Macaroni Food & Coffee @ Batu Tiga Lama, Klang

I love cafe hoping.
If you follow my Instagram @hiphippopo_com, I've always gone to different cafes to enjoy a cup of Cappuccino.
My brother told me about Macaroni Food & Coffee in Klang, he said the cafe is beautifully designed, also they serve delicious food and lovely drinks on their menu.
Without a doubt, I grabbed my 2 girlfriends who stay in Klang, and made my first visit to Macaroni Food & Coffee in last weekend!



Macaroni Food & Coffee located at a strategic place.
After pass through the Sg Rasau toll, follow the Klang sign, and keep to your left; the cafe is located at the same row with the Klang Hokkien Association.
You don't have to worry where to park your car because Macaroni cafe has it's own parking lot, with convenient spot and plenty free parking.









I received quite a few comments from my Insta feed about this cafe, I think what caught everyone's attention is the colourful interior design.
When I first stepped into the cafe, the stunning interior surprised me too.
The cafe keep the space feeling natural yet modern, with unique dining chairs and tables in different inspirations, crafting methods and materials.
I really love the bright colours creation, unique arts and natural materials of this cafe.



I believe the cafe owner has put a lot of work and effort into the creative decoration and interior details.
Not only they created crafted dining chairs, they also garnished the dining tables with the collection of colourful postcards.
It's truly an innovative cafe which provides a sit back and relax atmosphere to the customers.

 

Besides the opening area, the cafe also has a private dining room that can hold private parties of up to 10 people.



An outdoor area is there as well.
Btw, we were the first customers for the day, so the cafe is empty at that time.
Well I think it's lucky that we came here early at 10.15am, otherwise the cafe is 90% full house inside after 11am.





Macaroni cafe serves the typical western brunches, such as croissant sets, scramble eggs, big breakfast sets etc.
Not only that, they also serve pasta, pizza and desserts too!



I'm an avid fan of Cappuccino if you know me from my Insta, so here goes my #hippocaffeine of that day.
I like the Hot Cappuccino @ RM11 because it has the strong espresso taste that I've always like.



Hot Chocolate @ RM10 with a beautiful art sits on top.






 

Their breakfast menu starts from 10am till 3pm.
We decided to have a try on this Trio Breakfast Sandwich @ RM20 which includes 3 different wholemeal breads of scramble eggs, tuna & turkey ham, smoked salmon with mashed avocado.
I personally love the breads with cheesy scramble eggs because I love the way the cheese enhances the flavour of the eggs.











We can't make our decision on the pasta selection so Wyce make up her mind with the chef recommendation of Trio Pasta Platter @ RM35.
It has three types of pasta in one plate which consist of spaghetti prawn aglio olio, fettuccine mushroom Alfredo, and macaroni pesto cream topped with parsley and Grana Padano cheese.
I pretty much like all the three different pastas on this platter. :)



We also ordered a pizza for sharing, Pizza Parigina @ RM25, which topping with sliced turkey ham, sauteed mushroom, olive oil, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
It was quite disappointing when the pizza served because it looks a bit overcooked.
We asked the waiter about it, but he said that's normal. :(
Though the pizza tasted okay, I did not find it is very impressive.



Wyce's daughter, Cadence ordered one of the kid's meal of Little Pilot Set @ RM18.
It's a fried boneless chicken set that comes with a Ribena drink, fries and some vegetables.



Mac and Cheese @ RM15 for Cindy's daughter, Megan.
I tried it and I really love the strong cheese taste over the top of the macaroni.
Give a big thumbs up for this.







HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Cindy!
May you stay healthy and all your wishes come true!
Cindy is having her birthday in this week, so we got her the Chocolate Mud Cake @ RM15 to have an advance celebration with her.
The chocolate cake is rich in chocolate cream inside, and also paired with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and cream anglais.





Don't you feel like visiting Macaroni Cafe now?
I do!!! I can't wait to try other food and desserts on my second visit!



End the post with a group pic with my girlfriends.
Cheers to our next gathering soon ya!



Macaroni Food & Coffee
Add: Jalan Batu Tiga Lama,
Kawasan 16,
41300 Klang, Selangor
Tel: 603 3343 3988
Opening hours: 10am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm (Tue - Thurs), 10am - 10pm (Fri - Sat), 12pm - 10pm (Sun), closed on Mon.


Yehwadam Pure Brightening Series @ The Face Shop

I still remember my first Korean beauty product came from THE FACE SHOP.
It was many years ago, and the first item I purchased from this brand is their face sheet masks and sunblock.
The reason I was attracted to THE FACE SHOP is because this brand is not being very expensive, always comes with beautiful packaging, and offers wide selection of products to choose from, such as skin-care, make-up, body-care and masks.
In addition, if you know this brand well, they are pretty well-known for making their products from the finest ingredients from nature.
Though there are so many Korean beauty brands pumping up with new faces, I still always keep my eyes on THE FACE SHOP because it has been continue to innovate and develop new products that cater to different consumers' needs.



In July, THE FACE SHOP is introducing an anti-aging skin care line, Yehwadam Pure Brightening series which specially designed to bring out brightness and natural radiance of the skin, leaving skin visibly brighter by improving appearance of pigmentation, dark spots, and dull skin tone.

What is Yehwadam 蘂花譚? 
It's a name that created from Ye 蘂, Hwa means 花, Dam 譚.
Yehwadam is inspired by stories of beautiful Korean women, their beauty secrets passed down through the generations, and also the Korean traditional herbs and flower extract that contain inside the product range.

The full product range is formulated with Chil-baek-seol-yun-dan, a brightening formula that consists of 7 brightening and pristine traditional herbs; and processed through using Baek-ja, a method where natural ingredients are heated for a long period of time in order to maximize the efficacy and to eliminate any toxins in the extraction process.



What is Chil-baek-seol-yun-dan?
It's a special brightening formula that comes with 7 different traditional herbs.
These special ingredients are to reveal skin's brightness by improving overall skin tone, and get rid of the dark spots and pigmentation on your face.

What is Beak-ja?
It's a method that uses traditional processing method of "Jae-ja", a kind of boiling traditional medicinal herbs in pure water.
Beak-ja process helps to remove toxins that possibly irritate the body as resulting in the traditional herb that are mild to the skin.

Yehwadam Pure Brightening comes with a complete skincare range of toner, serum, emulsion and cream.





Step #1: Yehwadam Pure Brightening Toner, 155ml @ RM159.00
This soft, fresh toner is personalized for brightening and anti-aging solution.
It's not only brighten, glow the look of uneven and dull skin tone, it also helps to add, lock in moisture at the same time.
The light and fresh texture allows the brightening toner to glide and absorb into skin gently and softly.





How to use Yehwadam Pure Brightening Toner?
After cleansing your face, pour at least 2 drops on your palm or face cotton, then pat gently on your face so that it absorbs well into your skin.



My thoughts of Yehwadam Pure Brightening Toner
My skin is very happy with this toner because the texture is just right; not watery, less heavy and not very sticky.
The absorption is fast, and the smell is very fresh and nice too.
I would suggest to use face cotton when you apply the toner to allow easy application.
Otherwise, you might waste more toner if you just pour it on your palm or directly on your face.





Step #2: Yehwadam Pure Brightening Serum, 45ml @RM255.00
The fresh glowing serum comes with anti-aging formula that penetrates into skin, provides intensive dull skin tones, and also get rids of dark spots and pigmentation.
Besides, it also leaves skin illuminated, radiant and glowing too.






How to use Yehwadam Pure Brightening Serum?
After brightening toner, take an appropriate amount of the contents,  spread it gently along inside and outside of whole face.
And then, use your fingers to dap the serum on your skin directly for better absorption.



My thoughts of Yehwadam Pure Brightening Serum
Serum plays an important role in my skin-care routine; so I used this serum twice a day, in the morning and at night.
This product is just as what I expected since it has the similar texture like the other serums I used from THE FACE SHOP.
It has a very lightweight finish, and absorbs fast into the skin without leaving any sticky residue.





Step #3: Yehwadam Pure Brightening Emulsion, 140ml @ RM159.00
A brightening and anti-aging emulsion which deeply infused with moisture, brighten skin tone, and improved the appearance of dull, dark spots, and pigmented skin.
It leaves a lovely instant glow and radiant on the skin too!





How to use Yehwadam Pure Brightening Emulsion?
In Korean skincare regimen, emulsion becomes one important product for a simple skin-care routine.
This emulsion can be used in the morning and at night after the serum.
Shake the bottle first, then apply a quarter-sized amount on your fingertips and gently rub the product upwards to your face.

Special skin care tips:
Usually we use emulsion during the day time as most of the day time we are out for work and we apply make up so emulsion will have lighter and non-greasy texture for the skin to absorb quicker.



My thoughts of Yehwadam Pure Brightening Emulsion
As far as I know, emulsion works for people who have oily skin or live in a humid weather like Malaysia, because it helps to restore your skin's moisture-oil balance.
This emulsion has the same texture and smell like the brightening serum.
Also, I find it works differently like the other emulsion I used from the same brand; since this emulsion is less creamy, and won't form a really sticky layer of the heavier oil residues.





Step #4: Yehwadam Pure Brightening Cream, 50ml @ RM255.00
It's a brightening cream that instantly boost skin's radiance and reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation.
It also works well for soften and smooth the rough skin, which keep your skin supple and moisturized all time.





How to use Yehwadam Pure Brightening Cream?
The brightening cream will be the last step on your skin-care routine.
Take an adequate amount and gently massage over the entire face.
It's better to use the rubbing upward motion so that it is evenly distributed in your face, also the massage motion can aid in lifting and plumping the skin.

Special skin care tips:
Like the rest of the body our skin does repairing, restoring, and regenerating while we sleep, where it’s the time we focus more on moisture and recovery for the skin over the long hours at night. Therefore cream usually suggest to be applied at night with because of its richer texture with deeper moisture.
*subject to different skin condition



My thoughts of Yehwadam Pure Brightening Cream
The cream absorbs quickly into my skin and doesn't leave me any sticky feeling.
I feel absolutely fresh after using it no matter in the morning or at night time.
Oh ya! Don't forget to brighten your neck area as well! #hehe



Bright skin tone is one of the beauty secret weapon for all beautiful women.
Some people said that brightening products can cause of dry skin, however the Yehwadam Pure Brightening line is not only for brightening, but also comes with anti-aging and moisture formula so that it won't dry up your skin.
Overall, this range is gentle on my skin, not causing any dryness or breakouts in the least, but just leaves my skin feeling fresh.
Other than the fine texture, I also love the great fresh smell of herbal floral scent. #itssuperb
To come to a conclusion, Yehwadam Pure Brightening range is perfect for women who specially wants to treat their:
✔ Dark spots
✔ Pigmentation
✔ Dull skin
✔ Uneven skin tone
✔ Skin-aging

To find out more information about Yehwadam Pure Brightening line, do check out the below links from The Face Shop Malaysia:
The Face Shop Corporate Page: www.thefaceshop.my
The Face Shop Online Store: https://goo.gl/Fo17b2
The Face Shop Official FB Page: www.facebook.com/thefaceshopmalaysia
The Face Shop Official IG Page: www.instagram.com/thefaceshopmalaysia

Nuvapine A @ Lifting the Burden of GERD

Food plays an important role in our lives.
It's a daily needs and also a kind of common conversation that will not easily drying out.
Especially in Malaysia, foods are delicious and plentiful in multicultural heritage; many restaurants to explore and you can have them at anytime and anywhere.
However, while enjoying food, have you ever feel sick to your stomach, or do your experience heartburn, or feel like the food coming back up and a sour taste in your mouth, or feel tired, not being able to sleep well at night because of the reflux?
If you experience any of these signs, there's probably a chance that you have GERD!



How GERD is created?
When we consume food, food always goes down to a tube called the esophagus, then goes to a circular tube of muscle, lower esophagus sphincter (LES), before it meets the stomach.
If the LES is damaged or simply weak, it fails to close the stomach all the way, then the acid that produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus.
This acid reflux causes a burning pain in the chest, which commonly known as heartburn.
When acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week or is accompanied by difficulty in breathing or swallowing, it could create and suffer from a serious condition, which known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
GERD has been growing in prevalence across Southeast Asia, with 20% increased from the data recorded after 2005.



What are the main factors causing GERD?
#1 Stress: Scientists have found people are more sensitive to stomach acid when they are stressed.
#2 Obesity: As weight accumulates in the belly area, it creates pressure on the diaphragm and LES to cause further weakening of the LES muscles.
#3 Smoking: the nicotine in cigarettes cause a relaxing effect on the LES, hence allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.



What are the symptoms of GERD?
#1 Heartburn
#2 A sour-tasting fluid at the back of the throat
#3 Difficulty swallowing or a sensation that something is stuck in the chest or throat
#4 Gas build-up
#5 Excessive belching
#6 Chronic dry cough or breathlessness
#7 Tooth decay from acid damaging teeth and gums


"GERD is a condition that worsens over time if left untreated,” stated Dr. Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Consultant Physician & Gastroenterologist at University Kebangsaan Malaysia.
“Because it’s a disease driven both by structural and lifestyle factors, patients need to take proactive steps to manage it well."

“Most people don’t expect the dramatic changes GERD makes in their lifestyles. GERD literally sucks all the fun out of life," stated Dr. Vagif Soultanov, a Gastroenterologist & Natural Therapies Practitioner from Melbourne.
"GERD affects food intakes, limits social dining engagements. feels anxiety and depression, decreases work productivity, and also experiences a chronic condition like arthritis. In fact, GERD can easily take away your greatest pleasure in food enjoyment, restful sleep, and meaningful work."



Any Solutions for GERD?

Dr. Soultanov, a naturopathic doctor as well as a researcher share the results from a recent clinical study done on a pine conifer green needle extract called Bioeffective® A and it's effects on gastrointestinal health and GERD.


“We know that Bioeffective® A possess cellular healing properties. In this study, we wanted to see the extent of it's effects among patients with pre-cancerous stomach conditions who were also experiencing GERD. The administration of Bioeffective® A resulted in a 92% improvement in dyspeptic symptoms (GERD), including improvement in symptoms such as gastritis, gas and bowel disorders. Not only that, patients also regained normality of stomach function besides a reversal in pre-cancerous lesions," shared Dr. Soultanov.


“Instead of sitting around worrying more and more about GERD, Bioeffective® A as a natural medicine, can offer patients added arsenal to deal better with their condition. By helping to strengthen damaged or weakened esophageal valves, as well as to support the normalization of digestive juices in the stomach, Bioeffective® A will help get you, your normal tummy back," stated Datin Swanee Teh, a Pharmacist & Natural Therapies Advocate.



During the media forum by Nuvapine A, former Prime Minister Tun Dato’ Sri Haji Abdullah bin Haji Badawi, shared a few words on how Bioeffective® A has helped improve his health.
“At this golden age, all I can hope for is to be as healthy as possible. I have been taking Bioeffective® A for almost 10 years now for my defenses and anti-aging needs. It is a very safe natural medicine and my doctors will affirm that my tummy, liver and kidneys are all in excellent condition. I’m glad to have found such a safe and reliable friend in health.”

Besides, another testimonial from Raymond who discovered Bioeffective® while he has GERD problem in last year.
"I went on a dose of 320mg Bioeffective® three times a day as advised by his pharmacist. Over the weeks, my GERD symptoms gradually improved. I was able to tolerate my foods so much better without those familiar gas and reflux symptoms."



Bioeffective® A is made in Australia and it is now available at leading pharmacies throughout Malaysia.
For more information, you can call Nuvanta’s Nuvaceuticals® division at 03-56363758 or send your email to pharmacist@nuvanta.com.
"Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured" quoted by Gordon B. Hinckley!
Let's say GOODBYE to GERD!




Top 5 Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia

A few weeks ago, I met up with Leena, an old friend from the USA. We've known each other for more than 20 years, and when I studied in Michigan, I always liked to spend my summer holiday at Leena's place in Minnesota. Now, we usually meet every two years, when she visits Malaysia for her summer holiday.



It's been really nice to see her again and catch up on everything. We shared a lot of old memories about the USA, like the crazy things we did together and the fun we had on our road trip to LA. What an amazing adventure we had!

Leena knows I've missed a lot of things about the USA, so she suggested that I plan a holiday to the USA with my parents next year. She lives in North Dakota, so when I visit, I can also take a trip to see Mount Rushmore, a famous attraction in South Dakota. I can also take my parents to visit some other places, like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Richmond, Virginia. Richmond is the state capital and one of the oldest major cities in America. Here's what I would do in Richmond.


#1: Graffiti and Street Art



Photo credits to google

I really love graffiti and street art. It makes old buildings look beautiful and colorful, and it also makes for amazing street photography. Richmond has a great district where locals and international artists have painted all of the walls. With over 100 murals, this district has become a favourite destination for street art enthusiasts.

#2: The Valentine



Photo credits to google

I also want to experience Richmond's history at The Valentine, which is located downtown. This museum has attracted many residents and tourists, as this place has collected, preserved, and interpreted Richmond's 400-year history for over a century.

#3: Eat Donuts at Sugar Shack Donuts



Photo credits to google


I am a donut fan, and in Richmond, I have to go to Sugar Shack Donuts! Some sites say that Sugar Shack Donuts can satisfy anyone and everyone because of the wide variety of toppings. Sugar Shack Donuts also has a mobile truck that delivers gluten-free and vegan donuts to shops around Richmond.

#4: Richmond Beer Trail



Image via Google


Say "hello" to Richmond's craft beer! Richmond is a major craft beer destination with more than 20 breweries. The Wall Street Journal also says Richmond is home to one of the region's fastest-growing beer scenes. As a beer lover, I couldn't leave out the Richmond Beer Trail!

#5: The James River



Image via Google


I'm going to have my first kayak experience in the James River! It's Richmond's greatest natural resource with many outdoor activities nearby, such as biking, rafting, hiking, running, and climbing. From here, you can see a great city view of Richmond, too.


Where to Stay in Richmond
Now, where should we stay in Richmond, Virginia? Hotels aren't very expensive here, even the famous international luxury hotel brands. Here are some of the best picks from HotelPlanner.


Graduate Richmond



Image via HotelPlanner

The Graduate Richmond is a new hotel that just opened last month, so I'm sure it's neat and clean. Room rates start from $94 with either one king or two double beds. The rooms look so comfy and modern, and I like that the Graduate Richmond encourages guests to go green by reusing their towels and linens.


Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown



Image via HotelPlanner


The Crowne Plaza Richmond Downtown has a convenient location just a 20-minute walk to the Valentine Museum and some street art. It looks like a big hotel, as it has an indoor swimming pool and gym facilities. Though the interior and furniture look a bit old-fashioned, the rooms look decent and clean. The basic room rate is about $109, with a 4.0 rating from 881 guest reviews.


Linden Row Inn



Image via HotelPlanner


I love the French-style backyard at the Linden Row Inn! The entire building has a European style to welcome guests. The room rate is reasonable, starting at $90 per night. If you look at traveler reviews, this inn has a 4.5 from 1,019 guest reviews.



I took this picture with Leena 13 years ago in Duluth, Minnesota. Time passes, and people change. Look at the outfits and makeup we wore back then. Let's keep our fingers crossed that our next gathering happens soon in the USA!