With the petrol prices exorbitantly increasing before we can say “Could I get fries with that?”, our only way out would probably be to jump on the back of a truck sneakily or be adept at hitch-hiking random strangers.

I jest.

We all know that oil prices fluctuate. When it dropped to RM1.70 per litre, the Scrooge in me jumped for joy. But when it rose back to RM1.95 per litre of Shell FuelSave 95, my heart died a little. Thankfully I don’t use Shell V-Power (it is RM2.05 per litre)

Surely there must be a way to curb fuel expenditure? 

Unfortunately, my car is the only means of transport I have, so staying in control of my petrol budget seems to be an uphill struggle.

My friends are amazed how I “have a card for everything”.

Technically, membership cards & discounts cards help you save more. 😀 😀

So when I was introduced to SHELL’s easiGO American Express® Prepaid Card, I received it with open arms. Come  at  me, bruh!

It instantly brought me back to my high school method of curbing phone bills effectively.

Set yourself a quota every month so you won’t go overboard!

What is the Shell easiGO American Express® Prepaid Card? 

It is a secured reloadable prepaid card – much like the ones we used to use for reloading our prepaid phone credit back in the day!

As it works the same way as any debit card, it gives you better control of your spending and you can decide how muc money you choose to allocate for petrol on your prepaid card.

So much better when you can go cashless, save time while refuelling and pay efficiently at petrol stations, right?

This is what you will receive. Here’s mine.

This card doesn’t only limit you to car drivers.

It has two variants available, that specifically cater to car motorists and motorcyclists respectively.

You can find out the difference suited to your mode of transport, at www.Shell.com.my

Psst – You can also use it like a regular debit card when you go shopping. 😛

Ignore the sentence above. This post is supposed to be sharing how I save money, not encourage spending!

Using the Shell easiGo American Express Prepaid Card is a real blessing!

Been using it for the past 4-5 months now. So glad! 

It’s super easy for me to track my petrol expenditure, without having to get it all mixed up with my other credit card transactions, as I normally would, prior to using it.

I used to encounter a billshock at the end of the month whenever I calculate how much my petrol consumption was, so much so that I once called up my bank to verify those petrol transactions. 

Surely I didn’t spend almost RM400 on petrol alone, without realizing? Yikes.

This time round, I actually preset and set aside a fixed budget for my petrol use. RM200 per month into my Shell easiGO American Express® Prepaid Card.. Period.

Little did I know that this method actually works! I am now more prudent and aware of my petrol usage and drive more fuel efficiently.

Trust me, you’ll tend to work around your budget better. Way to go! 

Step 1: Insert your SHELL easiGo American Express® Prepaid Card

Step 2: Remove your card once it is read & approved by the system

Step 3: Begin filling up!

More information on this card – here

Since we’re on the topic of money management, here are 5 really simple ways how I attempt to save money. It has become my mantra!

1. Prioritize what you NEED (food) over what you WANT (that Chanel handbag).

2. Track your spending – use a pre-loaded card to avoid overspending

3. Choose the correct payment method that suits your needs and earns you rewards/benefits

4. Look for the best deals at places you shop (from the cards you use!)

5. Survey similar deals just to be sure you get the most out of your money.

For all the money I saved on petrol, I attribute it to Shell. 

Thanks heaps!!

——————————————————————————————-

For more information on the SHELL easiGo American Express® Prepaid Card,

Log on to their official website at: www.Shell.com.my

LIKE them on Facebook at: www.fb.com/Shell

I grew up a die-hard fan of Harley Davidson superbikes… boys' toys or not.

Those sleek, wicked, mean machines zooming at top speed leaving people blown away by their envy-inducing trail are no match to any two-wheeled demons on the road. 

Or at least, that's how I feel.

Ergo, needless to say, I was over the moon when I received an invitation by Harley Davison Malaysia for an exclusive screening of Marvel's Avengers with Harley (in IMAX 3D!) experience one fine afternoon 

#AvengerswithHarley GOGOGO!

I was thrilled when the day finally came & got my aviators, leather jacket, studded boots & bag out 

To ride my dream two-wheeled monsters in a bikerchic outfit and leave my dust behind?

Priceless.

Brought along the other half to join me in my adventure!

We were both extremely excited 

When we reached Harley Davidson Malaysia's headquarters, I could already feel the suspense kicking in.

Brace yourself, Jess! Here we go 

Harley Davidson Malaysia

Entered the premises. The interior consisted of a shopping, decorative & a superbike display corner

Saw this gorgeous one right in front of me in shiny, blood red.

How is it possible not to fall in love? 

We just HAD to take a photo with this beauty right here

Rode it too (albeit not on the road) 

Clearly, we're both loving this

But this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Thanks for this fish-eye photo, Tocky! 

Spotted some really cool miniature motorbikes on the cashier counter too.

Take a look! 

Adorable!

Same bike – from the other angle!

Bumped into some familiar faces there.

Yay! The more the merrier  What's a thrill ride without friends? Among them were :

Buddy Tocky and I. One of my first buddies here ever since I relocated to the city.

We go a long way back! 

Rina! She's a popular local TV host here in Malaysia btw 🙂

Jehan Miskin sure had a great time on the bikes too!

Anyway, I came across another scarlet red beauty.

One day, I will get a Harley for myself and it can sit prettily at my front porch on the days I don't need a powerful, extraordinary riding experience (or simply to intimidate people on the road) 

Me gusta.

More models on display!

My rocker boyf on on of the edgy Harleys!

And that's me on one of them!

Peekaboo!

I noticed that every different model has a distinctive Harley Davidson logo 

Take a look?

Pretty damn cool, right? Which one is your favorite? 🙂

Spotted these three monsters.

Gorgeous. But…now, doesn't it look like something is missing?

That's better *giggles* 

All lined up in their utmost glory

Waiting for an equally hardcore owner to take them home, methinks? 

I want one too! 

Here's a classic looking one.

Made friends with one of the HOG group boys 🙂

After all the admiring and enthusing over those high-powered motorbikes, we had a buffet teabreak.

A little trivia game was being played. Questions were asked about Harley Davidson bikes and the Avengers

And I won myself an orange Harley Davidson cap! 

Was so happy, I initially wanted to purchase one of their caps as well

After the meal, we decided to check out the rest of the bikes parked outside.

All those bikes already have hardcore, biker alpha-males that own them and ride them in style!

Posing with another gorgeous Harley!

The owner was smiling at me while I was taking photos with his bike LOL

I think he can tell I love it heaps 

The other half and I at the giant poster of Harley Davidson 2nd Anniversary of KL

Close-up!

As today was the Harley Davidson x Marvel's Avengers day, check out this specially designated bike!

Looks like Captain America was gracious enough to lend us his superbike for the day hehe 

Rina and I with our other halves, Jeremy & Kon! 

Saw this at the front of one of the bikers

MAD LOVE FOR SKULLS AND LEATHER! 

This will be my bike for the day

And with me, is my rider 

All safety was ensured and locked in before we began our Harley Davidson convoy to Sunway Pyramid!

I was roaring, rolling and ready to go! The thunderous roars of these superbikes also proved that our mean machines were equally as ready to zoom down the highway 

And we're off in full swing!

Traffic stopped for us and couldn't take their eyes off us.

For a second there I felt empowered and liberated… LIKE I'M THE QUEEN OF THE ROAD!

Yep.. riding a Harley Davidson just does that to you.

It was exhilarating

We were surrouunded by police and road marshalls body-guarding us.

They did a fantastic job making sure the traffic is smooth just for us.

We took up the entire middle lane in the three-lane highway.

Us cruising along the Federal Highway

It was a roller coaster ride indeed. The adrenalin rush in me was like no other!

I was the speed demon and the road warrior I envisioned myself to be.

We ruled the highways 

VROOOOOOOM VROOOOOOOOOM!

Our convoy arrived at Sunway Pyramid after what felt like such a short time on the road!

The experience was amazing and riding those Harleys really leaves you craving for more

Arrived!

We were loud and definitely made a statement with our grand entrance.

Throngs and throngs of people gathered around us and kept cheering us on!

We really did steal the limelight; arriving in grandeur with our Harley Davidsons!

Leboyfie and I with our 3D glasses at the screening of The Avengers in TGV's IMAX theater!

The End! The credits rolled and I must say, I certainly enjoyed the movie.

My childhood came to life upon watching these dudes on the big screen again

We exited the cinemas and adjourned to the streets again.

There, our Harley Davidsons (and our riders!) were waiting for us 

Made friends with the HOG (Harley Owners Group) boys!

Check out the badges they've collected over the years

I simply cannot believe we were going home… ALREADY? 

Well.. at least we're going home in style. Guess I better enjoy my final ride on the Harley today!

The Avengers Harley Davidson parked at Sunway Pyramid

Night riding on the Harley Davidson superbikes cruising along the highway was amazing. 

The chilly night breeze blew against my cheeks as the superbikes went at almost 100KM/H (unfortunately we have speed limits on this particular highway). I wanted this final joy ride to last forever.

We have arrived the Harley Davidson KL's outlet once more.

Today, Harley Davidson made me a very happy girl.

And for that, I am eternally grateful 

I checked off one thing off the bucket list –

To speed down the highway in a lean, mean Harley Davidson superbike 

If you've not ever rode on a Harley Davidson before, you're surely missing out. 

One ride on a Harley's will make you feel like this

Inside, your biker soul is burning in full intensity like this

Take my word for it, it is ONE . HELL . OF . AN . EXPERIENCE.

Harley Davidson superbikes are certainly a class of its own 

To Harley Davidson Malaysia & Echosphere, I truly experienced the ride of my life 

Thank you, guys! 

Now I want a superbike. Hmph.

Couldn't help but to blog this unfortunate "incident" which happened to us this afternoon.

Well, it happened to Alex's car, to be exact. I was glad I filmed the entire rescue process, because whilst I was editing and piecing the video together, it was actually a bunch of very funny moments.

We went to Cleefy's house for a barbeque-cum-houseparty yesterday, stayed the night…

and this was what we saw the next morning

Holy smokes. Car tyres stuck in the mud. It was bogged!

What are we gonna do??? 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVVmlnZU0S0

Here's a funny video I made. You MUST watch it till the end! 😀

How to Rescue or Get Your Car Out When it is Stuck in Mud 101

Funny thing is, why does this always happen to Aussies?

My other mate Deanna had almost the entire front of her car dipped in mud and it was stuck in it overnight, last month.

Thankfully, a bunch of strong men helped her get it out.

So, now you know what to do when it is stuck in mud, okay?

Wait for a random old man to appear and adhere to his wise words.

Kidding! Just make sure you have a strong nylon rope/cord with you. For you never know when your car is ever going to get stuck in mud.

Or wear a sexy blue underwear for added masculinity while rescuing the car.

Hey, it works both ways 😀 😀

Heyylloo again loves! 🙂

If you've been following my blog for some time, yall would know that I was down in Singapore for the F1 Grand Prix previously

So yes yes, I've come to the end! This is the final installment of my series in this escapade 🙂

Funny how just one weekend trip conjured so many blogposts! 😀 Simply because I had so much to share and there were so many angles of the trip too! Here are all the episodes whilst in Singapore F1, in case you missed :

Day of arrival + Daughtry LIVE in concert + partyin' at Zouk SG  – HERE

Sexy, professional erotic dancers Chippendales striptease show – HERE

My experience during the semi finals + the grand finale night race – HERE

Top 3 champions + "tragedies" + my thoughts on the finals-  HERE

Adam Lambert LIVE in concert – HERE

Mariah Carey LIVE in concert – HERE

So now.. final day! Let's tackle it head on… full swing ahead! 😀 😀

With the boys who also went on this trip, Simon & Jackie

For today, lemme share with you my morning in the Pit Stop / Paddock area.

As far as I know, it's off limits because it can be pretty dangerous once you're inside.

There's lotsa spare parts, sharp edges, massive aerosol sprays, hardware and whatnot.

(oh, and lots and lots of hunky men too, if you consider that dangerous) *winks*

But thanks to this baby of ours, we had full access to all the restricted areas 🙂

And of course, escorted by these 2 gentlemen from Lotus Racing.

They were nice enough to show us around and bring us to meet the engineers, mechanics, technicians and whatever other profession there is to build race cars fit for the Formula One circuit.

Thanks!

and p/s – I like your shoes. They're funkehhh!

And they all have matching funkeh shoes! 😀 can't believe it's part of their uniform.

Who would've thought… MATCHING SHOES? Nice one

And so after passing through security – they were very adamant on body-checking, scanning and checking every single belonging of ours – we finally got into the restricted zone. The first thing I saw on my left was this –

Lots and lots of tyres, all labeled!

Plus, a person's rear end. 😛 😛

Saw a competitor's car parts too

Virgin Racing

Communication gear for the racers! i.e Headphones, mics

So that the person in charge can go "DRIVE FASTER U SON OF A GUN! STEP ON IT!"

I kid 😛

Spotted some dudes fine tuning the edges of the side wing (?) of the car

and more dudes doing their bit in putting the race car together

Pretty! Shiny too 😀

This dude was busy engineering some parts of the engine.

Hmmm.. i better not go too near him nor strike a conversation lest he gets distracted and screws a bolt too loosely or something. *gulp*

I'm not paying for any racer's insurance here! 😛

So we finally reached the light, and the end of the tunnel of pure seriousness and concentration. It was beginning to get rather tense in there 🙂 Here's the Pit Stop where the speed demons pull over during a race either for refuelling, new tyres, repairs and other mechanical adjustments

But now, it's filled with car body parts!!

After so much observation, here's where the kick comes in *biggrin*

One of the car engineers sensed my enthusiasm and curiosity…. and asked if if I would like to help!

*squeals*

Of course I would LOVE TO HELP!

But oh well, my hopes and dreams of getting myself dirty, fixing together a majorly important part of the race car and crawling under a race car with beads of sweat running down my forehead kinda backfired.

I'm not telling you what I helped out at! 😛

Because it was like some insignificant part with required only a miniscule amount of effort

On a random note, why do the Brit and American car engineers ALL look so smart, hunky, immaculate and effortlessly suave?

They look like they could've easily finished a calendar shoot.

Plus, they are all tall, dark and handsome as opposed to the dirty, messy, smelly, smeared with grime and engine oils, having disgusting patches of sweat on their chest and underarms like the *majority* of mechanics here in Malaysia.

Don't come running after me with a spanner if you actually do happen to know a gorgeous mechanic here

OR IF YOU ARE ONE YOURSELF!

It doesn't count if he ain't local! 😛 😛

So! *dusts shoulders* I played a part in the making of this sexy mean machine!

Okay lah, I'll tell you what I helped out with. Promise you won't laugh or jeer at me nor my tiny efforts.

I only helped with painting the corners of the car with gloss paint. *runs away*

But hey! It's QUITE important too, come to think of it. You wouldn't wanna see an ugly coloured race car right? 😛 Neither would you wanna see a race car with patches of messy paintwork. 😛 😛

Yes I'm fully aware that I'm comforting myself. Heh!

But I implore you to play along for my sake! Nyahaha

Thank you for making me feel important in the race for one second.

So whenever I see Lotus Racing's car whizz past, I can at least manage a tiny

"HEYYY!! I PAINTED THAT!!

SEEE! SEE! LOOK AT IT GO! :P"

Haha enough of the nonsensical imagination. You must've thought I wrote this piece on crack or that I've turned into a delusional nutcase as we speak. In fact, I've just accidentally added a tablespoon of bitter black coffee into my Milo and now struggling to finish the entire damned mug.

Thankew Maxis &Lotus Racing! Goodbye Formula One Grand Prix, Singapore 2010

It was fab while it lasted.