Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Fresh cut Christmas Trees starting Thanksgiving weekend!


















If you've shopped with us for Christmas trees in the past, you've seen the beautiful noble firs we bring in each year. Stop by starting this weekend for our usual selection of fresh cut, high quality Christmas trees, as well as beautiful wreaths, poinsettia, cyclamen and garland. See you in the stores!

Friday, November 18, 2011

20% off custom planter sale starts TODAY!!


3 day custom planter sale at all Sloat Garden Center locations! All pre-made custom planters are 20% off!

Friday through Sunday, November 18-20



All planters are made by our team members at Sloat.

We will also help you create your own custom planters!

Choose the containers and the plants, leave it with us, and we'll pot it all for you for FREE (this weekend only). Orders will be ready for pick up on Monday, November 21st.

(20% discount applies to existing, Sloat made custom planters only).

See you in the stores!!

Banksy, Nabsky or Umpa Lumpsky in Kuala Lumpur?: Street Art

What do you think? Has Banksy paid us a visit in Kuala Lumpur or are these done by a local street artist?





Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Health issues that strike expats in Kuala Lumpur

This is not meant to alarm you but rather just inform you of the main health issues that Expats tend to face in humid KL that they possibly would not get back home. Where possible I have mentioned cures or prevention. I hope that it also helps you realise that you are not alone if you suddenly suffer from any of the following health problems:

Cystitis or Urinary tract infection seems to be prevalent amongst expat women. By the way not all women get it but those who do should see a doctor and get some antibiotics prescribed. If you are wary of antibiotics have a look here for alternative remedies:   Natural remedies for Cystitis/Urinary Tract Infection
Proposed prevention is :
1. Ensure you drink enough water and are always hydrated.(Expats often take it for-granted when they first arrive that they need to consume more water here. Regardless of humidity our bodies require more water in this climate.)
2. Drink cranberry juice on a regular basis.

Thrush or Candidiasis can also be a problem but is highly treatable. Please see a doctor once again if you have symptoms. Details can be found here: Details on Thrush. Moving to a new country with all it's associated stress can affect your immune system which leaves you open to illnesses such as these. Also your body needs to adjust to new germs, new diet, weather and environment. So do all you can to keep your immune system in tip top shape.

Dengue Fever caught from a Mosquito bite is not deadly but there is no vaccination or fast remedy.
Symptoms and further details available here: Details on Dengue Fever See a doctor when you have the symptoms and ensure you drink lots of fluids.
Proposed Prevention:
1. Use insect repellent
2. Use aircon at home and sleep with it on
3.Remove any still standing water that allows Mosquitoes to breed it's eggs in
4.Wear clothing that covers your extremities.


Malaria does exist in Malaysia but it seems to be contained in certain areas of the country.You will need to make the decision whether you want to take the risk that there could be Malaria in KL or take anti-malarial pills. Most sites claim that Dengue rather than Malaria is more prevalent in KL.

Common Cold aggravated by temperature fluctuations: aircon
Almost every new comer complains about the huge contrast between the temperature outside and the air-conditioned temperature in most public spaces. Walking into a cold building after sweating in the humid weather can often lead to headaches and colds. After some time in the country you will not notice this temperature shock as much as you did in the beginning. Therefore, if you are sensitive to the cold always carry a pashmina or jumper to use when you step into the freezing LRT, taxi or building.
A good Singapore Laksa or Tom Yam Soup also does wonders when you feel miserable and sore from a cold!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Terrarium Seminar at Sloat Garden Center tomorrow!

(these pictures are from a recent Terrarium seminar in our stores!)

Just 5 spots left in our Terrarium seminar tomorrow…..

How To Make A Terrarium!
Tuesday, November 15 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sloat Garden Center
2700 Sloat Blvd. San Francisco

Jen Strobel, our wonderful container designer, will guide you in creating your own terrarium. Your creation will make a terrific gift for someone you care about (or even yourself). All materials, including the glass vessel, will be supplied. Choose from succulents or foliage as your taste dictates. FEE: $25.00. Space is limited to 15 attendees.
Call 415-566-4415 to reserve a space!

Pictures from our recent terrarium seminar here:
http://sloatgardens.blogspot.com/2011/11/terrarium-seminar-at-sloat-garden.html














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Fancy a lovely garden boot?





Fancy a lovely garden boot, or just something functional, yet cute for the rainy season? Run, don't walk to our East Blithedale Avenue store in Mill Valley for these super cool boots from Danish designer Ilse Jacobsen.

Ilse set out to make a rain boot that didn't smell of either cheap rubber, PVC or perspiration after wearing. And she succeeded! Her boots are all hand made in Europe using 100% natural rubber from renewable resources. We especially love the sole; they are a separate part of the construction and very lightweight and flexible. The boots are lined with a cotton fleece and have a wool footbed for warmth and comfort. Because the lacing system is functional, the boots are adjustable for an athletic calf. The are guaranteed waterproof and are ideal for outdoor activities, rainy or snowy days in both urban and suburban settings.



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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Terrarium workshop....only 2 spaces left!


How to Make a Terrarium
Saturday, Nov 12 @ 1pm
Cost: $25 fee
Mill Valley Store
401 Miller Ave, Mill Valley
415-388-0365













Jen Strobel, our wonderful container designer, will guide you in creating
your own terrarium. Your creation will make a terrific gift for someone you
care about (or even yourself). All materials, including the glass vessel,
will be supplied. Choose from succulents or foliage as your taste dictates.
FEE: $25.00. Sign up early. Space is limited to 15 attendees.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Christmas Bazaar this Sunday, 13th of November 2011

Don't miss this annual event: Christmas Bazaar organised by the Association of British Women in Malaysia.

Times: 11.00 to 14.30

For detailed information have a look here:
ABWM-Charity-Christmas-Bazaar-2011

Address: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 KL
Telephone: 03 - 2284 4407
Website: http://www.abwm.com.my/
Price: RM 10 (in advance) / RM15 (at the door)

Your unwanted clothes and toys: please donate!

Hello there,
If you have any clothes, especially childrens clothes please can you donate them to the Mont Kiara International School, Kuala Lumpur before the 25th of November 2011. They are collecting clothes as part of their fantastic work helping the less fortunate in Cambodia.
Please feel free to drop your parcel at the Guardhouse of the School and mark it " Cambodia: Ms Menton".
Any old toys and books are also very welcome!
Thank you very much for helping make a difference!

The Mont Kiara International School is situated a little bit further on from No 1 Mont Kiara Plaza, Kuala Lumpur and is next to the restaurants: Wendy and Porto Romano.

Fulll address is:
22, Jalan Mont Kiara, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur  Wilayah Persekutuan, 50480
03-2093-8604

If you miss this opportunity but still have clothes,toys, games and
books you want to donate then please drop me an email at
expatliving@hotmail.co.uk.
We are always looking for donations for other causes!!
Thank you once again!

Lake Titiwangsa Kuala Lumpur: Great Picnic spot!

Great for Picnics and walks in Kuala Lumpur! Go to Lake Titiwangsa!


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Wonderful Malaysian Fauna: Cyber Moth

I am not usually an insect fan but this little fellow caught my eye the other day. A little moth with excellent  camouflage. Looked like something out of a science-fiction novel. Have a close look and see that it tricks it's enemies by having replica eyes and tentacles at the back of it's body. Really clever!!
Living near the jungle means we get all sorts of living creatures visiting our flat. Some are relatives from abroad but the rest are species from the jungle!!


Islands closed during the Monsoon

Just a quick note of warning: ISLANDS IN MALAYSIA SHUT DOWN DURING THE MONSOON!
It's just not fun lying on the beach when the coconut trees are flapping horizontally in the gail force winds and rain!
We just got to Perhentian and managed a couple of dives before the 2 Islands shut down for the Monsoon.
The whole experience was great- we felt like WE OWNED the Island- no one was around!!
So if you were planning a trip for now, don't!  Wait until February next year!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Protect your plants!

The weather is turning cold!

Check out the latest Hot Deals newsletter which features frost protection items on sale!
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs017/1101812273737/archive/1108454330288.html

Talavera Truckload SALE!!


Announcing our Talavera Truckload SALE! November 4, 5 & 6 Shop our Danville location today through Sunday for 20% off Talavera Pottery.

You will be able to browse through hundreds of colorful outdoor pots, indoor planters, exotic animals & one of a kind housewares. Shop for yourself, or get great gifts for friends and family. This is a unique opportunity to find hand-painted art at discounted prices.