Review on REBIRTH Placenta Cream

I have long heard about the benefits of placenta creams, but had never thought of trying because of several factors, such as possible allergic reactions, oddity of placenta for skincare, etc. That was until my sisters-in-law passed me 2 tubs of Rebirth Placenta Cream for my Europe trip, recommending that I  use them for extreme (dry) weather in winter.

Just a quick introduction, Rebirth is proclaimed to be Australia's No. 1 placenta cream using pure sheep placenta and a combination of oil base with water to create a smooth, rich yet non-greasy cream with many, many benefits to it. Some of the benefits include minimizing early signs of age spots as well as scars and discoloration, stimulation of new cell production, anti-wrinkle and moisturising properties.

I opened up the tub of Rebirth placenta cream expecting some strong gamey odor - but there was none. There was a very soft milky scent that was nearly undetectable. The cream looked very rich and greasy, but it was surprisingly light to the touch - velvety and easily absorbed into the skin.

That's me in Switzerland up on mountains, -8 degree celsius, and
 my skin was moisturised thanks to ReBirth 

My face felt hydrated but not oily nor sticky; it was a very comfortable feeling.  I used it more for nighttime though, but my sisters-in-law used it throughout the day to keep their skin from peeling due to dryness. As for me, I used to have very sensitive skin that would turn itchy and red in cold areas, but this cream (and lots of hydrating masks and serum) have prevented that - keeping my skin lovely in wintry Europe, even up on the snowy mountains in Switzerland.

I am definitely loving this cream, oh and guess what? The price is amazing - it retails for less than AUD$10.00 in Australia, and can be ordered online (for us not staying in Australia) via certain trustworthy portals for less than SGD$20.00 per tub of 100ml placenta cream.

Outfit of the Day - red flowy dress

"Find what makes you feel comfortable. The confidence you wear your clothes in is what's really going to shine." - Hayley Hasselhoff

Red flow dress with overflowing front later,  perfect for dinner, events and functions, as well as festive season.

Dress: Mico Boutique @ Star Vista (SGD$149.00)
Necklace: Tiffany & Co
Bangle: Hermes

Review on Classic Scalp Treatment at TK Trichokare @ Orchard

277 & 218 Orchard Road #02-12, Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858

Tel: 6338 8680

Website: http://www.tk-hair.com

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

TK Trichokare is an award-winning trichological centre that targets hair loss / scalp issues by using European herbal herbal remedies. They also have a full range of house-brand hair care products and certified trichologists.

Trichologists are certified hair and scalp specialists (a subset of dermatologist) who who diagnose the causes of hair fall, hair breakage, hair thinning, miniaturization of hairs ; diseases of the scalp and treat according to cause.

I was here for a session of Customised Hair Treatment (worth SGD$388.00) at the Orchard Gateway outlet. The interior decor was posh and ambience was sophisicated politeness - you get good English-speaking staff and none of that loud in-house chatter which is common in many other hair treatment centres.

After filling out the Health & Lifestyle questionnaire, my consultant Samantha explained to me the procedure and types of treatments available here at TK Trichokare. Then she conducted a Scalp Analysis on my hair after examining my scalp and hair condition. The computer screen showed the results and she explained each photo to me.

Then I was brought to the treatment hall, donned a classy silver Kimono Robe (instead of the usual towels or hair salon robes) while hot Rose Tea and hot towel were served.

The first step of my treatment was the application of Intensive Active Mask, made up of lactic acid, Vitamin E, white clay and essential oil of mint & orange. These ingredients help to detox, regulate grease, prevent damage and generally, improve scalp condition. The mask was meticulously spread onto different sections of my scalp, and then  left on for 20 minutes to work its magic before a Shampoo-ing session.

After blow-drying my hair, their Hair Tonic was used to treat my scalp. The tonic is made of European herb, rich in texture and would help cleanse scalp as well as strengthen it. My jair therapist also gave me a very comfortable Hair Massage which should stimulate hair growth / re-growth.

Lastly, an Infra Red Light Treatment where a machine was placed over my head to emit red infra rays onto my scalp to improve blood circulation and generates hair regrowth.

This time round back in the consultation room, Samantha ran the hair scope through my scalp once again, showing me the differences before and after treatment. My scalp was clog-free and appeared so much cleaner now.

Home maintenance kit comprises TK Trichokare Scalp-Care Shampoo and Conditioner, as well as Anti-Static Hair Brush to prevent hair fall while brushing my long tresses.

Thank you TK Trichokare for the excellent hair treatment!

Lunch at Man Man Unagi (鳗满) Restaurant @ Bugis

7 Fraser Street, #01-48 Duo Galleria, Singapore 189356

Tel: 6702 1500

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Man-Man-Japanese-Unagi-Restaurant-DUO-Galleria-881459008671904/?rf=185009705272373

Man Man Unagi Restaurant by Teppei made food journal headlines for a long time, specialising in unagi (eel) dishes, and always generating a long queue at its flagship outlet at Keong Saik Street.

Being a fan of Unagi, this restaurant piqued my interest. The only 2 reasons stopping me from visiting earlier were the long queue (I don't queue for food if I could help it), and openings. Yes, they open at 11.30am, close at 2.30pm and then reopen at 6.00pm - 10.00pm.

They opened a 2nd outlet at Duo Galleria recently. In case you are wondering where that is- lookout for that gorgeous new building next to Parkview Square (diagonally across from BHG). The new outlet is small, has a very simple interior and a friendly service crew.

The menu comprises mostly Unagi items - set meals with grilled Unagi, Unagi rice bowls, and Unagi with Roast Beef Rice Bowls etc. One could choose the large set, meant for 2 to share, or choose the medium / smaller portions. Some rice bowls come with poached eggs as well. I started with a small glass of Suntory Beer.

I selected a Kimo Don (SGD$27.90)- rice bowl set made up of 4 pieces of Unagi, grilled Unagi liver, seaweed soup, and pickled vegetables. I loved how the seaweed soup came with thin slivers of yuzu peel, giving it a refreshing touch.

I enjoyed the grilled Unagi with its slippery texture and Smokey notes weaving through its sweetness. As for the grilled eel liver, I also enjoyed the chewy, springy texture and heavier flavour.

Overall, the meal was enjoyable and I was glad I satisfied an item off the food bucket list - Man Man Unagi Restaurant.

Lunch at Loui's NY Pizza Parlour @ Universal Studios Singapore

8 Sentosa Gateway, Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore 098269

Tel: 6577 8888

Website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/things-to-do/dining

During our recent to Universal Studios Singapore for "A Universal Christmas", we decided it would be cute to dine at one of those restaurants located within the New York / Hollywood districts. After exploring and photos taking between the "real" and "fake" restaurants / cafes, we went for Loui's NY Pizza Parlour.

The interior decor was casual, done in classic American restaurant decor and ordering was done over the counters. On display were 4 types of pizzas, chicken wings and desserts.

Each pizza slice was huge, thin-crust and crispy. I liked the Hawaiian Pizza and its generous servings of pineapple cubes.

Pepperoni Pizza was not bad too; crunchy beef circles with slightly spicy notes for a fiery delight to the thin-crust base.

We also enjoyed the Wings very much - juicy, tender and utterly tasty; would have been the perfect accompaniment to beers.

Overall dining experience at Loui's NY Pizza Parlour was pretty decent - reasonably priced, given that we were inside USS itself.  4 of us spent around SGD$66.00 for a slice of pizza each, wings and soft drinks.

Review on St. Petersburg Swan Lake Ballet @ Mediacorp MES Theatre

1 Stars Avenue Level 1, Mediacorp Campus, Singapore 138507

Tel: 6333 3888

Website: https://www.vizpro.sg/en/event/dance/the-st-petersburg-ballet---swan-lake-9455032

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MESTheatre.Mediacorp

Period: 8 May to 13 May 2018

Duration: 2.5 hours with 2 intermissions

Ticket Pricing: $175 / $145 / $115 / $75

I was excited when Swan Lake was returning to Singapore, and had been torn between the performance by ABC Troupe (American) or St. Petersburg (Russian). In the end I decided to go for the latter, since the origins of Swan Lake seems to come from Russia, dated back to the year 1875.

The much-anticipated ballet performance was held at MES Theatre at Mediacorp Campus; it was also the first time I attended a performance there. Service crew was polite but I didn't like that the seats were so cramped - minimum leg space and I was so close to the people sitting beside me I could smell their odours!

What to expect from Swan Lake performance itself? A tragically romantic story by Tchaikovsky's - of sorcery, beauty and gorgeous settings (mainly the haunting lakeside and stunning palace). It involves Prince Siegfried's love story with beautiful Swan Princess Odette, and his infidelity with Odile - daughter of evil sorcerer Baron van Rothbart. Prima ballerina Irina Kolesnikova herself took center stage, mesmerizing the audience with her ethereal moves.

Music was fabulous and the ballet dance moves were of course, graceful and fascinating to look at. Coordination was good, and costumes were gorgeous as well.

Overall, I enjoyed the Swan Lake performance and it was certainly a great start of the weekend for me.

Outfit of the Day - black dress with pearl neckline

"Fashion is what you adopt when you don't know who you are." - Quentin Crisp

Totally not feeling as happy or cheery as this picture depicts today. But hey, the sun will come out after every gloomy rainy day.

Dress: From Korean (SGD$168;.00)
Bag: Louis Vuitton

Review on Micro Bubble Cleansing Facial Treatment @ Yoga Beauty Palace

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

After my Gel Manicure at Yoga Beauty Palace (review here), I was delighted to be back to try their facial series. This particular treatment I tried was the Micro Bubble Cleansing Facial (SGD$158.00), a Korean beauty technology.

Through the use of micro-bubbles, this machine dissolves impurities and oil clogging up the pores, injecting hydration at the same time thereby cleaning away dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin or stripping away skin's nutrients. It's a highly effective facial hydrotherapy that deep-cleanses in a most soothing manner.

Cleansing of makeup was first performed on my face before a Mask to prepare the skin for the treatment. The Mask sought to open up the pores and detox, as jets of steam complemented the process.

The Micro Bubble cleansing device was used next, the mouth of the device effecting small "suction" movements around my face. With each pull from the "mouth", tugging my pores to cleanse them, my skin was immediately soothed by the tiny sprays of water. Yoga, the lady-boss of Yoga Beauty Palace, showed me the water after treatment - filled with dusty white particles that were dirt clogging up my pores.

Another Mask was then spread over my face; this one denser and richer, made with an expensive capsule-type mask (think, your pills). The blue capsules are for hydration while the red capsules are for rejuvenation. Yoga spread the viscous mixture over my face with a brush; it felt really cool and comfortable. Another device from the same machine was used on my skin now, kind of like pressing the capsule Mask deeper into my skin for better absorption.

Following that, Facial Massage using carefully-choreographed TCM techniques was performed on my face - lots of lifting moves and concentration on the under-eyes and cheek areas. Yoga explained these moves would counter the pull of gravity (resulting in sagging skin) - her techniques helped in lifting and contouring of the skin.

Finally, a final Hydrating Sheet Mask was used on my face, concluding the treatment. When the mask was taken off after 15 minutes, I was surprised to see that my skin had become fairer and very radiant, exuding a kind of glow that I never imagined possible. I had a meeting after the facial treatment and Yoga offered to do makeup for me  but I rejected, because my skin looked so clear and radiant; I couldn't bear to pile makeup on top of it.  I was confident enough to meet my clients bare-faced after the treatment.

Once again, I was impressed by the high level of dedication and professionalism shown by Yoga and team, ensuring that every step was performed with utmost care, gentleness and using only quality products. To try this Micro-Bubble Cleansing Facial Treatment for yourself, call 6258 4119 / 8826 2789 now to book an appointment and quote "Elle10"  to enjoy 10% off.

[Media Invite] Lunch at Greenwood Fish Market @ Valley Point

491 River Valley Road #01-21 / 22/ 23 Valley Point, Singapore 248371

Tel: 6732 3788 / 6732 6788

Website: https://greenwoodfishmarket.com

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

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays 12.00pm to 10.30pm (closed on Mondays)

Greenwood Fish Market is a multi-concept seafood restaurant with outlets at Bukit Timah (review here) and Sentosa Quayside Isle (review here) respectively. Great news is, their new outlet at Valley Point launches in May 2018, followed by their largest outlet at Dempsey Hill in July 2018.  Congratulations! I was honoured to be invited for the media launch of this exciting expansion.

So, to share a little more about Greenwood Fish Market - they started out as a single outlet at Greenwood Avenue, Bukit Timah. Now they have 4 outlets, abiding to their commitment to serve the freshest of seafood in the simplest of ways, through a "sea-to-table" philosophy assuring quality. The new outlet at Valley Point is able to seat 90 patrons, tastefully-decorated, and consists of a retail area well-equipped with fresh seafood, a wine shop as well as sashimi counter.

The menu has just about everything to satiate your seafood needs,  from small-plated seafood items (baked oysters, salads and tuna poke bowls etc) to fresh fish, oysters, shellfish and sashimi If you are not looking for seafood, fret not - there are cheeseburgers, chicken and a good range of pasta. Service was impeccable - caring crew that is polite and efficient.

We started with drinks while the food is being prepared in the open-concept kitchen; Mango Juice and Cranberry Juice, as well as a cold glass of Chardonnay.

A basket of freshly-baked Wholemeal Bread was served, with delicious butter. The warm bread was crispy on the skin with fluffy centre; very lovely.

Appetiser of Prawn Salad (SGD$18.95) was a luxurious, scrumptious salad composed of arugula tossed in Ponzu & Furikage with 6 huge, fleshy, juicy fresh live tiger prawns.

The Barramundi (SGD$25.95) was part of the "Fresh Fish"  category, and the chosen type of fish would be served with mashed potatoes and salad. One could also choose whether to have their fish pan-seared or grilled. The flakey fish was sweetly fresh and tender.

Finally, Sashimi Platter (SGD$45.00) - springy fresh and thick slices of 4 types of raw fish, namely Swordfish, Salmon, Tuna and Red Snapper. Being a sashimi lover, this was divine for me - satisfying and utterly palatable.

We were so full we had to decline desserts. But overall, dining at Greenwood Fish Market is always fun, fabulous and filling (the latter because of the generous portions).  Thank you for the invite, especially to Alan, David and the crew for the enjoyable experience.  Seafood lovers - time to get out to Valley Point (or their other outlets at Greenwood Avenue and Quayside Isle) to get some scrumptious seafood for yourselves right now.