Honda City and rock climbing? Not kidding!

Rebecca of Advertlets emailed me and said "car and rock climbing". It sounded good! Not that I can climb with my left arm condition still nursing an old injury from my ATV accident). But it sounds so exciting, no way I will let it pass.

So there I was at Camp 5 at One Utama to witness what Honda City and rock climbing had in common.

The Honda City as we know is in its 3rd generation (launched in late 2008) and has sold over 36, 000 units since then. Its quite a popular car with the Honda City being the choice of many urban young people who want something that looks stylish, practical and with an element of excitement in performance. For RM 85,480 (Grade S) and RM90,480 (Grade E) (both on-the-road inclusive of insurance in Peninsula Malaysia), its also a no brainer why Honda City is clearly the choice for the urban young.

A new addition to the 3rd generation of Honda City is a new colour aptly called Tafetta White. There are currently 3 colours available i.e. Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl and Polished Metal. Quite a departure from the previous colours but their internal customer profile studies reviewed that white is also a colour that many would have liked on their Honda City. This I believe has something to do with the sexy sporty Championship White which is seen on the performance oriented Honda Civic Type-R only (going at RM199,800 on the road). Thus the birth of Honda City Tafetta White.

The new Tafetta White was unveiled in style at Camp 5 with the veil being lifted by the rock climbers. White I have to admit looks good on the Honda City although my greatest fear in white has always being how to keep my white car looking white and clean.

That aside, we were given a tour of the car. It is spacious (well compared to my Gen 2 and the Spyder). An attractive point is the trunk space (506 litre) that can fit in 2 golf bags or 2 of Rashid Salleh. This trunk space means it makes a marvellous shopping car:P

An added feature to the car is its flexible rear seat recline. This means the folks sitting at the rear can also enjoy a more comfortable long distance travel. I also love the under seat tray (available with Grade E only). No more umbrellas flying around in the rear seat or interfering with passenger comfort. And as the picture shows it can also fit in our shoes:D

With the Honda City, stained seats are almost past tense. The new seat covers are protected with a material that repels water spills.

This crazy Malaysian hot weather has many of us cursing especially when we have to sit at the rear seats. Air con doesn't reach us so fast. Surprise surprise...the Honda City comes with vents on the rear seat floor for better cooling at the back of the car. Cool idea isn't it?

And the paddle shifter that comes with the Grade E is a delightful feature for many. For RM90,480, it sounds good!

Didn't get the chance to test the Honda City. However at the price of RM 85,480 (Grade S) and RM90,480 (Grade E) with a 1.5L engine, this is definitely a good buy just looking at some of the features mentioned above.

For more information and enquiries about the Honda City, call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my for more details.

Done with the car, don't stop me and I would go on forever and ever. Can't wait to take a test drive one of these days.

So what about Honda City and rock climbing? It isn't a pure coincidence or a bright spark idea to choose rock climbing to unveil the Tafetta White Honda City.

Honda City represents a complete package of Style, performance, Practicality and Best in Class features. And with rock climbing, these 4 qualities must also be present in the rock climbing competition "Get on the rock!".

This month long competition opens for registration till 7th December 2010. Its open to all Malaysian aged 21 and above. There are 2 categories with the following simple terms of the competition are simple::
(1) Open Class (anyone even non climbers can participate)
--> submit one climbing photo shot that best interprets one of Honda City's unique qualities:
• Style
• Performance
• Best in Class

(2) Pro Climber (climbers wit climbing experience rated 6c)
--> submit four climbing photo shots that best interprets ALL of Honda City's unique qualities:
• Style
• Performance
• Best in Class

Submissions will be evaluated via an online public voting system. A total of 25 teams from the Open category and 20 from the Pro category will be shortlisted for the finale show down to be held in Camp 5 at One Utama Shopping Centre on December 18 2010.

In the final showdown, teams need to climb the most mileage in the given 2 hours. Prizes are attractive:
• Open category winner gets an adventure filled climbing trip on the limestone cliffs in Krabi worth RM3,500 and a 1 year membership at Camp5.

• Pro category gets the chance of a lifetime to meet Reini Scherer (one of the world climbing champions) in a climbing clinic in Austria worth RM13,000. There is also a RM2,000 cash prize for the winner!

Rock climbing is definitely popular and is fast gaining recognition that it is not the simplest sport around town. It demands coordination between strength and strategy. I know it looks easy but when you try it, then you know the amount of coordination and strength required.

Get more details and mechanics of the Get on the rock! with Honda City on www.facebook.com/hondacity

So will I be able to give it a try for the Open category? Hmmmm, let me have a chat with my stubborn arm first:P

Magic potion Ocean Potion...is my search over?

I love the sun. And I absolutely love being outdoor. I love driving in our convertible with the top down. I also love my runs and hanging from trees. I love my beach and pool bumming sessions. I adore my picnic sessions with Shalom and her pals. I just love being outdoors:D

And its doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that all these happy activities under the sun would mean that I'm quite susceptible to dry, dark and dull skin. I am obviously not expecting myself to remain super fair as I was born. So all I ask is just turn darker but minus the dry dull skin. OK I am quite a vain pot:P

But on a more practical cause for concern, the rate of skin cancer is higher for those of us who love the sun and I don't want to be part of the rising statistic for skin cancer in Malaysia.

The last few years, I have pretty much tried most of the sunblocks in the market. I have not found any that I would say has been the best. Its either they work in outdoor dry activities but would not last when in contact with the sea or heavily chlorined water. Or they left me with eczema or with little acne like bumps all over especially the back of my body.

So when Advertlets asked if I was keen to try a new brand of sunblock range from the US, I thought why not?

These 2 samples were given to me.
• Ocean Potion Ultra Light Anti Aging Sunblock SPF50 (RM46.80)
• Ocean Potion Oil Free Sport Extreme Sunblock SPF50 (RM42.80)

Tried them over 10 days in various activities from my sunny drives, Terry Fox run, picnic with Shalom and also chilling hours by the pool.

Verdict? I loved it. Its not sticky which is an important factor when indulging in outdoor sweaty activities (Yes we drive open top minus the air con). Most importantly, the application of both the samples did not result in any of my eczema hot spots.

Did I turn red or turned darker? Well if you reapply your sunblock after you perspire or towel dry, its only right that you reapply your sunblock. So in following the general rule to reapply, I pretty much stayed the same shade.

How often should one reapply in the absence of sweating or wiping the sunblock off? There is no hard and fast rule. But I read somewhere that 1 SPF equals 5 minutes of protection if you stay dry and don't wipe it off. And that is pretty much my general practice.

And of course to apply the sunblock at least 15 minutes before stepping out of the home.

Here's a chart taken from Ocean Potion as a guide to what is the recommended SPF that you should use.

I'm smitten with Ocean Potion (well at least these 2 that I have tried):
• First it does not contain mineral oil which can clog one's pores and pretty much a source of skin irritation.
• Its oil free but application is still easy.
• Its almost fragranced free.
• No greasy after feel and did wash off easily with my usual shower foam.
• PABA or Padamate O free
• Comes with vitamin D for added skin protection

And interestingly, do you know that:
• Ocean Potion products are certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation. So its not just a commercial blah blah shoutout by Ocean Potion. They are seriously certified!
• Ocean Potion is cruelty free. They are a member of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)

I didn't get the chance to try out the spray versions but I'll be getting them real soon before my next sunny activities lined up this month (on schedule are the autocross, touge, picnic with the furkids, Malakoff run and yes my much awaited Ruby's getaway). I figure out that its much easier to reapply with the spray version when I am outdoor. Afterall it doesn't sound technically right for me to go around asking people to help me reapply sunblock for the back of my body.

So for you outdoor buffs, go check out Ocean Potion's full range of sun protection ranging from SPF 4 (if you're into tanning you still need some form of protection) to SPF70. And choose from the following range that caters to the following concerns:
• anti aging
• sensitive skin
• children
• skin tanning
• post sun skin repair therapy

Currently Ocean Potion products are available at all Watsons, selected pharmacies and sports clubs. Or to find out more about Ocean Potion products and free giveaways, check out their website www.oceanpotion.com.my or join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OceanPotion.Malaysia

Trouble Sleeping

Trouble sleeping? Well that has been my bug for this whole week with the worse session on Friday night onwards. Reckon my system has gone haywired.

But this post has nothing to do with my insomnia. Instead, check out Corrine Bailey Rae and her gorgeous singing.

Meanwhile... goodnight and sweet dreams. *hugs*

Win yourself a Celmonze Genetique facial!

I've enjoyed my session of Celmonze Genetique facial. And I'm still enjoying the effects of the facial. So here's a chance for you to win it. Simple and easy. No taglines etc.

STEP 1: Join Celmonze at their Facebook page

STEP 2: Post a photo of yourself without makeup on Monz Beauty & Soul FB wall.

STEP 3: Now your friends and fans can see why you need a Genetique facial. Get your friends to like your photo (Its really easy right?)

And the person with the most likes wins a Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Facial worth RM598

Hurry! Contest closes 15th November 2010, 12pm sharp! Winners will be announced on 19th November.

Since I am on this...I have put up my photo too. I need more Celmonze Genetique Stem Cell facial. Need to further improve the open pores. dehydrated skin and fine lines around my eyes and mouth. So vote for me:D

Kiss - Because I am a girl

Because I am a girl. I am a girl.

Nah this is not a nonsensical post from me.

Woke up this morning at 4am feeling sluggish. Rolled in bed and contemplated sleeping in for the day. Nevertheless the pretty skies got my ass out of bed afterall. Took my jogrunwalk through the usual big loop and the 2 of the small loop. But something else bugged me and I continued on a new route. It was simply lovely. I had new things to see. New smells to tickle my nostrils.

And since I was half expecting myself to walk, I loaded a new playlist - Korean with Kangta, Kiss & Taeyang. When this song came on, I told myself that I must share this MTV today. So here it goes.

Caution: Its quite a tearjerker. I remember tearing when I first watch this in 2005.

Almost breathless Friday 5th November 2010

I pretty much liked my 5th of November 2010...

Started off with my glass of super tangy grapefruit juice before heading off to McD to meet up with the boys for our Deepavali touge session. This round we had a mix of the Spyders, a Lotus and a S15.

The usual wait happens(lah). Nothing to grumble much since we can always snap pics and more pics during the wait. Or grab a drink (in my case a packet of Dutch Lady full cream milk). Or post for Edison before allowing him to take the pics of all the cars.

And you never know whom or what you might just snap a pic of.

Or what your subject may be caught doing:P I like to think that Brandon was caught finishing a かわいい sign but he claims that it is 2. Hmmm...

Snippets of our drive:

Had ice cream for breakfast round 2. Yummy good old fashion style ice cream in Kow Po, Bentong.

And yes, I had the fun of being Brandon's happy passenger. Its amazing being in the Lotus. She is definitely nimble and takes the corners rather differently from us. Despite the Ohlins in my Spyder, she still rolled a bit in the corners as I noted when we were behind Vic and Dennis. But here in the Lotus its all nice and tight. Conclusion? I loved the experience.

Would have been able to experience the Lotus without another Spyder in front on the Raub - Fraser route until the alternator acted up on my Spyder. Aiks aiks aiks...Gotta thank Brandon for being the support vehicle till we got back to KL.

I wonder if Brandon would be kind enough to let me ride with him again?

And this is what I missed out in the yummy lunch that the rest had while I made my way back to KL with my new battery. At least the lovely bakchangs came back to KL for my stomach. So life wasn't such a bitch after all.

Got home. Washed up. Slept only to be woken up by a loud noise of what I thought sounded like something falling. Ran to the source of the noises. Damnnnnnnnnnn my kitchen floor cracked up. Nope there wasn't any tremours whatever. Neighbours confirmed it. It was just plain bad workmanship on developer's side. Sigh. Chatted my immediate neighbour who is an architect and he confirmed it was just plain bad workmanship.

So next, I'll need to look for a contractor and go tile shopping to replace the tiles. Defect period is over since my place is 7 years old and the tiles are definitely no more in production. For now, I'll have to live with the weird looking kitchen flooring till we get sorted out next week.

Enough of being upset and emoing over my kitchen. Good pal Victor agreed to nom nom Pao Xiang BKT. One of my happy food!

And of course Guinness at Finnegans just made the day nice and sweet again.

Ah...The following pictures were taken by Brandon. Check out his facebook page for more awesome pictures.

Visible difference in 24 hours, transformation in 48 hours:D

Visible difference in 24 hours, transformation in 48 hours - I want!

After 3 serious days of extreme sun in Bukit Tinggi for JPM CIMB Preferred Hill Challenge 2010, my skin calls for a much needed facial to help the skin recuperate. I've got to be honest to myself, I am not 18 or 25 years old. I am already 37 and my skin's metabolism has slowed down. A 28 day cycle is still not optimised unless I seek some professional help. Lack of sleep and being lazy with regular facials has shown its signs with skin tags, open pores and laugh lines as this photo reveals.

On this note, I must share that the damage this round hasn't been as bad as my last major event in Kota Bahru. I will share later on my experience in using Celmonze's travel kit and some common sense tips that I picked up from friends.

So on Tuesday, I checked myself into Monz for some good pampering and my time. Started off with the therapist running me through some questionaire to know my skincare routine, products used and medical condition. This is important as with different conditions, our treatment may differ.

Done with the questionaire, I was ushered into the cozy therapy room to change. The lights are dimmed for me to relax. The lighting was just right for the therapist to know what she was doing.

2 hours went pass quite quickly and I must admit that it was so soothing that I fell asleep most times. The sleeping I was told is good as it aids our skin to absorb the benefits of the facial even better.

I really love this. Right before even step 1 of the 2 hour facial begins, I am given a light massage to relax my mind and body. Its such a bliss. Reminder to self to check hubby and myself in for a couple massage soon.

The session went on as follows:

Phase 1 - Cleanse and tone. I love the creamy cleanser. Coupled with the smooth massage strokes, I was almost at the verge of hitting lala land.

Phase 2: Exfoliation using Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Exfoliating Gel. This is product is none of the grainy scrubs that many places use. Its gel form and relies on the rare Swiss apple ingredient to encourage intensive peeling to remove the dead cells, dark cells and impurities. I did not feel any discomfort. My therapist Stephanie inquired that if I feel any discomfort I must let her know. I reckon my dead skin must be very thick:P

Phase 3: The Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Neutraliser is applied to neutralise the exfoliation gel. This neutraliser serves to stop the exfoliation and also encourage skin cell renewal.

Phase 4: The exfoliation gel and neutraliser is rinsed off. This is followed by toning. Next the Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Concentrate is applied. Stephanie informs me that the Swiss apple stem cell is combined with Cassia Alata leaf extract and Hyaluronic Acid to repair my skin and to improve my skin's moisture level. I like the idea of better moisture as my skin is actually quite dehydrated and this makes the open pores even more obvious.

Phase 5: This step serves to help improve my skin metabolism. Here the Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Skin Activator is used. A tool is used to help my skin absorb the product better. It feels like a roller going over all my face. Quite relaxing actually.

Phase 6: The Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Genetique Mask is applied. This is a moisture rich mask to further enhance the moisture level in my skin and also to seal in the benefits of the Activator used in Phase 5. I'm left to sleep for 20 minutes of which needless to say, I went back to lala land to snooze.

Phase 7: I wake up to the mask being removed. And a final step, Stephanie applies the Genetique Stem Cell Synthesis Active Cream. Yes the word is cream but it wasn't oily. My skin absorbed it real quick and I felt my skin feeling firm and soft.

Ahhhh 2 hours of facial with lots of massage in between the phases, this is so blissful.

This is my face immediate after the facial. All nice and firm:D

I have continued using the travel kit with the Genetique Skin Essence and Genetique Active Cream every morning and night. Skin doesn't feel taut and dry. And yes, the open pores are less visible too.

And 2 days later, my open pores were less visible too. Am I going back for another Genetique or another relaxing facial which I have taken a month ago? Of course I am if I want to look youthful despite the crazy abuses that my skin has to take.

The downer is that it cost RM598 per session!

But...if you are a Maybank or Public Bank Credit card holder, you can opt for the easy payment scheme. Currently its RM2,980 for 5 sessions plus some home care stuff to bring home. The total is almost RM4,800 but you pay only RM2,980. Good consideration eh?

So what's the magic ingredient behind Celmonze Genetique? Its this rare Swiss apple Uttwiler Spatlauber. Unlike your regular apple, tests and experiments have shown that the rare Swiss apple posseses a potent DNA ability that enables the skin to repair itself more optimumly. And do you know that Michelle Obama is a great fan of products with this rare Swiss apple Uttwiler Spatlauber?

In fact this rare Swiss apple upon harvesting, this apple stays fresh longer than the regular apples. So imagine when this DNA feature is incorporated into our skin care, we will be reaping the benefits of having our skin metabolism being more optimised to recover from our harsh environment and lifestyle bad habits.

And if you want to try it out and see your transformation, head down to Monz:

105, Jalan SS21/1A, Damansara Utama

47400 Damansara Jaya, Selangor

03-7725-9925
••• Landmark - same row as Wondermilk and sort of opposite OCBC.

Now if only I have a solution for the rest of my body which is turning dry and dark...

Sweet Misery

Michelle Branch - singer songwriter and guitarist. She sings darn well in her albums (tell me which singer does not sound good in their albums)? Sweet Misery - one of my fave songs from her 2001 album The Spirit Room.

And here's an acoustic version too. She sings well!

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Rebecca mentioned Samsung Galaxy Tab and I went "hmmmm". Can't remember when was the last time I actually played with anything from Samsung. But it hit me that there is no harm going to check it out during the Samsung and Maxis launch at Sungai Wang Plaza recently as I am in the midst of gadget shopping (Christmas and birthday round the corner):P

Have a look at the following Samsung Galaxy Tab ad:

And the ad does give me the impressions that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is designed for people who want a premium mobile entertainment experience on the go, but don’t want to be weighed down by a bulky device.

Undeniably, I am enjoying the iPad for surfing, games and ebooks but the weight is quite a bummer in my handbag or working bag. And when playing games on it, after 30 minutes, the arm complains:-(

So when I heard 7"that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is 7", I reckon it should be quite a good idea afterall to check it out. It weighs 380g versus the iPad 680g. That is almost half! But the size isn't half which means its had not totally compromised weight for size. The iPad is 18.97cm x 24.28cm versus the Samsung Galaxy Tab 12.04cm x 19cm.

Being Samsung's first attempt in the tablet game, I was pleasantly surprised by the specifications. It was definitely a good consideration for those whose ooking for a table and smartphone

• OS - Android 2.2 (Froyo) (Services like Google Maps™ Navigation (Beta) and Google Goggles are available on Google’s Android platform)
• supports 2.5G and 3G network (thus the tie up with Maxis)
• 12.04cm x 19cm TFT LCD screen
• A 1GHz Hummingbird processor
• A 3MP rear camera with auto focus
• A 1.3MP front-facing camera for video conferencing (on Wifi only)
• Is wifi and bluetooth ready
• Supports the current Adobe Flash Player 10.1
• Features Readers Hub (a consolidation of e-reading apps eg eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers)
• Earphone jack for those who like to wire up their handsfree kit
• 16GB internal memory with upto 32GB external memory slot (microSD)
• 4,000mAh battery (which is equivalent to approximately 7 hour movie play)

Movie and series buffs, the Samsung Galaxy Tab also supports DivX, XviD, MPEG4 and more ( I can now watch my Korean and Taiwanese series on the go...) So technically with the hour movie play battery lifespan, I can pretty much be self entertained on my drives up and down Singapore or Penang:D

All the above retailing at RM2,699 doesn't sound too bad. But you can always pick it up much cheaper with any Maxis Value Plans (Plans at RM50, RM80, RM150, RM250 or RM500) plus a data bundle (500MB, 1.5GB or 3GB) for the following prices:

• 12 month contract @ RM1,849
• 24 month contract @ RM1,749

Ah... overheard someone say that its kinda in your face if you wanna make a call as this photo of shows:P
but it has bluetooth and also an earphone jack. So no worries about the whole wide world listening to your conversation:P

And if you don't want to look like a preacher (I've been told that when one holds the iPad with a leather casing, it does look like a preacher holding his Bible), then check out the following pics that at 7" the Samsung Galaxy Tab does look practically good:

And here's some videos of the Samsung Galaxy Tab in action.

So is it on my list of possible buys this year? I will have to say its gonna be a probable yes.