The search for the Perfect Hair

Hair will make or break your entire look. Find the right hairstylist and you can have the most perfect hair. I totally agree with that.  Hair is a woman's richest ornament.  Can you imagine waking up with a bad hair, it will really spoil your entire day.

 

The perfect hairstylist is akin to finding the right man, someone whom you can trust and gives in to your whims and fancy.

 

Finally found the salon that I had patronized since fifteen years ago. Founders Anthony and Raymond started the salon from a little corner in a HDB void deck to a popular bespoke salon in Bencoolen; named Black Hair Salon.

 

The young enterprising guys, together with a team of dedicated stylists make Black Hair Salon a popular understated salon among the different age groups.

 

 

Enjoying my regular scalp and hair treatment in Black Hair Salon.

 

The Team from Black Hair Salon 

 

More posts will be coming up on the new exciting services by Black Hair Salon. I will also showcase my hairstyles done by Black Hair Salon over the years.

 

Check them out on at: 180 Bencoolen Street The Bencoolen #01-28 Singapore 189646

Tel: +65 6835 9976

Facebook: blackhairsalon@hotmail.sg
Instagram: blackhairsalon

Till then, stay tune. Merry X'mas and a Happy New Year peeps.
 

 

 

A Sunday Brunch at Brawn and Brains

My family and I were so excited to find a new little quaint cafe in our Mountbatten neighbourhood; Brawn and Brains. 

 

It was a cosy place that could seat less than fifteen persons. Our little family of four were greeted with warm friendly staff. 

We ordered their Chicken Wrap and Molten eggs, with bacon and vegetables sandwich. How could we miss out the coffee? We even got the chance to choose the coffee beans. My hubby chose the Sumatra Mandheling beans for his cappuccino and Costa Rican beans for my latte. Coffee is priced reasonably here at only SGD$3.50 per cup.

 My Latte. Loved the taste of full-bodied coffee. Lovely.

 

Another worthy coffee to try, Cappuccino.

 

 Baby-ccino for the kiddos was equally tasty. Only at SGD$1.50 per cup. Girls finished sipping in minutes. Too yummilicious.

 

Molten eggs, with bacon and vegetables sandwich. Healthy combo at SGD$7.  

 

 Another less sinful option; Chicken with vegetables wrap. Also SGD$7.

 

 Girls were happily enjoying their little corner, while keeping an eye on their scooters.

 

We truly enjoyed their food and hospitality in Brawn and Brains. One thing to note: the flooring is really good when you had kids in tow. Slip proof and also prevent breakages. Will definitely make B&B as our weekly brunch escapade. Good job to the team. We look forward to see more food selections in the menu soon.

 

Brawn and Brains is located at:

 

100 Guillemard Road #01-07 S(399718)

Tel: +65 6348 8892

 

Opening Hours: 9.30am to 7.30pm

 

 

Website: www.brawnandbrains.sg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a break, have a RF

I truly believe in constant upkeep of oneself.  It will help to delay the harsh realities of time. For me, one of the ways is going for non-evasive facial treatments to maintain.

Checking out the RF facial treatment by DrSpa, by Dr Georgia Lee. A bespoke spa who only promised to use the best equipment and ingredients for their clients.

 

I was welcomed with friendly smiles, warm lights and birds chirping music. Such a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

Rooms looked neat and clean without being too clinical.

 

 

My feet was given a soak in the water with rose petals before changing into the robe. Comforter was thick, to ensure I would not feel cold during the entire two-hour treatment. The therapist started by giving me a deep cleansing on the face, followed by an extraction of the blackheads and blemishes. The main lead came on finally, the Radio Frequency, aka RF. She used the RF rod to go round the face, eyes and neck areas. It felt warm but not prickly. The session finished with a CO2 Mask. This was proprietary to the spa. It felt like a gel and was cooling. I was very fascinated when she sprinkled a fizzing liquid on the mask. It felt like pouring coke on my face. The therapist told me this would help in removing the mask. The mask made my face very radiant.

 

I would love to highlight the vanity corner in the spa. Especially after treatment, hair and face looked horrible. Having a well-equipped vanity corner with DR GL makeup range, hair-dryer, did make me looked all dolled up and not like a plain white sheet with messy hair.

  

 

A specially Dr GL concocted tea, named GlowCha was served. As you could see from the picture above, it came with lots of goodness. It was easy to drink too. How I wish they would sell in takeaway packs and I could experience such goodness daily:-)

 

The entire experience had been superb. I was able to relax, had a great nap and enjoyed awesome tea while slouching on the couch without having to worry about the girls coming to you to hard sell their packages. (enough!) I felt so rejuvenated and ready to embrace more challenges ahead.

 

Truly appreciative to Dr Lee and Evelyn for giving me the opportunity for such an awe-inspiring experience. Cannot wait for my next visit.

 

For more pictures on the conducive spa, do check out: http://www.drspa.com

 

 

 

Their current promotions:

 

Your Birthday, Our Treat Enjoy 50% off any treatment during your birthday month. Valued customers with existing package get to enjoy any treatment for $80.

Note: This promotion is only valid for one treatment and only can utilize during your birthday month. Identity documents will be requested for verification. Offer is non-transferable. We reserve the right to change these terms and conditions at our discretion.

 

 

First Trial at only $100
Get to enjoy $100 on any DrSpa® treatments during your first visit.

*Limited to one time redemption per customer

 

 

DrSpa is located at: 27 Lorong Liput Singapore 277738

Tel: +65 6465 8880

E: ask@drspa.com

 

Do call them to make an appointment, or to enquire about first-time benefits.

Yoguru's limited edition salted caramel

I was so excited to see Yoguru launching my favourite, Salted Caramel. The staff was sharing with me they took a long time to come up with this delicious yet tasty concoction. Yogurt is supposed to be healthy right? 

I had mine topped with almonds and fruity pebbles. Before I had a bite, my hub took it and couldn't stop eating hahaha. Can you imagine how tasty it was?

Come on to Yoguru as this will be served during this festive season only. Really wish they can have it permanently on their menu. Praying hard. 

For more details on their location around Singapore, check their web on www.yoguru.com.sg or their Facebook Page 'yoguru'

It had certainly brighten up my day! Look forward to more salted caramel:-)

Sleep and Firm - Simply Love it!

To sleep and firm the face, it has always been on my wish list. When Laneige came out with this Firming Sleeping Pack, it was like a dream come true. Finally!

I started using it a month ago. It had a QQ jelly-like texture, unlike its ever popular Sleeping Pack, which was like cream.

You would need the given spatula to scoop out the Firming Pack, put it on your palms then apply it on your face and not forgetting the neck. Neck is often being neglected and signs of aging will show obviously if not well taken of.

 

Steps to using the Firming Pack:

• Cleanse your face thoroughly
• Apply your regular toner and moisturisers
• Apply the Firming Pack to your face & neck
• Leave it overnight
• Wash it clean the next morning

The Firming Pack contains Sleepscent™ developed by Amore Pacific’s independent technology for the deep relaxation of skin fatigue. The scent is quite different from the Water Sleeping Pack_EX. Perhaps that explained why I always had a good night's sleep whenever I applied the Firming Pack.

 

My Results:

• Skin was noticeably firmer the following day
• The makeup stayed well on the face for the entire day
• Helped to even out the uneven skin tone
• Skin stayed supple and not drying
• Suitable for busy executives who have no time for regular facial or mask

I got this from Korea at SGD$35. Singapore is selling around $40+.

 

Do check it out! For a product with lots of goodness at a fraction of the price is truly a worthy buy.

 

 

 

 My favourite beauty Muse now:-) Early morning look after using the Firming Pack last night. Only applied Sunblock with Laneige BB Cushion on the face.

Spicy Thai Sequel

I was back to Spicy Thai again.  This time I brought my girls along too. I couldn't wait to try the new dishes and also my personal favourites I would love to indulge again.

When the owner asked me "try the fish head curry?" I was awed. I never heard of it before. My first look at it, it did look similar to the typical curry fish head. Upon tasting it, it was rather different. It had a taste of tomyum but with a thicker texture. They had an abundant of vegetables such as brinjal, cabbages in it. For friends who are lactose intolerant, this may be a good alternative. 

Cha-Om omelette. Cha-Om or acacia leave is commonly eaten by Thais, Cambodians and Laotians. Tasted especially delicious with eggs. It had a bit of herby, refreshing taste. The combo was heavenly.

The meat balls are blended with onions, basil. The meaty taste was masked by the herbs. With raw leafy vegetables accompanied, the calories for this dish was instantly cut.

For the little ones who always hate veggies, this is one dish you should never miss. Fried kangkong in aka tempura style. Very crispy, did not feel very oily. 

My little one who has always hated greens, couldn't help but kept munching on the chip chip (as what she term it). She simply loved it! 

We had the carbs too. The Crab Fried Rice and Seafood Hor Fun. The fried rice gave me a homely taste, really heartwarming. The hor fun was very smooth with enough gravy and not starchy. My girls loved them all and had more than two bowls each.

With my all-time favorite Mango Sticky Rice dessert. Aroi Mak!

You Light Up my Life!

Hi peeps! Been a while since my last post. What a Hectic October.

Finally I am back with a new post on Lip Glosses. This brand, Pure Illumination from US is really awesome! It will light up!

Lip Glosses are now taking centre stage in the makeup world. Lip gloss is a great way to enhance the natural lip colour you were born with as well as protect and add shine to your lips. It is not drying to your lips and the colours are not as loud as lipsticks.It is important to choose lip gloss with natural ingredients.. For instance, lanolin is a natural hydrating ingredient that is easily absorbed and penetrates the lips to heal, protect and soothe for hours. Other natural ingredients like Jojoba Oil that soothes, Sweet Almond Oil that softens and moisturizes, and Vitamin E which is an excellent antioxidant.

 

The lip glosses from Pure Illumination are custom blended with natural oils including lanolin and vitamin E that protects and soothes while adding shine and protection all day. Plus they also come with LED Light and Mirror. This is so convenient, you can literally apply lip gloss anywhere; even in the dark. There are over 20 eye-catching shades that is suitable for any skin-tones.

My personal favourite colour is Oopsy Daisy. Such a sweetie name right? Each Lip Gloss is sold at SGD$32.

 

Pure Illumination products are distributed by Origin Asian Lifescience in Singapore, a bespoke company that specialises in natural organic products. Do check out their web: www.oaoa.com.sg for detailed listing of the shops carrying the Pure Illumination products. They do accept online purchases too.

They will be in Parenthood Fair 2013, from 8-10 Nov.  During the show,they will be having 50% off all items! Can you believe it? Do check them out soon.

 

Organic = Tasty?

Buns, possible to be organic and tasty at the same time?  Yeah, it's possible. Olive and Green has it. I didn't believe it initially, till I tried.

I took a few variations of the bread throughout the days. 

 

Chocolate and Date Olive Bun are the star ingredients of this product. I am quite sceptical. I was surprised the chocolate and date was such a great combination.

 

It was not so sweet too. I could feel the chocolate oozing out from my first bite.

 Blueberry Olive Oil Bun. Blueberries are known to be powerful antioxidants which can help to prevent cancer and other age-related diseases.

 

Very light bread, I liked it as a snack for the afternoon teatime.

 

 

 

 

Cranberry Olive Oil Bun: Cranberries have several health benefits due to its unique combination of proanthocyandins and antioxidants.

 

Very ideal for us women. This was my personal favourite, since I had always love cranberries.

Olive & Green was founded by Singaporean Desmond Tan about six years ago with the aim of creating healthier-eating options for everyone.  In 2010, they were being awarded the ‘Asia Pacific Super Health Brand New Health 100’.

Their Sprouted Breads / Buns are one of this homegrown company’s biggest pride! Made with their signature Hippocrates Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and organic sprouted wheat, these breads/buns are 100% vegan and contain more nutrients than any other type of bread currently sold in the market. Also, no sugar, garlic or onions have been added to their bread. Extremely good for vegans and vegetarians.

Why wait, since you can have the best of both worlds, enjoy tasty bites without the guilt feeling!

For more details on how you can get these delicious breads, check out:

http://www.oliveandgreen.net/
 

https://www.facebook.com/oliveandgreen

 

Astering in the Spring

 

Going for a facial is truly a rare luxury.  With my busy schedule, it is hard for me to squeeze time out for a regular pampering session. 

 

Finally, I managed to find some time to visit Aster Spring, in JEM, Jurong East.  Coincidentally, Ms Charlotte Brockett who is the International Senior Training Specialist for Asia & New Zealand at Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute happened to be in town.

 

I was so glad to meet up with Charlotte. Firstly, I was asked to fill up the form, stating my health and skin conditions.  Thereafter, she went through all the pointers with me patiently, explaining to me my skin concerns and remedies I might consider.

 

The rooms in Aster Spring were clean and the entire treatment was relaxing.  Oops, no pictures took, as I actually dozed off during the treatment.  Can you imagine how comfy I was?

 

 

 Just after the facial with no makeup, al-naturel.
 

Kelly the therapist, was very detailed and skilful.  Even extraction was pleasant, unlike my past experiences, it was painfully unbearable. After the treatment, Kelly gave me some sample packs from Dermalogica to bring home, to continue with my home care routine. 

 

Dermalogica products were used in their salon. Dermalogica is the No.1 professional skin care choice of consumers worldwide. All Dermalogica products are researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute, USA and manufactured in USA.
 

I felt so refreshed and cleansed after the entire treatment. It had been ages since I last had such a good nap.  Appreciate Aster Spring for inviting me to try out their amazing facial.

 

 

The No. 1 & Largest Authorised Source of Dermalogica.
AsterSpring is a corporate division wholly owned by EIG.

Outlets are as follows:

 Ang Mo Kio Hub
53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 #B1-23 AMK Hub, Singapore 569933
Tel: 6853 3036

The Clementi Mall
3155 Commonwealth Ave West #05-10 The Clementi Mall, Singapore 129588
Tel: 6570 9981

Sembawang Shopping Centre
604 Sembawang Road #02-23 Sembawang Shopping Centre, Singapore 758459
Tel: 6483 8393

Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5 #02-21/22 Century Square Shopping Centre, Singapore 529509
Tel: 6783 9006

Compass Point
1 Seng Kang Square #02-01/02 Compass Point, Singapore 545078
Tel: 6587 5175

HarbourFront Centre
1 Maritime Square #02-108/109 HarbourFront Centre, Singapore 099253
Tel: 6271 9208

nex
23 Serangoon Central #04-23/24 nex, Singapore 556083
Tel: 6634 2368

Parkway Parade
No. 80 Marine Parade Road #04-04 Parkway Parade, Singapore 449269
Tel: 6348 7289

Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road #03-10 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Tel: 6339 0855

The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Road #05-09/10/11 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Tel: 6732 0090

White Sands
1 Pasir Ris Street 3 #03-20 White Sands, Singapore 518457
Tel: 6581 7887

Jem
50 Jurong Gateway Road #03-13 Jem, Singapore 608549
Tel: 6734 7833

Bedok Mall (opening soon)

Junction 8 (opening soon)

 

  

Aroi Mak Spicy Thai

Eating is one of my loves. I cannot wait to share one of my recent finds in the heart of Aljunied. It is an understated Thai restaurant, namely Spicy Thai.

First time drinking Thai Teh-O. (meaning tea with no milk). Tea was not bitter at all. Indeed a change from the usual norm.

I tried the Tom Yumm Goong. That was like my Must Order dish whenever I stepped into a Thai Restaurant: -) It was served on a Claypot using charcoal. Oh that was surprising. The good thing about using charcoal, the food was kept warm longer than using candle.

 

Vegetables used was fresh. Peanuts and the dried prawns made the dish even more appetising.

Fried prawn cakes was delicious and didn't feel oily.

Barbeque Pork! My favourite indulgence. No fats mainly lean meat was tasted. OK, at least I didn't feel so sinful.

Chicken Wings was lathered with honey and boss secret ingredients. I finished all 4 pieces I ordered. Terrible me!

This otah was worth more mention.  It was served in a coconut husk. Otah was all mashed up, mixed with prawns and coconut flesh. That's quite a novelty.

See the coconut flesh 

What is a meal without dessert? Though I was already full to my max, still I couldn't resist the Mango Sticky Rice and sneaked a bite from my friend's equally irresistible Red Ruby.

 The boss, Ron mentioned the Rubies are all made fresh daily. They tasted crunchy and not chewy. The texture was perfect.

 My favourite Mango Sticky Rice. Portion was just right, fresh mangoes imported from Thailand. I finished everything in just minutes. 

Here is a picture with the boss. Looks Thai, isn't it? He is actually a Singaporean.  He speaks fluent Thai which is all self-taught so he can communicate with his Thai Chef. He believes in true ingredients used in his dishes, hence, he imported most of them from Thailand.

It was truly a fulfilling meal at Spicy Thai.  Thank you Ron for having me around. I thoroughly enjoyed the food and chat with him.. I will definitely be back again with my family and friends for more.

Spicy Thai Café is located at:

Blk 115 Aljunied Avenue 2

#01-35 (next to Geylang East Swimming Complex)

Singapore 380115

Opening Hours:

11am to 12am daily