tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61993833175092755432024-03-18T17:47:53.750+08:00Soph LeowBeauty ♡ ParentingSophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.comBlogger712125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-68172546556331734502022-01-28T02:41:00.002+08:002022-01-28T02:41:23.105+08:00Shopee CNY Food Alley 2022 + Coding (Week 2)This week we began actual coding lessons and they did not hold back at all. On Monday we were given an assignment to create part of a website from scratch, and damnnnnnn... it was challenging. Well if I thought that was bad, Wednesday's assignment was even tougher and I'm already dreading the assignment we'll be getting later this afternoon.<br>
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I am silently struggling to catch up because between motherhood duties, the self-study reading materials, online lessons, assignments and assessments... it is a lot to chew all at once. I can be just getting into the mood to code, finally understanding the gist on what's going on, and then my helper walks into the room telling me it's time to cook Elina's meals. I can't put aside my daughter's meals because she needs to eat, so once again I have to put my work aside to fulfill my motherhood duties. It really is a challenge to juggle everything.<br>
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On a happier note, my recent collaboration with Shopee loaded up our CNY goodie cart!!<br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846727029/in/dateposted-public/" title="Shopee 2022 CNY Food Alley"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846727029_e82ab36cb3.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Shopee 2022 CNY Food Alley"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br>
They sent us pineapple tarts from 3 different brands and so this year, I don't have to hear my husband whining about how he hasn't had his fill of pineapple tarts. 🤣 吃到他够!!! LOL my mother-in-law also bought a 3-tier trolley to store all our CNY goodies this year and wasn't expecting us to fill up the trolley so quickly.<br>
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Here are some of the pics taken for the collab. I've posted the same set over IG!<br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846359201/in/dateposted-public/" title="Shopee-Exclusive Shangri La Pineapple Tarts"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846359201_aa34c222f9.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Shopee-Exclusive Shangri La Pineapple Tarts"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51845430647/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mdm Ling Bakery CNY Gift Set"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51845430647_1ab13f9d6e.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Mdm Ling Bakery CNY Gift Set"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846472243/in/dateposted-public/" title="Jack Daniels Whiskey CNY 2022 Edition"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846472243_c95d802c5f.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Jack Daniels Whiskey CNY 2022 Edition"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51845430702/in/dateposted-public/" title="Gin Thye Pineapple Tarts"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51845430702_ce248e716a.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Gin Thye Pineapple Tarts"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846472293/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fortune Recipes Mini Abalone"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846472293_7502413961.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Fortune Recipes Mini Abalone"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846472188/in/dateposted-public/" title="Four Seasons Durian CNY Gift Set"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846472188_62e952fb8e.jpg" width="400" height="500" alt="Four Seasons Durian CNY Gift Set"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
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<center><div style="border: solid 1px black; width: 500px; height: auto; text-align:center; padding-top: 15px;">Shopee is having their <em>CNY Food Alley</em> from <strong>now until 6 February</strong>!<br>
Enjoy $8 Daily Deals and up to 80% off!!<br>
Stack with <strong>$8 off vouchers on 1,888+ brands</strong> for the biggest savings to<br>
unlock roaring low prices... all without having to queue!!<br>
<br>
<button type="button" style="padding: 3px; background-color:white;"><a href="https://shopee.sg/m/chinese-new-year-sale-cnyfoodalley?utm_source=CNYFoodAlley_Sophie&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=CNYFoodAlley_Sophie">Claim $12 OFF Shopee FnB Vouchers!</a></button><br>
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Oh yeah, I got so frustrated coding with only one screen – my frustration got so bad I burst out into tears.<br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51845430612/in/dateposted-public/" title="New ASUS 16" ZenScreen"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51845430612_8ac5a6809a.jpg" width="399" height="500" alt="New ASUS 16" ZenScreen"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
My loving husband rushed down to Challenger @ Jem during dinnertime (even though he was hungry af) and got me the last Asus portable monitor!! He has been so supportive with my course; I don't know what I would do without him. <br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51846359341/in/dateposted-public/" title="afterlight 26"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51846359341_20a1d597bb.jpg" width="399" height="500" alt="afterlight 26"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
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He even drove me down all the way down to MBS' Apple Store to get me a Magic Mouse + Airpods Pro! LOL I spent so much money upgrading my gear just for this course.. current amount is at $1.2k 🥲💸 Pokgai liao...<br>
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Ok I got to get back to coding now. This is just a short update on what's been going on this week. I've got a lot more studying/catching up to do! Gotta make my money's worth... buy all the gear so expensive. Need to put them all to good use and study crazy hard!!<br>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.819836-26.958150836178845 68.663586 29.662316836178846 138.976086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-89975135130922345432022-01-19T02:24:00.005+08:002022-01-19T14:50:25.758+08:00Back to Coding<div align="center"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/51828653581/in/dateposted-public/" title="Back to Coding Cover"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51828653581_7387a8dbfc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Back to Coding Cover"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<caption><p><i>Can't stay away from Tiktok even while coding</i></p></caption>
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<p>After 2 years of not blogging/writing code, I am diving back into the deep ocean of code. I am so rusty, so many things have changed – even Blogger looks so different! It's literally forcing me to type in code. Well I could use the practice so who I am to complain? lol</p>
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<p>Things are coming back slowly to my mind as I go about with my studies. Some say might say I'm crazy (I have had a few friends who think I'm mad doing this) but I am realising another dream of mine. For the past 10 years, I've always had this nagging feeling that I should have pursued computer science. I let my parents' disdain for technology affect my academic choices and it has been a regret of mine.</p>
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<p>With all that's said, I don't blame them. They did give me a choice in the end to make my own decision: I chose this path.</p>
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<p>I feel like everything is coming round to a full circle. It's been a long path but at least I clearly know what I want and what my interests are. Being clear-headed of who I am as a person is one of the things I am most proud of about myself.</p>
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<p>This blogskin/website is in need of a total revamp – Ethan is now 4 and I've got a 2nd kid! Who knows, I might just have it be my portfolio. Creating a website that seamlessly combines and integrates professional commercial writing with personal causal journaling (like such) with neither sticking out like a sore thumb. Jazz the pages up with some fancy animation and javascript. Perhaps throw in some video plug-ins for smoothless watching of Tiktok or Instagram videos?</p>
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<p>Lol I think I am dreaming a bit too big. Let me first finish up on my HTML studies. It is only day 2 of the course (the amount of course material to go through is heavy!)</p>
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<p>To new readers, welcome! You're just in time for another transition in my life. Just nice I am turning 30 this year!</p>
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<p>To old readers, hello old friend. Thank you for sticking around, I'm glad to have you! <strong>Leave me a comment below if you are an old reader, will send a little something your way!</strong> FYI only applicable for those residing in SG because I aren't got money for overseas postage! Raising kids is expensive!!</p>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.819836-26.958150836178845 68.663586 29.662316836178846 138.976086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-3430781543132190742020-06-11T00:48:00.001+08:002020-07-06T18:26:53.231+08:00Alcheme Skincare: Singapore's Very Own Customised Beauty Brand<b><i>Author's Note: Before you read this review, you should know that I am not paid to write this nor does the brand know about the development of this article. I am doing it because I truly love Alcheme A LOT and have been using their products since their start about 2 years ago. Thank you Tuyen & Constance for sharing the wonders of Alcheme with me!</i></b><br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv82v2Ar7WD6o5fpq4QoNmSmUIi-q2h6YlmQJtnE3gkrZYpwmk-c5isRnUpcBjcbAoZdpdU4TMfSHjXyfL3aSfX9jcQJ3m6g8fCS_LYABUdTzpzVgFwSJB4dgkApY3b_Fja3OHeOjxdHq/s1600/IMG_6431_Fotor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv82v2Ar7WD6o5fpq4QoNmSmUIi-q2h6YlmQJtnE3gkrZYpwmk-c5isRnUpcBjcbAoZdpdU4TMfSHjXyfL3aSfX9jcQJ3m6g8fCS_LYABUdTzpzVgFwSJB4dgkApY3b_Fja3OHeOjxdHq/s640/IMG_6431_Fotor.png" width="640" height="427" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1067" id="id_158c_9965_22d1_abf4" style="width: 640px; height: auto;"></a></div><br>
About 8 years back, I grumbled about the lack of an affordable customised skincare brand in Singapore – heck, we barely even had any local skincare brands! I couldn't help thinking, wouldn't it be great to have skincare products that required no experimentation and I know would definitely work for me? The bespoke skincare brands that I had seen online were all based in the States and a hefty price tag came with all of them.<br>
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Fast-forward to the present moment, I am proud to say that the beauty scene in Singapore has evolved greatly and today I will be sharing one of my favourites with you, <b><a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/">Alcheme Skincare</a></b>. <br>
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I started using Alcheme 3 years ago in 2018. They had only 2 products then, a serum and an emulsion. Today the company has evolved their product range and now has toners, cleansers, makeup removers, eye creams, sleeping masks... and I am pretty sure they have more tricks up their sleeves, waiting to be unveiled!<br>
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I love that the company never settles. They are constantly improving. It almost seems like they don't ever take a break – which trust me, is a compliment! They are always either finding ways to improve their formula, looking for a better ingredient, coming up with new products, working on the texture of their existing products, figuring out how to make their packaging more user-friendly & eco-friendly, etc etc. Ths team of busy women never stop and they are truly amazing!<br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49991502548/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alcheme's 1st Gen Packaging"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49991502548_3c56cb4de6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Alcheme's 1st Gen Packaging" id="id_a8e7_5b68_1f8b_2f22" style="width: 640px; height: auto;"></a><script async="" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>My first two bottles of Alcheme Skincare in their old packaging</i></b></center><br>
Now onto the actual product itself and how I fell in love with it. I had my doubts when I started using Alcheme. The formula back then was a lot thicker and my skin was a lot oilier. I was worried that their products would cause my skin to break out and held back from using it as frequently as I should.<br>
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Then July came along... the month of the Hungry Ghost Festival. A lot of paper and joss-stick burning. It didn't help that in the same year, in the same month, haze hit Singapore. My skin went crazy! I was going through weeks of annoying acne and inflamed skin, my face was like crap. <br>
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Alcheme dropped me a text to ask how I was doing, how was the serum that they had sent me and I was honest with them. I hadn't dare to use their products because of the effed-up state of my skin. I was worried that the heavy texture and its customised skincare benefits - I had ask for more hydration because I wanted the "Korean Glow" - would do more harm than good to my skin.<br>
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Now you gotta understand that I had been fighting with my crazy face situation for days now, throwing all sorts of acne cleansers and pimple creams but nothing worked! I went through 3 range of products and the state of my skin was like a roller coaster, except that the ride never came down, it just went up, HIGHER up, down a little bit but never hitting the ground. I was incredibly sad and desperately wanted back my smooth canvas.<br>
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The team at Alcheme are my skincare guardian angels. They could have left me to figure out my skin alone and waited till it calmed down – which to be honest I had no idea how long it would take and back then, it seemed like I was doomed to live with acne for the rest of my life. Instead of all that, the team said that they would get her chemist to quickly put together a serum to combat acne/pollution issues and have the serum sent to me! <b>THAT SERUM WAS DA BOMB!</b><br>
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Within 3 days, the serum cleared away all the acne that I had been fighting for weeks. My smooth canvas returned. Alcheme gained a new loyal fan. If you are wondering, that wasn't the only occasion where I used the serum. I kept and continued using the serum for months to come, especially during the week of my menstrual period when I know that my skin is more likely to break out. The serum helped to keep my acne in check and curtail the break-out.<br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49991493248/in/dateposted-public/" title="Alcheme's Eye Serum and Mask (2nd Gen Packaging)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49991493248_b4e7ea50d8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Alcheme's Eye Serum and Mask (2nd Gen Packaging)" id="id_a866_fc1b_65be_7b0f" style="width: 640px; height: auto;"></a><script async="" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>In 2019, they created a <a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/product-type/eye-care/personalised-eye-serum/">Personalised Eye Serum</a> and their own <a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/hydration/rejuvenate-me-shieldrepair-mask-50ml/">Cream Mask</a></i></b></center><br>
Alcheme also has these <a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/radiance-concerns/brighten-me-radiance-serum/">pre-concocted serums</a> for those who aren’t keen in personalised ones. I was given a bottle of this pre-concocted serum at a separate event (it was in the event’s goodie bag) and because I already had my personalised serum, I decided to share the pre-concocted one with my mom. <br>
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Now here’s what you need to know about my mom. Before I became a beauty guru and forced a skincare routine upon my mom, she had no skincare routine at all. She was too lazy to do anything to her face and her “skincare routine” comprised of a facial cleanser just to wash her face... and that’s it! 😱<br>
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She had no idea of what to put on her face (she still doesn’t 😂 and so I’ll routinely check on her facial condition, prescribe her a bunch of products and she diligently follows thru with my instructions) and before my intervention amongst my mom and her seven sisters, she didn’t have the worst complexion but it wasn’t the best either. I am proud to say that my mama now has THE BEST complexion – her sisters envy her good skin and I take full credit for it! Woohoo! <br>
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Back to my story on the pre-concocted serum, so I gave my mom a bottle that was meant to combat anti-aging issues with instructions to apply every morning. One month later, her skin was glowing! The skin dullness was gone, we noticed that the fine lines were gone, and the wrinkles had faded by a little. And this is the story of how I converted my mom to become a loyal fan of Alcheme as well! <br>
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To use Alcheme, you have to be very patient. They are unlike the typical big brand products where the results appear instantaneously. Their products take a couple of days and depending on your formula and benefits, it can sometimes take up to 28 days. Alcheme uses all-natural ingredients, nothing too harsh nor too potent and that is why, the results take time to happen. <br>
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49991489268/in/dateposted-public/" title="Current Alcheme Products That I'm Using"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49991489268_81540daaa0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Current Alcheme Products That I'm Using" id="id_c3d3_12b7_fea7_ca2d" style="width: 640px; height: auto;"></a><script async="" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br>
I am currently using their <b><i><a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/anti-ageing-concerns/my-gentle-cleansing-gel/">Gentle Cleansing Gel</a></i></b>, <b><i>Rejuvenate Me Toner</i></b>, <b><i>Personalised Serum</i></b> and <b><i><a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/hydration/personalised-emulsion/">Personalised Moisturiser</a></i></b>. I have also tried a sample size of their <b><i>Exfoliating Cleansing Gel</i></b>.<br>
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My top favourites are their <b><i>Personalised Serum</i></b>, <b><i>Exfoliating Cleansing Gel</i></b> and toner.
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I find Alcheme's serums to be incredibly effective on my skin and as mentioned in my raves above, their <b><a href="https://alcheme.one/product-category/personalised-bespoke-series/"><i>Personalised Serum</i></a></b> is my go-to when my skin breaks out!<br>
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As for the <b><i><a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/anti-ageing-concerns/my-exfoliating-cleansing-gel/">Exfoliating Cleansing Gel</a></i></b>, I would highly recommend everyone to try this. Tuyen shared with me on the story behind this creation and it is a very interesting one! We all know that typically exfoliation is an extra step in our skincare routine and this step occurs only every once a week (because our skin is delicate and we <u>should not</u> exfoliate on a daily basis). It is easily forgotten, especially when our week becomes crazy and we lose track of 'extra steps/things' in life during those times. <br>
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Tuyen said that she often forgets to do her once-a-week exfoliation and finally one day, she had had enough of this problem and thus turned to their in-house chemist to see if she could develop a solution to this problem! And that is how the <b><i>Exfoliating Cleansing Gel</i></b> came about! This baby is a facial cleansing gel with added AHA natural fruit extract to help cleanse and exfoliate the skin. It was made to be gentle enough for daily usage! This is the perfect night-time facial cleanser to use every day.<br>
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Now as for their toner, I love the texture of their toners – the one that I am using now is <b><i><a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/typeconcern/concerns/anti-ageing-concerns/rejuvenate-me-shieldrepair-toner/">Rejuvenate Me Toner</a></i></b>. Their toners are a tad more viscous than water (really just a slighttttt bit! it is barely noticeable) but still lightweight and fast to absorb into the skin. The toner is alcohol-free and makes a good first step in any skincare routine!<br>
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After reading this lengthy review, I hope it has given you more insight into Alcheme and its products. <br>
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Once again let me re-emphasise that I am not paid to write this review. I have worked with the brand on numerous collaborations and have truly enjoyed their products and felt that they deserve more recognition and good word on the internet. Because the prices of their personalised products are a tad steep, ease away your pre-commitment hesitation by <a href="https://alcheme.one/shop/offers/travel-size/personalised-serum-sample/">trying out a sample of your personalised blend</a> for just <b>$10</b>. Only if it works, then get the full-size bottle! Here is a promo code <b>[ SOPH20 ]</b> for 20% off with min spend $120. <br>
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I hope you'll fall in love with Alcheme as like how I did! <i>(Srsly, best skincare brand ever!)</i>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.8198360.8441055 103.17438899999999 1.8600605 104.465283tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-79916483317738333942020-03-30T22:38:00.001+08:002020-03-30T22:51:49.385+08:00MONTHLY BLOG: February and March, two months in one<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49716969767/in/dateposted-public/" title="Family photoshoot with Depth of Tales"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49716969767_e491eff097_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Family photoshoot with Depth of Tales"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Photoshoot with <a href="http://www.depthoftales.com/">Depth Of Tales</a> in February</b></i></center><br />
I am really <b><i>really</i></b> trying to blog more, write more. I was appalled at myself when I realised that I had only published 8 blog posts last year. Well done me, shame on me. <br />
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I am seriously hoping that this writing habit would kick in again and stay. I do miss those days when I poured out my mind and well... leave to regret later on when I am 5 or 10 years older, reading back on my old blog posts. Technically I never do, because I know that I'll cringe. What usually happens is that a follower would drop me a DM and say "oh hey I read your blog post... from like 8 years ago!"<br />
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Me when I read that line:<br />
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<center><img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/dARUXSVNXc5Da/giphy.gif" />></center><br />
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<i>Date of writing: 7 February 2020</i><br />
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Life has been a whirlwind for me. I have been sick half of January and the illness has now followed me thru to February. I honestly hope that I do get better soon. Ethan has skipped school for close to a week now, what started as a fever that lasted for 3 days became mouth ulcers... I seriously hope that it doesn't develop into HFMD. Keeping my fingers crossed.<br />
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My new maid should be arriving in about 2 weeks time. I told the husband that I want to go to a temple before she arrives to pray for luck because my luck has seriously been crap for the past two maids. Ok to be fair, the second one was not as terrible, she was pretty okay but I had to release her due to her hearing issues. Whereas the third one... as y'all know from my previous post, she really is shit.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49716115663/in/dateposted-public/" title="Before his morning school bus!"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49716115663_226625c550_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Before his morning school bus!"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Ethan started taking the school bus (to school) during the first week of February!</b></i></center><br />
<i>Date of writing: 11 February 2020</i><br />
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Good news! My new helper will be arriving in 2 weeks time. I am refraining from talking much about her, for fear of jinxing myself (AGAIN!)<br />
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Calista and I were saying about how whenever we talk about our helpers online and express our gratitude for their presence... shit happens. Shit always happens. So the best thing is to just not talk about our helper, have little to no hope/expectation – or rather we have but we just don't talk about it online – and maybe then perhaps... the helper would work out. What do y'all think about this? Rational or just superstitious?<br />
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<i>Date of writing: 15 February 2020</i><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49716656536/in/dateposted-public/" title="Keys to our Bidadari BTO"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49716656536_dc42b26b40_z.jpg" width="510" height="640" alt="Keys to our Bidadari BTO"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
Collected our BTO keys in end January, and nearly after half a month... we finally went to open the doors! We did the usual superstition stuff... roll pineapple (read: in our instance, it was THROW pineapple), sprinkle salt and rice, also did a check around our 3-room apartment at Bidadari. For its size... really very ex lor. $350k 🤯 <br />
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Don’t even have space to put a regular fridge in the kitchen, I’m thinking that we either put the fridge outside of the kitchen or we’ll have to get those super slim fridges made for tiny new HDB apartments 🤭<br />
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The estate is incredibly dusty and messy. They are still doing finishing touches around our area and the construction for the other estates are still ongoing. We took a walk on our floor and there were so many families who have either just started renovation or if not haven’t even open doors — we can tell they haven’t opened their doors yet from the flyers that are still littering their door and doorway. I guess maybe some might have opened but never pick up? 🤷🏻♀️<br />
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<i>Date of writing: 30 March 2020</i><br />
<br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/49716655826/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ethan's First Day Riding The School Bus Home"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49716655826_78405d21da_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Ethan's First Day Riding The School Bus Home"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>He started taking the school bus back home in the first week of March. Because Ethan was crying so hard on the first day, the bus uncle told me to get on the bus and ride home with Ethan, LOL. #freeridehome</b></i></center><br />
It's been more than a month since my last update. Life got the better of me (again) - oops! I talked about it on IG story, but I'll share briefly about it on here again. I failed to get my new helper in the end and am currently still stuck in a "maid-less" situation. <br />
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My 3rd helper arrived in the third week of February and we were psyched. A night before the scheduled pick-up date, my agent dropped me a text to inform me that she was caught by MOM and we were not to go pick her up at the agency the next day. My heart sank. More problems? Sianz.<br />
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Till today, I don't know the reason of why she was caught and detained. She went through 3 rounds of interview (including a lie detector test) and was made to stay overnight at MOM's lodgings for over a week. The entire interview process took close to a month before the final verdict came out – she was to be repatriated back to her hometown. Victor and I don't think that it is a simple matter of being underage... we say so because, where got just because underage need to do lie detector test, get detained by MOM to stay at their lodging, and after they issued their conclusion they didn't release her immediately to send her home either. They continued to keep her at their lodging for almost a week more. Everything was just... <b><i>so strange</b></i>.<br />
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I have selected my 4th maid but because #covid19, Indonesia is under lockdown, their embassy isn't working, all paperwork has halted and my maid is stuck in Indonesia. I have no estimated deadline on when my new helper is able to arrive.<br />
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The daily cost to house in a suitable accommodation for her to serve her stay-home-notice is exorbitant... $84/day. Which amounts up to over $1000+ for 14 days. And we don't qualify for the subsidy because albeit I chose my 4th helper super early, the agency had to wait till my 3rd helper was sent home before they could send in the application for my 4th helper and Indonesia's side was taking their own sweet time to send my agent details of the maid for the application. <br />
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Thankfully our previous home hasn't been sold yet (property market in that estate isn't doing well ☹️) and so we've seeked permission from MOM to use it as a location for our 4th helper to serve her stay-home notice. Okay la, at least a bigger space for her so she will feel less confined and I'll stock up the place with sufficient Indomie, Indonesian sambal and Keropok for her to snack on 😂<br />
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I'll also be video-calling her everyday to check up on her and because she will have access to a smartphone, she can watch youtube videos all day long. So shiok hor, come Singapore to work but the first 14 days is almost (note: I used the word 'almost') like a vacation.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com1Singapore1.352083 103.8198360.8441055 103.17438899999999 1.8600605 104.465283tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-74589236571775471642020-02-11T02:15:00.000+08:002020-02-11T02:15:02.768+08:00WEEKLY BLOG: First Month of 2020 & Life Without A Helper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixilJ5HKWB4gnak_kfyUz3uuVFkYm5WnBnlKf2snnzSuOb5ZksM-spMd-k6MIuVZaO7Xk_VkkPH43z-W9-rznAruePE4oTXjZfMJG_yHQ6-jU8l9lkkK5ZEMoJL9889lvGA9hROihxOOhr/s1600/IMG_8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixilJ5HKWB4gnak_kfyUz3uuVFkYm5WnBnlKf2snnzSuOb5ZksM-spMd-k6MIuVZaO7Xk_VkkPH43z-W9-rznAruePE4oTXjZfMJG_yHQ6-jU8l9lkkK5ZEMoJL9889lvGA9hROihxOOhr/s640/IMG_8169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We are just past the first month of the new year. Just so you know, I did make attempts on keeping up with my weekly blog — but they all ended up being half-written posts rotting away in my draft box (oops?). I should be getting rid of them soon, I will get rid of them soon. Anyhoo, let’s dive straight into today’s topic. <br />
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<i>Date of writing: 1st January 2020</i><br />
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After a very long while, here I am, back again for another update. We have fast-forward to the first day of a brand new year. It's been two decades since the turn of the millennium. Tomorrow my "new" maid (let's call her 'maid #2') will be returning to the agency and be transferred to her new employer, and as my NEW helper (maid #3) has yet to arrive from Indonesia... I'll be left to look after my kiddo <b>ALONE</b>.<br />
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The next two weeks will be incredibly challenging because Victor will be going to the States on a work trip... a period when I have NO HELPER at home and to top things off, Ethan will be starting school in a brand new environment. Seriously, good luck to me.<br />
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Chinese New Year is in 3 weeks and my husband will be returning just slightly in time to make it for family reunion dinner, and hopefully have his jet lag adjusted back.<br />
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<center>*****</center><br />
<i>Date of writing: 29th January 2020</i><br />
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So I started the year with a maid (let’s just skip the whole “we can’t call them maids or helpers and should appropriately address them as foreign domestic workers” sort of crap — I respect my helpers and have the utmost love for them because they have been a great help to my life, but it is the truth that they came to Singapore seeking employment as a maid) for 2 days before she transferred to her new employer* - I miss you Ah Tun! - and was left to look after Ethan alone for over a week before my new (3rd) helper arrived. Mind you, in that week of looking after Ethan alone, I was TRULY alone. My husband had left for a work trip in USA and so it was just me, Ethan and my in-law’s.<br />
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*Ah Tun was the second helper that I hired but had to transfer her due to language problems 😢 With the help of my maid agent, I managed to find her a new employer whose household speaks Malay. The last I communicated with her (which was 3 days ago), she is nicely settled in and happy with her new employment! <br />
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My 3rd helper... *groans* Three days into working at my house, she voiced out that she wanted a transfer. Reasons? I was too fierce. I scold her too much. She didn’t know why she had to be scolded.<br />
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I’ll admit. I’m fierce and yes, I did scold her. I know I know, big red flags... shouldn’t scold, should talk, they are human beings too... I tried okay. I really tried. Out of all my helpers, I was the NICEST to her and fine, since she didn’t like being scolded, no matter how freaking irritated I was by her, I didn’t scold. I swallowed my anger down. Even when she... <br />
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<ul><li>Left my son ALONE in a closed-door room (who does that?!?!?!!!)</li>
<li>Fucked up my son’s meal when I told her 3 times within 30 minutes that we are cooking noodles for him today and she doesn’t need to cook porridge (she still cooked porridge for him in the end 🤦🏻♀️)</li>
<li>Didn’t finish cooking his lunch when my ONLY instructions to her before I left house to pick my son from school was to put the damn meat & vegetables into the porridge at 12pm & she failed to do it BECAUSE. </li>
<li>Gave me attitude when she didn’t manage to talk to her husband on the phone for 2 days... I permitted her to bring her handphone from Indonesia but her trainer wouldn’t her bring it. I did let her call home using MY PHONE and I’m paying for her damn IDD calls. I let her try several times but her husband just didn’t pick up. What you want me to do? 🙄 I even asked my father in law to lend me his old phone to let her use, and gave WiFi access to that phone. But then she complained, no SIM card... Haven’t get work permit yet, how to apply for SIM card?!</li>
<li>Complained to my husband “I scared, I very scared, I never pack room because I scared mam scold” when she failed to do her daily duty of packing our bedroom and I noticed that and GENTLY reminded (I swear, it was damn gentle and I spoke super nicely) her to go do it. I didn’t even say shit and she went to complain to him. Wtf.</li>
<li>Lied to me during the video interview that she knows how to take care of kids because she took care of her own daughter in Indonesia. But in actual fact she has never taken care of her daughter before and the caretaking duty is done by her mother-in-law.</li>
</ul><br />
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So many other crap that I’ve gotten from her, I’m lazy to list them all down. And this all happened within the 11 days that she worked for me... ELEVEN, just 11.<br />
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Right before CNY, before the agency closed for a week for CNY break, I decided to send her back. I didn’t want to risk tolerating her nonsense and be left without help from my agent for over a week. I would rather be exhausted than to lose sleep and go mental over my FDW. <br />
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She expressed initial shock but got over it quickly and didn’t show any signs of disappointment/upset. In fact she seemed happy to be back at the agency. So okay, it’s a win-win situation... although technically it’s considered a loss for me because I paid $800 to bring a maid that was useless to me, all the way from Indonesia. Waste of my money 🤬 Someone should do something about this, protect the employers more. There are so many groups and communities that protect the FDW but none for the employers. It is so unfair and the injustice is silently killing me and probably a ton of other employers too. <br />
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And here we are at where I am today. Back at the state of having no helper, and it’s been like this for a week now. There is no foresight as to when my next helper will be coming because I haven’t even choose yet. Husband and I decided not to rush the selection process because we don’t want another helper with a half-hearted heart and us having to waste more money on our end. <br />
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I’m currently getting help from my father in law and my mom to ferry Ethan to and from school, and that is a big help because it is nearly impossible to control my active son on a public bus and my arms are terribly sore from carrying him to the bus stop, on the bus, to school, and the cycle repeats for the journey home. <br />
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Also, with the current outbreak of Wuhan Virus / Novel Coronavirus, I find it safer to just keep him away from mass public transport if possible. The incubation period is way too long and an ill person can infect others while being in the incubation phase without displaying any symptoms – I'm still debating with my husband on this as it says that the source of this statement is unreliable, however I begged to differ as the sources are from well-established news websites. We'll wait and see how this all goes.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-82315088499120812602019-11-04T23:14:00.000+08:002019-11-04T23:14:05.145+08:00NEW VIDEO: Our Cruise Experience with Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqTEq_OHJEvjWdzRssbXRgqgTRG5Tbk7675kjddSUEdUG4GvNGpjUpoG0T6CpgLQngPxXnzRq29Y6xEVgSM6R9xsD9-joBqSutshSNWcxJSe7C40XhgU92_oUBdD5GWKQA1E1K1LgSBJL/s1600/A241EAA9-27CE-4483-9A72-17CE9B4C01D6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqTEq_OHJEvjWdzRssbXRgqgTRG5Tbk7675kjddSUEdUG4GvNGpjUpoG0T6CpgLQngPxXnzRq29Y6xEVgSM6R9xsD9-joBqSutshSNWcxJSe7C40XhgU92_oUBdD5GWKQA1E1K1LgSBJL/s640/A241EAA9-27CE-4483-9A72-17CE9B4C01D6.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Finally! I've uploaded the vlogs that we shot during our Royal Caribbean cruise earlier this year in February. You can find the videos on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKn9OUaFop_6CnveHLfVe1A">here</a> or scroll down to watch the embedded version. To be very honest, this is not a cruise that I will go for again and I would not recommend this cruise for kids below 3 years of age. Here is a quick review (in writing) of our time onboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of the seas.<br />
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I was dissatisfied in many ways, and having gone onboard Genting Dream for a 6D5N cruise last year... Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas paled so much in comparison. For starters, this is a really old ship. The rooms are in need of renovation and all the power sockets in our cabin are the US type – so please remember to bring a universal adaptor or you're <i>royally</i> (pun intended) screwed.<br />
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The services provided can definitely be improved upon. Free bottled water is NOT available onboard throughout the trip, like from day 1 when you enter your cabin... NO DRINKING WATER, AT ALL! This was something that really shocked me. The only way that you can get water is to either drink from the tap or buy Evian bottled water that cost US$3-4 onboard the ship. <br />
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Thankfully Victor and I are the kiasu sort who pack for all sorts of emergencies and so we purchased bottled water from RedMart – to be used for our kiddo such as for his daily intake of water, meals and milk because I really don't want to feed him water from a tap on a cruise (stomach flu or stomachache how?!) – packed them into our luggage and we lugged this heavy-ass luggage onto the ship.<br />
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Because of this, we had a delay in receiving our luggage because technically... you aren't allowed to bring bottled water onboard (think about it: one less avenue for them to force us to spend money on the darn ship). The husband had to explain to the crew that it was for our kiddo, and only then were we allowed to pull our heavy AF luggage back into our stateroom.<br />
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If you think that it is too much of a hassle to lug bottled water onboard, you can go for the option of purchasing their Water Package. I have no idea how much it costs and couldn't seem to find the price anywhere online, however you can check out <a href="https://www.cruisehive.com/must-read-royal-caribbean-drink-package-guide/23761">this very detailed article</a> listing all the pros & cons of the various beverage packages onboard Royal Caribbean ships.<br />
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Next thing that annoyed me, the lifeguards refused to let Ethan into the swimming pool even though he had swim diapers on. (Note: NO SWIM DIAPERS ALLOWED) The only way for a baby to be in the damn pool is for them to be fully toilet-trained. Don't even try to lie because the lifeguard will badger you on and on and on. <br />
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You should also know that their lifeguards are incredibly bias. After refusing to let Ethan into the pool, I carried my disappointed kid and dragged my feet back towards the lift. On my way there, I noticed that a family of PRCs (there are A LOT of China tourists onboard) were dipping in the jacuzzi and they had their baby with them in the hot tub. Judging based on the size, chubbiness and movements of the baby, I would say that she was about 6-8 months old? There was no way that baby was fully toilet trained and so.. how come she can go into the pool and my 15 months old cannot?! <b>#angst</b><br />
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With swimming being out of the question, there was literally NOTHING for Ethan to do onboard the ship. Oh wait, there are some toys available in their chapel. However the toys are super worn-out and I noticed that some were also broken. I have no idea if the toys are ever cleaned and if yes how often – it's a matter of either an accident waiting to happen or an outbreak of HFMD.<br />
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To be fair, some of the staff were incredibly sweet. Our housekeeper made a super cute pig out of towels to entertain Ethan. The restaurant manager on our deck offered to cook a fresh batch of porridge for Ethan whenever we dine at his restaurant and we could put in a request to add fish, chicken, and any vegetables – cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, tomato... you name it and if they have it, they'll cook it! <br />
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This pretty much sums up my memory of our cruise onboard Royal Caribbean Voyager of The Seas. Like I mentioned in the beginning, this wasn't a very pleasant cruise experience and if I had to choose between Voyager of the Seas and Genting Dream, I would DEFINITELY go for the latter.<br />
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<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4RO2PluyOXM" width="560"></iframe></center><center><i><b>Cruising with Royal Caribbean Voyager of The Seas - Part 1</b></i></center><br />
<center><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SiSaHJCFEeA" width="560"></iframe></center><center><i><b>Cruising with Royal Caribbean Voyager of The Seas - Part 2</b></i></center>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-49775293530155486312019-10-02T18:17:00.000+08:002019-10-02T18:17:09.560+08:00WEEKLY BLOG: Reclaiming My BlogI am taking back my blog.<br />
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Not that I've ever lost it, but rather I lost the meaning of it. This used to be a space for me to record the events of my life & my thoughts. For a couple of years, it became an information platform filled with food reviews, travel guides, makeup swatches, parenting advices... I don't regret any of those articles – they were after all still events that occurred in my life.<br />
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What I am thinking of right now is to update this space more often with candid photos that are not edited to perfection, real-life 'boring' chronicles of my life and deep thoughts that pop up in my mind at 3am in the night. So without any further ado, let's begin with the happenings of last week.<br />
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<center>******</center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831267237/in/dateposted-public/" title="Daily Kisses For My Happy Puff"><img alt="Daily Kisses For My Happy Puff" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831267237_34654ba332_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
Still suffering from a burnt out from the previous week and also affected by the haze, I decided to take my week chill. I spent most of my days at home with Ethan, fetching him back from school, catching up on my sleep and... FINALLY I booked the plane tickets for our anniversary trip!<br />
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Victor and I (or rather just me because I puppy-faced him to bring me on a vacation 🤭) have been thinking on going for a just-us vacation for awhile now. We've never gone abroad without Ethan because my son glues himself to me at night and the stickiness level is like elephant glue. It was only until 2 weeks back when Ethan had a sudden change of heart and decided to go sleep with his grandparents for the night. <br />
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Oh, how the husband and I rejoiced! No kid sneaking into our bed in the middle of the night, turning 90-degrees to sleep horizontally while the rest of us slept vertically, kicking the living hell out of our backs and head-butting our abdomen... srsly not a joke to co-sleep with this toddler.<br />
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Anyway back to my story on our anniversary trip, this is the most impromptu trip that we've ever been on. Other than deciding that we will be travelling in the week of 10th October (because that's the date he asked me to be his girlfriend ☺️ and also he baked me my fav blueberry muffins for the first & last time... 😑), we had no idea what are our exact travelling dates nor where to.<br />
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I went onto <a href="https://www.skyscanner.com.sg/">skyscanner</a>, saw that Phuket was the cheapest city in Thailand to travel to during that week and tadah! That's how we settled on our destination. <br />
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Due to the rising prices of budget airlines, I've always had this suspicion that normal airlines might be cheaper on some flights. 'Lo & behold, for our upcoming trip to Phuket, prices for a normal airline were indeed cheaper!! Significantly cheaper. <br />
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I had already pulled out my credit card and was about to make payment on Scoot ($450++ not inclusive of credit card fees & taxes) for 2 return tickets to Phuket, when I thought to myself... 'Why not check the prices on SQ or Thai Airways?' And luckily I did!!!! I checked multiple times on Skyscanner, Google Flights – all the flight comparison websites said that budget airlines were the cheapest.<br />
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I went onto SQ's website and not only were the prices cheaper at $370, the flight timings were also better! Obviously I went with SQ. Hot meals and 60kgs of luggage included... can also accumulate Krisflyer miles, I didn't think twice. <br />
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<center><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/eFfmdb3.jpg" width="640" /></center><br />
So yes, I'll be heading to Phuket from 9-12 October!<br />
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I also met up with Lauren from The Fragrance Group for a quick catch-up. She brought me a new perfume each from Banana Republic & Christian Siriano. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831136616/in/dateposted-public/" title="Banana Republic & Christian Siriano new perfumes"><img alt="Banana Republic & Christian Siriano new perfumes" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831136616_a5c76dbf2e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><i>*NEW* perfumes from Banana Republic (Gardenia & Cardamom) and Christian Siriano (Silhouette Intimate)</i></center><br />
I'll be bringing these 2 new perfumes to Phuket to shoot, and hopefully I can transcend these scents into my visuals!<br />
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On the same day, I also met up with the lovely folks from L'Occitane together with the other girls (and boy) from our Beauty school! We got a sneak peek of their upcoming Christmas 2019 collection!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48830724268/in/dateposted-public/" title="Loccitane Christmas 2019 Sneak Peek"><img alt="Loccitane Christmas 2019 Sneak Peek" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48830724268_888cc633bc_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center>Heavily mosaic-ed photo because this new is still under embargo, so y'all will have to makedo with just their logo for now 🤫<br />
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There was <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chloetwl/">Chloe's</a> wedding on Saturday night!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831099506/in/dateposted-public/" title="Chloe's Wedding"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831099506_1c8bd17d62_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Chloe's Wedding"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831099386/in/dateposted-public/" title="Chloe's Wedding"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831099386_c8a834e2a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Chloe's Wedding"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><br />
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Hands down, the BEST wedding that I've ever attended! It was even better than my wedding. There was so much effort poured into their wedding, the amount of details, activities, the menu... I love every bit of their wedding! So fun & so memorable.<br />
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We did a one-take wedding dance video and it was surprisingly exhausting dancing to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" for so long (sorry la, I old liao 🤣). In all of our heads, we were thinking... "How come the song is still going on ah? Not ending yet ah?" And because it was for our dearest Chloe, we hung in there and shook our booties off!<br />
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And if only... the week ended on such a high note. Later that night when I returned home, Ethan was sleeping with my parents in law for the night. At around 2.30am, my MIL rapped on my bedroom door and thankfully I wasn't asleep yet. She said that Ethan seemed to be having a fever & told me to go check. I carried my lil fatty back into our bedroom to continue his care for the rest of the night, tending to his fever and needs... and from then on, it translated to a couple more sleepless nights...<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48830724858/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ethan High Fever"><img alt="Ethan High Fever" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48830724858_2d57676ee7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
We woke up on Sunday morning with Ethan's fever reaching 39°C, and that was with paracetamol and ibuprofen in his system. Ethan refused to drink any water and rejected his breakfast as well – the latter being the rarest occurrence because no matter how sick he was in the past, he would NEVER reject his meals. <br />
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The husband decided that this wouldn't do, and so we rushed the kiddo off to KK's Children Emergency room. His fever came down while we were in the Emergency room but the doctor insisted that we collect a urine sample so that they could rule out UTI as the cause of his fever.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831099706/in/dateposted-public/" title="Us at KK Women's & Children's Hospital"><img alt="Us at KK Women's & Children's Hospital" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831099706_c29f7555fe_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><i>At KK Women's and Children's Hospital</i></center><br />
Collecting a urine sample from a baby is a nightmare. What they do is to stick a urine bag on the kid, in hopes that when the kid does pee, the bag would help to collect sufficient urine to do a test. Now this collection method is often a hit-or-miss thing, because the kid is constantly moving about and the pee might spill out. If not, the urine bag might fail to collect any pee at all and the urine gets absorbed all into the diaper.<br />
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We waited for hours to collect the urine sample, going into the toilet multiple times to check if he had peed already or not. It was to the extent that Ethan started screaming his head off when we took down his pants and made hand motions that he wants us to remove the darn urine bag – trust me baby, WE WANT TO but only if you would just pee! We suspected that Ethan held onto his pee due to the presence of the urine bag, which was foreign and uncomfortable and so Ethan tensed up and refused to <br />
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We fed him with all sorts of liquid (water, electrolyte solution, fruit juice) anything that would increase his fluid intake, fill up his bladder and get him to pee sooner. Finally just as we were about to give up and requested for the doctor to remove his urine bag, the kiddo peed!!!!! All credits for the kid's pee goes to Victor, who at the last minute, did everything that he could to make our son laugh. He believed that 1) laughing would relax the kid, 2) laughing would cause the diaphragm to contract thus pushing downwards on the bladder and cause him to pee.<br />
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I don't know if the laughing really caused Ethan to pee, but the main point was... HE FINALLY PEED!!! The nurses tested and he was ruled out from having UTI and we could make our way back home. Things did not end there though. As the day progressed on, Ethan's fever came back and damn was it stubborn. It spiked to 40.3°C.<br />
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His fever refused to subside and we were giving him the exact same medication as what was fed to him at KK's Emergency Room... with the exception of oral rehydration salt solution. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831267992/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hydralyte (oral rehydration salts)"><img alt="Hydralyte (oral rehydration salts)" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831267992_0c1dfb96fc_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><i>Hydralyte! You can purchase these from Watsons/Guardian/Unity pharmacies</i></center><br />
Fortunately the doctor gave us some to bring home and I told Victor to quickly prepare it and have the liquid fed to Ethan. And it worked!!! I don't know how, but the combination of the medicine and these oral rehydration salts brought his fever down. That night Ethan's fever broke but a new symptom came up.<br />
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Ethan woke up for his usual midnight milk feed, but this time he had difficulty drinking. After the first two sucks, he would wince as though in pain, throw the milk bottle away in anger and cry very loudly. This went on for another 2 more times throughout the night. <br />
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When he woke up the next morning, again he refused to drink water and take his breakfast. Everytime he took a sip of water, he winced in pain and cried. We thought... "Perhaps he might be teething? Maybe it is his molar teeth?" We noticed that he was drooling a lot and it's been almost a year since he drooled! But Ethan refused all of his chilled teethers and had a preference to drink cold water that was fed from a spoon.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48831268087/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ethan down with Herpangina"><img alt="Ethan down with Herpangina" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48831268087_4f28668ffb_z.jpg" width="360" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><i>30 Oct: Ethan gets diagnosed with Herpangina</i></center><br />
We made a quick decision and brought Ethan to see a pediatrician who was located near our house. A quick check from the doctor and he was diagnosed with Herpangina, a virus similar to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease ('HFMD' for short). Ethan's doctor showed us all of the tiny ulcers that had formed at the back of his mouth... ouch! It looked painful. No wonder my baby boy wouldn't drink nor eat anything at all 😔<br />
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It's been 3 days since the diagnosis and Ethan is definitely much better. He was initially listless, always wanted to be carried, stuck to me like a magnet... but today he is back to his happy self and up to mischief!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp7MoBR9NGx4okBbr2pM6Za4Xq9d6uQdGm5g4zu9FLrQBlPsEm8EAXeAl9Si54lUKVCax-vubfReFaZdCqIHmN9dnvIJL7Q73r_JYWebQbqMVLW6c1CtQKEnoEAC0P3dr_NdNpsn-LKn0/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmp7MoBR9NGx4okBbr2pM6Za4Xq9d6uQdGm5g4zu9FLrQBlPsEm8EAXeAl9Si54lUKVCax-vubfReFaZdCqIHmN9dnvIJL7Q73r_JYWebQbqMVLW6c1CtQKEnoEAC0P3dr_NdNpsn-LKn0/s640/ezgif.com-video-to-gif.gif" width="360" /></a></center><center><i>Baymax's "Falalala"</i></center><br />
More updates next week. By then I should be in Phuket! Wheeeee ~Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-91517338997309458122019-07-29T19:23:00.000+08:002019-07-29T19:23:36.181+08:00Baby Birthday Party Guide: How I Planned Ethan's 1st Birthday Party<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iAG8j497OVTjvdPMEvTqbpFj0c83PqppX8PLX7lkM5t4H6eKA4uFsgWeHAwNo79b7Ppmoziq8uglMxdhaxd60aCOib2i-IMisFmY0T9S2vVkxhrTe5WNjO2Zc5WGZ56PNYuEh0hHWSOi/s1600/IMG_1401_Fotor.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iAG8j497OVTjvdPMEvTqbpFj0c83PqppX8PLX7lkM5t4H6eKA4uFsgWeHAwNo79b7Ppmoziq8uglMxdhaxd60aCOib2i-IMisFmY0T9S2vVkxhrTe5WNjO2Zc5WGZ56PNYuEh0hHWSOi/s1600/IMG_1401_Fotor.png" /></a></center><br />
Ethan is my firstborn and this was his FIRST birthday celebration! I felt that I had to throw a party to celebrate the one year that we have been through with him since the day he was born – it was kinda like the husband and I shouting out loud in joy "WE SURVIVED!" <br />
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As you know from my <a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2017/09/my-unexpected-pregnancy.html">pregnancy story</a>, he wasn't a planned baby and so his arrival caught us off-guard. We weren't in the right mindset to be parents but we did the best that we could and well.. things turned out pretty great after all!<br />
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I didn't have a baby shower and I didn't organise a baby's first month party either. So this was the first baby party that I had ever planned. It was nerve-wrecking because I had all these thoughts in my head about what could possibly go wrong, what if it clashes with his nap time, how to make the party baby-friendly, how to keep both adults and kids entertained?<br />
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All in all, without saying, the party went well. We didn't have a very big party. The venue could fit about 100 pax but we chose to keep it small and cozy, so we invited about 60 of our close friends, colleagues and family. It was a great idea because I had the opportunity to mingle and speak to everyone. People who were there, we knew them well and we wanted them to <b>BE THERE</b> to share our happiness – we didn't invite acquaintances, so no awkward small talks (YES!).<br />
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Due to the nature of my work, I was lucky to have a few clients who were willing to collaborate with me. There were of course some items which we had to pull out our wallets and pay for on our own. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about having expenses. I am sharing about this point because I want to talk about budget in this guide as well. <br />
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As parents, money is a BIG factor. Kids are expensive. We found ways to cut corners while planning for this party and I am going to show you how we did it in this post! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#1 | Venue</span></b><br />
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Venue, venue, venue. It's all about the venue. A venue can make or break a party. If your house has the space to host a party, then do it in your house! It is free, more flexibility, no rules and regulations... although, the after-party cleaning process can be quite a bitch. <br />
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I spent quite some time searching for a suitable venue. It didn't help that I started my search pretty late and most places were already snagged up by weddings. I did look at hotels, but damn... they were pricey. I did like the idea of having a "free" hotel room if we did book a function room for the birthday party – but the husband wasn't game for it.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371570376/in/dateposted-public/" title="Leow + Chew Family"><img alt="Leow + Chew Family" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371570376_82a1cb50e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
In the end, I went with Civil Service Club @ Tessensohn and <b>NO REGRETS BABY</b>! The location was the most centralised that I could find, pricing was reasonable and the space was exactly what I wanted! I have this thing against pillars and low ceilings because they don't look nice in photos and they make me feel claustrophobic. I booked two function rooms to fit 8 round tables and it cost me about $780++ (not including table cloth).<br />
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The booking included tables, chairs, sound system, mic and projectors. You'd be amazed by how some venues charge extra for these items and the bill can go WAY UP THERE.<br />
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They do not have a standard list of caterers that you have to get your food from, so you are free to chose and cater from whomever you like! <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371700827/in/dateposted-public/" title="OT Friends"><img alt="OT Friends" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371700827_90004815fb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48403573382/in/dateposted-public/" title="SQUAD"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48403573382_b4429b1355_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="SQUAD"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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There is an additional point about CSC @ Tessensohn that I would like to add. I <b>LOVE</b> my coordinator, Jacqueline Tang. As some of you might know, I had to postpone Ethan's birthday party because my husband's grandmother passed away just a few days before the party. Jacqueline went above and beyond to help me find a new available date so that I could host the birthday party in December, and for that I am eternally grateful.<br />
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I have had my fair share of horror stories with event coordinators, hence when I am able to meet and work with such a nice and dedicated professional, she deserves a mighty good praise! <br />
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Did I mention about how caterers are allowed to enter the venue an hour prior to the actual booking time just to set-up? And how I arrived an hour and a half earlier than my booking time to check and decorate the place and I was <b>AMAZED</b> to see that everything was already done and set in place! The air-con was already turned on, the room was cool, the tables were placed and arranged, chairs organised and table cloths laid. They also gave me two rectangle tables for administrative purposes and the mic was already set up and neatly placed on those tables. Damn, good job you guys! I was seriously impressed.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#2 | Decorations</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371559491/in/dateposted-public/" title="Happy Birthday"><img alt="Happy Birthday" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371559491_4d59ba0cc4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
We did the decorations all by ourselves. We just did a little bit so that the venue wouldn't look too bare. The husband and I bought some balloons, a portable helium tank from Lazada, some ribbons, and then we blew them up on our own.<br />
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So here is how you cut cost. You would be shocked to find out how expensive balloons can be. We bought these "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" foil balloons from a value-dollar shop in our local neighbourhood. It cost us about $5.90? The same set of balloons can be found in Kiddy Palace for TRIPLE of that price. I shit you not. We also bought two packs of varied colour balloons from the value dollar shop for $2.90 per pack – we only picked out the blue and silver ones to blow up because we wanted to fit the party's colour theme!<br />
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We did drop by a SKP store at Chinatown to pick up some party supplies. Mind you, their party supplies are nice but also pretty expensive. I bought a pack of 5 blue balloons (YES, <b><u>FIVE</u></b>) that had gold confetti inside. This pack cost $6.50. Each balloon was about $1+... expensive. They did look very pretty though when they were blown up. If you have some free time on your hand, you might want to consider DIY-ing these confetti balloons yourselves. You can definitely save on the cost and get a whole lot more confetti balloons than just five.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48403625157/in/dateposted-public/" title="Helium balloons"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48403625157_15ae32a5e8_z.jpg" width="495" height="640" alt="Helium balloons"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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As mentioned earlier, we bought a portable helium tank from Lazada. I got this idea from my friend's husband who planned a surprise birthday party for her! He knew her love for helium balloons so he bought a helium tank, a couple of balloons and decorated the house with the blown-up helium balloons! He bought his from Qoo10 and well, I am not a frequent customer of Qoo10 and so I wondered... could Lazada have it too? (They practically have EVERYTHING and thus <a href="https://www.lazada.sg/">Lazada</a> is one of my all-time favourite shopping sites!)<br />
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On Lazada, they have portable helium tanks of different size and different price (ranges from $30 - $60) from different sellers. You should have a rough idea of how many balloons that you intend to blow up and do keep in mind that you might lose some helium in the process of blowing the balloons so do cater for the loss!<br />
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I am so happy that we had helium balloons during the party because 1) it looked pretty, 2) it kept the kids (and some adults) entertained!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371576391/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hot Air Theory"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371576391_cffa87df07_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Hot Air Theory"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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I was very fortunate to be sent a Hot-Air Balloon by <a href="https://thehotairtheory.com/">The Hot Air Theory (T.H.A.T)</a> and I had requested for the special balloon to be delivered on the day of the party. <br />
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It played a great part as a decorative piece during the party – some friends came forward to take pictures of the pretty balloon/floral arrangement! The best part about it was that I could carry it home as a momento of the birthday party, and that was exactly what I did.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371672367/in/dateposted-public/" title="Happy Birthday Hot Air Balloon Floral Arrangement"><img alt="Happy Birthday Hot Air Balloon Floral Arrangement" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371672367_f7acab1a80_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
You would be amazed by the longevity of this "hot-air" balloon! It lasted for almost a month and could probably have lasted longer if my cheeky son hadn't burst it. Because they gave me baby breaths – which are essentially dried flowers – this arrangement is one that can last for a really really long time!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#3 | Birthday Cake – Bob The Baker Boy</span></b><br />
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The star of any birthday party, the cake. I hesitated for a long time on this one. I have never been a fan of cakes and don't have the best impressions of tiered cakes – owing to the reason that over the course of my 26 years, I have had my fair share of tiered cakes that looked great but did not taste so great.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32780737687/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Cake)"><img alt="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Cake)" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32780737687_7027c82659_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
So, when I did my research on birthday cakes, I came across <a href="http://bobthebakerboy.com/">Bob The Baker Boy</a>. Now this bakery caught me by surprise because 1) their buttercream cakes look so darn <b>pretty</b>, 2) they had an amazing amount of positive reviews with many moms raving about how delicious their cakes were. I reached out to BTBB and to my surprise, they agreed to collaborate with me and sponsor Ethan's birthday cake!<br />
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The theme for Ethan's party was Baby Shark and so naturally, the birthday cake was designed around the theme as well. They created some baby shark & pinkfong figurines with fondants... and sheesh, would you just look at that amazing artwork! <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32780736467/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Cake)"><img alt="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Cake)" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32780736467_5275d4f910_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/47671141672/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Fondants)"><img alt="Bob The Baker Boy (Baby Shark Fondants)" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47671141672_90216b3125_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
I had seen so many baby shark birthday cakes online but this artwork by BTBB is a whole new level and the best that I have seen so far! So many of my guests walked up to take a closer look at the tiered cake, were impressed by the realistic artwork, wow-ed in amazement and snapped a few photos with their phones. I gotta admit, it felt great seeing all of the positive impressions that the cake made on my guests and I was glad for having found and chosen <a href="http://bobthebakerboy.com/">Bob The Baker Boy</a>.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32780723197/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bob The Baker Boy (Belgian Chocolate Cake)"><img alt="Bob The Baker Boy (Belgian Chocolate Cake)" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32780723197_2195f610d0_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
Moving onto the cake flavour, I went with their best-seller "Belgian Chocolate" and oh my gosh, as a non-chocolate lover, <b>IT IS SO GOOD</b>. Everybody at the party was surprised at how delicious it was and loved the cake – my best friend went for second helpings. The chocolate cake wasn't too sweet, sufficiently rich in cocoa, moist and fluffy. <br />
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The only thing that I wish I could change was for one of the cake tier flavours to be "Strawberries & Cream" – a diabetic-friendly option. Yes! You can make the request for a double flavour and so guests can have a choice between two cake flavours. I have already made a mental note to myself that the next birthday cake (which I am definitely ordering from BTBB) to have Strawberries & Cream and another one of their custom cake flavours!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#4 | Food & Drinks</span></b><br />
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A happy guest is one who goes home with a full & satisfied tummy. For my buffet catering, I went with <a href="http://www.mannapot.com.sg/">Manna Pot</a>, a catering service that has over 16 years of experience in the industry. Manna Pot offers catering for birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, corporate events and more. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371559141/in/dateposted-public/" title="Buffet Table Layout"><img alt="Buffet Table Layout" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371559141_d619c3a93b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371686262/in/dateposted-public/" title="Buffet Table"><img alt="Buffet Table" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371686262_b9ea08fc93_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371557896/in/dateposted-public/" title="Buffet Table"><img alt="Buffet Table" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371557896_ed7bb11aaf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
For birthday parties, the buffet catering comes with a thematic styling of your choice. They will offer you <u>FOUR</u> themes: Nautical (which is what I chose), Barnyard, Hot Air Balloon and Jungle.<br />
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As for the food, you can choose between a standard menu, high tea or mini buffet (note: this option does not come with a set-up). I went for their high tea menu as the timing for my party was from 2-6pm. Here is a look at the food and drink that I chose:<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371545971/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fried Rice"><img alt="Fried Rice" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371545971_1aa2969f5f_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Yang Chow Fried Rice</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371677537/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mee Siam Goreng"><img alt="Mee Siam Goreng" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371677537_84e5597eee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Mee Siam Goreng</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371679057/in/dateposted-public/" title="Chicken Wings"><img alt="Chicken Wings" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371679057_27c9e24faa_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Honey Glazed Mid Wing</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371547256/in/dateposted-public/" title="Siew Mai"><img alt="Siew Mai" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371547256_f629e107a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Siew Mai</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371551776/in/dateposted-public/" title="Honey Prawn Dumplings"><img alt="Honey Prawn Dumplings" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371551776_6727defbca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Honey Prawn Dumplings with Chilli Dip</i></b></center><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371681792/in/dateposted-public/" title="Prawn Fritters"><img alt="Prawn Fritters" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371681792_ee5096d9c1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Tempura Prawn with Wasabi Dip</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371555306/in/dateposted-public/" title="Quiche"><img alt="Quiche" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371555306_c65d9784ed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Quiche Lorraine</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371554396/in/dateposted-public/" title="Muffins"><img alt="Muffins" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371554396_e52a695707_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Mini Muffin</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371556601/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nachos with Cheese"><img alt="Nachos with Cheese" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371556601_5c5baff354_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Nacho with Cheese Dip</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371544901/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dessert"><img alt="Dessert" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371544901_7f550779f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Ice Jelly With Peach & Lychee</i></b></center><br />
<center></center><center><b><i>Bird Nest Cordial</i></b></center><br />
Overall thoughts, the food was well-received! Before the halfway mark of the party, we ran out of Siew Mai and only one-third of the Honey Prawn Dumplings were left. Manna Pot was generous with the food portion, especially for the carbs. The Mee Siam Goreng was so good, I went back for it <b>THREE</b> times!<br />
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Everybody loved the Nacho with Cheese Dip (movies, anyone?), it is a brilliant snack to have at a party! As for dessert, we went with the safe option of Ice Jelly With Peach & Lychee. It was very obvious that there were no complaints about it because when the party ended, that bowl of dessert was empty LOL. <br />
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The husband and I decided that we can be a little adventurous with the drinks option hence we chose Bird Nest Cordial. I think everyone enjoyed this small change – my sister raised an eyebrow when she saw it, she went "Hmm. Bird's Nest. Interesting." She poured herself a cup, took a sip and commented "Nice" with a nod of approval and walked away happy. :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#5 | Dessert Table</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371705937/in/dateposted-public/" title="Happy Birthday MiniChew"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371705937_f10d4f9102_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Happy Birthday MiniChew"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
I don't mean to boast, but the dessert table that I got from Divine Artisan was pretty damn awesome. My Baby Shark Dessert Table looks GREAT – probably the best Baby Shark dessert table that I have ever seen – and the dessert was super yummy too! I was so surprised by how well it was taken!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371569146/in/dateposted-public/" title="Dessert Table"><img alt="Dessert Table" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371569146_9ded3d2971_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
I chope the dessert table for awhile because it was so pretty and worked great as a backdrop for photo-taking LOL, but the moment that I opened it for consumption, my guests flocked towards it, took a couple of desserts that they fancied, went back to their table to eat and CAME BACK AGAIN for second rounds!! <br />
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By the time that the cake-cutting ceremony was supposed to happen, my dessert table was actually pretty bare LOL! You can scroll back up and look closely at the photos! Desserts that were well-received are the Earl Grey Macarons, Fruit Tarts and Tiramisu Shooters.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371540321/in/dateposted-public/" title="Shortbread Cookies"><img alt="Shortbread Cookies" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371540321_acda4ec6e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Shortbread Cookies</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371541591/in/dateposted-public/" title="Tiramisu"><img alt="Tiramisu" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371541591_a856c78588_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Tiramisu Shooters</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371690627/in/dateposted-public/" title="Oreo Cheesecake"><img alt="Oreo Cheesecake" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371690627_df4e0088ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Oreo Cheesecake Squares</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371692562/in/dateposted-public/" title="Meringues"><img alt="Meringues" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371692562_58e6599f27_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Meringue</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371693977/in/dateposted-public/" title="Early Grey Lavender Macaroons"><img alt="Early Grey Lavender Macaroons" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371693977_a413c97cbf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Earl Grey & Lavender Macarons</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371567386/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fruit Tart"><img alt="Fruit Tart" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371567386_626b309771_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Fruit Tarts</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371697007/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cupcakes"><img alt="Cupcakes" height="427" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371697007_9f48133252_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Fondant Cupcakes</i></b></center><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#6 | Goodie Bags</span></b><br />
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I hate for my guests to go home empty-handed, hence in collaboration with <a href="https://www.yolkychips.com/">Yolky Chips</a>, all of my guests got to go home with a pack of Yolky Chips! If you've never tried Yolky Chips before... YOU SHOULD. I fell in love with their potato chips at first try. Available in 3 flavours - truffle, spicy and salted egg yolk.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/48371574991/in/dateposted-public/" title="Yolky Chips + Hot Air Theory"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48371574991_5a601b4368_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Yolky Chips + Hot Air Theory"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
I LOVE ANYTHING TRUFFLE, and for the longest time ever I wondered why there were an abundant of truffle fries available (like seriously, so many cafés! Even Mac had their own rendition of truffle shaker fries for awhile) but no truffle chips in the market. Yolky Chips filled the gaping hole with their yummilicious truffle chips.<br />
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Because I had three flavours to give out, I came out with a little game for my guests. As part of the pre-party preparation, I cut out small squares of red, yellow and green paper and chucked them into a black cloth bag. Each coloured paper represented a pack of Yolky Chips in its respective flavour (<b><span style="color: red;">RED = SPICY</span></b> , <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">YELLOW = SALTED EGG YOLK</span></b> , <b><span style="color: #38761d;">GREEN = TRUFFLE</span></b>)<br />
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My guests were required to shove their hand into the "Bag Of Unknown" and decide on their own "chip" fate. Some of them freaked out and refused to do so, thinking that it was some kinda prank lol.<br />
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If you are looking for inspiration for your party goodie bag, try Yolky Chips! You won't regret it. Their chips are really really good! You can pick up a pack of Yolky Chips from Cold Storage, Giant, Redmart or Naiise stores.<br />
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<center>*****************</center><br />
This pretty much sums up all that I have to share about Ethan's 1st Birthday Party! I know I had a splendid time with my guests and because we kept it to close friends & family, I had the opportunity to sit down and catch up with people – unlike my wedding where it was mostly "hello" and "goodbye". <br />
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If you have extra money to spare, I would highly recommend you to hire a photographer. The day would go by so quickly and you are so busy chatting with people, liaising with the different vendors, chasing after kids... you'll need the photos for you to help remember the details of this day.<br />
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Check out my Instagram stories of the birthday party <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18015664675024094/">here</a>.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com20Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-84408154386625221552019-04-26T06:30:00.000+08:002019-04-26T11:26:53.739+08:00Fallot's Tetralogy (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWq6JRn0MObMT0oPG62aG6QE6RdImQv5mxu_zPmjPnOpZqIZ5dviyV76DE6iwF29O0oW_JwqPscvz9Mzyy-s7jpXQ0WpAF1F5wl8CtBr4cZEVPnlmY6QRDjGNLZF42A7CcbSjtuDGKw_5/s1600/AfterlightImage+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWq6JRn0MObMT0oPG62aG6QE6RdImQv5mxu_zPmjPnOpZqIZ5dviyV76DE6iwF29O0oW_JwqPscvz9Mzyy-s7jpXQ0WpAF1F5wl8CtBr4cZEVPnlmY6QRDjGNLZF42A7CcbSjtuDGKw_5/s1600/AfterlightImage+11.JPG" data-original-width="1002" data-original-height="616" /></a></div><br />
It was 10am. The paediatric cardiologist would only arrive at 1pm and I was asked to return at 12.30pm to wait for him. <br />
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"Because there is still some time before the appointment... Would you like to take a walk somewhere around first?" I gave another aimless nod, stood up and left the centre.<br />
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I hadn't had breakfast yet, so I made my way to the Killiney coffee shop on the first floor. I mindlessly ordered a plate of noodles for myself with a cup of teh-o. I sat down with my food and without touching it, I began my research on heart defects. <br />
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My sister was born with a heart condition and so did my cousin, hence heart defects were not new to me. Both of their defects healed up over the years as they grew up and they were left with a precautionary advice to be careful in their activity choice and not stress their heart. I've heard from my mother and my aunt that they were difficult babies to raise. The first few years were tough as hell, a shit ton of crying, sometimes medication was required and it took forever to feed and finish a bottle of milk.<br />
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As I went on with my research on heart defects, I wished hard that Nathan had ASD (atrial septal defect). A hole in the upper chambers of the heart. ASD will heal up over the years or can be repaired with a cardiac catheterization surgery (a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is put into a vein from the arm, groin (upper thigh) or neck and threaded to the heart). I braced myself for the supposed first few years of endless crying and fussing. I'll get through it, I told myself.<br />
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I wished hard that he didn't have VSD (ventricular septal defect). This type of defect usually require an open heart surgery to close up the hole and very often, the surgery occurs immediately after birth or within a few months of his young life. I couldn't bear the thought of an open heart surgery. It was tough to digest the paragraph on VSD and tears started welling up in my eyes. I finished the last mouth of noodles that I cuold stomach, grabbed my bag and headed for the nearest washroom.<br />
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I closed the cubicle door and my tears began to flow. I sobbed quietly in the toilet. Mixed emotions of worry, anxiety, helplessness, despair and denial rushed through me. "Why my baby...?"<br />
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I stayed in the cubicle for a good 15-20 minutes till my tears decided to stop defying my will. I wiped the remaining tears dry, cleaned up a little and found a seat at the lobby reception. There, I continued my research on the human heart. I wanted to use every minute I had to get every knowledge possible. I wanted to be able to understand every word that the paediatric cardiologist would be saying later on. I needed to refresh my memory on the human heart anatomy. I didn't want to be stuck in a place where I was stumped due to a lack of knowledge.<br />
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2 hours flew by so quickly. At 12pm, the husband arrived from his workplace. He flashed me a tiny smile, I could tell that he mustered all the strength he had in him to give me that tiny smile... a smile that he hoped would give me some strength. He went to grab some quick lunch, I followed along. I had no appetite, so I chose to get a simple toast from the same Killiney coffee shop. He couldn't finish his bowl of macaroni. We had too much thought and anxiety in our minds. I guess we were thinking the same foolish thing, "Please let our baby be okay".<br />
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On the dot at 12.30pm, we walked into the centre. The receptionist saw me and said, "Oh is it 12.30 already?" To her, those 2 hours might seem like any hour of the day. For us, the last two hours were heart-wrenching.<br />
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Once again, I was back on the plushed wooden chair, waiting. 1pm arrived, the doctor was nowhere to be seen. 1.30pm came, the doctor wasn't here yet. We googled the doctor's name and found his portrait. We kept a lookout for him. I tried my best to remain calm. I didn't care about how long I had to wait. I felt grateful that the doctor was taking time out today and head down to Mount E Novena just to see our case. I was willing to wait, however long it takes. I wanted answers.<br />
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It was close to 1.45pm when the doctor arrived. He was ushered into one of the ultrasound rooms and we followed in soon after. Before starting his scan he instructed us, "Let me do the scan first. After it is done, I will discuss my findings with you, ok?" We nodded.<br />
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The scanning took a long time. Unlike the previous scan, he focused only and only on the heart. Tears streamed down my eyes while he was doing the scan. I hadn't meant to cry but I couldn't hold my tears in. At that moment, I understood the severity of the situation. My baby was sick. Very sick.<br />
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The husband held my hand tight. I could tell that he was struggling to keep his tears in. Halfway through the scan, he could no longer hold the questions in. "So what's wrong with him?"<br />
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Remembering the doctor's words from before and not wanting to interrupt the scan, I shushed the husband and told him to be patient. The doctor replied in a gentle tone, "Let me finish the scan first or I'll be giving you half the story only, right?"<br />
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The husband pursed his lips as he struggled to keep his anxiety and worry in check.<br />
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A whole lot more probing, ultrasound gel and a few nods from the doctor later, he said that I could sit up. His scan was over, he had a diagnosis for us.<br />
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I moved to sit in one of the chairs within the room. The husband pulled his (chair) closer. We huddled around the paediatric cardiologist, he grabbed a pen and piece of paper.<br />
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He started by drawing a human heart. He did his best in explaining the four chambers and arteries to us. And as he explained, he started listing the problem areas that Nathan's heart had. My heart sank. I struggled to stay in tuned with reality. My baby has 4 defects in his little heart. This was a lot more than what I had braced myself for... and he had a ventricular septal defect. The defect that I wish he wouldn't have.<br />
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"These 4 defects are also known as 'Fallot's Tetralogy'." The doctor scribbled the name at the top in his illegible handwriting. "And your son's condition is of moderate severity."<br />
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Me, "Will he get better? Can the hole... the ventricular septal defect heal on his own?"<br />
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Doctor, "No. He will never get better. He will either remain the same or get worst. He will require open heart surgery, either at birth or a few months down the road and another surgery at 8-9 months of age. He will be blue at birth due to the lack of oxygen in his body. This condition is known as cyanosis, he will be a cyanotic baby."<br />
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I can barely remember the things that happened after this point. I was numb. My mind had gone blank. I was trying to keep up with the conversation. Nodding my head, asking a few questions, but nothing was really getting registered.<br />
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At some point, we ran out of questions and the doctor ran out of things to share with us. I recall leaving the room, sitting back on the chair, being told by the receptionist that my gynae would be calling me in a minute. <br />
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My phone rang and I picked the call up. It was the nurse from my gynae clinic on the other side of the phone. And then the tears came. It wouldn't stop. I struggled hard to contain my sobbing. <br />
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We scheduled for an urgent appointment with my gynae clinic for the next morning. As babies with fallot's tetralogy often come with Down's Syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome, I was asked to head down the next day for another round of bloodworks to test for those two conditions. <br />
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I had passed my triple test previously but my gynae was worried that I might have slipped into the 5-8% who received a false negative for Down's Syndrome from my triple test – after all, I had fallen into the 0.8% category of women who failed her copper IUD contraception.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-13961045317589059302019-04-16T21:34:00.000+08:002019-04-17T15:20:07.797+08:00Fallot's Tetralogy (Part 1)<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4wPlBYMCc3VAp3eATQ5ZmTnDqUID_Fn37MNBpTj8xvZiOTpr7Gm7gtFgYUoAgc7G1MHHqC00DXhdiczpTQHwNw0NBWocsRjiD4ysvI7ADR-xzc6amgO_Plhg8f5eqwss2Ma4a2wxTXix/s1600/afterlight+6.jpg"></center><br />
Fallot's tetralogy. Two words that crippled my heart. Before this, I didn't know that there were any two words other than "break up" that could tear my heart apart. Yes, it sounds silly and naive and incredibly immature. There are probably a ton of other two worded phrases that could cause a heart break as such. <br />
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I didn't know that it could possibly be this hard to have a healthy baby. I never expected it to happen to me. I am at a prime age. I passed my triple test. I gave birth to my firstborn healthy – very healthy and also feisty. I thought my second-born would be like his elder brother. Healthy, fat and well. I thought we would pass the fetal anomaly scan with flying colours. The first time I heard of the words "fetal anomaly scan" when I was pregnant with my elder son, Ethan, I freaked out. I asked if I could opt out of the scan – the word "anomaly" was frightening. Turns out it was just a name. Just the name of a scan to screen for any possible abnormalities in a foetus' organs. I was nervous throughout Ethan's scan and the wait for his results. Thankfully, Ethan passed his with flying colours. His younger brother on the other hand... not so much.<br />
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On the 26th of March, I went for my scheduled appointment at the Prenatal Diagnostic Centre in Mount Elizabeth Novena. I was a lot more chill as compared to when I went for Ethan's. I had gone through it once, I knew what it was about, I thought there was nothing to worry about. Just a scan. Nothing frightening. We'll get it all done within an hour or less, the results would be great like his elder brother's and then we will be on our way home. <br />
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The scan began. The sonographer started with the heart. It seemed okay at first. Then I realised... she was scanning a lot more than usual. Taking a lot more measurements and pictures. I took a closer look at the scan. Something didn't feel right. It looked like there was a gap where there shouldn't be. I kept quiet. I didn't say a word. She clicked a few more buttons and what seemed like a projection of the blood flow in Nathan's heart appeared, more parts blue than red. That couldn't be good. Still, I kept my mouth shut. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want to interrupt her either. Actually, I think I was more afraid of disturbing her and bursting my own fragile bubble.<br />
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Finally she moved on to scan his other body parts. I took the effort to make some small chat. She showed me his face (I think he looks a lot like me), the five fingers on each hand, his penis which seemed large and so prominent on screen (lol), his spine, his toes, his brains and more. I couldn't resist and so I asked, "How is he? Everything okay?" I think I might have croaked at the last syllable. She answered "Mmm. Let me scan more and I'll tell you later." My heart sank. I didn't have a response. I stared at the screen in front of me and clutched my hands tighter together. My hands were clammy.<br />
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Fast forward to the end of the scan. Nathan was incredibly obedient. He finished his fetal anomaly scan in approximately 20-25 minutes. He took half the time required as compared to his elder brother. Ethan was super active during his fetal anomaly scan. Constantly punching the probe, turning around, rotating, circling... showing his protest that he didn't like being probed lol. Nathan on the other hand, just a few gentle first bumps on the probe, probably out of curiosity. It was easy scanning him and the sonographer managed to capture all the required shots swiftly and every image appeared beautifully. <br />
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I guess, I should have known. That was the first warning sign. The lack of activity in my belly. I could always feel Ethan. He was strong and active, constantly moving and reminding me of his presence. Nathan was quiet... too quiet. Sometimes I could feel his jabs but they were little and infrequent. Most of the time, I relied on seeing my belly move to tell that my baby Nathan was alive and moving. He was so different from his elder brother. I should have known that something was up. <br />
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The sonographer finished the scan and told me to make payment first and go back up to see her. She said that she needed to talk to me. I was anxious and calm at the same time. Braving myself for the worst. I texted my husband while I was making payment. I told him about my worry. I wrote, "His brain, legs, lungs, and penis were very good. I know cos she say “very good”. She said his penis was very prominent, big and clear 😂."<br />
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He replied, "Heart. Is missing." My husband could tell. Something was up.<br />
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He took the rest of the day off work and came down to join me. While waiting for my husband to arrive, I headed back up to the centre to see the sonographer. She broke the news to me. "There is something wrong with your baby's heart. I called your gynae and he said that he would like the baby to be seen by a paediatric cardiologist for a more detailed scan. When would be free? Let me arrange something for you."<br />
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I was numb. I tried to gather my senses together but my mind had gone blank. I gave an aimless nod. "Take a seat. We'll get back to you shortly". My legs headed for the plushed wooden chair and I plopped myself down.<br />
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An appointment was made for later that afternoon at 1pm. The paediatric cardiologist would come down to the centre and do a fetal echocardiography for Nathan. Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Novena, Singapore1.3208572 103.842431900000071.2891082 103.80209140000007 1.3526062 103.88277240000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-30777571601395402332019-04-12T11:30:00.000+08:002019-04-12T11:30:02.872+08:00The News Is Out<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mp3fzIQxZqPQQeQVXh0GOX4WWMEbUnPMtejCcWnv_ZyxIS5ghKpAAzC-I0myUmed1Nhyphenhyphen77o7As3IA6PiMBav-0VAIcMCDbg_5DdjOjHoHTpJBq1Us5-p15rgZiPn_r9PKkmAo7d1kMIJ/s1600/IMG_3087_Fotor.png"></center><br />
[Written Date & Time: 8 April 2019, 01:40am]<br />
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I am just done editing the photo... The photo of the post that would announce Nathan’s demise. It was something that I had been avoiding for the past two weeks. It was so hard editing the photo. The difficulties faced weren’t technical – I couldn’t keep the tears from falling, my vision kept blurring up. <br />
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The post is scheduled to be released later on this week. I prepared the caption a long time ago, well not that long. I wrote it on the night that I found out about Nathan’s heart condition. I wrote and saved it in advance because I knew that I would have a terribly tough time thinking of a caption now, having to recount the various emotionally-wrecking instances of the past two weeks, squeeze my messed up emotions into sensible words and tapping the “post” button. I was also trying to save myself from a teensy bit of heartache — the bit that would set me off the edge again, crying to sleep.<br />
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I don’t think I have ever cried this much or continuously for these many days in a row (14 days now and counting). On day 11, my eyes were so swollen from all the crying, I looked like I was suffering from a severe case of conjunctivitis. It was also then when I realised, I have to do my best and restrain my tears... all the crying was starting to affect my vision... I've been stressing my eyes out way too much. As you can tell from the day count, I am trying – and failing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LVa2ifDGgTWnzp0XJZH4shF7FNVqvEwG-eZYpVRJkeVDTNUkcRxsSnM2WpXlr305ZL47L-d6I4yRyIv-JS0TF02DYoBNQu8pZkF0O4FV25ESM-UU7YGxJArcOkYC9ENq75gGcUGJDy8v/s640/C6E56FDB-62A8-4694-AB15-950376751125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LVa2ifDGgTWnzp0XJZH4shF7FNVqvEwG-eZYpVRJkeVDTNUkcRxsSnM2WpXlr305ZL47L-d6I4yRyIv-JS0TF02DYoBNQu8pZkF0O4FV25ESM-UU7YGxJArcOkYC9ENq75gGcUGJDy8v/s640/C6E56FDB-62A8-4694-AB15-950376751125.JPG" data-original-width="900" data-original-height="1600" /></a></div><br />
That bear. There is a story behind it. The whole family was at Ikea, shopping for furnitures for the new house. We bought a new place because of Nathan, for Nathan. There isn’t space in our current home to accommodate his arrival so my in-law’s decided to sell away this home of 25 years, to get more space for their second grandson. Oh, the irony of it, because now we will be moving in without him. It hurts so much to say this line. <br />
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We were at Ikea, shopping for furnitures. I walked by a mountain pile of this $1.90 bear and thought to myself, “This would be a nice first toy for Nathan.” I walked towards the husband. He saw the bear and raised an eyebrow at me. I defended, “It’s for Nathan.” We bought and brought the bear home. I’m glad I bought the bear. It is something to remember Nathan by. But damn, the bear... a second irony in this mess. That embossed heart on its chest. A stone cold joke. <br />
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Two days before the procedure, the husband held the bear in his hands, and he made a request. “Can we never buy this bear again?” I understood why. This bear is Nathan’s, it belongs to Nathan, it symbolises Nathan to us and thus it would unfitting for any of our other children to play with it like its their toy.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-20120466650298590122019-03-11T08:00:00.005+08:002020-08-18T15:46:06.437+08:00 My Lasik Journey With Shinagawa Eye Centre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4j8BNnbp9GP7jHW7WOkM2aTLHOGYlzuOfSPtvSNa5qhRy4bxu_cRGX2By1xdM6vIfIc0Js0FIaIFito1H9pocTiQ6rGQi1hYVS4CcRnikmSRc9JvvYcjDHOKTVcrhB7RhahyphenhyphenQKom40At/s1600/DSC06615_Fotor.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4j8BNnbp9GP7jHW7WOkM2aTLHOGYlzuOfSPtvSNa5qhRy4bxu_cRGX2By1xdM6vIfIc0Js0FIaIFito1H9pocTiQ6rGQi1hYVS4CcRnikmSRc9JvvYcjDHOKTVcrhB7RhahyphenhyphenQKom40At/s640/DSC06615_Fotor.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
It’s been more than 5 months since I did my lasik surgery at Shinagawa Eye Centre. I haven’t had a moment where I second-guessed my decision to go ahead with the procedure. I have been enjoying every minute of my “new” eyes and parenthood has been a whole lot easier without the need for visual aids — ie. my kid can no longer smack my glasses off my face! Yes!<br />
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Read on to find out more about the lasik surgery that I did (Intralase Lasik) and my thoughts about it.<br />
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I have had tons of people asking me “How is it?”, “Is it scary?”, “Is it painful?”. To the three questions above, it was fast, not scary at all and absolutely pain-free! <br />
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Recovery time was amazingly quick! By the end of the day, I was able to read words off a computer screen (about a metre away) and my husband was amazed by the surgery’s quick results.<br />
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Now here is a couple of things that you have to know about lasik surgeries. There are many methods to perform this surgery and after the initial assessments, your surgeon will typically recommend you the type of lasik procedure that is best suited for your eyes.<br />
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In my case, I was recommended to undergo the IntraLase Lasik by Dr Lee Sao Bing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtv9b76HDCnzPptYtI1ysvgR-I0KeOwlC2jrdaowzZ3-0vTpz1F86pdUtnVBGQ_nGGMiUautFBHVDfRMab8hpuWDHGT4hR-mBsP77D8nBj-v8QGdCilwDxGaN3jOExnuqN2AvUbpJgcZ/s1600/afterlight-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtv9b76HDCnzPptYtI1ysvgR-I0KeOwlC2jrdaowzZ3-0vTpz1F86pdUtnVBGQ_nGGMiUautFBHVDfRMab8hpuWDHGT4hR-mBsP77D8nBj-v8QGdCilwDxGaN3jOExnuqN2AvUbpJgcZ/s640/afterlight-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><center><b><i>My eye surgeon, Dr Lee Sao Bing of Shinagawa Eye Centre</i></b></center><br />
Here is a bit of background information on this lasik method. <br />
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IntraLase Lasik is also known as the “All-Laser Lasik”. An expensive laser machine makes use of an advanced femtosecond laser technology to achieve a more accurate, and safer flap-making procedure.<br />
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Because this IntraLase lasik method is empowered by a computer's precise control, it allows the surgeon to customise the depth, width, shape and location to create a very thin cornea flap – thus customising to the needs of an individual patient.<br />
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The IntraLase laser creates air bubbles in the stroma of the cornea and the air bubbles create space. The flap is not lifted until the LASIK surgeon uses a special surgical instrument to lift the cornea flap, which also means that the cornea is still intact after the IntraLase laser and the patient can blink and walk around normally without any fear <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdGgB7-4EMociI4DBWZK0I8i0dKM3nqySoDlFeq-klnlyGkML1yAcd0bHfmYgagGxM-S7Vf4MBTIBef-UI_8sVgWtmRqDMalSD6eiyXSrupFl_KmLJSGozBUujsVW9uZNm4eByAe3FNIi/s1600/Screenshot+2019-02-28+22.57.50.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdGgB7-4EMociI4DBWZK0I8i0dKM3nqySoDlFeq-klnlyGkML1yAcd0bHfmYgagGxM-S7Vf4MBTIBef-UI_8sVgWtmRqDMalSD6eiyXSrupFl_KmLJSGozBUujsVW9uZNm4eByAe3FNIi/s1600/Screenshot+2019-02-28+22.57.50.png" /></a></div><center><i>(Pic credit: <a href="https://www.shinagawa.com.sg/en/services/lasik-surgery">Shinagawa Eye Centre</a>)</i></center><br />
As mentioned previously, the first step to any lasik procedure is the pre-lasik assessment as not everyone is suitable for laser surgery. Every individual is required to undergo this assessment in order to determine their suitability for lasik and which lasik procedure is best suited for them. At Shinagawa Eye Centre, a pre-lasik assessment costs $22 (including GST) for individuals aged 49 and below. <br />
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You are advised against wearing any contact lenses a week before the pre-lasik assessment. This is to ensure the accuracy of the test results. So yes, your glasses will be your bff for that entire week!<br />
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The whole assessment takes about an hour to complete and results from the pre-lasik tests are generated immediately. Thus on the same day, your doctor will be able to inform you on your suitability and provide you with a (lasik) recommendation.<br />
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Do note that one of the tests requires the clinic assistant to dilate your pupils and you might experience blurry vision for up to 4 hours. This blurry vision is kinda like 老花眼, so I was tilting my spectacles down, holding my phone up high and at a distance like an old woman with long-sightedness. LOL<br />
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In the event that you are suitable, you can make an appointment for your lasik surgical date before leaving the clinic. It is recommended to have the lasik surgery within a month from your pre-lasik assessment in order to ensure the reliability of the test results.<br />
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Usually there are available slots almost every day except for weekends; I had my lasik surgery arranged at 3 weeks after the lasik assessment. My husband took a half day-off so that he could accompany me home after the surgery was done.<br />
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To be honest, I had pre-surgery jitters the night before... I mean, how couldn't I? I had been living a bespectacled life for over a decade and had gotten so used to hiding behind my glasses for all these years. But all it took in that second was my baby boy knocking my spectacles off my face (and out of my thoughts) to remind me of how much I would enjoy a life without visual aids.<br />
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My day at the clinic took about 3 hours. The other two hours were spent on tests and checks, reminders and advices, keeping my bag in the lockers, changing into the surgical gown and waiting – for the anaesthetic eye drops to kick in, resting at the recovery lounge after the surgery and there was also someone else doing the lasik procedure before me. The laser procedure itself was rather fast, like in split seconds I’m done!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrF7rgoU66eVoQFof4_jf6Q52P-OgMbkM9n-flsYUxwmDrwsTeK8DtO9NQdFGdU4_QXInrdVAKe8ym2KSgrhmE7sjs9R6TEiNMMvj090bbYEY6axpsdMgiAa0_phGih5vA_mHZNKPKklK/s1600/DSC06601_Fotor.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1069" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivrF7rgoU66eVoQFof4_jf6Q52P-OgMbkM9n-flsYUxwmDrwsTeK8DtO9NQdFGdU4_QXInrdVAKe8ym2KSgrhmE7sjs9R6TEiNMMvj090bbYEY6axpsdMgiAa0_phGih5vA_mHZNKPKklK/s640/DSC06601_Fotor.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Before I knew it, I was ushered to my husband and ready to head home. The entire procedure went by without any hiccups. <br />
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Dr Lee was incredibly reassuring and I like how he kept me up to date on each step of the procedure. This is very important because the surgery happens while you are wide awake and you are required to keep your eyes open throughout the whole thing. Because of each heads-up that he gave me, I wasn't caught by surprise from any of the actions taken. <br />
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For instance, when he was about to lift my cornea flap, he warned me that my vision was going to get blur and it is okay. When the laser machine was gonna do "its thing" and correct my vision, he warned me that I might smell something burning and not to be alarmed. <br />
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Dr Lee was also very generous with the anaesthetic drops. Because I am coward at managing pain, I requested for more eye drops to be placed into each eye prior to each machine. I have a normal cornea thickness hence I am only required to undergo two machines. One machine to create the cornea flap, another machine to reshape the cornea. The nurses also wrapped me up in a thermal blanket to keep me nice and warm.<br />
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I know all of these sound like very minor details that don't play much into the big action (ie. the actual lasering) but they really do make a huge difference in keeping me calm throughout my lasik procedure.<br />
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I was discharged home with 3 types of eye drops – an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory and an eye lubricant. I had to drip them according to the schedule provided by Dr Lee and then return in 3 days for a post-surgical check up.<br />
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Fast-forwarding my recovery process to the current date. Everything went by smoothly. I regained control of my vision so quickly that it was amazing. A week after my lasik surgery, I actually went to Halloween Horror Nights! I had a ton of fun wearing the different shades that I had bought during my travels but never wore – I even borrowed my mother in law's Kate Spade sunnies to wear! LOL<br />
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Because I wanted my eyes to heal as quickly as possible and to prevent post-lasik dry eyes, I was very generous with the amount of eye lubricating drops that I was dripping into each eye. The recommendation was to place only a drop or two into each eye, but I often found myself using up an entire tube for both eyes (oops). I also bought extra tubes of vidisic eye gel (a soothing eye lubricating gel) to place around the house and in my bags.<br />
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All of these paid off because I am currently not experiencing any of the side-effects that come with lasik and am incredibly thankful about it!<br />
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So here is the part that everyone wants to know. How exactly are my eyes right now?<br />
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Prior to my lasik surgery, my eyesight was -6.00 in my right eye and -7.50 in my left eye. 5 months after my lasik procedure, I have perfect 6/6 vision in both eyes with no post-lasik side effects.<br />
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Shinagawa Eye Centre is conveniently located on the fifth floor of Wheelock Place.<br />
<br />
For more information on the services and fees at Shinagawa Eye Centre, click <a href="https://www.shinagawa.com.sg/en/">here</a>. To make an appointment, you can either call +65 6738 8222 or submit a webform <a href="https://www.shinagawa.com.sg/en/contact/home">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Shinagawa Eye Centre</u></b><br />
501 Orchard Road<br />
Wheelock Place #05-15<br />
Contact: 6738 8222<br />
<br />
Monday to Friday, 9am - 5:30pm<br />
Saturday, 9am - 5pm<br />
<br />
<p><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Post editorial note: To my dear readers, kindly be informed that I do not have any referral codes to share with you. The referral discount mentioned to you by the staff at Shinagawa Clinic is only for my family members and close friends. </b></span>
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<center><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu58dYSHoSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 16px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu58dYSHoSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div><div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div><div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"><div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div><div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div><div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; 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margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu58dYSHoSQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by SOPHIE LEOW (@sophleow)</a> on <time datetime="2019-03-12T10:45:23+00:00" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 12, 2019 at 3:45am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com5Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-62641062393801566222019-01-04T23:56:00.000+08:002019-04-17T15:29:31.533+08:00Mummy Chronicles: Giving Birth To Ethan In Mount Elizabeth Orchard<b><i>Reader's discretion advise: Not for the faint hearted, packed with too much details and every bit of gory childbirth truth</i></b><br />
<br />
This piece has been lying around in my draft box for over a year. I was done with writing it a few months back but never got around to editing the pictures because there were way too many, scattered across various memory cards, hard drives and laptops. So finally, after a shit load of procrastination, I am getting this overdue piece of article out. <br />
<br />
I will start from the very beginning. The very first childbirth scare that we went through. How heavy I was and desperate to get my baby out. I tried to naturally induce Ethan. I tried various methods that I managed to find online... some were pretty ridiculous. I've written every detail down. As specific as I could, with as much humor as I could possibly muster.<br />
<br />
Every mother has her own story, but this is mine. Read on for more juicy details.<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 1 | DAMN YOU, BRAXTON HICKS</span></b><br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8taITRMv8uPpT9xOZrjsA8oiaDcygvxsLzRSLcU0qOyrxcY4mcvVcQoKA1eIoSmvMHIeuUMPEuhcjIH1dNrWyv3k7H6An4hdhjFr3C92SQCbzr-jEqBYbPZcX-E0C4sjz4vlnbueN2dX/s640/Hospital+3.png"></center><br />
Weeks before the big day, Ethan had been giving me several false alarms. The first one started at Week 36.<br />
<br />
His dad and I were going for one last Baby Fair – to get his collapsible bath tub. We decided to head over earlier to Expo, to have a nice breakfast at Fart TArtz, before going to the fair. On our drive there, I kept feeling a sort of cramping sensation, kinda like a menstrual cramp.<br />
<br />
I didn’t think much of it and passed it off as Braxton Hicks.<br />
<br />
Just as I was finishing up my last bite of flatbread, the cramping sensation intensified. Alarm bells were going off in my head, I told the husband (he started panicking) and made a move for the washroom. As I stood up and made my way there, with the husband following closely at the back.<br />
<br />
He stopped me all of a sudden and whispered to me, “Eh you have a wet patch at the back of your dress leh! Are you giving birth today? I’m not ready yet, I haven't pack my hospital bag!!”<br />
<br />
I thought the husband was joking about the wet patch. He snapped a photo of it with his phone’s camera. Damn, the wet patch was real. Now it was my turn to panic. I rushed to the toilet, checking through my undergarments and all. Other than the wet patch, there was no leakage nor other signs that my water bag had broke.<br />
<br />
I threw on a sanitary pad, we rushed to the baby fair, bought the bath tub and rushed back home. For the next 6 hours, I had irregular contractions. I sweated profusely and felt ill all over.<br />
<br />
At around 7pm, the discomfort tailed off and ended. I walked into my gynae the next day for an emergency consultation, just to make sure that the baby was well and my pregnancy is still fine, and thankfully everything was still good.<br />
<br />
Since then, I had Braxton Hicks contractions at around 2-3am. It didn’t happen every day. It started off with being once every fortnightly, and gradually increased to 2-3 times a week. The duration of the fake contractions increased as well.<br />
<br />
At Week 38, my fake contractions were happening every night and lasted for 2-3 hours.<br />
<br />
I was getting tired of being pregnant. The fake contractions were preventing me from having a good rest – I was worried that it might just be the real thing! I tried all sorts of natural methods to induce labour.<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 2 | NATURAL METHODS TO INDUCE LABOUR (sex included)</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31658896097/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hospital 1"><img alt="Hospital 1" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4868/31658896097_0f3e8a3bb7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
The popular suggestion online... To have tons of sex. Tried it and it didn’t do shit. Baby still stayed inside me. If anything, he protested violently by kicking me hard for the next hour after the deed was done.<br />
<br />
Oh and, by the way, copulation near full term is a freaking challenging thing to do! My BIG pregnant belly got in the way all the time.<br />
<br />
Next thing I tried was to diarrhoea. The logic behind it is to get the body to release hormones that causes the tummy to cramp up when having a stomachache, and the same hormones would in turn stimulate the uterus to start labour.<br />
<br />
I’m lactose intolerant. Thus I did the most logical thing, I drank a small carton of milk. <br />
<br />
I had a smelly / watery time in the loo and that was just about it. No baby in sight still. I guess, that small pack wasn’t strong enough but the husband refused to let me try anything funkier. He claimed that he didn’t want to receive his baby covered in poo. *rolls eyes*<br />
<br />
I was introduced to clary sage oil by a mummy during an event. She swore that it helped to speed up her labour process. I thought to myself, why the hell not? I have absolutely no intention of staying in labour for any longer than I should. <br />
<br />
I did some research online and found out that clary sage oil could also help to induce labour — hence pregnant women who have yet to reach full term are strongly advised to stay away from this essential oil. <br />
<br />
By my 37th week, I was eager to get the little fatty out. His kicks were getting more powerful by the day, and they kept me up at night. Hence every night, I began rubbing the oil on certain acupuncture spots that were rumoured to assist in inducing labour.<br />
<br />
I highly doubt that it did a thing to induce labour, but I must admit that it MIGHT have helped to speed up my labour process. My gynae had expected me to deliver at around 4pm, however by 12pm, I was dilated at 9.5cm and ready to birth. However I had to wait for another 2 hours till my doc was free to deliver my baby, and damn my labia swelled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 3 | ACUPUNCTURE TO INDUCE LABOUR</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31658886187/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hospital 2"><img alt="Hospital 2" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7882/31658886187_d85a40092b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<br />
In my research, these words kept surfacing up: “acupoints”, “acupressure”, “acupuncture”. I googled for reviews on this method of natural induction and it had just the wee bit better response than the rest did. Also, there were medical journals – cochrane reviews included – to back it up!<br />
<br />
And so, I got gung-ho and decided to do it!<br />
<br />
My dad is a TCM physician, so lucky me didn’t have to find a physician and pay money to convince him/her to do the risky “needle-poking” for me.<br />
<br />
I had to persuade my dad. It took awhile. He had read about it in his books but had never tried it on anyone... till me. He was worried on the effectiveness of the acupuncture, he was half expecting my water bag to break the moment he poked the needles in (no, that doesn’t and didn’t happen).<br />
<br />
I had two sessions, each a week apart. <br />
<br />
Let me first tell you about the pain. It is, MOTHERFUCKING. PAINFUL. Worst than an epidural. <br />
<br />
There are three acupoints that requires poking (pardon my lack of appropriate vocabulary to describe) and of the three, one of them is at the little toe just below your nail bed. That acupoint is a killer.<br />
<br />
It is so painful that I, a person with extremely low pain tolerance, had zero reaction to the other two acupoints but I screamed when my dad poked the needle in the little toe acupoint. I hurried the husband to switch off the fan because the wind was causing the needle to sway gently and fuck it was painful.<br />
<br />
It was an excruciating 30 minutes of pain and sweat – due to the lack of ventilation in the room. When my dad finally pulled the needles out, I felt exonerated. <br />
<br />
How were the results? For the first session... nothing happened. Like really, nothing. That night I didn’t even get a single braxton hicks contraction. It was the smoothest night that I had in a month. Dafuq right?<br />
<br />
As for the second session... I had been suffering from irregular contractions for the past three days with an increasing number of episodes. I could take it no more and begged my dad to poked the needles for me again, but this time without the little toe acupoint. <br />
<br />
How did this session go? It worked just as how it should.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 4 | LABOUR BEGINS</span></b><br />
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At 1am, I woke up from my sleep. The contractions were real this time. They had begun. My abdominal muscles were constantly tightening. The intensity increasing. My belly was hard like a rock.<br />
<br />
But there was a problem. My contractions were not regular as what everyone said it would be. I hesitated on whether I should go to the hospital. I was grouchy af from the discomfort and numerous sleep-deprived nights. The husband said that we should play it safe, and insisted that we get it checked out. My mom drove us to Mount E.<br />
<br />
I checked into the labour ward. A nurse had me changed into a hospital gown. Placed some wirings on my belly. Rubbed some lube on her fingers and then stuck her fingers in my vagina. I was 2cm dilated.<br />
<br />
The expression on my husband’s face, pure joy! He was finally gonna get to meet his son. The waiting game will soon be over.<br />
<br />
It was about 5am when we got the confirmation. By 9.20am, I was only 3cm dilated, had my water bag broken for me and just got my epidural in. <br />
<br />
Here is the thing mummies, DO NOT follow the recommended guideline online to wait until you are 4cm dilated before you get the epidural. Go according to your gut feel and please take into account that it takes time for the anaesthetist to arrive, and even more time for the anaesthesia to kick in!<br />
<br />
By 11.30am, I was still only 3cm dilated but my cervix was very thin. <br />
<br />
All of a sudden at 12pm, I felt this sharp pain, a strong pressure down there, something (well, obviously the baby) was trying to push itself out of me! I rushed the husband to call the nurse. She pushed her fingers in and was shocked to discover that I had gone from 3cm to 9.5cm in an instant!<br />
<br />
She rushed to call my gynae and gather the necessary assistance required for the birth. I was instructed to wait for the doctor and not to push, which I did try to but damn those contractions made it hard. My labia swelled up so badly afterwards because I was fighting against the natural urge to push my baby out.<br />
<br />
What happened after that was a blur.<br />
<br />
A bunch of nurses came in, adjusted my epidural dose, and prepared me for the birth of my child. They asked the husband, "Would you like to video down the process or stand beside her?" He opted for the latter.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful about his choice as I had no desire to watch my vajayjay on screen, and even more so see how my little one's head is gonna pop out of that extremely stretchable "hole".<br />
<br />
They had my legs strapped up against the delivery bed. Gave me instructions on how to breathe and to push. And then... the pushing began.<br />
<br />
To be absolutely honest, I had no idea what the fuck I was pushing. Some might say that I had too much drug in my system and it could be lesser. However to me, the amount of drug was just at its sweet spot.<br />
<br />
One of my legs had gone numb from the anaesthetic, but I could still feel the contractions... I just couldn't feel <i>what</i> I was pushing. <br />
<br />
Somehow I had managed to push Ethan through my pelvis and the midwives were able to see the crown of Ethan's head. The eager husband decided to take a peek and then exclaimed out loud, "Wah! He got so much hair!"<br />
<br />
In case you're wondering, yes it is the baby's head of hair that he saw and not my hair <i>down there</i>. I watched an episode of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and decided to follow the Kardashians and get myself shaved pre-delivery so that my gynae and nurses wouldn't have to fight through a forest just to get to my baby. The husband thought I was nuts, which is... nothing new lol.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://i.amz.mshcdn.com/UdHeqUR0vd9EXW_xmE0mrZKxrtw=/950x534/filters:quality(90)/2015%2F06%2F29%2F08%2FJunkShaving.2d002.jpg" /></center><br />
Ethan was facing upwards when he came out (typically a baby's face should be towards the ground). As a result, birthing him was difficult. My doctor had to perform an episiotomy* on me, and the cut was made all the way to my anus. *(definition: a surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth, to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues) <br />
<br />
Was it painful? Not at all during birth because I had the holy epidural. The pain only kicked in after birth and let me tell you this... WORST PAIN EVER in my whole entire life. Recovery sucks!<br />
<br />
Next thing I knew, the doc was telling me that my baby would come out in this next push. He turned and told the nurses to prepare the vacuum. I felt a contraction coming, I closed my eyes and pushed hard...<br />
<br />
Then I heard my doctor telling me repeatedly to open my eyes and look. In my mind, I was thinking "What the heck is he asking me to look at? I am busy enough trying to focus and push a living creature out of me. What does he want?" I opened my eyes and there was this wet and squirmy little thing lying atop of me. <br />
<br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44782764240/in/dateposted-public/" title="7860b09e-d4a1-4b3f-a9d7-f1c16c9a4898_Fotor"><img alt="7860b09e-d4a1-4b3f-a9d7-f1c16c9a4898_Fotor" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4866/44782764240_e99bd30f98_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
HOLY SHIT... the baby is here. The baby is finally here. The baby is out.<br />
<br />
All the birthing videos that I've watched on YouTube didn't do much in preparing me. I didn't know what to expect.<br />
<br />
The little one stared at me with wide eyes, then he proceeded to squint them and gave a ear-piercing "I'M NOT HAPPY, I WANT TO BE BACK IN MY MUMMY'S WOMB" cry.<br />
<br />
I couldn't stop staring at him. I don't think my husband could either. Everything felt so surreal. Part of me was wondering if I had to breastfeed him right away or do I wait? The other half of me was wondering if the baby would wriggle his way up so that he could feed?<br />
<br />
None of that happened. He just laid on me and stared back at me, as though he was trying to talk to me with his eyes.<br />
<br />
Well.. while all of that was happening. I was getting stitched up my doctor. He dug out the placenta from inside me and forced a reluctant husband to take a photo of the bloody organ that was responsible for feeding our kid for the past 9 months.<br />
<br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44782765520/in/dateposted-public/" title="2b92adea-c77e-4eb8-86cd-9cd8115db160_Fotor"><img alt="2b92adea-c77e-4eb8-86cd-9cd8115db160_Fotor" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/44782765520_84ae34283f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Weight at birth: 3.365kg</i></b></center><br />
The nurse came and removed my epidural – sobs, I missed it so much when the recovery pain started kicking in. She offered me some food because I hadn't taken food in the past 15 hours. <br />
<br />
Most people puke while having an epidural. I puked after. Right after I had a biscuit and a cup of milo. All of the food came out in a gush like a merlion spewing water from its mouth daily. Needless to say, it was disgusting. I'm glad that the husband did not faint. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part 5 | AFTER BIRTH</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32725739138/in/dateposted-public/" title="Ethan 1"><img alt="Ethan 1" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7863/32725739138_4a97df504e_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44782093630/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4502_Fotor"><img alt="IMG_4502_Fotor" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4859/44782093630_501eb26128_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
I remember the first night in the hospital after giving birth. I woke up at around 12 midnight 'cos of the pain. It was so bad. I tried bearing with the pain, I didn't want to wake the husband. We barely got any sleep at all because of the little one – the contractions started the night before so we were already exhausted by the day's activities and then the hungry little fella kept coming into the room for more milk.<br />
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Finally I could no longer take the pain no more. Tears began flowing down my cheeks and soon, I was sobbing loudly as a way to relief the pain. The hubby woke up startled, he pulled open the curtains, asking me in a frantic manner what was wrong? Like a little girl whose ice cream just got stolen, I stuttered through my sobs, "The pain... It's so bad. I want to die. I just want to die... It hurts so bad down below... Help... I need help..."<br />
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I don't know why I didn't think of it. I guess I was too tired. The husband walked over to the other side of the bed, reached for the nurses' bell and in a minute, a nurse came in... and she was a life saver! Now I know why they draw a halo ring on a nurse's head because that is exactly how I saw her!<br />
<br />
She returned to the room with some painkillers and a box of Epi-Kool Pak... IMO THE BEST THING EVER INVENTED! It is a cooling maternity pad, kinda like between an ice pack and a sanitary pad, and that took away the pain instantly! I slept like baby after – well, that was until MiniChew came in an hour later wanting MORE MILK again!<br />
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****<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/46548002992/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_4881_Fotor"><img alt="IMG_4881_Fotor" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7817/46548002992_03c8f14f65_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
Now I'm gonna stop writing here because my #momlife after birth was dramatic as hell as well... or at least the first 3 months were. I've got a lot to <strike>complain</strike> share about and this blog post has a lot more details than I initially thought I would share. Thank you for staying with me till the end and here is a small note for my not-so-little MiniChew... SEE WHAT MAMA WENT THRU TO PUSH YOU OUT!<br />
<br />
Read my husband's version on Ethan's birth <a href="http://hangryvictor.blogspot.com/2017/11/presenting-ethan.html">here</a> on his rarely updated blog.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com2Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-68488303394379105472018-12-09T20:30:00.000+08:002018-12-10T01:15:51.664+08:00Lazada x Skiphop Surprise Box<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/46245796281/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Skiphop 1"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1960/46245796281_cbe1bf8056_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="Lazada x Skiphop 1"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
Lazada, you've amazed me with the number of online sales + surprise box promotions that you have pushed out this year! It’s like Christmas every few months thanks to your value-for-money surprise box.<br />
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The surprise boxes have contents from a variety of brands — lifestyle, tech, beauty, baby/maternity and etc. Read on to get a sneak peek of what’s in my Lazada x Skiphop surprise box!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| Lazada 12.12 Sale</span></b><br />
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There’s no better way to end the year other than a smashing great sales and a ton of new goodies — be it for yourself or others! If you have yet to buy Christmas presents then do take advantage of this upcoming 12.12 Lazada Sale, and snatch up some great deals! <br />
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The Lazada 12.12 sale will run from 10-12 December 2018. You can expect to enjoy:<br />
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<ul><li>Up to 90% off selective products sitewide</li>
<li>1 million deals</li>
<li>Up to $120 vouchers</li>
<li>Surprise boxes @ $29 / $49 / $99</li>
</ul><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| Lazada x Skiphop Surprise Box</span></b><br />
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I love Skiphop. I developed my love for the brand while researching for diaper bag brands. Skiphop carries so many different baby and maternity products, from toys to thermos to feeding equipments. <br />
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If there is any particular product that I am looking for and Skiphop carries it, I will choose to get Skiphop’s! <br />
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During this Lazada Sale, this Skiphop surprise box will be retailing for $29 and contains products worth $100. Here are some of the items that I found in my surprise box:<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31306700957/in/dateposted-public/" title="Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Stroller Toy Raccoon"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4903/31306700957_5e338d11ff_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Stroller Toy Raccoon"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Skip Hop Bandana Buddies Stroller Toy Raccoon</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32373333028/in/dateposted-public/" title="Skip Hop Zoo Insulated Food Jar"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4811/32373333028_29408673b0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Skip Hop Zoo Insulated Food Jar"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Skip Hop Zoo Insulated Food Jar</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/32373334928/in/dateposted-public/" title="kip Hop Zoo Turn And Learn Training Cup"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4852/32373334928_68757e3608_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="kip Hop Zoo Turn And Learn Training Cup"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Skip Hop Zoo Turn And Learn Training Cup</b></i></center><br />
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To purchase this <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHUzML?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.sg%2Fproducts%2Flazada-x-skip-hop-x-make-my-day-surprise-box-by-wowmom-i286441115-s459959575.html%3Fspm%3Da2o42.searchlist.list.22.23cc4b28D5pT7X%26search%3D1%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26affiliate_id%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_name%3D%7Boffer_name%7D%26affiliate_name%3D%7Baffiliate_name%7D%26transaction_id%3D%7Btransaction_id%7D">Lazada x Skiphop surprise box</a>, mark it down in your wishlist now. <br />
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For more of the amazing deals happening on Lazada 12.12, click <a href="https://c.lazada.sg/t/c.Z1qB">here</a> to check them out today. <br />
<br />
The Lazada x Skiphop surprise box will be released on <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHUzML?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.sg%2Fproducts%2Flazada-x-skip-hop-x-make-my-day-surprise-box-by-wowmom-i286441115-s459959575.html%3Fspm%3Da2o42.searchlist.list.22.23cc4b28D5pT7X%26search%3D1%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26affiliate_id%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_name%3D%7Boffer_name%7D%26affiliate_name%3D%7Baffiliate_name%7D%26transaction_id%3D%7Btransaction_id%7D">10 December at 2pm</a>, so do keep logging into the app to check out their flash deal section! Fastest fingers first, good luck!<br />
<br />
More sneak peeks on other Lazada Surprise boxes here:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/03/maybelline-lazada-birthday-surprise-box.html">Maybelline Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/06/lazada-nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-box.html">Nescafe Dolce Gusto Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/12/lazada-tony-moly-surprise-box.html">Tony Moly Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazada-laneige-surprise-box.html">Laneige Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/07/lazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box.html">Hasbro Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-etude-house-surprise-box.html">Etude House Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-fisher-price-surprise-box.html">Fisher Price Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box.html">Innisfree Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-skiphop-surprise-box.html">Skiphop Surprise Box</a></li>
</ul>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-75615506568091604532018-12-07T11:56:00.001+08:002018-12-07T11:56:31.422+08:00Blackmores Review: Nourishment For My Skin With Vitamin E <center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/45988642322/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Range"><img alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Range" height="534" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4822/45988642322_ab11857213_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
When I learnt that Blackmores released a range of products surrounding the key ingredient, Vitamin E... I gave a nod of approval for the brand. I say that because most brands create just ONE Vitamin E product and that's it.<br />
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Blackmores created <b>FOUR</b> variants of Vitamin E-infused creams to meet the different needs of their consumers. In addition, they added Lanolin, Avocado oil & Apricot Kernel Oil to boost its moisturising properties thus making this range a perfect choice for those suffering from dry skin or going abroad to a country with dry climate.<br />
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Read on to find out more about Blackmores' Natural Vitamin E skincare range and whether you are a suitable candidate for this range of their creams.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/45988642132/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Creams"><img alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Creams" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4895/45988642132_306997158d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
Vitamin E is well-known for its moisturising and antioxidant properties. As such, it makes sense for Blackmores to create its range of Vitamin E products surrounding these properties. Available at myCK, the 4 variants available are: <br />
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<ul><li>Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream + Lanolin </li>
<li>Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Bright</li>
<li>Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Firm & Smooth</li>
<li>Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Barrier</li>
</ul><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 | Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream + Lanolin</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44296585270/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E & Lanolin Cream"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4867/44296585270_46582c8ee1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E & Lanolin Cream"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTWXhCjE6tiykI5Cm8vSEdNurPLbtqWOKn7_XGtBAUT8qQJjHzho9mTlH5AjhKgGNYU1r8sBAy0Ht661mvh-USqpmsiTLFzyxel2bE6AhSUz5xMkhv7X3KOizAHchNILz6zsVTCWVF_jY/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25286%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTWXhCjE6tiykI5Cm8vSEdNurPLbtqWOKn7_XGtBAUT8qQJjHzho9mTlH5AjhKgGNYU1r8sBAy0Ht661mvh-USqpmsiTLFzyxel2bE6AhSUz5xMkhv7X3KOizAHchNILz6zsVTCWVF_jY/s640/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25286%2529.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b><i>What Is It:</i></b> A rich and soothing moisturising cream to protect and replenish the skin. Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream + Lanolin provides a natural source of vitamin E and natural lanolin (derived from sheep wool) to help soothe the skin, while being free from artificial colours or fragrances.<br />
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<b><i>Benefits:</i></b><br />
<ul><li>Nourish and soothe the skin</li>
<li>Prevents moisture loss and locks in moisture</li>
<li>Protects and replenish the skin</li>
<li>Provides antioxidant support (vitamin E) for the skin</li>
</ul><br />
<b><i>myCK Retail Price:</i></b> $15.20<br />
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<b><i>Texture:</i></b> Creamy & Light<br />
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<b><i>Breaking down the ingredients:</i></b><br />
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Aside from Vitamin E, this cream contains lanolin. Lanolin is the purified secretion from sheep sebaceous glands and is found on sheep wool. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 | Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Bright</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31173810437/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Skin Bright"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4864/31173810437_e78ca502cc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Skin Bright"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB_bvuSo9UtL3M1TPh5jTk9AmTiozhZVqsGSVnYsFRIFBWjsqWZm6zNnkx8h8DJ_BEBOclCAMrSgn3OWedNkk6eUc_DLgtVr_1sdTP9ExNcQFdQWfQgaq6zX0d7GDJUyeW4c03M7l4HrW/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25285%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHB_bvuSo9UtL3M1TPh5jTk9AmTiozhZVqsGSVnYsFRIFBWjsqWZm6zNnkx8h8DJ_BEBOclCAMrSgn3OWedNkk6eUc_DLgtVr_1sdTP9ExNcQFdQWfQgaq6zX0d7GDJUyeW4c03M7l4HrW/s640/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25285%2529.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b><i>What Is It:</i></b> Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Bright helps to promote radiant skin. With antioxidants such as licorice root extract, wakame seaweed extract & vitamin E, it helps to promote the appearance of a brighter complexion. Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Bright is free from artificial colours or fragrances.<br />
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<b><i>Benefits:</i></b> <br />
<ul><li>Brightens the complexion</li>
<li>Promotes radiant skin</li>
<li>Protects and replenishes the skin</li>
<li>Moisturises and softens the skin</li>
</ul><br />
<b><i>myCK Retail Price:</i></b> $24<br />
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<b><i>Texture:</i></b> Fluffy, creamy, very moisturising<br />
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<b><i>Breaking down the ingredients:</i></b><br />
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Two of the key ingredients in this product are Licorice Root Extract and Wakame Seaweed Extract<br />
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Licorice root provides a whitening and brightening action whilst also smoothing and softening the skin.<br />
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Wakame contains an antioxidant that can help promote the appearance of a lighter, brighter complexion and more radiant skin. It also helps to protect, condition and nourish the skin.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#3| Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Firm & Smooth</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44296583380/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Firm & Smooth"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4908/44296583380_c43d5c30cb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Firm & Smooth"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31233513347/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Firm & Smooth texture"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/31233513347_3bcc531a8c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Blackmores Firm & Smooth texture"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<b><i>What Is It:</i></b> A rich and smoothing moisturising cream blended with botanicals including DERMCOM™ snow crocus for the appearance of smooth and revitalised skin. <br />
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<b><i>Benefits:</i></b><br />
<ul><li>Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles</li>
<li>Firms skin</li>
<li>Moisturises and smoothen skin</li>
</ul><br />
<b><i>myCK Retail Price:</i></b> $24<br />
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<b><i>Texture:</i></b> Light, almost gel-like<br />
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<b><i>Breaking down the ingredients:</i></b><br />
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Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Firm & Smooth contains DERMCOM™ snow crocus, a top ingredient for anti-aging skincare. <br />
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This flower-based extract helps to reduce fine lines on the skin, providing our complexion the necessary nutrients to combat our ageing skin concern.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#4| Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Barrier</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44296581230/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Skin Barrier"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4859/44296581230_10a1ef9cca_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Skin Barrier"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/45260208775/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blackmores Vitamin E Skin Barrier texture"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4814/45260208775_ab74dd4ffa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Blackmores Vitamin E Skin Barrier texture"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
<b><i>What Is It:</i></b> A protective and hydrating cream blended with nourishing plant derived oils containing omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that form a film on the skin, providing a layer of protection from environmental pollutants with added Depollutine™ and Phytovie™.<br />
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<b><i>Benefits:</i></b><br />
<ul><li>Forms a film on the skin</li>
<li>Protects skin from environmental pollutants</li>
<li>Moisturises and replenishes skin</li>
</ul><br />
<b><i>myCK Retail Price:</i></b> $24<br />
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<b><i>Texture:</i></b> Richest amongst the 3 facial creams, film-like texture on skin after application<br />
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<b><i>Breaking down the ingredients:</i></b><br />
<br />
Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream Skin Barrier has two key ingredients (other than Vitamin E): Depollutine™ and Phytovie™. <br />
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This is a protective and hydrating cream blended with nourishing plant derived oils containing omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids that form a film on the skin, providing a layer of protection from environmental pollutants with added Depollutine™ (a moisturising algae) and Phytovie™ (a copolymer conditioning oils that help to provide a barrier to environmental pollutants). <br />
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Singapore has a tropical and harsh climate and our skin is exposed to pollutants which are invisible to us. This product provides a protective layer on the skin to prevent these harmful particles from coming into contact with it.<br />
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***<br />
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<b><i>Overall Review:</i></b><br />
<br />
For starters, let's talk about the key ingredient, Vitamin E.<br />
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This beneficial vitamin is an antioxidant, as a protection against the sun's UVB rays, as an anti-aging agent and a moisturiser.<br />
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Hearing all these benefits, it got me thinking... Wow, this is an ingredient that I would LOVE as a woman. It pretty much hit all the necessary checkboxes that I feel a beauty product is required to have.<br />
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However there is a silver lining to every cloud. Vitamin E creams are recommended for those with dry skin. To the lucky peeps with dry skin, all the products featured in this post are made for you guys! <br />
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If there is one product that you MUST buy and try, it would be the <b>Blackmores Vitamin E Cream Skin Bright</b>!!! It has an interesting fluffy-like texture which I am sucker for! The most important thing about this cream and what I would really like to shout-out for is and the purpose of the cream (ie. to moisturise and brighten complexion) and based on my research of its ingredients, its probable suitability for people with atopic dermatitis (aka eczema).<br />
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The two key ingredients of this cream are licorice extract and wakame seaweed extract. From my research, I found out that clinical studies have shown licorice root extract to be an effective ingredient against eczema as it is able to reduce redness and irritation. In addition, wakame seaweed extract contains vitamins B1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 – all of which helps to reduce inflammation.<br />
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Correct me if I am wrong because I am drawing memories from my past dating life with a dude who has a bad case of eczema – and thus very dry skin. I made multiple trips to our local drugstores to find a suitable moisturiser for him and they've never really ended well.<br />
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His skin was so dry that it was almost scaly like an alligator. As the eczema had spread to his face, his skin would get really dry and itchy. He couldn't resist scratching and so it resulted in bleeding and scars. His facial skin turned dark, red and rough. Back then, there were no moisturisers made for people with eczema, dedicated for facial use only. Thankfully we've got Blackmores now.<br />
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If you are or perhaps you know of someone who is troubled by eczema, share with them about this range! They deserve to know about it, they deserve to find a solution for their skin problem.<br />
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Now as for the other two creams, they are great for an all round protection. I would suggest using these two bottles occasionally (probably 2-3 days a week) together with Skin Bright. You can switch them around to prevent your skin from getting attuned to one particular product – you can also reap the benefits of the whole range!<br />
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You can purchase any of these products from <a href="http://www.myck.sg/home.php">myCK</a>'s heartland retail chain for daily essentials! Here is <a href="http://www.myck.sg/locate.php">a list</a> of their outlets in Singapore.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-16200656880920468472018-11-10T08:30:00.000+08:002018-12-07T20:02:29.992+08:00Lazada x Innisfree Surprise Box<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/45807393791/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Innisfree 1"><img alt="Lazada x Innisfree 1" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4806/45807393791_a94e852028_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
I can never get tired of Lazada's surprise boxes! It is the <b>NUMBER ONE</b> thing that I look out for whenever Lazada announces about their sales event. Each box contain products worth $100 but will only be retailed for $29! In the upccoming 11.11 Sale on Lazada, you can expect surprise boxes for beauty, lifestyle, baby, tech and more.<br />
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Here is a sneak peek of what's in my Lazada x Innisfree surprise box. Read on to find out more.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">| Lazada 11.11</span></b><br />
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Starting from 11th November 2018, there will be <b>1111 FLASH DEALS</b> happening till the end of the year. <br />
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With up to 90% off and our favourite surprise boxes available in either $29/$49, you really wouldn't want to miss out on all the great deals! Click <a href="https://c.lazada.sg/t/c.Bvb">here</a> to head over to Lazada now!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">| Lazada x Innisfree Surprise Box</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44894364035/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Innisfree 2"><img alt="Lazada x Innisfree 2" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4831/44894364035_81f2d427ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
As like all the surprise boxes before, this is just a sneak peek. I will only be showing a couple of items that are in my surprise box, and of which these items are what I think are the most value-for-money!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44894368045/in/dateposted-public/" title="Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint"><img alt="Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4907/44894368045_fba8303b56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint in </i></b></center><br />
I got a shock when I opened my Innisfree surprise box and saw this product. The Vivid Creamy Tint has been on my wishlist for a long time and this is one of Innisfree's BEST-SELLING product! (see Innisfree Best Seller List <a href="http://www.innisfree.com/sg/en/bestseller/bestsellerList.do">here</a>)<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43990641850/in/dateposted-public/" title="Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint 2"><img alt="Innisfree Vivid Creamy Tint 2" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4884/43990641850_0baa32077e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
The gorgeous tint is rich and dries off to a semi-matte finish. It doesn't feel drying but of course, I'll need to wear it out on my lips for a day to know for sure!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/30867676897/in/dateposted-public/" title="Innisfree bija cica essence"><img alt="Innisfree bija cica essence" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4911/30867676897_b12d48e202_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Innisfree Bija Cica Essence</i></b></center><br />
Seriously, this might be my favourite Lazada surprise box ever!! Another item from Innisfree's Best Seller List! The Bija Cica Essence is great for soothing delicate skin and resolving skincare issues (ie. acne, dry, sensitive skin).<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31936412898/in/dateposted-public/" title="Innisfree jeju lava seawater boosting ampoule"><img alt="Innisfree jeju lava seawater boosting ampoule" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4804/31936412898_d740364b40_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Boosting Ampoule</i></b></center><br />
Ampoules are great for when your skin is having a bad day! I typically add a dash of ampoule in my foundation when I've having a bad skin day and so far, it has always worked! I can't wait to try this baby out and test its moisture-boosting properties!<br />
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This box is sold for $29 and only available on 11th November 2018. Click <a href="https://www.lazada.sg/products/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box-i280538460-s442560242.html?spm=a2o42.searchlist.list.21.4a054425A3oZpY&search=1">here</a> to add the Lazada x Innisfree surprise box to your wishlist now! Good luck!<br />
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<ul><li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/03/maybelline-lazada-birthday-surprise-box.html">Maybelline Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/06/lazada-nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-box.html">Nescafe Dolce Gusto Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/12/lazada-tony-moly-surprise-box.html">Tony Moly Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazada-laneige-surprise-box.html">Laneige Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/07/lazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box.html">Hasbro Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-etude-house-surprise-box.html">Etude House Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-fisher-price-surprise-box.html">Fisher Price Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box.html">Innisfree Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-skiphop-surprise-box.html">Skiphop Surprise Box</a></li>
</ul>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-37003415487672303782018-10-03T11:53:00.000+08:002018-10-03T17:02:59.781+08:00Baby Ethan Growing Up With Nihon Ikuji Musical Play Yard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP98r1loffCiKA1ne98uc35P8SFmGK9tJTI-_YCKgw9RMS0qWuv_mMU3b7HIrKMJh4x_NiJMPY2PTvxU4MNQ5fL0QrCkc4k_VffmMwmgS7fFYmnhIafKCuAZ0ES3LSniUtjjOGf8v9cv-/s1600/nihon+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP98r1loffCiKA1ne98uc35P8SFmGK9tJTI-_YCKgw9RMS0qWuv_mMU3b7HIrKMJh4x_NiJMPY2PTvxU4MNQ5fL0QrCkc4k_VffmMwmgS7fFYmnhIafKCuAZ0ES3LSniUtjjOGf8v9cv-/s1600/nihon+3.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="900" /></a></div><br />
This is the best toy that was ever invented!!! As a mom to an incredibly active baby, this toy is a life saver. I’ve never loved any of Ethan’s toy as much! The Nihon Ikuji Play Yard entertains and keeps him out of trouble. <br />
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It grows with him to suit his different play needs. When he was about 6 months old, he would tumble around in it as he learns to crawl. Gradually he learnt to stand with support (from the play yard), without support... and now he is using it to learn how to walk. <br />
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This is a toy that I would like to highly recommend to all parents — for your piece of mind & the little one’s development! Read on to find out how much I truly love my Nihon Ikuji Play Yard and its benefits for MiniChew!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44347173764/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Standing With Support"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1928/44347173764_5fb6ca3a47_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Standing With Support"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>My little one loves his Nihon Ikuji Play Yard!</b></i></center><br />
What we have at home is the Nihon Ikuji Premium Music 6-Panels Play Yard. I got it just as Ethan was learning how to crawl, and let me tell you... the play yard is bloody useful!<br />
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My active baby was tumbling about everywhere!! Fortunately the play yard came with an exact fit mat and if it weren’t for their quality foam, he would have had bruises everywhere! <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31194494648/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Playing Safely In The Play Yard"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1977/31194494648_a49be0e579_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Playing Safely In The Play Yard"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Baby Ethan playing safely by himself in the play yard</b></i></center><br />
The Exact Fit Play Mat is scalable and prevents the play yard from being shifted. <br />
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Nihon Ikuji Play Yards are made of an unbeatable quality! With strict quality control and the use of superior materials, it is no wonder why this is the best selling play yard in Japan and in Singapore. My 6-panels play yard can be easily converted to a 4-panels one with an exact fit mat because that is how scalable their product is, to suit different space needs. No matter how you expand or collapse the yard, the play mat will always be an exact fit! <br />
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Ethan loves the Musical Toy Panel the most as it offers lots of educational, enriching & developmentally-stimulating activities to meet his curiosity needs! <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/45019126922/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Spinner Ball"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1921/45019126922_8a97df7bb1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Spinner Ball"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>At 6 months, he loved to roll the Transparent Large Spinner Ball.</b></i></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWFc1RlZ9_9O6l5LUUe-Trt-zOgB9yz6e-x4aEs29vWisaXqiPEstz5UBwkHkBDq52cnfkXluu3Ww3bYy1j8HCK6FTXaw6jRcKLY2zCOni2-A6t7XRizCfc4E_aY1xIrmPJFDKdvy0y9W/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25283%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWFc1RlZ9_9O6l5LUUe-Trt-zOgB9yz6e-x4aEs29vWisaXqiPEstz5UBwkHkBDq52cnfkXluu3Ww3bYy1j8HCK6FTXaw6jRcKLY2zCOni2-A6t7XRizCfc4E_aY1xIrmPJFDKdvy0y9W/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25283%2529.gif" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="338" /></a></div><center><b><i>At 7 months, he liked playing with the Peekaboo Sliding Door & pressing the button for the musical package – rotating between the different 24 melodies!</i></b></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAIkiTz1bA3csnkxOVdzmdkKAgOEBYQ_t1z5r6AD6nudn6juT3P-t1P0qwIll1Wq8vcE_0Ipd8EBte1zGp_TwplDb7QyhsNWNaWgws0s0JEY3XJpvNSdu_lsDpJzoCAF2iafNlhwEtKF/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25284%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveAIkiTz1bA3csnkxOVdzmdkKAgOEBYQ_t1z5r6AD6nudn6juT3P-t1P0qwIll1Wq8vcE_0Ipd8EBte1zGp_TwplDb7QyhsNWNaWgws0s0JEY3XJpvNSdu_lsDpJzoCAF2iafNlhwEtKF/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25284%2529.gif" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="338" /></a></div><center><b><i>At 8 months, he liked using his little fat fingers to spin the interlocking cog system.</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31194479088/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Phone System"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1924/31194479088_f092c23d86_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Phone System"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>At 9 months, he is obsessed with removing the phone handset from the play panel — and it is pretty funny to see him use his 九牛二虎之力 to pull it out. Got stance some more, like he will get into a 扎马步 posture and tug at the hand set really hard!</b></i></center><br />
The musical play panel helps to improve his attention span, memory, motor skills, visual activity, sense of self and nervous system development. As he grows, he discovers more activities that he can do with the play panel!<br />
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If it weren’t for this play yard, I don’t think Ethan would have learnt how to stand and walk so quickly. He started standing at 7 months — holding the yard’s fence for support, practising his leg and core muscles. It wasn’t long before he had no need for the fence, he could achieve static standing independently. I was a proud mama then, and an even prouder mama ‘cos my baby boy is walking at 10 months.<br />
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He started cruising (walking while holding onto objects for support) at around 8 1/2 months. Then he started releasing his hands, taking his first steps. Now my little one is able to walk from one end to the other end of the Play Yard without support! Who needs a walker now?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUKh1bGcw0bf52RUb3aLa5SO3p98xPajleDn6fu1B80TJHE4dvHBI_-rGLIqKCST2lXn2VMhJAxgkgAuQZ9J9enseI5tqg5t2KREHjb38qyGjnEUZsvch2CMmqPc_k5rQzmZfMBB0Bprk/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25282%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUKh1bGcw0bf52RUb3aLa5SO3p98xPajleDn6fu1B80TJHE4dvHBI_-rGLIqKCST2lXn2VMhJAxgkgAuQZ9J9enseI5tqg5t2KREHjb38qyGjnEUZsvch2CMmqPc_k5rQzmZfMBB0Bprk/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25282%2529.gif" data-original-width="600" data-original-height="338" /></a></div><center><b><i>Learning how to walk – with the Nihon Ikuji Play Yard!</b></i></center><br />
You’re probably wondering... wouldn't the Play Yard shift if he is using it for support? I don't know about other play yards in the market, but I do know that my Nihon Ikuji Play Yard is the sturdiest! It has 2 3M™ anti-slip texturised rubber pads beneath each panel and connector to prevent the play yard from slipping off its place. Making it safe for my baby to practise his standing & walking! <br />
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The Nihon Ikuji Play Yard comes in various different colours and versions to choose from, including Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar version. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43254895070/in/dateposted-public/" title="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Self Play"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1965/43254895070_3ea6ba9113_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Nihon Ikuji Play Yard: Self Play"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>We usually leave a bunch of toys in the play yard and it would keep Ethan entertained (in a safe zone) for quite awhile!</b></i></center><br />
I’ve heard them say, that I can get plastic balls and throw them in the Play Yard to make a ball pit. I might get some balls and try that because my little one really likes ball pits — plus it helps to further improve his gross motor skills too! Did I forget to mention that I love ball pits too? Haha! I might just hop into the yard and join in my little one... since the play yard is big enough anyway!<br />
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If you are thinking of getting your baby a toy that they would truly enjoy, then get the Nihon Ikuji Play Yard! This an investment worth every dime and penny! You can use it for so long, baby discovers something new about the play yard at every stage of their development and it serves so many purposes. <br />
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You can get your Nihon Ikuji Play Yard from their flagship counter at Bove or their website <a href="http://nihonikuji.com.sg/">here</a>.<br />
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For the latest product updates, check out their facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PlayYardandPlayMat/">Play Yard & Play Mat</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PremiumBabyHub/">Premium Baby Hub</a>. You can also check out their Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mynihonikuji">@mynihonikuji</a>.<br />
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Have fun with your little one, mummies!<br />
Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-1460023243861796922018-09-28T16:10:00.001+08:002018-09-28T16:10:51.663+08:00Gangnam Aesthetics: Korean Gelish Nails @ Beauty By The Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB6gykgkNZDoFOzoxskqVjULougCF3UdWnZId_0X30IZ7he5kNPMGBdh23I_tPXWLUZ8BLmk5pCllDqMc4Eqcvwn5r-Pkqk7JNZc8fpik_4kwxr7EnKOdiFItU5qjbfO5SL5HQEX-kGnH/s1600/ACS_0067_Fotor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB6gykgkNZDoFOzoxskqVjULougCF3UdWnZId_0X30IZ7he5kNPMGBdh23I_tPXWLUZ8BLmk5pCllDqMc4Eqcvwn5r-Pkqk7JNZc8fpik_4kwxr7EnKOdiFItU5qjbfO5SL5HQEX-kGnH/s1600/ACS_0067_Fotor.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="901" /></a></div><br />
Wearing pretty nails can make a huge difference to our daily mood, and it is also better for the environment at Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics as the nail polish that they use — popular Korean nail polish brand, Bandi — are eco-friendly!<br />
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Read on to find out where you can get these super pretty + environmentally-friendly nail art in town.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/28880449657/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/858/28880449657_a66e6c7eae_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics</b></i></center><br />
<a href="http://gangnamaesthetics.com.sg/">Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics</a> is a one-stop beauty parlour created by renown aesthetic clinic, Gangnam Laser Clinic, to provide mani-pedi & facial services.<br />
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Located at Far East Shopping Centre (do not mistake it for Far East Plaza), it is just a stone’s throw away from Orchard MRT. You can walk from Wheelock Place to get to the shopping centre!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42008206320/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Manicure & Pedicure"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1812/42008206320_9cb6bf67d1_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Manicure & Pedicure"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Main area at Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics</b></i></center><br />
The purple interior decor at Beauty Bar emits a luxe feeling. If you’re going with a friend, you can all have your nails done in the main hallway — sipping on a cup of yuzu tea while you catch up!<br />
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However if you’re craving for a little privacy, they also have a small room to meet your manicure needs.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/28880453797/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Private Room"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/930/28880453797_e6d5d62650_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Private Room"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Private room for manicure only</b></i></center><br />
The most important factor for every nail salon is their manicurist, and how skilled is she? Well I’m happy to announce that the nail beautician at Beauty Bar is SUPER skilled as she is packed with decades of experience.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/31091136108/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Manicurist Kelly"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1930/31091136108_fcf65f54ca_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics: Manicurist Kelly"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Getting my nails painted by their experienced manicurist, Kelly</b></i></center><br />
Kelly, my manicurist at Beauty Bar has been in the industry for over 20 years and it was a joy watching her work! She has so many tips & tricks to creating beautiful nail art, and her years of experience mean that no nail art is impossible to recreate.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42008203660/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1819/42008203660_3be63f414b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Beauty Bar By Gangnam Aesthetics"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Bandi Nail Polish</b></i></center><br />
As mentioned earlier, Beauty Bar uses nail polish from the brand "Bandi". Bandi is a South Korean nail polish brand that emphasises on the importance of preserving the environment while combining the art of the professional nail industry. The brand is leading the naturalistic trend in the nail industry along with highly functional products made with natural ingredients.<br />
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In addition, Beauty Bar also offers the luxurious Bandi Switual hand and foot spa for those looking to give your claws & paws a little more love!<br />
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If you would like to make a nail appointment at Beauty Bar, click <a href="http://gangnamaesthetics.com.sg/contact/">here</a> or call (+65) 6732 1458. For more information on the beauty services available, you can find it <a href="http://gangnamaesthetics.com.sg/services/">here</a>.<br />
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<b><u>Beauty Bar by Gangnam Aesthetics</u></b><br />
545 Orchard Road #06-16<br />
Far East Shopping Centre<br />
Singapore 238882<br />
<br />
Monday - Friday: 11am-8pm<br />
Saturday: 9am -4.30pm<br />
Closed on Sundays and PH<br />
Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com1Orchard Rd, Singapore1.3016514 103.83805881.2857769 103.8178888 1.3175259 103.85822879999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-78692053558815753692018-09-14T20:54:00.000+08:002018-09-14T20:54:53.149+08:00La Vida: Back For A Touch-Up For Better Brows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW706yeY914zZOQmRiu5MzHbyG5rivsgMyOXZcWwBEGD_y84OtOggtthoS29DdjpbmYvuAW3UniCCLzXVfmRaZwLTjQydUNP0aJV_a6tkKp4HzaFcIzwrQso_FEqOUvvUzwp9Mcwibsptc/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW706yeY914zZOQmRiu5MzHbyG5rivsgMyOXZcWwBEGD_y84OtOggtthoS29DdjpbmYvuAW3UniCCLzXVfmRaZwLTjQydUNP0aJV_a6tkKp4HzaFcIzwrQso_FEqOUvvUzwp9Mcwibsptc/s1600/IMG_3655.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It’s been two years since my last visit to LA VIDA. That was my virgin attempt at eyebrow embroidery and it turned out better than expected!<br />
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My “fake” brows were natural-looking and long-lasting — c’mon, they lasted for two good years! I didn’t really need to redo my brows; they might have faded quite a bit but was still better than my pre-embroidery period (aka when I had literally no brows at all). I could always touch up with a little brow powder before heading out!<br />
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However the vainpot in me decided, it’s best to get ‘em brows done again before my upcoming cruise trip with the little one. I know I wouldn’t have much time to slap makeup on and I want to look my best at any time possible. So if you’re curious to know how a revisit eyebrow embroidery session is like, keep on reading!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29423439867/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA The Art of Brow Specialists"><img alt="LA VIDA The Art of Brow Specialists" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/29423439867_c81250c4c1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
Since 2014, LA VIDA has been perfecting the brows for their customers! Their eyebrow specialists go through rigorous trainings and workshops on a regular basis to keep them up to date with the latest trends and skills — all so as to give us (their customers) the perfect brow game.<br />
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They say that your eyes are the windows to your soul. And so, that would literally make your brows the frame to those windows. Since most of us would insist on having the perfect frame to match the windows in our house, shouldn’t it be the same for our eyes too?<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44332965202/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Before brows"><img alt="LA VIDA: Before brows" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1843/44332965202_86f55092cc_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>BEFORE photo: Embroidery from two years back is still present but faded and with patches</i></b></center><br />
I was (sadly) not born with the perfect frame to match my eyes. When a camera flash goes off, I look like I have no brows at all in photos. But that is all in the past, because I discovered makeup and then semi-permanent makeup — eyebrow embroidery.<br />
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There are so many available options in the eyebrow menu... 2D, 3D, 6D, floating, non-floating and etc. Which to pick?<br />
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Well why not try the “Deluxe Creative Eyebrows” here at LA VIDA!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| About Deluxe Creative Brows</span></b><br />
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The Deluxe Creative Brows is one of LA VIDA's most popular semi-permanent makeup service. Using a micro-blade, small incisions are made along the brow line to mimic existing eyebrow hair. <br />
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Their highly experienced brow specialists will create individual brow strands, combining unique strokes, in accordance to the growth of the eyebrow – giving their clients a natural 3D tone using industry-leading natural pigments.<br />
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After completion, your eyebrow embroidery is able to last for 18-24 months.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| Embroidery Process</span></b><br />
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It begins with a complimentary consultation session where their brow specialist will recommend to you an eyebrow design that complements your facial feature, skin tone and hair colour. As I was satisfied with my existing eyebrow design (previously done at LA VIDA), I kept the same brow shape but switched to a lighter tone of brown to match my hair and skin tone.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42551179340/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Shaping my brows"><img alt="LA VIDA: Shaping my brows" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1866/42551179340_6c4f52def1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Brow Specialist shaping my brows – shaving away the excess brow hair!</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44311029112/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Painless Eyebrow Embroidery Procedure"><img alt="LA VIDA: Painless Eyebrow Embroidery Procedure" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1896/44311029112_33d1df8d47_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Applying numbing cream</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43453272265/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Sealing in the numbing cream"><img alt="LA VIDA: Sealing in the numbing cream" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1851/43453272265_78e8583dce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Sealing in the numbing cream and waiting for it to take effect</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43453269555/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Numbing cream"><img alt="LA VIDA: Numbing cream" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1844/43453269555_f228973486_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>The procedure is painless due to the numbing cream!</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/30492214388/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Making small incisions with a micro-blade"><img alt="LA VIDA: Making small incisions with a micro-blade" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/30492214388_fa2d10bf4a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Embroidery begins: Small incisions are made with a micro-blade to mimic existing brow hair</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43453264145/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Creating a three-dimensional tone to my brows"><img alt="LA VIDA: Creating a three-dimensional tone to my brows" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/43453264145_ef3fc59a6d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Creating individual brow strands according to the growth of my eyebrow so as to give the brows a natural 3D look!</i></b></center><br />
In less than 15 minutes, my eyebrow embroidery procedure was over! I had a new set of brows that didn't require a touch-up of brow powder, I was ready to step out of the house at any time!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/30492250448/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Eyebrow Embroidery done!"><img alt="LA VIDA: Eyebrow Embroidery done!" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1865/30492250448_7eff861e5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>AFTER photo: Embroidery was just completed! I look so natural, it doesn't look like I just had my brows done!</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43679207845/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Close up of brows"><img alt="LA VIDA: Close up of brows" height="426" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1873/43679207845_0005ffbab3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Close-up of my completed brows</i></b></center><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">| My two cents</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43453261455/in/dateposted-public/" title="LA VIDA: Lot One"><img alt="LA VIDA: Lot One" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/43453261455_e2b3aaf7fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
There is a reason why I decided to go back to LA VIDA and have my brows done by them (read about my first visit <a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2016/09/la-vida-eyebrow-embroidery-3-easy-steps.html">here</a>). I trust their skills, and most importantly the equipments and materials that they use. I mentioned it at the start of this post, they did my very first eyebrow embroidery and it was a good set of brows that lasted me for over 2 years!<br />
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Not to mention, they have always ensured that the procedure is painless and fuss-free. Be it two years ago, or now in 2018... eyebrow embroidering at LA VIDA is pain-free!<br />
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I forgot about those days when I had to spend half an hour in front of the mirror, filling in my brows just so that I had some sort of "frame" to my eyes. The days when I couldn't perfect my brow game with the brow powder... those days sucked! Thankfully those days are long gone, far away in the past, and till date they haven't returned.<br />
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Since my revisit to LA VIDA for this touch-up, doing my makeup is definitely so much easier! The fuller brows mean that I look more awake and refreshed all the time. I feel confident heading into town with just my skincare and in specs, no makeup done at all. I needn't worry about looking like a haggard mom. <br />
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I guess what most people are terrified of when it comes to eyebrow embroidery is how dark it looks after the procedure has just been completed. We don't like downtime. To put it frankly, we are afraid of looking like an "Angry Bird". <br />
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I will once again re-emphasise that it has been two years since my last visit. I'm saying it because I've noticed some changes and improvements to the technique used at LA VIDA.<br />
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Two years ago, right after my embroidery and right in the shop, I took routine photos to capture the after-look of having an eyebrow embroidery done. At that time back then, that level of darkness (of my embroidered eyebrow) is considered really good and not obvious already!<br />
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BUT NOW, it is so much better!!! You can't tell at all that I have just had my eyebrows embroidered – it looks like I swiped some brow powder and browcara across! My brows looked refined and so neat.<br />
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There was no downtime. I felt no need to hide at home or from any cameras. I went about with my daily work and attended two events in the same day after getting my brows done! No one made a peep about my brows because it looked so natural!<br />
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After seeing my brows and the convenience that it brought, even my mom got tempted to get her brows done too – I'm pretty sure I inherited my <s>non-existent</s> super fine brow hair from her! 🙊<br />
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<blockquote><center>Just for my readers, text or call this number (8797 6271) and quote <b>[<span style="background-color: yellow;">Sophie398</span>]</b> to enjoy LA VIDA's Deluxe Creative Brows at a <b>promotional price of $398</b> with <b>a complimentary touch up session</b> (U.P. $1369.60).<br />
</center><br />
*Applicable only for first-time customers, available at all 6 outlets</blockquote><br />
Store locations:<br />
<ul><li>AMK Hub #B1-24, Tel: 6481 5484</li>
<li>Bedok Mall #01-27, Tel: 6384 3218</li>
<li>Grantral Mall @Clementi #01-09/10, Tel: 6774 7372</li>
<li>Compass One #04-23, Tel: 6386 2585</li>
<li>Lot One #02-02, Tel : 6769 3244</li>
<li>Northpoint City #B1-168 Tel : 6873 1168</li>
</ul>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-73070844691579953732018-09-06T17:56:00.001+08:002018-12-10T00:18:14.464+08:00Lazada 9.9: LAZADA x FISHER PRICE Surprise Box<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42698843690/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Fisher Price Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1862/42698843690_c7452c7c25_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt="Lazada x Fisher Price Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
If you’re one of my loyal readers, then Lazada’s amazing surprise box will be no stranger to you. For my dearest parent readers, this box is for you — the Lazada x Fisher Price surprise box!<br />
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Filled with toys that our little one will be so excited about, and the best part of it, the amount of savings we can get! Read on to get a sneak peek of what’s in this surprise box. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| LAZADA 9.9 SALE</b></span><br />
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<center></center><br />
Starting 6 September to 9 September, enjoy a slew of discounts, flash deals and great offers on Lazada! With discounts going up to 90% off, you can get that shaver you’ve been eyeing for at an amazing price.<br />
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In addition, the key highlight of every Lazada sale is their stunning surprise boxes! During the 9.9 Lazada Sale, there will be 99 surprise boxes up for grab. Prices of the surprise box is either at $29 or $49, with items worth $100 or more!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| FISHER PRICE SURPRISE BOX</b></span><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43789631264/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Fisher Price Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1859/43789631264_d470480625_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Fisher Price Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><br />
Every parent knows how expensive toys are. A simple piano keyboard can costs from $30 to $100+! This collaboration between Lazada & Fisher Price comes just in the nick of time! For $29 per surprise box, you will receive items that are worth $100. <br />
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My baby boy was so excited to check out his new toys! Here are some of his favourite picks from the Lazada x Fisher Price surprise box. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/30637863288/in/dateposted-public/" title="663818D7-8517-4CBB-914B-13558F6C4931"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1885/30637863288_0d50bf722c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="663818D7-8517-4CBB-914B-13558F6C4931"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Fisher Price Stack & Roll Cups</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/44507351721/in/dateposted-public/" title="5A2CFA67-7550-4020-A032-2EA13C0107CE"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/44507351721_3298ce63c7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="5A2CFA67-7550-4020-A032-2EA13C0107CE"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Fisher Price Press & Go Monster Truck</b></i></center><br />
There are a few more items in the surprise box... but as you know how these surprise boxes work! If I reveal all that’s in the box, then what’s the fun?<br />
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MiniChew can’t stop playing with his new toys — and your little one can benefit from this great bargain too! Just $29 for so many toys!!<br />
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The Lazada x Fisher Price surprise box will be released for sale on <b>8 September 2018, 8am</b>. Fastest fingers first, so good luck!<br />
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The LAZADA 9.9 surprise box will be available only via their app. You can download it <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazada.android&hl=en">here</a> for Android and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazada-1-online-shopping/id785385147?mt=8">here</a> for Apple devices. <br />
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Click <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHUzML?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpages.lazada.sg%2Fwow%2Fi%2Fsg%2F99%2Ftop-brands%3Fspm%3Da2o42.home.top.dbr1.7c1c46b58Hh21p%26hybrid%3D1%26scm%3D1003.4.icms-zebra-5000357-2587035.OTHER_5515602518_2632250%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26affiliate_id%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_name%3D%7Boffer_name%7D%26affiliate_name%3D%7Baffiliate_name%7D%26transaction_id%3D%7Btransaction_id%7D">here</a> to head over to Lazada 9.9 Sale!<br />
<br />
<br />
More sneak peeks on other Lazada Surprise boxes here:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/03/maybelline-lazada-birthday-surprise-box.html">Maybelline Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/06/lazada-nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-box.html">Nescafe Dolce Gusto Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/12/lazada-tony-moly-surprise-box.html">Tony Moly Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazada-laneige-surprise-box.html">Laneige Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/07/lazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box.html">Hasbro Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-etude-house-surprise-box.html">Etude House Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-fisher-price-surprise-box.html">Fisher Price Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box.html">Innisfree Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-skiphop-surprise-box.html">Skiphop Surprise Box</a></li>
</ul>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-62658217865041372092018-09-06T17:56:00.000+08:002018-12-10T00:18:20.381+08:00Lazada 9.9: LAZADA x Etude House Surprise Box<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/30637864388/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1900/30637864388_c0a996ecff_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
K-beauty lovers, I’ve got you covered during the upcoming Lazada 9.9 Sale! For just $29, you can enjoy these amazing cosmetic products in the Etude House Surprise box!<br />
<br />
Excited to find out what’s in the surprise box? Keep on reading!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| LAZADA 9.9 SALE</b></span><br />
<br />
<center></center><br />
Starting 6 September to 9 September, enjoy a slew of discounts, flash deals and stunning offers on Lazada! With discounts going up to 90% off, you wouldn't want to miss all the great bargains coming online. You can also redeem various vouchers (up to $99) to help you save even more <i>moolah</i>!<br />
<br />
In addition... the key highlight of every Lazada sale is their SO-WORTH-IT surprise boxes! During the 9.9 Lazada Sale, there will be 99 surprise boxes up for grab. Prices of the surprise box is either at $29 or $49, with items worth $100 or more!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| ETUDE HOUSE SURPRISE BOX</b></span><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29569811717/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1899/29569811717_940d4b7c46_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><br />
I am a huge fan of Etude House. They were one of the first makeup brands that I was exposed to and even till this date, I’m still using their products! Gotta love their eyeliners, concealers and possibly... everything they have!<br />
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In the Lazada x Etude House surprise box, for $29 only, you’ll get to add $100 worth of NEW makeup products to your beauty stash. Here are my favourites from this surprise box!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29569801517/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1869/29569801517_6f8f943d41_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Any Cushion Duo Case</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42698830530/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1879/42698830530_033e5cfcd2_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Any Balm Blusher</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29569804857/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/29569804857_0c0cccbf14_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Etude House Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>Colourful Drawing: Dear Darling Tint</i></b></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29569803017/in/dateposted-public/" title="9168E45C-73CA-4701-80EE-51E28FEC19D3"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1888/29569803017_0573fb90ea_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="9168E45C-73CA-4701-80EE-51E28FEC19D3"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><center><b><i>PLAY 101 Stick Contour Duo</i></b></center><br />
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Do note that the LAZADA 9.9 surprise box is available only via their app. You can download it <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazada.android&hl=en">here</a> for Android and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazada-1-online-shopping/id785385147?mt=8">here</a> for Apple devices. <br />
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LAZADA x Etude House Surprise boxes will be released for purchase on <b>9 September, 2pm</b>. So, fastest fingers first!<br />
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Click <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHUzML?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpages.lazada.sg%2Fwow%2Fi%2Fsg%2F99%2Ftop-brands%3Fspm%3Da2o42.home.top.dbr1.7c1c46b58Hh21p%26hybrid%3D1%26scm%3D1003.4.icms-zebra-5000357-2587035.OTHER_5515602518_2632250%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26affiliate_id%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_name%3D%7Boffer_name%7D%26affiliate_name%3D%7Baffiliate_name%7D%26transaction_id%3D%7Btransaction_id%7D">here</a> to head over to Lazada 9.9 Sale!<br />
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More sneak peeks on other Lazada Surprise boxes here:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/03/maybelline-lazada-birthday-surprise-box.html">Maybelline Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/06/lazada-nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-box.html">Nescafe Dolce Gusto Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/12/lazada-tony-moly-surprise-box.html">Tony Moly Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazada-laneige-surprise-box.html">Laneige Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/07/lazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box.html">Hasbro Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-etude-house-surprise-box.html">Etude House Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-fisher-price-surprise-box.html">Fisher Price Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box.html">Innisfree Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-skiphop-surprise-box.html">Skiphop Surprise Box</a></li>
</ul><br />
Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.8441055 103.174389 1.8600605 104.46528300000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-66453012180158578022018-08-03T12:35:00.000+08:002018-08-03T12:35:25.765+08:00The Lash Lawn: How I Wake Up Looking Fabulous Every Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3a7Yflj1tgWo7VtGpndeUq6nfuiuTzfISvqKuZtXhoznvFBN29zjbTpAjMtytZsmx0bQhvvJKuoZ_IPAHPbGgTDruMNuKn-qVwMJng8EH0M-GwAyYAlTfLDmM2nyqkr2BbEWpPPbsiOUP/s1600/afterlight+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3a7Yflj1tgWo7VtGpndeUq6nfuiuTzfISvqKuZtXhoznvFBN29zjbTpAjMtytZsmx0bQhvvJKuoZ_IPAHPbGgTDruMNuKn-qVwMJng8EH0M-GwAyYAlTfLDmM2nyqkr2BbEWpPPbsiOUP/s1600/afterlight+3.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="902" /></a></div><br />
Wouldn't it be great if you woke up every morning looking perfect? That is how I feel when my lashes have been fixed by The Lash Lawn. I can walk out of my house sans makeup, brimming with confidence because I know that I’m looking picture-perfect thanks to ‘em faux lashes.<br />
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Read on for my experience with the lash extensions at <a href="http://thelashlawn.com/">The Lash Lawn</a>!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42538500085/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lash Lawn: Pretty At Home With Lashes"><img alt="The Lash Lawn: Pretty At Home With Lashes" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/847/42538500085_d834b03cf2_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Zero eyeshadow on! Just some brow powder, foundation + blush</b></i></center><br />
Here is an honest sharing from me. After having my cute baby Ethan, I couldn't stand being outshone by him. He looks adorable every second of every minute all day!<br />
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I, on the other hand, look exhausted and like an old hag, <b>especially</b> when I had no makeup on. Additionally, I loved taking photos of my baby boy and even more so, taking photos WITH HIM. However I couldn't stand posting the photos of myself (without makeup)... because I looked so terrible!<br />
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I began looking for solutions and it happened by chance one day. I was out for an event and wore falsies. I came home and took routine pictures with the little one; because they grow up so fast and I want to take as many photos with him as I can before he begins to reject the camera! And that was when I realised that faux lashes were the key to making me look refreshed and pretty all the time.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42538500235/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lash Lawn"><img alt="The Lash Lawn" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/833/42538500235_e0d649ea6f_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Bare face for a facial but I'm still looking good cos of 'em lashes! – it's so amazing that I was shocked after taking this pic</b></i></center><br />
It was as though the Lash Lawn heard my prayers because they reached out for a partnership and my gosh, their faux lashes are THE BOMB! Their lashes are incredibly fluttery and so light & comfortable – nothing is more annoying than heavy lashes that irritates the eye!<br />
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They've got me covered for all occasions – from natural-looking "Girl Next Door" lashes that keep me going on with my daily life grinds, to fabulous star-striking "Jet Setter" lashes that I would recommend to all office ladies because it cuts your makeup time by HALF!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtWA1oC_Gb96e5PZpiuSCsUfbAYxjNLwKefk0a2Uco-xI1PXeS2PckkN10CMfbaTJkv2555ytABpBbeyiVU0O79EeltLmrRx2shUhFGf44IlH8dyt-Dxw8UBCOHibQIBxE2-ndPJ49o8u/s1600/IMG_8007.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtWA1oC_Gb96e5PZpiuSCsUfbAYxjNLwKefk0a2Uco-xI1PXeS2PckkN10CMfbaTJkv2555ytABpBbeyiVU0O79EeltLmrRx2shUhFGf44IlH8dyt-Dxw8UBCOHibQIBxE2-ndPJ49o8u/s640/IMG_8007.GIF" width="361" /></a></div><center><b><i>Took this gif right after I woke up, haven't comb my hair or wash face yet lol</b></i></center><br />
Life has been amazing after getting lash extensions. I've received multiple compliments that my lashes look so natural, you wouldn't even notice that they were fake. It has done an excellent job in making me look pretty anytime, anywhere – but what I love most is looking refreshed and awake 24/7 (so important for a new mom that barely gets 5 hrs of sleep a day 😂)<br />
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Over at The Lash Lawn, they focus on doing lashes that look natural with the intention of subtly accentuating one's features. So you wouldn't expect them to do anything too crazy or over the top – their lashes are not the super diva-like sort. The lash beauticians would always ensure that every strand has been properly separated, so as to prevent any itchiness or eye irritations.<br />
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They care a lot about your own lashes and would thus provide you with recommendations. For instance, my lashes are very thin, thus I can't do anything more than 2D because my own lashes are unable to handle the weight. In addition, the lash beauticians know that I wear specs so they would choose a suitable lash length that wouldn't collide with my specs. <br />
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I know this sounds really duh, but you'd be amazed by the sheer number of lash beauticians who do not ask me these questions and don't take such good care of my lashes. I have once had my lashes terribly destroyed by a lash parlour who did not ask me any questions and proceeded with the sticking – I ended up with false lashes that were wayyyyyy too long which kept colliding with my specs (it was so f*cking irritating for my eye), and they stuck so many extensions on each of my lash that made it really heavy and uncomfortable.<br />
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Point to note, if you are looking for something light, natural, fluttery, feels-like-it-is-non-existent... then go for The Lash Lawn! & don't forget to tell them that <b>you are recommended by me</b> because you can get 15% off any lash service!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42538500295/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lash Lawn: Event-ready all the time"><img alt="The Lash Lawn: Event-ready all the time" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/913/42538500295_1d02982e5d_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>Me at an event with zero eye makeup on! These lashes are truly amazing!</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/41635488730/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Lash Lawn"><img alt="The Lash Lawn" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1766/41635488730_b10909d006_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><center><b><i>See my lashes peeking out?! ♡<br />
Look like I've got eyeliner on when in reality, I don't!</b></i></center><br />
Here is the price list at The Lash Lawn.<br />
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<center><img height="640" src="https://thelashlawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Lash-Lawn-Menu_V1-1.png" width="489" /></center><center><i>Price list</i></center><br />
If you are unsure of what sort of lashes that you want or would best fit your needs, you can always discuss it with your friendly lash technician and they would recommend to you what they think is best for your eye while meeting your beauty needs!<br />
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Each lash session can take 60 minutes or more. It depends on the number of strands you choose to stick (80, 120 or volume) and that would in turn also affect the duration of your touch-up session.<br />
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Here are some tips to make your lash extensions last longer:<br />
<ol><li>Wait at least 4 hours after your lash session before you take your shower, just to make sure that the glue has completely dried</li>
<li>Avoid rubbing makeup remover (including micellar water makeup remover) around your eyes as that might potentially dissolve the glue and cause your lash to drop faster</li>
<li>Comb it well every night & morning – to avoid clumping and to ensure longevity!</li>
</ol><br />
Save some <i>moolah</i> when you use this promo code at The Lash Lawn (because we Singaporeans love promo codes so much!)<br />
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<blockquote><center><span style="font-size: large;">Quote <b>[<span style="background-color: yellow;">SOPHLEOW15</span>]</b> for 15% off all non-promo service!</span><br />
(or you can just tell them that you are recommended by me la!)</center></blockquote><br />
Lash on, ladies!Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-15415679405101633052018-07-16T14:16:00.000+08:002018-07-16T14:16:54.323+08:00Beijing 101: Treating Postnatal Hair Loss After Giving Birth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ3PtQd_UT8l24BdF9asQ84Dk5M05DkmIBXZWBoOgp-7OVfArTjnEltxwYwE98H3m27FcZ9ZgcyiINVn8FXtaXv8St9X5pwfDoyedsKoaaCJIG_YJ7cYUCqdlcNHp4veYsdszaSR6oWHN/s1600/afterlight+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ3PtQd_UT8l24BdF9asQ84Dk5M05DkmIBXZWBoOgp-7OVfArTjnEltxwYwE98H3m27FcZ9ZgcyiINVn8FXtaXv8St9X5pwfDoyedsKoaaCJIG_YJ7cYUCqdlcNHp4veYsdszaSR6oWHN/s1600/afterlight+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Hair loss is a stage that every woman goes through after pregnancy. It can begin as early as 2 months postpartum and the crux of hair loss comes 3~4 months after giving birth.<br />
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This annoying post-pregnancy symptom would supposedly fade away in 6 months as your hormones stabilise, but what happens if it doesn't and your hair fall continues on? Read on to find out how to tackle this pesky drain-clogging problem once and for all.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42430621714/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101 Post Natal Hair Loss Treatment"><img alt="Beijing 101 Post Natal Hair Loss Treatment" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/916/42430621714_bae89d0d8d_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
It feels pretty sad to stare at your drain after having taken a shower, and see a bunch of your hair clogging up the drain cover. You pray for the speedy arrival of the day when this problem would go away. You do your best to hide your bald spots, flipping your hair in every way possible just to cover the areas on your head where hair loss has occurred the worst. <br />
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One day becomes two, two days become four. Weeks and months passed and hey, it has been more than six months and that day of hair recovery never came. This is when the alarm bells in your head should begin to sound — it is time to seek help ASAP!<br />
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I am making this hair loss matter sound important and urgent because it is truly an issue that requires your immediate attention and treatment. The earlier that you seek help for it, the more hair follicles that you can save! <br />
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Most people just wait and wait. And they don’t realise that they are losing precious time and even more so, extremely precious hair follicles! Once you’ve lost a hair follicle, you can never get it back — which also means that you have eternally lost all hair that can be produced and grown by that follicle. <br />
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Postpartum hair loss after six months is more than just an imbalance of hormones. You can be suffering from issues such as a sensitive scalp, dandruff, oily scalp and many other problems that developed over the course of your pregnancy or after birth. Making and taking care of a baby puts so much pressure on our body, and many bodily changes cannot be seen with our naked eye. <br />
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At Beijing 101, the hair consultant will do a thorough check of your scalp and the condition of your hair. <br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29276319158/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101: Hair Consultation"><img alt="Beijing 101: Hair Consultation" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1765/29276319158_74d6da411a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
During my consultation, I found out that I had developed scalp sensitivity – a problem which did not exist prior to my pregnancy – and my scalp was a whole lot oilier than before!<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42430116194/in/dateposted-public/" title="Condition of my oily and sensitive scalp"><img alt="Condition of my oily and sensitive scalp" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1801/42430116194_c5f645de80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
I was prescribed with the following treatment steps.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#1 | Customised Hair Mask</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43097919722/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101: Scalp Purification Essence"><img alt="Beijing 101: Scalp Purification Essence" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/43097919722_121f9f0d01_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
My treatments began with a customised hair mask based on the condition of my scalp. In this instance, I was given a Double Cleansing Hair Mask to help with my oil-clogged scalp.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxImz61lhqb_sI4HraV0E1G3cT_8SRUDDpzJUl1kLY8ZKgx5XTuwz2VgiZ367Raqm323tyWTlsTXg1ujrjliAuVlc00a_w0gvUAFxAPjupHcOOspkxWE814QlAeET_imJskq6eGa-X_3wH/s1600/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxImz61lhqb_sI4HraV0E1G3cT_8SRUDDpzJUl1kLY8ZKgx5XTuwz2VgiZ367Raqm323tyWTlsTXg1ujrjliAuVlc00a_w0gvUAFxAPjupHcOOspkxWE814QlAeET_imJskq6eGa-X_3wH/s640/ezgif.com-video-to-gif+%25281%2529.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My customised hair mask treatment began with a scalp purification essence to help soften the stubborn sebum that was embedded deep into my hair roots.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/28278655517/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101 Hair Mask"><img alt="Beijing 101 Hair Mask" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/846/28278655517_d07648f573_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
After the softening, my hair specialist applied their PuriScalp Mask into my hair – a deep cleansing mask which helps to remove sebum clogs and impurities in my hair follicles, detoxify the scalp, provide nutrients to my hair follicles and lastly balance the level of oil secretion in my scalp.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42429305834/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101: Applying PuriScalp Mask"><img alt="Beijing 101: Applying PuriScalp Mask" height="427" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/925/42429305834_c2b571774c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 | Signature Meridian Hair Treatment</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29276308408/in/dateposted-public/" title="Beijing 101: Signature Meridian Treatment"><img alt="Beijing 101: Signature Meridian Treatment" height="480" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1786/29276308408_7a0c5c66b8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
The second step of the treatment is their famous Signature Meridian Hair Treatment. The head massage (with a hair essence) can not only improve blood circulation to promote healthy hair growth, it can also improve sleep quality and relieve headaches.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/41632564620/in/dateposted-public/" title="Consultation with Beijing 101 TCM Physician"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1761/41632564620_5b8c23debe_z.jpg" width="640" height="359" alt="Consultation with Beijing 101 TCM Physician"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
After the hair treatments, I was guided into the consultation room of their in-house TCM physician. She provided me with advices and tips on how to care for my hair and promote its growth. She questioned about my day, took my pulse and asked me a little bit more on my diet.<br />
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The TCM Phyisican advised me to take better care of my liver as it was very heaty from my lack of sleep – #MiniChew, see you gotta let mommy sleep more! She also advised me to take my meals regularly, cut down on supper and my daily salt intake so as to reduce the amount of oil secreted on my head.<br />
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I returned back to the main consultation room for a final scan of my scalp, to see the condition of my hair + scalp after the treatments.<br />
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Here is a before-after photo of my scalp.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42244542035/in/dateposted-public/" title="Before After Hair Treatment at Beijing 101"><img alt="Before After Hair Treatment at Beijing 101" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1764/42244542035_03fcf57ee8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
The treatments were extremely effective in removing my stubborn sebum and it helped to unclog my hair follicles. With repeated sessions, the treatments would be able to help promote hair growth in the follicles and improve the quality of hair produced.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><center>Just for my readers only, enjoy <span style="background-color: yellow;">FREE TCM consultation</span> worth $68<br />
with purchase of <span style="background-color: yellow;">Deep Cleansing Scalp Treatment @ $40 nett</span> (U.P $434)<br />
when you click <a href="http://www.beijing101hair.com/Soph_Leow_Promotion_Jul18"><b>HERE</b></a> to book an appointment at your nearest Beijing 101 outlet.</center></blockquote><br />
*Treatments: Application of Scalp Purification Essence, Puriscalp Mask & Meridian Herbal Hair Treatment<br />
Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-82741899285115460502018-07-04T09:30:00.001+08:002018-12-10T00:18:25.136+08:00LAZADA x Hasbro Surprise Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8k85osLh9TJJU6GIACcNNLOvo4lJEvnyvkLM1Ow_7cwkqreD9Jl5QqGS5AG5TP8jYBwBDK5izSVmkKQ0iLB39boJMxShG_x3PJcVxYSSG_SZOEagrMOGOo2wZ9UoY-_fwvojg0mWxehb/s1600/IMG_9659_Fotor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8k85osLh9TJJU6GIACcNNLOvo4lJEvnyvkLM1Ow_7cwkqreD9Jl5QqGS5AG5TP8jYBwBDK5izSVmkKQ0iLB39boJMxShG_x3PJcVxYSSG_SZOEagrMOGOo2wZ9UoY-_fwvojg0mWxehb/s1600/IMG_9659_Fotor.png" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="901" /></a></div><br />
Gotta admit, I love surprise boxes! And so do many of us, especially when the deal is superbly awesome. LAZADA is back again with their second round of surprise boxes for this year and I am excited to share my finds with you. <br />
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Read on to know what I’ve uncovered in my LAZADA x Hasbro surprise box!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| LAZADA GREAT SINGAPORE SALE</b></span><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43135250442/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1766/43135250442_73cb268109_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><br />
Lazada’s GSS has begin, and their baby fair segment will be happening from 4-10 July 2018. <br />
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Grab this opportunity to shake your way up to $150 worth of vouchers! With more than 300 flash deals happening during the fair, you should stay glued to your phone all day — or you might missed out on some awesome timely deals!<br />
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Most importantly, and probably what you are looking forward to the most! Lazada’s various brand surprise boxes that are selling at $29, and filled with goodies worth $100. In this Lazada GSS: Baby Fair, you can expect brand surprise boxes from PUKU, Philips Avent, 1010 Mother and Child Essentials, Motherswork and of course, Hasbro! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>| Hasbro Surprise Box</b></span><br />
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As you can tell from the title, LAZADA sent me a Baby/Kids Hasbro surprise box for little Ethan! Hasbro is one of the leading toy manufacturers in the world hence this box is as expected... filled with toys. <br />
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Out of the X number of toys in the box (I’m sorry guys but I have been received instructions to not reveal the exact number!), these two were our favourites.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/43135248472/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box: Star Wars Snowspeeder"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/43135248472_1ee8d5ee62_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box: Star Wars Snowspeeder"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Star Wars Snowspeeder</b></i></center><br />
<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/28315795807/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box: Playdoh Fire Truck Set"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1804/28315795807_6d5c45ed53_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box: Playdoh Fire Truck Set"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center><center><b><i>Playdoh Fire Truck Set</b></i></center><br />
Do note that the GSS LAZADA surprise box is available only via their app. You can download it <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lazada.android&hl=en">here</a> for Android and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lazada-1-online-shopping/id785385147?mt=8">here</a> for Apple devices. <br />
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LAZADA “Baby & Kids” Surprise boxes will be sold from 4 July to 10 July 2018. The <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHUzML?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.sg%2Fproducts%2Flazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box-i242926162-s372705793.html%3Fspm%3Da2o42.searchlist.list.1.4203229elSBQxI%26search%3D1%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26affiliate_id%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_name%3D%7Boffer_name%7D%26affiliate_name%3D%7Baffiliate_name%7D%26transaction_id%3D%7Btransaction_id%7D"
>Lazada x Hasbro Surprise Box</a> will be released for purchase on 6 July at 0000 hours. So, fastest fingers first!<br />
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Click <a href="http://ho.lazada.sg/SHdMDs">here</a> to head over to Lazada GSS 2018 Baby Fair!<br />
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More sneak peeks on other Lazada Surprise boxes here:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/03/maybelline-lazada-birthday-surprise-box.html">Maybelline Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/06/lazada-nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-box.html">Nescafe Dolce Gusto Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.sg/2017/12/lazada-tony-moly-surprise-box.html">Tony Moly Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/04/lazada-laneige-surprise-box.html">Laneige Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/07/lazada-x-hasbro-surprise-box.html">Hasbro Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-etude-house-surprise-box.html">Etude House Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="https://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/09/lazada-x-fisher-price-surprise-box.html">Fisher Price Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-innisfree-surprise-box.html">Innisfree Surprise Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sophleow.blogspot.com/2018/11/lazada-x-skiphop-surprise-box.html">Skiphop Surprise Box</a></li>
</ul>Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com0Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199383317509275543.post-20151464921525579382018-06-30T16:21:00.000+08:002018-06-30T16:21:42.803+08:00Mothercare Review: Affordable & Good Quality Baby High Chairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt1vLUj-CLI0thYrAvg6kSgMq3lKKTwCW3rMMnwTLkMLA7CD2TknnJT_woN6XGyiKciyBSVl1njOxZdF2ywXyw12hwnSYB8O2hDr7wrXRjfzLO2fMbPfi85Uog9tiGrmPdiuMoi0pePP2/s1600/IMG_8304_Fotor2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt1vLUj-CLI0thYrAvg6kSgMq3lKKTwCW3rMMnwTLkMLA7CD2TknnJT_woN6XGyiKciyBSVl1njOxZdF2ywXyw12hwnSYB8O2hDr7wrXRjfzLO2fMbPfi85Uog9tiGrmPdiuMoi0pePP2/s1600/IMG_8304_Fotor2.png" /></a></div><br />
Ethan started solids at an early age. We had him sitting on a rocker-turned-stationary-seat for the first few weeks and although it wasn't the best chair for eating, it served its purpose. As he grew older and BIGGER, the rocker was no longer suitable as he was always fidgeting around in a chair. <br />
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In addition, as mentioned in my YouTube review video, eating in a reclined position isn't the best nor the safest. Hence we got Ethan a baby high chair which was kindly sponsored by Mothercare. Read on for a review of this baby high chair and what features about it that I like the most!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| Mothercare Bear and Friends Highchair</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29231701718/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Removable Table Tray"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1764/29231701718_87171a7b9f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Removable Table Tray"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><br />
Suitable from six months onwards, the Mothercare Bear and Friends highchair features a deep padded seat that is removable for easy cleaning which can also be reclined in three different positions.<br />
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The highchair also features six different height position and an easy to remove tray that is simple to clean and which can be stored on the back of the seat when not needed. When dinnertime is over, the Bear and Friends highchair is easy to fold and will stand freely for easy storage.<br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/29231705788/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Foldable Baby Chair With 6 Adjustable Heights"><img alt="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Foldable Baby Chair With 6 Adjustable Heights" height="640" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/915/29231705788_b678fa09e3_z.jpg" width="457" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></center><br />
<b>Features & Specifications:</b><br />
<ul><li>Suitable from 6 months or when your baby can sit up unaided up to a maximum weight of 15kg</li>
<li>Extra padded comfy seat</li>
<li>Easy Clean removable tray</li>
<li>3 position recline</li>
<li>6 height positions</li>
<li>5 point safety harness</li>
<li>Removable padded seat for easy cleaning</li>
<li>Convenient tray storage on back</li>
<li>Easy to fold and will standing freely when folded</li>
<li>Unfolded Dimensions: D73 x W56.5 x H112cm</li>
<li>High chair weight: 8kg</li>
</ul><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">| My Two Cents</span></b><br />
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<center><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/145522365@N05/42385637094/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Comfy Padded Seat"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/841/42385637094_bb7f403371_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair: Comfy Padded Seat"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
</center><br />
At half the price of most branded high chairs, Mothercare's house brand baby high chair offers the same functions & features as a branded high chair. And to be honest, the <a href="http://www.mothercare.com.sg/feeding/weaning-toddler-feeding/highchairs/mothercare-bear-and-friends-highchair.html">Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair</a> is actually really good!<br />
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I used to have this thought that house brand items = cheap but not so good. However after becoming a mom, I have learnt that the notion does not apply to all baby products. Pardon me for digressing but if you haven't tried Mothercare's Liquid Talc... YOU SHOULD!<br />
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Ethan used to get heat rash in between his neck, behind his knee, in between his elbow fold... and it annoys the shit out of me because as a mom who loves her kid a lot & as a beauty blogger who is crazy for perfect skin, I find it absolutely crucial for my kid to have flawless non-irritated skin.<br />
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I applied soooo many types of creams/lotions/gels and other brands of liquid talc. But none of them worked better than Mothercare's! <br />
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Okay now back to the baby high chair. First up, this baby high chair requires assembling after delivery. The assembly was super easy and even I could do it! That means a lot for someone who is a blur queen like me!<br />
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The 6 adjustable height positions mean that I can always find a suitable height to match the dining table or any other tables (that are above the knee level), or according to his feeding needs. About a month back, I lowered the baby high chair by a couple of notches because his Fisher Price Workbench Toy was too high (when placed on the removable table-tray) and we had to stand and feed him to overcome the height problem. After the height adjustment, that problem no longer existed!<br />
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As for the 3 reclining positions, find a suitable sitting position for your child every time. When they are younger and their spine + back muscles have yet to be fully developed, they might require more support when sitting upright. Thus you might wanna recline the seat backwards, and then incline it as they grow older.<br />
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The 5-point safety harness is a must-have for fidgety babies who are unable to sit still – such as Ethan – and it holds down our precious one safely to the high chair. The convenient tray storage at the back plays a great part in space reduction and organisation!<br />
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Now here is the feature about the baby high chair which I love the most! Remember how I mentioned that Ethan began eating solids earlier than most kids? He started at four months old. Thus with the younger age, it also meant a smaller build (doesn't help that he isn't very tall to begin with!)<br />
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Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair has an additional padded comfy seat (the brown bear cushion) to give the chair a small boost in terms of fitting. I used this booster in the beginning and it played a great part in having Ethan seated comfortably in his baby high chair. He is now 7 months old, and a lot taller + bigger in size, thus I have removed the cushion. I absolutely love the flexibility that the Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair has given me!<br />
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You can purchase the <a href="http://www.mothercare.com.sg/feeding/weaning-toddler-feeding/highchairs/mothercare-bear-and-friends-highchair.html">Mothercare Bear & Friends High Chair</a> from selected Mothercare outlets. Alternatively, order it online and have it delivered straight to your house! It is retailing online for $179.Sophie Leowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02025269260543487065noreply@blogger.com3Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000010.84135999999999989 103.1716425 1.862806 104.46802950000001