Category Archives: Misc

The Not So Hidden Gem of Singapore

We’re talking luxurious, beautiful designs and creations that Singaporeans, including myself, have gone crazy over. If you know me, you know colourful and beautiful things make me so excited. A Better Florist hit the right spot with me, because it’s the best florist in Singapore when it comes to crafting inspiringly vibrant and gorgeous bouquets. This team combines the impossible and designs bouquets with every creative bone in their body, and it shines through the bouquets they make.

Every hand bouquet I have ever ordered from them was unbelievably fresh, and it lasted longer than any bouquet from any other flower delivery Singapore has that I’ve tried. I’ve tried many, but A Better Florist just raised the bar and took it to a whole new level. Even the flowers I don’t normally go for looked amazing. They are able to find a creative way to make it look so gorgeous and attractive that you can’t resist it. Just take one quick at their social media and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

For the longest time, I was looking for a place that would cater to me, as a busy mom, a person who still wants to take the time to surprise their loved ones with special gifts, not something you would just grab on the go, without giving it a second thought. With the best florist in Singapore, I am able to stay at home, and ask for custom gifts for my friends and family. I can browse through fruit baskets for Chinese New Year, pick out hampers for Mother’s Day or birthdays, or even treat my eyes and soul with gorgeous wedding flower stands, which I don’t even need, but they’re there and they’re ridiculously gorgeous.

Everything you need is in one place, and I love the convenience and speed of the whole process. If I wanted balloons with my fruit basket they can take care of that. If I wanted to deliver a get well soon hamper to someone who’s recovering in the hospital, they can do that for me as well. If I wanted the most luxurious baby shower gift personalised for my best friend, they can do that too! And I don’t even have to go outside. I just jump onto their website, and their lovely delivery will take care of the rest. They really do have the best flower delivery in Singapore. Although ordering online isn’t a new concept, they definitely did bring something new by offering to make same-day deliveries within just 90 minutes. That kind of express delivery usually comes with a price, but not with these guys. It’s their mission to be there for you, when no flower delivery Singapore has, is. And I love that they have given so much thought to every single part of the entire process, because it does make a huge difference.

All of their flowers are pretty affordable, from the funeral flowers to huge arrangements for your home or for gifts. Compared to other florists, the standards are much higher, so the prices aren’t dirt cheap either, but it’s worth it.

I did some additional research, and recently I found out that A Better Florist expanded. Besides expanding in Singapore, they now have shops in Hong Kong and Dubai, and offer a Dubai flower delivery as well as a Hong Kong flower delivery, and I have no doubt that if you’re looking for the best flower delivery in Hong Kong, A Better Florist won’t disappoint you. Jump on the Internet, and you’ll see plenty of reviews that list them as the best florist in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and the best florist in Hong Kong.

You’ll fall in love with their flower designs just as I did, I’m sure of that. And if you love showering your loved ones with beautiful gifts you’ll also love A Better Florist. My advice is to visit their website and start off with one of their bouquets.

Padeve Herbal Sanitary Pad

This one is for the ladies. There’s a new type of sanitary pad in town and it’s got a refreshing herbal fragrance. It’s the Padeve Herbal Sanitary Pad. Padeve was nice to offer samples on Instagram (@padevesg) so I requested for it.

There were two sanitary pads in the packet: a regular ultra-thin pad and a liner.

As you can see, the pads come enclosed in the usual plastic sheet. Nothing different from other brands. However, upon unwrapping the pad, a herbal smell wafted out. The smell is not at all unpleasant. It’s more like herbal tea. I like to use scented liners so this is a plus point for me. No more strange odours.

The liner itself has a smooth cottony surface so no itchy scratchy down under. It’s also a lot wider than the brand of liner I usually use. Plus point for me.

I believe Padeve can only be bought on their website at the moment. Haven’t seen them on the shelves in the supermarket or pharmacy. Padeve sanitary pads come in four variants: All Night, Ultra Day, Ultra Night and Ultra Liners.

KaBloom+

One year on and The Sample Store is back to hold another event. This time, it was to launch their mobile app.

If you’re familiar with Scan Delight by Singapore Post, basically The Sample Store’s mobile app just takes over that app. The good thing is now you can check out and redeem all those samples you want on your phone when on the go.

Screenshots of The Sample Store mobile app.

The launch of the mobile app was held on 5 September 2015 at TripleOne Somerset, Maker’s Market. Thought the venue was much better than the previous choice. The space itself may not have been bigger but the layout was more open, providing more breathing room to navigate round the booths.

The event itself was on a slightly smaller scale with less brands taking part. The more notable brands were Cathy Doll, My Beauty Diary, Za and Ma Cherie. Some booths were offering services such as eye brow trimming, makeovers and hair styling. Pretty cool stuff going on. There were also discounts specially for bloggers for certain items.

Cathy Doll’s booth.
My Beauty Diary’s booth.
Za’s booth. Free makeovers were available at their booth.
I loved the pinkness of Ma Cherie’s booth. Here are the items for sale.

Hair styling at the Ma Cherie booth.
There was even a cute photo spot at the Ma Cherie booth.

There were a couple of freebies given out at some of the booths. All you had to do was follow their Instagram account and/or like their Facebook page.

There was good food and a photo booth at the venue as well. But this mummy was alone and wasn’t feeling up to it for a photo, so I skipped that. I didn’t skip the food though. It looked too yummy to resist! (Forgot to take pictures of the food!)

And of course, not forgetting the awesome goodie box that was given out to all attendees.

Not as extensive as the previous event’s goodie bag, but I’m not complaining!

BlissyBox Trial

I wrote a review for BlissyBox earlier this month and because it is a subscription box worth trying out, I thought I’ll share this fantastic promotion they are having now.

Photo credit: BlissyBox

As some of you might know, BlissyBox does not have the option of buying just one box to try out the service. However, for the month of June, BlissyBox is having a trial promotion. This is for first timers to the subscription box. If you’re not too sure about this box and just want to try it out for a month, you can do so by applying the promo code BBTRIAL upon checkout.

To make the deal sweeter, you’ll get 10% discount if you place your order before 5 June 2015!

Have a blissful period with BlissyBox!

BlissyBox

It has been some time since I made a post here, but I’m back to let you guys know about a relatively new subscription box service. Nope, it’s not another beauty box. It’s a box specially for ladies — specifically for menstruating ladies.

Yes, us ladies know that it’s one hell of a ride when we have our period. The cramps, the uncomfortable feeling of a leaky tap, the paranoia of staining clothes, etc.

BlissyBox tries to bring just a little bliss during that time of the month. No more running out to the store to stock up period supplies. You just make yourself comfortable at home and wait for your box of supplies to arrive at your doorstep.

It’s a monthly subscription service and all you have to do to get started is choose a plan from a list of six:

  • Lady Light
  • Duchess Regular
  • Queen Heavy
  • Madame Organic
  • Pads only
  • Tampons only

Because each lady has a different period cycle or preference of product, each plan comes with a different number/type of items that’s stated on the website. Customisation doesn’t stop there. After choosing your plan, you get to choose what items go into the box: tampons or pads, brands you like, type of tampon or pad. Next, BlissyBox tries to sync up with your period cycle so you will receive your box just before your period begins.

So what goodies come in the box? Of course, you get whatever period supplies you asked for. Besides that, you get some sweet treats to brighten your crummy day when you get your period. New subscribers do get an extra perk in their first box: a pouch to keep your period supplies.

Everything is neatly packed in the box and the best part of the box is the handwritten note that comes with it. It’s addressed to you. A simple and very sweet gesture.

A welcome note in my first box!

As BlissyBox is a monthly subscription service, you do have to choose a subscription plan that lasts three, six, or 12 months…or forever (until you say stop). What happens is that a PayPal recurring payment notice is set up, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to pay for your box. The only drawback comes when you want to stop the service before your subscription plan is up. You have to remember to inform them before payment is charged automatically.

I know you must be thinking why would someone stop such a fabulous service halfway through her subscription? Well, it did happen to me. Right after my first box, no less. I discovered I was pregnant. And we all know what that means. No period for the next nine months. Which also meant that I wouldn’t need pads or tampons for the time being.

No worries. Just drop them a note. It’s that simple.

I only informed them after I got charged for the next box, so I had to accept that one. What I’m about to tell you next is the extraordinary service by  BlissyBox. If you thought the handwritten note in each box is the only sweet gesture by them, you’re wrong.

My second box was due to arrive during the time I would be away on an overseas trip. I just asked if the box could be delivered when I was back. Yup, no problem with that! So I happily went off for my holiday. When I returned, I informed them and my box got delivered without a hassle.

This second box was special. Remember that handwritten note? This time it read:

Hey Elisia!

Wishing you all the best of luck on your pregnancy. May your 9 months be smooth & your baby healthy.

Love & Light,
Anna

I also got a little surprise in this box. A leopard-print eye mask with another handwritten note that read:

Zzz…
A mother of a newborn will definitely need her beauty sleep.
Sleep with style! =)

“Anna” did drop me a text message as well to check if I received the box. I thanked her for the sweet gesture of a present. She added that she hoped to see me back in the subscription loop after my pregnancy.

I got started on this service with just curiosity and with no intention of staying on long, but after all the thoughtful gestures, I’m really considering on keeping up with this subscription!

Black Box Beauty Boxes

Haha, I like how the title works out to be an alliteration.

As promised, I’ll tell you a little about the beauty boxes I got from Black Box. Yes, I have itchy fingers when it comes to beauty boxes (whether or not I actually use the contents of it), but my self-control is pretty good. So I end up with boxes of contents that I’ll use at least 70% if not all.

Black Box launched three exclusive beauty boxes for Christmas 2014 after their revamp, and I purchased two of them. Each box comes with a snazzy name.

The first one is ‘Bare my Soul, Sweetheart’. It was the cheapest at $9.90 and came in a plastic pack.

As usual, a card is included to tell you more about the products enclosed.

  • Biore Micellar Cleansing Water (1 sachet)
  • Klarity Lasertox CC Miracle White Lotion (5ml)
  • Nivea Fruity Shine Pink Guava Lip Balm (1 stick)
  • Ocean Health Buffered C-500 Chewable Tablets (60 tablets)
  • Nivea In-shower Skin Conditioner Body Lotion (1 sachet)
  • L’oreal Extraordinary Oil Sublime Hair Enhancer (3 sachets)

I thought the contents of this pack were pretty worth it for the price since two of the items are retail sized.

If you’re interested, I did a review of the Biore Miceller Cleansing Water earlier.

On to the next beauty box, ‘Hey Betty, I’m on a Vacay!’ This box costs $19.90 and comes in a neat little shoebox.

  • Za x Betty Boop Killer Volume Mascara (1 tube)
  • Aqualabel White Up Emulsion (20ml)
  • Aqualabel Aqua Enhancer (20ml)
  • Aqualabel Reset White Mask (1 sheet)
  • Ma Cherie Moisture Shampoo (50ml)
  • Ma Cherie Moisture Conditioner (50ml)

At first glance, I was thinking “The contents of this box is really little. That’s pretty expensive.” But after careful consideration, it really isn’t so. The mascara is retail sized and worth almost the cost of the box.

A note about Aqualabel. I’ve been using their enhancer for a few years now and love how it keeps my face moist. Aqualabel has two (or more) series. The common ones are the whitening (blue) series and the moisturising (red) series. I have been using the enhancer in the moisturising series, but lately they don’t seem to be on the shelves anymore. Maybe they have discontinued it. Oh well, I might as well try the enhancer in the whitening series since I have the sample now.

Another tidbit about Ma Cherie. People probably don’t remember or don’t know this, but Takki (Hideaki Takizawa) used to endorse Ma Cherie when it wasn’t available on our shores yet. I still remember a friend going gaga over it and all set to buy home the shampoo and conditioner when she went to Japan.

The third exclusive beauty box is ‘Love, The Alter Ego’ and is priced at $29.90. The last one is ‘I Kissed the Knight Goodbye’ and is priced at $39.90. I didn’t purchase these two as I didn’t fancy the contents and felt they were a bit too pricey.

The second, third and fourth boxes are still available at Black Box. Do check them out.

The New Black Box

Clearing my backlog of reviews. Was busy earlier trying to fix a little problem I had with the comment plugin, which eventually I had to get my webhosting company to fix.

Anyway, I’m back to let everyone know that Black Box has revamped their look and system. Subscribers used to ballot for bi-monthly boxes filled with sample-sized products. (That’s how I got my awesome collection of small tubes of toothpaste that are good for travel use!) If you weren’t successful with the ballot, you could purchase a box for $6. Being the freebie monster I am, that sounded like a sweet deal to me. I still have the plastic zip pouches the coupons came in to prove my loyalty to Black Box! Haha.

The new Black Box is sleeker and more chic.

The whiteness of Classic
The darkness of Luxury

You can either go with Classic or Luxury. There are different samples for both categories.

A surprise beauty box no longer awaits you. You get to choose what samples you want now. So fill up your basket with 4 classic samples for $5.90, 9 classic samples for $9.90, 3 luxury samples for $9.90 or 7 luxury samples for $16.90. Or you can get special beauty boxes at price ranges of $10-$40 if you fancy. (I’ll touch on the latter in the next post.) After you’ve tried out the samples, return to the site to post your reviews in exchange for points. The points can be accumulated to redeem for more samples! The best thing is that subscription to this sample programme is still free!

12 Days of Christmas

I guess you’re wondering why I’m talking about Christmas when it’s long gone. Yes, I do admit that I sat on this one, but I want to make an effort to let you know about the goodies I got from The Sample Store.

So I received the EDM about this wonderful Christmas giveaway where shoppers could collect three different gift box from 14-25 December. Each gift box was launched every 3-4 days during this period and all you had to do was make a $5.99 check out to receive one for free.

Did I mention I love freebies? I was practically sold. Besides, the older you get, the less Christmas presents you get. I just love unwrapping presents…the anticipation of finding out what someone got you and the surprise when you find out what’s beneath the wrapping. These boxes were just like Christmas presents…to myself. Haha.

Each box had a few items that were either sample sized or retail sized.

Box 1 (14-17 December)

  • 1028 Visual Therapy Moisture Booster Activating Mask (1 sheet)
  • Suisse Programme Platinum Precious Luxe Eye Cream (3ml)
  • Suisse Programme Platinum Precious Luxury Lifting Eye Concentrate (3ml)
  • Uucare All-in-one Convenient Pack
  • Himalaya Daily Health Capsules (60 capsules)

Box 2 (18-21 December)

  • MegRhythm Steam Eye Mask (1 sheet)
  • Pond’s Men Acne Clear Oil Control Whitening Foam (50g)
  • dearberry Berry Bright Serum (10ml)
  • Pond’s Age Miracle Face & Neck Lifting Day Cream (10g)
  • Frg Toilet Seat Cleaner Wipe (1 sheet)
  • Frg Instant Stain Remover Wipe (1 sheet)

Box 3 (22-25 December)

  • Perspirex Plus Antiperspirant Roll on (5ml)
  • White Formula Intense Brightening Toner with Tranexamic Acid (35ml)
  • VDL Lumilayer Primer (8ml)
  • Miacare Acne Patch for Day (3 pieces)
  • My Beauty Diary Snail Facial Hydrating Mask with Repair Cream (1 sheet + sachet)

Was most happy with the face masks and the VDL primer. I’ve been using the VDL hydration primer and love the way it works to keep my face hydrated and less oily. Shall save the gushing for another time (post).

Well, this is just a preview of what you can get from The Sample Store. Lots of interesting beauty products there. Look out for more promotions like this one!

[SR] UUcare Crown Antibacterial and Cool Technology Sanitary Pads

Thank you UUcare and The Sample Store for kindly sponsoring the products!

This is something for the girls. What do you look for when it comes to sanitary care products?

For me, the most important things are safety and comfort. I want products that are safe to use and with proper menstrual care, I can prevent bacterial infection from happening. Comfort is also very important. I often describe having menstruation as having an internal leaky tap where I have no control over. It is an uncomfortable feeling, so the last thing I want to worry about is unsightly leaks and having to waddle around like a duck because there’s something stuck between my legs.

Fortunately for us girls, there’s UUcare Group Singapore Pte Ltd which designs products that will meet our sanitary care needs. Their product design concept focuses on the three Gs:

  • GUARD — To protect women during menstrual period
  • GERMPROOF — Women can better take care of themselves by using antibacterial pads
  • GRATEFUL — To feel more comfortable and healthier during your period

In particular, UUcare sanitary pads have some unique points that will put your mind at ease when choosing sanitary care products:

  • Antibacterial
    UUcare products are certified by SGS International to be fully antibacterial. The surface of the sanitary pads have gone through an antibacterial process which prevents smell and the growth of germs.
  • Non Flourescer
    Whitening agents are not used on the sanitary pads. This is VERY important as flourescer from the pad’s adhesive can get stuck to your panties and can reach your uterus through sweat and bodily secretions, causing gynaecological diseases.
  • Breathable and Soft
    With the usage of 3D weaving technology and pure cotton cover, the sanitary pads feel smooth and soft.
  • Patented Funnel Shape
    Allows faster absorption.

There are two ranges of UUcare sanitary pads…

UUcare Crown Antibacterial

Pads in this range contain antibacterial properties that keep you protected for more than 12 hours, such that odours are eliminated and the growth of bacteria is reduced. As such, these pads are secure for longer use.

The pads are wrapped up simply and nicely. Yup, these come with the tape which makes it easier to dispose of used pads.

The pads also have right-angled wings so the pad fits closely to your panties and prevents rubbing against your thighs. Check out the patented funnel shape guides for faster absorption and to prevent leaks!

The surface of the pad is cottony soft. This is very important. I hate having that scratchy feeling against my skin and some other pads do cause that!

The panty liners come individually wrapped. Very easy to carry around.

One thing that’s different about UUcare’s panty liners is that it’s thinner compared to other brands. You know how people talk about the “barely there” feel of sanitary care products. Yup, that’s it.

UUcare Cool Technology

The fast water retention of pads in this range makes the pad surface dry and comfortable when used. No icky wet feeling down there…that’s good!

The pads come with a pearl-like bump surface. Each pearl is hollow at the bottom so that fluids can be absorbed completely, greatly reducing the contact of fluids to skin. Again, the pads are cottony soft which is what I like!

The panty liners in this range didn’t seem to have much visible difference to the ones in the other range.

Pads come in 24cm, 28cm, 32cm and 36cm sizes for both ranges. You can get UUcare sanitary pads from Watsons, John Little, NTUC, OG and Nishino Pharmacy. (Pssst…the last I checked, they also cost about a dollar less than other brands. Cost savings…woohoo!) Or you can redeem a free sample at The Sample Store.

There are also other sanitary care products under UUcare. Do check them out on Facebook and don’t forget to “like” them too!

KaBloom

It all began with an email from The Sample Store announcing their event — a sneak preview of their new look. There were only 200 available slots to receive an invitation to the event and I was crossing my fingers that I’ll get it.

Got really excited when the invitation arrived.

Was really impressed that they actually printed my name on the invitation. That’s 200 personalised invitations…some effort there. Gotta give it up to the staff.

The event was held on Saturday, 20 September 2014 at Fullhouse Signature Cafe. I’ve been wanting to check out that cafe ever since I saw it being featured on another blogger’s site, so…just nice…got an opportunity to check it out!

After registration, I was given an awesome goodie bag filled with goodness (will show its contents later) and a play card.

There was an activity to be completed at each product sponsor’s booth. Each completed activity earned you a stamp. Three stamps to redeem a goodie bag (more great stuff!) and six stamps to enter the lucky draw. Some product sponsors were also selling their latest products at discounted prices. I would have bought some face masks at the My Beauty Diary booth but I have too many face masks already. As for Tsubaki, I just got the hair oil so not like I really needed anything more. The only product sponsor that I wanted to purchase from, NOV, was not selling their products at the venue. Dang. And the worst part was their products are only sold at Tokyu Hands in Westgate…so far!!! For other product sponsors, I would prefer to try out samples of their products first before purchasing anything. So, I didn’t purchase anything in the end.

There was some pretty cool stuff going on at the event too. Express makeover at Enavose’s booth, hair styling at Tsubaki/Ma Cherie’s booth and a skin type test at NOV’s. I tried the skin type test and found out that the oil and water ratio of my skin is not balanced. Not enough water but producing too much oil. Yea…quite obvious from my face. Been trying to combat the oiliness with shine free make up items but to no avail. Was recommended a line of items to try and balance the ratio. Sigh…gotta make a trip to Tokyu Hands some day.

It was kinda crowded at the venue and the queue for food was rather long. Of course, where there’s free food and samples, there’ll be kiasu aunties. Some even brought their kids in tow. *tsk tsk* It was quite obvious that they were there only for the free stuff. They weren’t bothered to learn about any products and shoved their way to get the stamps on the play card. I was so not motivated to get in queue for food so I didn’t in the end.

There was a photo booth and free instagram prints, but I didn’t get any. 🙁 Blame it on my VERY LATE sister. By the time she reached the venue and went round all the booths, the event was over and they had packed up. We only managed to get a shot with the standee.

I’m sure everyone’s curious about my awesome haul from the event.

There was a sure-win lucky dip at the belif booth and I got a 4-piece sample kit. I’ve used their aqua bomb moisturiser and it’s pretty good. Very light and not oily. Can’t wait to try the other products. Haha…sample-size products are good when going travelling. That’s the time I try all these products.

The awesome goodie bag I received during registration. Not all visitors got it; I think only the 200 who were originally invited. Other visitors got their invitations through a contest. Anyway, the goodie bag is packed with goodness. A lot of travel-size products. Unfortunately, the NOV travel kit that is included is not the range that was recommended for my skin type.

This is the smaller goodie bag I got from the play card. It’s in the new packaging. Took a picture of the old and new packaging so you can compare the difference. The use of white as the base colour is a lot more refreshing. Simple, modern and clean. Was even more amazed at how much stuff they managed to squeeze into the packet. Lol.

Thanks The Sample Store for the event! Guys, do look out for their new look that’s going to be rolled out soon!