First Impressions

Honestly, a Google search of Lavines did not turn up with any reviews or solid websites that reassures the sceptical online shopper such as myself. Instead I found page after page of discounted deals that Lavines ran in the past, and also a Facebook page which was last updated in 2011. I was extremely attracted by the location of its outlet and drove past it one day to see what it looks like. Unlike some smaller, unknown beauty outlets in SS2 occupying the upper levels, this outlet is located on the Ground floor and looks fairly attractive and proper. The staff looked professional and despite scaffolding and construction work going on beside it, business seemed alright. photo taken from Groupon deal page I took the plunge and purchased a 2.5 hour facial + massage deal  and made an appointment for myself. Lavines has a text system where they confirm your appointment or contact you by text if you did not answer your phone, which I appreciated.  The facial an...

A few colleagues and I decided to go for an ATV ride one weekend after spotting a Groupon deal. The location of the park can be found on Waze so getting there is a breeze.  The trip started off with two warm up runs around flat terrain with a small mound for you to get accustomed to going up and down hills. My vehicle stalled a few times here due to the chain in the engine coming off which was frustrating. We were later led into the forest for a rockier ride and it was slightly more fun. Due to us travelling in single file, the people at the back were left behind when a problem occured as those in the front were unaware. A guide was also available to lead the way and another person was on standby to assist if anything goes wrong.  The ride was over far too quickly and we were just getting warmed up! But of course the Groupon deal is meant to be introductory and you can sign up for a longer session. Others had expressed that the experience was positive and ...

I wanted to purchase a Groupon deal from Model Slimz but I could only find a couple of articles on the Internet about this seemingly new company and most articles were related to the Subang Jaya branch. The phone number given indeed was answered by a woman confirming that the number I rang was Model Slimz,  and their Facebook page has some activity, if that can be taken as a sign of being in business. Since their SJ branch had a so-so review, I figured the Kota Damansara one couldn't be that bad and went ahead with a purchase.  Upon ringing up to make an appointment, I was told by a lady that they are having some complications at the branch and I was more than welcome to redeem my Groupon at the SJ branch instead. I wasn't agreeable to that and they kindly promised a follow up call the soonest they can accommodate me. Which they did a few weeks later and I was pleasantly surprised. The KD outlet is located on the street right outside Encorp Mall (The Strand), where dr...

The same weekend I was at A-Listers in Sunway Giza, there were a few booths in the concourse area promoting various items and services. One of the booths that caught my attention was an express manicure service for RM15 offered by Amante - unbelievably cheap! I smiled at the friendly promoter and told her I'd like a manicure. Now, with most discounted services, I tend to expect poorer service or quality. I was very prepared for a crummy manicure delivered under ten minutes. Au contraire, the staff at Amante spent a good thirty minutes trimming my cuticles, shaping my nails, filing and buffing before moving on to colour application. I was quite impressed at the delivery and would definitely return to Amante for other services if their branches continue to maintain their standard. Amante can be found at 12 locations. They have promotions on a regular basis which can be found on their blog . 

Upon starting my new job, my office manager asked for me to provide her with my EPF number by the end of the week. Reading some posts on how some employees did not have to apply for their EPF number and was done so by the employers, I asked my office manager if that was possible. Instead, I was pointed to the nearest KWSP office in K.L. I suppose this is something employers choose to do rather than are obliged to do. There are several branches in each state so you shouldn't have a problem locating one near you. Here's a link to the listing of KWSP offices. I took the LRT to Masjid Jamek and although it probably was within walking distance, I took a cab to the KL Utama office instead as I couldn't afford to get lost in the middle of KL. The office was empty upon my arrival and I was attended to right away.  The clerk asked for my I.C. and tapped away at her computer. Within minutes, I was presented with a slip of paper with my EPF number and other information o...

Initially,  my plan was to renew my passport at the Plaza Glomac Kelana Jaya branch,  and upon arriving at 745am and queuing behind about 80 people or so,  I thought it was going to be a breeze.  By 8am the office had yet to open.  Observing the queue, the office could process about 30 passports an hour. It was dark on the inside and I had no way of investigating without leaving my place in the queue. Soon,  a man behind me went and enquire and returned telling his wife they should go to the office in Jln Duta. And they left.  After calling the 0380008000 number listed on the site,  I was informed by the boyfriend aiding me from home that the systems in KJ branch were down. Soon after, a man came and make an announcement but I could not catch what he said. In  conclusion,  I left for Putrajaya,  figuring I could get lucky. Ringing the official number to check if the quota of the day had been hit,  I received no an...

A few months back Assata ran a Groupon deal for a 3-hour facial and shoulder massage. A quick Google search only returned with more deals that Assata ran in the past and a few old blogs posts from 2010.  There was even a negative experience posted by a fellow Groupon customer on  Facebook .  The closest outlet to my place is in Amcorp Mall, and since it's close by and my parents go every Sunday to visit the flea market, I don't mind checking it out in person.  Looking at the centre, located right beside the escalators, it looked slightly old (then again the entire mall looks old) but not shabby. The beautician inside was dressed smartly in a white uniform and with her hair done up in a bun, which indicated some level of professionalism. I decided I could give this place a try. Booking myself in on a weekday, I looked forward to the session.  I don't normally keep track of how much time is spent doing what such as the post detailed in the Facebook compl...