Dyscalculia

Picture taken from Math dyslexia

Having problems with numbers? You may have dyscalculia. Who has hated maths before? Practically every sane person. Unless you are one of those hateful ( grrr) people who adore maths and score a 100% hands down for all exams without even having to try too hard. Thankfully I do not know anyone like that. Otherwise that would stretch our friendship to the max with me teeming with envy bordering on vengeful.

The sudden interest is because we are now faced with counting for sight-reading. A major stumbling block with crochets ( not a problem) ...and those horrible dotted notes carrying a fraction of the original value. How do we ever get better?

Who is Dawn French?

French and Saunders! Need I say more?  Married to the famous Lenny Henry( and now divorced) I loved her in the" Vicar of Dibley". And her sketches with Saunders i suspect is the initial start to fame. I am sure she is as witty as her character Geraldine Granger:)

On the reading list for 2014. We should really move away from Carole Matthews only for some variety really.

Still reading snippers on the ebook world via guternberg ....anything written by L.T. Mead:)

Lost: one notebook

 I've misplaced my notebook. The one I write all the patients I see and things to do with them as well as things I should do with them. Haven't exhausted all avenues. That would mean looking specifically in ALL drawers and the surgical wards where the medical patients are lodged. I've decided to start a new book. But the new one is a freebie and it has a hard plastic cover which covers the front with an overlap. Making it hard to open completely to write. So I am not happy.

The picture shows many gorgeous square-lined notebooks found in a small shop selling loads of different stationary in Barcelona. Heaven!!! We found this by chance walking through the smaller anes off the main shopping area. We also found a shop selling owl-based porcelein clocks which looks nice. I bought a procelein replica of the Gaudi balcony. It's hanging on the wall currently.

Back to these notebooks......I wish we imported these to Malaysia. Surely I cannot be the only person in KL obsessed with writing ONLY in these type of notebooks.

Picture taken in Oct 2013

Messy cards

Messy cards, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Am proud to have been a bit more organized this time. I got my weddings presents and cards two weeks before the event. Yay!

But just look at the mess? It's hard to look for cards when its messed up like this. If you take the trouble to look at every single card you may just find the one you're looking for.

I arranged the cards in order before finding the card I wanted.

Notebook

Notebook, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I have misplaced my notebook. Possibly it's somewhere in HDW. Because I've checked and its not in the ward. Boohoo!! Strangely not as upset as I should be. I think because I haven't written anything really important (yet) in the book.

If found...please return....(thanks)

Congratulations!!!

Colourful ribbons, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

A rare thing. Two friends getting married in two consecutive Saturdays. Yesterday was LS and MY's wedding dinner. My first visit to Eastin Hotel. I like the parking area because it felt safe. I like the food because it was tasty. And it was a lovely opportunity to see friends and colleagues outside the work place.The bride looked svelte ( size zero ) and pretty and happy.

Many congratulations!!!

Longchamp

 Confession time! I bought two more La pliages in Singapore. Not intentionally. The shoe shop where I originally planned to spend my money had nothing to offer. So as I walked about Paragon...I just popped into Longchamp for a quick browse only to find it slightly cheaper than KL prices.

And I just HAD to buy two in a color I've wanted for some time now.

The leather La cuir is cheaper in KL. ( Odd but true)

Lush Wisma Atria, SIngapore

I must stay away from repetto posts. To avoid buying another pair in the SAME month. That would be extravagant. And bad! So here is a post on LUSH. ( Second obsession for this month...a poor second after shoe ...ballerina flats in particular)

First used this soap in Vienna. And only because the shop had good Feng-shui and I entered it because it was colorful and it had started to rain outside. And I refused ( initially) to buy an umbrella. I did buy one eventually. And of course, it never rained again during my trip. (Aargh). I used karma and something else and the lingering smell was gorgeous. So I returned to buy some.

When I got home, I stuffed the soap in the cupboard and that's really when the obsession started. The smell people....was divine. I would be happy the whole day if I caught a niff of it on my clothes. Then the sad fact that Lush isn't available in Malaysia. Bleah! ( These pictures were taken during my most recent trip to Singapore...where I stocked up shamelessly for self and friends)

The soaps are gorgeous. They look weird and smell funny ( some of them) but I suspect once you try it, the smell will knock you out. Almost!

The limiting factor: the price. ( Although compared to repetto this isn't much. Heck anything compared to repetto seems cheap!! A dangerous and unfair comparison. Stop stop stop!)

And so, if any of you have used LUSH, please drop me a line and share you experience. I love the bath bombs. And I can't wait to use my super duper bath bomb next.

Coffee

coffee stain...publika, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Good coffee is hard to get in KL. And once you have it. you'll crave it. Here's my list of decent coffees you may get.

1. I'll start with Coffee Stain at Publika because that's the most recent haunt. Caffe Latte is nice. Been here 4 times.Once to have a takeaway ( which I felt wasn't so nice because once cold the coffee loses its charm) It was served in a canary hello mug the first time which was nice. But for some reason, it's now ( twice now) served in this black mug.

2. Coffee Societe also at Publika. Also good coffee. It's just a bit further to walk and there are usually not enough seating indoors and outdoors although nice you run the risk of being in the company of smokers.

3. SanFrancisco coffee. They make nice coffee. What I don't like is the venue. Small and the seats are too low so you'll have to sit ramrod straight. The outdoor seating faces Ben's which isn't too nice.

4. Artisan at Bangsar Village2. Again seating may be a problem. I sat at the long tall table on a stool. So you can imagine how uncomfortable that was. Coffee was nice. But I prefer Coffee Stain's latte.

5. The coffee place inside BIG is nice but the size of the coffee is small. And you get a big cold sitting there for coffee. And there really isn't much of a view unless you like watching people do their grocery shopping as you sip your coffee. ( hehe)

Lent

Daisy?, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I've forgotten to mention the season of Lent. Which is what we're in currently.

Lent is more than fasting and abstinence. It is a call to live our lives the way God wants us to. As we enter this liturgical season of the church, we are invited to deepen our faith by self- examination, fasting and penance in preparation for Easter.

MH370

Picture taken at the Gardens Mall, KL

Our plane got lost last Saturday. And everyone has been touched by this. Apart from some insensitive comments, generally we're united in hoping and praying for good news. The Gardens Mall had this in their ground floor display just in front of Louis Vitton. And we had many many people walk pass and stop and take a piece of paper and write. No persuasion needed. People of all ages. I saw a little boy who walked pass and said to his father " I want to write something". The picture below shows just how much we feel for the family and friends of the people on board that flight. 

Thoughts and prayers from Malaysians

Red repetto for me next

Red repetto for me next, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

It rained this morning during morning mass and after. And it serves me right for loving my shoes so much. I had to walk through the rain after mass to the car. My poor repettos have been put through some water and the soles are "seasoned" even with a single wear.

Now that I've actually word a pair of repettos..I can review and compare with french sole. ( Yay)

Comfort wise repettos wins this one. Not a single rub sore blister pain during the first wear of repetto....and this is from 7:30am to 1:00pm spanning from morning mass, to ward rounds to lunch time and a spot of walking outdoors to get coffee.

And someone had written that it's buttery soft. I can vouch for that. I love walking in them. Whoever wrote that wasn't exaggerating. And I have NO regrets paying that much for a shoe.

French sole has a nicer finish ( the inner sole looks more posh) Repetto's white inner sole looks cheap and NOBODY would guess it is an expensive shoe.

I believe French Sole has a bigger selection of designs and if you're going to select really flexible flat ballerinas you should consider repettos as your first choice.

( I hope to save some money and get a second pair possibly red or black during the next sale...wish me luck...oh yes and I want that bling bling french sole chose too)

* will re-sole my repetto soon to prolong its lifespan. ANyone know any decent cobbler in town?

Pale repettos

Repetto at Pavillion, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I think these will look odd on Asian skin. So no I'm not even remotely attracted to them. Gimme a plain black pair any day!!

Mirage

Wish we had more colors, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

When you're in the desert, you see water where there isn't any. When I was at a meeting this morning, I saw a repetto when there perhaps was not one there.( On someone else's feet sitting diagonally in front of me)

Which tells you just how much of an attention span I have at meetings if I eyes wander on to people's footwear. It indicates also...then I am obsessed a little with repetto.( An unhealthy obsession because it will hemorrhage my bank account should I continue to buy a pair a week)

I thought I saw that pink and green combo repetto flat today. Patent green leather over pink goatskin with the green trim. Imagine if I had bought the same pair!!!! Horrors!

* flick has just announced it will cease the easy upload of photos from here to blogger. How sad:(

My first pair of Repettos

MINE!!! ( Finally), originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

We're been hit by hard times. A missing plane, the bad air quality and water rationing. And so I think a spot of shoe-shopping is allowed.

Today was the grand opening of Repetto at Pavilion. I missed the hoohaa and the nibbles and the dancing. But I did find an excuse to head there and buy a pair of shoes.

Purple...because the two other shoppers said it was way better than the black pair I tried on. And more importantly, this pair had a 30% discount making it significantly less than the black pair.

The internet tells me that I have purchased a" Ballerina Cendrillon" in goatskin suede Toulouse Violet. Its made in a stitch and return method. ( Must google that next)

I am also told ( on the official website) to waterproof this leather regularly to avoid any marking. And to use a color brightener.

A note: Cendrillon is an opera in four acts by Jules Massenet....and I'm currently playing Meditation also by Jules Massenet. See the connection? ( heheheh) Any excuse to shop. I know. Guilty!

* will not wear this tomorrow because I have bronchi and a pleuroscopy.With potential gushing of the pleural fluid onto my LOVELY repettos...it's better they remain in the box to be ooh-ed and aah-ed for that bit longer

Karma soap from Lush

Karma soap from Lush, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

NO visit to Singapore would be complete without a trip to Lush! ( Yes I love that place) And I especially love their Karma Soap. the smell is really nice. Here it is....in all its glory.

I wonder what other people like. The ones in the shop just bought one or two stuff. But for us with no local LUSH....we stock up:)

Pizza from Marche

Pizza from Marche, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

The brother decided to give us all a nice feast two Saturdays back at Marche at Vivocity, If you've been to Vivocity, you'd know there's a water theme area the same level as Marche which kids love. The niece was not exception. BUT, she was wearing a Baju Kurung which ( yes yes) got wet. The bottom was soaked and the top almost so.

She was made to strip and sit in a cubicle while the mum and I dried them off at the dryer.

Oh yes, the Marche meal was lovely. My first visit here. I know they have the same one at the Curve but for some reason, I have never eaten there. I had pizza...and some Bruschetta and that was it:) Stuffed!

Mee Siam

Mee Siam, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

This is the type of mee siam mum likes. With some gravy ( bit thick) and condiments like so. And a certain taste. I got to sample this at a local bakery opposite the Catholic Church along Upper Thomson Road in Singapore. Why there? Cos it was Sunday and we were peckish after church. And we had to eat BEFORE shopping in town.

Repetto with different soles

Repetto with different soles, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Both repetto and french soles make shoes which are similar for both left and right foot. Not all of their shoes are like this. Only a certain type. And here is repetto's version which is on your right.

The salesperson ( in repetto as well as FS) told me the leather will stretch somewhat and take the shape of your feet. SO after a few wears, you will be able to differentiate your right shoe from your left.

I believe they are called "Harriets" and it's a narrow cut so if you have broader fit they're certainly not for you. Also, the tow cleavage may be a problem if you're a shoe prude. Fortunately I'm not:) Harriet oh Harriet...here I come....if my feet aren't too sore....I'll wear my FS harriet's tomorrow. With spare slippers in the car....

Tues

Repetto, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

My feet hurt. And these are from wearing camper twin shoes for a long day doing ward rounds. I think the leather needs to be broken in. No, I'm not terribly disappointed because my camper black shoes do look very elegant.

I am however tempted. To buy a pair of re[etto ballet flats. Since visiting the local repetto shop at Pavillion last week, my evenings have been spent googling forums and blogs on repettos. Most love them. Quite a number agree its more expensive than what they are used to.And a few gripes about the fragile sole and cheap feel to the shoe. I even watched a youtube video on the deconstruction of the repetto shoe by an Australian. Obsessed! That's what I am.

But shoe are important. Repetto Pavillion will be having their grand opening on Thursday the 12th of March 2014. They have finger-food and actual ballet dancing for entertainment. How do I know this? The sweet lady in the shop Rebecca informed and invited me to visit then to get 20% off all new shoes. ( Otherwise they're FULL price any other day)

I'm eyeing an older pair with 30% off in purple which I think will go with most things if I'm not too fussy. Decisions decisions.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

The birthday boy is an 8 year old whose mummy was my KG friend. Fancy that?  I used to spend hours at her house playing at nothing in particular. her old house used to have a huge balcony topped with a swing and the stairs were the circular narrow type. Even in the heat of the afternoon, the lure upstairs was too strong.

Old friends are friend who are like family. They forgive you most things. And the shared history of growing up is something precious.

Gulai Darat

Yum, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

And here I thought I was familiar with most local dishes only to be thrown off balance with this dish served during the birthday buffet on Saturday at Setiawangsa. Anyone tasted this before? The hostess informed me this is a Kelantanese dish and she herself has not tasted this before. A first for many. Did I like it? Oh very much so!!

I had a lovely Saturday evening surrounded by a great selection of people of various ages. We had loads of fun taking pictures and half of them are posted on FB for most people to admire and comment.

Ballet flats

Ballet flats, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I saw this at Bangsar Village. Sold at BHS9 I've yet to find out what BHS stands for but it's like Dunnes or Marks and spenders presumably. They carry size3:) Isn't that nice? The shoes felt rather stiff.

Reason for heading o BV was to get a present for an 8 year old and a card for AJ who's birthday I clean forgot would you believe it? I feel like a heel. And a bad friend.

AJ is an even tempered person who hasn't quite learnt how to how grudges. So we're still the best of friends. And I got her a nice simple card and some presents with a little funny something thrown in.

Hope she likes it. I haven't had a chance to pass her her present. Mondays are usually chaotic for most. And today is no exception.

Laduree Singapore

Laduree Singapore, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

The Marie Antoinette was surprisingly yummy:) the blue was off-puting. I personally would not have chosen it. The brother did. I chose the more popular Salted caramel. Which incidentally was a slightly disappointment. Not even a tinge of saltiness. So no. Don't think I like that

A lovely shop called Ginger

A lovely shop called Ginger, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I went to Bangsar Village yesterday morning. And found "Ginger" a shop just beside the bridge linking BV1 to BV2. The colours are amazing wouldn't you agree? the pillow cases were gorgeous. And they had some nice tea cosies and melamine plates and striking aprons. This is the entrance to the shop:)

Dirty soap

Dirty soap, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I love lush! ( And i really mean it!) I can spend a lot in the shop. The smell is gorgeous for MOST. Some are too bubble-gum-like but generally most of their stuff makes you want to try them just for effect.

Here is a soap with a funny name. Didn't buy this! It smelt okay but my favourite is Karma which smells divine when you put it in between your clothes in the cupboard.

We hope!

Today is the first day I've watched local TV for the whole 8 months. Had a bit of trouble finding the TV controller. Through facebook, I got the first inkling that something big was happening. There were posts which were general: MAS plane missing. As the story evolved, it began to gather momentum through various media and now, we are all a little bit shaken by the news. We cannot begin to imagine what the relatives of the passengers are going through right now. I am hoping for a miracle. And praying for God's will to be done.

Pretty Ballerina Shoes

Pretty Ballerina Shoes, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I continue my posts on ballerina flats with this picture. 50% off....a very good reason to shop in Singapore.

Pretty Ballerina Flats

Pretty Ballerina Flats, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

This is a Spanish brand. I remember reading about it months ago. And found this brand at Takashimaya last weekend. I'm telling you, it was too hard to resist..especially when the salesperson had just the right things to say and at the right time So I walked away with a purchase from each counter....Pretty Ballerina as well as French Sole. ( double yay)

This is what happens after being in the Repetto shop an hour before this. Relative to Repetto these shoes were a steal. But on its own...they're still rather more expensive that what I would usually fork out:)

french sole

french sole, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

The obsession with visiting the local French Sole shop was too strong to ignore. Oddly enough, the roads were empty and it took 15 minutes from work to KLCC.

French sole is located on the 3rd floor the same side as Marks and Spencers. I had to ask the information desk because I was too eager to get there. Did not want to walk about looking. Turns out, I wouldn't have found it myself. It's located in one of the pushed-out spots in KLCC ( their version of expanding the place) and you can't see it from the escalator. A tiny sign handing from the ceiling is the only pointer to this shoe haven.

They've been here for more than a year and I don't know about this? Serves me right for not buying any local magazines to read.

The shop is everything you'd want a shoe shop to be. Shoes to the left and right displayed in groups depending on their designs and a large seating area in the middle. The salesperson recognized my own frenchsole shoe I was wearing.( except it's called London sole and she explained the difference to me...and I've forgotten it now so I can't blog about it)

I decided to try and more sloppy version of ballerina flats. In a rather deep dirty orange color. I like some toe cleavage and this design suits my taste. A little bit of discount if you use both HSBC or CIMB card. ( Yay the only two cards I have!) And with that final clincher, I caved in and bought my second french/london sole shoes in the week. Too much!

Address: Lot C-103, 1st Floor, Suria KLCC, Malaysia

Contact Tel: 03-2382 0808

The niece picks a colour

The niece picks a colour, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I'm not sure when she became a girly-girl. As you can see, the niece loves colors. Here she is, trying out different shades of pink on her finger nails.

nice clutter

Love the decor, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Organized clutter in soft pink shades always makes me go "aaaaaah". Don't you think this looks very nice?

Waterworld!!

Waterworld USS, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

We watched "Waterworld" this is seen on the way there. I love the colours....the weird shades of green come together quiet well and we had the scorching sun that Saturday which made the green POP:) Good backdrop for some pictures don't you think? Here's a interesting tip, the MRT ride from Universal Studio Singapore Sentosa to Vivocity is free:)

Sushi with CHillie padi

Sushi with CHillie padi, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Fusion which works!!! I had Sushi at Ichiban in Singapore. And in the menu, I spied sushi with chilli padi. Feeling adventurous I ordered it.

It's NICE:) So I'm hoping to find it in KL too.

Shoes and more shoes

Shoes and more shoes, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

These shoes are made in Korea.( That's what the salesperson told me when i asked her where these were made) Language barrier again. Anyway I've seen googled and am surprised to note that they are loads of folks out there who are great Pazzion fans. It is a Singapore brand. ( Homegrown!! Woohoo!)

 And I bought ( Dun faint) the bling bling blue pair in the middle. Yes yes...sometimes a girl has to have a bit of bling in her shoes. What better place to pick a pair than this shop....at a very reasonable price. ( After being traumatized by the prices at Repetto...everything else pales in comparison)

SPlash

SPlash, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

We also managed to squeeze a quick trip to Universal Studios Singapore. And we watched "Water World'. It was good. The seating arrangement was like so. ( See picture above) And there is a reason why the blue seats were empty when we entered.

Just before the show began, there was a mini sideshow and if you're seated on them blue seats....you'ld be drenched. We hooped and lah-ed our lungs out.

Laduree ,

Laduree , the boutique, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

And YES!!! Finally, I get the chance to enter a Laduree shop and buy some Macarons and EAT them. I raved about them so much, the brother ( who was meant to meet up with me before we head home to get the car ) decided that he too wanted to see the shop himself.

Sadly he wasn't overly impressed with the macarons. But just for contrast, we bought a macarons for a fraction of the price en route home and sampled that. A world apart. Laduree ones are crunchy outside and soft on the inside. The salted caramel ( apparently the favorite choice) wasn't as good as Natalie's Gourmet at Publika.

But the Marie Antoinette Macaron which is coloured electric blue was NICE. Even the brother liked it. ( And that's saying A LOT)

Max Brenner

Max Brenner, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Here's a picture of the niece, as she walks towards the chocolate cafe at Vivocity. Thanks to my friend A who happened to mention in passing that Max Brenner does some uber nice hot chocolate....we found ourselves there for tea.

Nice nice nice nice!

Camper

Camper, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

I found a deliciously soft shoe at Camper and walked out owning it. It's a classic black pair which will go with anything. And it fitted like a glove and felt so snug and comfortable when I walked about the shop.

We do have a Camper shop in The Gardens, but sadly they do not carry small sizes. 37 is the smallest...and if I'm lucky...they have a few 36 but you can be assured those ones I saw were in a very boring color and a tad chunky.

Camper shoes are made in Spain. ( Sadly the twin series was limited)

French Sole

French Sole, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Another gorgeous find in Singapore. French Sole, sold at Takashimaya department store. The lady who served me was lovely. She brought out a pair which wasn't on display and said that would suit me too. There was a mini discount. ( Very important that!) And as I've been dying to buy a pair since reading about it some months back, I said yes YES yes:)

I didn't get the pair shown in my picture,, but a classic version instead. Looks as gorgeous as this. Really!! Ballet flats are gorgeous to wear and so much fun shopping for them. Can't wait to wear my new french sole shoes...tomorrow maybe

Click here  for a very good blog post on french sole shoes and why they're super comfy. ( And why you need to own a pair)

Ballerina Flats!

Gorgeous Shoes, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

If you google ballerina flats and add the word good shoes, you'll be sure to get "repetto" in your find.They specialize in ballerina shoes. They also sell real block toe-ed ballerina shoes tutus and they have a ballet dance bar in their shop.

So many colors to choose from. I had a lovely time trying them on and preening self in the mirror ( Beam)

I googled the place the night before.There's something about preparing for a shopping spree The anticipation builds as you walk around looking for the shop. And when you finally find it....you take a moment outside the shop to savor the adrenaline surge before entering:)

They looked so good with my jeans and top ( attire during shopping spree) Some were too buttery soft for me. But generally it felt like walking right into your perfect shoe shop.

I'm a size 36 in case you're interested in buying me a pair for any occasion.

Apparently they have a shop in Pavillion KL.
But this picture was taken at Takashimaya, Singapore. The sales person was lovely lovely person and she made the experience twice as fun.

Busy Bee

Busy Bee from Lush, originally uploaded by andreaban2009.

Tomorrow is Monday ( Boo!!) and I predict a long long Monday. So to cheer self up, I've tidied and unpacked and uploaded some pictures ( Yay) which has made me feel rather pleased and happy.

A visit to Lush in Wisma Atria SIngapore on Thursday was good. My bag ( because I packed the soap in between my clothes) smell absolutely delicious. Wish Lush would re-open in KL.

Wishing us ALL a good week ahead. ( Wednesday is the first day of Lent...ie Ash Wednesday!)