Malaysia Beauty Travel and Lifestyle Blog

Shuangqiaogou Valley On my 51st birthday, I finally set off to Chengdu despite my knee not being in the best condition. Armed with a walking stick and a stubborn spirit, I pushed through the pain of osteoarthritis. My fear was simple: leaving this world without completing my goal of exploring every renowned province in China. China is vast, beautiful, and full of nature’s wonders. I couldn’t let my health stop me. For this Western Sichuan adventure, I hired a private driver for 3 days, 2 nights to cover the route: Chengdu – Shuangqiaogou Valley – Bipenggou – Heishui – Dujiangyan. This blog series will be split into three posts, starting with Day 1. I woke up at 4:30am, and by 6:00am my driver arrived. The journey from bustling Chengdu into the serene alpine world of Mount Siguniang was long but rewarding. The drive itself felt like part of the adventure. Driving Timeline • Chengdu → Maobiliang Deck: ~4 hours • Maobiliang Deck → Shuangqiaogou Valley: ~15–20 minutes • Shuangqiaogou...

   Let me tell you about my latest night-time obsession. No, not binge-watching K-dramas or stalking cute scoop merch (although… guilty 😅). I’m talking about the [NEW] SKINMADE Star RetinAL Super Skin Renewal Night Serum. Yes, the one that promises collagen boost, anti-acne magic, and all that jazz. I gave it a whirl for a few weeks, and here’s the tea. First Impressions: Fancy Tube, Serious Vibes The packaging? Sleek. Gold accents. Airless pump. Feels like I’m holding a mini spaceship for my face. It claims to protect the RetinAL from air and light so the potency stays strong till the last pump. I was like, “Okay, science. I see you.” Texture & Application: Smooth Operator The serum itself is lightweight, slightly creamy, and absorbs like a dream. No sticky aftermath. I use it after cleansing and toning, before moisturizer. Just one pump....don’t go overboard, babes. Retinol is powerful, not nasi lemak sambal. The Ingredients: Not Just Another Retinol This isn’t your ave...

  When I first decided to try GLP-1 therapy with tirzepatide, I was excited about the promise: better blood sugar control, reduced appetite (not relevant since I am a small eater), and finally a chance to shed stubborn weight (for the sake of my old osteo knee). But let me be real with you....this journey isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Alongside the benefits, I’ve faced some uncomfortable side effects that deserve a candid spotlight.   What Is Tirzepatide? * Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and obesity management. * It works by slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety, which helps with weight loss but can trigger digestive discomfort. Common Side Effects I Experienced Here’s the raw truth of what my body went through: 1. Nausea & Vomiting 2. Reported in 12–30% of patients, especially during dose escalation. 3. Feels like morning sickness that lingers, sometimes manageable, sometimes overwhelming. 4. Dehydration 5. Because o...

On 28 November 2025, I hit my heaviest weight ever ....71.6kg. My knees were screaming in pain, my body felt alien, and my mind was exhausted. The irony? I wasn’t living recklessly. I didn’t overeat, I didn’t neglect exercise. I tried my best to live healthily, yet the numbers on the scale kept climbing. Desperate to understand why my knee still hurt months after arthroscopy, I drove 45 minutes to the clinic for an ultrasound. The scan revealed the harsh truth...stage 4 osteoarthritis in both knees, with bad fluid causing inflammation and swelling, plus a meniscus sticking out of place. No wonder I couldn’t walk properly. The doctor didn’t sugarcoat it. PRP , stem cell or other injections wouldn’t help. My weight was burdening my knees further. Abudeeen! I knew that already, but what could I do? Every attempt at weight loss ended with me gaining more. That’s when she suggested GLP-1 Tirzepatide injections, once a week. Since I’m already at menopause, she explained it could help balance...

  Renmin Park (人民公园), also known as People’s Park, is the oldest public park in Chengdu and a living, breathing example of the city’s famously relaxed lifestyle. Located in the heart of Chengdu, this tranquil escape offers artful landscaping, bonsai gardens, winding streams, and a pond where rowboats and motorboats drift lazily. Whether you're a solo traveler, wellness seeker, or curious wanderer, Renmin Park is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Chengdu. Tea Houses, Chinese Chess & Cappuccino Contrasts Tea culture thrives here. Locals sip jasmine tea, play mahjong, and chat under shaded pavilions. It’s a scene that feels timeless. But if you’re like me....a cappuccino rebel...you’ll find joy in sipping espresso foam while soaking in the serenity. Renmin Park welcomes both tradition and personal quirks. Family-Friendly Fun & Bonsai Beauty - Bonsai Garden: A peaceful corner filled with miniature trees and poetic landscaping. - Kiddie Rides: Small amusement rides a...

  I did it. I survived a 17-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu via China Southern Airlines. Barely. Let me tell you, this trip was not for the faint-hearted...or for anyone with a dodgy knee like mine.  Midnight Flight, Sinking Seat, and Questionable Breakfast My flight from KLIA took off at 3:10am. Yes, you read that right. The kind of hour where your body screams for a warm bed, not a cramped Airbus seat. The man in front of me decided to lean back like he was in a spa. My seat? Shrunk into a sardine tin. With my post-surgery knee acting up and a seat that felt like it was designed by a chiropractor’s nemesis, I spent five hours contorting like a pretzel. Inflight service? Meh. I requested halal food(pre ordered during booking). Stewardess confidently said, “All food on this flight is halal.” Then the guy next to me slurped his pork noodles like it was his last supper. I got an “American breakfast” that looked like it had been rejected by America. Beans, a sad omelett...

  Hello October! I woke up this morning feeling like I wrestled a tiger in my sleep. My back? Stiff like a frozen chicken. My tummy? Acting like I swallowed a balloon. And sleep? What sleep? I counted sheep, cows, and even imaginary alpacas last night. Still wide awake.  If you're in your fabulous 40s or 50s and nodding along, welcome to the club. The menopause misadventures club. No membership card needed! Just a body that suddenly decides to throw curveballs like back pain, indigestion, sleepless nights, and anxiety.  The Sneaky Symptoms Doctors Often Miss Let me tell you something I wish someone told me earlier. These symptoms are real, and they’re often misdiagnosed. I went to the doctor complaining about my back pain. He said, “Maybe you slept wrong.” I said, “I sleep wrong every night then?”  Indigestion? “Try probiotics .” Sleepless nights? “Avoid caffeine.” Anxiety? “You’re just stressed.” Hmm… okay, but what if all these are part of the menopause rollercoast...