April 30, 2014

Fontana Hotel Bali Review

Fontana Hotel Bali
Palm Tree Off Shoulder Crop Top, HW Skirt & Necklace by GOWIGASA
When we first got an invitation from Fontana Hotel Bali, we were charmed enough by their website. But when we really got there, boy it was like entering a postcard.

Poolside nirvana
Came right at these koi fishes' lunch time 
Welcome drink by the pool!

Located in Kuta, one can absolutely say that this affordable four-star hotel is like a hidden oasis in this euphoric area. Just the perfect place to relax and unwind after such a weary journey.

Oh, hello!
This fluffy fella welcomed us to...
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Our sweeeeet suite room for the next two days! ♥

Okay, are you seeing what we're seeing...?
Pic credit: http://www.fontanahotelbali.com/hotel_room/suite.html


DAMN RIGHT BABY! An in-room bathtub!! Noyceee.

Turn left and you'll find the regular bathroom with rain shower, etc. ^^

WE ALSO WANT a TV that tilts to our bed in our own bedroom!! Preferably one that tilts and shut down automatically when we fall asleep after watching FRIENDS or Game of Thrones. Ok wishlisted!

A room with a view~
Elle enjoying the poolside :)

 
♡ Life is good ♡

Portabella Bistro
Lunch at Portabella was one of the nicest lunches we ever had! Hats off to Chef Vittorio Negri, the 2nd Winner of HELLO BALI's Chef War who was directly 'imported' from Naples, Italy to stay at this beautiful, warm Italian bistro, cooking these exquisite delicacies for us.

Antipasti | Amuse-bouche Welcome Bread
 White dinner roll, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cauliflower cream and vegetarian lasagna. Portabella serves different creations of amuse bouche everyday. It's a complimentary and not listed in the menu. We love the vegetarian lasagna - the ones on the spoon so much!

Soup Borneo King Crab Soup
Crabmeat, leeks, dill-flavored oil. Although the aroma was not so strong, the soup's texture was rich and the meat filling was generous.

 Jess'  pick  Tuna Volcano
Spiced seared tuna loin rare with black olives tapenade and caponata. This was extra, extra delicious. The fillet was very fresh and nicely done, the complementing vegetables and toppings made the whole combination perfectly scrumptious.

Elle's  pick  | Tagliatelle Lobster
Handmade tagliatelle pasta in light cherry tomato sauce and lobster fillet. The best part of this delicious meal is that the meat was already removed and cut into small, yummy chunks, spread all over the aromatic pasta.

Refreshing, healthy beverages  | Orange and Peach & Tri Berry Smoothies
The left one is Orange and Peach. It was *obviously* made of fresh orange and peach, combined with yoghurt, milk and honey. The Tri Berry Smoothies was a healthy pack of strawberry, raspberry and blueberry whipped with yoghurt and fresh mint. Both drinks were served in tall tumbler glasses. They're kinda heavy for those who prefer mineral water or iced tea to accompany their lunch, but they surely were yummy and refreshing!

The very cute and *literally* fluffy Chef Vittorio Negri! WE LOVE HIM! He's so friendly and funny, too! Would love to take him home~~ XD XD

The Pinocchio-inspired restaurant itself was very stylish and filled with antiques from all over the world. Apparently, the owner of this hotel has a good eye for collecting unique, artsy pieces and some of his collection were displayed all over the hotel. Like, all over! Even in the corridors like this:

The next day, we were greeted by the glorious. hotel. breakfast.
Egg Benedict with Ham and Toast | Runny eggs are the best!!
No, seriously. The breakfast buffet outrightly exceeded our expectation because they had so many to offer, like this selection of pastries, for example!


OR this crazy delicious selection of PANCAKES~!! (ˆˆ)づ♡


Honey Glazed Cup O Cappuccino, anyone?

Happy sisters!

Being there at Hari Raya Nyepi (Balinese traditional event "Day of Silence") where everyone, including tourists are not allowed to go outside, the hotel offered some special programs that guests can enjoy like: Movie Shows, Discounted Spa Packages, Cooking Class, Making Canang (Balinese Origami Class) and Traditional Balinese Dance Class.
Cooking Class with Chef Vittorio Negri | Mom said that the cooking class is more like an eating feast because the lovely chef made so many delish dishes in front of the *hungry* participants (and of course they can eat the result) hehe
Balinese Origami "How To Make Canang"

Movie Programs

 They were all so interesting but we could only do one or two activities due to the limited time! >_< So we chose to do THIS instead:
 YEAP, we learned how to dance Balinese Dance, yo! *whoop whoop*

Okay the teacher's coordination was very exotic and ours were... very pathetic lol
It's really not as easy as it might seem!! XD

When the teacher was teaching someone else, we saw this cutie which turns out to be one of those collectible antiques which belong to the hotel's owner:

 Just take pictures with it lah hahaha!
Anyway, the short class was a great choice indeed because it was fun and it helped us burn our breakfast calories away! Prepped us good for our next treat:

Suma Spa
Taking a few steps from our room, we headed to Suma Spa, a serene sanctuary built on top of the hotel. To get there, we took an elevator...

 This way to heaven, Sir.

 Yes, we're kinda territorial. ;)

The refreshing welcome drinks + cold pressed towels to aid the hot, hot day!


Before the treatment started, we were asked to do this:

Choose the scrub: Nourishing / Soothing / Radiance

Choose the massage oil: Passionate / Pure Relaxation / Uplifting

Fill in a form (regarding your health condition, etc.)


We both *telepathically* picked the radiance scrub and passionate massage oil lol!

And now! It's finally time for the SPA~~~~~
Excuse the drowsy, ready-for-spa face.
The spa began with us taking off our clothes, wearing only provided disposable underwear instead. After lying down, our backs were covered with a sheet. The masseuses rang a bell and thus begin our treatment. First step was body scrub, followed with towel cleansing and feet-body-head massage. Our masseuses were experienced and the massage was great. Unfortunately, it was too fast to us (we're used to 5-6 hours spa packages whenever we're in Bali). After the massage is over, the masseuses left the room so we can take a bath or a shower.
Massage beds for two

Bathtub filled with pink and red flower petals

 Shower amenities

Aromatherapy bowl filled with cinnamon sticks and aromatic spices

 Vanity cabinet where guests can tidy up

After-spa beverages & rattan sandals
Last day of this trip! >_<
Kanye West Top, Sassy Blue Floral Lattice Shorts & Necklaces by GOWIGASA

Got invited to a special lunch with Chef Vitto and the general manager of the hotel.
This time, the lunch took place at Portabella's terrace; which has more minimalist, urban feel than the first floor.


Signature Cocktails Berry Merry Mule & Coconut Mojito
Complementing the hot afternoon, lunch started with the serving of these fresh cocktails. Served in a classic copper mug, the Berry Merry Mule (the left one) consists of gin, lime wedges, mint leaf and topped with ginger ale. And on the right side, we have Coconut Mojito which consist of white rum and coconut liqueur, combined with fresh mint and lime.

Cocktail | Mimosa Cocktail
Served in a champagne tulip glass, the main ingredient comes from champagne combined with orange juice. This one might look like an ordinary light cocktail (or even like a simple orange juice? lol), but one should not underestimate it because apparently it was very strong! ^^;


Amuse-bouche Swordfish
Pan seared swordfish fillet, served with lemon grass water and portabella sauce. Although this one was delicious, we liked our first amuse-bouche (the one with vegetarian lasagna) better. Maybe because we're too lazy to chew so we like soft food better. ;D


First course Tuna Tartare
Raw tuna chunks dressed with lemon garlic, topped with watermelon, served in orange and capers soup resulted in this amazing, refreshing treat! The fresh tuna and watermelon created a surprisingly delish combination.


Main course Ossobuco
Cooked in Milanese style and served with saffron risotto resulted in this fragrant, satisfying meal. The juicy veal shank was also very tender and superb due to the three hours cooking process!


Main course Linguini Negra
The Sicilian style house made linguine pasta was cooked with squid ink to color it black. To make it whole, it was topped with Borneo crab meat and cherry tomato sauce.


Main course Calzone Ripieno
Now this one was actually a........ PIZZA!!!
We know, right!?? The topping becomes the 'inning' for this unique Italian dish! Peppered with tomato, mozzarella, ham, black olives, salami and mushrooms, it was actually a deep fried or oven baked stuffed pizza.


Dessert Green Tea Cake
Layered with white chocolate mousse, this green tea ganache was so soft and fragrant. This 'light' dessert was said to be the ladies' favorite.


Dessert Tiramisu
A classic Italian recipe with mascarpone cheese. This one was good but not so different with any other Tiramisu we ever had.

Dessert Hazelnut Praline topped with Ginger Flavored Chocolate
Okay words cannot describe how sinfully delicious this bittersweet dessert was.

Thank you so much Chef Vitto for sealing our last day in Bali with these well-prepared amazing treats!!


Fontana Hotel Bali
Jl. Dewi Sri No.68, Kuta - Bali, Indonesia 80361
t: +62 361 8947100  f: +62 361 8947123

With Executive Chef Vittorio Negri of the Portabella Bistro – Fontana Hotel Bali
All in all, our short yet relaxing trip to Bali was really great and memorable, thanks to Fontana Hotel Bali for the kind invitation. And of course to Suma Spa and Portabella Bistro for the luscious treats! Ah... writing this post totally makes us miss Bali. Gotta go back ASAP! xD

XOXO

April 29, 2014

Sunny Bali Outfit + Ghost Train WAKUWAKU JAPAN Movie Review


What is the best daytime outfit to wear in a sunny place like Bali? If your answer is something lightweight, then we're on the same track. Considering the hot and humid weather, there's nothing else I'd rather wear than some lightweight pieces PLUS sunblock to protect my bare skin that's not covered in clothes. On this occasion, I threw on a graphic sleeveless cotton tee on top of my bright colored bikini, a pair of exotic print shorts and put on ethnic necklaces and bangles for more 'Bali' look. Aside from the actual function, the mirror sunnies was also cute as an accessory.

To complement the casual look, I added strappy ethnic heels which match my gold necklace and bangles, and also my blue shorts.

OOTD - Outfit of That Day
GOWIGASA Kanye West Top Grey, Sassy Blue Floral Lattice Shorts, Sunset Classic Mirror Sunglasses, Necklaces | Topshop Coral Bikini | ALDO Bracelets | Unbranded Batik Bangle | Pedro Heels

I think this beach wave hairstyle looks really good for this outfit. It's really easy to make, too! Would love to make a tutorial for this anytime soon. ^^

Enjoy the sunny Bali!
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Anyway, Elle and I recently watched a horror movie from WAKUWAKU JAPAN TV Channel (#168) called Ghost TrainOtoshimono (オトシモノ).

Synopsis
There is something strange happening in Tokyo subway. A lot of people are reported missing, including Nana (Erika Sawajiri)'s little sister. Together with her friend Kanae (Chinatsu Wakatsuki), Nana is investigating the mystery. There's also this train conductor Toshikazu (Oguri Shun) who's being relocated to the lost-and-found department after he initiatively stopped a train because he reportedly saw a ghost on the railroad. They then find out that the missing people have something in common; they picked up a seemingly dropped-by-accident train ticket. And whenever someone's gone missing, there's always this strange, mysterious woman in black standing on the train platform.

Review
As a horror flick, Ghost Train has a pretty interesting storyline, but it lacks a lot of important things to make it even a decent movie. The pace is too slow and when it reaches the climax, it isn't even as scary or surprising as expected for such a long wait. Heavily focused on the cute main actress Erika Sawajiri (cast as Nana), her acting is also disappointing because she shows roughly similar faces / expressions to different situations (e.g. scared, surprised, tired) and it's not even convincing. Supporting actress Chinatsu Wakatsuki (cast as Kanae)'s acting is better. Special effect and make up are slightly below average. In conclusion, we wouldn't recommend you to watch it unless you're a fan of Erika Sawajiri (there are plenty of her shots and she's so kawaii here! Plus this is her FIRST horror movie ^^) or if you're out of choice. Having said that, it's still watchable, but we'd recommend you to lower your expectation before watching it. :)

WAKUWAKU JAPAN TV, please bring more horror / thriller movies to the screen, arigato gozaimasu!

Okay then, thank you so much for reading and see you guys on my next post~ (ˆヮˆ)づ♡

XOXO
Jessica Yamada

April 25, 2014

PaperOne's The PaperMaster Game Review | PLAY & WIN!

Today we'll be reviewing this NEW, exciting game: The PaperMaster! ()

It's this addictive game that got us playing almost everywhere. At home, in the car, at the salon...

...in the cafe with our new lazy dog...  E v e r y w h e r e !
It's.... the................
PaperMaster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FYI, yes, you must sign in with Facebook to qualify for a chance to win. :D



You can choose the appearance and clothes for your character ^^


T H E  G A M E
First, you have to earn your paper, and it ain't that easy cause you have to nurture the Acacia tree and stop the bugs from harming it before it is harvested to make your papers!
Tappity Tap Tap! GO AWAY FROM MY PRECIOUS TREE, BUGS~~~!!!!!!!!!!!
After earning your papers, it takes you to the Office Challenge where you can earn points to WIN the actual prizes!
Remember Diner Dash? Well here in The PaperMaster, you have to assist your colleagues by:
 1. Taking their request,
2. Bring the right paper and
3. Choose the right printer and print it for them before the time runs out!
There are 3 types of paper and also 3 types of printers, so you must be careful. ^^ The challenge grows faster and more difficult on each level. Before you know it, your colleagues will turn impatient and more demanding! *sounds like real life? Lol*

Anyway, before you can continue to the next Office Challenge level, you always have to earn your papers by playing the Tree Resource Game first. Kinda annoying because you must be all fired up to go to the next level but this is also such a clever way to remind you that those papers must be earned through a process (well in this game, it takes your effort and time, right?), so you better not waste it. ^^b

Do we enjoy the game? YES! But most of all, we are personally delighted by this clever and environmentally friendly marketing idea from PaperOneTM because this PaperMaster game is so fun and addictive (not to mention the cute song + graphic) and yet it is very educative.
As you can see, the purpose of this game is to educate users (in REALLY fun way) about:
• How PaperOne nurture and preserve their natural resources before harvesting it
• The different types of usage of PaperOne papers, be it for home or office use. To name a few, it can be used for copying documents, making newsletters, school essays, account statements, design works, etc..

That's not all! The reason you have to play this awesome game is simply because of the........
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Great Prizes!!!
- First 1000 downloads stand to win an iPhone 5s
(there are FIVE iPhone 5S available)
- Be The PaperMaster & Win an Epson Workforce WF-3521!!
The PaperMaster competition runs from 4 Apr (0000hrs GMT+8) to 16 May 2014 (2359hrs GMT+8) and is only open to Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia residents.

Participants are allowed to play as many times as they wish during the competition period and complete all five levels of the game to achieve the highest possible score accumulated throughout the game.

For the completion of each level, a participant may earn 10 bonus points for each Facebook friend (up to 5 Friends) who has downloaded and registered as participation of the Game upon his or her invitation.

For complete information about this game and competition, please click here.
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Kompetisi PaperMaster ini berlangsung dari 4 April (pk 00:00) sampai dengan 16 Mei 2014 (pk 23:59) dan hanya berlaku untuk penduduk Singapura, Malaysia dan Indonesia.

Peserta diperbolehkan untuk bermain sebanyak yang mereka mau dan menyelesaikan semua lima level permainan ini untuk mencapai skor setinggi mungkin 
selama masa kompetisi berlangsung.

Setelah menamatkan setiap level, peserta bisa mengundang maksimal 5 teman Facebook dan 
mendapatkan ekstra 10 poin untuk setiap teman yang berhasil diundang dan mengunduh serta mendaftarkan diri sebagai peserta game ini.

Untuk informasi selengkapnya mengenai game dan kompetisi ini, silakan klik disini.


Izzit awesome or what?? Let's PLAY and WIN!!! XD

Go on, it's your turn NOW! ^^//

Click here to download the game and WIN the prizes (available in both Play Store and App Store)!! Good luck! ;D

XOXO