Outfit of the Day - brown gingham jacket over black dress

"The hardest thing in fashion is not to be known for a logo, but to be known 

for a silhouette."- Giambattista Valli

Brown gingham checked jacket over black flare skirt for making a statement in public - an outfit that depicts femininity yet conveys strength at the same time.

Jacket: Sixties (SGD$89.90)
Dress:  Bought from Hong Kong
Watch: Rado
Bangle: Hermes

Outfit of the Day - black polo shirt over blue Capri jeans

"I love fashion. I think it's so important, because it's how you show 

yourself to the world." - Emma Watson

Black polo shirt with zipper in front, over denim Capri pants with star cut-out design at knees. My favourite outfit for the weekend.

Polo Shirt: Bought from Vancouver (SGD$80.00)
Jeans: Bought from BHG
Earrings: Chanel
Hair Clip: Ferragamo Salvatore
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Watch: Rado
Bracelet: Tiffany & Co

Lunch at Tonny Restaurant @ Geylang Lorong 3

8 - 10 Geylang Lorong 3, Singapore 388862

Tel: 6748 6618

Website: http://tonnyrestaurant.sg

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

Tonny Restaurant is owned and helmed by Chef Tonny Chan, who hailed from Hong Kong and has over 30 years of culinary experience, especially centered around authentic, traditional Cantonese dishes. One can expect to find quality and innovative Cantonese dishes at the restaurant, some done with a modern twist.

The restaurant is located at Geylang Lorong 3, but not the seedier avenues so don't be intimidated by the address - it is just a stone's throw away from Kallang MRT station. Tonny Restaurant  has a welcoming exterior and prettily-decorated interior spread out across 2 units; guests can also request for private dining rooms (minimum spending of SGD$500 on regular basis) so that they can dine in private comfort.  Service crew is friendly and hospitable, going beyond the call of duty to ensure that patrons enjoy their meals happily.

We started with Spanish Iberico Salad (SGD$18.00) for our Lohei (usually done with traditional fish or abalone Yu Sheng). The usual ingredients of radish and carrot strips etc were present, except that truffle Iberico pork pieces were used here in place of fish. Don't worry - there are fish skin pieces in the dish too, in case you are worried you don't get your "Nian Nian You Yu" (abundance blessings). Verdict? We liked it very much - the truffle-infused Iberico pork was delicious, with a chewy-but-crunchy texture that reminded me of beef jerky. We were glad we tried this special Yu Sheng out.

Next, Crispy Yam with Truffle Oil (SGD$16.00) - a heaping mountain of deep-fried yam slivers so fine, they looked to me like American Ginseng Fibers (洋参须). Truffle aroma and taste was prominent in a subtle way, not overpowering; the thin slivers of fried yam were very crispy and tasty, we surmised that we could probably eat one plate on our own each, especially when paired with beers.

Following that, Braised Homemade Beancurd with Dried Scallops (SGD$20.00), silken tofu stuffed with conpoy, easy to eat and utterly scrumptious. The Beancurd pieces sat in a pool of flavorful sauce and served with cooked cabbage.

Then we had the Claypot Chicken with Chinese Wine (SGD$38.00), a whole tender chicken redolent of Chinese wine's depth, highly recommended. The broth was so good that we ordered a bowl of rice just so we could pour the broth over it to eat.

After that, we tried the Crocodile Palm with Quail's Eggs (SGD$52.00). I did not know what to expect, since crocodile meat has always been known to be tough. The Crocodile Palm had a thick gelatinous layer on the exterior, almost jelly-like; the flesh within had the taste and texture of chicken and duck meat, extremely succulent. It was a very tasty exotic dish, served with Xiao Bai Cai and lightly battered quail eggs.

Last but not least, Braised Ee-fu Noodles with Lobster (SGD$68.00). The Ee-fu noodles was different from our expectations (i.e. the light brown that has a springy texture) - this one was ivory in color, smoother and softer in texture, more like homemade noodle style. Lobster flesh was generous but the overall dish was kind of bland in flavour, lacking the sweetness usually found in lobster dishes.

Finally, Pan-fried New Year Cake (SGD$8.00) aka "nian gao", an interesting Chinese New Year specials retaining the cake's sticky-chewy texture but tasting of "wok hey" (wok's breath). One of our friends described it as the "sweet version of "cai tao kuey".

Overall, dining experience at this hidden find was good and we enjoyed the creative Cantonese cuisine very much.

Outfit of the Day - grey pinstripe jumpsuit

"Architecture is how the person places herself in the space. Fashion is about how you place the object on the person."-  Zaha Hadid

Deep grey pinstripe jumpsuit claspsed with belt for an elegant look that says "I mean business" - one of my favourite outfits for work.

Jumpsuit: Bought from Hong Kong (SGD$299.00)
Belt: Ferragamo Salvatore
Bag on left: Louis Vuitton
Bag on right: Coach
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Bangle: Hermes
Watch: Rado

Outfit of the Day - black toga top over khaki-colorer leggings

"Fashion is almost like a religion, for me at least."- ASAP Rocky

Black toga top with chain straps over khaki-colorer leggings for a casual but sophisticated look, for my first horse-racing event.

Top: OMAC (SGD$69.90)
Leggings: Bought from Hong Kong
Earrings: Chanel
Bangle: Hermes

Outfit of the Day - black and white dress with pink roses

“You gotta have style. It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning.

 It’s a way of life. Without it, you’re nobody.” — Diana Vreeland 

When striped black and white comes with flashes of pink as well.  Suitable for work and hanging out.

Dress: Fond (SGD$79.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Bracelet: Tiffany & Co
Watch: Rado

Review on Yunomori Onsen & Spa Experience @ Kallang Wave Mall

1 Stadium Place #02-17 / 18 Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628

Tel: 6386 4126

Website: http://www.yunomorionsen.com/singapore

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

Spa parlours are common in Singapore these days, as more and more people realize the health benefits of a good spa. Why then, was I so excited when Yunomori Onsen & Spa opened up at Kallang Wave Mall?

Yunomori Onsen & Spa is the only Japanese sento spa in Singapore, adhering to the concept of naked public baths (men and women have separate sections, of course). Ok that, and the health benefits of the different kinds of baths.

Occupying 2 spacious units at Kallang Wave Mall, Yunomori Onsen & Spa has many sections within its walls - public baths areas, shower areas, changing & locker areas, massage area and a cafe.

It was my first visit here so I was pretty lost, but thankfully the ladies at reception were very helpful. Oh by the way, besides onsen baths, there are also various types of massages or facials you could top up money to enjoy.

Upon entering Yunomori Onsen & Spa, one could see neat rows of shoe lockers first, indicating that no shoes are allowed beyond this point. So I deposited my heels into one of the lockers, grabbed the key and approached the reception counter. My key was then handed over to the receptionist who gave me a wrist scanner instead- that was for another locker to keep my valuables.

I proceeded in. The first hallway leads to the Cafe area, where I understand serve delicious Japanese meals a la Cafe Muji style.

Further up would be the main onsen spa areas - left to the women's side and right to the men's.

I went toward the left, where there was another counter placed with colorful Yukatas (Japanese robes). Another reception crew handed me one of the Yukatas with matching sash belt, a large towel, small towel and shower cap. She also explained the rules briefly.

I was in! Nude girls were strutting around, either going to or from the public baths area. If one is self-conscious or shy, there are black paper undergarments provided as well.

I scanned my wrist unit against my assigned locker and deposited my stuff inside. Then I grabbed my small towel (practically the only item allowed inside), took a quick shower, and entered the baths area.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/yunomorisingapore/

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/yunomorisingapore/

There are a total of 5 pools, each therapeutic in its own way:

1. Soda Bath (warm temperature; slight stinging sensation when going in because of the fizz), filled with carbon dioxide which is good for blood circulation etc
2. Silk Bath (gently hot temperature; very smooth texture despite murky appearance), filled with micro-something that aids in improving skin buoyancy and cleansing
3. Bubble Bath (gently hot temperature; fun to be in), reminds me of a cauldron but I am sure there are health / skin benefit elements too
4. Cold Bath
5. Jacuzzi Pool with jets of water massaging the body

And a Steam Room aka Sauna for us to sweat it all out. Do wash your body with wooden pails at the side of each bath pool before entering, for hygiene purpose.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/yunomorisingapore/

Before and after the baths, do drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, especially if you are using the Steam Room. There is no time limit to the Day Pass (SGD$44.00) but an hour or 2 is more than enough to try all baths out, with rest time in between.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/yunomorisingapore/

I headed for the Shower Area where each stall is divided not by doors, and there are stools to sit on while washing up. I thought the purpose was so that we wouldn't get tired standing to shower, but later learned that it is so as not to splash water at the person showering next to us. Be mindful of the edges because they are very sharp (don't graze your knees when standing up or leaning forward). Nice hair shampoo, hair conditioner and body wash are all provided for.

Finally, the Changing Area where our lockers are located. After showering, one can help themselves to the vanity bar where there are mirrors, hair dryers, hair rubber bands, tissues, disposable combs and body moisturiser.

I dressed up and returned my keys before checking out. I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated after this spa experience, and it might be my imagination- but my skin felt softer.  All in all, I enjoyed my Onsen Spa treat bery much.

Tea Break at Bettr Barista @ Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

90 Yishun Central, Level 2 Tower C, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore 768828

Tel: 6383 5030

Website: http://www.bettrbarista.com

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

I was at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital for an event. Feeling exhausted due to a late night event the night before, I was gratified to spot a sign for Bettr Barista Coffee Cart / Cafe and headed up to take a look.

To share a little about Bettr Barista Academy, they are a coffee education academy offering courses relating to professional barista, brewing, roasting, sensory amd green coffee. Nesides providing full and part-time WSQ-certified coffee courses for F&B professionals, Bettr Barista is also a social enterprise that trains disadvantaged youths and women to brew coffee. 

The main roastery and academy are located at 5 and 8 Harrison Road respectively, and they currently have retail coffee locations at DBS Plaza Singapura, Income Centre Bras Basah, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Ministry of Family & Social Development, and DBS Scape.

I tried a cup of Mocha (SGD$5.00) - takeout cups, simple latte art and rich chocolately aroma giving a lovely bittersweet flavour.

Peppermint Tea (SGD$2.50) for my colleague; they use Clipper Tea which was good.

Besides beverages they also serve pastries and sandwiches, simple food items to go along with coffees / teas - perfect for breakfast or tea break. Plus, the outlet at KTP Hospital is surrounded by greenery so it makes for a lovely ambience.

Outfit of the Day - silver gown with slit

"Style can change your look, certainly, but it can also change your life." - Stacy London

The dress hunt continues and here's what happens behind closed doors -  incredibly silver gown with hanging front and subtle slit.

Dress: Fraiche (SGD$299.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Bangle: Hermes
Watch: Rado

Dinner at Jack's Place at Bukit Panjang Plaza

1 Jelebu Road Bukit Panjang #03-10 Bukit Panjang Plaza, Singapore 677743

Tel: 6892 8700

Website: https://www.jacksplace.com.sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacks.place.restaurant

Been wanting to revisit one of my favorite restaurants for a while, but didn't get around to it till lately. There is nothing like an oldtime favorite serving up comfort food such as steaks and soups.

The Lobster Bisque (SGD$6.00) served with a crispy slice of garlic toast on the side, was creamy and sweet. The perfect appetite whetter that settled our growling bellies.

Mon Beau has the "Old Fashioned" Grilled Chicken Steak (SGD$16.80) with thick Mushroom Sauce, served with vegetables and grilled potato.

I went for my favorite Steak with Slipper Lobster Combo (SGD$29.90). The steak was succulent and drenched deliciously with black pepper sauce; while the springy lobster gave a delicate balance. Baked potato with sour cream, bacon bits and spring onions was served on the side, making sure this dish was a very filling one.

Accompanying the meal, we had Peach Soda and Red Wine - the latter of which paired smoothly with my steak.

Some New York Cheesecake with tea brought up the rear of the meal, signalling closure.

Always one of my favorite dining places under the J. Peppperdine Group; I am glad it is still aroound, with consistent standard.

To add on, Jack's Place was a saviour this Valentine's Day 2018 - I was supposed to dine out but due to last minute change of plans and most places are not taking delivery orders anymore, I called ahead to Jack's Place to pre-order my steak dinner for takeaway. Doris was super nice and took my order by phone, so that I was able to bring back Lobster Bisque, Caesar Salad, Tenderloin Steak, Black Pepper Steak,  and a White Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake for our homely St. Valentine's celebration. Thank you!

Review on CO2 Fractional Laser @ Dore Aesthetics Clinic [Sponsored]

160 Robinson Road #04-02 SBF Centre, Singapore 068914

Tel: 6402 1478

Website: http://www.dore.sg

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

Dore Aesthetics Clinic is located in the Central Business District, dubbing itself the leading transformation centre for all your beauty and skincare needs. It occupies a huge floor space on level 4 of SBF Centre, and provides beauty treatments from scars treatment, acne removal, nose jobs, V-shaped face, cellulite and fats removal as well as hair removal; a pretty comprehensive suite of services under one roof.

Upon reaching, I filled out the Lifestyle and Health questionnaire at the main reception area. Then a consultant escorted in into one of the rooms and tried to establish what my skin concerns were, before recommending a solution - CO2 Fractional Laser, also known as "pixilated carbon dioxide laser. It has the longest wavelengths among all the lasers, and uses a form of delivery system that does not destroy the whole outer layer of the surface skin.

I was told that this laser would help improve my skin condition, targeting the acne scars; and downtime was around 5 to 7 days. I agreed to the procedure, and was escorted to the other unit that houses the treatment / doctor rooms. My face was cleansed and numbing cream was applied while I waited 30 minutes for it to take effect.

Dr. Wallace spoke with me, explaining to me the effects and downtime once more. Then I was asked to lay on the bed and the good doctor himself administered the CO2 Laser treatment - a device that pierced the scars area, while emanating cool jets of air to soothe.

It was not as painful as I had expected. My face was red after the treatment, and pixellated (you could see the very tiny square marks if you peer closely). Over the course of the next few days, I expected swelling, peeling and scabs but all were minimal. I was able to use makeup for work as normal. I had to be ultra diligent with my hydrating creams and face masks though. After 2 weeks, the skin recovered and my acne scars appeared lighter, just in time for Chinese New Year.

Thank you Dr. and Dore Aesthetics Clinic for the beautifying laser treatment.