THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF® ENCOURAGES THANKFULNESS & THE HEARTFELT JOY OF ‘GIFTING GRATEFUL’ THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

‘Tis the season for sharing and caring, and as family and friends gather to celebrate the season, it’s also a time to reflect and show appreciation for the many good things that have happened throughout the year, whether it’s by buying a meaningful gift for a precious loved one or bringing them to enjoy a good treat like the latest Holiday menu at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia!

Fiona Rodrigues, Director of Marketing & Development, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia. 

“It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and sometimes we lose sight of what the holidays are really about, being grateful and sharing time with the ones we love. This year, at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia, we would like to invite our guests to find time to slow down, step into our stores; relax with our holiday treats, bring home holiday cheer with our gift sets and begin a “Gifting Grateful” state of mind,” said Fiona Rodrigues, Director of Marketing & Development, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Malaysia.

‘Gifting Grateful’ ideas can also include charitable efforts to help others beyond one’s circle of connections, from volunteering to fund-raising; for years now, CB&TL has sold Caring Cup Gift Tags (RM2 each, RM8 per set) to help support communities in need, in addition to annual projects in support of worthy causes.

Festive Treats for All 

To complete the festive mood, CB&TL presents a limited-edition Holiday menu featuring a mix of new delights and classic favourites. Coffee lovers can take their pick from the signature Ice Blended® beverages, in Salted Popcorn or Double Chocolate Peppermint (small RM16.50, regular RM18), also available as a hot or iced latte (small RM15.95, regular RM17.45). There’s even a special Holiday Blend (small RM8.60, regular RM9.65) or, for a more intense and refreshing drink, try the Peppermint Nitro Latte (RM15.95)!

For those who prefer a different kind of bean, the Pure Double Chocolate Peppermint and Pure Red Velvet are available as Ice Blended® (small RM16.50, regular RM18) or hot cocoa beverages (small RM15.95, regular RM17.45).

Comet’s Choc Cheesecake

To go with these delicious beverages, a selection of luscious Holiday items are available – choose from Comet’s Choc Cheesecake, a heavenly light and airy chocolate cheesecake decorated with sugared berries and fresh cream (RM13.95 per slice, RM139.90 for a whole 1.1kg cake); Rudolph’s Sleigh with cream decadent chocolate, cream puff and crunchy almonds (RM13.95 per slice); Dasher’s Snow Surprise in fruit cake, red velvet or brownie variants (RM148 for a whole 1.9kg cake); or Classic Winter Log (RM13.95 per slice, RM139.90 for a whole 1.3kg cake). 

Classic Winter Log

Other seasonal specialities include Prancer’s Passion, a mango and passion fruit cake (RM6.90 per slice, RM45 for a whole cake); 101 North Pole gingerbread spice cottage (RM125); Blitzen’s Stollen packed with sultanas, cinnamon and marzipan (RM6.90 per slice, RM45 for a whole loaf); Jolly Breadman (RM6.90 per piece); and Dancer’s Holiday Cookie, a triple chocolate treat (RM6.90 per piece).

Prancer’s Passion, a mango and passion fruit cake

North Pole gingerbread spice cottage

With so much to choose from, fans may find it more convenient to purchase the Gifting Grateful Sampler, the best way to share and show their gratitude to their loved ones with its selection of Classic Winter Logs, Jolly Breadmen, Strawberry Tarts and Comet's Choc Cheesecake, all in convenient bite-sizes, at only RM99 for a pack of 20 pieces!

Gifting Grateful Sampler

In addition, this selection of gifts keeps on giving: Holiday Blends in three distinctive roasts (RM39 per pack or RM118 as a Gift Set); Espresso Gift set (RM88); limited edition powders (RM40 per tin); and festively designed double insulated mugs (RM48) and tumblers (RM138).

Get a head start on ‘Gifting Grateful’ year with the early bird promotion, a 20% discount on Holiday whole cakes, Holiday party packs and selected traditional Holiday breads with TCB card or online orders until 10th December 2019, and enjoy 30% off selected CB&TL Single Serve Machines Bianca, Clio, Venus, Desto. Kaldi and Contata models until 26th December!

For more information about CB&TL’s Holiday menu, latest offerings, news and promotions, follow

CB&TL Facebook: www.facebook.com/CBTLMalaysiaPage
CB&TL Instagram: @coffeebeanMY,
CBTL website: www.coffeebean.com.my.


* * * About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® 
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brand is a leading global roaster and retailer of specialty coffees and teas and is widely credited for driving high quality and innovation to the coffee and tea industry. The company sources the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world and hand blends coffee and tea for the freshest flavors. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brand started the frozen coffee drink craze with the invention of The Original Ice Blended® drink and is also the first global coffee and tea retailer to offer cold brew tea. The company currently has more than 1,200 retail locations across the globe and can be found in grocery aisles as well as specialty locations including airports and hotels. For more information, visit www.coffeebean.com.my.  

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International Babywearing Week 2019

Babywearing is something close and dear to my heart. I've been babywearing Charlotte and Emmett since they're newborns. Until today, I still wear Emmett around especially when I'm out with them. It is my life saver as I enter parenthood!

I can't stress enough how beneficial babywearing is! The benefits of wearing your baby and practice attachment parenting include:

• Strengthens the bond between parent and baby, as you maintain a closeness throughout your day, especially during the "4th trimester." 
• Aids in baby's development, both physically and emotionally, including promoting early language development. 
• And did you know that a carried baby is generally calmer thanks to all of her primal/survival needs being met? 
• Decreases risk of SIDS and flat-head syndrome. 
• Promotes neural development, respiratory and gastrointestinal health, and aids in balance. 
• Lets moms discreetly breastfeed on the go. 
• Boosts breast milk production due to close contact with baby. 
• Allows caregivers to be "hands-free" to get stuff done while still holding baby. 
• Promotes early language development. 
• Babies learn by watching faces, and babywearing puts your little one at conversational height- "the best seat in the house." 
• Allows parents to see more of the world through baby's eyes. And your babies get to discover their new world from the safety and comfort of your body. 
• Fosters a closeness through toddlerhood. 
• Toddlers can be worn too, reminding them of their "home base," and allowing that bond to continue as they grow. 

On the 2nd of November, International Babywearing Week 2019 was held at Jaya One from 9am to 5pm.

I remember as I step into the event place, I could see a lot of parents babywearing their precious as they walk around the place. It was such a beautiful sight as the parents get to enjoy shopping while their kids stay calmly snugged in the carrier.

There were also a lot of carrier brands that you can find locally. Just to name a few below:

Snuggbaby: https://www.instagram.com/snuggbaby/

Unison CA: https://www.instagram.com/mysuppori_unisonca/

Sunshine Bliss : https://www.instagram.com/mysunshinebliss/

Soul Slings: https://www.instagram.com/soulslings/

Jumpsac: https://www.instagram.com/jumpsac/

Cuddle Me: https://www.instagram.com/cuddleme_malaysia/

There were also informative and educational talks on parenting such as babywearing, weaning, car seat safety and breastfeeding.

One of the speakers giving informative and educational talk

 The highlight of the event has got to be the Babywearing Beauty Pageant! The theme was Halloween. There were 7 contestants and they all came prepared!

The Joker!

Ursula from The Little Mermaid

Irish Frankenstein hahaha

I honestly can't remember this but I think she's Charlie from the Chocolate Factory

Unicorn Lady

Queen Elsa

Bollywood Star. The little girl steal the show!

And the winner goes to...

Charlie from the Choclate Factory... I think hahaha.

All the babywearing beauty pageants on stage 

I enjoy this part a lot actually. Especially the little belly dancer!

Thank you The Asian Parent Malaysia for having me at the event. 

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Love Knot Turns One!

Last month, on the 26th of Oct to be exact, Love Knot had their first birthday event held at The Other Half Cafe in TTDI.

To celebrate this milestone, they had a fashion show to showcase the launch of their first self manufactured collection. I was fortunate and honored to be selected as one of the models.

For their first self-manufactured collection, they had different styles and sizes as they aim to be more inclusive. They also aim to empower as many women as they can through fashion. You can follow the hashtag #LKEmpowers on Instagram to read about the inspiring stories.

I first came to know Love Knot from someone on Instagram. I slowly became a fan of theirs as I love their collections and I see how hard they work on building their brand and the relationship with the customers. Seeing them come to where they are now with a new office and own collection, I have to say that they deserve every success they have.

Anyway, back to the event.



To celebrate the milestone, Love Knot came out with their first self-manufactured collection - OmniLove collection. Each comes in sizes S to XL! And as seen in the picture above, I was one of the selected lucky one to model for them during the Love Knot Turns One event.

All the models here are followers of Love Knot. And they're all super nice and sweet.

The one I wore was the Kyleigh Off Shoulder Skater Dress, which comes in black, white and burgundy. This will be my all time special function dress from now on. It's simple yet elegant.



Oh dear, can you tell how nervous I was hahahaha. LOOK AT THAT FACE!



The beautiful dessert table spread.

Here's me and the beautiful founder of Love Knot- Melody.

There's also a panel session and was broadcaster live on their social medias. The speakers include Christy Ng, Adele Chow from Sevenvault, Penny Choo from Bloomthis and Esther Goh from Shopee. They talked about empowering women through their work and fashion. I was definitely benefited from it.

Overall, it was a great celebration. I know the Love Knot team has definitely put in a lot of effort to grow their business and I think they deserve every success they have.


***
Love Knot
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveknotlabel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveknotlabel/

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Food Review: Naughty Italian

If you LOVE pasta then *sings* Put your hands up in the air like you just don't care 🙌🙌🙌

Recently, I had the privileged to be invited to do a food review for this newly established Italian kiosk-restaurant situated in the food court of Mainroad Jalan Ampang. 

Naughty Italian started operation just 5 months ago, on the 1st of April 2019. Eddie, the owner, started it with a passion towards Italian dish, passion in serving people good food, and passion in being in the kitchen. 

Even though it was hard when they first started operating, they refused to give up. Instead, they stood up and improved the food quality, services and cooking technique. And now, they are among the top 3 vendors in Mainroad Jalan Ampang. 

Even though Naughty Italian is a small kitchen, they have a high standard SOP that is similar to any big restaurant. Everything from the sauce, the meatballs and the gravy is made from scratch so it's high quality guaranteed. They are proud to say that they do not use any ready-made item.

Enough of the introduction. Let me bring you through some of the dishes I had sampled (and can't stop thinking about it!).

Menu: Trio Mushroom Bruschetta
Price: RM14.50

Review: 

If you are a mushroom lover, this earthy appetizer is for you! The creamy mushrooms are well seasoned, laying on top of pieces of crispy bruschetta. Every bite is bursting with flavour.

Menu: Virgin Lamb Brasato

Price: RM24.50

Review: 

The lamb is cooked for 5 hours to get it's tenderness. I love the juiciness in every bite. Pairing it with fettuccine gives the tummy just that extra comfort it's longing for.  

Menu: Sicilian Aglio Olio

Price: RM16.50

Review: 

I loved the flavors of the garlic with the parsley and cheese, with just a hint of the red pepper flakes. A simple yet classical Italian dish.

Menu: Mac & Blue Cheese

Price: RM16.50

Review: 

I wished it has a stronger blue cheese distinct smell, though. Nonetheless, it is the kind of comfort food that I can eat all day everyday! This cheesy pasta is topped with crispy bread crumbs to give it that extra texture. 

 

Menu: Shroom & Beef Lasagne

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

This is a wonderfully sinful dish that can never go wrong. Each layer of pasta is well cooked and has plenty of beef.

Menu: Basil Almond Pesto

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

THIS! Is my favourite of them all! If you know me, you'd know of my love for pesto. This one does not disappoint at all! This is soooooo delicious and fresh I could lick the whole plate clean. 

Menu: Naughty Carbonara (serve with poached egg)

Price: RM19.50

Review: 

This dish is their best seller pasta. A fettuccine pasta cook with beef bacon, mushroom and béchamel sauce, served with poached egg, parsley oil and sprinkle of breadcrumbs and fresh English parsley. The poached egg was nicely done with runny egg yolk when we cut it open.

Menu: Italian Nachos

Price: RM14.50

Review: 

I mean, who doesn't love nachos? It comes in great size to share. The topping is made of braised beef in tomato pomodoro, tomato salsa and drizzled with cheese sauce. 

Overall, I had a wonderful evening savoring all these mouth-watering dishes. If you are a pasta lover, cheese lover or a foodie who enjoys life, you should not missed out this hidden gem.

Naughty Italian now has ‘Traffic Hour’ campaign where you can get 15% discount on Monday till Friday, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Unfortunately, they're not partnering with any food delivery service at the moment as they want to settle down with the responsibilities of serving walk in customers. However, Main Road Jalan Ampang is a good place to chillax with family and friends with good food and buskers performing every Wednesday to Sunday.

More info 👇

Naughty Italian @ Mainroad Jalan Ampang

Operation hour: 5.00pm - 3.00am (Daily)

Facebook: Naughty Italian

Instagram: @my_naughtyitalian

Contact No.: 012-651 9451 

Traffic Hour Promo: 15% discount for Monday to Friday, 5.00pm to 7.00pm only.

ps/ A little bird told me that they're looking for a new place to open up their second branch. Fingers crossing hoping it's somewhere near me 🤭

pps/ That little bird also told me that they're launching ‘Smoke Duck Carbonara’ very soon 😋

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NIVEA FEATURES RARE AND LUXURIOUS HOKKAIDO ROSE IN THE ALL-NEW WHITENING DEEP SERUM DEODORANT

The precious Hokkaido Rose, which only blooms once a year, is the centrepiece in the all-new NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, giving users a brand-new way to enjoy its luxurious and uplifting fragrance every day!

Using an innovative formula that combines concentrated Vitamin C to nourish underarm skin with the essence of Hokkaido Rose, the range provides users with 3x action, offering deep nourishment for visibly radiant skin, repair for smoother skin and the long-lasting fragrance of the precious Hokkaido Rose.

“As the No. 1 brand and leader in the deodorant market, NIVEA is proud to introduce something completely new. It is such a privilege for us to bring this essence of Hokkaido Rose to Malaysian women, as it is so rare and precious. While she is active and busy with life’s demands, the nourishing formula will repair and brighten her skin while providing an uplifting and delicate scent. With NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, women will enjoy long-lasting fragrance for all day freshness and confidence,” said Mr. Ng Hock Guan, Country Manager for Beiersdorf Malaysia and Singapore.

Inspired by the unique Hokkaido Rose and this exciting range, famed Malaysian designer Melinda Looi created six exclusive bespoke designs consisting of stunning dresses and suits, showcased for the first time at the launch event.

“Roses are the epitome of feminine grace and beauty, and the story of the Hokkaido Rose is particularly interesting hence my vision for this special collection was to capture its unique and luxurious essence. Ultimately, I want any woman wearing one of my creations to feel as confident and beautiful as the unique Hokkaido Rose,” she explained.

Gracing the launch event in one of Melinda’s creations was actress Farah Nabilah, who paired her outfit with its inspiration, NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant.

“Some things are just made for each other and I love how this exclusive design brings out the best in me while NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant lifts my spirits with its luxurious scent. It’s really very empowering to feel this good and to celebrate the inner strength women have; we all deserve a touch of luxury in our lives, be it a designer outfit for a special occasion or a touch of beautiful Hokkaido Rose fragrance to help us face the day with confidence,” said Farah.

Also in attendance, popular artist Joey Chua, together with Farah, was another early user and fan of the brand-new NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Deodorant range.

“After using NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant, I’ve noticed my underarm skin is visibly smoother and more radiant. This is so important for me as a performer who is constantly on stage. Using NIVEA gives me the instant boost of confidence I need before I perform as I know it will keep me fresh through every performance. Plus, I love the fragrance!” said Joey.

NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Hokkaido Rose Deodorant and NIVEA Whitening Deep Serum Sakura Deodorant are now available in all leading stores and pharmacies nationwide in 50ml roll-on bottle and 150ml Spray bottle at the recommended retail price of RM12.50 and RM17.50 (respectively).

Follow www.facebook.com/mynivea for updates or for more information about NIVEA products, please visit https://www.nivea.com.my/.

About NIVEA

NIVEA was launched in 1911 as an affordable, high-quality cosmetic skin cream, employing an emulsifier to bind water and oil. Its snowy white colour inspired its name, derived from the Latin word nix and nivis (snow and of snow) and its legacy of over 100 years continues to grow from strength to strength.

NIVEA understands skin like no one else. That’s why we create products that cleanse, nourish and protect your skin, while giving it exactly what it needs – gentle yet effective care that keeps your skin smooth, supple and radiantly beautiful. No matter who you are, what you do, or where you live, we’re here to help you enjoy better skincare for life.

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How to be prepared for motherhood

Last week, someone asked me how to be prepared before becoming a mother.

Darling, no matter how many books you read, no matter how many questions asked, NOTHING can prepare you for motherhood.

It's a steep learning curve from day 1. But I'd like to think that I'll be at the top of the mountain with a great view as I look back.

However, I do have a list of things for you to practice before becoming a mother. This is solely based on my own experience ok.

1. Have your partner be on the same page with you.

If you've decided to breastfeed, go attend a breastfeeding class with your partner. If you want to practice baby-led-weaning (BLW) when your baby starts eating solids, educate him on the benefits and why you choose this method. If you prefer attachment-parenting, let him know and tell him why. If you don't want to let baby have fast food until the age of 3, let him know and let him know why. He might agree, he might not. You can always meet in the middle. But ultimately, both of you must be on the same page so that he can be your pillar of support and be there to shield you when other judgmental comments come shooting your way.

2. Start saying what is exactly on your mind.

It was last year, when my company sign us up for counselling sessions. And through that, I learned that I will have nothing to lose if I voice out my opinion. There's usually 2 outcome: either my opinion will be taken into consideration or rejected. But even if it's rejected, I still have nothing to lose. So if you think that kids shouldn't snack before meal time, and you see your in-law handing a piece of biscuit to your kid right before meal time, stop it. If the elders want to have their grandkids sit on their lap instead of the car seat, tell them that it's dangerous and you can't afford to lose your children.

3. Don't judge other women.

Karma is a bitch and it bites back fiercely. Pre-kids, I used to think that putting on harness is like walking a dog in the mall. Now, I understand why some parents do so. Better be safe than sorry! I don't have a safety harness but I'm still strapping Emmett around me even though he can walk reeaaaallly well now. Until today, I still have strangers walk up to me and ask why am I carrying him in a carrier. He's better off walking and exploring on his own *rolls eyes till the back of my head* ARE YOU GONNA BE FARKING ACCOUNTABLE IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO HIM!? I WANT TO ENJOY MY WINDOW SHOPPING WITHOUT HAVING TO CHASE AFTER A LET LOOSE MONKEY!

Ultimately, we must practice patience with ourselves and with the mothers in our lives as we turn into mothers.

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Tough Week

It's been a tough week.

I bought 3 rounds of clothes online and none of them fit me. And they're all in XL/XXL sizes. I was extremely down and defeated. What have I done to myself? I'm at my peak right now... in terms of weight and size. Now that breastfeeding is not so much of a full time thing anymore, I thought I could finally be myself again. But I guess... not. I over estimated myself for being able to fit in beautiful dresses.

Then on Saturday, I had this instinct to check on Charlotte. My heart sank when I saw those tiny spots on her right palm and ulcers in her mouth. The symptoms were just starting to show. Like, JUST. A HFMD case was reported from school on Wednesday.

As a result, our staycation at KL Hilton was burnt.

The last time she got HFMD was exactly 2 years ago, on the day I turned 30.

You have no idea how disappointed I am. But it's not her fault. We're just unlucky.

I'm now just sitting around, trying to get work done on the computer while everyone's still asleep, and waiting for Emmett's symptoms to show. I mean, how much can he be prevented? They just shared a lot of food the day before! I just wish that he's either strong enough to not get infected at all or show symptoms now so all this can be over as soon as possible.

Also, I really need to do something with my body. I know what to do, but it's so so hard. Especially hard times like this. Sugar comforts me.

Alright. Need to head back to work now.

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Charlotte Had A Hair Cut

The first thing people usually notice of Charlotte is her long silky hair and her resemblance to me. And for that, I take pride in her cuteness and her beautiful long hair. After all, I made her ok 😤

One fine day in February, as we're on our way home after I picked her up from school, she was rather quiet in the car. Then, I heard her gingerly said, "Mummy... mummy, I want to cut my hair. Can you cut my hair for me please?"

Shocked and a little upset, I asked her, "Why? What happened?"

"I want to cut my hair. Can you cut my hair for me please?"

"Can you tell me why?"

"I want to cut my hair. I want to cut my hair short. Like Yi Wen."

"Who is Yi Wen?"

"Yi Wen is my friend-lah!"

"Why do you want to cut your hair like Yi Wen?"

"I want!"

"Why?"

"Because I want to cut my hair short like Yi Wen!"

"Was it something she said? Or was it something your teacher said? Did your teacher ask you to cut your hair short like Yi Wen?"

"No."

"Then why do you want to cut your hair short?"

"Because I want!"

Obviously I wasn't getting any satisfying answer from her.

"No!", I replied out frustration.

"Why?"

"Why do you want to cut your hair? You have such beautiful long hair! And you're learning ballet, that's why you have to keep your hair long."

"I don't want (to go to) ballet class. I want to cut my hair short."

Oh Lord help me 😭😭😭

I was very bothered, honestly. But for dayssss and weekssss, she kept pestering me to get her hair cut. Every. Single. Day!

I was in denial but deep down I know, she's becoming herself and has a mind of her own. After all, she's turning 4.

Finally, when March came, with much hesitation, I called to make an appointment for her at the salon. She let out a loud "YAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!" when I told her that we're getting her hair cut that weekend.

Here's my last photo of her with her long hair.

Look at how excited she was omg!

Still have to hold hands though hahaha.

Oh my heart 💔

Before - After

The Very Very Happy Girl 💓

She wanted to cut it even shorter. Like ear length short. Like her friend, Yi Wen. No matter how the stylist and I tried to talk her out, she just kept asking for it. Until I mentioned, "Wow, your hair is short like Yi Wen now."

She calmed down and felt contented.

Whatever happened that made her wanna cut her hair, let this serves as a lesson to myself. To respect my child's decision over her own body. It is hard on me, I was taken by surprised of how upset I got because of this incident. But somehow, I will need to learn to respect her decision, be it her hair or her choice of clothing,  so that she can have the self-confident she needs.

I love you, Charlotte.

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