That blessed day of the year has come again!

Wow, looking back… how I spent this last year’s as well as this year’s birthday has been a vast difference from my insane party-hard birthdays of my much younger days.

I guess when we grow up, we tend to want to spend our special day in the comfort of our loved ones and enjoying quality conversations… instead of banging it out hard at the clubs/raves. (Save that for the weekends instead! 😛 )

This year, I’m lucky enough to spend it with the love of my life again – for the second time!

Last year, he surprised me to our city’s Helipad to enjoy the wondrous sky-high view and the delicious meal at Heli Lounge Bar.

Just a little throwback before we start with this year’s birthday celebration.

(Terrible low-light photo quality – forgot to bring my camera!)

Moo brought me to enjoy a rather different cuisine for our dinner date this time round.

As we’re so used to the likes of Italian, Arabic, North Indian, American and local food already, we decided to check out what Spanish cuisine has in store for us.

(Do I hear a hola!?) So off we adjourned to Estilo in Publika KL. 

Beautiful, authentic setting.

The view from our seat

The interior decor was a pretty interesting one – it had wooden arches partitioning different sections of the restaurant, with standard dining tables and seats, with the option of sofa seating (like ours!) and a bar-top area with high chairs. 

There’s also the alfresco area – but we’ll get to that later. 

Handpainted Spanish crockery

The waiter who attended to us was anything we’d want a waiter to be: knowledgeable, friendly and polite.

To manage expectations, he explained what the dishes were, its main ingredients and how it will look like – trust me, reading the menu in Spanish proves to be an arduous task!

We appreciated the gesture and placed our orders.

His and hers (for sharing): Chocolate Milkshake & Freshly Squeezed Watermelon Juice.

Yeah, yeah… kids’ drinks. Don’t chide us! We would’ve gotten wine but it was a weekday and since our weekends are usually full of that, we’d thought we’d play it down a little.

Plus, my guilty pleasure has always been fruit juices and anything chocolate/milk based 😀

While waiting for our sumptuous feast to arrive.

We were half worried that we wouldn’t be able to finish all the dishes we ordered. We hear they come in huge portions! 

Table talks. Let the quality conversations ensue!

We were served fluffy house bread and butter as we await our entrées & main course

Berenjenas 

This tapas appetizer had aubergine crisps, chickpea mash and mostillo reduction. We loved how crispy and tasty this was. I’m a huge fan of aubergine so I was naturally thrilled!

Costillas de Cordero

This dish of whole rack baby lamb ribs was flavourful, and very well-done! 

You know how fat lambs usually are, right? But this one was hardly considered fat, in comparison. It was also served with baked potatoes in their skins, homemade french fries and a delicious triple delight of Estilo signature sauces – Mojo Green, Peri Peri & Piquillo.

Go taste them for yourself and find out what they are made of!

We couldn’t decide which was our fave as all three complemented the ribs perfectly. 

We made sure to make space in our stomachs for the main event… *drumroll*

It’s finally here! The glorious, glorious Paella Estilo 

Strictly for sharing! Unless well, you have an appetite of an entire starving population.

I’ve only eaten Paella once in my life – at a Carlsberg event 2 years ago in La Bodega, Pavilion KL. It was seafood paella and to my best memory, I distinctly remember how delicious and hearty it was.

Moo giving it a good mix before we dug in!

This one surpassed expectations too. With chicken chorizo, chicken & green beans in rich chicken stock, this giant hotplate was certainly a reason to revel in delight.

Largely filling, bursting with flavour and yummy to every bite, I’m glad moo’s first time with Paella was a good experience!

Don’t forget a selfie with the Paella!

 As expected, we weren’t able to finish the entire portion.

We ended up packing the remaining away for brunch the next day. Moo excused himself to wash his hands – at this point, I was thinking to myself, “Wash hands? For? We didn’t even eat with our hands – full on cutlery till the end!”

But as he returned with a smirk on his face, I knew he was up to something. 

Thanks dearest!!

You never cease to surprise me!

Right from the lovely bouquet of pink roses delivered to my office desk this morning to this enjoyable birthday dinner date.

Thank you for the tiramisu birthday cake surprise. Time to make a wish!

Here’s to many more birthdays with you.

We decided to catch a breather and headed to the alfresco area for some fresh air – also to finish up our drinks and dessert.

So full to the brim! 

T’was a lovely end to an awesome dinner date

Our view of Estilo, from the alfresco area.

For the awesome dinner, surprise bouquet at my office this morning and for making my birthday a memorable one yet again, I owe it to you.

Thanks a bunch, moo!

Now, just wait and see what I have up my sleeve for your birthday this time round.

 Also, thumbs up to Estilo for making our night and my birthday one to remember.

Viva la Espana! 

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For reservations and more details on this restaurant:

Check out their website at: www.estilo.com.my

LIKE them on Facebook at: fb.com/estilo.my

Call them at their contact number: +603-62039883

Drop by this address: 

Estilo Tapas Bar & Charcoal Grill
No 34, Level G2 Block C5,
Publika Solaris Dutamas,
Jln Dutamas 1,
50480, Kuala Lumpur

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday (11am – 1am)

I’ve just returned from my beloved island from an immensely hardcore party!

But no, I’m not going to write about that just yet.

Instead, I’ll be sharing with you a star-studded and posh night made of all things glamorous.

Just a quickie blog feature though. Enter: Hennessy Artistry Penang and Hennessy Artistry KL!

Ahhhh yes that oh-so-familiar bottle of rich, smooth blend of cognac

My fave blend amongst all Hennessy cocktails.

Unlike the previous one held at Straits Quay Convention Centre, Hennessy threw this party with equal force at the other end of the island instead, at the Subterranean Penang International Conference & Exhibition Centre, or fondly (and conveniently!) known as SPICE Penang.

Again, I looked forward to returning to my quaint yet exciting island for another round of epic parties.

Arriving SPICE Penang for Hennessy Artistry.

As I reached the venue rather late into the night, I missed the earlier performances and only got to watch the two DJs of the night, Andy Murphy and Nicole Chen. But hey, I was cool with that! Electronic dance music has always been my thing. 

DJ Andy Murphy on the decks with his thumping electronica set

I was lucky enough to have a word with him when I spotted him sitting on the couch beside mine at the VIP Zone. What are the odds?

Usually, DJs hangout backstage. But he was also given a table to party and host a bunch of his friends who came.

DJ Andy Murphy and I

Upon posting up this photo on Instagram, an Australian DJ friend of mine told me that Andy is really one of the nicest DJs he has ever met and spoken too. I couldn’t agree more!

Not only was he talented on the turn-tables, Andy was such a sweetheart! So easy-going, friendly and fun to talk to! We managed to strike a decent conversation that night. 

I had a brilliant time raving to his music while catching up with my homies from the island!

Here are some party photos with my Penang buddies and I.

Ivyonne and I

Chris and I

Krystal and I

Alton and I

and a whole lot more whom I didn’t manage to take photos with! 

I think this shows how much everyone was enjoying themselves that night.

The final DJ of the night Nicole Chen

I actually had heaps of fun with her music!

Her set was versatile with much emphasis on Dutch-house, slightly wicked and very progressive.

More party photos anyone? 

Here are some I managed to snap with my KL buddies!

Don / Jessicat / Benjamin

Yuki / Anna / Jessicat

Ash / Jessicat

Dennis / Jessicat

Benjamin / Jessicat / Anna / Bok

The night was a fantastic one; lots of catching up over good music and Hennessy’s signature cocktails.

I personally had a lot of fun for those good few hours with all my partymates and even bumped into old friends. Yup, you tend to get that a lot if you’re from such a warm and cosy island like Penang – where everyone knows everyone LOL

May 25, 2013 | Thank you @HennessyMY for another great #party! I had a great time ❤ #hennessyartistry #penang by imthejessicat on Keek.com

With that being said…

Three cheers to Hennessy for a fun night! Hip hip.. hurrah! 

Moving on to Hennessy Artistry KL!

Though it’s pretty late to post this now but since we’re on the topic of  Hennessy Artistry Penang, I figured that I’m not gonna skip making a quick post about it at the same time. 

Arriving KWC KL with my fave partymates of the night! 

BF & the BFF.

Haha adapting a totally different style than I did for Hennessy Artistry Penang!

As compared to one of elegance in the latter,I was decked out in a more edgy look tonight.

Hosts of the night, Julie Woon and Nadia Heng giving us guests warm welcome!

The line-up of the night was undeniably a stellar, show-stopping one of international recognition.

I could remember not putting my drinks down as I rode high on the waves of all the performances!

The performers of the night were:

Mr. Nasty and GuruGuru

They’re arguably my fave DJs in Malaysia!

Playing a deep, eclectic, bass-jacking and much faster electronica beats like techno, hardstyle, hard trance

and the like, this dynamic duo certainly got me fist-pumping all night.

Beatboxer Koujee takes the stage pumping up the atmosphere with his vocal beats!

The dancers were off the hook as well!

I loved their outfit for the night! So simple yet dark and speaks a volume of attitude.

When Dutch powerhouse Eva Simons took to the stage, the crowd came to a near rapture!

She literally took over control of the night as she belted out her collabo track with Afrojack, ‘Take Over Control’.

We continued dancing and partying hard to Eva when she sang

‘This is Love’ collaborated with Will.I.Am of Black Eyed Peas fame.

Don’t stop the partaaayy!

My party levels shot to an even higher scale when Angger Dimas blasted his two-hour set.

Told you. I love listening to deep, electronica acoustic sounds of DJs of all sorts.

He performed, as usual, a hard and progressive set which nailed it completely!

Progressive trance, electro-house, big room and dubstep permeated the scene that night.

Angger Dimas / Jessicat

Just like the previous Hennessy Artistry parties, I got to grab a quick photo with the DJs that made my night.

Mad respect for you! Such talent and impeccable taste in remixing fresh sounds of original tracks.

Also stole a picture with the boys of B.A.T.E

The night went on and partygoers were seen brimming with energy even in the wee hours of the morning. I was no exception! Angger Dimas’ music kept me going all night.

It was like fuel I was feeding off from. 

Make way for some party photos with my buddies before I head off to bed!

Jessicat / Rob

My boy. No introduction needed 

One drink too many? 

Pammy / Jessicat

Jessicat / Kevin

There were so many other partymates and friends whom I bumped into but didn’t manage to grab a quick photo. Perhaps I was enjoying the music too much by the middle and towards end of the night! 

Once I was on a row, raving to the music and downing shots of Hennessy was all that mattered.

Thank you Hennessy Malaysia, for having me at all your Hennessy Artistry’s since 2009!

It’s a party I’d never want to give a miss 

Check out the other places I have went to such as Zouk and Envy if you want more of my adventures.

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To stay updated on Hennessy Artistry parties, you can:

LIKE Hennessy Malaysia’s Facebook page at: fb.com/HennessyMalaysia

Follow them on Twitter at: twitter.com/HennessyMY

Hey everyone! I’m back from Indonesia!

It’s so good to be home on the Malaysian soil once more.

Was very sad to leave Indonesia so soon though! 

Admittedly though, this four day escape to our neighbouring country really did me well.

Those of you who have me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook would know darn well how stressed and emotional I was regarding the political turmoil happening in Malaysia, biased news coverage, headlines on our mainstream media and never-ending protests in our nation’s battle for democracy. 

Black days of mourning with my nation in protest of the breach of democracy 

Keperitanku tidak dapat diluahkan dalam perkataan. Kurasa ditipu oleh pemimpin sendiri!!

This had me following each and every update in the news pertaining to the tumultuous situation; getting so riled up in the process.

At that point, I wished I could just shut my eyes and just forget about all the troubles we were facing… or better yet, jet-set to another country for a while.

And I did.

Thanks to the US and Indonesian ASEAN committee, it's good thing that my trip to Indonesia for ASEAN Blogger Festival 2013 was scheduled last Thursday. 

I was invited to be a panel speaker during the conference. My session was 'Photoblogging' where I spoke about photoblogging, and addressed issues of the rise of photo-heavy content and incorporating photography into social media.

Thank you for having me! And kepada semua participant yang menghadiri session saya, terima kasih!

I hope you have learnt a thing or two 

How coincidental! Just what I needed – a moment to focus on my passion instead of my sorrows.

After three days of conferences, I'm home.

I’ve just landed in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) and 

feeling lethargic from all the travelling and transiting!

Now that I'm back, I don’t know if I should catch up with where I left off? 

Sebenarna, aku sudah tidak tertahan dengan keadaan huru-hara politik ini!! 

I’m still keeping myself in the dark about our political updates as we speak.

Succumbed enough to the political outrage. I guess… sometimes, ignorance is bliss after all.

I'm a happier person that way.

So anyway, what’s been happening this week? A LOT.

Here's a little recap! 

Attended Global Sound System – the official dance party of Music Conference Asia 2013!

Full blog coverage up soon!

Attended the Heineken Kick-Off to Ibiza beach party at The Mines Wellness Hotel

Full blog coverage up soon!

Headed back to gym to continue my daily routines

Let's get it on!

I cannot stress this enough, always remember to hydrate!

Your output of perspiration needs more input of h20! 

Here are some of the post-workout food I cooked this week.

Due to popular request (or rather, demands from you all! ), I will also run a series of cookbook articles where I will be sharing the recipes of cooking clean food and low-calorie meals when the revamp of the new face of my blog is launched, okay?

Grilled lemon-butter herb salmon and organic wholewheat durum spaghetti bolognaise

with mushrooms & chopped chives – all on top of a bed of crisp, fresh lettuce

A platter of rosemary & thyme grilled zucchini with low-fat cottage cheese,

roasted baby carrots, tomato, chick peas & black eyed peas

with baked pears for that extra, natural sweetness!

Wholegrain oats with soy milk, toasted banana slices sprinkled

with chocolate protein powder and sunflower seeds
 

Grilled salmon with sides of honey-baked baby carrots,

garlic pea sprouts and organic sunflower seeds

A power combo sandwich of tuna, omega eggs, organic brown flax seeds,

hemp & lettuce on traditional wheat bran toast.

Quick breakfast of Chocolate Protein Oats with apples, soy and flax seeds

Tuna salad with chickpeas, hardboiled eggs and lettuce

Spent time cuddling my kittyboy Chivas at home after my four days of absence.

I can't tell if he loves me or not, as my cat is seemingly incapable of expressing emotions 

Tetapi biarkanlah. I'll just love him anyway, regardless! 

To me, I enjoy loving and letting love surround me. 

There are many types of love, yes? It really doesn't matter if the feelings of the other person/animal/item are mutual.

If you love someone/something, it makes your world go round. To resonate with love and affection gives me a certain glow of happiness and a sheen of joy!  

Tak setuju? Well, when you love someone, it makes you happy, right?

Your argument is invalid 

Was surprised with a McDonald's Hamburglar X Hello Kitty!

Was surprised again last week with the McDonald's Grimace X Hello Kitty!

I wasn't the only one being surprised. We decided to give babyChivas a girlfriend.

He didn't seem too amused nor fascinated with his new companion. Boo-hoo! 

Aight, it's time to hit the sack. 

It's been a long weekend and a brand new working week beckons us

Colleagues and I fooling around at work during breaktime.

Also, how often do we turn up in the same pattern of workwear? Never. Totally worth a photo!

Before I end this post, let me wish my dearest mother, godmother, nanny and grandmother…

"No language can express the power, beauty, heroism and majesty of a mother's love.

It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of

worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star"

Dear mommies, your presents are with me! Await them when I see you at the end of this month 

So sorry I couldn't be home to take all of you out, as I just touched down from Indonesia only this afternoon.

What about you? I do hope you had a great time with your mothers, or at least, remembered to personally wish her a very Happy Mother's Day.  

Even the fact that we, their children, had them in our thoughts, would mean so much to them. Yup, mothers are really that selfless… or at least mine are! 

Sometimes, people tend to forget how the simplest things in life can be the most extraordinary.

But not for me. It’s always the simplest, tiniest surprises that makes the little girl in me most delighted!

Or… could it probably be just an excuse for me to eat ice-cream? 

Terpulanglah kepada saudara-saudari bagaimana nak mengerti! Hehehe 

Have a lovely week ahead, dear readers. 

Much love,

Jessicat

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The Sunday Times is a weekly series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to briefly highlight my recommendations for to-go and to-eat places!

Some photos were posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & my Mini LIVE Blog

Do follow to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around me!

Happy Lunar New Year everyone!

Here's to wishing all my readers, followers, friends, family, media associates, acquaintances and practically everyone reading this Gong Xi Fa Cai!

May this auspicious year see you prosper with abundant health, wealth, wisdom, strength, love & luck! 

This cycle, as you should know by now, is the year of the snake. 

It's my horoscope year – yup I'm born in the year of the snake. So it's my time to shine! *crosses fingers*

For starters, Chinese New Year so far has been great for my family and I.

So much eating ridiculous amounts of sumptuous homecooked food, visiting relatives and friends, gambling, reunion dinners, gift exchanging, collecting ang paos, eating all the Mandarin Oranges and CNY cookies, playing with firecrackers, enthusing over fireworks, tossing Yee Sang, watching Lion Dance troupes, dressing up in my new red CNY clothes and so much more the list goes on and on!

Chinese New Year Day 1

Chinese New Year Day 2

Chinese New Year Day 3

Will blog a full blog post on my Chinese New Year celebrations like I do every year, but for now, I've gotta run.

Heading home to Penang in a few hours from Ipoh and finally back to KL this weekend.

Also, thank you for supporting this blog and I all these years. 

Just a little announcement: TheJessicat.com will be having a new look/facelift soon!

It's been 3 years since the last makeover, so it's about time, ey?

Enjoy the rest of your holidays!

Love, Jessicat

I know I skipped last weekend's edition of The Sunday Times!

Actually, don't ask me why. I don't know either.

I shall mull two weeks motherload of photos/updates for you, aight?

Better late than never teehee!

Spent some lonely cuddletimes with my favourite boy 

Gave in to the Instagram craze!

Several people have been bugging me to get on Instagram for a while now… and I thought, hey why not?

Follow me on Instagram at – thejessicat

Stormed my kitchen up to make dinner again! 

Butter-Cereal Prawn & Black Pepper Scrambled Eggs with Tofu & Spinach on a Saturday night

Celebrated my country's Independence Day on the 31st August!

Full blogpost – here *click*

Got a tad nerdy & intellectual for several days

Been preparing for an article about contemporary Malaysian culture!

Off on an airplane to Penang Island courtesy of Heineken!

An epic mini-rave is underway 

Touched down in Penang to attend the Heineken Progressive Tour at 32 Mansion @ Penang

Full blogpost soon! 

I just had to justify myself LOL

Had English breakfast with mom in Dome Cafe @ Gurney Plaza, Penang!

I'd recommend the Eggs Benedict 

Day out in the city : Pavilion KL with buddies Jean-Baptiste & Nestor!

Took the cable car up to Genting Highlands with 'em magician boys after that!

J'ai passé un très bon moment  

Outfit of the day in Genting Highlands!

Watched Superstars of Magic 2 four times! Yup, FOUR TIMES.

Too good to only catch it once  Made wonderful friends there, the cast & crew were an amazing bunch!

Learnt some magic under the tutorledge of two fabulous cardicians

You know who you both are. Much love & gratitude! 

Made a snack at home  Do I smell something healthy?

Fresh lettuce, red corals, wild rocket leaves, butter hearts, radicchio,

red oakleaves with watermelon chunks, oregano & thousand island!

Hit the gym again! Did my usual routine and a 5KM track-run 

Had a bout of a rather dreadful emotional turmoil & lost my appetite for 4 days.

Stayed in bed. Refused to get out. Wallowed in depression. But yeah, tried to smile for the camera anyhow LOL

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx6deVzKeKQ&feature=player_detailpage

Song of the week 

Picked up the pieces, put on a smile and buried my misery six feet under

Question is : How can you forget someone who gave you so much to remember?

Just got back from a satisfying dinner! I recommend the Chicken & Lamb Mixed Royal Kebab with Saffron Rice

A cosy & VERY reasonably priced Middle Eastern place : Saffron Cafe & Restaurant in Damansara Perdana! 

Well, that's what's I've buzzing with during past fortnight, apart from the emotional rollercoaster ride.

It's rather personal, don't ask  But what didn't kill me, made me stronger!

… overcome the tears & attempt the next stride with a smile 

This week, I am thankful for :

1) The immediate people around me 

2) The lessons in life which I learnt the hard way. 

Have a great seven days ahead dear readers 

Much love,

Jessicat 

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The Sunday Times is a new once-a-week series; published every Sunday night to recap the highlights of my week, capture what piques my interest and to share recommendations for to-go places and to-eats throughout the week

Some of the photos in this edition are posted instantly on my Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook as it happens.

So follow me to get instant updates and pretty photos of the sights & sounds all around!