2020 Valiram Family & Friends Sale

This week they sent out emails (which you had to have signed up for either at a previous warehouse sale, I think) announcing the upcoming, multi-day Family & Friends "Private Sale" (in the broadest sense of the phrase), happening at the Ritz-Carlton. The catch is that because there's still a pandemic going on, they still need to do social distancing and attendees have to make an appointment (pick one of 4 time slots any day of the sale), get the email confirmation, etc, to go. The first time slot (Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon) were fully taken up, which was to be expected. Long story short, I decided I only had time to go Sunday afternoon (12.30 - 2.30 p.m.), cos I ain't nuts enough to go Sunday morning after waking up early the day before. 

So when I waddled my way to the Ritz, there wasn't much of a line outside, but checking in took a while cos had to do a MySejahtera scan, they have to scan the QR on your confirmation email, seal your bags, that whole thing. 

The sale wasn't so much in one banquet room (usually the case in the before-times), but spread out over 2 floors of banquet rooms and halls at the Ritz cos they've got the space? (face it, no one's having their MICE or wedding events in this pandemic). It was a single flow direction, like how IKEA is, minus the handy shortcuts.

Everyone was crowding the second floor because it's the first place you see. I decided to try my luck and went straight to the top floor and work my way down. There wasn't a line in any of the rooms I went to check out, so I didn't have to waste time in line to go in. If you're looking for bags and what not, you go to the top. 

Didn't take too many pictures cos there was a lot to take in, and I'm not sure how the organisers would feel about it. But that didn't stop the personal shoppers, etc.  

Most of the brands I was looking for was on the top floor in one of the larger rooms. Surprisingly they had Longchamp this time, but it's mostly old seasonal items and great if you're looking for a larger Le Pliage bags or whatever. The F&B brands (TWG, Godiva, etc) caught my eye, but not my wallet. 

The second floor was some skincare and cosmetics, other odds and ends. There was a room selling Swarovski I think, but I didn't make it there cos after lining up for what seems like forever, only for me to be in and out in less than a minute was tiring. Different rooms had different crowd management styles - one room did the "one in, one out", another did timed entry... it was exhausting, even with masks on. 

I mostly went in with the cuci mata mindset, ready to walk away empty handed, etc. As I was getting ready to leave the big room, I saw my current wallet but in different colour (from 2019 F/W season), which I didn't see in the first pass but otherwise had been actively looking for for months. I couldn't pass it up, because I was told that it was also the "last piece" . So I'm that much poorer today. 

By the time I went down one floor, there was a line formed outside the large room I was in. Haha. 

Was told by the guy who sold me the wallet that they're replenishing stocks in a couple of days, so maybe if you want to go (first time or not), there's always then? I dunno if I can muster up the energy (and credit limit) to go again. 

PS.

1. They make people choose timeslots to come; how they know if the people who were there earlier had left or not? Cos it felt like more than 300 people were in there lor...

Sephora Family & Friends Sale

Found out about the sale on (of all places) the Boost app on Friday, because they have a promo if you use the app for your payment at the sale. Apparently it was also a sponsored FB ad if you were paying attention. It started on Thursday, but only made it on the third and last day (Saturday) because, work and attempting to go during evening rush hour was an exercise in masochism. 

So on Saturday morning, I got in line a couple minutes before it started at 11 a.m. They even played a couple of rock anthems (Queen's We Will Rock You was one of them) to amp up the atmosphere before the doors opened. 

As if it wasn't enough that bags had to be tied up, you can't even have your phone out cos (I'm guessing) they don't want you taking pictures of what was on sale and the prices they're selling them at (in case the brands stumbled unto it, maybe?). I was mad because I had to HAND CARRY MY HEAVY ASS BAG AROUND, DEFEATING THE PURPOSE OF BEING HANDS FREE IN THE FIRST PLACE WTFBBQ. 

People working the sale were also actual Sephora staff... going by one I recognised from the second home store who's got a bit of an RBF. 

I had really low expectations going in because it was already the third day and there can't be anything interesting that I would want left. I was right - it was a lot of holiday stuff, palettes, soon to expire stuff, brands they don't carry anymore (like NYX now that they have their own standalone stores)... that sort of thing. It was mostly stuff I don't use or need to replenish. 

But still spent RM70 anyway. Cis. 

Reckitt Benckiser Warehouse Sale, Jaya One

News of the RB (Reckitt Benckiser - they own a buttload of familiar brands) warehouse sale showed up on FB a week or two ago, but when they put up pictures (more importantly, PRICES) of what's on offer to whet people's appetite. 

Snuck over there with the sibling before noon on Friday and it was still not so bad - there was no line going in, but the serpentine payment line was bananas. And I forgot the ONE THING to do at a sale like this: start lining up to pay as soon as you get there, and just take turns to shop. This is the one warehouse sale you DO NOT go by yourself. 

I also feel terrible about not going earlier (because, work) because the Scholl foot powder (that the sibling uses) was already all gone, presumably borong-ed by some overzealous auntie(s) with smelly feet or something.

First mistake on their part: Not having enough cashiers. They only have a measly FIVE cashier counters to serve what was probably HUNDREDS of people lugging a buttload of product.

Second mistake: Not putting a hard limit on the number of product per person. I'm pretty sure some people borong-ed to sell to other people for market price and other items got cleaned out. 

We were in line so long (probably an hour? I would just make myself angry if I had kept track of time) we could even tag each other in and out of line while one of us went to get their own lunch. I just got myself a salad to go from nearby ChimiChurri and finished it while still in line, while the sibling just went to Wendy's for lunch. I almost wanted to do the Bart Simpson chokehold when the cashier asked how long I was in line for. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who felt that way. 

Of course we did the due dilligence and called the mother to ask what she wanted from the sale (showed her the pictures of what's available online beforehand), and it's mostly cleaning supplies, etc. We also got some cleaning supplies for the office just because.

I personally only got a few Scholl items and a couple of the kid-sized Dettol haze masks, the sibling got himself a couple boxes of the Dettol brand haze masks (sadly, doesn't smell of Dettol, haha) and wipes. There could've been a bigger hole in the wallet if some things weren't sold out, but oh well. 

It was just as well we went on Friday, because based on the complaints and pictures from today (Saturday), it's probably not worth going as there's a long line just to go in, let alone Sunday. 

Luxottica Sunglasses and Frames Sample Sale

Until today, I had no idea there was even a local Luxottica office, let alone that they do sample sales. 

Anyway, someone posted a picture of the notice online and I had planned on going on Saturday. However, the power crapped out at work for a bit and I snuck away to check things out. 

Made it there in record time, showed the picture to the guard who let me park outside on the compound (so I really have no idea if have to pay parking or not). Joined the line a little after 4 p.m., which was basically for the hoi polloi at that point since it started at 2 p.m. for employees. Mind you, I don't know anyone at Luxottica (unlike some other people I was in line with), so I was a bit of an interloper. 

So close, yet so far....!!

I was in line for about half an hour, only to be led into a meeting room, with tables of trays of eyewear: Ray-Bans were RM150 each (sunglasses or frames), the other brands (Oakley, Prada, Michael Kors, etc) were RM200. At these prices, it's kind of worth lining up for. And the line was already nearly out the door. 

Each group is only allowed 15 minutes to browse (there's even an iPad with a running timer) before they have to vacate to pay (we were told that if you want to browse some more, you would have to join the line again). Shrewdly enough, it's also a cash only sale and they are (literally) only selling the sunglasses/frames and nothing else. No cloth or case (which I'm fine with). At these prices, each person is also ONLY allowed a maximum EIGHT pairs. Gee, talk about generous :P 

Spent my 15 minutes going through the table full of Ray-Bans and made off with a pair of polarised Wayfarers that didn't make me look like a fly. To be fair, they have a good mix of classic and seasonal designs and frames, so you might find something if you know what you want (I only wanted polarised sunglasses, which made it easier in that short amount of time). RM150 for something that's usually about RM600 - RM800 for polarised sunglasses is worth it, especially for me, the klutz who's already dropped and dinged another pair of clearance Ray-Bans :P 

I snorted a little when I heard a guy ask if they had the classic RB3025 aviators (which I did not spot, but wouldn't buy anyway cos they look ridiculous on me). 

I don't know if they'll replenish for Saturday, but if you lower your expectations (but don't forget to bring actual cash money if you're going)... 

Valiram, Anya Hindmarch Family and Friends Sales in KL

Last week, I took a early lunch break to drive down to KL's Golden Triangle to check out both the Valiram and Anya Hindmarch's Friends and Family sales in both the J.W. Marriott and the Westin hotels respectively. 

Knowing that I'll be in and out pretty quickly, I parked at the one place I know with the cheapest first (and second hour, tops) hour parking rate: Wisma Genting. I caught a passing GOKL bus to go around Pavilion (haha) and hopped off at the next stop: the standalone Sephora store on the other side, which is the next stop for a few GOKL lines. 

As both the Marriott and Westin are next to each other, I stopped by the Marriott first to check out the Valiram sale. 

Valiram sale: At least they had the sense to have it at a ballroom downstairs because walking in the front door, you would have no idea that there's a warehouse sale going on. And then you see the chaos as you go down the stairs... It didn't take long to go in, it just took awhile for the people at the entrance to secure everyone's bags with plastic bags and zip ties. I only had a few brands I wanted to check out (Kate Spade, Tumi, TWG and Godiva was 40% off). When I didn't find anything I want, I went out through the no-purchase exit because the line to pay was long and slow moving. Also, it looked like the same stuff from last year's sale, so yeah... 

Walked down the road some more to the Westin for the... 

Anya Hindmarch sale: Got a text about the one-day sale the week before, with a phone number attached, which was probably a huge hint because by the time I got there, a lot of things were already (presumably) reserved, bagged and ready for pick up by people who had the sense to call said phone number. Which leaves very little left for the rest of us who wanted to try our luck. 

If nothing else, there's usually a refreshment area outside at these sales where one can help themselves to coffee, a variety of Twinings teas, water and a selection of cookies. So I  helped myself to some tea bags, had a cappuccino, some of the cookies, topped up my water bottle and left. 

While I was getting caffeinated on their dime, someone walked up, thinking it was the Valiram sale. I told that person that that sale was up the road. I imagine there must be a few sesat people that day. 

The most exertion I had was walking back to Wisma Genting via Pavilion. 

Despite all that, I only paid RM2 in parking, so yay! 

Valiram Family and Friends sale

Dropped by the Valiram Family and Friends sale that was at the Westin KL over the weekend. 

Gave myself a couple hours tops as I expect to be in and out pretty quickly, so parked at Cosway and managed to catch the GOKL bus because I didn't feel like walking too much. 

There was a line going in, but mostly for them to secure the handbags going in. At least the people who didn't have big bags didn't just jump the line and waltzed in like I might've. 

The F&B brands like Godiva and TWG teas are the first thing you see as you enter. The Godiva products there like biscuits, truffles and hot cocoa powder were only 40% off. I caved and got myself a canister of the dark chocolate cocoa because it's not like I would ever pay full price for it (RM119 is damn mahal okay). 

The most crowded area was where they were selling the Kate Spade stuff. Thankfully I didn't find anything I wanted there, and quickly joined the increasingly long line to pay. I was making small talk with the Indian uncle behind me, who was carrying his (Chinese) wife's shopping haul (which included several Michael Kors bags. Don't get me started on Michael Kors.) and was okay paying for it all because it was her birthday, on sale, etc. I heard from another lady in line that yesterday was worst, that it was almost out the sale entrance. 

I also helped myself to the cold, fruit infused water that they've got in the lobby before I headed over to Lot 10's Hutong for lunch. 

Estee Lauder Malaysia Staff Sale 2014

I've known, heard and read about the holy grail of cosmetics and skincare warehouse sales for a number of years (came close to going some years before when someone got a pair of passes they didn't want) now, but had never been because I'm not one to pay money for the passes on the black market and that I don't have anyone/ the clout to know who to ask the passes from. 

Fortunately, got a pair this year from a fellow blogger and found someone to go with, who has not heard of the sale until I mentioned it and could not believe the hype/madness of it. The only thing we both agreed on was that we were not crazy enough to camp overnight and agreed to leave around 5.30 a.m. By the time we got there around 6 something, we were in the second line of velvet rope, which is not too bad, considering. Heard that the first people in line had been there since past midnight or 10 p.m. the night before (depending on who you ask). Also found it to be pretty damn hot while waiting in line, like the hotel saving money on the AC or what. 

Doors opened for the VIP line around 7 a.m., and they let the cattle in 40 minutes later. While in line, we heard accusations of queue jumping, which is pretty odd considering the auntie that (allegedly) made the accusation was slowing moving towards the front of the line as time went on.. Either that, or she tu lan that there was a VIP line? I don't know for sure. 

The cattle line

VIPs going in at 7 a.m.

First thing I went in for was the Estee Lauder skincare. Apparently ANR (Advanced Night Repair) already "sold out" but plenty of the eye only ANR remain. Also plenty of the other EL serums available, but the manufacturing date on most of them seem to be around 2012, so did not get any. Plenty of Bobbi Brown and MAC make up sets (especially the Archie ones, which was only some months ago?), but skipped on that since had no intention to buy or use anyway. Also both the MAC and Bobbi Brown counters were too crowded anyway.

As long as it took to get in, there were plenty of cashier counters on the way out, but only about 4 - 5 counters for debit card payment only (of course it would be a lot faster if you paid cash) and double the number for credit card payment. I personally didn't buy much - only bought the DKNY Drop of Verbena gift set for RM 140 (50 ml EDP + miniature) and a two pack of a Clinique serum (RM 200) that I didn't mind the sample I received. Of course the friend bought more than I did -_-

Finished around 8 something, we walked past the long line of people waiting outside (through the lobby) and it was like, if you come after 8 a.m., you probably shouldn't have bothered. For what it's worth, parking downstairs at the Time Square Hotel was RM 10, a RM1 short of the RM11 maximum.

In conclusion: You should go if you've not been. If you have the passes and want to go, you probably should come by earlier to line up. It's only once a year and you have the other 51 Saturdays to sleep in. That said, getting VIP passes to get a 40 minute head start is a sweet deal. But for the love of Pete, don't pay for the passes.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Malaysia warehouse sale

Earlier this week I saw online that the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Malaysia was going to have a warehouse sale at their HQ in Cheras. In all the years Coffee Bean has been in Malaysia, this has never happened. Snag for most people would be that it was also going to be from today (Thursday) to Saturday, so you either would have to sneak off, take leave (never!) or hope that you'll find something worth your while on Saturday. 

Found my way there with GPS only to realise that I've been to that neck of the woods before.. for Skechers warehouse sale some years ago. Couldn't find parking inside, but luckily I found a spot outside. Either because it was Thursday or that it was raining heavily, but it wasn't that crowded when I got there. 

To summarise: It's their RTD (Ready to Drink) coffee and tea, some Christmas items (teas, beans and things like Christmas stockings [RM10 for 3]), cup with saucer (one design), mug (one holiday, one non-holiday themed design but made in Korea), tea pot (one design), and SSM (Single Serve Machine that takes pods; one design, RM200 from RM800+ as they were showroom units). They were also selling (limited) Ice Blended drinks with muffins outside the sale area. 

Sorry, best I could do on crappy phone cam.
But should still be somehow legible :P

Some stores still have these umbrellas

Really don't know who would want these..

When I got there, it was raining heavily. The weather probably had something to do with my lapse in judgement as I went away with 2 umbrellas, 2 mugs, a tin of peppermint tea, and 6 cans of RTD lemon tea. Wasn't crazy enough to buy (and lug) an entire carton by myself even though it may be cheaper to buy the carton.

Whether you think it's worth going, that's up to you. 

Tiny Tapir warehouse sale

Tiny Tapir sells not just eco-friendly products for everyday use, but also baby stuff for discerning new age-y parents. They announced on the social media that they were gonna have their first ever warehouse sale at their warehouse in Melawati. I did my part and let the parents I knew in on it. 

Fast foward to this morning: left a little later (waiting for somebody lah), and got there alright with help from the TomTom device. Waited a long time for a couple of makciks (literally) admiring (couldn't they have checked while they were lining up to pay? Trust me, there was time for it) their loot in the trunk and GTFO before we took their parking space.

Fair enough that the bags got bagged and zip-tied on the way in, but at least we were in. We were probably the only non-parents there at the time. We skipped most of the baby stuff, headed for  and found what we were looking for (I got a replacement Glass Dharma straw at half price; my friend got a large RuMe bag also for half price). Around 11 something it was still not terribly crowded for browsin... until you went back downstairs to pay.

Wah lau eh, the payment line was almost out the entrance and it was inexplicably slow, probably because they had to keep referring to the price list for the discounted prices of the items. Being stuck behind some of these parents was like being in line behind the extreme couponer at the supermarket - there were as many Zoobies and Plush Pads as they could cart off. The credit card and cash lanes were all one and the same - well actually, there was only one credit card counter and they had to alternate between the two merged lines.

As there were two of us lining up, I went ahead to see what the fish was happening with the cash lane. I squeezed in front of this dad (who had a bagful of stuff that he wanted to pay cash with), paid for both our items, and GTFO of there. I'm sorry, but some people would let other people with one or two items go ahead of them in line at the supermarket. I would wait if I had as many items as they did, but this was just ONE ITEM. 

I always say that there should be an express lane at warehouse sales. It could've been better, but it was what it was. 

Another Saturday in KL

Second Saturday in a row at the Parkroyal and this was the line going into the sale, and the line was from the bus stand (not pictured). Got there around 10 something - parked at Sungei Wang.

It wouldn't be so bad if the long line was inside, but the weather wasn't too hot and bright outside; while I felt some raindrops, fortunately there was no rain.

Didn't really keep track of how long we were in line, but it was awhile. While our bags were getting bagged (so that you can slip stuff out without paying), one girl in front of us asked one of the guys working there if she could bring her (bagged) bag inside or if she had to leave it with them. I don't know about her, but no one in their right mind would leave their bag out of their sight, let alone unattended. Sleep deprivation, or a blonde moment? Tough call. I was pissed that they didn't even let the strap out for me to strap across my body, leaving me to carry it like an idiot. So much for being hands-free. WTF.

Didn't take me long to find anything I didn't really want/need. Even dumped the friends there because they actually BOUGHT stuff and were taking forever :P

So I took the 103 to KLCC to check out the Bookfest Malaysia at KLCC. Bought Yvonne Lee's Madness Aboard! Welcome to Plane Insanity at a discount. Read some of it on the train ride home - really interesting read into the lives of the air stewards.

FJ Benjamin sale - back in KL, yay!

My first of two Saturdays at the Parkroyal Hotel in downtown KL was for the FJ Benjamin warehouse sale, which brings in Gap, Guess, Raoul, La Senza, Banana Republic, etc, which is finally back in KL and not in Klang.

My usual goals for this particular warehouse sale is to check out La Senza first (which is in a separate area from the other brands right at the back of the ballroom) and then Gap and Banana Republic before calling it a day and leave. No, I don't really care for the other brands.

So I bought two La Senza bras (2 for RM50), but no underpants because what's left at these sales are mostly thong underwear (10 for RM25) - there's only so much butt crack floss a girl can wear, you know? Speaking of butt crack floss - I wonder if they'll have C-strings in the near future as opposed to just G- and T-strings? Going commando would be way cheaper :P

My big tip when it comes to this warehouse sale would be to know what your sizes are beforehand, (go to the actual stores and find out) so that you don't waste time trying anything on because changing rooms lines are LONG. Once you know your sizes, just find, pick, check, pay and GTFO. Which is why I usually go alone, even at the expense of taking 2 trains down from PJ.

L'Oreal sale and PC Fair

Went to check out the L'Oreal sale in Kelana in morning (after mailing a couple of things at the post office on the way). Parking situation could've been a lot better (don't get me started), but at least the line to go in was not too long as I was there twenty minutes before the doors open. I jumped in front of the people who had to bag their handbags before going in; screw them, haha.

There was stuff available, but I didn't really get anything but three Lancome lipglosses (031 and 052 Juicy Tubes and one 020 Fever Gloss) that was going for RM60. Fortunately I also didn't have a lot of cash, so otherwise I wasn't tempted by much else.

After that, took the train down to KLCC to check out PC Fair just cos - I wasn't really looking for anything - and it's been awhile since I was there on the first day. As it is a Friday, it wasn't terribly crowded when I got there around 11 something. However, the RM99 hard drive that the sibling asked to buy was all sold out (only 10 a day). I think I got beat out by an auntie (or two).

You also know there's a recession going on when no one is giving you huge paper and/or non woven bags to hold all the flyers and pamphlets in that you get thrust-ed upon you when you walk around the halls.

But otherwise got some interesting freebies from the booths, such as...

This cookie (delish) from the Hibikii booth - for filling out their questionnaire. The things you get in exchange for your private information...

And also the cute elf head gear and elf motif air freshener from HP... cute, no?


Also walked around the mall for a little bit before calling it a day (and because I was having this headache...)

Staycation Day 1 - Benefit Sale

Didn't get too much sleep (nothing new there), and with the five day weekend (never got round to cancelling the three days I took) in hand, I found out last night that Benefit Cosmetics was having a sale in their offices in Millenium Tower, so I thought: since I'm already on leave, I might as well just go check it out lah, right? Since the sale is only today and tomorrow (to deter the weekend crowd? Don't know).

Got there about 9-something after having breakfast in Kanna Curry House with Dad and bro (dad's idea, not mine) and there was a slow moving line. It's not long that it was until the elevators, but it might as well be - the line consisted mostly of women working in the building and the odd person who doesn't already work there (i.e., moi). Probably waited for about an hour (at least that's what some of the other women in line with me were saying) before I finally got past the door. I passed the time bitching about the situation with some of the other people in line. I have to mention that there are no guys lining up. Cell phone reception in the building also sucked the closer I got to the sale. Coincidence? Hmm.

The sale was in one of their meeting rooms (earlier thought it was the pantry owing to the hot water dispenser, etc behind them) and there was not much room to browse - it's one of those situations where you need to have a very good idea of what you want to get and knowing your relevant shade for specific products. The pakcik that was the only crowd control on hand was pretty nice, but I can't imagine dealing with a bunch of hormonal, bargain-hunting (perhaps hungry?) females waiting in line for cheap cosmetics. Due to the size of the room the sale was in, he could only let one or two people in at once as some of the other people were still hemming and hawing over the limited variety of product available.

Having waited in line so long, I probably stayed longer than I should have. Fortunately my sensible, cheapskate side prevailed (noticed that the stuff was not as cheap as I had read of) and I only got a brow zing set (in light) for RM59 for my trouble (I know it was cheaper last year, but they didn't come with the implements :P - these people must be shitting me).

If you're hoping to find their bestselling items, well... don't. Seriously. Don't bother taking time off if that's all you're hoping. If nothing else, at least the items on sale had last year's manufacturing, which was not TOO old, but thought you should know too.

If you read blogger Miu's review of the sale (thought she wasn't going... until I thought I saw her leaving as I was talking to uncle outside the building later), she thought it was a bit of a letdown too. You can read her post to find out what was on sale - I could tell you, but I wouldn't bother: I can flip through the catalogue and I'll tell you what is and is not available in that sale.

Anyhow, buzzed uncle (who works in the building) afters (texted him when I first got in line; told him that I'd text again when I was done) and we chatted briefly outside while he soaked some rays (lol) while I was waiting for a feeder bus out of there. I probably left about noon-ish.

Shopping Saturday

Annual Body Shop sale is back.

This morning my mother took my IC/membership card and went to Giant (which has the smallest Body Shop outlet in the Valley) and was waiting for her to come back.

The plan was to go to Midvalley as I wanted to check out the RSH sale. Left the house about noon, and parked at the Gardens.

[They finally separated the Midvalley and Gardens parking lots, so you can't cross over from one lot to the other any more.]

Which is just as well, cos it didn't take me too long to find parking on P1 of the Gardens. = ) Which is borderline miraculous on a Saturday afternoon.

Walked over to Midvalley and checked out the scene at the Body Shop, and it was like bedlam. SO MANY PEOPLE!! Like they were giving the stuff away for free or something...!! But I bought a couple of things that Mum wanted anyway (limited to one item per person).

After that went up to RSH (Royal Sporting House) because I wanted to get a JanSport daypack and another pair of Ipanema slippers. And I did. The bag was only RM55.20 after 20% discount and the slippers were RM17.90 after 40% discount, haha.

Did some walking around both the Gardens and Midvalley, I left about a couple hours later (I find that I don't really linger as much as I used to) as I wanted to go to Telawi to get that silicone cake/pie pan that was 10% off at the Kitchen Shop in BVII. Took me about 10 minutes to find a parking spot and I think I spent less time buying the things. (Also went to BV to buy another bag of crunchy Cheetos, heh).

Damn the weather is SOO hot.

FJB sale - May 2008 Edition

Had the day off today, so in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint, I took the train down to Bangsar for the FJB sale, taking a chance that despite the fact today was only for HSBC card holders.

So I was in line getting in (long, but fast moving), and saw that they were INDEED checking for HSBC cards, I quickly asked the woman in front of me if she could bring me in with her card (one card admits two). Luckily for me, she said yes. Thank goodness. Didn't take me long to enter as I deliberately wore cargo pants and stuffed my wallet and phone in the pockets.

The only reason why the lines are so long is because the employees were busy stuffing every other woman's handbag into big plastic bags for theft prevention.

So I straight away sought out the Gap offerings; slim pickings for the average sized individual (read: me), great if you wear size 1 or 0 pants. Couldn't help feeling like I was staring at binary code when flipping through the racks and seeing all the 0s and 1s. Tu lan nye.

Went inside the walled off corner which holds the La Senza stuff - only bought 3 more bras for RM90. Panties were mostly of the butt crack-floss variety, so didn't bother. Hint: very short line at the cash counter, so pay cash if you can. It only took me so long because the woman in front of me got confused about the pricing.

Came out and looked through the Gap stuff again. Thought of buying a trenchcoat (just COS they were about RM100 - RM150 each) went through my mind for a microsecond when I saw the tremendously LONG queue to pay. Fuck that - so I left.

Another reason why the line to pay is so damn long is also because people are paying with card, not cash. It takes time for them to process the transaction, ok?

So after that, I bought a couple more things from the Kitchen Shop downstairs (which sells stuff for, you guessed it, the kitchen) and lunch was a breakfast sarnie at Starbucks.

Waited for bus back to Bangsar station when I saw it from the other direction. It being the only bus that plies the route these days and me in no rush, I decided to go on memory lane and go the whole route for the heck of it: to see how much it's changed from my college-going years not too long ago.

My Saturday So Far...

Checked out the latest Threads Zoo sale at Plaza TTDI (located at a part of Taman Tun that I've never been to before), which took me a little bit to look. Despite the fans and airconditioning on at full blast, I was sweating like no one else's business because it was pretty stuffy in there. So I didn't find anything that I would want to buy. Too much pressure.

Came home and went out to Digital Mall to get my laptop "skinned" - to apply protective scratch- and water-proof cover on the outside cover and wrist area. What was supposed to take only 20 minutes took about several times longer because of the nature of laptop surface. Oh well, at least they did a better job that I ever would :P Cost me RM60 for the transparent plastic cover pieces and labour, so I think it's worth it. (You can Google "Skinjam" but I think the domain hasn't been renewed yet)