Bespoke Box Singapore - Review

It's been some time since I've gotten a beauty box. Cos I can never finish the products and samples in time before more new products come in the following month! :X They snowballed quite badly and I kinda stopped subscribing to the monthly boxes!

However, there's a monthly event which will never fail to come (and go)...and I'm sure all girls will understand. All those PMS weeks and hormonal changes that make us cranky and emotional, plus physical aches and pains to endure >.<

Now, how about a monthly kit to make this period (pun intended) more bearable? Moreover, there will be no worries about not finishing any items in the box before the next month ;) It is definitely some comfort and fun to look forward to!

I was happy to receive one from the Bespoke Box SG team in February!

What is Bespoke Box?

Bespoke Box is a premium subscription service created to help you manage the time of the month. A box of goodies will be delivered right to your doorstep a week before your period for you to enjoy. 

There are different subscription plans available – 3-months ($63), 6-months ($120), or get 15% off with a whole year plan ($228). 

There is also an one-time option ($22) to send as a gift to your friends. All prices are inclusive of free local shipping.

What’s in it?

The contents vary by month, but you may look forward to 5 items – pampering Bath and Body products, beauty products, snacks, feminine items or an art gift. All items are travel-sized or full-sized, so you can fully enjoy the products.

For the February box, we have included a Pocky snack, a Pretz snack, a specially handmade voodoo doll, a pack of Poise pantyliners, Sierra Bee’s honey lip balm and Crabtree & Evelyn hand cream. Total content worth at $37!

Check out the cute voodoo.. ;p

The crabtree & evelyn hand cream, and Sierra Bees' organic lip balm may not be that specific to our monthly woes, but hey, it's always good to treat yourself better! Furthermore, February is the month of love ♥

Snacking will never go wrong! Get your chocolate fix with the Pocky especially.

And some tea to go along?

Last but not least.. Liners to prep and keep yourself comfy :)

If you're interested already, here's a summary of how it works. 

Once payment is made, the Bespoke Box team will get in touch with you for your mailing particulars and preferred delivery date, to ensure your box reaches you before your period.

Sign up by 29th of the month to receive next month's box!

Use the discount code OYHZ20 for 20% off the 3-month, 6-month or 12-month plans. This code ends on 20 March 2016.

Hop over to Bespoke Box to view the past boxes!

I'm running a giveaway for a Bespoke Box on IG, see you there! :)

Swensen's Gastronomic World Tour! - Around The World In More Than 80 Days

This year, Swensen’s introduces a foodie world tour – Around The World in More Than 80 Days – where an exclusive dish, inspired by a country’s cuisine is released each month throughout the year.

Since the beginning of Swensen’s, its quality yet affordable food and cozy ambience has won the hearts of many, letting people from all walks of life carve out a memory at Singapore’s favourite family-friendly restaurant. In 2016, Swensen’s will push boundaries to create a memorable dining adventure for their long-time patrons. Inspired by the novel and movie – Around the World in 80 Days – Swensen’s will be taking their diners on a gastronomic journey beyond the little red dot through monthly new dishes from every continent.

Fans of Swensen’s can look forward to an exclusive dish released each month that is inspired by a country’s unique culinary heritage. The first three delectable releases from January to March 2016 respectively are Hurry Curry Crayfish Pasta, Pineapple Fried Rice Paradise and Essentially Hambagu. These seasonal dishes will tickle your taste buds with authentic country origin flavors complete with Swensen’s local twist.

February 2016

Pineapple Fried Rice Paradise ($15.90)

 This Thailand-inspired mouth-watering combination of sweetpineapple chunks and savoury cashew fried rice represents the best of Thailand. Enjoy the merriment of delicate ocean catch, Wahoo fish fillet, thoroughly coated with Swensen’s rendition of sweet Thai sauce with fragrant pineapple rice that comes with prawn crackers for that extra crunch. As Wahoo fishes are wild ocean catches, so they tend to have a firmer bite as compared to fresh water fishes that are soft and crumbly.

Completed with a zesty Thai salad, this medley of flavours is a taste of the Tropics!

March 2016

Essentially Hambagu ($15.90)

With the influence of the western love for burgers and steaks, and Nihon’s rich ancient culture and heritage, Hambagu is born. Diners are in for a treat as they tuck in freshly grounded beef with chunky sautéed shiitake mushrooms generously mixed within, which are then grilled to a deep brown peak and served with a specially concocted dipping Japanese barbeque sauce. End of the meal by refreshing your taste buds with a light Asian salad and sautéed shiitake mushrooms.

Mad Hatter’s Ciabatta Tea Set is back!

The perfect start to a 3-course menu is with Swensen’s Ciabatta Tea Set that comes with signature baked honey buttercream Ciabatta Rolls, warm and fluffy, paired together with their recently launched, free-flow Custom Roasted Coffee. Coffee beans hailing from Sumatra Mandheling, Tanzania, El Salvador and Brazilian Robusta are given the Full City Plus roast treatment, to produce a coffee blend that boasts a full body finish with hints of earthy notes and caramelized nuts.

If you're not a coffee lover, the free-flow of drinks can be tea or soft drinks!

Swensen’s Mad Hatter’s Ciabatta Tea Set, $5.00 is available at all Swensen’s outlets on weekdays from 2.30pm – 5.00pm only. Price is before GST and service charge.

***

Swensen’s Around the World in more than 80 Days Menu launches in Swensen’s restaurants islandwide from 1st January 2016, and will run till 31st December 2016.

Exclusively for HSBC Cardholders: enjoy 15% off an order of Around the World dish or 10% off the entire bill.

Alfero Gelato - Christmas Superstars

Received these from Alfero Gelato over the weekend!

Just in time for x'mas party :)

Here is my previous post on Alfero Gelato.

Recently crowned the Best Ice Cream Parlour by RAS Epicurean Star Award Singapore 2015, Alfero Gelato is made using only the finest quality ingredients imported from Italy and other parts of Europe. Alfero Gelato is stored in pozzetto cabinets where exposure to light and air is greatly reduced, thus ensuring the smoothness and quality of the ice cream. Marco believes in serving only the best-tasting gelato to his customers, which is why he insists on keeping his gelato covered while on display (unlike other ice cream cafes which display their products in full glory while compromising on taste and texture of their creams). This brave move and unique  concept will certainly delight customers, as the difference is certainly unmistakable and almost impossible to miss. One taste of Alfero Gelato, you’d never want to keep it uncovered again.

This christmas, Alfero Gelato came up with four special flavours - the Christmas Superstars!

Known for making their gelato 96% fat free and with free-range milk, you can definitely indulge guilt-free this festive season :)

From the top left, anti-clockwise:

Mascarpone Pistachio 

Pistachio gelato is Alfero Gelato’s favourite among customers. For X’mas this year, we combine the rich flavour from pistachios with the full-bodied taste from mascarpone cheese to give our customers the best of both worlds!

Strawberry Cheese 

Refreshing and tangy strawberries folded into a blend of creamy surprise with full-bodied mascarpone cheese.

Cookies & Cream (my personal favourite!) 

Who doesn’t love chocolates? And the combination of chocolate cookies and sweet cream is definitely one big winning gelato flavour.

Salted Caramel 

Who doesn’t love chocolates? And the combination of chocolate cookies and sweet cream is definitely one big winning gelato flavour.

Prices:

$5 per scoop (in a cup) for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$7.50 for 2 scoops (in a cup) for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$10 for 3 scoops (in a cup) for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$4.50 per scoop (in a cup) for all the other 3 flavours

$6.50 for 2 scoops (in a cup) for all the other 3 flavours

$8.50 3 scoops (in a cup) for all the other 3 flavours

$17 for 400g tub for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$15 for 400g tub for all the other 3 flavours

$21 for 500g tub for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$18 for 500g tub for all the other 3 flavours

$39 for 1kg tub for Mascarpone Pistachio (Premium flavour)

$35 for 1kg tub for all the other 3 flavours

***

Alfero Gelato is conveniently located at two locations: 

81 MacPherson Lane #01-37 

277 Orchard Road #B2-06 Orchard Gateway

These christmas flavours are available at Alfero Gelato outlets from 19th Dec onwards, while stocks last.

TheShiokBook media launch @ The Laneway Market

Attended the launch of TheShiokBook at The Laneway Market recently. The café has a clean, muji-feel to it, and beautifully decorated with babybreaths. 

I love the place pretty much that we stayed for quite a while even after the event has ended, haha.

The Laneway Market

266 Tanjong Katong Road Singapore 437053

Tel:

67198832

Operating Hours:

4pm to 9.30pm Tuesday

  11am to 9.30pm Wednesday to Friday

  10am to 9.30pm Saturday & Sunday

  Close on Monday

Website:

http://thelanewaymarket.com

Enjoyed the reception by TheShiokBook team!

*http://michhysaurous.blogspot.sg/

Now, TheShiokBook is a dining guide which offers either 1-for-1 deals, or 25% off the total bill at popular dining places in Singapore. There are more than 60 different partnering merchants with some popular hideouts such as Siam Society, and I Am Cafe. And The Laneway Market too! :) 

TheShiokBook can be purchased here at $45 each.

What I like most about TheShiokBook is their corporate initiative to give back to the society. TheShiokBook has collaborated with 3 charities (mainly), Singapore Cancer Society, Assisi Hospice and Ronald McDonald House – For every book purchased from the website, S$10 will be donated to either of these charity organization of the buyer’s preference. What a perfect win-win plan! 

Now, it's your turn to help them give back to society and enjoy the great deals with friends! :)

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/