Review on Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Coconut Setting Spray

Brand: Too Faced

Product: 3-in-1 primer,  setting and refreshing spray

Price: SGD$49.00

Volume: 120ml
Website (for more info): https://www.toofaced.com/face-makeup/primer/hangover-setting-spray/70193.html

I was looking for setting powder because my favourite and effective Laura Mercier Powder (review here) finished. Usually I would just buy this product over and over, but recently my bff  *Pris mentioned Too Faced Hangover 3-in-1 Coconut Spray and how refreshing it felt on her skin. I was naturally tempted to give it a try and so I got a bottle.

The main ingredient is coconut water and this wonderful pro-biotic spray is oil-free, silicone-free and alcohol-free, therefore suitable for sensitive skin.

When using, hold the nozzle about an arm's length away and spray over the face. If used as a primer, spray before makeup application. If used for setting makeup and making it last longer, spray after full-face makeup is completed.

This spray can also be used throughout the day to refresh and hydrate skin; this is very important especially if we stay in air-conditioned environment for long hours. I also use the spray on my hair to give it some moisture throughout the day as well.

Overall verdict? Easy and fun to use, and I like it as a booster for my skin and hair. However, I find that it doesn't keep my makeup on as lasting as Laura Mercier setting powder for me. Also, not everyone may like the coconut smell even though it is very light. All in all, worth a shot.

Bright Skin Cosmetic Laser at CSK DermaCare @ Tiong Bahru Plaza

302 Tiong Bahru Road, #02-121 Tiong Bahru Plaza, Singapore 168732

Tel: 6100 6886

Website: http://www.cskclinics.com

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

I was delighted for the opportunity to try out the Bright Skin Cosmetic Laser (worth SGD$168.00) at CSK DermaCare. My laser treatment must be performed by a doctor, so only selective outlets offer this laser treatment. CSK DermaCare is operated by ClearSK Aesthetics Group, providing a wide range of aesthetics services for our skincare needs.

The Bright Skin Cosmetic Laser is a fuss-free laser procedure with minimal pain and zero downtime. It brightens the skin, making pigmentation and other imperfections appear lighter. Plus, it gives the benefits of a brightening facial - all within a span of roughly 20 minutes.

The Tiong Bahru outlet is relatively small, but it is tastefully decorated. I took a seat and was attended to pretty quickly.  No numbing cream was applied on my face after makeup removal by therapist.

Then the doctor came in to cover my eyes with goggles. He touched the laser device to my face while explaining each step and benefits. Each touch of the device caused a frisson of pain (like an ant's bite) because of the heat. There was also a mild burning smell but Doctor assured me that it was normal, and nothing to worry about.

The treatment was fast, so you can even come for a quick lunchtime laser session! The therapist gave me a soothing and hydrating Aloe Vera Mask to apply that night.

My skin felt and looked very radiant after that. I didn't have makeup on the entire day, but still felt confident because my skin was glowing and bright.

Thank you ClearSK / CSK DermaCare for the beautiful bright skin cosmetic laser treatment!

Afternoon Tea at That CD Shop Cafe @ Vivocity

1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-43, Vivo City, Singapore 098585

Tel: 6259 3280

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thatcdshop/about

That CD Shop houses a good assortment of records, audiophiles , and music from jazz to classical to rock and pop, etc. With it, attaches a classy restaurant cafe with elegant Parisian vibes, complete with monochrome tiled floors and stunning chandelier lamps. It is also no surprise that it is tied to the High Society Cafes that I adored (review here).

Currently they have 2 outlets - Vivo City and Wisma Atria.

I love their cafes because of the glamorous vibes and best of all, classy music drifting to my ears from the players. One is prepared to feel as though they are lost in another world, or at least another continent, when they take a seat upon one of these cushy armchairs.

In line with the beautiful settings would be beautiful pastries that look almost too good to be devoured.  I was torn between that shell-like pastry with the blueberries, slices of cakes, or Houjicha Cake; I succumbed to the latter.

Aromatic tea hints in a mochi-like pastry, perfect for an afternoon tea. None of those toothache-inducing sweetness or "trendy" flavours; this one touched on quality and lingering notes that satisfies the palate and makes one feel good eating it.

I want to make this place my favorite hangout,  truly.

Lunch at Ichiban Boshi @ Suntec City

3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-111, Suntec City Fountain area, Singapore 038983

Tel: 6238 7088

Website: https://www.ichibanboshi.com.sg/en/

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

Been a huge fan of Ichiban Boshi Japanese Restaurant for over a decade, always enjoying their delectable Japanese dishes that are wallet-friendly. From sashimi to rice bowls (don) to Japanese Curry and Lobster Salad Sushi etc- they never failed to be my comfort food.

Ichiban Boshi is a Japanese chain restaurant with 13 outlets in Singapore, and I daresay I have tried most of them over the years.  Happy to review that standard is consistent across the restaurants, and consistent over the years. You can read a couple of previous reviews here and here.

Recently they had a promotion where different outlets served a different specialty menu; and I love the Buckwheat Soba one at Suntec City. One dish in particular had me returning time and again - the cold Natto Buckwheat Soba dish.

Now natto means fermented soy beans so there's a saltish taste that you either love or hate. The rest of the ingredients include cut ladies' fingers, shredded seaweed, poached egg, canned enoki mushrooms and spring onions. Toss everything together and enjoy the flavoursome dish with different textures of crunchy ladies' fingers, smooth buckwheat, texturized natto, etc - very addictive to eat; and healthy to enjoy.

Other enjoyable dishes for me here are also their Sashimi Platter (one may choose the types of fish or seafood you like), the Chawanmushi aka steamed egg custard, and conveyor belt sushi.

I look forward to dining at their restaurants soon again.

Dinner at Stuttgart Blackforest S Cafe [Takeout]

9 Bras Basah Road #01-01 Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, Singapore 189559

Tel: 6335 8675

Website: https://www.scafe.com.sg

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

Stuttgart Blackforest S Cafe is my favorite German restaurant, and it's no secret. Over the years, I have visited countless times, enjoying their various cuisine and celebrating special occasions here, bringing friends to try this lovely place. Check out past reviews here on more food items.

Recently, due to the Circuit Breaker (Covid-19), I was only too delighted to order their food for my Mother's Day dinner and for a special friend's Mother's Day dinner, too. Dining in was great, but their food remain good when eaten at home, too.

Their Speciality Sausage (SGD$19.80) - choose from chicken, beef or pork, is served with delicious mashed potato.

I love their Pork Knuckle - comes in whole (SGD$48.00), or single portion (SGD$22.80). Crackling exterior leading the teeth the way into tender flesh; served with sauerkraut and a sauce that tastes like mashed potato gravy.

The Schnitzel (SGD$19.80) - choose from chicken or pork, is a breaded meat dish,  deep-fried till golden brown. Enjoyable to eat, definitely, and is served with mashed potato and salad on the side.

Just last Christmas, I was there for my favorite Maultschen Meat Pocket (a Swabian dumplings dish), Truffle Fries and signature Blackforest Cake over wine, with some girlfriends.

Looking forward to returning to their beautiful settings and dining in, enjoying the good service and palatable fare, soon again.

Dinner and cake at Drips Bakery Cafe @ Tiong Bahru [takeaway]

82 Tiong Poh Road, #01-05, Singapore 160082 

Tel: 6222 0400 / 9766 8188

Website: https://www.drips.com.sg

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

Drips Bakery Cafe is a cafe located in Tiong Bahru, and caught my attention when I was searching for Blackforest cake delivery during this stay-home Circuit Breaker period.

Placed an order and my 600grams Blackforest Cake (SGD$50.00) was delivered to my doorstep, with 3 days advance order. Delivery was FOC as I managed to hit the minimum SGD$60.00 order.

Layers of chocolate and cream sponge soaked in Cognac, with hidden branded cherries that added the crunchy juiciness, topped by rich layering of cream, more brandied cherries, and chocolate shavings. Definitely decadant and palatable; strong hints of liqueur so they are generous with it.

The Carbonara (SGD$13.80) was a thing of  beauty; linguine pasta bathed in cream sauce, bacon slices, and topped with golden ebiko that added touches of crunch. Pasta was tasty; appreciated that sauce was served on the side.

Finally, the Chicken Stew (SGD$13.80) with rice and vegetables. The dish was very tasty and chunks of chicken were generous as well; carrots were boiled soft and easy to eat too. I just didn't like that there was a lot of chicken skin in the stew; had to discard them piece by piece.

Overall, enjoyed the items at Drips Bakery Cafe alot and look forward to visiting when Circuit Breaker Phase 2 sets in.

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!

Dinner at Teahouse by Soup Restaurant @ Tampines

2 Tampines Central, #01-20, Century Square, Singapore 529509

Tel: 6260 0030

Website: http://www.souprestaurant.com.sg/teahouse.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teahouse-by-Soup-Restaurant/2084158468490974

Being dim sum lovers, my family and I were thrilled that Tea House by Soup Restaurant serves dim sum items for dinner as well, therefore here we were!

They have 3 Teahouse outlets - IMM Jurong East, Changi Airport Terminal 1, and Century Square, Tampines. We went to the latter as it was the closest to our places of residence.

Simple settings done with a Chinese retro feel; service was excellent. Especially one elderly lady whose name eluded me; she was very meticulous and warm. We also had the private room because there were 10 of us.

Started with their Crispy Fish Skin appetiser, always an enjoyable snack that I could munch non-stop on.

Then we had the Soup Restaurant's signature Samsui Ginger Chicken (SGD$15.90); utterly tender steamed chicken paired with ginger and cucumber slices. The specialty is the ginger with sesame oil, very aromatic and tasty.

Another one of their popular items was this adorable Dim Sum dish, Happy Animal Farm. It is made up of Chick-a-boo Buns (corn paste), Panda Buns (red bean paste) and Hedgehog Buns (lotus paste). Very cute, tasty and fun to eat.

We also had the Steamed Char Siew Buns (BBQ pork) (SGD$4.90); velvety bun skins comprising saccharine honey BBQ pork bits.

Following that, the Prawn Dumplings (Har Gow), with its fine crystal skin and springy fresh shrimps.

Then the Crispy Prawn Chee Cheong Fun and BBQ Pork Chee Cheong Fun (rice rolls).

Other dishes included the Beef Stir-fried with Spring Onions - tender pieces of beef tasting delicious with the infusion of spring onion's flavour.

Finally, the Sweet and Sour Pork - deep fried to a golden crispy texture and tasted very palatable with the zesty gravy.

Overall, enjoyed ourselves dining here very much, and I can foresee myself coming back for more dim sum and other dishes.