Yummy Whampoa Tau Sar Piah :)

Hubby and i chanced upon this bakery selling Tau Sar Piah when we were on the way for my Gynae appointment at Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) awhile back. It is located opposite the hospital (Blk 1 Thomson Road #01-330A) and we decided to buy some of its pastries to try out of curiosity and it turns out to be really tasty. I love the traditional sweet lotus flavor Tau Sar Piah and you can also choose from various other flavors like salty, yam, pineapple, pandan, sesame, durian and red bean. We love the crispy crust and generous fillings and that we can keep the pastries for a week without putting it in the fridge and it is still as delicious although the crispiness last only about 3 days. Do give it a try if you happen to be in the area :)

Introducing My Dear Little Boy :)

Have not had the time to update my blog this week as i have just given birth to my baby boy. Here is one of my top favorite pictures of him to share with readers of my blog :)

Kinokuniya Member Sales For Fellow Book Lovers :)

Good news for Kinokuniya Privilege Card Members - 20% Off* Storewide At All Kinokuniya Stores. From 21st (Thursday) to 24th (Sunday) March 2013.

(Source: http://www.kinokuniya.com.sg/promotions/bloomingbooks/index.html)

白安Ann - 麥田捕手The Catcher in the Rye MV

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8tNF9thAkQ)

Yummy Bibimbap For Dinner :)

Introducing My Favorite Drugstore Brand Body Lotion - Vaseline

Vaseline Aloe Fresh and Total Moisture body lotion are my top favorite drugstore brands body lotion and i have been using them daily for quite sometime. For times when i feel like splurging and pampering my skin even more, i would go for body lotion from brands like Ahava, L'OCCITANE and Crabtree & Evelyn. I would share more about some of my favorite products from these brands in a separate post in the future. 

I have been sticking to Vaseline body lotion as i find that it works well for my skin and i like its lovely light scent and that it leaves my skin feeling soft and well moisturized without the sticky and greasy uncomfortable feeling that some body lotion gives me. 

For those who prefers body lotion with a light texture that gives you a refreshing feel, i highly recommends the Aloe Fresh body lotion and those who prefers something more moisturizing can try out the Total Moisture body lotion. I enjoy using both types of body lotion and finds that it absorbs easily into my damp skin when i apply them immediately after showering at the end of the day. I have been using my Vaseline body lotion on alternate days with my Clarins Stretch Mark Oil since i'm pregnant and it has worked well for my skin and helps it to stay well hydrated and stretch mark free :) Even when my tummy has been getting bigger, my skin does not get itchy and irritated like some pregnant mums experienced which i'm really thankful for.

Here is a tip for when is the best time to apply body lotion which i found online to share with everyone:

Apply lotion at the best time, which is right after you get out of a shower or bath because this is when your skin retains the most moisture. Your pores will remain open from the warm water for a few minutes. Instead of running your towel over your skin, press it lightly onto your skin leaving a little bit of water.

Apply your body lotion. Place a generous amount in your hands, rub them together and gently apply over every surface of your skin from your toes on up to your neck. Rub the lotion in until it is evenly distributed and you cannot feel much of its moisture anymore (by this time, the moisture should be absorbed into your pores instead of on your hands). Repeat as necessary.

(Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_4891944_properly-apply-body-lotion.html)

My Experience Trying Out SK-II's New Magic Ring Skin Analysis

As mentioned in my previous post about the SK-II Magic Ring test, i have been wanting to blog about my experience taking the skin test in November last year but only has the time to do it now. I strongly encourage fellow SK-II users to try out SK-II's latest skin analysis using its Magic Ring which is a skin imaging unit available at selected SK-II counters as the skin test will help you gain a better understanding of your skin condition and find out if the skincare products you have been using are effective and what else you need to add on to target your skin needs.

I have read alot from some of my favorite beauty blogs about SK-II's new skin analysis "Magic Ring" that analyze the five dimensions of skin firmness, texture, radiance, spot control and wrinkles resilience and determines the age of your skin. I was really curious about how the skin test works and do read on for more information and my experience and results taking the test.

More information about SK-II Magic Ring Test

The Magic Ring Test exclusively developed by SK-II’s Research & Development innovation centre in Kobe, Japan. It is equipped with features new to existing skin imaging counseling tools so as to identify our specific Ageless Vector to enable the design of a personalized anti-aging skincare regimen to optimize our skin’s aging needs.

I went to my favorite SK-II counter at Metro Causeway Point to purchase its U-shaped sponge for my Cellumination Pancake and took the opportunity to try out the test. 

My experience with the Magic Ring Test

I was pleasantly surprised that i scored an average of 70% for the ageless vector score and my skin age is 27 compared to my actual age of 31 :) I'm glad i did the test as it helps me to zone in on the areas where i need to improve my skin condition and better understand my current skin condition and needs.

My Magic Ring Test Results

My lowest score was spots control and i scored only 47% and i have noticed new freckle making a special appearance since i'm pregnant. I have read somewhere  that pregnant women are more sensitive to UV rays and have a higher chance of getting dark spots and it is really important to load up on sunscreen when indoor and especially going outdoor. The test score shows that i really need to start using whitening serum to target my problem areas. I was previously using SK-II Spots Specialist and i did see results and the beauty consultant recommends that i go back to using the product which helps to fight spot formation by targeting both hidden & visible spots. I have stopped using the whitening serum since i'm pregnant and stick to a more basic skincare regime but i was reassured that SK-II whitening products are safe for pregnant women and i only have to avoid its Wrinkle Specialist which contains Retinol which is a NO NO for pregnant women.

I was also recommended the Whitening Source Clear Lotion which would help to remove dirt & dead skin cells and to allow skin nourishment. As my concern was also on improving skin hydration, this product would be better than the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion which i have been using on and off since i'm pregnant in terms of increasing skin hydration. I was also advised to use the Facial Treatment Repair C which would help to increase skin hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines while improving skin texture. I was given samples of Whitening Spots Specialist and Whitening Source Clear Lotion to try out and i have a 15ml bottle of Repair C from purchasing the Christmas Set which i have not used yet.

Samples received after skin test

My highest score was for firmness power and i scored 82% which is equivalent to skin age 23. I also scored 78% for wrinkle resilience and am really satisfied with the results. Looks like my long term use of Facial Treatment Essence and Skin Signature really helps and i can't wait to see how switching to stempower  would help to boost my skin power. I scored a decent 68% for radiance enhancement and 63% for texture refinement. 

I highly encourage readers who are interested in trying out SK-II products to give the magic ring test a try. Do also visit SK-II Facebook page  and try out its latest whitening contest. You may be one of the 5 lucky winners to win yourself the top prizes of a SK-II Aura Whitening Kit EX. There are also 200 consolation prizes of 1 piece SK-II Whitening Source Derm-Revival Mask up for grab. Do note that the contest ends 31 March 2013. Hope my sharing of the Magic Ring experience would be beneficial to those who are keen to try out SK-II products or already using it. Have a great weekend :)

(Source: http://www.facebook.com/skii.singapore)

Introducing My New Canon Selphy CP900 Pink Photo Printer

It was love at first sight when i saw the print advertisement for the Canon photo printer while reading My Paper last week :) I love its sweet pink color and that i'm able to print pictures directly via Wi-Fi from my iPhone 4 and iPad without having to use my computer. I always find it a hassle printing pictures using my old Canon photo printer and having to link it to my computer using USB cable. I have been looking for a new printer since my old one died on me last year. I bought the new CP900 on Monday while out shopping with my mum  at Bishan Junction 8 and was lucky to get the last set as the pink color printer is really popular. 

It retails for S$199 and i was hoping that it would come with a box of free photo paper like the promotion i received when i purchased my old printer but too bad there is no such promo currently but i'm still really satisfied with my purchase :)

Anyway i have tried printing some pictures and love that its so easy to set up and printing from my iPhone 4 was a breeze :) I'm looking forward to taking lot of pictures of my baby boy who is due anytime hehe and enjoying the convenience and privacy of printing the pictures at the comfort of my own home. 

For those interested in getting the CP900 too, read on for more information about the product.

More information about the CP900

With built in Wi-Fi capability, the compact Selphy CP900 can connect wirelessly to iOS and Android devices, allowing users to print images taken with their smartphones and tablets conveniently anytime and anywhere. iPhone/iPad and Android users can print photos via Canon's EasyPhotoPrint app via a wireless access point. Compared to its predecessor, the Selphy CP800, the CP900 is 12% thinner and 14 lighter and boosts a quicker response time, processing images 3.3 times faster. There is also increased flexibility to print irregular-sized photos.

The printer has 3 new optimisation scenes, Cloudy, Blue Sky and Sunset, automatically and intelligently analyses and corrects images - correcting their brightness, contrast and reduces noise before printing - ensuring stunning and impressive images every time. Users will be able to preview these creations with the newly introduced high-resolution 2.7" LCD Display with a wide viewing angle.

Additionally you can also print postcard size and ID photos of up to 28 different sizes (ICAO standard) with cropping. To maximise cost-efficiency, the CP900 is able to print ID photos of up to 2 different people on a single sheet of paper. Photos fading will never be a worry as images printed with the CP900 are protected by a durable protective print over-coating which helps preserve these precious memories for up to 100 years if kept in a photo album.

The printer comes in 3 colors - pink, white and black and is available at authorized Canon dealers. Check it out today :)

(Source: http://www.canon.com.sg)
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/BeEmpoweredByCanonSG)

I Love Having My Mum's Delicious Home Cooked Food For Dinner :)

Feels so blissful :)

Yummy Lunch @ Saybons Junction 8 :)

Guest Post By My Cousin - Review Of Laneige Firming Sleeping Pack

My cousin CK also has a blog where she shares her experience trying out the latest beauty products and i love sharing latest news of my favorite beauty products and recommending products that works for me to her too since we share the same interest. She has kindly agree to share her review of this latest product by our favorite Korean beauty brand - Laneige as a guest post here on my blog.

Do check out more of her product reviews at her lovely blog "Get Pretty With Me" and read on for her review of Laneige Firming Sleeping Pack which i'm definitely going to get after reading her review. I'm already regretting not asking her to help me get one during her trip to Korea last year as it is much cheaper there. She helped me to purchase 2 boxes of Laneige White Plus Renew Purifying mask and i'm going to start using it soon after i finish the Shiseido Purifying mask i'm using. Would do a review of the mask soon if i have the time. 

For those who are going to Korea soon, do include Laneige products in your shopping list ;) Think it cost 30-40% less than in Singapore. Now for my cousin's review...

CK: I bought this product when I was in Seoul last year but have not got into using it until recently. Feeling that my face is getting drier than before, I decided to 'up' my skin care routine. I have a carton full of skin care products (wrinkle plump, sleeping mask, micro peel etc) all from Seoul and decided it's time they see daylight.

I started to use mask every night (mud mask for deep cleansing, hydration for keeping the face supple and whitening mask for a bright effect) and begin to see improvement after a week. One of my favorites among them is the Laneige Firming Sleeping Pack.

The mask is made from memory form gel which restores skin's firmness while one sleeps. Its formula helps for a supple and resilient pack that hydrates the skin and works as a filler. I am not sure if it really 'lifts' my skin (anyway i never believe in the 'firming' wonders in a jar of cream), the reason I bought it is because I want the sleeping water pack ( hydration is priority and it does work!) and this one was new then and it consists of hydration as well so why not! And guess what? My face is sooooooooo supple after I use it daily for a week! The hydration is definitely there!

I can also tell the difference every morning. The skin do not feel dry and when i pat my face, it actually felt 'boink boink' !! Yes, my face is literally bouncy!

Usage is simple. After you do your usual skin-care routine at night, all you need to do is just to spread this over your face lightly. Your face will feel sticky for the first 30 seconds but after it settles, it will be all good. I feel that everyone should use a sleeping mask. It gives you the extra moisture and hydration that serum and moisturziers are missing and it actually 'pumps' extra effects into your skin.

I am a lazy skin care user so I don't normally follow the 'self massage' step or the 'leave it for 30seconds to feel the scent of the product before you spread it over your face' instructions. Unless I'm using a face massage cream else the lesser I stretch the face the better that's how i feel.

This product is also wonderful as it works wonders on your neck. Try it and I'm very sure you'll go back for more.

You can also find my cousin's review of this product at: (http://getprettywithme.blogspot.sg/2013/02/laneige-firming-sleeping-pack.html).

I Love Reading My Favorite Local SPH Magazines On My iPad :)

Good piece of news for those who loves reading popular local SPH female magazines like Her World, Cosmopolitan, Simply Her, Shape and CLEO :) If you have been hoping like me that it is available in digital version so that you can read it conveniently using your beloved tablets and smart phones, rejoice as you can now do so through the Apple App Store and Google Play since February 2013. I have recently bought my favorite magazines from Magzter directly and SPH is offering discounts of up to 37% for annual subscriptions of its magazines on the website!!!

You can also purchase single issues of your favorite magazines at a cheaper rate. I have already purchased annual subscriptions of Young Parents, Simply Her and Her World magazines and only have to pay about S$3+ per copy after the discounts and that is alot of savings for those who are on a budget and still do not wish to cut back on reading their favorite monthly magazines ;) I can now read the magazines conveniently on the trains without having to carry the heavy magazines around and also save some trees and precious storage space too.

I also read in the newspaper awhile back that SPH will also be introducing digital versions of its other popular magazines like The Singapore Women's Weekly in the coming months and i will definitely be subscribing to its digital versions too :) Do purchase the magazines before the special discounts end for the annual subscriptions.

(Source: http://www.sphmagazines.com.sg/news/2013/02/18/seven-of-sph-magazines’-best-loved-women’s-titles-now-available-digitally)

插班生 The Freshman 《逞强》 "我要嫁出去" 插曲 MV

For those who have been watching this entertaining Channel U drama and love the song featured in the show, you can listen and watch the song MV below :)

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7ORLAvvVxs&feature=youtu.be)

Brands Innershine Berry Essence With Grape Seed Extract Buy 1 Get 1 Free Promotion

To celebrate 20 million bottles of BRAND'S® InnerShine® Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract popped, the brand have a special treat just for you! Get another pack free with every 6-bottles pack purchased! Available at all major retail outlets from now till 31 Mar*. 

This is a really value for money promotion for fans of the products. For readers who are new to the product and wish to find out more, you can also check out my review posted last year about my experience trying the product for 2 weeks :) 

*Terms & Conditions apply, whilst stocks last. Check its Facebook page for more details.

Review Of Ettusais BB Mineral Cream & My 2013 BB Cream Wish List

I love using BB cream as i prefer light and simple makeup when i go out and BB cream meets my makeup needs perfectly as the BB cream brands that i have been using so far usually offers about light to medium coverage which is sufficient to cover any skin flaws i have without the need to apply concealer and i can just step out of the house in a jiffy if i'm rushing for time. My first BB  cream was from Lancome and i love using it. As i wanted to try out what other brands of BB cream offer being beauty products lover, i have also tried BB cream from other brands like Lancome, Biotherm, Clinique, Vichy and Ettusais which is the latest BB cream i have been using. I did not bother to do a review of Clinique and Vichy BB cream as i did not really like it and prefers sharing only products that works on my skin with readers of my blog. Read on for my review of the Ettusais BB Mineral Cream which i enjoys using and my latest BB cream wish list ;)

Review of Ettusais BB Mineral cream SPF 30

I have been using this made in Japan product for more than half a year and love its lightweight texture. It comes in 3 shades and i'm using its (10 Light) shade and my friend who has a darker skin tone bought the (30 Healthy) shade when we were shopping for Ettusais products together. It provides light coverage, spreads on easily on my skin and feels light and refreshing on my skin. It also does not cause any breakouts and provides good oil control on my T-zone area. My friend who has also been using it for several months also love using it and has received compliments from her colleagues about her glowing skin when she was using the product.

 

I'm finishing the BB cream soon and was planning to make a repurchase but have been distracted by the introductions of new BB cream from my favorite beauty brand like Clarins and other reputable skincare brands like Philosophy and Kiehl which seems to offer better sunscreen protection and coverage  than Ettusais BB Mineral cream (S$38 for 40g tube) although at a higher retail price. I would still repurchase the Ettusais BB Mineral cream after i have tried a sample of the new products and if it does not work as well on my skin or if i do not wish to spend more than S$40 on a BB cream. However i would not mind spending more money on a good quality product that gives me even better results and does not cause any skin irritations.

Read on for the new brands of BB cream which have caught my attention and are in my Wish List of BB cream :)

1) Clarins Creme Perfectrice Multi-Protection BB cream SPF 40

2) Philosophy Skin Perfecting BB cream SPF 30

3) Kiehl Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream SPF 50

(Source: http://ettusais.sg/mub_BB-Mineral-Cream.html)
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/ClarinsSingapore)
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/philosophysg)
(Source: http://www.facebook.com/KiehlsSG)
(Source: http://www.kiehlstimes.com/highlights_bb_cream.php)

白安Ann - 是什麼讓我遇見這樣的你] MV

Song i'm currently listening to. Learnt about this new singer Bai An from Taiwan after reading today's Straits Time, Life section and she has a unique and lovely voice and i really enjoys listening to the songs in her album and decided to share one of her song MV with readers of my blog :)

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVmZpcrQBU4)

Yummy Dinner @ Wan Chai Hong Kong Tea Room :)

My Favorite White Bee Hoon For Lunch :)

Zatchels Harmony Satchel Bag On Sales

I saw a post on this lovely bag from my top favorite local blogger and bag guru Bagaholicboy and could not resist sharing it here too with fellow satchel bags lovers :) Do check out his post from the link above.

For those who are looking for a satchel bag for yourself or gift for your boyfriend or hubby, check out this lovely bag which is currently on sales online via Zatchels' Singapore site and comes with free shipping for shoppers from Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia. The bags are handmade in the UK with 100% cowhide leather and offers fellow fans of the Cambridge Satchel Company bags another great alternative if you are looking for more unique designs other than its classic bags and at a reduced price. I would suggest the 13 or 14.5 (for school or work) inch bags for female users and the 14.5 inch or 16 inch bags that come with handle for male users who prefer bigger size bags. Do check out the promo before the sales end.

(Source: http://bagaholicboy.com/2013/03/zatchels-harmony-satchel/)
(Source: http://www.zatchels.com.sg)

Can a product float on air? You gotta see Magic Babe Ning's gravity-defying act!

Here is an amazing outdoor levitation magic act by local Magic Babe Ning that i must share with readers of my blog. The product used in the magic act seems surprisingly light and i wonder what it is ;)

Satisfying My Prata Cravings @ My Favorite Casuarina Curry Thomson :)

Review Of Amethystory Mineral Yogurt Mask

What is as edible as it is good for your skin?

 Introducing the all new... 

Just about everyone knows about the benefits of consuming yogurt. Millions of beneficial pro-biotic that boost the immune system make yogurt one of the healthiest source dietary supplements and one of the best natural skincare remedies around. Alpha Hydroxyl Acid, a natural lactic acid present in abundance helps to smooth rough, dry skin and prevent premature aging such as fine lines. 

A yogurt mask thus also helps to soothe, soften and tighten the skin while gently dissolving dead skin that is accumulated in the pores to help refine pores giving the skin a younger appearance. Its high nutrient content and natural antibacterial & antifungal properties also get rid of germs and other bacteria. I have not tried a yogurt mask before and was curious if it would work well on my skin and gladly accepted the sponsorship to review this new product :)

My lovely package containing a 60g bottle of  Amethystory Mineral Yogurt Mask

More Information:

Here, with the use of advanced Bio-technology, Amethyst Mineral Yogurt Mask builds upon the natural goodness of premium yogurt with the additional special blend of Amethyst, Tranexamic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Bio Energy Fluid, Ginseng and Olive Oil. Your skin becomes instantly brighter, feels more moisturized and soft. With regular use, a fairer and more even skin tone will give you a natural radiant glow from within.

Product Efficacies:

- Intensively nourishes and rejuvenates skin, for a soft and smooth complexion

- Excellent whitening and brightening of skin, giving a naturally fair and radiant complexion

- Deeply hydrates and locks in moisture, for supple and healthy looking skin

- Helps to keep skin refreshed and cool

- Non-greasy formula for easy and deep absorption into skin

Directions:

After cleansing, gently massage an adequate amount onto the entire face. Leave the mask on for around 15 -30 minutes to allow the nutrients to be absorbed into the skin. Then rinse off thoroughly.

My Review:

I gave the product a try earlier this week and love its sweet fruity and yogurty smell which makes it a pleasant and relaxing masking experience.

For hygiene purpose, do use a clean spatula or spoon to scoop out an adequate amount of mask from the bottle. I wish that the product had come with a spatula for user's convenience.

I left the mask on for the minimum required 15 minutes due to lack of time and my skin feels refreshed and non greasy after washing off the mask. The product also did not cause any irritations to my skin. I was pleased to note that my face looks brighter and skin feels soft and supple. I continue with my normal skincare routine of applying toner, essence, serum and moisturizer and noticed that my skin still feels soft and supple the next day when i woke up. I'm planning to use it once a week and hopes to see even better results with regular use.

I highly recommend this product to readers who are facing dry and dull looking skin problems. It retails for S$18.90 and you should be able to find it at Watsons stores. Do like Amethystory Facebook Page for more informations and updates about its products and promotions. Thanks for reading my review and have a great weekend ahead :)