm speechless!

I do hope the Government will create more awareness of personal hygiene and also the tools available. It's such a shame if this teacher would have replied this to a foreigner. More radio, TV and printed ads should help, not only in English and Bahasa Malaysia language but also in Mandarin and Tamil. I really do hope this pandemic will end this year!

H1N1

With the pandemic growth of H1N1 flu worldwide, each country is working together to stop this blowout. This is a great effort from all and for a moment, war is at the back of every countries' mind. It's good to see everyone stick together to fight the biggest enemy now... influenza A (H1N1).

Malaysia has become the 36th country affected by this flu with 2 victims hospitalized. However, when I read that the government is appealing to those who had traveled on the same flight as the victims to come forward, I was surprised. I really don't understand why the government needs them to come forward. I believe both MAS and Air Asia would have the lists of passengers thus they can obtain it and start calling those passengers up instead of waiting for them to come forward. Knowing Malaysian's, they will wait until the last minute. In this instance, when they are very sick, then only they will report themselves. By then, it's too late as probably a few hundred Malaysian's might be affected!

- my bad, just got to know they did try to contact the passengers but some were uncontactable. Sad but true... typical Malaysians

It's also good that this case is transparent to all. We could know of some people who tries to hide away or avoid being detected. These people is either shy or not bothered, ignorant of the seriousness of this flu. Then we can be pro-active citizens, persuading them to come forward. Whichever way, I do hope this will dissipate soon, vanish from earth!