Lifestyle Archives | Page 7 Of 11

How to master secondhand shopping for your wardrobe

Published on August 28, 2018

Lifestyle

Secondhand shopping is a skill that needs to be learned. It requires practice and perseverance so that you won’t leave a thrift or vintage store with regrets.

Furthermore, mastering secondhand shopping also allows you to grab that one perfect piece of clothing before everybody else.

Here are Kajo-tested and approved techniques on how to master secondhand shopping for your wardrobe:

Don’t miss a rack

There are plenty to see when you go for secondhand shopping but no matter what happens, never lose your focus.
Go through every rack and check every hanger because you never know what you’ll find.
Also, wear something comfortable and be patient when you go out shopping.

2. Never buy anything with a stain on it.

It doesn’t matter how good it looks or how well it fits you, do not buy anything with a stain on it. No matter how big or small the stain is, it is better to play safe and don’t purchase a stained piece of secondhand clothing.

Never assume you can get rid of the stain later.

3. Check every zip and button

Secondhand shopping is like working on quality control section of a factory: You have to check every part of the clothes especially the buttons, seams and zips.

If it only needs minor repair such as sewing in a missing button, then it is worth to buy.

If the clothes need major repairs like a broken zip, however, it is better to drop it.

4. Black is always the safest colour

When secondhand shopping for your wardrobe, it is best to pick fashion neutrals. These are colours that go with anything.

Basic neutral colours are black, gray, navy, brown, khaki and white. The best out of these fashion neutrals is of course black, while the riskiest choice is white.

Try to avoid printed fabrics unless they look timeless. Most prints come and go so you can easily which era some specific prints come from.

5.Go for the classic, timeless style

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn when secondhand shopping for clothes. Aim for classic and timeless designs which will make you effortlessly chic.

Say no to big puffy sleeves that definitely scream 80s fashion unless you are shopping for a Halloween costume.
Hepburn was known for her form-fitting long sleeve shirt, striped shirt, smart black trousers, button up shirt and A-line skirt or dress.

When in doubt, go for Hepburn-inspired little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. You can never ever go wrong with an LBD.

Style guide for women: 5 easy tips on how to dress better instantly

Published on August 10, 2018

Lifestyle

We’ve heard the phrases “dress for success” or “dress for the job that you want, not the job you have.”

Dressing up will boost your self-confidence, promote self-respect and give a good impression.

As Coco Chanel’s famous quote goes, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Now comes the question on how to be effortlessly more stylish with little effort.

Here are KajoMag’s five easy tips on how to dress better instantly without changing your whole wardrobe:

1. Don’t know what to wear? Pick a one-piece outfit.

Style guide for women: 5 easy tips on how to dress better instantly — Pick a dress or a jumpsuit if you are too lazy to mix and match your outfit. Credits: Pexels.

Ever have one of those days when you just don’t know what to wear? Most professionals advise that we should plan our outfits the night before so that you don’t have to make that decision in the morning. But if you are really stuck and tired of playing the mix and match game, pick a one-piece like a dress or a jumpsuit.

2. Highlight one feature on your face

You don’t need to have professional skills or a suitcase of cosmetics to know how to apply makeup.

First of all you need to pick your favourite facial feature, then start to work some magic on your face.

Put on a bold red lipstick with super light eye makeup or wear a pair of fake lashes while rocking nude lips. Either way, highlight only one feature on your face so that way you won’t spend tonnes of time on makeup and still look polished.

3. Fix your hair

For women, our hair is the crown that we never take off. So no matter how lazy you are in the morning, the least you can do is to simply comb your hair.

There is no need to go full blown salon style on your hair. As long as you tame that frizzy mane, you are good to go.

4. Choose one statement accessory

Even if you outfit is plain and uninteresting, dress better instantly by pairing it with a statement accessory.
Choose a pair of statement earrings or necklace depending on your outfit. Accessories do make you look like you dressed to impress.

5. Wear a pair of covered shoes

Have you heard the saying, “I make shoe contact before eye contact?” Your shoes can be the first thing people notice when they see you.

However, if it is hard to make a choice of which pair of footwear to go with, go for covered shoes. Covered heels will always make you look more professional than a pair of open toed shoes. A pair of white sneakers, for example, definitely looks better with your jeans than flip-flops.

If you don’t believe a pair of shoes can make a difference, just remember Cinderella.

Alta Moda Sarawak aims to position Sarawak as a fashion destination

Published on August 9, 2018

News & Features

KUCHING, Aug 9: The inaugural Alta Moda Sarawak, a fashion showcase will place the spotlight on the work of at least 20 designers this Oct 25 to 27.

To be held at the old State Legislative Assembly building, the event aims to promote Sarawak as a state of diversity with different ethnics and cultures.

Speaking at a press conference on Aug 8, its chairperson Datin Esther Mujan Balan said Alta Moda Sarawak was a brand platform for Sarawak designers to come together to showcase their talents and creations in the field of arts, culture and crafts.

She said, “We are determined and focused for Alta Moda Sarawak to be a successful yearly event to promote Sarawak as a leading fashion hub in Southeast Asia and attract potential tourism traffic.

“The long term mission is to hold the event on an annual basis as part of Sarawak Tourism calendar with Sarawak Tourism Board as the main supporter and partner.”

The fashion event is expected to provide a rich insight into the world of fashion opportunities in Sarawak at both domestic and international levels.

This is done through diversified programs and activities that have been planned with the participation and support from local fashionistas, fashion interest group, celebrities, VVIPs, associate partners and media.

Esther stated, “We are hopeful through the support towards Alta Moda Sarawak 2018, this will be the next great Sarawak event to be reckoned with whilst promoting large multiethnics and multicultural of our people.”

The three-day event will gather young designers, promising designers who had some experiences as well designers who have established their names locally and internationally.

The press conference also featured a short runaway show to give the attendees snippets of what to expect during the event.

Among the designers that will be participating in the event are Anna Sue, Von Jolly Couture, Wan Bynun, Keith Sim, Paul Carling, Ben Nazry as well as Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Universiti Sarawak Malaysia (Unimas).

Alta Moda Sarawak aims to position Sarawak as a fashion destination — Paul Carling (right) and his model. The Paul Carling label was founded in 2016 and originally known as Paul Carling Collections. The label focuses on bridal wear and fusions of modern mix wear incorporating mainly Borneo tribal motifs.

10 types of beauty masks you never thought you needed

Published on August 8, 2018

Lifestyle

At the mention of beauty masks, one immediately thinks of the facial mask.

Not surprisingly though, the beauty industry has come up with so many innovations within this decade that you can find a mask for every inch of your body!

Well… Not exactly every inch of your body, but gone are the days when beauty masks are only meant for your face.

Here are 10 types of beauty masks you never thought you needed:

1. Foot mask

While most people are busy taking care of their faces and hair, some of us often neglect our feet. (Raise your foot if you wished your feet were smooth and soft before adulthood made them dry and cracked.)

The hottest thing in the beauty industry now is the foot peeling mask, which has becomean effective way to get rid of the dead skin on your feet. Be warned, the mask actually helps your feet peel like insects going through the molting process.

Place these masks like a sock on your freshly-cleansed feet and let the chemical do its magic. You will only see the results five to seven days after applying these masks when all the dead skin starts to peel off.

Some widely reviewed foot masks online are TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid and Baby Foot Lavender.

2. Chin mask

This is reportedly a surgical-free way of lifting your jawline. V-mask, face lift mask, chin up mask are basically masks designed to reduce the appearance of your double chin. You can also use this to say goodbye to turkey neck.

Most of these masks for your chin claimed to to work to redefine your jawline after one 30-minute treatment.

3.Under-eye mask

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrARKnACoN8

Puffiness, fine lines and dark circles… these are some of the problems we have under our eyes.

Nowadays, you can easily find comma-shaped masks at Malaysian drug stores work to reduce these problems. They are known to be a quick fix to brighten your eyes while giving a cooling effects on your skin.

4. Lip mask

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOVE9QR78tM

Forget about lip balms, we are taking our lip care to another level with lip masks.
Famous beauty brands such as Laneige, TONYMOLY and Sephora have all come out with their own lip masks which work to soothe, replenish, moisturise and nourish your dry and cracked pout.

But if you are not willing to spend that kind of money, slathering your lips with butter and leaving it on overnight works too.

5. Elbow mask

South Korea will always a solution for every problem you have on your body no matter how small.

A couple years back, Etude House from South Korea came up with masks to moisturise and brighten your dry and rough elbows.

Well, that is definitely something we need just in case anybody noticed we have rough elbows in the first place.

6. Hand mask

This is another beauty inspiration which comes from South Korea.

Hand masks are meant to nourish your rough hands and brittle fingernails. L’Occitane has a product to gently slough off the dead skin on your hands. Lush also offers a hand mask that works like a specialised bath for your hands.

Gone are the days that you apply only lotion on your hands.

7. Body mask

Now what about the rest of our bodies? No worries, the 21st century beauty industry has you covered in that area too.

Body mask products are aimed to give users that spa-like experience at home, leaving your body smooth and refreshing.

8.Boob mask

The public won’t be able to see your breasts from top to bottom, but it doesn’t meant that you should neglect them.

Boob sheet masks are apparently a thing, and were created to hydrate the chest areas. They also have anti-aging and skin-brightening properties, ensuring your chest will look great in those décolleté tops and dresses.

9.Belly mask

Show some love to your belly! Pregnant mamas now can lighten the appearance of stretch marks while carrying their babies with beauty masks designed for their pregnant bellies.

They are also meant to soften scars after Caesarean section.

10. Butt mask

Finally, we are now talking about the tush! If you think your buttocks lack suppleness, firmness and bounciness, fret not! There are masks designed to restore those qualities to your butt.

Canada-based beauty brand Nannete de Gaspé is one of the leading players in the industry when it comes to beauty masks.

They introduced to the world the concept of dry masks in 2016. So it is no surprise, this brand offers masks for different parts for the body and that includes the bust and butt.

Top 3 Sabah fermented foods you must try before you die

Published on August 2, 2018

Travel

Located in the northern part of Borneo island, the Malaysian state of Sabah has its own distinct cuisine different from other states in the country.

Thanks to its multiracial population just like its neighbouring state of Sarawak, Sabah offers various ingredients and style of food preparation.

One of the famous ways they have of preparing food is by fermenting with salt, a similar method to making pekasam (Malaysian fermented food).

When you take a walk through any of their local markets you will find fermented food sold in all sorts of different sizes.

Besides the local market, you can also find them at the roadside stalls along the road from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau or Keningau.

If you are up for it, here are top 3 Sabah fermented foods you must try before you die. We warn you; they are not for the faint-hearted because of their strong smell and flavours.

1. Pickled Tuhau

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmsM-7FEmp4

The least threatening of all three Sabah fermented foods is pickled tuhau. Tuhau is a type of wild ginger scientifically known as Etlingera coccinea.

The edible part of this ginger is the inner sheath of the shoot. Chop it up and mix it with chives, chilli peppers, salt, sugar and vinegar.

It is usually served as a side dish with hot rice. You can also whisk in some tuhau with eggs to make an omelette.

2. Pickeled bambangan

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlnEZz9nLyO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bambangan (Mangnifera pajang) is an endemic fruit only found in Borneo. The fruit is considered a type of wild mango but unlike the common mango, it has thick brown skin.

It is usually harvested raw and cured with salt and chilies to make pickled bambangan. The locals enjoy it with plain white rice and fried fish.

3.Bosou

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxdzk9j0SQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bosou is also called nonsom, sambaat, kinaraatan, gagau and tinamba in different Kadazandusun dialects. It is a preserved fish or meat made with biji kepayang in Malay (Pangium edule) or pangi in Dusun language. The most common main ingredient for bosou is river fish. Mix the fish together with rice, salt and pangi.

To spice it up a little bit, you can also add in pineapple or tuhau. It takes up five to seven days for it to be fully fermented. There are two ways to take bosou; you can have it as a condiment or cook it with onions and chilies.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

Published on August 1, 2018

Lifestyle

If you have not visited Mount Singai before, now is the best time to do so. Due to our love of being outdoors, KajoMag has listed six reasons why it should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit.

1. Close to town

Located in Bau District, Mount Singai takes only 30 to 40 minutes’ drive from Kuching City.

As it does not take a lot of time to reach there, you do not have to worry about getting up early or using a lot of gas.

2. Good spot for beginner’s training

If you are not particularly athletic but still want to be active, then Mount Singai is perfect for you.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

Mount Singai hiking area can be split into two sections. The first half is a set of stairs leading to the Catholic Memorial and Pilgrimage Centre (CMPC) while the second half is the hiking trail leading to the summit.

Typically, an average hiker can reach the pilgrimage centre within 20 to 30 minutes while the hiking ground can take about an hour to reach.

Visitors might find Mount Singai relaxing and enjoyable as the hiking terrain is not as hard and challenging as most hiking spots around Kuching.

Also, due to the steps and the inclining nature of Mount Singai, it is the best spot to pump up your cardio and enjoy nature.

3. Friendly hikers

On average, Mount Singai can have a few hundred visitors in one weekend.

And due to that, you will always bump into other fellow hikers along the way.

At Mount Singai, the hikers will typically greet you and some will even give words of encouragement to reach the summit.

When meeting these friendly and supportive hikers of Mount Singai, it makes the hiking trip even more memorable.

4. Spiritual experience

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

On your trek up to the retreat centre, you will notice there are monuments stationed along the way up.

They are the 14 stations of the Cross which represent Christ’s last day on earth as a man.

Mount Singai has long been a pilgrimage destination for devoted Catholics, with the earliest converts to Catholicism in the area among the Bisingai people dating as far back as 1885.

5. Help the community build their church

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

Upon reaching the entrance point of Mount Singai, you may find a heap of bags containing pebbles and sand.

These are to build a new church hall at the pilgrimage centre.

As there are no access roads for vehicles leading towards the centre, the only way to bring these building materials up is on foot.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

While there are no entrance fees for Mount Singai, visitors can do their part for the kampong community by helping them carry the bags up to the construction site.

Consider it your personal Rocky or Shaolin monk challenge by carrying a bag up. You can also help trick your mind into thinking you have some extra weight to lose.

6. Instagrammable view

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

Millennials with an active Instagram account would understand the novelty of having awesome pictures in their IG account.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai

When you reach the top of the steps, Mount Singai offers a rest stop with one of the best viewing spots.

Apart from that, the summit also offers an equally breath-taking view for visitors to take picture.

The traditional medical use of Kayu Raja

Published on July 30, 2018

Culture

Kayu raja or raja kayu in Malay, which translates to the ‘king of wood’, is a type of wood widely found in Malaysia. Scientifically, it is known as Agathis borneensis.

It is also commonly known as borneo kuari or damar minyak among the Malay community.

Despite it being classified as ‘endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is still in demand among the locals in Sarawak.

It is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after timber trees in Southeast Asia. Commercial-wise, Agathis borneensis is wanted for its high quality resin. Plus, its wood can be used to make music instruments, boats as well as furniture.

But coming down to Sarawak, a place where kayu raja can be found apart from Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and the rest of Borneo, this wood is utilised for more daily use.

The traditional medical use of Kayu Raja — Scrape a a bit of the wood to make a tea-like beverage.

For a cure and more

According to wood crafter Christopher John, the king of wood is believed to have medicinal purposes.

He stated, “You can use it for medicine. Scrape a bit of the wood and boil it in hot water for few hours before drinking it like a tea. The locals believe it can cure for diabetes, high blood pressure and even diarrhea.”

On top of that, it is also a traditional cure for headaches, fevers and muscle pains.

Christopher who is a Bidayuh, added that the kayu raja can also be used externally. “Let say you have scratches or cuts and even insect bites, you can apply the boiled water of kayu raja on your wounds.”

Besides its traditional medical practices, some local Sarawakians believe that the wood works as a protective charm during hunting or jungle trekking.

“If you carry a kayu raja on you when you are going into the jungle, no wild animals would dare to attack you. Some people also believe it will protect you from witchcraft.”

Kayu Raja in other cultures

Feng shui practitioners also believe in the power of kayu raja. It is known for its ability to dispel bad energies from life. Keep a kayu raja on you and your bad luck will slowly subside.

Furthermore, some also believe keeping a piece of this wood as an amulet will increase wealth and career opportunities as well as enhance your charms.

A quick Google-search for kayu raja will reveal a list of websites selling it as a charm.

But how would you know if it’s the real deal? Christopher says to just shine a light through it and you will know.

“The light from the light source will glow red if you shine it through a real kayu raja.”

Do not leave Kuching without trying these two ice creams

Published on July 27, 2018

Travel

If you are visiting Kuching for the first time and are a big fan of ice cream, there are two iconic desserts you have to try.

Both ice creams have distinct tastes from each other and have maintained their legendary status in the Kuching dessert scene despite having no air-conditioners, let alone Instagram-worthy settings.

But locals have been flocking to these ice-cream places for years now and by the looks of it, they will continue to do so in coming years.

So no matter how packed your itinerary is, do not leave Cat City of Sarawak without trying these two ice creams.

1.Sunny Hill Ice Cream

Do not leave Kuching without trying these two ice creams — A cup of sundae with sweetened, crushed peanuts.

If ice-creams in Kuching had a king, Sunny Hill ice cream would definitely be sitting on that throne.

This ice-cream maker has been operating since the ’60s, maintaining its canteen-style design over the years.

Located at Jalan Bukit Cahaya, Sunny Hill offers affordable soft ice creams.

Besides their basic ice cream cones, they also offer ice cream sandwiches, banana splits and ice cream floats.

You can also choose to have toppings of syrup and/or crushed peanuts.

Unlike other ice-cream parlours that have an ever-ready selection of flavours, Sunny Hill serves its selection of flavours on a rotational basis.

While vanilla is served everyday, their other flavours are served as follows: strawberry (Monday and Tuesday), pandan and corn (Wednesday to Friday) and chocolate (Saturday and Sunday).

On top of their mouth-watering ice-creams, Sunny Hills also sell baked goods such as cookies, breads and egg tarts.

2. R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong

Ice cream gula apong (palm sugar) has been in trend for the past few years. But the first one to come up with the idea is a humble stall located at Kuching Open Air Market.

Reportedly, Richard Tan the owner of R.G. Gula Apong Ais Krim started the ice-cream plus palm sugar craze 20 years ago.

They only have one flavour a day but in three sizes – small, medium and large.

You can choose your own topping – peanut, cornflakes, Oreo or Nestum – for free.

The texture of this ice cream is closer to a shaved ice unlike most of the ice creams with palm sugar out there which usually has soft serve ice creams.

Some people may find R.G. Ais Krim Bergula Apong too sweet for their taste, but if you need an instant dose of sugar, why not give this ice cream a try.

PHOTOS: Music and more during the Rainforest World Music Festival

Published on July 26, 2018

Entertainment

This year, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) made its 21st appearance at the Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching Malaysia.

A one-of-a-kind festival, RWMF succeeded in bringing world musicians from different part of the globe to rock at the foot of Mount Santubong.

On top of the world-class music, there are plenty of activities to participate from the afternoon mini sessions to its craft bazaar.

The Rainforest World Music Festival will be coming back in 2019 from July 12 till 14. Meanwhile, here are some photos taken on the second day of RWMF 2018.

PHOTOS: Music and more during the Rainforest World Music Festival — A batik crafter showing his skills at the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar.

10 adult art projects to try for non-creative people

Published on July 25, 2018

Lifestyle

Italian poet Eugenio Montale once said, “In reality art is always for everyone and for no one.”

As comforting as it might sound to non-creative people that art is for everyone, the reality is there are people out there who are just not artistic at all.

Having said that, non-creative people sometimes find ways to channel their inner creativity and craftiness.

Of course, the results might not be as good as those who are artistically-inclined and sometimes even far from being sell-able.

If you are looking for adult art projects to try own especially when you are feeling crafty, here are few suggestions:

1.Collage

To make collage art, you can use everything under the sun, from magazine and newspaper clippings to photographs and old postcards.

You can even recreate a famous art piece such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Watch the video here.

2.Hand lettering

If you love quotes and poems, this is an adult art project for you. Pick up a brush or a calligraphy pen to practice your hand lettering.

Once you get the hang of it, move on to create a homemade card or a quote display as a gift or just hang it in your room.

Watch the video here.

3.Photo embroidery

Forget about conventional embroidery, embroidered photographs is the in thing now.

Take your favourite photos and embroider something on it. Maybe put a pair of wings on the photo of your mum or a pair of horns on your least favourite teacher.

4.Origami

10 adult art projects to try for non-creative people — How about giving origami a try? Credits: Unsplash.

All you need for origami is origami paper and of course tutorials which can be easily found online.

Once you master the art of origami you can turn them into wall decorations or simply as a gift.

Watch the video here.

5.Mod podge craft

The art of decoupage was originated in France in the 17th century. Now with the existence of mod podge, the craft of decoupaging has never been this easy.

Known for its fine finish and strong adhesiveness, you can use mod podge on flip flops, coasters, wooden boxes, cake stands and even table tops.

Watch the video here.

6.Tie-dye

If someone told you that tie-dye was for hippies, don’t believe them.

Widen your imagination and you can tie-dye almost everything, from a bag to a curtain and your short jeans.

Watch the video here.

7.Fabric Marker

Unleash your inner craftiness by drawing on a plain T-shirt with a fabric marker.

Draw a random asymmetrical design or write your favourite quote. You can also use fabric marker to personalise your own shoes, tote bag and cushion cover.

Watch the video here.

8.Vegetable printing

Vegetable printing are not just for kids. With the right materials, you can make your own cushion covers, coffee mug, paper wrappings and gift tags.

As for what vegetables you can try, see if you can use potato, carrot, celery and winged beans.

Watch the video here.

9.Washi tape

The Japanese people are a source of tons of brilliant ideas, one of those ideas including washi tape.

This decorative tape can be used for anything you can imagine.

You can decorate your book, table, computer keyboard, plastic cups for a party, even use it as wallpaper.

Watch the video here.

10.Beading

Beadwork can be easy if you stick to the basic of stringing beads together with a thread to produce a necklace, lanyard, or bracelet.

If you want to challenge yourself, you can also move on to harder beadwork skills such as bead crocheting or 3D beading.

Watch the video here.

Borneo Culture, Heritage, Nature, Lifestyle

lifestyle - Page 7

How to master secondhand shopping for your wardrobe

Here are Kajo-tested and approved techniques on how to master secondhand shopping for your wardrobe:

Style guide for women: 5 easy tips on how to dress better instantly

Here are KajoMag’s five easy tips on how to dress better instantly without changing your whole wardrobe:

Alta Moda Sarawak aims to position Sarawak as a fashion destination

Top 3 Sabah fermented foods you must try before you die

If you are up for it, here are top 3 Sabah fermented foods you must try before you die. We warn you; they are not for the faint-hearted because of their strong smell and flavours.

6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mount Singai