On a day when Totoro felt a little homesick for Japan, I took him on a little adventure to Nigocha Matcha for a comforting taste of home.

We settled into the cozy tatami seating area, where soft mats and low wooden table near a round shoji window, very authentic Japanese-inspired atmosphere, really made him feel like he had stepped right into a Ghibli scene!

With eager hearts (and even hungrier tummies!), we ordered:

    A scoop of Genmaicha ice cream

    Intense Hojicha ice cream with mochi

    A soufflé with Hojicha sauce—this one took more than 30 minutes to arrive and is only available after 3 PM. But hey, if the little Soot Sprites (Susuwatari) had been in the kitchen, maybe they would’ve helped speed things up with their mischievous energy, LOL!

To refresh our palates, we sipped on their free lemon-infused water—a zesty citrus cleanse after our feast.

Their matcha ice cream pricing varies according to intensity, unlike Matcha Eight in Lalaport, where all intensities are priced the same. However, both offer the same premium matcha experience.

And of course, Totoro didn’t leave empty-handed! He happily took home a Hojicha tart, Matcha macaron, and Matcha mochi pudding tart—because good things are meant to be shared, and every adventure deserves a sweet ending!

A Totoro’s Tea-Time Tale.

A while back, we visited every sports outlet in Imago searching for a pair of black Nike sports shoes for my daughter’s school sports day. She was very particular—she insisted they had to be Nike and black. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the right size anywhere, and with her old shoes giving out at the very last minute, we were in a real dilemma.

Time was running out—by the time we finally rolled into Sportmart, it was almost closing time. By hook or by crook, we had to settle for a pair just to ensure she had something to wear.

I have to say, the female staff at Sportmart were absolute legends. Even when we nearly considered compromising on a larger size—thinking we could just tighten the laces—the dedicated staff member refused to give up. She said, "I don't want her to run in uncomfortable shoes." After disappearing into the back for a while, she returned with a pair of dark blue Adidas runners that fit perfectly and looked really nice—even if they weren’t the black Nike she demanded.

While waiting, I also ended up picking up a pair of one-piece moulded Nike shower slippers. They’re amazing—crafted as one smooth piece with no joints or glue spots, which means they’re built to last for daily wear without falling apart.

All in all, despite the challenges, the dedicated staff at Sportmart really saved the day. Regrettably in our excitement, we forgot to note down her name to give proper credit.

A Great Shopping Experience with Unmatched Dedication

Embarking on the North Borneo Sunset Cruise with best friends was like stepping into a postcard—vibrant skies, gentle waves caressed by a breeze, and an ambiance that screamed relaxation. At RM199 per person, with a "buy 3, get 1 free" deal, we truly hit the big time!

The journey began near the Pacific Sutera Hotel, where the registration counter buzzed with excited guests. Armed with our jetty tickets and guest wristbands marking our table number 22, we boarded the vessel. Our seats? Prime window spots on the right, conveniently close to the crew's counter—perfect for quick chats and insider tips.

As we settled into our assigned table, we were greeted by a bowl of muruku and four glasses of orange cordial—a classic sweetened beverage that brought back childhood memories. Wet towels in packets were thoughtfully provided, hinting at the hands-on dining experience ahead... perhaps crabs?

In celebration of Ramadan, the cruise extended its session by an extra 30 minutes, running from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM instead of 7:00 PM. This allowed guests ample time to indulge in the buffet and enjoy live band performances.

Prior to the buffet, the crews conducted a safety briefing, including a life jacket demonstration, similar to those on airplanes.

The buffet spread was quite satisfying, providing a fulfilling meal before the sunset. (Overheard that it was catered by a 4-star hotel.)

Appetizers: 
Four-season rolls, chicken nuggets, and fried chicken wings kept warm in heated glass display shelves.

Main Courses: 
Fragrant plain rice, fried rice with anchovies, stir-fried noodles, Masala chicken with potatoes, Beef Rendang (slightly tough but flavourful), Kam Heong crab delivering a spicy, aromatic kick, grilled salmon slices on a bed of mashed potatoes, and stir-fried broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots added a touch of greenery. The Japanese beancurd stir-fry with red and green peppers was appetizing with its contrasting colours too!

Soups and Salads: 
A comforting mushroom soup and a sweet longan dessert provided contrasting flavours and temperatures. The salad section featured pasta, salads, and an array of sushi and maki rolls.

Sweet Treats: 
Desserts ranged from chocolate, carrot, to red velvet mini rectangular cake slices. Traditional Malay kuih selections included Kuih Lapis, Kuih Seri Muka, Kuih Bingka Labu, Kuih Bingka Pandan and Kuih Lapis.

Fruits:
Honeydew & Pineapple.

The beverage station offered free-flowing orange cordial and iced water. A coffee machine stood ready to dispense various types of coffee, catering to every caffeine craving.

Notably, there was wheelchair parking near the entrance to the main hall with a stage, probably on standby for emergency use.

A gentle reminder: 
Photography near the captain's control room is a no-go, so channel your inner paparazzi elsewhere on the deck.

As the sun gracefully descended below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, we were mesmerized by the breathtaking views over the South China Sea. Spending time on the deck, feeling the gentle breeze, was profoundly relaxing and enjoyable—a moment that reminded us that every sunset is an opportunity to reset.

The live band, consisting of a keyboardist, saxophone player, and a lady lead singer, set the mood after sunset towards the night. Guests had the opportunity to participate in karaoke sessions and dance freely to songs played by the band or requested by guests. All three singers showcased versatility by performing in English, Chinese, and Malay songs. Other dance performers, dressed in Kadazan costumes, added a touch of local culture. A particularly engaging session invited all guests to join in traditional Kadazan dance around the food counter, with cultural hats provided for an authentic feel—it was delightful!

We requested the song "Original Sabahan," dedicating it to our friendship with the message "Best Friends Forever." The crew humorously inquired if we were celebrating Friendship Day, adding a lighthearted touch to the evening. The night concluded with the hit song "APT," leaving everyone in high spirits.

As the evening drew to an end on the North Borneo Sunset Cruise, guests were invited to participate in a photo-taking session with the live band, providing a memorable conclusion to the night's entertainment.

Being out in the middle of the sea feels different—no buildings, no trees, no other obstructions; just your cruise, endless horizons, and the soothing rhythm of the waves accompanied by breeze, occasionally with some boats around. It's a liberating experience that allows you disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature's beauty, making it a precious moment to nourish your soul, mind, and spirit...

Where there are sunsets, there are best friends!

I was super excited to grab a pair of Cotton On flip-flops—they looked cute and seemed perfect for everyday wear. We have a habit of wearing slippers in the house to keep our feet clean, haha!

But, ugh, the disappointment was real. After just a few months, the straps started to break. Plus, the anti-slip sole pattern wore down so fast that walking on tiles or wet floors became a total hazard.

I thought I was getting a deal, but now I just need to shop for another more durable and safe pair of slippers!

Cute but Cap: Flip-Flop Woes

L'OCCITANE's "Big Little Things" recycling programme is a wonderful way to help our planet. When you finish using your beauty products, you can bring the empty bottles to L'OCCITANE stores. But remember, the bottles need to be clean and dry. The friendly staff will check each one to make sure they're ready for recycling. 

As a reward, I have redeemed free items like the Shea Butter Extra Gentle Milk Soap and the Shea Butter Hand Cream. It's a simple and rewarding way to keep our Earth happy!

To participate, register your profile at the nearest participating L'OCCITANE outlet. Bring your clean and dried, full-size empties from L'OCCITANE or any beauty brand, referring to their full list of acceptable empties. 

For more information, please visit their official FAQ page.

Big Little Things for a Greener Future!

Happy Place is definitely a restaurant we’ll return to, especially for their RM18 Midday Luncheon menu, available weekdays from 11 AM to 3 PM. 

Their February & March menu is ideal for those who enjoy clean eating, featuring chicken, beef, salmon, or tofu served with a generous portion of fresh veggies and rice except Grilled Chicken Salad Set.

Portion-wise? Huge! 
One set is more than enough for a single person—we ordered three different sets and still had leftovers to tapao for dinner!

Service is outstanding—the staff’s attentiveness shone through when they promptly offered to replace a dropped fork even before we could ask. When I requested soy sauce for my sunny-side-up egg, they promptly brought a saucer—clearly, they know that for Asians, an egg without soy sauce is like toast without butter! 😆

If you prefer heavily marinated grilled chicken, this dish might not be for you, as I didn’t detect much seasoning. However, the grilled aroma was present, and we simply added soy sauce for extra flavour. No pic of the grilled chicken salad set? Oops, it was gone in a blink—starved, devoured, and only the coral leaves, chickpeas, and corn lived to tell the tale, lol!

Another plus? Free takeaway packaging—unlike Shoney’s, which charges for containers.

Interestingly, Happy Place and Shoney’s near Tong Hing Supermarket in KK are actually related.

Their well-stocked wine selection caters to both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts alike, featuring Neyen, Brolio 2021, and other options.

And now, they’ve introduced a pastry counter! From croissant egg tarts to croissant, cromboloni and cookies, though unfortunately, we were too full to indulge this time.

A place with hearty portions, thoughtful service, and tempting pastries—Happy Place truly lives up to its name!

P/S: Another thoughtful touch? They provide an umbrella holder with individual locks, so diners can secure their umbrellas and avoid mix-ups—no more worrying about someone mistakenly taking yours!

Truly A Happy Place to Be!

I bought Matcha Mochi and Biscoff Mochi donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts at KKIA. Originally meant for a sugar-controlled treat, we shared them among the three of us—just to try them out, since my elder daughter said their mochi donuts were really good.

To save my hubby’s portion for later, I tucked it between the folded canopy of my son’s stroller. Big mistake! He forgot about them, and I only rediscovered them a whole week later when I used the stroller again!

When I pulled them out of the paper bag, they looked perfectly fine—no mould, no funky smell, still as tempting as the day I bought them. I even sniffed them several times just to be sure! But let’s be real—a week-old donut is not something I’d dare take a bite of!

So, what’s the secret behind their imperishable form? Sugar?! It’s one of the best natural preservatives when used in high concentrations, absorbing moisture and making it hard for mould and bacteria to grow. Which got me thinking… just how much sugar went into these donuts to keep them looking this fresh?

Now I wonder—do the donuts on display really sell out every day, or are some "fresh" ones just yesterday’s leftovers? Hmm...

Maybe need to ask their staff 😆

P/S: Some bakeries claimed their bakes are freshly made daily.

Safe-Looking + Sweet-Smelling ≠ Safe to Eat

Stopped by Mix at Lido Plaza after church service and decided to try a China-made ice cream stick with at least 15% red grape juice. Surprisingly, it was pretty good—smooth, fruity, and reminded me of Japanese candy. Definitely a nice little treat for less than RM5!

On the other hand, the sugar-free candy I picked up was…. tasted a bit like medicine, and I’m not sure if that’s just how it is or if I got an off batch!

Overall, one win, one miss—but that’s part of the fun of trying new things!

One Keeper, One Skipper!

For my father-in-law's birthday, we sought a treat that was both delightful and mindful of his dietary needs. He has a low threshold for sugar but is not diabetic; after being prescribed diabetic medication, he experienced hand tremors, leading to discontinuation of its use. So when came to buying birthday cake, need a bit of thoughfulness and creativity!

This mini chocoberry walnut cake, adorned with a macaron and fresh strawberry, perfectly suited our simple celebration! Priced at RM15 and shared among six of us, each person enjoyed a modest taste—just a mere SPOONFUL bite! It offered a harmless enjoyment with delightful taste and an attractive presentation, making the celebration both joyous and considerate.

Surprisingly 15 Minutes Bake at Damai Plaza opens its doors at 6:00 AM, making it a convenient spot for students to grab a quick breakfast before heading to school!



A Petite Cake of Joy

Since my first visit in 2022, Chocolate Room Café has consistently impressed with its innovative creations and handcrafted drinks, each beautifully presented and bursting with layers of flavours. The only letdown - the churros were slightly on the harder side.

In fact, Chocolate Room’s desserts and beverages use Jaws & Claws Chocolate Single Estate 70% Dark Chocolate, made from Trinitario cacao beans and organic raw cane sugar—pure, unadulterated, and free from preservatives, emulsifiers, or artificial flavorings.

Each batch of chocolate carries distinct terroir-driven tasting notes, influenced by intercropping trees (banana, durian, coconut, mangosteen, avocado, rambutan trees or Gliricidia trees) and their surroundings (tropical fruit farms, rubber or oil palm plantation) in regions like Kota Marudu, Keningau-Pasir Puteh & Pegalan River, Salung, Sook and Apin Apin.

This natural ecosystem infuses the chocolate with floral, fruity, and nutty complexity, creating tasting notes such as:

Goshen Grove: 
Wild honey, raisins, dates & chocolatey.

Salung: 
Blackcurrant, fruit candy, wild honey & floral.
[Bronze at the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) Asia-Pacific 2021-2022 and Silver at the Academy of Chocolate (AoC) Awards 2020]

Pegalan River: 
Capsicum, dried longan & raisin.

Pasir Puteh: 
Orchid floral, ciku (Sapodilla), starfruit & almond.

Sook: 
Orange citrus, peanuts & almond.

Apin Apin: 
Walnut, toast & butter.

I previously purchased the Goshen Grove 72% Dark Chocolate which has won Silver at the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) 2021-2022 and Silver at the Academy of Chocolate (AoC) Awards 2022, while its beans secured Gold at the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Award (Asia Pacific & Australia)—a testament to its world-class quality.

Whenever they set up a booth at the Jesselton Artisan Market at The Walk, Riverson or at SICC, I make it a point to visit and explore any special items I haven't yet tasted, I bought Lemon Poppy Seed cookie, Lemon Tart, Chocolate Tart and Dubai Chocolate too.

To be honest, every visit is an adventure, with handcrafted drinks, creative desserts, packed with personality. Their seasonal treats are a must-try—miss them, and you might never see them again!

Fun Fact: 
I once planted an avocado  jsm
tree in my yard, fertilizing it with orange peels from my kitchen waste. The result? The avocados carried a light orange hint! This makes perfect sense—orange peels are rich in essential oils like limonene and citral, which can alter soil composition. Just as my avocado absorbed citrusy compounds, cacao trees grown near tropical fruits or other plantations develop distinct fruity, nutty and floral tasting notes, giving Jaws & Claws Chocolate its extraordinary complexity!

P/S: It's a little pricey, but ideal for those special celebrations with loved ones or besties.

Savouring the Art of Chocolate in Every Sip & Bite

Wall's Café Latte Chocolate Chip ice cream bar hits different with that rich, barista-style coffee taste. The ice cream has a creamy texture, and the choc bits add the perfect crunch. 

For under RM5, it’s totally worth it! So good, I’m 100% grabbing this again for my next coffee fix!

Café Latte + Choc Crunch = Perfect Match!

As a frequent shopper at Natural Green House (NGH), I’ve learned to shop smarter! Their WhatsApp chat group is an absolute time-saver, keeping me updated on the arrival of fresh veggies, tofu, and fruits. Now, I simply text them to check product availability and even reserve my items before visiting—no more wasted trips!

Spending at NGH also comes with perks—every RM spent is accumulated for redemption, and purchases over RM50 get a fun lucky dip (sometimes an organic strawberry lollipop! You need to try and discover, not going to reveal here, hehe...). If you spend RM100 or more, you can instantly redeem a free gift from a basket filled with quality products—yesterday I got a pack of natural dried cranberries worth RM13.90!

NGH makes healthy shopping easy and stress-free. A rewarding shopping experience for those who love fresh, organic choices without the hassle!

P/S: Photos shown were sent by their staff upon request to show what’s in stock when I wanted to buy mushrooms, fungus, dried wakame and soup packs for my black chicken soup.

Oh, they also have a dine-in healthy menu too! I’ve tried it several times—great for those who prefer a healthy meal without heavy seasonings!

My Melody