Dr. Kong Health Shoes

The Right Shoes for Your Feet!

I never did admit this to anyone openly but I have always have issues with my feet. After giving birth to my son, my feet hurt from time to time. Another issue I face is that my feet size increased by one size and also in width. Try finding shoes for a size 10 in a wider width in Malaysia, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack here since more women in Malaysia have small and slim foot unlike mine. So finding a shoe that fits is always a big issue for me. Generally, I do know that shoes are really important to one’s general health but it’s not like I even have much choices since I cannot even find one that fits me well.

I got this reaffirmed when I was invited to get to know more about the right shoes for the right feet at Dr. Kong together with my son. Dr. Kong Health Shoes Shop has been around since 1999 and was established in Hong Kong. The company provides healthy shoes and foot care products for everyone from babies to the elderly. Dr. Kong is available in Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. Malaysia’s first Dr. Kong footcare opened in 2011 and has now expanded to several outlets since then.

Shoes are crucial as they are the platform in taking care and supporting one’s body, posture and spine. Dr. Kong set out to be the first to promote their innovative ‘Check & Fit’ foot examination, insole fitting services and provides free professional foot examination to everyone. The footcare specialist educates its customers on the proper footwear and care for their feet and recommends the most suitable healthy shoes for individuals.

Walking into Dr. Kong at Tropicana City Mall, I was immediately attracted to the walls of shoes, all arranged with various categories for children, women and men in different stages. There are certainly plenty of designs available and I couldn’t help getting excited over all the shoes. But more importantly, I was hoping to find a good pair of shoes that can really help me in my feet issue.

Besides me having constant issues with my feet, my son also complained of feet issues. Whenever I take him to the mall, he would often tell me that his feet are having pain after we spent some time walking. I have always thought that he was just complaining unnecessarily till I visited Dr. Kong. We were honored to meet Datin Emily Lee, Executive Director of Dr. Kong. Datin Emily took upon the task to get us both evaluated for our foot using Dr. Kong’s special feet evaluating equipment.

Dr. Kong Shoes for Children

Before we got our feet evaluated, Datin Emily proceeded to give me an overall brief the importance of our feet and shoes. Check out both video presentations for children and adults for a better understanding of your feet. I was really glad to be able to learn more about the feet and how the correct arch and support can make a difference in our health. It is an important knowledge that many of us should be aware as it will help us on daily basis with our general health being, especially to people like me and my son who has feet issues.

Dr. Kong Shoes for Ladies

Datin Emily checked out D and I was told that he has flat feet issue and a slight alignment issue for both his feet. I was really surprised at this since he was so young but I was told that children of all ages can have this issue while they are growing up. It is more important to focus on making sure that such issues be corrected while they are young to avoid future issues.

A quick Google further on flat feet issue confirmed what Datin Emily told me that day. Flat feet is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground (quoted in Wikipedia). It’s quite obvious D has this issue according the photo where the green lights were showing D’s flat feet issue. There is no arch at all for both his feet.

In addition to the flat feet issue, D’s also has alignment issue known as rearfoot valgus where it is suspected that the flat feet are causing his foot alignment to be slightly out. Both these issues could be the culprit why D is always complaining to me about having pain while taking long walks.

Both these issues are easily rectified, especially when it comes to children. As they are still growing, Dr. Kong has the correct shoes with the correct arch support insoles to assist D with his flat feet and rearfoot valgus issues. Together with regular feet exercise, Dr. Kong shoes can assist in the children’s foot development and reduce the possibility of getting foot problems. After D was evaluated, he was then matched with A, B or C shoe insoles which have different foot arch support and rear angle to cater to his issue. B was recommended for D and he proceeded to select the shoe designs to be fitted with the B insoles with the assistance of the staff at Dr. Kong.

Check out this stylish pair of sneakers which D selected himself. He tried it and took some time to test it in the shop. When I asked him if he feels comfortable, D told me that he really like the shoes and feel good in it. There were so many designs of shoes for children and D had a great time selecting them.

Next up was me. Datin Emily evaluated my feet and found that I had slight flat feet issue on my left foot and my alignment was also slightly off. My right feet seemed to be ok which was a relieve to me but since my left foot was having the issue, I tend to use my right feet more for support, hence causing heel pain in my right foot.

I was then showed the selection of footwear that is suitable for me to help on my issue.

I was also extremely pleased to find out that Dr. Kong carries multi-circumference shoes from 2E to 4E (narrow last to wide last). This means that my wide feet now have shoes available for me!

I narrowed down my selection to this design which has a good solid base and open toes design. I practically live in similar designs as I find them very suitable for our Malaysian weather.

We settled on our final choices for D and me. I selected a bronze colored for the design while D settled for sneakers which have a solid ankle support to allow him to run and do sport activities with proper feet care.

Dr. Kong footwear ranges from RM79 to RM450 and above depending on the design and the insoles. Dr. Kong also carries footcare accessories and spine pressure-free school/laptop bags.

On a personal note, after wearing Dr. Kong shoes for more than a week, I notice I haven’t been really having much pain in my feet. At the beginning, there was slight unfamiliarity of the curve of the sole but I was assured that this is because the sole is actually trying to get my arch to how it should be. Now when writing this post, my feet seemed to have adjusted well. The shoes have a solid base and curves to my foot really well. I was really quite pleased with the results of Dr. Kong shoes and am already thinking to go back for another pair. I highly recommend that if you have feet issues constantly, do get this evaluated at Dr. Kong. The evaluation is free of charge so at least get your feet checked out to understand your feet.

With the right support in your shoes, it could really make a difference in the way you live your life!

For more information about Dr. Kong Health Shoes Shop, visit their Website: www.drkong-malaysia.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/drkongmalaysia

Create Your ‘Today’ Moments with Friso Gold: Show Friso Gold How You Would Love To Create Your Today Moments and Win Experiences worth RM1 million!

How Would You Make the Most of Today with Your Little Ones?

In today’s generation, everyone is busy but that should not be an excuse not to spend time with our children. From my previous post here on my awareness of how important it is to leave precious footprints with my little one, I am so set on making sure my little one and me has lots of ‘Our Today Moments’ through our journey in life. Let’s all make sure that our time is used wisely with our children as our top priority in life. Before we know it, they will all grow up and leave our nest for their own journey in their lives. And so, I would hope to have them carry with them all our precious memories together… just like I had with my mother.

With all the above said, I would like to share with you all about Friso Gold ‘Our Today Moments’ Contest. Arm with an objective to remind all mothers to make time and to live the moments with their child every day, Friso Gold is encouraging all Malaysian mothers to submit your ideas of what you want to do to make most of your time with your children today!

No ideas too big or too small, Friso Gold is going to help your ideas become reality with a little extra encouragement through the contest. Every idea will also create awareness for everyone so let’s not wait any further.

FRISO GOLD OUR TODAY MOMENTS CONTEST

How to Participate

·         Purchase any participating Friso Gold product (any size):

o   Frisomum Gold

o   Friso Gold 3

o   Friso Gold 4

·         Tell Friso Gold one special experience (big or small) that you have always want to do together with your child but have not been able to and why by answering 3 questions on the contest form here

·         Complete your personal particulars.

·         Attach proof of purchase (original Friso Gold scoop from any participating product) to contest form.

·         Mail to PO Box:

Friso Gold “Our Today Moments” Contest,

P.O.Box 3202,

47507 Subang Jaya,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Prizes up for Grabs

·         Early Bird prize x 100: Entry tickets (2 adults & 2 kids) to Legoland Malaysia worth RM540 each

·         Grand Prize x 100: A special experience for the parent and child worth up to RM10,000 each

Contest Period runs from 13^th January to 28^th February 2014

*Terms & conditions apply.

My Friso Gold Today Moments

With my busy schedule, I realize that sometimes even the simplest everyday-to-do basic things are not done with my child.

To get a kick start to my Today Moments, I will pledge to spend time with my son to cook with him at least twice a week since he loves to go into the kitchen to play cooking all the time. He has even won a food competition simply because he loves anything to do with cooking. Most of the time I would arrive home late after work and buy a meal for us.

 

 

I believe that spending time with him in the kitchen will ensure great quality time and also provide a healthy and nutritious meal for him.

Every idea is a great start so make a pledge to your child and make your own Today Moments memorable… make sure to submit your idea to Friso Gold ‘Our Today Moments’ Contest. Who knows, you and your child might be the lucky winners!

For more information about Friso Gold ‘Our Today Moments’ contest, check out Friso Gold Malaysia:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FrisoGrowingUpTogether

Website: www.friso.com.my/activities/our_today_moments

Our Today Moments with Friso, Growing Up Together!

Time is Precious, So Use It Wisely!

In my life, I do admit to being blessed in many ways. Of course my biggest miracle would have to be my little boy. Truth be told, I really never thought I would have a child let alone be a mother to the little one. Growing up in a big family, I had lots of chances with all my nieces and nephews and I know that it takes a lot to nurture them and be a responsible parent. And so I was intimidated at the thoughts of having one.

I had my little one fairly late in my 30s and of course, I wasn’t prepared for this. In fact, I was really afraid as I wasn’t sure on how to be a mother. My parents were really strict with me while growing up. Don’t get me wrong, my parents are really great to me and of course I did rebel a few times in my teens but I realized it later how they were only trying to protect me and teaching me the rights and wrongs in life. Strangely also, I never thought much on what it takes to be a mother till I became one. Of course my mom, I love her so much, is the greatest mom I am blessed with. She never complains and always just tries her best to take care of the family with all the household chores and meals. She had never had much education while growing up since she had to take care of her brothers and sisters and so she also never had to work since all her life was to take care of everyone else. She married young to my dad and continue what she does best, caring and nurturing all of us. All these lead me to always never really realizing how much she sacrifices for all of us until I left home. When Dad passed away 21 years ago, she stood strong in front of us, never really showed us how much it devastated her. She became a tower of strength, bring up all six of us alone.

 

Fast forwarding to five years ago, I became pregnant and my little one is almost five years old now. Thinking back then, I was afraid… afraid on how to be a good mother. There are lots of parenting books but truthfully, none really prepares you to be a mother. When D (my little one) was born, things changed. In fact, my world changed completely. I was working in an environment that took up most of my time each day. I decided that my work condition have to change. I took on another role to be able to work on a more normal hour job scope but that still means a nine-to-five kind of job. D was placed with a nanny during the day and I would rush to pick him up after seven thirty each evening. By the time I reach home, I was tired. I would play with him for about two hours before D would snooze off for the day. Of course with D, both my hubby and I have less time for ourselves as there are still household chores and work to be done before we go to bed. I find time suddenly vanishing each day and I honestly yearn for more time on some days.

I was lucky in some ways as D was a really good child. As long as he is well fed and he is comfortable, he would snooze off at any chance he could get. Looking back, I also realize D spent more time with his nanny than me when growing up since she had him more hours than I had with D each day. But I wasn’t able to watch him grow up as much as I wanted. To be honest, if I have a choice, I would have loved to be a full time mother for D but financial matters didn’t allow this.

Recently, I was engaged in Friso’s ‘Our Today Moments’ campaign. The campaign is to create awareness to the public on how to get the most out of our time with our precious little ones.

*photo credits from here

When I was filling out a survey for Friso Gold, I realize that that somewhere along the way of being a mother, I have actually lost track of my initial goal in life when I became a mother. In addition to work, and blogging, I have also spent less time with D over the last year. It was always a mad rush each day and after work, I would reach home late around 8-9pm each day. Meaning after dinner and shower, it was really little time spent with D each night. I am also missing out all his growing moments more and more lately. In fact, sometimes it got to the point that I plan my day based on my activities rather than what he wants to do.

The survey also reported that a typical Malaysian fulltime mother spends an average of 6 hours and 45 minutes with her kids in a day but a working mother spends about 4 hours only. While the fulltime mother or housewife reported a 60% quality time out of the average time she has with her kids, working mothers reported only 30% quality time from the 4 hours. It’s really hard for me too from a working mother’s standpoint as I can relate to the above said. It’s not because I don’t want to but I admit to getting distracted and sidetracked all the time with everything that is going around. It is also quite stressful to juggle everything together from family to work and blogging as well sometimes and manage them all well. It really takes a lot to be a mother and I realize it once I became one myself.

I admit to being guilty at times but I also want to ensure that I can work hard enough to provide a better life for D. Sometimes I also want to have some fun with D but I can be at lost for ideas. But the most important thing to me of all, is that I wish to be D’s mother and friend at the same time and bringing him up to the very best I can.

*photo credits from here

What about you? Do you face the same issues like me? Thanks to Friso Gold, I am reminded again of my priorities in life with my family, especially D. It is really important to spend time, and not just time but quality time, with your children. Time is so precious so make sure we all use it wisely, especially with our loved ones. It’s really not as difficult as we think, we just need to know how to plan, prioritize and make the effort for our precious little ones.

*photo credits from here

Time waits for no one so let’s all create Our Today Moments!

For more information about Our Today Moments and the survey results, check out their Facebook: www.facebook.com/FrisoGrowingUpTogether

Belvedere Vodka with Carolina Herrera New York 212 VIP: Live It Up. VIP Style

 

Exclusive VODKA with VIP Fragrance Inspired Cocktail Escapade!

Belvedere Vodka certainly knows how to party in style! Teaming up with Carolina Herrera New York 212 VIP Fragrance for Him and Her, party goers can now party away in style at seven top bars in Kuala Lumpur. Exclusively brought by Belvedere with Carolina Herrera, savor lusciously inspired vodka cocktails made for Him and Her from now till 31 December at the seven top bars. Lovers of choices would be pleased with the ultimate cocktail flights at these bars.

Fashion iconista Carolina Herrera is proud to present their latest fragrance Carolina Herrera 212 VIP for HIM and for HER. The HIM version is concocted with vodka, ginger, apple, caviar lime, mint and spices with other ingredients while the HER version has rum, bitter orange, passion fruit, gardenia, vanilla and tonka bean. Both has a sensual fragrance and yet differentiated where the men version has a dark night musky scent while the women version has a citrusy allure. For HIM, the bottle is silver with a strong edge. For HER, the bottle is curvy and smooth with gold to represent the glamorous effect of women.

With an exclusive invite one fine afternoon, our road trip to check out these cocktails took us from The Pool to Chateau De Caffeinees and Marini’s on 57 before ending up at Twenty One on Changkat Bukit Bintang. Here’s my take on the gorgeous cocktails made with my favorite Belvedere Vodka!

THE POOL

Bold and brash describes The Pool and its cocktails. Straight to the point, The Pool’s cocktail flights takes on a rollercoaster ride with its concoctions.

For HIM: Vodka Stinger is definitely a stinger! A high hit of Belvedere vodka, Triple Sec and Peppermint Green with a twist of lemon is fresh and minty. Tropical Breeze tasted exactly like its namesake. A tropical blend of Belvedere Vodka, Malibu Rum and pineapple juice, it makes me want to lie on a beach somewhere in a secluded island with my feet up. You’ll never know what hit you when you sip Whirlpool. The hardest and strongest one, definitely for a man, is a bold and almost deadly blend of Belverdere Vodka and Bailey. Recommended to close your eyes, relax and let Whirlpool take you for a ride.

For HER: Reminisce of dessert, White Almond Chocolate is ‘Deceptively Strong’, a line borrowed from a fellow drinker that day. It is a chocolicious mix of Belvedere Vodka with Frangelico and Cacao White with a rim of crushed almonds. My favorite of the cocktail flight! Going peachy in this one, Pure Apricot is sexy and sensual with its mix of Belvedere Vodka, Apricot Brandy, sour plum and peaches of course. This girly cocktail, Cherry Kiss will give you sweet cherry lips with its blend of Belvedere Vodka, Cream de Cassis, Cream de Banana and pineapple juice. It’s sweet and feminine with a touch of fruit.

CHATEAU DE CAFFEINEES

We love how the HIM and HER cocktail flights take us from various journey in time from a younger HIM or HER to a mature experience of both. Coupled with Chateau de Caffeinees’s comfort and romantic ambience, it’s perfect for HIM and HER!

For HIM: Crystal Lime exudes a harsher younger HIM with a blend of Belvedere Vodka, lime juice and sugar syrup topped with a frozen lime cube. Sour and wicked, the icy cocktail hit all the right spots for me. True Blood shows off a softer side of romance where love is in the air for HIM. Made from Belvedere Vodka, Monin Blood Orange syrup, grapefruit juice and sugar syrup, it is simply garnished with orange zest for a subtle citrusy sweetness. When HIM matures, Columbian Dazzle was probably what HIM would drink. Utterly masculine, this one has Belvedere Vodka infused with Arabica beans, mix with lime juice and rounded up with an espresso ice cube. Intensely smooth and mature, one gets stronger expresso notes in the finish… reminds me of coffee Columbian warloads enjoying this with a cigar in their hand!

For HER: Going young and bubbly, Flora Twist uses Belvedere Vodka infused with Chamomile, Monin Bubble Gum syrup and lemon juice, it’s pretty and feminine in looks and taste. I could taste the bubble gum flavors in this one pretty well. My top pick for this place, Cucumber Bliss is made with the middle-age HER in mind. Stronger than the earlier one, this one is made with frozen Belvedere Vodka, Monin Cucumber syrup and Monin Hazelnut syrup with a dash of lime juice. I love the smooth cucumber and hazelnut flavors in this one. They say HER matures but always retain a little spicy edge. Golden Phoenix has frozen Belvedere Vodka, Monin Gingerbread syrup, honey and raw ginger in its mix to represent the mature HER. They even included gold flake to portray how exclusive a mature HER would be. This one tasted of ginger beer with a punch!

MARINI’s ON 57

Our next stop takes flight at one of the highest restaurant in the city. Marini’s on 57 makes one feel stylish and mode! And why not? One cannot help but feel like an elite member when grooving to the magnificent cityscape while sipping elegant cocktail flights with the many faces of the high society at Marini’s on 57.

For HIM: It’s all about class here with a touch of fusion. Peach & Tamarind Martini, our first of the HIM cocktail flight is distinctively redolent of our local favorite ingredient of tamarind juice mix with Belvedere Vodka, peach puree and vanilla syrup. The next one, Cilantro Sour is a kick of lime right in taste bud with touch of cilantro and mint herbs. I heard this one’s got egg white, lime juice and Belvedere Vodka. Refreshing and masculine, I wanted more of this. Cucumber Passion is surprisingly savory and unique. Made from Belvedere Vodka, cucumber juice, tamarind juice and lime, it’s quite strong in flavors.

For HER: Most of the HER I know loves anything and everything with mango. Mango Breeze was probably created in mind for the many HER I know. Mango puree, Belvedere Vodka, mint, lemon juice and vanilla syrup, this one is a lovely sweet and fruity cocktail. Echoing a darn good Bloody Mary, Spices Martini shouts a strong note of capsicum with a spicy edge of black pepper. Made with Belvedere Vodka, yellow capsicum juice, tomato juice, worchestershire sauce, basil, lemon, cinnamon syrup and black pepper, I like the kick in this one! Applicious is fairly strong but I like the fruity and citrus flavors of this one. Made with Belvedere Vodka, Taylor’s Port, apple juice, honey and lemon, this one represents a tough chick’s cocktail.

TWENTY ONE ON CHANGKAT BUKIT BINTANG

A cool place to hangout, Twenty One at Changkat Bukit Bintang also has another branch at Bangsar Shopping Village. It was a perfect ending as we watch the world partied on the streets of Changkat Bukit Bintang while sipping our gorgeous cocktail flights.

For HIM: A smooth operator, 21 Street shows us how cool the mixologist is here. A blend of Belvedere Vodka, rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, Monin passionfruit syrup, Angostura bitter and mint, the HIM cocktail is perfect for any smooth operator with its strong vodka notes. Purple Haze is a concoction of Belvedere vodka, Monin blackberry syrup, lime juice and triple sec topped with soda. I like the flavors of blackberry in this one, making it tangy and fruity. Making a play for a spicier note, Ginger Smash echoes a gingery note with its blend of Belvedere vodka, fresh ginger puree, lime juice and ginger ale. I find that ginger goes well with vodka, lifting its flavors to another level.

For HER: At sight, we love the colors of this cocktail flight! I also find cocktails at this place really well balanced and smooth in flavor combination. Watermelon Breeze is fun and fresh, uplifting the funky spirit as we enjoy the combination of watermelon with Belvedere Vodka. Green Sky is fruity and delicious. A mix of Belvedere vodka, Midori, Monin banana liquor, pineapple juice and lime juice, Green Sky is easy to enjoy while beautiful in color. Our final cocktail was Orange Blossom. Ending with a sweeter note, this one has Belvedere vodka, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine syrup and soda. Reminds me of a breakfast drink, I certainly wouldn’t mind having this for breakfast!

Go for the full sized cocktails of Belvedere Vodka with Carolina Herrera 212 VIP cocktails priced from RM35 to RM 45. The Belvedere Cocktail with Carolina Herrera 212 VIP cocktail flights are priced RM53++ fror a trio of cocktail shots. Order twin flights and receive a Carolina Herrera fragrance miniature bottle worth RM55.

This promotion is valid from now till 31 Dec at all the participating bars as follows:

• The Pool, Jalan Ampang
• The Roof, First Avenue, Bandar Utama
• Caffeinees and Black Market, Jalan Kampung Pandan
• Twenty One Kitchen + Bar, Changkat Bukit Bintang
• Twenty One Tables + Terrace, Bangsar Shopping Centre
• Marini’s on 57, Petronas Tower 3, Suria KLCC
• Show Club, Johor Bahru

Drink and Drive Sensibly!