Cica-Care is a self-adhesive silicon gel sheet that has been proven to flatten and improve up to 90% of keloids and hypertrophic scars. In fact, it has been used in the medical industry for over ten years already as it has been effective in even flattening ugly scars caused by burns or accidents.

I have used Cica-Care before and found it to be truly effective! Just a week’s use flattened and lightened the scar considerably. It was easy to use as I simply had to cut the silicon gel sheet to my desired size and stick it over the scar area. However, I found that it doesn’t stick that well and has a tendency to fall off, especially after I have used it for several times. I often ended up losing it and having to cut a new piece.

Read below how to use the Cica-Care gel sheet.

Step 1
Wash your hands before use and then gently clean the scar and surrounding skin. Thoroughly dry the area before applying Cica-Care.

Step 2
Peel the lid from the tray containing Cica-Care and remove the gel sheet.

Step 3
With a pair of scissors, cut the sheet to the size of the scar - allowing a little overlap all the way round. Store the remaining gel sheet in a dry place, like the tray the gel came in.

Step 4
Remove the printed plastic sheet to reveal the adhesive.

Step 5
Apply Cica-Care, adhesive side down, to the scarred area without stretching the strip. If your scar is in an awkward position you may wish to use a light bandage or tape to keep Cica-Care in position. Do not hold the gel sheet too tightly to the skin as this may cause irritation of the scar and surrounding area.

Step 6
Cica-Care should be applied to the scar for 4 hours on the first two days of use. The application time should then be increased by 2 hours a day to enable your skin to get used to the gel strip. See treatment time and the Cica-Care user diary for more details.

Step 7
Clean Cica-Care twice daily with a mild soap. Once you’ve cleaned the gel strip, rinse it well.

Step 8
Dry the Cica-Care strip with a non-fluffy towel before re-applying. Ensure the scar and surrounding area is washed too.

Cica-Care can be found in our local Guardian pharmacies. The retail price for this is a little on the high side, over RM100 for a box. It is worth the price to pay if you have been seeking an effective scar treatment for a while.

Holiday Inn, Penang is located on Batu Ferringhi on Penang island. Batu Ferringhi is a lovely stretch of beach where most of the beach hotels are located on. It is a little further in and is approximately 30 mins away from Georgetown along a winding coastal road. Holiday Inn is right next to Parkroyal Hotel, Penang and a short distance in from the luxurious Rasa Sayang Shangri-la Resort. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting too much from the hotel as Holiday Inn has been around for quite a while already but I was really pleasantly surprised.

Read the review of Holiday Inn Hotel, Penang below the jump!

Holiday Inn Hotel is split into 2 buildings - the older wing which is right on the beach and a newer tower wing, Ferringhi Tower, which is opposite the road. The hotel management has constructed an overhead bridge linking the two to ensure the safety of their hotel guests.

Our trip had coincided with the influx of Middle Eastern tourists into Penang and the Malaysian school holidays so we weren’t surprised when they told us our room in Feringghi Tower wasn’t ready yet when we checked in. However, they were really pleasant and polite and gave us complimentary vouchers for a drink in the longue while waiting. We had the drink that night and it was a delicious fruit punch in their breezy and comfortable Lobby Longue where a live band played.

Our room was surprisingly quite large and quite comfortable. It did not have the musty smell some older hotels do. The furniture in the room did look a little tired and it definitely did not come with a swanky plasma TV which most hotels come with now. Nevertheless, it was quite a pleasant room. The only thing I found quite funny was how the window curtains matched the prints on the bedspread! It was the first time I have seen hotel curtains with prints!

Sadly, however, the Astro channels we had were limited and we didn’t manage to catch as much coverage of the Beijing Olympics as we wanted! The bathroom was clean but looked a little old and was finished in the old school marble finishing. The shower was quite pathetic as the water had a tendency of spurting out all over the place. However, I liked how they provided complimentary toothbrushes, razors and combs for those guests who have forgotten their essentials. 

The Ferringhi Tower wing does not have many amenities and is only equipped with a Fitness Centre. All other facilities such as restaurants and swimming pool are located in the Beach wing. Our complimentary breakfast was also served in a lovely open restaurant which was breezy and really relaxing. A wonderful place to tuck into the buffet breakfast they served every morning with a good choice of local and Western fare. Those who enjoy the sun can opt to sit at the tables just fronting the beach under the morning sun.

I was really impressed with the list of activities they have everyday. On every room table is a list of the activities for the week ahead, some complimentary and some with a fee attached. It really ensures that their guests are kept happy and occupied. They have a well stocked Kid’s Club too in the Beach Wing which provides a great place for kids to play in and for parents to have some relaxing time away.

Every night, starting from 7pm, there is a Ferringhi Night Market that sets up right along the stretch of hotels along Batu Ferringhi. It is a rather interesting market with all kinds of pretty decorative items, cheap DVDs and imitation products. Bargaining is allowed and it does add a festive air to the whole area. Good restaurants such as The Ship Steakhouse and Eden are a mere walk away and there are lots of convenience stores nearby. Those who prefer hawker food can just walk a short distance down to a food court where you can find Penang favourites such as char kuey teow, nasi kandar and lots of other Penang delicacies.

I would recommend Holiday Inn Penang for families with young children or for people who simply want to spend some time on the beach and away from the city stress. However, it is rather far from the Georgetown area and Penang’s major attractions and the road leading in can be quite windy. The service we received was generally good, However, some of the waiters at breakfast could be better trained to look out for guests who want coffee or tea with their breakfast. Overall, it is a good hotel to stay in for a relaxed holiday.

Find out about Holiday Inn’s special rates and promotions at Holiday Inn Penang.

Photos from My Women Stuff

I love having a bag-loving sister! Guess who benefits when she’s feeling generous?!

I recently inherited this gently used Cole Haan Alexa bag from her (Thank you!) after she saw the state some of my handbags were in. It’s a soft leather bag in a colourful fuschia pink which is certainly eye-catching and goes down well on days when I’m feeling colourful! The downside is that it can sometimes clash terribly with whatever I am wearing!

I like how it comes with little metal bits at the bottom or “feet” as I often call them as I find it protects the leather bottom of the bag. To me, a good branded bag should always have “feet”! The bag is longer than the normal bags I’m used to but I have found that it works well as it means I have more space to put my rubbish into now!

One grouse I have about this bag is that it does not have a zippered top which can be a bit dangerous as things can be easily fished out. However, it has a centre part with a zip which I use to keep my wallet in so it isn’t much problem. I have to admit that the open areas does make it easy for me to store things in or take things out of when I’m in a hurry as I don’t have to fiddle around with zips or buckles. There are 2 little cute inner pockets which I love as well. One of the pockets is slimmer and fits my phone perfectly. The other comes with a thin button flap and is very handy for keeping my access card and house keys!

I have been using this Cole Haan bag for a while already and I have to say that I’ve started falling in love with its big spaces and size. It’s a big change from the tiny bags I used to use and I wonder how I got through with such tiny bags to hold all my rubbish in! I have also received several compliments on this fuschia bag, from guys whom I thought never noticed such things! It must be the eye-catching colour!

Thanks again sis! Look forward to anymore “rejects”! Tee-hee…

My colleague so kindly offered me some Big Apple Donuts she bought from The Curve and despite my heavy lunch, I simply had to try one for the sake of my blog! The things we bloggers do!

Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is yet another doughnut franchise chain that has appeared to fuel the local tastebuds for doughnuts. It is apparently made from a New York doughnut recipe and churned out by workers behind a glass area where you can watch your doughnuts being made as you queue for these yummy treats. I have passed their outlet in Midvalley Megamall on weekends before and seen long queues snaking around the glass kitchen where workers work frantically to churn out these fluffy snacks for the customers. The good thing about the queues is that you are always promised of freshly made doughnuts due to the high customer turnover!

My colleague offered me a myriad of doughnuts to choose from but I decided to try a plain glazed one.

The glazed doughnut has a layer of sugar glaze over it which made it look hard but it turned out to be really soft and fluffy when I bit into it. I actually left the doughnut on my desk half-eaten and left for a meeting and was surprised to find that it was still soft and fluffy despite being left in the open for close to an hour!

I was really happy to eat it initially as it reminded me a lot of the cinammon doughnuts I used to love eating in Australia. Unfortunately, the doughnut did not have that spicy cinammon taste that I love. The doughnut tasted really sweet and slightly buttery which was a bit uncomfortable for me as I don’t have a sweet tooth. However, it should go down really well with those who love sweet things. I noticed that the cross-section of the doughnut after I bit into it was a little layered which may be why its so soft and fluffy. I couldn’t finish the doughnut due to the sweetness…plus I am not much of a doughnut fan! Doughnut fans would really like it though as it is everything a doughnut should be!

Other interesting flavours are available such as Snowy Doughnut (topped with icing sugar), Mango Tango (mango cream and glaze), Hot Berry (strawberry filling), Green Teaser (green tea topping) and lots of other funky flavours. Some new flavours are also available such as Duren Duren (durian filling) and 101 Dalmations (sesame seeds on white chocolate).

A donut retails for RM2 and you can buy half a dozen for RM9.50. One dozen doughnuts are available for RM17.

If you are a doughnut fan, check out Big Apple Donuts & Coffee in The Curve (The Street, Western Courtyard), Midvalley (Lower Ground towards Gardens Shopping Centre) and Pavilion Shopping Centre (6th Floor).

Photo credits thanks to Masak-masak.

The Stella McCartney range made its debut with its limited edition Spring/Summer 2008 collection that featured a series of handbags and luggage bags for the modern working woman. Where the Tokidoki series was quirky, cute and colorful, the Stella McCartney range is feminine with sweet playful prints with great attention to detail to suit the needs of the busy mother or career woman. Children are also not forgotten in this range and can choose from cute bunny rucksacks or miniature wheelie cases with colorful prints that will definitely appeal to them.

The Stella McCartney range features a choice of interesting quilted texture which is available in dirty pink, dark plum or silver grey which contrasts well with the metalic hardware or mesh details. In light with the environmental concerns, all bags are made out of 100% recycled material. Bags can be used on their own or if wished, purchased to form a lovely set with matching wheelie cases, computer cases and even camera bags. Each bag comes with a cute little bunny charm attached to the zip which makes a really cute keychain!

I think the Stella McCartney Mom’s Tote looks really good as well with its bright orange or dirty pink colours, waterproof polyester and many compartments. The tote features lots of compartments for baby’s things and a great insulated pocket that fits 2 bottles. Its a good size tote that’s excellent for moms on the go! Not to mention fashionable too!

Some further great news for LeSportSac fans! To commemorate the new Stella McCartney range, the LeSportSac site is offering 50% off their Stella McCartney range!

Check them out at LeSportSac!

I enjoy snacking on seaweed as it is not only rich in iodine and nutrients but provides a low-fat snack whenever those savoury cravings attack! So when I chanced upon the cute Tao Kae Noi Japanese Crispy Seaweed snack in the store, I couldn’t resist picking up a pack to try. It is a colourful pack that comes with a resealable top which is an excellent idea! Every snack manufacturer should come up with resealable packs!

Inside the pack are strips of crispy flavoured seaweed. They are a little salty but absolutely addictive and delicious! I tried the Hot & Spicy one and it is a little spicy but the spiciness simply adds to the great taste. I could snack on these all day! The packet recommended enjoying it as a snack or a supplement to your meals in rice, sandwiches or soup! What an excellent idea! I would love to try it in my sandwiches and noodle soups too for that added taste! I’m sure it’ll be great for getting fussy children to finish their food as well.

The Tao Kae Noi seaweed snack is made in Thailand and its list of ingredients include seaweed, pepper, iodine salt, palm oil and chilli. A 5g serving packs in a mere 35 calories! What a great low-calorie and low-fat snack!

I bought the 50g pack in Watsons for RM5.90. However, it can easily be found in any supermarket and pharmacies. I’m currently in love with this crispy and savoury snack!

I had a colleague who was expecting and was looking for a nice diaper bag to use after her baby is born. We chanced upon the Anya Hindmarch Oakley Nappy Bag in the Anya Hindmarch boutique one day at lunch and she absolutely fell in love with it!

The Anya Hindmarch diaper bag is a tote bag by London’s most quirky and renowned bag designer, Anya Hindmarch. It comes in black and is made out of gaberdine with black cotton trim which makes cleaning very easy. What she loved most about it was the roominess of the bag despite its sleek appearance. The Anya Hindmarch nappy bag comes with a cute little roll out diaper mat for you to change your baby on and an adorable little bag to keep all your nappies in. We felt the diaper mat and it felt quite soft and padded aso I’m sure babies will be comfortable while being changed. The bag has 5 outer pockets to store all the inevitable bits and bobs new mommies (and daddies!) end up having to carry so it has lots of space for baby’s things!

The version we saw was in The Robinsons store in The Gardens MIdvalley and had the cutest writing in white on the pockets as a guide to what should go where. I really liked the side pocket which was labelled “Bottles”. It was just too cute for words!

The Anya Hindmarch Oakley Nappy Bag retails for approximately GBP200 online and is approximately RM1,500 locally. I have only seen it in the Anya Hindmarch boutique in The Gardens, Mid Valley. However, I understand that the Anya Hindmarch boutique in KLCC should be bringing in some new stock soon.

It’s a nice and fashionable diaper bag that I’m sure every yummy mummy would love to be seen with! Plus it’s a lot more affordable than the Gucci Diaper Bag or Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Lin Diaper Bag!  Somehow, I think new daddies wouldn’t get much opportunity to carry it!

Pinkelle Reviews will be away tonight catching the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics at 08:08pm on 08-08-08! What an auspicious start to the games!

Bring it on!

The first time I heard about The Bankers Club, Kuala Lumpur, it was spoken in hushed revered tones. Anyone who was a member of the exclusive club was deemed to be a high powered bank executive as membership was expensive and not so easily available. It was akin to the gentlemen’s clubs that used to be so popular in London. Today, the Bankers Club is still a prestigious establishment to belong to but its members are no longer limited to those in the banking circle but encompasses senior business executives and community leaders. 

The Bankers Club was founded in 1987 and is located in the Penthouse of the Amoda Building on Jalan Imbi. The club Chairman is The minute the lift doors open, the opulence of the club setting is plain to see with its plush carpeting and wood panelling. Its most impressive feature is the curving wooden staircase that comes down from the upper floor to the main reception area. It truly is a conversation piece, together with its large picture windows which overlook the KL city scene.

The Bankers Club is a great setting for an event and they are available for meetings, conferences and events. You can even hold your wedding in the Bankers Club for something different! They have meeting and event packages available for a reasonable price with delicious halal food thrown in.

The Bankers Club is located at the following address:

The Bankers Club,
Penthouse, Amoda, 22 Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-2142 4166

Email: enquiry@bankersclub.com.my

I have never really been a user of Ginvera. Ginvera is famous for their Ginvera Marvel Gel which is said to remove blackheads and clogged pores. Honestly, I have never tried any Ginvera products until I chanced upon the Ginvera Green Tea Spa Shower Scrub. Just one try and I was sold!

The Ginvera Green Tea Spa Scrub is a refreshing and exfoliating shower scrub made from green tea essence,  tea tree leaf, jojoba beads and ginseng. The shower gel has been formulated from these ingredients to refresh and smoothen your skin. Green tea is said to prevent signs of aging, tea tree leaf to prevent skin problems through its powerful anti-fungus properties, jojoba beads restore moisture whilst exfoliating and ginseng provides nutrients and promotes skin cell metabolism.

The scrub comes in an attractive green colour and little bits of tea tree leaves and jojoba beads can be seen through the bottle. I absolutely love the refreshing scent it has. The scrub has a lovely green tea scent which lingers on your skin after you have used it, giving you a fresh smell throughout the day. It never fails to lift my spirits after a long day!

The scrub is in a gel form and the jojoba beads can be felt when you are using it against your skin. The beads do a great job in smoothening my skin without being overly harsh. The gel rinses off easily and leaves the same refreshing smell in the bathroom which reminds me a lot of being in an actual spa.

It’s my little luxury and my own little home spa at the end of every tiring day!