Review on Advance Scalp Repair Therapy @ PHS Hairscience Lab [Sponsored]

68 Orchard Road #04-34 / 35 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839

Tel: 6692 0662

Website: https://www.phshairscience.com

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

PHS Hairscience Lab- formerly known as "Phyto Hair Spa" (yes, you might find it really familiar) has been around for 12 years, combining trichology, science and technology to create hair miracles for satisfied clients all this while.  They also have a botanical hair care range so that besides the bi-weekly / monthly visits here, we can also continue to practice efficient haircare regime at home.

That said, the award-winning PHS Hairscience Lab targets especially scalp issues - such as dryness of scalp, dandruff, extensive hair fall concerns etc. They currently have outlets at Wheelock Place, Plaza Singapura and Ngee Ann City as well as capsules at Bedok Mall and Parkway Parade.

I was delighted to be invited for a session of Advance Scalp Repair Therapy Treatment (worth SGD$328.00). Consultant Coco served hot tea, warm towel and biscuits in the consultation room where she interviewed me on my hair / scalp concerns, lifestyle and dietary habits. She seemed to have the "people owe me money" face throughout the day it seemed, and kept chatting away in Mandarin (without ascertaining I definitely understood the language) using lots of huge words and treatment jargons that were totally lost on me.

After the scalp scan analysis and tailoring a set of treatments for me, I went to the yellow-seats treatment hall. A black salon robe was brought for me, with blanket, tea, towel and magazines. The therapist was much better - friendly, informative and gentle in her services.

A hair wash kickstarted the treatment session. I loved the hairwash area - look at the outside city view! PHS Botanicals shampoo was used on my hair, giving a cooling, minty sensation. There was something else being used (therapist explained, but I still didn't catch it) - either very strong multi-jets of water or some massaging device that delivered some sort of stimulant to the head. She explained that it was to penetrate and prepare scalp for better absorption of treatment later. I thought those jets were very comfortable.

Some serums and sprays were used on my hair and scalp before a "comb-through" with their machine- the handheld device emanated red light and thus,  a little heat.

Then a white botanical cream was applied to my scalp before the LED-red machine hovered above me for around 20 minutes, penetrating deeply through my scalp.

After another round of hairwash, blow-drying and hair serum, I returned to the consultation room where Coco did another round of hair scan analysis to show me the difference. The previous red areas have lightened up, and the scalp appear cleaner.

Hair felt better - clean and fresh, of course, and fuller (I dream). The hair smoothing serum worked really well, keeping my hair silky throughout the day. Thank you PHS Hairscience Lab for the lovely hair and scalp treatment.

Outfit of the Day - black romper with white floral sides

“All I can tell you about fashion and style is this: buy and wear what makes you 

happy.” ― John Jannuzzi

Black camisole romper suit with white floral details by the side - classic and casual for events, functions and dinner dates.

Romper: Forever New (SGD$129.00)
Bangle: Hermes

Lunch at Uni Gallery by Oosterbay @ The Plaza, Beach Road

7500A Beach Road #B1-310 The Plaza, Singapore 199591

Tel: 9838 8209

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

I am a huge fan of Japanese food and uni (sea urchin), the latter for its buttery texture and creamy taste. Therefore, the opening of Uni Gallery by Oosterbay definitely got me excited. Reviews from personal friends were not bad, therefore I decided to visit for lunch one day.

Decor was a lot more casual than I had expected - my imagination yielded a dimly-lit, cosy bistro-styled yet sophisticated small little diner, especially when they serve premium sake (Japanese wine) collection. The reality was funkier, with wall decor that was near graffiti drawings. Staff crew was professional and friendly though, so it was pleasant stepping into the eatery.

Menu comprised of many seafood items - sushi, sashimi, and uni done in many ways.  Whether you want your Sea Urchin in a rice bowl, deep-fried tempura style or eaten as a sushi dish, they have it all here. There is also a seasonal menu comprising exotic items such as Monkfish Liver, Japanese Firefly Squid, Hokkaido Codfish Milt etc.

We started with the Monkfish Liver (SGD$18.00) seasoned and lightly poached, creamy in texture and having a beautiful taste nearly compatible with foie gras.

Sashimi Platter (SGD$38.00 for 1 pax) included various types of raw fish sashimi, as well as sea urchin, served on a bowl of ice to keep fresh.

Next, Giant Oysters (SGD$36.00 for 6) that were utterly fleshy, smooth to slurp up, and delicious. I wish we had ordered one dozen instead of merely 6 pieces.

Following that, the Uni Chirashi Set (SGD$34.90) - generous servings of creamy, rich sea urchin complemented by shredded omelet, sushi ginger and wasabi on a bowl of Japanese pearl rice. While this was the cream dream of uni lovers, I was hoping for a stronger taste in these slices of uni (like how it is done at Aura @ National Gallery). The set also comes with a bowl of Miso Soup and fresh Salad.

Finally, Salmon Sushi Platter (SGD$20.00) - consisting of 5 pieces of Salmon Sashimi Sushi and 5 pieces of Salmon Belly Sashimi Sushi. Springy-textured with sweet freshness, the salmon sashimi was definitely well-executed here, making the meal very palatable.

Overall, we enjoyed the food here at Uni Gallery, and I look forward to being back on evenings or weekends, when I can have some Sake Wine to pair with my Japanese food for a more lavish experience.

Outfit of the Day - red and white floral dress with cold shoulder

"Life stands before me like an eternal spring with new and brilliant clothes." - Carl Friedrich Gauss

Red and white ombre floral dress with cold shoulder which is the current trendy style, paired with heels for a fun night out or date night.

Dress:  Dorothy Perkins (SGD$119.00)
Bag: Chanel
Shoes: Pazzion
Bangle: Herme
Watch: Rado

Review on Kose Infinity Pure Advance Serum III

Kose Infinity Pure Advance Serum III is not your typical serum - it is a hydrating cream type emulsion that is to be applied gently onto the face, giving you all the benefits you need to counter skin-ageing.  Let's take a look at what lies behind the beautiful, feminine pink facade.

This product helps to adjust sebum and clears dirt in pores, tightening up the pore and gives skin resilience, translucence as well as firmness, leading to an elastic, ageless appearance. Some active ingredients include Botanical Essence G, Rose extract, Alpinia species left extract, Glycerin and Rosemary Leaf Water.

Priced at SGD$69.00 for 50g a tub, the Kose Infinity Pure Advance Serum III feels rich but cooling on the skin, and is to be used before application of moisturiser, twice a day.

I like how it makes my skin feel moisturised throughout the day without being oily, and yes,  my pores appear less visible as well. My moisturiser and makeup go on better after the application of this miracle serum cream as well.

This, and the Herbal Gel, have definitely converted me to a Kose fan now.

Outfit of the Day - pink, blue and white checked shirt

"When in doubt, wear red." - Bill Blass

Decked out in comfy wear for a weekend hightea at a girlfriend's - in soft cotton collared, half-sleeved pink, blue and white checked / gingham shirt over black mini-shorts. Bright and casual for upcoming Christmas.

Shirt: Bossini (SGD$39.00)
Mini Shorts:  Forever 21 (SGD$49.00)
Bangle: Hermes

Outfit of the Day - White and Blue Yukawa

"Clothing is the closest thing to all humans."- Issues Miyake

Yukata Robe:  Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Bangle: Hermes

Outfit of the Day - black blazer with slanting hemline

"Each morning, you dress to become a different woman. Fashion 

helps." - Carine Roitfeld

Black long-sleeved open-collar blazer with slanting hem for a stylish yet formal design, perfect for wearing over pants or dresses.

Blazer: Echo (SGD$79.90)
Dress: Miss Selfridge (SGD$99.00)

Review on Gel Manicure at Yoga Beauty Palace @ Bugis Cube [Sponsored]

470 North Bridge Road #02-06A Bugis Cube, Singapore 188735

Tel: 6258 4119 / 8826 2789

Website: https://www.yogabeautypalace.com

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

Located at the corner of level 2, Bugis Cube, is a nail haven set in Victorian-styled decor, providing an array of beauty services by a young, beautiful and talented Ms. Yoga Zhang. Look for Yoga Beauty Palace, a newly set-up beauty parlour offering manicure / pedicure, facial, eyebrows, eyelash and makeup services at reasonable prices.

The young talented Ms Yoga Zhang, who is also a model, yoga instructor ,
certified beauty therapist and makeup artist.

Yoga Beauty Palace combines Western, Japanese, Chinese and Korean techniques and products so that customers can get to enjoy the full range of services under one roof. For instance, the use of quality Cici Nana gel nail polish (in lieu of the "OPI" range used by most salons here) from Japan, which gives us a beautiful range of colours. Customers can also enjoy popular Korean treatments such as Derma Skin Boosters (水光针) or Micro Bubble Facial Cleansing Machine here.

The owner Yoga Zhang believes strongly in good products and services - besides her many certificates, she would only buy equipments and products that she would trust, that she herself would use - and know that would truly benefit her customers.

When I reached the beauty parlour, I was taken in by the European-themed decor and tranquil vibe generated by the leaves-lined ceiling, an eclectic mix of outdoorsy / nature into the design of the place. Two beauty treatment rooms are used for facials and eyebrows / eyelash services, whereas 2 comfortable leather sofa-styled chairs line the front of the parlour, for us to enjoy our manicure and pedicure treatments in.

The manicure chairs are actually massage chairs as well, enabling customers to enjoy back-rubs while getting our nails done. The chairs also come with matching boards and foot-stools, so that we could lie down and rest our wrists comfortably on the boards during the nail pampering sessions (most places expect us to place our hands onto cushions). Plus plus point - after I selected the nail color I wanted, Vinci (who works for Yoga) painted one of my nails to let me see how the actual hue looked, and only when I liked it, did she proceed to do the Classic Gel Manicure for me.

This is how my nails look like, after Vinci's meticulous trimming, buffing, shaping, painting and top-coating my nails. Love the unique Chinese plum-red shade and how smooth my hands felt after the treatment.  Thank you Yoga Beauty Palace for the lovely nails and manicure session!

This shop does not condone hard-selling; most of their regular customers return on their own accord. However, they do have a Membership system here, where you can set aside a sum of money ("credits"), to be deducted accordingly after every visit. Being a member entitles you to enjoy special rates off their many services. Do drop by today to try their services out yourselves - quote "Elle10" to enjoy 10% off from now till 1 May 2018.

Outfit of the Day - red polka dot pleat dress

“As she always did on any really important day, Penelope Hayes wore red.” ― Anna Godbersen, The Luxe

Red pleat dress with polka-dot details, fitting for the Astalift event and other festive occasions, as well as work functions.

Dress: Rosewholesale
Bangle: Hermes
Watch: Rado

Outfit of the Day - Tiffany's Blue open shoulder blouse over black skirt

"Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it is not medicine." - Donatella Versace.

Wearing my Tiffany's Box out? I am simply in lust with this shade. Tiffany's Blue Open-shouldered blouse with buttons, paired over black sensible skirt. Suitable for work, functions, events and dates.

Blouse: Southaven (SGD$69.90)
Skirt: Author's own
Necklace: Tiffany and Co
Bangle: Hermes
Watch: Rado

Outfit of the Day - sky blue floral maxi dress

"We yearn for the beautiful, the unknown, and the mysterious." - Issey Miyake

Sky blue maxi sundress - feminine and pretty, perfect for a date, a weekend out or beach wear.

Dress; MDS (SGD$79.90)
Necklace: Tiffany's & Co
Watch: Rado
Bangle: Hermes
Belt: Ferragamo Salvatore
Bag: Coach

Outfit of the Day - black sports jacket over denim shorts

"Fashion is a reflection of the time. "- Anna Wintour

Black sports jacket with pink lining over black satin button-down shirt and mini denim shorts. The perfect travel outfit for Resorts World Genting.

Jacket: Converse
Shirt: Sixties (SGD$69.90)
Denim shorts: Levi's
Shoes: Pazzion

Tackling Thailand - Bangkok Revisit (Asiatique Riverfront, Chao Phraya River)

In furtherance to my past reviews during different visits here and here, we visited again, this time playing tour guide to the Mother-in-Law who has not visited Bangkok, Thailand.  The places we visited for this trip were more touristy, for the purpose of introducing her to the popular spots here in Bangkok City.

BANGKOK AIRPORT MIRACLE FIRST CLASS LOUNGE
Sanabim, Don Mueang, Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Website: https://www.loungeclub.com/en/our-lounges/lounge-detail/BKK1

Miracle First Class Lounges are available throughout a few concourses of the large Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We rested there for a while before continuing our journeys, enjoying some light refreshments, charging the phones while relaxing over some magazines and gulped some alcoholic drinks.

ACCOMMODATION

We had a hard time deciding between Novotel Hotel, Bangkok Palace Hotel and Pathumwan Princess Hotel - location was key and we wanted a spacious hotel close to a BTS train station, for the convenience of the MIL.

PATHUMWAN PRINCESS HOTEL
444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2216 3700
Website: http://www.pprincess.com

We settled on Pathumwan Princess Hotel in the end, based on positive reviews and gorgeous photos. Plus, it was located right next (attached to, in fact) to MBK Centre so shopping was a stone's throw away. Service was excellent, as were facilities.

SHOPPING

One must find time to shop in Bangkok, whether browsing popular night bazaars or staying in cool comfort of air-conditioned, modern shopping centres.


MBK (MAHBOONKRONG) CENTER
444 Phayathai Road, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Website: http://www.mbk-center.co.th/en

One of the biggest shopping centers in Bangkok - 8 floors packed with 2000 retail shops of fashion, accessories, mobile phones, and restaurants etc. Be prepared to spend at least half a day here and loading your arms with many shopping bags at the end.


PLATINUM FASHION MALL
644/3 Phetchaburi Road, Khwaeng Thanon Petchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Tel: +66 2121 8000
Website: http://www.platinumfashionmall.com

Another iconic shopping mall located in Bangkok City, 4 floors of more than 1300 shops selling fashion apparels and accessories, by way of retail and wholesale.


CENTRALWORLD PLAZA
4,4/ 1-4/ 2,4/4 Ratchadamri Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Website: http://www.centralworld.co.th

A large lifestyle mall in Bangkok, CentralWorld also houses many IT stores so computer parts lovers, this is one place you might definitely want to check out. Once known as "World Trade Center" and once the third largest shopping mall in Asia, check out this place if you are intending to shop for more than fashion and accessories alone.

ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT
2194 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand
Tel: +66 2108 4488
Website: http://www.asiatiquethailand.com

I love this huge waterfront square so we revisited here for the shops and bazaars, and restaurants. There are also theaters offering performances such as Cabaret shows, Thai Boxing and Muay Thai shows- check for showtimes so you don't make a wasted trip all the way here.

CHATUCHAK (OR "JATUJAK") WEEKEND MARKET
587/10 Khampaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Website: http://www.chatuchak.org

This is a 35-acre bazaar, home to 15,000 market booths divided into 27 sections, selling everything from home accessories to fashion apparels, fashion accessories, collectibles, food items etc. If you are here on a weekend, do not miss out on this bazaar that brings out an important Thai cultural introduction.


PATPONG NIGHT MARKET
2 Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bang Rhek, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Website: http://www.bangkok.com/shopping-market/patpong-night-market.htm

Located in the Silom area, Patpong Night Market has much to offer as well - a flea market with 2 long rows of shops offering souvenirs, imitation bags, collectibles and fashion apparels.  Located on the sides of the bazaar are rows of restaurants and bars if you wish to dine or chill out.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Besides shopping and eating, some of the must-visit attractions in Thailand include the Bangkok Palace, Temple of Dawn, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Chao Phraya River, Floating Market and Cabaret Performances.

TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA (WAT PHO TEMPLE)
2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakom District, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2225 9595
Website: http://www.watpho.com

The Temple of The Reclining Buddha

CHAO PHRAYA BOAT RIDE
Website: http://www.bangkok.com/attraction-waterway/chao-phraya-river.htm

The Chao Phraya River is the principal river in Bangkok, a major urban river with low alluvial plains flowing through Bangkok into the Gulf of Thailand. Also known as "The River of Kings", this waterway forms the lifeblood of Bangkok - a riverboat ride on these russet brown waters brought us lovely sights of solemn temples, churches, civic buildings, floating boat markets pedalling their vegetables or snacks, dilapidated houses along the riverfront in contrast to majestic modern buildings, etc.

TEMPLE OF DAWN (WAT ARUN TEMPLE)
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, 10600, Thailand
Tel: +66 2891 2185
Website: https://www.watarun.net

Situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this Buddhist temple stands tall and magnificent over the river. It is a famous landmark named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. A beautiful place to visit, because of the colourful spires of the structure and the intricate Buddha statue within.

TEMPLE OF RECLINING BUDDHA (WAT PHO TEMPLE)
2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Tel: +66 2225 9595
Website: http://www.watpho.com

Known as the "Temple of The Reclining Buddha",  this temple is one of the largest temple complexes in the city, famous for its 45-meters long giant reclining Buddha, covered in gold leaf. We usually get coins to in metal bowls around the Buddha - they believe that when you have come to the last bowl, say your wishes and they will come true.

CALYPSO CABARET SHOW @ ASIATIQUE WATERFRONT
2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Rd Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Tel: +66 2688 1415
Website: http://www.calypsocabaret.com

Having enjoyed the cabaret shows twice before - for the entertaining performance by beautiful ladyboys with their plaintive singing voices and graceful dances, we decided to catch the one at Asiatique Waterfront. Unfortunately, as Calypso was more "broadway" style, it was too lively for my liking - I still preferred the "Tiffany's Show" style, if you get what I mean.

RESTAURANTS

Thai food is a delicacy across the globe currently, especially the spicy tomyum / green curry items and other seafood delights. We definitely had our share of good Thai food here.

BAAN KHANITHA BY-THE-RIVER RESTAURANT 
2194 Room no.8, Charoen Krung Rd., Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
Tel: +662 108 4910 11
Website: http://www.baan-khanitha.com

Located by the Asiatique Riverfront, this restaurant garners a romantic waterfront dining vibe, and serves up delicious Thai cuisine. We enjoyed our Pineapple Fried Rice (served in pineapple husk, no less), Lychee Red Curry with Duck, Pad Thai, etc.

MANGO TANGO
Warehouse 1, Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Asiatique, Bangkok 10120
Tel: +66 081 7601 469
Website: http://www.mymangotango.com

We also revisited Mango Tango for the interesting variety of lovely mango desserts. This place is so fanatic about their mango that they actually have their own "Mango" song that is actually quite catchy. Business is so good here, you are expected to leave once you finish your desserts as there would be other guests waiting in line.

MK RESTAURANT
7 Phayathai Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2836 1000
Website: https://www.mkrestaurant.com/en

We went back to MK Restaurant, but a different branch this time. I still enjoy their very-dry and al-dente textured spinach Wanton Noodles. We thought that though, the food here was not as nice as its outlet at Big C Centre, which we went during our last Bangkok trip.

YAYOI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 
444 Phayathai Road, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, MBK Center, Pathumwan 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2611 7176
Website: https://www.yayoirestaurants.com/en

We decided to stray from Thai food for a while, and ate at a Japanese restaurant near to our hotel. Yayoi Japanese Restaurant provided pretty decent Japanese bento set meals, such as grilled fish set, deep-fried oyster set and deep-fried chicken set.

CHATUCHAK (OR "JATUJAK") WEEKEND MARKET
587/10 Khampaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
Website: http://www.chatuchak.org

Street-food for me finally! Due to hygiene fears, we don't usually eat street food, however I could not help myself at Chatuchak area, where everything looked and smelled good. So I tried everything from Coconut Ice-cream to Thai Iced Milk Tea to Fried Squid Eggs to Fried Quail Eggs. No diarrhoea or any discomfort after that, except for a very full and satisfied belly.

TIP TOP THAI DINING RESTAURANT
46-48 Patpong, Surawong, Bangkok, Thailand
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiptop-Patpong-Silom/246298048744340?nr

This meal was taken before our shopping trip at Patpong area, a spacious restaurant lining the famed Patpong night market. Food was not bad here, really - especially the Thai Fish Cake paired with light Thai beer.

YUM SAAP RESTAURANT
1/F Big C Ratchadamri, Ratchadamri Rd., Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Tel: +66 2350 4794
Website: http://www.yumsaap.nl

Southern Thai restaurant with (some say) a Vietnamese touch. I enjoyed the Tom Yum noodles here in this vintage-looking restaurant.

Overall, another enjoyable Thailand visit. We came with 3 luggages but left with 5 - don't ask me what we bought.  Hope the Mother-in-law enjoyed the trip.