Hi loves, the school holidays are here again, what are your plans with your family? Hotel staycation is one of my favorite things to do with the kids and yes there's a big difference between a staycation and a weekend.

This weekend I played tourist in my own city, we checked into Best Western i-City Shah Alam to take a break from my real life and embrace a carefree lifestyle. One thing I like about staycation is being able to see my city through the eyes of a tourist, it really makes me appreciate the place a little bit more.

Best Western i-City Shah Alam is located in a really great spot in the city and it's the perfect staycation for families, it's just a short 30 minutes drive from home and around the hotel there's shopping, dining, and entertainment center, all within walking distance and I'm thrilled to find out that hotel guests are entitled to free unlimited water park access at Water World i-City throughout their stay! Hooray for the girls 

A handy feature of this hotel is that you can walk or take their free hotel shuttle to Central i-City for shopping, dining, and entertainment with over 350 retailers and eateries for you to choose from. 

Rooms

We took two connecting Deluxe Room because it is almost impossible for them to sleep in one, so it'll be the best choice to separate them. I requested a baby cot beforehand and it was so sweet of the hotel to decorate the rooms with two towel bears which my girls love.

The rooms were modern and exceptionally clean, even the kettle was clean, I'm quite particular about this which is why I always travel with one, yea call me crazy, but I'm glad I left mine in the car and used the one at the hotel. There's also a mini-fridge which was handy if you're a breastfeeding mum, the beds were really comfy too so far I've got no complaints.

Dining

You won’t go hungry through your stay at Best Western i-City Shah Alam. The View Café is located on Level 5 with loads to offer and you'll be able to dine indoors or outdoors with good food.

For breakfast, the kids and I enjoyed the buffet at the alfresco area, it was really breezy outdoors, we could enjoy some sunshine and it's not too hot, The View Café serves a generous spread of breakfast buffet items, from the local favorites such as Nasi Lemak to continental breakfast. 

#1 Seafood BBQ eat-all-you-can

Since we check-in on a Friday, we manage to try out the all you can eat Seafood BBQ Buffet, it's hosted on the alfresco deck at the View Café with crabs, prawns, oysters, scallops, clams, and assorted fish, what else could you wish for? At RM75 per pax for adults or RM52.50 for kids for dinner, this buffet is available every Friday night from 7pm to 10pm. 

The seafood is fresh, I think I had nearly everything that was served except the crabs, just pick out the seafood you want and request for the chef to grill it on the spot for you. This buffet is one place you’ll want to bring a date to. 

#2 New Go Beyond Signature Menu

 The View Café recently roll out their new menu and I got a chance to try it out. The portions were really generous if you're not a big eater these are perfect for sharing, what I love most is the Coffee Lamb and Satay Burger to balance the meal we added refreshing drinks Lime ginger Nojito and Pineapple Cooler. Words alone aren't enough you've got to pop by and try it out yourself 

#3 Room Service with QR code ordering system

This is such a brilliant idea, I just adore the idea of ordering room service without the need to call the reception, all I need to do is scan the QR code in my room and I'm directed to the webpage for me to order.

#4 Sunday Hi-Tea

What's better than spending time with family and friends over good food? Unwind and have a relaxing Sunday with the buffet spread here and kids will be treated with activities such as clown performance, balloon sculpture and exciting games. Prices are very reasonable at RM45 per adult and 50% per child and senior citizen.

Entertainment

We took the girls to Waterworld i-City right after breakfast, being November it was cloudy and rain falls in the evening. Waterworld is quite small but it has enough entertainment for the girls. There is a large Aladdin play area equipped with tons of water slides, a big jacuzzi, a large wave pool that Miya enjoyed very much, a lazy river and a few more exciting slides for adults.

We're supposed to visit the Itsy Bitsy & City of Lights, both are just walking distance from our hotel. Unfortunately, both nights it was raining and drizzling so we had to plan it on another day but if you happen to be here, don't forget to visit these places with your kids, there are quite a number of rides suitable for kids and a park with over a million LED lights.

Now to sum up our stay, I spend most of the time in the hotel room without venturing out much and it was the perfect retreat for me. ICity Shah Alam is an incredible city, with so much to offer. For those that live local or nearby, there is no need to drive far for a fun family vacation. A staycation at the Best Western i-City Shah Alam can be a great option.

“Every Year, you should have a new Position”

To become a distinguished worker, you have to understand that excellence starts with you and it begins from within. To become an excellent manager, you have to think outside the box and lead the team to charge forward towards a goal.” – Datuk Stella Chin

Sounds challenging but after attending the book launch of Datuk Stella Chin, it got me thinking about my current role, am I doing enough? Am I stuck in a comfort zone? Well to be honest, I've been stuck for the past 4 years, doing repetitive work, sticking to my comfort zone and afraid to pass the line I should have done ages ago.

Anyway long story short I took a leap and now I'm finally in a different position but without a mentor, it can be difficult at times and I'm glad that I've bumped into this book that educates me with the necessary resources which allow me to aim for the better.

The Art of Position by Datuk Stella Chin is a good read for me, it aims to offer useful and understandable information that can be applied to improve yourself, which is perfect for junior and mid-level administrative and managerial staff. It doesn't matter if you're from a business or non-business background, as long as your work involves organizational operations, this book will benefit and give great improvement from the knowledge shared by Datuk Stella Chin.

For over 25 years of international marketing and business management experiences, Datuk Stella Chin is proficient in personnel, resources and operational management. She has achieved a balanced life of excellence and happiness, and she is sharing her secrets with the world.

If you're wondering why she wrote about position, it all started from the Chinese character for the word Position is written as 位, a combination of Human (人) and Stand (立). This character blend can be interpreted as a “stand that dominates a person’s action”.

In a team, everyone has their own position. If you want to be in a better position, you have to work harder; if you want to change your position, you have to change your mindset; and if you want to be in a better position next year, you have to start investing in yourself now. Your ambition has to be supported with new skills, improvements and talents.

The Art Of Position will be a guide for us on our journey through the world of business. It is available in English and Mandarin for RM55 at leading bookstores. 

Did you know 3rd November is World Sandwich Day? Sandwiches are my ultimate grab and go food but what you put inside makes a big difference!

In celebration of this wonderful day, DKSH has teamed up SKIPPY® PEANUT BUTTER and DIY Bites Studio for a Gourmet Sandwich Making Workshop featuring Chef Leah Choy. We learned how to transform an everyday sandwich into a gourmet dish by incorporating the delicious and smooth taste of SKIPPY® peanut butter.

“Sandwiches are a staple in any household or restaurant today. This versatile, on-the-go and easy-to-make food can be a balanced meal because it can include meat, vegetables, dairy products and sometimes even fruits. We share Skippy’s passion in inspiring people and are happy to celebrate this occasion with their iconic peanut butter brand,” explained Chua Chong Hoon, Vice President, FMCG, DKSH Malaysia.

SKIPPY® Peanut Butter is available at major supermarkets go grab your own peanut butter and indulge in the richness of it. 

Luggage with personality is always more fun right? Meet my new travel buddy from the Guardian Exclusive tokidoki Travel Series and this is not it, there's an entire range that is begging to be taken everywhere this holiday!

Guardian Malaysia recently collaborated with Tokidoki and they've just unveild the Guardian Exclusive tokidoki Travel Series it consists a tote bag, backpack and a 20 inch luggage you'll never have to sturggle during your holiday.

The tote bag has plenty of room, the roomy compartment allows the tote to be easily packed and organized for your personal travel accessories, the cute backpack is spacious with enough space for a long weekend, but it’s still compact enough for the most minimalist traveler and my favorite of all the 20 inch luggage that's ultra chic, it's a beautiful choice for any kind of adventre.

Tokidoki is a brand that has achieved a global cult-like following with its colourful, eye-catching, larger-than-life characters and art-form created and designed by co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Simone Legno. Simone Legno created the art on 3 limited edition travel bags which we call the Guardian Exclusive tokidoki Travel Series. 

If you look carefully, you will see that the designs are incorporated with health and beauty item elements with the tokidoki characters. You can see some items, for example, like lipstick and nail polish which you can buy at Guardian and you will also see an Orange Store included which represents Guardian stores.

The Guardian Exclusive tokidoki Travel Series are limited edition, it will be available starting 31st October until 31st December 2019, containing a Tote Bag, Backpack and a 20 inch Luggage, so hurry up and grab it while it last because purchases are on a first-come, first, served basis.

Guardian Exclusive tokidoki Travel Series

#1 Tote Bag RM80 (Purchase with purchase) RSP* RM280

#2 Backpack RM100 (Purchase with purchase) RSP* RM440

#3 Luggage RM170 (Purchase with purchase) RSP* RM600

To qualify to buy these travel bags at these discounted prices, Guardian customers only need to spend RM30 and above with participating brands in a single receipt or RM50 and above without participating brands in a single receipt.

The use of Stem Cell has expanded over the years, I was glad to be part of the Ruby-Cell hair treatment workshop organized by PEEKABOO Hair Salon TTDI on their 21st Anniversary. The head of PEEKABOO, Joe Low, collaborated with commercial stem cell products company, Aphrozone Co. Ltd (Aphrozone) of Korea, they specialize in using stem-cell cosmetics with growth factors.

Hair loss is one of the most frustrating problems that we have to deal with in life, having seen many of their customers facing this problem, PEEKABOO Hair Salon decided to explore and discover solutions that could help those who are experiencing, they recently introduced Ruby-Cell Stem Cell Hair Growth Treatment that can prevent hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.

Ruby-Cell is formulated with AAPE (Advanced Adipose Stem Cell Conditioned Media Extract) and other high-performance proteins that can be used by people of all ages. The serum particles are a nano-size (the size of one hair divided 10,000 times) thus, it is easily absorbed into your body.

Unlike traditional hair transplants, it doesn't increase hair numbers in the scalp but Ruby-Cell Stem Cell Hair Growth Treatment uses stem cells to maintain and repair tissues. Stem cells are unique in that they have the potential to develop into many different types of cells making it a great option for those who suffer from hair loss.