[Lifestyle] JB 2D1N getaway - City Square Mall, Taman Sentosa Food and Things to do

Hey guys,

Where did you go for your Labour Day holidays?

It was a long weekend for many of us.

Well, I was practically still working on that day but went to Johor Bahru the next day morning for my escapade. :)

There's really alot of things to do in JB. 

We had it planned way before going in.

We'd booked our hotel room way before this planned trip so that we know our room was reserved. Kiasu indeed. haha!

Play safe lah huh, you know it's really hard to predict especially you do not know the country so well. (I only go JB like 3-4 times a year just for shopping and food and it's always a day trip!) 

This time round is just more of a chilling trip. Didn't really plan to go drinking that night. 

Maybe next time round with friends. :)

So here's what we roughly planned..

To-Do List:

- Watch Movie (Avengers: Age of Ultrons .. Wah MUST-WATCH!)

- Food (duh?!)

- Watch Man United Football Match

- Sleep

- Food again...

- Buy Goodies back for parent

- Buy whatever!

haha!

Went to Bugis bus terminal to board the bus.

SG-JB custom

Ticket was S$3.30 one-way.

Passed the JB custom, we head over to City Square Mall to purchase the movie tickets.

Kiasu the tickets sold out or seats available are miserable 

so we bought early. 

(Movie at 7:15pm,we bought at 2:30pm lol!)

Don't say I don't share hor...

Here's the new Cathay movie ticket prices:

It was weekend so we paid RM18 for each ticket.

At time of trip, the exchange rate was 2.69 so each ticket was a mere SGD6.70?! 

Where to get sia?!

After getting our tickets, we were pretty hungry (we didn't had anything in the morning, except an ice cream with bread from the ice cream uncle at Bugis Mrt carpark), I suggested having Arashi hotpot restaurant for our brunch.

It was Melvin's first time. :)

Had the Salmon/Pork & Salmon/Chicken set with Tomyam Broth/Herbal Broth.

2 Drinks: Golden tea Ice Drink (mine) and Ice Lemon Tea (his)

Add on: Slice Pork Collar

Resulting the bill to be about RM104 so in SGD is about S$38.70.

Slightly on the high side but it's very filling and the soup was sedap!

*yeap, I removed my hair extensions. Back to mid-length hair. 

Our drinks.

The Ice Lemon Tea was pretty different from the other places we'd tried before.

It's refreshing and not sweet at all.

The Golden tea drink was really made of real tea leaves and flowers.

No sweetness at all but it's pretty good for cooling down.

After our meal at Arashi, We walk around, had our hair trimmed at Reds.

Well, I won't say it was a great experience there or what but I won't visit that salon again. EVER.

The guy that assisted Melvin and me was literally busy bringing in customers, cutting our hair, asking his colleagues or staff (I suppose he's the shop owner or at least a manager there) to tidy up the place after doing their job for their customer and blar blar... ALL AT ONCE! Like hello, you asked us to wait, we waited, And when it's our turn, he just do a swift job, anyhow do one. -_-'''
The price list on the counter stated
RM40nett for Males and Females RM48 and above BUT....

My hair length was just touching the shoulder and all he needs to do was just trimming my hair ends and layer it which he did it very fast because his focus was everywhere and I got charged RM65+.

wtf..

Fine, it's fine though.. But when we are done and ready to pay, he says our bills got to add GST.

He separated our bills which I thought the male's bill would be RM40nett.
I was WRONG!

I was like huh? Okay? If you're charging me with GST I'm pretty fine but your price list stated for guys is nett price and you're charging him GST too?

Seriously not very professional. 

Plus he did hurt Melvin several times when he trimmed his hair on the sides because he was in rush to reprimand his staff or colleagues or whatever. Melvin had to remind him to go slow and not in a rush and have to ask him to trim gently. People's head leh hello. -_-'''

Never going back*

Anyway, after that bad encounter, we went shopping around.
That really helps calm me down. haha!

He bought a pair of casual shoes at only RM49.90 ( SGD18.55). 

Pretty good deal I must say.
And I bought some eyeliners and makeup from Sasa and Watson's.
No picture because lazy to take. heh heh.

Made him take a picture with Hulk at Action City and he pose like this for me. LOL!

Oh!!

If you're always going home late or suspecting someone stalking you home, you can get this!

Pepper Spray!

I don't know if it's legal or what to buy this back to SG but it seems pretty legit since Watson's in JB sells it yah.

Watched the movie.. omg! Super nice! I was enjoying every bit of it and yah, even my 'neighbor' was shaking his leg, I enjoyed it. haha!
Took a cab to our hotel to check in.

No hotel photos because I don't quite like the idea of taking pictures in hotel room especially when it's dark at night. I scared lah okay.

After leaving our things in the hotel room, we head to the coffee shop opposite for our dinner.

*p.s: Don't mind my photo-taking because I was taking the food photos in a dark environment, I have to take them in flash aiyah you get what I mean. heehee.

This is basically right opposite our hotel, Grand Sentosa Hotel located at Taman Sentosa.

The popular hawker where there's stalls selling Zi-Char and Beggar Chicken?
Yeap, it's pretty near there, or rather it's approximately a 10mins walk.

And this is like da bomb there!

Barbeque and green chili goes super well. Blogging this now makes me salivate already omg.

These are just some of the yummies you can pick, there's pretty much of a good variety there you can choose from. But don't say I never remind you, You gotta wait for your order to be served and it might take pretty long because some other tables already picked their items and they really pick alot lah can. Like mountain-full sticks of food! 

Must-order that chicken meat look alike haha.

 I really don't know what's that called but it's damn yummy!
this plate of delicious costs only RM19!! SGD$7 only!! 

Must dip this green chili sauce! 

Ordered stir-fry lala.

Nice~

Sambal fried rice because my boy loves sambal fried rice.
It rhymes~ haha!

Sambal four season beans.

Crunchy but a tad lil oily.

Still, it's nice~

All these for less than RM 60= SGD22.30. 

wO_Ow

Went to De Cave for some light refreshments after our dinner.

Located just beside our hotel.

Watched a depressing Man united Match that night.
Very sad that Man united didn't win.
There's live band going on and the lady sing pretty well.

He drank beer while I have orange juice.

Rained that night too.

Off to hotel to chill and zzz.

NEXT DAY~~~

Checked out of our hotel at 12noon and headed to the other side towards the famous hawker to check out some food places for brunch.

Settled for their local economic rice stall.

Very simple fare but it's good enough to start our day :)

Headed back to City Square by cab and went to buy some yummy goodies for our parent
before we go back to SG.
These bought from a store, Mika. They have quite a good range of designed and yummy sponge rolled cakes!
Like it that the cream's not too sweet and they're pretty cute!

Had to head back to SG early for my mum's birthday dinner.

Oh!
If you're going to head back to Queen Street via the Causeway link Buses, do get small change in Ringgits though they accept Singapore dollars but ringgits more worth mah.

RM3.40 back to SG Queen Street, S$3.40 Back to Sg Queen Street.
Which one you think worth?


DUH!
So do remember to get some small change before going to the custom.
*Those guys in CW uniforms will NOT help you change your notes! so
GIVE EXACT OK!

Will share some photos on that occasion soon too!

Oh! I didn't forget about my Hongkong trip as well.

Will be sharing very soon. :)

Till then,

Zerika-says

xoxo 

Follow me at:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/zerika.says / Personal FB page

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zerikagan

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[Food - Dessert] F&N introduced The Inspired Chef ice creams - Artisanal Ice Cream Now Available Exclusively at NTUC FairPrice Finest and NTUC FairPrice Xtra!

 

 

 

Are you an Ice Cream Lover like me?

You are going to get spoilt!



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F&N introduced The Inspired Chef ice creams,
 

specially concocted by local culinary experts!

 'Caramel Popcorn Avalanche' by Chef Janice Wong

founder and owner of 2am:dessertbar and restaurant



 

 

 

As a local household brand,

F&N collaborated with locally renowned celebrity chefs to concoct the unique range of artisanal ice cream, The Inspired Chef.

 

The inaugural range of The Inspired Chef ice cream features flavours by chefs Pang Kok Keong of Antoinette, and Chef Willin Low of Wild Rocket.

 

 

 

 

 

By applying their local and international knowledge along with best-in-class culinary skills, these celebrated chefs have created inspiring recipes for the local palate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The specially concocted flavours are: Double Peanut Fudge, White Chocolate & Black Sesame, Raspberry Cheesecake Rumble and Divine Chocolate Tart. 

 

 

 

This delectable range of ice cream is now available exclusively at
NTUC FairPrice Finest and NTUC FairPrice Xtra!

 

 

  

 

 

Feeling Lazy?

 

The Inspired Chef is available at http://inspiredchef.sg/ too!

Get it send to your doorstep!

 

(*S$14.90 per pint; a minimum purchase of two pints is required.)

*A delivery charge of S$3.50 applies.

 

 

oh my... I am going to get my hands on that White Chocolate & Black Sesame and Caramel Popcorn Avalanche! So Yummilicious!

 

*Disclaimer: Above images are from http://inspiredchef.sg/

 

 

xoxo,
Zerika-says 

 



[Food Review + Discounts] Dining experience at Mellben Signature - New dishes that you MUST TRY and there's discounts too!

Hi Everyone,

I'm back with another yummy-licious food review and I've listed this place as one of my favorite seafood place to go!

I bet many of you might have heard of AMK Mellben Seafood Restaurant.

They're really experts in crab dishes and many others.

Been hearing great reviews and raves from my fellow friends and I'm so happy I get to try it this time!

They've recently opened another new branch (*sister brand) near Tanjong Pagar!

MELLBEN SIGNATURE
Bestway Building, 
12 Prince Edward Road
Singapore 079212

The location is easy to find. It only takes you approx. 6 mins to reach here from Tanjong Pagar MRT!
Just go to Tanjong Pagar MRT and take Exit D, then walk towards Prince Edward Road, 
it is located inside Bestway Building. :)

*There's parking lots available too, but are chargeable.

Can't wait to dig in those delicious goodies!

Garlic Steamed Bamboo Clam

I'm a sucker for dishes with garlic! It's THE BEST ingredient one can use to flavor any dishes!

I love this alot because it's done well, not losing its tangy-ness with loads of garlic to compliment! NICE~

 Deep Fried Yam Scallop

I personally liked this dish because I've tried many yam dishes but usually are the traditional ones 
(*Yam ring), but this is good to share with family and friends. Not only that, the outer layer was fried till crisp and the scallop is still as fresh with its juices oozing out. Not too drying or oily at all.

You can choose to dip with the sauce provided but I would suggest to go without it so that you can taste its natural flavor. :)


Nonya Style Steamed Fish
If you like sweet, sour with a little spicy kick, you can order this to try. 
The fish is fresh and the flavors are well combined. Not too overpowering.

 Mango Prawns
Pretty unique dish I would say.
The sauce is not too sweet and love the freshness of the prawns even though they've fried it.

Signature Salted Egg Pork Ribs
When you hear salted egg dishes, you'll only think of prawns, crabs and maybe squids.
How about Pork Ribs?
Its deliciously tender. No wonder its their Signature dish :)

 Signature Seafood Beancurd
Crisp on the outside, soft in the inside.

XO Sauce Asparagus with Shimeji Mushrooms
Getting sick of oyster sauce veggies or Hongkong Style veggies?
Maybe you can try this dish as it still brings out the natural flavor of the mushrooms and asparagus.

Icy Sweet & Sour Pork

This is one of their newly invented dish which i must say is pretty interesting!

Tried Sweet & Sour Pork in ice and longan?

This is definitely my first time!

The outer crisp was still preserved and the tender pork meat is still warm despite the food is mixed with ice.

Many might have know this:
Mellben Signature is well known for their crab dishes especially the must-try crab beehoon and butter crabs! 
The best part of it is that they only uses live crab and that already tells you how fresh their ingredients are!




That's a whole lot of it and they are really big!


Selfie time with crabbies~ HOHOHO!
I'm gonna have you in my tummy~


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And so here it is....

CRAB DISHES!

 Chilli Crab
Many of you know about this dish.
You'll never go wrong with this dish. Never. And you must order it with 'Man Tou' (mini fried buns). Nuff'said.

Creamy Butter Crab
The creamy butter doesn't overpower the natural flavor of the crab and seriously, the crab is super fresh!!

 Claypot Crab Bee Hoon Soup
The broth is rich and milky with all the goodness of the big, succulent crab.
yummmm....*must-try :)

 Double Boiled Hashima in Rock Sugar and Red Dates
We end our dinner with this healthy dessert that's great for its health and beauty benefits!
Served hot but if you prefer it cold, just pour some ice into it.

Generous amount of Hashima!

Thank you Mellben Signature for having us!
Thanks Pretty babe, Maybeline too! <3

Delicious food all cleared by us! Yeap, We're very hungry lot! hahaha!
Great to catch up with friends too!

Mellben Signature is located at

• Bestway Building, 
• 12 Prince Edward Road
• Singapore 079212

Facebook: Mellben Signature

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mellbensignature

For reservation, contact 81112823 or 62205512!

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DISCOUNTS??

..::::..*Quote "Zerika" for 15% off for bills above $150 from now to end of Aug 2014! ..::::..

Super worth right!!

Shall organize an evening and bring my parents for a delectable dinner at Mellben Signature before the promo ends! hurhur^^ 

Till then,

Zerika Says

xoxo

[Zerika says] My Birthday Month - April 2014: Steamboat, Mookata, K Box, Horse racing and many more memories!

Yoooz,

It's been a tremendous awesome month (April of course) for me.

I wasn't expecting anything much because I've learnt to just enjoy whatever that I have, that I can with people that I love and loved me.
<3

Share with you guys what I did then..  

It's in random because I cannot remember (in orders) what exactly I did! 
I'll let the pictures speaks :)

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I'm always a fan of mookata (thai version of BBQ and Steamboat) and at the same time very wary of my diet. Lolol.. It's a girl's thing.

Thankfully, I get to satisfy my craving!
Thanks to my dear girl, Micole and her boyfriend, Ben, for inviting us to crash their dating night and becomes a double date night instead. hehe :)

We had our fix at Huay Kwang Thai Kitchen Moo Ka Ta and I kinda enjoy the marinated chicken such as the black pepper and the tom yam chicken. The girls (me and Micole) were chatting on skincare and food while the boys (Ben and Melvin) chatting on Dota and Football.
Very typical topics! haha!

It's pretty warm there (duh!) so do wear comfy.
We had Buffet and it's about S$35++ per pax excluding drinks.

Huay Kwang Thai Kitchen MooKaTa

Address No. 9 Townshend Road Singapore, Singapore 207607 Phone 8686 9990

***

Melvin brought me to Shallots at Marina Square, The Dining Edition for my birthday dinner.

It was kind of a smart casual chillax fine-dining restaurant.

He had his favorite pasta while I had a 3-course meal that consists of a soup of the day, a main course and a dessert.

I had the dessert all by myself because he doesn't take sweet stuff.
Wee~  Always have extra 'space' in my tummy for desserts even though I'm freaking full! haha!

Food wise, the mushroom soup is thick and with generous chunks of mushrooms.
The main that I've ordered was quite appetizing as well. Sweet, sourish and a tinge of spicy sauce was drizzled around the grilled fish and yeap, I'd finished them all. *burp*

Shallots

Address #02-101 Marina Link. Singapore, Singapore Phone 6338 5290 Website http://www.thediningedition.com/

***

Had dinner on one of the Sunday with my parents at Wisma, TCC because I'm a TCC member.
I have the 50% off promotion for Birthday members on their first visit, and 30% off on the second visit during the birthday month!
Very worth! :)

I love their Baby Crayfish salad and it's a must-order dish whenever I visit TCC.
The overall bill comes up to be around S$80+-.

We really had alot for only 3 person. 

***

Happy because I have a new hair sponsor which I am proud to say they've rescued my manes and am loving it.

Did a 3-tone gradient, thanks to Apple and Chloe from Matsui Hair Studio.

Go check them out for a haircut, chemical services or even just a pampering treatment session!
They're the professionals! :)

Super love my hair now and can't wait for the next session!

Matsui Hair Studio

Address: 201 Victoria Street, Bugis+

#03-15

Singapore 188067

Contact: 6634 8700

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After my hair appointment with Matsui hair Studio, BB came and have dinner with me and I was craving for steamboat so we decided to have Suki-Ya.
Oh my gawd, I am addicted to the soup base: Pork Collagen or I don't know what is that called.

If you are craving for meat, you can visit Suki-Ya. :)
They also have soft-serve ice cream to end your meal!
Part of the buffet price you paid! :)



***

Ever since Debra started her work, we seldom meet up but once in a while this babe of mine will pop by the shop to visit me. Thank goodness she's able to make it for dinner on Good Friday with me.

We decided to check out Shuffle Bistro Bar at Clarke Quay.
It was definitely a night to remember. Miss this girl so much.

There's a live band performance and they serve pretty extensive range of food such as
 fried rice (Chinese Style) and Italian pastas.
We also ordered a bucket of beer to chill and chat while having dinner.

Why are you looking SO Shocked?? hahaha^^

Shuffle Bistro Bar @ Clarke Quay

3D River Valley Road, Clarke Quay

#02-03, Singapore 179023

Tel: 6338 9438

Mon -Thu: 6pm - 12am; Fri & Sat: 6pm - 3am

After which, we went to Bedok Point K Box to continue our night.

I've been visiting that place for the umpteen times. haha!

Been going there partly because Ben is working there and K Box is one of the place where you can let go yourself and have fun... in an enclosed room. 

*Sorry for the low quality photos because I'm using iPhone and you know when you're drinking and laughing like an idiot in the room and trying your best to be steady while taking a photo.. it's hard. lolol!

It has become a weekend must-go place for us. It used to be at Safra Mount Faber K Box and now it's Bedok Point. It's nearer to BB and my place. :)


Some noms and beer to kick start the weekends~
We love singing to random songs and in between blasting some clubbing hits and dance along some Kpop music!

We love clean toilets. 

 love the lighting at the toilet so must do selfie. haha

 

Bedok Point K Box Karaoke

Address 799 New Upper Changi Road #04-09/18 Singapore, Singapore 467351 Phone 6552 3113 Website http://www.kbox.com.sg/Home.aspx

***

My next love (food) is sashimi. I can never get enough of it!

And so Alex di brought me to Standing Sushi bar one fine day.
Invited Verlyn babe along so we can have dinner together before heading to Bedok Point K Box for singing session.

Yup, every week I'm there. Sometimes even 2-3 times a week!
 Think the staff see my face also sian. lolol!

When we reached, there's already a long queue!

Selfies while queuing.. We are that bored. haha!


Once we got in, we ordered a dragon sushi roll, 2x garlic rice, 50 slices of salmon sashimi and 3x Asahi Beer.

All for S$92 only (3pax)!!

 Look at those bellies~ *Drools*
 

Cheers!

 

There's promotions on Mondays and Thursdays where you get to order 5 slices of  salmon sashimi at only S$3! Good deal or what! The only minus point I hope the management can improve is.. the bad-ass queue. Takes about 40 mins - 1 hour to get a table and settle in. 

Standing Sushi Bar at Queen Street

Address: 8 Queen Street

Website: http://www.standingsushibar.com

Me and Verlyn on our way to Bedok Point for our singing fix! :)

 

***

Some random photos I took and I can't remember when because all these are taken when we're at Bedok Point K Box! lolol!

BB and his centre-parting.. so chio~

Verlyn and me on the other day!
*hope you are feeling better! <3

And she does sing with feelings. One of the great voice I've heard so far. :)




And...
oh! I remember this!
It's my bday eve! hahaha!
Check out those noms!

And check out the two cuties below... hahaha*


The other day BB came after my work and we headed for Sushi Express at City Link.
They've had renovated and seems brighter than before.
It's one of the place we will head to if we have cravings on salmon sashimi.

This was taken the other day at Safra Mount Faber K Box while BB had his soccer fix.
 Man United rules~
<3

***

It's my first time visiting Singapore Turf Club, thanks to HP and Evalee! :)

We had privileged to view the race at a comfortable settings at the Derby Room.
The crowd over there are either the owners of the racing horses or even Datuks.
Serving food and beverages such as beer, wine and juices.

There's also a booth for us to take some Polaroid pictures.

HP even taught us how to bet on the horses..
So...
I bet on Race 6, Horse 1 Speedy Cat! lolol!

Evalee as well...

And we won because we bet on "places" which means our horse is in the Top 3 rank! :)
YAY! S$41 for just a S$5 bet! Beginner's luck they said~ hehehe^^

It was an enjoyable day spent with the right people! :)
*The guy on the left very humorous hor?* haha!

Great to know new friends! Hi dan :)

We even had complimentary Henna Art too!

It was one hell'load of fun and enjoyment at the turf club!

I'm even impressed with their private rooms where you can hold a private party, conference, and even seminar with caterings at a scenic view looking over at the course.

And it's the Singapore International Racing Festival in May! 

Join them for an array of equine related fun and activities, promotions and contests where you can stand a chance to win iPad Air and cash prizes. 

More info here: http://j.mp/PFvw4N

Singapore Turf Club

• 1 Turf Club Avenue, Singapore Racecourse
• Kranji, Singapore 738078
• 
  
• Phone:  6879 1000
• Website:  http://www.turfclub.com.sg

***


Met up with Melody the other day and made full use of the TCC 30% off Birthday Month privilege!

Manage to guess my order?

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lololol! Yup! It's still the baby crayfish salad!

Our drinks..

Melody's Spaghetti

Great to catch up with Melly and then, TZ came by and we chat for awhile before parting.

It was a great evening spent.

<3 Miss you babe~


***

Dearest mummy got me a fruit birthday cake and I can has skinny candles to go with it! 

wee~ 

***

Birthday outing to City Square, JB.

We were deciding where to have our first meal at City Square and I suggested Seoul Garden because I rarely go to the one in Singapore because I think I can have a better meal elsewhere.
Ok fine. It's just my thoughts.

But but....
I was calculating the price of an adult for a lunch buffet at Seoul Garden in SG and I was shocked that in JB, it's like half the price! Adults prices are only less than S$15????
The exchange rate is awesome!

Like so worth lah!
Overall is a great experience plus money well-spent! :)

In the evening, we decided to go for something light.
Okay not really light at all as you can see there's still meat.

We went to Canton-i. I remembered that Singapore has one outlet at Ion Orchard too.
It's a little pricey in SG.

The porridge is one of the highlight because my mum loves porridge and they manage to cook it right.

She's super fussy eater when it comes to porridge.

Our standard orders of porridge and XO sauce Fried carrot Cake (my favourite!).
The basket of chicken was actually a steal because there's a promotion going-on where diners with more than 3 pax who dine-in from 6pm onwards can order 1 set of that at only RM1!!
You didn't see it wrongly, it's really RM1 !!

It was a fun day spent over at JB.

But be-warned of the massive human queue at the custom, after the custom and while queuing for the buses. I tell you, I sweat like mad and we waited for almost 2 hours + then get to reach us to board the bus.

Terrible.

Anyhoo.. It doesn't stop us from going in to JB again. lolol!

Our mini getaway to JB <3

BB had his hair cut there at Jean Yip and looking suave.
After which, to avoid that massive human jam, we decided to take the private cars out of JB and headed to Bedok Point K box for another round. S$50 for both of us and S$20 for another guy whom we are sharing with.
Quite worth because he literally sent us all the way to Bedok Point, beating those jam and we even enjoyed the air-con plus movie "Red 2". lololol!


****
Met up with William, Hp, Jeremy, Ck, Kaviel for dinner at Sushi Express at 313 Somerset one evening.

We have been saying to meet up soon for dinner or chillax since last year and finally we did it!
It's a pity Evalee and Debra couldn't join us.

It was a great catch-up :)

Nope. Those ain't eaten by both of us! lolol.

Please organize another round of dinner with K session soon! :)

***

My hauls at Bugis Street with Melly one evening.
In love with my Inspired Chrome Hearts jacket!

Been eyeing on jackets and accessories.
Gosh.. No $$.. :(

***

My cute birthday cupcake by one of my part-time staff.
Thanks Amanda.
I wish you all the best and do visit me real soon!

Okay! Finally a summary of my April happenings!

Gonna be away from 11-13th May 2014 for a mini short trip to Genting with bb.

Will update you guys very soon on what we'll be doing! 

Stay hydrated my friends and readers!
Take care while I gonna share new infos and organize a giveaway soon!

Cheers! <3

Till then,
Zerika-says