Review of ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon @ Far East Plaza [Sponsored]

14 Scotts Road #02-104A Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213

Tel:  9730 8350

Website: http://connectiglobe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Connectiglobe?pnref=story

Just in case you cannot locate it - its right next to Jewellery Point, level 2 of FEP

I was honoured to be invited by ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon for a sponsored nails session. This is a 2-months' young nail parlour that just opened its doors at Far East Plaza, taking over the previous Amy's Nails but creating a brand new outlook.

ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon provides a wide range of nails services including various types of manicure, pedicure, extension, nail art, nail spa etc - at very, very competitive prices that do not compromise quality though. If you sign on their packages, the pricing is even more attractive, of course.

What sets ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon apart from the rest of the nail salons / parlours out there, especially when Far East Plaza is well-known for housing many, many others? Well, there's plenty, much to my surprise.

Firstly, ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon is part of an advanced technology / advertisement group named ConnectiGlobe.  Meaning to say, this salon is founded by 2 gentlemen who understand that beauty is very important to women (and men) out there as well.     Did I say technology? Yes - that also explains why one gets to see and experience various interesting items here in this salon that surpasses technology that many salons do not have yet.

One example would be the miniature bluelight dryer (in photo above) meant for drying one finger at a time, very small and compact but works wonder.

Secondly, these sweet pink chairs are no ordinary manicure seats! They are Massage Chairs - so lean back and enjoy a good muscle knead on the house while getting your cuticles trimmed, and your mani / pedicures done. This was a very comfortable, luxury experience, getting the best of both worlds.

ArtPro Nailgraphic NailArt Printer

Finally, they have the Artpro Nailgraphic NailArt Printer, which makes it so much more easier to get nail art painted on your nails now. Imagine you no longer have to book your manicure 3 weeks in advance just so they could assign you a manicurist skilled in nail art, you  no longer have to sit there for 2 hours waiting for the nailart to be done painstakingly, and lastly, you can print nearly every image you want to see on your nails.

Besides the wide range of selection available, you may also search for your own image and save it onto the machine for printing onto your nails. Is that not awesome?!  After selecting the image, the manicurist would paint a special printing coat over your nails, and protection sleeves would be attached around the finger.

Slot the finger into the printing machine, click on the "Print" button on the touchscreen monitor above, and you are all set to go! The printing process took less than 5 minutes, and every fine intricate detail is brillantly captured.

I got my rose painted on the forefinger, and the manicurist herself was spotting these adorable nails - printed straight from the machine itself!

Exciting,  isn't it?

So, now is back to my pedicure experience here.   So there was the usual buffing, trimming and filing etc done on my feet - painful feet made so through constant wearing of heels and covered shoes in the course of work.

Service was impeccable as manicurist was affable and knowledgeable enough to address some questions I had, on care-taking of nails.

Finally, the entire process of soaking off my original gel polish, buffing, filing and trimming was over. I selected a silver-gray shade (gel) and it was being painted on expertly.  Pardon the slightly reddish toes because it has just went through a lovely nail spa session hence a little scrub was in order.

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon very much - with the soothing sweet pink shades, massage chairs, excellent service and very pocket-friendly pricing.  Curious? In need of a nail retreat? Drop by today to awe yourself as well.

Thank you ConnectiGlobe Nail Salon for the invite, and good efforts!

The Nuptial Series - (iii) The Solemnisation Venue

All right, so we have got The Proposal and Filing of Notice of Marriage covered, now it's time to get to the exciting part.

At this juncture, some of you may be considering a Wedding Planner to take care of all the planning and save you the trouble / headache of finding everything on your own. As for me, I spoke to a couple of them but their services couldn't add value to what I have in mind, hence I decided to plan my own wedding.  

Don't get me wrong - wedding planners do take alot of work off your hands, and they would plan out a timeline for you so that everything is on track. Their fees are very reasonable as well, and they are able to help you negotiate for preferential arrangements, ensuring that everything goes smoothly.

But some of us prefer the fun of finding our own ROM / solemnisation venues. Here is a list of affordable, incredibly romantic and interesting ideas for your consideration. Well, do note that there are many other venues for you to consider, but these are the venues we have considered for our own solemnisation, and prices indicated are estimated quotes for us, up to June 2016.


1.  BEACH SOLEMNISATION
Fancy a breezy solemnisation with all the elements of sun, sand and sea all intact?  Here is a list of beach solemnisation venues to consider, whether you prefer the blessing of the dazzling sun or are prepared to be romanticised by the beauty of dusk

Photo source: Tanjong Beach Club

Tanjong Beach Club
Tel: 6270 1355
Email  events@tanjongbeachclub.com
Website: http://www.tanjongbeachclub.com
Prices start from SGD$5000 for an outdoor wedding of up to 50 pax, and SGD$10,000 for an indoor wedding of up to 100 pax.

Photo credit: Shangri-la Hotel

Shangi-La Rasa Resort (Sentosa)
Tel: 6213 4339 / 6213 4340
Email: perfectcelebrations.sls@shangri-la.com
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/singapore/shangrila/weddings-celebrations

Photosource: Siloso Beach's website

Siloso Beach Resort
Tel:  6722 3333
Email: events@silosobeach.com
Website: http://silosobeachresort.com/wedding.aspx
Last enquiry for up to May 2016 was starting from SGD$33,000 for around 250 guests, 10% seating, lunch

Photo source: Mana Mana Beach Club's Facebook page

Mana Mana Beach Club
Tel: 6339 8878
Email: enquiries@manamana.com
Website: http://www.manamana.com/parties.html

Changi Beach Club
Tel:  6546 5317
Email: marketing@changibc.org.sg
Website: http://www.changibc.org.sg/corporate_packages/wedding


2.  YACHT SOLEMNISATION
Love the feeling of being out at sea when you exchange your wedding wows, listening to the melody of the waves while feeling blissful under the azure covers of the sunny skies?  Yacht solemnisation may be the thing for you.

Here is the list of yacht rentals for solemnisation purpose - I was looking for 10 - 12 pax, for immediate family members only, on weekends.  Please contact them directly if you have larger groups.

Photo source: Grand Cruise Facebook page

Grand Cruise
Tel: 6555 0488
Email: reservations@grandcruise.com.sg
Website: http://www.grandcruise.com.sg
Rates: SGD$1,900 for up to 4 hours, for up to 23 pax; food at SGD$35.00 per pax.

Photo source: Yacht Rental's website

Yacht Rental / SingExperience / TeamBonding
Tel: 9178 1234
Email: inquiry@singexperience.sg
Website: http://yachtrental.com.sg
Rates: starting from SGD$799 for up to 10 pax for 4 hours;  BBQ food at SGD$300 for 10 pax.  Service is very polite and efficient.

Photo source: White Sails

White Sails
Tel: 6310 2679
Email: enquiry@whitesails.com.sg
Website: http://www.whitesails.com.sg
Rates:  SGD$1,200 for up to 12 pax; food at SGD$200 for up to 8 pax.

Yacht Charter
Tel:  9177 3105
Email: sales@yachtcharter.sg
Website: http://www.yachtcharter.sg
Rates: SGD$1,000 for up to 10 pax for 2 hours;  SGD$1,300 for up to 4 hours.  Food menu separate.

Photo source: Marine Bookings website

Marine Bookings
Tel: 6808 6363 / 9669 9060
Email:  enquiry@marinebookings.com
Website: http://www.marinebookings.com
Rates: SGD$1,712 for up to 18 pax for 4 hours. Food menu separate.


3.  GARDENS WEDDING
So you embrace nature and would like to exchange wedding vows amongst lush  greenery?   There are venues for you to choose from, whether you prefer the tourist attraction or a more secluded respite.

Photo source: Gardenasia @ Nyee Phoe Gardens

GardenAsia @ Nyee Phoe Garden
Tel: 6226 5881
Email: weddings@gardenasia.com
Website: http://gardenasia.com/index.php

Photo: Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay
Tel:  6420 6848
Email:  venue.hire@gardensbythebay.com.sg
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/events-venues/silver-leaf.html
Rate: SGD$5000 for up to 8 hours for up to 1000 guests, only for rental of venue.  They will send you a separate list of approved caterers for food.


4. SINGAPORE FLYER
Between the water and the skies, we share the same love for both. Hence, it was not difficult to see why we would check out the rates for Singapore Flyer's solemnisation. Incredibly romantic and timeless concept on one of Singapore's icon.

Photo source: Singapore Flyer's website

Tel:  6854 5211
Email: sales@singaporeflyer.com
Website:  http://www.singaporeflyer.com/special-occasions/premium-solemnisation-package
Rates: SGD$2,999 or SGD$3,999 package, for up to 26 pax, 2 rotations of about an hour, comprising food, wedding invitations, wedding favours etc.

That's it for our wedding solemnisation research / shopping. Do keep a lookout for the next entry about Wedding Photography Studios and Rates.

It's Your World...

Memories, floating on my mind's oceans,

Like diamonds sparkling on the waves -

Waves that part gently, pulling apart

To come back together like a puzzle.

The silent calls of the wind,

Echoes bouncing off contours of rolling hills,

Dancing canopies on pillars of wood,

These are all the elements of your world.

The poignant petals of white clouds,

Pinned across the gloomy gray skies;

The cascading sash of intense hues,

From rainbows to the borealis -

From frosted windowpanes to tinted lenses,

Screaming robins out in the cold open;

Beauty, in physique, tones and touch -

These are all the elements of your world.

The angry claws of flames,

Scratching against the fireplace;

Cracked lips making way for pearl teeth -

The smile that turned the night into day.

These are all the elements of your world -

The darkness, the light, the monochromatic;

It's your world - filled with shades of gray,

A world I could never be able to penetrate.

copyright © ArcticStar 2015. All Rights Reserved.

Review: Lavender Slimming Treatment @ London Weight Management [Sponsored]

60 Paya Lebar Road #01-39 / 44 / 54 / 55 Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051

Tel: 6262 1234 / 6372 2705

Website: http://londonweight.com.sg

London Weight Management was established in year 2000, and used to be known as Sensualite Slimming (pronounced as "sensuali-tey" because of its mock French affiliation), so it has somewhat executed a French-turned-Brit transformation? Nonetheless, it is founded in Singapore, just to clear the air.

Other outlets include:

Jubilee Square #02-01 (Tel: 6288 1234)

Nex #B1-71  (Tel: 6908 1234)

Ngee Ann City Tower B #05-21 (Tel: 6757 1234)

Novena Square #03-26 (Tel: 6565 1234)

Tampines One #05-01 (Tel: 6260 1234)

The Clementi Mall #05-08 (Tel: 6888 1234)

Tiong Bahru Plaza #01-05 (Tel: 6388 1234)

Woodlands Civic Centre #03-06 (Tel: 6760 1234)

Yew Tee Point #01-06 (Tel: 6465 1234)

Suntec City #03-330 (Tel: 6363 1234)

Well, yes I've heard good things about them, and their marketing strategies are coming on very strong - you see their posters and advertisements everywhere. And well yes, I have put on some weight recently, especially since the food binge for the blog about a year ago. It is time to shed some weight besides dieting and exercising, especially with the wedding photoshoot coming up in about 2 months' time!

Thanks to SampleStore and London Weight Management, I tried out a session of their treatment and lost 900grams in just a day!   This was rather amazing, reinforcing what I've heard about their claims and testimonials.   Anyway, let me share the entire process of today in the form of a journalistic review.

So upon redemption of the vouchers from SampleStore.com, I called London Weight Management to book an appointment.  My appointment was booked for 2 days in advance, but the (over-enthusiastic?) staff has already sent SMSes and called at least thrice to triple-confirm the appointment, and that I was coming. It made me feel like, if I didn't turn up, they would close down or something.  All right, maybe this was their way of being welcoming.

When I reached the outlet in the afternoon, I was being greeted warmly before they brought me into the consultation room, served a glass of water, and waited for my Consultant, Anna, who later went through with me some detailed questionnaires to find out what my issues were. Ironically, even though this was a "London" company, Anna asked if she could converse with me in Mandarin throughout.

After that, I was asked to remove my clothes so that she could take photographs and measurements of my limbs, abdomen and hips. When that was done, I changed into the comfortable maroon silk Kimono, was brought to have my height and weight taken, and back to the consultation room. Anna then gave me a very detailed diagnosis of my current problem - yes, I am aware that I have put on around 2kg; and yes, I do worry because my hour glass (yes, it was exactly that, albeit a petite one!) has morphed into a pear rather unflatteringly.

Then came the part I had anticipated - instead of bringing me to try out the 1st out of 2 sponsored sessions I was entitled to, she went on and on about different packages - ranging from SGD$120.00 a month (for certain 1st-timers' promo to SGD$360.00 a month (for certain credit card holders) to SGD$502.00 a month (usual price).

I declined, and informed her that it was really my first time, and that I did not have a good experience with Slimming Sanctuary before, so I would really like to try for suitability before committing. At that, she asked if she could convert my 2 sessions into one - combining the sea salt lavender treatment with the machine treatment - around two hours in all - and I gave her the go-ahead.

We started with the Electrical Muscle Stimulation machine treatment first. I lay comfortably on the bed in one of the individual rooms, as she rubbed a fat-burning ampoule over my body.  Then I was swapped in with various "bands" and "plates" that would cause my body to vibrate when she switched on the machine.   The intensity could be adjusted, and the duration was for 30 minutes - Anna came in to check halfway, adjusting the speed to a stronger vibration with my consent.

It looked scary, I know, seeing these blue swatches draped all over my tummy, thighs and arms. But the stimulation brought about a great sensation, when you know that your fats were being softened and burned away as you nap it off.

After that, I was brought to the Steam Bath - little sauna stalls, where I enjoyed the hot and sweaty session, for about 15 minutes. Each of us had our own individual stalls, so there was no need to trade comfort for shyness.

A quick shower ensued before and after the steam bath. Upon drying myself, I was escorted to another room for the Lavendar Sea Salt Scrub and Infra-Red Warm Blanket treatment.  Anna rubbed lavender sea salt over my body, explaining again their benefits of reducing water retention in the body, increasing the body's metabolism rate, and removing dead skin cells like any body scrub.

There was a great scent to this lavender sea salt, immensely calm and soothing, intune with the background music. After that, Anna wrapped the plastic sheets I was lying on, around my body, before covering me with the thick, cushy and warm blanket to further melt my fats away. This took another 30 minutes, and she came in to check on me halfway.

When the session ended, she took my height and weight measurement again, and I was astonished to note that my weight had really dropped by 0.9kg! I even re-weighed myself just to make sure. Then she also re-took measurements of my limbs and lower torso.

I took another quick shower and changed into my own clothes. Then I was brought back to the consultation room, where a lovely, cool glass of Strawberry Cereal Drink and a glass of water awaited me - the former was utterly delicious.

Here was where the hardselling continued, and she emphasized repeatedly that the instant weight loss needs a lot of maintenance or it would go back to the initial (heavier) weight.  I declined again, informing her that I was here on a trial for consideration, and thanked her for the impeccable service. Immediately her attitude changed, and she did not even want to give me her name card after that.

True colours are always prettier, and it goes to show a person's true professionalism level rather well. Hey, I merely said I needed to consider, not a definite "No"; and what if I had friends - paying customers - to refer? I guess she never thought of that. But oh well, it was still a good experience here today, and I learned alot. Thanks again for the sponsored trial!

[Media Invite] Dinner at Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant @ Dempsey

Block 7, Dempsey Hill #01-02 Singapore 249671

Tel: 6476 2811

Website: http://www.don-quijote-restaurants.com

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

This is a media invited tasting session attended by representatives from Hungrygowhere and hosted by Ken. Don Quijote is a charming man of ingenuity and chivalry in a fictional Spanish novel - which probably speaks the same for the restaurant that has adopted his name for its own.

Good ambience and service are definitely a couple of traits of Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant, as well as a wide range of authentic, delectable dishes from tapas to soups to paella and desserts etc. Ken believes in quality and thus only the freshest ingredients are being used.

Besides that, standards are being ensured and the team visit Spain on an annual basis to gain cultural infusion and exposure. All the framed photographs on the restaurant walls were taken by Ken and / or his team during their Spain visits. Even the music they play here comes from CDs bought from their Spain visits too.

The tasting session commenced with some tapas dishes.  Gambas al Ajillo (SGD$18.00) - garlic-friend fresh shrimps in olive oil was a great start, fresh shrimps retaining its springy texture very well, and the sweetness of the shrimps was sealed nicely with hints of garlic's stronger flavour.

Almejas al Vino Blanco (SGD$29.00) - Manila clams in white wine sauce came with a nectarous broth, accentuating the lighter natural flavour of the fresh, chewy clams very well. Needless to say, even after the clams were long gone, we were still reaching for the broth throughout the course of the meal.

Next, we had Grilled Squids (SGD$16.00), softly saccharine, crispy around the edges and very tender; another appetiser that pleased the palate greatly.

Then we had Chipiron (SGD$15.00) - baby squids cooked in squid ink. Fresh, succulent squids soaked in murky dark sauce and boosting of a slightly "muddy" acquired flavour that sits well with many.

Another Chipiron dish (SGD$15.00) was served next - battered baby squids aka calamari. A thin coat of batter giving the chewy, sweet flesh a crackling exterior, a delightful starter that I could easily pop into my mouth non-stop.

After that, the Asado de Cochinillo (SGD$89 / $169 / $329) - roasted Spanish-style suckling pig which comes in 3 different portions and you'd need to order at least 2 days in advance, subject to availability. The skin here was wafer-thin, crispy and melty, sheltering succulent, moist flesh. There was no gamey hint to it, just the gentle sweetness of the pork flesh.

Then we tried the Huevos Estrellados (SGD$15.00) - "broken eggs" with chorizo and potato wedges. The runny eggs were indeed "broken" into fluffy fragments, heavily studded with wedges and slices of pork sausage, resulting in a beautiful mess of velvet chewiness and the crunch of the potato wedges.  It is not hard to see why this dish is a Madrid favorite!

Following that, we had Fideua Negra (SGD$33 / $48 / $65) - a panful of shrimps, squids and pasta, cooked in squid ink sauce. The fine thin lines of pasta was a refreshing creation, and every mouthful was richly-flavoured with the luscious squid ink taste, with smoky hints penetrating the sweetness. The angel hair pasta strands were almost crispy in texture, light and easy on the palate. I enjoyed this tremendously, especially the slightly-charred pasta that stuck to the side of the pan.

Next, it was Paella Especial Don Quijote (SGD$53 / 82 / 98) filled generously to the brim with an assortment of seafood, totally canopying the bed of rice beneath. Expect to be wowed by this dish comprising crispy rice, springy fresh seafood such as scallops, shrimps and shellfish, coming together to form a strong flavours burst. Seafood lovers would go crazy over this (indeed) special dish.

Finally, time for desserts. They started us with Pudin de Pan y Mantequilla (SGD$8.00) - bread and butter pudding deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown with dusting of sugar around it. Bite through the delicious crispy coat and reward oneself with creamy curd within.

Then we had Churros (SGD$12.00) a well-known Spanish fried-dough dessert that comes with chocolate dip usually. The churros here were quite crispy, but the dough was still thick to the bite, resulting in it being nearly too chewy. The chocolate sauce was to die for though - rich, luscious and just redolent with chocolate's aroma and taste.

Leche Frita (SGD$9.00) was fried milk with cinnamon syrup. I did not have much impression of this dish other than it tasted like milk and had the texture of moist cake.

Finally, Bomba with Chocolate (SGD$19.00) - a chocolate puff pastry served with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream. Another rich, indulgent dessert with strong chocolatey aroma and delicious flakey layers of puff pastry - delicious but not too sweet or overwhelming, definitely a recommended dessert after a heavy Spanish meal.

Oh, we also had some cocktails throughout the tasting session, starting with Red Wine Sangria (SGD$14.50), White Wine Sangria (SGD$14.50) and Mojito (SGD$17.00), pretty potent and sumptuous cocktails.

Overall, we enjoyed the food here, especially some of the seafood tapas dishes and the final pasta / paella dishes. Ken and Mabel (owners) are very open to suggestions and improvements to show that they care about what they customers feedback about, and prefer. Come by sometime for a great meal in great settings.

Thank you Ken & Mabel of Don Quijote, and Hungrygowhere for the invite.