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In Editor's Picks 5 Mins Read

The Best Pick of Western Australia for 2017 Year End Holidays

I have been to Australia twice in my life; the first was to Gold Coast when I was 12 years old and the second was to Rockhampton when I was 17 years old. Both my trips to Australia were very memorable because there was never a dull moment and I very much enjoyed the down under experience.

Given a chance, I would want to visit Australia again and if you’re thinking along the same line and you’re planning a trip to the down under, allow me to recommend you my best pick of Western Australia- the Margaret River and the South West Region!

Margaret River
Margaret River

A less than 3 hours’ drive to the south of Perth will take you to a gourmet heaven where the best of food and wine is complemented with beautiful wineries, stunning beaches, tall timber forests, picturesque lighthouses and ancient caves.

Accommodations

Olio Belio Lakeside Glamping
Olio Belio Lakeside Glamping

Enjoy a unique lakeside glamping experience at Olio Bello with their six luxury safari-style bungalows, nestled around the lake amidst the natural landscape. The location gives you a perfect setting to be mesmerised as you stargaze and sip world-class wines from the Margaret River region. (Psst… there’s an ongoing deal right now for Olio Bello).

If you are looking to indulge in luxury, consider Cape Lodge, a private Country House Vineyard Hotel & Restaurant in the heart of Margaret River. The accommodation is located minutes away from the coastline and the great wineries of Vasse Felix, Cullen & Moss Wood.

Cape Lodge
Cape Lodge

Food & Beverage

Voyager Estate
Voyager Estate

Create an extraordinary experience by booking an estate tour and tasting at Voyager Estate. A must experience is their much-acclaimed wine paired degustation menus, designed to showcase the best in wine and food matching. The Common is your go-to place in Margaret River for sumptuous meals; the vibe is coastal-casual and the food is the best in town!

Things To Do

Cave Exploration

Ngilgi Cave
Ngilgi Cave

Spend an exciting afternoon learning more about one of the world’s youngest caves (Jewel Cave) in the beautiful karri forest. Exhibiting the largest calcite straw stalactite of any show cave on earth, the Jewel Cave also lays claim to being one of the biggest show caves in Australia; sinking to a reachable depth of 42 metres and stretching for 1.9 kilometres.

Gin Distillation at Giniversity

Make Your Own Gin at Giniversity
Make Your Own Gin at Giniversity

Become an honorary Distiller for the day at Giniversity where you can master the history of gin and practice the art of distilling by learning the tricks of the trade at their highly interactive and interesting gin making class. Get a chance to broaden your appreciation for gin and create your own choice of concoctions.

Katherine Outback Experience

Katherine Outback Experience
Katherine Outback Experience

 

Get a taste of the Australian outback with real life horse-breaking and working dog demonstrations, live music and humorous bush tales. There is something for everyone during the 90-minute outdoor show. The kids can enjoy feeding the animals, while adults get fascinated by the horse and dog training knowledge.

Enjoy a Beachy Day in Margaret River

You will find some of the best swimming beaches in Dunsborough and Busselton. Choose from secluded sheltered coves to long shallow beaches with fine white sand. Swim, surf and snorkel all day. Make sure you visit the picturesque beaches – Busselton Foreshore, Meelup, Eagle Bay, Bunker Bay, Yallingup and Hamelin Bay.

Hamelin Bay
Hamelin Bay

Experience Nature at Its Best 

Cape to Cape Track
Cape to Cape Track

Go for a scenic hike and explore the Cape to Cape Walk Track that runs for 135 kilometres along the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge. Located between the lighthouse of Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far south-west part of the state, opt for the Top Trail and experience spectacular coastal and forest scenery.

Upcoming Events

Margaret River Gourmet Escape:

Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a top-notch food and wine festival taking place from 16 to 19 November 2017. This extraordinary event is held across four days and it brings together the world’s best chefs, sommeliers, and critics to the region for an unforgettable gourmet experience.

Date: 16 – 19 November 2017, you can check out packages for the event here.

Cooking Classes

For food enthusiasts, here is your chance to learn the fine art of cooking Italian and Thai cuisine from passionate foodies, Chef Sioban and Chef Carlo, at Wildwood Valley Cottages and Cooking School. Join them for some serious fun as you learn the secrets to preparing fabulous dishes from two of the world’s great culinary traditions. Choose from three delightful style options that you wish to master – a ‘Taste of Tuscany’, ‘Wood Fired Cooking’ or ‘Thai Temptations’ and enjoy the Wildwood team’s expert ‘hands on’ instruction followed by a feast.

Dates: Dec 16, 2017 – Feb 07, 2018; Entry cost – $140

Location: Wildwood Valley Cottages and Cooking School 1481 Wildwood Road, Yallingup, Western Australia, 6282

Psst… Don’t say we bojio!

20% Off Flights to Scoot! Travel period is still 24 May 2018!
20% Off Flights to Scoot! Travel period is still 24 May 2018!

You can now get more value out of your trip to the down under when you fly with Scoot! Just enter the promo code ILOVEPER to enjoy 20% off your fares to Perth! In other words, expect flight deals to Perth from SGD$130 (Economy) to SGD$402 (ScootBiz). Travel period is till 24 May 2018!

So what are you waiting for?

Book your holiday vacation to Western Australia today and scoot off for some romance!

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In Automobile 5 Mins Read

(Test-Drive Review)- The New Volkswagen Tiguan

“A great all-rounder with distinctive styling that confidently points the way to the future; the new Tiguan sets new standards in design, comfort and functionality.”

5 Key Facts about the New Tiguan

1. With an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics, occupants enjoy improved ride comfort and greater safety

2. The new Tiguan is packed with state-of-the-art technologies such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking

3. The new Tiguan makes its debut with new equipment such as the Head-Up Display and Active Info Display, making it one of the most innovative compact SUVs in its class

4. Engines are now up to 24% more fuel-efficient in the Euro 6 emissions standard, with BlueMotion Technology

5. The new Tiguan is awarded the top rating of five stars by the independent European consumer protection organisation Euro NCAP

Exterior

The new design language makes Tiguan more dynamic than ever.

The modular transverse matrix (MQB) gave Volkswagen designers a new platform that provided the perfect framework for this all-new SUV. The designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, had one simple ethos: less is more. This theory was the guiding factor in creating the unmistakable SUV profile of the new Tiguan.




The SUV design of the new Tiguan was completely reconfigured in this new generation, heralding a completely new design character for its SUVs. With its new vehicle architecture, the Tiguan is now longer, wider and lower, thereby enabling sportier proportions that gives it a powerful stance on the road.

Overall, the unmistakeable SUV of the new Tiguan radiates power, confidence, and control.

Interior

In perfect harmony with the expressive exterior, the interior of the Tiguan has also been fully reconfigured and it portrays a decidedly sporty and yet conscious SUV character. Space and flexibility of use is combined to give superb comfort under all road conditions, bringing together equal measures of elegance and ruggedness.


The cockpit of the Tiguan has been designed with the comfort of the driver in mind. The dash panel and the centre console form a single stylistic element, with high-quality decorative inserts and a precisely fitted frame lending a touch of class. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel provides both form and function and feels great to the touch.

As a final flourish, a large panoramic sunroof provides plenty of light for all passengers on demand, with LED lighting integrated along both sides. Coupled with ambient lighting, this illuminates the cabin in moments of darkness, giving a welcoming feel.

The overall impression is a carefully thought-out and much more sophisticated vehicle.

The new Tiguan Driving Experience

The driving experience of the new Tiguan is out of this world.

The 220 PS model (which I drove) is extremely responsive and it picks up speed really fast (from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds). Despite it being a massive car, the new Tiguan handles very well (especially in tight corners) and has more than enough torque to overtake and change lanes.

Packed with numerous driver-friendly and passenger-friendly features, the new Tiguan is a joy to drive and it delivers both performance and comfort. Although the fuel consumption figure on paper is 7.8 L/100km; my heavy footedness raised it to 12 L/100km. 

If there’s one thing that the new Tiguan doesn’t compromise on, it is safety!

With technologies that include a multi-collision brake and a proactive occupant protection system, the risk is minimised for all occupants of the vehicle in the event of collisions. The safety equipment is also completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

What I Like

Active Info Display

footedness

New to the compact class is the Active Info Display, familiar from the Passat, and now with SUV-specific instruments. In combination with the display of the infotainment system, this creates a virtual, flexible human-machine interface (HMI) whose displays complement one another.

Retractable Head-Up Display

The new retractable Head-Up Display – a glass panel with laser-etched texturing is integrated into the dashboard and can be called up at the touch of a button. Relevant driver information such as driving speed, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the combiner display and thereby into the driver’s primary line of sight; thus making navigation a whole lot easier.

4MOTION Active Control

The new 4MOTION Active Control debuts on the new Tiguan, allowing drivers to experience an all-wheel drive technology like never before. The ground clearance is 11 mm higher compared to the previous generation and offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The driving profile selector is now operated via a rotary switch, with four precisely tailored settings are available for various types of terrain and driving styles – fuel-efficient Eco mode, Normal mode day-to-day driving, Comfort mode to minimise vibrations or dynamic Sport mode. The system interacts with the hill-start assist, the hill descent assist, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme and the electronic differential lock. Depending on the selected profile, drivetrain characteristics such as accelerator response, gear shifts, engine brake, hill-start assist and locking assistance are modified.

‘Discover Pro’ Infotainment System

The ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system is found on the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI, which is accompanied by the 400-watt ‘Dynaudio Excite Surround’ system. This consists of a digital 10-channel amplifier, subwoofer, and center speaker integrated into the cockpit, delivering top-notch audio.

Overall

The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds – rather, it has created its own new and authentic SUV world.

With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen redefines many aspects of the A-SUV segment, impressing with ride comfort and innovation that are on a level beyond its class.

For more information about the new Tiguan, you can visit Volkswagen Singapore Website or head down to the Volkswagen Car Showroom for a test drive today.

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In Editor's Picks 4 Mins Read

(Blog Giveaway)- OtterBox Announces Full Case Lineup for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X

“Psst. If you’re an iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 owner, here’s some good news for you! We will be giving away 2 iPhone OtterBox Symmetry Series phone cases worth SGD$69 each and if you’re interested, scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for the details!”

Apple revolutionised the smartphone industry 10 years ago with the original iPhone, and OtterBox has set the standard of protection from the very beginning by protecting every generation of iPhone.

OtterBox, the No. 1-selling smartphone case in the U.S.; continues to uphold that tradition with a full lineup of cases for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the revolutionary iPhone X.

Since the very first iPhone hit the scene in 2007, OtterBox has protected every single Apple smartphone. Starting with the Defender Series, OtterBox has innovated 26 different case styles for iPhone over the past decade. Although case designs have evolved to be sleeker and to accommodate an ever-increasing number of features; one thing has remained the same: trusted protection.

OtterBox is proud to be the only phone case company that has protected every single iPhone and while other products have come and gone, OtterBox has stood the tests of time and protected every single generation of iPhone! Hence, you can count on them to keep iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X safe from the hazards that life throws your way.

Each iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X case design undergoes a minimum of 24 tests across more than 238 hours to earn the OtterBox Certified Drop+ Protection seal. These tests ensure lasting protection from drops, bumps, scratches, and dings.

OtterBox offers a broad suite of phone cases because iPhone users are as diverse and complex as their phone features. 

  • The fashionable Symmetry Series is sleek with a raised, beveled edge that provides extra protection for the touchscreen during face-down drops. Available in classic solids, trendy graphics, fully clear and clear graphics, it is the perfect fashion statement.



 

  • Pursuit Series guards against drop, dust, dirt, and snow intrusion and they are perfect for an outdoor adventure or even just an average day in the office. This two-piece case snaps around each device for a perfect fit. The open-face design seals directly to the display and the case includes an optional lanyard.

 


  • Defender Series is the original protective case for iPhone with 10 years of design and development behind it. The rugged multi-layer case features a shell and outer slipcover to absorb and dissipate shock.




 

  • Two form-fitting layers combine to create the thin, protective Commuter Series. The outer shell and inner slipcover combine to pull shock away from the device, and port covers keep debris out.



 

  • Strada Series Folio offers a luxurious 100 percent genuine leather cover and trusted protection. The folio front clasps securely closed with a magnet to guard the display against scratches and includes a card slot.



 

  • The uniVERSE Case System features a slim, protective OtterBox case with a modular rail mount on the back that allows attachment of a variety of accessories. OtterBox has partnered with other industry leaders to enhance uniVERSE with accessories like a contactless card reader, additional storage, bike mounts, tripods, wallets and more.

 

  • Keep the touchscreen brilliant with Alpha Glass fortified screen guards. Compatible with Symmetry Series, Pursuit Series, Commuter Series, Strada Series Folio and uniVERSECase System, these screen guards block out scratches and complete device protection.

 

Symmetry Series, Pursuit Series, Defender Series, Commuter Series, uniVERSE Case System, Strada Series Folio and Alpha Glass screen guards are available now for iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.

These cases, available in exciting new colors and designs, are also compatible with iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Cases for iPhone X are coming soon and include Symmetry Series, Pursuit Series, Defender Series, Commuter Series and Strada Series Folio.

OtterBox cases are available in a majority of the following retail locations in Singapore: Best Denki, EpiCentre, GK Global, iStudio, Nubox, and XGear.

For more information, visit otterbox.asia

Ready for the Giveaway?

To participate in this mini giveaway, just comment on this post with, “I wanna protect my iPhone 8 with an OtterBox Symmetry Series cover!” & share this post! 

*Giveaway is open to participants residing in Singapore and closes 29 October 2017. If there are more than 2 participants, a random draw will be conducted.

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In Editor's Picks 5 Mins Read

Be Transported to the Machu Picchu High Mountains Every Morning!

““Psst… we’re giving away some jars of Machu Picchu coffee and if you’re keen, just scroll right to the bottom of this article!””

For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century. In the high season, from late May until early September, 2500 people arrive daily. Despite this great tourist influx, the site manages to retain an air of grandeur and mystery; and is a must for all visitors to Peru.

If there’s one thing that I regret till date, it will be missing out on a trip to Machu Picchu when I visited Peru last year!

The only consolation that I now have is waking up to the toasty aroma of the Cafédirect Machu Picchu Terroir Freeze Dried Instant Coffee and be transported to the misty, lush Machu Picchu high mountains in the ‘Land of the Incas and Orchids’.  Home to over 250 species of these curative exotic blooms, the ‘terroir’ (the environment in which the coffee is grown) produces Cafédirect’s single-origin 100% Arabica Machu Picchu coffee beans; just perfect for those seeking a more intense flavour with rich, rounded tasting notes and dark chocolate overtones.

These coffee beans are grown at extreme altitudes within the Inca heartland of the Peruvian Andes, close to the sacred site of Machu Picchu, where the best flavours flourish and the beans cultivated. The freeze dried instant goodness is then drawn from the coffee beans which are passionately grown on some of the steepest slopes in the Andes, by smallholdings found along the Inca trail itself.  The high altitude, fertile volcanic soil and unique microclimate of the Machu Picchu region result in a coffee with light acidity and full body. Such minute nuances in the refinement of these beans can be easily picked out by a discerning palate. 

The source of the coffee bean itself has always been paramount, especially to a coffee connoisseur. Thus, a huge emphasis is placed on the terroir. In the case of the Machu Picchu coffee beans; the climate, access to water, the type of pruning and the type of flora and fauna around them are factors that have enriched the eventual taste profile of each coffee bean.

Cradled in the same nutrient-rich fertile volcanic soil of the mountain that provides sustenance to the plethora of wild orchids blooming there, each bean is hand cultivated and picked with the utmost care and expertise. Such passion leads to the growers belonging to the Huadquina Co-operative producing a rich, smooth tasting, and mouth-watering coffee that imbues natural, extra-sweet flavours of nuts and fine dark chocolate.

The beans are then harvested at the ideal degree of ripeness, after they have luxuriated in the misty cool climate that is unique to the Peruvian heights.  The precise timing and patience of the passionate growers ensure fullness in the natural richness of this coffee, plucked at its peak. The beans are then sun-dried, allowing all the fine characteristics of the beans to flourish. This traditional time-honoured procedure allows the beans to retain their natural qualities, imbued with its own extra sweetness and flavour.

Such a quality taste profile is inherent in each washed and sun-kissed coffee bean which has ripened slowly under the golden Peruvian rays at high altitudes of 1800m – 2000m and roasted to strength 4. The beans are then freshly packed as whole beans for those who want to ground their own coffee; pre-ground for those who prefer their coffee brewed, or freeze dried to preserve every golden ounce of flavour for those who want coffee instantly. There is a variant to suit every lifestyle, each delivered fresh in innovative and informative packaging, direct from the growers to a fine supermarket near you.

Cafédirect Machu Picchu Terroir Freeze Dried Instant Coffee is the perfect solution for those who cannot function without their morning cup of joe or those who are always on the go with little time for kitchen equipment and indulgences, yet yearn for a quality pick-me-upper. 

Simply by adding hot water and stirring, a perfect mug of terroir, high-altitude coffee is ready to be consumed. In a more leisure setting, a treat of dark chocolate is an apt accompaniment with the coffee to further enhance the pleasurable savouring moment.

Take time to enjoy the first whiff of the natural, chocolatey aroma of this coffee.  It will carry you off to the heights of Machu Picchu. Then give in to the first sip of this coffee. The liquid goodness will caress your taste buds like the gentle mist moistening the mountains, amidst the fields of dewy orchids that are also native. Soon, you will be lost until the very last drop of the golden brew.

Now available in three variants: Freeze Dried instant, Whole Beans and Roast & Ground from Cold Storage, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, Jasons, Market Place and Redmart at SDG$12.90 a jar for Cafédirect Machu Picchu Terroir Freeze Dried Instant Coffee (100g); SGD$13.60 for Machu Picchu Whole Beans Coffee (227g); and SGD$12.45 for Machu Picchu Roast and Ground Coffee (227g).

Come lift your taste buds to the lofty heights of Machu Picchu with every sip now!

If you’re dreaming of Machu Picchu now, we are happy to announce that we will be giving away 2 Jars of Cafédirect Machu Picchu Terroir Freeze Dried Instant Coffee worth SGD$12.90!

To participate in this mini giveaway, just comment on this post with, “I wanna wake up to Machu Picchu everyday!” & share this post! 

*Giveaway is open to participants residing in Singapore and closes 22 October!

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In Editor's Picks 2 Mins Read

[Musical Review]- West Side Story Now Showing At Marina Bay Sands

I’m not sure if anyone has heard or is familiar with the West Side Story musical but when I first heard about it; I was pretty much clueless and have I not done some reading up before the musical, I probably would not have appreciated it.

Described as ‘The No.1 Greatest Musical of all Time’ by The Times, UK; West Side Story is inspired by William Shakespeare’s tumultuous love story (Romeo and Juliet), and set amidst the vicious rivalry of teenage gangs in 1950s New York.

The Plot:

The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The members of the Sharks, from Puerto Rico, are taunted by the Jets, a white gang. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang’s leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks.

In Short:

A boy. A girl. Two rival gangs. One fatal love affair. 

The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes, and its focus on social problems changed the face of American musical theatre forever when it burst onto the Broadway stage in 1957.

To better appreciate West Side Story, I highly recommend that you do some prior reading so that you have some context about the musical; otherwise, you might pull a “sian” face like the many new “influencers” I saw during the intermission.

Personally, I enjoyed the performance very much and having travelled to both North and South America; I really like the authentic setting of the musical.

The West Side Story musical is now showing at the Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands till 30 September 2017.

Ticket prices start from SGD$55 and if you’re a student or NSF, you can get a ticket for just SGD$35 nett!

Get your tickets here now!

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In Automobile 2 Mins Read

Nissan Launches New 2018 Nissan Qashqai

There are many crossovers in the market but none of them can compare to the Nissan Qashqai; after all, it was the Qashqai that pioneered the crossover segment. Since the introduction of the second generation Qashqai in 2014; its popularity has grown tremendously and it looks set to continue its lead in the crossover segment.

With a new and contemporary exterior design; higher levels of interior quality; improved driving performance; and the addition of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies that will make Nissan drivers feel more confident, excited, and connected, while also enhancing road safety; the new 2018 Nissan Qashqai offers an irresistible proposition that will captivate both current and future Qashqai owners.

Exterior Upgrades for a More Contemporary Design

  • New front fascia with signature ‘V-motion’ grille and new Nissan badge
  • New LED headlamps with ‘boomerang’ Day Time Running Lights extending right across the top of the lamp unit
  • New rear styling with redesigned bumper and revised rear lamps and LED boomerang signature tail lights
  • New shark fin antenna
  • New 17-inch and 19-inch alloy wheels 
  • Increase in overall length by 14mm, from 4,380 to 4,394mm
  • Two new colour choices – Vivid Blue and Chestnut Bronze 

Interior Enhancements  That Boost New Qashqai’s Premium Appeal

  • New D-shaped multi-functional steering wheel with four-way controller
  • New nappa leather upholstery for 2.0L variant
  • New power seat with lumbar support for driver and passenger in 2.0L variant
  • New memory seat function for driver in 2.0L variant 

 An Even More Confident Drive

  • Enhanced ride comfort
  • Enhanced Intelligent Ride Control system
  • New thicker steering shaft with Active Return Control
  • Enhanced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) performance 

Available in 3 variants, the price for the Nissan Qashqai starts from SGD$99,800 (inclusive COE). 

How will the Nissan Qashqai perform in reality? 

We will cover more on that in a separate post but if you’re itching to find out for yourself, head down to the Nissan showroom for a test-drive today!

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In Editor's Picks 3 Mins Read

Lifesense Band 2 Review

Fitness trackers (also known as fitness bands) are the rage these days and they can range from SGD$20 to more than SGD$300 (depending on the kind of functions that you are looking for).

Personally, I have worn the Pebble and the Xiaomi Mi Band previously (the original and the Xiao Mi Band 2) and more recently, I have made the switch to the Lifesense Band 2.

 

In case you’re wondering, Lifesense is a Chinese company and they have been around for more than 15 years (producing healthcare products and devices such as smart scales and even blood pressure monitors).

For the price of SGD$88, I would say that the Lifesense Band 2 is a good buy; considering the fact that it comes with a lot of features and best of all, a hassle free charging experience that makes things very convenient.

The Lifesense Band 2 sports a new design that confers a better look, and its performance when compared to its predecessor, has been improved with an ARM Cortex-M4 kernel processor. Lifesense Band 2 has an IP68 rating and is water splash, sweat, dust and spray resistant; thus, you can bring it to the showers or even for a swim.

A feature that I really like about the Lifesense Band 2 is the 24/7 Heart Rate Tracking that continuously monitors my heart rate without a need for a chest strap. Combined with the new POWER PULSE dynamic heart rate algorithm and SILICON LABS high-precision heart rate sensor, Lifesense Band 2 is able to give me the most accurate heart rate data regardless of my location and activity.

What is also interesting about the Lifesense Band 2 is that I don’t have to fiddle with any manual setting when I go for my runs. In fact, all I need to do is just start running and the auto running detection will do its work and the timer, distance, heart rate and calories-burnt statistics will all be automatically recorded in the specially-developed LifeSense App for 7 days.

The one feature that I like best about the Lifesense Band 2 is its hassle free charging experience because I don’t need to bring any cables or accessories to charge it. The Lifesense Band 2 is itself a USB device that I can plug and play into any USB ports to charge it. With Heart Rate Tracking on, the battery can last for about 5 days and if it is off, the battery can last about 30 days on a single charge!

Keen to buy the LifeSense Band 2?

Well, there’s no better time to buy it than now because from now until 30 September 2017, you can get a 10% discount for every purchase of the LifeSense Band 2. All you need to do is just key in the voucher code: LIFESEN10

So, what are you waiting for? Get your LifeSense Band 2 today!

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In Editor's Picks 2 Mins Read

Häagen-Dazs™ Ice Cream Mooncakes Inspired By The Myth of the Jade Rabbit

It is said that if you look up at the moon, you can see the outline of the Jade Rabbit that lives there.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, Häagen-Dazs™ has taken inspiration from the myth of the Jade Rabbit to design a whimsical and contemporary range of ice cream mooncakes featuring new designs and exciting flavours.  Every set is sure to be a crowd pleaser, whether as a gift or to make your family reunion extra special. 

 

Twinkle Crispy (RSP: S$29.90)

All-time favourite crispy sandwich made with Häagen-Dazs™ ice cream in a wrapping with smooth chocolate and sandwiched between crispy wafers. Each box comes with 5 pieces (Vanilla x 2, Caramel x 2, Green Tea x 1).  Available at both Häagen-Dazs™ stores as well as selected retailers.

Twinkle Night Mix (RSP: S$75.00)

A beautiful set of chocolate-coated ice cream mooncakes, featuring luxurious contemporary designs. Each set contains 6 mooncakes in an assortment of flavours, including Mango ice cream exclusively available in mooncakes (Chocolate x 2, Mango x 2, Green Tea x 1, Vanilla x1).  Available at all Häagen-Dazs™ stores.

Harmony Mochi (RSP: S$75.00)

A totally new experience this season, open this box to find indulgent Häagen-Dazs™ ice cream carefully wrapped with premium soft and chewy Japanese mochi skin. Available as a set of 4 pieces in strawberry and mango flavours. Available at all Häagen-Dazs™ stores.

Lune et Etoiles (RSP: S$98.00, Limited Edition)

This unique set is a bestseller in Hong Kong, and consists of 1 very special ‘moon’ surrounded by 7 ‘stars’.  Each mooncake is coated with dark chocolate and decorated with elegant Parisian-themed chocolate designs. This super premium collection is limited to just 100 sets in Singapore and is exclusive to Tang’s. This set features an assortment of 8 flavours (Yuzu Citrus & Cream, Belgian Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate, Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Biscuit & Cream).

Available for pre-orders starting on August 15 and in-store from September 4, hurry to place your order to share these very special mooncakes with your loved ones before they run out! 

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In Editor's Picks 3 Mins Read

Post-Race Thoughts About Mizuno Ekiden 2017

It’s been such a long time since I last blogged and with the never-ending pile of work that makes finding time to blog so difficult, I hope that I can strike a fine balance in the months to come. 

Thankfully, I was able to get my mind away from work over the weekends at the Mizuno Ekiden 2017 and I had a great time catching up with my friends. Though my running pace was quite far off from what I had planned, I was glad that I finished and survived the race.



Instagram post by Melvin Lee & Jacqueline Teo * Aug 19, 2017 at 2:27pm UTC

Compared to previous editions of the Mizuno Ekiden, I personally enjoyed this year’s edition because the race route was much simpler and flatter. The weather was also quite bearable and I must say, the race volunteers did a great job of paving the way for the runners (especially at the Jubilee Bridge and One Fullerton where there were many visitors). The cashless transactions at the various F&B booths also made things more convenient!

I also feel that there are room for improvements and some areas of consideration for the race organisers are: 

  • Shifting the race flag-off time to an earlier time

I’m not sure how many people would be in favour of such an arrangement but I would think that an earlier race flag-off time (for teams participating in the full marathon) might be more ideal. 

  • More Japanese F&B options

The F&B options at this year’s Mizuno Ekiden 2017 are very limited. Although there’s Hokkaido Green Tea Ice-Cream, Ramen, Sushi, Suntory Beer and Takoyaki, I’m pretty sure Japanese cuisine in general has so much more to offer than just those which I have mentioned!

  • A More Efficient Way of Tracking Team Mates’ Location

The tracking system that’s used at the Mizuno Ekiden is pretty complex to understand and most of the time, majority of the runners find themselves in the transition pen way too early, thus crowding up the area even before their team mates arrive for the changeover. 

Now that all is said and done, this shouldn’t discount the many new improvements that the race organiser had made for this year’s race and I believe next year’s race will be an even better one!

Overall, I am glad that my team mates and I enjoyed the race and we certainly look forward to next year’s edition of the Mizuno Ekiden!

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In Editor's Picks 3 Mins Read

Margherita: The Perfect Pizza

Pizza is loved all around the world. The simple Italian dish of tomato sauce and various toppings served on round dough is a staple of human cuisine. It’s associated with good times as we share it with our friends at a get-together, kids have it for their birthday and it’s an ideal dish when we want something quick yet filling when having a fun day with those close to us. There are countless types, variants, and topping options, which is one of the strengths of this dish. One of the most popular flavours of pizza is Margherita.

Margherita pizza is a Neapolitan pizza traditionally made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, salt and extra-virgin olive oil. Its crust is what separates it from other types of pizza, as it should be thin at the base and puffed up at the sides. It is not just a staple of Italian cuisine because of its ingredients or the place it was invented, it’s also because it reflects the green, white and red of the Italian flag.

Margherita pizza is the most famous pizza in Italy and has a long and interesting history that dates back to the 19th century. It was thought to be named after the queen of Italy at its creation. The story goes that The King and Queen were visiting southern Italy in 1889 and was growing tired of French food that was usually given to royals and instead wanted something Italian. The Queen summoned the top chef of Naples and had him make her some pizzas. She passed on garlic and anchovies pizzas but loved the one with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. The chef would name this pizza Margherita, the name of the Queen and was sent a thank you note from her.

This has long been the story but doubts have risen. Its colours and the fact that it represents the union between north and south Italy can come across as convenient, and the thank you note, which exists to this day, mention the Queen giving her approval for a store, rather than the pizzeria. The royal seal may also be incorrect. True or not, it’s a fascinating story that captures the magic and imagination that this dish brings.

While its components are set and its home being Italy, Margherita pizza has become a dish made and enjoyed throughout the world. Anywhere you will be able to find the necessary ingredients and numerous recipes, while countless places sell it. In Singapore alone, there are many pizzerias to choose which you can visit with friends at any day of the week. You’re also lucky enough to have some of these establishments deliver directly to your home with Deliveroo.

A perfect Margarita pizza is never far away. You can revel in this Italian dish at any time with loved ones, coworkers or alone, as you enjoy a meal (maybe) fit for a queen.

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