Brand New Year, Brand New Skin

January 14, 2014, 5:15 pm

≫ Next: Origins Smarty Plants CC cream review

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Hands up if you have the habit of penning down New Year resolutions at the start of every year, only to realise at the end of the year they weren't kept to or forgotten. 

The key to keeping to your New Year resolutions is actually as easy as ABC! I'll let you in on how I kept to mine previously and how I plan to keep mine this year. 

1) Set realistic New Year resolutions.

Instead of 'Get fairer', write 'Brighten up my skintone by X shades' instead.

Instead of 'Lose weight', write 'Exercise at least twice or thrice a week and adhere to a healthier diet with less carbs, more greens and fruits, cut down on sugar and sodium'

2) Make it easier for yourself to keep to your New Year resolution.

- Keep your water bottle within reach to keep track of your water intake.

- Use apps such as MapMyRun and MyFitnessPal to keep track of your fitness routine and diet.

One of my beauty-related resolutions this year is to attain better skin. Just how do I plan to achieve this?

Apart from embarking on a skincare regimen, drinking adequate water and getting sufficient sleep, a balanced diet is essential to achieve good skin.

As we usher in the New Year, I can't help but to think that I'm getting older! T_T Maybe its due to the fact that I'm stepping into a new milestone of my life - the fact that I'm going on to be in my late-twenties rather than early-twenties. A lot of times, people fail to realise that as they get older, so does their skin! If you were to ask me how do I care for my skin, I would say I switch around products according to the weather, what I feel my skin needs at that point of time as well as - my age. When I was younger, anything in the drugstore that has 'oil-control' or 'matte' on it would draw my attention. But now, I tend to look for products with moisturizing, brightening and firming properties.

If there's one thing that I want to improve this year, it would be to even out and brighten my current patchy skintone as the sides of my face are darker than the rest of my face.

Being an avid beauty blogger, I'm constantly on the lookout for products that work. There are too many brands and products out there in the market and it is impossible for us to try them all. The last thing you want is to spend your money on products that don't live up to their product claims.

Here's my current day and night skincare regimen.

DAY

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Stempower Essence > SK-II Cellumination Day Surge UV

NIGHT

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Stempower Essence > SK-II Stempower

My favourite products from SK-II includes SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and SK-II Stempower Essence. Whenever I need a quick fix for those dry patches and to reduce redness, I just need to pat on SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, apply SK-II Stempower Essence after that and wake up to plumped skin. SK-II Stempower Essence also works very well as a makeup base. I normally use it in the day after applying SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, before I apply SK-II Cellumination Day Surge.

Although I have tried and reviewed quite a number of products from SK-II, I haven't tried SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist which a number of my friends have raved about.

SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

What is it:

- Targets hidden and visible spots to fight spot formation.
- Contains the new Spot Root Complex (Pal-pal extract and De-Melano P3C) that demonstrates superior whitening efficacy.

SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist is an essence with soft, milky fluid texture. In terms of scent, it is quite light and it doesn't smell anything like SK-II Facial Treatment Essence.

After hearing from my friends on how SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist help to reduce their spots, acne marks as well as soften and not just brighten but whiten their skin, I must say that it makes me more keen in trying it to see how it works on me. Thus, I'm going to include SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist in my skincare routine over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, it helps to even out my skintone. Do check back for the pictures on the progress as well as my review on SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist!

For more information on SK-II, visit their website.

Love,

Patricia

You might be interested in these posts:

☮SK-II Cellumination Blogger Challenge
☮SK-II Empower Me Campaign Launch Event with Sheila Sim
☮SK-II 10 day Stempower Challenge
☮My experience with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
☮[New] SK-II Stempower
☮SK-II Stempower Essence review

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Origins Smarty Plants CC cream review

January 20, 2014, 10:47 pm

≫ Next: Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding recipe 鮮奶燉蛋食谱

≪ Previous: Brand New Year, Brand New Skin

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What is it:

A color correcting formula that visibly perfects for a radiant, flawless finish.

Fuss-free formula intuitively color corrects for an even, beautiful complexion. The antioxidant infusion helps neutralize skin damaging effects of city smog and pollution, while gifting the skin with vital hydration.

Formulated without:

- Parabens
- Sulfates

- Phthalates

Available in 2 shades - Light/Medium and Medium/Deep

 

My thoughts:

This is the 3rd CC cream that I have tried so far with the first two being Etude House CC Cream Silky and Glowy.

Origins Smarty Plants CC cream has a light citrus scent to it.




Origins Smarty Plants CC cream swatch (L: after 30 minutes and R: initial color)



When freshly squeezed from the tube, Origins Smarty Plants CC cream is a light beige which looks almost too light on me. But once I blend it into my skin, it becomes one or two shades darker and look more yellow which is closer to my skintone.

I left Origins Smarty Plants CC cream on my arm for half an hour to see if it oxidize a not. It does oxidize a little, about one shade but it doesn't oxidize any further.

The texture of Origins Smarty Plants CC cream reminds me of slightly whipped cream, it is very easy to blend. In terms of coverage, Origins Smarty Plants CC cream provides light coverage though it is possible to build up the coverage but be careful not to pile on too many layers or else it will look patchy.



Bare face (sans makeup)



L: Before applying Origins CC cream, R: After applying Origins CC cream

 

Origins CC cream face swatch




I like how my skin looks dewy after applying Origins Smarty Plants CC cream and how natural it looks on me as if I have no makeup on (no grey cast or anything). However, it doesn't really cover the redness on the sides of my nose.  

I think that Origins Smarty Plants CC cream would suit people with either dry skin or combination skin but not people who have got oily skin as I personally have to blot my nose area at least twice when I use this CC cream.

I know of people whom use this as a makeup base before applying either BB cream or foundation but I like to use it on its own for that natural glow look.

I hope you like this post. Thanks for reading.

Love,
Patricia


Price list:

Origins Smarty Plants CC cream SGD $60


You might also be interested in:

♥ Origins Smarty Plants CC cream review
♥ Origins Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Serum review
♥ Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask review
♥ Origins Earth Month Party & Origins Mega-Bright Mini Facial

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Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding recipe 鮮奶燉蛋食谱

January 21, 2014, 7:51 pm

≫ Next: The SK-II Magic Ring Test and SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

≪ Previous: Origins Smarty Plants CC cream review

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If you haven't already know, although I'm very into keeping fit (I jog/run at least 5km twice to thrice a week and I try to steer clear of fried and oily food as well as sugar, sodium and carbs), I'm someone whom love her desserts. Although normally people go like, "Oh you wanna lose weight or maintain that figure? You gotta put that dessert down first." Well, not quite if you make it yourself because you  know what goes into it. 

I was craving for some Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding 鮮奶燉蛋 badly so I googled for some recipes. The last time I had some of those smooth and milky goodness was over at Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 in Hong Kong last November. Since I can't simply pack my bags and grab a ticket to Hong Kong anytime soon (I've got a day job you see), the next best and probably wise thing to do would be to try my hand at making Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding 鮮奶燉蛋.

So instead of making my regular rolled oats for dinner after my 5km run yesterday, I attempted to make Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding 鮮奶燉蛋 for the very first time!

Preparation time:

8-10 minutes

Cooking time:

20-30 minutes

Ingredients (serves 1):

- 1 egg
- 125ml of fresh milk
- Sugar (optional)

Directions:

1) Warm fresh milk with microoven for 1 minute. Make sure it does not come to a boil.

2) Crack an egg and separate the egg white from the egg yolk.

3) Using a fork (you don't need a whisk, a fork is sufficient), beat the egg white until it is foamy.

4) Combine the egg white and milk together in a large bowl by adding milk a little at a time over the egg white and mixing them evenly at the same time.

5) This is what you will see after combining the egg white and milk together.

6) Using a kitchen sieve, pour the mixture over so as to get rid of the foam on top.

7) After removing the foam, the mixture is now ready to be steamed!

8) Steam mixture for 20-30 minutes over low-medium heat. Every 5 minutes, lift wok's cover to release some steam.

9) Ta-dah! And here's your very own Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding 鮮奶燉蛋! Best served warm!

Notes and thoughts:

1) I know most Steamed Egg White Pudding recipes contain sugar but I skipped the sugar. This makes it only 72 calories per serving, equivalent to half a chocolate bar! Although I haven't add sugar in Steamed Egg White Pudding, there is still a lil' sweetness to it due to the milk. 

2) Most recipes mention covering the bowl with plastic cling wrap or aluminum foil but I didn't use either and it still turns out fine. 

3) The Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding turns out to be more yellowish than expected. I read more recipes today and some of them have got whipping cream in it. Shall try making Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding with whipping cream next time and update you guys on how it goes. 

4) Shall be more adventurous to try and make Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding with ginger or wolfberries or even black sesame next time round. 

I must say that I'm pretty glad that my first attempt at making Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding turns out to be a successful one. Quite a breakthrough from my usual Konnyaku, Kanten or Almond Jelly I would say. Hope to try my hand at baking in 2014 and share more recipes or baking tips with you lovelies.

Do let me know how it goes if you should try your hand at making Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding.   

Love,

Patricia 

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The SK-II Magic Ring Test and SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

January 22, 2014, 7:23 pm

≫ Next: Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮) | Must-visit in Korea

≪ Previous: Steamed Egg White Milk Pudding recipe 鮮奶燉蛋食谱

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My first encounter with the SK-II Magic Ring was in 2012. For those of you who are not familiar with the SK-II Magic Ring, it is a device available at all SK-II counters which takes a photo on either side of your face and analyses your skin thereafter in 5 aspects namely - Spot Control, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance Enhancement, Firmness Power and Texture Refinement.



Before embarking on SK-II Stempower




After embarking on SK-II Stempower



Before I introduce an SK-II product into my regimen, I get a Magic Ring analysis done and another done after 2-4 weeks of using the SK-II product(s) so that I can compare the before and after results.

As someone whom relies a lot on factual evidence, I like how SK-II Magic Ring allows me to know how much my skin has improved after using SK-II products via numbers and percentages instead of me solely observing the after-effects of using SK-II products on my skin.

For instance, with the SK-II Magic Ring analysis results, I'm able to tell that after using SK-II Stempower, it helped me with wrinkle resilience and spot control while the SK-II Cellumination range helped with spot control, improved my skin texture and made my skin more radiant.

The SK-II Magic Ring also reveals the age of your skin! And no, it doesn't mean that if you're 25, your skin's age equates to 25. It also shows your visible spots and invisible spots (spots that ain't visible to the naked eye, but already there beneath, just waiting to surface). You can even see the contour (angle/depth) of your pores.

For more pictorials on SK-II Magic Ring skin analysis, do check out my blog posts on SK-II Stempower and SK-II Cellumination.

Just to share a bit of information on my skin. I have combination skin with oily T-zone, my cheeks and sides of forehead are more prone to dryness. My chin area is prone to whiteheads and I have uneven and dull skin tone, thus one of my New Year resolutions this year is to achieve a brighter and clearer complexion.

Having tried many SK-II products from its brightening range (Cellumination) to its Essential range, SK-II products aren't foreign to me.

My favourite products from SK-II includes the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and SK-II Stempower Essence. Whenever I need a quick fix for those dry patches and to reduce redness, I just need to pat on SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, apply SK-II Stempower Essence after that and wake up to plumped skin. SK-II Stempower Essence also works very well as a makeup base. I normally use it in the day after applying SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, before I apply SK-II Cellumination Day Surge.

I'm going to incorporate another SK-II product, the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist into my day and night skincare regimen the next couple of weeks and will document the progress of how it works on my skin.

Day

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist> SK-II Cellumination Day Surge

Night

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist> SK-II Stempower

 

The SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist is an essence with soft, milky fluid texture. In terms of scent, it is quite light.

Although SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist sounds like it is meant for targeted areas only, it can actually be applied over the entire face. One of my New Year resolutions this year is to achieve a brighter and more even skin tone hence I hope SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist will be able to do that.

Stay tuned to my blog for my experiences with this SK-II product.

For more information on SK-II, visit their website.

Love,
Patricia

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Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮) | Must-visit in Korea

January 26, 2014, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year

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Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮)

161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Opening hours: 0900-1700 (closed on Tuesdays)

Directions:

Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5

OR Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2

Admission Fees:

Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10): 2,400 won

Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (over 10): 1,200 won

Hi lovelies, I'm finally back to writing about my Korea trip which is way overdue. January has been a real busy month for me at work, both over at my day job as well as working on articles for SweetestSins' clients. I finally have some time to go through my half-written drafts sitting there just to be completed. 

Everytime I do travel posts, be it the must-visit or the must-eat, it makes me miss that country so much that I would get an air ticket and fly there immediately if I could. Isn't it ironic that when we were younger, we had plenty of time on hand but financially, we weren't independent enough to travel a few times a year but as we grow older, the finance part is not so much of a problem but we don't have that time flexibility we used to? #woesofgrowingup   

When I was in Korea, I stayed in Myeongdong 명동 (明洞). Myeongdong 명동 (明洞) is the equivalent of Taiwan's Ximending (台湾西門町) and Hong Kong's Mongkok (香港旺角). For those of you whom are staying in Myeongdong 명동 (明洞), here a mini-guide on getting to Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮) from Myeongdong 명동 (明洞) via train.  

Getting to Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮) from Myeongdong 명동 (明洞)

via subway

1) Take Line 4 to Chungmuro 충무로 (忠武路), 1 station away.

We were quite impressed by Seoul subway, they play music when the train is approaching the station and when it reaches the station.

Interior of Seoul Subway

See those shelves on top of the train cabin? The Koreans use them to put their grocery bag, briefcase or shopping bags! How convenient and brilliant this is, isn't it?

2) When you arrive at Chungmuro station 충무로 (忠武路), go to L2 to change to Line 3.

Did I mention that you can easily spot vending machines in Seoul subway? How convenient it is! And.. eating is allowed on Seoul subway! I seldom see the Koreans eating on the train though, most of the time they have a cup of coffee instead.  

Vending machine inside Chungmuro subway station

3) Take the northbound train Line 3 towards Daehwa 대화역 (大化驛).

You can easily identify this as Korea subway list down the names of preceding stations as well as stations ahead.

For instance, Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga 을지로3가역 (乙支路3街驛) is the next station on the northbound train Line 3 from Chungmuro 충무로 (忠武路). The next station is denoted by the symbol of an arrow.

Hence, you can be sure that you are taking the right train to Gyeongbokgung station 경복궁 (景福宮) if it shows at the platform the next station is Euljiro 3 (sam)-ga 을지로3가역 (乙支路3街驛).

Priority seats

The priority seats in Seoul subway are heated! Maybe its because it was Winter when we were there. Be sure not to take the priority seats even though its empty because its meant for the elderly or needy. Even during peak hour period, no one sits on the priority seats apart from the elderly. Gotta give the Koreans thumbs-up for this!

There are LCD screens on Seoul subway that shows the side that the cabin door opens.



After 4 stops, we reached Gyeongbokgung station.



We were greeted by a small kiosk that sells snacks and drinks as well as newspapers and magazines. I must admit that I'm tempted to get a little something each time I see vending machines or small kiosks like that in the subway platform. Seriously, how come the Koreans don't get fat when food and drinks are so conveniently available?

Kiosk in Gyeongbokgung station platform

Look what greeted us when we came out of the subway at Gyeongbokgung station platform. The first thing that came to my mind was, "Is this a museum?" because it looked more like one than a subway station platform. 



Horseback-Mounted Terracotta Figure (side view)



Horseback-Mounted Terracotta Figure (front view)

Horseback-Mounted Terracotta (Silla 5th-6th century) This horseman, found alongside another terracotta horseman (National Treasure No. 91, appears to be the latter's retainer. The pair provides an interesting insight into the clothing and riding customs of the Silla Kingdom.

After exiting Gyeongbokgung station, we were walking towards Exit 5 to Gyeongbokgung Palace when I saw another monument which got me really excited. I guess you can tell how much of a history geek I am from that, no? Don't judge me but I love to watch documentaries especially on history and extreme topics.

This monument happens to be.. Pullomun!

Pullomun

Well, not quite actually because its.. a replica of Pullomun.


Pullomun

Pullomun This gate was made of monolith in imitation of Pullomun in Changdokkung. It has a legend that once one passes through the gate, he would not be old forever.

I'm not sure if I got too excited over the fact that I am in Korea finally (been wanting to visit Korea since forever - had to give it a miss since Uni started earlier than I thought it would, gave exchange program a miss because it clashed with my Uni semester) or that I was tired from the 7 hour flight from Singapore with a 2 hour stopover in Hong Kong which makes the total travel time 9 hours (gasps!), but I only read the 2nd sentence that says, "It has a legend that once one passes through the gate, he would not be old forever." Immediately after reading that, I walked pass it with my eyes gleaming with joy only to shatter when Ebony said to me, "Jie (sister in Mandarin), imitation la (slang)" which meant I will grow old anyway. I think its worth to visit Changdokkung during my next trip just to check out the original Pullomun.

This was the breathtaking sight that greeted us after we came out of Gyeongbokgung station exit 5.

I was like, "Eomma 엄마, I feel like I'm being transported back to Joseon Dynasty!"

25 November 2012

Forecasted temperature: 7°C | -2°C

Actual temperature: 7°C | -4°C

We entered Gyeongbokgung from the side instead of the front gate as the subway station exit was closer to the side gate.

If you are as much as a Korean drama fanatic as I am, Gyeongbokgung would not be foreign to you because it is the filming location for Korean dramas such as Queen In-hyun's Man 인현왕후의 남자 (仁顯王后의男人) and Monstar 몬스타.

Although its quite sunny that day, we were freezing literally especially when the wind blows because it was only 7°C and we only had a coat/windbreaker on top of our long sleeve tops and jeans on.

Got our admission tickets and off we went into Gyeongbokgung Palace. There were a lot of counters so we didn't have to queue. Yays!

Gyeongbokgung palace entrance ticket: Adult KRW 3000, Child KRW 1500

with Mommy and Ebony

Heungnyemun (The Second Inner Gate)

We entered Heungnyemun (The Second Inner Gate) after getting our tickets and was greeted by yet another breathtaking scene.

Heungnyemun The corridors extending out from Heungnyemun form an enclosure. In the middle of this enclosure is Geumcheon Stream, which was designed to flow through the palace from the west to the east after coming down from Mt. Baegak. A bridge called Yeongjegyo is located at the center of this stream. A stream is a must in all Joseon royal palaces

Pretty autumn leaves

Mandatory touristy photo

Geunjeongmun Gate 근정문, Sanye 산예 and Geumcheon Stream 금천



Geunjeongmun Gate 근정문 (The third Inner Gate) Geunjeongmun 근정문 was used for small audiences between the king and his civil and military officials. It was also where coronations were held. The coronation of King Danjong(1452-1454) was the first to be held here. When ceremonies were held at Geunjeongmun, the officials above Rank 2 stood to the north of Yeongjegyo and those below Rank 3 lined up to the south of the bridge. Sanye 산예 An imaginary animal watching the waterway to repel the evil spirits.

I think the cooling weather plays a part in making us feel very relaxed. Before we realised, we spent almost half an a day in Gyeongbokgung. There's so much to explore and I bet no one can finish touring Gyeongbokgung in a day. 

We were touring Gyeongbokgung when we heard Korean folk music and it drew us to the main gate, Gwanghwamun for the royal changing of guards ceremony. 

Changing of guards ceremony Every hour from 10:00 to 15:00 Main gate, Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門)

Try spotting the guard on top.

In the midst of the royal guards changing ceremony, I was drawn to the ceiling mural at Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門). Upon closer inspection, this is how it looks like. 

Ceiling mural painting

I was telling Eomma how much it reminds me of Chinese paintings except that bolder colors were used.

Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門)

These very adorable little Korean girls in front of us were very excited to watch the changing of royal guards over at Gyeongbokgung. Just look at their faces and you will know!

Mommy and I with Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門) royal guard

Did I mention how poised these royal guards are? They didn't move an inch or smile even when some kids went up to disturb them.

Gwanghwamun 광화문 (光化門) royal guard

After the changing of guards ceremony, we continued to explore Gyeongbokgung.

Saw this little Korean boy whom looked very cute in his winter jacket and sneakers. So #ootd that I had to take a picture of him. 

Here's my #ootd which pales in comparison with the Korean boy's.

Geunjeongjeon 근정전 (勤政殿)

Geunjeongjeon 근정전 (勤政殿)  Geunjeongmun was used for small audiences between the king and his civil and military officials. It was also where coronations were held. The coronation of King Danjong (1452-1454) was the first to be held here. When ceremonies were held at Geunjeongmun, the officials above Rank 2 stood to the north of Yeongjegyo and those below Rank 3 lined up to the south of the bridge.

The throne inside Geunjeongjeon Hall

Interior of Geunjeongjeon Hall

Ceiling of Geunjeongjeon Hall

bronze Censer 향로

Censer 향로 Whenever the king sat on the throne for official functions, incense sticks were burned in the censers located on the left and right of the hall.

Geunjeongjeon Hall platform

Sajeongjeon Hall 사정전 and dragon in the clouds painting

Sajeongjeon Hall 사정전 Council Hall where the king routinely discussed national affairs with his court officials.

Jagyeongjeon

Jagyeongjeon  Jagyeongjeon, located to the east of the living quarters, was built for the Dowager Jo, posthumously given the title of Queen Sinjeong. She was the adoptive mother of young King Gojong.

Took this photo to show you guys how low the door is!

Gyotaejeon Compound seen from Jagyeongjeon Hall

Gyotaejeon 교태전 The arrangement of the rooms in Gyotaejeon 교태전, the queen's living quarters, is similar to the king's quarters. The only difference is that there is no stone veranda in front. The structures of the buildings are also the same ; no ridges decorate the top of the roofs, and inside are two parallel beams.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion 경회루 Built on the pond west of Gangnyeongjeon, the king's living quarters, was where the king threw feasts for foreign envoys or his court officials. The name means that the king is capable of handling national affairs only when he has the right people around him, it was used on joyous occasions.

We were feeling cold so we stopped by Shop & Cafe Burdeulmaru for a hot drink. 

Shop & Cafe Burdeulmaru

Shop & Cafe Burdeulmaru menu

Our drinks (KRW 3000 each) with our oversized muffin (KRW 2000)

Me with my cappuccino

Seriously, all you need during Winter is a cup of hot drink and some sweet treats to warm you up and keep you full at the same time so that you won't feel cold.

If you are visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace, I suggest you head over to Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕 (土俗村参鸡汤) for some Samgyetang 삼계탕 (Chicken stew with Ginseng) and Haemul Pajeon 해물파전 (Savoury pancake with spring onion). Tosokchon Samgyetang was frequented by the late President, Roh Moo-hyun.

If you are interested, Gyeongbokgung provide free guided tours. We didn't opt for this as we prefer to tour Gyeongbokgung ourselves.

Free Guided Tours English : 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 Japanese : 10:00, 12:30, 14:30 Chinese : 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 - Tour starts in front of Gyeongbokgung Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate. - Tour lasts for an hour to an hour and thirty minutes. - Groups with 10 or more people must make a reservation in advance. - Total number of group participants for a tour is limited to 30. - Individuals less than 10 people can join the same tour without a reservation. - Both the reserved groups and unreserved individuals are guided together by only one guide at a time.

You can also try on traditional costumes for free at Gyeongbokgung and have your picture taken. Make sure you head there early to register as it was full when we reached there about 10plus. We were told to come back at 1pm to register for the next batch but when we came back after lunch at about 1.15pm, we were told that we would have to wait till 4pm for our turn so we decided that we would give it a miss. 

Free trying on traditional costumes Gyeonghoeru at Gyeongbokgung Palace 9:30 to 17:00 Guards’ costumes and hanbok available

You might be interested in these posts:

✈ How to get to Myeongdong from Incheon Airport
✈ Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕 (土俗村参鸡汤) | Must-eat in Korea
✈ Zaza Backpackers Hostel & Guesthouse review (자자 백팩커스) (ザザ バックパッカーズ ホステル) (萨萨背包旅馆)
✈ Air Tickets and accommodation booking for my 7D Korea Free and Easy Trip in Nov/Dec 2012 (Includes Zaza Backpackers Hostel & Guesthouse pricing and facilities)

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Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year

January 31, 2014, 11:02 am

≫ Next: Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000) | Media Workshop and review

≪ Previous: Gyeongbokgung 경복궁 (景福宮) | Must-visit in Korea

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新年快乐, 恭喜发财! Wishing all of you a very Happy Chinese New Year, may all good things come your way this horse year. 

While we embrace the New Year, there's no doubt a fair bit of preparations to be done prior to the festival such as spring cleaning, CNY goodies shopping, CNY outfit shopping just to name a few. 

Before Chinese New Year each year, most Chinese in Singapore flock to Chinatown, making Chinatown at its busiest! 

Follow me as I take you on a virtual tour of Chinatown for a walkthrough of the shops in Chinatown as well as Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar while we explore the various types of Chinese New Year goodies available for sale and the must-buys for Chinese New Year. 

At our first stop, we spotted this Candy Box and Mommy was telling me that this is used to make dessert soup (loosely translated from 糖水). 

Chinese Candy Box

Chinese Candy Box 全盒 (Complete Box)

Consists of 6 or 8 (Chinese auspicious lucky numbers) types of preserved fruits or dried vegetables such bittergourd.

Type of items in Chinese Candy Box may differ and items stored may include the following:

- Chocolate coins

- Dried candied lotus seed

- Dried candied lotus root

- Melon seed

- Dried candied kumquat

- Dried candied pineapple

- Dried candied coconut

- Dried candied carrot slices

- Dried candied ginger

- Dried candied water chestnut

- Dried candied winter melon

- Dried peanuts

大吉大利 Mandarin Orange Candy

These are actually gummies! Mommy bought a packet and she says they are good. Its too sweet for my liking though. 

大吉大利 means good fortune and great profit.

While crossing the street, we came across Bee Cheng Hiang Flagship Store along New Bridge Road. 

Bee Cheng Hiang (Flagship Store) 美珍香

189 New Bridge Road

Singapore 059422

Across the street is Lim Chee Guan 林志源. Bee Cheng Hiang is popular with tourists but the locals usually get Barbecued Pork 肉干 (Bak Kwa) from Lim Chee Guan 林志源.

Lim Chee Guan 林志源 (Main Branch) 

203 New Bridge Road 

#01-203 

Singapore 059429

Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT, Exit A

When we walked pass the store that evening, there was still an extremely long queue about 40 people in queue (which reminded me of the queue for Jenny Bakery cookies in Tsim Sha Tsui) despite the fact that their trademark BBQ Sliced Pork is sold out. 

Lim Chee Guan 林志源 Bak Kwa lovers, you will be pleased to know that they have opened a new branch at Ion Orchard, Basement 4. 

Further down is myCK Department Store, a budget department store loved by bargain hunters as well as Smith Street Food Centre located at Level 2 of Chinatown Complex.

Chinatown Smith Street Food Centre

Chinatown Complex

335 Smith Street

Level 2

Singapore 050335

Street view along Chinatown

Look what I spotted?

Dorayaki どらやき

Like Doraemon, I love Dorayaki a lot so needless to say, I picked up a pack of them. I'm sure these are Doraemon-approved!

Further down the street, I spotted Koi Kei Bakery. I love their almond cookies! I never fail to bring back a couple of them each time I visit Hong Kong or Macau. Now that its available in Singapore, I won't have to wait till I travel to satisfy my craving. 

Koi Kei Bakery Macao, Chinatown Singapore

Koi Kei Bakery Macao products

Koi Kei Bakery Macao in Singapore, Chinatown

Koi Kei Bakery Macao 鉅記手信
56 Temple Street
Singapore 058601

In terms of prices, it is definitely much more expensive than if you were to get it from either Macau or Hong Kong. Koi Kei Bakery products is the cheapest in Macau because its from there. Prices in Singapore is more expensive than Hong Kong's. I didn't managed to snap pictures of the products available in store because the staff told me that in-store photography is not allowed in quite an abrupt manner. 

Before you head down to get your favourite Koi Kei Bakery products, don't say I didn't warn you - be prepared for a no-frills shopping experience. The staffs there ain't really what you would call patient. I was only in the store for less than 5 minutes and I was quite appalled with their responses to customers' enquiries regarding the products. I guess even without good customer service, people are still willing to purchase because Koi Kei Bakery is a well-known brand in the market hence they are able to survive till now.

After that, we proceeded to the Festive Street Bazaar. In fact, this is the main reason why we are there. Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar runs annually for about 20 days before Chinese New Year to Chinese New Year Eve along Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street.

Chinatown Festive Street Bazaar

Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

6.00pm – 10.30pm (Daily)

6.00pm – 1.00am (Chinese New Year’s Eve)

At our first stop, we spotted peanuts in vintage packaging. I thought they looked very much like how Char Kway Teow was packed in the olden days. 

Peanuts a la old school style

Older Chinese men enjoy catching up with family or friends over beer and peanuts.

Dried Persimmon

I love persimmons be it - fresh or dried! It contains antioxidants and is rich in fiber. Plus, it promotes weight loss!

Basil seeds

The benefits of basil seeds includes aid in digestion, treat colds, relieves stress and help treat infections. Mummy was sold by the benefits of it so she picked up a bottle.

The next stall that we stopped by had preserved candies on sale but what caught my attention was the way they were marketed as they all had prosperous names!

Chinese candies / Preserved fruits

Yet another stall selling Chinese candies. This stall's candies' has got prosperous names too!

It is a tradition to buy flowers (both fresh flowers and bonsai) for Chinese New Year as in Chinese, we have a saying - 花开富貴 meaning the blooming of flowers brings prosper. The popular ones include pussy willow, peach blossom, narcissus and kumquat.

Pussy willow (at the back)

Pussy Willow 银柳

Since the Chinese like numerous blossoms on a branch, the many buds of the willow make it a favorite flower for Chinese New Year. The fluffy white blossoms of the pussy willow resemble silk, and they soon give forth young shoots the color of green jade. Chinese enjoy such signs of growth, which represent the coming of prosperity.

Narcissus

Narcissus' bloom

Narcissus 水仙花

Known to the Chinese as Water Fairy Flower, Elegant Garlic, or Fairy of the Waves, the narcissus, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, is an important and beloved flower of the Chinese New Year. Narcissus has a pleasant fragrance. 

The yellow cup resting on white petals gives it another elegant name, jinzhan yintai, or Gold Cup on a Silver Stand. This flower came originally from Europe, but was already known in the Tang dynasty. Legend has it that Emperor Minghuang (712–756 ce) presented twelve pots of red narcissus to Lady Guoguo, the sister of his beloved concubine Yang Guifei.

Peach blossom

Peach blossom (close-up)

Peach Blossom 桃花

The peach tree with its pink blossoms is a standarddecoration for the New Year. Considered sacred in China, the wood of the peach tree was used as a charm (taofu) against evil in ancient times. 

The peach, an emblem of longevity, is of paramount importance in Chinese culture and is one of the most popular motifs found in Chinese art. It is the symbol of the venerable God of Longevity, Shoulao.

Bamboo plant (Dracaena sandriana)

Lucky Bamboo

As the name suggests, it symbolize luck and good fortune.

At one of the junctions, a lot of people stopped to check out this stall. I was puzzled and then Mummy said to me, "That's a durian tree". Quite an interesting sight huh? A durian tree in the midst of Chinatown. 

This year's Chinese New Year horse plushies are so adorable, no?

Horse plushies

Chinese New Year decor

There are also a lot of very affordable cheongsams on sale at the bazaar!

Cheongsam

Chinese New Year ain't complete without Chinese New Year goodies! Check out the Chinese New Year goodies available for sale at the bazaar! The popular ones include pineapple tarts, prawn rolls, almond cookies etc.

Chinese New Year goodies

We also passed by this street that has lots of Taiwan food products on sale!

Peanuts

Taiwan Pineapple cake

Taiwan Chinese New Year Cake 年糕

Taiwan Muah Chee 麻糍 and Konnyaku Jelly 果冻

Ending off this post with not just one but two street view of Chinatown.

Once again, I wish everyone a very Happy Chinese New Year! 发啊！Enjoy the rest of your holidays and do remember to drink lots of water especially after tucking into so many Chinese New Year goodies because the last thing you would want is to end up with sore throat or having breakouts after Chinese New Year.

Love,
Patricia

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Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000) | Media Workshop and review

February 2, 2014, 7:28 am

≫ Next: Using the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

≪ Previous: Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year

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Prior to attending Collection Cosmetics Media Workshop held over at The Makeup Room, I have long heard of how amazing their concealers are.

When I saw the makeup range available, I was awed. If you know me, I have a soft spot for lip products and Collection happens to have quite a wide range of them!

There's no other way to find out more about a product than to try it out yourself. Presented with makeup from Collection Cosmetics, a mood board and a couple of makeup brushes, we were tasked to transform ourselves into a Pop Diva.

Here are the products that I used to create my Pop Diva look.

On the face:



Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer



Collection Pressed Powder

Collection Shimmer Shades

I used Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer to conceal part of my eyebrows to make it look as if I have got round-arched brows. It has got very good coverage as it can concealer my brows!

Collection Shimmer Shades in Way to Glow complements my tanned skin to give that summer beach glow.

On the eyes:  

 

Collection Bedazzled Glitter Eye Palette



I used the blue eyeshadow (2nd row, 1st column) as the base and navy eyeshadow (1st row, 1st column) to create a fake crease as I don't have double eyelids.



Collection Smokey Eyes Palette



I used the brown eyeshadow in Collection Smokey Eyes Palette to fill in my brows and topped it off with winged eyeliner using Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner to make my eyes pop. 



Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner



If there's one thing that pop divas like Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera are known for, it has got to be their iconic red lips! 

So, in order to look more like a pop diva, I applied Collection Lasting Color Lipstick in Valentine.



Collection Lasting Color Lipstick in Valentine



Here's my interpretation of a Pop Diva look. 

Behind the scenes of taking a #fotd or #eotd

Well, not quite actually. The above shows how bloggers take their #fotd or #eotd at blogger events, media events or even at home or offices. #behindthescenes #cantstophashtagging #addictedtohashtags #weallliveinahashtagworld

Back to serious stuff, below is a professional taken photo of my interpretation of a Pop Diva look. Now, tell me how does it fare after I clipped up my fringe to make it more retro-looking.

Lights, camera, action!

Here are some shots taken at the event with my camera.

with fellow beauty blogger, Jerlene

with Jerlene and Ena

Here are the products given to us to try out.

Being a lip product junkie, I can't help but to try them out first. 

Collection Creampuff  Moisturizing Lip Cream

Collection Creampuff  Moisturizing Lip Cream in Fairy Cake 3

What is it:

Velvety soft, matt-finish lip cream.- Enriched with a ultra moisturising, vitamin-rich formula, the creamy colour hugs lips to give your pout the perfect powdery finish.

Available in four shades.

- Cotton Candy

- Fairy Cake

- Powder Puff 

- Angel Delight

My thoughts:

Collection Creampuff Moisturizing Lip Cream Fairy Cake swatch

This is the first matte lip cream that I have used and I love the matte finish. 

To prevent the lip cream from accentuating the dry areas on my lips, I usually apply lip balm and let it set for a minute or two before applying the lip cream focusing at the inner corners of my lips before blending it out with my fingers for a MLBB look. 

In terms of lasting power, it last me a good 4-5 hours, between drinks and up to lunch time before I tuck into my lunch.

Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss

Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss in Body Pop 1

What is it:

Long lasting glossy shine that guarantee your luscious lips are locked in all day. Super non-sticky formula.

Available in 6 shades. 

- Body Pop

- Beat Box 

- Rock Steady

- Break Dance

- Urban Punk 

- Twisted Disco

My thoughts:

Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss Body Pop swatch

Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss in Body Pop is a cool-toned pink which reminds me of what Barbie would wear. The color of Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss in Body Pop is very similar to MAC St Germain lipstick except that Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss in Body Pop is more wearable for people whom are a little more tanned (like me). 

I like how Collection Lock N Hold Lipgloss ain't sticky (hate sticky lipgloss to the max). 

As my natural lips are quite pigmented, it takes about 3-4 coats for the color to show up nicely on my lips. 

I hope you like this post. Thanks for reading. 

Love, 

Patricia 

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Using the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

February 2, 2014, 5:53 pm

≫ Next: Hair Revamp @ Xpect Studio Orchard International Building

≪ Previous: Collection Cosmetics (formerly Collection 2000) | Media Workshop and review

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If you recall either of my previous posts, Brand New Year, Brand New Skin and SK-II Whitening Spots

Specialist: A Follow Up, you will remember me mentioning incorporating a SK-II product into my skincare regimen and that is - SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist. I have tried SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist for a couple of weeks and I thought that it is time to share my thoughts on it with you.

Here's how I incorporated the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist into my current skincare regimen. I use the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist both in the day and at night. I strongly recommend using sunblock on top of SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist in the day.

Day

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist > SK-II Cellumination Day Surge

Night

SK-II Cellumination Mask-in Lotion > SK-II Facial Treatment Essence > SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist > SK-II Stempower

SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

My thoughts:

SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist is an essence with soft, milky fluid texture. In terms of scent, it is quite light.

SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist swatch

I'm actually quite tan for a Chinese due to spending too much time under the sun when I was younger. There was a time when I wantd to get fairer desperately and I went overboard by piling whitening products on my face and my skin ended up looking red and flaked real badly. For a period of time, I steered clear of whitening products. However, since my friends were raving about this product, I decided to give it a chance.

To my surprise, SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist does not make my skin feel tight after application nor did I experience any tingling sensation. I like how it absorbs into my skin quickly after application and doesn't leave behind a sticky feel.

Here's a picture of my bare skin before and after applying the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist as part of my regime. 



Bare skin (before) and after applying SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

 

Right after applying SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist, the redness on my face subsided and my skintone looked more even as well as more matte. During the day, after applying SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist, I follow up by applying SK-II Cellumination Day Surge before applying BB cream. At night, I apply SK-II Stempower on top of SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist and I wake up to softer and brighter skin the day after. The brightening effect of SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist is quite visible, similiar to that of using a whitening or brightening mask the day before and what you see in the mirror the morning after. The SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist also targets spots on the surface of and under the skin and reduces the appearances of these spots.

I will be taking pictures of my skin periodically to show how SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist is working for me so do check back regularly for the before and after pictures as well as my final review on it!

Find out more about the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist here.


You might be interested in these posts:

☮SK-II Cellumination Blogger Challenge
☮SK-II Empower Me Campaign Launch Event with Sheila Sim
☮SK-II 10 day Stempower Challenge
☮My experience with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
☮[New] SK-II Stempower
☮SK-II Stempower Essence review
☮Brand New Year, Brand New Skin
☮The SK-II Magic Ring Test and SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist
☮Using the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

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Hair Revamp @ Xpect Studio Orchard International Building

December 1, 2013, 7:46 am

≫ Next: Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭

≪ Previous: Using the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist

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Hi lovelies, if you have been following me on Instagram, you probably know that I had 7-8 inches of the length of my hair snipped, permed my hair the first time in my life and also had my hair colored including some highlights.

As clinche as it may sound, I walked into Xpect Studio over at Orchard International Building not knowing what to expect.

For those of you whom are not familiar, Orchard International Building is actually just beside Shaw House, Shaw Lido, Isetan Scotts.

Xpect Studio is in the same building as the very pretty TCC which has got chandeliers and Victorian-style furnishings. To get to Xpect Studio, just walk straight all the way from where the white arrow is (entrance of International Building) and you will see Xpect Studio.

About Xpect Group and Xpect Studio

The X’pect Group first burst into Singapore’s hair scene in 1998 with its very first outlet at Sunset Way as the brainchild of Eddie Tan and Angeline Hang. With over 20 years in the hair industry, Eddie has set himself apart as a leader in hair trends, winning for himself several awards, most notably the 2002/03 Singapore Hairdressing Award which saw him go on to represent the country at the Global Hair Awards in Italy.

Fast forward fifteen years on, X’pect has grown from a one outlet brand to a hair industry force to be reckoned with. With five outlets in key parts of the country, namely Sunset Way store, Liang Court, Orchard International Building, Square 2 and the newest, Texture by X’pect @ Siglap, X’pect has been redefining the Singaporean hair industry one mane of hair at a time.

Xpect Studio is the place to go for any urban fashionista looking for a chic haircut and classy colours.

Wei Ling(Salon Manager) was my stylist for the day.

Wei Ling asked if I had any idea of what I want to do to my hair and I was like, "Hmm.. color perhaps?" She suggested perming and showed me some ideas of what she think suits me.

In case you are wondering what's the hairstyle that she showed me, here it is!

She was telling me that we could chop off the length, perm the ends (c-curl) and do soft rebonding on the top to make my hair less frizzy and cut bangs (cuz I told her my previous stylist didn't want to cut bangs for me as he claims that it will make my face look too squarish).

You know girls being girls, we need a lot of reassurance and trust that our hairstylist know what they are doing before letting them handle our hair - especially when I have long straight hair since 2010!

In the picture below, you can see Wei Ling trying to help me visualize the end result of my hair.

Actually, I have meant to go for shoulder length hair since my previous hair cut but my stylist then said that it would make the bottom of my hair curl in a messy way since my hair was rebonded. Hence, when Wei Ling suggested shoulder length, I was actually squealing in delight. I mean of course deep inside I was half debating - what if I miss my long straight hair? So many what ifs came through my mind. But I told myself, "Change is the only constant." And I can't simply just have or live with my straight long hair forever right? I don't know if its just me or what but somehow, I have become so much more conservative especially when it comes to changing of hairstyles and also in terms of dressing compared to when I was much younger. Can you imagine I once had a bob haircut with steps at the back and my fringe was half bangs half slope with one side of my hair longer than the other?

Here's an obligatory 'before' shot before snipping off my long tresses. Ah, I look so sleepy in here. :X

In case you are wondering, I rebonded my hair in 2010 and had my hair colored twice since then.

Here's Wei Ling hard at work - trimming my tresses to a 'U' shape close to a straight line which is all in the rage currently instead of 'V'. 

BYE-BYE LONG HAIR! We will meet someday.

After my haircut, Wei Ling and Zhi Qiang started prepping my hair for perming.

Did I mention that Wei Ling and Zhi Qiang work very well together? They have been working together for very long so Zhi Qiang knows what Wei Ling wants without Wei Ling having to prompt him every now and then.

In case you haven't realised, Wei Ling and Zhi Qiang really work together hand in hand. Most of the salons that I go to, if I opt for Director, the Director will simply cut my hair and leave the rest (shampooing, coloring, treatment etc) to his or her assistant. But at Xpect Studio, Wei Ling (Salon Manager) does perming, coloring side by side together with Zhi Qiang!

After Zhi Qiang clipped my rolled up hair to this machine (I don't know what is it called) but I call it the octopus because I think it resembles one, I asked Wei Ling about perming after care.

And because sharing is caring, I have put down the questions that I asked Wei Ling and her answers just for you!

Q: Do I have to apply any hair oil to my hair after perming?

A: Just use your regular hair serum will do.

Q: Will I have to twirl my hair to maintain the curls?

A: No, this is because yours is c-curls which are just curled just at the ends.

Q: Do I have to use special shampoos/conditioners/treatment/hair mask after perming?

A: No, this is because yours is c-curls which are just curled just at the ends.

Q: How long do I have to wait after perming before I can shampoo my hair?

A: Its best to wash your hair 2 days after perming your hair.

Zhi Qiang kept asking me if I'm nervous because this is the first time that I'm perming my hair. He is very attentive in the sense that he make sure that I feel comfortable. He kept asking if I feel sleepy or if I need to go to the ladies.  

After Zhi Qiang checked my hair, the rollers were removed and my hair looked like this from the back.

Did the picture above shocked you? You are probably thinking, "Ajuma max or something along that line." But fret not because this is not the final result.

After perming, its time to straighten my hair from the roots.

Wei Ling calls this soft rebonding. She says that this will make my hair look less frizzy and yet not flat like conventional rebonding.

After which, neutraliser was applied to my hair and left on for a while before it was rinsed, followed by shampooing of my hair.

Ta-dah! Here's my new hairstyle - bangs with shoulder length hair with c-curls.

Pardon my excitement but because its my first time perming my hair, I went overboard taking pictures of my hair. Here's how my curls look like from the back and the side. 

Here's how my hair looks like 2 days after perming.

I went back to Xpect Studio at Orchard International Building 2 days after I permed my hair to... color my hair!

I showed Wei Ling a couple of pictures that I found online of Korean hairstyles with the hair color that I like. 

I particularly like the hair color of the Korean girl in the white dress. I can't quite describe the color but its somewhat a hint of burgundy and milk tea color. And if you were to look at it carefully, there's like two-tone color, similar to that of highlights but not as obvious-looking as highlights. When I asked Wei Ling about it, she told me that its actually highlights but the colors used are rather close to each other hence its not the I-CAN-TELL-YOU-HIGHLIGHTED-YOUR-HAIR at one glance. 

Wei Ling helped me to choose colors that complements my skin tone before coloring and highlighting my hair. 

I like how the coloring and highlight process over at Xpect Studio ain't pricking on my scalp. Unlike other salons, they don't massage hair dye into your hair or pile on leftover dye at your crown area. Frankly speaking, I love coloring my hair but one of the reason why I seldom color my hair apart from the fact that it may make my hair dry is that I can't stand the pricking sensation on my scalp during the coloring process. My pampering session at Xpect Studio ended with a treatment - did I mention that the steamer emits warm air followed by cold air? 

Ta-dah! Here's how my hair look like after coloring and highlighting. 

I like how it makes me look brighter as a whole, not too over-the-top and still appropriate for work. 

With the wonderful people from Xpect Studio Orchard International Building

Special thanks to Wei Ling and Zhi Qiang for making my hair pretty! I love my new hairstyle very much!  

X’pect Studio
360 Orchard Road
#01-09/10
Orchard International Building
Singapore 238869

Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 11.00am – 9.00pm
Saturdays, Sundays and Selected Holidays: 10.30am – 8.00pm

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Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭

February 8, 2014, 2:48 am

≫ Next: Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔

≪ Previous: Hair Revamp @ Xpect Studio Orchard International Building

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Chinese New Year (CNY) is also commonly referred to as Lunar New Year. In Mandarin, it is referred as 过年 Guo Nian which translates loosely as 'to pass the year' or 春节 Spring Festival.

While there's 12 days of Christmas, there are 15 days of Chinese New Year, though only the 1st 2 days are widely celebrated and acknowledged as public holidays. 

On the eve of Chinese New Year Eve, I met up with bestie, Carissa in town for some last minute CNY outfit shopping after work.

Chinese believe in wearing new clothes during Chinese New Year as it symbolizes a new beginning in the new year. It also symbolizes abundance of clothing in the new year.

with bestie, Carissa

As the following day, Chinese New Year Eve is a half-day for most of us working adults, we shopped till close to 11pm before heading home!

Check out our shopping haul within a short span of 3 hours.   

Our shopping haul!

Bestie got two dresses from FEP while I got a dress from FEP and a skirt from H&M. Tell me, are we efficient or what? To think that I kept heading to Bugis and Haji Lane over lunch time as well as PS, Somerset and even Cine after work to look for my CNY dress but it was in vain. Little did I expect to find it in FEP itself.

While checking out one of the shops in FEP, I bumped into my ex-colleague, Carol whom I haven't met for 3 years! She was shopping for CNY clothes too.  



with my ex-colleague, Carol

Chinese New Year Eve (除夕)



with my colleagues



Chinese New Year Eve is half-day work for most of us working adults. Before heading home, my colleagues and I whom are in the recreation club went around the company to distribute mandarin oranges and red packets 紅包 (angpows) to our colleagues. Most of us were in red to inject more festive feel.

Red packet 紅包 (Angpows)

The color, red symbolizes good luck. Red packets are normally given out by married couples to singles. especially children or colleagues. The amount of money in the red packet usually ends with even digit as Chinese associates odd-numbered monetary gifts with funerals. Money should not be given out in fours as the pronounciation of '4' sounds like the word 'death' in Mandarin.

Mandarin orange 柑 (Kam) 

The giving of mandarin oranges signify well-wishes for the new year. The oranges are presented in a pair and must be presented and received with both hands. Mandarin oranges symbolises prosperity. The Cantonese word for oranges is kam, which sounds like gold. Likewise, mandarin oranges are known as ju in Mandarin which sounds like ji which means good luck.

We had steamboat for our reunion dinner on Chinese New Year Eve at home. 



Chinese New Year Eve Reunion dinner 年夜饭 / 团员饭



We had fried noodles and glass noodles, ngoh hiang, roasted meat, tau kwa with leek and achar (pickle) apart from fishball, fish cake crab roll, fish-shaped fish cake, tofu, fish, pork and chicken for steamboat.

I love the fish cake that shaped like a fish. Mummy says she got it because its shaped like a fish and it means  年年有魚!

Reunion dinner 年夜饭 / 团圆饭

When family members gather together on the last day of the lunar year for a meal despite their busy schedule.

The New Year's Eve dinner typically consists of chicken and pork. Fish 魚 is also included but intentionally not finished. This stems from the Chinese phrase, 年年有魚/餘, loosely translates as every year there is fish/leftover which means may there be profit every year.

Stay tuned for my upcoming posts on my Chinese New Year celebrations.

Love,
Patricia

You might also like: 

♥ Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year
♥ CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭
♥ Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔
♥ Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

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Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔

February 8, 2014, 8:04 pm

≫ Next: Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

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Chinese New Year Day 1 (初一)

House visiting 拜年

Majority of the Chinese families still keep themselves busy with house visits on the first day of Chinese New Year but some have opted to gather at one house for convenience sake. 

No sweeping or cleaning should be done at home as it is equaivalent to blessings and luck being swept away.

We settled for dinner at Outback Steakhouse, Millennia Walk. Managed to escape the crowd and long queue over at Marina Square as most restaurants were packed.

Halfway through our dinner, there were more and more people in the queue. Thank God we were there early!   

We were all tickled by the novelty in the presentation of the complimentary bread with whipped butter at Outback Steakhouse. 

Outback Steakhouse bread with whipped butter

As much as I am of a bread person, Grandpa beat me to cutting the bread first. He was very amused by the presentation and thought it was very clever of them to do so because - 1) The bread won't fall off the board while the server is bringing over to the diners. 2) They won't forget to bring the knife to you.

Upon the first bite of Outback Steakhouse bread, Grandpa exclaimed, "Crunchy outside, warm soft inside." I was like, "Really meh? How good can it be? Its just bread." Probably because I was reminded of my experience over at Hippopotamus Restaurant Grill, Marina Square which has a similiar setting and serves similar food as Outback Steakhouse and their bread was so hard. Although Grandpa is no food connoisseur, he can tell whether a dish is done well. 

Upon my first bite or rather the moment my teeth sank into Outback Steakhouse bread, I felt that I was on a gastronomic experience. That crunchy on the outside, soft and warm in the inside bread had a sweet taste to it and slowly bring about a hint of bitterness (which Mummy suspects is cocoa) just leaves you wanting to come back for more! A pity that they don't sell the bread alone or else you will know who will pick up a loaf or two back home. Having said that, I just googled for the recipe for Outback Steakhouse bread. I might try making it and if its successful, I will share it with you guys.

Grandpa also like how they serve the bread with whipped butter. He says that its so much more convenient and less tedious when spreading it. Do you know how whipped butter is made? I will let you in on how it is made but I bet you will be screaming, "No way, that can't be it." To make whipped butter, simply whisk a chunk of butter until it softens. 

Ordered the house salad and kookaburra wings to share with Mummy because we wanted to save some space for dessert. Almost ordered the ribs because they look so good but thank God I didn't because I was still full from lunch. You know how we Chinese eat during Chinese New Year? Its always 3 full meals with at least 5 dishes with either rice or noodles. Plus, I was wearing my new H&M skirt which is fitting so if I were to eat more than I should, I reckon the seams will tear. #vanitywoes   

 

House Salad, $7.90

Chose ranch for dressing as they only had ranch, thousand island and caesar. I barely dipped the veggies in the dressing though. Salads with crotons and cheese always have that extra flavour. Those crotons smell and taste so good!



Kookaburra Wings, Full $15.90 | Half $9.90



For the Kokkaburra wings, you could choose from mild, medium or hot. Served with blue cheese dip and celery, these wings are very crispy on the outside and juicy in the inside. To add on, they are very flavourful. Despite it being a tad too oily and salty, Mummy and I still enjoy it very much still.

There are plenty of sides to choose from such as baked potato, fries, mashed potatoes, rice, seasonal veggies. Grandpa opted for his favourite fries and baked potato.

Here's Grandpa's carb-loaded ribeye steak with Aussie fries and baked potato.



Ribeye steak with loaded baked potato and aussie fries, $38.90

I ordered medium for Grandpa and he finds it too cooked. I must remember to order medium rare for him next time round. #notetoself  We all love the loaded baked potato which had cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives on it. We thought that it was done very well, moist and not too dry. 

Grandpa tucking in happily

This is what we have been saving our stomachs for! 

 

Dessert Trio $18.90 - Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, Cheesecake and Banana Nut Cake

When our dessert trio finally came (we waited for about 15-20 minutes for it after I told the server to serve it), both Mummy and I had the same expression - an astonished look on our face. Little did we expect the desserts to be of regular servings. Grandpa doesn't take sweet stuffs so imagine a whole banana cake, brownie and cheesecake just for the two of us!

Chocolate Thunder from Down Under

- Pecan brownie with vanilla ice topped with chocolate sauce, chocolate shavings and whipped cream.

This gluten-free dessert is served warm. It had a crunchy outside and I like how pecans are added to give it a nice flavour. 

Cheesecake

The cheesecake is just okay, pretty normal to me except that its its not too sweet so Grandpa could have a bite of it. I used to love cheesecake a lot but now after a few bites, I feel sick of its richness.  

Banana Nut Cake

- Combination of banana, toffee, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, nuts and cinnamon

It has a chewy texture which I quite like it. I don't normally like creamy stuffs but the whipped cream is to die for! Its very dense, slightly frozen probably due to it being on top of the vanilla ice cream. At that moment, I was like #eatnowexerciselater.



with Mommy and Grandpa at Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse

Millennia Walk

9 Raffles Blvd

Singapore 039596

Nearest MRT: Promenade

6837 3242

After dinner, we headed over to River Hongbao 春到河畔 at The Float at Marina Bay. 

River Hongbao 春到河畔 is an annual Chinese New Year carnival open to the public with free admission. It features performances, handicrafts as well as food stalls selling delicacies. This year, it showcases 28 hand-crafted lantern displays, up from 25 last year.  

The highlight of River Hongbao 春到河畔 has got to be -

God of Fortune 财神 Cai Shen

Chinese believe that God of Fortune or God of Wealth brings wealth and riches hence you are likely to spot a picture of God of Fortune hung in homes for blessings of great luck and large wealth. This is why God of Fortune is a popular figure during Chinese New Year, liked by the young and old just like how Santa Claus is during Christmas time.

Ever since I was a little child, my family and I never fail to visit River Hongbao each year during Chinese New Year. There are also fireworks display on Chinese New Year Eve and on Chinese New Year 12am after countdown which I haven't managed to catch because most of the time we would be doing some last minute spring cleaning at home still. Maybe I should head down one year just to have a feel of the atmosphere.

River Hongbao 春到河畔

The Float @Marina Bay

20 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039805

Nearest MRT: Promenade

Ending off with my #ootd for Chinese New Year Day 1 初一.

Chinese New Year Day 1 #ootd 初一穿搭

Today is 初十 which makes it Chinese New Year Day 10! 5 more days to go before the end of Chinese New Year. Hope that everyone enjoy the last few days of Chinese New Year!

Love,

Patricia

You might also like: 

♥ Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year

♥ CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭

♥ Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔

♥ Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

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Chinese New Year 2014 农历新年 | Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

February 10, 2014, 7:00 am

≫ Next: How to take care of your skin Post-CNY

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祝大家马年快乐！马上有钱，马上有对象，马上放假，马上有车。

Every year, we gather at Grandpa's place on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year before noon all the way till night falls. This year is no exception. 

Guess what are we busy with?

We were arranging the prosperity toss 鱼生 yusheng to look like the Chinese character of horse, '马'. 

Prosperity Toss 鱼生 yusheng

Also known as lo hei is Teochew-style raw fish salad. It consists of raw fish strips (usually salmon) mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments. 

Yusheng means raw fish literally but it also means abundance and prosperity. 

It is popular during Chinese New Year especially in Singapore and Malaysia. 

Ta-dah, this is what we came up with.  

Someone ingenious came up with the idea of placing the abalone on top of the Chinese character of horse, '马' which means 马上有鲍鱼. 

When adding the ingredients or condiments of the 鱼生 yusheng, auspicious words to be said are as follow - 

恭喜发财 Gong Xi Fa Cai 

Congratulations for your wealth

万事如意 Wan Shi Ru Yi

May all your wishes be fulfilled

The fish is added, symbolising abundance and excess through the year. 

年年有余 Nian Nian You Yu 

Abundance through the year

The pomelo or lime is added to the fish, adding luck and auspicious value. 

大吉大利 Da Ji Da Li

 Good luck and smooth sailing

Pepper is then dashed over in the hope of attracting more money and valuables. 

招财进宝 Zhao Cai Jin Bao 

Attract wealth and treasures

Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients and encouraging money to flow in from all directions. 

一本万利 Yi Ben Wan Li 

Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital

财源广进 Cai Yuan Guang Jin 

Numerous sources of wealth

Carrots are added indicating blessings of good luck. 

鸿运当头 Hong Yun Dang Tou 

Good luck is approaching”. 

Shredded green radish is placed symbolising eternal youth. 

青春常驻 Qing Chun Chang Zhu 

Forever young

After which, the shredded white radish is added - prosperity in business and promotion at work. 

风生水起 Feng Sheng Shui Qi 

Progress at a fast pace

步步高升 Bu Bu Gao Sheng 

Reaching higher level with each step

Then, the condiments are added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish, symbolizing a household filled with gold and silver. 

金银满屋 Jin Yin Man Wu 

Household filled with gold and silver

Followed by sesame seeds which symbolizes a flourishing business. 

生意兴隆 Sheng Yi Xing Long 

Prosperity for the business

Yu Sheng sauce, usually plum sauce is drizzled generously over the yusheng. 

甜甜蜜蜜 Tian Tian Mi Mi 

May life always be sweet

Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold. 

满地黄金 Man Di Huang Jin 

Floor full of gold

Uncle adding condiments to the yusheng

Adding salmon to the yusheng

捞啊～！

We usually start off with 1, 2, 3, 捞啊 lo ah! Followed by any auspicious words of your choice. For example, the adults would say things like may there be pay rise and promotion while the younger ones will say GPA 4/0 or 5.0 or top the class. The elderly will say things like good health and all things smooth sailing. The prosperity toss usually ends off with 发啊 huat ah!

This year, Uncle cooked nasi lemak for 初二 CNY lunch instead of the usual steamboat session we normally have.

Otah 乌打

Shrimp paste chicken wings 虾酱鸡

Love the shrimp paste chicken wings! They are so good!

Brocoli with abalone 鲍鱼西兰花

Ngoh hiang 五香

Love the Ngoh Hiang that I made with Aunt and Mommy.

Fish fillet

Chicken cocktail sausages

Fish maw crab meat soup

Before tucking it, Elvin showed us our cutlery for the day. 

Its so pretty that I had to take a picture of it. The serviettes are so pretty, especially the floral ones! Can't bear to use them for sure. 

And because I have an unhealthy obsession of taking pictures of my food.. 

CNY Day 2 lunch - Nasi Lemak

My Aunt made almond jelly for dessert. Tell me, who doesn't love almond jelly with longan? Especially when it is in the form of a koi fish. It does look like its swimming in the pot, doesn't it?

Longan Almond Jelly

No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without Chinese New Year goodies, especially homemade ones! My Aunt's mom can make very good butter cookies, pineapple tarts and chocolate cookies. They were almost gone after an hour of ban-luck.

with the cousins

Before we knew it, it was already dinner time!

CNY Day 2 dinner: Spinach, tofu fish cake, steamed prawns, spring rolls and ngoh hiang

Garlic Steamed Prawns

Here's my #ootd for CNY Day 2 初二.

CNY Day 2 ootd 初二穿搭

CNY Day 2 fotd 初二妆容

Ending off with my #ootds 穿搭 from Chinese New Year Eve 除夕 to Chinese New Year Day 3 初三.

CNY Eve ~ CNY Day 3 ootd 除夕~初三穿搭

You might also like: 

♥ Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year
♥ CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭
♥ Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔
♥ Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

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How to take care of your skin Post-CNY

February 10, 2014, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: Atache Soft Derm Facial Therapy review

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Chinese New Year is all about visiting family and friends, eating and drinking at gatherings and most of the time, it also means having late nights.

How was your Chinese New Year? I bet it was a fruitful one for us all who celebrate Chinese New Year. For many of us, Chinese New Year is also about bonding with our family over food.


Afterall, Chinese New Year means steamboat and those-to-die-for albeit high-calorie Chinese New Year cookies, no? 

Although I'm quite big on keeping fit, how can I resist those homemade pineapple tarts, kueh bangkit, egg rolls, almond cookies, butter cookies and bak kwa? Afterall, it is a once a year affair right?

Traditionally, most Chinese visit their relatives' houses during Chinese New Year but lucky for me, our families agreed to meet up at a common place. Despite that, Chinese New Year keeps me very busy starting from the preparations till the end of Chinese New Year. On Chinese New Year Eve, my family will head over to Grandpa's for lunch and we go over to my Aunt's place for lunch on the 1st day of Chinese New Year. The 2nd day of Chinese New Year is spent over at Grandpa's. All these rushing around, late nights and snacking means that extra care should be taken to keep you skin in tip-toe shape!

With all that running around, it is essential to have sunblock on to prevent spots from forming. Plus girls being girls, we definitely want to look our best during Chinese New Year. In fact, it is one of those rare occasions that I doll up with more makeup (such as foundation, eyeshadow, false lashes etc) than what I usually wear (eg. BB/CC cream, blusher, lip color and mascara).

After a long day of house visiting, I'm sure the first thing you want to do upon reaching home is to lie down on your bed to get some rest or rush through removing your makeup. But if you want to look fresh and radiant the next day, be sure to double cleanse before heading to bed! With the weather getting drier and more windy, there is no doubt that it's gonna be harsh on our skin if we do not load up on the moisturizer. Hence, it is recommended to use a good moisturizer so that your skin don't get dry.

Applying sunblock prior to makeup application, thoroughly removing your makeup and applying some moisturizer before heading to bed during Chinese New Year does not guarantee that you will be able to maintain that radiant glow after Chinese New Year. Afterall, those yummy Chinese New Year cookies or fried food you indulged in might cause sudden breakouts, sore throat or even make you put on extra weight.

If you can't control the amount of junk food that you are putting into your mouth, make sure you drink lots of water or herbal tea.

The most common and noticeable aftermath most people experience post Chinese New Year would be lacklustreness, dry skin, dark eye circles and breakouts. To combat the lack of luster due to late nights because of Chinese New Year celebrations, I would exfoliate with a gentle face scrub. 

After which, I'll soak cotton square pads with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence and Whitening Spots Specialist in the ratio of 1:1 and leave on for about 15-20 minutes for a quick fix. A tip: you can intensify the effect by placing cling wrap over it. This helps to brighten up your complexion and soften your skin.

Also, with Valentine's Day being just one week away from Chinese New Year, I'm sure you would want to look your best for that special someone and the last thing you would want him to see on you is dull skin!

Hope you had a great Chinese New Year and that you found these tips useful!

Love,
Patricia

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☮SK-II Stempower Essence review
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☮The SK-II Magic Ring Test and SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist
☮Using the SK-II Whitening Spots Specialist☮How to take care of your skin Post-CNY☮ Chinatown, Singapore | Must-visit before Chinese New Year
☮ CNY Outfit Shopping and Chinese New Year Eve Reunion Dinner 除夕团圆饭
☮ Chinese New Year Day 1 初一 : Outback Steakhouse review and River Hongbao 春到河畔
☮ Chinese New Year Day 2 初二 featuring CNY ootd

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Atache Soft Derm Facial Therapy review

February 12, 2014, 7:41 pm

≫ Next: Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion review

≪ Previous: How to take care of your skin Post-CNY

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Recently, I had the pleasure of trying out Atache Soft Derm Facial Therapy over at Beauty Qlinic in Icon Village. 

Although I haven't tried Atache's products prior to this, I have seen the brand a couple of times in print media.

For those of you whom are not familiar with the brand, here a short introduction of ATACHE.

About ATACHE ATACHE Skin Care Brand is based in Alicante, Spain. It has been developed by the pharmaceutical group ASAC PHARMA. The group has more than 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical field, with a strategic focus on Dermatology and allergies. Its main forte lies in the research and investigation of active ingredients originating from European and American medicinal plants. A truly professional skincare line with advanced skin care solutions! In fact, ASAC owns cultivation fields in Central America, which allows for a tight control on quality plants, from seeding, harvesting, processing of extracts, and manufacturing the finished product. They do not experiment with animals, and strive to preserve the environment throughout the manufacturing and packaging process. The product lines are made for specific skin care needs.

I was asked to change into a tube robe prior to the facial.

My facialist for the day was Grace whom is also the trainer for Atache. Did I mention how knowledgeable she is? I mean, I can ask her anything about skin and even about syringoma and she answers me from a scientific and medical perspective. 



Atache Essentielle Total Makeup Remover Atache Soft Derm Delicate Renovation Exfoliating Facial Gel Atache Soft Derm Sensitive Cleanser Cleansing Facial Gel Atache Soft Derm Aqua Defense Cleansing Facial Toner Atache Soft Derm Intensive Defense 8 SPF Calming Facial Emulsion

 

She began by removing my makeup with oil makeup remover. I was telling Grace that I don't usually use oil makeup remover to cleanse my makeup as they usually make my skin feel tight after cleansing plus I prefer the texture of cleansing water. And she was like, "Trust me, you will like this Atache Total Makeup Remover. It is very gentle". True enough, it didn't make my skin feel tight after cleansing!

After cleansing, she exfoliated my face. I must admit that I am not very fond of exfoliating hence I only exfoliate once every 9 days or two weeks? Grace was telling me that my skin will be super soft after exfoliating. As usual, I had my reservations whenever people from the beauty industry talk about the product claims. Boy, I was wrong - my skin felt so so so soft, akin to that of my skin when I was much younger, something that I haven't felt on me for so long.

After which, Grace showed me this serum from Atache which she used as a face mask by applying it all over my face and neck. 



Atache Soft Derm Soft-Therapy Decongestive Facial Serum


Here's how I look before and after the facial (pardon the no makeup look). 

After the facial, my skin feels so much softer. It also felt smoother and slightly brighter.

I experienced minor peeling or flaking (whichever you call it) for 2 days after my facial. I suspect that its my dead skin though as it doesn't hurt or irritate when I apply my regular skincare. On the 3rd day, the peeling or flaking were gone and my skin had that natural subtle glow to it. It was one of those good days when my bare skin looked better as compared to when I have makeup on, both in terms of the color and the texture. It was also so much easier to apply BB cream after the facial as it glides on easily.

Soft Derm Facial Therapy A wholesome treatment suitable for all skin types where you would get to revel in soft, protected skin free from irritation; reinforcing its evenness and boosts its skin defenses. Skin is soothed, repaired and protected. Products used are formulated with careful selected ingredients such as thermal water, aloe Vera, seaweed extract, jojoba oil and avocado oil; to ensure that skin is well taken of. Pores are instantly minimized and skin is soothed and calmed. Say goodbye to tired, dull and exhausted skin – the usual look of a harried urbanista. Revel in glowing, radiant and healthy skin!

Promotion for SweetestSins' readers

$129 per session and receive a FREE Soft Derm cream with SPF 8 worth $115.

Promo ends 28th February 2014.


Beauty Qlinic 
Icon Village 
12 Gopeng Street 
#01-68/69 
Singapore 078877
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar

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Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion review

February 25, 2014, 7:08 pm

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When Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion first came out in 2012, my cousin, Si Ling tasked me to get it for her during my Korea trip. If you haven't already know, she's a Korean beauty fanatic and she's the one whom got me into Korean skincare and makeup products. If I didn't remember wrongly, I paid about 34,000 KRW, approx SGD 39 for a Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion with 1 refill.

 

Plus, my partner in crime, Joanne has the most flawless skin ever. I remember asking her what base makeup product she uses and her answer was, "Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion".

 

Given the positive reviews, I just had to try Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion to find out if it is worth the hype.    

Like Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion, Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion comes with a BB cushion with the pact and a refill.

When opened, the pact reveals a mirror (which is convenient for touch-ups on the go) and a sponge applicator.

When I first tried Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion, I used the sponge included in the BB Cushion pact to apply the product on my skin which resulted in a heavy base makeup look which I didn't really like especially for regular work days and weekend shopping. 

Then I tried applying Laneige BB Cushion with my Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki and boy, the result was - a natural dewy finish which looks and feels lightweight on the skin.

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

Another brush that I found which works very well with Laneige BB Cushion to give a nice soft glow is -


Etude House Duo Fibre Cheek Brush



Between the two, I prefer using Etude House Duo Fibre Cheek Brush to apply Laneige BB cushion as I find that it helps to minimize the appearance of my pores. 

Beauty tip: For undereye area and the area beside the nose and mouth that requires more coverage, I apply Laneige BB cushion with the sponge applicator provided.

I like how the sponge applicator and the BB cushion is housed separated by a plastic compartment which makes it more sanitary.

There it is.. unveiling the new Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion which uses uses a specially developed technology called cell-trap sponge multi cushion form to put fine liquid contents in an optimal 800,000 cell sponge. This special technology was recognized with an award of excellence at 2012 Korea Technology Awards.

It incorporates the innovative Melacrusher Technology to target melanin formation as well as bead tree extract and natural mineral water for added skincare and hydration benefits.

What is it:

The new Laneige 6-in-1 BB cushion incorporates the innovative Melacrusher Technology to target melanin formation as well as bead tree extract and natural mineral water for added skincare and hydration benefits.

6 Benefits:

1) Brightening Effect

2) UV Protection (SPF 50+ PA+++)

3) Moisturizing Effect

4) Water-resistant

5) Make-up Tint

6) Soothing Effect (skin temperature drops by 4°C immediately after using Laneige BB cushion)

If you are a Korean beauty fanatic like me, you will know that most Korean base makeup products especially BB cream comes in just 2 shades, #21 and #23. Guess what? Laneige 6-in-1 BB Cushion is available in 5 shades!

#13 True Beige
#21 Natural Beige
#23 Sand Beige
#31 Brown Beige
#33 Coffee

 

Laneige BB cushion swatch



Laneige 6-in-1 BB cushion before and after

My thoughts:

I like how Laneige BB cushion provide a natural dewy effect after application. In terms of coverage, it can be built on to your preference. I have combination skin type and I like how Laneige BB cushion doesn't make my face shine, blotting of my nose is only required once or at times none throughout the day.

Here's how Laneige 6-in-1 BB cushion looks like on me. I'm wearing #23 Sand Beige (my usual shade for Korean base makeup products) which the Laneige Beauty Advisor matched me to at Laneige K-Beauty Secrets for Bright Flawless Skin media preview held at TCC by the Bay.  



after applying Laneige 6-in-1 BB cushion #23 Sand Beige



On normal work days, I don't normally do touch-ups. But if I'm meeting my friends or heading to events after work, I will apply a thin layer of Laneige BB cushion with the sponge provided after blotting with tissue on top of my makeup applied earlier that morning. Normally, if I were to do that with my other base makeup products, it will definitely cake up or look too heavy on me but guess what? Laneige BB cushion doesn't cake up when used to touch up. Best of all, it looks very natural still!

Here are some of the pictures taken at Laneige K-Beauty Secrets for Bright Flawless Skin media preview which you might have come across if you are following me on Instagram, @yongwei318.

With Charissa

#ootd for Laneige K-Beauty Secrets for Bright Flawless Skin media preview



Price:

Laneige BB Cushion SGD $59

Available at all Laneige Boutiques and counters in March 2014.

Laneige Boutiques

Ion Orchard

2 Orchard Turn
#B3-66A
Singapore 238801

Jcube

2 Jurong East Central 1

#01-04
Singapore 609731

Jurong Point

1 Jurong West Central 2
#01-59/79/80
Singapore 648886

Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#03-77
Singapore 238829

Suntec City

3 Temasek Boulevard
#01-312
Singapore 038983


You might like these posts:

♥ Laneige Water Bank Series review
♥ Laneige Makeover by Korean Celebrity Makeup Artist, Mr Park Min Hyuk
♥ Laneige Pore Deep Clearing Foam review

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Rainbow Agar Agar Cake recipe

February 27, 2014, 7:23 am

≫ Next: Orbis Cleansing Liquid review

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If you are following me on Instagram, you probably would have seen the rainbow agar agar cake that I made for Grandpa's 84th birthday along with Mommy's guidance. 

If you know me personally, I can't bake for nuts. The only thing that I'm good at is making jelly - both Konnyaku jelly and almond jelly because they are super duper foolproof! 

Well, you might ask what spurred me to make a birthday cake for Grandpa. Due to health reasons, Grandpa doesn't take anything sweet. He's super disciplined in terms of controlling his diet. Every year during his birthday, he would only take a nibble at his slice of cake - nothing more than that. So I thought.. why not make a cake that Grandpa can enjoy the entire slice of it?

After googling for inspiration, I finally settled on agar agar cake. Since I love rainbow cake, it makes me happy just by looking at it (which you can tell from the pictures below), I decided to make a rainbow agar agar cake for Grandpa. 

For layered agar agar, normally coconut milk is used but because Grandpa doesn't take coconut milk, I substituted it with fresh milk which is also healthier.

So here it is.. the final outcome of my rainbow agar agar cake!

Recipe for Rainbow Agar Agar Cake

Ingredients:

Colored Layer (A):

1 packet of agar agar powder

1200 ml water

150 gm of sugar

2 pandan leaves

Food coloring

Milk Layer (B):

1 packet of agar agar powder

400 ml fresh milk

800 ml water

150 gm of sugar

2 pandan leaves

Directions:

Colored Layer (A):

1) Boil 1200ml of water with the pandan leaves.

2) When the water is boiling, slowly add in sugar and stir until sugar melts.

3) Then add agar agar powder slowly and whisk the mixture evenly at the same time.

4) Leave mixture on the stove on the lowest heat to keep the mixture warm.

Milk Layer (B):

1) Boil 800ml of water with the pandan leaves.

2) When the water is boiling, slowly add in sugar and stir until it melts.

3) Then add agar agar powder slowly and whisk the mixture evenly at the same time.

4) After the mixture boils, add the fresh milk and stir evenly.

5) Sieve mixture and set aside for use.

Putting the agar agar together:

1) Using a measuring cup, take about 250ml of the transparent agar agar mixture (A) and add in food coloring of your choice and pour mixture into the mould.

2) Let layer set slightly, not completely before adding 250ml of the milk layer.

Tip: Using a fork to form indents on each layer helps the layers to stay together.

3) Repeat Step 1 and 2 until the mixture is used up.

4) Allow the agar agar cake to set in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

5) For double-tiered agar agar cake, repeat Step 1-4 for the 2nd tier.

Here's a close-up shot of the Rainbow Agar Agar cake that I made. Mommy added longevity buns made of agar agar on top. I got those old school number candles from Phoon Huat. They are so reminiscing right? I remember Mommy buying them to put on my birthday cake when I was a little girl.

You might be wondering how to tell if an agar agar cake is a successful one? Well, it is so as long as the layers doesn't come apart when you cut it!

Here's the inside of the agar agar cake. Now, tell me - how does it fare?

Ending this post with a picture of my Grandpa looking very happy with his rainbow agar agar cake.

Super happy not only because the rainbow agar agar cake brought a smile to Grandpa's face but also because Grandpa told me that its been a while since he last finished an entire slice of cake and know that it won't have any impact on his health. 

I hope you like this post. Do let me know how it goes if you do try your hand at making rainbow agar agar or an agar agar cake. 

Love,

Patricia 

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Orbis Cleansing Liquid review

March 3, 2014, 8:34 pm

≫ Next: HABA Squalane Beauty Oil review

≪ Previous: Rainbow Agar Agar Cake recipe

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Oil Cut Cleansing Liquid N Facial Cleanser Moomin Limited Edition Design

  What is it:

ORBIS's best-selling product, Cleansing Liquid was born in 1997. It overrides the stereotype of oil-based cleansing, where oil is expected to be a requirement in skin-cleansing regimes.

The term 'Oil Cut', often found in ORBIS' range of products, draws inspiration from the complete disuse of oil in its skincare range. ORBIS hopes this concept will convey the fresh, water-based, smooth and comfortable characteristics its skincare products possess.

- Oil-free

- Fragrance-free

- Alcohol-free

- Free of artificial colors

- Mild acidity

- Allergy tested (formulated to minimize the risk of allergy)

- Non-comedogenic tested (formulated to minimize the risk of acne)

Key ingredients:

- Aqua Cleansing Ingredient

ORBIS Aqua Cleansing Ingredient is an original formula of ORBIS’. It is made up of a blend of three carefully selected cleansing ingredients to target three major tough makeup impurities: foundation, mascara and lipstick. ORBIS Aqua Cleansing Ingredients blend easily with makeup and effectively removes foundation nestled within pores, sticky and stubborn mascara, and lipstick in lip wrinkles.This water-based formula removes makeup without placing stress on the skin. Aqua Cleansing Ingredient quickly blends with water and rinses off easily with a gentle wash.

- Moisture Balance Base

Cleansing Liquid contains more than 30% moisturizing ingredients, including the Moisture Balance Base made up of botanical moisturizing base, three types of amino acids (Serine, Glycine and Alanine which are the fundamental components of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor) and water-retaining Hyaluronic Acid.In addition, due to its oil-free formula, one need not fear losing the skin’s natural barrier that may easily dissolve with oil-based formula. Orbis Cleansing Liquid is gentle and caring on the skin. Skin feels supple after use, no taut and dryness, thus making it suitable for people who experience dry skin.

This Limited Edition Bottle features an adorable Finnish character Moomin that has been popular in Japan and the rest of the world over the years. This dreamy illustration on the tinted pink bottle brightens your daily cleansing routine! Available in two sizes, 150ml and 380ml with different designs.

Directions:

Dispense 1-2 pumps and smooth over face. Massage gently and blend well with makeup. Rinse thoroughly. Follow by regular facial wash.

May be used with wet hands or on damp face, remove excessive moisture before use.

When Orbis contacted me to try out one of its star product - Orbis Cleansing Liquid that won the 3rd place for 2013 UrCosme best user-rated beauty award and FashionGuide highest user-rated award, I must say that I was very excited to try it out myself to see if it is worth the hype.  

Plus, it also meant that Orbis is now available in Singapore! I had previously spotted Orbis stand alone store when I was in Taiwan, Ximending and I was drawn to its 100% oil cut philosophy.

My thoughts:

Ever since cleansing water hit the shelves in Singapore, I have been using cleansing water to remove my makeup. However, everytime I go for facials, my facialist never fail to ask me to switch to cleansing oil as it helps to remove impurities more effectively as compared to cleansing water. But.. I really didn't like how most cleansing oil make my skin feel tight after cleansing. 

Given the fact that Orbis Cleansing Liquid bears the name of cleansing liquid, I wasn't really expecting it to feel like cleansing oil. When pumped out of the bottle, Orbis Cleansing Liquid is transparent in color. The texture is akin to that of a thicker toner/lotion which reminds me of Biore Hydra Clear makeup remover.



Orbis Cleansing Liquid swatch



When smoothed over the face, it does feel like cleansing oil with a lighter consistency. Although Orbis Cleansing Liquid doesn't really emulsify with water, I still smooth Orbis Cleansing Liquid over my entire face, massage gently in circular motions before wetting my hands and massage my entire face again, rinse my face and follow up with my regular face wash.

Orbis Cleansing Liquid has a light pleasant scent to it. I like how it doesn't make my skin feel tight after cleansing nor break me out although it takes a little longer to remove waterproof eye makeup as compared to using cleansing oil.

Price:

ORBIS Cleansing Liquid, $22.90 (150ml) $42.90 (380ml)

Available at ORBIS counters while stocks last.

Orbis Robinsons Orchard
260 Orchard Road Singapore 238855
10:30am – 10pm
Nearest MRT station: Somerset

Orbis Junction 8
Bishan Pl Singapore 579837
#01-46
Nearest MRT station: Bishan

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HABA Squalane Beauty Oil review

March 9, 2014, 5:00 am

≫ Next: 4 Skincare Tips for the Holidays | How to take care of your skin in Winter and Summer

≪ Previous: Orbis Cleansing Liquid review

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Haba pure roots squalane

What is it:

Saturating squalene, which is already present in various tissues of the human body, produces Squalane, an essential constituent. HABA has developed a high purity of squalane (99.9% pure), made from the liver of deep-sea sharks containing a high percentage of squalene. Because of the high purity there is no fear of harmful oxidation and application protects from ultraviolet rays and moisturizes to prevent dryness and chapping which results in a finer, more textured skin. It softens the skin drawing moisture from lotion deep into the skin cells.

 

Relationship between Squalane & skin

 

There is a close relationship between squalene / squalane and the human body. Normally 3% of squalane and 12-13% of squalene are contained in the sebum, located in the surface of healthy skin. However, the secretion of sebum reaches its peak between the ages of 15-18 and begins decreasing rapidly after age 25.

Excessive washing is another cause of decreasing squalene and squalane in the skin's protective coating. Recovering the loss of squalane and squalene is vital for healthy skin.

 

Beauty efficacy of Squalane

 

Squalane helps other applied ingredients, such as lotion, to penetrate deep into the skin. Softening the skin Squalane is an important part of healthy skin because it helps to keep the skin soft.

 

Other effective usages of Squalane:

- Acne care,

- sun damage/light burns,

- dark spots/freckles,

- hair care,

- keratinized elbow/knee/heel,

- scratches/frostbites,

- mosquito stings and hemorrhoids.

Directions:

 

1) Face wash

2) Apply toner/lotion

3) Apply HABA Squalane Beauty Oil 

- Start with one drop.

- Take a small amount in the palm of your hand while skin is still wet with lotion.

- Lightly apply to the palms of both hands.

- Spread lightly over face.

- Use the entire surface of your hands and apply well by spreading evenly over the entire face

Hair care: For moisturized and glossy hair, apply the proper amount after shampooing.

Body care: For velvety smooth skin, rub the proper amount over elbows, knees, heels

After-shaving care: Refreshes skin after shaving and keeps skin healthy.

My thoughts:

Haba Squalane

HABA Squalane Beauty Oil is fragrance-free. I like how the packaging allows me to dispense the exact amount of product that I need. For Haba Squalene Beauty Oil, a little product goes a long way. I usually apply about 2-3 drops each time.

I like how I am able to use Haba Squalene Beauty Oil in the day prior to makeup application and how it makes my skin look glowy yet not oily.

I realised that after applying Haba Squalene Beauty Oil, it makes my skin more firm and bouncy. And if I were to apply it at night, I wake up to plump skin the next morning.

Best of all, Haba Squalane Beauty Oil doesn't break me out.

Besides using Haba Squalane Beauty Oil on my face, I use it on my elbows too to combat dryness. I didn't really like it on my hair though because I think it makes it oily-looking or probably I applied too much to it.

About HABA

HABA is the acronym for 'Health Aid Beauty Aid' which means assisting health and beauty.

Price list:

SQUALANE (Beauty Oil) 15ml SGD $29

SQUALANE (Beauty Oil) 30ml SGD $49

SQUALANE (Beauty Oil) 60ml SGD $90

SQUALANE (Beauty Oil) 120ml SGD $165

Ngee Ann City 
391 Orchard Road 

#B2-13A 

Singapore 238873
Nearest MRT: Orchard / Somerset

Suntec City Mall 3 
Temasek Boulevard 
#01-306 
Singapore 038983 
Nearest MRT: Esplanade

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4 Skincare Tips for the Holidays | How to take care of your skin in Winter and Summer

March 9, 2014, 6:24 pm

≫ Next: 6 Wedding Reception Table Decoration Ideas | How to Decorate Wedding Reception Table

≪ Previous: HABA Squalane Beauty Oil review

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Having grown up in a tropical country like Singapore, I longed to live in a country that has 4 seasons. You may ask, "But why?" I guess its pretty much due to the fact that Korean dramas portray how romantic Autumn and Winter can be. Having said that, does Winter Sonata and Autumn in My Heart comes to mind?

Since moving to a country with 4 seasons isn't quite possible in the near future, the next best way to experience other seasons apart from Summer would be to plan a holiday!

For those of us who live in Singapore, we are quite lucky as we do not experience any form of extreme weather apart from the weather getting drier and more windy recently. Thus, we need not adapt our skincare products throughout the year compared with people living in countries with 4 seasons. 

When we travel, we have to use skincare products that is suitable for the climate. This can be a little tricky to determine but fret not because I am going to share with you the climate of the countries I have been to and the suitable skincare for each one.

1) Bangkok in mid May

Temperature: 24°C to 35°C

May is one of the hottest months in Bangkok apart from March and April where the temperature goes up to as high as 40°C. It is also prone to occasional 30-minute showers.

2) Taiwan in end May

Temperature: 19°C to 29°C

Although May is the rainy season for Taiwan with thundershowers in the afternoon, daily temperature  rises gradually.

For travel to countries such as Bangkok and Taiwan in the month of May, sunblock is a must because of the sun and heat. Even with sunblock, I turned 2 shades darker! My favourite and current go-to sunblock is SK-II Cellumination Day Surge UV. It is rather moisturizing and doesn't feel greasy.

In humid countries, I use SK-II Stempower as my night cream and the SK-II Stempower Rich Cream on my neck. Mummy tried both SK-II Stempower and SK-II Stempower Rich Cream and she prefers the latter because it is richer.

3) Korea in end November

Temperature: -3°C to 8°C

November marks the end of Autumn and the beginning of Winter. This season is usually cold and dry.

4) Hong Kong in October and November

Temperature: 17°C to 22°C



The weather during this time is quite cooling as Winter starts in early November.

As the weather in Korea and Hong Kong during Winter (November) can be really cold and dry, it is important to bring along a good moisturizer.

 

I recommend SK-II Stempower Essence, an essence that works work as a day moisturizer. A bonus is that it also works to plump up your skin. Who says you need to change your regimen while on holiday?

Plus, I usually use SK-II Stempower Essence as a makeup base prior to applying sunblock and/or BB cream.

At night, I use the SK-II Stempower Rich Cream to combat dryness. It works well and isn't overly greasy in texture.

Hope you found these tips useful and have fun in that upcoming trip!

Love,
Patricia

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6 Wedding Reception Table Decoration Ideas | How to Decorate Wedding Reception Table

March 12, 2014, 2:37 am

≫ Next: Mitsuba by Yurine Japanese Restaurant review

≪ Previous: 4 Skincare Tips for the Holidays | How to take care of your skin in Winter and Summer

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If you have read my previous post, Pre-wedding Guide | To-do list for Sisters (Jiemeis) 姐妹 from the wedding series, you probably know that Sisters (Jiemeis) 姐妹 may also double up as receptionists during the wedding banquet. For Xuan & Ye's wedding, we were tasked to decorate the reception table as well as the ROM venue which I will cover in another post.

As it is our first time being a Sister (Jiemei) 姐妹 for Si Ling, myself, Priscilla and Ebony with the exception of Li Bing, we haven't got a clue on how to decorate the wedding reception table!  

Some of the challenges faced were that we didn't have the exact dimensions of the reception table which made it a little hard to visualize where and how to place the items. Aside from that, there wasn't a draft picture of the reception table with the table skirting in the color scheme that my cousin and cousin-in-law chose hence we had to visualize the color and texture mentally to decide on the colors of the decor items so that they will go together.

1) Couple's initials or name  



Wooden Letters from Typo, 3 for $10

By featuring the couple's initials, not only does it add a personal touch but it also help guests in identifying the right ballroom especially in venues that have ballrooms side by side.

Many years ago (I think I was about 7 or 8 years old), I attended my 表舅 distant uncle's wedding, of whom I haven't met prior to the wedding along with my Grandpa. Grandpa had to go to the toilet so he told me to go into the ballroom first to take a seat. Logically, I walked into the nearest ballroom from the toilet and shoke hands with the bridegroom and I even exclaimed, "Congratulations 表舅!" The bridegroom was like, "Oh thank you for coming, do eat more and enjoy the rest of the night!" I was at the table for a while and I didn't see Grandpa so I got worried and went out to look for Grandpa. Guess what? Turns out that I was at the wrong ballroom and I identified a stranger as my distant Uncle! So embarassing can?

Hashtag Your Wedding

Chinese names consists of the family name, followed by the given name which usually consists of 2 characters. Instead of just featuring the second Chinese character of Jia Ye and Li Xuan's names, Xuan and Ye, we decided to make it a little bit more social by making it into a hashtag since we all live in an age of social media and are heavy users of social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Hence, we came up with #xuan_ye since Instagram doesn't recognise the symbol '&' and this will result is breaking the hashtag. 

You could also handcraft labels that says, 'share the love, spread the joy #xuan_ye' along with icons of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Benefits of using a hashtag for your wedding:

1) Share your wedding photos with people who can't attend your wedding

2) Stream the photos uploaded by your guests with the designated hashtag 'live' at the wedding lunch or dinner using live steam tools.

3) Easily review pictures taken by your guests at your wedding within a few clicks. 

Be sure to check if the hashtag that you have decided on is available for use, meaning no one else has used it previously for other purposes. The hashtag should also be as unique as possible which no one else would want to use for other events.   

2) Candy Bar

Wedding Candy Bar if done right not just trigger your guests' tastebuds but also appeal to them visually as it blends into your wedding decor. What's more, it keeps your guests entertained on top of the usual cocktails and canapes served before dinner.

Creating a Candy Bar isn't simply getting a few bags of random candy. Some of the questions that you should be asking yourself are -

1) Who makes up the majority of your guests?

The demographic of your guests determines the candy flavours and type of candies that you should go for.

2) When to get it?

If you are using a candy bar buffet company/provider, my guess is that you will have to book them weeks or months in advance to make sure that they are able to cater to you on your wedding day.

But if you are going for a DIY candy bar like we did, I think its fine as long as you get the candy at least one week before the wedding as I'm sure you wouldn't want to be fussing over such stuffs at the every last minute.

3) What color scheme to go for?

For most couples, the first color that comes to mind is white as it symbolises innocence, perfection, the good, honesty and the beginning which is not wrong but I suggest injecting some colors to liven up the mood. Afterall, a little colors won't kill right? ;)

We decided on having the candies in varying hues of red which includes pink.

4) Which flavour(s)?

The flavour of the candies largely depends on the color scheme chosen, unless they are packaged sweets.

5) Where to get the candy and where to place it?

If you are not using a candy bar buffet company/provider, you need to know where to get the candies. For instance, we had pink and red colored jelly beans from Jelly Belly (yes pink and red colored ones together in a packet) and heart-shaped marshmallows that are not available in regular supermarkets but rather in places like Candy Empire and Phoon Huat respectively. Hence, it is important to source where to get the candies so that you won't have to fumble at the last minute.  

The next question in line would be - where to place the candy bar at the wedding reception? You want your guests to enjoy the candy bar so it should be placed at a visible spot and somewhere where guest are likely to gather. Eg. Near the cocktail tables or reception table.   

6) How much candy to get and how to present it?

As our candy bar buffet is on a smaller scale, we got -

Jelly Beans - 3 packets

Heart-shaped Marshmallow - 1 packet

M&Ms - 5 packets

We got glass containers from Typo and decorated it with 3D butterfly paper embellishments and Lace Washi Tape that we got from Typo as well.

3) Ang Pow Box (Red Packet Box)

For Chinese weddings, angpows (red packets - a monetary gift) is given to the newlyweds by guests as a form of blessing.   

In the past, the grooms used to collect the red packets and keep them in his jacket's pocket. For convenience, an Ang Pow box (Red Packet box) is used now and usually the Sisters or Brothers safeguards it while doubling up as the receptionist at the wedding reception table. 

For many Chinese couples, the Ang Pow box (Red Packet box) is an integral part of the wedding. In recent years, more emphasis have been placed on this must-have item, commonly placed at the reception table of the wedding reception. Although most hotels do provide ang pow box (Red Packet box) in the banquet package but the trend now is such that more and more couples are starting to source for their Ang Pow box (Red Packet box) from wedding specialty stores to be different from the norm or better yet, DIY their own Ang Pow box!       

When Li Xuan tasked us the Sisters (Jiemeis) 姐妹 to DIY an Ang Pow box for her wedding, we began by googling for ideas. My Aunt happened to chance upon a picture of a Wedding Gown and Suit Ang Pow box which all of us thought to be a good conversation starter. Thus, Aunt and Mommy began to work on it. If I never remember wrongly, I think it took them about 2 days on and off to complete it minus shopping for materials. 

Ta-dah! Presenting to you.. the ladies behind the Wedding Gown and Suit Ang Pow box!  



Mommy and Aunt with their DIY Ang Pow Box

 

4) Guestbook

Wedding Guestbook from Taobao, Stamps from Taiwan

Touted as the most traditional way to document blessings from your guests which you can keep for memory's sake, a guestbook is an absolute must-have for your wedding!

For a customized touch, source for unique guestbook instead of using the one that the hotel provide.

5) Photo album and Photo Gallery

A wedding reception won't be complete without photos of the happy couple. Play it up by including casual photos when you guys first met, during courtship and of course pre-wedding shoots and wedding album.

Hope you found these ideas useful. Do share with me your wedding reception table decoration or any ideas you have for wedding reception decoration!

Meanwhile, do take care and drink plenty of water and try to stay indoors as much as possible as the haze is here again in Singapore. Did I mention how much a fan I am of the latest Korean drama hit, My Love from the Star 별에서 온 그대 (來自星星的你)? Love how effortlessly pretty Jeon Ji Hyun (Cheong Song Yi) is! Super tempted to get the YSL lipstick that she worn in My Love from the Star!

Love,
Patricia

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