Mitsui Outlet Park & MAD!

Bonjour! Here's another holiday throwback - let's all rewind time to last Thursday's outing!

Since the weather was terribly hazy during the holidays, the family & I got rather bored from tucking ourselves under blankets spamming movies in the living room. Thus, we planned a day-out from gluing our eyes onto smartphones & head to an indoor mall to unwind ourselves. But it's not just some mall you get to visit everyday, Mitsui Outlet Park was our destination! 35 minutes away from home, we get to invade on-sale branded shops & chomp on fancy food, sounds like a splendid 2-in-1 win.

A few of my favourite stores there are Nike, Superdry, Cotton On & Quicksilver. Well, to be frank, the ongoing sales there aren't exactly jaw-dropping or rarely found. Prices are still somewhat high after 50% discounts. And some shops like Converse lure me in with fetching banners but the price tags are totally same as the ones in luxurious malls. After violently flipping around clothes in various stores, I got myself a pair of patterned shorts from Levi's & a gray Nike SB snapback I fell in love with on first sight. It's impossible for me to understand how my mom managed to bring home numerous shopping bags when I couldn't even try on clothes after looking at them price tags. Eyyy.

Gray Nike SB Snapback - RM69

Levi's Patterned Shorts - RM79

Halfway thought our shopping adventure, we had our late lunch at M.A.D! (aka Modern Asian Diner). It's a fusion restaurant which design's inspired by bohemian & New York, serves a wide selection of Asian & Western eats & the best part for me, its exquisite modern plating. Like really, food that's plated to feed Instagram. Already impressed of its comfortable surrounding, we were served Penne Chicken Arrabiata (got it with Fettuccine instead), Rendang Lamb Shank, Grilled Chicken Chop & other stuff I either forgot or missed its camera moment. Mine was the pasta, it tasted so delicious but I wasn't exactly warned by its spicyness, causing my sore throat to stay a little longer (welp). The lamb was cooked to perfection, chicken chop just stood on the average line. The drink I ordered was a Caramel Macchiato Double, it was much more smoother than the Apple Caramel Latte I had at Coffeezzo the day before. We even called a Mango Cheesecake for dessert! Slightly above average pricing, but everything was worth it!

Front Counter.

Can this be called a chandelier too?

From top: Rendang Lamb Shank, Fettucine Chicken Arrabiata, Grilled Chicken Chop.

Creamy Caramel Macchiato Double.

Yup, how can you not say it's a satisfying outing? Is it weird that I miss the food more than I miss the shops full of trendy clothing? Probably why this second time visiting Mitsui Outlet Park was so much better than our first visit. Foooooood.

Stay safe hiding from the haze, guys!

Thanks for reading, Alanis xx.

Coffee Brunch

Finally a Monday without brain-rotting school & the habitual blues - Hello there!

Due to the yesterday's run, today's class in school is off! (can't describe how blithe I'm feeling right now) Of course I granted myself a skip of gym plans although I'm feeling totally at ease, and I also entreated my mom for a day out before the SPM trials season violently melts my soul into bits.

Sobs.

Well, as luck would have it, my tiny wish was granted - my family decided to have some fancy brunch in a classic cafe named "Doi Chaang Coffee"! My first time having a meal here, I was very dazzled by its upscale but casual atmosphere. Sounds like I fell in love in this cozy cafe. From its clipboard menu I dotted a steaming Americano & a plate of Fettucine Sesame Seed for my growling belly. Not long later the coffee & tasty-looking chow arrived, I impatiently dug my fangs into the creamy pasta. Ah, tastebuds began to dance their way to heaven.

Coffee wakes my peaceful morning.

Love its cozy environment.

Fettucine Sesame Seed.

New American (mom's order).

Finishing touch - Slice of New York Cheese.

Conclusion - the food here won my heart although it was sort of pricey. When I meet a U-turn soon, its Jamaican Chicken sandwich's on my 'next-to-chomp' list. Not to forget, it's a cool place to hang out with the buddies too!

#ootd

See you soon!
Cheers, Alanis xx.

Lost in Fire

Waking up by the whiff of smoke

First sight's orange blaze with no sign of joke

A blink of an eye, I laid on bed awoke

Surrounded with white, my life seemed revoked

Lost both my guardians, I grew into stray

Playing with street pups's my lonely parfait

Lazy I'm not, as I toil in a cafe

Understanding one day, my luck may decay

Sometimes I wonder who I truly am

Bullied since five but failed to throw a damn

Tears often present, finding my life a sham

Soul possessedly riding on a downhill tram

One luckless day I met this tall guy

Tempted me with candy, hidden his sly

Tagging along to the alley nearby

A terrifying affair occurred, impossible to defy

Today I lie on the sidewalk as a trier

Head stuffed with thoughts & feelings so dire

Expecting death soon, covered with pyre

All I'll remember are the ones I lost in fire.

Aflame thoughts.

- Inspired by the boldness of living fire, its aliveness that's able to thieve true love.
  Here's my first narrative poem! What a fate the persona owns. -

Father's Day Feast

Greetings warmhearted readers! How is everyone still hanging on for the week?

So, Father's Day last Sunday just elapsed with a blink of an eye. I had a pretty stunning one celebrating this not-to-be-forgotten occasion in a bar situated in KL. Yup, a woody bar with shelves of head-knocking alcohol & smoky air filled with music from the '70s. Love its atmosphere to the moon & back as I really demanded a bar to doze my gloom off. It's named 'Racks Bar & Baby Backs'.

Guessed it or not, pork ribs & apple cocktails are the trademarks of this shadowy pub. Recommended by my uncle from the States, our expectations were not ruined by disappointment. We requested one main course & a side to share, which are the pub's famous 'Crackling & Dip' and a full rack of ribs with two bold flavours (Torture Ribs & Asian Guinness Ribs). Let me tell you this, the presentation of Racks Bar's creations already snatched my eyes away, don't even get me started on their taste. One word - Amazinglicious. Best ribs in town, I say!

Ah, reaching the terrific bit of this unforgettable feast, of course we got ourselves liquid refreshments to praise off such comforting food. I menued myself a rum cocktail named Apple Sin while my blood-related associates went for mojitos & beer. Can't believe I'm saying this, but Apple Sin's my first real cocktail in life. It slided onto my side of the table garnished with a cinnamon-glazed apple slice. Boldly impressed, I took a small sip after a slight stir and ka-pow, it appeared that I just found my true love of moonshine. Rum, cinnamon, vanilla & apple juice agitated then flavours blasted with chips of ice until chemistry touches the right temperature. Heavenly feels.

The famed Pork Crackling, crisped with much love.

Apple Sin, so sinful I got succumbed by it.

Wistfully, I forgot to snap my cell's lens on the main array for the night (aka the beautiful rack of ribs). Well, there was probably some seventh sense of mine hinting me it's alright because I'll return soon to re-satisfy my hungry tastebuds. Ah, can't wait for that glorious moment.


Finally, Happy Belated Father's Day to all the super-dads out there!

Slobber & shots, Alanis xx.

Upshot of a Pampered Kid

I was having dinner with my dad & my brother just an hour ago. We had our usual chats while omnom-ing, it was all cool until dad left the table.

I was whining about the bad haircut I just had this afternoon as it's way too short, Tim (my brother) just shot in saying that it suits me since I'm such a tomboy. The word "tomboy" fired me up because only people who fail to know me well enough would say that. I slapped in saying "well, at least I, your sister's manlier than you." He responded with an unexpected reply, saying he's cool being effeminate. Shocked, I told him evilly that his surprising reply is going to reach his crush's ear. Of course, he freaked out and tried to threaten me so his nightmare wouldn't happen.

My brother, threatening me? A joke I suppose! I told him that I could even posted it on social media so the world would know (which is what I'm doing right now, woops) and he suddenly jumped into serious mode. He slammed the dining table and walked away, assuming that he ended the talk. I, on the other hand wants to keep this cruel conversation going for a good reason (read on & you'll know) so I proceed to follow him, throwing taunts at him for a strong reply. 

"Oh, so this is how you solve your problems eh? Running away? Excuse me sir, but it's still laying right here & it's not going to shrink by it's own. What you're showing me is that you lose, and I get to spread your confession onto social media. Cool with that?" I said to his back. Instead of saving his own arse, he shouted "I don't know how to fix it alright! If I knew how, I wouldn't be what I am today!"

Me: "What do you mean by not knowing how to fix it? It's a freaking natural act that first requires guts so you don't run away from it before even ruminating. Hey, I was brutally bullied when I was a kid too aites, probably worse than yours. I managed to solve craps by myself so I don't stay afraid of school everyday. I don't have anyone to look up to, just myself. You still have a big sister to learn from sometimes. So telling me you don't know? Just another excuse you use to end chats."

Tim: "I don't know! I just don't know how to, alright?"

Me: "Don't you see what's the huge cause for things like that to happen? It's because you're extremely pampered by mom! See what happens when she's out of the country? No one's here to solve your problems, kid! Usually mom would throw me a timeout if I say things to you, giving you the thought that you win the game. Well face it brat, what can you do without her presence? Not even saving your own arse! You need to learn how to unravel your knots by yourself, Tim. You're not 8 anymore. This is why I don't argue with her anymore when she pampers you. The side effects are too much for my handling. Rather be on my own."

Tim: "Shut up! I just don't know how to! Yes, I'm running away from problems, because I don't know how to fix them!"

Eventually I left this never-ending conversation because my brother just keep shovelling the phrase "I don't know" into my face after everything I said. Hmm couldn't blame him for that though, to be frank he's pampered too much. I saw this coming since mom flew off to America, it's going to be different for him after losing his back up. The reason why I argued with my brother is because I want him to have a clear realisation of how bad mom's pampering made him what he is today. He always thought that it's great to have a one-sided warrior with him all the time, but what happens when mom's not around? Doomsday has arrived, bro. 

Hope he takes it in even it's hard for him to do so. Stop running away from your problems, Tim. Just face it like a man. One day, mom's not going to be there for you anymore. I'm just trying to help you here, like what a sister does. 

This pampered Bulldog is adorable though :3

Trip to Melaka

Hey! Today was an exhausting one as I just came back from a one day road trip from two different states in Malaysia - Melaka & Negeri Sembilan! I went to Melaka to attend my cousin's wedding somewhere in Merlimau, and Negeri Sembilan was an unexpected one, just went to check out the resorts & beaches there. Tiring, I would say!

Before heading to my couz's wedding, my family & I went for a short walk around the Stadthuys and A'Famosa. The atmosphere there was pretty cool as I love world history (well except my country's..) so the British-ish monuments & signed contracts kept me excited & interested while my brother drowned in boredom. Somewhere near the Stadthuys, there was also a Dinosaur statue out of nowhere which I was so obsessed with, and of course we became close friends (I even named him Milo).

Don't we look alike, Milo?

And usually tourists would pose for pictures or observe the monument when they reach A'Famosa, right? Well, this is what I do when I first see the monument. Pardon the Paws.

Is this loaded? No? Boo :(

Later, we went to Jonker Street just to look around for five minutes (eyyyy poor time planning). We were shock to see a lot of people lining up in front of what seems to be an old-looking restaurant, turns out it's the famous authentic Hainanese Chicken Rice restaurant! Argh too bad we don't have time for this Melaka's delicacy. But at least I found something that made my day just right after I left the restaurant! Bet you can't guess it, IT'S A CUTE ORANGUTAN WALL PAINT! Surprisingly it's from a cafe, all cafes should have something like this!

Y U SO CUTE YOU NEED A KISS 

After the tough time leaving Milo & the cute monkey, I proceeded to my cousin's wedding. Nothing to say about it though, I barely know the people there. Hmm, I guess the food's pretty delicious? (Yup food's the only thing I care) The awkward chats with unknown relatives went horrible as I didn't really had the mood to tolerate their egoistic brags of their kids scoring good results in school or getting a job or whatsoever. Luckily I brought along a book to keep me company.

3 hours later, our family left the crowd & drove off the scene. Since it was still early, we decided to head to Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan to check out the resorts & beaches for our upcoming vacation plan. So we went. My butt had to deal with sitting in the car for two hours straight, it sort of became numb (too much details, woops). When we reached PD, we visited two resorts - Avillion & Thistle to check out the rates & environment. While the adults do their thing, my bro & I ran to the beach to entertain ourselves. I shouldn't had wore skinny jeans today, they got awfully wet from sea water..

Forever alone.

After having a finger-licking seafood dinner, we went straight back home at 7pm. In the car, I tried to persuade my mom that it'll be super late when I reach home so it's better if I skip school tomorrow to study for the test this Tuesday. Unfortunately, I got grounded pretty badly and end up needing to skip TV time tomorrow. Yikes! I shouldn't had say that..

So this is how my one day trip went. Hope it'll be more time-organised next time so we could visit more places and actually reach home early for school tomorrow. (All the excuses, I'm actually staying up writing this blog right now) Aites I better hit the sack before the sack hits me! Goodbye! :)

Start of Music

“I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.” 

Some of you should be familiar with this quote. It's from a book "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman. I haven't read the book yet, but its film was one of my favourite movies. Inspiring & life-reviving, Also reminds me of the start of my early music life. Contrary to Mia's though.

Parents want their kids to learn music because you know, musical kids are better in studies, blablabla and so on. Piano was the path my parents chose for me. I started learning when I was 5. As a kid I enjoyed it a lot, playing 'Do Re Mi' while reading those colourful scores filled with cute pictures. Beethoven Bear & Mozart Mouse was a part of my childhood. But soon I could feel it wasn't as enjoying as I thought. My parents want me to take ABRSM examinations so I could level up & be better. It's cool you know, improving your skills and all, but it felt wrong. Only allowed to play my examination songs & scales. I was forced to practice & practice for hours. 

It was lucky that I had guts as a kid. I told my parents about how I felt about the exams & told them to take it easy on me. But my piano class fees weren't cheap, so my parents can't afford to let me waste time playing songs I want. It soon became torture to me. I often cried on the way to piano class, screaming excuses to skip classes as I was never good enough for my teacher. I tried to not touch the piano whenever I can. Something I used to love became something I hate awfully. Life suck during that period of time, everything seemed to be falling apart.

Please Mia, don't make me write a song.

As predicted, in 2011, my parents stopped my piano classes as they don't want to force me doing something I hate. I felt like I could breathe again, being able to stop playing exam pieces.  At first I always distanced myself from the piano, then I started to cover pop songs we hear everyday on the radio. Play-by-ear is a talent I was born with, so covering songs are a piece of cake to me. I started a Youtube channel with my piano covers uploaded there. Things started to get better, smiles started to appear on me more.

Two years later, I'd decided to go back to piano classes to continue where I left off.  I'm going for ABRSM Grade 8 next, but this time I made a deal, saying that I'll enjoy the journey playing songs I want & also practicing for my upcoming exam. Till now, everything was going smoother than ever. My Youtube career's cool, 245 subs & growing fast, and my Grade 8 exam's in April 2015. 

In the end, I would say mistakes are made for a reason. Without stopping classes, I wouldn't find out what I could do with my play-by-ear talent. I wouldn't had started a Youtube channel, I wouldn't enjoy music the way I do now. I'm glad I never gave up on what my parents had chose for me & instead choose my dream instrument, which was the violin. Still, I'm getting one as soon as I pass my Grade 8 as it's the instrument I would die to master. You won't believe this but yup I learnt how I play the violin in 3 hours. 

Someday I'll be playing it like how Mia plays her Cello, throwing myself into the violin, playing my soul in the wild. Dreams.