Lazada GSS Sale 2017 [Sponsored]

It is 4 more days to Lazada Great Singapore Sale and there are exciting offers not to be missed:

• Up to 90% off selected products
• Flash deals every 2 hours
• Get your Lazada x Neutrogena Surprise Beauty Box (For Her) at just SGD $29.00 (U.P. $100.00)

When: 6 to 8 June 2017
How: use voucher code GSSELLE18 (for new customers only, 18% off, capped at $8.00)
Where: Lazada website

Imagine getting your favorite brands of skincare products and cosmetics at super attractive prices this Great Singapore Sale. Dare to go global and shop local at Lazada Singapore.

Just in time for my vacation, I am loving my Lazada x Neutrogena Beauty Box (For Her), comprising of many great skincare products.

Some of my personal favorites include the Travel Set which was extremely convenient and compact to bring around while I roamed from city to city, knowing that my vital essentials were with me.

No stranger also to Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Facial Masks, I love how the wide facial sheets keep my skin soft and hydrated after use, glowing from the moisturized texture.

Finally, the Neutrogena Rainbath shower gel with new flavour- pear and green tea. Besides feeling refreshed, I also ended up with a gently sweet scent that perked my mornings up easily.

Wait no longer to enjoy these products. Pop over to Lazada's online store now and pick your treasures. Remember to use the voucher code GSSELLE18 upon checkout for greater savings.

Bonus - purchase your Surprise Box today and upload a video of yourself unboxing it onto your social media platforms with the hashtag #lazadasurprises. Winners will be chosen and walk away with very attractive prizes.

Remember, its 6th to 8th June. Mark your calenders and set your timers now. Happy shopping!

[Poem] Chasing Your Back

Been chasing too many backs, 

Gasping alone on sidewalk, 

Hoping it was your face, 

Coupled with a smile. 

Faceless creatures, 

Even when they turned; 

None had your eyes, 

Even as I panted. 

Another fruitless chase, 

Questioning looks so chaste; 

Before I turned back 

And hid in the darkest crack. 

What if one of them were you, 

My tongue would still be tied; 

What could I say to you, 

My mind would still be closed. 

Talk about the past? 

The past that did not exist? 

How about an apology, 

Gentle touch without feeling edgy? 

Talk about the present? 

Or the last gift? 

Or about a future, 

Which would be impossible?

Copyright © Winepoetess 2017

Outfit of the Day - floral bikini

"Be sure what you want and be sure about yourself. Fashion is not just beauty, it’s about good attitude. You have to believe in yourself and be strong." - Adriana Lima 

Sneaking in time for a last swim and final bikini shot.

Bikini: Bought from USA

Vacation on a Cruise Ship - Star Cruise to Kuala Lumpur

So we were thinking up ways to celebrate our first wedding anniversary and my birthday together, since they are just a day apart. A short trip to Hong Kong? A resort trip? Fine dining plus staycation? BBQ for family and close friends? In the end, The Beau came up with the brilliant idea of a cruise trip, knowing my deep love for the oceans and seas.

We booked the SuperStar Gemini because it bore the closest date to our anniversary, and decided to sail for Port Klang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was to be a 3-days 2 nights cruise trip, and we did not know what the expect because my last trip was ages back, while he never liked cruises (having served the Navy for a decade!).

Not a very huge ship, but there were 12 decks, made up of 5-6 restaurants, 3-4 lounges, 3 swimming pools, a karaoke lounge, casinos, spa and shops, etc. It was enough for us! The ship was set to sail at 9.00pm at night, but we could start boarding as early as 5.00pm to enjoy the facilities onboard. As there was no gala dinner, dressing could be anything from long flowy dresses to casual tanks and shorts. 

For room types, one could choose interior (no views at all; most economical, of course), ocean view through pot holes, ocean view on lower deck (corridor where crew would pass), superior ocean view stateroom and the rooms with balcony. Ours was superior ocean view - unblocked ceiling to floor views of the glistening ocean once we parted the curtains, and I loved it to bits and pieces.

Pork Parmigiano @ Belle Vista Restaurant

Miso Cod with Soba Noodles @ Belle Vista Restaurant

Array of seafood and lamb chops @ the open-deck Ocean Restaurant

Dimsum and other quality Chinese fare @ Dynasty Restaurant

Breakfast and dining-by-the-sea experience @ Mariners Restaurant

For dining, one could choose the inclusive restaurants or pay for more unique meals (2 of the restaurants were not inclusive). Food comprised Western set meals, Western / Continental Buffet, Indian Buffet and Chinese cuisine. I enjoyed the set meal at Belle Vista Restaurant (the miso cod with soba was awesome), seafood galore at Oceana Restaurant, dimsum at Dynasty Restaurant and the by-the-sea dining experience at Mariners Restaurant.

Performances were enjoyed at Stardust Lounge for 2 nights - over cocktails. We had a magic show on one night and circus performance on the second night. There were adult shows at other lounges and some shows for children as well.

I hit the pools a fair bit, really. Especially during the period when they docked at Port Klang for 8 hours and most people went down or out to explore. We had one of the pools to ourselves for a good 1 hour, before we hit the Jacuzzi. Drinks were not expensive - you could get bottles of wine starting from SGD$22.00 or one-for-one cocktails at a mere SGD$10.00!

Other than that, we spent a little time hitting the jackpot at the casinos, singing a few tunes at the KTV lounge, chilling out in our lovely by-the-sea room, and getting up on the decks. Whether we were standing by the berths overlooking the waves and vastness of the oceans, enjoying the strong breezes kissing our cheeks, or lying down to read on deck chairs, the feeling was tranquil and bliss. Imagine a totally relaxing vacation with everything onboard, and one does nothing but eat and laze around. 

There was very little turbulence or rocky motions so we did not feel sea sick at any point in time. It was an enjoyable trip and we would love to take more cruise trips in future, maybe explore the other vessels such as Royal Caribbean, or even cruises in Alaksa! 

[Invited Tasting] Gila Durian High Tea Set by The Peranakan @ Orchard Hotel

442 Orchard Road #02-01 Claymore Connect, Orchard Hotel, Singapore 238879

Tel: 6262 4428

Website: http://www.theperanakan.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePeranakanSG

Durian lovers (or, strangely, as I have met - non durian lovers but those who love durian desserts) alert. Here's some stunning indulgence by The Peranakan to keep your cravings satiated, a tea set consisting of creative desserts involving aromatic durian.

Gila Durian Set (SGD $38.00 per pax; minimum 2 to go), including free flow Pandan or Lemongrass tea, consists of 7 courses in all, made with your favorite Malaysia Kampung durian, D24 durian and Maoshan Wang durian.

We started with Toasties with Durian Puree, fluffy with a crunchy edge and piled lusciously with a dollop of creamy durian puree.

Next up, D24 Durian Pengat, rich and velvety so it melts in the tongue and flows through the body sweetly.

Then it was Pandan Chiffon Cake with D24 snd Kampung Durian Puree. The Pandan Chiffon was cottony and light on the palate, a beautiful contrast to the dash of moist, creamy puree.

This was followed by the Intermezzo of the day - Crispy Fried Fish Skin with durian. The crackling, savoury snack paced the palate for more sweet treats to come.

Pulot Enti D24 comprised a sticky rice stained dark blue with pea flower and a nice scoop of fragrant durian cream.

Moving on, Fragrant Rice with Maoshan Wang Durian - cunningly contrasting the robust flavor with a plainer accompaniment, savoured delicately.

Finally, D24 Durian Chendol, a piquant touch to a traditional dessert complete with brown sugar and green jelly strips, chillingly pleasant.

Might be a little overwhelming, but the creations were perfections in small portions; satisfying but not cloying.

Thank you Chef Raymond for the sweet treat.

For other reviews on The Peranakan, check out here:
(i) Dinner dishes at The Peranakan
(ii) Chinese New Year Yee Sang
(iii) Mother's Day Set 2017

Outfit of the Day - black and white wrap dress

"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose." —Lauren Hutton"

 That's me in my black and white wrap dress, suitable for dates, functions, events and simply hanging out.

Dress: Little Match Girl (SGD$89.90)
Necklace: Tiffany and Co
Bangle: Hermes

Review on Giselle Ballet at Mastercard Theatres @ Marina Bay

10 Bayfront Avenue  #B1/F The Shoppes at Marina Bay, Singapore 018956

Tel:  6688 8868

Website: http://entertainment.marinabaysands.com/events/giselle0417

Facebook: https://goo.gl/PgIOf0

Dates: 26th April to 29th April 2017

Duration: 120 minutes (including 20 minute intermission)

Tickets: SGD$65.00 / SGD$85.00 / SGD$115.00 / SGD$145.00 / SGD$175.00 / SGD$225.00

Straight from the oldest theatre in the world - the San Carlos Theatre of Naples and Ballet Company, an Italian troupe brought the tragic romance of Giselle alive on haunting stage settings.

What started out as an endearing romance depicting a happy and beautiful peasant girl, Giselle (played by Ekaterina Oleynik), slowly unfolded toward the darker edges.

Not only was her lover Lord Albrecht (played by Giuseppe Picone) not a peasant as he pretended to be, he was also betrothed to someone else. Giselle died of a broken heart.

The settings transformed into a dark, beguiling forest haunted by the Wilis vengeful spirits of abandoned brides, who danced men to death. The ghostly backdrop was inspired by poet and author Theophile Gautier.

Passionate, stunning and graceful, accompanied by lovely music by French composer Aldolphe Adam, this was an immensely enjoyable performance.

Outfit of the Day - gray blouse and shorts set

"Just around the corner in every woman’s mind - is a lovely dress, a wonderful suit, or entire costume which will make an enchanting new creature of her." - Wilhela Cushman

Weekend vibes mean nature, and some shades of gray. Enjoying this outfit made up of a gray sleeveless blouse over matching shorts, comfortable but presentable. Suitable for weekends and casual events.

Pantsuit set: Bought in Italy (SGD$76.00)
Necklace: Tiffany and Co
Bangle: Hermes

Lunch at The Market Grill @ Telok Ayer

208 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068642

Tel: 6221 3323

Website: http://www.themarketgrill.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMarketGrill

The Market Grill is helmed by Executive Chef Colin West, who used to work with the Les Amis Group. Now, orchestrating a menu of tantalizing grill dishes using premium to standard cuts, as well as an array of poultry or seafood dishes, quality is associated with the creations.

The decor of the restaurant is comfortable, with industrial touches of traditional butcheries and whimsical diners; one could even spot aquariums of seafood right by the front counter. Service was superior from start to finish, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

I started with a glass of White Wine (SGD$9.00) just because it is April - I allow everyday to be a celebration - whether business lunch, catching up with friends or merely casual meals at home. After all, I was having seafood, so the pairing worked.

*Mel went for the Lobster Roll (SGD$48.00) - chunks of a whole 500g lobster with herb mayonnaise mounted on crispy toasted Brioche roll, served with salad and fries on the side. She was full of praises for the lobster roll, citing deliciousness. My goal for next visit.

I had the CW Cod Fish Burger (SGD$28.00) - if I was expecting some sub-standard deep-fried cod patty, I was in for a surprise. Toasted parmesan bun clasped a generous fillet of grilled pommery-marinated buttery Atlantic cod - all flakey and tender and freshness. Other ingredients flanked together by the buns were vine cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce and lemony herb mayonnaise. Every bite was a palate adventure and discovery of how good tastes come together.

Strange how I passed by The Market Grill umpteen times but never thought of visiting them. This visit was an excellent discovery, and I will definitely be back - thanks *Mei for the awesome recommendation.