Ending the year with a Bang! in Korea

Hello everyone!

As you might or might not already know, I will be heading to Korea in 4 more days! WOOHOO!

This trip is a big deal to me because:
  • It will be my first ever white Christmas and also the first time that I will be witnessing snow!
  • I will also be having my 23rd birthday there and hopefully it will go by in a Korean fashion (think: seaweed soup like in those K-drama)
  • Oh and the fun hasn't ended yet, I will be bidding farewell to 2015 and greeting hello to 2016 in Korea too! I wonder how is the firework show like in Korea?

"SNOWWWWWWWWWW!"

Because of the season that it will be when I arrive in Korea, I have been stockpiling on winter wear for the past few months — yes you heard me right, MONTHS!

I am like super scared of the cold, yet I still wanna remain stylish through my layers of (affordable) clothing. I got what I could from Qoo10 and TaoBao (I'll let you guys know if getting winter wear from TaoBao is a fucking smart OR fucking stupid idea!) because the prices of winter clothing from our local winter-apparels stores is mad ridiculous!

Plus I refuse to believe that I can't get good winter apparels from online! #stubbornlikeamule

Anyway, speaking of Korea and apparels... Headline Seoul is offering the latest street styles of South Korea!

"The brand’s motto: HLS is a head-turning, affordable high style for the everyday life."

Headline Seoul (dubbed as "HLS" for short) a Korean label that offers affordable casual chic outfits that is suitable for everyday wear, as well as for all the upcoming year-end parties and events! Fulfil your inner Hallyu diva with HLS!

Shop Headline Seoul with ZALORA today!

Being A Tourist In Singapore: Re-visiting Trick Eye Museum

Sponsored Post

Note: Read my previous post on Trick Eye Museum Singapore "here"

I was invited by The Influencer Network (TIN) to check out the NEW and IMPROVED Trick Eye Museum Singapore! Since its opening in June 2014, the attraction sight has been well received and patronised by tourist and us, local people!

Due to its huge popularity, Trick Eye Museum Singapore had to close down in the last 2 weeks of October 2015 to undergo some renovation. The renovation work done included touching-up its existing well-loved art pieces, and the installation of some new paintings — so as to attract back fans of 3D painting!

There are two new themed zones titled "Supernatural" and "Fantasy", as well as some new Interactive 4D concept artwork which requires visitors to project their face onto a screen and then interact with animated images!

Check out the embed YouTube videos for a better understanding of the new Interactive 4D artwork!

Trick Eye Museum
26 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore 098138

Contact: 6795 2370
Website: http://trickeye.com/singapore


4D songs interactive





Rating: 4/5

My two cents:

The revamped Trick Eye Museum Singapore has six themed zones now (including the two new ones): "Mystery", "Excitement", "Fairytale", "Trick World", "Supernatural" and "Fantasy".

As you would have (obviously) noticed, I did not post up all the pictures in the two new themed zones. It was a deliberate move because if I did, what's the point of you visiting the museum to discover what the new paintings are?!

I can share that the new paintings involve a lot more "levitation" and acting so as to capture the essence of the artwork.

Without a doubt, I LOVE the new interactive 4D concepts. They make the museum so much more interesting and engaging! I spent so much time at the "interactive 4D Christmas sing/dance" zone because it was HILARIOUS to watch!

If you have had a cranky week at work and is in need of relieving your frustration, the "interactive 4D Art Fighter" zone is perfect for you! Knock yourself out boxing and kicking a fat sumo-wrestler; it is both fun and stress-relieving!

I like how Trick Eye Museum Singapore is making the effort to keep up with their name of "The World's Best 3D Museum". In my last post, I talked about how their paintings were in need of a touch-up and tadah! It has done that now!!

And also, I spoke about how it wasn't so fun to just keep taking photos of "flat" images, and out sprung these new 4D interactive concepts which I couldn't get enough of!

Of course, the road to perfection never ends and there would definitely be more improvements to be made. However just by judging how much they have come since my last visit, I honestly can't wait for the next revamp!

Who knows what would be next, more interactive 4D concepts? Or maybe there would be such a thing as 5D concept?!

We'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, you can also check out their official blog at http://trickeye.blogspot.sg!


Note: This post was kindly sponsored by Trick Eye Museum Singapore and The Influencer Network.

Kanoom Thai Dessert Café

Sponsored Post

Kanoom Thai Dessert Café
7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-102 Singapore 081007

Contact: (+65) 90921012
Website: http://www.kanoom.com/
Opening hours: 10.30am to 8pm, from Mon - Sat (Including PH). Closed on Sunday

Khao Niew Mamuang ($6)
"Mango Sticky Rice: An all time favourite, this decadent savoury dessert is a homemade secret recipe"

Honestly you have never had Mango Sticky Rice till you have tried the one at Kanoom's. The ingredients, especially the mango, was specially imported from Thailand and thus the quality of the whole dish is guaranteed! The mango was sweet and fragrant, without any hint of sourness at all!

Don't even get me started on the sticky rice... I have never had any sticky rice that is even comparably fragrant. The chef added a "secret" ingredient to the dish which resulted in its fragrance — I tried asking what it is but they wouldn't divulge their secret to me boohoo!

Pandan Kaya Toast ($2.80/$4)
"Fresh coconut milk infused with the scent of pandan leaves in between two slices of crisp toast"

The Pandan Kaya Toast is great as a simple teatime snack! The kaya is created in-house by the chef and has a creamier texture than our usual kaya.

It isn't as sweet as nyonya kaya due to the non-usage of gula melaka, but it does have its own set of alluring fragrance from the use of coconut milk and pandan.

Jasmine Pudding ($4.50)
"This Jasmine pudding adds a creamy and aromatic twist to an old favorite!"

Imagine this: A semi-sweet soft pudding emanating a light aromatic jasmine fragrance. The aroma of the jasmine, it lingers in your mouth even though the pudding has slid down your throat. The sweetness of the pudding, is pretty much touch-and-go yet it sticks in your mind.

Combined with the colourful water chestnut beads... which are so great to chew on because they are half-chewy and half-crunchy! It is almost like an explosion of textures in your mouth!


Tub Tim Krob ($4.50)
"Red Ruby: Water chestnut beads made in-house covered with tapioca flour served in sweetened coconut milk."

For this dish, you will get that sensational half-chewy-half-crunchy texture from the water chestnut beads, combined with the fragrance of coconut milk with a tinge of sweetness to keep the taste rolling round and round in your mouth!

Tako ($2.80)
"Pandan Pudding with coconut milk and chestnuts"

A simple pudding with a light fragrance from the use of pandan and coconut milk, combined with the crunchy texture from cubed chestnuts!

The café has kindly created takeaway versions of this dessert so that customers are able to bring it home and shared with their loved ones! Yay, share the joy man!

Do note that in the takeaway version, customers will be bringing home the pudding that has been made and moulded in a plastic container, instead of in a shot glass (like in the picture above).


Ratings: 4.3/5

My two cents:

Kanoom Thai Dessert Café is a café opened and owned by two entrepreneurs — one a local, the other a thai — a couple of months back in the year 2015. The chef is a talented Thai lady who brought recipes from her home country and creates magic in the cafe's kitchen!

Every morning the chef enters the cafe at 6.30am and begins her work, manually cubing water chestnuts into smaller pieces so as to create the unique-textured water chestnut beads (think: bubble tea black pearls coloured red with a crunch in the middle!)

If it isn't obvious from my descriptions of all dishes with the water chestnut beads, I am in love with those beads! I swear from the bottom of my heart that water chestnut beads is the new 'in' thing, and pearls from bubble tea stores can get booted out of the front door already!

The desserts from Kanoom's are not overtly sweet, and most have a tantalising fragrance from the use of coconut milk and/or pandan leaves. If you are a fan of Thai desserts, this is one café that you would love and HAVE to drop by!

Highly recommended desserts to try: Mango Sticky Rice and Jasmine Pudding


Note: This is a sponsored post by courtesy of Kanoom Thai Dessert Café and event organiser, Sugar.

6 Reasons Why That Heartbreak Is The Best Thing That Happened To You

Note: Read the original article written by me 'here' on Zalora Community

Yes, it hurts. It hurts so damn much that you think you might be having a heart attack. You don't understand how it could possibly be this painful. How something that you can't see actually hurts so much. You don't get how anyone could ever survive this pain. It hurts so terribly. You think you might just go crazy from all the pain.


Well, let me tell you this:

You won't go insane. You are not getting a heart attack. And you will survive it, just like everyone else. Your heartbreak will be the best present that anyone has ever given you. My dear, welcome to life (no pun intended).


Here's why you should be grateful for that heartbreak:

1. You will be stronger than ever

The process of recovering from a break-up cannot be hastened nor rushed. The feeling of vulnerability and abandonment will pass. The heartache will most likely leave its mark on you, but you will get over it and you will conquer your fears like a warrior. You will become stronger, and it would have to take a tsunami to shake you the next time. Everyone around you will notice the difference in your aura. You will have a sense of confidence like never before.


2. You will learn how to love yourself


To heal from a heartache, it starts from oneself. I always believe that there is no one more worthy or capable of loving yourself other than you. Take the opportunity to devote yourself to you, yourself and no one else. Pamper yourself and get yourself whatever you want. Maybe a facial package, a new haircut, or some new clothes and pretty shoes. Think about it: when was the last time you took a good look in the mirror and told your reflection, "Hey beautiful, I think you are fantastic"?


3. You will re-discover yourself

You knew who you were with that person around, and now it is time to know who you are without him/her. It is time to uncover your true potential, and learn more about yourself. Fill your time with what interests you and update your list of likes and dislikes. It is okay if you discover that your lists of yay's and nay's are different from before. Embrace the change!


4. You will learn to make your own choices


Dance with your new-found best friend — autonomy. Remember how annoying those days were when you had to discuss every decision, no matter big or small, with your ex? Well, those days are gone. Now, you have complete control over everything you do. Start small by getting yourself a cup of ice cream and immerse in being able to choose the flavour by yourself. You don't have to consult the person over your shoulder if he/she is agreeable to it just because he/she might have a spoonful or two. You can pick any weird flavour that you want. Yes, any flavour!


5. You will learn how to be independent

Independence is a trait that many brag about but few actually possess. You will learn to be self-reliant, to be comfortable with having only your pair of feet leaving a trail in the sand. You will find that being alone does not translate to being lonely. You will learn how to entertain yourself. You will learn how to live a life of your own.


6. You will love the next person harder and fiercer


When you are ready, let go of that heartbreak and move on.

Life is a like a train ride, with its own cross-roads and detours. Stick with the ride, never give up, and ride till the end. One day you will reach the end of the ride, and by then you will heave a huge sigh of relief and feel glad that you held on. Life will open its next set of doors for you, and those doors will lead you to the next person that you will love fiercely without regrets.


Going through heartbreak? Or are you a survivor? Share your thoughts on how your heartbreak made you stronger in the Comments below.

Note: Read the original article written by me 'here' on Zalora Community

Bread & Hearth Artisanal Bakery Café

Note: This is not a sponsored advertorial. All food items were fully paid for.

Bread & Hearth Artisanal Bakery Café
18 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089125

Contact: (+65) 6534 7800
Website: http://breadandhearth.com/
Opening hours: 8am to 8.30pm
Nearest MRT: Outram Park





Matcha Latte ($5.50)

Normal menu: Bacon and spinach quiche

Normal menu: Croissant sandwich with bacon and egg mayo ($5.50), and Gryphon Pearl of Orient tea ($4.50)


Normal menu: Braised Pork sandwich in freshly-baked Ciabatta ($9)


Normal menu, Soup of the Day: Onion soup ($6.50)

Normal menu, Soup of the Day: Mushroom soup ($6.50)

Rating: 4.7/5

My two cents:

This is one of the cafés where I like to hang out at with my friends or just with my laptop! The environment is a lovely place to chill with your loved ones, or even just to work. I love the food, I love the smell of freshly baked bread and pastries, I love their choice of relaxing music.

But what I actually do love most about this place is that everything here is nett price and there is no GST nor service charge!! You may say that I am frugal or a miser, but hey I have an expensive house to pay for and so I pinch and snip whenever I can! #dontjudge

In comparison to the price list at most cafes, I would consider the prices at Bread & Hearth to be very much affordable! The price of the displayed breads are from $2.50 to $6, while sandwiches are priced from $5.50 to $9.90.

Other than the normal menu, the brunch menu is available but only on the weekends. Prices of food on the brunch menu range from $12 to $19.

The place is usually rather crowded during the weekends and the breads are sold out quickly (especially the crossiants!) due to its close proximity to Goethe Institute on Neil Road and The Pinnacle@Duxton which is just across the road.

Thankfully the bakers are quick to replenish their stock so there would definitely be some breads or pastries available at any point in time, just maybe not the one that you had intended to buy.

I know the crossiants run out fast because I have been there a couple of times, sitting in the café from 1-3 hours on each trip. I noticed how many customers would walk in asking for a croissant and would then exclaim in disappointment when they learn that the crispy buttery pastry has been sold out. This only goes to show how good their croissant truly is!

MELILEA: Transform Your Life

Advertorial

Last week, I attended MELILEA's Celebration Party for their Executive President...

Datuk Dr Stella Chin!

MELILEA is an international group of companies that was founded by Datuk Dr Stella Chin and her husband, Datuk Dr Alan Wong back in 2001, at The Historic State of Malaysia, Malacca.

It was created based on the mission to "Transform your life with MELILEA". They envisioned their company to provide the best transformation platform worldwide and prided themselves based on the values of Health, Beauty, Success and Happiness.

MELILEA Organic products

MELILEA supplements

MELILEA has its focus on creating quality products through a unique business management system, and its staff is required to undergo constant education and training to keep themselves up-to-date.

On top of that, the corporation has also created an innovative reward program that would help to achieve a sustainable income for everyone.


Dr Stella Chin has worked 20 hard years in international marketing, human resources and corporate management. She has created an international company with headquarters in various Asian countries!

Her hard work has made her the first Asian woman to be the Finalist Winner of 4 Categories in "Stevie Awards for Women in Business".

The international corporation held a party at M Hotel Singapore in Dr Stella Chin's honour for her success at this year's 12th Annual Stevie Awards Ceremony!


I had the honour of having a first-hand interaction with Dr Stella Chin and I have to admit that she is a "superwoman" and she deserved every single one of the awards won.

If I had to describe Dr Stella Chin, I would say that she is a petite woman who possess a beautiful heart with a captivating charisma, and she is able to command quite the scene with her presence!


Dr Stella Chin possess unique leadership qualities that has helped many women to achieve their own financial freedom.

Besides being the founder of MELILEA, Dr Stella Chin is also the founder and promoter of Star Ladies International and Women's Wealth Creation (WWC) — both associations work towards a common goal in helping women to strive for their own wealth and to find their own goal and meaning in life.

Due to her dedicated involvement at work and in the community, Dr Stella Chin has also been dubbed as the "Initiator for Transforming Lives"!


During the event, she shared her success story, thoughts and life principles with us. There was a particular life motto of hers which struck a chord in me...

Despite all my successes and all the money that I already have, my riches does not translate to happiness. Here is one thing that I have learnt about gaining happiness and a principle that I stick by... One must not be lazy, for nothing in life is easy.

No easy. No Lazy. That's what I tell myself everyday.

Dr Stella Chin's has many successes in the business world, but she has one goal in her life which she holds dearly to her heart. Her goal is:

"To strike a balance between family and career"

Any working woman with a family can tell you that her goal is one that every woman tries and struggles to achieve, but Dr Stella Chin has successfully managed to find and attain the perfect balance between two challenging areas in every working mother's life.

A role model for all women throughout the world for her diligence in persevering in both her work and her family!

MELILEA was super generous and gave every attending blogger a month's supply of their prime products

Here is what I got to bag home from the event:
  • MELILEA Organic Nutritious Botanical Powder
  • MELILEA Organic Henry Apple Orchard Powder,
  • MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder
  • MELILEA Shaker (for concocting the drinks)


MELILEA Organic Nutritious Botanical Powder

It is created by renowned researcher and organic specialist, Dr Henry Chang, who has designed it based on our human body's optimal dietary requirements.

MELILEA Organic Nutritious Botanical Powder is rich in phytonutrients and is 100% imported from USA!

It contains more than over 20 organically grown, non-genetically modified organism (GMO) plants — including golden grains, vegetables and fruits — and has been graded 5-star zero-pollution food by the Organic United Nations Friendship Association (OUNFA).

Because of all the vegetables and fruits used to make this botanical powder, when mixed with water, the mixture kinda smells and taste like mushroom soup! #IMHO

This 5-Star organic food formulation has also been certified "halal" by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA).

MELILEA Organic Nutritious Botanical Powder is great for our bodies as it:

  • Improves physical fitness: The Organic Botanical Powder improves our health condition and body physique through cleansing, while providing us with a balanced amount of nutrition for our day-to-day activities.

  • Promotes metabolism: It can effectively burn more fats when used as a meal replacement during weight-loss, and also as a detoxification agent.

  • Gives healthy glowing skin: It is effective as a detox product and provides sufficient nutrients which give us beautiful and youthful-looking skin (think: k-pop stars!)

  • Improves our physiological functions: The organic food can help to regulate and support healthy organ functions, thus making us healthier and free from illnesses!


MELILEA Organic Henry Apple Orchard

MELILEA Organic Henry Apple Orchard is made from 100% natural organic fruits, and the drink does not taste overly sweet nor sour!

It makes a brilliant instant refreshment and not only does the drink taste great, it is also rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals as well as phytonutrients. (Tip: It tastes superrrrbbbb when mixed with iced water!)


MELILEA Organic Henry Apple Orchard is considered healthy as it does NOT contain saccharin (artificial sweetener), artificial flavouring, artificial colouring and preservatives. It is the perfect choice when you need an instant refreshment!


MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder

MELILEA Organic Soya Powder is made using the best quality and zero-pollution organic soya beans. It is made without the use of any artificial colour, artificial flavouring nor preservatives!

Due to the lack of preservatives, MELILEA had to TRIPLE package the product so as to retain its level of freshness. I'm awed by the amount of effort that MELILEA has put into keeping up with their promise — to provide the world with QUALITY PRODUCTS!

The Organic Soya Drink is rich in nutritional value and can easily provide amino acid, protein, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin D, lecithin, isoflavones and other natural phytonutrients that are vital components for healthy growth and development.


This product is made from non-GMO organic soybean that is grown exclusively in Hei Long Jiang, China. It has also been de-hulled to give a better taste!

MELILEA Organic Soy Drink is a good source of plant-based proteins and is ideal for people of all ages:

  1. Babies and Toddlers
    The Organic Soya Drink is great for infants who are lactose intolerant, sensitive or allergic to milk. It is also suitable for those who are frequent sufferers of indigestion.

  2. Children
    For young children/teenagers, the Organic Soya Drink can help to enhance their memory and promote a healthy physical growth and development — P-U-B-E-R-T-Y!!

  3. Young and Working Adults (where most of us fall into this category)
    As for adults, we all know the amount of meat and fast food that we take in per week... so this soy drink can help us to reduce our cholestrol level as well as to supplement the nutrients that we have missed out on in our daily (quick) meals!

  4. Pregnant soon-to-be moms
    MELILEA Organic Soymilk is good for providing sufficient nutrients especially protein and calcium for the mom-to-be as well as the little one in her womb!

  5. Pioneer generation
    This Organic Soy drink is beneficial to the elderly it helps to increase their strength and vitality, as well as to improve their brain function and general health.



MELILEA chose to make their products using the finest organic ingredients with their customers in mind, as organic foods are free from harmful chemicals thus reducing their customer's health risk!

Now here is how you make this incredibly beneficial drink in 6 EASY steps!

Step 1: Add 350ml of COLD water


Step 2: Add in a scoop of MELILEA Organic Nutritious Botanical Powder


Step 3: Add in 2-4 small scoops of MELILEA Organic Henry Apple Orchard Powder


Step 4: Add in 2 scoops of MELILEA Organic Soymilk Powder


Step 5: Stir and shake well


Step 6: It is now ready for your consumption!



This mixture is one of the most nutritious food supplement available and it makes an ideal choice as a daily meal replacement or just to ease hunger pangs.

It is also suitable to be used as a meal replacement when losing weight as it provides the body with balance nutrients during weight loss. It is advisable to drink it half an hour before each meal, three times a day.

For normal daily consumption, drink it half an hour before breakfast and ensure that you consume sufficient amount of water so as to improve intestinal motility (aka to make your 'pang sai' better!)


MELILEA products can be purchased either online or in their Singapore retail outlet.

Check out their website for more information!

MELILEA Singapore Headquarters
No.33, Ubi Avenue 3, #02-08, Vertex Singapore (408868)
Contact: (65) 6509 9119
Operational Hours: 10am-6pm (Mon-Sat), closed on Sunday
Website: http://www.melilea.com.sg/