Outfit of the Day - formal black highneck dress with black winged sleeves

“A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future.” ― Coco Chanel

Black formal dress with high collar and translucent winged sleeves, perfect for work, meetings, functions, events, hanging out with the ladies and date nights.

Dress: People of Asia (SGD$99.00)
Heels: Pazzion
Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Outfit of the Day - dark gray denim blouse over black skirt

"Chocolate makes one happy, eases stresses, and tastes palatable. So here I am, 

sweetening my Sunday by having my chocolate cake and 

eating it too." - Ellessandra

Dark grey sleeveless denim top over long black dress; perfect for casual meeting, outings with the ladies, date nights, events and travelling.

Gray Denim Top: Levi's (SGD$99.00)
Black Skirt: Chaos (SGD$199.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co

Outfit of the Day - black high-neck dress with transparent sleeves

"Lipstick is the most valuable weapon in a woman's make-up kit. 

It has the power to transform the appearance and mood of the person 

wearing it, and, at the same time, arouses the admiration of everybody

 else." - Monica Bellucci.

Black round-neck dress with transparent black sleeves, perfect for work, events, functions, meetings, hanging out with the ladies and travels.

Dress: People of Asia (SGD$99.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Ring: Tiffany & Co; and Bvlgari
Watch: Rado
Lipstick: Chanel

Outfit of the Day - yellow sleeveless blouse over black denim mini shorts

"Blue is for the skies over your head, and yellow is for the fire that burns in your heart." - Ellessandra

Yellow sleeveless knitted blouse over black denim mini-shorts, perfect for casual weekends wear and travelling.

Yellow blouse:  Kiyo (SGD$59.90)
Shorts: Levi's
Shoes: Pazzion
Sunglasses: Armani Exchange
Bag: Coach

Buffet Dinner at Cafe Mosaic @ Carlton Hotel

76 Bras Basah Road, Level 1, Carlton Hotel, Singapore 189558

Tel: 6311 8195

Website: https://www.carltonhotel.sg/cafe-mosaic.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-Mosaic-Carlton-Hotel/128851867186252

Price: SGD$99.00 per adult for weekend dinner

The last time I visited Cafe Mosaic at Carlton City Hotel was a few years back, when they started the Valentine's Buffet for Couples (review here) - back then, buffet dining for Valentine's Day was not popular but the restaurant gave us a good experience.

Anyway, fate led us here, as this was the third restaurant we went that night, that we were finally able to eat at (the first one closed down without any web updates at all, and the second one served a la carte now when they used to specialise in buffets). So here we were, enjoying the friendly, personable service of the crew staff and explored the buffet stations for delicacies to fill our ravenous bellies.

I staked out the Seafood counter first, as always, and helped myself to Prawns, Baby Lobsters, Mussels and lots of Live Oysters. The fresh oysters were displayed on a blue bed of ice, we would pick out a few and pass them to the chefs to de-shell. I loved the oysters immensely.

The Japanese counter had my favorite Salmon Sashimi, Squid Sashimi and lovely array of Sushi as well.  I like Japanese counters where chefs cut and make the food on the spot; they have it here.

They also have a rather comprehensive variety of Roast items, Cooked food, Tom Yum Seafood Noodles live station, as well as the Local Delicacy counter where I could not resist getting myself a plate of Fried Carrot Cake (aka "chye tao kuey". The latter was pretty good, to our surprise.

Finally, I attacked the Desserts station for selection of mini Cheesecake slices, Chocolate cake slices, and Cheese. Loved the Raspberry Cheese especially.

Overall, we enjoyed ourselves very much in the spacious Cafe Mosaic, coupled with a good feast on palatable favourites.

Vacation on a Cruise Ship - Genting Dream Cruise to Port Klang

Cruise trips are addictive, I tell you, just like resorts. It's like, moving an entire block of hotel, or entertainment city, out to sea and enjoying oneself in the middle of nowhere.  Anyway, I enjoyed my Genting Star Cruise holiday last year very much (review here), therefore decided to get onboard a ship again, this time with the Mom - trying out the new Genting Dream.

It is a significantly bigger cruise compared with Star Cruise. The Genting Dream has 20 decks, many restaurants, and a larger variety of activities to be enjoyed.  Boarding and dis-embarking took longer though, due to the number of passengers, but the service was still excellent in every aspect.

For food, one could enjoy meals at inclusive restaurants such as Dream Dining Room (lower) for semi-buffet, Dream Dining Room (upper) for Chinese set meals, Function 8 for International buffet, or The Lido for International Buffet.  Take note that you would be entitled to enjoy only one meal per time slot (i.e. Breakfast slot, Lunch slot, Dinner slot); there would be additional charges for dining at more than one restaurant during the same meal slot. Some restaurants such as The Lido offers morning tea and afternoon tea in between meals, and those are inclusive.

If you would like finer dining choices, there are many other restaurants such as Silk Road Chinese Restaurant (Chinese fine dining), BreadBox (freshly-baked pastries), Lobby Cafe (Malacca Straits fare), Blue Lagoon (24/7 hawker food), Seafood Grill & Prime Steakhouse, Umi Uma (Japanese & teppanyaki), Hot Pot (outdoor), Gelateria and Crystal Life Cuisine (healthy eating).

Fancy a drink or feeling like hitting the dance floor? Bars are aplenty on the Genting Dream, such as Bar 360 (with circular stage for live performances), Red Lion (beer and light snacks), Sun Deck Bar, Zouk, Palm Court or best of all, hit Bar City. The latter comprises of Johnny Walker House, Bubbles for champagne, MIXT for cocktails, Humidor for cigars, and Penfolds Wine Vault. Wake up happy every morning! Karaoke rooms are available for booking as well, if you enjoy singing.

Besides F&B aspects, the shopaholics might be happy to explore the aisles of The Dream Store and The Dream Boutiques, where branded perfume, cosmetics, watches, jewelry are on display, and retailing at attractively-discounted rates.

Beauty and fitness lovers may look forward to spa or grooming sessions at Crystal Life Spa, Crystal Life Fitness, Le Salon and The Gentleman's Barber. Other fitness spots include Swimming Pools, SportsPlex, Waterslide Park, bowling, mini-golf, ping-pong and giant chess. At designated time slots, there are fitness classes, by-the-pool Zumba, laughter Yoga,  sunset Tai-chi lessons etc; some are complimentary while others could be enjoyed at a small fee.

Other activities may include live performances at Zodiac Theater (we managed to catch "China's Got Talent" and "Rhythm Divine Latino Ballroom Dance" - these are complimentary but bookings are required at Box Office prior to the shows. Game shows and outdoor movie screenings ("Cinema at Sea") are other entertainment avenues that are also suitable for the entire family to enjoy.  Those who crave a little more excitement or late night fun can visit the Casino, to try your hands at some winnings.

Finally, if your cruise trip coincides with upcoming festivals, there are also themed activities to add to the fun. For instance, ours comprised of Trick or Treat, Halloween face painting, Halloween face painting and Halloween Spookfest Night Party.

To end it off, you might want to know what to do when the cruise ship docks at Port Klang for 8 hours. There are guided tours organised by the Cruise crew to bring you to explore nearby places such as Kuala Lumpur, Klang town, Sunway Lagoon, etc. Alternatively, you can also cross to Boustead Ferry Terminal to hire your own taxi to bring you to nearby places of attractions. Those not wishing to leave the cruise ship can choose to stay onboard to enjoy the various activities in-store for all guests.

Overall experience onboard Genting Dream Cruise was very good - 3 days 2 nights was too short, in fact. I could use an extra night or two for sure :)

Review on IPL Brazilian Hair Removal @ Beyond Beauty

181 Orchard Road #04-14 Orchard Central, Singapore
Tel: 6332 8333
Website:
Facebook:

Beyond Beauty International provides a wide range of beauty services using latest innovative technology and quality lifestyle wellness.

I decided to try their IPL Brazilian Waxing services out, and selected the Orchard Central branch, done up in pristine white settings. Service of the receptionist was super good, while the consultant was super pushy and did not attempt to understand customers better before trying to sell packages even BEFORE I tried the first session!

Anyway I was under the care of a gentle therapist who first got me to change into their robe, and then wash up at their showers area.

Shaving was done (this was nice because most other beauty parlors require us to share before coming for the appointment).

Then I donned protective dark glasses while the IPL shots were being administered, a combination of flashing lights and heat. Nothing uncomfortable (since cold gel was applied prior), and treatment was completed within 15 minutes - fast and efficient.

Overall, I liked Beyond Beauty's service save for the consultant. She made me so annoyed I was contemplating switching to another outlet for next IPL Brazilian session.

Lunch at Enchanted Cafe @ Rangoon Road

88 Rangoon Road #01-04 Singapore 018374

Tel: 8813 1086

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

Opening Hours: 8.00am - 6.00pm (closed on Mondays)

Enchanted Cafe sports a magical, fantasy theme that easily makes one think of wizards and fairies. I was too late for their signature Enchanted Elixir drink - the one that emits a trail of "smoke". They revamped the menu recently, and most of the items are healthy toasts, acai bowls, pastries and drinks. Their drinks all come with fantastical, lovely names.

We started with Bonito Flakes and Salmon Toast (SGD$12.00) - crispy sourdough toast topped with Norwegian smoked salmon, dried tuna flakes, homemade garlic spread and Japanese mayonnaise, with spinach leaves salad by the side. This seemingly simple combination made for a very tasty, umami meal.

The Creamy Carbonara (SGD$15.00) was served in a large, deep plate, drenched in broth. This pasta dish comprised linguine, thyme herb, premium pork sausage slices, and Swiss brown mushrooms, grounding the creaminess with earthly notes.

We also tried The Enchanted Breakfast (SGD$24.00), huge serving suitable for 2 to share - premium pork sausages, baked corn, fresh cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, baked pumpkin, scrambled eggs, Swiss brown mushrooms and sourdough toasts. This healthy and generous load of ingredients made for a fulfilling brunch or lunch, giving us a good variety.

For dessert, we shared an Acai Bowl (SGD$12.00) under the "Build Your Own" section. It was gorgeous and colourful, served in coconut husk bowl atop a log board. For the fillings and fruits, we chose chopped hazelnuts, muesli with dried fruits and seeds, as well as goji berries and blueberries.

Moving on to drinks, the Iced Latte (SGD5.90) was aromatic and my friend enjoyed it.

I opted for the pot of tea named The Enchantress Potion (SGD$7.90) - rosebuds tea with lingering fragrance of sweet melon.

Overall dining experience at Enchanted Cafe was very pleasant, basking in the beautiful settings and indulging sinlessly in their healthy yet tasty food items. I only wish they were still open for dinner like in the past, and also that they would still do the Enchanted Elixir.