TWG Tea Salon & Boutique Review

Tea, the elixir of life. It has long history in both East and West part of the world. It is enjoyed by both young and old. It is a tradition that has been passed along generations. It has many wonderful health benefits and medicine to the soul. It warms the lonely heart... *cough cough* what am I talking about.

A week ago, I went to a tea place with my friend, K. He told me that there is this tea place that we saw at Singapore. Since it looks so fine, we never dare to step into there. Until this time, when K told me that it also has a branch at here. Thus, to feed our curiosity, we went to Plaza Senayan.

Personally, I love tea more than coffee. Coffee chains are everywhere that it is so common, but for tea, it is less common. TWG Tea Salon and Boutique by TWG Tea Company which is based in Singapore served blends of fine teas, herbs and spices for up to thousand kinds. All of them has different benefits for the body, and not to mention, the taste is as fine as the *cough* price. Don't worry, for the quality, the price is very reasonable.

We had high tea there, which is available from 3-6 PM. They have a large menu selections there, so feel free to choose. We had the IDR 165.000 high tea set (and split the bill for two), and choose our own tea patisserie set that comes with it.

Our Order

Orange Blue Tea

The taste? If I were to categorize it in a word, it taste 'Asian'. "Oolong tea," I blurted and K noddd. A fine and smooth oolong tea with bitter after taste, leaving your throat warm and clear. Honestly, I couldn't catch the orange flavour, neither the aroma also. Not even a hint of it. Hmmm... Except the colour. Probably the fresh feeling came from the orange? Yes, I really appreciate the taste. We devoured it before we finished the pastries ( ._.) It really flush down all those icky feeling from the rich pastries LOL. Moderately Recommended!

Macaroon - Jelly Cake - Ham Sandwich

The macaroon is the best! Perfect texture and not too sweet, with normal strength of flavour. Probably the best one I've ever tried. A piece retails for IDR 15.000. Highly recommended!

As for the jelly cake, it is not jelly-ish texture unlike the name. It is smoothly creamy bordering the firm side. Pop it into your mouth it will melt slowly—like really slow—and savour the taste sour berries as it twirl with milky cream. "I'm sure I've ever had this flavour somewhere before," I said as dejavu hit me. "Yes, yes, me either!" replied K. Nothing special, and it taste average.

Ham sandwich, oh ham sandwich. I wish there was something special about you, judging from you look. LOL The salad in olive oil was fresh, and feel the crunch as you chew it! As for the sandwich, it is just another smoked ham in perfectly toasted egg sandwich, with fine texture. Nothing to rave about.

Service
The service is truly commendable! You will feel like a royal. They bring you to the table, open the chair for you and put the neatly folded napkin on your lap before serving you the menu book. With the lists of extensive tea, you may get confused to choose one. Fear not, the staffs memorized all of them, from what the types of tea blends to flavour to health benefits. (y) Sssttt... They also have no problem communicating in English. Not to mention, they smile so friendly, and their manager is truly respectable. Oh well, the was one this incident where an insect flew into the salad. Eeeww... We told the waiter about it, and he changed them immediately. By changing, it means that the chef will prepare a new one from scratch. The manager came out and apologize, explaining the situation. "I'm really sorry! We are really trying our best)!! ," he ended as his sincerity thickly flowed upon us.  And he had a small talk with us. Good job, manager!!! Five stars for you!!!
Atmosphere
The interior design will take you back to the Victorian era, with it's lighting, furniture and crystal lamp. In short: Classic English Royal. Lololol... I don't how to describe it. It is calming and elegantly cozy. The wall is decorated with wooden racks with all of the tea tins. Oh, I didn't dare to shoot the interior then. My bad. ( ._. ) Don't worry, you can see it in their website, though not as detail. At least, you'll get the picture. The downside is, it is pretty cramped.

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique
Level 1, Plaza Senayan, Unit 109A, Jl. Asia Afrika 8, 10270 Jakarta, Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 572 5276 
Opening Hours: 
Monday to Sunday 10am - 10pm

Mentholatum Organic Lip Balm in Lavender and Orange Flavour Review

Is there anyone out there that never suffers from dry or cracked lip? Put your hands up!! .......... Okay, nobody read this either XD. Lip balm is an essential item and almost all girls (or boys) posses it. It gives an instant relief for the uber dehydrated lip. I sometimes suffer from it, so lip balm is important for me.

I've tried many lip balms before, and nothing suits me. It either dries out my lip more (hello menthol), or make it darker—I suspect that petrolatum or its derivatives is the main cause. Thus, I searched for a petroleum jelly free lip balm and I came across this: Mentholatum Organic Lip Balm.

I got it from Singapore Watson's last year. I forgot the price, but it lasts me until now. There are two flavours available: Raspberry & Strawberry, Lavender & Orange. I bought the latter one.

What It Claims:

I threw away the packaging. Thus, here's the descriptions I got from Mentholatum Malaysia website:

Introducing the purest organic beauty solution to naturally protect your lips - Organic Certified Lipbalm. Discover your secret to all-natural beauty!

• Double-Action protection for a flawless soothing sensation -
  • Organic moisturizing ingredients & Vitamin E for smooth, moist and supple lips all day long

• Organic Certification
  • Ingredients free form pesticides, chemical fertilizers, synthetic chemical inputs and genetically modified organisms
  • Manufacturing process insures compliance to the standard set by the organic certifying agency
  • Packaging materials used are recyclable and biodegradable

• A lipbalm enriched with natural organic essences
  • Made from blends of imported organic ingredient from renowned organic farms including Olive Oil, Shea butter, Jojoba Oil and Beeswax to give your lips a sheer natural nourishment

What It Does To Me:

This is my holy grail lip balm! The texture is velvety as it glides smoothly on my lip. I use it before going to bed, and voila! The next day, I wake up with super soft and kissable lip! The main thing is, it does NOT darken my lip!! Yay yay yay~~ <3 It also hydrate cracked and dry lip instantly, convenient for those perks-me-up moment. As for the staying power, it lasts about 4-5 hours with drinking/ eating in between. The scent? I am not sure, as it is not as strong as it was used to be. Faintly calming yet refreshing?

I apologize for the blurry before photo as my hand was shaky then, and again, I didn't check the results after shooting it. My bad.

How I Use It:

I put it on before going to bed, or for those ' emergency' moment, as it works instantly. If you suffer from terribly dry lip, try to exfoliate it first before putting on this lip balm. Re-apply whenever needed. Oh, I am wearing it now while typing this.

Have you ever tried this? What do you think of my review? Feedbacks are welcomed ^^ Thank you so much for reading!

Jala-Jala Seafood Restaurant Review

Today, after some incidents *cough cough* my friend—with the initial 'A'—treated us to this Jala-Jala Seafood Restaurant located at Mall Taman Anggrek on B2, across the HERO supermarket. He kept raving aboutthe cheap and delicious dim sum at there, especially the infamous durian pancake. It was my second time going there, and I didn't get to taste the dim sum and dessert at the first visit. Thus, after having our dinner, we head to there for some dim sum and desserts.

Baked Rice with Chicken—Nasi Panggang Ayam

I like this baked rice. The cheese is savoury and thick to taste, yet light without making you sick. Yum yum~~ Recommended!

Fried Prawn with Mayonnaise—Udang Mayonnaise

The sweet mayonnaise harmonize perfectly with the pipping hot and fresh prawn cake. It taste not bad, but me and F&R of my friends couldn't had more than one, as it was too sick for us yet A&W love it.

Seaweed Siomay—Siomay Rumput Laut

It's a steamed fish cake wrapped in seaweed. I'm not sure how it taste like. It is not bad, but too fishy for me, as it overpowered the seaweed taste. I and F couldn't had more than one.

Fried Cuttle Fish—Sotong Goreng Tepung

My second time having this here. I thought it looked yellow-er than usual. The taste is not as good as the first time I had it. Hmmm...

Durian Pancake

This is the ultimate dish that have many ravings from people I knew. I never believed it so much until I had it myself. Woah... Indeed, super delicious indeed. This is my favourite out of all dishes in this restaurant. Wrapped in a thin snow skin, the durian is creamy and tasty with those hint of bitterness of durian—but I think they do add a tiny lil' bit of sugar— reminds me of those high-quality durians back in my hometown. Yummy~~ Everyone love this pancake, except W, she had little of it. R&A savoured it while making those 'I'm in paradise' face. Tsk tsk tsk... Those boys. I can't blame them though, as it taste like heaven. Recommended!!!

Chinese Tea

A mix of chrysanthemum and dried tea leaves without sugar. A perfect drink to wash all those sickness of rich food XD Refilling is free.

Strawerry Snow Ice

A ordered this for us when we finished all of the foods. Nothing great though. I forgot to take a photo of this. Haha...

So, this is shall conclude my simple review of a restaurant. Price-wise, it is super reasonable for its location and the service is good, as well as the food is tasty. The total of the price is unknown, as it was treated by A. This restaurant is recommended!! Last but not least, I apologize for the bad photos, as they were all taken in a flash without double-checking. Also, special thanks to A for the hearty treat!

Thank you so much for reading!! <3

You Are a Part-time Foodie

Food is definitely something you get excited about. You love to eat! And while each meal you have may not be extremely special, you try to spice things up a bit. You aren't a very picky eater, and you're always looking to expand what you like. You are willing to give almost anything a go, and you're quite the creative cook.

Are You A Foodie?

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Into My Second Year at Jakarta

Today early in the morning, I took a flight from Tanjungpinang my summer paradise to here, the capital of Indonesia. Upon arriving, I was greeted by the grey sky of this monochrome city. :| Oh well, I kinda miss the clear blue sky.

Many things happened today, both good and bad. Mostly bad though, but I try to be positive. Kekeke~

Yesterday, my Mama said something about cooking up something for me to bring it along to Jakarta. Thus, she woke up as early as 4 AM today to prepare everything. Unfortunately, the food was forgotten and left at home when we took off to the airport. All the efforts she put in for her daughter was all wasted away just like that. It made my heart ache and I felt really sorry for her. I'm sorry Ma, and thank you so much :')

I brought many things then, and all was too heavy for me to carry it. Two strangers, a boy and a girl saw my difficulty carrying all those things, and they immediately lend me a hand. They both took my heaviest luggage and other things, and carried it to the 4th floor where I lived without any complain. Kinds Samaritan still exists :') Thank you so much!!

One of my junior visited my dorm today and offered to help cleaning the room. It was pretty unexpected, as he usually is a quiet and timid boy. Wahaha~~ thanks boy!

Everything went good, except two things! One, is the air-conditioner in my room leaked, up until now :/ I'm using a bucket to prevent  waters from spilling everywhere for the time being, as I'm going to tell the owner tomorrow.

Last but not least is, my hair FALL so horribly! I had a major hair-fall in Jakarta, and everything went all right when I'm back to my hometown or other places! Today is just my first day at here, and after washing my hair for once, the hair-fall come back again! Ugh! The main suspect is the water here! Damn it... I'm going bald soon! (T^T)

Bio-Essence Miracle Bio Water Review

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Today, I'm going to do my first review of a beauty product which is called Bio-Essence Bio Miracle Water.I bought these two at Singapore Watsons for $29.90 as it was on sale that time. I actually was going to buy Avene eau Thermale Thermal Water, the facial mist I use. But I got this instead, because my Mother said my brother uses it and it brightens his face. Woohoo! It's a good chance to try new product also. Kekeke~~

What It Claims:

The degree of coolness of the spring water determines the soothing, anti-irritating and calming effects.
Bio-Essence Miracle Bio Water contains Bio-Energy which is well-known for its benefits in dermatology. The Miracle Bio Water is uniquely low in mineral and super low salt content yet rich in trace minerals, ensuring 2X cooling, soothing, softening, moisturizing, whitening and anti-irritating effects. It is a miracle bio water with 20 excellent efficiacies.

IDEAL FOR:
FACE

• Controls oil effectively
• Refines pores
• Whitens & brightens skin
• Firms skin with better elasticity
• Lifts skin
• Reduces dark circles
• Relieves sensitive skin
• Relieves pimples & reduce redness
• Use after make-up for longer lasting & natural look
• Moisturizes and nourishes skin
• Relieve tiredness, energizing
• Soothes skin after treatment.

HAIR

• Moisturizes for lustrous hair
• Relieves dryness & split ends

BODY

• Refreshes and soothes skin after exercise
• Soothes and calms damage skin
• Under hot sun to moisturize and refresh skin

FOR BABIES

• Ideal skincare for babies
• Soothes diaper rashes

Ingredients:
Aqua (Miracle Bio Water), Nitrogen
Packaging:

One of it dropped, thus the spray stop working-not as tough as I thought. Now, I use it by pouring a bit into cap and apply it on my face.

What It Does To Me:
I love this facial mist! At first, I was a bit skeptical as the claims sound too good to be true. Boy, I was wrong. The actions speak the other way.

1. Brightens and evens out my skin instantly.
2. Reduce the appearance of dark circle, as well as puffy eyes.
3. This is what I love most: it calms and clears every tiny PMS acne (millia seeds mostly, to be exact), as well as preventing them. I love how soft and supple my skin is.

How I Use It:
After washing face, spray the mist evenly, and pat softly. Before it dries out completely, massage the skincare product you use until it absorbed completely.

If you are generous and want a better and more long-lasting effect, try to spray Bio Essence Bio Miracle Water after every 2-3 hours or whenever you need it. It's expensive for me, and being the stingy me, I only use it after washing face, and only on face and neck. Haha!
That's it, for my first review. Hope it was helpful for you! ^^

Wake Me Up When September Ends

"Wake me up, when September ends~," she sorrowly sang. Wake her up, from the momentary slumber. Wake her up, when the beautiful illusion has end. Wake her up, when the ugly reality has come. Wake her up, to face the show. Wake her up, to live in the dream.

<Typed on 1st September 2013>
Today, 365 days ago, right on this date, was the first time I left my home to Jakarta in order further my studies. Gosh, just a blink and a year has already passed.

Lucky for me, I was accompanied by my Mother then, as she was worried. I am the only person in my entire family that went to Jakarta.

Now, here I am, typing about it comfortably at home in summer paradise. 20 days to go before I fly to Jakarta again. The new term start at 23th September. Oh, just thinking about it already makes feel so... unmotivated.

The month September hold a different meaning to everyone. For me, September is the month where I...

Fly back to the (cruel) reality

Re-adapt to new environment

Face the life

Fight the tough road

Do soul-Searching

Do Self-Improving

Where the long journey begin

It's the month full of struggles and hopes :)

Summer ends, but not my dreams and passions :)

That's mine. What's yours?

Wake Me Up When September Ends was written by Billie Joe Armstrong about his Father. I love he expressed it in a comfortably solemn and sorrow way. Deep respect for Greenday, him and his Father.

My Trip to Singapore: Lists of People That I'm Thankful For

This posts is dedicated to everyone that helped me during my stay at Singapore. I learnt a lot from them :)

1. Family—Duh, without my parents I wouldn't be here-living, breathing, learning,... blogging. My trip and medical fee (and my whole life up until now) are all fully sponsored by them. God knows how much sacrifices they made for me, and I can never thank them enough. They are the biggest reasons for me to live on, as well as my beloved elder-brother and younger-brother.
2. Aunties—My 姨婆 and her daughter. Without them, I wouldn't have the chance to step into Singapore—accomodation is expensive sia—I live in their house. Thank you so much to 姨婆 for the pocket moneys, food, advices, patience and accommodating me for three weeks or as long as I want :p. Thank you so much to Aunt (and your boyfriend) for the food, advices, care, sharing and hardworking attitude.
3. Auntie, Uncle, and their daughter—Thank you so much for taking out time despite your super busy schedule to call, buy food and drive me. I would never be able to experience the feeling of riding a private car in this country and no need to rush to and fro ferry terminal.
4. Auntie, Uncle—Thank you for the care, advices and the got-money-doesn't-guarantee-you-got-to-eat superb durian. The taste is really worth the price.
5. Auntie, Uncle—Thank you for the pocket money, jokes, advices and for showing that old couple can also still be a lovey dovey (non-sickening one) and cute pairs. Hopefully one day I can be like them also, haha... Stay as loving as ever! :D
6. Carolyn Vivianty—The girl cousin. My trip wouldn't be this wonderful without you, baby. She sacrificed a lot of time, energy, money, patience, blood, sweat, and tears in order to accompany me. Because of her, I met a lot of wonderful people, tried a lot of things, and many more! This girl (or kiddo, haha!) is sweet, kind, diligent, hard-working, smart and many more. It's good to see your fighting spirit, girl. Haha... I know it's hard, but always do the best for your studies there. <3 Thank you for the birthday gift. Feel free to talk to me in anything. My ears are available for you~ For you, for you, girl~ ♪(´ε｀ ) ROTFL I can imagine your expression, Carol~ :p
7. Sutrisno—Known as Ah Boy, the boy *obviously* cousin. Without him, heck, I wouldn't be able to complete my medical treatment. He is sweet, kind, generous, smart, thoughtful, and above all the perfect gentleman-come on girls, he is single currently (promoting *wink wink*). Thank you so much for the listening ear and advices, as well as for sponsoring a lot of good foods and tourists attractions, and the expensive birthday gift. I only casually asked information about it out of curiosity—without harbouring any greedy thought at all—and he immediately bought them for me. He is a thrifty person, but is generous for his siblings. You must have burnts a big hole on your wallet for me—thank you and I'm sorry! You inspired me a lot! :D
8. Elvin—"The Yan Dao Husband" or so the taxi-driver addressed him. Even though we just knew each other, it's the first time that I can joke and talk like an old friend. Such a friendly creature is he. This person is funny and cheerful outside but complex and sensitive inside (Are you reading this?). Keep that smile of yours and don't bottled up your feeling. Anyway, good luck with your life! Teehee!
9. Vincent—Ah, this boy. Overflows with cuteness and innocence. Greeted me with his sincere smile and yeah, we can talk like an old friend even though we just knew each other. I hate to admit this, but he once read my thought—man, that was such a rare moment in my life. Also, thank you so much for the gentleman-ness *+800 points reward for you*.
10. Dr. Lee—Thank you so much for the understanding, patience, advices, discount and the genius works. I want to be someone like you: a genius who is passionate with his works and can be proud of the results, without being money-minded. Haha... See you next year!—if I earn enough money.
11. Dr. Lim—Thank you so much for the advices, patience, discount and understanding. It was more than just consultation, she even offered to call my Mother—without me asking—to notify and explain to her about the vaccination.
12. Nurses—for remembering my name and the friendly smile and service (unlike a nurse that thought I didn't understand English and spoke ill -,-)
13. Lady seller at K-Street Bugis Street—Thank you so much for the freebie and generousity XD
14. Guy shop assistant at ZINC Bags Bugis Street—Thank you so much For the freebie and warm service :D
15. Granny, Grampy, New Mom, Securities, Office Workers and other random strangers—Thank you so much for pointing the directions and the pop-conversation.
16. More friends and people that I didn't mentioned. Hey, just because I didn't type it here doesn't mean you are all not important, okay? Thank you so much and I'm sorry!

You Are 71% Thankful

You are a very thankful person - for both the big and little things in life. Your optimism is powerful. Getting through hard times is fairly easy for you.

How Thankful Are You?

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