POPCULTURE Issue 19

J U LY - A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

S U B S C R I B E T O U S F R E E : P O P C U LT U R E L I V E . N E T

FA C E B O O K & I N S TA G R A M @ P O P C U LT U R E L I V E

ISSUE 19

FREE COPY

#POPCULTUREVISIT

KIPLING

KEDS CENTENNIAL RUANG SHAH ALAM

CHARLES & KEITH

NERD UNIT X JANE CHUCK NERDUNIT FLAGSHIP STORE

SPECIAL FEATURE - SOMERSBY

Somerita O’CLOCK ALL DAY ERR DAY #ThatWeekendFeeling

It’s easy to have a love affair with all things cider, it’s that invigorating and refreshing taste that give us #thatweekendfeeling no matter what day in the week or where we are. Ask any of Curated’s team member, and we will tell you ways to enjoy Somersby. We are suckers for living by the edge. One likes to mix it with salt, one likes to mix it with chili flakes and turn it into popsicle, an intern likes to have it chilled and that’s it (and we fired him for his lack of quirkiness, just kidding). The best way to have it tho, really is SOMERITA! It is a fun drinking ritual of a Somersby bottle literally served upside down over crushed ice. Surprisingly cheeky, extremely crisp and refreshing, this magically uplifting ritual can now be enjoyed in selected modern bars and restaurants across Malaysia. Apple cider has never looked more interesting!

GIFFF & WIN Head on over to www.somersby.com.my/thatweekendfeeling this August onwards for some really fun gifs thats going down with monthly prizes to be won!!

MONTHLY PRIZES Aug // Top 3 will win a party worth RM1500 each Sept // Top 30 will win a BBQ and food truck party with 4 friends!! Whaaa!

AWESOME NIGHTS @ BARFLY, PUBLIKA

AWESOME NIGHTS @ ARTE BAR, TREC KL

AWESOME NIGHTS @ ECOTREE MELAKA

COVER FEATURE

r achel n guyen

TEXT BY PRESTINE D

@ThatsChic

When one says L.A., we think of California sun, the palm trees, the vibrant colours and all the cool people. Meet the it girl of California - Rachel Nguyen a.k.a Thats Chic. To most Malaysian readers, she might be someone you might not have come across just yet, but trust us, you will fall in love with her je ne sais quoi vibe in no time. Calling her it girl perhaps is not exactly appropriate for she doesn’t fall into the typical it girl category. On her Instagram, you will see creative and real chic candidness, rather than a carefully crafted visual representation like most it girls do. She’s transparent, true to self, and gorgeous with a flair. Her personality makes her stand out easily in blogger sphere, which then expanded to social media like Instagram and Youtube. Interestingly in LA, where people spend half their time in yoga pants going from one activity to the next, yet her effortlessly chic and rad style shines through. Here’s her take on things that you should care too:

ON STYLE “It’s okay to wear something for years and years. I’m not saying to splurge on your wardrobe, just remember you have

FA C E B O O K & I N S TA G R A M @ P O P C U LT U R E L I V E

your own style. Not mine, not another blogger, not some fashion editor. YOURS. At the end of the season, trends come and go, and we’re only buying into them because it’s being advertised at us left and right. Wear the things you love because you love it, not because Harper Bazaar told you to.”

“With fashion blogging, life is over glamorized and products are regurgitated. The pressure to look a certain way to be relevant turned me off, I don’t want to sound ungrateful; this has all been an undeniably fruitful experience. So I picked up a camera and started recording myself.

No photoshop, no pretty outfits, just me reminding myself every day to be true to myself and my friends.”

ON BEING TRANSPARENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA (OUR BRAVE NEW WORLD)

COVER FEATURE thatschic.com thatschic raychizzlle

Blogger, Creative Director, Model ON BREAKFAST

mainly because it’s paired with coffee. The easiest, healthiest pancake recipe that I make almost every morning is made of just two ingredients, egg +

ON GROWING

“I hope my candidness about the industry serves as a reminder to everyone starting blogging or has been blogging for a long time to stay true to themselves. Don’t be swayed by what’s popular

banana. Another easy favourite: toast with coconut oil, fried on a pan, then smeared with chunky almond butter on top + chopped medjool dates.”

ON DENIM

and don’t buy into hype. Grow as much as you possibly can,

“Here are my universal tips for the perfect pieces:

because once I stopped comparing, I found myself growing. ”

1 washed, 1 raw, 1 black, 1 jacket, 2 dresses, 1 skirt.

ON HAVING HEALTHY HAIR, EVEN AFTER YOU HAD MOST FUN IN BLONDE “My one ingredient hair mask: coconut oil. Throw it in and this

Smaller pockets = better ass. Go as long as you can

helps repair your hair from the complete and utter shock you

did with the bleach. Pureology Essential Repair is another good one that I leave in during the duration of my shower.”

“I mostly shop at consignment stores as it is way more affordable to get high end quality items. It’s in my blood that I don’t like to buy things full price. I also like the idea of giving something to a new home. I find it hard to shop at Zara and H&M, those are trendy pieces. It is better to buy things that aren’t trendy, things that are handcrafted, and invest in 5 staples that define your style. Wasteland on Melrose Blvd in L.A. is my favorite place to shop.”

ON SHOPPING

without washing your jeans - if you do, do it in cold water, inside-out, and low heat drying to air dry.

Destruction should look effortless and accidental.”

FA C E B O O K & I N S TA G R A M @ P O P C U LT U R E L I V E

“Breakfast has been my favourite meal to cook,

SUPA GOOD - FOR HIM TEXT BY GUIA NAVOA

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GENT. STAY DOPE. 11

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SUPA GOOD - FOR HIM

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Left Page: 1) Bose - QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling RM1590, 2) Marcelo Burlon County of Milan - Aurora Tank Top £84.70, 3) Nixon - Ultratide 45mm $300, 4) Y-3 - Qasa Sandal £138, 5) Versace -Greca Swim Brief £81.57, 6) Tobias Wistisen - Skull Bracelet £248.35, 7) Valentino - Pineapple Shirt £222.50, 8) KTZ - Printed Tank Top £42.50, 9) River Island - Mid Blue Wash Ripped Sid Skinny Jeans £40, 10) Marcelo Burlon County of Milan - Banes Tank Top £60.50, 11) Givenchy - Christ Swimming Shorts £213, 12) Onia - Tilden Towel £124.32, 13) Dolce & Gabbana - Striped Swim Shorts £325, 14) Yohji Yamamoto - Woven Fedora £553.41, 15) Valentino - Camubutterfly Swim Shorts £305, 16) Taylor Morris - Zero £210, 16) Alexander Mcqueen - Victorian Moth Card Holder $205 Right Page: 1) Bottega Veneta - Pour Homme Deodorant Stick £23, 2) 1-100 - Rope Necklace £331.10, 3) Eleventy - Beaded Bracelet £41.24, 4) Y-3 - Y-3 Sketch Tee £45, 5) Alexander Mcqueen - Rose Print Polo Shirt $335, 6) Moschino - Brief $135, 7) Moschino - Swimming trunks $185, 8) Patagonia - Baggies Longs $49, 9) Herschel - Sutton Duffle RM369.19, 10) Topman - Black Badge Ripped Slim Denim Shorts £38, 11) Topman - LEVI’S 501 Light Wash Blue Distressed Denim Shorts £55, 12) Trustthebum - Sun Bum Signature SPF 50 Sunscreen 1.5 oz $13, 13) Under Armour - Men’s UA Raid Sleeveless T-Shirt RM159, 14) FitBit - FitBit Alta RM630

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SUPA GOOD - FOR HER TEXT BY RYNNIE RYNN

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COLORS. WHY THE HELL NOT.

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SUPA GOOD - FOR HER

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Left Page: 1) LIisa Marie Fernandez - Poppy Stretch-denim Bandeau Bikini $456, 2) Hipanema - Reef Pink €79, 3) Zimmermann - Roza Draw Shorts $250, 4) Marysia - Cotton Maxi Dress RM1439, 5) Natasha Zinko - Denim Dungaree Jumpsuit RM3886, 6) Eugenia Kim - Lillian Silk Chiffon-trimmed Woven Hemp Fedora $366, 7) Miguelina Alejandra -Crochet-trimmed Cotton Playsuit $473, 8) Altuzarra - Matisse Crepe Pencil Skirt £435, 9)Kipling - Fuzzy Friend Pouch RM899, 10) H&M - Patterned Kaftan RM99.90, 11) H&M - Hairband RM24.90, 12) Kipling Ready Now Small Shoulder Bag RM1299, 13) Topshop - Vertical Stripe Bodysuit $35, 14) Elina Linardaki - Penny Lane Pompom Gladiator Sandal $225, 15) Stella McCartney - Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses £205, 16) Marra Hoffman - Cutout Printed Swimsuit $329

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Right Page: 1) Eugenia Kim - Catherine Folded Straw Hat $425, 2) Iphoria - Ice Cream Bag Charm $64, 3) Urban Outfitters - Donut Pool Float $26, 4) Moon Soon - Rainbow Flower Aliceband $14, 5) Roxy - Tropical Beach Bag RM99.90, 6) Anya Hindmarch - Mini Rainbow Leather Sticker £45, 7) Mara Hoffman - Cutout Swimsuit $329, 8) Jil Sander Navy - Colorblock Dress RM1917, 9) Topshop - Cold Shoulder Bardot Blouse RM260, 10) Seoul Little - Tropical Duo’ Stud Earrings RM205.26, 11) Miss Selfridge - Petites Tribal Playsuit £45, 12) Ippolita - Rock Candy Summer Rainbow Ring RM 14033 13) Sophie Anderson - Woven Bucket bag £125

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COOL STUFF

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TEXT BY RYNNIE RYNN

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COOL STUFF

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SmartFX Lightbulb

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Ambienta

SMARTFX | $48 | ahalife.com

SAGEGREENLIFE | $270 | sagegreenlife.com

The Donahue Lamp

A-LAMP | $280 | huckberry.com

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Micro 3D Printer

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Spirit Wall Hanging: Colors

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Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper 7 8 9

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M3D | $449 | printm3d.com JULIE THÉVENOT | $688 | aplusrstore.com CHEF'N | $19.90 | vat19.com

Gnome-Be-Gones Garden Sculpture

2S Pizza Oven

UUNI | $299 | huckberry.com

I-1 Analog Instant Camera

Treasure Table

PAUL SMITH | £229 | paulsmith.co.uk

FREDERIK ROIJÉ | $550 | aplusrstore.com

Elie Blue Narghile Tobacco Humidor 12

Tape Dispenser

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Log Stump Cooler

AIRDIEM | $1,400 | ahalife.com

U BRANDS | $12.99 | ubrands.com URBAN OUTFITTERS | $45 | thegreenhead.com

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B&O Play Beolit 15 Wireless Speaker

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Teepee Incense Burner

NASTY GAL | RM39.85 | nastygal.com

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Connect Wireless Stick

SANDISK | $99.99 | sandisk.com

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Wattz Up Brick Phone External Battery

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EOS M10 Mirrorless Digital Camera

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Submarina Bathroom Set

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FRED CONLON | $125 | uncommongoods.com

Bracelet Flask

URBAN OUTFITTERS | $599 | urbanoutfitters.com

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NASTY GAL | RM159 | nastygal.com CANON | RM1999 | canon.com.my

HÉCTOR SERRANO & SELETTI | $80 | aplusrstore.com

AREAWARE | $35 | uncommongoods.com

The Professor Pour Over Stand

COFFEE REGISTRY | $189 | ahalife.com

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HANGOUT GUIDE

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TEXT BY MAE-ZIELE

beary potter studio cafe BEARY POTTER STUDIO CAFE

熊の 陶工房

BEARYPOTTERSTUDIOCAFE

The story behind the naming of ‘Beary Potter Café’ originates from the owners days spent in Kyoto, Japan. The owners were intrigued by the concept of circula”ng cofee culture around the art of pottery which the Malaysian community is not familiar with, therefore hostng a platform to introduce this art through Malaysians love for ‘makan makan and lepak.’

Beary Potter Café’s menu introduces Japanese cuisine to the café scene. Their menu is designed around savory Japanese pancakes that come with ten different flavors. The typical concept of a pancake is normally deserts, but the Japanese spin on these international favorites is that the pancakes can almost fill you up like a main course seeing as the toppings vary from sweet chocolate Nutella to even cheese and sausages. Seeing as cafes communicate a certain kind of lifestyle pattern which involves the appreciation of atmospheres circulated around small platters of cuisine and beverage for quick social indulgence. Beary Potter Café has been solely designed around the influence grasped from the owner’s “me in Kyoto, this explains the use of wooden

furniture to create their café aura, and their array of Pottery to kick start Malaysian communities interests in this unique art form. Beary Potter Café besides their menu also has integrated a learning experience available from the grounds of their humble café. Showcasing the love of pottery, Beary Potter café have also introduces pottery classes to the community to encourage a hands on experience into the displayed art work, and also an extra fun activity for students, adolescences and pottery enthusiast to pacipate in.

S T O R E I N F O : A - 1 - 9 , C O N N A U G H T AV E N U E , NO.38, JALAN 9, 56000 KUALA LUMPUR. T E L . : +603-9107 6054

chequers

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As we all know, Malaysians love having a western based experience as with Chequer’s café that is taste-bud-ticklingly possible. Chequer’s café is designed based on the American dining experience that families, couples and friends can enjoy when dining out. The idea came about whilst the owners were studying abroad in the United States, and had travelled and enjoyed meals from all over the country but have never experienced anything like it in Malaysia. The main item that caught their attention was the use of waffles and the creativity that comes with using this item in a dish. Hence the naming ‘Chequers’ came about as a metaphor to the common shape and

outlook of our everyday waffle. Chequer’s is a café completely oriented around the love for savory waffles, as both for a main course or the traditional desert. As Malaysians we love our food, even more so our comfort food, and with Chequers catering to just that need, it is the ideal café for groovy American vibes and the indulgence into palates of carbs. Its interior design is themed again by the café’s name. A simple blend of colors integrating the red, black and white of our everyday chequer game, these colors emit a homely yet urban aura to the place and makes it all the more fun to dine it comfortably. Seeing as waffles appeal to all age groups, this makes chequers café the leisure place to go to without any barriers.

CHEQUERSKL CHEQUERSKL S T O R E I N F O : 153 JALAN AMINUDDIN BAKI, TA M A N T U N D R . I S M A I L , 6 0 0 0 0 K U A L A L U M P U R .

TEL. : +603-7733 3068

HANGOUT GUIDE

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terracotta café & boutique TERRACOTTACAFES TERRACOTTACAFES S T O R E I N F O : P - 1 - 1 5 , T R O P I C A N A AV E N U E , P E R S I A R A N T R O P I C A N A , PJ U 3 , 4 7 4 1 0 P E TA L I N G J AYA , S E L A N G O R .

TEL. : +6012-616 0270

Terracotta definitely has a whimsical charm, with its classical concept. The interior is designed quite stylishly hence the ‘boutique’ to its name. TerraCotta Café is a vintage-filled café that emits a friendly family vibe. Its interior layout involves fluffy cushion seats on the carpet pallet, cute soft toys and pillow for adults and children to cuddle and play around with. This idyllic feel was targeted to create a warm and comfortable environment, whereby people can gather for meals as well as gatherings, themed occasions and corporate discussions. TerraCottas classical layout really hikes up the café lifestyle to a different, more sophisticated feel in comparison to our usual hipster joints. The boutique however which is also part of the café, incorporates:

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white & black colors, corrugated, white roses with glass bottles, frames and imported dry flowers, different shapes of bulb – to create a fresh-young style for the boutique, with a selection of stylish and laces outfit, both female and male. Within this lovely vintage aura, Terracotta serves a menu of not just one cuisine, but a selection of popular dishes desired by the modern society, especially their signature ‘Rain Drop Cake’ which we all know is spiraling around the net as of now. Being a family oriented café, Terracotta takes pride is not only is caffeine based beverages, but also its non-coffee menu. Terracotta targets not only the mature individual, but welcomes even the youngons of our community to also indulge in this café of wonders.

yellow apron Yellow Apron café has created their interpretation of modern Malaysian cuisine and infused it into a café atmosphere. They serve an array of east and west classics as well as everything that falls in between. Their evolutionary take on Malaysian delights brightly enhances the typical concept we associate with the word ‘café’ especially in our homeland – Malaysia. This take of menu caters nicely to the Malaysian community as we Malaysians love to indulge in our local palates as well as dinning in cozy urban environments. On top of their localized menu, Yellow Apron also serves products linked to their other F&B business, The Humble Pie Co. emitting a casual yet adventurous concept of dinning. As we café lovers all know, another great attribute to café lifestyles in general is the ambiance of the whole place. Seeing as the name ‘Yellow Apron Café’ emits a very bright, happy and timeless ring to its name, the interior design of the café integrates those feelings exactly, with great amounts of sunlight running into the

cafés space, and a modern layout to complement itself. Cafes are known to bring people together or as a space for an individual to unwind and chill-out.

With Yellow Apron Café and its local concept those things are very much natural thing to do, seeing as the café itself takes pride in the national cuisine, this concept as called out to a good international market of customers, making it the go to place to show off Malaysian’s food and indulge in an simple yet internationally appealing environment.

YELLOWAPRONPJ YELLOWAPRON3136 S T O R E I N F O : 3, JALAN 13/6, SEKSYEN 13, 4 6 2 0 0 P E TA L I N G J AYA , S E L A N G O R .

TEL. : +603-7931 2077

HANGOUT GUIDE TEXT BY RYAN

Ruyi & Lyn is no longer a stranger to Bangsarians who frequent at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur. They are based on an Asian Fusion concept served in a very creative and innovative way, with an intense mix of flavours that are sure to tickle your taste buds. Standing out from

Ruyi & Lyn is no longer a stranger to Bangsarians who frequent at Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur. A modern Chinese restaurant that is perched on the top floor, they aren’t your everyday restaurant size, but it holds up to a huge amount of space of 22,000 sq feet of space.

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ruyi & lyn RUYILYN RUYILYN S T O R E I N F O : 2 8 5 , J A L A N M A A R O F, 4 T H F LO O R B A N G S A R S H O P P I N G C E N T E R , 59000 KUALA LUMPUR. T E L . : 603-2083 0288

their menu, is their signature sushi where it comes in a combo of nasi lemak, chicken rice, and sticky mango rice, which is not only interesting but also unique. Their menu, crafted by Chef James Ho, a returning Malaysian with dreams of innovating the Malaysian food industry with his Pan Asian creations. With enviable experience under his belt, he established himself as acommitted leader who never stops challenging the status-quo to ensure new experience for diners. Ruyi & Lyn is built to give of an atmosphere of warm, soothing yet party-atmosphere, which provides the perfect ambience for catching up with your loved ones and friends, or social gatherings. What better place other than here, which gives the perfect ambience, well prepared food and an attractive layout. The entrance is concealed adding to its intended mystery and contrived speak-easy bar effect, but customers are bound to be ‘wowed’ once they have entered adark passage after their entrance, where they will be greeted by staffs and also ushered into a nice big hall of dining customers.

HEALTHY LIVING TEXT BY DAPHNIE LOONG

AG6 Circut Workout There’s two types of workout junkies. There’s those with discipline for the gym and then there’s me. I’m one of those people who love working out but hate the gym. I can’t stand the mundane, almost hamster wheel-like feeling of running the treadmill and lifting weights. The repetition is just too much for me to brain and eventually, I fall out of the gym and back to my sweatpants and binge-watch Orange is the New Black. It’s a vicious cycle but c’mon, you can’t say you haven’t felt that way, right?

Whichever type of fitness junkie you are, there’s bound to be a type of workout out that’s right for you. For me, I found yoga and aerial arts. I need workouts that are dynamic - constantly different - and one that challenges my entire body, coordination and everything. Leg day? Core day?

Nah, I ain’t got time to target areas. Give me my full-body workout, now!

So, when I found out about this brand new fad booming at Asphalt Green, New York City and seeing it shared all over social media, it made me want to be a part of it immediately. Because two things: full-body workout and blinking lights. Introducing, AG6, your next favourite circuit workout that’s all geared up to transform the way we workout one tap at a time. Imagine Dance Dance Revolution, Twister and Simon Says had a hybrid baby together and you get AG6 - an upbeat technology-meets-circuit workout with interactive PRAMA pressure sensitive floors and walls to stimulate our reflexes, creating a high-intensity 45 minutes workout that’s super addicting, fun and not to mention 100% immersive. The dark room lit with bursting LED colours and energetic music sets the tone for the workout - reminiscence of the good ole’ school days of ratting in an arcade.

HEALTHY LIVING

IF YOU NEED MORE REASONS TO GET HYPED UP ABOUT AG6, HERE ARE 5 REASONS WHY AG6 IS THE NEXT BIG THING:

it tests your reflexes

AG6 is actually used by professional athletes to train their reflexes. The spatial floor references prompts our reaction time, testing and training our fast-twitch muscle movement to encourage faster reaction. Plus, it helps with muscle memory. Think about it as a high-tech Kung Fu Panda training ground. We’ll all be hyper-sensitive ninjas very soon!

Post-workout meal

it is easy to be motivated

it is a dynamic environment

it is functional and effective

it is a totalbody workout

Tapping into our innate nature to compete whether strongly or otherwise, AG6 is programmed for us to work with the PRAMA touch-sensitive panels either as teammates, competitors or target. The blinking LED lights makes it easy to follow and works almost like a game. See, it’s a game - not a workout!

AG6 isn’t one of exercises that targets some muscle groups - it targets all - especially mimicking our daily movements but aim to improve them through strengthening a combined group of muscles and trains them to move together effectively. Talk about leveling up our agility bar!

Like I mentioned before, AG6 is set in a dark room lit with neon LED lights. It’s unorthodox and unconventional but this innovative setting is what makes them stand out. This new environment also pushes us out of our box and ignites our senses - our 6th athletic sense as they call it - no more white fluorescent gyms and clanking of barbells.

Aside from the well-designed spatial and visual AG6, I am most excited about AG6’s complete strength and cardio workout that works to sharpen our muscles and our minds. It strengthens all muscle groups through building endurance, agility, balance, speed and overall fitness. It also burns up to 1,000 calories per 45 minutes session! I can’t imagine a better workout at this point.

Okay, I confess. Sometimes after a rewarding workout, I feel the need to compensate with an equally rewarding meal of fries or pasta. It’s horrible, I know. It practically renders my entire session into nothing more than a temporary fitness burst rather than a long-term lifestyle. Not eating a proper meal not only nulls your workout but jeopardizes your muscle’s health. Your need to refuel in order to build mass and to repair tissues.

Don’t be like me, try this insanely easy post-workout meal that’s going to help you maximize your workout with proper fuel for the muscles.

SALMON, GREEN BEANS & AVOCADO

400g green beans 3 tbsp olive oil A pinch of salt or black pepper 300 g salmon fillet 1 tsp ground coriander 2 avocados, chopped 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or herb of choice)

1. Grill the salmon throughly on a pan with 2 tbsp olive oil until opaque (roughly 10 minutes).

2. Steam the green beans with a 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and black pepper.

3. Chop 2 medium-ripe avocados into cubes.

4. Toss avocados and green beans together and serve with fish together.

Salmon is always my first choice of fish. One being its speedy cooking time and two, it is a wonderful superfood praised for its high omega-3 and protein content - all the rich fatty acids that’s great for the skin, the brain and of course in the case, the muscles. Protein helps repair muscles and reduces your risk of postworkout muscle aches and keeps you energized.

Green beans like snap peas or french beans are great for a delightful crisp of freshness. For anybody watching their weight, green beans are incredibly low in calories (31 calories per 100g) and contain healthy amounts of iron, manganese, calcium and potassium which is essential for your body’s metabolism. Especially when you workout, you want a healthy metabolism that’s active, giving you your lean, mean muscles.

Avocado is what a gift from the fitness gods would look like. It’s the green light (almost literally) to eat butter but sans all the nasty fats. Aside from the easy prepping, avocado has high nutrient value with vitamins ranging from Vitamin K, C, E and B6 as well as fiber. They say those who eat avocado are naturally healthier, weighed less and have significantly less belly fat.

I rest my case.

THE GOOD LIFE

Getting Involved with Social Enterprises Everyone at some point in their life dreams of changing the world. But along the way, life happens and people forget - distracted by the many shining lights or clouded by the seemingly overwhelming stress of modern life. I can attest to that - those child-like dreams ofleaving a footprint in the world and believing I could leave the world better than it was before but how many of us really took that step towards making big changes happen? Thanks to social enterprises, all of us can whether small or big - we now have a platform to contribute or support and better yet, choose a cause we stand for.

what is a social enterprise?

Social enterprises are basically businesses with a cause.

Some businesses are set out to sell you products and then more products but these businesses are set out to involve you in the process and be a part of a social cycle - one with a mission and a vision to make the world a better place. They are businesses who use trade - whether through service or product - to give society a better life. When the profits return, they either reinvest into their work to further their mission or give back to their community. It’s a beautifully designed self-sustained cycle!It’s a fuzzy feeling to know that there are businesses out there that are more than just a cookie-cutter of the next one but instead, one that has a bigger goal to use their influence and opportunities as a means to benefit the society whether in cultural, communal or environmental aspect. For example,

Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen is a social enterprise that hires youth from marginalized communities - helping them find a place in society, giving them a good job and training ground when they otherwise wouldn’t have. As someone who believes strongly in living a sustainable lifestyle, this speaks to me and nudges me to do something more - that there is possibility for good through the world of business. It doesn’t have to stay a dog-eat-dog world at all. In fact, it shouldn’t.Social and environmental issues are more real than ever for us Gen-Y. Although these issues are unseen to the general #firstworld lifestyle we are so accustomed to, it doesn’t mean the problem cease to exist. In our generation, we see higher depletion of natural resources, increased crime rates due to socio-cultural issues and higher wastage. We are a generation of fast-track consumers - hedonistic in its core fuelled by instant gratifications. These “instant” habits are contributors to our current ecological and cultural state and social enterprises aim to reverse that.While these issues are often without our control, we can still do small things to make big changes in living life sustainably whether for the ecosystem or for humanity. We must realizethat the world functions in sync - a balance that we are all a part of. As soon as something tips the scale, we are all in it together regardless. When that idea sets in, it’s easier for us to understand the magnitude of the situation and why social enterprises are so important to improve our generation and how it is a great way to get us involved outside of our screen-dominant life.

THE GOOD LIFE

how you can be a part of a social enterprise?

Social enterprises are nothing new in Malaysia but in case you were wondering, yes, there are plenty to choose from! If you think my message was convincing enough, here are some handpicked choices of social enterprises you can dip your paws into and find new experiences along the way:

ECOCENTRIC TRANSITIONS started as an inspiration from the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture and Sustainable Development Goals. Their passionate interest in empowering the community to use their skills to improve communities and promote a self-sustainable urban living are what piqued my interest to share their cause. What sold me most about theirmission is ecological empathy something most of us living in the city lack of. We often fail to realize that we live together as one - in a circle of life as Lion King tells it and if anything in the environment tips the scale, we follow suit. This is why, what Ecocentric Transitions are doing is so important. They hold workshops to teach and facilitate on urban gardening, organic farming, DIY upcycling which you can join to learn a thing or two.

If you want to get right down to supporting the company, there are openings for internships and volunteer work, too. Start getting educated or volunteer to educate others in our plight against climate issues by getting involved here: www.ecocentrictransitions.com.

THE MAD EXPERIENCE is the bee’s knees if you are looking to get connected with a social enterprise to help high need communities. Because so many health issues and social problem in these communities are evitable through proper resources like clean water, it makes us think just how easy the solution is. With just the elements of life, that we often takefor granted, someone somewhere can use it to save a life! This is where The MAD Experience comes in. Their mission is to bridge the gap between passionate individuals with related non-profit organizations - a mediator if you will. They are a social enterprise that has helped over 9,000 beneficiaries gain clean water and holds steadfast to their unique business model of giving 100% of their profits back to doing social good. Their concept of tapping into crowdfunding platforms to fund volunteers overseas is a genius gateway in giving everyone and anyone a substantial opportunity without financial limits the chance to be a part of the project - like you and me!If this social enterprise speaks to you, follow them on their next trip to Cambodia. Find out how you can crowdfund your trip to start geting involved here: www.themadexperience.com.

IDEA SPACE ART DIRECTION BY THERESA S

THE FUTURE ISHERE CHRISTIAN REBECCHI

in the recent years nevercrew undertook a research that doesn’t aim at forcedly channeling reflections in a precise stylistic and formal way, but rather to find a new language that allows to follow them, deepen them and share them; and especially that it’s also a practical and visible demonstration of that.

PABLO TOGNI

IDEA SPACE A BREATH RESPITE

GRAVIT Y

Who would have thought of putting a series of mural paintings inside the Lenzburg prison (CH), on the borders walls and into a walking area? The project “Art in prison” was curated by Malik and Claude “Note” Luethi and involved many artists: Malik, Note, Onur, Chromeo, Shark, Ata Bozaci, Robert Proch, Nevercrew, Mizzo, Daniel Zeltner, David Monllor, Benjamin Solt, Lain, Ti, Sarah Parsons.

An ode to the prisoners, especially those incarcerated for life – each mural is designed to allow them to re-experience living environments with their sense of sight. The plants mural painting, specifically features a textured surface that is soft to touch and makes the space within appear calming and refreshing.

The “Black Machine” mural painting and installation by Teatro Colosseo and Square23 Gallery was realised on the Colosseo theatre in Turin. The designers wanted to work on the idea of representation in the form of portrayal or a f iguration of reality. It comprises a polar bear in water with its legs and lower back half drenched in oil and it addresses the issue of global warming related to human habits. The designers hope that this design will bring to light the delicate balance between men and the ecosystem, by stimulating key visual points in the polar bear and there will be action taken to preserve the ecosystem.

Conceptualised for the Millerntor Gallery in Hamburg (DE) in support of “Viva con Aqua” for worldwide water projects, the “Privatization machine n.1” has a simple form with a design that uses gravity to connect an astronaut to a remote planet.

An attention grabbing “SOLD” wording emblazoned in red-tone anchors this work of art. The image depicts the privatization of natural resources and evokes the human emotions that things can be different now. The designers wanted this design to showcase the very need of society to change their ways of thinking and act on human needs such as ensuring clean water for the use of everyone.

THE ENDANGERED

WHAT WE LOVE

WHAT WE LOVE