[Food Review] The Connoisseur Concerto & House of Seafood

A date for two please

The day started off with us getting our back massages and masks done at Immanuel Beauty & Wellness, It was a package that I bought off a deal website. It wasn't a good back massage, I wished there was more massage than the mask that left us there sleeping.

IMHO, I feel that, these online deals are usually phrased so well, and often mislead the purchaser/consumer that they will be receiving the actual service, but when they visit the place/location offering the product/service (service especially) is always different from what is presented. Just like the "spa" that I experience. But of course, I only paid a fraction of the actual price. Still prefer my massages at Ucara @ Novena Square 2 <-- You guys should really try!

So as the boyfriend is flying off (already taken off last night) to thailand for another round of training the cadets/future officers, we went over to far east plaza to exchange the currencies. And I was telling him, that since he has very very very ugly toe nails, why not treat him to a pedicure session. And poof, we were there. It was his first time visiting a nail parlour and I'm glad he enjoyed it.

While I'm typing this, it reminded me of something, people, if you're living in the east, please visit Nails Nirvana @ Tampines Interchange. They offer really good services for classic manicure and pedicure, at a rate of $50. I really liked their service, not pushy and very funny manicurist!

The Connoisseur Concerto (24-Hours) @ International Building

Some coffee cheesecake w chocolate iscream.

what the monster had

Chocolate Mint Frappe

House of Seafood @ 63 Yio Chu Kang Road

If you can buy keropok from elsewhere, please do. Otherwise this would cost you $2.

Hongkong Kai Lan in Sambal Sauce (my favourite)

Chef's Speciality Home Made Tofu with special sauce

The $20 crab - Black Pepper

Overall, the dinner was excellent! The portion was just nice for the two of us. We weren't filled to our brim like before, but just nice! When House of Seafood first opened its branch at 180 Yio Chu Kang road, I visited it quite often (I'M A HUGE FAN OF CRABS). I used to really love Chilli Crab, but I realise I can't find any that tasted as good as No Signboard @ Geylang (or I prefer to call Bo Zhao Pai) long ago. The chilli crabs these days just taste so.. non-delicious. So I switched to Black Pepper Crab after the introduction from Jumbo long ago. 

I must say that the dishes served by House of Seafood is way beyond excellent. They are of great taste and flavour - strong flavours. They go so well with a bowl of plain rice you can have 1, 2 or even 3 bowls of rice and a lot of man tou (mini fried buns). I super love please! 

The best part is that there is no service charge nor GST charged to the patrons, and their service are really up to standard of high-class restaurants. If you're thinking of heading there, please remember to make reservations during the peak hour! 

I realised I have more food reviews that beauty reviews!

xx

andrea

Are you Plastic?

As the economy grows stronger, people are starting to have the ability to afford such luxury. The world is a constant shift. People growing to find ways to attain perfection in their own way. Some may like to be a little taller, have their eyes made bigger, or have their boobs reduce in size.

Like everyone, I think plastic surgery is just fine. As long as you don't over do it. 

I think it is crucial that everyone knows that this process, it is not just a "beautiful" life changing experience. When I say life changing, it can be challenging as well.

 

EYEBAGS: Like in Singapore, or if you're Asians, and someone who has been suffering with eyebags and dark circles for the longest time in your life, and you feel that this change will be great for yourself, then I would say go ahead with no fear. But before looking like everyone else, think about this Taiwanese guy - Show Luo, whose eye bags are almost as bad as it can get, and nope, he isn't getting any plastic surgery. 

EYEBAGS - but still handsome!

LIFT, FILL, PUMP: Then we talk about the face lifts, fills and pump that are available at most of the world right now. Regardless of whether one is really going under the knife or the needle to fill in your cheeks and pump your lips. This is not such a big procedure as compared to the one below that I'm about to reveal...

The Barbie Doll Dream: Brigitte Bardot was often related to as the Barbie Doll figure thanks to her 20inches waist and enormous boobs and hips. Look. (She's really very pretty ah).. and then there was this other two ladies, who wanted to really look like Barbie Doll in real life... 

55-year-old Cindy Jackson, the current Guinness Book of World Records holder for having received the most (52) plastic surgery procedures till 2011.

And this is how magic works - in the hands of others

After which, another former model Sarah Burge issued half million pounds to transform herself into a living Barbie doll. Broke the world record previously hold by Cindy Jackson, who also wanted to be like the famous doll.

and now, you may not have heard of her, but this lady below (blonde) is Heidi Montag (the Hills) who went through a total of 10 plastic surgeries in one session.That is an obsession, or maybe a way to get it all over and done with, under one time issue of General Anesthesia. I mean you should probably know the side effects of General Anesthesia isn't it.I think she looks just fine before any surgery.

But it was later reported that her boobs were just way too big, that its causing her super back problems.I mean who wouldn't with those big boobs hanging. Wah lao. I think even finding a bikini is a problem!

Then we have the supermodel, Janice Dickinson who went from this...

A more familiar face.. Cher

The amount of pills (anti inflammatory biotics blah blah) you may have to swallow each day, after meal, before meal, during meal...

and I mean, think about the..... cleaning of wounds, doing daily activities, the... amount which you have to pay for...

But here's my take on plastic surgery.

To me, beauty is truly each to their own. From maybe when I was around 15, I had the thought about placing braces, the dentist did advised and asked if I wanted to do a face reconstruction. Not a major one, but just one that would help to shift my jaw line backwards. Till date, I still have the picture/image in my brain how the surgery would look. See picture below.  The yellow parts were the bones that were needed to be "trimmed" and then they would shift the entire jaw backwards again. Well, they said that this change will allow me to bite better. I was always contemplating about this surgery. I have been criticised, as looking like a horse face, being laughed at, mocked at, those were my secondary school memories where words are just like daggers that shoot across the room. One huge issue that put me back was because I had no money to explore, and of course, no guts. I rejected and just went along with placing braces which would resolve the biting issue as well.

Then when I grew out of secondary school, went over to polytechnic, then I realised how childish those years were, trying to put people down because of their looks. It is, ironically. I realised, I wasn't the only one who had this problem, and mine wasn't as serious and ridiculous as it is. I decided to grow out of this side of myself and become a prettier me by exploring options of having the illusion of a shorter face, so I started exploring. Exploring - cutting bangs, perming my hair for more volume, raising my brows higher, blusher are straight instead of upwards, contouring etc etc. All these with no plastic surgery. 

It may sound like bullshit to you, but it is true. You won't know unless you have tried it, and people even compliment you of looking way better than before. That's when you know, the change is for better, for yourself. It did give me a lot more confidence, its like my self-esteem got built up thanks to those idiots who criticised me when I was much younger (I hope you feel remorseful on your doings now). You idiots are the one who motivated me to become who I am today. And I am thankful to those who stuck through my weakest period in life.

Today, when you ask me, if I would consider the option of the jaw surgery. I still hold second thoughts to it, because it is what is unique about me, it is what I am, what I was given by nature. Though I can make my face shorter with the surgery, but what if it sets me alike, like everyone else? It is the exact same feeling when I suddenly feel like I shouldn't have went for braces, cause now my teeth just look like everyone's else - completely straight. 

Sometimes, I think it is good to leave some uniqueness of ourselves physically (please ah, still keep yourself within the healthy weight limit). But with that said, I don't discourage plastic surgery, neither do I encourage. If I were given a chance for just ONE plastic surgery, I'll just want to make my double eye lids even. That is all. I wouldn't consider a boob lift, implantation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift or what. Maybe botox is what I'll do next when I grow older. But this is just all I would want now, and probably the next 4 -5 years - Double Eye Lid Surgery. 

And if you're reading this post, having thoughts about plastic surgery, I hope you discuss with your friends and family. With this changing world, no one is going to be shocked about your plastic surgery, that if you share with them, you may, in return, get great advices from them. 

With love,

andrea

[Event] mamechiyo for shu uemura

mamechiyo for shu uemura 
Isetan Tampines - 21 April 2012, 12pm

Click to expand

So once I got my freedom from my last exam papers; on saturday, I headed down to Tampines Isetan for the mamechiyo by shu uemura event. Well, during the event, small little treats were provided by the company while the shoppers stood to witness the makeup artist colour her way on the shoppers' face about the latest trend in Japan right now. 

It is a light and soft texture BB mousse SPF 30+++, Very fine and bubbly, blends very well onto my skin thereafter spreading! - I tried the green one!

Each bottle costs $78. Green - for natural finish, Pink - for rosy complexion and Purple - for instant healthy transparency

At the end of the event, each participant were given a small little gift bag which included the following

Any hows, the video is a bit fail. But better than nothing right? I'll upload it once I'm done with the editing part. I'm trying to redo the asthetics of VLV currently. Now that school is out, I can finally settle my heart and soul at this blog.

I'll also be doing a Maybelline giveaway... so if you're interested, do stay tuned! (:

With a lot of love

Andrea

[NEWSFLASH] Gift A Beautiful Surprise to Mummy Dearest

 Vanity Trove - Beautiful Surprises [MAY2012]

That is right! Come this May 13th (Sunday), is Mother's Day! Have you already thought of what to buy as a gift for the women who had you inside her for freaking 9-10months? Delivered you when medical devices were not that up to what we have right now - more natural births than caesareans. The one who always cook for you, does your laundry, take leaves to accompany you when you are sick and knows how well you like your steak done? Accepts you no matter how fat thin ugly or pretty you are?

Yup, that's the lady who never leaves you behind through any difficult times. And this time round, as you take on your part-time job, or as you work full time, (ok, maybe some of you save your ang pow money long enough), you can fork out just a little bit of love to have this wonderful daughter-mother relationship enhanced today!

Vanity Trove is throwing in a limited edition trove with twice the value put into one VT's experience. What's told is that you get to spend some quality time from the fines beauty labels from France, starting with an invitation to a full spa session for two (either glitter gold or vitamin-rich session. 

Not enough?

No worries! Vanity Trove knows what you're thinking! This time, you not only get the spa, but the treats to enjoy at home slowly with your mum! The best part is....... 

FOR TWO TROVES, JUST $35!! 

(remember to use the gift code "mummydearest")

Ok, the only down part is, you have up till 30th April to make your purchase. So hurry on to www.vanitytrove.com   today!

xoxo
VLV

BRAND'S® InnerShine® Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract [Part 2]

BRAND'S® InnerShine® Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract (IBGE) 

And finally, these 2 weeks has passed easy breezy!

That's right! Today marks the day when I complete my IBGE collagen drink.

You may have noticed, if you have met me recently, that I have reduce a lot of the makeup on my face. And probably wondering what I've done that has caused this goodness in me? Well... it is an all-natural nutritive essence from 5 premium berries 

What is even better? 

It is further fortified with Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Complexes (OPCs), an active ingredient of grape seed extract. High antioxidant properties enhances skin elasticity and keeps it healthy, glowing, youthful-looking and firm. Incidentally, this product is also registered under the Health Science Authority (HSA) in Singapore, a proof of our compliance to regulatory, scientific and service excellence.

This delectable drink caters well to the local palette in Singapore. I believe many women out there in their 20s and 30s are starting to realise and paying more attention to their skin. I just want to make a shout-out to the office ladies out there, that don't think that the fluorescent tube lights in your office and being inside the office, in that same air condition (that doesn't get cleaned very often), doesn't do harm to your skin. It does and it may often lead to your skin to appeal more dull and must I emphasised more?

Skip the coffee and drink IBGE to start your morning!

You can have it cold, mixed with water (I find it a little concentrated) and I have mine early in the morning before everything else! Because that's what most collagen drink are suppose to be like. When your stomach is empty, consumption of proteins in your stomach/intestines will be a whole lot better! No worries. I have not gastric problem. But if you do, try to take it after a meal alright? (: 

If I wasn't introduced to this drink over from the contest, I would definitely have walk pass it all the time and feel sceptical about trying the drink! But wait, here's the best part, since I decided to drink this on a daily basis -   

BRAND'S® InnerShine® Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract is only S$24.90 for a pack of 6 bottles!

Every time when I visit my facial therapist, she would always say that I have very dull complexion. I thought I was looking fair (O10) already, but nope, Dull and fair are two separate issues. Hearing that I was so depressed, trying to look for an answer to achieving brighter skin - naturally. 

Thankfully, IBGE was able to give me my answer! After about 1 week of consuming the collagen drink, I visited my facial therapist and yes yes yes! She did notice that my skin condition was getting a lot better. There was no change of any facial products over at my end, except the addition drink that I was consuming on a daily basis. She commented that my skin looks a lot brighter now. 

Last June, after I came back from Bangkok, my skin was suffering really badly. I was having trouble trying to reduce the pimples around my cheek area, after succeeding, they have now resulted in dark spots. I'm not sure if the drink did contribute to my skin, but ever since I started on IBGE, I feel that the facial products that I have been using, finally seem to work a lot better and definitely faster! 

My spots have finally lighten by a good 2 - 5 shades down, and they are no longer that red! I have cut down on the amount of concealer and even on the amount of foundation I use on my skin. My skin is supple, firm and definitely a lot more brighter before I started this enjoyable and convenient 'beauty-from-within' nutritive drink. You really need to try IBGE before you judge the packaging or doubt the product. 

Conclusion? 

All thanks to BRAND'S® InnerShine® Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract, I can now parade around confidently with beautiful skin! 

xoxo

VLV

[Beauty Review] SANA LOOSE POWDER

So recently, my loose powder was diminishing as the days went past. To me, loose powder is very important for every step of make up. I mean, if you're a loose powder addict like me, cannot live without it, then you will totally understand the benefit of having loose powder smacked on your skin right after foundation!

It not only helps you to set your foundation, but it helps to reduce your constant blotting of excess sebum and oil all the time throughout the day, but that is if only you purchase the right loose powder for yourself!

And I was googling, looking for a good and not-so-pricey loose powder to take over the current one from laniege brightening sun powder (which isn't that amazing - whoops)

And I found the remedy to my skin! I have been using this product for the past week, and I must say this is a really good buy! I mean, I have used MAC loose powder, random loose powder, Maybelline's, L'oreal's, Cybercolour and of course Cle de peau beaute (the best loose powder but sibei expensive), and....

Today, I am going to introduce you something that is 1/10 of the price of Cle De Peau Beaute loose powder that works miracle!!!

it is the *drumrolls*

SANA LOOSE POWDER!!!!! - $18.90

If you're allergic to the contents, please don't buy it ok. I tried my best to show you!

Super soft puff!

See the speckles! So tiny!! (: (: (: (: (:

The powder is duper fine, comes in 2 shade, I took the fairer shade, cause the other one is too yellow. Well it is said that the powder is meant for geisha in Japan. (talking about geisha, it reminds me about one of the traditional product that used to be carried in Singapore... can you guys recognise this?)

And I mean, how can a Japan product go wrong for us Asian Skin right? Though their summer may not be as jia lut (terrible) as ours. But I still think that the product rocks! I am so going to purchase the bigger bottle the next time I'm at SASA. It smells pretty good too - Floral scent!

Oh wait, Yes, it is available at SASA, and do you know how many outlets of SASA there are in Singapore? 21 OUTLETS LEH. So that leaves you with no excuse that "don't have SASA at my area!"

So awesome right? 

It may be a little difficult for you to locate the product at SASA because it does not have its own display shelve, it is shared with other random brands. But you can approach any of the SASA staff, quote "Sana Loose Powder" they confirm guarantee-cum-chop will know what you are referring to. 

Trust me, you won't regret this. (:

xx

VLV