Date Night Like No Other.

I just had that feeling of extreme curiosity for a week when I'm in the dark for something and my boyfriend just gave me very basic instructions like, be ready by 6pm and dress formally.

I just can't help but to have SO many questions in my head!

Where are we going?

What kind of formal?
Semi-formal? Really formal? Specify the dress code, dude!

What's the plan?
What're we gonna do?

This is probably why people never like surprising me because I end up prying every detail from them. Surprisingly, Doug kept this one quite well. However, I did need some girl help.

On Friday, I was chatting with Charms for a whole hour on Whatsapp fussing about what to wear! How I wish she was here in real life to help me pick what to wear. Okay - I lied. It took more than an hour... more like the whole afternoon?

 Told you I took the whole afternoon just fussing about what to wear/how to do my hair/makeup and everything. Aaaaand the occasional unnecessary  girly frantic/panicking of having nothing to wear despite having 100 dresses in our closets.

The irony. Anyway, I went with my instincts and pulled together an outfit-of-the-night. I don't know why I was fussing so much about a date, despite the fact that Doug and I have always been really good friends, doing things together and hanging out as friends and as really good friends almost 24/7.
I guess it's cos this was one of our first real, real dates and he took the effort to keep me in suspense and surprise me - I really am a handful.

"I WANT EVERYTHING TO BE PERFECT." 

Yeah like that's gonna happen. 

 Did my own eyebrows, thinking, "I better not screw this up"... Lay out my makeup. Hey, it's 4.30pm already. Start doing my hair.....

Hey. There's still time... Camwhore time. 

Whee.

Whooops. Still in my robe.

Ok time to go!
A taxi arrived to bring us to our "destination".
 It made me more curious when Doug went, "You know where to go" to the driver.

HOW DO YOU CONTAIN ALL THAT EXCITEMENT??? 

Taxi pulled up to this gorgeous vintage looking building, which to me, looked like something you see from the movies. We definitely do not have stuff like this in Malaysia. 

This is the Roxy Cinema, in Miramar. 

I was quiet for quite some time because I was busy going, whoa....

These pictures are actually from their website http://www.roxycinema.co.nz/ because I didn't manage to snap any at night. This cinema is also functioning like a normal one today!

Went inside and sat at a reserved table for two, at Coco at the Roxy. 

The whole setting of the restaurant was like something from the 1960's. It was so golden and vintage.

 There were framed pictures of super old film posters on the wall. Forgot to take a picture of that because I was totally immersed in my own excitement. Meh.

We went ahead to have our orders taken from the Wellington On A Plate menu. This place was one of the places that was featured on Wellington On A Plate, which is New Zealand's largest food festival, promoting and supporting the local dining industry.

I still was in awe of everything and for a moment just felt the slight awkwardness with Doug because we've never been on a date-date like this before and he's always been such a buddy in my eyes, boyfriend or not. Still taking some time for some things to sink in. :)

Our very fancy starter of Roast beetroot & celeriac Tunisian tartlet wuth Zany Zeus smoked binza , fried greens, and dates. Such a long description! Lol. It had a very complex combination of sweet and sour to it, and also the buttery fried vegetables were a plus!

Le poke.

Doug looking sharp. <3

One thing that I've noticed was that the portions weren't teeny tiny, like fine dining, which was a good thing, because

where's the fun in eating when you get one bite then it's over?

Our mains.

Roast Lamb with saffron roasted potatoes, wilted spinach, Bearnaise sauce and jus.

Tasted as complex as it sounds.

 This dish had to be the best lamb dish I've ever tasted. The smooth, rustic taste of the sauce just blended so well with the tender lamb meat. The potatoes complimented the lamb so well. And also, I ate all my veges, just in case some of you (who know me well enough) are wondering.

"This is so.... PORK!" was what I said when this dish

 arrived at our table and Doug couldn't stop laughing. 

Seriously, look. at. it. PORK.

 P   O   R   K.

This was Pork Belly with mashed Kumara, winter greens and Tuatara Ale relish. 

Differing from the lamb dish, this sauce had a tangy taste, bringing out the flavour of the pork belly in your mouth. Albeit the pork meat wasn't as tender as the lamb. Delicious nontheless! Mashed Kumara seemed like a healthier version of Mashed Potatoes too. *thumbs up*

We talked, made silly jokes, and laughed. 

No more awkwardness! We're back. Until there was one really strange waiter that talked really slowly and stared at us when he served us our food, which kinda creeped me out a little bit. The staff in this place were quite nice and hospitable, although I think they check on us a little bit too frequently because our conversations were sometimes interrupted. 

To wrap it all up, we had this really interesting looking dessert.

The ball of cream isn't really ice cream, which was my first thought. It's actually Salted Caramel to go with the Whittaker's Chocolate Mousse and the Gunpowder Rum delice, which is the white flavoured ice in the little glass. 

Having this dessert, I had so many different flavors swirling around in my palette that I actually took the time to slowly enjoy it. It was exquite. 

A mix of tanginess and a hint of bitterness from the Gunpowder delice, some saltiness from the caramel and not overly sweet Chocolate mousse. 

We were totally stuffed at the end of dessert and enjoyed every bite of the food here.

 Oh yeah. 

So this was what I ended up wearing - my outfit of the night.

Something not too flashy, or too plain. Decided to go with my long blue dress with the long slit in the front paired with my favourite blue clutch my cousin got me from Australia. 

I also donned a looped side pony for a different look from my usual half do or leave my hair down. My hair has been slightly wavier these days because I haven't bothered straightening it anymore.

 I also managed to DIY my eyebrows without looking like an alien as a result, because no one threads my eyebrows as the nice eyebrow lady from SS15 Subang Jaya! 

Really am satisfied with the way I looked that night. Whew. :)

The thing about asking someone to take a picture is that..  4/5 times the picture comes out blurry or too dark, etc. Here's one that was sorta usable. Oh well.

Doug and I walked around the cinema, after being stuffed from dinner,then we called it a night to go back rather than to squeeze in a movie. It was a whole lot of food for a person like me to take in, especially. 

Despite going back home by 9pm, I was beaming all the way back.

We were on the way back until something silly like me getting a bit emotional and tearing up in the taxi when Doug mouthed I Love You. *facepalm*

Bet he freaked out a little. I never ever cry on dates. Or outings. OR SAD KOREAN DRAMAS. 

I guess it goes to show how much I loved all of it. His efforts, his thoughtfulness, his choice in places and food, of the things that he knew I would enjoy, and especially just having him as a typical date just made it so special for me. The girlishness in me just manifested when my eyes started reddening and I started sniffling. Felt like a moron in the taxi... bet the taxi driver saw too. -_-

And guess what? Doug reached into his suit pocket and handed me a handkerchief! Haha! Gotta love his old school gentlemanly-ness.

Since I was told that I don't really post much or feature my boyfriend much on my blog, here's a candid picture of him (which got more likes than mine on Insta..hmph).

 So cute in his suit. How could I not go "awww" when I see him in hoodies everyday and suddenly he's wearing a suit. <3 

Computer games and on-lining to end the night.

I still remember the time when I was asked what my idea was of a Perfect Date in my FHM Magazine interview in January 2012 issue, I think this had to be it. :)

"I should be so lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky." - Kylie Minogue

xxx

 Ashley Mah

Want to be a ROXY Girl?

 ATTENTION, GIRLS!

Roxy is launching yet another global social media challenge encouraging young ladies to challenge themselves to push their limits and live life to the fullest. 

Just like the previous campaign, "Let the Sea Set You Free", Roxy seeks girls who fulfill the Roxy criteria, naturally beautiful, fun and alive, daring and confident! It's gonna be awesome! If you remembered, I was a finalist in the previous campaign in April 2011.

Here's a mini flashback.

I've learnt to surf.

 I looked like a thing in a bikini being thrown around in the water (as in I felt like I was in a washing machine), but I sure as heck enjoyed myself! Haha

I also LOVE Roxy swimwear.
The colours are so pretty and they fit so securely and nicely.

Got to strut my stuff on the runway, all in my Roxy gear!

Now, which babe doesn't enjoy that? ;)

Most importantly, I have made many new friends! 

Personally, I was going through a rough patch during that time. Roxy really helped me get my mind off things and out of my rut! Even better, I had friends who showed their love and supported me throughout the whole campaign! <3

You can read about my Roxy experience here http://thepinktimes.blogspot.com/2012/04/roxy-mid-valley-fashion-week-2012-day-3.html!

So that was me as a Roxy girl as part of the Let the Sea Set You Free campaign!

This time around, five contestants from all around the world will win a trip of a lifetime with the Roxy professional athletes, monetary prizes and Roxy apparel. In addition to that, Roxy Malaysia will be choosing top 10 finalists for an opportunity to have the ultimate Roxy girl experience.

The top 10 Roxy girl finalists will also receive prizes from Roxy merchandises, Skullcandy headphones, Boardriders Café vouchers and Inglot beauty products. 

The contest opens from 24th January till 28th March 2013,

 where participants from the age of 18 – 28 years old are eligible to send their entries via online or by dropping by at the Roxy road shows at these dates and locations:- 

• 26 January (Sat) Quiksilver Mid Valley Megamall, KL 

• 2 February (Sat) Quiksilver Pavilion, KL 

• 23 February (Sat) Quiksilver Suria Sabah, KK 

• 6 & 7 March (Wed & Thursday) Taylor’s Lakeside University, PJ 

• 20 March (Sat) Quiksilver Sunway Pyramid 

• 23 March (Wed) Quiksilver Gurney, Penang 

• 28 March (Wed) Plaza Merdeka, Kuching

 For further information on the contest, visit www.facebook.com/RoxyMalaysia.

Ps. hurry! the first road show starts in 3 more days! 

Go DARE YOURSELF! :)

xxx

 Ashley Mah

Girl Talk & Monologue : PMS!

I'm gonna rant about PMS..The thing which might explain why your girlfriend turns into a demon one particular time of the month when "Aunt Flow" comes to visit. 

Well, at least this coming from my own experience especially the past week that has just been downright crappy for me.

I felt demotivated and uninspired to do anything. Not even salsa music could make me want to dance, nor practicing my violin would do me any good. I just basically felt like shit. To make matters worse, I had been involved in a car accident exactly a week ago, when my friends and I planned to go out for dinner and unfortunately some moron hit us from the back.

Results of that unfortunate incident was a horrible whiplash effect that I suffered the next two days despite having violin class the next day. My neck ached like never before, the muscles in the front might've been badly affected after speaking to my chiropractor today, who seemed quite disturbed after I told him about the accident and how my neck and back was affected.

My mood seemed to have gone downhill as well. I was reluctant to do anything, even stayed home on a Friday night!! It got so bad that whenever my mom drove and she jams the brakes, it would jolt my neck and I would feel almost like I was being electrocuted. I had to plead her to NOT do that as I was already in tears and holding my neck with my hand. Thank goodness for the invention of Icing therapy and Yoko Yoko. 

Back to PMS, Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. (Of course you knew that.. right?) 

Which probably explains why I was feeling so shitty, partially. Not only me but most of girls having PMS. You DO not wanna step on any girl's tail when they're PMS-ing.

Stupidest question a guy can ask a chick who's PMS-ing,

 "What's wrong with you? Do you have PMS??"

... Yeah. You totally asked for it.

Some girls cry alot during PMS, some get angry or irritable, cranky, moodswings, the works. Even worse, it comes with bloatedness too, which makes us unable to put on our tight dresses and makes us feel most unattractive and most uncomfortable. Oh yeah, did I also mention cravings that would make you hate yourself later?

I know the feeling well. I had to admit I had gone quite overboard with my PMS and behaved like such a bitch. My ex would know how mean I behaved, giving "silent treatments" when I didn't get what I wanted or get sulky and even burst into tears... especially when I'm hungry and having cramps. After eating, I usually feel better and could even manage a smirk.

 Haha. I'd say there's no reason to act like a total bitch when you're PMS-ing... it's all about self control. Although I was feeling so crappy, there was the occasional snapping, which I end up apologizing for. But, I learnt that girls should know how to control themselves when PMS-ing, although it is hard. I've heard a story of a girl slapping her boyfriend for not getting her hot water. That's a bit over the top, right?

Talking about self control, I think the ultimate self control when having PMS before our cycles is food cravings. It is insane. I had the worst cravings for chapfan (mixed rice) for about a week last month!! I tried to avoid having it and subbing chapfan for other healthier and less 'sinful' stuff, only to know that it made my cravings worse. After finally having chapfan with a gym buddy of mine, almost like magic, the cravings stopped. Boy was I thankful they stopped because I was starting to scare myself. Lol!

Hence, PMS = Self Control Period before bleeding like a massacre and comes the cramps that make me wanna shoot myself or just lie like a corpse in bed.

Well, there's a happy ending to it all. After the PMS period is over, it does come to realization on why I felt so horrible and crappy the past week, etc. And eventually, the emotions are balanced again and thus, the universe goes back to normal. Think of it as having a tornado in the girl universe. 

Things guys should not do when a girl is on her period : 

1. Keep her waiting, especially when she's hungry.

2. Make period/PMS jokes. 

3. Argue (When a girl is on her period, your argument is invalid)

4. Say the "F" word. No girl wants to be called FAT, especially during when she's having PMS. (Other variations of the word include chubby, bloated, etc.)

5. Be an inconsiderate idiot.

So guys, the trick is to be patient here.. Even better, be her punching bag for the time being. Your kindness will be appreciated and repaid. Heh.

In other news, I have performed with my band Audio Impulse at Mandolin Cafe at Plaza Glomac Kelana Jaya last Sunday. More performances and parties to come!

Stay tuned, dolls.

xxx

Ashley Mah

Be FURLESS, be Fearless!

This is a very.. Personal.. Intimate.. Feminine post!

I went to FURLESS at Jaya One, seeking a new waxing experience. 

The objective of FURLESS is to bring out the confidence in women. Since women are shameful and shy about body hair, FURLESS believes that when they are fearless after hair removal! 

Hence the FURLESS be fearless tag line.

Check out the adorable multicolored mini sofa chairs at the waiting section! Teehee

The list of services at affordable prices

The benefits of waxing is that the removal of hair starts from the roots, unlike shaving, which breaks the hair.

Shaving also causes discoloration of the skin, growth of stubbles, and ingrown hair.

Furthermore, waxing lasts longer and exfoliates the skin!

The products used at FURLESS are imported specialized products that cater to individual skin types. 

With the Threesomes promotion, I can enjoy 3 sessions for Brazillian waxing for RM268! Totally worth it!! Here's why : One session of intimate waxing is RM96. 3 sessions and it totals to RM288. With the promotion, I get to save RM 20.

After being briefed about what FURLESS was all about, I was then brought into a comfy room, dimly lit with relaxing lights to double cleanse and get ready to be waxed.

My therapist of the day was Fay.

 She introduced me to hard wax, which was the wax used to wax the intimate area. Some call it Brazilian waxing, and to some, Hollywood waxing. Cool right? Hehe

Here are different types of wax used for sensitive skin, long coarse hairs and another one used to remove the shortest annoying stubbles!

After waxing, a cooling down treatment was used. Using a combination of Moisturizing Lotion and Cooling Gel. And it's FOC!!

I thought it was an awesome way to relax the skin and avoid it from burns especially when you've sensitive skin like me. ;) I was told that the pain is less 30% from waxing here. I believe that's true, because I didn't really wince while being waxed! Hee.

Get super smooth baby skin 'down there' painlessly and feel confident!

You know that awesome feeling you get after hair removal? 

Yeah, I got that feeling now.

All thanks to FURLESS!

Location : 21-M, Block B, Jaya One, 72A Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-8pm

Phone :             03-7931 7326      

Email: customerservice@furlesswaxing.com

Website : http://furlesswaxing.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/befurless