Of Wendy's and Quinny

Last Saturday, we went to Wendy's in KLCC around 11.30am.

I have to admit, it was my first time going to Wendy's.

My image of Wendy's dessert was the ice-cream topped with cream and chocolate drizzle with a cherry on top.

When I reached the outlet, there wasn't any on the menu (yes, I was a bit disappointed).

Nevertheless, I think we ordered quite a number of things off the menu! 

The burgers (I had the 1/4lb single whilst hubby ordered the Pizzario burger), the chilli, the ice-cream (chocolate Frosty), the nuggets and the pasta (Mushroom Melt Pasta).

Our toddler ended up finishing off our fries and we ended up sharing her pasta.

We then went off to Mothercare, initially intending not to buy anything (which we didn't) but we needed to get our toddler a new pair of swimsuit.

We checked the sizes and it was either too big or too small for her. 

We decided that we would wait it out considering that her current one still fits. 

We went next door to ToysRUs and she decided to pass motion there and then. 

We left hastily to look for a baby room, thank goodness Parkson had one. 

After changing her diapers, I purchased a tube of toothpaste and hubby checked out the Quinny stroller (Quinny Yezz) where a purple one was available on display. 

OK, for ONCE, I agreed that it was a smart choice (though we didn't purchase it ... still considering on this purchase).

It is lightweight and SO easy to store away!

It wouldn't take up much of the boot space in our car, for sure!

We're struggling with the existing one that we have as it has to be assembled and disassembled respectively.

There will be times where our toddler would want to sit in the stroller and halfway through, she decides to walk on her own.

So, ok, one stroller in our mind.

We walked around for a bit and ended up getting our toddler to play on the rides in front of the Maybank branch. 

We left KLCC around 3pm. 

I guess it has been quite awhile since I last went to KLCC on a Saturday so the parking fee was around MYR 13. 

Eeeekkkk!!! 

Note to self: This was an outing on impulse, not a smart one Ummi, in terms of the location, especially the location! 

Wondermama @ Bangsar Village 1

• 
  

  My FIRST ever visit to this outlet in Bangsar Village 1 exceeded my expectations and I sent them a message via FB, which they responded efficiently, and I was amazed with the exceptional customer service demonstrated even online!

  
  

  I'm one happy customer indeed :)

  
  

  *The trail of FB messages between me and Wondermama below:

  
  

  
  

  Dear Wondermama team,

  I must say, I am super impressed with the food (not to mention that it is extremely affordable), your excellent and efficient service, in addition to the great ambience.

  I planned a lunch date with my girlfriends and chose this place after reading loads of positive reviews from your patrons.

  I'm the type of person who would always end up disappointed with my own choice.

  So I crossed my fingers and told my girlfriends about it.

  We met up in Bangsar Village 1 and I recommended your Nasi Lemak with Soft Shell Crab and Sambal Udang Petai. I didn't order this as I'm not a fan of petai but my friends are! I'm a Malay and I don't eat petai but my Chinese and Indian friends do!

  Now, how cool is that?

  
  

  I had your Nasi Goreng Kampung sans Petai (just a bit difficult for me to eat in the bowl) and downed it with your 3-layer bandung (OMG, super yummy!!!!).

  We were there for quite some time and I was amazed that your servers were friendly, cleared our table and even asked if we wanted to add drinks or order dessert!

  As we were already full, we ordered warm and ice water respectively.

  Get this, they even took the effort to check on our glasses of water and re-filled them!!!!

  Now THAT is impressive!

  KUDOS to you and your team! I can't single out one server who delivered great service as your entire crew demonstrated just that!

  Please keep up your good work and maintain this.

  Exceptional customer service is SOOOO rare in our Malaysian F&B industry (except if you choose fine dining or walk-into a restaurant where one plate of food costs anything from MYR 30!)

  Thank you, Terima Kasih, Xie Xie Nie, Nandri, Shukran!!!

  Feedback from my girlfriends?

  They LOVED their experience in Wondermama and would most definitely return!

  I'm already planning for a second trip to your outlet!

  • Wondermama Restaurant & Cafe (response)
    

    
    

    Wow ... so much thanks for your message. We are so happy to hear of your experience with us. It's a tough job and we are still far from perfect. We still make mistakes kadang kadang so minta maaf if we do. But thank you so much for making our day! We hope to see you soon again at the kedai ya and maybe one day you will try a bit of petai - as they say, our tastebuds change over time. Who knows - maybe lain kali you will crave for petai!
  • Hahahahaha ... I'll take you up on that, when I'm ready to eat petai (hmmm ponder ponder)

    Thanks for acknowledging my message, super efficient! I'm impressed!

    Ok, you'll be my favorite restaurant from now on!

    Take care and please do send my regards to your crew!

    
    
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    Wondermama Restaurant & Cafe (response)
    

    
    

    
    

    Wah thank you. We are humbled and happy for you to say that. We will pass this message on for sure!!! Selamat BerPetai ya? hehehehe it's very healthy! Thank you thank you!!!!

    
    

Downtime ... with Diarrhea (Part 2)

I'm happy. 

A very happy mom!

Throughout the entire day yesterday, my little toddler's poop business was normal as usual. 

No more watery stools! 

This morning, after she woke up, she pooped.

But it was normal poop!

I just told hubby the other day that once you become a mom (or dad), you become a poop analyst and even Google "Toddler's stool chart". 

You become concerned if the poop doesn't look normal or produces foul odor or your toddler doesn't poop for a few days or they poop a few times in a day ... list goes on and on and on ...

During the course of my toddler's diarrhea, she developed redness in her diaper area. 

I felt like crying as I know it was painful for her, but she didn't complain. 

I tried applying the diaper rash cream but it didn't seem to go off. 

I remembered that we had the Zambuk medicated ointment.

Hence, I applied this on her and by the next day, it had gone off entirely!

I'm guessing that it provided her diaper area with some form of shield, to prevent it from being soaked when she has one of her diarrhea episodes.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this ointment to all moms as it is a must-have in your diaper bag!

Other uses of this ointment would be to treat, among others:

Mosquito and insect bites

Sores

Itching and rashes

Cuts

Minor wounds

Burns

Bruises

Scalds

Plus, it costs LESS than MYR 10 and we obtain it from our local sundry shop which is just a minute away from our home.

On another note ...

In the event my toddler is having constipation, I would provide her with brown sugar dissolved in warm water.

1/2 tsp brown sugar

1 oz warm water

Just 2-3 spoonfuls in the morning before breakfast.

Some advised that this is to be consumed 3 times a day. 

Once you see an improvement in their stools, stop providing this solution completely. 

Yes, it worked on my toddler.

See how many things, on top of other things, we now know as parents on this poop business? 

How to trigger poop and how to normalize it? :)

But yes, if in doubt, please seek professional medical advise.

Take care! 

May God bless you!

Downtime ... with Diarrhea

I'm not sure if this was purely a coincidence.

We don't really patronize McDonald's like how we used to and we would normally visit the outlet that has a play area. 

On two separate occasions this month alone, each time we returned from McD, our toddler would fall sick. 

The first time around was where she came down with flu, subsequently slight fever and cough ensued. 

Not long after, it was passed on to hubby and me.

On a second occasion, which was last weekend, our toddler suffered from diarrhea after visiting McD.

Day 1

On Sunday morning, I was surprised to find her diaper with loose stool (and it was full to the brim!). 

She didn't complain of tummy aches but just that she looked extremely uncomfortable. 

When evening came, as we were at my parents' house, her diaper leaked slightly as she was busy kicking around the football with her aunt and uncle.

I changed her diaper and noticed watery stool.

I consulted my best friend, Google, to look up for more information on the type of stool and it's treatment. 

It was apparently normal for toddlers to suffer from diarrhea and it would normally take 5 days or a couple of weeks (weeks!?!?!?!) to heal. 

However, if it is coupled with other symptoms ie headache, tummy ache, loss of appetite, fever, etc, it is advisable for parents to seek professional advise. 

Since our toddler looked normal and happy and was eating and drinking as per normal, I decided against bringing her to the clinic. 

Day 2

There were more watery stools throughout the day and our toddler was extremely co-operative to let me know when she passed motion.

As a mom, I was of course extremely worried, though I kept telling myself "This will pass" a few times. 

I kept making supplications to the Almighty to heal her, or maybe, just pass it on to me so she need not suffer. :(

I gave her fluids, breastfed her more, gave her bread, cereal and prepared porridge for her meals. 

Only on a few occasions she looked uncomfortable whilst holding her tummy. 

I applied Yu Yee oil on her tummy, calf and feet. 

Day 3

Her stools were still watery. 

We changed her diaper a few times today:

1st - after her morning shower

2nd - 2 hours later

3rd - when she woke up from her afternoon nap

4th - in the evening after her shower

On the fourth diaper change, this was the only time where I could see formed stools. This DID give me some form of relief (phew!).

Day 4

This is today. 

When I wanted to check her diaper, she told me "No, Ummi, don't have."

As I took off her diaper, I was extremely glad to see that there were NO watery stools! 

All she was trying to say was she didn't pass motion. :)

It's still 10 o'clock in the morning so I shall continue to monitor her situation. 

I have a feeling that she's on the road to recovery! 

I've read about "Toddler's Diarrhea" too, where it is normal for toddlers between 2 - 5 years of age. 

The kids would seem healthy, however, suffer from diarrhea and don't have other symptoms. 

It is still a puzzle for parents (and of course, worrying too!) as parents would tend to check on their toddler's diet, environment, etc to find the trigger. 

I've read online where a mom had to take a few days off work and alternate this with her husband as their toddler suffered from "Toddler's Diarrhea".

The day care centre has a policy of a "3-diaper change" and anything more, the child will be sent home. 

Once home, the child should not have any loose stool bowel movements for 24-hours, else, the child is not permitted to return to the day care centre. 

Wow, that's quite strict! 

However, I believe that they have a reason behind this too. 

Firstly, the caregivers already have other kids to tend to and they can't really focus on the one child. 

This child obviously needs special attention, in case it develops into something more serious. 

Secondly, they do not want it to be passed on to other kids. Yes, in the event the toddler or caregiver does not practice good hygiene, other kids may end up suffering from diarrhea too.

I'm thankful that I'm not working, else, I would be missing out on 3-days of work this week alone.

Not to mention a few days earlier this month when she fell sick with flu and fever!

I can only imagine the challenges which working moms have to endure whilst caring for their sick toddlers.

Obligations to their job and their child is one tough juggling act! 

Take care, moms out there!

May God bless you!

Starbucks @ Lingkaran Karak

I was impressed with the new Starbucks outlet recently opened at Lingkaran Karak. Located right by the left hand side of MRR2 heading towards Genting / Kuantan / UIA /IIUM / Ampang / Ulu Klang / Wangsa Maju via Kepong or Damansara. (It used to be Burger King outlet right here)

Now you can tour the outlet with the newly updated pictures below:

On MRR2, heading to Starbucks

The huge sign

The counter

It was extremely spacious (more than enough space for a little toddler to run around), tastefully decorated, the baristas were very friendly and they had a diverse range of food / desserts to select from (you're literally spoilt for choice)!

For those who of you who find that the parking here is ridiculous (read: hectic, haywire), it has a drive-thru too! 

Isn't this just awesome? 

For me it is. 

The nearest outlet to my house is Jusco Wangsa Maju (which I don't frequent, at all). 

The other option is Jusco AU2 @ Setiawangsa, but the thing is, they close early so late night coffee sessions with my girls is out of the question. Not to mention that the cake selection is very limited. 

Oh talking about food I do believe Starbucks Malaysia taking this Banana things too far, almost 2 tier of their food case are consist of Banana either inside or outside. We know they love banana and working with communities for a special project, but doesn't mean you have to alienate all your customer that don't enjoy banana?

Anyway, we love their drinks selection and the customer service, but given the option for breakfast or lunch would prefer to go to Coffee Bean. (CoffeeBean customer service and drinks sucks!) I realized you can't really have the best of both world, so we end up in Starbucks.

Image credit to SunshineKelly

Alternatively, I can drive a bit further to the Ampang Point outlet but yes, driving towards Ampang on MRR2 is a nightmare, parking is a headache and as the outlet is small, it's always crowded! 

Try having a conversation with tons of people around you, not to mention the sound of the blender crushing ice for the frap drinks going off every now and then! Sound pollution, I tell you!!!

Hence, it was refreshing to finally have a new addition to the Starbucks family which is closer to home. 

Address and business hours:

Starbucks Coffee Lingkaran Karak

Petronas, Lot PT 6075 (Karak Highway), 

Batu Caves, Selangor Darul Ehsan 53100

GPS: 3.2535973 , 101.669812

Phone: 03 6184 2926

Operating / Business Hours

Mon - Sat : 6.30am - 3.00am

Sun         : 6.30am - 2.00am

Check out the foursquare comments of other patrons' experience:

https://foursquare.com/v/starbucks/522afff311d20747ecdcf335

Fresh From the Oven!

We resumed our baking to meet the demands of our customers! :) 

Took a hiatus from baking before the fasting month until now. 

Managed to produce approximately 42 pieces of bagels and sausage rolls. 

We prepared poppy seed bagels, garlic bagels, sesame seed sausage rolls and garlic sausage rolls. 

This entire batch is SOLD OUT by 11am! 

Hubby couldn't resist so took one piece of poppy seed bagel and slathered it with a generous amount of cream cheese. 

The poppy seed bagel

The garlic bagel and garlic sausage roll

The sesame seed sausage roll

We initially had reservations to prepare either the garlic bagel or garlic sausage roll as some people may have concerns that their breath would smell of garlic too early in the morning.

Guess what? It's one of our best sellers! 

Our little toddler couldn't resist "helping" us out in the kitchen so it was equally a bit hectic to manage both baking AND minding an active toddler at the same time! eeekkk!

Anyway, we gave her the freedom to play with the dough, flour and some baking utensils as long as she stays away from the oven, an extremely difficult task at hand for the both of us. 

As she was a great help in the kitchen, we rewarded her with one sausage roll which she happily finished whilst running around the living room. 

The clock showed 10.30pm, so I knew she was extremely sleepy since she only took 1 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon. 

Yes, my toddler gets extremely active and can't sit still if she's super tired. 

But once we settled down in bed and I started to breastfeed her, she calmed down and dozed off in a jiffy.