![[sticky post]](https://www.livejournal.com/img/icon_sticky.png?v=11043 "[sticky post]"){kind=icon}
I'm Tracy Wong, a beauty and lifestyle public blogger who has been active in the blogosphere for the past 10 years. I aim to inspire readers to live life actively with a sense of adventure.
I love to write and I cover multiple topics in this little space of mine. You can click on my blogging portfolio below to find out more. I am also active on Instagram so you can keep in touch by following me on Instagram handle @gilmangirl.
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Gaston Luga
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Key in promo code 'gilmangirl15' to get 15% discount off your earphones. Read my features on Sudio Vasa Bla, Sudio Tre, Sudio Niva and Sudio Tolv.
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Particularly interested in the below collaborations:
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Please do not hesitate to contact me at liyeewong@gmail.com for any business opportunities, sponsorships, advertorials and/or collaborations.
Hey people!
All graduated brides would know that looking beautiful on your big day requires a lot of work. You've gotta watch your weight; keep your complexion in tip top condition; dye your hair and paint your nails.
As I approach my wedding day, beautifying my nails was the final task on my 'to-do' list and I knew just who to look for - J Studios!
I've been collaborating with beauty studio, J Studios for years now, and they have taken care of my hair and skin through their various hair and facial services. They happened to also have manicure and pedicure services so I decided to entrust my nails to them for my wedding.
J Studios has outlets at Jurong East and Haji Lane. For the purpose of this review, I was asked to visit Haji Lane to get my bridal nails done. Do note that a bridal manicure takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the service required.
I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to nails and have always preferred to keep them neat and short. I hardly paint my fingernails too, so cuticle care is definitely the least on my priority.
So glad I had J Studios to take care of them for me.
Months back, I sent my assigned manicurist a picture of my bare nails and she commented that I have tiny nails. Her advice was for me to keep my nails long so that she would have more nail space to work with.
Honestly, it has been a chore to maintain my long nails but I still did anyway.
I asked for a gel manicure because I wanted the nail polish to last longer.
They have a wide variety to choose from and I was truly spoilt for choice. Nail designs 081 to 086 were my favourites! I eventually chose NONE of them because I wanted to add on some bling and it would apparently clash with the nail design. I was recommended to go for a more neutral base instead.
After much deliberation and discussion, I went for a pastel pink base with a transparent sheen.
As it turned out, less is indeed more. My hands and fingers are slightly tanned so this colour was actually very suitable for my skin tone.
Time to place my fingers under the UV lamp to speed up the drying process!
My manicurist was super meticulous and patient!
As the first coat of the pastel pink nail polish could barely be seen, she made sure to apply multiple coats so that the colour would become more obvious. This required her to repeat the entire painting process at least two more times. Hats off to her!
Here comes the most enjoyable part - applying the bling.
For this, I would have to depend solely on my manicurist's creativity and artistic flair as I have zero aesthetic sense. Nonetheles, she did an awesome job by ensuring that there was a different design at every nail. I was happy that she did not overdo the bling and had kept the designs subtle. She even took into account the position of my wedding band to avoid any clash in design. So glad I could count on her!
Check out the bridal nails specially designed by J Studios for me! I was so madly in love with my gorgeous nails that I could not stop admiring them after that.
When my wedding guests saw my nails during my big day, they were totally 'OMG, LOVE YOUR NAILS!'. Even the photographer could not help taking close-up shots of them. I will share some pictures once I have gotten them from my photographer a month later.
When you have nails like these, you do also need to put in effort to care for them. I took extra precautions not to knock my fingers against hard surfaces and also avoided dish-washing for the day. Now that my wedding is over, the bling is starting to fall off as well, but I'll continue wearing them for my upcoming honeymoon. I'll only think about removing them when I return. :P
Calling all brides-to-be!
If you are looking for a studio to do your bridal nails, try J Studios. They can take care of your hair, skin and even your makeup as well. Details of how to book your appointment can be found on their Official Website and Facebook page.
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with J Studios. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
All graduated brides would know that looking beautiful on your big day requires a lot of work. You've gotta watch your weight; keep your complexion in tip top condition; dye your hair and paint your nails.
As I approach my wedding day, beautifying my nails was the final task on my 'to-do' list and I knew just who to look for - J Studios!
I've been collaborating with beauty studio, J Studios for years now, and they have taken care of my hair and skin through their various hair and facial services. They happened to also have manicure and pedicure services so I decided to entrust my nails to them for my wedding.
J Studios has outlets at Jurong East and Haji Lane. For the purpose of this review, I was asked to visit Haji Lane to get my bridal nails done. Do note that a bridal manicure takes around 1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of the service required.
I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to nails and have always preferred to keep them neat and short. I hardly paint my fingernails too, so cuticle care is definitely the least on my priority.
So glad I had J Studios to take care of them for me.
Months back, I sent my assigned manicurist a picture of my bare nails and she commented that I have tiny nails. Her advice was for me to keep my nails long so that she would have more nail space to work with.
Honestly, it has been a chore to maintain my long nails but I still did anyway.
I asked for a gel manicure because I wanted the nail polish to last longer.
They have a wide variety to choose from and I was truly spoilt for choice. Nail designs 081 to 086 were my favourites! I eventually chose NONE of them because I wanted to add on some bling and it would apparently clash with the nail design. I was recommended to go for a more neutral base instead.
After much deliberation and discussion, I went for a pastel pink base with a transparent sheen.
As it turned out, less is indeed more. My hands and fingers are slightly tanned so this colour was actually very suitable for my skin tone.
Time to place my fingers under the UV lamp to speed up the drying process!
My manicurist was super meticulous and patient!
As the first coat of the pastel pink nail polish could barely be seen, she made sure to apply multiple coats so that the colour would become more obvious. This required her to repeat the entire painting process at least two more times. Hats off to her!
Here comes the most enjoyable part - applying the bling.
For this, I would have to depend solely on my manicurist's creativity and artistic flair as I have zero aesthetic sense. Nonetheles, she did an awesome job by ensuring that there was a different design at every nail. I was happy that she did not overdo the bling and had kept the designs subtle. She even took into account the position of my wedding band to avoid any clash in design. So glad I could count on her!
Check out the bridal nails specially designed by J Studios for me! I was so madly in love with my gorgeous nails that I could not stop admiring them after that.
When my wedding guests saw my nails during my big day, they were totally 'OMG, LOVE YOUR NAILS!'. Even the photographer could not help taking close-up shots of them. I will share some pictures once I have gotten them from my photographer a month later.
When you have nails like these, you do also need to put in effort to care for them. I took extra precautions not to knock my fingers against hard surfaces and also avoided dish-washing for the day. Now that my wedding is over, the bling is starting to fall off as well, but I'll continue wearing them for my upcoming honeymoon. I'll only think about removing them when I return. :P
Calling all brides-to-be!
If you are looking for a studio to do your bridal nails, try J Studios. They can take care of your hair, skin and even your makeup as well. Details of how to book your appointment can be found on their Official Website and Facebook page.
J Studios - Haji Lane
31 Haji Lane
Singapore 189224
Singapore 189224
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with J Studios. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Hey people!
I've just got married and am officially... Mrs Lian. LOL. Looks like I'm still trying to get used to my change in status and my life as a newlywed. :)
While I was preparing for my wedding, I have also been documenting my journey in this blog, with hope to share my experience, decisions and tips with my younger readers who will one day get married. I hope they will find The Wedding Journey entries useful as they navigate through their own wedding preparations next time.
The first thing that YX and I did was to discuss about the type of wedding we want, and how much we want to invest in it. Everyone has different priorities in life so it is best to talk it out right from the start. YX and I are practical and pro-budget when it comes to planning a wedding, because we wanted to channel our finances to more important areas like housing and childcare. Dealing with event planning as my day job also tells me how stressful it is to organize a grand, big-scale wedding so I wanted ours to be simple and fuss-free.
Choosing Your Date & Time
Now, when do you want to get married?
It is up to you if you want to get married within the next 6 months or so. Many people typically take around 1 year to plan their wedding. For YX and I, we chose to get married on October 2019. This gave us around 1.5 years to plan a wedding, on top of juggling our day jobs. Concurrently, we were waiting for our Build-To-Order (BTO) flat to be ready so we did not want to get married too quickly.
If you want a 'good' and 'auspicious' wedding date, you may also consult a fortune teller at a fee. Personally, we did not bother with that as we did not want to restrict ourselves to selected dates and timings. Be sure to also avoid having your wedding during the holiday period as your guests would likely have overseas plans!
As a rule of thumb, weekday banquets are cheaper than weekend banquets and wedding lunches are cheaper than wedding dinners. We chose a weekend wedding lunch to balance between the cost and the availability of our guests.
Photo credits to Orchard Hotel
Choosing Your Venue
Where do you want to get married?
Do you want a Chinese banquet or a Western buffet-style wedding reception? Hotels or restaurants? How many guests?
Personally, this was as a tough decision to make as venue selection takes up the biggest expenditure. Pro-budget me would go for a Western buffet-style wedding reception for a small group of guests but we eventually went for a Chinese banquet for 27 tables of guests at Orchard Hotel.
Heard the saying 'Marriage isn't just between two people; it's between two families' before? This applies to wedding planning too because our parents are the co-hosts of a wedding. Additionally, as our families and relatives are more used to Chinese food than Western food; as well as Chinese banquets than Western-style weddings, we wanted to cater to their preferences too. Restaurants are typically cheaper than hotels, but what I like about hotels is the convenience of having a bridal suite nearby.
We chose Orchard Hotel as our wedding venue because my Sister used to be a bride there. Thus, we got a good deal from the hotel thanks to her recommendation. They were also willing to match the perks given by other hotels, which was a bonus. As the Chinese food comes from the award-winning Hua Ting Restaurant, we knew that the quality would be good. We were also happy that we would be using a newly renovated ballroom during our wedding, and eventually settled on a Rustic Elegance theme of red and gold.
If you do not have a family's or friend's recommendation, another place to get a good deal for your venue selection is wedding fairs such as Hitcheed Wedding Fairs (happens quarterly a year) or Blissful Outdoor Wedding Show (BOWS - happens thrice yearly). We also recommend doing a site visit at the hotels of your choice before booking it because you never know whether you might find something you do not like about the venue.
Photo credits to French Wedding Couture
Choosing Your Bridal Studio
Do you want to get a package at a Bridal Studio, or do you prefer ala carte services?
That boils down to what services you need. If you need a lot of services, it is more cost-effective and convenient to get them as a full package. However, if you do not actually need a lot of services; have friends who can help you with photography/videography or just prefer to engage a particular vendor somewhere else, you can choose to go ala carte by all means.
YX and I got a full package from French Wedding Couture at BOWS. It covers the following services:
1) A pre-wedding photoshoot (gowns, suits, makeup and hairstyling as well as photography);
2) Wedding Albums and Photo Frames;
3) Soft copy of photos;
4) Gowns and Suits for Actual Day;
5) Makeup and Hairstyling for Actual Day;
6) Bridal Bouquet;
7) Bridal Car Decoration; and
8) Photography and Videography for Actual Day
The downside about buying a full package is that you are unable to control the quality of the vendors within the package. Thus, do your research first. You can read up on reviews from past brides and grooms and even visit the studios to talk to them and try on their gowns. Personally, I visited around 9 bridal studios just to try their gowns; check our their photo and video quality; compare their packages and assess their service. You need not be as crazy as me, but my point is to do your homework first before making a decision.
We also highly recommend visiting wedding fairs because the package deals are a lot better there than if you purchase a package directly from the studio. You can also negotiate during these events for additional perks, such as suits for your Dads; additional soft copy photos and more gowns for pre-wedding photoshoot. As you will be visiting the bridal studio frequently, do go for a studio that is situated at a convenient location for you.
Choosing Your Wedding Bands
As much as wedding bands are symbolic of marriage, YX and I did not want to spend too much on them, so wedding bands are low on our budget.
I liked a particular design from an upmarket jeweller but it would have cost us a few thousand dollars if we went for it. Thus, we got it modeled at Poh Kim Jewellery, a small jewellery business located at an industrial building at Lower Delta Road. Our total cost amounted to $850.
We got to know Poh Kim Jewellery from our family and friends. So far, we were very pleased with their service and the quality of their wedding bands. They may not be as fancy as the other jewellers in the shopping malls but they sure are popular and have a good customer base, relying only on word-of-mouth to sustain their business. Each time we visit Poh Kim Jewellery, there would be around 6 to 7 couples within the office at the same time. Thus, if you want to custom make your wedding bands at a budget, this is the place to go.
In my next The Wedding Journey blog entry, I will cover my experiences with pre-wedding photoshoot. If there are other aspects of the wedding that you would like me to feature along the way, do drop me a note too!
Disclaimer: This is a personal post, written based on personal experiences. I am not sponsored by the vendors mentioned in this entry (even though I wish I am).
I've just got married and am officially... Mrs Lian. LOL. Looks like I'm still trying to get used to my change in status and my life as a newlywed. :)
While I was preparing for my wedding, I have also been documenting my journey in this blog, with hope to share my experience, decisions and tips with my younger readers who will one day get married. I hope they will find The Wedding Journey entries useful as they navigate through their own wedding preparations next time.
The first thing that YX and I did was to discuss about the type of wedding we want, and how much we want to invest in it. Everyone has different priorities in life so it is best to talk it out right from the start. YX and I are practical and pro-budget when it comes to planning a wedding, because we wanted to channel our finances to more important areas like housing and childcare. Dealing with event planning as my day job also tells me how stressful it is to organize a grand, big-scale wedding so I wanted ours to be simple and fuss-free.
Choosing Your Date & Time
Now, when do you want to get married?
It is up to you if you want to get married within the next 6 months or so. Many people typically take around 1 year to plan their wedding. For YX and I, we chose to get married on October 2019. This gave us around 1.5 years to plan a wedding, on top of juggling our day jobs. Concurrently, we were waiting for our Build-To-Order (BTO) flat to be ready so we did not want to get married too quickly.
If you want a 'good' and 'auspicious' wedding date, you may also consult a fortune teller at a fee. Personally, we did not bother with that as we did not want to restrict ourselves to selected dates and timings. Be sure to also avoid having your wedding during the holiday period as your guests would likely have overseas plans!
As a rule of thumb, weekday banquets are cheaper than weekend banquets and wedding lunches are cheaper than wedding dinners. We chose a weekend wedding lunch to balance between the cost and the availability of our guests.
Photo credits to Orchard Hotel
Choosing Your Venue
Where do you want to get married?
Do you want a Chinese banquet or a Western buffet-style wedding reception? Hotels or restaurants? How many guests?
Personally, this was as a tough decision to make as venue selection takes up the biggest expenditure. Pro-budget me would go for a Western buffet-style wedding reception for a small group of guests but we eventually went for a Chinese banquet for 27 tables of guests at Orchard Hotel.
Heard the saying 'Marriage isn't just between two people; it's between two families' before? This applies to wedding planning too because our parents are the co-hosts of a wedding. Additionally, as our families and relatives are more used to Chinese food than Western food; as well as Chinese banquets than Western-style weddings, we wanted to cater to their preferences too. Restaurants are typically cheaper than hotels, but what I like about hotels is the convenience of having a bridal suite nearby.
We chose Orchard Hotel as our wedding venue because my Sister used to be a bride there. Thus, we got a good deal from the hotel thanks to her recommendation. They were also willing to match the perks given by other hotels, which was a bonus. As the Chinese food comes from the award-winning Hua Ting Restaurant, we knew that the quality would be good. We were also happy that we would be using a newly renovated ballroom during our wedding, and eventually settled on a Rustic Elegance theme of red and gold.
If you do not have a family's or friend's recommendation, another place to get a good deal for your venue selection is wedding fairs such as Hitcheed Wedding Fairs (happens quarterly a year) or Blissful Outdoor Wedding Show (BOWS - happens thrice yearly). We also recommend doing a site visit at the hotels of your choice before booking it because you never know whether you might find something you do not like about the venue.
Photo credits to French Wedding Couture
Choosing Your Bridal Studio
Do you want to get a package at a Bridal Studio, or do you prefer ala carte services?
That boils down to what services you need. If you need a lot of services, it is more cost-effective and convenient to get them as a full package. However, if you do not actually need a lot of services; have friends who can help you with photography/videography or just prefer to engage a particular vendor somewhere else, you can choose to go ala carte by all means.
YX and I got a full package from French Wedding Couture at BOWS. It covers the following services:
1) A pre-wedding photoshoot (gowns, suits, makeup and hairstyling as well as photography);
2) Wedding Albums and Photo Frames;
3) Soft copy of photos;
4) Gowns and Suits for Actual Day;
5) Makeup and Hairstyling for Actual Day;
6) Bridal Bouquet;
7) Bridal Car Decoration; and
8) Photography and Videography for Actual Day
The downside about buying a full package is that you are unable to control the quality of the vendors within the package. Thus, do your research first. You can read up on reviews from past brides and grooms and even visit the studios to talk to them and try on their gowns. Personally, I visited around 9 bridal studios just to try their gowns; check our their photo and video quality; compare their packages and assess their service. You need not be as crazy as me, but my point is to do your homework first before making a decision.
We also highly recommend visiting wedding fairs because the package deals are a lot better there than if you purchase a package directly from the studio. You can also negotiate during these events for additional perks, such as suits for your Dads; additional soft copy photos and more gowns for pre-wedding photoshoot. As you will be visiting the bridal studio frequently, do go for a studio that is situated at a convenient location for you.
Choosing Your Wedding Bands
As much as wedding bands are symbolic of marriage, YX and I did not want to spend too much on them, so wedding bands are low on our budget.
I liked a particular design from an upmarket jeweller but it would have cost us a few thousand dollars if we went for it. Thus, we got it modeled at Poh Kim Jewellery, a small jewellery business located at an industrial building at Lower Delta Road. Our total cost amounted to $850.
We got to know Poh Kim Jewellery from our family and friends. So far, we were very pleased with their service and the quality of their wedding bands. They may not be as fancy as the other jewellers in the shopping malls but they sure are popular and have a good customer base, relying only on word-of-mouth to sustain their business. Each time we visit Poh Kim Jewellery, there would be around 6 to 7 couples within the office at the same time. Thus, if you want to custom make your wedding bands at a budget, this is the place to go.
In my next The Wedding Journey blog entry, I will cover my experiences with pre-wedding photoshoot. If there are other aspects of the wedding that you would like me to feature along the way, do drop me a note too!
Disclaimer: This is a personal post, written based on personal experiences. I am not sponsored by the vendors mentioned in this entry (even though I wish I am).
Good day, people!
October has been a stressful and busy month, juggling work matters while doing some last minute preparations for the wedding (only 1 more week to go!). Shower times are a brief respite for me before I continue to take on the challenges and problems that are avalanching my way.
This month was made better when I received a package from Refresh Wellness, pampering me with a lovely marble pouch filled with two collagen milk shower filters. My family and I have been using one of the filters and enjoying it to the fullest.
Hailing from Korea, these shower filters are infused with Vitamin C antioxidants and collagen to nourish your skin and ensure that it is silky smooth after a bath.
They also have an added advantage of removing 99.9% chlorine, rust and harmful particles from shower water, thereby protecting your skin from eczema, itch and other skin problems. You will notice your skin texture improving as you continue to use this shower filter. That also explains why the shower filters are safe to use by the entire family, from infants to the elderly. You can even use them on your furkids!
I was sent a Honey Shower Filter ($59) which contains a gel that would melt away with continuous usage.
It typically lasts 2 months for individual use and 1.5 months for family use, depending on the frequency of usage. I bet mine would totally deplete after a month, since I had around 5 to 6 family members using the shower recently.
Although Refresh Wellness sells a special shower head which complements the shower filters, you can install the shower filter on your existing shower head.
My shower head has a long handle and can be quite bulky and heavy if I attach the shower filter to it, so we decided to fix it to our faucet instead. You will still be able to enjoy the benefits of the filtered water if your shower filter is fixed to a faucet instead of the shower head. :)
Personally, I LOVE using the Honey Shower Filter because it made my bathroom smell AMAZING. It felt like I was enjoying an aromatherapy session while showering, and my skin felt so soft and smooth thereafter! Who says you can't enjoy a spa experience at home?
Unfortunately, not everyone can appreciate scents though. My nephew is sensitive to scents, so he would benefit more from using an Unscented Shower Filter ($59).
This shower filter contains chlorine balls that remove chlorine and rust from the shower water, thereby turning rusty brown after usage. As it is scent-free, it is an ideal choice for pregnant ladies and infants with more sensitive skin. It also has a similar lasting power as the scented shower filters. I will definitely be trying this once my Honey Shower Filter is completely wiped out.
Photo credits to Refresh Wellness
Refresh Wellness has a variety of scented shower filters and gosh, they look super inviting!
If you are curious, their bestselling shower filter is Lavender and I can totally see why. I am more curious about their Strawberry and Chanel Chance shower filters so hopefully, I can try them one day.
If you are interested in any of these shower filters, you can purchase them directly on Refresh Wellness website. In celebration of their 3rd birthday, you can buy 3 shower filters, and get a marble pouch, shower head and nutrients soap for free!
Be sure to also follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Time for me to go get married. See you in the next entry!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Refresh Wellness. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
October has been a stressful and busy month, juggling work matters while doing some last minute preparations for the wedding (only 1 more week to go!). Shower times are a brief respite for me before I continue to take on the challenges and problems that are avalanching my way.
This month was made better when I received a package from Refresh Wellness, pampering me with a lovely marble pouch filled with two collagen milk shower filters. My family and I have been using one of the filters and enjoying it to the fullest.
Hailing from Korea, these shower filters are infused with Vitamin C antioxidants and collagen to nourish your skin and ensure that it is silky smooth after a bath.
They also have an added advantage of removing 99.9% chlorine, rust and harmful particles from shower water, thereby protecting your skin from eczema, itch and other skin problems. You will notice your skin texture improving as you continue to use this shower filter. That also explains why the shower filters are safe to use by the entire family, from infants to the elderly. You can even use them on your furkids!
I was sent a Honey Shower Filter ($59) which contains a gel that would melt away with continuous usage.
It typically lasts 2 months for individual use and 1.5 months for family use, depending on the frequency of usage. I bet mine would totally deplete after a month, since I had around 5 to 6 family members using the shower recently.
Although Refresh Wellness sells a special shower head which complements the shower filters, you can install the shower filter on your existing shower head.
My shower head has a long handle and can be quite bulky and heavy if I attach the shower filter to it, so we decided to fix it to our faucet instead. You will still be able to enjoy the benefits of the filtered water if your shower filter is fixed to a faucet instead of the shower head. :)
Personally, I LOVE using the Honey Shower Filter because it made my bathroom smell AMAZING. It felt like I was enjoying an aromatherapy session while showering, and my skin felt so soft and smooth thereafter! Who says you can't enjoy a spa experience at home?
Unfortunately, not everyone can appreciate scents though. My nephew is sensitive to scents, so he would benefit more from using an Unscented Shower Filter ($59).
This shower filter contains chlorine balls that remove chlorine and rust from the shower water, thereby turning rusty brown after usage. As it is scent-free, it is an ideal choice for pregnant ladies and infants with more sensitive skin. It also has a similar lasting power as the scented shower filters. I will definitely be trying this once my Honey Shower Filter is completely wiped out.
Photo credits to Refresh Wellness
Refresh Wellness has a variety of scented shower filters and gosh, they look super inviting!
If you are curious, their bestselling shower filter is Lavender and I can totally see why. I am more curious about their Strawberry and Chanel Chance shower filters so hopefully, I can try them one day.
If you are interested in any of these shower filters, you can purchase them directly on Refresh Wellness website. In celebration of their 3rd birthday, you can buy 3 shower filters, and get a marble pouch, shower head and nutrients soap for free!
Be sure to also follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Time for me to go get married. See you in the next entry!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Refresh Wellness. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Hey people!
It wasn't too long ago that I was visting printing shops with YX, looking for a suitable sticker supplier for YX's business.
I knew nothing about printing stickers then, but going around asking for quotes gave me some insights about it. Besides price, you will need to decide on the type of material you want, the quantity, the size and the shape of your stickers. Decisions, decisions!
I was pleasantly surprised when Singaprinting reached out to me recently. This printing company specialises in customised sticker printing and is located at Changi Business Park Central 2.
No worries if the location is too far away! The power of online shopping is that you can order whatever you need from their e-store and they will deliver it to you in a jiffy. Best of all, it's free delivery!
It is also through my recent liaising with them that I learnt about the various types of stickers which are available in the market. I kid you not - it's a long list. Does this leave you spoilt for choice already?
For one, they have 5 types of paper stickers for selection, with art paper stickers being the most popular option.
Although the quantity is stated up front, they do have various quantities available at different pricing, so you would have to click on to find out more.
They have a larger selection of vinyl based stickers though, and I seriously love the cute bumper stickers!
If you are unsure about the quality of the stickers, you can order a paid custom sample pack of 100 pcs of stickers first before committing to a larger quantity. Additionally, Singaprinting promises to beat their competitors' pricing by 5%. Thus, if you have a cheaper quote elsewhere for the same type of stickers at the same quantity, send it to them and they will try to give you an even better offer!
Ordering from Singaprinting is easy because they actually have a step-by-step quote form for you to fill.
Before placing your order, you might want to take some time to think about the shape, size, quantity, finishing and adhesive you would require for your stickers. Most importantly, you will have to get ready your artwork and upload it for printing.
Singaprinting works flexibly so if filling a form is a hassle to you, you can also write in to them at info@singaprinting.com with your specifications.
I like how comprehensive Singaprinting's order site is.
They have an instructional video to demonstrate how you can order from their website and clear indications of their turnaround time so that you can keep track of your order. Besides including pictures of their sticker samples, they even have a video on each sticker type. That's a lot of effort on their part to give their customers as much information about their order as possible. Thumbs up for that!
Although I personally do not need stickers, business cards are something that I constantly look out for.
As a public blogger who frequently meets advertisers, brands and other influencers at networking events, I always make sure to bring along my name cards. They come in handy because I often get asked about them too.
Singaprinting does have a good variety of business card designs.
My favourite is the Laser Engraved Business Cards - they look so fancy!
As my stash of name cards was depleting, I got to custom-make another set of name cards on Singaprinting's site.
I went for 200 pieces of Standard White 300gsm cards with double-sided glossy coating eventually.
You can choose your preferred card stock, finishing and print features, depending on how fancy your name card design is. I had a simple artwork using a template so mine was pretty standard.
Once you have sent in your order, Singaprinting will send you a preview for your consent before they proceed with printing. In terms of delivery, they were so quick! I got my package within a couple of days.
Here is a sneak peek of my name cards. I am super pleased with them!
I went for a marble background template to keep my design simple, and used the cartoon icon which my ex-colleague had designed for me. I have been using this icon for years and it has created plenty of conversation whenever I pass my name cards to the new people that I meet.
If you flip to the other side of the name card, you will see all the content I have created since 2009 on my socials. Since I cover a wide variety of topics, I figured to list them at the back of my name card instead of keeping it plain.
If you are looking for a supplier who can print customised stickers or business cards, why not consider Singaprinting? Do check them out at their Website, Facebook and Instagram!
Good news! I have also teamed up with Singaprinting to run a giveaway for a pack of customised stickers of your choice!
In fact, I will be choosing 3 winners so if you are in need of customised stickers for personal or business, you might want to follow me on my Instagram @gilmangirl and look out for my announcement! Thank you for reading, my friends!
Singaprinting
51 Changi Business Park Central 2
#04-05 The Signature
Singapore 486066
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Singaprinting. Review is based on personal experiences.
It wasn't too long ago that I was visting printing shops with YX, looking for a suitable sticker supplier for YX's business.
I knew nothing about printing stickers then, but going around asking for quotes gave me some insights about it. Besides price, you will need to decide on the type of material you want, the quantity, the size and the shape of your stickers. Decisions, decisions!
I was pleasantly surprised when Singaprinting reached out to me recently. This printing company specialises in customised sticker printing and is located at Changi Business Park Central 2.
No worries if the location is too far away! The power of online shopping is that you can order whatever you need from their e-store and they will deliver it to you in a jiffy. Best of all, it's free delivery!
It is also through my recent liaising with them that I learnt about the various types of stickers which are available in the market. I kid you not - it's a long list. Does this leave you spoilt for choice already?
For one, they have 5 types of paper stickers for selection, with art paper stickers being the most popular option.
Although the quantity is stated up front, they do have various quantities available at different pricing, so you would have to click on to find out more.
They have a larger selection of vinyl based stickers though, and I seriously love the cute bumper stickers!
If you are unsure about the quality of the stickers, you can order a paid custom sample pack of 100 pcs of stickers first before committing to a larger quantity. Additionally, Singaprinting promises to beat their competitors' pricing by 5%. Thus, if you have a cheaper quote elsewhere for the same type of stickers at the same quantity, send it to them and they will try to give you an even better offer!
Ordering from Singaprinting is easy because they actually have a step-by-step quote form for you to fill.
Before placing your order, you might want to take some time to think about the shape, size, quantity, finishing and adhesive you would require for your stickers. Most importantly, you will have to get ready your artwork and upload it for printing.
Singaprinting works flexibly so if filling a form is a hassle to you, you can also write in to them at info@singaprinting.com with your specifications.
I like how comprehensive Singaprinting's order site is.
They have an instructional video to demonstrate how you can order from their website and clear indications of their turnaround time so that you can keep track of your order. Besides including pictures of their sticker samples, they even have a video on each sticker type. That's a lot of effort on their part to give their customers as much information about their order as possible. Thumbs up for that!
Although I personally do not need stickers, business cards are something that I constantly look out for.
As a public blogger who frequently meets advertisers, brands and other influencers at networking events, I always make sure to bring along my name cards. They come in handy because I often get asked about them too.
Singaprinting does have a good variety of business card designs.
My favourite is the Laser Engraved Business Cards - they look so fancy!
As my stash of name cards was depleting, I got to custom-make another set of name cards on Singaprinting's site.
I went for 200 pieces of Standard White 300gsm cards with double-sided glossy coating eventually.
You can choose your preferred card stock, finishing and print features, depending on how fancy your name card design is. I had a simple artwork using a template so mine was pretty standard.
Once you have sent in your order, Singaprinting will send you a preview for your consent before they proceed with printing. In terms of delivery, they were so quick! I got my package within a couple of days.
Here is a sneak peek of my name cards. I am super pleased with them!
I went for a marble background template to keep my design simple, and used the cartoon icon which my ex-colleague had designed for me. I have been using this icon for years and it has created plenty of conversation whenever I pass my name cards to the new people that I meet.
If you flip to the other side of the name card, you will see all the content I have created since 2009 on my socials. Since I cover a wide variety of topics, I figured to list them at the back of my name card instead of keeping it plain.
If you are looking for a supplier who can print customised stickers or business cards, why not consider Singaprinting? Do check them out at their Website, Facebook and Instagram!
Good news! I have also teamed up with Singaprinting to run a giveaway for a pack of customised stickers of your choice!
In fact, I will be choosing 3 winners so if you are in need of customised stickers for personal or business, you might want to follow me on my Instagram @gilmangirl and look out for my announcement! Thank you for reading, my friends!
Singaprinting
51 Changi Business Park Central 2
#04-05 The Signature
Singapore 486066
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Singaprinting. Review is based on personal experiences.
Hey people!
It's just a couple of weeks more to tying the knot and boy, am I getting pre-wedding jitters! :S
As a bride, it may seem easy to just sit there and look pretty but God knows the amount of effort a lady needs to put in beforehand to look great on her big day!
Besides watching my diet and squeezing in time for exercise, I've been taking care of my skin using good quality products and trying my best to ensure that my complexion is well hydrated, radiant and pimple-free. Two of the products I have been using in my skincare regime is the Elite Miracle C+ Serum as well as the Biocalm Hydrating Masks from homegrown beauty brand, Dermagold.
I first knew about Dermagold when the brand approached me for a collaboration to review their award-winning Purifying Scrub and Brightening Revitalizer two years ago.
Going by the slogan 'For Skin You Dare to Bare', Dermagold strives to encourage their users to work towards healthy skin confidence. Their brand philosophy resonated strongly with mine because I always felt that skincare is more important than makeup, and having a good skin foundation is necessary for smooth makeup application. Rather than relying on makeup to conceal imperfections, I advocate maintaining a healthy complexion so that you can be confident in your bare skin.
Dermagold is also founded by two doctors and childhood friends, Grace and Luping.
Their products are typically used in the following medi-aesthetic clinics and beauty centres, such as Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic, Mint Medical Aesthetics and Morphosis Beauty Hub. Users can buy the products physically in the clinics or directly from dermagold.sg.
I have been incorporating one of Dermagold's star products, the Elite Miracle C+ Serum ($79) into my skincare regime lately. I typically use this twice a day, after cleansing and toning, and before applying moisturiser.
As I crossed my 30s, investing in a good quality serum is essential because using a moisturiser is no longer sufficient for my skin. I need a serum to nourish the dermis of my skin with nutrients too.
This high performance serum is infused with 18% Vitamin C Ester, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera which hydrate and brighten my skin immensely. It comes in a clear solution that is absorbed very quickly into my skin. It also does not have much of a scent, which makes it suitable for users who are sensitive to scented products.
As I continue to use this serum daily, my skin texture seemed to be improving vastly as well. My pores looked less conspicuous and my skin was smoother too. I will certainly continue to use this so that I could achieve a flawless complexion on my wedding.
This serum also comes in a small, travel-friendly pump bottle, but that also means that it would likely last me for only a month or two. For the price it costs, every drop of serum is precious to my skin.
As a pampering treat for myself, I like to mask my skin weekly.
When I first learnt that the Biocalm Hydrating Masks cost $15 per piece, I told myself that it better be an impressive piece of mask. As the price is rather steep, I do have very high expectations for it.
This mask is a biofibre sheet mask, which has a texture similar to a bio-cellulose mask. It has a slight thickness and not paper-thin like regular facial sheet masks in the market. It is also suitable for use by all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Currently, the mask looked oversized on my face, with some parts of the mask touching my hair and covering my mouth so I wished it would fit the size of my face better. Nonetheless, I liked how it adhered to my face snugly without slipping and sliding. You can actually put the mask in the fridge before using it but I did not, and yet it remained cold when I wore it. There was a persistent cooling sensation throughout my 20 minutes with this mask and it felt really soothing. If you have sensitive, inflammed skin, this would be the perfect antidote.
I was sold when I removed the mask because the results were instantaneous. I noticed that I looked fairer, radiant and more rejuvenated, a far cry from my tired and dry skin in the 'Before' picture.
Is that why it costs $15 per piece? It really worked and I was very impressed! If you need to desperately save your skin from dullness at the last minute, this mask is definitely for you. You can wear this mask two to three times a week, but personally, 1 week is enough for me.
Interestingly, it did not leave my skin wet with essence because all the essence from the mask seemed to be fully absorbed by my skin. Thus, no patting of serum is required after removal of mask. Awesome!
Thank you Dermagold for getting my skin wedding-ready with your wonderful, high quality skincare products.
If you are interested to get your hands on the Elite C+ Miracle Serum and the Biocalm Hydrating Masks, visit Dermagold website for a shopping spree. Feel free to check out Dermagold on their Facebook and Instagram too!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Dermagold. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
It's just a couple of weeks more to tying the knot and boy, am I getting pre-wedding jitters! :S
As a bride, it may seem easy to just sit there and look pretty but God knows the amount of effort a lady needs to put in beforehand to look great on her big day!
Besides watching my diet and squeezing in time for exercise, I've been taking care of my skin using good quality products and trying my best to ensure that my complexion is well hydrated, radiant and pimple-free. Two of the products I have been using in my skincare regime is the Elite Miracle C+ Serum as well as the Biocalm Hydrating Masks from homegrown beauty brand, Dermagold.
I first knew about Dermagold when the brand approached me for a collaboration to review their award-winning Purifying Scrub and Brightening Revitalizer two years ago.
Going by the slogan 'For Skin You Dare to Bare', Dermagold strives to encourage their users to work towards healthy skin confidence. Their brand philosophy resonated strongly with mine because I always felt that skincare is more important than makeup, and having a good skin foundation is necessary for smooth makeup application. Rather than relying on makeup to conceal imperfections, I advocate maintaining a healthy complexion so that you can be confident in your bare skin.
Dermagold is also founded by two doctors and childhood friends, Grace and Luping.
Their products are typically used in the following medi-aesthetic clinics and beauty centres, such as Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic, Mint Medical Aesthetics and Morphosis Beauty Hub. Users can buy the products physically in the clinics or directly from dermagold.sg.
I have been incorporating one of Dermagold's star products, the Elite Miracle C+ Serum ($79) into my skincare regime lately. I typically use this twice a day, after cleansing and toning, and before applying moisturiser.
As I crossed my 30s, investing in a good quality serum is essential because using a moisturiser is no longer sufficient for my skin. I need a serum to nourish the dermis of my skin with nutrients too.
This high performance serum is infused with 18% Vitamin C Ester, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera which hydrate and brighten my skin immensely. It comes in a clear solution that is absorbed very quickly into my skin. It also does not have much of a scent, which makes it suitable for users who are sensitive to scented products.
As I continue to use this serum daily, my skin texture seemed to be improving vastly as well. My pores looked less conspicuous and my skin was smoother too. I will certainly continue to use this so that I could achieve a flawless complexion on my wedding.
This serum also comes in a small, travel-friendly pump bottle, but that also means that it would likely last me for only a month or two. For the price it costs, every drop of serum is precious to my skin.
As a pampering treat for myself, I like to mask my skin weekly.
When I first learnt that the Biocalm Hydrating Masks cost $15 per piece, I told myself that it better be an impressive piece of mask. As the price is rather steep, I do have very high expectations for it.
This mask is a biofibre sheet mask, which has a texture similar to a bio-cellulose mask. It has a slight thickness and not paper-thin like regular facial sheet masks in the market. It is also suitable for use by all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Currently, the mask looked oversized on my face, with some parts of the mask touching my hair and covering my mouth so I wished it would fit the size of my face better. Nonetheless, I liked how it adhered to my face snugly without slipping and sliding. You can actually put the mask in the fridge before using it but I did not, and yet it remained cold when I wore it. There was a persistent cooling sensation throughout my 20 minutes with this mask and it felt really soothing. If you have sensitive, inflammed skin, this would be the perfect antidote.
I was sold when I removed the mask because the results were instantaneous. I noticed that I looked fairer, radiant and more rejuvenated, a far cry from my tired and dry skin in the 'Before' picture.
Is that why it costs $15 per piece? It really worked and I was very impressed! If you need to desperately save your skin from dullness at the last minute, this mask is definitely for you. You can wear this mask two to three times a week, but personally, 1 week is enough for me.
Interestingly, it did not leave my skin wet with essence because all the essence from the mask seemed to be fully absorbed by my skin. Thus, no patting of serum is required after removal of mask. Awesome!
Thank you Dermagold for getting my skin wedding-ready with your wonderful, high quality skincare products.
If you are interested to get your hands on the Elite C+ Miracle Serum and the Biocalm Hydrating Masks, visit Dermagold website for a shopping spree. Feel free to check out Dermagold on their Facebook and Instagram too!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Dermagold. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Hey people!
Finally got down to writing a proper birthday post to document the celebrations that have happened.
I know two weeks have passed since 18 September, but I have been insanely busy with work and wedding planning, so.... better late than never, right? :P
My birthday celebration was spent at Violet Oon Singapore along Bukit Timah as I had the craves for Peranakan food.
There are a couple of Violet Oon outlets in Singapore (i.e. Jewel, National Gallery, ION Orchard, Clarke Quay and Bukit Timah) and the menu differs at each outlet. We decided to go to the Bukit Timah outlet as we had a $30 Chope voucher to utilise so... there we were!
Well, you do need to make reservations because this outlet was surprisingly crowded on a mid-week night.
There were just so many things going on within the restaurant at the same time - a large-group gathering with friends, a dinner date, two celebrations (including mine) and a business networking dinner. Although I like the classy interior design of the restaurant and the wonderful hospitality of the staff, YX and I could barely hear each other talk.
Thankfully, the food was pretty good.
We tried their Kuay Pie Tee which came in fun-size portions!
I wanted to go for one of their bestsellers, Buah Keluak Ayam but it was already sold out.
We eventually settled for another bestseller, Babi Pong Tay and a veggie dish, Sayor Lodeh. We also ordered Jasmine rice as our base.
As it was my birthday, the restaurant gave us a dessert, the Kueh Beng Kah on the house!
Although it was not a traditional cake, it was my first time trying a grated tapioca cake with gula melaka syrup and coconut milk.
Thank you Violet Oon Singapore for this lovely photo as well. Another photo of us to add to my office desk! :)
I celebrated my birthday early with my family this year, where I had a combined celebration with my 2nd Sister.
My 2nd Sis is into baking recently and has been taking classes at ABC Cooking Studio. She baked this adorable agar agar cake in one of her classes so this became our birthday cake. So cute! The kids were going crazy over the cartoon characters. Thank you Big Sis for the ang pao as well.
Speaking of kids, my nephew and niece created drawings for me as my 'birthday card'.
Norman drew some scary 'poster' that he hoped I could place beside my bed (-.-") while Regina drew me. Her drawing of me typing away at my laptop is truly an accurate depiction. Whenever she visits my house on the weekends, she will always walk in to see me blogging or working. And that's how I look like to her.
Not to forget the gifts from #TeamBridesmaids and YX! I took really long to open their gifts because I was so swamped.
By the time you read this entry, I would have JUST opened their gifts.
My gift from YX this year was actually money, where he subsidised a portion of our wedding expenses. I certainly didn't expect that he would buy a gift too, so I was pleasantly surprised. :)
On my birthday, I also published a reflections and closure post, which marked the end of my very bad year. My close friends already knew my story and stuck with me throughout my down times. For those who were not fully aware but were very concerned, thank you for reaching out to me privately. I will never forget your words of advice.
Interestingly, I expected myself to be devastated, but as it turned out, I am able to take bad news after all. Whether or not it was a wrong decision I have made 2 years ago, I will not look back. Instead, I will only head forward towards the rest of the opportunities that I will now boldly pursue.
I may not be like the rest, but I trust that one day, I will shine in my own way. I just need to find the right environment to thrive in, so that I can truly bloom where I am planted.
Happy belated birthday to me! :)
Disclaimer: This is a personal post, and I am not sponsored by Violet Oon Singapore. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Finally got down to writing a proper birthday post to document the celebrations that have happened.
I know two weeks have passed since 18 September, but I have been insanely busy with work and wedding planning, so.... better late than never, right? :P
My birthday celebration was spent at Violet Oon Singapore along Bukit Timah as I had the craves for Peranakan food.
There are a couple of Violet Oon outlets in Singapore (i.e. Jewel, National Gallery, ION Orchard, Clarke Quay and Bukit Timah) and the menu differs at each outlet. We decided to go to the Bukit Timah outlet as we had a $30 Chope voucher to utilise so... there we were!
Well, you do need to make reservations because this outlet was surprisingly crowded on a mid-week night.
There were just so many things going on within the restaurant at the same time - a large-group gathering with friends, a dinner date, two celebrations (including mine) and a business networking dinner. Although I like the classy interior design of the restaurant and the wonderful hospitality of the staff, YX and I could barely hear each other talk.
Thankfully, the food was pretty good.
We tried their Kuay Pie Tee which came in fun-size portions!
I wanted to go for one of their bestsellers, Buah Keluak Ayam but it was already sold out.
We eventually settled for another bestseller, Babi Pong Tay and a veggie dish, Sayor Lodeh. We also ordered Jasmine rice as our base.
As it was my birthday, the restaurant gave us a dessert, the Kueh Beng Kah on the house!
Although it was not a traditional cake, it was my first time trying a grated tapioca cake with gula melaka syrup and coconut milk.
Thank you Violet Oon Singapore for this lovely photo as well. Another photo of us to add to my office desk! :)
I celebrated my birthday early with my family this year, where I had a combined celebration with my 2nd Sister.
My 2nd Sis is into baking recently and has been taking classes at ABC Cooking Studio. She baked this adorable agar agar cake in one of her classes so this became our birthday cake. So cute! The kids were going crazy over the cartoon characters. Thank you Big Sis for the ang pao as well.
Speaking of kids, my nephew and niece created drawings for me as my 'birthday card'.
Norman drew some scary 'poster' that he hoped I could place beside my bed (-.-") while Regina drew me. Her drawing of me typing away at my laptop is truly an accurate depiction. Whenever she visits my house on the weekends, she will always walk in to see me blogging or working. And that's how I look like to her.
Not to forget the gifts from #TeamBridesmaids and YX! I took really long to open their gifts because I was so swamped.
By the time you read this entry, I would have JUST opened their gifts.
My gift from YX this year was actually money, where he subsidised a portion of our wedding expenses. I certainly didn't expect that he would buy a gift too, so I was pleasantly surprised. :)
On my birthday, I also published a reflections and closure post, which marked the end of my very bad year. My close friends already knew my story and stuck with me throughout my down times. For those who were not fully aware but were very concerned, thank you for reaching out to me privately. I will never forget your words of advice.
Interestingly, I expected myself to be devastated, but as it turned out, I am able to take bad news after all. Whether or not it was a wrong decision I have made 2 years ago, I will not look back. Instead, I will only head forward towards the rest of the opportunities that I will now boldly pursue.
I may not be like the rest, but I trust that one day, I will shine in my own way. I just need to find the right environment to thrive in, so that I can truly bloom where I am planted.
Happy belated birthday to me! :)
Disclaimer: This is a personal post, and I am not sponsored by Violet Oon Singapore. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Hello friends!
If you are a rock-climbing enthusiast, you would find Topologie's bags particularly appealing. Even if you have never rock climbed in your life, you would likely still be attracted to the unique bag designs from Topologie.
Topologie is founded by Carlos Granon, a rock-climber, and his bag collection is inspired by the gears and equipment used in rock climbing. Its website features a series of backpacks and totes in simple solid colours (mainly black) as well as clean silhouettes. The designs were slightly on the masculine side though so naturally, I gravitated towards their crossbodies, which have a variety of dainty bags more suitable for petite me.
I was very attracted to Topologie's Chalk Bumbags because I recognised that they were modeled after the chalk bag that was used in rock climbing. In fact, chalk bags are also commonly used in gymnastics and pole dance competitions, which I am more attuned to. I guessed that's why I felt an affinity with the Chalk Bumbag, despite my limited knowledge in rock climbing.
The Chalk Bumbag Dry (S$77) that you see in the picture above comes from the newly launched DRY collection, with Polyurethane-coated bags made with water-repellant washed nylon fabric. It is perfect for the outdoors because you need not worry about your bag getting wet during rainy days. Topologie also has a Chalk Bumbag Light ($69) version which looks similar in design but is created using ultra lightweight fabrics.
There are no zips for this bag, but you can close the bag by folding it downwards before securing it with a hook.
Although this is a small crossbody bag, it can store numerous items, including a mirrorless camera. It is however, contrained in size so you can forget about squeezing in a water bottle or an umbrella in there.
The most important feature, in my opinion, is the adjustable and detachable strap. It is packed separately from the bag so you would need to attach it by yourself.
Lengthening or shortening it will make a world of difference on how you are going to carry this bag. I'll show you in a while!
There is also a small external loop for you to hook miscellaneous items.
You may choose to hook your keys but I prefer to keep my keys in a secure and hidden place (just in case I lose them) so I would rather hook a pen for easier access instead.
The interior of the bag is as simple as you can imagine.
There is an inner pocket which I use to keep smaller items such as keys and earphones, while the main compartment stores bigger items like my camera, phone and documents.
I will recommend you not to fill the bag past its light grey lining or else you will have lots of trouble closing the bag. If you do not have a lot to bring with you, this is a great and convenient bag to sling along.
\
That was why I decided to bring it along with me for my staycation earlier this month. I like to have a small bag with me when I go out to explore. Since it is so travel-friendly, I will likely bring it with me when I go for my honeymoon!
There are 4 ways you can carry the bag. You can 1) carry it on your shoulder, 2) hook it at your back or 3) wear it like a belt. It is just a matter of lengthening or shortening the strap, before fastening it.
My personal preference is to lengthen the strap and 4) sling it across my body.
This method is how I would carry all my small bags and it looks the most flattering on me too. Even though I wished the bag would come in more feminine colours (may I suggest a light pink? :P), I adore its casual chic style. It complements the laidback clothes that I would normally clad myself in on weekends. Needless to say, I am definitely won over by this very cool Chalk Bumbag.
If you would like to get your own Chalk Bumbag or check out the other bags available, I welcome you to browse Topologie Website. The brand does free shipping as well as 30-day return and provides a 2-year warranty for their bags. Awesome, much?
Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram for updates too! Happy shopping!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Topologie. Review is based on personal experiences.
If you are a rock-climbing enthusiast, you would find Topologie's bags particularly appealing. Even if you have never rock climbed in your life, you would likely still be attracted to the unique bag designs from Topologie.
Topologie is founded by Carlos Granon, a rock-climber, and his bag collection is inspired by the gears and equipment used in rock climbing. Its website features a series of backpacks and totes in simple solid colours (mainly black) as well as clean silhouettes. The designs were slightly on the masculine side though so naturally, I gravitated towards their crossbodies, which have a variety of dainty bags more suitable for petite me.
I was very attracted to Topologie's Chalk Bumbags because I recognised that they were modeled after the chalk bag that was used in rock climbing. In fact, chalk bags are also commonly used in gymnastics and pole dance competitions, which I am more attuned to. I guessed that's why I felt an affinity with the Chalk Bumbag, despite my limited knowledge in rock climbing.
The Chalk Bumbag Dry (S$77) that you see in the picture above comes from the newly launched DRY collection, with Polyurethane-coated bags made with water-repellant washed nylon fabric. It is perfect for the outdoors because you need not worry about your bag getting wet during rainy days. Topologie also has a Chalk Bumbag Light ($69) version which looks similar in design but is created using ultra lightweight fabrics.
There are no zips for this bag, but you can close the bag by folding it downwards before securing it with a hook.
Although this is a small crossbody bag, it can store numerous items, including a mirrorless camera. It is however, contrained in size so you can forget about squeezing in a water bottle or an umbrella in there.
The most important feature, in my opinion, is the adjustable and detachable strap. It is packed separately from the bag so you would need to attach it by yourself.
Lengthening or shortening it will make a world of difference on how you are going to carry this bag. I'll show you in a while!
There is also a small external loop for you to hook miscellaneous items.
You may choose to hook your keys but I prefer to keep my keys in a secure and hidden place (just in case I lose them) so I would rather hook a pen for easier access instead.
The interior of the bag is as simple as you can imagine.
There is an inner pocket which I use to keep smaller items such as keys and earphones, while the main compartment stores bigger items like my camera, phone and documents.
I will recommend you not to fill the bag past its light grey lining or else you will have lots of trouble closing the bag. If you do not have a lot to bring with you, this is a great and convenient bag to sling along.
\That was why I decided to bring it along with me for my staycation earlier this month. I like to have a small bag with me when I go out to explore. Since it is so travel-friendly, I will likely bring it with me when I go for my honeymoon!
There are 4 ways you can carry the bag. You can 1) carry it on your shoulder, 2) hook it at your back or 3) wear it like a belt. It is just a matter of lengthening or shortening the strap, before fastening it.
My personal preference is to lengthen the strap and 4) sling it across my body.
This method is how I would carry all my small bags and it looks the most flattering on me too. Even though I wished the bag would come in more feminine colours (may I suggest a light pink? :P), I adore its casual chic style. It complements the laidback clothes that I would normally clad myself in on weekends. Needless to say, I am definitely won over by this very cool Chalk Bumbag.
If you would like to get your own Chalk Bumbag or check out the other bags available, I welcome you to browse Topologie Website. The brand does free shipping as well as 30-day return and provides a 2-year warranty for their bags. Awesome, much?
Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram for updates too! Happy shopping!
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with Topologie. Review is based on personal experiences.
Good day, my friends!
For the people who do not go for facials because they do not have time, or felt that facials are too expensive, SkinGO! is here to debunk your beliefs.
SkinGO! express facials only take up 15 minutes of your time, and they cost $28 nett. That is super affordable compared to the 1.5 hour facials in the market that typically costs at least a few hundred dollars.
SkinGO! is located in Tiong Bahru Plaza and they will be opening an outlet at Junction 8 soon.
On the day of my facial, I had multiple appointments to go to. Although my schedule was packed to the brim, it was nice to still end my busy day with a facial that did not take up too much of my time.
The interior of SkinGO! facial studio was simple and looked more like a hair salon than a traditional beauty salon.
Customers need not make prior appointment and can simply walk in as and when they want a facial. While I was there for my appointment, there was a male customer who walked in curiously, asking 'you guys do facials, right?' before getting his own quick facial. That's how impromptu you can be.
What's cool about SkinGO!'s concept is that they do not sell packages and they encourage the customer to self-help. In fact, I like how transparent the process is.
You walk in asking for a facial and the beautician will then analyse your skin to recommend a suitable facial for you. As all facials are priced at $28 nett, there is no situation when the beautician will recommend a more expensive facial or pressure you to top-up for additional services. When you are done with your facial, the beautician will not be hard-selling you packages that cost thousand dollars on discount. You simply go up to the payment kiosk, select the facial you have done, pay and leave.
SkinGO! also sells their own range of skincare products which you can purchase to supplement your facials or incorporate in your skincare routine.
Their prices range from $25 to $55, depending on which product you go for. You can either buy the products in-store or on SkinGO! website. I am a proud owner of SkinGO!'s cleanser now.
There are three types of facials available in SkinGO!, namely:
1) Bio-Aqua Facial (for Dry/Normal Skin);
2) Bio-Clear Facial (for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin); and
3) Bio-Lift Facial (for Ageing Skin)
Without a doubt, I was recommended the Bio-Aqua Facial as I have a dry skin type.
SkinGO! uses medical-grade machines from Korea for their facials.
Once my skin was thoroughly cleansed from makeup, Deep Cleansing Liquid (Solution A) was used to dissolve impurities from my face and soften dead skin cells.
Next, a device was used on my face to pull out any pore-clogging whiteheads and blackheads. In order to ensure that my skin receives the hydration that it needs, Oxygen Liquid Water (Solution B) was also infused into my skin in the process.
The beautician informed that I had some stubborn whiteheads that were deeply embedded in my skin. Since this device helps to pull whiteheads to the surface, I might have pimples popping up in the next few days. Indeed, 3 pimples made their appearance on my chin in the next 2 days.
This device was used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of my skin, and boy, do I have lots of dead skin cells near my nose. GROSS. The last step was to jet spray my skin with whitening hydrogen water before ending off with a gentle and brief lymphatic facial massage.
Compared to a 1 hour facial, this 15-min express facial has no extraction, no long massages and no masking treatment, which basically takes up the rest of the time. Nonetheless, I still felt that plenty was being done to my face even though each step only took a mere few minutes. For the price you have to pay, you certainly would not feel shortchanged in this facial.
If you can afford more than 15 minutes and would like to add on other services, you can choose to top up $5 for either a Vitamin C Brightening Treatment or a Bio-Repair Mask.
I went for a Bio-Repair Mask because I LOVE chilling with a piece of cold mask at the end of my facial. Besides, I always mask my skin at the end of every week so I might as well. This step would lengthen your facial by an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
Depending on your skin type, you can go for a SkinGO! facial every once a week to once a month. For me, I prefer to do a monthly maintenance.
Check out my 'Before' and 'After' photos. I definitely looked more 'alive' and rejuvenated after the facial, with a glowy, brightened and well hydrated complexion.
It did not matter that I woke up at 6am that day to prepare for Family Day, or that I sweated like a dog from running to multiple places right after that. I left the studio happy that my skin was clean and healthy.
If you have an appointment or a date to go after your facial, you can help yourself to their makeup products on their vanity.
Personally, I prefer to keep my skin bare after my facial because I like my skin to breathe. Nonetheless, this service will still come in handy for customers who need a touch-up as some may need to return to work after a lunchtime facial.
Thank you to my beautician for taking care of my skin during the appointment. She was very professional and made me feel right at home.
Many thanks to the team from SkinGO! for giving me my own SkinGO! makeup pouch and cleanser. I cannot wait to use them!
Who says that facials are expensive or take too much time? SkinGO! facials are perfect for time-pressed individuals or people who prefer more budget options for skincare services.
If you are looking for a quick, pocket-friendly facial, do drop by SkinGO!'s outlet and give their 15 minute facial a try. Visit their Website, Facebook and Instagram for updates too!
SkinGO!
302 Tiong Bahru Road
Tiong Bahru Plaza, #B1-124
Singapore 168732
Opening hours:
Mon to Thurs: 11am to 9pm
Fri to Sun: 11am to 9.30pm
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with SkinGO! Reviews are based on personal experiences.
For the people who do not go for facials because they do not have time, or felt that facials are too expensive, SkinGO! is here to debunk your beliefs.
SkinGO! express facials only take up 15 minutes of your time, and they cost $28 nett. That is super affordable compared to the 1.5 hour facials in the market that typically costs at least a few hundred dollars.
SkinGO! is located in Tiong Bahru Plaza and they will be opening an outlet at Junction 8 soon.
On the day of my facial, I had multiple appointments to go to. Although my schedule was packed to the brim, it was nice to still end my busy day with a facial that did not take up too much of my time.
The interior of SkinGO! facial studio was simple and looked more like a hair salon than a traditional beauty salon.
Customers need not make prior appointment and can simply walk in as and when they want a facial. While I was there for my appointment, there was a male customer who walked in curiously, asking 'you guys do facials, right?' before getting his own quick facial. That's how impromptu you can be.
What's cool about SkinGO!'s concept is that they do not sell packages and they encourage the customer to self-help. In fact, I like how transparent the process is.
You walk in asking for a facial and the beautician will then analyse your skin to recommend a suitable facial for you. As all facials are priced at $28 nett, there is no situation when the beautician will recommend a more expensive facial or pressure you to top-up for additional services. When you are done with your facial, the beautician will not be hard-selling you packages that cost thousand dollars on discount. You simply go up to the payment kiosk, select the facial you have done, pay and leave.
SkinGO! also sells their own range of skincare products which you can purchase to supplement your facials or incorporate in your skincare routine.
Their prices range from $25 to $55, depending on which product you go for. You can either buy the products in-store or on SkinGO! website. I am a proud owner of SkinGO!'s cleanser now.
There are three types of facials available in SkinGO!, namely:
1) Bio-Aqua Facial (for Dry/Normal Skin);
2) Bio-Clear Facial (for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin); and
3) Bio-Lift Facial (for Ageing Skin)
Without a doubt, I was recommended the Bio-Aqua Facial as I have a dry skin type.
SkinGO! uses medical-grade machines from Korea for their facials.
Once my skin was thoroughly cleansed from makeup, Deep Cleansing Liquid (Solution A) was used to dissolve impurities from my face and soften dead skin cells.
Next, a device was used on my face to pull out any pore-clogging whiteheads and blackheads. In order to ensure that my skin receives the hydration that it needs, Oxygen Liquid Water (Solution B) was also infused into my skin in the process.
The beautician informed that I had some stubborn whiteheads that were deeply embedded in my skin. Since this device helps to pull whiteheads to the surface, I might have pimples popping up in the next few days. Indeed, 3 pimples made their appearance on my chin in the next 2 days.
This device was used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of my skin, and boy, do I have lots of dead skin cells near my nose. GROSS. The last step was to jet spray my skin with whitening hydrogen water before ending off with a gentle and brief lymphatic facial massage.
Compared to a 1 hour facial, this 15-min express facial has no extraction, no long massages and no masking treatment, which basically takes up the rest of the time. Nonetheless, I still felt that plenty was being done to my face even though each step only took a mere few minutes. For the price you have to pay, you certainly would not feel shortchanged in this facial.
If you can afford more than 15 minutes and would like to add on other services, you can choose to top up $5 for either a Vitamin C Brightening Treatment or a Bio-Repair Mask.
I went for a Bio-Repair Mask because I LOVE chilling with a piece of cold mask at the end of my facial. Besides, I always mask my skin at the end of every week so I might as well. This step would lengthen your facial by an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
Depending on your skin type, you can go for a SkinGO! facial every once a week to once a month. For me, I prefer to do a monthly maintenance.
Check out my 'Before' and 'After' photos. I definitely looked more 'alive' and rejuvenated after the facial, with a glowy, brightened and well hydrated complexion.
It did not matter that I woke up at 6am that day to prepare for Family Day, or that I sweated like a dog from running to multiple places right after that. I left the studio happy that my skin was clean and healthy.
If you have an appointment or a date to go after your facial, you can help yourself to their makeup products on their vanity.
Personally, I prefer to keep my skin bare after my facial because I like my skin to breathe. Nonetheless, this service will still come in handy for customers who need a touch-up as some may need to return to work after a lunchtime facial.
Thank you to my beautician for taking care of my skin during the appointment. She was very professional and made me feel right at home.
Many thanks to the team from SkinGO! for giving me my own SkinGO! makeup pouch and cleanser. I cannot wait to use them!
Who says that facials are expensive or take too much time? SkinGO! facials are perfect for time-pressed individuals or people who prefer more budget options for skincare services.
If you are looking for a quick, pocket-friendly facial, do drop by SkinGO!'s outlet and give their 15 minute facial a try. Visit their Website, Facebook and Instagram for updates too!
SkinGO!
302 Tiong Bahru Road
Tiong Bahru Plaza, #B1-124
Singapore 168732
Opening hours:
Mon to Thurs: 11am to 9pm
Fri to Sun: 11am to 9.30pm
Disclaimer: This post is done in collaboration with SkinGO! Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Hey people!
Have you been to the happiest country on earth?
Well, Souperchef Anna, the Founder of The Soup Spoon did, and in return, she created a series of soups that were inspired by her recent trip to Bhutan. YASSSSSS! I am always excited to try Anna's Souperchef Specials!
I was happy to receive an invitation to attend #BhutanUnfiltered, The Soup Spoon Launch Party at Marina Bay Link Mall.
Although I have never been to Bhutan before, I know that the country has a strong culture and beautiful mountainous scenery. The locals lead simple lives and are advocates of environmental sustainability. Not only did Bhutan ban the use and sale of plastic bags since 20 years ago, I learnt from the launch party that the locals were also not allowed to carry their own plastic bags in public. Whoa!
The launch party was in the form of a buffet this round, unlike the usual parties where we had individual plated dishes.
Nonetheless, I preferred the buffet because I get to control the amount I eat. Best of all, there was an array of Bhutan-inspired dishes on this buffet table. I could not wait to try a cuisine that I have never eaten before in my life.
From now till 2 October, customers of The Soup Spoon can look out for three special soups, inspired by the food and ingredients that were commonly used by Bhutanese locals.
We tried the Roasted Vegetables with Chilli Cheese Stew which was tasty, creamy and rich. The soups served were largely spicy, although they differ in terms of spice levels, so if you have low spice tolerance, do take note!
YX enjoyed the Bhutanese Radish Stew which came with vermicelli and had a lighter taste.
The ingredients for this soup were simple and healthy too!
My favourite soup was the Bjasha Maroo, the Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew.
The chicken was delicious and tender, and I loved how it complemented the rest of the ingredients in the stew. The burst of flavours from the soup was damn shiok, and even though it was also spicy, I did not mind it at all.
YX and I tried our hand in making Momo, a type of steamed dumpling that is a traditional delicacy in Bhutan.
It looked easy when I watched the demonstration, but as it turned out, wrapping the filling was more difficult than I thought. My Momo looked quite ugly, but oh well.
I would much prefer to eat these steamed Momos instead!
The Momos could also be pan-fried or deep-fried, but steaming is a healthier option.
Red rice is a staple in Bhutan, is semi-milled and cooks faster than unmilled brown rice. It was pretty yummy too!
Mangey is a Bhutanese pizza. Not a fan of this though so I just ate a tiny bit. :X
Instead, I am a huge fan of these Bhutanese pancakes, which served as the dessert platter on the buffet table.
There was a piece of banana sandwiched between the pancakes and they come with either strawberry or blueberry toppings. I loved it!
For drinks, there was Buckwheat Tea, a zero-calorie, healthy tea that you could drink to your fill without the guilt.
We found that it tasted much better when you mix in a spoon of Bhutan Honey. That's a bottle of good quality honey you see there.
Absolutely love our door gifts from The Soup Spoon, which included a cute We Bare Bears cooler bag, Lemongrass skin spray insect repellent from Bhutan Natural and..... BHUTANESE SPICY CHICKEN STEW SOUP PACK! YAYYYY! I shared the soup pack with my parents for dinner few days later and they enjoyed it tremendously.
Thank you The Soup Spoon for organizing yet another successful launch party and for opening our eyes to Bhutanese cuisine. I'm looking forward to their next launch party!
The Soup Spoon
8A Marina Boulevard
Marina Bay Link Mall, #B2-41/42/43
Singapore 018984
Disclaimer: Thank you The Soup Spoon for having us at this launch party. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
Have you been to the happiest country on earth?
Well, Souperchef Anna, the Founder of The Soup Spoon did, and in return, she created a series of soups that were inspired by her recent trip to Bhutan. YASSSSSS! I am always excited to try Anna's Souperchef Specials!
I was happy to receive an invitation to attend #BhutanUnfiltered, The Soup Spoon Launch Party at Marina Bay Link Mall.
Although I have never been to Bhutan before, I know that the country has a strong culture and beautiful mountainous scenery. The locals lead simple lives and are advocates of environmental sustainability. Not only did Bhutan ban the use and sale of plastic bags since 20 years ago, I learnt from the launch party that the locals were also not allowed to carry their own plastic bags in public. Whoa!
The launch party was in the form of a buffet this round, unlike the usual parties where we had individual plated dishes.
Nonetheless, I preferred the buffet because I get to control the amount I eat. Best of all, there was an array of Bhutan-inspired dishes on this buffet table. I could not wait to try a cuisine that I have never eaten before in my life.
From now till 2 October, customers of The Soup Spoon can look out for three special soups, inspired by the food and ingredients that were commonly used by Bhutanese locals.
We tried the Roasted Vegetables with Chilli Cheese Stew which was tasty, creamy and rich. The soups served were largely spicy, although they differ in terms of spice levels, so if you have low spice tolerance, do take note!
YX enjoyed the Bhutanese Radish Stew which came with vermicelli and had a lighter taste.
The ingredients for this soup were simple and healthy too!
My favourite soup was the Bjasha Maroo, the Bhutanese Spicy Chicken Stew.
The chicken was delicious and tender, and I loved how it complemented the rest of the ingredients in the stew. The burst of flavours from the soup was damn shiok, and even though it was also spicy, I did not mind it at all.
YX and I tried our hand in making Momo, a type of steamed dumpling that is a traditional delicacy in Bhutan.
It looked easy when I watched the demonstration, but as it turned out, wrapping the filling was more difficult than I thought. My Momo looked quite ugly, but oh well.
I would much prefer to eat these steamed Momos instead!
The Momos could also be pan-fried or deep-fried, but steaming is a healthier option.
Red rice is a staple in Bhutan, is semi-milled and cooks faster than unmilled brown rice. It was pretty yummy too!
Mangey is a Bhutanese pizza. Not a fan of this though so I just ate a tiny bit. :X
Instead, I am a huge fan of these Bhutanese pancakes, which served as the dessert platter on the buffet table.
There was a piece of banana sandwiched between the pancakes and they come with either strawberry or blueberry toppings. I loved it!
For drinks, there was Buckwheat Tea, a zero-calorie, healthy tea that you could drink to your fill without the guilt.
We found that it tasted much better when you mix in a spoon of Bhutan Honey. That's a bottle of good quality honey you see there.
Absolutely love our door gifts from The Soup Spoon, which included a cute We Bare Bears cooler bag, Lemongrass skin spray insect repellent from Bhutan Natural and..... BHUTANESE SPICY CHICKEN STEW SOUP PACK! YAYYYY! I shared the soup pack with my parents for dinner few days later and they enjoyed it tremendously.
Thank you The Soup Spoon for organizing yet another successful launch party and for opening our eyes to Bhutanese cuisine. I'm looking forward to their next launch party!
The Soup Spoon
8A Marina Boulevard
Marina Bay Link Mall, #B2-41/42/43
Singapore 018984
Disclaimer: Thank you The Soup Spoon for having us at this launch party. Reviews are based on personal experiences.
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