Technology
Review: The final verdict on Samsung’s latest Galaxy S21 Ultra

09.02.2021
By Rachel Au

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People are often told that it’s important to make a great first impression—whether it’s at a job interview, a first date or even the make-it-or-break-it first meeting with the (potential) in-laws. Samsung knows the value of this too. Suffice to say, weeks after my initial 24 hours with their latest flagship, the Galaxy S21 Ultra, my first impressions has now aged into my final verdict. For all its fancy features and powerful performance, it didn’t disappoint and, it still doesn’t. Ahead, I’ll dive a little deeper into some new findings from my time with the phone to avoid repeating past points.

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—it’s a great size. I love how easy it fits in my palm, and if I were to use it in horizontal mode to type, the keyboard automatically divides into two and shifts to the sides of the phone for easy access. It’s a small but considerate detail. On the note of typing, I personally love the feel of the haptic feedback—it’s super light, sensitive and reacts instantly. For some features (such as activating Google Assistant), it doesn’t take a lot of pressure to press and hold.

As mentioned before, the Galaxy S21 Ultra features a WQHD+ screen resolution (which you can actually activate or keep it at FHD+ OR HD+). It’s definitely one of the highlights of the smartphone. Watching videos is pure joy as it displays true-to-life colours and brightness, and with the expansive screen, it delivers quite an immersive experience. To complement this experience, you can even turn on Dolby Atmos (have it at ‘auto’ or manually select movie, music, or voice for the best optimisation) and Dolby Atmos for gaming. Let’s just say I watched a Korean street food video and was left craving for Korean fried chicken in the wee hours of the night—bad idea.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra takes pride in its high refresh rate of 120 Hz and true enough, every action on the phone, even as simple as swiping between screens, feels fluid. Combine that with the most powerful 5nm processor (in a Samsung device) and every action and app works with almost zero lag. Once 5G is available on our networks in Malaysia, it’ll be almost limitless. That being said, most apps with heavy graphics and gameplay work effortlessly on the Galaxy S21 Ultra – except for my personal favourite, Genshin Impact. For comparison’s sake, a game update could easily be 3-5GB. But this could be an issue the app developer could probably fix.

On to the camera! Previously, I had taken photos at home and tested its zoom abilities. This time, I had a chance to take it outside around my neighbourhood, on a quick takeaway run and getting my gardening essentials nearby. Details of any subject are crisp, the colours are vibrant and vivid, and its stabilisation is almost top-notch. But of course, most of these are the miracle works of AI technology and advanced super-resolution image processing. Even under poor lighting conditions, it still manages to capture the fine details or silhouette of the subject, as displayed below in the form of the kitten’s whiskers or coat.

Notice the velvety texture of the flower captured by the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra camera

Even under shaded areas, the flowers’ individual petals could still be shown in the photo

This photo is just bursting with colours but take note of how even the puddles are captured

When using portrait mode, you can always choose the shape and intensity of the bokeh effect post-snap

Captured at sunset. The shade of the soft glow that bounces off the house’s wall remains true-to-life

Taken with a digital zoom, albeit a tad blur, the kitten’s markings and whiskers are still pretty clear in the photo

On the right is the photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra but we’ve zoomed in on the photo to show the details that were captured despite the dark background. You can still clearly see the fluffiness of the fur on its body and in its ears

Look at how the camera automatically adjusts with a bokeh effect from the leaf (which was actually moving)

Even the details of a reflection from a glass casing can be distinguished in the shot

Above all, my second favourite thing about the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (apart from the camera) is the battery life. On slower days, I could go almost two full days without charging it. On other days, at least one and a half days before needing to juice it. Even then, with its fast charging capabilities, I just need 30 minutes to get a 50 per cent charge. To conclude, I’d like to add that despite stuffing it in my tote or jeans pocket, the smartphone’s front and back (sans screen protector and casing) remains scratch-free. Fun fact: Samsung claims it has fitted the toughest Gorilla Glass ever in a smartphone. Now, I just can’t wait to use the Galaxy S21 Ultra when we’re back ‘outside’, knowing it can do so much more.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra starts from RM5,299 and is available on Samsung Malaysia’s website here. You can also view it virtually via their showroom.

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Beauty
You’ll never run out of options with Ermenegildo Zegna’s new fragrance quartet
A definitive range

25.10.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna is giving us plenty of fragrance options to rotate everyday of the week. If you’re looking to switch up your daily scent, check out its newly-unveiled fragrance range, Ermenegildo Zegna Elements of Man: The Life Collection. Featuring five masculine blends that are tailored for the sophisticated man, each fragrance is named after a gallant attribute: Strength, Passion, Integrity, Talent and Wisdom.
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Strength‘s olfactory profile is a combination of tobacco leaves with rich notes of golden honey. A touch of apricot is fused with agarwood while smouldering notes of smoke intricate wonderfully with pine needles. Passion takes on an elixir-like fragrance, with resinous frankincense mixed with warm notes of rich rum and cognac while hints of saffron and amber add a nuanced depth.
If greener scents pique your fancy, check out Integrity for its contrasting aroma of clary sage and pink pepper, rounded off with a dash of Pimento berries, amber and African geranium. Talent lends a crisper finish made of Asian yuzu, Sichua pepper and bergamot. The smokiness of black tea is addled with robust cedarwood and patchouli. Lastly, indulge in a citrusy redolence with Wisdom—notes of Italian mandarin, winter lemon and green verbena is juxtaposed with coriander leaves, French lavender and abstract Neroli.

Available at department stores, Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques and Zegna.com

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Collections
A second look at Hedi Slimane’s polarising debut for Celine

19.12.2018
By Stephanie Boey

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“You don’t shake things up by avoiding to make waves,” said Hedi Slimane 3 days ahead of his debut show for Celine at Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019. After the announcement of his appointment in January, Slimane made his first major course of action as Celine’s new creative head by slashing away the accent on the logo.

Taking over after Phoebe Philo who forged the way by redefining what women wore — laid-back minimalism and sensibility — Slimane had big shoes to fill from the get-go which obviously came with expectations. His debut show opened with a literal drumroll… and out came the first look: a strapless polkadot party dress that grazed high on the thighs, embellished with an oversized bow at the bust — very ‘80s party girl. Safe to say, it was not what dutiful Celine fans had expected.

“When there’s no debate, it means there’s no opinion”, Slimane tells WWD, and its true that it was a big change from what we’re used to with Celine’s long-standing clean aesthetic. But it’s good to remember that change is inevitable, and usually difficult to embrace at the start. It’s a new dawn for Celine, Hedi Slimane is paving his own way at the start of his tenure at the French fashion house.

2 months after the much-talked-about show, Celine has released their womenswear Spring/Summer 2019 campaign. Presented by two square photos, the photographs align for side-by-side imagery of Slimane’s debut collection. The man behind the lens? Hedi Slimane himself.
You may recognise the sequinned low v-neck dress in crimson that Dakota Johnson wore to the Los Angeles premiere of Suspiria, which marked the first red carpet appearance of Slimane’s Celine. Model Hannah Motler (who opened the show in Paris in the aforementioned polkadot party dress) casually lounges in pose. Also spotted is the monogram “C” bag with its quilted squares and diamond-faceted chain, which collectively pays homage to Celine’s archives. Bags from the new era of Celine are now availabe, FYI. With the initial shock blown over, and with a fresh pair of eyes, take a second look at Hedi Slimane’s first collection for Celine below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] Celine SS19 campaign” rid=”6826″ order=”a_tstamp”}

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Lifestyle
Buro Tries: A Meditation through Batik workshop with Cotton & Sago
Art therapy

15.03.2017
By Rachel Au

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Previously, the Buro 24/7 Malaysia team had their first encounter with meditation through Sound Bath in a #FitnessFriday episode. This time, we tried it with art. Imagine closing your eyes, opening your heart and focusing on your inner peace. Fifteen minutes later, let your spiritual mind guide your hand in creating your batik design and painting in the colours. This is the Meditation through Batik workshop by Cotton & Sago, a social initiative making efforts to create a more sustainable income for the batik artisans from Kuala Terengganu while promoting the art itself. Watch this month’s episode of Buro Tries below for a glimpse of what the Meditation through Batik workshop entails:

Jasmine Leong, Senior Fashion Writer
When I found out that we were up for a session of meditation through batik, I was absolutely intrigued. While I know that painting can get really therapeutic, but batik painting with hot wax involved? This, I got to see. After we made ourselves comfortable in a circle, we started our meditation session with Shelley. We were told to relax with our eyes closed and were later asked a few questions. Although I had quite a difficult time concentrating (the room was rather noisy), surprisingly, I was able to visualise whatever that was described by Shelley while we were meditating. Next, we proceeded to batik painting, guided by Mr Lazim. As I suspected, applying wax in fine lines with the canting tool was anything but easy. Thankfully, Mr Lazim was patient and encouraging. Before I knew it, I was already done with the wax application and started painting—my favourite part of the session. My batik painting was no masterpiece but it certainly did not stop me from having fun. Who knew creating ombré effects with watercolours on fabric could be so enjoyable? I’d definitely do it again! Only next time, I will (try to) ace the fine lines.

Rachel Au, Senior Lifestyle Writer
I’ve never been really good with meditations even though Shelley’s voice was pleasantly soothing. In general, I usually find it so hard to quiet my mind (with the only exception being when I’m having food coma). Still, all was not in vain. Art itself is, after all, therapeutic and the workshop was a great stress reliever. The batik canting part with the oil was slightly tricky but not completely foreign. It reminded me of the time we tried making pewter accessories by freehand. Then, with the finished pattern, we fill the gaps with an array of watercolours where an ombre effect is also possible. Being too excited, my batik design ended up looking like a unicorn had just pooped on a butterfly. That’s okay. Art is abstract, right? In all seriousness, I learnt the basics of this traditional art and it’s true that we should preserve this heritage and support the local artisans who don’t get enough credit for their skills.

Loh Wei Yeen, Fashion & Beauty Writer
I’ve only used meditation as a means to clear my mind and relax (usually before going to bed), so doing it before embarking on something creative was a new experience to me. But on this occasion I found that it helped me de-stress along with visualise what I wanted to paint thereafter. Mr Lazim was super helpful with teaching us how to use the hot wax to create specific batik prints and how to fill them in with watercolours—gradient by gradient. If not for his patience (and assistance), there would have been irregular squiggles on my piece of cloth as an attempt to show off my less-than-impressive artistic skills. But it was interesting to find out more about our nation’s proudest form of textile art during this session—I guess the extra perk would be the unwind-and-relax part.

For more info on the Meditation through Batik workshop, visit Cotton & Sago’s website or Facebook. This video was shot at Earth Heir@Ampang Point, another social initiative which celebrates traditional craftsmanship while empowering artisans to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Watch the previous episodes of Buro Tries:
Buro Tries: Pyrography Art (Wood Burning) with Black Milk Project
Buro Tries: Latte Art with Common Man Coffee Roasters KL
Buro Tries: Finding the perfect engagement ring at Cartier

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Fashion
Just in: Michael Kors to buy Jimmy Choo for £896 million
It's a deal

25.07.2017
By Joan Kong

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Weeks after it was first reported that Michael Kors, alongside two private equity houses—Hony Capital and CVC Capital Partners were in a bid to purchase the British fashion house, it was announced today that Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. has reached an agreement to acquire Jimmy Choo PLC for 230 pence per share in cash.

According to an article from Financial Times, John Idol, chairman and chief executive officer of Michael Kors said, “Jimmy Choo is known worldwide for its glamorous and fashion-forward footwear. The company is a leader in setting fashion trends. Its innovative designs and exceptional craftsmanship resonate with trendsetters globally. We believe that Jimmy Choo is poised for meaningful growth in the future and we are committed to supporting the strong brand equity that Jimmy Choo has built over the last 20 years.”

Pierre Denis, the chief executive of Jimmy Choo will continue his role once the deal is completed.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Lifestyle
#InstaLove: Best cats with Instagram accounts to follow
Picture purr-fect

26.07.2017
By Rachel Au

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 1. @nala_cat

A post shared by nala_cat™ (@nala_cat) on Jul 23, 2017 at 5:03am PDT

Seven-year-old Nala has eyes that can melt anyone’s hearts. The Siamese and Tabby mix was adopted from the shelter when she was five months old and today she was over three million followers on Instagram.

2. @benjithecatofficial

A post shared by Benji The Cat (@benjithecatofficial) on Apr 6, 2017 at 5:06am PDT

This Instagram account is absolutely adorable and its owner positively creative. Benji The Cat claims to be the most handsome cat on the internet—in reality, the owner grabs photos of real cats (or situations) and draws Benji in.

3. @iamlilbub

A post shared by Lil BUB (@iamlilbub) on Jun 19, 2017 at 10:56am PDT

Lil Bub is, as her owners describe, a ‘one of a kind magical space cat’. Despite her tongue always sticking out, Bub always looks like she’s smiling.

4. @kittenxlady

A post shared by Hannah Shaw (@kittenxlady) on Aug 5, 2017 at 6:15am PDT

There are cat ladies and then there’s the kitten lady—a professional kitten rescuer as well as a humane educator, she uses her Instagram account to not only document the adorable kittens she has rescued but the reality of their conditions.

5. @elfie_gimli

A post shared by Elfie & Gimli (@elfie_gimli) on Jul 27, 2017 at 8:17am PDT

Some say that two is better than one and there’s no truer saying for 3.5-year-old cat siblings Elfie and Gimli. Both were also adopted from the shelter and have the cutest expressions (even the grumpy ones). And hey, even Cole Sprouse likes them.

6. @princesscheeto

A post shared by i am cheeto. a cat. (@princesscheeto) on Jul 1, 2017 at 8:01am PDT

Cheeto is no simple black and white cat. She is a model—complete with props, digital illustrations, and solid-coloured backgrounds. All her Instagram photos are ready to be printed into a coffee table book and we’d buy it.

7. @rinne172

A post shared by @rinne172 on May 28, 2017 at 5:00am PDT

There are owners who dress up their pets and then there’s Maro’s owner who turned him into a cosplay cat. Most of the photo features Maro sitting at a table in a costume that matches the food spread or cuisine in front of him. And he’s always looking right at the camera (“Can I eat now?”).

8. @cats_of_instagram

A post shared by Cats of Instagram (@cats_of_instagram) on Aug 4, 2017 at 5:33pm PDT

For a mix of every cat on Instagram, photos and videos, this account can supply you with a huge dose of feline love.

Related stories:
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Lifestyle
Thailand’s rising star Chef Ton is coming to The St. Regis KL for the Mother’s Day weekend
Guest chef of the month

06.05.2018
By Rachel Au

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Chef ThiTid (Ton) Tassanakajohn is known as a rising star in Thailand and a culinary genius. Still in his 30s, he already helms two successful restaurants in Bangkok—Le Du and Baan—both of which has received a distinction in the Michelin Guide. The fine-dining restaurant Le Du, which translates to ‘season’ in Thai, has even garnered the 14th spot in the recent Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, his resume includes The Culinary Institute of America, where he trained, and the iconic Eleven Madison Park, The Modern and Jean-Georges Restaurants, where he worked. Despite his experience with Western cuisine, his style, though modern, still goes back to his roots. Despite deconstructing and reimagining traditional dishes to the point of beautiful, unfamiliar presentations and new, enlightening flavours, it is still very much Thai, and still very much about the fresh ingredients.

One of his most popular creations is poached oysters where he cooks it with spicy green mango relish, chilli paste and Thai rice wine sabayon. And that dish is coming to Kuala Lumpur along with Chef Ton as he is next on The St. Regis KL’s Guest Star Chef Series—just in time for the upcoming Mother’s Day weekend. And we all know, Mum deserves a treat, right?

The Guest Star Chef Series’ 5-course dinner with Chef Ton at The Brasserie will be available from the 10th to 12th of May, and is priced at RM468 nett per person without alcohol pairing and RM688 nett per person with alcohol pairing.

For more info or to make a reservation, call 03 2727 6666 or email [email protected].

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Beauty
Celebeauty: MAC Cosmetics’ first holiday campaign with Blackpink’s Lisa, Gigi Hadid flaunts her post-baby body

08.11.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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This has been a busy week for celebrities—amidst the US election, most of the stars are rushing to get their votes in. Find all the best election-related beauty moments from this week (and a few miscellaneous headlines) below.
This week in hair
Dua Lipa flaunts a super-cute, sleek ponytail on Fallon Tonight

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A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa) on Nov 4, 2020 at 1:35pm PST

The ‘Levitating’ singer announced that she was appearing on Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon with this Instagram post, and she looks positively iconic. Apart from her perfect highlight and her top-to-toe pink garb (complete with lippy, blush and eyeshadow to match), her sleek and shiny high-pony caught our eye.
We love the ‘60s-inspired bang action she’s got going on, and we think it makes her look almost Barbie-like. What do you think of her look?
READ: I recreated 50 years of Malaysia’s vintage beauty trends and this is what happened
This week in makeup
Blackpink’s Lisa officially kicks off her MAC partnership with her very first campaign

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A post shared by M·A·C Cosmetics (@maccosmetics) on Nov 4, 2020 at 7:00am PST

MAC Cosmetics announced that Blackpink’s Lisa Manoban was their latest brand ambassador less than a month ago (PSST: We had a chance to chat with the superstar and pick her brain on her new gig). A month on, we’re finally seeing the fruits of the collaboration—the brand shared their newest campaign for their holiday collection, Frosted Firework, and Lisa is front-and-centre.
She sports a look we think is best described as ‘sugar-and-spice incarnate’, though we’ll settle for MAC’s description: frosted and fiery. The best part is that you can get Lisa’s look yourself with these two gems from the Frosted Firework collection:
For the lips: Limited-edition Showstopper Powder Kiss Lipstick Kit
For the eyes: Eyeshadow in ‘Ride My Slay’ and ‘Catch My Snowdrift’ from the Rocket To Fame Eye Shadow Palette
Doja Cat gets too close for comfort

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A post shared by Doja Cat (@dojacat) on Oct 31, 2020 at 2:41pm PDT

The ‘Juicy’ singer shared this up-close-and-personal snap on her Instagram, which immediately activated our collective fight-or-flight response. However, while the choice of image is a little distressing to look at for too long, we can’t deny that it does give us a good look at the Doja beat.
The green wash of eyeshadow paired with the perky pink lip is a super-cute way to play with contrasting colour. On top of that, the larger than life lashes add a fun, dramatic flair to the whole look. Finish that off with a good baking under the eyes, plenty of orange-toned blush, and a little highlight and you’ve got yourself a look.
In her words: “Boo”.
This week in body and wellness
Gigi Hadid sports a catsuit for Halloween

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Music
New Music Friday: Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen’s ‘Like I Used To’ is our 2021 anthem

21.05.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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After teasing fans earlier this week, Van Etten and Olsen have finally released their highly-anticipated collaboration, ‘Like I Used To’, an energetic and orchestral anthem that ticks all the right boxes. According to Olsen, the song is reminiscent “of getting back to where I started, before music was expected of me—or much was expected of me; a time that remains pure and real in my heart and important for me to remember and check in with as I go forward in this life.”

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A post shared by Sharon Van Etten (@sharonvanhalen)

While this sentiment certainly carries prominently throughout the song, the message resonates in other ways. In particular, it’s applicable to pandemic life both lyrically and in feeling—likely no accident, considering that the song was written in 2020. Case in point: “Call my family just to know they’re there/Sleeping in late like I used to/Crossing my fingers like I used to/Waiting inside like I used to/Avoiding big crowds like I used to“.
As for the track itself, it’s the perfect meld of Van Etten and Olsen’s individual strengths. Easily distinguishable as the work of John Congleton, the stunning production comes as no surprise—the producer has previously worked with Van Etten on her fifth studio album, Remind Me Tomorrow, and Olsen on both her sophomore album, Burn Your Fire for No Witness, and her fourth album All Mirrors.

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A post shared by Angel Olsen (@angelolsenmusic)

On the choice to collaborate, Van Etten explains: “I have loved [Angel’s] music for a long time. I have been to her shows and cried in the audience. I have cheers’d her post-show on the road. She has sent me inspirations and support in my highs and lows along the way.”
“Even though we weren’t super close, I always felt supported by Angel and considered her a peer in this weird world of touring. We highway high-fived many times along the way,” Van Etten continues. “I finally got the courage in June of 2020 to reach out to see if she would want to sing together. I got greedy and quickly sent her a track I had been working on. I never thought I would get the courage to send her an unfinished song and ask her to do a duet with me and here we are.
Olsen adds: “I’ve met with Sharon here and there throughout the years and have always felt too shy to ask her what she’s been up to or working on, but in 2020 she approached me to work on a song together. Summer went by and we kept talking, going back and forth on a verse or two—it was the first time I really wrote something with someone like this.”
The video, directed by Kimberly Stuckwisch (who also produced Billie Eilish’s video for ‘When The Party’s Over’), is equally as gripping as the track—watch it here:

Find more music stories like this here.

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Lifestyle
Cookbook authors Elodie Bellegarde and Denise Hung share their ‘Kitchen Stories’ with us
Cooking with emotions

03.10.2015
By Buro247

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Kitchen Stories explores how our moods and emotions affects the way we eat and cook. The book consists of a compilation of 20 chapters that explores a different mood or emotion. Each recipe is styled and photographed to convey a mood and in each chapter the authors share a personal memory with the readers that inspired the inclusion of the particular emotion.

Elodie is a French food stylist, photographer and writer who graduated with a Masters in Culinary Arts in London. She has always been a food enthusiast and had started baking since she was 5 years old. Denise is a Malaysian pastry cook, freelance food writer and self-taught photographer who received a defer in patisserie from Le Cordon Bleu Orlando. She has worked in various food establishments from Orlando to Santa Monica, and is currently working as a pastry cook in Singapore.

Coming from very different backgrounds, their paths crossed on social media and their love for food inspired their collaboration that led to creation of this beautifully photographed cookbook.

How did you guys meet?
Elodie & Denise: On Instagram!
Denise: I think we should really find out how we met. I think we always know that we met on Instagram but we don’t remember how.
Elodie: We did because we both like food and we both upload pictures of our food on Instagram. And I think one day, Denise tagged the place that you were in and it was in Singapore. So, I messaged her and said that I was in Singapore as well. We really liked each other’s photos for a while so we thought, “Let’s just meet up.”
Denise: We met up over scones and tea after that and we just couldn’t stop talking about food after that. It was basically non-stop, like “have you had this cake before?”, “have you tried this pasta before?”, “have you had this before?”, “have you had that before?”. And we started baking food for each other.

Where did the idea of writing a cookbook come from?
Elodie: The story was, I kind of cook based on my mood. You know, sometimes I feel like eating this or don’t feel like eating that. And so one day, my husband asked me to try and write a book about the connection I have with food. I thought that that was not a bad idea, if possible. So, based on that, I asked Denise to try writing one with me because we share the same approach to food, which is very much connected to our moods and emotions. The idea was to just start small with just a couple of stories and approach magazines just to see if they would be interested. But it actually went from “let’s write a book” to “oh, we found a publisher!”.

What was the most memorable part of writing this cookbook?
Elodie: I think for me, it was to actually see the book.
Denise: Yeah, to actually hold it.
Elodie: Because we put so much work into it that it just felt like it was real. I mean, we spent so much time, so much effort into it.
Denise: We couldn’t stop hugging each other. I think I was almost in tears.
Elodie: It was really incredible to have something tangible that you could hold.

What was the most difficult part of writing this cookbook?
Denise: The deadline.
Elodie: For me, it was the photographs. Towards the end, my creative juices were running out.

The book was written based on different moods and emotions. What is your favourite emotion to be in when you cook or eat?
Denise: I think perhaps, ’Sentimental’ is one of my favourites because we travel a lot. I travel a lot. Up until the last two years, I used to travel a lot. We’ve been to different countries to work or study and you just want to feel at home sometimes but it’s just hard to get the ingredients. So that mood really resonates to our hearts.
Elodie: For me, maybe ‘Love’. I have a son and I’m trying to show him that food is more than just something you eat to sustain. I hope that he gets that love for cooking and eating.

If you could xplain the journey of writing this cookbook in one emotion, it would be..
Denise: I would say, exhilarating.
Elodie: Yeah, I think exhilarating is a good one.

How did you make your very different backgrounds complement each other?
Denise: I think fundamentally, we’re the same soul. We’re both very family-oriented, we’re both very close to our parents, we love cooking at home, we surround ourselves with food, and we also eat the same way.
Elodie: And we’re quite feminist.
Denise: Yeah, we’re quite feminist people. We eat the same way — we like light food, we don’t like food that’s too heavy, we have a sweet tooth, and we really pay attention to our ingredients, which is very important for us. We don’t go somewhere and just get something generic because it translates into the food and you can taste it. But at the end of the day, it’s not just the way it tastes but where it came from. Is it organic? Is it environmentally friendly? Those things are very important to us. So, we’re very aware of what goes into our food. I think, fundamentally we are the same and whatever differences that comes along the way in our recipes, we are happy to try it out.
Elodie: People are different and although we get along very well with each other, we don’t have to be exactly the same either. But for us food is what brings us together. We don’t really go shopping a lot or spend money on makeup or clothes, but we will spend a lot on food and ingredients. Not so much on dining out, but dining in — we spend a lot on cooking.

What is an ingredient you can’t live without?
Denise: Olive oil.
Elodie: Cheese

What do you want your readers to take away from this book?
Elodie: That good food doesn’t necessarily mean expensive ingredients and that cooking is an easy process — you don’t need to have any fancy utensils or a big kitchen.  You can have a tiny kitchen and three ingredients, and you can have a meal. You know, sometimes people think that they don’t have time to cook because they have to work. It’s true, when you work, you don’t always have time to cook but it doesn’t have to be something fancy. You can make a very simple pasta bowl with pesto made over the weekend that can last you the week. I think sometimes people are hesitant to cook because they don’t have the right ingredients but it doesn’t have to be that way, you can be spontaneous.
Denise: We want people to talk about their moods and how they feel about the food that they cook. Not so much as what they are picky about but just being more aware of the ingredients that they use, what they put in their body. People nowadays just eat to get by and they don’t know what goes in their bodies — they just consume to consume. And I think that with the knowledge that we have, we should have awareness. Or else, we are just going to be faced with all these disease if we’re not aware. That’s why we try to encourage healthy eating and using organic ingredients.

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Skincare
The scratch and the itch: A guide to treating eczema

25.09.2020
By BURO London

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The best acne and spot treatments to help curb your breakouts

For those dealing with a skin condition like eczema, the humid weather is even trickier as high temperatures irritate already itchy skin. Sometimes thought of as a childhood condition—“you’ll grow out of it,” the doctors cry—eczema often sticks around much longer with estimates suggesting it affects about 20 percent of the population here in Malaysia, with approximately 90 percent of sufferers developing the condition before the age of five. Now, with COVID-induced hand washing at an all-time high, people are suffering even more, so we asked the experts about the best ways to deal with it.
Firstly, what is it?
“Eczema is actually a group of skin conditions which cause dry, itchy and inflamed skin,” consultant dermatologist Dr Thivi Maruthappu describes. The most common type is atopic eczema, confusingly also called atopic dermatitis. It takes various forms but normally can be identified by the delightful combination of red and itchy skin. While it ‘flares up’ all over the body, it is most notable on the hands, the insides of the elbows and backs of the knees, as well as on eyelids and around the nose and mouth.

Image: BURO London
Why does it occur?
Sadly, it’s not a straightforward answer with the majority of life-long sufferers simply pulling the genetic short straw. According to experts, it’s sometimes due to a genetic mutation which impacts one of the skin’s proteins called Filaggrin. “If you have less Filaggrin, you’re more prone to water loss out of the skin,” consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto explains. In addition to genetics, environmental factors and allergies can play a part too.
What can I do?
If you can work out what triggers your skin (for example, a particular skincare ingredient), avoiding the offending item is the first port of call. Dairy is often positioned as eczema’s arch nemesis but giving up cow’s milk isn’t always the solution as eczema is what Dr Mahto describes as “a multifactorial skin condition.” “People with eczema do have higher rates of allergies but I am not a fan of cutting out big food groups for skin conditions,” she says.
For most sufferers it’s near impossible to get to the bottom of it. Protecting the skin barrier is therefore the cardinal rule here and you must take a two-pronged approach. Firstly, moisturise. Occlusives or emollients are the buzzwords you’re looking for when shopping for skincare as these prevent water loss and keep the skin as happy and hydrated as possible, therefore reducing the chance of outbreaks.
Secondly, avoid irritating ingredients like alcohol, perfume and foaming formulas (especially SLS) that can comprise the delicate skin barrier. Instead stick to simple skincare that’s advertised as fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
“Also be aware that ‘natural’ products aren’t always better for eczema-prone skin, as some contain fragrance, and essential oils which can trigger allergies,” Dr Maruthappu says. Remember to reassess your whole routine: think hair products, makeup and even laundry powder.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Pai Skincare Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream

Lanolips Golden Dry Skin Miracle Salve

When should I see a doctor?
If you’ve stripped the irritating ingredients from your life and are slathering on moisturiser with no avail, it’s time to try a prescription steroid cream.
These work by reducing inflammation and tightening the blood vessels close to the skin surface to bring down redness. Steroid creams don’t always get a good rep (they can potentially thin the skin if used long-term and sometimes cause reactions) but Dr Mahto points out that when used in “short sharp bursts” (ideally one week at a time) they are totally safe and very effective.
Dr Mahto’s top tip? Apply the prescription steroid cream and your moisturiser at least twenty minutes apart so they can both work to the best of their ability. In more severe cases, you may be referred to a dermatologist. “We can use Phototherapy (UVB light treatment) or tablets which work to reduce the inflammation that drives eczema,” Dr Maruthappu notes.
But I can’t stop scratching?
Much like a maddening mosquito bite, the mental battle to stop scratching is one of the hardest parts of dealing with eczema. It’s a vicious cycle: the more you itch, the itchier it gets, the more you stress, the more you itch (bangs head against wall). Bar tying your hands together, filing down your nails or getting acrylics can reduce the impact but Dr Mahto advocates trying to find a method to reduce your anxiety to combat the stress-scratch cycle.
“Find something that works for you whether that’s help from a therapist or distraction techniques like meditation or yoga,” she recommends.
My journey with eczema by Elizabeth Bennett
“From the childhood camping trip ruined when my eczema got infected (cue a weeping rash on my upper body) to the ‘romantic’ weekend-away with a former boyfriend tainted by a head to toe flare up, eczema and I have a tumultuous relationship. While aesthetically it can be confidence-kicking, the most physically discomforting side effects appear on my arms, neck and face. There’s the dreaded scratching and then feeling like a shrivelled-up snake as you shed layers of dead skin. In the words of Alan Partridge: ‘This morning my pillow looked like a flapjack.’ While over the years I’ve definitely learnt what makes my skin worse (stress and alcohol: two things that are hard to avoid), sometimes there is seemingly no rhyme or reason.”
For someone with eczema prone skin looking to keep breakouts at bay, Dr Maruthappu recommends the “soak and seal” approach to lock in as much moisture as possible. She suggests using warm water (very hot water can be irritating) and a soap-free emollient wash (CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for the face or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash for the body) followed by a rich moisturiser (CeraVe moisturising cream for the face or Eucerin 10% Urea Body Lotion Dry Skin Relief for the body).
Read our deputy editor’s take on eczema here.
The story was first published on BURO London. Minor edits have been made.

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Jewellery
8 classic earrings you’ll want in your jewellery collection
A touch of grace

19.03.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of respective brands

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Whether you favour minimal or more maximalist touches, a fantastic pair of earrings will always add a twist of refinement to your look. Of course, there are plenty of picks to choose from. However, only a select few come with the prestige and timelessness that hint at your social statuses, such as the famed Anoushka pearl earrings or Tiffany & Co.’s T Hoop earrings. To help you out, here are eight of our favourites that will never go out of style.

Shine bright
Inspired by the richness of a holly wreath, the Winston Cluster earrings by Harry Winston are the epitome of enduring splendour and unrivalled style. Pear-shaped and marquise-cut diamonds make up this stunning pair—suited for those who cherish the “less is more” aesthetic. Alternatively, the De Beers Enchanted Lotus earrings are a great choice. A round brilliant diamond sits in the centre of the understated pair while being surrounded by delicate rows of micro pavé diamonds arranged in the shape of petals which provide an air of purity and eternity to its wearer.

Harry Winston Cluster large diamond earrings

De Beers Enchanted Lotus earrings

Queen of gems
Pearl earrings, similar to a sensual little black dress, are timeless, and Anoushka’s gold and diamond pearl earrings are arguably among the best on the market. It comes with detachable gleaming Baroque pearl strung from hoop earrings that are adorned with 26 sparkling brown diamonds, making it an eye-catching conversation starter. Aside from that, the Ara hoops pair by Spinelli Kilcollin are also an excellent pick. These earrings are hand cast in 18-karat gold and feature a gorgeous Japanese Akoya pearl suspended from three delicate tiny rings.

Anoushka Gold and diamond pearl earrings

Spinelli Kilcollin Ara 18-karat gold pearl hoop earrings

Sweet and simple
The Tiffany T T1 hoop earrings have a simple design with larger, bolder accents and dimensions, making them the best pick if you are attempting to play it safe. Whether worn alone or stacked next to stud earrings, these 18k rose gold hoops are the perfect finishing touch with a bevelled edge that highlights its striking profile. Another terrific go-to classic is the Braided Huggies by Anita Ko. Thanks to its chunky and woven design, these Huggies are easily matched with a variety of looks, both day and night.

Tiffany T T1 hoop earrings

Anita Ko Zoe braided huggies

Colourful glimmer
A pop of colour on your ears is always a good idea, and coloured gemstones might be just what you are looking for. You’ll regal with the Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra ear studs in warmly lustrous 18k rose gold. The talismanic design radiates with finely set diamonds on the edge and a deep red carnelian that offers an opulent finish. Additionally, Shay’s effortlessly chic sapphire earrings are the way to go. These 18-karat white gold earrings are adorned with baguette sapphires and are ideal for daily use.

Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra earstuds

Shay blue sapphire emerald cut studs

For more articles on jewellery, click here

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Fashion
Oscars 2023: The 25 Best Dressed Hollywood stars on the champagne carpet
Dressed to the teeth

13.03.2023
By Benedict Unang

Featured images courtesy of respective brands

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

In case you missed it, the 95th Academy Awards was quite the affair—with Everything Everywhere All At Once taking home the most accolades, Rihanna performing ‘Lift Me Up’ for the first time, and our Malaysian pride Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh winning the Best Actress award as the first Asian performer to do so.
On the red carpet, or rather, the champagne carpet, the fashion highlights did not fall short either. Cara Delevingne appeared in a striking red couture gown by Elie Saab, while Michelle Williams looked angelic in a Chanel white silk chiffon bustier dress. Yeoh also had an all-white moment in her Dior Haute Couture long dress with waves of feathers in ivory silk organza—aptly matching her internal grace and elegance.
The Gucci gang were all dressed to the nines, with Jessica Chastain sporting a silver crystal and sequin-embroidered gown, Paul Mescal donning an ivory double-breasted tuxedo jacket, and Salma Hayek in a shimmering orange gown embellished with sequins. Also, leave it to Saint Laurent to dress bona fide movie stars, as Lenny Kravitz and Austin Butler both arrived on location looking dapper with their distinct sense of style.
In another iconic moment, Lady Gaga was spotted wearing an evening gown from the Versace AW23 collection, which was only revealed just days ago! Without a doubt, the evening delivered a number of eye-catching style moments; here are more of our top picks from the fabulous event.

Cara Delevingne in Elie Saab
1/25

Michelle Williams in Chanel
2/25

Michelle Yeoh in Dior
3/25

Austin Butler in Saint Laurent
4/25

Jessica Chastain in Gucci
5/25

Florence Pugh in Valentino
6/25

Idris Elba in Gucci
7/25

Salma Hayek in Gucci
8/25

Paul Mescal in Gucci
9/25

Ana De Armas in Louis Vuitton
10/25

Ava DuVernay in Louis Vuitton
11/25

Barry Keoghan in Louis Vuitton
12/25

Rihanna in Alaia
13/25

Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton
14/25

Deepika Padukone in Louis Vuitton
15/25

Jennifer Connelly in Louis Vuitton
16/25

Michael B. Jordan in Louis Vuitton
17/25

Emily Blunt in Valentino
18/25

Stephanie Hsu in Valentino
19/25

Lorenzo Zurzolo in Gucci
20/25

Ariana DeBose in Versace
21/25

Kerry Condon in Versace
22/25

Lady Gaga in Versace
23/25

Andie MacDowell in Saint Laurent
24/25

Lenny Kravitz in Saint Laurent
25/25

For more red-carpet style, click here.

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Lifestyle
Buro vs SEA Games 2017 athlete Sin Li Jane in bowling
Bowled by her skills

14.08.2017
By Rachel Au

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

In 2015, Malaysia emerged as the overall champion for bowling with a total of 10 medals, including five golds, at the Singapore SEA Games. Sin Li Jane was one of the members of the team that saw to that victory. The 25-year-old, along with her partner Esther Cheah, contributed to a gold in the women’s doubles as well as in the women’s team-of-five event. In 2011 at the Palembang SEA Games, she won a silver in the women’s singles and a bronze in the team-of-four. There was no bowling in the 2013 Games.

A post shared by Li Jane (@sinlijane) on Jul 12, 2017 at 3:42am PDT

But beyond the biennial Games, Li Jane has accomplished a slew of titles at other world-standard competitions with one of the most recent ones being a champion at the prestigious Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour, specifically the Lincoln Open. She is the second Malaysian player to claim a PWBA Tour title.

A post shared by Li Jane (@sinlijane) on Jul 28, 2017 at 2:58am PDT

For the 2017 SEA Games, the bowling events will be offering 11 gold medals and Li Jane joins Shalin Zulkifli, Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman, Syaidatul Afifah Badrul Hamidi and Natasha Roslan for the women’s team. We managed to catch up with her for a quick chat on her upcoming preparations as well as a game of bowling. Watch the video below to see how Buro 24/7 Malaysia’s Senior Lifestyle Writer Rachel Au fared against our national athlete.

The bowling events are happening from 20 till 25 August at Sunway Mega Lanes in Sunway Pyramid. Admission is free.

Related stories:
7 Minutes with Malaysian diver Leong Mun Yee on the 2017 SEA Games
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24 Minutes with Malaysian open water swimmer Heidi Gan on the 2017 SEA Games

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 17 – 18 December 2016
Time to go gift hunting

15.12.2016
By Rachel Au

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

1. APW’s First Christmas Market at APW Bangsar, 5pm – 10pm, 16 –  18 December
There’s more to this Christmas market than meets the eye since it’s not just shopping for gifts and food – they’ll also have a movie screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas, live music performances and carolling.

2. Heineken Live Your Music Presents: The Takeover featuring Alan Walker at Zouk Club, doors open at 9pm, 16 December
Alan Walker, the young Norwegian producer and DJ known for songs such as Faded and Sing Me to Sleep will be in town to hit up the club with his popular remixes (like the ones he did for Sia) and infectious energy.
Admission fee is subject to the venue’s cover charge. For more info, visit their Facebook page.

3. Amazin’ Christmas Charity Market at The Co. Bangsar, 10am – 5pm, 17 December
How amazing is it that the food, drinks and unique items purchased at this Christmas will benefit a refugee school and home in KL?

4. Whisky and Chocolate Truffles Pairing Session at Crime Cocktail Bar, TREC KL, 1pm – 3pm and 3pm – 5pm, 17 December
No other event will malt-ter if you have a soft spot for those two things. Five different types of handmade chocolate truffles will be specially flown in on the day of the event to be paired with five variations of single malt whiskies in this one-of-a-kind session at this newly opened cocktail bar at TREC.
The fee is RM120 per pax. For more info, visit the event page.

5. The DR.Inc Christmas Night Market at DR.Inc, Bangsar, 5pm – 8pm, 18 December
You know there’s always a good spread of food, drinks and sweet treats at a DR.Inc market but this time, they’re expanding the variety with a couple of vendors selling artisanal goods to help with your gift hunt.

6. Win Kanebo skincare products worth RM1,345

Source: https://www.buro247.my/beauty/buro-loves/tried-and-tested-kanebo-skincare.html
Find out how here.

7. Win a luxe stay at Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort
Find out how here.
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/news/7-things-you-can-do-this-weekend-10-11-december-20.html

Related stories:
#BuroDiningGuide: 7 Places to try in KL for anything Western
#BuroDiningGuide: 7 dessert spots to curb those sugar cravings
#BuroDiningGuide: Where to order your Christmas spread for takeaway/delivery

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Fashion
Dressed up Fridays: A stroll at St. Tropez
Effortless French flair

02.06.2016
By Wei Yeen Loh

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

June marks the month of everything summer-lovin’ for us, whether it’s getting our beach-bag essentials ready or ensuring our skin gets all the coverage it needs under the sun. To celebrate idyllic pool-lounging sessions and the feeling of sand between our toes, our Dressed up Fridays will take you on a stylish globe-trotting trip this summer, beginning with a Sunday stroll in St. Tropez. Find out how you can take on the French Riviera with these chic picks:

You can’t go wrong with a jumpsuit, especially when it’s Zimmermann’s white linen number that is both elegant as it is effortless. It’s all about the details with this one—from the delicate guipure-lace trims to the kimono-style belt for a flattering silhouette.
Shop: Zimmermann ‘Empire’ lace-inserted jumpsuit

Slip on a pair of sandals for comfortable strolling around town. Gold glittered sandals from Miu Miu will add that dash of panache you need for your ensemble. We love its slim silver leather straps and Swarovski crystal swallow motif—perhaps the most glamorous way you can pull off flats during summer.
Shop: Miu Miu Swarovski crystal-embellished glittered metallic leather sandals

A compulsory pair of shades this week come in the form of Dior’s latest ‘Diorama 3’ sunnies. We’re absolutely taken by that Havana brown and light gold-tone tortoiseshell frames, and this could very well put you in the echelons of Brigitte Bardot/Hollywood A-lister territory as you make your way down to the yachts at Vieux Port.
Shop: Diorama 3 sunglasses

Everyone knows that if there’s one thing that Parisian women excel in, it’s their neck-scarf tying abilities. Channel the same effortless vibe with this silk twill scarf from Gucci that has their signature ‘Blooms’ print—pretty watercolour geraniums in tonal-blue hues.
Shop: Gucci silk twill scarf

Complement the beautiful blue hues from your scarf with Balenciaga’s Le Dix cross-body bag in this stunning pale buttercup hue. After all, no colour combo works as well as blue and yellow (in our eyes, that is).
Shop: Balenciaga ‘Le Dix’ Mini cross-body bag

Lastly, don’t forget to leave your abode without powerful sun protection. Chanel’s UV Essentiel is the perfect daily shield that’s tailor-made to safeguard the skin from long UVA and pollution. Its formula includes smart technology that boosts your skin cell proteins to ensure all-day long protection—something you’ll definitely need under the afternoon sun.
Shop: Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily Defender

Related stories:
#WednesdayWishlist: Beach bag essentials for a summer vacation
Travel must-have this summer: Louis Vuitton Tropical Journey
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News
7 Things to do in KL this weekend during CMCO: 19 & 20 December 2020

16.12.2020
By Melissa Foong

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

1. Celebrate this festive season at Seven Lobby Bar and Lounge

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The RuMa Hotel and Residences (@therumahotel)

Picture this—you sitting by the bar with a cocktail in hand, Christmas carols playing softly in the background as you catch a whiff of a delicious scent coming from the candle burning in front of you. Now that sounds like a great way to relax! Head down to Seven Bar at The RuMa Hotel and Residences to experience cocktails inspired by the array of scented candles made by Lilin+Co, specially curated by KL’s top bartender, Shawn Chong.
To make a reservation, call 03 2778 0888 or email [email protected].
2. Binge watch this year’s best K-dramas

Image: Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)
The top K-dramas of 2020—365: Repeat the Year and The Game: Towards Zero—will be coming back to our screens this weekend at Oh!K (Astro Ch 394). Get your popcorn ready and catch two of these intense and suspenseful dramas that will be airing every weekend.
365: Repeat the Year
A nail-biting series where 10 people who dreamt of having a perfect life, travel back in time to a year ago. However, after resetting their lives, a mysterious case takes place that threatens their safety.
When: Saturdays, 6pm
The Game: Towards Zero
An emotional thriller that blurs the line between good and evil when the protagonist is born with a prophet-like ability that allows him to foresee the exact moment someone dies when he looks into their eyes. But things get twisted when he starts working together with a detective to stop the notorious Midnight Killer.
When: Sundays, 6pm
3. Munch on the new Wagyu burger at Dôme Cafe

Dôme Cafe has just announced the release of their new tender and juicy Wagyu beef burger (RM38). Picture a thick cut of Wagyu beef sandwiched between two warm and fluffy buns, served with fries on the side. Now that’s worth an Instagram post! Pay them a visit to see (and taste!) if it’s worth the hype.
Alternatively, it’s also available for takeaway/delivery. Just Whatsapp Dôme Delivery at 012 293 6658.
4. Educate yourself on the classical heritage of Beethoven with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB)

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of innovative composer, Ludwig van Beethoven with the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) by tuning in to a series of podcasts. Each episode portrays the mysterious life and heritage of the classical pianist. Not only that, GNTB is fusing both old and new together with the virtual reality app created to offer visitors a unique experience—duet with Beethoven and play the parts of the Ninth Symphony.
For more information, visit this website.
5. Go creative by making your own Tokyo sushi roll at home

Can’t go to Japan? Why not make up for it by learning how to make sushi from a real pro in Japan? This Airbnb Online Experience will have you whipping up decorative sushi, California rolls and more in no time! With the holiday season coming up, this will be a great alternative to a pizza party if you’re planning to do catch-ups with loved ones at home.
For more information, visit this website.
6. Feast on a multitude of cuisines at Contango, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

One of KL’s favourite buffet spots, Contango at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur has finally returned. The restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from Western, Japanese, Indian, Chinese to Italian. What greater time than now to treat yourself to an all-you-can-eat feast. After all, everyone deserves a cheat day.
Lunch
Price: RM105 nett per pax
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Dinner
Price: RM125 nett per pax
When: Friday and Saturday, 6pm – 8pm; 8.15pm – 10.00pm
For more information, visit this website.
7. Channel your inner fangirl by watching Ariana Grande’s Netflix documentary

Go on an emotional roller coaster ride with the Queen of Pop by tuning in to Netflix as they release her concert film/documentary, excuse me, i love you on December 21. The film is set to give fans a glimpse into the ups and downs the 27-year-old pop singer had to go through during her 2019 Sweetener World Tour.
For last week’s list of things to do, click here.

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All the celebs spotted at SIHH 2019

Watches
All the celebs spotted at SIHH 2019

21.01.2019
By Su Fen Tan

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

Besides the latest wonders in high horology, the recently concluded Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) held in Geneva also hosted a string of international stars—including a few familiar faces from Malaysia. Local It couple Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya graced the red carpet of IWC Schaffhausen’s evening gala and celebration of its new Pilot’s watches—possibly the most star-studded event at the fair—alongside the likes of Bradley Cooper, Rosamund Pike and Adriana Lima. Meanwhile, Hugh Jackman, Isabeli Fontana and Malaysian actor Lawrence Wong were spotted at the Montblanc booth. See our favourite celeb snaps from the week-long watch fair below:
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”[Стандартная] celebs sihh 2019″ rid=”6898″ order=”a_tstamp”}
Images from: Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Montblanc and Piaget

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Food + Drink
4 Leading women in F&B on the challenges of working in hospitality
Women supporting women

28.06.2023
By Natalie Khoo

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RECOMMENDED

Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

In honour of women working in the hospitality industry, The RuMa Hotel and Residences recently brought together four of Malaysia’s most prominent female F&B talents for two nights of exclusive dinners at its signature restaurant, Atas.
Dubbed ‘The Fab Four. Simply Magnifique!’, the dinner showcased the unique strengths and craft of the female quartet comprising the hotel’s Executive Chef Mandy Goh; Jun Wong, Chef de Cuisine at one of KL’s latest restaurants, Yellow Fin Horse; Ooi Hooi Shing, chef and founder of Penang’s premier patisserie, Le Petit Four; and Amanda Wan, an award-winning mixologist and ‘Spiritual Advisor’ at Wholly Spirits.
From left: Mandy Goh, Executive Chef of The RuMa Hotel & Residences; Amanda Wan, mixologist and Spiritual Advisor at Wholly Spirits; Ooi Hooi Shing, chef and founder of Le Petit Four; and Jun Wong, Chef de Cuisine of Yellow Fin Horse.

Spearheaded and conceptualised by Chef Mandy, who made history in 2009 as part of the first all-female team to win the prestigious Bocuse d’Or Asia competition at just 21 years of age, the collaborative dinner presented a menu consisting of six courses, three snacks, and four cocktail pairings.
A true testament to their commendable talent and unwavering spirit in a predominantly male-led scene, the dinner was prepared with 80 per cent of all ingredients sourced locally, and every element made from scratch—right down to the bread and butter. Each dish and accompanying drink was crafted through the lens of feminine sensibility, while speaking of their collective experience of being women in the hospitality industry.
“No matter where you work, women face stronger headwinds, are confined by glass ceilings and must battle pervasive stereotypes about our abilities and skills. Beyond our intent to showcase local female talent, this event is also very much a celebration of all our hard-earned successes, which we hope will inspire every girl to follow their dreams,” said Chef Mandy. “All of us have earned the right to our reputations through resilience, perseverance and determination—none of  which would have been possible without sisterly support and solidarity.”
Ahead, the four women share their personal challenges and achievements, as well as how women can continue to support each other in the hospitality industry.

What are some of the greatest challenges women face while working in the hospitality industry?
Amanda Wan (AW): Every industry has its own set of challenges, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Perhaps the age-old adage of “judging a book by its cover”—women are often deemed too dressed up or not dressed up enough; wearing too little makeup or too much makeup. Too fat, too thin, too loud, too soft. I’ve learnt to let others say whatever they want because I don’t have time to let their own insecurities affect me.
Hooi Shing (HS): Respect. Unfortunately, the industry is still rather gender biased towards men, and it takes much longer (and more effort!) for us women working in it to gain our due respect.
Jun Wong (JW): I wouldn’t say I have personally faced many challenges that felt unique to me compared to my male colleagues, but I would say that as a whole, people forget that we are human too and there’s a limit to how much we can push.
Mandy Goh (MG): As a female, working in the kitchen is absolutely challenging—in general, we are not as physically strong and fast compared to men. And for me personally, my height makes it worse and especially hard when it comes to reaching for things on higher shelves. But as I progress in the industry, I continue to push myself to become stronger, more independent, and constantly train myself to work smarter and faster to be able to thrive in the fast-paced service in the kitchen.

Mandy Goh, Executive Chef of The RuMa Hotel & Residences.

How can women support and uplift one another, particularly in the hospitality industry?
AW: Women have always been very supportive of each other in this industry in particular, so I see no issues there. From my own experience in the past, female superiors from outside of the hospitality industry were the ones who chose to give me a hard time.
HS: There are so many ways! From bigger gestures such as providing a platform (like this dinner) to let each other’s talents and passion shine, to even smaller but just as meaningful gestures like a big warm hug would mean a lot.
JW: I think we just need to tell each other that it’s okay if we can’t meet everyone’s expectations, and most of all, to stop bashing ourselves if we can’t meet our own expectations.
MG: With more collaborations and opportunities like this! This is it really—an amazing collaboration between female chefs and a mixologist. We actually have many [more] talented women in the industry, but some of them are too shy to be under the limelight. Hence, initiatives and events like this allow us to build a stronger community and form tighter bonds with one another in the culinary industry amidst the competitiveness of the field.

Jun Wong, Chef de Cuisine of Yellow Fin Horse.

What motivates you to keep on creating in the face of adversity?
AW: Personal joy and a supportive community. Surround yourself with people you love and who love you, just the way you are. These gems remind me to take a break when I’m close to burning out, whether it’s family, friends, my bosses, or my therapist. I have always been rubbish at hiding my emotions so a quick boxing/karaoke session helps me get back on track quickly!
HS: Passion and the will to never stop dreaming.
JW: I think for me, it has never stopped. Thinking about dishes or how to improve on an existing one is always at the back of my mind, like a subconscious thing.
MG: My constant passion and love for food, as well as the younger associates in the kitchen influence and inspire my creativity. In this modern age, social media is everything; I often browse through social media and pick up what are the trends and skills from culinary talents around the world. Reading recipe books and dining out to experience what other restaurants are offering also help to keep the creative juices flowing.

Ooi Hooi Shing, chef and founder of Le Petit Four.

What achievements are you most proud of?
AW: Making a living out of making drinks since 2006. Basically, the concept of ikigai—finding something that I love doing, that I’m good at, that the world needs, and that people will pay money for. Being Malaysia’s first female bartender on a global stage is pretty cool too.
HS: For me, it’s the little heart-warming moments that I’m proudest of—like when my customers tell me that my desserts and pastries make them feel like home.
JW: Aside from some creations that I’m very happy with, I think I’m proudest when it comes to my team and what I hope are good professional values instilled in them.
MG: I am proud that I am still wearing the chef jacket. This profession is tough and tiring—we go through long working hours with no days off, we work during festive seasons, and so on. Many culinary talents have in fact given up because of these challenges. I am grateful to have an extremely supportive family, who supported me mentally and financially when I started my career in the kitchen. They are my biggest achievement.

Amanda Wan, mixologist and Spiritual Advisor at Wholly Spirits.

What is your ultimate comfort food?
AW: Butter. Anything with butter.
HS: Fried rice.
JW: Nasi lemak. Come on, it’s the breakfast of champions.
MG: Kuey Teow Theng—a simple and flavourful broth packed with umami flavours.

For more interviews like this, head here. Read more food and drink stories here.

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Beauty
Buro 24/7 x Fire in the Sky fitness party
Sweat away

03.01.2017
By Gwen Ong

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RECOMMENDED

BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

This time of the year, millions around the world are making a promise to hit the gym more and exercise regularly. The adage – “if not now, when?” hits the spot and couldn’t be truer as we gear up to a healthier lifestyle in the months ahead. But reality is it’s hard work and without a game plan, you could be derailed from your fitness resolution. To kick-start your routine and actually stick to your goals, keep these five pro tips in mind:
Be specific
There’s a better chance of you making your dreams come true when your resolution is detailed. Write down your goals and break it down, as this will help you figure out the exact steps to get there. So, instead of saying “I want to lose weight”, straight up aim with “I want to lose 5kg by June 2017 and I’ll do this by exercising three to four times per week.”
Be intentional
Focus on the meaning behind your resolution. Perhaps, you desire to be strong and energised enough for that hiking trip to the Himalayas you’ve planned on your bucket list. The ‘why’ serves as the inspiration to achieving that goal, so with a deeper personal connection to the objective, it makes yours more meaningful.
Be reasonable
If you’ve never ran before, you are probably setting yourself up for disappointment if you attempt to hit the ground running every morning or evening without a proper plan. The key is to make small changes gradually – start your training with brisk walking and move steadily into jogging and then running over several months.
Be treating yourself
Nobody said it was going to be easy but when you actually hit those hard-earned points (like the first week you managed to run 30 minutes per session), you should reward yourself. Take yourself out for a mani-pedi, a massage or buy yourself some new fitness gear, these treats can help you reach those milestones faster.
Be forgiving
Fitness goal can be one of the hardest resolutions to see through so don’t be hard on yourself if you falter. After the initial excitement of a new routine has worn off or if you’re not seeing the results you want fast enough, it’s easy to justify taking a few days off. The important thing is not to give up! Get back at it as soon as you can.

Now armed with these tips, we’re giving you a chance to join the Fire in the Sky fitness party happening on Saturday, 14th January at M City, Jalan Ampang to get you in the healthy state of mind.
Fire in the Sky is a one-day event focusing on group workout sessions in a highly energised and social environment. Featuring trainers from Firestation, Buro 24/7 Malaysia is giving out 10 passes, which entitles you to the following two sessions:
Fire Hazard (4pm – 5pm)

Tone your body with dynamic functional training and plyometric movements
Fire Works (6pm – 7pm)

Shape up and ignite your body with state-of-the-art fire equipment

Each ticket is worth more than RM150 and entitles you to two workout classes, one cold-pressed Life Juice, one food pack from Salad Atelier, one beer from Goldbar and an entry to all-day pool party. To join the Fire in the Sky giveaway, please enter your details below:

Enter details here to join the competition
* indicates required
Email Address *
Full Name
Contact Number

Giveaway terms and conditions:
– This giveaway ends at 11:59pm, GMT+8, 10 January 2017. The winner(s) will be announced on 11 January 2017.
– The winner(s) of this giveaway will be notified via email.
– All information must be entered to qualify for this giveaway.
– Inability to contact the winner(s) within one day of notification will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner(s).
– Prizes not claimed within three days of notification email will result in forfeiture.
– This giveaway is only open to residents in the Klang Valley.
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia will not entertain any complaints on the quality and quantity of the prizes after the prize is in the possession of the winners.
– Buro 24/7 Malaysia shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage, personal injury or death which is suffered or sustained (whether or not arising from any person’s negligence) in connection with participation in this competition or accepting or utilising a prize.
Source: https://www.buro247.my/lifestyle/insiders/firestation-kl-brave-campaign-tanya-tolman-intervi.html

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Features
#BuroBrides: Jane Chuck on her wedding, her two dresses, and tips for brides-to-be

28.02.2020
By Joan Kong

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After a fun destination wedding in Greece last year, Jane Chuck and Han Pin held a second wedding reception back in KL six months later, and to make the occasion even more special, the couple opted to have it on Christmas day itself. Boasting a White Christmas theme, the ballroom was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a grand carousel had “Marry Christmas” emblazoned on top), claw machines, game booths and more. Their wedding ensemble? On her, two beautifully made gowns by local designers Jonathan Liang and Tengku Syahmi, and on him, an Ermenegildo Zegna suit that was tailored to perfection. If you’ve already read our local designers’ tips on what not to do at your dress appointment, here are more insights from a newlywed on wedding-planning and gown-designing.
1. Your wedding was one of the most talked about weddings last year. Why did you decide to have it on Christmas day?
My husband’s family is very traditional and they gave us a list of “good dates” to pick for the wedding. We saw December 25 is a good day for the both of us, and we thought it’d be quite cool and special to celebrate Christmas with our friends and family in a different way. It took about a good 10 months for the preparation, from brainstorming the ideas to putting it all together.

2. Jonathan Liang and Tengku Syahmi designed your wedding dresses. Tell us more about it.
I was working with Jonathan Liang on something else early last year, and when I told him about my wedding he offered to make a dress for me. Although he doesn’t design bridal gowns, he custom-makes it for his friends sometimes. I thought it was a great idea because I’m all for supporting local designers and, believe it or not, I had absolutely no idea in mind in terms of designs initially. Jonathan invited Syahmi to help out when we started discussing, and that was how it all came about.

3. What was the design reference for the dresses?
I don’t have a main inspiration or a dream design, so my brief to Jonathan was to have something classic, elegant, minimal and not too heavy to walk in, and also something I can re-wear in years to come.

4. Tell us more about your dresses.
Fun fact: Both dresses weren’t the original designs. For my white gown, we were initially planning to tie an organza train to the dress, but when I put on the gown it was already perfect on its own, so we ditched the idea and instead, added a nice bow at the back. I didn’t want anything else to take the attention away from the silhouette.
As for the pink gown, we changed it up less than a month before my wedding because I saw a picture of a dress that I really liked. It was Kaia Gerber‘s look from Alexander McQueen‘s Spring/Summer 2020 runway, and it was just so beautiful. Jonathan came up with a pleated organza design last minute, and it took Syahmi about three weeks to construct—he worked really hard on the pleats, and he was still fixing it right before the wedding!

5. Is there anything you would do differently if you could design your dresses all over again?
I love my dresses and I won’t change a single thing!
6. What are some of the tips you would give to brides who’d like to design their own dress?
Firstly, they should know and understand their body type. If they’d like to custom-make their wedding dress, they should use one design as their main reference, find additional inspirations from Pinterest or Instagram, and bring them to your designer of choice to work from there.
For more bridal stories, click here.

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Fashion
Paul Smith wants to ruffle some feathers this AW17 season
Birds of a feather

14.09.2017
By Joan Kong

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RECOMMENDED

Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

The brand went a lil’ whimsy for Pre-Fall’17 with cute monkey prints peppered throughout the collection, but for Autumn/Winter 2017, the focal motifs are feathers. Inspired by British gentleman naturalists and collectors, the feathers are just one of the brand’s eye-catching motifs, being an innovator in print design. Its in-house design team came up with the new print based on the naturalists’ drawings and taxidermy collections.

Available in both men’s and women’s collection, the vibrant prints are available in the form of all-over motifs for those who’d like to go bold, or subtle detailing for just a hint of added interest. For men, choose from a series of clothing (such as button-down shirts and nylon bomber jackets), shoes and wallets, whereas the highlight for womenswear are definitely the bright and bold tops.

Check out the feather-print pieces from Paul Smith’s AW17 collection below:
For men:
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For women:
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Related stories:
Listen to Sir Paul Smith’s 6AM playlistNo sweat: How to suit up for sunny days according to Paul Smith SS17

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Food + Drink
8 Romantic bars and restaurants in KL for a memorable date night
#BuroInLove

10.02.2017
By Ronn Tan

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

There are so many things one can do on Valentine’s Day—from intimate dinners to romance-filled parties. If you’re after food and drinks, Kuala Lumpur has a plethora of options for you. Check out some of the most romantic bars and restaurants in KL for the perfect date.

1. Bar Trigona

This sleek and modern space offers concoctions made using local, sustainable ingredients. Recently awarded the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2019 and placed 40th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019 list, Bar Trigona is slowly (but surely) gaining grounds as one of the most coveted bars in the city. Located in Four Season KL, one of its signature cocktails is the Nectar, which is a delightful combination of light rum, lime, jasmine and torch ginger cordial, and bianco vermouth. Create an everlasting story with your significant other right here.
Address: Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 2382 8670
Website

2. Pacific Standard Bar

With amazing views of the city skyline and a cosy setting, Pacific Standard Bar has what it takes to keep love in the air. The American-style cocktail bar is where you should go to immerse yourself in the old-world glamour of mid-20th century Los Angeles.
Address: Level 41, Alila Bangsar, Brickfields
Contact: 03 2268 3820
Website

3. Café Café

Nothing quite compares to the refinery of French dining and the notion of romance associated with cuisine française. Decadent plates of luscious foie gras, rich duck confit, and moreish escargots can all be found on the menu at this well-loved French café. The walls, both lavish and charming at once, have witnessed uncountable anniversaries and only the classic checkered floor truly knows the number of knees bent in hopeful proposal.
Address: 175, Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2141 8141
Website

4. Marble 8

Tender love affairs and buttery steaks go hand in hand in our books. Signature marble 8 cuts of the finest wagyu and Angus beef are chosen exclusively by the chefs and flown in from Australia then dry-aged in a state-of-the-art ageing cellar. A contemporary meal complements the contemporary setting that boasts the KL cityscape as its backdrop. Bring your partner here and you’re bound to get a pat on the back for a job well done.
Address: Marble 8, Level 56 of Menara 3 Petronas
Contact: 03 2386 6030
Website

5. The Terrace at Tamarind Springs

Steamy romances will meet their match at The Terrace at Tamarind Springs. The dining concept by the award-winning Tamarind Restaurants delivers elevated authentic Thai flavours by Executive Chef Somkuhan Wandee in stylish copper pots of hand crafted soup bases that bubble and boil while a grill fires up for made-to-order platters of the freshest seafood. Set amidst verdant greens of the natural foliage of Taman T.A.R, the unique Jungle-Luxe atmosphere provides couples with an interactive hot pot experience accompanied by candlelight and the sounds of nature.
Our recommendation, the signature soup, Namya Kaknomjin—a dynamic blend of fresh snakehead murrel fish and red curry spices—that is best enjoyed with thin rice noodles. From the grill, place an order for the whole squid and be prepared for incredibly tender rings charred with a lovely smokiness.
Address: Jalan 1, Taman Tun Abdul Razak, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Contact: 03 4251 7200
Website

6. Bobo KL

Tune out the world, and be serenaded by the golden pipes and tunes courtesy of accomplished acts such as Ning Baizura, Reza Salleh, David Gomes and Junji Delino. Framed by sensual drapery and incandescent bulbs, the stage at Bobo Kuala Lumpur is where talented musicians perform their heart song and guests experience a night to remember.
Address: 65-1, Jalan Bangkung, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 2092 5002
Website

7. Omakase + Appreciate

Perhaps its the thrill of being privy to a secret that has made speakeasy bars such a success in recent times. Omakase + Appreciate does more than bank on this novelty but transcends gimmicks, and prides themselves in shaking up serious cocktails concocted by award-winning mixologists, Shawn Chong and Karl Too. Score some points on spontaneity while you’re at it by picking the omakase option to leave your fate in the hands of the guys behind the bar.
Address: Lower Ground, Bangunan Ming Annexe, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 2022 2238
Website

8. Sabayon

This is one of the newest sky dining establishments in the city. Sabayon is a contemporary European restaurant with a touch of artisanal Malaysian. From soft and soothing French melodies to elegant high ceilings and dreamy décor accented by copper and bronze tones, Sabayon is the place to be for any celebration. You can also expect 100-pointer bottles like the 2016 Le Dôme and 2008 Penfolds Grange.
Address: Level 51, EQ, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03 2789 07777
Website

For more Valentine’s Day ideas, click here.

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Lifestyle
7 Things you can do this weekend: 28 – 29 April 2018
Goodbye April!

25.04.2018
By Rachel Au

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RECOMMENDED

7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

1. Weekly Community Yoga Class at APW Bangsar, 9am – 10am, 28 April
If you’ve always wanted to give yoga a try, this community class by certified yoga teacher Robyn Lau is a great first step. Of course, it’s open to regular yogis as well.
For more info, visit the event page.

2. Segway Tour: Putrajaya Eco Ride by LokaLocal, 9am – 11am, 28 April
Enjoy the great outdoors on a segway and return home with some awesome photos of the city (it’s a 10km sightseeing route after all).
RM185.90 per person, inclusive of transportation from the LokaLocal office, InMotion transporter and guide. For more info, visit the website.

3. Do You Pop Pilates at Puma @ Suria KLCC, 12pm – 2pm, 28 April
It’s a total body, equipment-free workout exclusively for women only. Take your first step towards rock solid abs, tank top arms and lean legs.
RM30 per person. For more info, visit the website.

4. Workshop: Paper Flower Rose Crafting for Mother’s Day at Claire Organics Flagship Store 2pm – 3.30pm, 28 April
With Mother’s Day coming up, why not learn how to make your own paper roses instead of buying the fresh ones? Better yet, bring Mum along to the workshop as a little bonding activity.
RM48 per person. For more info, visit the event page.

5. Netflix N’ Chill at The Playground Fitness, 7.30pm – 11pm, 28 April
There’ll be pizza, popcorn, drinks and movie night – all picnic-style. Yes, it’s a gym but they promised there’ll be no burpees involved.
For more info, visit the event page.

6. Crackhouse Carnival Presents: 5 Comedians at 5 o’clock at Crackhouse Comedy Club KL, 5pm – 6pm, 29 April
End the week with 60 minutes of non-stop laughter guaranteed.
RM30 per person if you buy tickets online. For more info, visit the website.

7. Experience a British dining experience with Guest Chef Dan Moon at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Available from now till 27 April. Check out the menu and read our review here.

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Culture
Unconventional art: Malaysian artists taking their creations to the next level
No brushes involved

19.07.2015
By Buro247

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While painting with paints and brushes is a pretty typical thing, these two local artists have made their mark both locally and internationally with their creative masterpieces, using mediums that not many would normally think of – food and other raw materials such as chopsticks and candle wax.
Red Hong Yi

She’s known for her unconventional methods in creating her stunning likeness of famous icons – think basketballer Yao Ming done in red paint using a basketball, a coffee-stained Taiwanese singer Jay Chou using the underside of a cup and even singer Adele using blue tealights, melting into a river of wax.
An architect by profession, Red enjoys creating her pieces as long as she’s not using a paintbrush. One of her projects where she challenged herself to create something for 31 days, entitled 31 Days of Food Creativity, involved food and an empty white plate. On it, she put together landscapes, animals and cultural icons, which got plenty of people talking and sharing.
{insert gallery tpl=”slide-freesize.tpl” id=”Red Hongyi” rid=”3118″ order=”a_tstamp”}
See more of Red Hong Yi’s work here.

Samantha Lee

Mum-of-two and food artist Samantha Lee started creating cute pictures using her daughter’s meals at the end of 2008 to help her eldest daughter take an intrest in her meals. She started an Instagram account to document her creations and ever since then, it has taken off, with a whopping 697,000 followers on Instagram and counting. Taking inspiration from everything including celebrities, cartoon characters and even her daughters’ ideas, her work has been featured extensively and now clients commision her to construct special pieces for campaigns.
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See more of Samantha’s work here.

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Technology
BURO Gadget Guide: 5 New tech gadgets on our radar this December 2022
Functional beauties

30.12.2022
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES: Sarah Tai for BURO Malaysia

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Looking to upgrade your tech gadgets for the new year? From a trend-setting foldable smartphone to a pair of fashionable yet sustainable wireless earphones, here are five tech gadgets to help you take on 2023.

Huawei MatePad Pro

Huawei’s next-generation 12.6-inch OLED display flagship tablet, MatePad Pro, is finally here and it comes with a major facelift. Firstly, its exterior design now features an aesthetic and ergonomic design with stylish colourways and a frosted finish. It also boasts a 90 per cent screen-to-body ratio and 120 Hz refresh rate, and combined with the MatePad Pro’s Universal Colour Consistency technology, elevates the user’s viewing experience by providing richer colours and a true-to-life display. Further, the tablet is equipped with eight speakers on top of its Huawei Sound audio system, making it an ideal device for those who enjoy gaming, music, film, and more.

Those who like to work on the go will also find the tablet a great work companion with features such as the App Multiplier and Multi-Window for efficient multitasking. With a simple swipe, users can split the screen to have two apps running side-by-side. Currently, Multi-Window supports up to four simultaneous tasks, including two side-by-side windows and two floating windows. If you’re a digital artist, Huawei’s Notes app now offers a variety of paper, brushes, and integrated typographic tools.
Price: From RM4,299
Availability: Website, Shopee, Lazada, official retail shops and resellers

Oppo Find N2

Continuing on the innovation of foldable smartphones is Oppo with the launch of the Find N2. The latest addition to the cutting-edge Find N series aims to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation in weight, aspect ratio, hinge technology and crease visibility. Now, the Find N2 sees a 67 per cent narrower crease, ensuring users enjoy a seamless and uninterrupted visual experience on a larger screen. Despite including premium materials such as carbon fibre and high-strength alloy, the Find N2 actually weighs 42 grams lesser than the original Find N whilst still maintaining its durability and sturdiness.

In addition, the smartphone delivers a premium experience both open and closed, using one or two hands. When closed, the device takes on an aspect ratio of 17.7:9, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. Further, the external display features a 120 Hz 5.54-inch AMOLED display with up to 480 Hz touch sampling rate. With a resolution of 2120 x 1080, the external screen can get up to 1,550 nits bright when outdoors.
Read our full review of the Oppo Find N2 here.
Price: From RM4,099
Availability: Website, official retailers

Sony Alpha 7R V
Photo: @timbuz / Instagram
Are you someone who loves photography? Capture life’s beautiful moments in 2023 with the Alpha 7R V, the newest R series camera in Sony’s acclaimed line of Alpha mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. A first in any Alpha camera, the latest model comes with a new AI processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition and the powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine.
Professionals looking for a top-tier high-resolution imaging tool will not be disappointed with this camera. Among some of its breakthrough features include 61.0PM still images, plus the most effective eight-step one image stabilisation system, refined 8K movie output, a new four-axis multi-angle monitor, high-speed communication functions, high-level operability and smooth workflow integration.
Photo: @timbuz / Instagram
Perhaps the standout feature is the AI processing unit with deep learning. The camera is able to provide Real-time Recognition autofocus with advanced accuracy and broader subject recognition thanks to this feature. The state-of-the-art AI processing is able to use detailed information about the human form to dramatically improve recognition accuracy and detect several subject types such as animals, vehicles and insects.
In addition to its incredible photography capabilities, the Alpha 7R V can perform advanced video tasks, delivering 8K 1 24/25p video, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, intra-recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and more for high image quality and flexible editing.
Price: RM18,099
Availability: Website, 0fficial retailers

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5

Microsoft Surface devices are one of the brand’s most popular lines of devices for continually challenging the convention of the PC. Recently, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 was launched in Malaysia with several upgrades. Powered by the latest Intel Evo platform, the laptop is now over 50 per cent more powerful than its predecessor and has all-day battery life. Each device is equipped with Dolby Vision IQ for vivid colours and sharp contrasts, and Dolby Atmos 3D spatial processing to fully immerse users in their content. Further, the front-facing HD camera is able to adjust camera exposure in any given lighting environment.

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Made to be performance-driven and stylish, the device comes in a sleek and elegant design with two stunning colourways of black metal and platinum metal. Its signature 3:2 PixelSense display is also available in two options: 13.5-inch or 15-inch.
Price: From RM5,299
Availability: Website, Surface  for Business authorized resellers including Maxis; authorized retailers such as All IT, Gloo by SNS Network, Harvey Norman, Lazada, PC Image, Senheng, Shopee and TMT by Thundermatch

Sony Linkbuds S

The Linkbuds S may not be a brand new tech gadget in the market right now, but its newly released Earth Blue colour variation deserves a mention. Following the white, black and ecru colour versions, the noise-cancelling wireless headphones in the Earth Blue colour use recycled resin materials generated from recycled water bottles. Parts of the body and case are also made from recycled water bottle materials which creates a unique marble pattern that’s perfect for those looking for earphones that also serve as a fashion statement. The entire Linkbuds series comes in sustainable packaging which is part of Sony Group’s ‘Road to Zero’ plan to reduce their environmental footprint to zero by 2050.
Photo: @sony.italia / Instagram
The Linkbuds S is integrated with Adaptive Sound Control, a smart feature that adjusts ambient sound settings depending on your environment, creating the most conducive listening experience. They are perfect to stay connected online and offline all day due to their ultra-small and lightweight design.
Price: RM929
Availability: Website, 0fficial retailers

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Watches
4 Things to know about the IWC Portugieser Automatic—as seen on Lee Dong Wook in ‘Tale of the Nine-Tailed’

23.10.2020
By Joan Kong

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Every successful K-drama has more or less the same components—a highly anticipated cast that brings the script to life, and a storyline featuring budding careers, family hardships, love triangles, and last but not least, noteworthy fashion. In Lee Dong Wook’s latest drama, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, it’s no different.

Portraying the character of a male gumiho who lives in the city, the actor is always dressed in an array of suave, polished looks. And since he has to carry out his missions on the dot, it’s only apt that he accessorise his outfits with a timepiece. His watch of choice? The IWC Portugieser Automatic 42mm that perfectly complements his ensembles. Want to know more about the timepiece? Ahead are a few facts to read up on:
The IWC Portugieser has gone through a few name changes since its launch
First introduced in 1939, the watch was first created for Rodrigues and Antonio Teixera from Portugal who had a specific request—a large wristwatch with the same precision as a pocket watch. It was initially named Mod.228 (after its case number) before being renamed to Portuguese, and later, Portugieser in 2015.

IWC Portugieser Automatic 42mm
Its well-loved specs
While the Portugieser’s distinct large rounded case has remained one of its main charms throughout the years, the works are what makes it so noteworthy. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 52010 calibre, the watch has an impressive seven-day power reserve, and not to mention the legendary Pellaton winding system that can be admired through the exhibition case back.

The two new models
The IWC Portugieser Automatic has nine variations in total, and the two latest designs that were launched this year are the Boutique Editions that are inspired by the maritime world—namely the 18-karat 5N gold case and blue dial, and the stainless steel case with an eye-catching burgundy dial.

The IWC Portugieser 40mm
If you’re looking for something more compact, the brand has also launched a version in 40mm that features the small seconds at six o’ clock, and it’s run by the IWC-manufactured 82200 calibre.

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Fashion
Which Fendi Baguette are you? Take this quiz to find out!
The arm candy of all arm candies

19.05.2023
By Phyll Wu

Images courtesy of HBO

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In the myriad of coveted designer bags, Fendi’s Baguettes are arguably one of the most iconic arm candies of all time. Created by none other than Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997, the ever-glorious Baguettes have been highly sought after since the early 2000s, thanks to the one and only Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. Who could ever forget her legendary quote, “It’s a Baguette!” as she was getting mugged in an alley?
Since it was launched, the famed Baguettes have seen a plethora of new variations and re-editions, many of which are often uniquely different from the other. From intricate embroideries to colourful sequins, there’s a Baguette for everyone. And if you’re wondering which design describes your personality best, take the quiz below to find out!

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