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| Godiva Affogato |
When we were in JB to attend our friend's daughter's wedding, we came across TROVE JB Hotel. We instantly liked the hotel images from a travel booking site and the room rate was also affordable (below RM150 per night), so we decided to stay at the hotel for 3 nights.
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| TROVE JB exterior |
We arrived at night around 9pm from KL and straightaway checked into the hotel. The check-in process was smooth as we booked with Agoda.com and paid upfront, and we were given our access cards less than 10minutes later.
While checking in, we could not help but admire the hotel lobby's sleek marble floors and grand ceiling. A magnificent chandelier hung from high ceiling in the lobby centre, its lights reflected from the mirror above. Wooden beam structure lined up the edges of the centrepiece - giving off the look and feel of modern contemporary.
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| Hotel Lobby |
While the hotel at first glance looked impressive, the housekeeping services came across as woeful. Arriving at our floor, we were greeted by vibrant-coloured striped carpets covering the hallway to the room, although the carpet could do with a good scrub and wash as it came off as stained and dirty.
When we entered our room, the first thing we noticed is the stench of stale water coming from the toilet which was rather off-putting.
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| The toilet lid was up and the stench permeates throughout the room |
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| Shower cubicle |
Since there were only two towels provided in the room, we called housekeeping to request for extra towels. To our dismay, we were told that housekeeping service was only available until 5 or 6pm, and we could only ask for one extra towel.
We were relieved to find water dispenser in our room with hot/cold water, but it was short-lived as we discovered the water dispenser actually dispensed only hot water. Luckily I had brought my own thermal flask which I then used to cool off the water (I had to cool off the water the whole night before we can drink it).
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| Water dispenser provided in the room |
The following day, after coming back to the hotel from our outing, we discovered that our bath mat was missing. So we requested for a replacement only to be told that they ran out of bath mat. It was disappointing to find a decent-looking hotel with this level of service.
Other than that, we quite liked our room simple yet modern decor and high-speed Internet which allowed us to watch Netflix on the hotel TV. The hotel also provides complimentary parking for guests. There was also a convenient store in the hotel building should we ever need anything, plenty of local eateries within walking distance to the hotel and a car wash just opposite the hotel.
Rating: 6/10
Hello,
It has been 2 years since we uprooted ourselves from Sarawak and how I miss Christmas visits to my friends' houses!
When I was working in Sarawak, we never failed to organise festive meal spread for our co-workers who had to work during this festive season. I always looked forward to seeing the office all decked up with Christmas tree and Christmas carolling by our Christian colleagues. Someone would up as Santa and goes around distributing candies to everyone.
My department would also organise gift exchange in the spirit of celebration, and we would dress up and pose for group photos with Santa hat on just for fun.
To all my Christian friends and family members,
Have a joyous celebration and Happy New Year!
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Hello, readers!
It's that time of the year again - school holiday. What better way to spend it than by sampling hotels in Kuala Lumpur?
For us, hotel staycation is an annual tradition to celebrate our anniversary and the kids' birthday. We might not be able to travel far for the past two years but Kuala Lumpur has a fair share of established hotels so we did not miss traveling much.
Last year we celebrated our anniversary at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, but this year we wanted a more -ahem, special celebration for us and the girls alike. This is where Four Points by Sheraton KL's special deal 'Experience - Kids Stay Free' gave us the perfect solution - why pay for the kids' room when you can get it for free?
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| Photo credit: Marriott Bonvoy |
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| A very good deal with breakfast for four included |
We arrived in good time as the traffic was not that congested on a weekday. Parking is provided on-site at the rate of RM10 per stay. As soon as we parked, we made our way to the hotel lobby located at 7th floor. Checking in was a breeze and only took a few minutes. The staff was courteous and efficient. Do note that guests will need to show their vaccination status before they are allowed to check in.
By the way, if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member and have downloaded their apps, you can check in earlier via the apps and request for mobile check-in. You may also request for mobile key which allows you to access the lift and the your room using your mobile phone. All you need to do is to open the apps and tap the back of your phone to the card reader. Do note that first-timers may need to approach the reception counter to configure their phone before they can use this function.
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| Our special numbers |
When the hotel mention 'kids-themed room', don't get your expectations too high - what your kids will get is an Ikea tent. Period. I called the reception to check on the 'Kid's Welcome Kit' stated in the package only to be told that there's only the tent. Umm. I know, it is kind of lame because we have been to other hotels that give kids' stationery and colouring book that the kids can actually bring back (p/s: if you stay at Aloft KL with kids, you will also get Ikea tent in your room). Seeing that it's a complimentary room, we are not complaining 😂
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| The girls deciding on which side they want to sleep on |
What I love about the hotel room is it has bright natural lighting which makes the room feels spacious.
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| Hallway |
While the room and the hotel in general evidently leans heavily towards contemporary design, you couldn't help noticing charming touches of local art blended to pay homage to its vibrant & historical location of Chinatown.
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| Chinatown traditional shophouse wall art adds unique touch to the room |
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| Subtle Chinese design element on the wardrobe door |
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| Quan's Kitchen brick walls display framed arts of Kuala Lumpur and Chinatown heritage |
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| This motorcycle laden with chips and local snacks parked at the entrance of Quan's Kitchen will surely remind those born in the 80s and before of an uncle selling snacks on his trusty ol' motorcycle going to one neighbourhood or kampung to another 😆 |
Since our Kids Stay Free package comes with Mini Chef Academy entrance tickets, we made our way to Quan's Kitchen at Level 8 so the girls could join the activity. The girls had a brief fun making 'chocolate lava cake' which we got to enjoy with free ice cream on the spot.
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| Package comes with 2 tickets to join Mini Chef Academy activity |
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| Ingredients prepared ahead of time by the chef |
In the evening, we decided to make use of the hotel's swimming pool. Thankfully there were no other guests swimming so we get to enjoy the pool to ourselves.
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| Swimming pool located at Level 8, next to the hotel gym |
Since it was raining at night, we decided to get room service and ordered nasi goreng for dinner. To be honest, food at Quan's Kitchen comes across as average. While they provide a good selection of breakfast spread consisting of continental and local Malaysian fares, even coming up with kopitiam station serving 'roti bakar' and 'kopi tarik' reminiscent of kopitiam culture, the food was hardly memorable. My husband who is not a coffee lover was also disappointed that there was no tea or 'teh tarik' served at breakfast.
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| Nasi goreng from Quan's Kitchen |
On another note, Instagram-addicts will be happy to know that this chic hotel has quite a number of Instagram-worthy spots (for instance, the lobby lounge boasts vibrant coloured walls with local decor) but the one that I like best is at the outdoor deck area overlooking KL's iconic landmarks of KLCC, KL Tower and the soon-to-be completed The Exchange 106 skyscraper which once completed will be the third tallest building in Malaysia and 21st tallest building in the world.
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| Someone said this photo looks as if I was in NY not KL |
A little tips if you are staying at the hotel to celebrate your anniversary - if you mention it in your reservation, the hotel will arrange for a simple decoration and a complimentary piece of cake to commemorate the special event. I forgot to inform this during reservation and only mentioned it during check-in, but to my pleasant surprise the staff made a note to send cakes to our room - how lovely is that?
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| Complimentary cakes from the hotel to celebrate our special day |
Overall, we enjoyed our stay at Four Points by Sheraton KL with its' family-friendly package, warm hospitality and luxurious room, and we would not hesitate to repeat our stay here. So if you are looking for the perfect vacation with a little privacy in getting separate room for the kids at no extra cost, look no further than Four Points by Sheraton KL, Chinatown.
Rating: 9/10
Salam semua,
Rasanya dah lama aku tak kena flu. Sejak aku ambik vaksin influenza 2 tahun lepas sekalipun aku tak kena selsema. Alhamdulillah vaksin tu memang serasi dengan aku. Bayangkan kalau sebelum ni setiap kali dekat dengan orang lain selsema aku pun selsema jugak. Pernah sekali kawan satu office bersin di hujung office esoknya aku pulak yang selsema.
Nak dijadikan cerita sebab last sekali aku ambik flu shot ni ialah 2 tahun lepas, so bila anak aku baru-baru ni kena selsema & sakit tekak, aku pun mulalah ada simptom-simptom tak sedap badan jugak.
Musim sekarang lepas pandemik ni, kalau kena selsema adalah perasaan risau menjelma takut kena Covid. So apa lagi aku pun cepat-cepat beli test kit & buat test semalam untuk aku & Khayla. Syukur Alhamdulillah result negatif.
Pagi tadi aku bangun efek selsema lebih terasa dari semalam. Tekak dah mula sakit, hidung pulak berair. Tak lama kemudian aku mula bersin-bersin. Alahai kenapalah semalam tak beli ubat selsema jugak? Terpaksalah mintak tolong Suami Terchenta belikan di farmasi terdekat. Sementara tu, teringat mak ada beli Redoxon. Apa lagi, pagi-pagi lagi minum air Redoxon dengan harapan cepatlah antibodiku kuat semula melawan virus influenza!
Bila selsema ni teringin la pulak nak makan sup. Memandangkan lauk semua dah habis so aku pun bukak aplikasi Grab. Order ayam segar, tulang kambing & bahan-bahan untuk masak sup. Maka terhasillah sup tulang kambing:
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| Resipi sup tulang aku ambik dari Aziekitchen. |
Sup ni memang sesuai untuk orang yang kurang sihat sebab pertama, mudah nak masak dalam keadaan aku tak sihat dan kedua, sup ialah lauk 2-in-1 sebab aku campak sekali sayur-sayuran dalam sup - carrot, batang celery, tomato & kentang.
Yang lecehnya bila masak pakai pressure cooker elektrik ni lama nau nak tunggu 'de-pressurized'. Kalau yang manual atas stove tu kita angkat je lah tombol atas tu buang angin cepat.
So ni sedikit perkongsian apa yang kita patut buat bila kena selsema:
- Rehat secukupnya
- Minum air secukupnya untuk 'flush out' toksin & virus
- Jaga kebersihan mulut, hidung, tangan. Kerap berkumur & basuh tangan.
- Ambik ubat selsema untuk melegakan simptom.
- Ambik lozenge untuk sakit tekak / minum air dicampur dengan lemon & madu
- Kalau hidung tersumbat boleh titikkan minyak kayu putih dalam air panas, tunggu sekejap & perlahan-lahan sedut wap (jangan sedut keras sebab minyak kayu putih ni tajam baunya)
- Elakkan keluar rumah & bergaul dengan orang lain
Tu je lah yang aku boleh ingat. No. 7 ni sangat penting ye. Stay safe everyone.
To my beautiful princesses,
Last week you both celebrated your birthday. Happy birthday my girls! I pray that you both grow up successful, happy & fulfilled. I pray you both will be the pride of Islam, our family and the nation. I pray that you both will be the reasons both me & your father enter Paradise, with a grateful heart that Allah has given us the opportunity to raise you well.
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| My beautiful girls |
As usual, my letter will be addressed to each of you, starting with my forever baby girl, Khadeeja.
My dearest little Khadeeja,
The pandemic has been a blessing in disguise because over the past 2 years I learned a lot of things about you which made me realise that I am still far from being a good mom.
When school moved from classroom to online, I saw how you struggled with even the most mundane thing - communicating. At first I thought you were being stubborn because I know you don't like learning Chinese. It turned out you were so overwhelmed with fear, that you were not able to utter a single word because you couldn't understand the language.
Occasionally I 'forced' you (by force I mean I clicked 'raise hand' button despite your protests during online class) to speak up in class and I saw how you froze and couldn't utter a single word until your teacher had to guide you. I did it because I naively thought I was helping you to realise there's nothing to be afraid of to speak up. The truth is, I am just escalating your fear.
I brought you to see a psychologist and learnt about selective mutism. The session made me realise what a domineering mom I am and left me feeling awful for ignoring your anxiety. There I was at work, advocating mental health at workplace and listening to staff when they spoke of their mental health, but I failed to do the same to you. I heard you when you begged to change school but I did not listen properly to your fear. I just assumed you will overcome it without realising that I'm making you reject the language harder. When I tried to encourage you to converse in Chinese, you fought back, 'Why do you want me to be good in Chinese? I don't like to speak Chinese!' It took a psychologist to validate your feeling for us to believe you but it shouldn't be that way. I am so sorry, my love.
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| Sometimes in class, you draw an unhappy face or monsters |
Now that we finally understand what you were going through, we have agreed to take you out of Chinese school and to an English medium school much to your joy. I think the most heartbreaking moment to me was when you came up to me and whispered, 'Thank you Mommy. I hope I can answer teachers' questions in class after this.'
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| You wish you can find your voice in an environment that doesn't frighten you |
From the day you were born, you have this indescribable determination that I most often mistaken as stubbornness. Did you know when you were days old you cried until your face turned blue because you did not like your pacifiers and wanted the real deal? My most fondest memory of the stubborn you is of your two-year old self trying to push your own tricycle up the steep driveway. The tricycle was as big as your petite body, but with a loud scream and the determination of Hercules, you managed it. You also managed to drag the red rubber pony toy that matched your size up the staircase because you wanted to.
As you grew up, this trait continued. When you wanted something, you set your mind to get it no matter what it takes. There was a time when you wanted to buy a toy but when I asked if you have the money, you decided to sell snacks to us so you can raise enough fund to buy the toy.
In the midst of playing video games, I caught you psyching yourself up, 'Come on Khadeeja, you can do this!' which is both endearing and exasperating as well - why can't you show the same grit and courage when it comes to studying?
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| Once in a blue moon when you focused in your class |
You are also super funny and you love making us laugh. Telling jokes and making funny faces are your favourite gimmicks to crack us up. You love teasing Bapak, and then running screaming and laughing when he tries to catch you. Who does that remind him of, eh? 😜 (ahem... throwback to the early days of marriage when we used to played chase around the house!)
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| Always the funny one |
My amazing daughter,
You resemble me in more ways than I expected. One thing that I noticed is you are also a Timekeeper (someone who writes for the future self) like me. While I writes in my diary, you write letters to your future self. You remind your future self to not forget about the past, to cherish the memories and that's basically me.
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| When you wrote a letter to your future |
You also take after my love for cooking and baking. You even requested me to make videos of your cooking tutorials. Lately I'm into baking bread and buns, which you love as you get to help me to knead the dough. I hope one day you look back at this memory of us baking bread, bun & cakes and cooking our favourite meals, with love and nostalgia.
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| Showing off your first bun to Makyeng |
Now on to my firstborn daughter, Khayla.
To my pride & joy Khayla,
Once I cannot imagine having a baby. Now, I can't imagine the baby grew up so fast and she's now almost a teenager. You are now in the in-between phase of a little child and an unknown entity that all parents dread. Frankly, I don't know how to deal with that. I have not updated my parenting manual to include raising a teenager. I heard it's going to be a rough journey, but I hope it won't be the case with you.
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| Already dressed up like a teenager |
My sweet little lady,
You used to be a bossy big sister with a loud voice and a happy go lucky manner. You cheered us up with your singing, your bright smile and your sweet nature. As I watch you transform from that cheerful little girl to a young lady, your voice has softened and you are pretty much a more mellow personality. You remain the sweetest girl who always has a positive outlook, who is always careful when choosing your words to express your opinions so as not to hurt the other person.
For example, when I ask whose porridge you love either mine or Makyeng's, you would reply that you love both but you would eat Makyeng's porridge more. This diplomacy of yours shows maturity beyond your age.
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| Always with a half-smile on your face |
My beautiful girl,
There are certain characters of yours that I admire and wish I can be more like you too. For example, you always take things easy. Unlike myself and Khadeeja, you don't get stressed out or ruffled easily. Online class can happen while you lounge on the bed or the sofa. Sometimes when I lecture at you, you smile and agree with me. There was a time when I scolded you for forgetting Khadeeja's name card when fetching her from school and you just smiled and replied apologetically. I wonder what have I done to deserve such a sweet daughter?
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| Sometimes the sight of you so chilled while attending your online class makes Khadeeja envious |
You are also super friendly with others, be it someone you know or total strangers. The strangest habit of yours is waving at strangers and they often wave back with a puzzled expression (they must be racking their brains trying to recall if they knew you). You greet the security guards and the makcik cleaners cheerfully, and you make friends with other kids as easily.
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| Making new friends while playing ice skating |
You make me proud in so many ways but the one I'm proudest of is how you have become independent in your daily life. Perhaps this is something you learnt when one parent was far away and the other parent was busy working. You learnt to look after yourself and adik during school holidays when I had to work and leave both of you alone at home.
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| You don't need telling to wash your own beak, do your homework, iron your school uniform and even make your own breakfast |
Khayla my love,
I know entering teenage years can be difficult. The raging hormones can turn your mood upside down. Already you prefer to alienate yourself in the room either listening to music, sketching on my iPad, reading your favourite Cat Warrior novel or just texting your friends - rather than spend time with us. This really hurts Khadeeja because she does not have any friend except you and now you are starting to ignore her requests to play with her.
You also hate taking photos even family photos so it's always a hard work trying to get you to participate in a family photo.
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| Bapak has to put his arms around you to stop you from running away during photo session |
There are times when you start to get moody over simple things we ask of you like joining us on grocery trips, or taking a shower etc. It's like you want to exist in a world of your own, away from other people - which I get it because I too was there. But family's important, ok? These years with mommy, Bapak & Khadeeja will pass in the blink of an eye, and someday you will miss it. That is why I always insist for you to be in the family moment despite your protests and sulks.
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| Sulky mood |
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| You normally balk when we ask you to join us for cycling around the neighbourhood but will be back to normal after a while |
I am scared to be honest, that I won't know how to raise a teenage girl. People said at this age parents should treat their teenage child like their best friend most of the time while also establishing authority in certain areas. Often times I still treat you like a little girl, giving out instructions and reprimanding you if you don't do it as per my expectations. You seem hesitant now to make your own decisions because I have always dictate everything from what clothes to wear to how to do house chores, and will scold you if you make a different decision than mine. I am sorry Khayla for treating you this way. I promise to allow you to make your own decision, so you will learn to be more independent when it comes to decision-making.
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| When I allow you to express your fashion sense even though I have to hold my tongue |
One thing though, I am grateful is you still love to be cuddled and kissed. I know some kids your age feel it's not cool to hug and cuddle with parents but you are not them. Both of you are still very manja with us, and mommy & Bapak cherish this while it lasts.
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| You look so grown up despite being just 11 years old |
Finally my darling daughters,
Let's talk about the bond between you both. I just want to say how proud and happy I am that you both have gotten very close in recent years compared to when you were smaller. You both are like best friends, always playing Toka Boka game, sketching and playing Sylvanian Families together.
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| Back when you were smaller, you were always competing with each other. This photo taken by Makyeng is a rare moment indeed |
Our love for you both knows no limits. Know that your father & I will always support you both as best as we can. You both have given us so much love and happiness, more than we ever deserved. Thank you, my darlings.
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| The loves of my life |
Yours Until Forever & More,
Mommy
Hello!
This time around I'm going to write about the activities my kids joined when we went to Legoland theme park.
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| Posing at the Kingdoms castle |
Legoland Malaysia is quite huge so doing everything in one day is next to impossible. The theme park is divided into several Lego themes namely Lego TECHNIC®, Lego Kingdoms, Imagination, Land of Adventure, Lego City and Miniland.
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| Photo credit: Legoland Malaysia |
With only one day to spend in the park, the girls picked one or two activities in each theme park so they get to fully enjoy their trip.
At the Lego TECHNIC land, we had our first ride on TECHNIC Twister, which is basically the spinning teacup ride. It reminded me of the time I went on similar ride with my friends way back when I was young and single, and ended up puking by the roadside! Hahaha! I still hate this ride though, and was glad the ride did not last too long.
After that, we signed up at the next available slot at Lego Mindstorms and left to explore the next ride - the Great Lego Race. On the downside, due to COVID19 restrictions, there was no VR (virtual reality) goggles to be worn, so it was just a normal roller coaster ride. However, on the other hand the girls did not mind as long as they get to go on a rollercoaster, especially Khadeeja who finally met the height requirement of minimum 105cm although Hubby had to accompany her 😅 Also, the girls got to ride the rollercoaster for as many rounds as they wanted because there was no queue at all! It's probably because we went to Legoland in the middle of the week in Johor and the limit of guests allowed in the park as per SOP, either way the girls were very happy to repeat the rides three times!
Our next stop was at Lego Kingdoms, and the girls unsurprisingly picked more rollercoaster rides haha. I agreed to accompany the girls on The Dragon's Apprentice ride ONCE, and then I decided that was enough ride for me 😂 I'm too old for the adrenaline rush...
The girls wanted more rollercoaster, so poor Hubby had to accompany them for another 3 rounds of rides on The Dragon, which is way higher and more thrilling than the earlier rides!
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| Mommy is just happy watching them riding The Dragon from afar |
By the time the girls finished with the rollercoaster ride, it was already noon so we decided to break and have lunch at The Cafe.
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| Our lunch |
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| Lego fries, anyone? |
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| Surau is just across The Cafe |
On the way to The Cafe, we passed by Miniland but since we've already been here back in 2019, we decided to skip this park.
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| Explore Asia's famous landmark at Miniland |
After the break, we moved on the next park - Lego City. The girls tried out Driving School but this is obviously more suitable for younger kids (although the younger kids couldn't understand the road rules and kept driving in the opposite directions! 😂)
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| Khadeeja driving aimlessly at the Driving School |
The girls decided to skip Imagination theme park because we had covered most of the activities in our previous trip.
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| There's another surau at the Imagination theme park |
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| Khayla posing at the Imagination park |
We realized it was time for our slot at the Lego Mindstorms, so we hurried there. It was such a relief to get out of the sun and into an air-conditioned room.
Here, the girls learnt to program their robot to do a series of tasks. The girls enjoyed themselves immensely doing what they and their dad know best - coding.
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| The staff explaining the robots' tasks at hand |
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| Hubby taught Khadeeja how to sequence her program |
At the end of the session, the girls managed to get their robot to move, turn, swing its arm and circle endlessly. They were then awarded a certificate for completing their program with flying colours!
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| Yeay, we did it! |
After this activity, the girls decided to repeat the rollercoaster rides and lastly played at the Forestmen's Hideout, the only public playground allowed to open in Malaysia 😂 Even KLCC playground remains closed till today.
Before we went back, we decided to redeem the Lego Shop voucher but we were told that the voucher can only be used for selected items purchase only i.e. the more expensive sets of course 😓 So we decided to forego the voucher, what a shame!
That basically summed up our day at the Legoland Malaysia. It was loads of fun for the girls since they love rollercoaster rides so much.
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| One last photo with the Princess! |
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| Off we went back to the Legoland Hotel which was a few steps away from the theme park |
So which ride do you like the most in Legoland Malaysia? 😉
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