Nature’s Glory Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap and Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Been diligently learning household chores and tips recently in hopes to maintain our new place properly in time to come! We're in midst of sourcing for ID/contractors who can understand what we want for a house, and importantly, be genuine and committed. Recommendations are welcome! :)

Was really glad to be invited to try Nature's Glory Dr Bronner's Castile Organic Liquid Soap which has 18 uses to it!

*Certified to USDA Organic Standards

(same strict standards used for Organic Foods)

1. Shave

2. Shampoo

3. Toothpaste

4. Soap Bath or Foot Bath

5. Deodorant

6. Denture Cleaner

7. Mouth Wash

8. Hands Cleanser

9. Body Massage

10. Laundry

11. Douche

12. Hot Towel Massage

13. Pets

14. Dishwashing

15. Toilet Wash

16. Fruits/Vegetables Wash

17. Pest Spray

18. No Rash Nappy Soap

For five generations, over 150 years, the Bronner family is known for their soapmaking excellence. Nothing brings the warmth and coziness of home and hearth into your shower like Dr. Bronner's range of heavenly-scented Castile Organic Liquid Soap. They are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program, as well as certified Fair Trade. Packaged in 100% postconsumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles, these soaps are renowned for their quality, versatility and eco-friendliness.

The purity of the source of these soaps grants each droplet its exceptional qualities. They contain a relatively large volume of therapeutic high quality grade essential oil (i.e., 20ml in 1litre) which is really value for money, as typically even a bottle of 10ml essential oil would already cost $20 to $30+. Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap is retailing at a reasonably good price of $18.90 for a 16oz. The soaps greatly enhance its penetration deep into the skin to unleash reservoirs of goodness for long-lasting care and love for our skin.

To being with, Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Almond Liquid Soap is unlike any other soap you have ever used. It is made of a combination of high quality, pure & organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba & almond oils. 

Personally, I really love the scent of the citrus version. Can totally imagine using it for many things!

Nothing smells as fresh as the smell of organic citrus oils. The organic orange, lemon, and lime oils in Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Citrus Orange Liquid Soap stimulate the skin and invigorate the body, resulting in a truly refreshing shower experience. 

Since I'm on-my-way to be a "housewife", I started off with trying it as a dishwasher instead, heh heh. As stated on its website, Dr.Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soaps are valued for money – up to 4 X more concentrated than other brands of “liquid soaps”. With such a lovely scent, I would definitely repurchase this for ashing my clothing in future, or simply a relaxing foot bath next!

***

Now, while I'm on Dr Bronner's, I found out about another amazing organic product - the Fresh Pressed Virgin Coconut oil!

Dr Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is expeller-pressed from fresh, carefully dried coconut kernels whose brown inner skins have been left on, resulting in a more aromatic, nuttier-tasting oil. Versatile and delicious, Whole Kernel Coconut Oil can be used for stir-frying, sauces, baking and body care, including hair and body moisturising, oil pulling, DIY toothpaste formulations, and more.

I have not used it as hair or body care yet because it smells TOO YUMMY, lol. Might feel weird for me to use something so delicious smelling on my skin/hair.

Was hesitating between using it on food as a try-out, or on my face as a quick moisturizing mask.

Decided to add it to my "cooking" eventually when the little sister requested for a late night noodles supper! Secretly added the coconut oil to the noodles soup and it turned out very well indeed! The noodles were more fragrant that she could detect that extra aroma in her supper even though she didn't know of the existence of Dr Bronner’s Whole Kernel Organic Virgin Coconut Oil in the house then.

Operation successful!

Dr. Bronner’s products are available at Nature’s Glory retail store or e-shop at www.natures-glory.com.

There's FREE DELIVERY for purchases S$150 & above.

Retail Store:

315 Outram Road #01-09

Tan Boon Liat Building

Singapore 169074

Tel: 6227 1318

Email: customerservice@natures-glory.com

V-Mina SG Feminine Hygiene Care - Feel the confidence!

As a lady, I know how important it is to keep our delicate regions clean and fresh, while maintaining it to be dry and healthy at an ideal pH level. It is not only for health-conscious individuals who appreciates a delicate care of their long-term well-being, it is also extremely beneficial to those who are prone to infections, and those who are have more active lifestyle, or those who need assistance to balance the state of the micro-flora level.

Here is a new brand-name that uses an advanced approach to total-balance feminine care – V-mina.

It promises to clean without irritation and improve the V-area to a healthy pH range of 3.8 to 4.2. On top on that, there is yoghurt extract to provide Lactobacilus Probiotics benefits to maintain good micro-flora balance and naturally eliminates bad micro-organisms.

There are no harsh surfactants, SLES, SLS or ALS in V-mina products. 

The benefits of V-Mina products are supported and proven by clinical tests done by independent research institution (read more about it here!)

V-Mina Cleansing Mousse

The mousse state makes the cleanser soft and gentle on the skin, while effective in maintaining the cleanliness of the V-area. As mentioned above for all V-Mina products, it improves good micro-flora balance and prevent growth of bad micro-organisms and improve the pH to an ideal range. This mousse is enriched with aloe vera that helps to soften and hydrate the V-area.

V-Mina Lightening Intimate Gel

The gel helps to improve the V-area to a fairer tone with scientifically proven natural extracts such as mulberry root, saxifrage grape and scutellaria root. And the same goes too for this, it maintains good micro-flora balance of the feminine region and prevent growth of bad micro-organisms and improve the pH to an ideal range.

V-Mina Cleansing Wipes

The feminine wipes come in convenient packs of 10s and are non-soap and non-irritant - suitable for daily usage or travels. It is also enriched with hyaluronic acid for the ‘youthfulness’ of the V-area.

V-Mina Deodorant Intimate Mist

Together with the wipes, this is bound to keep you fresh and clean even if you spend the entire day outdoor. The size of it is kept small and convenient for you to pop it into your bag for daily usage :)

V-Mina products are available on its website. 

Or, you may want to follow the facebook page for more frequent updates!

Bulgarian Rose Karlovo Tea Party @ Muffet's Room cafe

Attended a cozy tea party at Muffet's Room cafe with Mia recently.

Oh mine, life felt like a bed of roses as soon as I stepped into the cafe. The ENTIRE place was filled with one of my favourite fragrant, rose! 

It was until later I learnt that the rose scent was so strong, but still so natural and refreshing at the same time due to the fact that the scent came mainly from 100% natural rose water that was obtained by distillation of the flowers of the oil-bearing Rosa Damascena P.Mill.

Bulgarian rose oil is known all around the world as the most sophisticated essential oil or "rose attar". It contains the essence of the precious and beautiful Rosa Damascena flowers cultured in the Valley of Roses around the town of Karlovo.

The Bulgarian Rose factory was founded in 1948 on the basis of distilleries for processing essential-oil raw materials, which existed in the valley of Karlovo. 

By year 2000, Bulgarian Rose Karlovo was created to produce eits own cosmetic line. It is now a recognized manufacturer of the following:

- natural aromatic products - essential oils, natural water obtained by distillation (rose, lavender, chamomile, melissa, sage, etc.) and extraction products;

- perfumery and cosmetic products;

- synthetic flavoring substances;

- perfume compositions and flavors;

- sauces and flavors for tobacco industry

At the same time the company continues the development and production of new perfumery and cosmetics assortments.

BULGARSKA ROSA PLC - Karlovo having traditions in production of rose oil since 1948 is the holder of a protected Appellation of origin "BULGARIAN ROSE OIL" entered in the State Register of the Patent Office of republic of Bulgari with registry number 052 - 01/1994 and was awarded the gold medal for rose oil at the International Fair - Plovdiv 1981.

Now, let's focus on my favourite two products! Out of soooo many choices Bulgarian Rose Karlovo offers.

Bulgarian Rose Karlovo Rose Exfoliating Face Mask

This exfoliating gel cleanses well and yet does not feel drying on the skin at all. In fact, the skin feels soothed and moisturized afterwards, which is an essential factor when choosing a exfoliating wash! Also, the pink beads are gentle in doing their jobs to clarify the skin, that you can't feel the scrubbing of skin at all!  An additional bonus would be, it SMELLS GOOD :)

Hair Care Liquid Disperse Crystals

This nourishes and strengthens the hair, protecting against the effects of UV rays and moisture. It acts as a conditioner and protect its ends from splitting, and at the same time, gives the hair a silky feeling and brilliance.

Here is what happened after I applied one pump of it by lightly combing it through dry hair. The ends are definitely smoother and overall, the hair feels more manageable.

No rinsing required, how convenient!

Bulgarian Rose Karlovo is currently available at SASA Clementi, or online at Lazada. 

If you're interested to know more, do visit their Facebook page or website :)

Sunrise Bistro & Bar [Media Tasting]

Was invited to chill out at Sunrise Bistro & Bar last week, an impressive restaurant located at a quaint stretch along East Coast Park.

As the name suggests, Sunrise offers both a bistro and a bar, with indoor and alfresco seats.

Helmed by 41 year-old Executive Chef & Owner Vincent Teng with an impressive 22-year culinary experience, Sunrise Bistro & Bar specialises in serving casual fusion dishes - French fare cooked with a contemporary twist and a fine blend of creativity peppered with Asian inspired flavours (the Sous Vide way). This enables diners to experience fine dining at more affordable prices!

There is a live band - The Tripsters - that performs every night at 9pm, and allows you to send song dedications. We definitely had a good time with their performance that evening! All photos credit to molly-mia's camera cos I didn't had mine. We took turns to "work" that night, haha.

We started off our fine dining tasting with a lovely cocktail - Lady in Pink.

Made up of malibu, vodka, cranberry juice, sparkling wine, and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries, I would definitely go back to Sunrise for this anytime!

Seafood Chowder Soup $12

Creamy seafood soup with seasonal fresh seafood, topped with chopped chives and extra virgin olive oil

The seafood chowder didn't come looking like the usual creamy chowder. It was quite orangey as Chef Vincent included tomatoes in the base to give it a more zesty flavour, making it more refreshing as an appetizer. The soup was served with generous amount of seafood and a bread, definitely value-for-money. One of my favourite for the night!

Seared Foie Gras $19

Seared goose liver on brioche bread layered with mango with citrus jam and berry compote

We had half the usual serving-size for the foie gras to leave more tummy space for the rest of the dishes. Sunrise uses goose liver and it was seared to perfection - so fragrant and smooth. The tangy mango slice complements the fatty foie gras flawlessly.

Sunrise "Fish & Chips" $26

Crispy fried red snapper with lemon myrtle pepper served with mango salsa tartare sauce and french fries

Again, this fish & chips was very different from what we had expected. An absolute embodiment of fusion food - Asian dish with Western presentation. I was telling Mia that it tasted like sweet-and-sour fish without the sauce, probably due to the fact that it is fried red snapper instead of the usual battered dory fish.

Cereal Crusted Cod Fish $28

Baked cod fish with cereal crust served with seasonal vegetable braised in sesame oil and giner shoyu broth

This is my favourite main of the evening. 

The cereal crust is so fragrant and crispy, while the texture of the cod fish is tender and flavourful after being soaked in the sesame oil & ginger shoyu broth.

Asian Five Spice Duck Leg Confit $28

Sous vide 8-hour crispy duck leg infused with five spice served with citrus salad & passionfruit sauce

Definitely sous vide for 8 hours as the duck meat was so tender. The skin was totally crispy and fragrant, making me finish up every piece of it.

Marmite Canadian Pork Shoulder $26

Sous vide and grilled pork shoulder with marmite marinate served with seasonal vegetable

The pork shoulder is marinated with marmite before sous vide. This is the first time trying marmite and it was quite good. Not too overwhelming as I had thought. The pork shoulder taste very similar to char siew, without the fattiness, reminding us again of Chef Vincent's fusion culinary approach.

BBQ Beef Short Ribs $32

24-hour Sous vide to tender and roast with homemade BBQ sauce served with seasonal vegetables

This beef short ribs were sous vide for 24 hours making it so tender and juicy. The insides of the ribs remains pink and the meat so succulent.

Tiramisu Semi Freddo $12

Semi frozen mascarpone cheese layered with coffee liquer jelly psonge topped with milo crunch and tuile biscuit

Not the first time having semi-freddo dessert, but it's my first having a semi-freddo version of tiramisu. It went well, especially with the fat, juicy raisin infused with brandy.

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Molten Chocolate Cake $14

Warm chocolate cake with melting salted egg yolk custard in the center served with vanilla ice cream

Another of my favourite for the evening. Chocolate lava cake that oozes salted egg yolk is simply divine!

Sunrise Bistro & Bar

902 East Coast Parkway, Playground @ Big Splash, Block B #01-05

Singapore 6440 9090

Opening Hours

Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 1:00am

Fri: 11:30am - 2:00am

Sat & Eve of Public Holiday: 9:00am - 2:00am

Sun & Public Holiday: 9:00am - 1:00am

Website

http://sunrisebistrobar.com/

Chicken Legend SG

So in this hazy period, and where everybody is either drinking herbal tea or similar to reduce the harmful impacts on our throats or body in general, I was introduced to an yummy, cooling alternative - coconut steamboat! The steamboat base is from pure coconut water straight out of coconut itself, with no artificial sweeteners added into soup. This unique steamboat eatery can be found at a traditional coffee shop along the Upper East Coast road.

Chicken Legend

15 Upper East Coast Road

Reservation
+65 92950650


 I went for the media tasting by cab as I was in a rush to get there after work. However, after I've arrived, I realised that the stall is actually quite accessible by public transport. It's simply a minute walk away from the bus stop that has buses taking you to various popular stations like Bedok / Tampines :)

Now, let us get started on the food itself!

First, choose your steamboat set + any add-ons!



Here's a simpler illustration of their set menu.

Add-ons:

Set prices start from $20, which is the small set for two. Great for couples who wants to have steamboat by their own yet wanna avoid over-ordering!

The stall also serves its own special sauce which fuses over 10 different herbs, served with fresh condiments such as garlic, chilli and / or lime of your choice.

We had a regular set, seafood combo, as well as the meat combo.

The chicken cubes are from kampung chickens, which are said to have less fat and are healthier for consumption as they are fed with natural ingredients, rather than antibiotics-laced chicken feed. Also, they are usually reared in free-range farms, allowing the chickens to roam freely which translates to healthily ;)

The beef and pork are hand-sliced pretty evenly thin, making them great for sabu sabu ;)



As mentioned, the soup base contains only coconut, with no sugar and water added. The soup on its own is naturally sweet, and becomes more flavourful as the ingredients are added in bit by bit.



(The young, dashing boss showing us the way to enjoy Chicken Legend steamboat!)

Pot of gold!

Even mediacorp Tracy Lee was there for steamboat!

If you're going down to try out Chicken Legend coconut steamboat, do quote "HUI ZI" for 10% discount or free plate of meat worth $6 :)