Get the Perfect Sun-Kissed Glow: Sun Labs Tanning Lotions Explained

Everyone loves that healthy, radiant glow, but spending hours under the sun can be risky. Enter Sun Labs tanning lotions, the perfect solution for safe, even tanning at home. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or maintaining a year-round bronze, self suntan lotion Sun Labs products deliver consistent results without harmful UV exposure.

Why Choose Sun Labs?

Sun Labs is renowned for creating high-quality tanning products that cater to all skin types. Their sun tanner Sunlabs line is designed to give you a natural-looking tan that develops evenly over time. Unlike traditional tanning methods, these lotions are formulated to hydrate and nourish your skin while giving it a rich, sun-kissed hue.

How to Use Tanning Lotion Sun Lab Effectively

1. Prep Your Skin: Start with clean, exfoliated skin. Removing dead cells ensures your self suntan lotion Sun Labs applies smoothly and lasts longer.

2. Application: Use a tanning mitt to evenly apply the lotion. Start with thin layers, working in circular motions for streak-free coverage.

3. Drying Time: Allow your skin to dry fully before dressing to avoid transfer. This step is crucial for a flawless finish.

4. Maintenance: Moisturize daily to prolong your tan and prevent patchiness. Sun Labs lotions are designed to blend beautifully with your skin, but hydration keeps your glow lasting longer.

Benefits of Sun Tanner Sunlabs Products

• Natural-Looking Tan: No orange tones, just a healthy bronze.

• Hydrating Formula: Keeps skin soft and smooth while tanning.

• Customizable Color: Build your tan gradually by layering for deeper shades.

• Safe and Convenient: Enjoy a sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure.

Tips for Best Results

• Exfoliate before each application to avoid uneven patches.

• Apply lotion in natural light for better accuracy.

• Use sparingly on elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent darker spots.

• Wash hands immediately after application to avoid stained palms.

With these tips, achieving a perfect tan has never been easier. Whether you’re a first-time user or a tanning enthusiast, tanning lotion Sun Lab and sun tanner Sunlabs products give you control over your desired shade while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

Embrace the convenience and confidence that comes with a flawless tan. Say goodbye to sunburns and uneven tanning, and say hello to the effortless glow only Sun Labs tanning products can provide.

A Surprise Dinner at Mauceri, Khloe Hotel

Last Saturday, my husband surprised us with an unplanned dinner outing. All of us assumed, as usual, that we would be heading to our neighbourhood tai chow restaurant. But the moment we got into the car, he casually announced that he would be taking us to a place called Mauceri. None of us had heard of it, and we had absolutely no idea where it was.

It wasn’t until we were about to arrive that we realised the restaurant is inside Khloe Hotel, a boutique hotel in Bukit Bintang. That was when it hit us — we were all dressed in our sloppy, stay-at-home clothes, perfectly fine for tai chow, but definitely not for an elegant Italian restaurant. Still, we walked into Mauceri trying our best to look confident, pretending we belonged there despite our very “at home” outfits. I consoled myself that I was at least wearing a pair of Nike shorts, Nike sneakers and a sexy sleeveless bra top 😁

Hubby ordered quite a spread: roasted beetroot salad, kale salad, linguine vongole, squash ravioli, linguine prawn, tagliolini (crab meat, lemon and butter), roast chicken and fries. For dessert, he chose a Tiramisu, and the chef surprised us with an orange granita on the house. The food was delicious, and we enjoyed each other’s company.  The tagliolini was superb but the portion was really small.

Almost everyone was present for the dinner, including Alycia’s best friend. The only thing missing was Cassandra, who couldn’t join us because she was busy revising for her SPM.

Growing Up in Ipoh

Every time I think about my childhood, my mind takes me back to Ipoh — the town where everything felt a little slower, a little kinder, and a lot more familiar. Growing up in Ipoh wasn’t glamorous or dramatic, but it was wonderfully simple, and that simplicity shaped who I am today.

The Neighbourhood Days

Back then, life revolved around the neighbourhood. All the children played outside until the sky turned orange and our mothers started shouting from the gate that it was dinner time. We didn’t have iPads, mobile phones, Netflix, or air-conditioned shopping malls to hide in. Our playground was the longkang outside the house, where we caught tadpoles, the field down the road, and the road right outside our houses, where we played badminton, marbles, hopscotch, and flew kites. My favourite evening activity was cycling around my neighbourhood, plucking flowers along the way and at the riverbank, where I would stand at a distance from the river just to listen to the sounds of the river water.  My second favourite activity was climbing my grandmother’s guava tree, helping her to pluck ripe guavas, and simply lying down on the branches of the strong guava tree, pretending that it was a tree house.

Nobody cared about sunblock and hand sanitiser. Nobody cared about being “proper.” Childhood was just… childhood. I don’t even remember washing my hands after playing and went straight to the dining table to have dinner.

The Food That Raised Me

Ipoh is famous for its food, and trust me, it deserves the reputation. Even as a child, the flavours of home were everything:

• The kaya and peanut butter toast tasted better because both the kaya and peanut butter were hand-made by my grandmother.

• The kopi shuet (iced kopi) tasted so ‘kaw’ and aromatic, and it only cost less than a Ringgit.

• The chee cheong fun with red sweet sauce that still tastes the same today.

• The curry mee, Hor Hee (fish ball noodles) and Kai Si Hor Fun (shredded chicken flat noodles) were always comfort food.

As children, we didn’t know about “heritage food” or “Ipoh cuisine.” We just knew everything tasted good — and cheap. Now, thinking back, those simple meals were a big part of our childhood happiness.

There was always someone in the kitchen, someone watching TV, someone shouting from the living room for no reason. The house was noisy but warm — the kind of warmth that stays with you for life.

The Simplicity That We Didn’t Appreciate

When we were young, we didn’t realise how lucky we were:

• No traffic jams – I cycled to the tuition centre about 3km away from my house on my racer bike.

• No stress about safety – I often went camping on islands with my besties and a group of boys from another school.  And there was no hanky panky with those boys.

• No pressure to “keep up” with anything – there was no social media pressure.

Our days were filled with routine, but it was a good routine — school in the morning, naps in the afternoon, playtime outside the house in the evening, TVB dramas at night, and weekends spent at the swimming pool.

Now, as an adult, I miss that simplicity more than I ever expected.

Ipoh’s Magic

Ipoh may not be a big city, but it has a charm that’s hard to explain. It’s in the limestone hills that surround the town. It’s in the old shophouses with faded paint. It’s in the smell of white coffee drifting out from the kopitiam.

No matter where life takes me, part of my heart will always remain there — in those quiet streets, those old memories, and those moments that whispered, “This is home.”

Looking back, I realise — it was the foundation of everything good in my life. Who knows, I will be back to my roots again to live there for the remaining years of my life.

Me at Concubine Lane, Ipoh, in March 2023.

A Gloomy Morning, A Hot Soup & An Unexpected “Paparazzi Moment”

This morning felt a little different — in a good way.

Most days, the morning heat in KL is so intense that eating at a coffee shop means ending up drenched in sweat, especially if I dare to order something piping hot like bitter gourd minced pork soup. And to make it worse, I’d still have to walk back to the car park under the blazing sun. No, thank you!

But today, the sky was slightly gloomy, and the air felt slightly cool. It’s the rainy season now, which means one thing: I can finally enjoy my beloved bitter gourd pork soup without melting.

So off I went to the coffee shop for breakfast. A hot, comforting bowl of bitter gourd minced pork soup on a cool morning — pure bliss. No sweat moustache. No overheating. Just peace.

After finishing my bowl, I walked to the next coffee shop to get takeaway chicken breast for Cass. As I was standing there waiting for my order, minding my own business, something unexpected happened. But I didn't know until I got home.

When I checked my WhatsApp messages on my PC, I saw a photo of me. Standing at the coffee shop. Waiting for the chicken breast.

Someone had snapped a picture of me without me even realizing it!

My personal “paparazzi” was at work again.

Yes, my friendly little stalker spotted me and sent me the evidence. 😂

I guess gloomy mornings not only bring me good soup… but surprise photoshoots too!

My photo taken without my permission 😐

My wholesome bowl of minced pork soup with lots of bitter gourd. Healthy and high in protein.

When Lizards Party and Heroes Emerge

After years of being Haru’s favorite prey, the lizards in our house have clearly realized that their predator has retired from active duty. Haru, my once fearless little huntress, used to chase and kill lizards like it was her life’s mission. But these days, she doesn’t find this game entertaining anymore. As a result, the lizards have started throwing their nightly parties again — right under our noses!

Yesterday, one of these uninvited guests — a big, fat lizard — gave me quite a scare. It suddenly hopped over my foot and darted into hiding. I called for Haru to “come and have a look at the lizard,” and she came running, tail flicking with curiosity. She looked ready to pounce, but I stopped her and told her my usual line: “Let it go.” Over time, Haru has learned what that means. I do the same for insects like bees or bugs — I let them fly away safely through the balcony.

Thankfully, Maria, our part-time helper, was around yesterday. She turned out to be my hero of the day. With unbelievable calmness, she caught the fat lizard with her bare hands! This wasn’t even her first time — she had done it before. Maria told me that she grew up in a village in Indonesia where lizards were everywhere, so she’s not the least bit bothered by them. I, on the other hand, was equal parts amazed and horrified!

After the capture, I asked her to release the lizard at the condo stairwell — far enough from my unit, hopefully.

Are you afraid of lizards? I wouldn’t say I’m terrified, but I do dislike their presence at home — mainly because of the droppings they leave behind. But when it comes to roaches, that’s a different story. I’ll faint at the sight of one, and that’s the only pest I’ll personally hunt down and kill without hesitation!

What about you — team “let it go” or team “kill it before it crawls again”?

Ewwwwww!

From Little Trophies to Big Exams: Watching Cass Grow

While scrolling through my Google Photos of yesteryears, one picture stopped me right in my tracks. It was dated November 2016 – nine years ago. There was Cass, just an 8-year-old in Standard 2, standing proudly on stage with a trophy in her hands. She had won an award for outstanding academic results and was ranked among the top five in her entire standard.

Hubby and I were there, sitting in the school hall, waiting eagerly for her name to be called. When she walked up the stage, petite and confident, our hearts swelled with pride. It felt like such a big milestone at that time – and truly, it was.

Fast forward nine years, and here she is today, in the thick of preparing for SPM, the most important exam of her 11 years of schooling. I can’t help but feel emotional looking at that tiny little girl on stage and comparing her to the determined young lady she is now. She’s been putting so much effort into revising, pushing through long days and stressful nights. I hope she will do well in SPM. Every parent hopes for good results, but more than anything, I hope she feels proud of how hard she has worked.

And honestly, regardless of what her results turn out to be, I am already so proud of her. Cass has spent 11 years in Chinese education – plus 3 years of Chinese-medium kindergarten. That’s 14 years of learning in a language her parents can’t read or write. Imagine how challenging that must have been. Yet she never gave up. She survived and thrived in a top-performing primary school (KC2), followed by one of the best Chinese Independent high schools in Malaysia.

So yes, while As are nice, her journey matters so much more. Her discipline, her resilience, her ability to adapt, and her courage to keep going speak louder than any grade ever could.

From that little 8-year-old trophy winner to the young lady sitting for SPM, she has come such a long way. And no matter what comes next, I will always be proud of her.

Nail Health Meets Nail Art: How to Keep Your Nails Strong While Having Fun

Beautiful nails start with healthy foundations. Nail art is not just a fashion statement, it is a form of creative expression that allows you to show personality and confidence. While it has become a major beauty trend, it is important to remember that strong, well-cared-for nails make the best canvas. Many Australians are embracing nail designs that reflect their unique style, from subtle minimalist looks to bold, vibrant patterns. However, frequent treatments, polish changes, and extensions can sometimes take a toll on nail strength. With the right balance of creativity and care, you can enjoy stylish nails without sacrificing their health.

Start with Nail Care Basics
Before diving into nail art, a simple routine can make all the difference. Keep nails clean and trimmed, moisturise your cuticles regularly, and avoid using nails as tools for opening or scraping surfaces. When removing old polish, use acetone-free removers to prevent dryness. A gentle nail file is better than aggressive buffing, which can weaken layers of the nail. Little daily habits like these maintain a healthy base, making polish and designs last longer.

Choose Quality Products

Your choice of polish and accessories matters just as much as your design. Cheap or poor-quality nail products can contain harsh ingredients that cause brittleness or peeling. Investing in professional-grade tools and polishes, such as those from reputable brands like NSI Nails Australia, ensures that your nails are treated with care. These products are formulated to deliver vibrant colour without compromising the health of your nail plate. Always look for toxin-free options that are labelled as “5-free” or “10-free,” which means they avoid common harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP.

Prep Before Every Application
Healthy nail art begins before the first brushstroke. Always start with clean, dry nails and apply a nourishing base coat. A good base coat forms a barrier between your natural nails and coloured polish, preventing staining and providing essential hydration. It also helps polish adhere better and reduces chipping. If you are applying gel nails or acrylic extensions, make sure the nail surface is gently buffed but not over-filed. This protects the nail bed from thinning and splitting.

Give Your Nails a Break
Even though nail art is fun, your nails need time to breathe. Regularly take short breaks between manicures to allow natural nail regeneration. During these rest periods, apply cuticle oils and nail strengtheners. Keeping nails bare for a few days can restore moisture levels and improve flexibility. Consider using a biotin supplement or incorporating more protein and leafy greens into your diet, as nutrition plays a key role in nail health.

Nail Art That Supports Wellness
The trend towards minimalist and natural nail looks is growing, especially among Australians who prefer sustainable and health-conscious beauty routines. Simple touches like soft gradients, negative-space designs, or a single accent nail can look chic while being gentle on your nails. For more detailed insights on nail health, you can read this helpful resource from Better Health.

Caring for your nails does not mean compromising on creativity. With mindful choices, you can enjoy every polish, pattern, and sparkle while keeping your nails strong, healthy, and beautiful. For premium nail products and inspiration, visit NSI Nails Australia.

 

SPM Begins

The first day of SPM kicked off nationwide yesterday, Monday, 3 November 2025. The very first paper for all candidates across Malaysia was the Bahasa Malaysia Oral test.

The current Form 5 cohort is the first in the history of the country to have never taken the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) and Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3).

The USPR examinations were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and officially abolished the following year. Meanwhile, PT3 was cancelled in 2021 and officially abolished in 2022.

SPM is Cass's very first major exam.

Cass’s session ended early, at around 9-something in the morning. But instead of heading home with the van driver as usual, she took public transport to Mid Valley. Her plan? A quiet lunch followed by a study session at a coffee outlet.

That’s Cass—she can never sit in the same place for too long. Her study spots are always changing depending on her mood and inspiration. Sometimes it’s her room, other times the dining table, the poolside gazebo, or anywhere serene enough to keep her focused. She even brings her books to the skating rink and squeezes in revision between her skating sessions.

This week is a breather for her as she doesn’t have any more exams until next Monday, when the English Oral test takes place. Although the SPM stretches over almost two months, Cass only has 11 papers, so she doesn’t need to go to school every day. That means more flexible revision time—something she loves.

And while SPM is every Form 5 student’s biggest academic milestone, Cass and her friends are also excitedly planning their high school prom. Between studying, skating, and prom preparations, she’s managing everything with a calm heart and balanced mindset. 

Here’s to a smooth SPM journey for Cass and all the students out there. May the next two months be filled with strength, clarity, confidence, and good health!

I discovered last Saturday that Cass is a good boozer! We were having dinner of lala hotpot and hubby ordered a bottle of Tiger beer. Cass tried a sip, then another and before we all realized it, she drank 3 small glasses of Tiger beer without getting drunk!  She said beer tastes like kefir! 😂