by cecylia on September 27, 2009
One of the highlights of the Singapore/Malaysia trip was having my limbs exfoliated at the Fish Spa, by fish. It sounds as weird as it really is- there are fish which eat your dead skin cells to leave you with smoother legs. I had read about this strange obsession with fish in a SHOP TIL YOU DROP magazine. The Kenko Fish Spa (below) was featured in one the ‘Must-See’ attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently it is Malaysia’s first ever Fish Spa and it is even featured in the country’s Guinness Book of Records (it was on the coffee table in the waiting room).
These photos are taken from Kenko. I spent 30 minutes (38 RM= approx. $13 AU) having my legs polished by Doctor Fish. Why would anyone want fish to be on their skin, you ask. Well, I was attracted to the benefits of this treatment:
- Natural exfoliation of dead skin – Smoother and healthy glowing skin with easy moisturizer absorption
- Promote blood circulation – Micro massage sensation from these ‘little masseurs’
- Lightening of minor scars
- Easing of psoriasis and minor eczema
- Release stress and tension – Ticklish sensation causing perpetual laughter!
I guess you could say that I got high on fish.
The first time I tried the ‘Doctor Fish’ was at the Singapore Zoo. I dunked my calves in the enormous fish tank for 10 minutes ($18 Singapore dollars). The sensation is indescribable. Only one word can encompass the brushy, tingly experience: TICKLISH! I giggled like a school girl and almost escaped from the school of fish.
After about a minute, if you just hold on, your legs and feet will tolerate the tickling process. It is like having hundreds of tiny brushes on your limbs. I still let out many bursts of laughter. A fashion magazine helped to distract my brain being glued to the hypersensitivity of my legs. I even took a photo of the magazine I was reading because I realy liked Mischa Barton’s grey suede Coach cape. Kate Boswoth looks amazing in that dress too, but the photo does not do her face justice.
There was a nearby tank with fish 3 times the size of the ones already gnawing at my stratum cornelium (outermost layer of skin), I quivered when I saw the bigger nibblers. But Hubby challenged me so I had no choice. Fearfully, I dipped my toes into the water, the big fish took their time, thank the Lord. My first bite was less painful and less ticklish than expected. It is just a bigger brush.
They are dubbed ‘the dematologists’. The scientific name for these fish is Garra rufa. Here I am giving them a feast.
My legs were really smooth and my feet very relaxed after the treatment. Hubby even got a few ‘waxed’ patches- the fish had eaten some hairs from his calves. It was quite an experience. I definitely will head to a Fish Spa again when I am abroad. Hubby wants to have our own supply of fish so we can invite friends over for ‘dinner’. Also I will never need to shave again.
Bon Appetit!
by cecylia on September 21, 2009
When I went to Kuala Lumpur to stay with relatives, I only brought a small suitcase and did not pack anything extravagant. When I got there I found out that it was one of my cousin-in-law’s birthdays and there was a grand dinner prepared for him. Apparently everyone is supposed to dress up and girls have to wear heels. I only brought my flat sandals to walkabout in. So a great purchasing experience was thus created. Most people go shopping because they want to purchase a particular item, not I. I rarely go shopping specially for one specific thing. I only go ‘accidental’ shopping. I find that when people have their mind set on something in particular, it is more difficult to find it and they often miss out on the good stuff.
This is one time I am going shopping for something specific. I set off to buy a pair of heels that would match my dress. My favourite shopping paradise in KL was the Pavilion Shopping Centre so we set out on the mission. I spent a significant amount of time trying on some delicious Giuseppe Zanotti heels, they were on sale! However, I could not find anything that matched my dress or that I could walk in. Giuseppe Zanotti heels are so gorgeous, but all had 6 inch heels!
I went next door to Chloe, and was praising God when I found out that they were having a great sale also. It only took a moment, I picked out my shoes- the black (charcoal, actually) Paddington pumps. They are calfskin, leather lining and sole. These Italian beauties were so comfortable I could run in them. I adore the little padlocks on them. Chloe only carries 1 pair in each size. They still had 38.5 left, so it was meant to be.
I scored a catalogue and drooled over every page.
Chloe had these pumps in lavender as well.
The shop assistant gave me a huge Chloe paper bag, I was walking around advertising for them.
Wearing a vintage romper suit, Country Road gold leather gladiators and a giant Chloe bag.
Having 5 meals a day with relatives who were all food enthusiasts certainly added extra weight on me. I am in a silk Hoff by Hoff dress (purchased from Switzerland, I brought it along this trip so I could finally wear it! So thank God for the opportunity, and to think I almost did not bring it!), Topshop gold watch necklace and the new shoes from Chloe!
by cecylia on September 3, 2009
my new pet
I am a sucker for gorgeously loud jewellery. I could not resist when I spotted this gold snail ring in the window of a boutique in Bangsar Village in Kuala Lumpur. There were 4 of these snail rings by a Korean designer (the boutique owner was unable to tell me her name), their shells were baby blue and pink, cream and chocolate.
I chose the pink one. Pink is my new favourite colour, replacing grey! I’ve called her ‘Pinkie’. ‘She has 2 antennae, a cute smile and a big bow tie!. I am wearing a vintage gold bead necklace, Pinko tie-dye cardigan and Gorman singlet.
See what I mean? I am in love with anything pink now.
As you can see, I nearly wore her to bed! Here is ‘Pinkie’ looking very proud to be on my index finger. She is going to be my side kick at any cocktail party.
Bon Appetit!
