21 meals for RM150 Recipes can be found at www.timeoutkl.w.timeou MONDAY com/brokeinklm/brokeinkl

Breakfast Scrambled eggs on toast, coffee Lunch Chap fan, RM5 Dinner Steamed white rice, spicy stir fried Ah Sou Chap Fan, first floor, Wisma Central, chicken with curry leaves, wilted greens Jalan Ampang, KL. and tomato salsa

TUESDAY

Breakfast Coffee and nasi lemak bungkus, RM2 Lunch Homemade chicken soup with Dinner Pasta and homemade meatballs in Studio 69, Jalan Kerja Ayer Lama, Ampang, KL. crusty bread tomato sauce

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast Cereal with milk, a banana and Lunch Ipoh nga choy chicken rice, RM6 Dinner Honey and spice chicken drumstick orange juice New Restaurant Ipoh Chicken Rice, 107 with wilted lettuce, tomato salsa and Jalan Gasing, PJ. crushed garlic potatoes How to survive on a week Seven days, three meals a day – Anucyia Victor shows you how to do it, and with enough money left for a bottle of cider. Photography Amir Rashid 14 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 21 meals for RM150

THURSDAY

Breakfast Two slices of toast with butter Lunch Vegetarian chap fan, RM2 Dinner Chicken curry with carrots and and honey, a banana, and orange juice Ho Guang Vegetarian Fast Food, Jalan Semenyih, potatoes, dosa and coconut chutney Kajang (opposite police station)

FRIDAY

Breakfast Coffee and mihun bungkus with Lunch Homemade meatballs with mashed Dinner Seafood aglio e olio, RM5 a fried egg, RM2.50 Studio 69, Jalan Kerja potatoes, wilted greens and tomato salsa Humble Chef, 54 Jalan Medan Setia 2, Plaza Ayer Lama, Ampang, KL. Damansara, KL (014 229 6854).

SATURDAY

Breakfast Bacon, fried egg, sausage, Lunch Chicken rice, RM4 Restoran Al-Hafiz, Dinner Homemade chicken soup with sautéed mushrooms, baked beans and toast Jalan Memanda 7/11, Ampang, KL crusty bread

SUNDAY

Breakfast Cereal with milk, an apple and Lunch Pasta and homemade meatballs Dinner Shredded chicken salad with orange juice in tomato sauce Romaine, bacon bits, tomatoes, shallots and sugar snap peas March 2013 www.timeoutkl.com 15 21 meals for RM150

rust me, RM150 for one week’s worth I also have a new-found appreciation for of food may seem like a measly amount the weekly shopping struggles of those on a Tbut it can be done. All you need to do is shoestring budget. When you are on a tight budget judiciously, shop wisely, and accept the budget, meals have to be precisely planned. It fact that shopping on the cheap is not easy at requires some creative thinking if you don’t all. But it can be very rewarding, especially in want to eat the same thing every day. the purse area. Thanks to the wet market traders, I have Firstly, forget buying all your meat and my recipes cracked. And while not being poultry in one place. Hypermarkets and food an instinctive cook, I’ve spent enough time halls are great when you have cash to splash around people who are to know my way but for this case a wet market is where you around the kitchen. Necessity is the mother of should be (I went to the Taman Megah wet invention and I boldly experiment. Instead of market). And the earlier you get there, the a bolognaise, my buffalo mince is turned into fresher the produce. spicy meatballs; some which I have in a tomato RM14.80 for a whole chicken is a steal sauce with pasta and the rest with mashed especially when I’ve previously spent RM7 just potatoes and veggies (that makes three meals). for a tray of chicken drumsticks. If you are the The whole chicken becomes a roast, a curry, a queasy sort, the smells, sounds and slippery salad, a stir-fry and a hearty broth (another six floors of a wet market can be daunting. But meals). Breakfast is the most difficult meal to a whole chicken, expertly portioned by the crack but by keeping it simple with eggs, toast, friendly abang manning the market stall, can cereal, the odd packet of bihun goreng and fry- feed me for a week. So I hold my breath and add up treat at the weekend, I manage to start my my voice to the cacophony. days healthily (there, seven meals sorted). Delayed gratification: I tell the trader of my challenge and he Spend wisely and you could Eating out proves to be a challenge in itself. comes up with recipe suggestions. ‘Yang ini even afford a bottle of cider Even Jalan Alor with its relatively cheap hawker to reward yourself boleh buat kari,’ he says, picking up the wings GETTY IMAGES fare costs too much for me and I’m forced to seek and drumsticks. ‘Flavour ayam ni lebih hebat less expensive options. So I allow myself the dekat tulang. Boleh buat sup, juga. Kalau adik local brand (RM1.80). Beef mince (RM8.90) luxury to tapau the remaining five meals instead bijak, boleh masak macam-macam dengan is substituted with minced Indian buffalo (eating there would mean extra expenditure satu ekor ayam.’ It’s not an exchange I would (RM3.69). And forget Marmite; at over RM25 on drinks), feeling left out when I read tweets of have in my usual hypermarket when picking for a jar, my breakfast staple is now a luxury. friends who are out sampling gourmet burgers up a clingfilm-wrapped Styrofoam tray. His It’s a dispiriting experience and my cheer soon and sipping on sauvignon blanc. invaluable input ringing in my ears, I head fizzles out. So there – 21 meals over seven days. It can to the dry part of the market, where curry Later while standing in line at the cashier, be done and I ate quite well considering I had leaves, lemongrass and heaping mounds of I can feel my nerves fraying when I make approximately RM7 to spend on each meal; try red onions greet me. There are sacks of spice the mistake of glancing at the cart of a fellow getting a fry up for that price at a restaurant. and curry powders and jars of freshly ground shopper which spills over with artisan breads, I didn’t resort to instant noodles, I’ve curbed pastes towards the back of each stall and a hunk of honey-glazed ham and most painful my impulse buying tendencies, and most the spice aunty tells me what powders and of all, the mocking sounds of clinking wine importantly, I’ve learnt that a little can go a pastes complement bottles. I have trolley long way. When I tot up the receipts at the end each other. I leave jealousy. But I give of the week, it’s a pleasant surprise to find I’ve the market with my in to one weakness – spent a grand total of RM130.15– just enough bespoke curry powder bacon. change left for a bottle of cider. So I toast my and a heaving basket A pressing success with that; after all, a girl needs to live of goods, my purse I didn’t have to resort concern is whether a little. RM25 lighter. to instant noodles, I’ve I am getting all the Buoyed by my wet ‘’ nutrients I need from market experience, I’m curbed my impulse the cheaper products. SHOPPING LIST more positive about buying tendencies, and Does squeezy honey this challenge now. contain more sugar Eggs RM4.79 Tomorrow I will visit I’ve learnt that a little bit than nectar? (Maybe, Whole chicken RM14.80 my local supermarket can go a long way but I ignore it). Is the 1 pack buffalo mince RM3.69 (Jaya Grocer). Usually cheaper bread going Baguette RM1.79 to poison me with Sliced bread RM3.20 an impetuous shopper, Cereal RM 7.99 I force myself to make a list before heading out its additives? (It doesn’t, but I still worry). Baked beans RM1.80 and this immediately dampens my thrill. What’s surprising is the discovery that organic Tomato puree RM3.15 Walking down the aisles, I ignore the siren vegetables aren’t that much more expensive Dosa flour RM5 calls of extra virgin olive oil, imported pork than the usual kind, so I stock up on greens, Carrots RM3 sausages and the jars of Manuka honey with hoping the vitamins will offset any negative Potatoes RM2.50 effects of cheaper food. I’m drained by the Baby choy sum RM2 my name on them. I am here for peanut oil, Spring onions RM0.98 frozen sausages and squeezy bottle honey. entire experience having spent 90 minutes, Sugar snap peas RM1.99 Nothing can steer me from my goal. Imported instead of my usual 30, wandering the aisles in Curry leaves RM0.50 baked beans (RM4.69) are discarded for a search of bargains. Shredded coconut RM1 Celery RM1.50 Apple RM1 Banana RM2 TIPS & TRICKS Honey RM7.18 d Rice, dry pasta, baked beans, canned tomatoes, stock cubes and cream crackers Romaine lettuce RM2.99 are invaluable pantry cupboard staples. So you need to have these items ready for Tomatoes RM3 this challenge to work. Button mushrooms RM3.50 d Instead of buying multi-packs of vegetables, buy just what you need. FOR CHEAP Orange juice RM4.80 d Try minced buffalo. It has lower cholesterol, less fat and fewer calories than beef and GROCERIES, Milk RM4.65 is just as tasty. Frozen sausages RM4.95 SEE FOOD P42 Bacon RM9.90 7 ‘tapaus’ RM26.50 16 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 Bottle of cider RM19.88 GRAND TOTAL RM150.03 Cheap drinks & parties and margarita on Mondays, wine on Tuesdays, and wine and sangria on Saturdays. B-G-03 A, Glomac Galleria, Desa (03 6206 1216). MOVIDA BAR & LOUNGE Best deal This is not just a club, no. It’s a kitchen, bar and club lounge set in a classy setting. Get started on your cheap drinks as early as 12noon: buy one pint and get two more free. Or try If you don’t make the afternoon shift, you can still get two pints for the price of one from 8.30pm to 11pm. From 11pm until closing time, buy two pints and get one free pint, or buy three pints and get two more free. bargains C-03 & C-03A, Block C, Sunway Giza, 2 Jalan PJU 5/14, PJU 5, Kota More dash than cash? Get off your drinking high horse and indulge Damansara, PJ (03 6141 8022/www. in the city’s cheap-as-chips drinking deals movida.my). STAGE KL BARFLY a quirky deal that makes saving for a Hoegaarden and you’ll get one Carlsberg Best deal Any day of the week from Best deal More than your average rainy day a breeze. tower free. 5pm to 8pm, buy one pint and get two gentrified bar, Barfly offers Tiger beer 31 Jalan Mesui, , KL BBT One, Jalan Batu Nilam 2, Klang pints for free. It’s the perfect place to at just RM10 as well as Guinness and (www.facebook.com/theestablishmentkl). (03 3325 1116/www.thelibrary.my). bring your inner party animal as the club Kilkenny at RM13 every day. Don’t Available 4 – 10pm. promises star-studded performances forget to order the ikan bilis chili onion FRESCA MEXICAN KITCHEN with good booze. to go with them. The selection of drinks & BAR MEZZA9 Or try Buy one pint and get another might not be extensive but the cheap Best deal Buy one mug of draught Best deal Mezza’s all-you-can-drink one free (8 – 11pm). Choice includes prices make up for it. Tiger beer and get a second for just buffet only sets you back RM50. Hoegaarden, Kronenbourg and Asahi. D1-G3-06, Solaris Dutamas, 1 Jalan RM5++ all day long every Monday. If The only thing stopping you here Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang (016 339 Dutamas 1 (012 671 5883). that beer deal is not enough to jazz up is your booze tolerance. Go for wine 8013/www.thestage.my). your Mondays, purchase one grande Classic Margarita and get a single on the house. Or try Get 50 percent off the restaurant’s signature sangria and classic margarita every Tuesday, 4-8pm. G-242A, The Gardens Mall, , KL (03 2201 2893/www.facebook. com/frescabar).

Barfly BEER JUNCTION Best deal This neighbourhood bar is an Stage KL oasis in Kota Damansara where you just chug cheap beers. For the whole month of March, drink their house pouring all you can at just RM30 throughout the LADIES ONLY day. A far cry from dingy, this house of La Bodega A week’s worth of free drinks, courtesy of KL’s best ladies nights imported beers stocks 40 types of beers and ciders from Belgium, England and LA BODEGA Monday Tuesday Wednesday Scotland. Best deal If you like to party in packs, SOULed OUT Ampang Vertigo SkyBar 7-G Garden Wing, Sunsuria Avenue, La Bodega’s ladies night offer is the Free Sangria every It’s free entrance for It’s the best excuse Persiaran Mahogani, PJU 5, Kota promotion for you. Five ladies who Monday from 9.30pm ladies all night long. to check out the Damansara, PJ (03 6143 3335). come in a group will receive a free bottle to 12midnight. See, Experience all the revamped SkyBar if of wine or five cocktails for free every Monday nights don’t different EDM genres you haven’t been yet. THE BIER BAR Wednesday night. have to be manic or – techno, house and Get free cocktails Best deal What goes well with the bar’s Various locations including blue after all. progressive – at this hip from 6pm to 9pm. famous half-metre sausage and quarter- Shopping Centre (03 2287 2768) and Ground floor, club located on the sixth You won’t find avant- metre schnapps? Surely, it’s the one- Jalan Telawi, Bangsar (03 2287 9468/ Menara HSC, 187 floor of The Gardens garde concoctions, metre long draught beer, which actually www.bodega.com.my). Jalan Ampang, KL Mall. You get two free just perfectly balanced measures up to 11 glasses. Get it at RM66 (03 2181 1626). drinks, and two of your renditions of the before 8pm. THE LIBRARY, KLANG friends can enter for classics. Or try If that sounds too much, buy Best deal If you find yourself in Klang free. Traders Hotel, KL one pint to get another free throughout on a Tuesday, you’ll get three pints The Gardens Mall, sixth (03 2332 9888/ happy hour (4 – 8pm). for the price of one across selected floor, Mid Valley City (010 www.skybar.com.my). 47 Changkat Bukit Bintang (03 2148 Kronenbourg, Hoegaarden, Erdinger, 215 9701/www.vertigo. 0511/www.thebierbarkl.com). Franziskaner, Leffe, Stella Artois and my). Asahi brews. THE ESTABLISHMENT Or try There on a Wednesday? You’ll Best deal Get a free pint of beer at get a pint for just RM18. If you rock The Establishment whenever it rains, up on a Thursday, buy three pints of 18 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 Cheap drinks & parties

FREE CLUB NIGHTS Just want to dance? Get in for free at these hotspots

d Zeta Bar Live band performances are the main draw at Zeta Bar, which also features a stylish champagne bar for patrons with a penchant for the bubbly. From 9.45pm onwards, be entertained by Sonic, an energetic seven- piece band led by bassist Ricardo Ranito. Hilton (03 2264 2592/life.hiltonkl. com).

d Bedroom With free entry on nights when no special events Movida are held, Bedroom is the place to be to celebrate house, techno, top 40, going for RM12.90 each – check out the THE VENUE R&B and dirty disco tunes. milkshake-like Cookie & Ice-Cream. Best deal The Venue is one of Bukit Since you’ve saved on Or try Celebrate all things Japanese at Bintang’s newest joints, and they’re cover charge, treat yourself this cheap and cheerful restaurant chain racking up the drinks promos. Enjoy to the club’s selection of by downing shots of shochu at RM10.90 three glasses of house red or white wine imaginative cocktails. each. for RM49.90. Sixth floor, Pavilion Pavilion KL (03 2141 6671); Or try Get shots of gin, rum, vodka, KL (03 2141 9620/ Shopping Centre (03 7727 1399); tequila, whisky or cognac for RM15 each. www.bedroomkl.my). Connection level 4, Pavilion KL (03 Paradigm Mall (03 7886 9661/www. 2110 2800/www.facebook.com/ watami.com.my). d SkyBar TheVenueKL). Nothing beats the ZOUK CAFÉ picturesque view of the Best deal From 10am to 9pm, buy F BY BUFFALO KITCHENS KL skyline from this ever- one glass or a jug of Tiger beer and Best deal It’s worth sneaking out of popular bar, which is get another one free. That means you work early to take advantage of F’s perched on the 33rd floor of practically start boozing immediately daily happy hours (before 7pm and after the Traders Hotel. Saunter upon downing your morning coffee. 9.30pm). If you’re feeling thrifty, their into one of the sunken Or try Buy two and get three free on cocktails are available at RM18++; booths next to the open all house pouring liquours (glass only, Carlsberg by the glass at just RM9++. windows and enjoy the 4 – 6pm). After 9pm, buy one drink and 69-1 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar (03 2201 scenery while sipping on get two free on all house pouring liquors 1710/www.facebook.com/buffalokitchens). some top notch cocktails. (glass and jug) everyday. Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, WATAMI The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City (03 Zouk Café KLCC (03 2332 9888/ Best deal Over ten different cocktails 2288 1997/zoukcafebar.com.my). www.skybar.com.my).

d Frangipani Restaurant & Bar Slinky Saturday takes centre stage from 10pm to Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 3am, where you gain free twenty.one Lust Desire Club The Pool entry and enjoy amazing kitchen + bar Somewhere in Lust, Pumping life into Asian No need to break drink deals. Selected Get in early before it fills there’s a bartender Heritage Row is Desire, out in your bikini for cocktails are one for one and amuse yourself who’s waiting to make and you’ll find a mix free drinks. Every from 10pm to 12midnight, with a variety of free a drink for you. Ladies of clubbers here. Line third Sunday of with happy hour deals cocktails (Raspberry night starts from 6pm your stomach with their the month at The happening all night long. Fix, Tropical Punch and to 8pm and you get free cheap bar bites before Pool is Sensational 25 Changkat Bukit Bintang, Sour Apple Collins) from cocktails with delicious quaffing their selection Wet Party. It’s free KL (03 2144 3001/ 9pm onwards. First 21 barbecued grub. of free drinks. Free entrance for everyone www.frangipani.com.my). ladies in high heels also Office Tower, 1 entrance before 2am; dressed in white, d get a glass of Chandon Jalan Nagasari, free drinks from 9pm and free flow of The Establishment for free. Knowledgeable KL (03 to 2am. Kronenbourg 1664 The iconic Deer Society staff, excellent food 2142 64 Jalan Doraisamy, from 4pm onwards. Saturday nights have and a good looking 0525/ Asian Heritage Row, KL If you insist on taking found a new home at The crowd – why wander off www. (03 2691 9618). a dip, there’s free Establishment, where party- somewhere else? lustkl. tequila shots for goers find solace in indie 20-1, Changkat Bukit com). everyone in the pool dance, nu disco and other Bintang, KL (03 2142 too. choice alternative cuts. 0021/www.twentyone. 347 Jalan Ampang KL 31 Jalan Mesui, Bukit com.my). (017 998 5577). Bintang, KL (www.facebook. com/theestablishmentkl). March 2013 www.timeoutkl.com 19 RM100 shopping challenge

We give each of our writers RM100 to find the best party outfit they can, across KL’s different shopping districts. Who will get the most return on their ringgit? By the Time Out KL team. Photography Amir Rashid

HITTING UP Heart Attack necklace RM17.10 (original THE HIGH price RM19.90) STREET

On the high street, everything is engineered to make you want to buy, buy, buy – the bright lights, the mesmeric layouts, the pounding music. Shopping with a plan becomes nigh on impossible when you’re faced with a rack of dresses (none of which you need), bristling with colour, studs and ‘50 Forever 21 percent’ tags. What’s a girl to do? dress RM30 Setting myself a budget of RM50 (original price for a suitable party dress proved RM75) surprisingly hard – the only frocks at my disposal were jersey skater affairs, Cache Cache or flimsy bodycon numbers that looked belt RM19.90 more suited to claustrophobia than clubbing. Navigating a mindnumbing array of black dresses, I finally hit gold at the sales racks at Forever 21 with a terracotta peplum dress (yes, also available in black). The fabric was thin but silky, and the fit surprisingly good. For some extra zing I grabbed a neon studded belt from Cache Cache – possibly intended for tweens,ens, but you can wear anything withith a sense of irony. A plain gold chain bedecked with a triangle came next, a 10 percent discountt kknockingnocking iitt down a few ringgit. Shoes were the trickiestt – ttherehere were cheap strappy heels fforor as low as RM25, but they lookedked liklikee a surefire way to a broken anankle.kle. I decided to amp up the neonn wwithith a TOTAL pair of ballet flats from H&M&M fforor RM106.90 RM39.90, bringing me a whiwhiskersker Verdict Unless over budget. Emma Chongng it’s sale season and you have a good selection of member cards, RM100 is just not enough for a complete high H&M street outfit. ballet flats RM39.90

d H&M and their brand of relaxed, Vincci, so just wait for the sale. 5 high street picks Look no further for seasonal, summer-focused pieces is Various outlets d trendy items that reference great for our weather. (www.charleskeith.com). Forever 21 d We can’t guarantee the the biggest catwalk fashions. Various outlets Uniqlo H&M has some of the best (www.cottonon.com). Though not the cheapest store quality of fabric and fit but, d like blondes, Forever 21 designer collaborations, as Charles & Keith on the high street, Uniqlo seems to have more fun. Flirty well as a great line of basics. The Singaporean store has quality is excellent, and their sundresses and California Various outlets (www.hm.com/ really upped their design game weekly deals can be very my). this season, with plenty of worth your time. Plus, free Gurls-worthy ensembles d abound. Cotton On covetable neon and pastel alterations instore. Various outlets (www.facebook. Prices at this Aussie shop hit bags and shoes. It’s a little Various outlets com/F21Malaysia). rock-bottom come sale time, pricier than local counterpart (www.uniqlo.com/my). The shopping challenge shopping The 20 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 RM100 shopping challenge

TRYING

WHOLESALE Blue dress with PVC detailing from La Belle (second floor) RM55.30 ON FOR SIZE (original price RM79)

On the surface, brims with eye-blinding colours and shouty promotional tags, no different from or . I wasn’t expecting to find anything edgy or, if we’re being honest, classy. But upon digging through racks of clothes, the selection here surpassed my expectations. The stuff range from cutesy floral skirts, flowy kaftan tops, designer-inspired bodycon dresses and a few casual tribal-printed maxis. If not covered in studs or glitter, some of the clothes look identical to those in a posh boutique. The best part: prices are insanely low. It’s best to buy in bulk, so if you see a dress for RM50, chances are you’ll get three dresses off the same rack for RM100. The same applies with accessories. If a chunky necklace costs RM25, they may wrap up three for RM50. Skip the shoes at this mall as choices (and possibly, comfort levels) are poor. The smaller shops are not equipped with fitting rooms, so best go with your measurements in hand. Pink clutch Surekha Ragavan (unnamed kiosk, ground floor) RM25

TOTAL RM95.30 Verdict Contrary to expectations, you can buy single pieces in Kenanga’s wholesale shops – but it’s cheaper Pink ballet flats if you buy more. (unnamed shop, lower ground floor) RM15

d Merry Berry prices are steeper than its peers, d Verve 5 Kenanga picks Dress prints here are unusually the choices are less shoddy. Great for when you need sleek d tasteful, especially those stashed 1-7, first floor (03 9221 3636). corporate dresses or silky tops to Chinos d The conspicuous store is in the back of the store – imported Serret go beneath blazers. Kenanga’s equivalent of Nichii from Korea, purportedly. The stuff here is bizarrely edgy. 55, ground floor (03 2722 0055/ 97, 2nd floor (03 2714 9051). Case in point: A velvet skirt with www.verve.my). Fashion City. d 26 & 27, ground floor (03 2714 W + Y what looks like John Lennon’s Kenanga Wholesale City 2 Jalan 9016). This chic store stocks designer- bespectacled face printed across it. Gelugor, off Jalan Kenanga, KL (03 inspired apparel, and although 57, ground floor (03 9226 1566). 9221 8081/www.kenangacity.com.my)

March 2013 www.timeoutkl.com 21 RM100 shopping challenge

FASHIONING Vintagebiribiri dress RM39 AN OUTFIT (additional RM5.70 for ONLINE shipping)

Aside from having to bother with measurements and conversion, the most challenging part about shopping for an outfit online was finding a decent-looking dress below RM40 to be able to have enough left for shoes and accessories. This is where Vintagebiribiri (vintagebiribiri.com) came in and saved the day. The store is known for its vintage wear (which were all out of my budget), but it stocks a decent line of new items as well, out of which I managed to get a cream-coloured lacey dress for Wraps by Catalyst RM39. The payment process was easy, skinny belt (via although the site could do with a bit of Zalora), RM15.80 fixing (some items listed had broken links). With the dress done, online giant Zalora’s (zalora.com.my) catalogue of shoes looked pretty extensive, and I scored some killer clog heels for a mere RM45.50. With the need to add a pop of colour to the dress (but not having the funds for an envelope clutch), I settled for a pink skinny belt with a diamanté buckle, bringing my total spending to just 30 cents over budget. I’m quite happy with my purchases too (they fit well and weren’t bad quality either). Syarifah Syazana

TOTAL RM106 Verdict There are loads of internet bargains to be Sole Nice found, if you have clog heels the patience to (via Zalora), trawl through RM45.50 vast online catalogues.

for vintage, that is). There’s free local delivery too. everyone. 5 online picks zalora.com.my covetz.com soakrepublic.com d d d d Zalora Vintagebiribiri soak republic TheRivulet With a big catalogue (that keeps For genuine vintage pieces at One word: Accessories. From The envelope clutches are the on growing) and free nationwide affordable prices. kitschy animals to couture, objects of desire here. Prices aren’t vintagebiribiri.com soak republic stocks necklaces, bad either. shipping, there’s no denying that d Zalora is the online go-to place for Covetz bracelets, rings, headpieces therivulet.com womenswear (if you’re not looking Go here for girly frocks and tops. and more that will satisfy nearly

22 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 RM100 shopping challenge

affordable and in good condition, but the Wooden size did run slightly small. spectacles However, in terms of sheer value from Luccacal GETTING and selection, nothing around here tops RM26 ASOS (www.asos.com). With its free (shipping INTO worldwide shipping and frequent sales, RM6) the British website should be your go-to INTERNET online shopping destination, especially if you have time to wait out its nominal SHOPPING eight-working day delivery period. The purchased chino shorts fit really well but crease easily, so have them ironed before a big night out. Instead of casting envious glances at Sifting through the meager assortment of our spoilt-for-choice female counterparts, Tigasukuvintage Dunlop vintage local menswear-centric online shops was visit online shops like Luccacal shirt RM38 frustrating. Tops were either too costly (www.luccacal.com), where affordable (shipping RM6) or unappealing, or both, with bottoms unisex accessories become available and shoes even pricier. There’s where occasionally. The coated wooden Tigasukuvintage (tigasukuvintage. spectacles feel a tad flimsy, but they blogspot.com) came in. The purchased certainly add a dash of geeky charm to one-off vintage piece was remarkably any outfit. Wong Boon Ken

boasts a repertoire of fantastic 5 online picks items at bargain prices. d ASOS www.urbanoutfitters.com The undisputed cream of the d Zalora menswear crop features free Navigating this cluttered webstorere worldwide shipping. results in more misses than hits,, www.asos.com but dig deep enough and you mayy TOTAL d Tigasukuvintage find decent items at higher price RM115 This blogshop stocks affordable points. Verdict Though quality vintage pieces and offers www.zalora.com.my the variety is quick, friendly service to boot. d WEUL improving, online Awkward male model aside, thiss shopping in tigasukuvintage.blogspot.com ASOS chino d Urban Outfitters blogshop is a good place to startt is still slim pickings for shorts RM39 Ludicrously pricey $30 shipping for your menswear needs. men. (original price cost aside, this US favourite www.weul.blogspot.com RM106)

Department stores like Aeon (or Jusco) usually stock a huge selection of 5 hypermarket/ clothing, and most of them are of a local department store HEADING variety. The offerings may be quite picks generic, but if you’re not fussy about TO THE brands, shopping at department stores d AEON Rags jeans, is definitely value for money, especially This is the default go-to local RM35.95 HYPERMARKET during sale periods. department store if you’re looking (original price Both the shirt and T-shirt I picked out for a huge variety of clothes – RM119.90) at Aeon fit well, and the material was from menswear, womenswear comparatively decent. While the cutting to anything in between, at of the jeans ran slightly small (more like competitive prices. skinny jeans than a straight leg), the www.aeonretail.com.my priceprice definitelydefi made d Tesco up fforor it. But other Offerings are mostly generic ththanan clothes, though you can find the F&F thethere was only a fashion brand available smsmall range of exclusively at certain outlets. shoshoes and www.tesco.com.my accaccessories d Carrefour hhere.ere (Remember, Attractive prices for label-less theth 14-days mediocre-quality clothing. returnr policy www.carrefour.com.my applies.)a d Giant AndA like most Budget-conscious shoppers who TOTAL departmentdep Suave short- aren’t fussed about off-beat or sleeve shirt, RM99.45 stores/stor trendy items should come here. RM39 Verdict hypermarkets,hype expect thisDon’t www.giant.com.my season’s biggest if youyou sign up for d Isetan trends and thethe membershipme An upscale department store you won’t be card,card, thereth are disappointed. featuring mostly international Seed t-shirt, specialspecial discountsd brands. Prices might be higher, RM24.50 sometimes.sometim Ian Loh but you get what you pay for. (original price RM49) www.isetankl.com.my * All from Aeon (Jusco). March 2013 www.timeoutkl.com 23 Something for nothing It’s all about the Sell your skills or volunteer for perks – here’s a guide to all the best money-spinning side gigs

BEST MEMBERSHIP CARDS

F3 (Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins) YOU PAY nothing – spend RM200 in GET SOMETHING store to apply for free YOU GET 10 percent off regular priced FOR NOTHING items at Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins stores t Recycle and Reward across Malaysia and WHAT TO EXPECT When you sign up as a Singapore; birthday member with Recycle and Reward, separate vouchers during your your waste according to type (paper, plastic, birthday month; RM25 aluminium, etc) and start recycling with them. voucher for every RM800 You can choose to deliver your recyclables at spent; access to members- their centre, but if that’s too much of a hassle, only sales and promotions. just pay RM50 to upgrade your account and Swap clothes at Friendly Fashion www.f3.com.my you’ll be entitled to a lifetime of free pick-ups from your home. t Friendly Fashion Borders Rewards Card WHAT YOU GAIN Instead of cash, you get WHAT TO EXPECT Friendly Fashion YOU PAY RM20 for two years (or apply for points with every item you recycle; collect provides a space for you to sell your stuff, free if you spend at least RM150) enough of them and you can redeem from their simple as that. Primarily clothes, but also YOU GET One members card and two catalogue of goods ranging from shopping accessories, shoes and bags. There’s no supplementary cards; vouchers, electrical appliances and even membership or listing charge, so if you have 10 percent off books; 5 gadgets. If you keep up your recycling habit old clothes you no longer wear (come on, we percent off magazines; with them you can even redeem a Nintendo Wii all do), take a few clear photos and get them up 5 percent off greeting or Sony LCD TV. If you’ve unsuccessfully tried online. You never know who’ll be interested. cards; 10 percent off to save up for a new console before, this point- WHAT YOU GAIN Apart from the actual inhouse Starbucks based system should keep you better on track buying and selling of clothes, where Friendly orders; additional discounts on monthly to getting it. Fashion excels is in the flexibility of their promotions. Membership, free; premium member, RM50. transactions. If you find an item of someone www.borders.com.my More info on www.recycleandreward.my. else’s that you particularly like, but don’t want to part with any cash, drop the seller a message The Body Shop Love Your Body and see if they want to swap. Bargain a price Club down, do a partial barter or even (if you’re YOU PAY nothing – spend RM100 in lucky) get something for free – some sellers are store to apply for free. just looking to give their stuff away, no catch. YOU GET RM15 rebate voucher for Membership, free. More info on www. every RM150 spent; free gift packaging; friendlyfashion.my. access to members-only sales; 25 percent off selected treats t Cronier Wines free wine tasting on your birthday; previews WHAT TO EXPECT Round up your friends of new products; additional (not more than five per group) and head over offers and discounts. to famed South African wine distributor www.thebodyshop.com.my Cronier Wines’s weekly hour-long free wine tasting session, where you educate your palate Aeon Member through sampling selected Cronier wines. YOU PAY RM12 for one year WHAT YOU GAIN An increased knowledge YOU GET points accumulation to redeem of wine, not to mention an enjoyable and against gifts and vouchers; discounts educational day out with your friends. Recycle your at over 500 merchant way to a new TV 5-6 The One Avenue, Dataran Pelangi Utama, partners across Malaysia; PJ (03 7722 2252/www.cronierwines-my.com). extra rewards on your Every Fri, 5 – 6pm. Reservations required. birthday; special parking t ATP Malaysian Open Kuala rates at certain AEON Lumpur t RockCorps concert tickets shopping malls. Plus, you WHAT TO EXPECT Volunteer as a crew WHAT TO EXPECT RockCorps Malaysia is a get RM10 for every RM100 spent on member and earn tickets to watch the game. platform for you to give back to the community Aeon Day. You can assist the Court Services Department in exchange for free tickets to concerts and www.aeonretail.com.my with daily maintenance of courts, distribute gigs. RockCorps organise their own voluntary uniform and meals to players and engage in projects in addition to working with NGOs as PJLA Live card crowd management. Different positions would well as shelters. Generally, you are expected YOU PAY RM50 for one year. require different skills but generally, you must to participate in cleaning up, refurbishing, YOU GET Ticket discounts for shows at be friendly, hospitable and highly organised. and painting. For music or sporting events, PJLA – the discounts vary, but are usually WHAT YOU GAIN Three sets of volunteers will be required to assist in crowd between 10 and 30 percent and can go complimentary tickets to watch selected control, security, ticketing and registration. up to 50 percent. matches, on-site meals, RM25 allowance WHAT YOU GAIN For every four hours of www.pjlivearts.my per shift, certificate of appreciation and an community service, you’ll get one ticket to their autograph session with the marquee players. annual RockCorps Malaysia Concert. Venue TBA. Sep 23 – 29. More info on www. Register to be a volunteer at rockcorpsmalaysia. malaysianopentennis.com. com.my. 24 www.timeoutkl.com March 2013 Something for nothing

t Top 3 websites to sell MAKE EXTRA your photos MONEY Sell your stuff at Art for Grabs t Art For Grabs WHAT TO EXPECT What started off as an ad-hoc bazaar has turned into a mini arts fest happening every three months at The Annexe Gallery. Independent vendors gather to sell all manner of crafts, from homemade accessories Instaproofs.com to old magazines. Get a booth at RM120 for two After creating an account, you’ll be able to days (tables, podium, plinth are extra RM15 upload images immediately for free. Your each) or book an event slot for RM200 per hour images remain online for up to 270 days, and to launch a product, facilitate a workshop, hold you can promote your works via automated a forum, throw a gig or screen films. But no sale, discount notifications and social selling secondhand clothes or pre-loved items – bookmarking. Instaproofs keeps eight to 15 this is not a flea market. percent of your sale. WHAT YOU GAIN Cash from sales as well as free access to all the workshops, readings and Ply your skills via Culture Run screenings throughout the bazaar. The Annexe Gallery, second floor, Central t Culture Run Market Annexe, KL (016 489 2603/ WHAT TO EXPECT Culture Run is a annexegallery.com). Mar 16 & 17, 12noon – community marketplace of classes to connect 8pm. people who want to share or learn new skills. Classes here go beyond the walls of a classroom t Kakiseni as the workshops take place in restaurants, WHAT TO EXPECT Brush up on your moves, parks, studios and even rooftops. Ply your give your hair a little poof and you’re ready to skills by following four simple steps: submit a land a role in a musical, concert, play or music ShareShop idea, promote your class via social video. Kakiseni is the epicentre for all local Photoboxgallery.com networks, gather your participants and start theatre, film and music auditions but they also PhotoBox’s service is free so customise your teaching. Folks at Culture Run will hook you list runway castings occasionally. You may photo gallery and set your own price list to up with a venue. not think working as a backup will catapult start selling. There’s unlimited photo storage WHAT YOU GAIN The teacher dictates the you up the acting or singing career ladder but for new as well as existing gallery owners. price of the workshop, and since it’s free listing hey, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Whitney They only keep 10 percent of your profit. on the website, the Culture Run owners only Houston proved otherwise. take 20 percent commission per every ticket WHAT YOU GAIN Money and fame – two sold. Say your ticket is RM100, Culture Run things a celebrity needs. If you’re the zealous takes RM20 and you keep RM80. kind like James Earl Jones who’s willing to die Based at Nook, 9 Jalan Riong, Bangsar. for art, you shouldn’t mind the meagre pay. Register at www.culturerun.com. Find auditions on www.kakiseni.com. FOR SOME FAST CASH… Zazzle.com Participate in product research Become a mystery shopper It’s a free online marketplace that allows you WHAT IT IS Product research is carried WHAT IT IS Run by market research to sell t-shirts or posters featuring your art, out to measure marketability and to find companies, you are recruited to visit a photos and designs. Best of all, you can also out what consumers think. Products specific outlet, dine, make purchases or make more money when you recommend your range from chocolate to luxury cars. As receive service. You are then asked to friends to join Zazzle. All profit goes to you. participants, you are rewarded ‘tokens gather specific information and report it. of appreciation’ in the form of cash A mystery shopper performs these tasks t (between RM30 – 400) or free giveaways. anonymously. Sell your stuff WHAT TO EXPECT The easy part is the WHAT TO EXPECT Your wage will be WeekenderWe Bazaar participation; the hard part is actually determined by the complexity of the task. WWith two instalments under its belt, getting in. There is a screening process. It could be anything from just making WWeekender Bazaar is the newest The researchers usually already have a enquires at a store and filling up a mmarket in town. The goods on sale demographic in mind, so if you fail to fit questionnaire to acting out a very specific eencompass fashion, food and lifestyle into their mould, you’re out. But if you scenario created by researchers and – but most importantly, pre-loved pass, just sit back, sample the product, report it in a lengthy questionnaire as well ggoods. answer some questionnaires, or endure a as a written report. They will set up a time wwww.facebook.com/ couple of hours of interview. frame for you to complete your tasks. wweweekenderbazaarekke HOW TO GET STARTED Here’s the Some will require you to snap a few shots. catch – many research companies do not Aside from cash, you will be able to dine, I Love Bazaar recruit participants themselves. They hire receive services or products for free. In a I Love Bazaar is one of the most regular ‘agents’ who go around scouting for the perplexing way, you are paid to shop. markets, happening twice a month. Hawk right people. They all operate differently, HOW TO GET STARTED Aside from job your wares to the good people of Subang at either through word of mouth, social recruitment websites, some marketing . networking sites, blogs or job vacancy research companies allow you to set up www.ilovebazaar.net. Mar 2, 3, 30 & 31 websites. If you don’t personally know an an account on their website. They will ask agent, visit cheongsurvey.blogspot.com, for your personal details, and will contact Hello Deer Pasar Ahad www.cariparttime.com, or www.wowjobs. you if they deem you fit for the job. Visit Nothing but pre-loved at this sale, so you won’t my (keyword: survey respondent) to get www.crcg.com.my or dynamic-search. be competing with blogshop offerings and started. com.my to try your luck. indie designers. www.ilovehellodeer.com March 2013 www.timeoutkl.com 25