[GIVEAWAY] Vanity Trove June's "Best Friends' Summer" Edition

As we bid goodbye to June, a month that we all used to look forward to, or maybe some of you still do but not me. Cause I no longer have the privilege to enjoy June School Holidays *insertsadface*.

It's your choice - will you choose to be a victim or the victor?

That aside, I have some exciting news and giveaways, products and events, thoughts and... perhaps more opinions about certain things that are going around in my life for the month of JULY.

Simple reason: JULY is the main focus for my life, cause I was proudly welcomed by an entire country on the day I was born - USA Independence Day!

Back to today's post.

Before I left Singapore, Camy from VanityTrove contacted me about their June's Trove Surprise, I was a little hesitant to review or receive the products initially as I wouldn't be around, but when I saw the list of products, I know, I CANNOT miss it!

So the bloggers were given a list to select from, and I requested for the following!

1. DirtyWorks Bath & Body and Facial care range (“Pore-fect” Face Scrub)
2. YADAH Lip Crayon (in 5 shades: lovely pink, fresh orange, rose pink, cherry red, pink tint)
3. Enavose Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist
4. Ettusais BB Mineral Cream
5. Egyptian Magic Cream

[GIVEAWAY!]

As promised, in order to win the products that I have reviewed over in this post, this is what YOU need to do!

1) Like Vanity Trove Facebook Page Here

2) Tag a friend on the comment of the product (ITEM 1, ITEM 2 or ITEM 3) which you want to win on VanityLaVie Facebook Page Here

*Please take note that each facebook account is only entitled to one gift set.


SET 1 - Envarose Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist SPF 45 (10ml) & 2 Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

Enavose Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist SPF 45

What it really does:
It hydrates your skin, even with make up on, and protects you with SPF 45. A great tool for overseas!
 

How much does it cost: 
$39.90 from enavose.com

Would you recommend this?:
I have heard of this brand several times over the social media platform as well as over on magazines. I have tried it, and I think Mist like this are really important these days. Especially when you just came back from a Winter country, and your skin is just in need of hydration! This is the best remedy. I mean, what can ever go wrong with SPF 45 right?

Egyptian Magic Cream

What it really does:  
It is said to help to whiten spots and removes scars, but how so, I am rather sceptical about it. Egyptian Magic is an all-natural healing skin cream made from bees wax, propolis and other natural ingredients.  

How much does it cost: 
$41.50 at cosmetification.com

Would you recommend this?:
Well, I only had 1 sachet to try on, and I like the texture. It isn't too creamy, neither is it too velvety. 

SET 2 - YADAH Lip Crayon in Rose Pink (03) + Ettusais BB Mineral Cream Shade 20

Ettusais BB Mineral Cream

How it feels like: 
Light coverage, light weight, doesn't feel as if you have millions of foundation on your skin!

How much does it cost: 
$38 at all good Ettusais counter, find them at ettusais.sg.

Would you recommend this?:
Generally, I have nothing against Ettusais as a beauty brand itself. I have been a Ettusais user before, and I do really like all the skincare benefits in which they always promise! I am not really a BB user, so.. .yes.....

YADAH Lip Crayon in Rose Pink 03

How it feels like: 
It doesn't feel thick on the lips, light-weight and very easy on application. It doesn't even leave the wax-y feeling on your lips after application!

How much does it cost:  
$9.90 for one stick at yadahskincare.com

Would you recommend this?: 
This is my first time, hearing of this product. For first timers, and readers & friends who do not want to invest too much on their lips, this can be a great start!

SET 3 - The Body Shop Moisture White Shiso Whitening Serum (3 Packets Per Winner)  4 to be given away.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The products would be given away in a first-come first-serve basis for ITEM 3, a screenshot of your "LIKE" on VanityTrove Page would be required.  

For ITEM 1 & 2, in order to be fair to the other readers, it would be randomised - Contest will end on 31st July 2012. 

Okie dokes! Just for your information, I will be mailing out the products on a daily basis, otherwise, you can always arrange a timing with me to pass it to you personally. 

Remember to tell your friends, your friend's friends, your friend's friend's friend.....

Till then, to the next giveaway/reviews/thoughts...

SEE YOU LOVELIES! (:

xoxo

Andrea

[Travelogue] Amazing Australia - Sydney [3]

Day 3 - a cold cold night

On day 3, it wasn't anything special. I wanted to travel afar, but my feet just refuses to do so that day. So I decided tojust go shopping and see what are the things that were selling in the malls of Sydney. That included those shops that I passed by during my shuttle service from the Airport. 

I saw Country Road, French Connections etc etc at the windows, shouting "SALE". So I decided to head on down to the streets where Queen Victoria Building was to start purchasing. 

Had my breakfast at the Food Court located in one of the malls, I cannot really remember the name of the mall today (You see, my memory is kind of failing on me, quite a lot.). It was definitely always odd and funny to eat alone. But I guess the environment and all made it easier. People don't give you weird stares like they do in Singapore, or feel like you are hoarding the seats at the Food Court, which is plain ridiculous. I blame the lifestyle we have. 

Came across quite a few funny birthday cards, there are more of such quirky stuff available at their departmental stores, which was having a huge sale, but nope, I didn't buy them. Who in these days still sends out birthday cards? Not even e-cards for me. I guess birthdays nowadays just lack a lot of what we used to have in the past.

What happened to balloons? Surprise in the mailbox, A delivery man sending you gifts from your loved ones and etc? Maybe its just my birthday, and the people around me, whose birthday are just as... "a simple text would do". But why won't we admit that we miss such surprises? Maybe because these surprises, don't surprise us as we age. That a fancy dinner at a restaurant, a big carat around your finger would be much appreciated. Sigh - World.

I called in the night early that day, cause the weather was just too cold for me to handle. It was raining pretty heavily, and the wind were blowing so strongly, I just couldn't stand it, and only wanted to be in my room and cuddle up in that warm blanket with the heater right beside me. I don't really hate the cold, I mean, I do like it, but when it gets unbearable, I hate it. 

I walked to a nearby thai restaurant, and decided to order Tom Yum Soup & some Basil Pork something something. Well, despite the "foreign delicacies" post, I still like to eat Thai Food, just that now, I don't fancy it as much as I did before.

So I dropped by at another local supermarket, which was at the other end of the street and I bought a few snacks to bring it back to Singapore. Bought some jewellery and tops, which wasn't featured in this loot picture, but that was pretty much what I bought overall. The honeycomb bite is totally awesome, if you're going to Sydney or any parts of Australia, do look out for it.

Rumour has it that I'll be going Gold Coast this October! 

So watch this space for the remaining days in Sydney! (:

xx

Andrea

[Travelogue] BANGKOK

This is going to be a really short post. So don't expect much. The reason why I'm blogging because I still see people trying to figure out, or having their first virgin trip to the what is known as a shopping paradise. 

You see, I have made about 4 bookings to Thailand, 3 to Bangkok and 1 to Phuket previously. And so far, I only managed to go for 2 of the 4 bookings I made.

My objective of this trip, wasn't like the one in Sydney. It wasn't about enjoying the view and breathing the cold air. It was more of fighting the heat with my sunscreen and shades and haggling for lower prices at the different stores. 

I was on a purchase mode. [See already, haggle, buy]

I think Keong (Pei En) can justify that a lot because whenever I was contemplating two colours, she would say "aiya.... this one better" and I go "aiya nevermind, just buy, so cheap only". 

Yes. But before this trip, I read an article which I saw on my cousin's facebook page. I think everyone should read this before they decide to purchase something, especially apparels. It is very interesting, and I believe this is a fact, a tradition in fact. 

CLICK HERE

Prior to the article...

"And I think people fall prey to it because they want to own a piece of the brand, and unlike a dress, it’s suitable to wear the same pair of designer shoes every day, or the same designer bag. And people are just so uneducated about clothes that they’re not able to gauge whether what they’re buying is worth their money or not. I think there are actually are people who think it costs $5,000 to make a handbag."

Doesn't this makes a lot of sense? I think it really do. There are times, when I was so tempted to purchase a luxury bag, and then I hold back and think for awhile. Even if I carry it, on the train, on the bus, doesn't it look funny? Like the status does not tally in any sense. And I won't dress to suit my bag, and I will still wear my birkenstock wherever I go (comfy). So.. What's the point, then I put it back to the shelf and continue shopping for other items. 

Alrights! 

So this time round, I googled and explored several hotels near the pratunam area. I wanted to save traveling cost. A few recognised hotel such as Baiyoke Boutique, Budacco, P2 Boutique popped out of my head immediately, asked around.. but.. decided to risk it and settle at this totally new boutique hotel.

The location is .....SEX (we used this very often when in Thailand, I don't know why, but we did)

Ideal Pratunam Boutique Hotel

Located at Petchburi Soi 19, once you step out, it is the Pratunam market. Once you walk out of the building, you see the new shopping mall - Shibuya19 and just across is Pantip Plaza, Platinum Mall and Platinum Soho and Central and Big C.

How can you possibly not book this hotel when it provides FREE WIFI, 24 Hours Concierge, Daily Breakfast, Clean white sheets to lay on and awesome location. 

I made my bookings with Agoda once more and emailed the hotel to get the extra bed ready. Replies were extremely prompt from the management themselves. They provide full fledged bathroom amenities! Which were a real good plus point! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

(well based on the questions I usually question others)

1. How to get to the hotel from the airport?

Well, this is really up to you. You can either take the train, like my friend and I to the nearest station and hop on a cab to our hotel. Otherwise you can always contact your hotel for a transfer service. But given the traffic, I really advice on the train. Its much better (:

2. Is Taxi or Tuk Tuk Better?

Well, Taxi are mostly by meter. And tuktuk are a bit scary. I think in general I would prefer the taxi, especially to further places. I feel safer in a way. But for the thailand experience, 100 baht (4SGD), just try at least once. 

3. Where is the best place to shop for girls/guys

 Girls: Needless to say, Platinum Mall, Platinum SOHO, Shibuya19 (new mall across Pantip Plaza), Pratunam Market and Obviously Chatuchak Market if your holiday crosses over the weekends.

I need to recommend this store located at Platinum SOHO, I think its the 4th or 5th Level, They sell their shoes for just 120 Baht. Was recommended by my cousin, last year, and this time round, I just whacked all the colours I saw that I fancied. So if you see it, just buy, dont hesitate! 

Don't forget to go to NARAYA to whack all those cute cushion-ny stuff. I have bought so much, I cannot even recall what. From lipsticks holders, to bags to pouches. The items price ranges from 35 baht to 400 baht. Which is rather affordable for a gift for someone at home. (:

Guys: Just save all your money for Chatuchak and Platinum Mall. The other places don't really have up to date clothings, unless you like clothes that have a sudden weird wording across your chest which you probably wont be able to figure out despite the amount of games that you have played. So yes, other than those two places, just accompany the girls. You should know very well, its a female shopping paradise. (:

4.What should I pack?

I guess it depends on the number of days you are going. If you're not like me, who do not wear new clothes without it being in the washer first, then, maybe you just need one set of clothing per day, and one set to sleep in. No need for heels or sports shoes, slippers would do the trick. Just in case it starts raining, you won't need to have your feet soaked in wet socks. EWWWWWWWWW. 

5. FOOD - will I get food poisoning?

This, is dependent on you. Look at what you're eating, and try only when you think the food is safe. Don't expect the environment to be super clean like Singapore's food court. If something isn't cooked well, and isn't right to eat it raw, my advice to you is DON'T EAT IT. 

And in the event, you get really adventurous, and ate it, please pack along diarrhea pills and stomach flu pills. They are easily attainable at the pharmacy, or just tell your doctor you are going Bangkok to eat street food. ; )

5. How much money should I prepare?

Well, for transportation all you need is probably 500 Baht per person for a 4D3N traveling. That is IF you stay at the hotel that I was staying at. I can't give you a exact amount to bring, but if you intend to purchase, 500SGD should be able to suffice, and if you intend to splurge, 600SGD and above would be good.

A meal would usually cost no more than 150baht. Typical female clothes are about 100 baht - 500baht, while guys are from 200 baht - 500 baht. So estimate it yourself (:

Well, that's all the question I can think of, off hand. So if you have any burning question, do drop a comment, and I will try my best to answer you! (: 

xx

Andrea

[Travelogue] Amazing Australia - Sydney [2]

Day 2 - Sydney

#oftd

Pancakes with Poached Pears at Zinc Cafe

So what I had planned for myself on my 2nd day was to Visit Taronga Zoo!

Figured out the way to the place, had to transport between two different train routes and ferry to reach the zoo. The weather was abit choppy that day, there was sun, but dark clouds forming, and it was the first time I stood so close to the harbour bridge, and this was kinda like my first photo...

Once again, my breath got caught by the amazing scenic view. Despite the dark clouds, the picture spoke a million of how at that very moment, I had felt. Just amazing.

And through the ferry ride, I had arrived at Taronga Zoo! 

Obviously, the first encounter I visited was...

Snooozzzeee

and for the first time in my life, not even in Singapore Zoo, I witnessed Giraffes actual height. GOD DAMN TALL.

Even their coat are so beautiful from afar. I can't even explain the joy. But there were just two Giraffes

And for the first time, I saw a real meerkat! Chilling out in the sun.

John from Salon Vim @ 313 Highlighted my hair red before I left.

Kids Lunch - AUD 10

This bird and its allies, stoop up to my table and poke every fries I was left with, I just sat there and stared while it took every last fries I had. Oh well. Didn't want to fight it, but in my heart, I was saying, you're gonna die of a heart attack with that amount of oil.

And as the clouds started to gather even more, the wind got cooler and breeier. Poor me had an umbrella which I didn't used and was braving the cold back to the ferry port. Had to wait so damn bloody long for the ferry to arrive. And it was extremely cold. I was looking for a place to avoid the strong current and winds from the sea. Waited for almost 20 minutes. Hot chocolate couldn't even cure the cold. Gosh! 

After which, I decided to venture to Westfield Sydney as it was still pretty early, around 4pm (SYD). So I took the train, alighted at St James station, walked straight out of the tunnel and tadah, the whole stretch of shopping heaven right in front of me! There were several familiar brands at Westfield Sydney, they have different parts of the mall, and me coming from a mall industry, it is so different. The customer service there isn't as good as I thought it would be, neither is ours in Singapore, but they had tablets easily available for shoppers to use. It looked a lot like Ion Orchard, especially the miu miu store located at a distinctive corner of the mall. You can find Cotton On, Rubi, a lot of sales, on Zara and etc. Obviously I had to visit....

Dinner at a Jap Restaurant - Had to have rice with Kings Prawn, Couldn't possibly miss it. And they taste so damn delicious, I can still remember the taste of it. Will try to replicate it one day, if I do  have the time to do so! Would be very very very interesting overall! (: AUD - 20

I don't know why, but I was feeling extremely hungry that day, that I even cooked this when I got back at the hotel at about 8 -9 pm ishhh.

Our maggie still taste a lot better

to end this post, these were my loots of the day!

Ok, watch this space for Day 3, 4 and 5. And I'll probly be able to do up a post on BANGKOK too! (:

xx

Andrea

[Travelogue] Amazing Australia - Sydney [1]

For the whole of June that I went missing.... 

I traveled alone to .... SYDNEY

You heard me right. It was a pretty impulsive decision made by myself, and I just felt the need to leave town and breathe a different air at a different location, a cold air infact. It was winter in Sydney. But I cannot exclaim how much I miss the entire environment there. I have never been to anywhere colder than 20degrees to be very honest, not really a traveler, never really liked it, cause I get home-sick easily. But this time round, I had a mission, a mission to... 

TOUCH KOALAS.

I always have had life long dreams, and they usually revolve around animals. This sounds a little psychotic, but I do feel a certain connection when I look into their eyes. Some whom I can really feel them, some whom I can't at all. I can never explain this.

In fact, this trip, was a contemplation between swimming with Dolphins, watching whales or just touching the koalas. Because my mum was afraid that I would miss the connecting flight, I chose Sydney in the end. But it was a whirlpool of experience. Something I never felt or ever thought I would be able to do it. Well, that is of course, traveling alone lah. 

This is going to be a rather lengthy post, with a lot of emotions, because its a lot of experience and overcoming of my own fears especially when being alone. (I'm admitting that I am weak here, please appreciate and not use this as an advantage to yourself to blackmail me).

Gawd! I don't even know where to begin. I need to remember this by writing it down.

Ok, so I booked my tickets with Qantas, 3 days prior my departure. Tickets were around $950 in total for a 5D4N trip (the longest time I have been away from Singapore). And feeling excited, worried, paranoid, afraid, awesome altogether, I gathered my feelings and bid goodbye to Sunny Island.

The weather (when I checked, and remember now) was between 9 degrees to 18 degrees. This is super cold for a person who even covers blanket with a moving fan switched on, in Singapore. Ironic I know.Was late for check-in, but thankfully my name wasn't announced over the PA system. Rushed my way, checked in, feeling all fluttery, worried about the take off, and landing in a foreign place, unsure of where to go, what to do, haven't really had a plan plan to stick to, lots and lots of doubt, but told myself - JUST DO IT ANDREA.

And with a deep breath, the plane took off.

meal on board - beef and a mini ginger ale (super cute please)

Snacks on baord  - I requested for Hot Chocolate (:

So thankfully, the plane landed safely and I reached the airport about 5.30am Sydney time. Figured my way to the immigration (more like following the crowd), queued, waited to get my chop and tried locating my luggage at the belt area. Was pretty scary initially, cause I was the only traveler, and obviously I didn't look like any business women or whats not. Just a young Asian traveling.

Once I got my luggage with me, I hanged around the airport arrival area, and went to vodaphone to purchase my 3G Data Plan card, which cost around AUD 15 or was it more, I couldnt really remember but it was 300MB for sure. It was just enough for me to facebook and whatsapp during the period that I stayed. It was good enough for me (: Thanks to Lion iPhone, I was finally introduced to Instagram! (follow me on @vanitylavie)

So afterwhich, I went over to the information counter to purchase my shuttle bus ticket which ferries me directly to the doorstep of my hotel.

I was choosing between quite a few hotels the day prior to departure.

To me, a hotel has to be

1. Clean
2. Good view
3. White bedsheets
4. Good TV channels

That was my minimum requirement, and I booked Macleay Apartment Hotel. It was located at Potts Points, nearest Train station was Kings Cross. As I reached the hotel super early, around 7am, I wasn't able to check in till 10am in the morning, so I decided to explore the place around the hotel after leaving my luggage. Asked for directions to the Harbour Bridge (said it was walking distance but such a lie!). Please note that walking distance isn't like from Far East Plaza to Paragon. It is like from Far East Plaza to Bugis. So blardi far. 

But the view, was breath taking. Port me over again please. Breath Taking. Took My Breath Away. Beyond Words. Standing there alone, watching the seagulls fly pass (thank god they didn't poop), the super huge army ship. Wow. just Wow. Plain Gorgeous.

I couldn't remember exactly the name of the park, but its at least around 300m away from my hotel. I was walking alone, and its so nice to see people walking their dogs at such parks. So nice. Wished that in Singapore, we could practice more of that, but NOOOOO. We have no time. We only work. 

Walking and exploring, moving, cold air, warm breaths, smudged mascaras definitely showed that I was really tired, but excited all at the same time. Walked back to the hotel and decided to take my breakfast over at one of the cafes around the corner. 

Eggs Benedict and Earl Grey Tea - AUD 22 (La Buvette)

So right after breakfast, I finally checked in to my hotel and here's my gorgeous room and view. I booked it through Agoda, a total of $750 for the 4nights I slept in. But totally worth waking up to the view, you'll get what I mean, just scroll down.

Gorgeous view every single day. Good TV Channels to keep me occupied all day long. I never really enjoyed taiwan or korean drama, but english sitcoms are a must watch for me. Especially famous comedy/sit-com/variety shows like Gossip Girls, How I Met You Mother, Big Bang Theory. Etc etc. ;) 

Was really tired, and decided to sleep in for a while, and I did. Knocked out immediately after I changed out of my clothes. I didn't really traveled to other places as I was trying to make plans for the following few days. In between, received texts from different people, trying to spoil my vacation by informing me unnecessary stuff which irritated me a lot. but fine, that wasn't my focus of the trip. Read above! So.. At night, I took flight and walked around the neighbourhood. Tried to figure out where the station was and went to the supermarket which was RIGHT across the street to purchase some goodies to keep me company for the night in at the hotel.

Focus on the socks please. aren't they candylicious!

And then, that marked Day 1.

Ok, this is really lengthy. Watch this space for Day 2! (:

xx

VanityLaVie