Melting in KL

The weather in KL has been absolutely brutal for the past month — and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve been showering 4 to 5 times a day just to stay sane and comfortable. And not warm showers, mind you — cold showers. Though honestly, even the cold water feels warm these days!

At night, we don’t even need a blanket in our air-conditioned rooms. It’s that hot. Even Haru, our poor cat, is feeling the heat. This clever girl now sleeps flat on the floor right in front of the stand fan, abandoning her bed entirely because she knows the floor is cooler.

Running errands in the morning feels like stepping into an oven, and I come home drenched in sweat, immediately tossing everything — underwear included! — into the laundry basket before hitting the shower again.

According to the weatherman, some states (KL & Selangor included) are under Level 1 Heatwave alert, and the heat is here to stay… until September. Apparently, July to September will be even hotter. Oh God — help us all. 🥵

A Level 1 warning is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35 deg C and 37 deg C for three consecutive days.

How are you all coping with this heat?

Haru lazing on the cool floor, right in front of the stand fan. Smart kitty!

🎉 Trailblazers Indeed! Alycia and Team Win First Prize in National Marketing Competition

Today marks a proud moment for Alycia and her two coursemates from Sunway University! The trio participated in a thrilling marketing competition — Trailblazers: The Ad-venture Challenge — and emerged as champions, clinching the first prize of RM3,000 cash! 🎊

Organized by the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), this high-stakes competition isn't your typical university challenge. Designed to mimic the pace and pressure of a reality TV competition, Trailblazers tests real-world marketing skills through intense, fast-paced tasks that demand creativity, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the market.

Despite being undergraduates, Alycia’s team outshone many other groups — including participants from the corporate world — proving that passion, teamwork, and sharp minds can trump even experience. I nearly jumped with joy when Alycia messaged me with the incredible news. What a phenomenal achievement!

Sunway University fully sponsored their participation, and this victory will undoubtedly be a glittering highlight on Alycia’s resume as she prepares to enter the working world next year.

To Alycia and her amazing teammates — congratulations on your well-deserved win! Her team is the only all-women team, and the first and second runner-up teams comprise a mix of men and women. Talk about GIRL POWER! 💐 

Thank God for this blessing, and here’s to more victories and growth in your bright future ahead. May this be the first of many career milestones to come! 🚀

You can read and view pics of the competition here.

Scratches, Supercars, and Spooky Coincidences — Our Unlucky Encounters with Luxury Cars

This evening, my hubby and I went on a simple grocery run to our neighborhood supermarket to restock our essentials — mainly yogurt and eggs. It was supposed to be just another routine outing, but something unexpected happened on the way there.

As we were driving along the narrow road leading to the supermarket, a bright yellow Ferrari was double-parked at the side. Just as we were passing by, the right-side door of the Ferrari suddenly swung open — and grazed the left side of my hubby’s car. The timing was so sudden, neither side had a chance to react.

Hubby quickly pulled over to check for any damage. He then walked over to the two men standing near the Ferrari to talk to them. At that moment, I felt a wave of worry wash over me. One of the men was wearing a body-hugging singlet with the word Muay Thai emblazoned across his chest — and to be honest, he gave off serious “tai kor” (gangster big brother) vibes. I couldn’t help but feel tense, fearing the situation might escalate, even though the accident clearly wasn’t our fault.

But to my relief, everything was civil. The man in the Muay Thai singlet gave hubby his handphone number, and there was no confrontation whatsoever. Upon inspection, the damage was minimal — just a faint scratch on the plastic cap above the tire. No dents, no drama. Still, it left us shaken for a bit.

Strangely, this is the second minor accident involving hubby’s new car — and it’s only three months old! About two months ago, the boom gate barrier at our condo malfunctioned and came down unexpectedly, hitting the top of his car and leaving a shallow dent near the bonnet.

Even stranger? We seem to have a history with mishaps involving luxury cars. A few years back, on Sherilyn’s birthday of all days, she opened my car door without checking her surroundings. Bad luck struck — a BMW’s side mirror was cleanly yanked off when it passed by. The damage? A hefty RM500 to replace just the mirror! That incident left a lasting dent on hubby’s wallet and a permanent cautionary tale for all of us.

 While these accidents were minor, they were still frustrating. A new car always holds that special glow, and it’s disheartening to see it marked so soon. But all things considered, we’re grateful that both incidents were harmless in the bigger picture — no injuries, no real conflict, and repairable surface-level damages.

If there’s one lesson here, it’s that bad luck doesn’t care whether you drive a Ferrari, BMW, or a humble family car. But we’re just hoping our streak of unfortunate encounters ends here. Enough dents, dings, and scrapes for a long, long time, please!

Here's to smoother drives ahead and zero run-ins with flashy vehicles. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻.

A Sweet Gesture at the Candy Shop: Kindness is Still Alive

Last Sunday, after her figure skating class, Cass—who often spends almost the entire day at the skating rink training diligently—helped me with our weekly grocery run. It's something I’ve asked her to help with since last year, as the supermarket at the mall where the rink is often has good deals on blueberries and pre-washed salad, both of which are staples in our fridge.

As she made her way to the supermarket in the mall, something colourful caught her attention—the newly opened Sticky candy shop. She popped in for a quick peek and decided to treat herself. I had given her an extra RM3 for the groceries, and she used part of it to buy just two pieces of gummies. Yes, only two pieces—costing RM1.40 in total, as they were sold by weight.

What happened next was a little moment of sweetness—not just from the candy, but from a stranger’s heart. The shop assistant, seeing this teenage girl carefully pick out only two pieces, must have been moved by her thoughtfulness and restraint. Instead of letting her leave with just those, the kind assistant gifted Cass a generous handful of all the sample Sticky candies they had.

When Cass came home and told me the story, I couldn’t help but smile and feel genuinely grateful. In that brief encounter, a stranger showed that kindness and empathy still exist in the most unexpected places. The simple act of giving a few candies—without expecting anything in return—brightened Cass’s day and mine.

These small moments are reminders that humanity is not lost. That in a busy world where people often rush past one another, there are still those who pause to show compassion, even in the smallest ways. A kind gesture from a shop assistant at a candy store may not make headlines, but to us, it meant a lot.

So to that thoughtful shop assistant at Sticky, thank you. You didn’t just give out candies—you gave us a story of kindness to carry with us. Bless your heart for making a teenager’s Sunday that much sweeter 😊

The packet of free sample sticky rock candy that was gifted to Cass. This is the remainder of what she had already eaten. It was quite a big packet.

When Your Fridge Starts "Crying" — Time to Say Goodbye?

For almost half a year, our trusted Sharp fridge has been acting up. Water droplets started forming on the ceiling of the top shelf, so much so that all our food containers placed there were constantly wet. It became a daily frustration to wipe down the shelf and dry off the containers. I finally had the time to call in a fridge technician, hoping to solve the problem once and for all.

The first technician diagnosed the issue as a loose gasket (rubber seal on the doors) and replaced it. While that initially seemed promising—no more water droplets—the fridge suddenly stopped cooling properly on the same day. Our food was no longer staying cold, which led to an even bigger headache. We had to discard a lot of food from our fridge and freezer. What followed was a long-drawn drama involving five visits from two different technicians, and replacing a faulty defrost sensor in the freezer. Despite all the tinkering and replacement parts, our fridge still isn’t performing at 100%.  The repairs set us back RM800.

The second technician kindly left us a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Apparently, the ideal fridge temperature should be around 4°C. After the fifth repair attempt, the temperature started to drop again, but it’s still inconsistent. During the day, with frequent door openings, the fridge struggles to stay at the optimal temperature. At night, when left undisturbed, it managed to hit the sweet spot of 4°C—just once. And now, the dreaded water droplets are making a comeback on the top shelf ceiling. It’s like a bad cycle we can’t seem to break.

Our fridge will turn 17 this November. That’s a pretty long life by modern standards, I suppose. Electrical appliances nowadays don’t seem to last the way they used to. I remember our old fridge and washing machine at my parents’ house easily lasted over 20 years with barely any issues. Back then, manufacturers took pride in making things durable. Now, it feels like planned obsolescence is the name of the game—if things don’t break, how will they keep selling?

I think it’s finally time to say goodbye to our hardworking fridge and start scouting for a new one. Hopefully, this new investment will last at least one and a half decades.

How old is your fridge? Is it still running well, or is it starting to "cry" like ours?

On 3rd May, our fridge temperature had been hovering above 15 degrees Celsius. All our dairy produce and perishables had to be transferred to the other fridge in the wet kitchen. That fridge has been stuffed full to the brim ever since. Hope it won't conk out too!

Best Gemstones for Earrings to Pair with a Pink Dress

When it comes to fashion, few combinations are as graceful and romantic as a well-paired gemstone earring with a pink dress. Whether you're attending a wedding, a cocktail party, or simply going out for a sophisticated dinner, your earrings play a vital role in completing your look. Pink dresses can range from blush to hot pink, and the gemstone you choose should enhance both the tone of the dress and your personal style.

This guide explores the best gemstones for earrings that pair beautifully with pink dresses, considering factors like color harmony, contrast, occasion, skin tone, and personal flair. From classic diamonds to the playful glow of opals, let’s dive into the top choices that elevate your pink-dress ensemble from pretty to perfect.

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Why Choosing the Right Gemstone Matters

Before we get into the list, it’s important to understand why the choice of gemstone makes such a difference. Earrings are close to your face—they draw attention to your eyes, hair, and skin. When you're wearing a pink dress, the right gemstone can:

• Enhance or complement the tone of your outfit

• Balance your skin undertone

• Make your look cohesive or add intentional contrast

• Set the mood (e.g., soft and romantic or bold and dramatic)

Pink is a color of softness, femininity, and charm—but depending on the shade, it can also be powerful and edgy. A dusty rose dress calls for different accessories than a neon fuchsia one. Now, let’s discover which gemstones best suit this versatile color.

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1. Diamond – Timeless Elegance That Works Every Time

There’s a reason diamonds are a girl's best friend—they go with absolutely everything. Pink and diamond is a match made in heaven. The clarity and sparkle of diamonds accentuate the softness of pink while adding a hint of sophistication.

Why They Work:

• Diamonds reflect light and bring glow to the face.

• Perfect for formal events or bridal wear.

• Ideal for both pale and vibrant pinks.

Best Styles:

• Solitaire diamond studs for minimalism.

• Diamond halos with pink sapphires for more glam.

• Chandelier diamond earrings for black-tie occasions.

Diamonds are especially effective if your pink dress has embellishments or is made of silky fabric—both shimmer beautifully under diamonds’ sparkle.

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2. Pink Sapphire – Harmonizing with a Twist

For a more coordinated look, pink sapphire earrings echo the hue of your dress without getting lost in it. Sapphires come in varying shades of pink—from pale peach to hot magenta—so you can match or complement your specific shade of dress with ease.

Why They Work:

• Enhance pink tones with a deeper or contrasting variation.

• Symbolize love, loyalty, and elegance.

• Offer a modern yet romantic touch.

Best Styles:

• Pink sapphire drops with gold settings for soft pink gowns.

• Deep pink studs for dusty rose or neutral-pink outfits.

• Mixed pink sapphire and diamond hoops for fun, youthful looks.

Pink sapphires work especially well with pastel or muted pinks, where they add just the right touch of depth and complexity.

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3. Morganite – The Romantic Dream

Morganite is a peachy-pink gemstone that oozes femininity and elegance. Its subtle shimmer and soft hue make it a dreamy match for any pink dress, especially blush tones and champagne-pink shades.

Why They Work:

• They blend beautifully without being overly matchy.

• Ideal for vintage or bohemian looks.

• Often paired with rose gold, which complements pink garments.

Best Styles:

• Teardrop morganite earrings with halo diamonds.

• Morganite studs in rose gold for casual or semi-formal wear.

• Boho-inspired morganite danglers for outdoor weddings.

Morganite gives you a warm, glowy look and works across a wide range of pink dress shades—from barely-there baby pink to deep rosewood.

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4. Pearls – Classic and Understated

Pearls and pink dresses? Absolutely. Whether you’re channeling Audrey Hepburn or creating a soft, beachy look, pearls are eternally elegant. Their soft luster contrasts beautifully with pink hues.

Why They Work:

• Add purity and softness to the overall ensemble.

• Perfect for both casual and formal settings.

• Work well with light pinks, rose, and coral tones.

Best Styles:

• Simple pearl studs for clean elegance.

• Pearl drop earrings with gold or diamond accents.

• Baroque pearls for a more contemporary twist.

White, cream, or blush pearls all look fantastic, and freshwater pearls add texture and personality to more minimal pink outfits.

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5. Rose Quartz – Feminine and Flirty

If you're aiming for a soft, romantic, and delicate vibe, rose quartz is a top pick. This pale pink gemstone adds a tender and youthful element to your ensemble.

Why They Work:

• Harmonize naturally with pink fabric tones.

• Great for daytime events and spring/summer looks.

• Offer a soft, loving energy often associated with self-love.

Best Styles:

• Polished rose quartz studs for soft pink sundresses.

• Long rose quartz earrings with rose gold for boho dresses.

• Geometric rose quartz and gold statement pieces for fashion-forward looks.

Rose quartz is more affordable than many gemstones and is ideal for semi-casual or artistic outfits.

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6. Amethyst – A Bold Contrast for Bright Pinks

Pairing your pink dress with amethyst earrings creates a stunning color contrast. The violet tones of amethyst make it ideal for hot pink or fuchsia dresses, providing an edgy and artistic flair.

Why They Work:

• Offer a sophisticated yet unexpected contrast.

• Work well with cool undertones in pink dresses.

• Ideal for evening looks and cocktail attire.

Best Styles:

• Amethyst studs in silver or white gold settings.

• Mixed gemstone earrings (amethyst and diamonds) for sparkle and pop.

• Long purple crystal chandeliers for an artistic fashion statement.

Amethyst is especially bold when your pink dress is vivid or patterned and you want a color-blocked or standout accessory.

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7. Opal – Playful Iridescence for Day or Night

Opals are known for their magical iridescence, often shifting between pink, blue, green, and gold. This means they can subtly reflect the tones in your pink dress, no matter the hue.

Why They Work:

• Their milky base pairs well with blush and nude pinks.

• Iridescent reflections add personality and uniqueness.

• Ideal for whimsical, creative, or artistic looks.

Best Styles:

• White opal studs for minimal elegance.

• Opal drops with diamond or moonstone accents.

• Fire opals (more orange-pink) for deeper pink dresses.

Opals are ideal for pink dresses made of tulle, chiffon, or other dreamy fabrics, giving you an ethereal and artistic vibe.

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8. Ruby – Passion and Drama for Bold Pinks

If you're wearing a deep rose, hot pink, or magenta dress, ruby earrings can help you turn heads. Rich and intense, rubies create an elegant yet passionate statement when paired with darker or jewel-toned pinks.

Why They Work:

• Contrast with light pinks and intensify dark pinks.

• Evoke energy, confidence, and bold femininity.

• Work well for evening or formal events.

Best Styles:

• Ruby studs in gold for timeless glamour.

• Dangling rubies with diamonds for red carpet-level drama.

• Clustered ruby and gemstone floral designs for a romantic punch.

Rubies bring depth and intensity to your look and are best worn when you're aiming for a confident and striking outfit.

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9. Tanzanite – Cool-Toned Sophistication

For cooler-toned pinks like rose or bubblegum, tanzanite earrings offer a chic and unexpected pairing. This blue-violet gem is rare, luxurious, and instantly elevates your look.

Why They Work:

• Complement cool pinks without clashing.

• Ideal for winter weddings or formal occasions.

• Pair well with silver, platinum, or white gold.

Best Styles:

• Simple tanzanite and diamond studs.

• Long tanzanite teardrops for evening gowns.

• Geometric tanzanite shapes for modern flair.

Tanzanite brings mystery and depth to your outfit and offers a nice departure from the more traditional color pairings.

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10. Citrine – A Golden Pop for Warm Pinks

Want to add a sunny twist to your pink outfit? Citrine is a golden-yellow gemstone that brings warmth, joy, and a touch of modern glamour. It works particularly well with coral-pinks or salmon-toned dresses.

Why They Work:

• Add radiant contrast without overwhelming the look.

• Bright and cheerful—perfect for daytime events.

• Offer a playful energy that suits modern or boho aesthetics.

Best Styles:

• Minimal citrine studs with gold backing.

• Mixed citrine and garnet earrings for fall color vibes.

• Statement citrine danglers with pink enamel details.

Citrine works best when you want your earrings to pop and you're not afraid to experiment with color combinations.

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How to Choose the Right Gemstone Based on Dress Shade

Not all pinks are created equal, and the shade of your dress can influence the best gemstone choice. Here’s a quick guide:

• Light Blush Pink: Morganite, Rose Quartz, Pearls, Diamonds

• Soft Dusty Pink: Pink Sapphire, Pearls, Rose Quartz, Amethyst

• Hot Pink / Fuchsia: Amethyst, Ruby, Tanzanite, Diamonds

• Coral Pink / Salmon: Citrine, Morganite, Opal, Rose Quartz

• Magenta / Deep Rose: Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Diamond

Always consider your skin undertone too—cool undertones benefit from gems like amethyst and tanzanite, while warm undertones shine with morganite, citrine, or rose gold settings.

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Final Tips for Pairing Earrings with a Pink Dress

• Consider the neckline: For high necklines, opt for studs or short drops; for off-shoulder or V-neck, go bolder with chandeliers or statement pieces.

• Metal color matters: Silver, platinum, or white gold enhances cool pinks; yellow or rose gold works best with warm pinks.

• Match the mood: Romantic date? Try rose quartz. Corporate gala? Diamonds or pink sapphires. Beach wedding? Pearls or opals.

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Conclusion

Pink dresses are as versatile as they are stunning, and the right gemstone earrings can elevate your look from lovely to unforgettable. Whether you prefer the sparkle of diamonds, the romance of morganite, or the drama of ruby, there’s a perfect gemstone for every shade and style of pink. Use this guide to match your earrings with your pink dress not just by color, but by energy, mood, and occasion. You'll walk into any room radiating confidence, harmony, and beauty.

 

 

 

 

My Morning Ritual: Nourishing the Day with Healthy, Colorful Beverages

Mornings are sacred to me, and not just because they mark the start of a new day. I genuinely look forward to my morning ritual of sipping on a healthy, comforting beverage while taking my daily supplements. There’s something deeply satisfying about fueling my body with nourishing ingredients first thing in the morning—it sets the tone for a mindful, health-focused day ahead.

One of my all-time favorite morning drinks is made with Chinese almond powder. I’ve always loved its unique sweet, and slightly pungent taste. It reminds me of traditional Chinese desserts, but without the guilt. I use the unsweetened version, of course, and I mix it with ground flaxseeds and unsweetened cocoa powder. This has been my staple mid-morning drink for quite a while.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting and expanding my morning beverage blend to include black sesame powder and dehydrated purple sweet potato powder. Both powders are completely natural, unsweetened, and free from additives. The black sesame powder brings a deep, nutty richness, while the purple sweet potato powder adds not only a gorgeous violet hue but also a gentle, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the almond base.

My favorite combo now is a mix of Chinese almond powder, ground flaxseeds, black sesame powder, and purple sweet potato powder. It’s a wholesome, antioxidant-packed drink that’s both tasty and beautiful to look at. The vibrant purple color from the sweet potato powder makes it feel like a treat, and the flavor is delicate yet satisfying.

Interestingly, Sherilyn uses the same purple sweet potato powder to make a syrup for her cafe-style matcha drinks. It’s always fun to see how we all find different ways to enjoy the same ingredients!

I feel that having this variety of healthy morning beverages not only keeps my taste buds excited but also helps me stay on track with my health goals. Every ingredient I choose is carefully selected for its health benefits, and there's a quiet joy in knowing I’m doing something good for my body—even before the day has really begun.

So, what’s your favorite morning drink (besides coffee and tea)? 

My wholesome almond + purple sweet potato beverage. Love the vibrant violet hue! This brand of almond powder that I bought from Lazada is one of the most aromatic, and it's sugar-free.

100% purple sweet potato powder, also purchased from Lazada.

The almond powder (RM25) only lasted 2 weeks. It's pretty expensive for a 200gm tub.