Another shoe...

My greatest indulgence has to be shoes. I've already filled up a shoe cabinet and had to buy another. Now my shoes are littered all over the front pouch. But I just cannot resist the temptation when I saw this pair of booties at Aldo today.

The front view

I really need to exercise lots of self-discipline... hmmm...

Vegan & Carb-Free Lunch

Here's what I had for lunch today - Miso Soup with Daikon, Baby Spinach, Shitake Mushroom & Tofu.

It's has all the fibre and protein that I need without the added carb. I was having sniffles and it cleared it right out. It's a diet-friendly meal. :D

A close-up

Paul and Joe Sale

It's haul time! There's a Paul & Joe Sale on October 8 to 11 at Takashimaya especially those who holds the Takashimaya Credit Card. All items will be at 15% off. There's also a promo going on with any purchase of a promo plus any foundation, you'll be entitled to 20% discount, those with TCC will get an additional 15% off. What a great deal. They are having reservation services. Do sms Mark at 83753415 if you need any. :)

I was surprised

And couldn't stop giggling when I saw this being posted on an online spree.

Japan Night Time Sleep Bra

Price: $12.50



New products selling Hot in Japan 0 !

A three-dimensional cut that comfortably hold our breasts when we are sleeping, prevents it from sagging.

- Soft Material and breathable

- flexibility

Size: M (Bust 65 ~ 70cm)
Size L (Bust 70 ~ 75cm)

Isn't it very uncomfortable to be wearing this to sleep? But I bet your busts will not sag. =D

It's the Great Singapore Sales!

But this is even better... ;)

Bagging designer goods at a fraction of their cost from online shopping.

Some of these websites are invite-only websites that bring the thrill of sample sales.

Sales Sites

1. Reebonz - pronounced as Ribbons (strange)
How it works: A new sale event hawking one label kicks off every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (Singapore time) at noon. Each sale lasts two to three days.
Discounts: 30 - 80 percent off
Labels: (Not limited to) alldressedup, Coach, Etro, La Perla and Miu Miu
Shipping: $9.90 in Singapore and takes up to 7 working days
How to join: By invitation only, email me if you are interested. =)

2. Estile
How it works: Sales take place at least once a week, with members alerted through email. Each sale carries one brand and lasts for 2 to 3 days.
Discounts: 30% - 80% off
Labels: Aussie lables like Lifewithbird, The Casette Society and Josh Goot as well as denim brands Earnest Sewn and Paige Denim
Shipping: International charges are a flat A$30 (~SGD34) and delivery to Singapore tales between 3 and 10 days
How to join: Be invited by a member or join the waiting list. Email me if you are interested.

3. Secret Sales
How it works: Up to 2 new sales are launched daily with each sale lasting up to a week.
Discounts: Up to 80% off
Labels: Mid- to luxury-priced labels including Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein, G-Star and Alexander McQueen
Shipping: Presently ships only in Britain but is said to be starting international delivery soon
How to join: Register online. Be quick, it seems that there are going to stop accepting members soon

4. Vente Privee
How it works: Daily sales that last between 2 and 4 days
Discounts: 50% to 70% off
Labels: European luxury labels like Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana and Cacharel
Shipping: Ships only to the United States
How to join: Get invited by an exisiting member

5. Billion Dollar Babes
How it works: 2 new sales are launched every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, each lasting 48 hours
Discounts: Up tp 85% off
Labels: Mid-priced labels and above such as 7 for All Mankind, Kooba and Catherine Malandrino
Shipping: USD45 (~SGD65) to Singapore taking up to 10 days
How to join: Just register on their homepage

Block Out the Sun

The heat is killing me making me take numerous showers to keep cool. The scotching sun makes my whitening regime difficult. My arms are getting darker and darker. I was glad to come across this article in the papers 2 weeks back. :D
Keypoints from article

• Apply sunscreen 20-30 min before stepping into the sun to allow it to be totally absorbed by the skin
• UVA rays are mainly responsible for causing skin ageing
• UVB rays are responsible for causing skin cancer
• PA ratings protect against UVA rays, while sun protection factor (SPF) protects against UVB
• The higher the SPF number and the more plusses are after the PA rating, the better the protection
• The "teaspoon" rule: apply at least half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of sunscreen to each of these areas - the face, neck and either arm (don't forget your ears and back of neck which are often neglected); apply at least a teaspoon (5ml) of sunscreen each to the front of chest and abdomen, your entire back and legs
• Reapply and reapply: reapply every 2 hours (it's true!!), especially if you are out in the sun
• Stay indoors between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are at their strongest
• Wear protective attire such as hats, caps and long-sleeved clothing (not very sensible in this hot weather :( ) or use an umbrella to minimise direct sun exposure. (Don't forget to protect your retinas - Wear your sunglasses.)
  

Also bought a SPF 103 PA++ sunblock at SGD1.95 for 6ml! What a steal. :) The bottle is very small but makes carrying it around a breeze. Thus, I can reapply as needed. The sunblock can be used for face and body but I use it only on my body. It is a watery liquid solution and it does not have any smell. The liquid makes it easy to spread especially across the thighs.

Sunplay Super Block SPF 130 PA++ UVA/UVB
For size comparisonIsn't it a tiny bottle? The price is worth it though as a full size bottle of about 37ml cost almost SGD18. It's stated that the water-like texture is extremely light and smooth on skin which helps prevent premature aging.

Mini-haul

I'm not supposed to be spending (since I'm on no-pay leave) but I really couldn't resist!

Bought 2 magazines from Kinokuniya. I'll try to do some magazine scans later this week.

Also bought some Japanese snacks from Yamakawa at their Central branch. From my own knowledge, they also have a branch at Tiong Bahru S.C. and Jurong Point.

I've been in love the Pocky Chocolate Gokuboso since I tried them in Tokyo 2 years back. But it is so much more expensive here that I only indulge in them once a while. The chocolate here is slightly bitter (like dark chocolate) unlike the normal chocolate Pocky. A box holds 2 small individual packet which makes portion control much easier for me. :DI've been wanting to try these H-Chew candies with Collagen. I quite adverse to popping pills now (as I'm currently on oral chemo treatment) thus these candies will make a good alternative. They also come enriched with Fiber and Iron - these can be obtained at certain NTUC with a good selection of Japanese products.

The make-up products were bought from www.PayEasy.com.tw about 3 weeks ago, the site features great stuff from clothes, shoes, bags to cosmetics. You can obtain the full range of 女人我最大 and Kevin's product. I'm trying to laise with the agent to see if I can consolidate orders and buy through her. :) It'll be great if I can! Don't mind buying the agent or delivery fees cos the products are so affordable. I saw the Shills Dust It powder at John Little selling at about SGD26 but I paid about $20 (inclusive of delivery and agent's fees). Isn't that a bargain? Unless, (of course) JL is having a store-wide 20% discount. :)

But I can't phantom why I brought a eyelash tonic and a eyelash treatment gel. Ain't both the same?!?!?! Silly me!

Bye-Bye Dry and Frizzle Hair

Read an article (somewhere :P) in which a hairstylist recommended applying hair conditioner-rinse-wash with shampoo so that the hair will remain lust and lock in the moisture. It also stop the shampoo from drying out the locks. I decided to give it a try... there's no harm right? :D

I began washing my hair in this manner since Monday and noticed a marked change in my hair. My hair is more smooth and there's less frizzle; the ends are also getting less dry.

My verdict: This method actually works!!!

I've done some adjustment to the method since Thursday adding an additional step of conditioning again at the end. Will my hair appears more smooth after a deep conditioning tomorrow?

Great Offer

For anyone who's a food lover or an offer lover... this is just for u. I've made a reservation for 22 May, can't wait. Hahaha... I was hoping I can coerce the staff to give me more than 50% discount as I thought the number of days in advance will translate to corresponding percent off. LOL. I was dreaming.

Plan your lunch way in advance so that you can enjoy the maximum discount. :)

"COUNTDOWN TO LUNCH" REWARDS EARLY BIRD RESERVATIONS WITH

AN IRRESISTIBLE BUFFET OFFERING IN THE GREENHOUSE

SINGAPORE – May 11, 2009 – With a culinary team known for its expertise in transforming quality ingredients into a freshly prepared buffet smorgasbord, Greenhouse is a popular destination for power brokers and epicureans alike. From now till August 31, 2009, "Countdown to Lunch" gives the lunch hour crowd more reasons to celebrate an occasion, organise an office lunch or simply enjoy a leisurely indulgence at the weekday International Lunch Buffet.

Guests confirming reservations for the International Lunch Buffet will be rewarded based on how far in advance their reservation is made:

* 5 days' advanced booking and beyond - 50 percent off the food bill

* 4 days' advanced booking - 40 percent off the food bill

* 3 days' advanced booking - 30 percent off the food bill

* 2 days' advanced booking - 20 percent off the food bill

* 1 day's advanced booking - 10 percent off the food bill

The International Buffet Lunch is $48 per person, subject to 10 percent service charge and 7 percent Goods and Services Tax. Lunch is served noon to 2:30 p.m., Monday to Friday and reservations can be made by calling 6434 5288 or via email rc.sinrz.restaurantreservations@ritzcarlton.com

Located on the lobby level, the wood-hued three-meal Greenhouse restaurant is flanked by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. A breath-taking textured glass domed roof with mother-of-pearl effect allows sunlight to stream in. An inventive mixture of traditional and modern, Eastern and Western flavours awaits those who dine from either the a la carte menu or the extensive buffet spreads. The popular Sunday champagne brunch was voted “Best Brunch in Singapore” in 2007 by IS magazine.

With accommodation and service voted by readers of Travel and Leisure S.E.A. as “The Best in Singapore”, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is a 32-storey luxury hotel located in Marina Bay, next to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Set amidst seven acres of tropical landscape, all guest rooms and bathrooms offer views of either Marina Bay or Kallang Bay and the city skyline. Services and facilities include restaurants and a lounge serving Chinese, Western and international favourites; a Fitness Centre and Spa with swimming pool, indoor gym, tennis court and spa treatment rooms; and a business centre.

easy to be perfect

Magazine Scans - Touch Up Tips!
Great and fast touch up tips.... which I'm falling in love with each passing day

I'll try to translate as much as I can but the pictures are quite self-explanatory.

I've tried it and it is as easy as the magazine (Jessica Hong Kong, Apr 09) claims it to be. :) It is especially handy given Singapore's hot and humid weather that melts the makeup awayDo give it a try!
Step 1: Mist the whole face to rehydrate. Personally, I use Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist - smells really nice.
Step 2: Blot the face to get rid of any excess oil.
Step 3: Spot cover with your concealer. I use cle de peau concealer in Ivory.
Step 4: Use a pressed powder to finish up. I switch between J&P's pressed powder and Benefit's Dr. Feelgood.


Step 1: Use a cotton swap dipped in eye-makeup remover and gently go over the upper eyelid.
Step 2: Reapply your eye shadow.
Step 3: Line your eyes.
Step 4: Re-appy mascara.


Step 1: Use a makeup remover soaked cotton bud to remove lipstick stain.
Step 2: Apply lip concealer (CanMake has a cheap and very pigmented lip concealer). You may also want to "shape" your lips using the concealer.
Step 3: Line your lips. (I always skip this step :P)
Step 4: Reapply lip colour.

Hope you find this as useful as I did. :)

L'Occitane Verbena Soothing Body Ice Gel

This is my HG in this sweltering weather. I apply this in the day after the shower. The ice cool feeling makes me feel so comfortable in this weather and makes it more tolerable. It is especially cooling when I take this gel out from the fridge. Instead relief in this hot weather.

Beauty Haul

Finally went shopping... hippeee...

I got the Cle De Peau eye essence as my current eye essence is running low and at the same time, I can't resist and bought their concealer as I've heard such good reviews about it. It's quite a good deal. In Singapore, we can only get Cle De Peau's products at Takashimaya DS. For an initial purchase of SGD150, you can register as a member. The perks of a member is quite good, you get 3 free facials at Cle De Peau per year. That's great, no? I get to save some money to purchase more stuff (hahahaha). For every purchase amount to SGD250, you are entitled to a facial that inclues a mask service. Now, I've got 4 free facials to go to. The only down side is that you need to accumulate SGD1,000 in purchases every year to remain as a member.

Brought some eye masks from Face shop as well. Regretted not getting more in Korea. It costs so much more here. But I was sweet talk to top-up my purchases to SGD120 to get some nifty free gifts (I'm such a sucker for GWP).

I also bought the can-make lip concealer (to create a nuke look) and a Japn drugstore brand lip gloss - Makemaia Curvy Lip Silicon in Mellow Beige that is purported to make your lips look so plump and Angelina Jolie-like. The canmake lip concealer is very pigmented and it works will to create the nuke look that I want.

These are the swatches of the two lippies.


The applicator of the Japan brand lip gloss is quite strange, unlike other lip glosses.


My purchases...

My free gifts...

Life span of a cattle

An excerpt from The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan.

"In my grandfather's time, cows were four or five years old at slaughter," Rich explained. "In the fifities, when my father was ranching, it was two or three years old. Now we get there at fourteen or sixteen months." Fast food, indeed. What gets a steer from 80 to 1,100 pounds in fourteen months is tremendous quantities of corn (not their natural diet, they grazed on grass), protein and fat supplements (used to from remains from slaughtered cows but is banned due to mad cow disease), and an arsenal of new drugs.

Isn't this crazy? Are humans trying to play God here? I know this is a way of feeding the whole population but do we want an unhealthy one? It doesn't bear to know how detrimental is it to our health to eat something "mutant" (I view a cow at 14-16 months the size of a full grown adult cow as a mutant. :P)

Do we have to stop eating beef? Personally, I would not eat beef now but it's a personal choice. Thus, I feel that it may be wise to find other source of beef - grass-fed beef that is less detrimental to our health.

A recent study in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the meat of grass-fed livestock not only had substantially less fat than grain-fed meat but the type of fats found in grass-fed meat were much healthier. Grass-fed meat has more omega 3 fatty acids and fewer omega 6, which is believed to promote heart disease. It also contains betacarotine and CLA, another ”good” fat.

Also, note that grass is cow's natural diet so you would not get too wrong there. Unless, the ranchers and breeders had also injected them with growth hormones.

Any thoughts on this?

Chocolate Cookies

Another attempt in trying something from 101cookbooks and its Itsy Bitsy Chocolate Chip Cookie caught my eyes (and my tummy :P).

As I wasn't able to get all the ingredients from my local organic foodstore, I made some substitutes (and little tweaks to the composition).

• 135g Lindt Dark Chocolates (70%) for 5 ounces good-quality semi-sweet chocolate bar (Scharffen Berger 62%)
• unbleached baking flour (organic) for whole wheat pastry flour
• normal sugar for natural cane sugar (or brown sugar)
• natural grain sugar (it's the largest grain sugar at the store =P) for large-grain sugar

Instead of whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, oats, walnuts, and shaved chocolate, I merely mixed them up with a spoon.

The dark chocolates give a slight bitter taste, which is balanced out by the sugar sprinkles (and the other sugar ingredients), to the cookies.

I was too lazy to measure and flatten out the dough, I just plonked small heaps on dough onto the baking tray thus I had to adjust the baking time. :)


The final product. Hurray!!

What's for dinner tonight

Decided to try my hands in making Chunky Celery Soup (from 101cookbooks) for dinner tonight. And it's the first time that I'm using wild rice as an ingredient. So excited.

I'm quite happy with the outcome. The wild rice added texture to the soup which tastes great with each spoonful. Yum.

I've cooked the wild rice in an electric rich cooker and I was worried would not work. I was relieve when t gave off a very nice nutty aroma that fills the whole house beautifully.

I made some baked-fried chicken to satisfy the carnivorous mister at home. I seasoned them with Shao Xing wine, soy sauce, rosemary and a dash of sesame seed oil the night before. I baked them for about 10 minutes on each side in a 180 degrees oven. It turned beautifully golden brown.
These 2 dishes go great with steamed brown cum white rice.

Hope you enjoy my post today. :)

My Quick Simple Meatless Lunch

I made some soba noodles with napa cabbages, tofu, wakame and chinese parsley. Only the soba noodles are organic. The noodles store well and make a quick meal.

I've used Kallo Yeast Free Vegetable Stock Cubes for my soup base. I've used only a quarter cube to about 300ml of water. The cubes does not contain salt that I like as I can adjust the saltiness according to my liking. I just switched to using sea salt in my cooking after reading lots of report and articles regarding regular table salt. Also, I'm trying to cut down on consuming processed food due to my condition (GIST - gastro-intestinal stroma tumor).

I've bought these cubes at Meidi-Ya Supermarket at Liang Court at their organic food section. I can't recall the exact amount I've paid for it but it should be in the region of SGD8-10.


I love shopping at Meidi-Ya and its adjacent drug store as it carries lots of Japan imported beauty products. :)

To the soup base, I added napa cabbage (about 3 "leaves"), Tung-I tofu (made from non-GMO soy beans) for protein, enoki mushroom (love them), chinese parsley (for the fragrance and crunch) and sliced chilli padi (for the spiciness and color).

I do not cook my chinese parsley directly in the soup base, I just chopped them up and placed them in my bowl, I'll then ladle the noodles and broth directly onto them.


It takes less than 10 minutes for my lunch to be ready and it provides me with all the necessary nutrients - carbohydrates (soba noodles), protein (tofu) and fibre (vegetables).

Organic Store Haul

Finally, I dragged my lazy butt to the organic store to replenish on the brown rice that I'm running low. In the end, I brought so much more as the prices at the organic store is quite reasonable. I bought 8 organic apples for $3.50 which is similar to 5 regular apples going for $2.50 at the supermaket. The benefit (and the sweentness and juicies) from the organic apples certainly outweigh the slightly difference you have to pay.



The Lindt chocolates are not organic too. I've bought it to make some chocolate cookies. The baking will have to be postponed I could not get any vanilla essence.