Review on 38 Jervois Condo [fire sale 🔥🔥🔥 limited time only]

38 Jervois Road, Singapore 249078

Tel: 9797 7047 / 9232 9737 / 8366 4069

Email: ellouisa.swift@gmail.com 

38 Jervois is a boutique development of freehold condo units, nestled in Good Class Bungalow (GCB) enclave and embassies' estate, in prestigious District 10.

That's along the embassies and Bishopgate Road, where tranquility, safety and lush greenery are abundance. When I walked around the neighborhood, I was wowed by the sprawling length of the long gates and fences of the massive landed homes here. That was when I knew I was on a land of prestige, promise, and probably very important people.

By foot, it took me between 8 to 12 minutes to reach here from Redhill MRT (depending on my footwear of the day), so yeah, no cars, is fine. Meaning to say that all age groups can also stay here, regardless of whether you don't have permission to drive yet, or are a foreigner who has no desire to buy that overpriced car in Singapore.

The condo development has already obtained TOP, meaning "temporary occupation permit" since 2019, so I was able to view actual units. Which is GREAT, because I don't have to imagine how the layout is like, which apartment faces where, or how beautiful / ugly it may be.

I understand that by now,  there are only 16 precious units left here.

At the ground floor, the turqoise pool looks inviting, and one could use the gym equipment right next to it. Totally perfect for nature lovers who hate exercising indoors and are unable to feel that they have "sweated it out", or the energy of great outdoors. If I stayed here, I might ask to put a yoga mat so I can do outdoors yoga here too.

Up the apartments we go.

I enter, feeling the cool marbled floors, and stamp my feet to test its solidness. The nice squarish layout of the living area and bedrooms would make decorating the place an easy affair.

I stand at the kitchen admiring the De Dietrich appliances, tempted to test it out, but then I am drawn to the unblocked views of the balcony that faces me, where breezes kiss and greet me.

There are 3 unit types here for sale currently:

• 2 + 1 type at 818 sqft 
• 3 bedroom at 915 sqft
• 3 bedroom penthouse at 1098 sqft

Okay, I can imagine owners or tenants being thrilled to move into here - immediately, because the house feels so inviting.

Nearby would be Great World City, Valley Point, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Tiong Bahru Market, Redhill MRT, Redhill food centres, and my favorite shopping belt, Orchard Road! That's all super convenient, and don't forget to add atas international schools into the list.

Low density, noiseless neighbours, low quantum pricing for this area and quality. Best of all, there's a fire 🔥🔥🔥 sale going on in June 2020 that cuts off $400,000 (no, I didn't get my zeroes wrong!) from the listed price. What a bargain!

If you are looking for own stay, the above merits would make this almost a dream home. If you are looking for investment, tenability and rental yield here are great, too.

38 Jervois is developed by Prominent Land, an experienced developer of beautiful landed homes. Because this is their first foray into condominium development, they have put in a lot to ensure quality, beauty and comfort in this project.

How should you proceed?

Contact developer's sales team at 9797 7047 / 9232 9737 / 8366 4069 now.

You may also get ready a cheque for 5% option fee, an In-Principle Approval (IPA) done if you are taking a mortgage loan.

All the best for your home hunt here!

Review on Plushopedic™ Memory Fluff Pillow by SleepWiz [Sponsored]

I was honoured to receive the Plushopedic™ Memory Fluff Pillow to try on, it is a popular pillow of choice - affordable,  comfortable, and offering many health benefits. Before that, I have reviewed by other fantastic products that SleepWiz carries, such as the ErgoLush Gel Infused Memory Foam and the Luxurie Eye Mask.

Address: 11 Woodlands Close, #08-40, Singapore 737853

Website: https://pillows.sg

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

Email: hello@pillows.sg

So how does this Plushopedic™ Memory Fluff Pillow work and why is it so special?

• The Plushopedic™ pillow’s viscoelastic memory fluff cushions your head, cradles your neck, and disperses motion – like a hug from a giant teddy bear!
• Special memory fluff filling sinks more in the centre where your head rests, while remaining comfortably supportive under your neck where you need it.
• Adapts to back-sleepers, side-sleepers, and combination-sleepers.
• Easily remove and store away filling to adjust pillow loft.
• Can be fluffed to achieve your desired pillow loft and shape.
• Super-breathable Coolmax® pillow protector allows airflow throughout the pillow, keeping you cool and fast asleep throughout the night.
• Durable memory fluff maintains volume and support for years and years – unlike traditional fiber fillings – and even re-fluffs itself!

So many benefits, and yes, a luxury pillow that hugs my head regardless of whether I sleep on my back or side! Headaches be gone, comfort level maximum, and best of all it is an affordable SGD$84.00 only (plus free delivery islandwide!).

If you like it, or any products from SleepWiz, do use the code "elle2020" to enjoy 10% all products. Remember that your sleep is important as our health + skin repair themselves whilst we sleep, therefore create quality sleep for yourself with SleepWiz's range of quality, innovative products starting from today!

Thank you Sam and SleepWiz for the opportunity to enjoy a good night's rest!

Dinner at Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora @ Sentosa

22 Sentosa Gateway S.E.A Aquarium, West Zone carpark B1M, #B1-455 & 456, Singapore 098136

Tel: 6577 6688 / 6577 6869

Website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/restaurants/ocean-restaurant/overview

Email: ocean@rwsentosa.com

We usually travel overseas for birthdays celebrations, but April 2020 was not possible for leisure travel, therefore we decided to visit one of my bucket-list restaurants for my birthday dinner. That would be underwater dining at Ocean Restaurant.

The first aquarium dining experience in Singapore, the restaurant did not disappoint. We were given front row seating- meaning, closest to the S.E.A. Aquarium where we could enjoy the stunning views of marine lives. It is located at basement level of Equarius Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa.

A rather dimly lit restaurant swathed in swatches of white light, Ocean Restaurant exuded an aura of mystery when we stepped in. Beautiful ambience, hushed talking,  so that the appreciation of oceanic beauty may commence.

The a la carte menu was not extensive, but an improvement from when they used to only have set menus. Mainly seafood items, as expected; and European styled preparation.

We started with a round of Cocktails (mainly Mojitos and Ocean Sling) because there was a promo of SGD$28.00 for 2 cocktails; needless to say the drinks were pretty diluted.

Shared two starters which were not in the a la carte menu - the colorful cold Egg Custard dish with shrimps that was similiar to Chawanmushi (as per the service crew's description). And the Fish Maw appetiser in a creamy broth.

The Chatham Island Blue Cod (SGD$60.00) was a huge, juicy slab of crispy-skinned fish dish in fermented black bean emulsion, leek cabbage ragout and garlic puree. Pretty tasty overall; both the Mom and Bro had this dish.

My Maine Lobster (SGD$80.00) was dish comprising of chunky, springy, fresh and sweet lobster on top of, and below the orzo pasta. Light hints of seaweed and black pepper jus were detected, enhancing the flavour.

We thought the tastiest dish of the night was my hubby's Chargrilled M6 Tajima Striploin Steak (SGD$95.00); smokey noted amidst the natural jus and shallot puree's heavier flavour. The tender texture added to the enjoyment of this dish, as well.

Overall dining experience at Ocean Restaurant was pleasant enough - be there for the beautiful tranquil underwater views; service and food have room for improvement, especially when per dining experience would set you back easily by S$600, minimally.

The Mommyhood Journey [viii] - Baby Gifts by TinyBabies SG [Sponsored]

Tiny Babies SG

Tel: +65 90627441

Website: https://tinybabies.com.sg

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

Tiny Babies SG is an online baby essentials boutique with a good range of reasonably-ranged, quality products suitable for newborn babies. This helps in saving time for parents without the hassle of physically hunting down malls to look for the perfect baby clothes.

As the name "Tiny Babies" imply, this brand was inspired by premie and tiny babies who may be born prematurely - flustered parents of these babies usually find it really challenging to find clothes for them. Tiny Babies SG aim to fill that gap, providing clothing ranging from tiny sizes to normal newborn sizes.


Tiny Babies SG is not only suitable for parents buying clothes and towels for their own children - they are also a great source for personalised baby gifts (think newborn gift, full month or baby christening).

Look at this set right here (worth SGD$178.00) - an extremely stunning Princessy set for my baby, complete with her name on it, and useful items such as romper, beret, socks, shoes and towel.

And how about this darling set (worth SGD$118.00) with the adorable fluffy bunny and towel. You can see that the gift is customised with my baby girl's name as well.

I have previously ordered a baby hamper for my friend as well- the experience was impeccable. Tiny Babies SG was able to do Chinese characters for my friend's baby's name, and they delivered the hamper within 2 days! Learning that the last character of baby's name ("Xiong") resembled "bear" in Chinese, Tiny Babies SG even cute-ify the hamper with bear designs to match.

Besides baby apparel, towels, shoes and plush toys, Tiny Babies SG also offers customised flash cards, books and craft sets. It's a lovely one-stop online shopping haven for baby stuff.

Personally, I really love this idea by thoughtful founder Zlata and her hubby Rege. Thank you for making shopping such a beautiful experience,  sourcing for these quality items for babies, and personalizing them.

Backtracks

(i) The House-Hunting Series

(ii) The Honeymoon Series

(iii) The Nuptial Series

(iv) The Mommyhood Series (i) - Receiving The News

(v) The Mommyhood Series (ii) - My Pregnancy Journey

(vi) The Mommyhood Series (iii) - Post Natal Massage by Schone Mama @ Takashimaya
(vii) The Mommyhood Series (iv) - The Accidental Babymoon (Pregnancy Travel Guide)
(viii) The Mommyhood Series (v) - The Endless Shopping List

(ix) The Mommyhood Series (vi) - Birth by Caesarean
(x) The Mommyhood Series (vii) - My Confinement Diary

The Mommyhood Series [vii] - My Confinement Diary

You have read my entry on Birth by Caesarean in the previous chapter of The Mommyhood Series.

Finally, baby and I were discharged from the hospital and could go back home. The Caesarean wound was still hurting, but nothing beats recuperating at home.

I guess confinement has begun. The confinement nanny from PEM Agency was waiting by the condo's waiting area by the time we were home. I didn't know what to expect- except that she was supposed to take care of Baby, wash her clothes, cook for me and hubby, prepare my herbal bath water, and help with simple household chores twice a week.

She was friendly and efficient, making us feel at ease. And like me, she was a cleanliness freak so ensured that things were neat and clean. One of her duties included cooking Longan Red Dates drink for me to consume like water on a daily basis; she also added Black Dates, Wolfberries and Bei Qi (Astragalus or may also be known as 'Huang Qi') to make it more nourishing. She explained that the latter especially, aids in healing wounds.

Her cooking was pretty good too - balanced meals consisting of fish, or pork, and lots of vegetables. Ginger and wolfberries were 2 ingredients that were never missing from the dishes.

For dishes containing alcohol or requiring stronger ingredients, such as Ginger Wine Chicken or Black Vinegar Pig Trotter (both of which are confinement favorites), they should only be consumed from 12th days onwards. Don't ask me why - I take it that its passed the period  needed for my wound to heal.

I also started consuming a small amount of Dom after dinner, for tonic purpose. Ideally it should be consumed before bed, but I had to feed around midnight so I tried to drink the Dom a few hours before then.

For herbal soup, I drank them during dinner time or before bed. I got mine from Eu Yan Sang as I'm a member. At $328, the package comprises tonic soup ingredients, Bai Fong Pills (tonic for after menses), and So Hup Pills (to drive the wind out from body). I know other Chinese medicine shops such as Hock Hua, etc all carry confinement packages as well; if not, the shop assistants can customise a package for you using ala carte items.

I also got my Bathing Herbs (about $30++ for a box of 14 herbs) from EYS during to convenience. Basically you just need to boil the packet of herbs and let it simmer, then pour into your tub to use for showers. It's supposed to keep the wind or cold away from the body.

If you've heard tales that women shouldn't take showers during confinement, it's probably outdated by now.  They didnt take showers in the past because long ago, bathrooms were situated outside the homes, and in chilly weather conditions - women could easily catch a cold if they had to shower out there. These days, bath herbs are readily available; or at the very worst, you can consider adult body wipes. If you refuse to wash your hair, there's powder you can get from TCM shops, or dry shampoo. Hygiene should be a priority especially if we are breast-feeding our infants.

We can't be exposed to much "wind" so that means long-sleeved tops and long pants/ leggings would be good. Air-conditioning is fine but not fan (though people in the past also used fans because they didnt have air-con?!)

She also ensured I wear bedroom slippers around the house instead of walking around barefooted, because theres "wind" or coolness from the floors.

We are supposed to lie down in bed a lot- this is said to help prevent backache and other associated ailments when we get older. Also we shouldn't be touching water much- for fear of being too "cooling", so my Confinement Nanny filled my tub with lukewarm water and rice wine for me to wash my hands with.

Breast-feeding

Baby alternated between my breast milk and formula milk, in order to get the sufficient amount she required. She was fed about 7 times a day, including 3 times in the middle of the night. Babies do get choosy about the tip of the milk bottle - for instance, mine would drink from the Pigeon bottle because its softer, but rejected the Philips Avent one.

When baby was not feeding and my milk supply was abundant, I used Hegen Pump (around $599 for the set that comes with  breast massage function) to get the milk out for storage. It is a nice electric pump that's also silent and painless. Pumping regularly helps prevent soiling the clothes and most importantly, prevent engorgement (which can be very painful).

Watching our diet is important too because if we are breastfeeding, what goes into our bodies goes to the baby when they feed. Oranges cause phlegm, alcohol intoxicates them, too much sugar is not good for them.... the list goes on.

Lactation herbal teas and cookies are available to aid milk supply produce, as well as papaya soup.

Physically, Mentally and Emotionally

Physically, well, we'll be menstruating for a full month so hormones may run a little wild. Support from family members is very important at this point in time. We get more sensitive and easily irritated. I got a little paranoid at certain phrases used by my Confinement Nanny, to be honest, and was wondering if she was trying to show me that Baby preferred her to me.

For me personally, I would appreciate advice only when I ask for them - not for everyone to start dishing advice about everything. Bottom line is- we appreciate that you all mean well- but all these advice only stresses and confuses us. When we  need assistance, we will ask, or we will research and join forums etc. Don't do the "hey, if you are ever feeling depressed call me anytime" speech over and over again- it gels. If I'm depressed I want my husband to bring me to a professional asap; trust me I wont be picking up the phone to call anyone to chit chat.

Some people get postnatal depression, especially if they feel insecure or stressed out. Most times they aren't aware of it themselves. Post natal depression comes in many forms - overly protective of baby, suicidal thoughts, self-blame (especially if milk supply is low or baby is ill), resentment towards baby (especially after a difficult birth), etc. Therefore parents and husbands - please keep a close watch and seek help for them if  need be.

By the third week, Hubby and I had to get hands-on taking care of Baby. We learned how to change diapers properly, feeding properly, bathing the Baby, and putting her to bed, etc.

The lying in part was most difficult for me as I could not bear having nothing to do. I couldn't be sleeping 18 hours a day. So I used the time for some light work and meditation. One month passes by really fast - keep a lookout for my next entry on Baby Gifts Purchase by TinyBabies.SG.

Backtracks

(i) The House-Hunting Series

(ii) The Honeymoon Series

(iii) The Nuptial Series

(iv) The Mommyhood Series (i) - Receiving The News

(v) The Mommyhood Series (ii) - My Pregnancy Journey

(vi) The Mommyhood Series (iii) - Post Natal Massage by Schone Mama @ Takashimaya
(vii) The Mommyhood Series (iv) - The Accidental Babymoon (Pregnancy Travel Guide)
(viii) The Mommyhood Series (v) - The Endless Shopping List

(ix) The Mommyhood Series (vi) - Birth by Caesarean

The Mommyhood Series [vi] - Birth by Caesarean

After the endless shopping that we were doing (read more here), we finally gave birth.

The day has come. I was 2 days away from my Estimated Due Date (EDD), but there was no sign of dilation and my water bag didn't burst. Also, because I am petite and Baby was getting heavy at 3.5kg), the Doc was worried that it would take me 24 hours at least, to deliver by natural birth. And that's if all's safe and well.

Therefore we consented to Caesarean surgery this fateful Saturday. Spent the morning getting busy with viewings so I wouldn't be nervous about the surgery. The procedure was scheduled for late afternoon but I was advised to check in 3 hours early to prepare.

By 9.00am that day I was to start fasting. Ok, not really fasting but I couldn't take meals after that. I had to stop fluids intake by 1300 hours.

After settling registration at level 1, Thomsom Medical Centre, they brought me to the 2-bedder ward I have chosen. I changed into a dark maroon gown, and they injected something into my anus to induce passing of motion.

I took a rest and the nurses came for me half an hour before the surgery. I was brought to the operating theater and met many people who said hi along the way- everyone asked for my full name and NRIC number, I had to repeat myself at least 6 times.

Then I finally met my Anaesthetician who prepared me for 2nd strongest dosage of Epidural. They did the Jab, waited for it to settle, and then tested my reaction. When they were certain that I was numb enough and ready, my Gynae performed the surgery.

I was very nervous, to be honest. Millions of thoughts raced through my head - would the surgery be all right ? Would Baby be fine? Would it hurt? Would I over bleed? Would there be complications? Would I die? Was my Will updated? Have I done my last insurance nomination?

The Hubby changed into some protective garb and was seated beside me holding my hand.

I felt some tugging and all but no pain at all. Then I heard the Doc saying "Its done", followed by a loud wailing. Baby was out. We were both safe and sound.

They brought Baby to the corner to clean up and take measurements of her head circumference and length. In the meantime, the Doc stitched me up.

The tiny purplish being that was my daughter was then carried over to me. She stopped wailing the moment she was in my arms, probably recognising the heartbeat shes been listening to for the past 9 months. The nurses helped us to take photos - our very first family portrait.

I had handed over the kits for Stem Cells collection and Cord Blood collection by Cryoviva, so the operating theater crew informed me they would send these to the labs for suitability testing as well. Personally I believe very much in cord blood banking - it's like another layer of insurance for the child. Other providers include Singapore Cord Blood Banking, Cordlife and Stemcord.

I was brought to a holding ward to be monitored- to ensure there were no complications, and that my blood pressure was normal.

Then they returned me to my ward on level 3, where I could rest. For the first night , I couldn't ingest anything so was put on drip; nurses monitored my blood pressure and temperature every hour. They also came around to help clean my body, bring painkillers and change my maternity pads. I slowly regained sensation in my lower body, and was encouraged to wiggle my feet more. I didn't get much sleep between the monitoring, medicine, changing of pads and breastfeeding Baby.

My Doc came to check on me at 7.00am the next morning, and the Paediatrician came shortly after, to tell me about Baby's health status. Breakfast was served. For the meals over the next few days, I chose Congee for  breakfast mainly, and Confinement meals for lunch and dinner. For lunch and dinner, you have a choice of Confinement, Western, Asian, Local cuisine etc to choose from.

Friends and relatives came to visit, and Baby was carted over whenever it was time for her to feed.

The wound hurt whenever I tried to get out of bed (so I was advised to roll over to the side and slowly get up sideways). They wrapped a Binder (SGD$59.00) around me - it was supposed to help with the wound and keep the wind out.

For Caesarean, the wound (later a scar) would be at the navel around, around 7-8cm long. I had to be hospitalised one more day, compared to 3 days if by natural birth.

Give baby a name. We would need to register their births within 14 calendar days and no later than 42 days. Registration can done at the hospitals they are birthed at, Immigrations & Checkpoint Authority (ICA) or online. You can also do so by downloading the "Moments of Life" app.

Finally, time for discharge we had to settle the bill at level 1. Remember - hospital bills and doctor's fees are separate amounts. Whenever you see comparison charts showing fees of giving birth in various hospitals, bear in mind that these are just hospital charges. Doctor's fees and anesthetics fees will double that amount.

There is a cap on how much you can pay out of MediSave. If you are applying for the Baby Bonus, $8000 will be credited to you within 3 weeks of application.

You may feel odd as you start walking. I felt like my insides were all jingly and loose. My Gynaecologist explained that it was normal - my organs were all stretched during pregnancy, it would take some time to regain normalcy. The Binder would help alot.

All the best for your birth journey.

Backtracks

(i) The House-Hunting Series

(ii) The Honeymoon Series

(iii) The Nuptial Series

(iv) The Mommyhood Series (i) - Receiving The News

(v) The Mommyhood Series (ii) - My Pregnancy Journey

(vi) The Mommyhood Series (iii) - Post Natal Massage by Schone Mama @ Takashimaya
(vii) The Mommyhood Series (iv) - The Accidental Babymoon (Pregnancy Travel Guide)
(viii) The Mommyhood Series (v) - The Endless Shopping List